The changing context of hepatitis D

The global epidemiology of hepatitis D is changing with the widespread implementation of vaccination against hepatitis B. In high-income countries that achieved optimal control of HBV, the epidemiology of hepatitis D is dual, consisting of an ageing cohort of domestic patients with advanced liver fibrosis who represent the end stage of the natural history of HDV, and of a younger generation of immigrants from endemic countries who account for the majority of new infections. As observed in Europe in the 1980s, the distinctive clinical characteristic of chronic hepatitis D in endemic countries is the accelerated progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite some recent progress, the therapeutic management of HDV remains unsatisfactory, as most patients are not cured of HDV with currently available medicines. This review article describes the current epidemiology and clinical features of chronic hepatitis D, based on the literature published in the last 10 years.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Disease Burden and Disease Awareness

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and has been implying an unprecedented burden to health care systems. The prevalence of NAFLD has exceeded 30% in developed countries. Considering the asymptomatic nature of undiagnosed NAFLD, high suspicion and noninvasive diagnosis have utmost importance especially in primary care level. At this point, patient and provider awareness should be optimal for early diagnosis and risk stratification for patients at risk of progression.

Vascular and Biliary Complications Following Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess biliary and vascular complications after liver transplantations (LTs) sourced from deceased donors.

METHODS

This study reviewed potentially relevant English-language articles gathered from PubMed and Medline published from 2012 to 2017. One additional study was carried out using our institution's database for articles published from 2013 to 2017. Biliary and vascular complications from adult patients receiving their first deceased-donor LT were included. This meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.2 (Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark) and the study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

Ten studies met our inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity in donation after cardiac death (DCD) and donation after brain death (DBD) recipients was observed and minimized after pooling a subgroup analysis. This latter analysis focused on biliary stricture, biliary leaks and stones, and vascular thrombosis and stenosis. Meta-analyses showed that patients receiving DCD organs have a greatly increased risk of biliary complications compared to those receiving DBD organs, particularly the following: biliary leaks and stones (odds ratio [OR] = 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22-2.34); and biliary stricture (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.21-2.06). DCD grafts tended to be but were not significantly associated with DBD regarding vascular thrombosis (OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.05-2.50), and the risk of vascular stenosis in DCD grafts was not statistically significant (OR = 1.25, 95% CI, .70-2.25).

CONCLUSION

DCD was associated with an increased risk of biliary complications after LT, tended to indicate an increased risk of vascular thrombosis versus, and was not associated with an increased risk of vascular stenosis compared to DBD. There was no significant difference between the grafts.

Profile of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Republic of Moldova: first-hand information on the presentation, distribution and etiologies

INTRODUCTION

Moldova is the European country with the highest incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in both sexes. There is, however, no data comprehensively describing the presentation and the risk factors of HCC in the country. We decided to analyze cases of HCC recently received in a tertiary healthcare Institution from Chisinau, the Moldovian capital.

METHODS

A series of 148 primary liver tumors including 139 cases of HCC were retrospectively analyzed for demographic features, serological and biochemical data, and clinical presentation.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 59 ± 10 years (range: 19-66) with a M:F sex ratio of 1.9. Tumors appeared on full-blown liver cirrhosis in 83% of cases and were composed of multiple nodules at diagnosis in 36% of patients. Serum Alpha-fetoprotein was exceeding 10ng/mL in 76% of cases. Liver tumor and hepatitis were co-discovered in 34% of cases. More than 81% of hepatocellular carcinomas were associated with at least one hepatitis virus. Carriers of anti-hepatitis C virus were predominating (55% of cases) over patients seropositive for hepatitis B virus surface antigen (36%). Half of the latter were also infected with hepatitis Delta virus. In total, dual or triple infections were present in 24% and 7% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of infections with hepatitis viruses is particularly important in Moldova and corresponds to a situation commonly observed in countries of the Southern hemisphere. A pro-active policy of screening for persistent liver infection targeting population at risk of HCC (> 50 years) and coupled with the distribution of antivirals in positive cases should be rapidly implemented in Moldova to reduce incidence or primary liver cancer.

