Treating Hep.C. Post liver Transplant

I have been given answers on both sides of the fence with this issue. Do I take the chance of treating my Hep. now that I have recieved a new liver and a new life? I don't know what to think.I have had a non-respond issue almost 10 years ago. I just had a full Liver Transplant in Nov.2010. They had to change my anti-rejection meds. do to multipul compression fractures in my spine.Was on Prednisone and now on Cellcept.I just had my first Viral load done and it is at 13 mill. Do I try treatment our just live my life as it is.Thank You, Ken

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

unless the virus has infected the new liver as manifested by abnormal liver tests prompting the need for a liver biopsy, pre-emptive treatment is not indicated.  we usually start considering treatment when patients have stage 2 fibrosis on a liver biopsy.

[Bill200]

How long does it normally take to infect the new liver?

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

the virus can enter the new liver as early as during the transplant but frank hepatitis does not occur.  In essence the new liver is infected as soon as it is transplanted.

[Bill200]

How long does it normally take for alt/ast to begin rising to reflect that the liver is infected?  What is "frank" hepatitis?

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

hopefully ALt and AST will never rise.  that depends upon many factors and when that happens means 'frank"hepatitis or when a liver biopsy would show damage on it from the return of the virus