Post-transplant withdrawal of lamivudine results in fatal hepatitis flares in kidney transplant recipients, under immune suppression, with inactive hepatitis B infection

Objective: To evaluate the consequences of lamivudine withdrawal in kidney transplant recipients, under immunosuppression, with inactive hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
Introduction: HBV infection is more frequent in kidney transplant recipients than in the general population mainly due to the high risk of acquisition during dialysis, before kidney transplantation.
Methods: The records of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive, immunosuppressed kidney transplant recipients, where lamivudine was withdrawn after transplantation along with reduction in immunosuppressant dose, admitted to our hospital between 2005 and 2012, were retrospectively evaluated.
Discussion: Three patients aged 33, 42 and 33, experienced hepatitis flares 2-3 months after lamivudine withdrawal. Serum HBV DNA levels were 2.5×10⁷, 3.4×10⁴ and 4×10³ IU/ml in cases 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Lamivudine was re-initiated in all cases which led to rapid viral suppression. However, liver function continued to deteriorate leading to severe jaundice, coagulopathy and encephalopathy. All patients died of acute liver failure within six months after the onset of withdrawal hepatitis.
Conclusion: Lamivudine should be continued as long as immunosuppressive therapy lasts.