The prevention and treatment of hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation

Objective To discuss the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B virus re-infection after liver transplantation.Methods 109 cases with hepatitis B-related end-stage liver disease of transplantation patients were analyzed retrospectively of liver transplantations were analyzed retrospectively from October 1999 to October 2007.All patients were administered with antiviral drugs after transplantation to prevent hepatitis B virus re-infection,including 50 cases receiving Lamivudine,and 59 cases receiving Lamivudine and HBIg.The serum HBsAg,HBeAg and HBV DNA were determined,and liver biopsy immunohistochemistry was done when necessary.Results 109 patients were followed up for 3 months-8 years.(1)10 of 50(20%)cases receiving lamivudine developed re-infection,2 cases(4%)of HBV re-infection were died of severe hepatitis B after 5 and 8 months,respectively.The remaining 8 cases were treated by adefovir and HBIg,and their liver function recovered quickly.(2)Two of 59(3.39%)cases receiving Lamivudine+HBIg developed re-infection.The liver function was improved after adjusting the immunosuppressive drugs.There was significant difference between Lamivudine group and Lamivudine+HBIg group(χ2=7.622,P0.05).Conclusion Lamivudine and HBIg could effectively prevent hepatitis B virus re-infection after liver transplantation.