Treatment of hepatitis C related thrombocytopenia with interferon alpha

Thrombocytopenia and liver disease: pathophysiology and periprocedural management

Abnormal bleeding in patients with liver disease may result from elevated portal pressure and varix formation, reduced hepatic synthesis of coagulation proteins, qualitative platelet dysfunction, and/or thrombocytopenia. Major mechanisms of thrombocytopenia in liver disease include splenic sequestration and impaired platelet production due to reduced thrombopoietin production. Alcohol and certain viruses may induce marrow suppression. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) may co-occur in patients with liver disease, particularly those with autoimmune liver disease or chronic hepatitis C. Drugs used for the treatment of liver disease or its complications, such as interferon, immunosuppressants, and antibiotics, may cause thrombocytopenia. Periprocedural management of thrombocytopenia of liver disease depends on both individual patient characteristics and the bleeding risk of the procedure. Patients with a platelet count higher than or equal to 50 000/µL and those requiring low-risk procedures rarely require platelet-directed therapy. For those with a platelet count below 50 000/µL who require a high-risk procedure, platelet-directed therapy should be considered, especially if the patient has other risk factors for bleeding, such as abnormal bleeding with past hemostatic challenges. We often target a platelet count higher than or equal to 50 000/µL in such patients. If the procedure is elective, we prefer treatment with a thrombopoietin receptor agonist; if it is urgent, we use platelet transfusion. In high-risk patients who have an inadequate response to or are otherwise unable to receive these therapies, other strategies may be considered, such as a trial of empiric ITP therapy, spleen-directed therapy, or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement.

Different impacts of common risk factors associated with thrombocytopenia in patients with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection

BACKGROUND

Thrombocytopenia is a common extrahepatic manifestation in chronic liver disease. However, there have been rare studies of impacts of risk for hepatitis C virus-associated thrombocytopenia (HCV-TP) and hepatitis B virus-associated thrombocytopenia (HBV-TP). The aim of this study is to evaluate different impacts of risk factors for HCV-TP and HBV-TP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively collected 1803 HCV patients and 1652 HBV patients to examine the risk factors for time to moderate and severe thrombocytopenia (platelet counts <100 × 10⁹/L and <50 × 10⁹/L, respectively) by Cox proportional hazards models. Moreover, we prospectively enrolled 63 HCV-TP patients, 11 HBV-TP patients, and 27 HCV controls to detect specific antiplatelet antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyze their effects.

RESULTS

Prevalence of platelet <100 × 10⁹/L was 11.86% and 6.35% in HCV and HBV patients without cancer history, respectively. HCV-to-HBV incidence rate ratio for thrombocytopenia was 6.95. Initial thrombocytopenia was the most significant risk factor for HCV-TP and HBV-TP regardless of thrombocytopenia severity. Splenomegaly and cirrhosis were significant risk factors for moderate, but not severe HCV-TP. Hyperbilirubinemia was an important moderate and severe HBV-TP risk factor. Antiplatelet antibodies were correlated with HCV-TP severity, of which anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antibody being associated with smaller spleen size. This antiplatelet autoantibody might contribute thrombocytopenia either independently or with splenomegaly as the important risk in HCV-TP patients without advanced cirrhosis.

CONCLUSION

HCV was associated with higher thrombocytopenia incidence than HBV. Thrombocytopenia risk factors varied with virus type and severity. Different management for HCV-TP and HBV-TP was suggested.

Epidemiology of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in a French nationwide HIV cohort

BACKGROUND

HIV infection and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (IADs) are both related to immune dysfunction. Epidemiological data on IAD in patients living with HIV (PLHIV) are scarce. The aim of this study was thus to estimate the prevalence of 26 IAD among PLHIV followed in a large French multicenter cohort in the combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) era (from January 2000 to July 2013), and to describe their occurrence according to cART onset, the immuno-virological status of patients and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and/or hepatitis B virus coinfection.

METHOD AND RESULTS

During the study period, 33 403 PLHIV were included in the Dat'AIDS cohort; 1381 patients with an IAD were identified. The most prevalent IADs were psoriasis, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondyloarthritis, Grave's disease, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenia and chronic inflammatory bowel disease. In contrast, the prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis were low. Most patients (59%) developed IAD after HIV infection with a mean delay of 10.6 ± 6.4 years. Compared with the entire cohort, HCV coinfection was significantly more frequent in patients with psoriasis, Grave's disease and immune thrombocytopenia, and chronic hepatitis B in patients was more frequent in those with immune thrombocytopenia and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Among patients developing IAD after the diagnosis of HIV infection, 572 (70%) were on antiretroviral therapy and 419 of them (73%) had undetectable HIV viral load.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that some IAD are not rare among PLHIV and occur mostly in patients with immuno-virological control under cART. The higher frequency of HCV or hepatitis B virus coinfection for some IAD is also confirmed.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura related to ADAMTS13 deficiency, and successful treatment in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus)

A 27-year-old male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) developed signs of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). ADAMTS13 deficiency appeared to be the cause of disease. After treatment with high-dose prednisone, haematological values and clinical signs recovered. This is the first description of spontaneous TTP associated with ADAMTS13 deficiency in a non-human primate.

