The role of HBIg as hepatitis B reinfection prophylaxis following liver transplantation

[Guest guest]

http://www.springerlink.com/content/p6l12grr476225u4/

Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery

DOI: 10.1007/s00423-011-0795-6Online First™

Review Article

The role of HBIg as hepatitis B reinfection prophylaxis following liver

transplantation

Arianeb Mehrabi, Majid Esmaeilzadeh, Hamidreza Fonouni, Mohammadreza Hafezi, Nuh

N. Rahbari, Mohammad Golriz, Ali Majlesara, Morva Tahmasbi Rad, Mahmoud Sadeghi

and Jan Schmidt, et al.

Abstract

Background and introduction

Without adequate prophylaxis, liver transplantation (LTx) is frequently followed

by hepatitis B virus (HBV) reinfection, which results in rapidly progressing

liver disease and significantly decreased overall survival. In the last two

decades, significant progress has been made in the prophylaxis and treatment of

HBV.

Discussion

We present an overview of different protocols and regimens used for prophylaxis

of HBV reinfection after LTx and describe the protocol implemented at our

center. Following LTx, HBV reinfection can be effectively prevented by

administration of anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg) alone or more recently

in combination with antiviral nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NUCs). Several

studies reported good results with the use of HBIg alone, but combination

treatment with HBIg and NUCs has proven to be a superior prophylactic regimen

for HBV recurrence. At present, combination therapy (HBIg and a nucleoside or

nucleotide analog) is the gold standard used in many transplantation centers.

This preventive regimen reduces the risk of a recurrence of HBV infection and

thereby the need for re-transplantation. Future and ongoing studies will show

how long HBIg must be given after transplantation, especially when used in

combination with potent antivirals, such as entecavir or tenofovir.

[Guest guest]

http://www.springerlink.com/content/p6l12grr476225u4/

Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery

DOI: 10.1007/s00423-011-0795-6Online First™

Review Article

The role of HBIg as hepatitis B reinfection prophylaxis following liver

transplantation

Arianeb Mehrabi, Majid Esmaeilzadeh, Hamidreza Fonouni, Mohammadreza Hafezi, Nuh

N. Rahbari, Mohammad Golriz, Ali Majlesara, Morva Tahmasbi Rad, Mahmoud Sadeghi

and Jan Schmidt, et al.

Abstract

Background and introduction

Without adequate prophylaxis, liver transplantation (LTx) is frequently followed

by hepatitis B virus (HBV) reinfection, which results in rapidly progressing

liver disease and significantly decreased overall survival. In the last two

decades, significant progress has been made in the prophylaxis and treatment of

HBV.

Discussion

We present an overview of different protocols and regimens used for prophylaxis

of HBV reinfection after LTx and describe the protocol implemented at our

center. Following LTx, HBV reinfection can be effectively prevented by

administration of anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg) alone or more recently

in combination with antiviral nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NUCs). Several

studies reported good results with the use of HBIg alone, but combination

treatment with HBIg and NUCs has proven to be a superior prophylactic regimen

for HBV recurrence. At present, combination therapy (HBIg and a nucleoside or

nucleotide analog) is the gold standard used in many transplantation centers.

This preventive regimen reduces the risk of a recurrence of HBV infection and

thereby the need for re-transplantation. Future and ongoing studies will show

how long HBIg must be given after transplantation, especially when used in

combination with potent antivirals, such as entecavir or tenofovir.