Role of liver transplantation in human immunodeficiency virus positive patients

Abstract

End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality amongst human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, drug-induced hepatotoxicity related to combined anti-retro-viral therapy, alcohol related liver disease and non-alcohol related fatty liver disease appear to be the leading causes. It is therefore, anticipated that more HIV-positive patients with ESLD will present as potential transplant candidates. HIV infection is no longer a contraindication to liver transplantation. Key transplantation outcomes such as rejection and infection rates as well as medium term graft and patient survival match those seen in the non-HIV infected patients in the absence of co-existing HCV infection. HIV disease does not seem to be negatively impacted by transplantation. However, HIV-HCV co-infection transplant outcomes remain suboptimal due to recurrence. In this article, we review the key challenges faced by this patient cohort in the pre- and post-transplant period.

Key Words: Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus; Human immunodeficiency virus; Liver transplantation

Core tip: Liver disease is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients. It is therefore increasingly likely that HIV positive patients with chronic liver disease are likely to present as potential liver transplant candidates. We therefore review the current data with regards to liver transplantation in HIV positive patients.

INTRODUCTION

The management and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection was revolutionized in 1996 in Western Europe and North America following the introduction of combined anti-viral therapy (cART), resulting in the reduction of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related deaths[1]. Such was the success of cART, that now more than 50% of deaths in HIV-positive patients on cART are not directly related to HIV infection or AIDS[1-3]. The increase in non-AIDS related morbidities compared to the general population appears to be multifactorial: HIV infection leads to a state of immune dysregulation and inflammation whilst cART predisposes to dyslipidaemia and diabetes[4]. The most recent D:A:D (Data collection on adverse events of anti-HIV drugs) study demonstrated that liver disease is now the second commonest cause of a non-AIDS related death, having been overtaken by non-AIDS defining cancers (Figure 1)[5].

Figure 1 Causes of death amongst human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients. Adapted from Smith et al[5]. AIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; CVD: Cardio-vascular disease.

Liver related mortality however, remains high. Given the similar transmission routes, co-infection with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common[6]. Other liver-related aetiologies amongst HIV-positive individuals include cART related liver toxicity, alcohol, non-alcohol related liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HIV positive patients present with the same clinical sequelae of chronic liver disease as HIV negative patients but tend to present at a younger age and a markedly reduced survival rate after the first episode of decompensation[7]. In HIV-positive patients with compensated cirrhosis an increased mortality rate is associated with age > 50 years, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score > 11 and poor control of HIV disease[8].

PRE-LIVER TRANSPLANTATION

Viral aetiologies

One third of patients with HIV infection are co-infected with chronic HCV, and the majority of deaths in HIV-positive patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) can be directly attributable to HCV infection[8]. At-risk groups include intravenous drug users, haemophiliacs who were exposed to contaminated infusions of plasma derived factor VIII or X concentrate and men who have sex with men (MSM)[9]. Recent data has demonstrated an increasing incidence of acute HCV cases in MSM who are HIV-positive acquired through sexual transmission[10,11].

HCV infection in a HIV positive individual is associated with a reduced rate of spontaneous HCV RNA clearance and therefore, more likely to result in chronic HCV infection[12]. HIV/HCV co-infection results in a more aggressive, rapid fibrosis progression rate compared HCV mono-infected patients[13-15]. In a study of 135 patients with HIV/HCV followed over a median of 3 years, 44% had evidence of fibrosis progression whilst 13% developed cirrhosis[16]. Mechanisms for the accelerated fibrosis rates include up-regulation of pro-fibrotic pathways, enhanced microbial translocation, increased numbers of pro-fibrogenic CD8⁺ cells, reduction in CD4⁺ cells and reduction of interleukin-10 expression[12,17-20]. Clinical factors predictive of fibrosis progression include detectable HIV viraemia, low CD4⁺ counts, baseline necro-inflammatory activity on liver biopsy and increased alcohol consumption (> 50 g per day)[16,21]. Survival after the first episode of hepatic decompensation is inferior amongst HIV/HCV co-infected patients compared to HCV mono-infected patients; median estimated survival of only 13 mo[22].