Thrombocytopenia in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major problem. The pathophysiology is multifactorial, with auto-immunogenicity, direct bone marrow suppression, hypersplenism, decreased production of thrombopoietin and therapeutic adverse effect all contributing to thrombocytopenia in different measures. The greatest challenge in the care of chronic HCV patients with thrombocytopenia is the difficulty in initiating or maintaining IFN containing anti-viral therapy. Although at present, it is possible to avoid this challenge with the use of the sole Direct Antiviral Agents (DAAs) as the primary treatment modality, thrombocytopenia remains of particular interest, especially in cases of advanced liver disease. The increased risk of bleeding with thrombocytopenia may also impede the initiation and maintenance of different invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. While eradication of HCV infection itself is the most practical strategy for the remission of thrombocytopenia, various pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic options, which vary in their effectiveness and adverse effect profiles, are available. Sustained increase in platelet count is seen with splenectomy and splenic artery embolization, in contrast to only transient rise with platelet transfusion. However, their routine use is limited by complications. Different thrombopoietin analogues have been tried. The use of synthetic thrombopoietins, such as recombinant human TPO and pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMDGF), has been hampered by the development of neutralizing antibodies. Thrombopoietin-mimetic agents, in particular, eltrombopag and romiplostim, have been shown to be safe and effective for HCV-related thrombocytopenia in various studies, and they increase platelet count without eliciting any immunogenicity Other treatment modalities including newer TPO analogues-AMG-51, PEG-TPOmp and AKR-501, recombinant human IL-11 (rhIL-11, Oprelvekin), recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO), danazol and L-carnitine have shown promising early result with improving thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia in chronic HCV infection remain a major problem, however the recent change in DAAs without IFN, as the frontline therapy for HCV, permit to avoid the dilemmas associated with initiating or maintaining IFN based anti-viral therapy.

Thrombocytopenia and infections

INTRODUCTION

Acquired thrombocytopenia recognizes a myriad of causes. Among these, infectious diseases play a relevant role since a low platelet count is commonplace along with other abnormal laboratory data. Areas covered: This narrative review, after a brief presentation of the possible pathogenic mechanisms, is focused on the most prevalent infections associated with thrombocytopenia, namely those attributable to hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Helicobacter pylori. Expert commentary: An underlying HCV or HIV infection should always be suspected in patients at risk who present with isolated thrombocytopenia. The eradication of Helicobacter pylori is advisable in infected patients with secondary immune thrombocytopenia, because this will increase the platelet count in a substantial number of cases, thus avoiding more aggressive and prolonged treatments.

Thrombin activation and liver inflammation in advanced hepatitis C virus infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with increased thrombotic risk. Several mechanisms are involved including direct endothelial damage by the HCV virus, with activation of tissue factor, altered fibrinolysis and increased platelet aggregation and activation. In advanced stages, chronic HCV infection may evolve to liver cirrhosis, a condition in which alterations in the portal microcirculation may also ultimately lead to thrombin activation, platelet aggregation, and clot formation. Therefore in advanced HCV liver disease there is an increased prevalence of thrombotic phenomena in portal vein radicles. Increased thrombin formation may activate hepatic stellate cells and promote liver fibrosis. In addition, ischemic changes derived from vascular occlusion by microthrombi favor the so called parenchymal extinction, a process that promotes collapse of hepatocytes and the formation of gross fibrous tracts. These reasons may explain why advanced HCV infection may evolve more rapidly to end-stage liver disease than other forms of cirrhosis.

Non-cirrhotic thrombocytopenic patients with hepatitis C virus: Characteristics and outcome of antiviral therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Thrombocytopenia is frequently observed in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and cirrhosis, although it can also be observed in patients without cirrhosis by a virus-mediated phenomenon. This study assessed the prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of antiviral therapy in patients with chronic HCV infection and thrombocytopenia not associated with cirrhosis.

METHODS

The study included 1268 patients with HCV infection and thrombocytopenia enrolled in the phase 3 ENABLE studies that assessed the impact of eltrombopag on achieving a sustained virologic response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The study population was subdivided according to baseline FibroSURE test results into patients with non-cirrhosis (FibroSURE < 0.4) and cirrhosis-related (FibroSURE ≥ 0.75) thrombocytopenia.

