Abstract
In the last three decades, the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has
improved dramatically. The use of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been
successful at preventing death and the myriad infectious, malignant, and immune-mediated
complications of HIV. Once considered to be a fatal disease, HIV is now considered
by many to be a chronic disease; those affected may now live to experience complications
of other coexistent diseases. Liver disease has been increasingly recognized as a
leading cause of non-HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome- (AIDS-) related morbidity
and mortality in this population.[1]
[2]
[3] Although liver transplantation offers the opportunity to prolong life, the transplant
community has been slow to recognize the chronicity of HIV and potential for transplantation
within this population. The experience with liver transplantation in HIV-positive
patients is evolving and successful outcomes have been observed when specific criteria
are used to select candidates.
Keywords
liver transplantation - HIV - viral hepatitis