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Zheng D, Cheng C, Tang Y, Fang Z, Gao X, Chen Y, You Q, Wang K, Zhou H, Lan Z, Sun J. Circulating metabolites are associated with persistent elevations of ALT in patients with chronic hepatitis B with complete viral suppression. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29723. [PMID: 38828911 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be completely suppressed after antiviral treatment; however, some patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) exhibit elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and sustained disease progression. This study provides novel insights into the mechanism and potential predictive biomarkers of persistently elevated ALT (PeALT) in patients with CHB after complete viral inhibition. Patients having CHB with undetectable HBV DNA at least 12 months after antiviral treatment were enrolled from a prospective, observational cohort. Patients with PeALT and persistently normal ALT (PnALT) were matched 1:1 using propensity score matching. Correlations between plasma metabolites and the risk of elevated ALT were examined using multivariate logistic regression. A mouse model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury was established to validate the effect of key differential metabolites on liver injury. Of the 1238 patients with CHB who achieved complete viral suppression, 40 (3.23%) had PeALT levels during follow-up (median follow-up: 2.42 years). Additionally, 40 patients with PnALT levels were matched as controls. Ser-Phe-Ala, Lys-Ala-Leu-Glu, 3-methylhippuric acid, 3-methylxanthine, and 7-methylxanthine were identified as critical differential metabolites between the two groups and independently associated with PeALT risk. Ser-Phe-Ala and Lys-Ala-Leu-Glu levels could be used to discriminate patients with PeALT from those with PnALT. Furthermore, N-acetyl- l-methionine (NALM) demonstrated the strongest negative correlation with ALT levels. NALM supplementation alleviated liver injury and hepatic necrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice. Changes in circulating metabolites may contribute to PeALT levels in patients with CHB who have achieved complete viral suppression after antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dekai Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis, Guangdong Institute of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changhao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis, Guangdong Institute of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanhua Tang
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhixin Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis, Guangdong Institute of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuelian Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis, Guangdong Institute of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis, Guangdong Institute of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuhong You
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis, Guangdong Institute of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaifeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis, Guangdong Institute of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heqi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis, Guangdong Institute of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhixian Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis, Guangdong Institute of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis, Guangdong Institute of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Gan QY, Wang JX, Qian F, Wang YL, Huang Y, Zhang ZL, Jiang SW, Zhang CX, Cai MH, Qian C, Fu HS, Zhao S, Zhou HJ, Cao ZJ, Xie Q. Clinical and histological features of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the grey zone. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:803-809. [PMID: 37496189 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Chronic HBV infection patients who do not conform to any of the usual immune states are regarded as 'grey zone' patients. We aimed to investigate the proportion of chronic HBV infection patients in the grey zone, and evaluate the clinical characteristics and liver pathological changes in grey zone patients. Clinical data of 1391 treatment-naive chronic HBV infection patients with liver biopsy were collected. Natural history of HBV infection was determined based on European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) 2017, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) 2018 and Chinese 2019 guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic HBV infection. Significant liver histological changes and associated risk factors of normal ALT grey zone patients were analysed. According to EASL, AASLD and Chinese criteria, there were 50.0%, 28% and 37.4% chronic HBV infection patients in the grey zone. Among the 353 grey zone patients with normal ALT, 72.4% had significant liver histological changes. ALT (optimal cut-off value 25 IU/L) and HBV DNA (optimal cut-off value 18,000 IU/mL) were independent risk factors of significant liver histological abnormalities. In conclusion, a substantial proportion of grey zone patients with normal ALT have significant liver histological changes that can be predicted by levels of serum ALT and HBV DNA. These results provide guidance of antiviral treatment in grey zone patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yi Gan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Xiao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Qian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yin Ling Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Lan Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Shao Wen Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Xi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Hao Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Qian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Shuang Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Juan Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu Jun Cao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Wu WJ, Lin CL, Liu CJ, Huang YW, Hu JT, Yu MW. Lifetime risk of liver-related outcomes and determinants in male inactive carriers of chronic hepatitis B. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29138. [PMID: 37796044 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
The full spectrum of risks for the life course of inactive hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers remains unclear. In this study, 995 untreated HBV carriers (median age: 42.8 years; median follow-up: 30.2 years) were included. Their data were sourced from a population-based cohort study of male civil servants recruited in 1989-1992. Outcomes were identified by active follow-up examinations and linkage with national health insurance research database. At baseline, 483 subjects were inactive carriers, 385 with indeterminate phase, and 127 with other phases. The joint lifetime risk for incident cirrhosis, decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver-related deaths was lower for inactive carriers compared to subjects in other phases (p < 0.0001). There was a trend of increase in incidence among inactive carriers; the 5-, 10-, and 20-year cumulative incidences were 1.86%, 6.03%, and 10.07%, respectively. Of the inactive carriers, 37.7% cleared HBsAg and 36.6% had biochemical relapse during the study. Biochemical relapse, obesity, and advanced age were predictors for disease progression in inactive carriers. Virological relapse was the predominant cause of biochemical relapse. Higher HBV-DNA levels (≥1000 copies/mL or 200 IU/mL) and HBV genotype B (vs. C) were associated with higher virological relapse rate. After 30 years, we found that one-time measure of inactive carrier state continued to have the lowest risk compared with other infection phases. Despite a more favorable prognosis, inactive carriers had a non-negligible risk. Our findings of lifetime risk may provide important clues for the management of such patients and consideration of therapeutic strategies aiming to achieve functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Jung Wu
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Lin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ren-Ai Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Huang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ting Hu
- Liver Center, Cathay General Hospital Medical Center, School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Whei Yu
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Clinical Utility of Quantitative HBV Core Antibodies for Solving Diagnostic Dilemmas. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020373. [PMID: 36851587 PMCID: PMC9965363 DOI: 10.3390/v15020373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The present-day management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection relies on constant and appropriate monitoring of viral activity, disease progression and treatment response. Traditional HBV infection biomarkers have many limitations in predicting clinical outcomes or therapy success. Quantitation of HBV core antibodies (qAnti-HBc) is a new non-invasive biomarker that can be used in solving multiple diagnostic problems. It was shown to correlate well with infection phases, level of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, exacerbations during chronic infection and presence of occult infection. Further, the level of qAnti-HBc was recognised as predictive of spontaneous or therapy-induced HBeAg and HBsAg seroclearance, relapse after therapy discontinuation, re-infection after liver transplantation and viral reactivation upon immunosuppression. However, qAnti-HBc cannot be relied upon as a single diagnostic test to solve all dilemmas, and its diagnostic and prognostic power can be much improved when combined with other diagnostic biomarkers (HBV DNA, HBeAg, qHBsAg and anti-HBs antibodies). The availability of commercial qAnti-HBc diagnostic kits still needs to be improved. The comparison of results from different studies and definitions of universal cut-off values continue to be hindered because many methods are only semi-quantitative. The clinical utility of qAnti-HBc and the methods used for its measurement are the focus of this review.
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A Predictive Model to Evaluate the HbeAg Positivity of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Patients in Clinics: A Cross-Sectional Study. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58091279. [PMID: 36143956 PMCID: PMC9500857 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58091279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective: The study aims to investigate the correlation between Hepatitis B ‘e’ antigen (HBeAg) and HBV DNA levels, and to find a convenient tool to estimate the HBV DNA level for clinicians. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 1020 patients in this cross-sectional study and divided them into four groups: an HbeAg-positive and -negative group, and high and low HBV DNA levels groups. Results: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Albumin (ALB) and HBeAg are independent risk factors for CHB patients. When the level of HBeAg is higher than 16.15 S/CO, it is four times more likely that the patients will have high levels of HBV DNA than those who do not. The ALT and TB are independent risk factors in HBeAg-negative patients with a high HBV DNA level. We have drawn three predictive models to estimate the HBV DNA levels for those with the chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB), and those that are HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative (Y1 = 0.004 × ALT(IU/L) + 1.412 × HBeAg (S/CO) − 0.029 × ALB (g/L) + 0.779, the AUC is 0.672, and the cutoff value is −0.072, there the sensitivity is 0.615, the specificity is 0.648, PPV is 65.182% and NPV is 60.837%; Y2 = 0.007 × HBeAg (S/CO) − 0.016 × HGB (g/L) + 3.070, the AUC is 0.724, and the cutoff value is 1.216, where the sensitivity is 0.626, the specificity is 0.897, PPV is 94.118% and NPV is 34.437%; Y3 = −0.005 × ALT(IU/L) + 0.006 × TB (umol/L) + 0.385, the AUC is 0.661, and the cutoff value is 0.263, where the sensitivity is 0.677, the specificity is 0.587, PPV is 66.820% and NPV is 40.774%, respectively). We propose that HBeAg is the most important risk factor for the patient with a high HBV DNA level, however, it is not as important in the HBeAg-positive group. Conclusions: HBeAg is an independent risk factor that reflects the level of HBV DNA with a strong correlation. Patient with HBeAg (−) should combine TB and ALT to estimate the level of HBV DNA.
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Argaw B, Kedir S, Mustefa A, Yesse M, Hussen L, Abdella B, Muze M, Jemal M. Sero-Prevalence, Infectivity, and Associated Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Virus Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Sankura Primary Hospital, Silte Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2021. Open Microbiol J 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/18742858-v16-e2206030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
Hepatitis B (HBV) infection causes a major public health problem around the globe. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the Seroprevalence, infectivity, and associated factors of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Sankura Primary Hospital, Southern Ethiopia.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study design was conducted in Sankura Primary Hospital, Southern Ethiopia, from April to June 2020. A total of 338 pregnant women were recruited using systematic random sampling. Sociodemographic and associated risk factors were collected through a structured questionnaire. Blood samples and plasma analysis were performed for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) using the rapid test strip method. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20, and P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
The overall Seroprevalence of HBsAg was 11 (3.3%) [95% CI 1.5% - 5.0%], of whom 2 (18.2%) were positive for HBeAg. In multivariate analysis, a history of blood transfusion [AOR=4.8 95% CI (1.25-6.69)] and contact with a family history of the liver [AOR=5.7 95% CI (1.28-7.9)] was found to be significant predictors of HBV infections.
Conclusion:
The Seroprevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women in the study area was intermediate. Family history of liver disease and blood transfusion were risk factors associated with HBV infection. Hence, improving the screening of blood, increasing awareness about the transmission of HBV infection, and screening pregnant women for HBV infection should be implemented. The government will build efficient service delivery models equipped with an appropriate and well-trained workforce.