RESULTS

Compared with patients with cirrhosis-related thrombocytopenia (n = 995; 78.5%), non-cirrhotic patients with thrombocytopenia (n = 59; 4.6%) were younger (mean age [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 43.9 [40.7-47.2] vs 52.7 [52.2-53.3] years; P < 0.0001), predominantly female (64% [51-76] vs 30% [27-33]; P < 0.0001), and less frequently had a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score ≥ 10 (24% [14-37] vs 45% [42-49]; P = 0.0012), low albumin levels (≤ 35 g/L; 2% [0-9] vs 32% [29-35]; P < 0.0001), and prevalence of diabetes mellitus (3% [0-12] vs 21% [19-24]; P = 0.0005). The sustained virologic response rate was higher in non-cirrhotic patients with thrombocytopenia (46% [95% CI, 33-59] vs 16% [14-18]; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with thrombocytopenia associated with HCV who have lower FibroSURE test results may have better preserved liver function and higher sustained virologic response rates than patients with cirrhosis.

Management of thrombocytopenia in advanced liver disease

Thrombocytopenia (defined as a platelet count <150×10(9)) is a well-known complication in patients with liver cirrhosis and has been observed in 76% to 85% of patients. Significant thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50×10(9) to 75×10(9)) occurs in approximately 13% of patients with cirrhosis. Thrombocytopenia can negatively impact the care of patients with severe liver disease by potentially interfering with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Multiple factors can contribute to the development of thrombocytopenia including splenic platelet sequestration, immunological processes, bone marrow suppression by chronic viral infection, and reduced levels or activity of the hematopoietic growth factor thrombopoietin. The present review focuses on the etiologies and management options for severe thrombocytopenia in the setting of advanced liver disease.

The effect of antiviral therapy on hepatitis C virus-related thrombocytopenia: a case report

Background

Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura is an immunological disorder characterized by increased platelet destruction due to presence of anti-platelet autoantibodies. Hepatitis C virus infection, which is one of the most common chronic viral infections worldwide, may cause secondary chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 51-year-old Caucasian female with hepatitis C virus infection who developed a severe, reversible, immune thrombocytopenia. Platelet count was as low as 56.000/mm³, hepatitis C virus serology was positive, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase and gamma-glutamyltransferase serum levels were elevated. Disorders potentially associated with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura were ruled out. A corticosteroid treatment was started and led to an increase in platelet count. The patient was then treated with pegylated-interferon alpha 2a and ribavirin. After four weeks of treatment hepatitis C virus - ribonucleic acid became undetectable and steroid treatment was discontinued. Six months of antiviral therapy achieved a sustained biochemical and virological response together with persistence of normal platelet count.

Conclusion

In our case report hepatitis C virus seemed to play a pathogenic role in autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura. Moreover, the successful response (negative hepatitis C virus - ribonucleic acid) to tapered steroids and antiviral therapy was useful to revert thrombocytopenia.

Immunological alterations in hepatitis C virus infection

A higher prevalence of immunological processes has recently been reported in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, focusing the attention of physicians and researchers on the close association between HCV and immune disorders. HCV lymphotropism represents the most important step in the pathogenesis of virus-related immunological diseases and experimental, virologic, and clinical evidence has demonstrated a trigger role for HCV both in systemic autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome, hemolytic anemia and severe thrombocytopenia, and in organ-specific autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis, thyroid disorders and diabetes. This review will outline the principal aspects of such HCV-induced immunological alterations, focusing on the prevalence of these less characterized HCV extrahepatic manifestations.

The role of eltrombopag in the management of hepatitis C virus-related thrombocytopenia

Eltrombopag is a 2nd generation thrombopoietin-receptor agonist. It binds with the thrombopoietin-receptors found on the surfaces of the megakaryocytes & increases platelet production. Many recent studies have suggested a potential role for this novel agent in the treatment of thrombocytopenia associated with hepatitis-C infection. Studies have shown that adjunct treatment with Eltrombopag can help avoid dose reductions/withdrawals of pegylated interferon secondary to thrombocytopenia. It may also have a role in priming up platelet levels to help initiate antiviral therapy. Similarly, chronic liver disease patients with thrombocytopenia who need to undergo an invasive procedure may be potential candidates for short two-week courses of eltrombopag in the periprocedural period to help reduce the risk of bleeding. Besides the price (deemed very expensive and probably not cost-effective), there are some legitimate concerns about the safety profile of this novel agent (most importantly, portal vein thrombosis, bone marrow fibrosis and hepatotoxicity). In this article, the potential role of eltrombopag in the context of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related thrombocytopenia is reviewed. To write this article, a MEDLINE search was conducted (1990 to November 2012) using the search terms “eltrombopag,” “HCV,” and “thrombocytopenia.”

Immunological HCV-associated thrombocytopenia: short review

Infection with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is affecting about 3% of the world's population, leading to liver damage, end-stage liver disease, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma, being thus the first indication for liver transplantation in the USA. Apart from the cirrhotic-liver-derived clinical signs and symptoms several conditions with immunological origin can also arise, such as, glomerulonephritis, pulmonary fibrosis, and thrombocytopenia. HCV-related autoimmune thrombocytopenia shows specific pathogenetic characteristics as well as symptoms and signs that differ in severity and frequency from symptoms in patients that are not HCV infected. Aim of this short paper is to estimate the epidemiological characteristics of the disease, to investigate the pathogenesis and clinical manifestation, and to propose treatment strategies according to the pertinent literature.

