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Semin Liver Dis 2004; 24: 69-77
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-832931
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Hepatitis C Infection Associated with Renal Disease and Chronic Renal Failure

Fred F. Poordad1 , Fabrizio Fabrizi1 , 2 , Paul Martin1
  • 1The Center for Liver and Kidney Diseases and Transplantation, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
  • 2The Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Maggiore Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Publication History

Publication Date:
02 September 2004 (online)

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Screening of blood products and attention to stricter infection control measures in hemodialysis units have reduced the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among dialysis patients. HCV can be transmitted via transplanted organs. Renal transplantation may accelerate the course of liver disease, which has an impact on patient and graft survival. Interferon (IFN) alfa monotherapy has produced promising results during treatment but disappointing long-term results in patients with HCV-associated glomerulonephritis. Dialysis patients with HCV infection respond well to IFN-based therapy, and there appears to be clinical benefit in clearing HCV in renal transplantation candidates. Larger prospective trials are required to fully determine the role of IFN in these patient groups, including the potential use of IFN plus ribavirin and pegylated IFNs. IFN therapy in renal transplantation patients is not recommended because of potential graft rejection.

KEYWORDS

HCV - chronic renal failure - renal disease - renal transplantation - interferon

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Paul MartinM.D. 

Center for Liver and Kidney Diseases and Transplantation, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

8635 W 3rd Street, Suite 590W

Los Angeles, CA 90048

Email: martinpx@cshs.org

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