Findings of a study published in the May edition of Liver Transplantation reported that liver transplantation can be successful in HIV-positive patients who have liver disease due to Hepatitis B virus co-infection, even if they are resistant to 3TC (lamivudine, Epivir / Zeffix).

It was also revealed in the study that many doctors refer hepatitis B co-infected patients for liver transplantation already too late or when the patients are not suitable anymore for transplantation. Patients have died of liver-related causes before they can even receive a transplant. Such scenarios led the researchers to call doctors to be aware of the best time to refer patients for transplantation.

The Hepatitis B virus is relatively common despite widespread vaccinations in developed countries. Long term infection of the virus can lead to irreversible liver damage and eventually cancer, if it is not controlled effectively by antiviral drugs. Liver transplantation is the best treatment for Hepatitis B infected patients who have end-stage liver disease

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