Progression of hepatitis C infection in a renal transplant recipient : a case report

Abstract EN

We present a patient with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who developed chronic active hepatitis (CAH) after renal transplantation.

Alpha-interferon (a-IF) therapy was administered in view of deteriorating liver biochemistry.

Liver histology at this stage showed features suggestive of chronic active hepatitis (CAH).

The patient had stable graft function.

Therapy with a-IF resulted in noticeable biochemical response within two weeks of commencement.

An episode of steroid resistant renal allograft rejection occurred after 10 weeks of a-IF therapy which responded well to anti-lymphocyte globulin.

Since then, the CAH has gradually progressed on to the development of cirrhotic changes and hepato-cellular carcinoma after 10 years following transplantation.

Our case indicates that liver disease in antiHCV positive patients can follow a serious course following renal transplantation.