Solid organ transplantation is a reality for patients with HIV infection

Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2006 Sep;3(3):132-8. doi: 10.1007/BF02696657.

Abstract

Recent policies, guidelines, and laws reflect promising preliminary outcomes among transplant recipients with HIV infection, and ethical analyses suggest that it is not justifiable to deny solid organ transplantation based solely on HIV-infection status. These studies consistently describe stable HIV disease following liver and kidney transplantation. Despite good graft survival, kidney allograft rejection occurs frequently, and serious non-AIDS-defining infections requiring hospitalization are common following antirejection therapy. Profound interactions between immunosuppressants and antiretroviral drugs require careful monitoring, dose adjustment, and highly effective communication between the patient and a multidisciplinary group of health care providers. Despite these scientific and policy advances, many health care providers and patients remain unaware of ongoing progress in this field. The implications are critical, as late referral for liver transplant evaluation increases the pretransplant mortality risk. Because important patient selection and clinical management questions remain, it is critical that ongoing studies are completed quickly.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Graft Rejection
  • HIV Infections* / complications
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Organ Transplantation*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents