Hepatitis E virus-associated Guillain-Barre syndrome: Revision of the literature

Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Patients with Systemic and Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by a multifactorial etiology in which genetic and environmental factors interplay. An exclusively cutaneous condition has been described and defined as cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). In Italy, a nationwide blood donor survey found an overall HEV prevalence of 8.7%, with an interregional variation from 2.2% to 22.8%. In this study, we aimed to estimate HEV seroprevalence in a cohort of patients affected by SLE and CLE attending the Lupus Clinic, Sapienza University of Rome. Serum samples were tested for anti-HEV immunoglobulin Ig G and M antibodies using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Statistical analysis was performed. In total, 138 patients were enrolled, 92 (67%) affected by SLE and 46 by CLE. The prevalence of HEV infection was 23.9% in the CLE group and 7.6% in the SLE group. The anti-HEV+ prevalence was significantly more frequent in CLE. Some mechanisms may be linked to increased susceptibility to HEV such as a molecular mimicry associated with the CLE condition or with the skin compartment/skin self-antigens, as well as the involvement of the genetic background. Regarding the possible risk factors, no association was found, although, of note, the odds of HEV+ relative to contact with animals and to eating raw seafood were strongly higher than the unit in the CLE group.

Autoimmune Diseases Following Environmental Disasters: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Environmental disasters are extreme environmental processes such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, tsunamis, floods, cyclones, storms, wildfires and droughts that are the consequences of the climate crisis due to human intervention in the environment. Their effects on human health have alarmed the global scientific community. Among them, autoimmune diseases, a heterogeneous group of disorders, have increased dramatically in many parts of the world, likely as a result of changes in our exposure to environmental factors. However, only a limited number of studies have attempted to discover and analyze the complex association between environmental disasters and autoimmune diseases. This narrative review has therefore tried to fill this gap. First of all, the activation pathways of autoimmunity after environmental disasters have been analyzed. It has also been shown that wildfires, earthquakes, desert dust storms and volcanic eruptions may damage human health and induce autoimmune responses to inhaled PM2.5, mainly through oxidative stress pathways, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and epithelial barrier damage. In addition, it has been shown that heat stress, in addition to increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, may also disrupt the intestinal barrier, thereby increasing its permeability to toxins and pathogens or inducing epigenetic changes. In addition, toxic volcanic elements may accelerate the progressive destruction of myelin, which may potentially trigger multiple sclerosis. The complex and diverse mechanisms by which vector-borne, water-, food-, and rodent-borne diseases that often follow environmental diseases may also trigger autoimmune responses have also been described. In addition, the association between post-disaster stress and the onset or worsening of autoimmune disease has been demonstrated. Given all of the above, the rapid restoration of post-disaster health services to mitigate the flare-up of autoimmune conditions is critical.

Current perspectives of viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis represents a major danger to public health, and is a globally leading cause of death. The five liver-specific viruses: Hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis D virus, and hepatitis E virus, each have their own unique epidemiology, structural biology, transmission, endemic patterns, risk of liver complications, and response to antiviral therapies. There remain few options for treatment, in spite of the increasing prevalence of viral-hepatitis-caused liver disease. Furthermore, chronic viral hepatitis is a leading worldwide cause of both liver-related morbidity and mortality, even though effective treatments are available that could reduce or prevent most patients' complications. In 2016, the World Health Organization released its plan to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by the year 2030, along with a discussion of current gaps and prospects for both regional and global eradication of viral hepatitis. Today, treatment is sufficiently able to prevent the disease from reaching advanced phases. However, future therapies must be extremely safe, and should ideally limit the period of treatment necessary. A better understanding of pathogenesis will prove beneficial in the development of potential treatment strategies targeting infections by viral hepatitis. This review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge on each type of viral hepatitis, together with major innovations.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and HEV antibody status: A case-control study from Lazio, Italy

INTRODUCTION

Few studies have pointed to the possible role of infectious diseases in triggering Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Given the association of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) with Guillain Barrè syndrome, we conducted a case-control study to determine the possible association of HEV infection with CIDP, analyzing possible risk factors for acquiring HEV infection in both CIDP patients and controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

82 CIDP and 260 from the general population have provided some personal information (demographics, anamnestic data and recognized risk factors for HEV infection) and underwent venipuncture blood sampling for virological assays testing for anti-HEV IgG and IgM with ELISA and RNA-HEV performing RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Anti-HEV IgG seropositivity resulted in 32 CIDP patients (39.0%) and in 45 controls (17.3%), indicating a significant association between anti-HEV IgG positivity and CIDP (OR 3.04; 95% CI 1.70-5.43, p-value <0.001), but in multivariate logistic regression the only significant associations with anti-HEV positivity were eating pork liver sausages (OR 10.443, 95% CI 2.268-60.12, p-value 0.004) and IVIg/SCIg administration (OR 31.32, 95% CI 7.914-171.7, p-value <0.001).