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Diao Y, Hu D, Hu X, Wang P, Wang X, Luo X, Wang H, Ning Q. The Role of Metabolic Factors and Steatosis in Treatment-Naïve Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B and Normal Alanine Aminotransferase. Infect Dis Ther 2022; 11:1133-1148. [PMID: 35397765 PMCID: PMC9124274 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-022-00629-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction We aimed to elucidate the impact of metabolic syndrome (MS) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Methods We analyzed the clinical characteristics of a cross-sectional cohort of treatment-naïve patients with CHB and ALT in the upper limit of normal (ULN) from October 2018 to July 2021. ALT ≤ 0.5 ULN was stratified as low-normal ALT (LNALT) and 0.5 ULN < ALT ≤ ULN as high-normal ALT (HNALT). Transient elastography (TE) was used to evaluate liver steatosis and fibrosis. Results Among 733 patients with CHB enrolled, 23.1% of them had MS, 37.2% of them had NAFLD, and 5.9% of them had significant fibrosis. The proportions of patients with MS, steatosis, and significant fibrosis in the HNALT group were higher than those in the LNALT group (31.4% vs. 14.1%, p < 0.001; 48.7% vs. 25.2%, p < 0.001; and 8.0% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.013, respectively). Multiple linear regression showed that steatosis (beta = 0.098, p = 0.001) and MS (beta = 0.092, p = 0.002) were independently related to ALT levels in the normal range. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age (OR 1.049, 95% CI 1.012–1.087, p = 0.010), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (OR 1.059, 95% CI 1.005–1.115, p = 0.030), and severe steatosis (OR 2.559, 95% CI 1.212–5.403, p = 0.014) were independently associated with significant fibrosis. When analyzed in the subgroup of CHB with NAFLD, age (OR 1.060, 95% CI 1.006–1.117, p = 0.029) and severe steatosis (OR 2.962, 95% CI 1.126–7.792, p = 0.028) were still statistically significant. Conclusion The accumulation of MS components exacerbated hepatic steatosis. Severe NAFLD was independently associated with significant fibrosis. This emphasizes the importance of screening for MS and NAFLD in patients with CHB and normal ALT, where a more active intervention may apply. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40121-022-00629-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Diao
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Danqing Hu
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xue Hu
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaoping Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hongwu Wang
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Qin Ning
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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Yao K, Wang J, Wang L, Xia J, Yan X, Wu W, Liu J, Wang L, Yin S, Tong X, Ding W, Huang R, Wu C. Association of anti-HBc and liver inflammation in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B virus-infected patients with normal ALT and detectable HBV DNA. J Med Virol 2021; 94:659-666. [PMID: 34499353 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Serum hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) is associated with liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis B patients. This study aimed to investigate whether anti-HBc could serve as a predictor of significant liver inflammation in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and detectable HBV DNA. Treatment-naïve HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infected patients with normal ALT and detectable HBV DNA who underwent liver biopsy were retrospectively included from two medical centers. Liver inflammation grade was evaluated using the Scheuer scoring system and significant liver inflammation was defined as ≥G2. Serum anti-HBc levels were measured by commercial immunoassays (Abbott GmbH & Co. KG). A total of 117 patients were included and 50 (42.7%) patients showed significant liver inflammation. Serum anti-HBc levels in patients with significant liver inflammation were significantly higher than patients with no or mild liver inflammation (<G2) (p < 0.001). High serum anti-HBc (odds ratio 1.562, 95% confidential interval 1.157-2.110, p = 0.004) was an independent risk factor of significant liver inflammation. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of serum anti-HBc in predicting significant liver inflammation was 0.769 and the optimal cut-off value was 10.87 S/CO, with a sensitivity of 59.2% and a specificity of 87.9%. Our data revealed that a substantial of HBeAg-negative chronic infection patients with normal ALT and detectable HBV DNA showed significant liver inflammation. Serum anti-HBc can predict significant liver inflammation in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kefang Yao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huai'an No. 4 People's Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Juan Xia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaomin Yan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weihua Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiacheng Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shengxia Yin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Tong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weimao Ding
- Department of Hepatology, Huai'an No. 4 People's Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Duan M, Chi X, Xiao H, Liu X, Zhuang H. High-normal alanine aminotransferase is an indicator for liver histopathology in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. Hepatol Int 2021; 15:318-327. [PMID: 33638049 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10153-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess liver histological changes of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with normal ALT, and determined the association between significant liver injury and age, ALT, and HBV DNA levels. METHODS We retrospectively examined 327 patients who underwent liver biopsy from 2009 to 2018. Significant liver histological change is defined as liver necroinflammation ≥ G2 and/or liver fibrosis ≥ F2. RESULTS The proportion of patients with significant liver necroinflammation or fibrosis in the high-normal ALT group (ALT > 20 U/L) was higher than that in the low-normal ALT group (ALT ≤ 20 U/L) (44.6% vs 26.5%, 61.0% vs 41.7%, p < 0.01); also the proportion in the group with HBV DNA ≥ 2000 IU/mL was significantly higher than that in the group with HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL (58.5% vs 27.1%, 67.9% vs 46.2%, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in hepatic histopathology between < 40 and ≥ 40 years groups. Among 221 patients with normal ALT and low HBV DNA levels (< 2000 IU/mL), 27.1% of them had significant liver necroinflammation and 46.2% had significant liver fibrosis. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that ALT > 20 U/L and HBV DNA ≥ 2000 IU/mL were independently associated with significant liver histopathology (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION HBeAg-negative CHB patients with normal ALT and low HBV DNA level (< 2000 IU/mL) were suggested to perform liver biopsy or noninvasive methods for histopathology assessment, then to be determined for antiviral therapy. ALT > 20 U/L and HBV DNA ≥ 2000 IU/mL are good independently predictive factors for evaluating significant liver histopathology for HBeAg-negative CHB patients with normal ALT. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-IOR-14005474).
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghui Duan
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaoling Chi
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Huanming Xiao
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xueen Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Hui Zhuang
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Kao WY, Lin YF, Chang IW, Chen CL, Tang JH, Chang CC, Chang YJ, Wang W. Interleukin-2 receptor alpha as a biomarker for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease diagnosis. J Chin Med Assoc 2021; 84:261-266. [PMID: 33306598 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two recent studies in the adult and pediatric Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis-Clinical Research Network (NASH-CRN) cohorts have shown that soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha (IL2RA) levels increased with fibrosis severity. However, no hepatic study has been conducted in Asian morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery. In this study, we proposed IL2RA as a biomarker for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) diagnosis and performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of IL2RA. METHODS This prospective cohort study enrolled 123 morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery at Taipei Medical University Hospital from October 2016 to June 2018. During bariatric surgery, all patients underwent a wedge liver biopsy under laparoscopic guidance. The diagnoses of NASH and liver fibrosis were made histologically. In IHC of IL2RA, the number of lymphocytes with IL2RA immunoreactivity was counted in five high-power fields (×400, total: 1.19 mm2). RESULTS Among the 123 patients, the mean age was 35.5 years, mean body mass index (BMI) was 40.6 kg/m2, 87 (70.7%) were female, 25 (20.7%) had diabetes mellitus, and 57 (46.3%; 11 with non-NAFLD and 46 with steatosis) and 66 (53.7%) were included in the non-NASH and NASH groups, respectively. The NASH group had higher IHC of IL2RA than the non-NASH group. In multivariate analysis, IHC of IL2RA (odds ratio, 1.025; 95% confidence interval, 1.006-1.045; p = 0.011) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT; odds ratio, 1.045; 95% confidence interval, 1.018-1.073; p = 0.001) were the independent factors associated with NASH. The area under the receiver operating curve of IL2RA IHC for NASH was 0.627 at the cutoff value of 82 (p = 0.0113). CONCLUSION IL2RA is significantly associated with NASH in morbidly obese patients and would be a useful biomarker for NASH diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yu Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yuan-Feng Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - I-Wei Chang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pathology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pathology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chi-Long Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pathology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jui-Hsiang Tang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chun-Chao Chang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Jia Chang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Weu Wang
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a global healthcare burden. Although the recent developments in the field have led to a reduction in incidence, the morbidity and mortality including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain a formidable challenge. Advances in understanding the immunopathogenesis of CHB have led to a recent change in clinical categorization. EASL introduced the term hepatitis B 'e' antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic infection, to replace the historical term 'inactive carrier' disease phase, the commonest CHB phase. Although this disease phase is associated with a favorable prognosis, it is not a truly 'inactive' disease phase with no ostensible liver disease, as inferred by the previous anachronistic terminology, and the risk of spontaneous reactivation and the potential risk of disease progression and HCC development are not negligible. Likewise, the APASL also uses the term "Incidentally Detected Asymptomatic Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive Subject (IDAHS)", comprising all HBsAg-positive subjects who are incidentally detected during routine tests, without any previous or present symptoms of liver disease. This entity includes HBV infection with varied stages of liver disease. Antiviral treatment is generally reserved for patients with active inflammation and/or at risk of disease progression and HCC development. HBsAg loss is considered an optimal treatment endpoint, and may also be achievable in HBeAg-negative chronic infection and IDAHS. In light of this, and the emerging novel HBV therapies, lowering the treatment threshold and a 'Treat All' approach should now be considered. In this review, we summarize the literature and guidance on HBeAg-negative chronic infection, and we make a concerted effort to present the reasons why the one-dimensional term 'inactive carrier' should be abandoned.
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Chen S, Huang H, Huang W. A noninvasive model to predict liver histology for antiviral therapy decision in chronic hepatitis B with alanine aminotransferase < 2 upper limit of normal. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:4. [PMID: 33407146 PMCID: PMC7788863 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-020-01576-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, most assessments of liver fibrosis staging mainly focus on non-invasive diagnostic methods. This study aims to construct a noninvasive model to predict liver histology for antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) < 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN). METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 577 patients with CHB who received liver biopsy and whose ALT was less than 2 ULN. Then they were randomly divided into a training group and a validation group. Through logistic regression analysis, a novel predictive model was constructed in the training group to predict significant changes in liver histology [necro-inflammatory activity grade (G) ≥ 2 or fibrosis stage (S) ≥ 2] and then validated in the validation group. RESULTS If liver biopsy showed moderate or severe inflammation or significant fibrosis, antiviral treatment was recommended. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), anti-hepatitis B virus core antibody (anti-HBC) and glutamine transpeptidase (GGT) were identified as independent predictors for antiviral therapy, with area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.649, 0.647 and 0.616, respectively. Our novel model index, which combined AST, anti- HBC and GGT with AUROC of 0.700 and 0.742 in training set and validation set. CONCLUSIONS This study established a noninvasive model to predict liver histology for antiviral treatment decision in patients with CHB with ALT < 2 ULN, which can reduce the clinical needs of liver biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Graduate School of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, BengbuAnhui, 233000, China
| | - Haijun Huang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Digestive Disease, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
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Cross-Protection of Hepatitis B Vaccination among Different Genotypes. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030456. [PMID: 32824318 PMCID: PMC7563454 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B (HB) vaccination is the most effective method for preventing HB virus (HBV) infection. Universal HB vaccination containing recombinant HB surface antigens (HBsAg) is recommended. Our data revealed that human monoclonal HB surface antibody (anti-HBs) from individuals inoculated with genotype C-based HB vaccine induced cross-protection against HBV genotype A infection. An in vitro infection model demonstrated anti-HBs-positive sera from individuals inoculated with genotype A- or C-based HB vaccine harbored polyclonal anti-HBs that could bind to non-vaccinated genotype HBV. However, because there were low titers of anti-HBs specific for HBsAg of non-vaccinated genotype, high anti-HBs titers would be required to prevent non-vaccinated genotype HBV infection. Clinically, the 2015 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines state that periodic monitoring of anti-HBs levels after routine HB vaccination is not needed and that booster doses of HB vaccine are not recommended. However, the American Red Cross suggests that HB-vaccine-induced immune memory might be limited; although HB vaccination can prevent clinical liver injury (hepatitis), subclinical HBV infections of non-vaccinated genotypes resulting in detectable HB core antibody could not be completely prevented. Therefore, monitoring anti-HBs levels after routine vaccination might be necessary for certain subjects in high-risk groups.
