Author information
1
Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX USA.
2
Center for Advanced Heart and Lung Disease, Baylor University Medical Center, 3410 Worth Street, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75246 USA.
3
Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Dallas, TX USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW:
The landscape of abdominal organ transplantation has been altered by the emergence of curative direct-acting antiviral agents for hepatitis C. Expansion of the thoracic donor pool to include the hearts and the lungs from hepatitis C-positive donors holds promise to increase available donor organs.
RECENT FINDINGS:
Case reports have documented separate lung and heart transplant patients who acquired, and then were cured of, donor-derived hepatitis C using these newer, more effective therapies. Single sites and national consortia are underway to help make this approach part of the standard-of-care. Pangenotypic therapies may simplify the paradigm.
SUMMARY:
Organs from donors with active hepatitis C viremia are likely suitable for transplant as long as the organ is otherwise acceptable. Best-practices for "informed-risk" transplant include a team-based approach and a selection of the antiviral regimen based on insurer's formulary, potential drug interactions, and genotype.