DISCUSSION

The higher prevalence of anti-HEV IgG in CIDP patients than in controls could be justified by chronically administering IVIg/SCIg with a passive acquisition of anti-HEV antibodies. Furthermore, all the 20 CIDP patients who underwent IVIg/SCIg administration reported HEV risk factors, so that they could have acquired the infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies in a larger CIDP patient sample in treatment with therapy other than IVIg/SCIg are necessary to rule out the possible confounding effect of IVIg/SCIg.

Environmental factors and their impact on chronic pain development and maintenance

It is more than recognized and accepted that the environment affects the physiological responses of all living things, from bacteria to superior vertebrates, constituting an important factor in the evolution of all species. Environmental influences range from natural processes such as sunlight, seasons of the year, and rest to complex processes like stress and other mood disorders, infections, and air pollution, being all of them influenced by how each creature deals with them. In this chapter, it will be discussed how some of the environmental elements affect directly or indirectly neuropathic pain, a type of chronic pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. For that, it was considered the edge of knowledge in translational research, thus including data from human and experimental animals as well as the applicability of such findings.

Neurological manifestation of HEV infection: still a rare disease entity?

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is the most common form of viral hepatitis and is reported to cause neurological manifestation in up to 30% of diagnosed infections. We evaluated the medical reports of all patients (n = 29,994) who were discharged from the Department of Neurology of Ulm University between 01.01.2015 and 30.09.2022 to detect neurological manifestations of HEV. In addition, we retrospectively analyzed the serum samples of n = 99 patients representing different neurological diseases possibly related to HEV for anti-HEV-IgM and anti-HEV-IgG. At the time of discharge from hospital, the etiology of neurological symptoms in these patients was unclear. Overall, five cases of extrahepatic neurological manifestation of HEV (defined as anti-HEV-IgM and HEV-IgG positive) could be detected. An increase of both, anti-IgM- and anti-IgG-serum levels was significantly more common in neuralgic amyotrophy/plexus neuritis/radiculitis than in AIDP/CIDP (P = 0.01), meningitis/encephalitis (P = 0.02), idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis (P = 0.02) and tension headache (P = 0.02). In 15% (n = 15 out of 99) of retrospectively analyzed serum samples, conspicuous positive anti-HEV-IgG levels were detected. This finding was most common in AIDP/CIDP. In conclusion, results of this study indicate neurological manifestation of HEV to be a rare but still underestimated course of disease, occurring at any age and gender. Therefore, testing for HEV should be considered in patients with neurological symptoms of unknown origin, especially in those with neuralgic amyotrophy/plexus neuritis.

Neuropathies related to hepatitis E virus infection: A prospective, matched case-control study

BACKGROUND

Acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has recently emerged as a potential trigger for acute dysimmune neuropathies, but prospective controlled studies are lacking.

AIMS

To compare the frequency of concomitant acute HEV infection in patients with neuralgic amyotrophy (NA), Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and Bell's palsy with a matched control population.

METHODS

Swiss multicenter, prospective, observational, matched case-control study over 3 years (September 2019-October 2022). Neurological cases with NA, GBS, or Bell's palsy were recruited within 1 month of disease onset. Healthy controls were matched for age, sex, geographical location, and timing of blood collection. Diagnostic criteria for acute hepatitis E were reactive serum anti-HEV IgM and IgG assays (ELISA test) and/or HEV RNA detection in serum by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RT-PCR was performed on sera to confirm IgM positivity.