The American Society of Hematology 2011 evidence-based practice guideline for immune thrombocytopenia

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is commonly encountered in clinical practice. In 1996 the American Society of Hematology published a landmark guidance paper designed to assist clinicians in the management of this disorder. Since 1996 there have been numerous advances in the management of both adult and pediatric ITP. These changes mandated an update in the guidelines. This guideline uses a rigorous, evidence-based approach to the location, interpretation, and presentation of the available evidence. We have endeavored to identify, abstract, and present all available methodologically rigorous data informing the treatment of ITP. We provide evidence-based treatment recommendations using the GRADE system in those areas in which such evidence exists. We do not provide evidence in those areas in which evidence is lacking, or is of lower quality--interested readers are referred to a number of recent, consensus-based recommendations for expert opinion in these clinical areas. Our review identified the need for additional studies in many key areas of the therapy of ITP such as comparative studies of "front-line" therapy for ITP, the management of serious bleeding in patients with ITP, and studies that will provide guidance about which therapy should be used as salvage therapy for patients after failure of a first-line intervention.

Infectious causes of chronic immune thrombocytopenia

Persistent thrombocytopenia may be the consequence of chronic infections with hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Helicobacter pylori, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Studies have shown that on diagnosis of infections, treatment of the primary disease often results in substantial improvement or complete recovery of the thrombocytopenia. In patients with thrombocytopenia due to HCV-related chronic liver disease, the use of eltrombopag, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, normalizes platelet levels, thereby permitting the initiation of antiviral therapy. Antiviral therapy with highly active antiretroviral therapy for HIV has aided in platelet recovery, with a corresponding decrease in circulating viral load. Thrombocytopenia in the absence of other disease symptoms requires screening for H. pylori, especially in countries such as Japan, where there is a high prevalence of the disease and the chances of a platelet response to eradication therapy are high.

Hepatitis C virus viremia and low platelet count: a study in a hepatitis B & C endemic area in Taiwan

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been shown to be associated with a low platelet count. This study aimed to elucidate the association between virologic status and platelet count in individuals with HCV infection.

METHODS

A large-scale survey, enrolling 11,239 residents, was conducted in the Kaohsiung area of Taiwan. Serum HCV RNA and non-invasive markers of fibrosis (FibroTest) were tested for antibody to HCV (anti-HCV)-positive subjects. The platelet counts of age- and sex-matched, biopsy-proven, hospital-based patients and community-based patients with minimal fibrosis were compared.

RESULTS

Anti-HCV was positive in 703 (6.2%) subjects and was significantly associated with older age, female sex, abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) value and low platelet count (<150,000/microl). The independent factors significantly associated with low platelet count were abnormal ALT value (odds ratio [OR]: 3.70, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.18-6.28) and positive HCV RNA (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.01-3.97). After adjustment for the fibrosis, HCV RNA remained significantly associated with platelet counts.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results evaluating the association between platelet count and HCV viremia and taking the influences of fibrosis into consideration implicate that platelets may be affected directly by HCV.

Considerations in the management of hepatitis C virus-related thrombocytopenia with eltrombopag

Thrombocytopenia is a common clinical problem in HCV-infected cases. Multiple studies have consistently shown a rise in platelet count following a successful HCV treatment thus proving a cause-effect relationship between the two. Although, many therapeutic strategies have been tried in the past to treat HCV-related thrombocytopenia (e.g. interferon dose reductions, oral steroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, splenectomy etc), the success rates have been variable and not always reproducible. After the cessation of clinical trials of PEG-rHuMGDF due to immunogenecity issues, the introduction of non-immunogenic second-generation thrombopoietin-mimetics (eltrombopag and Romiplostim) has opened up a novel way to treat HCV-related thrombocytopenia. Although the data is still sparse, eltrombopag therapy has shown to successfully achieve the primary endpoint platelet counts of >/=50,000/muL in phase II& III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Likewise, though it is premature to claim safety of this drug especially in high-risk patient groups, reported side effects in the published literature were of insufficient severity to require discontinuation of the drug. Based on the current and emerging evidence, a review of the pharmacologic basis, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic efficacy, safety profile and future considerations of eltrombopag in the context of HCV-related thrombocytopenia is given in this article. A MEDLINE search was conducted (1990 to August 2009) using the search terms eltrombopag, HCV, thrombocytopenia.

Pathobiology and treatment of hepatitis virus-related thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia is a well recognized complication of infections, including those from hepatotropic viruses. Thrombocytopenia may actually be the only manifestation of vital hepatitis, which should therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The mechanisms of thrombocytopenia associated with viral hepatitis vary widely depending on the specific infectious agent and the severity of liver disease. Most of the studies have described thrombocytopenia in association with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the most common cause of chronic infection worldwide. Studies have shown that treatment of HCV infection often results in substantial improvement or complete recovery of the thrombocytopenia. In patients with thrombocytopenia associated with HCV-related chronic liver disease, the use of eltrombopag, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, normalizes platelet levels thereby permitting the initiation of antiviral therapy.