Treatment of HCV in HIV-positive patients with pegylated-interferon (PEG) and ribavirin was associated with an increased side-effect profile and inferior sustained virological response rates (SVR) of 17%-35%[23-25]. The advent of the new directly acting antiviral (DAAs) agents have dramatically improved outcomes amongst HIV/HCV co-infected patients. The first generation of the new DAAS were boceprevir and telaprevir, both NS3A/4 protease inhibitors (PI). In phase II studies, triple therapy with boceprevir or telaprevir in conjunction with PEG and ribavirin resulted in SVR rates of 63% and 74% respectively in HIV-positive HCV genotype 1 infected patients[26,27]. Simeprevir, a second generation NS3/4 PI, plus PEG and ribavirin has also been evaluated in a Phase III trial demonstrating SVR12 rates of 74%[28]. Sofosbuvir, a NS5B polymerase inhibitor, has pan-genotypic activity and a high genetic barrier to resistance with no significant drug interactions with cART. Sofosbuvir plus weight-based ribavirin has been evaluated in the PHOTON-1 study in genotypes (G) 1-3[29]. Results demonstrated SVR12 rates similar to HCV mono-infected patients (G1 76%, G2 88%, G3 67%) with no evidence of HIV breakthrough[29]. SVR rates of 98% were recently published using the combination of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir for 12 wk[30]. TURQUOISE-I was a randomised, open label study assessing the all-oral 3 direct-acting antiviral (3D) regimen of ombitasvir, paritaprevir (co-dosed with ritonavir), dasabavir and ribavirin in HIV-HCV (genotype 1) co-infected patients[31]. SVR rates for 12 wk and 24 wk of this all oral treatment regimen were 94% and 91% respectively with minimal side-effects[31]. Drug-drug interactions between the anti-HCV DAAs and cART medications are concerning. Table 1 summarises possible interactions and recommended dose adjustments where appropriate.

Table 1 Drug-drug interactions between directly acting anti-hepatitis C virus directly acting antiviral and combined anti-viral therapy.

Anti-HCV DAA	cART not recommended	Dose changes
Boceprevir	Atazanavir
	Darunavir/ritonavir
	Efavirenz
	Ritonavir
Telaprevir	Darunavir	Efavirenz - dose increased
	Lopinavir/ritonavir	to 1125 mg TDS
Simeprevir	Atazanavir
	Efavirenz
	Darunavir/ritonavir
	Nevirapine
Daclatasvir	-	Efavirenz - dose increased to 90 mg OD
		Atazanavir and protease inhibitors - dose reduced to 30 mg OD
Sofosbuvir	Didanosine
	Zidovudine

DAA: Directly acting antiviral; cART: Combined anti-viral therapy; HCV: Hepatitis C virus.

All HIV/HCV positive patients listed for liver transplantation should be considered for anti-viral therapy. HIV/HCV co-infected patients with decompensated cirrhosis, where the treatment aim is viral suppression prior to liver transplantation, should be treated with sofosbuvir and weight based ribavirin for up to 48 wk[32].

Ten percent of the HIV-positive population have evidence of chronic HBV infection[33]. Vertical transmission of HBV remains the most common route of infection worldwide, whilst sexual transmission and percutaneous transmission is more common in Europe and North America[34]. Chronic HBV infection is more common in HIV-positive patients, especially individuals with low CD4⁺ cell counts[35]. In addition, HIV/HBV co-infected patients have higher HBV DNA titres compared to HBV mono-infected patients, which translates into accelerated fibrosis rates and an increased risk of developing HCC[36]. Anti-iral therapy is considerably easier in HIV/HBV co-infected patients compared to HIV/HCV co-infected patients due to nucleos(t)ide reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (lamivudine, emtricitabine and tenofovir) that have both anti-HIV and anti-HBV activity.

Non-viral aetiologies

Abnormal liver enzymes are common in HIV-positive patients occurring in up to two thirds of patients on cART[37]. Identifying the culprit drug can be difficult due to the use combination therapies. Patterns of liver injury include hypersensitivity, idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity, mitochondrial toxicity, immune reconstitution syndrome and hepatic steatosis[38-40]. Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is an increasingly recognised clinical entity amongst HIV-positive patients especially those with previous didanosine exposure[41]. The pathogenesis of NCPH has been linked to a pro-thrombotic state. The histological spectrum includes nodular regenerative hyperplasia, hepatoportal sclerosis, peri-portal fibrosis and sclerosing portal venopathy[42-44].

