Post-transplant survey to assess patient experiences with donor-derived HCV infection.

Abstract

Despite increased utilization of hepatitis C virus-infected (HCV+) organs for transplantation into HCV-uninfected recipients, there is lack of standardization in HCV-related patient education/consent and limited data on financial and social impact on patients. We conducted a survey on patients with donor-derived HCV infection at our center transplanted between 4/1/2017 and 11/1/2019 to assess: why patients chose to accept HCV+ organ(s), the adequacy of their pre-transplant HCV education and informed consent process, financial issues related to copays after discharge, and social challenges they faced. Among 49 patients surveyed, transplanted organs included heart (n=19), lung (n=9), kidney (n=11), liver (n=4), heart/kidney (n=4), and liver/kidney (n=2). Many recipients accepted an HCV-viremic (HCV-V) organ due to perceived reduction in waitlist time (n=33) and/or trust in their physician's recommendation (n=29). Almost all (n=47) felt that pre-transplant education and consent was appropriate. Thirty patients had no copay for direct-acting antivirals (DAA) for HCV, including 21 with household income <$20000; seven had copays of <$100 and one had a copay >$1000. Two patients reported feeling isolated due to HCV infection and eight reported higher than anticipated medication costs. Patients' biggest concern was potential HCV transmission to partners (n=18) and family/friends (n=15). Overall almost all (n=47) patients reported a positive experience with HCV-V organ transplantation. We demonstrate that real-world patient experiences surrounding HCV-V organ transplantation have been favorable. Almost all patients report comprehensive HCV-related pre-transplant consent and education. Additionally, medication costs and social isolation/exclusion were not barriers to the use of these organs.