Detection of Hepatis C Virus-Related Immunologic Markers and Their Impact on Outcomes of Living-Donor Kidney Transplant Recipients

OBJECTIVES: Liver disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among recipients of transplanted organs. In addition to the liver, hepatitis C virus infection has a significant prevalence among recipients of kidney transplant and is related to worse graft and recipient survival as the kidney is an important component of the hepatitis C virus clinical syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective single center study included 336 patients with end-stage renal disease who received a kidney transplant at the Mansoura Urology and Nephrology Center from January 1992 to December 1995. Of 336 patients, 63 were excluded, and the remaining 273 patients were divided into 3 groups: viremic active (72 patients), viremic inactive (108 patients), and nonviremic (93 patients). Division of patients was based on hepatitis C virus RNA complement level (C3 and/or C4 consumption), circulating cryoglobulins, and rheumatoid factor detection. RESULTS: Our study showed insignificant differences regarding patient characteristics and demographic data among the study groups but significantly higher incidence of transaminitis in viremic (active and inactive) patients. Nonsignificant differences were found regarding proteinuria among the 3 groups, including among those who had levels in either nephrotic or nonnephrotic ranges. Biopsy-proven acute rejection episodes among the 3 groups of recipients were statistically comparable, with significantly higher frequency of chronic rejection episodes among viremic active patients. Nonviremic recipients had significantly lower serum creatinine levels than viremic (active and inactive) recipients. Patient and graft survival results were comparable among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of hepatitis C virus immunologic markers does not have a significant effect on patient and graft survival; however, it may be a clue for long-term incidence of chronic rejection.