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14
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Choi GH, Kim GA, Choi J, Han S, Lim YS. High risk of clinical events in untreated HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients with high viral load and no significant ALT elevation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2019; 50:215-226. [PMID: 31135074 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It remains unknown whether antiviral treatment for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients having high viral loads without significant elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels would reduce the risks of clinical events. AIM To compare clinical outcomes of high viral load CHB patients untreated for normal or mildly elevated ALT vs those treated for ALT ≥ 2 upper limit of normal (ULN). METHODS This historical cohort study included 5414 HBeAg-negative CHB patients without cirrhosis at a tertiary hospital in Korea from 2000 to 2013. Inactive phase was defined as serum hepatitis B virus [HBV] DNA < 2000 IU/mL and persistently normal ALT (n = 3572). High viral load (HBV DNA ≥ 2000 IU/mL) patients were classified into three phases by ALT levels: Replicative (persistently normal ALT, n = 900); Mildly active (ALT 1-2ULN, n = 396); and Active (ALT ≥ 2ULN, n = 546) phases. All Active phase patients were treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 47 years without a significant difference among the groups. Compared with the treated Active phase group, the untreated Replicative phase group showed a significantly higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; HR 1.76; 95% CI 1.00 - 3.10, P = 0.05) and death/transplantation (HR 2.14; 5% CI 1.09 - 4.21, P = 0.03) by propensity score-matched analysis. The untreated mildly active phase patients had further increase in risk of HCC and death/transplantation compared with the treated Active phase group by unadjusted, PS-matched, competing risks, and multivariable-adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS Untreated high viral load HBeAg-negative CHB patients without significant ALT elevation had higher risks of clinical events than treated Active phase patients with elevated ALT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwang Hyeon Choi
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Ae Kim
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonggi Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungbong Han
- Department of Applied Statistics, Gachon University, SeongNam, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Kao W, Su C, Fang S, Tang J, Chang C, Liu J. Determination of the predictive factors for significant liver fibrosis assessed through transient elastography. ADVANCES IN DIGESTIVE MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/aid2.13102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei‐Yu Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTaipei Medical University Hospital Taipei Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of MedicineTaipei Medical University Taipei Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of MedicineTaipei Medical University Taipei Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of MedicineTaipei Veterans General Hospital Taipei Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, School of MedicineNational Yang‐Ming University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Chien‐Wei Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of MedicineTaipei Veterans General Hospital Taipei Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, School of MedicineNational Yang‐Ming University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Sheng‐Uei Fang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTaipei Medical University Hospital Taipei Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of MedicineTaipei Medical University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Jui‐Hsiang Tang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTaipei Medical University Hospital Taipei Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of MedicineTaipei Medical University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Chun‐Chao Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTaipei Medical University Hospital Taipei Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of MedicineTaipei Medical University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Jean‐Dean Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTaipei Medical University Hospital Taipei Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of MedicineTaipei Medical University Taipei Taiwan
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16
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Coffin CS, Fung SK, Alvarez F, Cooper CL, Doucette KE, Fournier C, Kelly E, Ko HH, Ma MM, Martin SR, Osiowy C, Ramji A, Tam E, Villeneuve JP. Management of Hepatitis B Virus Infection: 2018 Guidelines from the Canadian Association for the Study of Liver Disease and Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2018; 1:156-217. [PMID: 35992619 PMCID: PMC9202759 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2018-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important public health problem in Canada. In keeping with evolving evidence and understanding of HBV pathogenesis, the Canadian Association for the Study of Liver Disease periodically publishes HBV management guidelines. The goals of the 2018 guidelines are to (1) highlight the public health impact of HBV infection in Canada and the need to improve diagnosis and linkage to care, (2) recommend current best-practice guidelines for treatment of HBV, (3) summarize the key HBV laboratory diagnostic tests, and (4) review evidence on HBV management in special patient populations and include more detail on management of HBV in pediatric populations. An overview of novel HBV tests and therapies for HBV in development is provided to highlight the recent advances in HBV clinical research. The aim and scope of these guidelines are to serve as an up-to-date, comprehensive resource for Canadian health care providers in the management of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla S. Coffin
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Scott K. Fung
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Fernando Alvarez
- Centre hospitalier de l’université de Montréal (CHUM)—CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Québec
| | - Curtis L. Cooper
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
| | - Karen E. Doucette
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Claire Fournier
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec
| | - Erin Kelly
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
| | - Hin Hin Ko
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Mang M Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | | | - Carla Osiowy
- Viral Hepatitis and Bloodborne Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba
| | - Alnoor Ramji
- St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Edward Tam
- LAIR Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia
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Liao Y, Gong J, Zhou W, Dong H, Liang J, Luo M, Hu B. Serum liver fibrosis markers discriminate significant liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis B patients with normal or near-normal alanine aminotransferase. J Med Virol 2018; 91:642-649. [PMID: 30537157 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver inflammation caused by chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently, the role of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as a predictor of liver inflammation has been questioned. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of noninvasive fibrosis markers including hyaluronic acid (HA), collagen type IV (CIV), N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), and laminin (LN) in identifying significant liver inflammation in patients with CHB, especially in patients with normal or near-normal ALT. A total of 242 CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy were enrolled. The serum levels of ALT, aspartate aminotransferase, HA, CIV, PIIINP, and LN were quantified and the relationship between histological staging and serum markers was systematically analyzed. Serum CIV, PIIINP, HA, and LN levels increased significantly along with the increasing severity of liver inflammation. Multivariate analysis showed that CIV and LN were independently associated with significant inflammation. CIV, PIIINP, HA, and LN levels were found to have high diagnostic values for predicting significant inflammation in patients with CHB (area under the curve, AUC = 0.807, 0.795, 0.767, and 0.703, respectively). The combined index for the identification of significant inflammation, including CIV, PIIINP, HA, and LN levels, significantly improved diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.851). Moreover, the combined index also achieved excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.861) in patients with CHB with normal or near-normal ALT. In conclusion, the combined index may be a strong indicator for discriminating significant liver inflammation, especially in patients with CHB with normal or near-normal ALT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiao Gong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenying Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huimin Dong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayin Liang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minqi Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Tu WH, Zhu WJ, Qian F, Zhang JM, Zhu CW. Necessity of lowering the upper limit of normal of alanine aminotransferase in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2018; 26:1765-1771. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v26.i30.1765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore the necessity of lowering the upper limit of normal of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
METHODS A total of 715 CHB patients with undetectable HBV DNA were studied. Of them, 57 were inactive HBsAg carriers (carrier group), 455 were those who previously met antiviral criterion and achieved viral and biochemical response (hepatitis group), and 203 underwent liver biopsy due to their baseline ALT less than 2 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) and accepted antiviral treatment (including 133 cases with ALT < 1 x ULN and 70 cases with ALT 1-2 x ULN) (biopsy group). Clinical data including age, gender, weight, liver function, blood glucose, blood lipids, routine blood parameters, HBV markers, HBV DNA, alpha fetoprotein, and ultrasound findings were collected. Inflammation grade, fibrosis stage and liver function data were also collected for patients in the biopsy group after one year of antiviral therapy.
RESULTS ALT median value was 19 IU/L and the 95% percentile was 31.2 IU/L (95%CI: 30-34 IU/L) in all patients (n = 715). The 95% percentile was 34 IU/L in males (95%CI: 31-35 IU/L), and 26.2 IU/L in females (95%CI: 25-30 IU/L). ALT value decreased significantly in the biopsy group after antiviral treatment, and median ALT decreased from 37 IU/L to 23 IU/L, which showed a significant difference (F = 111.497, P = 0.000). Based on four different ALT ULN, the detection rates of significant inflammation (≥G2) were 0, 38.78%, 63.27% and 84.69%, respectively, in the biopsy group. When ROC was used to analyze ALT and significant histological inflammation, the AUC value was 0.751. Logistic regression analysis showed that ALT was not associated with significant histological inflammation (P = 0.331).
CONCLUSION The current ALT ULN is relatively high for assessment of liver inflammation in patients with CHB, and there may be a necessity to lower the threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hui Tu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wei-Jun Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Feng Qian
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth People's Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou 215100, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ji-Ming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Chuan-Wu Zhu
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth People's Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou 215100, Jiangsu Province, China
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A novel diagnostic algorithm to predict significant liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis B virus infection patients with detectable HBV DNA and persistently normal alanine transaminase. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15449. [PMID: 30337643 PMCID: PMC6193950 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33412-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant liver inflammation might be found in 20-34% of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection patients with detectable HBV DNA and persistently normal alanine transaminase (ALT) (PNALT). We aimed to develop a diagnostic algorithm to predict significant liver inflammation in these specific patients. Using liver biopsy as the gold standard, we developed a novel, simple diagnostic algorithm to predict significant liver inflammation in a training set of 365 chronic HBV infection patients with detectable HBV DNA and PNALT, and validated the diagnostic accuracy in a validation set of 164 similar patients. The novel algorithm (AAGP) attributed to age, ALT, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and platelet count was developed. In the training set, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of AAGP was higher than that of ALT and aspartate transaminase (AST), to diagnose significant liver inflammation (0.77, 0.67, and 0.59, respectively, p < 0.001). In the validation set, the AUROC of AAGP was also higher than ALT and AST (0.75, 0.61, and 0.54, respectively, p < 0.001). Using AAGP ≥2, the sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) was 91% and 93%, respectively, to diagnose significant liver inflammation. Using AAGP ≥8, the specificity and NPV was 91% and 86%, respectively, for significant liver inflammation. In conclusion, the AAGP algorithm is a novel, simple, user-friendly algorithm for the diagnosis of significant liver inflammation in chronic HBV infection patients with detectable HBV DNA and PNALT.
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Shim JJ, Kim JW, Oh CH, Lee YR, Lee JS, Park SY, Kim BH, Oh IH. Serum alanine aminotransferase level and liver-related mortality in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A large national cohort study. Liver Int 2018; 38:1751-1759. [PMID: 29377574 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level has been used to identify at-risk patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who need antiviral therapy. However, the level associated with increased liver-related mortality requiring active treatment is still unclear. METHODS We used a Health Examination Cohort of the National Health Insurance Service of Korea that included approximately 0.5 million individuals aged 40-79 years. In total, 12 486 patients with CHB and no other concurrent liver disease were enrolled, and patients' liver-related mortality, including that owing to liver cancer, was investigated over 9 years. RESULTS The serum ALT level was correlated positively with liver-related mortality. The rates in men were 0.14, 0.17, 0.24, 0.57, 0.63 and 0.85 per 100 person-years (%) for serum ALT levels of <20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-79 and ≥80 U/L, respectively, and the corresponding liver-related mortality rates in women were 0.03%, 0.09%, 0.12%, 0.63%, 0.65% and 0.32%. In patients with ALT levels of 40-79 U/L, the liver-related mortality rates were 0.60% in men and 0.64% in women, which were similar to the overall mortality rate of age- and sex-matched subjects without CHB (0.69%). The best cut-off values for liver-related mortality prediction were >34 U/L in men and >30 U/L in women. CONCLUSIONS The liver-related mortality rate increased significantly, even in CHB patients with relatively low serum ALT levels. Careful monitoring or earlier antiviral therapy should be considered for patients aged >40 years with serum ALT levels above the upper limit of normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Jun Shim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Wook Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chi Hyuk Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ye-Rin Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Sung Lee
- Clinical Research Center, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - So-Youn Park
- Department of Medical Education and Humanities, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung-Ho Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - In-Hwan Oh
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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21
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Cristina SJL, Marta CM, Mercedes GS, Almudena PM, Álvaro HM, Luis VSJ, Tesifón PC. Characterization and evaluation of liver fibrosis grade in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and normal transaminases. Clin Mol Hepatol 2018; 24:384-391. [PMID: 29969885 PMCID: PMC6313027 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2018.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims The objective of our study was to determine the epidemiological, laboratory, and serological characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and normal transaminases. The study also aimed to evaluate liver damage by measuring the liver fibrosis (LF) grade and to identify possible factors associated with the presence of fibrosis.
Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted in patients with chronic HBV infection and classified as inactive carriers or immune-tolerant. Epidemiological variables of age, sex, immigrant, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI), as well as virological variables (HBV DNA) and transaminase level were collected throughout the follow-up. The LF grade was evaluated by transient elastography. The cutoff value for significant fibrosis (SF) was liver stiffness ≥7.9 kPa.
Results A total of 214 patients were included in the analysis, and 62% of them had a BMI ≥25 kg/m2. During follow-up, 4% of patients showed transaminase elevation (<1.5 times normal). Most patients had a viral DNA level <2,000 IU/mL (83%). Data on LF were available in 160 patients; of these, 14% had SF, 9% F3, and 6% F4. The variables associated with the presence of SF were transaminase alteration during follow-up, as 23% of patients with SF had elevated transaminases versus 3% of patients without SF (P<0.005), and BMI, as the vast majority of patients with SF (88%) had a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 versus 56% of patients without SF (P<0.05).
Conclusions In patients with chronic HBV infection and normal transaminases, liver damage does not seem to be related to DNA levels, alcohol consumption, or immigrant status. SF seems to be associated with transaminase alteration during follow-up and elevated BMI. It is therefore recommended to measure LF grade with validated non-invasive methods in such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- San Juan López Cristina
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Torrecárdenas Hospital, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Casado Martín Marta
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Torrecárdenas Hospital, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | | | - Porcel Martín Almudena
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Torrecárdenas Hospital, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | | | - Vega Sáenz Jose Luis
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Torrecárdenas Hospital, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Parrón Carreño Tesifón
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
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22
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Plasma miRNA-122-5p and miRNA-151a-3p identified as potential biomarkers for liver injury among CHB patients with PNALT. Hepatol Int 2018; 12:277-287. [PMID: 29881991 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-018-9871-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma microRNA (miRNA) levels may be altered during pathological processes; therefore, they may potentially serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of human diseases. This study aimed to explore whether plasma miRNAs may serve as new biomarkers for liver injury among chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with normal or nearly normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. METHODS Plasma miRNAs from each of three independent groups (no prominent liver injury and persistently normal ALT levels, NPNALT; significant liver injury with persistently normal ALT levels, SPNALT; and healthy) were profiled by miRNA microarray analysis. Differentially expressed miRNAs were then validated by a quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve was used to analyze the candidate miRNAs validated by qRT-PCR for diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS Twenty differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by microarray analysis. Seven miRNAs with elevated serum levels were validated by qRT-PCR analysis, and four of them were significantly different between the SPNALT and NPNALT groups. The AUCs of hsa-miR-122-5p and hsa-miR-151-3p were 0.877 (cutoff value = 13.38; 95% CI 0.792-0.963; sensitivity = 83.3%, specificity = 80%) and 0.882 (cutoff value = 7.4; 95% CI 0.797-0.966; sensitivity = 83.3%, specificity = 73.3%), respectively, indicating early liver injury. However, there was no significant correlation of miRNAs with either necroinflammation or fibrosis. CONCLUSION Serum hsa-miR-122-5p and hsa-miR-151-3p may function as new biomarkers for liver injury in SPNALT patients. With these two biomarkers, we may be able to identify a subset of patients who are experiencing liver injury but have normal ALT levels for further evaluation with a biopsy procedure.
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23
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Bonacci M, Lens S, Mariño Z, Londoño MC, Rodríguez-Tajes S, Mas A, García-López M, Pérez-Del-Pulgar S, Sánchez-Tapias JM, Forns X. Anti-viral therapy can be delayed or avoided in a significant proportion of HBeAg-negative Caucasian patients in the Grey Zone. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018; 47:1397-1408. [PMID: 29577350 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Grey Zone (GZ) is an ill-defined situation including patients falling between inactive carrier (IC) state and HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (HBeAg-negative CHB). AIMS To assess the long-term outcomes of GZ patients compared to IC in the absence of treatment. METHODS Retrospective analysis of 287 IC and GZ HBeAg-negative patients. Patients were classified into 4 groups at baseline: HBV-DNA <2000 IU/mL and ALT <40 U/L (IC), HBV-DNA <2000 IU/mL and ALT 40-80 U/L (GZ-1), HBV-DNA 2000-20 000 IU/mL and ALT <40 U/L (GZ-2) or ALT 40-80 U/L (GZ-3). Data were also analysed using AASLD ALT criteria. RESULTS After a median follow-up of 8.2 (5-19) years, HBsAg loss occurred in about 15% ICs or GZ patients. Transition into IC state occurred in 40% of GZ patients. DNA fluctuations >2000 IU/mL correlated inversely with transition into IC and HBsAg loss. HBsAg levels were significantly lower in ICs than in GZ patients (338 IU/mL [20-3269] vs 5763 IU/mL [2172-17 754]; P < 0.05). Among the latter group, there was an increasing gradient of HBsAg levels from GZ-1 to GZ-3 patients (P < 0.05). HBeAg-negative CHB occurred in only 18 (6.3%) GZ patients. No patient developed cirrhosis nor advanced fibrosis. ALT/HBV-DNA fluctuations and HBeAg-negative CHB development were more frequent in genotype B/C patients, whereas HBsAg loss occurred only in genotype A/D patients. CONCLUSIONS Most Caucasian GZ patients present excellent long-term outcomes in the absence of treatment, with a high rate of HBsAg loss and low rate of progression to HBeAg-negative CHB. HBV-genotyping and HBsAg levels could help to predict outcomes and better classify GZ patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bonacci
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Lens
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Z Mariño
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M-C Londoño
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Rodríguez-Tajes
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Mas
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M García-López
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Pérez-Del-Pulgar
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J M Sánchez-Tapias
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - X Forns
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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24
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Li J, Zhang TY, Song LW, Qi X, Yu XP, Li FH, Zhou P, Qin YL, Yang L, Zhao JH, Mao RC, Zhang YM, Wang JY, Yang FF, Zhu HX, Yang SS, Huang YX, Yuan Q, Zhang J, Zhang JM, Xia NS. Role of quantitative hepatitis B core antibody levels in predicting significant liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis B patients with normal or near-normal alanine aminotransferase levels. Hepatol Res 2018; 48:E133-E145. [PMID: 28707778 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels are not free from significant hepatic lesions. Recently, there has been an improved understanding of the clinical significance of quantitative hepatitis B core antibody levels (qAnti-HBc) during CHB management. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the utility of qAnti-HBc in identifying significant liver inflammation in CHB patients. METHODS A total of 469 patients (training set, n = 363; validation set, n = 106) who underwent liver biopsy (LB) were included. The qAnti-HBc levels were quantified and the relationship between histology and serum markers was systematically analyzed. RESULTS In the training set, qAnti-HBc levels were found to have significant diagnostic value for moderate to severe liver inflammation (≥G2) in all patients (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] = 0.768; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.721-0.810; P < 0.001) and in patients with normal or near-normal ALT levels (AUROC = 0.767; 95% CI, 0.697-0.828; P < 0.001). Our novel index (AC index) for the identification of ≥G2 inflammation, which combined the qAnti-HBc and ALT levels, significantly improved diagnostic performance (AUROC = 0.813; 95% CI, 0.768-0.852) compared to the use of ALT alone (AUROC = 0.779; 95% CI, 0.732-0.821) in all patients. In the validation set, the AC index showed an improved AUROC of 0.890 (95% CI, 0.814-0.942) and 0.867 (95% CI, 0.749-0.943) in all patients and patients with normal ALT levels, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The qAnti-HBc level predicts significant liver inflammation well, even in patients with normal or near-normal ALT levels. Compared with the conventional ALT level, the AC index is a more reliable non-invasive biomarker for significant liver inflammation in CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Science and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Liu-Wei Song
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Science and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xun Qi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Ping Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fa-Hong Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pu Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Li Qin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Science and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jing-Hua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Science and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ri-Cheng Mao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Mei Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Yu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei-Fei Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao-Xiang Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Si Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Xian Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Science and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Science and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ji-Ming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning-Shao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Science and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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25
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Guardiola-Arévalo A, Gómez Rodríguez R, Romero Gutiérrez M, Gómez Moreno AZ, García Vela A, Sánchez Simón R, Gómez Hernando C, Andrés Esteban EM. Hepatitis B virus e antigen-negative chronic infection. Treatment based on glutamic pyruvic transaminase and hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid cut-off values. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2017; 41:153-162. [PMID: 29279233 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV-DNA) cut-off values at diagnosis in patients with hepatitis B virus e antigen-negative chronic infection (HBeAg(-)), which may be predictors of clinical course, prognosis and/or the need for antiviral therapy. METHODS A retrospective and observational cohort study of patients diagnosed with HBeAg(-) chronic infection (2005-2012). A normal GPT cut-off value at diagnosis that predicts abnormal GPT values in the clinical course of the infection, a baseline HBV-DNA cut-off value that predicts an increase in HBV-DNA above 2,000IU/ml, and GPT and HBV-DNA as predictors of the need for treatment were investigated using ROC curves. RESULTS 126 patients were enrolled (follow-up: 42.1±21.5months), 93 of which had normal GPT levels at diagnosis. In the ROC curve analysis, 900IU/ml was found to be the HBV-DNA cut-off value that best predicted this value's increase above 2,000IU/ml (sensitivity: 90%; specificity: 88%; PPV: 79%; NPV: 100%; diagnostic precision: 89%), while 25mU/ml was the normal GPT cut-off value at diagnosis that best predicted subsequently elevated GPT levels (sensitivity: 95.4%; specificity: 81.6%; PPV: 67%; NPV: 96%; diagnostic precision: 80.6%). Patients with GPT 26-40mU/ml at diagnosis presented with more complications or required more treatment than subjects with GPT≤25mU/ml (P<.05). The combined GPT and HBV-DNA values that elicited the highest treatment need were 38mU/ml of GPT and 6,000IU/ml of HBV-DNA (sensitivity: 75%; specificity: 93.4%; PPV: 60%; NPV: 96.6%). CONCLUSION HBeAg(-) patients with GPT<25mU/ml and HBV-DNA<900IU/ml at diagnosis have positive outcomes and may not require such stringent follow-up in the first years after diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Guardiola-Arévalo
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Toledo, España; Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Fuenlabrada, Madrid, España.
