Retrospective cohort study of liver transplantation in the United Kingdom between 1994 and 2010: the impact of hepatitis C infection

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.