Effect of hepatitis B and C virus infection on the survival of kidney transplant patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of HCV (hepatitis C virus) and HBV (hepatitis B virus) infection on the survival of kidney transplant patients and allografts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and nine renal allograft recipients were evaluated according to the presence of anti-HCV antibodies and HBV surface antigen. Patients were divided into four groups according to serology results and followed-up for 5 years for evaluation of survival. The differences in age, sex, etiology of renal failure, duration of dialysis, and post-transplantation period were evaluated.

RESULTS: The only difference observed was in duration of dialysis prior to renal transplant, which was longer in the anti-HCV positive group of patients. We also observed a higher number of retransplantations in the anti-HCV and HBs Ag groups. There were no significant differences in patient and allograft survival, though there was a trend towards a shorter survival of patients in the anti-HCV positive group (5-year patient survival: 77.8%; relative risk: 1.65; CI: 0.66 - 4.15) and of patients in the co-infection by B and C viruses group (5-year patient survival: 75.0%; relative risk: 1.86; CI: 0.47 - 7.41) compared to the 5-year survival of the index group (5-year patient survival: 86.5%).

CONCLUSIONS: We did not find any differences in the survival of kidney transplant patients infected with HCV and/or HBV. A more prolonged follow-up, however, could indicate significant differences among these groups.