| | | | | | - Ana Zaida Gómez Moreno
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Fuenlabrada, Madrid, España
| | - Almudena García Vela
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Fuenlabrada, Madrid, España
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26
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Wang D, Zhang P, Zhang M. Predictors for advanced liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B virus infection with persistently normal or mildly elevated alanine aminotransferase. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:5363-5370. [PMID: 29285064 PMCID: PMC5740558 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictors for advanced liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (PNALT), or persistently or intermittently mildly elevated ALT (PIEALT). A total of 305 patients were included in the present study. Liver biopsies were evaluated using the METAVIR scoring system. Liver stiffness (LS) was measured using Fibroscan. Multivariate logistic regression and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were used to examine the diagnostic value of the predictors for advanced liver fibrosis. HBV DNA viral load in the PNALT group was significantly lower compared with the PIEALT group (4.57±1.68 vs. 5.71±1.69 log10 IU/ml; P<0.001). Body mass index and LS were also significantly lower in the PNALT group compared with the PIEALT group (P<0.001). The proportion of patients with liver fibrosis was significantly higher in the PIEALT group compared with the PNATL group (P=0.001). High ALT levels were an independent predictor for liver fibrosis, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.69 (P=0.002). Male sex (OR=0.34, P=0.007), high ALT levels (OR=2.37, P=0.029) and a high HBV DNA load (OR=1.39, P=0.005) were independent predictors for advanced liver fibrosis. The AUROC was 0.65 (P=0.003) when using ALT levels to predict advanced liver fibrosis. ALT levels at ≥0.88 upper limit of normal (ULN; 35 IU/l) were considered as positive for advanced liver fibrosis, the sensitivity and specificity were 87.8 and 47.4%, respectively. The AUROC was 0.64 (P=0.004) when using the HBV DNA value to predict advanced liver fibrosis. When an HBV DNA value of ≥4.99 log10 IU/ml was considered as positive for advanced liver fibrosis, the sensitivity and specificity were 78.0 and 49.5%, respectively. The AUROC was 0.72 (P<0.001) when combining ALT, HBV DNA load and sex into a formulation to predict advanced liver fibrosis. When the formulation score at >-2.22 was considered as positive for advanced liver fibrosis, the sensitivity and specificity were 61.5 and 70.7%, respectively. Therefore, normal ALT levels do not always indicate the absence of hepatic fibrosis. A combination of ALT levels, sex and serum HBV DNA load may more effectively identify patients with CHB at high risk of developing fibrosis. These patients may benefit from liver biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexin Wang
- Department of Medicine, The Sixth People's Hospital of Qingdao, Qingdao, Shandong 266033, P.R. China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Medicine, The Sixth People's Hospital of Qingdao, Qingdao, Shandong 266033, P.R. China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Medicine, The Sixth People's Hospital of Qingdao, Qingdao, Shandong 266033, P.R. China
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27
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Tan YW, Zhou XB, Ye Y, He C, Ge GH. Diagnostic value of FIB-4, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index and liver stiffness measurement in hepatitis B virus-infected patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:5746-5754. [PMID: 28883700 PMCID: PMC5569289 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i31.5746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the diagnostic value of FIB-4, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in patients with hepatitis B virus infection who have persistently normal alanine transaminase (PNALT).
METHODS We enrolled 245 patients with chronic hepatitis B: 95 in PNALT group, 86 in intermittently elevated alanine transaminase (PIALT1) group [alanine transaminase (ALT) within 1-2 × upper limit of normal value (ULN)], and 64 in PIALT2 group (ALT > 2 × ULN). All the patients received a percutaneous liver biopsy guided by ultrasonography. LSM, biochemical tests, and complete blood cell counts were performed.
RESULTS The pathological examination revealed moderate inflammatory necrosis ratios of 16.81% (16/95), 32.56% (28/86), and 45.31% (28/64), and moderate liver fibrosis of 24.2% (23/95), 33.72% (29/86), and 43.75% (28/64) in the PNALT, PIALT1, and PIALT2 groups, respectively. The degrees of inflammation and liver fibrosis were significantly higher in the PIALT groups than in the PNALT group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the areas under the curve (AUCs) between APRI and FIB-4 in the PNALT group; however, significant differences were found between APRI and LSM, and between FIB-4 and LSM in the PNALT group (P < 0.05 for both). In the PIALT1 and PIALT2 groups, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in AUCs for all comparisons (P > 0.05 for all). In the overall patients, a significant difference in the AUCs was found only between LSM and APRI (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION APRI and FIB-4 are not the ideal noninvasive hepatic fibrosis markers for PNALT patients. LSM is superior to APRI and FIB-4 in PNALT patients because of the influence of liver inflammation and necrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Wen Tan
- Department of Hepatology, the Third Hospital of Zhenjiang Affiliated Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xing-Bei Zhou
- Department of Hepatology, the Third Hospital of Zhenjiang Affiliated Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yun Ye
- Department of Hepatology, the Third Hospital of Zhenjiang Affiliated Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Cong He
- Department of Hepatology, the Third Hospital of Zhenjiang Affiliated Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guo-Hong Ge
- Department of Hepatology, the Third Hospital of Zhenjiang Affiliated Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu Province, China
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28
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Cheng JL, Wang XL, Yang SG, Zhao H, Wu JJ, Li LJ. Non-ALT biomarkers for markedly abnormal liver histology among Chinese persistently normal alanine aminotransferase-chronic hepatitis B patients. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:2802-2810. [PMID: 28487618 PMCID: PMC5403760 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i15.2802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To determine incidence and clinical biomarkers of marked necroinflammation and fibrosis characteristics among chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (PNALT).
METHODS Liver biopsy was performed on 115 CHB patients with PNALT. Necroinflammation and fibrosis were graded by the Knodell histologic activity index and the Ishak fibrosis score, respectively. Correlations between the available clinical parameters and necroinflammation and fibrosis were analysed.
RESULTS Marked necroinflammation (Knodell activity index ≥ 7) and fibrosis (Ishak fibrosis score ≥ 3) were found in 36.5% and 15.5% of CHB patients with PNALT, respectively. Following a univariate logistic regression analysis, multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that aspartate transaminase (AST) (AUROC = 0.852, cut-off value = 22.5 U/L) serves as an independent predictor of notable liver inflammation, while platelet (PLT) count (AUROC = 0.905, cut-off value = 171.5 ×109/mL) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (AUROC = 0.909, cut-off value = 21.5 U/L) level serve as independent predictors of notable liver fibrosis.
CONCLUSION A considerable proportion of marked histological abnormalities existed in our cohort, who will benefit from optimal therapeutic strategies administered according to predictive indication by AST, PLT and GGT levels.
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Ormeci A, Aydın Y, Sumnu A, Baran B, Soyer OM, Pınarbasi B, Gokturk S, Gulluoglu M, Onel D, Badur S, Akyuz F, Karaca C, Demir K, Besisik F, Kaymakoglu S. Predictors of treatment requirement in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase and high serum HBV DNA levels. Int J Infect Dis 2016; 52:68-73. [PMID: 27619844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a controversial marker for disease monitoring in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the fibrosis stage and histological activity index (HAI) in HBeAg-negative CHB patients with persistently normal ALT (PNALT) and high serum HBV DNA (≥2000 IU/ml) and to investigate clinical risk factors for the requirement of treatment through the examination of liver biopsy specimens. METHODS HBeAg-negative CHB patients with PNALT (≤40 IU/l) and high serum HBV DNA (≥2000 IU/ml) were included. HBV fibrosis stage and HAI were scored according to the Ishak system. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the independent risk factors for fibrosis stage ≥2 and/or HAI ≥6. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine an optimal age cut-off for liver biopsy. RESULTS A total 120 patients were enrolled. These patients had a mean HBV DNA level of 123680±494500 IU/ml; the HBV DNA load was 2000-20000 IU/ml in 68 patients (56.6%) and ≥20000 IU/ml in 52 (43.4%). Eighteen patients (15%) had moderate-to-severe histological activity (HAI ≥6). Forty-three patients (35.9%) had a fibrosis stage ≥2. Forty-eight patients (40%) had a fibrosis stage ≥2 and/or HAI ≥6. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent variables associated with fibrosis stage ≥2 and/or HAI ≥6 included age and HBV DNA viral load. Patients with HBV DNA 2000-20000 IU/ml were more likely to require treatment compared to those with a viral load ≥20000 IU/ml. The optimal age cut-off to predict fibrosis stage ≥2 and/or HAI ≥6 was 46 years. CONCLUSIONS Significant liver damage was detected in 40% of CHB patients with PNALT and high HBV DNA upon biopsy. Age and HBV DNA viral load were independent predictors of significant liver damage. A biopsy to determine the degree of liver damage is advisable for CHB patients older than 46 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslı Ormeci
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Capa, 34390, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yucel Aydın
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Capa, 34390, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Sumnu
- Medipol University, Department of Nephrology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bulent Baran
- Department of Gastroenterology, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Mutluay Soyer
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Capa, 34390, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Binnur Pınarbasi
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Capa, 34390, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Suut Gokturk
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Capa, 34390, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mine Gulluoglu
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Derya Onel
- Department of Microbiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selim Badur
- Department of Microbiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Filiz Akyuz
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Capa, 34390, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cetin Karaca
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Capa, 34390, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kadir Demir
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Capa, 34390, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatih Besisik
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Capa, 34390, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sabahattin Kaymakoglu
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Capa, 34390, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Inoue T, Tanaka Y. Hepatitis B virus and its sexually transmitted infection - an update. MICROBIAL CELL 2016; 3:420-437. [PMID: 28357379 PMCID: PMC5354569 DOI: 10.15698/mic2016.09.527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiology: incidence and prevalence:
About 5% of the world’s population has chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)
infection, and nearly 25% of carriers develop chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and
hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The prevalence of chronic HBV infection in human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals is 5%-15%; HIV/HBV coinfected
individuals have a higher level of HBV replication, with higher rates of
chronicity, reactivation, occult infection, and HCC than individuals with HBV
only. The prevalence of HBV genotype A is significantly higher among men who
have sex with men (MSM), compared with the rest of the population.
Molecular mechanisms of infection, pathology, and
symptomatology: HBV replication begins with entry into the
hepatocyte. Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide was identified in
2012 as the entry receptor of HBV. Although chronic hepatitis B develops slowly,
HIV/HBV coinfected individuals show more rapid progression to cirrhosis and HCC.