RESULTS

We included 180 patients (59 GBS, 51 NA, 70 Bell's palsy cases) and corresponding matched controls (blood donors) with median age 51 years for both groups and equal gender distribution. Six IgM+ cases were detected in the NA, two in the GBS, and none in the Bell's palsy group. Two controls were anti-HEV IgM-positive. At disease onset, most cases with acute HEV infection had increased liver enzymes. A moderate association (p = 0.027, Fisher's exact test; Cramér's V = -0.25) was observed only between acute HEV infection and NA.

CONCLUSION

This prospective observational study suggests an association between concomitant acute HEV infection and NA, but not with GBS or Bell's palsy.

A Case of Guillain-Barré Syndrome With Multiple Causative Factors in a Young Male

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an immune-mediated disease of the peripheral nervous system, is mainly characterized by rapidly progressive ascending weakness of the limbs with reduced or absent deep tendon reflexes. The exact cause of GBS is unknown, but it often occurs after a gastrointestinal or respiratory infection. The present study represents a case of GBS in which multiple antecedent antigenic stimuli may have contributed to the development of GBS. The patient, a 28-year-old immunocompetent man with no significant medical history, presented to the emergency department (ED) with acute ascending flaccid paralysis that persisted for a few days. His initial symptoms included tingling in his legs, which started at his shin and calf and developed into numbness, which extended to his upper limbs and arms. A CT scan of the lumbar and cervical spine indicated minor L4-L5 and L5-S1 disc herniation as well as slight bulging in C5-C6 and C7. The patient was discharged but returned to the ED for urgent treatment the next day after he weakened rapidly, losing the ability to walk or maintain balance. Based on his clinical presentation of ascending weakness and generalized hyporeflexia, he was diagnosed with GBS. Abnormal liver function and positive blood tests for anti-cytomegalovirus (anti-CMV) and anti-Epstein-Barr virus (anti-EBV) IgG and IgM antibodies diagnosed hepatitis, CMV, and EBV, respectively. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG; 27 g/day) and antiviral medicine (ganciclovir; 340 mg IV/day) for five days. His nonexistent deep tendon reflexes began to improve two to three days following treatment. He was able to ambulate longer distances with a walker, and his upper extremities regained full strength. This case highlights the importance of a multiple-treatment approach to the treatment of GBS, wherein multiple antigenic triggering factors may be involved.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E viral infection among apparently healthy personnels and patients with certain neurological disorders in Alexandria University Hospitals

Introduction

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the leading causes of acute viral hepatitis. There are thought to be 20 million infections per year in poorer nations with inadequate sanitation. In Egypt, awareness about the possible hazards linked to HEV infection is limited due to low socioeconomic and educational levels. Only a small number of sequences have been characterized, making HEV study in Egypt constrained. Numerous factors may have contributed to this neglect. Various extra-hepatic symptoms of HEV infection include neurological problems are recognized. Many European nations have implemented regular HEV monitoring, or targeted screening of blood provided by patients at greater risk to stop the spread of HEV by transfusion.

Aim

Assess the prevalence of HEV infection in asymptomatic blood donors. Increasing awareness about HEV testing in patients with some unexplained neurological disorders.

Methods

Cross-sectional study involving 550 patients: 500 apparently healthy blood donors and 50 patients with some neurological disorders. All subjects were tested for serological markers (IgG and IgM) for HEV using ELISA technique in addition to HEV RNA PCR testing for seropositive patients.

Results

Five hundred asymptomatic blood donors (370 males and 130 females), ages ranging from 20 to 50 years (median 33), 22.6% of them tested positive for HEV (IgG and IgM) of which 2 subjects only had positive HEV RNA PCR testing. In the second group 50 patients (26 males and 24 females) with various unexplained neurological disorders. Liver functions were within normal or showed only a mild increase. Forty-four percent of the patients had positive serology for HEV, with 6 patients testing positive for HEV RNA on PCR.

Conclusion

No need for mass screening for HEV serology among blood donors. HEV infection needs to be considered in patients with unexplained neurological disorders even if the liver functions are not markedly elevated.

