β Christine M. Kukka, Project Manager, HBV Advocate
A new review of recent studies into liver transplants for hepatitis B finds that antivirals can effectively replace hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) to prevent a recurrence of infection.
HBIG, which is very expensive, is made up of surface antibodies harvested from donors who have overcome the infection and have high levels of antibodies in their blood. Historically, HBIG was the only drug available to help hepatitis B patients fight off a recurrence of HBV infection after they received new livers.
In this latest study published in the October issue of theWorld Journal of Gastroenterology, researchers conclude, ββ¦it is now rational and cost-effective to decrease and, perhaps, cease altogether, the routine use of HBIG during and following liver transplantation for HBV infection.β
Labels: antivirals, hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG), post-transplant recurrence