Steatosis and steatohepatitis are common in diabetics, alcohol users and those with features of the metabolic syndrome[45,46]. Compared to the general population (14%-31%), NAFLD is more common in HIV-positive patients (30%-40%)[47,48]. The D:A:D study highlighted that the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome has increased over the last decade from 19% in 2000-2001 to 42% in 2006-2007[49]. This is likely to result in an increase in the prevalence of NAFLD, given that NAFLD is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. There is limited data available on the risk factors for NAFLD in HIV-positive patients but attention has focused on the role of cART because of its negative effects of insulin resistance, glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. Central adiposity, male sex, low serum high-density lipoprotein levels, raised triglycerides levels and an increased ratio of alanine aminotransferase to aspartate aminotransferase have been suggested as risk factors for the development of NAFLD[46]. Raised gamma glutamyl transpeptidases and HOMA-IR > 2.5 are associated with NASH independent of cART and abdominal fat[50].

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases in HIV-positive patients is expected to increase predominately due to the co-infection in chronic HBV and HCV infection. Data from the MORTAVIC study and the French Mortalite study has certainly demonstrated an increased number of deaths related to HCC[8,51]. HIV-positive patients with HCC tend to present at a younger age with symptomatic and multiple or invasive disease[36]. HIV-positive patients with cirrhosis should undergo 6-monthly surveillance with a liver ultrasound and serum alpha-feto protein. Standard treatment therapies (radio-frequencu ablation, transarterial chemo-embolisation, liver resection and liver transplantation) should be considered on an individual patient basis.

Selection criteria for liver transplantation in HIV-positive individuals

HIV-positive patients with liver disease should be managed in a multi-disciplinary environment with an experienced transplant hepatologist and HIV physician. Given their rapid disease kinetic, HIV-positive patients with end stage liver disease (ESLD) need to be identified early. The MELD score appears to be a sensitive predictor of patient outcome amongst HIV-positive patients pre-liver transplantation[52,53]. Even after adjusting for CD4⁺ counts and HIV RNA titres, the MELD score remains the only significant predictor of mortality[52].

Guidelines for liver transplantation in HIV-positive patients have evolved as our experience with this cohort has increased. The current United States National Institutes of Health multicenter trial guidelines for liver transplantation in HIV-positive patients with chronic liver disease are listed in Table 2.

Table 2 Criteria for liver transplantation in human immunodeficiency virus-positive individuals.

The criteria for liver transplantation are met
CD4+ cell count > 100 cells/μL (> 200 cells/μL with a previous history of opportunistic complications)
HIV viral load < 50 copies/mL (using ultrasensitive Amplicor Monitor PCR assay)
Absence of AIDS-defining illness1
Absence progressive multi-focal leukoencephalopathy, chronic intestinal cryptosporidiosis (> 1 mo) or primary CNS lymphoma

¹None after combined anti-viral therapy-induced immune reconstitution. CNS: Central nervous system; AIDS: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus.

Optimal control of HIV disease is required for all HIV-positive patients undergoing consideration for liver transplantation. In patients with portal hypertension, splenic sequestration of T lymphocytes can lead to a fall in the CD4⁺ T cell count. In such cases a CD4⁺ cell count > 100 cells/μL is acceptable. Historically, a fall in the CD4⁺ cell count could also be precipitated by the use of PEG. In our opinion, CD4⁺ T cell percentages may represent a more sensitive indicator of immune reconstitution in HIV-positive patients with portal hypertension. HIV-positive patients undergoing evaluation for liver transplantation also require an undetectable HIV viral load (< 50 copies/mL) except for those that presently acutely. The inability to achieve an undetectable HIV RNA viral load before liver transplantation has been associated with an increased mortality rate (HR = 3.5, P < 0001)[53]. In addition to good therapeutic options available in the pre-transplant period, HIV-positive patients require future cART options based upon their previous regimens and genotype resistance testing.

Certain HIV-positive patients may not be able to tolerate cART medications pre-liver transplantation due to poor liver synthetic function. This group should not be automatically excluded from liver transplantation as long as control of their HIV is deemed possible post-liver transplantation. cART intolerance post-liver transplantation, however has been identified as an important predictor of survival[54]. A thorough knowledge of past opportunistic infections is also required. A distant history of an opportunistic infection in a patient that was not taking cART is not a contraindication to liver transplantation unless there is no effective treatment available for possible recurrence post-liver transplantation. Absolute contra-indications include multidrug resistant HIV infection, resistant fungal infections, chronic intestinal cryptosporidiosis, progressive multi-focal leukoencephalopathy and central nervous system lymphoma.

