Abstract: PUB361
Decision Regret in Aviremic Hepatitis C Virus Antibody-Positive (HCV+) Kidney Transplant Recipients
Session Information
Category: Transplantation
- 2102 Transplantation: Clinical
Authors
- Steitz, Alyssa Davis, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Rogers, James, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Petrovic, Mark, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Steitz, Bryan, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Rega, Scott A., Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Concepcion, Beatrice P., The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Forbes, Rachel C., Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Gordon, Elisa J., Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Binari, Laura, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Background
Deceased donor hepatitis C viremic (HCV NAT+) kidney transplant to aviremic recipients is a strategy to expand the donor pool. Data on recipient satisfaction, decision-making, and perceived risk/benefit are limited. Better understanding may improve pre-transplant education.
Methods
A retrospective survey study assessed decisional regret among HCV NAT+ kidney recipients. Patients were surveyed by email, phone, or in-person using a validated decisional regret scale and additional questions on pre-transplant education. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively; qualitative data thematically.
Results
Of 145 recipients, 24 (17%) responded. Most (88%) had minimal regret and would again accept an HCV NAT+ kidney. 79% felt education was adequate. 3 themes emerged: (1) perceived benefits (avoid dialysis, extend life, faster transplant), (2) education gaps (HCV health impacts, transmission, antiviral side effects), and (3) post-transplant concerns (HCV stigma, health impacts, transmission).
Conclusion
Recipients report minimal regret, but concerns and knowledge gaps persist. Improving pre-education may support informed decisions and acceptance of HCV NAT+ kidneys, helping expand the donor pool and reduce wait time.