Transmission and protection: The most common sources
of HBV infection are body fluids. Hepatitis B (HB) vaccination is recommended
for all children and adolescents, and all unvaccinated adults at risk for HBV
infection (sexually active individuals such as MSM, individuals with
occupational risk, and immunosuppressed individuals). Although HB vaccination
can prevent clinical infections (hepatitis), it cannot prevent 100% of
subclinical infections. Treatment and curability:
The goal of treatment is reducing the risk of complications
(cirrhosis and HCC). Pegylated interferon alfa and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs)
are the current treatments for chronic HBV infection. NAs have improved the
outcomes of patients with cirrhosis and HCC, and decreased the incidence of
acute liver failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Inoue
- Clinical Laboratory, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Clinical Laboratory, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan. ; Department of Virology & Liver unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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31
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Sarin SK, Kumar M, Lau GK, Abbas Z, Chan HLY, Chen CJ, Chen DS, Chen HL, Chen PJ, Chien RN, Dokmeci AK, Gane E, Hou JL, Jafri W, Jia J, Kim JH, Lai CL, Lee HC, Lim SG, Liu CJ, Locarnini S, Al Mahtab M, Mohamed R, Omata M, Park J, Piratvisuth T, Sharma BC, Sollano J, Wang FS, Wei L, Yuen MF, Zheng SS, Kao JH. Asian-Pacific clinical practice guidelines on the management of hepatitis B: a 2015 update. Hepatol Int 2016; 10:1-98. [PMID: 26563120 PMCID: PMC4722087 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-015-9675-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1746] [Impact Index Per Article: 218.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, some 240 million people have chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), with the highest rates of infection in Africa and Asia. Our understanding of the natural history of HBV infection and the potential for therapy of the resultant disease is continuously improving. New data have become available since the previous APASL guidelines for management of HBV infection were published in 2012. The objective of this manuscript is to update the recommendations for the optimal management of chronic HBV infection. The 2015 guidelines were developed by a panel of Asian experts chosen by the APASL. The clinical practice guidelines are based on evidence from existing publications or, if evidence was unavailable, on the experts' personal experience and opinion after deliberations. Manuscripts and abstracts of important meetings published through January 2015 have been evaluated. This guideline covers the full spectrum of care of patients infected with hepatitis B, including new terminology, natural history, screening, vaccination, counseling, diagnosis, assessment of the stage of liver disease, the indications, timing, choice and duration of single or combination of antiviral drugs, screening for HCC, management in special situations like childhood, pregnancy, coinfections, renal impairment and pre- and post-liver transplant, and policy guidelines. However, areas of uncertainty still exist, and clinicians, patients, and public health authorities must therefore continue to make choices on the basis of the evolving evidence. The final clinical practice guidelines and recommendations are presented here, along with the relevant background information.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - M Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - G K Lau
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Humanity and Health Medical Centre, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Institute of Translational Hepatology, Beijing, China
| | - Z Abbas
- Department of Hepatogastroenterlogy, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - H L Y Chan
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - C J Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - D S Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - H L Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - P J Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - R N Chien
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and University, Chilung, Taiwan
| | - A K Dokmeci
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ed Gane
- New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J L Hou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - W Jafri
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - J Jia
- Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | - C L Lai
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - H C Lee
- Internal Medicine Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - S G Lim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - C J Liu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - S Locarnini
- Research and Molecular Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M Al Mahtab
- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - R Mohamed
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M Omata
- Yamanashi Hospitals (Central and Kita) Organization, 1-1-1 Fujimi, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 400-8506, Japan
| | - J Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - T Piratvisuth
- NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - B C Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - J Sollano
- Department of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - F S Wang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - L Wei
- Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing, China
| | - M F Yuen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pofulam, Hong Kong
| | - S S Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - J H Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Wu JF, Chiu YC, Chang KC, Chen HL, Ni YH, Hsu HY, Chang MH. Predictors of hepatitis B e antigen-negative hepatitis in chronic hepatitis B virus-infected patients from childhood to adulthood. Hepatology 2016; 63:74-82. [PMID: 26389515 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative hepatitis is a clinical indicator of poor outcome for chronic hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection. This long-term prospective cohort study aimed to elucidate the predictors of developing HBeAg-negative hepatitis in chronic HBV-infected subjects followed from childhood to adulthood. We followed 434 HBeAg-positive chronic HBV-infected patients from a median age of 7.22 years (interquartile range 4.31-10.21 years). Spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion occurred in 359 subjects at a median age of 13.93 years (interquartile range 8.76-20.59 years), and 75 subjects developed HBeAg seroconversion after antiviral therapy. These patients were followed for a median of 14.40 years (interquartile range 6.14-22.02 years) after HBeAg seroconversion. Clinical data were analyzed to delineate the predictors of developing HBeAg-negative hepatitis. The HBV basal core promoter and precore/core gene sequences were also evaluated in subjects with and without HBeAg-negative hepatitis. The overall annual incidence of HBeAg-negative hepatitis was 0.37% (95% confidence internal 0.35-0.39) in spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters. The overall annual incidence of HBeAg-negative hepatitis increased to 2.64% in lamivudine-treated subjects but did not increase in those treated with interferon-alpha (0.58%). Male gender (hazard ratio = 3.15), HBV genotype C (hazard ratio = 4.40), HBeAg seroconversion after 18 years of age (hazard ratio = 2.46), and lamivudine therapy prior to HBeAg seroconversion (hazard ratio = 1.42) were predictors of HBeAg-negative hepatitis in HBeAg seroconverters (P < 0.05). HBeAg-negative hepatitis subjects carried more A1762T/G1764A, C2063A, and A2131C HBV gene mutations than those without HBeAg-negative hepatitis. CONCLUSIONS HBeAg seroconversion during childhood predicts a lower risk of HBeAg-negative hepatitis in later life. Interferon-alpha therapy may be an effective antiviral therapy beneficial in chronic HBV-infected children with severe inflammation that facilitates HBeAg seroconversion in earlier life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Feng Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Chiu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Chi Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Emergency, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Ling Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hsuan Ni
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yuan Hsu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hwei Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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33
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Wu JF, Chang MH. Natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus infection from infancy to adult life - the mechanism of inflammation triggering and long-term impacts. J Biomed Sci 2015; 22:92. [PMID: 26487087 PMCID: PMC4618235 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-015-0199-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in endemic areas usually starts since infancy and early childhood and persists lifelong. The clinical course varies among different chronic infected subjects. Majority of chronic HBV infected children present with immune-tolerant status initially, experience the immune clearance phase with various degree of liver injury during or beyond puberty, and then enter the inactive phase after hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion. Part of them may have HBV DNA titers elevation with hepatitis flare after HBeAg seroconversion, the so call HBeAg-negative hepatitis flare. Liver cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma may develop afterward. The complex course of chronic HBV infection is associated with the age/route of viral acquisition, host factors such as immune and endocrine factors, viral factors, and host-viral interactions. The adrenarche and puberty onset modulate the start of immune clearance and the severity of liver inflammation in chronic HBV infected children. The genotype and phenotype of human cytokines, innate immunity, and human leukocyte antigens are also associated with the onset of immune clearance of HBV and severity of inflammation. Immune escape HBV mutant strains, emerged during the immune clearance phase under host immune surveillance, may cause different impacts on viral biosynthesis, host immune responses, and clinical course. Early events in childhood during chronic HBV infection may serve as important predictors for the later outcome in adulthood. Understanding the mechanisms triggering liver inflammation and their long-term impacts may enhance the development of better and earlier therapeutic strategies for patients with chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Feng Wu
- Departments of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital, No. 8, Chung-Shan S. Rd., Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hwei Chang
- Departments of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital, No. 8, Chung-Shan S. Rd., Taipei, Taiwan. .,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Assis DRD, Tenore SDB, Pinho JRR, Lewi DS, Ferreira PRA. Characteristics of an outpatient chronic hepatitis B virus infection cohort. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2015; 13:189-95. [PMID: 26154539 PMCID: PMC4943808 DOI: 10.1590/s1679-45082015ao3269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To characterize a chronic hepatitis B cohort based on initial and follow-up clinical evaluations. Methods: A retrospective and descriptive analysis of clinical and laboratory data from chronic HBsAg adult carriers, without HIV, unexposed to treatment, with at least two outpatient visits, between February 2006 and November 2012. Fisher´s exact test, χ², Wilcoxon, Spearman, multiple comparisons and Kappa tests were applied, the level of significance adopted was 5%, with a 95% confidence interval. Results: 175 patients with mean age of 42.95±12.53 years were included: 93 (53.1%) were men, 152 (86.9%) were negative for hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg), 3 (1.7%) had hepatitis C coinfection, 15 (8.6%) had cirrhosis, and 2 (1.1%) had hepatocellular carcinoma. Genotype A predominated. Sixty-six patients (37.7%) had active hepatitis, 6 (3.4%) presented immune tolerance, and 38 (21.7%) were inactive carriers. Exacerbations and/or viral breakthrough were detected in 16 patients (9.1%). In 32 patients (18.3%), hepatitis B virus DNA remained persistently elevated and alanine aminotransferase levels were normal, whereas in 17 (9.7%), there was low hepatitis B virus DNA and alterated alanine aminotransferase. If only initial alanine aminotransferase and hepatitis B virus DNA values were considered, 15 cases of active hepatitis would not have been detected. Advanced fibrosis was more common in HBeAg-positive patients, and it was significantly associated with transaminases, hepatitis B virus DNA, and age. Conclusion: Many patients had active hepatitis, but almost 25%, who were HBeAg non-reactive, were only identified because of combined analyses of the hepatitis B virus DNA and transaminases levels, sometimes associated with histological data, after clinical follow-up.
