Liver transplantation for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) infection in a liver transplantation candidate is not rare in China. There is little experience on how to manage the pre-existing TB infection in liver transplantation recipients. Aim. Patients with pre-existing pulmonary TB who received liver transplantation are described and the perioperative treatment is discussed.

METHODS

The treatment of 3 patients with pre-existing pulmonary TB infection who received liver transplantation was reviewed.

RESULTS

The patients were given nonstandard antituberculous therapy according to their reaction to the drugs. No evidence of TB infection relapse was discovered.

CONCLUSION

Pre-existing TB infection should not be an absolute contraindication to orthotopic liver transplantation. The use of second-line antituberculous therapy is safe and effective for the treatment of TB infection in liver transplantation recipients.