COVID-19 and Guillain-Barré syndrome: A single-center prospective case series with a 1-year follow-up

Single reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) have been reported worldwide during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. While case reports are likely to be biased toward uncommon clinical presentations, systematic assessment of prospective series can highlight the true clinical features and spectrum. In this prospective, observational study, we included all consecutive patients who developed GBS. In patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection as antecedent, the time-gap between the infection and GBS onset had to be ≤30 days. The referral was a neurological University Research Hospital, in the Italian Region more severely involved by the pandemic, and hospitalizing both COVID+ and non-COVID neurological diseases. Clinical, laboratory, cerebrospinal fluid, and electromyographic features of GBS diagnosed between March 2020 and March 2021 were compared to a retrospective series of GBS diagnosed between February 2019 and February 2020 (control population). Nasopharyngeal swab was still positive at GBS onset in 50% of patients. Mild-to-moderate COVID-related pneumonia, as assessed by X-ray (6 patients) or X-ray plus computerized tomography (2 patients) co-occurred in 6 of 10 patients. GBS diagnosed during the pandemic period, including 10 COVID-GBS and 10 non-COVID-GBS, had higher disability on admission (P = .032) compared to the GBS diagnosed between February 2019 and 2020, possibly related to later hospital referral in the pandemic context. Compared to non-COVID-GBS (n = 10) prospectively diagnosed in the same period (March 2020-2021), post-COVID-GBS (n = 10) had a higher disability score on admission (P = .028), lower sum Medical Research Council score (P = .022) and lymphopenia (P = .025), while there were no differences in GBS subtype/variant, severity of peripheral involvement, prognosis and response to treatment. Cerebrospinal fluid search for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antiganglioside antibodies were negative in all COVID+ patients. Temporal clustering of cases, coinciding with the waves of the pandemic, and concomitant reduction of the incidence of COVID-negative GBSs may indicate a role for SARS-CoV-2 infection in the development of GBS, although the association may simply be related to a bystander effect of systemic inflammation; lack of prevalence of specific GBS subtypes in post-COVID-GBS also support this view. GBS features and prognosis are not substantially different compared to non-COVID-GBS.

Neuromuscular Complications of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Viral Infections

In this article we review complications to the peripheral nervous system that occur as a consequence of viral infections, with a special focus on complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). We discuss neuromuscular complications in three broad categories; the direct consequences of viral infection, autoimmune neuromuscular disorders provoked by viral infections, and chronic neurodegenerative conditions which have been associated with viral infections. We also include discussion of neuromuscular disorders that are treated by immunomodulatory therapies, and how this affects patient susceptibility in the current context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 is associated with direct consequences to the peripheral nervous system via presumed direct viral injury (dysgeusia/anosmia, myalgias/rhabdomyolysis, and potentially mononeuritis multiplex) and autoimmunity (Guillain Barré syndrome and variants). It has important implications for people receiving immunomodulatory therapies who may be at greater risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. Thus far, chronic post-COVID syndromes (a.k.a: long COVID) also include possible involvement of the neuromuscular system. Whether we may observe neuromuscular degenerative conditions in the longer term will be an important question to monitor in future studies.

Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E: What we know so far?

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of viral hepatitis globally. There is growing concern about transfusion-transmitted HEV (TT-HEV) as an emerging global health problem. HEV can potentially result in chronic infection in immunocompromised patients, leading to a higher risk of liver cirrhosis and even death. Between 0.0013% and 0.281% of asymptomatic blood donors around the world have HEV viremia, and 0.27% to 60.5% have anti-HEV immunoglobulin G. HEV is infectious even at very low blood concentrations of the virus. Immunosuppressed patients who develop persistent hepatitis E infection should have their immunosuppressant regimen reduced; ribavirin may be considered as treatment. Pegylated interferon can be considered in those who are refractory or intolerant to ribavirin. Sofosbuvir, a nucleotide analog, showed modest antiviral activity in some clinical studies but sustained viral response was not achieved. Therefore, rescue treatment remains an unmet need. The need for HEV screening of all blood donations remains controversial. Universal screening has been adopted in some countries after consideration of risk and resource availability. Various pathogen reduction methods have also been proposed to reduce the risk of TT-HEV. Future studies are needed to define the incidence of transmission through transfusion, their clinical features, outcomes and prognosis.