Elimination of HCV in Russia: Barriers and Perspective

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly prevalent in Russia, representing the largest pool of hepatitis C patients in Europe. Effective treatment regimens with direct-acting antivirals can achieve HCV cure in all patients; therefore, in 2016 the World Health Organization proposed eliminating hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. However, only a small number of countries are on track to meet the WHO's hepatitis C elimination targets by 2030 due to many barriers in healthcare systems. This review focuses on a discussion about the epidemiology of HCV in Russia, the economic burden of HCV-related diseases, and treatment access with particular reference to the barriers for the elimination of HCV.

Epidemiology, presentation, and therapeutic approaches for hepatitis D infections

INTRODUCTION

Chronic Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection remains an important global public health problem, with a changing epidemiological landscape over the past decade along with widespread implementation of hepatitis B vaccination and human migration. The landscape of HDV treatments has been changing, with therapies that have been under development for the last decade now in late stage clinical trials. The anticipated availability of these new therapies will hopefully replace the current therapies which are minimally effective.

AREAS COVERED

This narrative review discusses the clinical course, screening and diagnosis, transmission risk factors, epidemiology, current and investigational therapies, and liver transplantation in HDV. Literature review was performed using PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov and includes relevant articles from 1977 to 2022.

EXPERT OPINION

HDV infection is an important global public health issue with a true prevalence that is still unknown. The distribution of HDV infection has changed globally with the availability of HBV vaccination and patterns of human migration. As HDV infection is associated with accelerated disease courses and poor outcomes, the global community needs to agree upon a uniform HDV screening strategy to understand the truth of global prevalence such that new therapies can target appropriate individuals as they become available in the future.

Four Years of Hepatic Transplantation in the Republic of Moldova

Ever since the first liver transplant in the Republic of Moldova in 2013 we have performed 30 liver transplantations, the first having been performed in collaboration with the surgical team from Romania, led by Professor Irinel Popescu. The serious deficit of available cadaveric organs has forced us to begin with right hemi-liver transplantation from a living donor. In one third of liver transplantations we used right hemi-liver graft from a living donor, and in 2/3 of cases whole liver graft was harvested from brain-dead donors. The indication for surgical intervention in most cases was hepatic cirrhosis of viral aetiology in terminal stages, three cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, and one case for each of primary biliary cirrhosis, drug-induced toxic hepatitis, and liver retransplantation caused by hepatic arterial thrombosis. 10 cadaveric grafts were harvested from elderly donors ( 65 years). In the early postoperative period, four recipients died (2 live donor graft recipients and 2 graft recipients from donors with brain death). Causes of death were: intracerebral haemorrhage in the early postoperative period - 1, acute graft rejection - 1, hepatic artery thrombosis - 1, primary graft dysfunction - 1. There were no deaths during the late postoperative period. Of the complications that occurred during the early postoperative period we can highlight acute graft rejection -2, hepatic arterial thrombosis - 1, intraabdominal postoperative haemorrhage - 1, hepatic artery thrombosis -1, biliary peritonitis - 1, primary graft dysfunction -1, seizures -1. Complications during the postoperative period: biliary peritonitis after choledochal drainage removal - 1, "small-for-size" - 2. The accumulated experience and the use of modern technologies has allowed us to reduce the postoperative mortality rate, as well as the rate of occurring complications, in order to transfer this surgical intervention from the category of exclusivity operations to the category of daily interventions.

Treatment of obstructive jaundice caused by hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after liver transplantation: A case report

RATIONALE

Despite vast improvements in technique, several complications still challenge surgeons and medical practitioners alike, including biliary and vascular complications, acute and chronic rejection, and disease recurrence.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 59-year-old man was admitted to hospital on July, 2016. He had hepatitis B cirrhosis related recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma and underwent living donor liver transplantation in our hospital.

