One Year of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin Plus Tenofovir Therapy is Safe and Effective in Preventing Recurrent Hepatitis B Infection Post-Liver Transplantation. Issue 1 (2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tanaka, Tomohiro; Renner, Eberhard L; Selzner, Nazia; Therapondos, George; Lilly, Leslie B
• Is Part Of: Canadian journal of gastroenterology & hepatology. Volume 28:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 44
• Publication Date: 2014
• Subjects: HBIG -- Hepatitis B -- Liver transplantation -- Tenofovir; Digestive organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Digestive organs -- Diseases; Gastroenterology; Canada; Digestive System Diseases -- Periodicals; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.3
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/839014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2291-2789

Abstract

Abstract : BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) given in combination with a nucleos(t)ide analogue has reduced the rate of recurrent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection following liver transplantation (LT); however, the most effective protocol remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in combination with one year of low-dose HBIG. METHODS: Twenty-four adults who underwent LT for HBV-related liver disease at the University Health Network (Toronto, Ontario) and received TDF (± lamivudine) and one year of HBIG to prevent recurrent HBV infection from June 2005 to June 2011 were evaluated. RESULTS: The median length of follow-up post-LT was 29.1 months. Three patients died during the follow-up period. Patient survival was 100% and 84.1% at one and five years, respectively. None of the patients developed recurrent HBV infection. No significant adverse event was observed due to TDF administration; renal function pre- and post-LT were also acceptably preserved. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that a short, finite course of low-dose HBIG combined with maintenance of long-term TDF staring before LT is cost-effective and safe. However, further prospective study involving a larger patient cohort with a longer followup period is required to confirm the results.