Therapeutic strategies for hepatitis- and other infection-related immune thrombocytopenias

Secondary thrombocytopenia may result from autoimmune diseases, lymphoproliferative disorders, infections, myelodysplastic syndromes, common variable immunodeficiency, agammaglobulinemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, immunoglobulin A deficiency, and drugs. The presence of thrombocytopenia may result from chronic infections with hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Helicobacter pylori and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Studies have shown that upon diagnosis of infections, treatment of the primary disease allows for stabilization of platelet counts. Antiviral therapy with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV has aided in platelet recovery with a corresponding decrease in circulating viral load. In some cases, the use of a thrombopoietin (TPO) agonist, eltrombopag, normalizes platelet levels in patients with these infections. Thrombocytopenia in the absence of other disease symptoms requires screening for H pylori, especially in regions where there is a high prevalence of the disease, such as in Japan, and in cases where platelets have normalized following eradication therapy. In other regions where these infections are not prevalent, such testing is controversial.

Autoimmune thrombocytopenia related to chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Since the identification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 1989 as a causative agent for a number of the extrahepatic alterations related to HCV infection an underlying immune mediated pathogenetic mechanism has been postulated. HCV-associated thrombocytopenia may be considered complex and multifactorial in origin, since different mechanisms have been implicated in its pathophysiology. With respect to autoimmune thrombocytopenia in chronic HCV infection, the detection of specific antibodies against platelet glycoproteins have been reported only in a few studies, but no systematic study has been carried out. We examined the clinical, laboratory, and virological characteristics of a case series of 10 patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150.0 x 10(9)/L) related to chronic HCV infection. Cases, six males and four females, aged 57.1 +/- 12.6 years, presented high titers of antibodies against platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa, GP Ia/IIa, and/or GP Ib/IX, and no other mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of HCV-associated thrombocytopenia was identified. Furthermore, cases were not associated with particular HCV genotype. Complete platelet response was observed in two patients treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin, and partial platelet response was seen in two patients treated with anti-D Ig and one patient treated with corticosteroids. These findings indicate that an autoimmune mechanism may play a role in the pathogenesis of HCV-associated thrombocytopenia in a proportion of these patients.

Risk of immune thrombocytopenic purpura and autoimmune hemolytic anemia among 120 908 US veterans with hepatitis C virus infection

BACKGROUND

There is emerging evidence that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection play a role in the etiology of immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), both of which are severe autoimmune cytopenias.

METHODS

To determine if HCV infection increases the risk for ITP and AIHA, we calculated the incidence rates of ITP and AIHA among 120 691 HCV-infected and 454 905 matched HCV-uninfected US veterans who received diagnoses during the period 1997 to 2004. After excluding individuals with a prior diagnosis of a lymphoproliferative disease, human immunodeficiency virus, or cirrhosis, we fitted Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as measures of risks.

RESULTS

We found 296 ITP and 90 AIHA cases. Among HCV-infected vs HCV-uninfected persons, the overall incidence rates of ITP were 30.2 and 18.5 per 100 000 person-years, and for AIHA they were 11.4 and 5.0 per 100 000 person-years, respectively. Hepatitis C virus was associated with elevated risks for ITP (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.4-2.3) and AIHA (HR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.8-4.2). The ITP incidence was increased among both untreated and treated HCV-infected persons (HR, 1.7; 95%, CI, 1.3-2.2 and HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.5-3.7, respectively), whereas AIHA incidence was elevated only among treated HCV-infected persons (HR, 11.6; 95% CI, 7.0-19.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals infected with HCV are at an increased risk for ITP, whereas the development of AIHA seems to be associated with HCV treatment. It may be beneficial to test individuals newly diagnosed as having ITP for HCV infection.

Severe autoimmune cytopenias in treatment-naive hepatitis C virus infection: clinical description of 16 cases

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence, main characteristics, and treatment of severe autoimmune cytopenias [autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP)] in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients with chronic HCV infection seen at our institution. Two additional departments contributed eight more patients to assess therapy of HCV-related autoimmune cytopenias.

RESULTS

Eight patients (seven AITP, one AIHA) fulfilled the inclusion criteria in our population of 4345 HCV-infected patients. The number of patients with AITP was much greater than would be expected by chance (P<0.0001). Patients with HCV-related AITP were older and demonstrated more immunological markers than a group of 40 controls. Eight additional patients (six AITP, two Evans syndrome) were included. We only assessed the response for AITP patients because of the single case of AIHA. Patients with AITP had a poor response to initial corticosteroids [one complete response (CR), three partial response (PR), and four failures]. Intravenous immunoglobulins led to transient efficacy in three of four patients. In second-line therapy, five of seven patients responded to splenectomy. Rituximab proved effective in increasing platelets in two patients. Of eight patients treated with antiviral therapy (IFN-alpha+/-ribavirin), five responded (three CR, two PR).

