Expanding the use of hepatitis C-viremic kidney donors

Abstract

Direct-acting antivirals have revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with chronic kidney disease, with implications for the timing of antiviral treatment among kidney transplant candidates and for the use of HCV viremic donors. A recent consensus conference reviewed the available data on the safety and cost-effectiveness of expanding access to HCV-positive organs to HCV-negative recipients. Early trials are promising, but larger trials and a plan for obtaining HCV therapy in the posttransplantation period are needed. Implications for the larger transplant community also need to be considered.

Keywords: direct-acting antivirals; hepatitis c virus; kidney transplantation.