Guillain Barre Syndrome as a Complication of COVID-19: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

In January 2020, the first case of Guillain Barre syndrome (GBS) due to COVID-19 was documented in China. GBS is known to be postinfectious following several types of infections. Although causality can only be proven through large epidemiological studies, we intended to study this association by a thorough review of the literature.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Google scholar and included all papers with English or Spanish full text and original data of patients with GBS and recent COVID infection. Variables of interest were demographics, diagnostic investigations, and the latency between arboviral and neurological symptoms. Further variables were pooled to identify GBS clinical and electrophysiological variants, used treatments, and outcomes. The certainty of GBS diagnosis was verified using Brighton criteria.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 109 GBS cases. Ninety-nine cases had confirmed COVID-19 infection with an average age of 56.07 years. The average latency period between the arboviral symptoms and neurologic manifestations for confirmed COVID-19 cases was 12.2 d. The predominant GBS clinical and electromyography variants were the classical sensorimotor GBS and acute demyelinating polyneuropathy respectively. Forty cases required intensive care, 33 cases required mechanical ventilation, and 6 cases were complicated by death.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies on COVID-19-related GBS commonly reported sensorimotor demyelinating GBS with frequent facial palsy. The time between the onset of infectious and neurological symptoms suggests a postinfectious mechanism. Early diagnosis of GBS in COVID-19 patients is important as it might be associated with a severe disease course requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation.

Severe Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with chronic hepatitis B: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a postinfectious autoimmune peripheral neuropathy characterized by acute paralysis of the limbs. Clinically, extrahepatic manifestations of neurologic involvement in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are uncommon. Little attention has been paid to the relationship between GBS and CHB viral infection.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We presented a severe case of a 34-year-old man with general fatigue, anorexia, jaundice, numbness, and even muscle atrophy in the limbs, and respiratory failure during an acute exacerbation of CHB.

DIAGNOSES

Serological liver enzymes test confirmed an acute exacerbation of CHB. Nerve conduction studies revealed the features of acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy combined with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed albuminocytologic dissociation. Clinical manifestations and the test results were consistent with a diagnosis of severe CHB-related GBS.

INTERVENTIONS

He was treated with mechanical ventilation, 2 courses of intravenous immunoglobulin, antichronic hepatitis B drugs therapy supplemented by hepatoprotection, acupuncture and rehabilitation.

OUTCOMES

After 29 days of hospitalization, his neurological condition improved. At a 6-month follow-up visit, he was able to walk with the support of another person.

LESSONS

The acute exacerbation of CHB may be a potential predisposing factor for the onset of GBS. This case is a reminder to clinicians that during the acute exacerbation of CHB, patients with neurological symptoms in the limbs should be considered for potential CHB-related GBS.

[A case of Guillain-Barré syndrome following hepatitis E virus infection]

An 81-year-old man presented with limb weakness and dysesthesia approximately 10 days after eating pork liver. His neurological examination revealed muscle weakness predominantly centered in the lower limbs and absence of deep tendon reflex, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed elevated proteins with normal cell counts. Furthermore, his nerve conduction studies revealed distal motor latency prolongation and decreased motor nerve conduction velocities in the bilateral median, ulnar, tibial, and peroneal nerves. Lastly, serological analysis was performed for hepatitis E virus markers, resulting in a positive result for hepatitis E virus (HEV)-IgA antibody and HEV-RNA. Given all these findings, the patient was diagnosed with acute HEV-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment was administered for five days. Following this, muscle weakness and dysesthesia gradually improved. As observed in this report, the number of HEV-associated GBS cases has been increasing over the past several years. Therefore, HEV infection should be considered in GBS patients who have a history of pork consumption or have been suffering from liver dysfunction.

Hepatitis E virus as a trigger for Guillain-Barré syndrome

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. An association with neuralgic amyotrophy and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) was previously described. Concerning GBS, studies from other countries found an acute HEV infection in 5–11% of cases. However, HEV prevalence shows considerable regional variations. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed the frequency of HEV infections in association with GBS in a monocentric cohort in Southwestern Germany.

Methods

Overall, 163 patients with GBS treated in our clinic between 2008 and 2018 of whom serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were available, were identified. Serum samples were analyzed for anti-HEV immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG antibodies by ELISA. Additionally, both serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were tested for HEV RNA by PCR if IgM was positive or patients presented within the first 7 days from GBS symptom onset. A group of 167 healthy volunteers and 96 healthy blood donors served as controls.