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35
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik De Clercq
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven; Leuven Belgium
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36
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Zeng DW, Dong J, Zhang JM, Zhu YY, Jiang JJ, Liu YR. HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis patients should be monitored more strictly: a cross-sectional retrospective study on antiviral treatment-naïve patients. J Med Virol 2015; 87:1682-8. [PMID: 25965250 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negative/treatment naïve subjects with low hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels (<10(4) copies/ml) and low alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (<2 × upper limit of normal) in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS A total of 226 treatment naïve patients diagnosed with HBV-related HCC, divided into five Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages, were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed. Virological parameters including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBeAg, HBV DNA levels, and laboratory parameters including ALT and aspartame aminotransferase were accessed at the time of HCC was diagnosed. Comparison between HBeAg positive patients and HBeAg negative patients was performed using a χ(2) test. RESULTS While laboratory parameters correlated with BCLC stages, virological parameters did not. HBeAg negative patients were more prevalent than HBeAg positive patients (160, 70.8% vs. 66, 29.2%). HBsAg and HBV DNA levels in HBeAg negative patients were significantly lower than that in HBeAg positive patients (all P < 0.001). Of the 160 HBeAg negative patients, 74 (46.25%) had low HBsAg, 76 (47.5%) had low DNA levels, and 35 (21.9%) patients had low DNA and normal ALT levels. CONCLUSIONS In treatment naïve patients with HBV-related HCC, the majority (70.8%) were HBeAg negative patients. More than one fifth of HBeAg negative patients had low HBV DNA levels and normal ALT levels, indicating more strict monitoring for HBeAg negative patients is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Wu Zeng
- Liver center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Liver center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jie-Min Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yue-Yong Zhu
- Liver center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jia-Ji Jiang
- Liver center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yu-Rui Liu
- Liver center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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37
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Tan Y, Ye Y, Zhou X, Chen L, Wen D. Age as a predictor of significant fibrosis features in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B virus infection with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123452. [PMID: 25885705 PMCID: PMC4401737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels reflect the degree of liver damage, not all patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection exhibit persistently elevated ALT levels. In the present study, we aimed to comprehensively evaluate the characteristics of histological abnormalities in a large population of Chinese patients with chronic HBV and persistently normal ALT levels. METHODS In total, 2303 consecutive patients who underwent liver biopsy were screened. Of these patients, 273 were categorized as having persistently normal ALT levels (PNALT), whereas 618 were categorized as having persistently or intermittently elevated ALT levels (PIALT). All these patients had at least three ALT values recorded in the year prior to the baseline liver biopsy. RESULTS Significant necroinflammation was observed in 9.7% (11/113) patients with PNALT, 23.3% (42/180) patients with PIALT (ALT 1-2× upper limit of normal [ULN]), and 27.8% (42/151) patients with PIALT (ALT > 2× ULN), whereas significant fibrosis was observed in 8.8% (10/113) patients with PNALT, 27.8% (42/151) patients with PIALT (ALT 1-2× ULN), and 21.2% (32/151) patients with PIALT (ALT > 2× ULN). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that age parameters were associated with significant histological abnormalities in patients with PNALT. The area under the curve showed that age was associated with significant fibrosis characteristics in patients with hepatitis B extracellular antigen (HBeAg)-negative PNALT. CONCLUSION Significant histological abnormalities are not often observed in Chinese patients with PNALT. Interestingly, age appears to be a predictor of significant fibrosis in patients with HBeAg-negative PNALT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youwen Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Hepatosis, The Third Hospital of Zhenjiang Affiliated Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Yun Ye
- Department of Hepatosis, The Third Hospital of Zhenjiang Affiliated Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xinbei Zhou
- Department of Hepatosis, The Third Hospital of Zhenjiang Affiliated Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Hepatosis, The Third Hospital of Zhenjiang Affiliated Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Danfeng Wen
- Department of Hepatosis, The Third Hospital of Zhenjiang Affiliated Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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Kim JH, Kim MN, Han KH, Kim SU. Clinical application of transient elastography in patients with chronic viral hepatitis receiving antiviral treatment. Liver Int 2015; 35:1103-15. [PMID: 24976523 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Accurate evaluation of the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD) is crucial, as liver fibrosis is important in determining the prognosis of liver diseases. Currently, liver biopsy (LB) is considered the gold standard for staging liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. However, utilization of LB in clinical practice is often limited because of its invasive nature, sampling error and interobserver variability. Recently, transient elastography (TE) was introduced as a noninvasive, highly reproducible technique for assessing the degree of liver fibrosis. After extensive studies, TE is now regarded as a reliable surrogate marker for grading the severity of liver fibrosis in patients with CLD. In the past few years, the role of TE in monitoring liver stiffness and determining prognosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) or chronic hepatitis C (CHC) who are undergoing antiviral treatment has been investigated. In patients with CHB, liver stiffness values decrease with antiviral treatment. TE can also be used to predict the incidence of liver-related events during antiviral treatment. In patients with CHC, TE can be used to monitor potential regression of liver fibrosis after antiviral treatment and may predict the treatment outcome of CHC. In addition, TE is an adjunct tool for distinguishing inactive hepatitis B virus carriers from patients with chronic active hepatitis. This review article discusses the important findings from recent studies focusing on the clinical application of TE in patients with chronic viral hepatitis who are undergoing antiviral treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Yapali S, Talaat N, Fontana RJ, Oberhelman K, Lok AS. Outcomes of patients with chronic hepatitis B who do not meet criteria for antiviral treatment at presentation. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 13:193-201.e1. [PMID: 25041863 PMCID: PMC4268235 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2014.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The availability of potent, well-tolerated, oral antivirals with low rates of resistance has led many experts to recommend liberalizing indications for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study sought to determine the rate of transitions to an active phase of infection, the frequency of treatment initiation, and the clinical outcomes of patients with CHB who did not meet treatment criteria at presentation. METHODS We reviewed medical records of patients with CHB, seen in the liver clinics at the University of Michigan Health System from 1999 through 2010, who did not receive antiviral treatment within 6 months of presentation. We collected data on transitions between different phases of CHB, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion, loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Data analyses were censored or truncated at the time of treatment initiation or development of an outcome. RESULTS Of the 234 patients analyzed, 52.1% were men (median age, 35 y), 72.2% were Asian, and 81.2% were HBeAg-negative. During a median follow-up period of 51 months, 19.2% of patients transitioned to a more active disease phase and 18.8% started antiviral therapy. Of the 44 HBeAg-positive patients, 4 patients (9%) had spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion. Nine HBeAg-negative patients but none of the HBeAg-positive patients lost HBsAg. The cumulative probability of HBsAg loss among HBeAg-negative patients was 1% at year 5 and 21% by year 10. No patients had flares of icteric hepatitis or hepatic decompensation. None of the HBeAg-positive patients developed HCC, whereas 2 HBeAg-negative patients developed HCC. CONCLUSIONS Careful monitoring of patients with CHB who did not meet treatment criteria at presentation permits timely initiation of treatment, with a low risk of adverse clinical outcomes, based on a retrospective study with a median follow-up period of 4.3 years. These findings indicate that current guidelines for initiating treatment are appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suna Yapali
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nizar Talaat
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Robert J Fontana
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kelly Oberhelman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Anna S Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Hsu JY, Tsai CC, Tseng KC. Fulminant hepatic failure and acute renal failure as manifestations of concurrent Q fever and cytomegalovirus infection: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:651. [PMID: 25487053 PMCID: PMC4264321 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-014-0651-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coxiella burnetii is an obligate bacterial pathogen that causes Q fever. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) commonly exists as a latent infection in healthy people. Co-infection with both pathogens is rare. CASE PRESENTATION We report an immunocompetent 53-year-old male farmer who presented with fulminant hepatic failure and acute renal failure. Empiric antibiotic treatment with intravenous penicillin G and levofloxacin were given, but hepatic and renal functions continued to deteriorate. A subsequent test of serum immunoglobulin M was positive for CMV, and administration of gancyclovir led to gradual recovery. A diagnosis of acute Q fever was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) on paired serum samples to demonstrate a significant rise in antibody titers. Antibiotic treatment was adjusted accordingly. CONCLUSION CMV co-infection should be considered in patients with acute Q fever when they do not respond to standard antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Yi Hsu
- School of Medicine, Tzuchi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
| | - Chen-Chi Tsai
- School of Medicine, Tzuchi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, No 2, Ming-Shen Road, Dalin Town, Chia-Yi County, 622, Taiwan.
| | - Kuo-Chih Tseng
- School of Medicine, Tzuchi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, No 2, Ming-Shen Road, Dalin Town, Chia-Yi County, 622, Taiwan.
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Yapali S, Turan I, Ozutemiz O, Tekesin O. A severe case of esophageal ulcer causing a tight stricture despite long-term D-penicillamine treatment. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2014; 126:789-91. [DOI: 10.1007/s00508-014-0610-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Clinical presentation and disease phases of chronic hepatitis B using conventional versus modified ALT criteria in Asian Americans. Dig Dis Sci 2014; 59:865-71. [PMID: 24519522 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-014-3054-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The modified normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) value (i.e., males <30 and females <19 IU/L) is a better criteria associated with histological activity in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study was aimed to assess if the modified ALT criteria could be better associated with disease phases in a cohort of Asian Americans (AsAm) with CHB. METHODS This two-center retrospective study evaluated 198 non-treated AsAm with CHB and a mean follow-up of 21 months. Both conventional and modified ALT criteria were used to determine the differences and clinical value using modified ALT criteria in classifying CHB phases. RESULTS Among HBeAg (+) patients (29.3 %), HBV pre-core (PC) and basal core promoter (BCP) mutations were detected in 24.4 % and 31.3 %, respectively. Using baseline conventional ALT criteria, 97/153 (63.4 %) patients could be categorized into CHB phases 1 to 4, whereas 56/153 (36.6 %) were indeterminate. Using the modified ALT criteria, 43 (28.1 %) patients had phase changes of which 31/43 (72.1 %) were moved from phase 1 and indeterminate to phases 2 and 4, more active CHB phases. In 13/31 of these patients with liver biopsy, 6 (19.4 %) reported stage 2-4 fibrosis and 10 (32.3 %) reported grade 1-2 inflammation. Using modified ALT criteria to evaluate 48/153 patients with full data at baseline and the end of 1-year follow-up, we observed that 19/48 (39.6 %) changed their CHB phases; 5/48 (10.4 %) moved from phases 1 and 3 to phases 2 and 4; 2/48 (4.2 %) remained in the active phases; 10/48 (20.8 %) became indeterminate. CONCLUSIONS HBV PC and BCP mutations were detectable in 24.4 % and 31.3 % of HBeAg (+) AsAm patients, respectively. Compared with conventional ALT criteria, modified ALT criteria is more sensitive in identifying CHB patients in active phases.
