Living Kidney Donation in Individuals with Hepatitis C and HIV Infection: Rationale and Emerging Evidence
Date:
04/30/2019
Citation:
Liyanage L, Muzaale AD, Henderson ML, Durand CM. Living kidney donation in individuals with hepatitis C and HIV infection: rationale and emerging evidence. Curr Transplant Rep. 2019 Jun;6(2):167-176. doi: 10.1007/s40472-019-00242-5. Epub 2019 Apr 30. PMID: 32855901; PMCID: PMC7449146.
Abstract
Purpose of review: HIV-infected (HIV+) and hepatitis C virus-infected (HCV+) individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have decreased access to kidney transplantation. With new opportunities provided by the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act and direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for HCV, we explore the potential risks and benefits of living donor kidney transplantation from HIV+ or HCV+ donors, from the perspective of both donor health and recipient outcomes.
Recent findings: The HOPE Act permits organ donation from both deceased and living HIV+ persons to HIV+ recipients; however, there is only clinical experience with HIV+ deceased donors to date. Empirical evidence demonstrates a low but acceptable risk of ESRD in potential HIV+ living donors without comorbidities who have well-controlled infection in the absence of donation. With the availability of potent DAAs for eradication of HCV infection, growing evidence shows good outcomes with HCV seropositive and/or viremic deceased kidney donors, providing rationale to consider HCV+ living donors.
Summary: HIV+ and HCV+ living donor kidney transplantation may improve access to transplant for vulnerable ESRD populations. Careful evaluation and monitoring are warranted to mitigate potential risks to donors and recipients.
Recent findings: The HOPE Act permits organ donation from both deceased and living HIV+ persons to HIV+ recipients; however, there is only clinical experience with HIV+ deceased donors to date. Empirical evidence demonstrates a low but acceptable risk of ESRD in potential HIV+ living donors without comorbidities who have well-controlled infection in the absence of donation. With the availability of potent DAAs for eradication of HCV infection, growing evidence shows good outcomes with HCV seropositive and/or viremic deceased kidney donors, providing rationale to consider HCV+ living donors.
Summary: HIV+ and HCV+ living donor kidney transplantation may improve access to transplant for vulnerable ESRD populations. Careful evaluation and monitoring are warranted to mitigate potential risks to donors and recipients.