DIAGNOSIS

At the time of admission, the patient's spirit, diet, sleep, normal urine and stool, and weight did not change significantly. The test indicators are as follows: total bilirubin: 100.1 μmol/L, direct bilirubin: 65.0 μmol/L. Emergency CT in the hospital after admission showed that hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm formation after liver transplantation was observed.

INTERVENTIONS

This patient underwent minimal invasive endovascular treatment. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected and reviewed. He was treated successfully by endovascular stent grafting and thrombolytic treatment.

OUTCOMES

The blood concentration of tacrolimus (FK506) was 6.3 ng/mL total bilirubin 19.6 μmol/L before discharge. The changing of total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were investigated (Fig. 1). The patient recovered well and was discharged 2 weeks later. The patient is doing well and regularly followed up.

LESSONS

Coil embolization of aneurysmal sac or placement of a stent graft is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery and definitively excludes a bleeding hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm. This technique can be considered as an effective treatment option for hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm instead of a difficult surgical repair.

Diagnostic Value of Multislice Spiral Computed Tomography Combined with Serum AFP, TSGF, and GP73 Assay in the Diagnosis of Primary Liver Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To explore the diagnostic value of multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) scan combined with serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), tumor-specific growth factor (TSGF), and Golgi protein73 (GP73) assays in the diagnosis of primary liver cancer (PLC).

METHODS

Totally, 60 patients with PLC admitted to The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University from January 2019 to January 2020 were included in group A, 60 patients with liver cirrhosis were included in group B, and 60 healthy subjects were included in group C. The serum AFP, TSGF, and GP73 levels were determined, and all participants received MSCT scanning. The diagnostic efficacy of MSCT, assays of serum AFP, TSGF, and GP73, and their combined detection was analyzed.

RESULTS

Group A had the highest levels of AFP, TSGF, and GP73, followed by group B, and then group C. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of MSCT for PLC were 80.0%,91.7%, 82.8%, and 90.2%, respectively, while those of combined detection of MSCT plus serum AFP, TSGF, and GP73 for PLC were 100.0%, 93.3%, 88.2%, and 100.0%. The combined detection was associated with significantly a higher detection rate of PLC versus stand-alone detection.

CONCLUSION

MSCT plus serum AFP, TSGF, and GP73 has a higher detection rate versus stand-alone detection, which shows great potential in the diagnosis of PLC.

Cardiovascular risk profile in patients with hepatic steatosis

Background. Fatty liver disease (FLD) is composed of a wide spectrum including metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in this populational group. Many risk estimation systems are in existence for improving the management of population groups, but currently, none of the available risk prediction models are authenticated in patients with hepatic steatosis. Materials and methods. Transversal, observational, prospective, case control study has been included 680 patients with MAFLD and 96 control subjects without MAFLD. Experimental group was divided in tree subgroups: A - overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 ) N= 498; B – lean/normal weight (BMI <25kg/m2 ) N= 58 and C – Type 2 diabetes mellitus N= 156. For each patient, cardiovascular risk was estimated using the Framingham equation (risk ≥ 20% – high), SCORE risk chat (risk ≥ 10% – high) and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Algorithm from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (AHA/ACC) (risk ≥ 20% – high). Results. Model Risk SCORE and Risk ACC/AHA had identified the low proportion of patients with high risk, however, Risk FRS determined the highest proportion of the patients as being ‘at high-risk’ (Risk SCORE -7% vs Risk ACC/AHA - 15% vs Risk FRS - 38%, p <0.001). Statistically significant correlations were found between the scoring systems Risk FRS and Risk ACC/AHA (Pearson’s r = 0.939, p = 0.0001, Spearman`s rho=0.960, p <0.001). The highest proportion of the patients as being ‘at high-risk’ from group C – DMT2 was found by model RiskFRS – 82.7%, with statistically significant difference between group A and B – 28.1 % vs 6.8%, p < 0.001. The same tendency was observed for RiskSCORE and Risk ACC/AHA (RiskSCORE DMT2 – 26.3% vs Risk ACC/AHA DMT2 – 46.8%), bur these scores have identified the low proportion of patients with high risk in this populational group. Conclusions. The study shows that RiskFRS appeared to be most useful CVD risk assessment model in hepatic steatosis, RiskFRS is likely to identify a greater number of patients at ‘high-risk’ as compared to Risk SCORE and Risk ACC/AHA.