CONCLUSION

AITP occurs more commonly in patients with chronic HCV infection than would be expected by chance. HCV-positive AITP requires a treatment strategy different from that used in HCV-negative AITP. On the basis of the results from our study and a literature analysis, we propose an algorithm for treatment of severe HCV-related autoimmune cytopenias.

Other immune thrombocytopenias

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) can be classified as primary (known also as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura) or as secondary to an underlying condition such as a malignant or nonmalignant disorder. Commonly occurring conditions associated with secondary ITP include lymphoproliferative disorders (chronic lymphocytic leukemia [CLL], Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas), autoimmune collagen vascular diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], thyroid disease, antiphospholipid syndrome [APS]), and chronic infections (human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis C virus [HCV]). The mechanism of platelet destruction in thrombocytopenias associated with lymphoproliferative disorders and collagen vascular diseases is identical to the autoimmune mechanism seen in primary ITP. Drug-induced thrombocytopenias are uncommon and generally resolve quickly upon drug discontinuation, but are often attributed to other causes. Platelet destruction in infection-associated ITP occurs via various mechanisms including accelerated platelet clearance due to immune complex disease as seen in HIV infection or cross-reactivity of anti-platelet glycoprotein antibodies and viral antigens in HIV, HCV, and H pylori infections (antigenic mimicry). In patients with HCV-related cirrhotic liver disease, splenic sequestration secondary to portal hypertension and decreased production of thrombopoietin may further contribute to development of thrombocytopenia. The current treatment paradigm for secondary ITP varies according to the underlying condition. Standard treatments for primary ITP (corticosteroids, IVIG, anti-D, splenectomy) are often successful in secondary ITP. In cases of ITP with H pylori and HCV infection, treatment should focus on the underlying disorder.

Viral-Associated Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (CITP) is a diagnosis of exclusion that occurs either de novo or secondary to other underlying disorders. Chronic infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are now well-characterized causes of CITP. Between 6% and 15% of patients infected with HIV may develop thrombocytopenia. Patients with CITP with risk factors for HIV infection should be screened for the virus. Treatment of HIV-related CITP should be directed toward antiviral therapy with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens. Hepatitis C viral infection can also be associated with chronic thrombocytopenia, even in the absence of overt liver disease. While HCV-related thrombocytopenia is typically less severe than primary CITP, affected patients are at greater risk of major bleeding. Sustained suppression of HCV virus with interferon-ribavirin therapy can improve platelet counts. Screening for HCV infection should be considered in patients with ITP with risk factors for infection, from regions with high rates of infection or in patients with unexplained mild elevations of liver enzymes.

[Severe thrombocytopenia with probable autoimmune mechanism associated with interferon therapy in a patient with chronic hepatitis C]

We describe the case of a 20-year-old man who developed severe thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic complications 5 months after beginning pegylated interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C. Interferon therapy was stopped and platelets were transfused, but the platelet count did not increase until treatment with immunoglobulins and intravenous corticosteroids was started. Therefore, we believe this would suggest a possible autoimmune mechanism for the development of thrombocytopenia with interferon therapy. Mild reduction in platelets count is a common adverse effect of this drug. Nevertheless, severe decreases and secondary serious hemorrhagic complications have been infrequently described in the literature.

Extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C

Hepatitis C affects approximately 170 million people worldwide. Extrahepatic manifestations of chronic hepatitis C infection are clinically evident in nearly 40% of patients. Much research has been done over the last decade to better understand their incidence, clinical presentation, mechanism of disease, and the role of antiviral therapy in their treatment. Of the commonly reported manifestations, cryoglobulinemia, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and porphyria cutanea tarda remain the best understood manifestations. More recently, the association of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus with chronic hepatitis C has been demonstrated. This paper serves to review the growing body of literature detailing the extrahepatic manifestations of chronic hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C virus-related thrombocytopenia: clinical and laboratory characteristics compared with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Thrombocytopenia can be a complication of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection. However, there is little published data regarding the clinical and laboratory manifestations of HCV-related thrombocytopenia (HCV-TP) compared with adult chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (CITP). We reviewed the medical records for all patients evaluated for chronic thrombocytopenia by the Haematology Service between January 1996 and June 2000. All patients were screened for HCV infection at the time of initial diagnosis. Of 250 patients who fulfilled American Society of Hematology criteria for CITP, 76 (30%) were HCV seropositive. HCV-TP patients were older [mean age (+/-SD) 54.9 +/- 8 years vs. 40.3 +/- 8 years, P </= 0.001] and equally distributed between both sexes. HCV-TP patients had less severe thrombocytopenia, defined as platelet count </=10 x 10(9)/l (4% vs. 46% for CITP, P </= 0.001). However, 56 (74%) had a platelet count </=50 x 10(9)/l. Symptoms and signs of thrombocytopenia were less frequent in HCV-TP, but major bleeding was more frequent (25% vs. 10%, P = 0.0059). Serum cryoglobulins and anticardiolipin antibodies were more frequent in HCV-TP (90% and 62% respectively), but rare in CITP (7% and 15%, P </= 0.001 compared with HCV-TP). HCV infection can be associated with significant thrombocytopenia and appears to be a distinct clinical entity.