POST-LIVER TRANSPLANTATION

Standard surgical techniques with conventional arterial, venous and biliary anastomoses are recommended. Previous concerns regarding the possible transmission of HIV to the surgical team appear to be unfounded. The risk of HIV transmission is low and substantially lower than the risk of transmission of HBV and HCV[55]. In the event of HIV exposure, current regimens provide effective prophylaxis[55]. HIV infection is associated with a pro-thrombotic state and therefore concerns have been raised regarding an increased risk of vascular complications post transplantation[56]. Data appears to be conflicting regarding an increased incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis and at present no firm conclusions can be drawn[57,58]. In our institution, we introduce prophylactic subcutaneous heparin (5000 units every 8 h) once the international normalised ration is below 1.5 and the platelet count is greater than 50 × 10⁹ cells/L.

Historical experiences

Initial case series of HIV-positive patients undergoing liver transplantation reported poor outcomes[59,60]. It is important to note that this was before the introduction of cART regimens. Retrospective data since has demonstrated an increasing understanding of the complexities faced by this unique patient cohort. One of the largest studies performed analysed data provided by the US United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) liver transplant database (1997-2006) and identified 138 HIV-positive patients[61]. Overall survival rates were inferior in the HIV-positive cohort compared to a comparative HIV negative cohort (n = 30520) at 2- and 3-years post transplant (70% and 60% vs 81% and 77%, P < 0.047). Considerable data however, was missing from the HIV cohort raising the possibility that HIV infection may not have been optimally treated prior to liver transplantation.

Outcomes amongst HCV/HIV co-infected patients

Outcomes in HIV/HCV co-infected patients is clearly suboptimal when compared to other aetiologies; survival rates ranging between 64%-88% at 1 year and 33%-51% at 5 years[54,62-64]. To date, two prospective studies have been performed in HIV/HCV co-infected patients undergoing liver transplantation (Table 3), one conducted in the United States and the other in Spain[65,66]. The United States study reported outcomes in 89 HIV/HCV co-infected patients and 235 HCV mono-infected controls performed at 17 United States centers[66]. Compared to HCV controls, HIV/HCV co-infected patients were younger (49 years vs 54 years, P < 0.0001), had lower body mass index (BMI) at listing (25 kg/m²vs 28 kg/m², P < 0.0001), more likely to have HBV co-infection (6% vs 1%, P = 0.02), were more likely to receive a non-heart beating graft (17% vs 4%, P = 0.0002), longer median warm ischaemia time (41 min vs 21 min, P = 0.001) and were less likely to be given tacrolimus-based (vs cyclosporine) initial immunosuppression (58% vs 80%, P < 0.0001). 1- and 3-year patient survival rates were 76% and 60% in HIV/HCV cohort compared to 92% and 79% in the HCV mono-infected cohort (P < 0.001). Graft loss was also significantly higher in the HIV/HCV co-infected cohort (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified HIV infection as the only baseline factor associated with increased risk of death (HR = 2.3, P = 0.002) and graft loss (HR = 1.9, P = 0.01). Analysis of the HIV/HCV co-infected cohort only identified that receipt of a combined kidney-liver transplant (HR = 3.8, P = 0.003), BMI < 21 kg/m² at enrolment (HR = 3.2, P = 0.01), receipt of an anti-HCV positive donor (HR = 2.5, P = 0.03), and older donor age (HR = 1.3 per decade, P = 0.04) were significant predictors of reduced graft survival. The cumulative incidence of acute cellular rejection (ACR) requiring treatment was significantly higher in HIV/HCV patients compared to HCV-mono-infected patients (39% vs 24% at year 3, HR = 2.1, P = 0.01). 50% of the cases of ACR occurred within the first 21 d following LT. Reasons for the increased incidence of ACR remain unclear but the immunosuppression protocol post transplantation was not standardized.

