THE ROLE OF HEPATITIS C AND B VIRUS INFECTIONS AS RISK FACTORS FOR SEVERE LIVER COMPLICATIONS FOLLOWING ALLOGENEIC BMT: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY BY THE INFECTIOUS DISEASE WORKING PARTY OF THE EUROPEAN BLOOD AND MARROW TRANSPLANTATION GROUP1

Abstract

This study indicates that ongoing or previous infection with HBV or HCV in donor or recipient is not an absolute contraindication for BMT. However, abnormal ALT levels in BMT donors were a significant predictor of potentially lethal liver complications. The occurrence of de novo HBV or HCV infection did not correlate with severity of liver disease observed in the first 6 months posttransplant. These findings should be carefully evaluated before disregarding HBV or HCV positive siblings with normal transaminase levels in favor of unrelated donors.