Results

An acute HEV infection was found in two GBS patients (1.2%) with anti-HEV IgM and IgG antibodies. HEV PCR in serum and CSF was negative in these two patients as well as in all other tested cases. Seroprevalences indicated that acute infection did not differ significantly from controls (0.8%). Anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence indicating previous infection was unexpectedly high (41%) and revealed an age-dependent increase to more than 50% in patients older than 60 years.

Conclusion

In this study, serological evidence of an acute HEV infection in patients with GBS was rare and not different from controls. Comparing our data with previous studies, incidence rates show considerable regional variations.

Extrahepatic manifestations related to hepatitis E virus infection and their triggering mechanisms

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has many extrahepatic manifestations as well as liver symptoms. Multiple studies have shown that HEV infection has symptoms related to the nervous system, kidneys, cryoglobulinemia, hematological system, reproductive system, autoimmunity and pancreas. Hence, HEV infection should be considered as a systemic disease, rather than solely a liver disease. The extrahepatic manifestations induced by different genotypes of HEV vary. The severity of these diseases does not necessarily correlate with the severity of HEV infection, and even asymptomatic HEV infection may trigger and cause systemic diseases. Patients with systemic manifestations of HEV infection should have priority for antiviral therapy, which could alleviate or improve the extrahepatic manifestations related to HEV infection. However, the extrahepatic manifestations caused by different genotypes of HEV and their corresponding mechanisms have not been clearly identified. This review discusses the extrahepatic manifestations related to HEV infection and their triggering mechanisms.

Current Paradigm of Hepatitis E Virus Among Pediatric and Adult Patients

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a polymorphic condition, present throughout the world and involving children and adults. Multiple studies over the last decade have contributed to a better understanding of the natural evolution of this infection in various population groups, several reservoirs and transmission routes being identified. To date, acute or chronic HEV-induced hepatitis has in some cases remained underdiagnosed due to the lower accuracy of serological tests and due to the evolutionary possibility with extrahepatic manifestations. Implementation of diagnostic tests based on nucleic acid analysis has increased the detection rate of this disease. The epidemiological and clinical features of HEV hepatitis differ depending on the geographical areas studied. HEV infection is usually a self-limiting condition in immunocompetent patients, but in certain categories of vulnerable patients it can induce a sudden evolution toward acute liver failure (pregnant women) or chronicity (immunosuppressed patients, post-transplant, hematological, or malignant diseases). In acute HEV infections in most cases supportive treatment is sufficient. In patients who develop chronic hepatitis with HEV, dose reduction of immunosuppressive medication should be the first therapeutic step, especially in patients with transplant. In case of unfavorable response, the initiation of antiviral therapy is recommended. In this review, the authors summarized the essential published data related to the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic aspects of HEV infection in adult and pediatric patients.

Hepatitis E virus-associated Guillain-Barre syndrome: Revision of the literature

INTRODUCTION

The association between preceding infection of hepatitis E virus (HEV) and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) has been found for more than a decade, while hepatitis E virus-associated Guillain-Barre syndrome (HEV-associated GBS) still remains poorly understood. Initially discovered in 2000, the association between GBS and HEV has been focused by neurologists increasingly. Five percent of patients with GBS had preceding acute HEV infection in the Netherlands and higher rate was found in Bangladesh (11%) where HEV is endemic.

METHOD

An extensive review of relevant literature was undertaken.

RESULTS

Hepatitis E virus infection may induce GBS via direct viral damage according to recent research findings. On the other hand, the presence of antiganglioside GM1 or GM2 antibodies in serum of some HEV-associated GBS patients indicates that HEV infection may trigger GBS by activating autoimmune response to destroy myelin or axon mistakenly. Management of HEV-associated GBS has no obvious difference from GBS. It mainly consists of supportive therapy and immunotherapy. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange (PLEX) was used in most reported cases, which is the main strategy for clinical treatment of HEV-associated GBS. Whether antiviral therapy could be additional strategy other than the routine therapy to shorten the length of disease course is one of the most urgent problems and requires further study.

CONCLUSIONS

An overview of possible pathogenesis will gain a first insight into why HEV, traditionally recognized as only hepatotropic, can induce many neurological disorders represented by GBS. Moreover, understanding of the underlying mechanisms may contribute to development of a novel therapeutic strategy. This review also summarizes management and clinical characteristics of HEV-associated GBS, aiming to achieve early recognition and good recovery.