LIVER TRANSPLANTATION IN LIVER CIRRHOSIS DUE TO HEPATITIS C: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF ITS ADVANTAGES, CHALLENGES AND IMPACT ON PATIENTS' QUALITY OF LIFE.

Abstract

Liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C is a serious condition that often leads to the need for liver transplantation for patients in advanced stages of the disease. This procedure has been a crucial measure to improve survival and quality of life for these patients. However, its effectiveness and impact are the subject of critical analysis due to the associated challenges, such as the scarcity of donor organs, the risks of postoperative complications and the possibility of recurrence of hepatitis C virus infection in the new liver. Understanding the advantages and challenges of liver transplantation in hepatitis C liver cirrhosis is essential to optimize patient outcomes and quality of life. Objective: To critically analyze the advantages, challenges and impact on the quality of life of patients undergoing liver transplantation due to liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C. Methodology: A systematic literature review was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were searched for articles published in the last 10 years. The descriptors used were "liver transplant", "liver cirrhosis", "hepatitis C", "advantages", "challenges" and "quality of life". The inclusion criteria were original studies that addressed the topic in humans, written in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Exclusion criteria were animal studies, literature reviews and studies focusing on liver conditions other than hepatitis C. Results: The results highlighted the effectiveness of liver transplantation in improving the survival and quality of life of patients with liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C. However, challenges persist, including the limited availability of donor organs and the risk of relapse of hepatitis C virus infection. Strategies to mitigate these challenges have been discussed, such as the use of next-generation antiviral therapies. Conclusion: Liver transplantation is a vital intervention for patients with liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C, providing significant benefits in terms of survival and quality of life. However, the associated challenges need to be addressed to further improve outcomes and ensure the long-term success of this procedure.