Does lamivudine prophylaxis eradicate persistent HBV DNA from allografts derived from anti-HBc-positive donors?

Transplantation of livers from anti-hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc)-positive donors into anti-HBc-negative recipients is associated with a high rate of viral transmission. We report a prophylaxis regimen based on virologic evaluation of the donor. Liver and serum from hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative, anti-HBc-positive donors were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA.

Steroid-free liver transplantation using rabbit antithymocyte globulin and early tacrolimus monotherapy.

Background: In 2001, we published early results of a prospective randomized trial of 71 patients who received either steroids or rabbit antithymocyte globulin (RATG) for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We now report follow-up on these patients and additional patients undergoing steroid-free OLT.

Methods: A total of 119 adult OLT recipients were prospectively randomized to receive either methylprednisolone 1,000 mg followed by a 3-month steroid taper or a steroid-free regimen of RATG 1.

Treatment of recurrent hepatitis C in liver transplant recipients: is there any histologic benefit?

The benefit of antiviral treatment in recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether antiviral treatment improved histologic outcome in recurrent hepatitis C. All patients who were transplanted for hepatitis C from January, 1998 to December, 2000 were offered treatment with interferon alpha 2b (3 million units three times per week) and ribavirin (800 mg/d) for 1 year.

Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: the ochsner experience.

Liver transplantation is now advocated for patients with early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) not amenable to surgical resection. In this article we review our experience with liver transplantation as treatment for patients with HCC and end-stage liver disease. Between April 1998 and May 2002, 36 patients with a diagnosis of HCC underwent liver transplantation at Ochsner Clinic Foundation.