Self‐limited HBV infection of the recipient does not reactivate after liver transplantation: Observations from a 30‐year liver transplant program

Background: A self-limited hepatitis B infection can reactivate in patients under immunosuppression or chemotherapy (reappearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or HBV-DNA). Exact circumstances of HBV reactivation in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for end-stage liver diseases (ESLD) unrelated to HBV are unknown, and recommendations on HBV prophylaxis remain unclear. Patients and methods: Among 1273 liver transplants, 168 patients with a self-limited HBV hepatitis B infection prior to LT were identified from our prospective liver transplant database. Patients with underlying chronic HBV infection and recipients of an anti-HBc-positive liver were not included in the analysis. Demographic, laboratory, serological, and virological data were analyzed retrospectively. Appearance of HBsAg or HBV-DNA was defined as reactivation. Results: The median follow-up after LT was 12.0 years (0.6-30.7 years). The rate of HBV reactivation was 0% independent of antiviral prophylaxis (n = 7; 4.2%), the etiology of ESLD, hepatitis C treatment, or the anti-HBs concentration. The overall patient survival with a history of a self-limited HBV infection before LT did not significantly differ from the rest of the cohort. Conclusion: Antiviral treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues post-liver transplantation in order to prevent HBV reactivation in patients with a resolved self-limited hepatitis B infection prior to LT seems to be omittable since the main viral reservoir is removed by the hepatectomy. These findings may clarify the current uncertainty in the recommendations regarding the risk of HBV reactivation in patients with self-limited hepatitis B prior to LT

A multicentre, randomized clinical trial comparing the Veriset haemostatic patch with fibrin sealant for the management of bleeding during hepatic surgery

BACKGROUND: Bleeding during hepatic surgery is associated with prolonged hospitalization and increased morbidity and mortality. The Veriset™ haemostatic patch is a topical haemostat comprised of an absorbable backing made of oxidized cellulose and self-adhesive hydrogel components. It is designed to achieve haemostasis quickly and adhere to tissues without fixation. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, multicentre, single-blinded study (n = 50) was performed to compare the use of a Veriset™ haemostatic patch with a fibrin sealant patch (TachoSil(®) ) (control) in the management of diffuse bleeding after hepatic surgery. Patients were randomized following the confirmation of diffuse bleeding requiring the use of a topical haemostat. Time to haemostasis was assessed at preset intervals until haemostasis was achieved. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in comorbidities and procedural techniques. The median time to haemostasis in the group using the Veriset™ haemostatic patch was 1.0 min compared with 3.0 min in the control group (P < 0.001; 3-min minimum application time for the control patch). This result was independent of bleeding severity and surface area. Both products had similar safety profiles and no statistical differences were observed in the occurrence of adverse or device-related events. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of bleeding severity or surface area, the Veriset™ haemostatic patch achieved haemostasis in this setting significantly faster than the control device in patients undergoing hepatic resection. It was safe and easy to handle in open hepatic surgery.status: publishe