Kidney transplantation from hepatitis C antibody-positive donors into hepatitis C-negative recipients: initial single-centre experience in the UK

To the Editor,A discrepancy between supply and demand of organs for transplantation1 creates the need for organs with higher-risk donor characteristics. Organs from donors with hepatitis C (HCV) infection have been discarded in the past because of the likelihood of transmission and absence of effective treatment1. Some donors who initially tested positive for HCV antibodies were negative in RNA testing. These organs generally come from younger donors.The Cardiff Transplant Unit was the first centre in the UK to undertake transplantation of kidneys from HCV-infected donors into negative recipients2,3. The current study investigates the safety and effectiveness of a 12-week course of a direct-acting antiviral (DAA), once viraemia is detected, among recipients of an HCV-positive donor, and discusses the engagement with patients. Recipients were tested for viraemia post-transplant, and DAA was initiated when detected to be viraemic. Patients and public groups were consulted throughout the design and implementation, through meetings, an information booklet, a letter to patients on the waiting list, and open evenings.