Table 3 Prospective studies conducted in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus co-infected patients undergoing liver transplantation.

	n	Patient survival	Incidence of ACR	Risk factors for death amongst HIV/HCV recipients1
Miro et al[65], 2012	HIV/HCV - 84	1, 3, 5 yr: 88%, 62%, 54%	38%	HCV G1
	HCV - 252	1, 3, 5 yr: 90%, 76%, 71%1	20%1	Donor risk index
				MELD score
				Center < 1 transplant/yr2
Terrault et al[66], 2012	HIV/HCV - 89	1 and 3 yr: 92% and 79%	39%	Combined liver-kidney transplant
	HCV - 235	1 and 3 yr: 76% and 60%1	24%1	BMI < 21
				Anti-HCV positive donor
				Older donor

¹Statistically significant (P < 0.05);

²Less than one liver transplant per year in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient. HCV: Hepatitis C virus; BMI: Body mass index; ACR: Acute cellular rejection.

The Spanish study enrolled 84 HIV/HCV co-infected patients and were matched with 252 HCV mono-infected patients[65]. This study reported a higher overall mortality amongst the HIV/HCV co-infected recipients (43%, n = 36 vs 30%, n = 75, P = 0.03) during a median of 3.6 years. Unsurprisingly, the leading cause of death was HCV recurrence in both patient cohorts but significantly increased in the HIV/HCV co-infected cohort (21% vs 12 %, P = 0.049). 1-year patient survival was similar between the two cohorts (88% vs 90%) but inferior patient survival outcomes were observed at 3 and 5 years in HIV/HCV co-infected recipients (62% vs 76% and 54% vs 71% respectively, P = 0.008). Independent risk factors for death amongst the HIV/HCV recipients included HCV genotype 1 (HR = 3.0, P = 0.008), donor risk index (HR = 9.5, P < 0.01) and a negative HCV RNA viral load before or after liver transplantation (HR= 0.14, P = 0.009). Important pre-transplant variables predictive of death included the MELD score (HR = 1.06, P = 0.023) and a transplant center with less than one liver transplant per year in a HIV-infected patient (HR = 2.3, P = 0.03). A higher incidence of ACR was once again reported amongst the HIV/HCV co-infected recipients (38% vs 20%, P < 0.001).

Recurrence of HCV post liver transplantation is universal in all patients with detectable HCV viraemia at the time of liver transplantation. The rate of HCV recurrence and therefore fibrosis is influenced by a variety of recipient, donor, viral, infectious and immunosuppression related factors[64,67,68]. An accelerated disease course is well recognised in HIV/HCV co-infected patient especially the aggressive severe fibrosing cholestatic variant of recurrent hepatitis C (FCH)[69]. FCH and sepsis appear to be the leading causes of death post liver transplantation amongst HIV/HCV co-infected patients[62,64,70]. No reliable markers are available to identify patients who will develop FCH but higher HCV viral loads immediately after liver transplantation at week 1 and week 2 may be an indicator for those at risk[71]. FCH usually occurs between 2 and 6 mo after liver transplantation and is associated with a high mortality (50% at 12 mo) and is invariably refractory to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) antiviral therapy[72,73]. However, case reports are now emerging on the use of the new directly acting antivral (DAA) agents in patients with FCH resulting in a sustained viral response (SVR). Long-term fibrosis progression rates are also accelerated in HIV/HCV co-infected patients compared HCV mono-infected patients with an increased likelihood of progression to a fibrosis score ≥ 2[64].

Prior to the advent of DAAs, antiviral therapy post liver transplantation consisted of PEG-IFN and RBV for a minimum of 48 wk irrespective of HCV viral genotype[74]. Most institutions, as in our own, instigated treatment when histological disease was demonstrable (F ≥ 2). Reported SVR rates (38%) for the treatment of recurrent HCV post-liver transplantation in HCV mono-infected patients were inferior to patients pre-liver transplantation (60%)[75,76]. Data from a prospective study in HIV/HCV co-infected patients after liver transplantation demonstrated a SVR rate of only 21% compared to 36% in HCV mono-infected patients (P = 0.013)[77]. These poor SVR rates are explained by the combination of high discontinuation rates (40%), dose reductions (75%) and haematological toxicity commonly anaemia.

