Author information
1Field Epidemiology Service, Public Health England, UK. Electronic address: obaghe.edeghere@phe.gov.uk.
2Statistics, Modelling and Economics Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, UK.
3Chelsea and West Minister NHS Trust, UK.
4Immunisation, Hepatitis and Blood Safety Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Liver transplantation is an important and established treatment option for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) related end-stage liver disease (HCV-related ESLD). This study describes trends in elective liver transplantation among persons with HCV-related ESLD.
STUDY DESIGN:
Retrospective cohort.
METHODS:
Analyses of United Kingdom (UK) Transplant Registry data for the period 1994 to 2010, with follow-up information extending to 2011.
RESULTS:
Annual registrations for liver transplantation increased linearly and alcoholic liver cirrhosis (2075, 24%) and HCV-related ESLD (1213, 14%) were the most common indications. HCV-related ESLD patients were mainly aged 40-49 years (32%) and 50-59 years (43%); males (76%); and of white ethnicity (74%). Overall, 75% (956/1213) received a liver transplant with a linear increase over the period (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.08, 1.13). Pre transplant mortality was unchanged (adjusted OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.96, 1.05) and post-transplant mortality decreased in both HCV-related (adjusted OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.68, 0.88) and non-HCV-related ESLD (adjusted OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.75, 0.89) patients.
CONCLUSION:
The increase in demand for and receipt of liver transplants among persons with HCV-related ESLD requires coordinated efforts to increase not only organ donation, but investment in HCV prevention programmes and improved access to hepatitis C treatment services.