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Tseng KC, Chen CY, Tsai HW, Chang TT, Chuang WL, Hsu PI, Liu WC, Cheng PN. Efficacy of entecavir in chronic hepatitis B patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Antivir Ther 2014; 19:755-64. [PMID: 24583931 DOI: 10.3851/imp2754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is still inconclusive whether chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (PNALT) should receive nucleoside/nucleotide analogues. This study is to evaluate the efficacy of entecavir in improving liver histology in CHB patients with PNALT. METHODS In this prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 380 CHB patients with PNALT were screened, 82 patients received biopsy and 43 patients met the HBV DNA and histology criteria and were randomly assigned to either an entecavir or placebo group for 52 weeks, with 22 and 21 in each group, respectively. The primary objective was to evaluate histological improvement. The secondary objective is to evaluate virological efficacy. RESULTS A total of eight (38.1%) patients in the entecavir group and eight (44.4%) in the placebo group (P=0.752) showed histological improvement. The decrease in total Knodell scores (±sd) was 1.3 ±1.9 in the entecavir group and 1.5 ±2.2 in the placebo group (P=0.803). The subjects with undetectable HBV DNA at week 52 were 16/21 (76.2%) in the entecavir group and 0/18 (0%) in the placebo group (P<0.001). The mean HBV DNA reduction from baseline to week 52 was 4.73 ±0.83 in the entecavir and 0.25 ±0.81 in the placebo group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS CHB patients with PNALT receiving entecavir therapy for one year achieved virological efficacy, but not histological benefit. ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01833611.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Chih Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
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Chao DT, Lim JK, Ayoub WS, Nguyen LH, Nguyen MH. Systematic review with meta-analysis: the proportion of chronic hepatitis B patients with normal alanine transaminase ≤ 40 IU/L and significant hepatic fibrosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2014; 39:349-58. [PMID: 24387289 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Revised: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) may lead to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and premature death. Elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) levels ≥ the upper limit of normal (ULN) are a major determinant for initiating anti-viral therapy; however, ALT levels alone may not be predictive of hepatic fibrosis. AIM To determine the proportion of CHB patients with ALT ≤ 40 IU/L and liver fibrosis stage ≥ 2. Secondary goals include subgroup analysis by hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status, high hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels, Asian ethnicity, lower ULN of ≤ 30 IU/L (males) and 19 IU/L (females), and advanced age. METHODS Studies identified in EMBASE and MEDLINE (1/1990-6/2012) using the search criteria: "Hepatitis B"[Mesh] OR "Hepatitis B virus"[Mesh] OR "Hepatitis B, Chronic"[Mesh])) AND "Alanine Transaminase"[Mesh]) and abstracts containing the term 'hepatitis' from recent major U.S. gastroenterology and liver society meetings were considered. RESULTS Among nine studies (N = 830 patients), a significant proportion (20.7%; 95% CI: 16.2-26.0%) of CHB patients with ALT levels ≤ 40 IU/L had significant fibrosis irrespective of HBeAg status, high HBV DNA levels, ethnicity or age, although this proportion may be higher in patients older than 30-40 years old. The corresponding proportion was 27.8% even when the newer ULN of 30 IU/L (males) and 19 IU/L (females) was applied. CONCLUSIONS Approximately one fifth of CHB patients with ALT ≤ 40 IU/L may have significant hepatic fibrosis. The approach to such patients should be individualised, as further evaluation and treatment may be appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- D T Chao
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Wang H, Xue L, Yan R, Zhou Y, Wang MS, Cheng MJ, Hai-Jun Huang. Comparison of histologic characteristics of Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients with persistently normal or mildly elevated ALT. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80585. [PMID: 24260428 PMCID: PMC3832452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver disease can develop in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with normal or mildly elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) who seldom undergo liver biopsy. We aimed to determine histologic characteristics of a large cohort of Chinese CHB patients undergoing liver biopsy and to evaluate the utility of ALT and HBV DNA values at the time of biopsy in predicting liver disease in this population. This prospective study enrolled 230 treatment-naïve patients with persistently normal or mildly elevated ALT. All patients had a liver biopsy. ALT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and HBV DNA levels were some of the other parameters measured. Using Scheuer's classification, significant histology was defined as stage ≧2 fibrosis and/or stage 1 fibrosis plus≧ grade 2 inflammation. Liver disease was observed in 34.4% and 61.8% of patients with normal ALT and mildly elevated ALT, respectively. Patients with mildly elevated ALT levels had significantly more events, including liver disease, elevated AST, and moderate to severe inflammation and liver fibrosis, than patients with normal ALT (all P≤0.005). A total of 107 patients (46.5%) had liver disease and 123 (53.5%) did not. PLT and ALT were significantly associated with liver disease (both P<0.001). Patients with elevated ALT, lower platelet count and HBV DNA < 7 log10copies/mL may have histologically significant changes associated with liver disease. Multivariate analysis showed that PLT and HBV DNA levels were significantly associated with liver disease in patients with normal ALT while gender and HBV DNA levels were significantly associated with liver disease in patients with mildly elevated ALT. Assessing liver damage via biopsy in patients with normal or mildly elevated ALT may help to identify those who would benefit from antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) inactive carriers are HBV e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and HBV DNA of ≤ 10000 copies/mL. We aimed to determine the clinical impact of ALT and HBV DNA elevations during the course of HBV infection. METHODS From January 1989 to January 2012, 146 inactive carriers were prospectively followed every 6-12 months with ALT and HBV DNA measurements and with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance. RESULTS During the follow-up of 8 ± 6.3 years, 56 of the 146 patients maintained ALT ≤ 40 U/L and HBV DNA ≤ 10000 copies/mL. However, 39 had rises of ALT > 40-80 U/L and 4 had ALT > 80 U/L; all except one reverted to baseline values. Also, during follow up, 69 (47.3%) inactive carriers had increases in HBV DNA of > 10000-999999 copies/mL; 38 of these patients' HBV DNA returned to baseline levels, while the remaining 31 patients maintained elevated HBV DNA values but had corresponding ALT of ≤ 40 U/L. There were four liver-related outcomes: 129 (88.4%) remained "inactive carriers", 13 (8.9%) had loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), one (0.7%) had a spontaneous reactivation to HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis, and two (1.4%) developed HCC. CONCLUSIONS Although the prognosis of inactive carrier is favorable, transient ALT and HBV DNA elevations may be observed but have minimal clinical significance. Moreover, continuous HCC surveillance remains necessary since the risk of development still exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myron J Tong
- Liver Center, Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, California 91105, USA.
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Juniastuti, Utsumi T, Aksono EB, Yano Y, Soetjipto, Hayashi Y, Hotta H, Rantam FA, Kusumobroto HO, Lusida MI. Predominance of precore mutations and clinical significance of basal core promoter mutations in chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Indonesia. Biomed Rep 2013; 1:522-528. [PMID: 24648979 DOI: 10.3892/br.2013.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem worldwide, with a particularly high prevalence in the Asian-Pacific region. During chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, mutations commonly occur in the basal core promoter (BCP) and precore (PC) regions of HBV, affecting HBeAg expression, particularly following HBeAg serocon-version. Mutations in the B- and T-cell epitopes of the HBV core have also been observed during disease progression. The clinical significance of HBV genome variability has been demonstrated, however the results are a subject of controversy. Considering the characteristics of the virus associated with geographical location, the profiles of BCP, PC and core mutations and their clinical implications in patients with chronic HBV infection in Surabaya, Indonesia, were investigated. The BCP, PC and core mutations and HBV genotypes were detected by direct sequencing. The HBeAg/anti-HBe status and HBV DNA levels were also assessed. This study enrolled 10 patients with chronic HBV infection (UC) from Dr Soetomo General Hospital and Indonesian Red Cross, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, 10 patients with chronic hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis (LC) and 4 patients with chronic hepatitis B and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from Dr Soetomo General Hospital. The PC mutation A1896 was predominant in all the groups (60-100%), together with the PC variant T1858, which was associated with HBV genotype B. The number of detected core mutations (Thr/Ser130) was higher in HCC patients (50%). However, the BCP mutations T1762/A1764 were predominant in LC patients (50-60%). The LC and HCC patients carried HBV isolates with additional mutations, at least at BCP or PC, mainly following HBeAg seroconversion. In the majority of anti-HBe-positive samples, the BCP T1762/A1764 mutations were associated with a high viral load, regardless of the PC 1896 status. In conclusion, the PC mutations were found to be predominant in all the groups. However, the BCP mutations were mainly detected in the LC group and may be considered as a critical indicator of a poor clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juniastuti
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java 60131; ; Indonesia-Japan Collaborative Research Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Disease, Airlangga University
| | - Takako Utsumi
- Indonesia-Japan Collaborative Research Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Disease, Airlangga University; ; Center for Infectious Diseases, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 6500017, Japan
| | - Eduardus Bimo Aksono
- Institute of Tropical Disease, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java 60115, Indonesia
| | - Yoshihiko Yano
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 6500017, Japan
| | - Soetjipto
- Indonesia-Japan Collaborative Research Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Disease, Airlangga University; ; Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Airlangga University
| | - Yoshitake Hayashi
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 6500017, Japan
| | - Hak Hotta
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 6500017, Japan
| | - Fedik Abdul Rantam
- Institute of Tropical Disease, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java 60115, Indonesia
| | | | - Maria Inge Lusida
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java 60131; ; Indonesia-Japan Collaborative Research Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Disease, Airlangga University
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Göbel T, Erhardt A, Herwig M, Poremba C, Baldus SE, Sagir A, Heinzel-Pleines U, Häussinger D. High prevalence of significant liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B patients with normal ALT in central Europe. J Med Virol 2012; 83:968-73. [PMID: 21503908 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.22048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The indication for antiviral treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B is based on serum HBV DNA levels, transaminases, and histological grade and stage. The relation of liver fibrosis and inflammation to ALT activity in chronic hepatitis B infection was investigated in a nonendemic, European setting. A total of 253 patients with chronic hepatitis B who had undergone liver biopsy at the Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Düsseldorf,Germany over the past 19 years (1990–2009) were evaluated. Thirty-nine patients had persistently normal transaminases, 86 patients had ALT with 1–2 x ULN (upper limit of normal) and 128 patients had ALT >2 x ULN. Liver fibrosis or inflammation was defined as significant for stages or grades ≥ 2 according to the Desmet/Scheuer score. Significant liver fibrosis (F ≥ 2)was found in 36%, cirrhosis in 18%, and significant inflammation (G ≥ 2) in 27% of patients with normal transaminases. There was no difference in the stage of liver fibrosis and the frequency of cirrhosis between patients with normal and elevated transaminases. The most important factor associated with the presence of cirrhosis in multivariate analysis was age ≥ 40 years (P < 0.003). If concomitant factors like elevated GGT or male sex were furthermore present high prevalences of significant liver disease were found. The data indicate that, in a European setting, patients with chronic hepatitis B infection, and normal transaminases frequently have significant liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.Therefore, liver biopsy or liver stiffness measurement (LSM) should be performed in these patients to determine the stage of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Göbel
- Clinic of Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Follow-up and indications for liver biopsy in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B virus infection with persistently normal ALT: a systematic review. J Hepatol 2012; 57:196-202. [PMID: 22450396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2011.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 11/24/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The adequacy of monitoring HBeAg-negative patients based on ALT activity is controversial and current guidelines favor liver biopsy in HBeAg-negative cases with normal ALT and HBV DNA >2000 IU/ml. We systematically reviewed all the available histological data on HBeAg-negative patients with persistently normal ALT (PNALT) to determine the prevalence of significant liver disease and its associating factors. METHODS Literature search to identify studies with adult HBeAg-negative patients who had PNALT as defined by the authors, a minimum follow-up of 1 year and histological data. Traditional cut-off values of normal ALT were used in all studies. The definitions of PNALT were considered as acceptable or good if there were ≥3 ALT determinations at unspecified intervals during 6-12 months or predefined intervals during ≥12-month periods, respectively. RESULTS Six studies including 335 patients met our inclusion criteria. Of these, four studies with 246 patients had good or acceptable definitions of PNALT. In the latter four studies, more than minimal (usually mild) necro-inflammatory activity was observed in 10% and more than mild fibrosis in 8% of all patients (moderate fibrosis: 7%, severe fibrosis: 1%, cirrhosis: 0%), and in 3% and 5% of patients with HBV DNA ≤20,000 IU/ml, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Histologically significant liver disease is rare in HBeAg-negative patients with PNALT based on stringent criteria and serum HBV DNA ≤20,000 IU/ml. Such cases can be considered as true inactive HBV carriers, who require neither liver biopsy nor immediate therapy but continued follow-up.
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Age versus clinical virological characteristics in chronic hepatitis B virus infection: a case series study in China. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2012; 24:406-13. [PMID: 22273989 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0b013e32834fbf35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the clinical virological characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in chronic HBV infection patients of different ages, especially in relapse patients and patients with immune clearance. METHODS The HBV clinical virological characteristics of chronic HBV infection were investigated in 1572 Chinese patients of different age groups (<20, 20-40, and >40 years old). RESULTS Of the patients in the below 20 age group, those with evidence of immune tolerance accounted for 86.05% (P<0.001). Of the patients in the 20-40 age group, those with immune clearance accounted for 36.36% (P<0.001). Of the patients in the above 40 age group, there were markedly more reactivation cases than in any other group (P<0.001). Our data indicated that a positive correlation (r=0.480, P<0.001) existed between HBV DNA contents (on a log10 scale) and the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level of the total cases with reactivation. Of the 300 cases with immune clearance being followed up 10-50 months after enrollment, 181 cases achieved spontaneous hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion (HBeAg to anti-HBe), and the younger the patient, the shorter the time to seroconversion (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Generally, there were significantly different HBV clinical virological characteristics in patients with chronic HBV infection of different ages. Different features were observed in relapse patients and patients with immune clearance at different ages, and these two types of patients needed antiretroviral therapy. Our study suggests that revisions of the timing and elevated alanine aminotransferase standards for chronic hepatitis B antiretroviral therapy in Chinese relapse patients and patients with immune clearance in different age groups are warranted.
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