Abstract
Aim: Tuberculosis risk has been defined to increase in liver transplant(LT) recipients. This is especially important in high endemic areas, like Turkey. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of TB and evaluate the clinical characteristics of TB patients in LT recipients.
Methods: All patients who underwent LT between January 2004 and December 2013 and whose data was accessible were included in the study. Demographic features, previous TB history, clinical and radiological findings, Tuberculin skin test (TST) results and TB occurrence of the candidates were evaluated.
Results: Four hundred-three patients had LT by this time. Mean age was 47.27±11.04; 280 (69.47%) were males. Mean MELD score was 16.30±6.54. Previous TB history, contact with an active TB patient and smoking were asked to 214 (53.10%), 211 (52.35%) and 212(52.61%) of the patients respectively. TST was administered to 108(25,91%) and Quantiferon TB test to 1 of them. TST positivity was determined in 28(25.93%), median TST values were found 7 (min0-max25) mm. Chemoprophylaxis was not recommended to any of LT candidates. In the postransplant period 5 patients (1.24%) developed TB over a median duration of 14 (min7-max84) months.
Conclusion: TB prevalence of LT recipients of our center is similar with the current literature. In the early post transplant period it was difficult to handle TB treatment of our patients. LTBI screening including risk factor assessment, TST/ Quantiferon TB testing, and regular recording and follow-up should be considered in the management of transplant recipients.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015
