Treatment of hepatitis C after kidney transplant: A pooled analysis of observational studies.
Fabrizi F, Penatti A, et al.Journal of Medical Virology 2014 86(6): 933-940
Aims
To evaluate the evidence on the efficacy and safety of interferon (IFN) based therapy for hepatitis C in kidney transplant recipients using a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and observational studies.
Interventions
Recipients who received primary IFN monotherapy or combined therapy (IFN plus ribavirin).
Participants
187 kidney transplant recipients >18 years.
Outcomes
A sustained virological response (and/or drop out rates) and side effects.
Follow-up
Not reported.
CET Conclusions
This is a systematic review of observational studies rather than RCTs where interferon was used as a monotherapy, but in some instances combined with rivbavirin to treat hepatitis C in renal transplant recipients. In all they identified 16 studies that were relevant and this included 187 patients. There was a sustained virological response in approximately one third of treated recipients but also the dropout rate again was roughly a third. The most common side effect which led to discontinuation was graft dysfunction and the reasons for this were not entirely clear. The authors felt that there was adequate safety and tolerance to interferon based therapies in renal transplant recipients with hepatitis C infection. However recent development of other antiviral agents may replace the need for interferon based therapies.
Quality notes
This is a systematic review - quality assessment is not appropriate.
Trial registration
Not reported