Use of Hepatitis B Virus-Positive Organs in Organ Transplantation

Clin Liver Dis. 2021 Nov;25(4):841-857. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2021.06.009. Epub 2021 Aug 5.

Abstract

The significant morbidity and mortality of people with end-stage renal, liver, heart, and lung diseases in need of transplantation provides rationale for use of organs from donors who are hepatitis B positive. The recipient's hepatitis B status plays a key role in defining the prophylactic strategy. The availability of safe and effective therapies (hepatitis B antivirals and hepatitis B immune globulin) has contributed to the safety of using hepatitis B-positive donors. The outcomes in both liver and nonliver solid organ transplant recipients given hepatitis B-positive organs have been excellent if appropriate prophylactic therapies provided.

Keywords: Antibody to hepatitis B core; Donor-transmitted hepatitis; Hepatitis B immunoglobulin; Hepatitis B surface antigen; Reactivation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B virus
  • Hepatitis B* / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis B* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Organ Transplantation*
  • Tissue Donors
  • Transplant Recipients

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens