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Hot topic in hepatitis C virus research: The type of immunosuppression does not matter
Author(s) -
Berenguer Marina
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
liver transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.814
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1527-6473
pISSN - 1527-6465
DOI - 10.1002/lt.22347
Subject(s) - immunosuppression , medicine , viremia , hepatitis c virus , natural history , liver transplantation , immunology , liver disease , hepatitis c , antiviral therapy , disease , virus , transplantation , chronic hepatitis
Key Points 1. The natural history of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly variable. Old donor age is a factor that has consistently been shown to affect disease progression. 2. Overall, immunosuppression determines the progression of HCV‐related disease; however, the type of immunosuppressive agent used for induction or maintenance is not a key factor. 3. Steroid boluses should be avoided; they are associated with increased viremia, fibrosis progression, and reduced survival. 4. Antiviral therapy, particularly if it is successful, is associated with improved outcomes for liver transplant recipients with HCV. 5. There are no convincing data for modifying the type of immunosuppression before antiviral therapy is started. Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.