Review article: preventing hepatitis B graft infection in hepatitis B patients after liver transplantation: immunoglobulin vs anti-virals

Background A critical aspect of liver transplantation in hepatitis B patients is to prevent graft reinfection with hepatitis B virus. The use of hepatitis B immune globulin after transplant was a significant milestone, which allowed prolonged graft and patient survival by controlling hepatitis B reinfection in liver grafts. The development of anti-viral treatments with oral nucleos(t)ide analogues, led to a further reduction in graft reinfection and improvement in patient survival. The combination of the aforementioned two therapies has been widely used in hepatitis B-associated liver transplants. Aim To address the post-transplant management of hepatitis B and provide updates on preventing graft reinfection. Methods We performed a literature search on Ovid and PubMed for RCTs or cohort studies in English, which investigated the effectiveness of hepatitis B immune globulin and anti-viral therapy on hepatitis B-associated transplants (1/2000-1/2020). Studies that met pre-established criteria were reviewed. Results Based on currently available evidence, an algorithm for post-transplant management with anti-viral therapy is proposed. Also, the management of recipients who received grafts from hepatitis B core antibody-positive donors is discussed. Conclusions The development of hepatitis B immune globulin and anti-viral treatments led to substantial improvement in graft and patient survival. The prevention of hepatitis B graft reinfection is complex and involves a broad interdisciplinary team.