VIH+ status: indication or contra-indication for liver transplantation?

Abstract

VIH+ status: indication or contra-indication for liver transplantation

Background and aims:

Since 1996 antiretroviral treatment drastically diminished morbidity and mortality of VIH infected patients. This fact allowed it to include patients with hepatic failure caused by Virus B or C in liver transplantation procedures. We intended to identify psychological factors interfering in the post-transplantation period with the further aim to define criteria for psychological assessment at the pre-transplantation period.

Methods:

From 2001 to 2006 we made a psychological investigation with 34 VIH+ patients during their usual pre-transplantation assessment. ICD-10 diagnoses were given after clinical non-structured interviews. Patients' psychosocial situations were also assessed in a non-structured way as well as drug and alcohol consumption was monitored. Patients were followed up during the whole time period.

Results:

We found an elevated prevalence of psychopathology among this group of VIH+ transplantation candidates, specially personality disorders, socio-familiar problems and substance abuse.

Conclusions:

It is important to include in-depth social and psychological assessment into the routine pre-transplantation procedure in order to preview and to minimize risk situations during the post-transplantation period.