Sjögren's syndrome associated with chronic hepatitis C, severe thrombocytopenia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and diabetes mellitus

A 74-year-old woman with Sjögren's syndrome and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) was admitted to our hospital in October 2003 for treatment of diabetes mellitus. She had the past history of recurrent thrombocytopenia, which was proven to be due to peripheral destruction. Although she had been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) for 2 years, she had never felt palpitation. She suddenly died probably of fatal arrhythmia related to HCM during the last hospitalization. Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been associated with Sjögren's syndrome, thrombocytopenia, HCM, and diabetes mellitus, all these diseases rarely occur in a single patient. It will be necessary to identify similar cases to elucidate the etiopathogenesis of extra-hepatic manifestations of HCV infection.

Neutropénie et thrombopénie auto-immunes sévères associées à une hépatite chronique C : effet du traitement antiviral

We report the case of a 45-year-old man admitted for severe autoimmune thrombopenia and neutropenia associated with chronic viral C hepatitis. After failed, intravenous gammaglobulin and corticosteroid therapy antiviral treatment with interferon and ribavirin was given for one year. Thrombopenia improved progressively during antiviral therapy and worsened after the end of treatment. Neutropenia improved during antiviral therapy. Two years after the end of treatment, serum RNA-HCV was positive, white cell count was normal and platelet count was 77 G/L. In conclusion, these results suggest that antiviral therapy may be useful in patients with auto-immune cytopenia associated with viral hepatitis C infection.

Treatment of immune thrombocytopenia associated with interferon therapy of hepatitis C with the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab

This case report describes a patient with hepatitis C virus infection responding to pegylated INF/ribaviron therapy, who developed immune thrombocytopenia. The severe thrombocytopenia failed to resolve with cessation of the peg-IFN/ribaviron. Because of rising hepatitis C virus RNA levels and evidence of rising serum transaminases, the patient was treated with rituximab, anti-CD20 humanized monoclonal antibody. After treatment with rituximab, the patient's platelet count normalized and the patient was able to resume the pegylated IFN/ribaviron. The patient's hepatitis C virus RNA levels decreased, and the serum transaminases normalized without impairment of hepatic function or recurrence of the thrombocytopenia.

Hepatitis C virus-associated extrahepatic manifestations: a review

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide disease that is characterized by a preferential chronic evolution with mild to severe liver disease, including cirrhosis and, in lesser proportion, hepatocarcinoma. Out of these complications, HCV is frequently reported to complicate extrahepatic manifestations. Among those associated to HCV infection with a high degree of certainty, mixed cryoglobulinemia and its complications (skin, neurological, renal, rheumatological involvement) are the most prevalent (50%) in HCV-infected patients. The other diseases include noncryoglobulinemic systemic vasculitis, splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes, fatigue, porphyria cutanea tarda, sicca syndrome, and autoantibodies production. The extrahepatic manifestations that share mild-degree certainty of association with HCV infection include B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, pruritus, and type II diabetes mellitus. The other diseases such as autoimmune thyroiditis, lichen planus are more questionable for their eventual association with HCV and others (pulmonary fibrosis with or without polymyositis, progressive encephalomyelitis, Mooren's corneal ulcers, erythema nodosum, chronic polyradiculonevritis) are mostly case reports. Howerver, even in cases of tight association, the mechanisms through which HCV may promote or induce extrahepatic manifestations remain unclear and merit further investigations.

Haematological Effects of Interferon-??-1a (Rebif??) Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Interferon-beta-1a (Rebif) is an established treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and haematological changes are commonly reported in clinical trials of this agent. The combined clinical trial and postmarketing safety database for subcutaneous interferon-beta-1a (Rebif) allows a comprehensive, retrospective assessment of both common and infrequent haematological effects associated with interferon-beta therapy.

METHODS

Haematological laboratory abnormalities were analysed from six randomised, controlled clinical trials of subcutaneous interferon-beta-1a in MS, five of which were placebo-controlled. Treatment data were collected from 2482 patients for up to 6 months, 1178 patients for up to 2 years and 786 patients for up to 6 years. Total interferon-beta-1a doses ranged from 22 microg once weekly to 44 microg three times weekly. Postmarketing surveillance data were also analysed.

