Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin-discontinuation in long-term liver transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) - as a monotherapy or combined with nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs) - has effectively lowered Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reinfection after liver transplantation. However, it is associated with high costs and viral resistance. HBIG-free prophylaxis with novel NUCs (tenofovir, entecavir) composes a viable alternative. We evaluated reinfection rate, histological changes and outcome associated with HBIG- discontinuation. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of patients undergoing liver transplantation due to HBV-induced liver disease at our center since 1988. A controlled HBIG-discontinuation was conducted between 2015 and 2017 in 65 patients. Recurrent infection was determined by HbsAg values. Fibrosis and inflammation were evaluated by routine biopsy. The survival of patients after HBIG-discontinuation was compared to a control population on HBIG for prophylaxis. RESULTS: From 1988 to 2013, 352 patients underwent liver transplantation due to HBV-induced liver disease. 169 patients could be included for analysis. 104 (51.5%) patients continued a prophylaxis containing HBIG. HBIG was discontinued in 65 (38.5%) patients in a controlled manner, maintaining an oral NUC. None of those patients showed HBV-reinfection or graft dysfunction. No significant changes of inflammation grades (p=0.067) or fibrosis stages (p=0.051) were detected. The survival of patients after HBIG-discontinuation was comparable to the control (p=0.95). CONCLUSION: HBIG withdrawal under continuation of oral NUC therapy is safe and not related to graft dysfunction, based on blood tests and histology. HBIG-free prophylaxis is not associated with a worse outcome and displays a financial relief as well as a logistic simplification during long-term follow-up.