Impact of in vivo complement activation and cryoglobulins on graft outcome of HCV-infected renal allograft recipients.

Background: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is closely associated with mixed cryoglobulinemia. Cryoglobulins can activate complement leading to vascular damage. We examined whether cryoglobulinemia and complement turnover is associated with HCV infection in renal transplant recipients and whether this has an adverse effect on graft outcome.

Impact of hepatitis B and C on graft loss and mortality of patients after kidney transplantation.

Background: Mortality or graft loss after renal transplantation might be influenced by hepatitis virus infection.

Methods: Sera from time of transplantation of 927 renal transplant recipients were tested for hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) in order to investigate the impact of hepatitis virus infection on graft loss and mortality over an observation period of 20 yr.

Results: One hundred and twenty three of 927 patients were HCV positive, 30 patients HBV positive and seven patients HBV and HCV positive.