Liver biopsy post liver transplantation for HCV-related end stage liver disease: Clinical value and risk factors for graft hepatitis and rejection

Background and aim: Hepatitis C-related end stage liver disease (HCV-ESLD) is the leading primary indication for liver transplantation (LT). Recurrent HCV infection after LT is universal and most patients show manifested graft hepatitis. Accurate diagnosis is important in acute rejection in HCV-infected patients, as increased immunosuppression accelerates HCV-induced liver damage and shortens graft and patient survival. Aim of our study was to investigate the safety and the clinical value of this procedure in a large academic referral European LT center. Patients and methods: Between January 2000 and October 201…