RESULTS

Treatment with interferon-beta-1a led to asymptomatic dose-related reductions in all cell lineages under investigation, predominantly white blood cells. The greatest differences between interferon-beta-1a therapy and placebo were seen for total leucocyte and neutrophil counts. At least two-thirds of patients affected by cytopenia experienced the onset of cytopenia within the first 6 months of therapy. The majority of events were mild and generally resolved within 3--4 months, while continuing therapy. Dose reductions were uncommon and only a small proportion (6 of 727; 0.8%) of patients stopped treatment over 2 years because of haematological abnormalities when receiving the highest dose of interferon-beta-1a, 44 microg three times weekly. Postmarketing safety reports were similarly related to asymptomatic cytopenias, although one case of potentially related autoimmune haemolytic anaemia was reported.

CONCLUSION

Although haematological abnormalities are common and dose-related in patients with MS receiving interferon-beta-1a, the events are mainly mild and transient, with little impact on adherence to therapy. Haematological events are rarely of clinical significance and do not adversely affect the benefit-to-risk ratio that favours high-dose interferon-beta-1a therapy.

Mechanisms of action of therapeutics in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a common immune disorder caused by platelet-reactive autoantibodies. Antibody-coated platelets are cleared more rapidly from the circulation, often in the spleen, than they can be replaced by compensatory stimulation of platelet production in the bone marrow. In some patients, platelet production is depressed as well. ITP in adults does not generally remit spontaneously, and most patients require treatment to prevent bleeding at one time or another. Therapy with corticosteroids, danazol, intravenous immune globulin, anti-D antibody, and several other agents inhibits clearance of the antibody-coated platelets but is rarely curative. Most patients will sustain a hemostatic response after splenectomy, although relapses may occur at any time. Patients may be more responsive to these same modalities after splenectomy, but treatment with an immunosuppressant that inhibits T- and B-cell function and cooperation, including azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, or anti-CD20, may be required. Antiviral therapy is useful in patients with HIV or hepatitis C infection, but no consensus has been reached as to the efficacy of antibiotics to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. Promising results have been seen in several patients treated with a modified thrombopoietin. It may be possible to design therapeutics that exploit the apparent restricted immunoglobulin gene usage by antiplatelet antibodies, perhaps in the form of engineered anti-idiotypic antibodies or other compounds that specifically target autoantibody-producing B cells. Rationale therapy awaits a more thorough understanding of autoantibody production.

Hematologic disorders associated with hepatitis C virus infection and their management

More than 4 million people in the United States are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). During the next 20-30 years, the burden of HCV-related mortality and morbidity will likely double. To date, the most effective treatment for chronic HCV infection is the combination of either interferon (IFN)-alpha or pegylated IFN-alpha and ribavirin. For a sustained virologic response, treatment adherence and dose maintenance are essential. However, both IFN-alpha and ribavirin induce hematologic toxicity, such as anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, which can compromise treatment adherence and dose maintenance and could, therefore, potentially influence outcomes. Although there are currently no approved treatments for hematologic complications of HCV therapy, studies have shown that hematopoietic growth factors can provide significant benefits. This review highlights the pharmacology, risks, and benefits of recombinant hematopoietic growth factor therapy in HCV-infected patients.

Clinical observation of salvianolic acid B in treatment of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B

AIM

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of salvianolic acid B (SA-B) on liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B.

METHODS

Sixty patients with definite diagnosis of liver fibrosis with hepatitis B were included in the trial. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) was used as control drug. The patients took orally SA-B tablets or received muscular injection of IFN-gamma in the double blind randomized test. The complete course lasted 6 months. The histological changes of liver biopsy specimen before and after the treatment were the main evidence in evaluation, in combination with the results of contents of serum HA, LN, IV-C, P-III-P, liver ultrasound imaging, and symptoms and signs.

RESULTS

Reverse rate of fibrotic stage was 36.67 % in SA-B group and 30.0 % in IFN-gamma group. Inflammatory alleviating rate was 40.0 % in SA-B group and 36.67 % in IFN-gamma group. The average content of HA and IV-C was significantly lower than that before treatment. The abnormal rate also decreased remarkably. Overall analysis of 4 serological fibrotic markers showed significant improvement in SA-B group as compared with the IFN-gamma group. Score of liver ultrasound imaging was lower in SA-B group than in IFN-gamma group (HA 36.7 % vs 80 %, IV-C 3.3 % vs 23.2 %). Before the treatment, ALT AST activity and total bilirubin content of patients who had regression of fibrosis after oral administration of SA-B, were significantly lower than those of patients who had aggravation of fibrosis after oral administration of SA-B. IFN-gamma showed certain side effects (fever and transient decrease of leukocytes, occurrence rates were 50 % and 3.23 %), but SA-B showed no side effects.

CONCLUSION

SA-B could effectively reverse liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. SA-B was better than IFN-gamma in reduction of serum HA content, overall decrease of 4 serum fibrotic markers, and decrease of ultrasound imaging score. Liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B with slight liver injury was more suitable to SA-B in anti-fibrotic treatment. SA-B showed no obvious side effects.