Hepatitis C Nucleic Acid Test Positive (NAT+) Solid Organ Consent Rates Are Highest in Patients Listed for Liver Transplant and With an English Language Preference.

BACKGROUND: Transplantation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleic acid (NAT) positive organs is associated with shorter time to transplant and decreased risk of death on the waiting list. Treatment for HCV post-transplant is well-tolerated, successful, and leads to similar transplant outcomes to patients transplanted with HCV NAT- organs. Despite these outcomes, not all patients consent to receive HCV NAT+ organs, and factors associated with consent are not well-known. METHODS: This retrospective single-center study of adult patients listed for heart, liver, lung, and kidney transplant aimed to determine whether sociodemographic and organ-specific disparities exist in consent for HCV NAT+ donor organs. RESULTS: Of 2788 transplant candidates, 44% (N = 1229) consented to receive an HCV NAT+ organ. Patients who designated English as their preferred language were more likely to consent compared to a non-English preference (45% vs. 19%, p < 0.001). Consent rates were highest amongst patients listed for liver transplantation compared to kidney, heart, and lung transplants (67%, N = 319 vs. 42%, N = 602 vs. 38%, N = 159 vs. 32%, N = 149; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, more efforts are needed to ensure that all patients who may benefit from consenting for HCV NAT+ organs are appropriately educated in their language of choice on the risks and benefits.

Duke Scholars

Author Julius Middleton Wilder Medicine, Gastroenterology

Author Jacqueline Boykin Henson Medicine, Gastroenterology

Author Sachiko Marie Oshima Medicine, General Internal Medicine

Author Donna Niedzwiecki Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Division of Biostatistics

Author Kara Wegermann Medicine, Gastroenterology