Data is now emerging on the use of the new DAAs in HIV/HCV co-infected patients following liver transplantation which have demonstrated improved SVR rates[78,79]. Certain caveats should be taken into account when considering anti-viral regimens: anti- HIV protease inhibitors should be avoided with boceprevir, a higher telaprevir dose is required in patients receiving efavirenz based cART. Sofosbuvir and ribavirin have been used on a compassionate-use basis patients with severe HCV recurrence and in patients with FCH post liver transplantation[80]. This study included both HCV mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected patients. Overall SVR rates were 59% with higher SVR rates (73%) reported in patients with early severe recurrence[80]. In addition, the use of sofosbuvir and ribavirin appeared safe and also resulted in an improvement in liver biochemistry, MELD and ascites. The SOLAR-1 study was a large, multicenter, randomized controlled trial that included liver transplant recipients with HCV recurrence with genotype 1 and 4 HCV[81]. Patients received ledipasvir, sofosbuvir and ribavirin for either 12 or 24 wk. The results demonstrated only 2% of patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events and encouraging SVR12 rates that varied with Child-Pugh class (A, 96%; B, 85%; C, 60%). Although HIV-HCV co-infected patients were not included in this study, these results are encouraging and are applicable to the HIV-HCV co-infected patients in the post-liver transplant period. Further studies are waited with DAAs for recurrent HCV in HIV/HCV co-infected patients post liver transplantation.

Outcomes amongst patients without HCV co-infection

Patients co-infected with HBV and non-viral aetiologies including those that present with acute liver failure, have excellent short and long-term outcomes post-liver transplantation. Reported median survival at 1-year ranges between 75%-100% and 100% at 5 years[82-84]. The largest prospective study to date in HIV/HBV co-infected patients was conducted in 21 patients for a median of 42 mo with no patient suffering graft loss[85].

The key difference between HIV/HBV and HIV/HCV co-infected patients is the presence of highly potent anti-viral agents against HBV in the therapeutic armamentarium. Patients co-infected with HBV receiving cART will undoubtedly be receiving an oral nucleo(s)tide analogue that will have anti-viral actions against both HIV and HBV. Tenofovir in conjunction with emtricitabine (Truvada) is recommended[85,86]. The use of these highly efficacious, potent oral agents results in the majority of patients undergoing liver transplantation with an undetectable HBV viral load. Immuno-prophylaxis with Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIg) is recommended in the post-liver transplant period indefinitely. Reported data on the use of HBIg and oral anti-viral agents has demonstrated that this combination is highly effective at preventing HBV recurrence even in those who have a detectable HBV viral load at the time of liver transplantation[87]. Data on patients with HIV and non-viral liver disease undergoing liver transplantation is limited but evidence suggests that these patients have similar survival rates as HIV-negative patients[82,84].

Liver transplantation for HCC in HIV positive patients has been performed although the experience remains limited. A single center experience compared outcomes in 21 HIV-positive patients against 65 HIV-negative patients[88]. The authors reported a trend towards a higher dropout rate amongst the HIV positive patients but overall survival following liver transplantation at 1 and 3 years (81% and 74%, HIV positive group vs 93% and 85%, HIV negative group) and recurrence free survival at 1 and 3 years were similar between the two groups (69% and 69%, HIV positive group vs 89% and 84%, HIV negative group)[88].

Another study, this time across 3 centers, compared 30 HIV positive patients with 125 HIV negative patients[89]. Once again similar survival rates between the two groups were reported (77% and 65%, HIV positive group vs 85% and 70%, HIV negative group)[89]. The time to HCC recurrence was longer in the HIV positive group (27 mo) compared to the HIV negative group (10 mo, P < 0.01) but mortality remained similar suggesting the possible positive role of cART in attenuating hepato-carcinogenic progression.

Immunosuppression

Immunosuppression should be tailored to the individual taking into account aetiology of liver disease, renal function, risk factors for the metabolic syndrome and specifically to HIV patients the possible interactions with cART. Dual immunosuppression with calcineurin inhibitors and cortico-steroids is recommended post-liver transplantation. Target trough levels in the first 3 mo should be the same as HIV negative patients (cyclosporin, 100-250 ng/mL; tacrolimus, 8-10 ng/mL). Utilising data from HCV mono-infected patients post-LT, rapid withdrawal of cortico-steroids should be avoided due to the association of a more severe recurrence of HCV[90]. We therefore recommend that prednisolone, which is usually commenced at 20 mg/d, be withdrawn by a slow taper at 3 mo. Anti-fungal prophylaxis (fluconazole 50 mg/d) should be given for a minimum of 3 mo post-LT. Episodes of acute cellular rejection (ACR) should also be managed as one would in HIV negative patients namely moderate-severe episodes be treated with a 3-d course of intravenous methylprednisolone (1 g/d). Consideration of the introduction of mycophenalate mofetil after the 2^nd episode of ACR is recommended.