The impact of liver steatosis on the postoperative evolution after right lobe living-donor hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Living donor liver transplantation has become a feasible treatment modality for end-stage liver disease. The obesity epidemic worldwide has made it increasingly common to encounter liver steatosis in living donor candidates. The aim of study was to analyze the impact of moderate hepatic steatosis on the postoperative evolutions after right lobe living-donor hepatectomy.

METHODS

Living donors who underwent donor hepatectomy during the period 2000 to 2020 in two medical centers were included in this study. We distinguished 3 groups based on the degree of steatosis: Group O - 0%, Group I - 1-10% and Group II >10%.

RESULTS

A total number of 157 living donors underwent surgery, of whom 112 (71.34%) were right lobe liver donors. There were 62 without steatosis, 31 - with steatosis 1-10% and 19 with steatosis >10%. No difference has been found in proportion of men, median of age, body mass index and left lobe/total liver volume ration in compared groups. Total liver volume was significantly higher in the Group I than in the Group O (p=0.028). The moderate hepatic steatosis (HS) group presented significant higher volume of intraoperative hemorrhage than no-HS group (p=0.041). No differences were observed in the postoperative liver function between the groups. The minimal HS group comprised a significantly higher proportion of postoperative complications than no-HS group (67.7% vs 40.3%, p=0.043). The longer postoperative length of hospital stay in ICU was observed in Group I than in Group O (p=0.024).

CONCLUSION

Moderate HS does not importantly impair living liver donors' safety.

Endothelial dysfunction in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Introduction. The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in western countries is increasing rapidly and is considered as component of metabolic syndrome. Endothelial dysfunction is a pathophysiological problem of cardiovascular disease. NAFLD, as a component of metabolic syndrome, is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Material and methods. PubMed database was used in order to review and select articles according to the keywords. A total of 216 articles matching search criteria were found between 2000-2021. Results. The present study has been underlined the role of pathophysiological mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which involves oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance. The main factor in the occurrence of endothelial dysfunction is related to nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis. The markers associated with regulation of nitric oxide biosynthesis, such as asymmetric dimethylarginine, free fatty acid, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-1 and pentraxin-3, are potential targets in the assessment of endothelial dysfunction. Conclusions. Insulin resistance, inflammation and oxidative stress have been involved in the reduction of NO biosynthesis that influences the occurrence of endothelial dysfunction. Markers, such as lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 and pentraxin-3, have been considered as potential targets in the assessment of endothelial dysfunctions in NAFLD.

Multiparametric ultrasound as a new concept of assessment of liver tissue damage

Liver disease accounts for approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide. All chronic liver diseases (CLDs), whether of toxic, genetic, autoimmune, or infectious origin, undergo typical histological changes in the structure of the tissue. These changes may include the accumulation of extracellular matrix material, fats, triglycerides, or tissue scarring. Noninvasive methods for diagnosing CLD, such as conventional B-mode ultrasound (US), play a significant role in diagnosis. Doppler US, when coupled with B-mode US, can be helpful in evaluating the hemodynamics of hepatic vessels and detecting US findings associated with hepatic decompensation. US elastography can assess liver stiffness, serving as a surrogate marker for liver fibrosis. It is important to note that interpreting these values should not rely solely on a histological classification. Contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) provides valuable information on tissue perfusion and enables excellent differentiation between benign and malignant focal liver lesions. Clinical evaluation, the etiology of liver disease, and the patient current comorbidities all influence the interpretation of liver stiffness measurements. These measurements are most clinically relevant when interpreted as a probability of compensated advanced CLD. B-mode US offers a subjective estimation of fatty infiltration and has limited sensitivity for mild steatosis. The controlled attenuation parameter requires a dedicated device, and cutoff values are not clearly defined. Quan-titative US parameters for liver fat estimation include the attenuation coefficient, backscatter coefficient, and speed of sound. These parameters offer the advantage of providing fat quantification alongside B-mode evaluation and other US parameters. Multiparametric US (MPUS) of the liver introduces a new concept for complete noninvasive diagnosis. It encourages examiners to utilize the latest features of an US machine, including conventional B-mode, liver stiffness evaluation, fat quantification, dispersion imaging, Doppler US, and CEUS for focal liver lesion characterization. This comprehensive approach allows for diagnosis in a single examination, providing clinicians worldwide with a broader perspective and becoming a cornerstone in their diagnostic arsenal. MPUS, in the hands of skilled clinicians, becomes an invaluable predictive tool for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring CLD.

Drastic sex-dependent etiological distribution in severe liver diseases from Gabon

Chronic liver diseases still represent a worrying public health issue in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this region, emphasis is generally made on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) albeit liver cirrhosis (LC) is also responsible for an important death toll. Very few studies have compared the presentation and etiologies of cancer and cirrhosis of the liver in Middle Africa. We conducted a comparative retrospective analysis of 74 and 134 cases of patients with HCC and LC treated in Libreville, Gabon. Viral or lifestyle risk factors, clinical symptoms, and biological features were compared. We observed that ages of diagnosis were 53.2 ± 15.7 years and 48.6 ± 18.6 years for HCC and LC with remarkably low M:F sex ratios (1.3-1.8). Ethanol consumption was highly prevalent in both disease types (65.0%-70.0%). Chronic viral infections with hepatitis B (HBV) or C (HCV) virus were also widespread with slight domination of the former in both diseases (43.4% vs. 34.3%, and 35.9% vs. 28.5%). Patients with HCC were presenting very late with a mean diameter of the main nodule of 84 ± 50 mm and a multifocal pattern in 72.7% of cases. HCC developed on a cirrhotic liver in 91.7% of cases. Serum AFP was frankly elevated (>400 ng/ml) in only 35.8% of HCC cases. The most striking feature of the HCC series was the contrasted contribution of distinct pathogenic etiologies involving sex, viral, metabolic, and toxic factors. A frequently dysmetabolic condition synergizing with hepatitis C (anti-HCV, 73.8% vs 22.7%, p < 0.0001) in females and a male cancer promoted by recreational toxicants and chronic hepatitis B (HBsAg, 83.5% vs 35.9%, p < 0.0001) were observed. Men with HCC were considerably younger than women (46.8 ± 14.5 years vs. 62.2 ± 12.2 years, p < 0.0001). Further studies are now warranted to identify routes of HCV transmission and if they are still fueling reservoirs of future patients. Public policies to prevent alcohol-related harm have also to be urgently implemented in Gabon.

Epidemiology Pattern, Prevalent Genotype Distribution, Fighting Stigma and Control Options for Hepatitis D in Bulgaria and Other European Countries

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a satellite virus that causes the most aggressive form of all viral hepatitis in individuals already infected with HBV (hepatitis B virus). In recent years, there has been a negative trend towards an increase in the prevalence of chronic hepatitis D in Europe, especially among immigrant populations coming from regions endemic for the virus. The aim of this review is to analyse the current epidemiology of chronic HDV, routes of transmission, prevalent genotype, its management, prevention, fighting stigma and options for viral control in European countries, such as Bulgaria.