Tacrolimus and cyclosporin are metabolised via the P450 cytochrome. In addition, non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and protease inhibitors, which are commonly part of cART regimens, are also metabolised by the same pathway, therefore increasing the risk of drug - drug interactions (see Table 4). NNRTIs (e.g., efavirenz) decrease serum CNI concentrations by induction of the P450 cytochrome whilst PIs (e.g., ritonavir and lopinavir) are inducers resulting in increased CNI concentrations[91]. We have used tacrolimus doses as low as 1 mg per week in certain individuals. Raltegravir, a novel HIV-1 integrase inhibitor, is not metabolised via the P450 cytochrome and has been used successfully post transplantation in combination with nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors and standard CNI doses[92]. Meticulous monitoring and surveillance is required to reduce the possibility drug-drug interactions and toxicity.

Table 4 Antiretroviral medications and their effect on calcineurin inhibitors.

Drug	Effect on CNI level
Protease inhibitor
Darunavir	↑↑
Fosamprenavir	↑↑
Lopinavir	↑↑
Ritonavir	↑↑↑
Saquinavir	↑↑
Non nucleoside reverse transverse inhibitors
Efavirenz	↓↓
Nevirapine	↓↓
Integrase inhibitors
Raltegravir	No effect

CNI: Calcineurin inhibitors.

HIV disease following liver transplantation

At present no standardised cART regimen is utilised, but instead is tailored to the individual patient reflecting known resistance and mutations. The re-introduction of cART post-LT also varies between individual centers, with some continuing cART throughout the transplant period whilst others re-introduce the medication between 4-14 d. Our practice is to re-introduce cART medication once liver graft function has normalised thereby avoiding the possibility of confusion with the other causes of graft dysfunction immediately post-LT.

In a recent study of HIV/HCV patients, bacterial infections were identified as the principal aetiological agents of post-liver transplantation infections[93]. Risk factors associated with severe infections included a pre-liver transplantation MELD score > 15 (HR = 3.5, 95%CI: 1.7-7.1, P = 0.001), history of category C AIDS-defining events (HR = 4.0, 1.9-8.6, P < 0.001) and non-tacrolimus based immunosuppression (HR = 2.5, 1.3-4.8, P = 0.006). The same study also suggested that opportunistic infections namely CMV disease, disseminated HSV, invasive fungal infections and tuberculosis were increased in HIV positive patients, affecting 11% of their cohort. These “opportunistic” infections however can occur in HIV negative patients post-liver transplantation. This study also did not have a HIV negative comparative group therefore not allowing the authors to demonstrate that these deemed opportunistic infections were associated with HIV infection only. Reassuringly reported data from other studies have failed to demonstrate a higher incidence of opportunistic infections in comparison to HIV negative patients[94].

RE-TRANSPLANTATION

There is very little experience with re-transplantation in HIV positive patients and this appears to be limited to HIV/HCV co-infected patients[95]. In one study 14 HIV positive patients (13 with HIV/HCV co-infection) were compared to 157 HIV negative patients undergoing re-liver transplantation. The authors reported an inferior survival rate in the HIV positive group (42% vs 64%) at 3 years although this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.2). HIV positive patients with a detectable HCV viral load at the time of re-transplantation do not appear to be appropriate re-transplant candidates due to poor 3 year survival rates (22% vs 65% in HIV negative patients, P = 0.008)[95]. A recent multinational study re-emphasised the poor outcomes In HIV positive patients with active HCV infection undergoing re-transplantation[96].

CONCLUSION

HIV infection is now regarded as a long-term illness with improving survival rates in patients maintained on cART. Subsequently, liver disease remains a common cause of morbidity and mortality in this cohort. HIV-positive patients with liver disease should be managed in a multi-disciplinary environment. Current data would suggest HIV-positive patients not co-infected with HCV have excellent outcomes following liver transplantation, similar to HIV negative patients. In stark contrast, published data has demonstrated inferior graft and patient survival rates in HIV/HCV co-infected patients predominately due to HCV recurrence. Emerging data with the use of DAAs in HIV/HCV co-infected patients would suggest that treatment of HCV in the pre- and post-transplant period will be more efficacious resulting in improved outcomes in this patient cohort. HIV/HCV co-infected patients would therefore be treated as HCV mono-infected patients with better outcomes post liver transplantation.