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Maroto-García J, Moreno Álvarez A, Sanz de Pedro MP, Buño-Soto A, González Á. Serum biomarkers for liver fibrosis assessment. ADVANCES IN LABORATORY MEDICINE 2024; 5:115-130. [PMID: 38939201 PMCID: PMC11206202 DOI: 10.1515/almed-2023-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the result of chronic liver injury of different etiologies produced by an imbalance between the synthesis and degeneration of the extracellular matrix and dysregulation of physiological mechanisms. Liver has a high regenerative capacity in the early stage of chronic diseases so a prompt liver fibrosis detection is important. Consequently, an easy and economic tool that could identify patients with liver fibrosis at the initial stages is needed. To achieve this, many non-invasive serum direct, such as hyaluronic acid or metalloproteases, and indirect biomarkers have been proposed to evaluate liver fibrosis. Also, there have been developed formulas that combine these biomarkers, some of them also introduce clinical and/or demographic parameters, like FIB-4, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS), enhance liver fibrosis (ELF) or Hepamet fibrosis score (HFS). In this manuscript we critically reviewed different serum biomarkers and formulas for their utility in the diagnosis and progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Moreno Álvarez
- Biochemistry Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Buño-Soto
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPaz), Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro González
- Biochemistry Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
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2
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Maroto-García J, Moreno-Álvarez A, Sanz de Pedro MP, Buño-Soto A, González Á. Biomarcadores séricos para la evaluación de la fibrosis hepática. ADVANCES IN LABORATORY MEDICINE 2024; 5:131-147. [PMID: 38939202 PMCID: PMC11206201 DOI: 10.1515/almed-2023-0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
La fibrosis hepática se desarrolla como respuesta a la presencia de daño hepático crónico de diferentes etiologías, provocando un desequilibrio entre la síntesis y degeneración de la matriz extracelular y la desregulación de diversos mecanismos fisiológicos. En los estadios iniciales de las patologías crónicas, el hígado posee una elevada capacidad de regeneración, por lo que la detección temprana de la fibrosis hepática resulta esencial. En este contexto, es preciso contar con herramientas sencillas y económicas que permitan detectar la fibrosis hepática en sus fases iniciales. Para evaluar la fibrosis hepática, se han propuesto multitud de biomarcadores séricos no invasivos, tanto directos, como el ácido hialurónico o las metaloproteasas, como indirectos. Así mismo, se han desarrollado diversas fórmulas que combinan dichos biomarcadores junto con parámetros demográficos, como el índice FIB-4, el índice de fibrosis en la enfermedad de hígado graso no alcohólico (NFS, por sus siglas en inglés), la prueba ELF o el score de fibrosis Hepamet (HFS, por sus siglas en inglés). En el presente manuscrito, realizamos una revisión crítica del valor diagnóstico y pronóstico de los diferentes biomarcadores séricos y fórmulas actualmente existentes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Maroto-García
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, España
| | - Ana Moreno-Álvarez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, España
| | | | - Antonio Buño-Soto
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, España
- Instituto de investigación en salud del Hospital La (IdiPaz), Madrid, España
| | - Álvaro González
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, España
- Instituto Navarro de investigación en salud (IdiSNA), Pamplona, España
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Rabindranath M, Zaya R, Prayitno K, Orchanian-Cheff A, Patel K, Jaeckel E, Bhat M. A Comprehensive Review of Liver Allograft Fibrosis and Steatosis: From Cause to Diagnosis. Transplant Direct 2023; 9:e1547. [PMID: 37854023 PMCID: PMC10581596 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001547] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in posttransplant care, long-term outcomes for liver transplant recipients remain unchanged. Approximately 25% of recipients will advance to graft cirrhosis and require retransplantation. Graft fibrosis progresses in the context of de novo or recurrent disease. Recurrent hepatitis C virus infection was previously the most important cause of graft failure but is now curable in the majority of patients. However, with an increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as the most rapidly increasing indication for liver transplantation, metabolic dysfunction-associated liver injury is anticipated to become an important cause of graft fibrosis alongside alloimmune hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease. To better understand the landscape of the graft fibrosis literature, we summarize the associated epidemiology, cause, potential mechanisms, diagnosis, and complications. We additionally highlight the need for better noninvasive methods to ameliorate the management of graft fibrosis. Some examples include leveraging the microbiome, genetic, and machine learning methods to address these limitations. Overall, graft fibrosis is routinely seen by transplant clinicians, but it requires a better understanding of its underlying biology and contributors that can help inform diagnostic and therapeutic practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhumitha Rabindranath
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rita Zaya
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Khairunnadiya Prayitno
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ani Orchanian-Cheff
- Library and Information Services, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Keyur Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Dumortier J, Besch C, Moga L, Coilly A, Conti F, Corpechot C, Del Bello A, Faitot F, Francoz C, Hilleret MN, Houssel-Debry P, Jezequel C, Lavayssière L, Neau-Cransac M, Erard-Poinsot D, de Lédinghen V, Bourlière M, Bureau C, Ganne-Carrié N. Non-invasive diagnosis and follow-up in liver transplantation. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2022; 46:101774. [PMID: 34332131 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2021.101774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The field of liver transplantation directly or indirectly embodies all liver diseases, in addition to specific ones related to organ rejection (cellular and humoral). The recommended non-invasive methods for determining the indication for liver transplantation are the Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, and the alpha-foetoprotein score in case of hepatocellular carcinoma. Radiological methods are the cornerstones for the diagnosis of vascular and biliary complications after liver transplantation. The possible diseases of the liver graft after transplantation are multiple and often intertwined. Non-invasive diagnostic methods have been poorly evaluated in this context, apart from the recurrence of hepatitis C. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for evaluating graft lesions in the majority of cases, especially graft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Dumortier
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Unité de transplantation hépatique, Hôpital Edouard Herriot - HCL, CHU Lyon, Lyon.
| | - Camille Besch
- Service de chirurgie hépato-bilio-pancréatique et transplantation hépatique, Hôpital Hautepierre, CHRU Strasbourg, Strasbourg
| | - Lucile Moga
- Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital Beaujon, APHP, Clichy
| | - Audrey Coilly
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Hôpital Paul Brousse, APHP, Villejuif
| | - Filomena Conti
- Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpétrière, APHP, Paris
| | | | - Arnaud Del Bello
- Département de néphrologie et transplantation d'organes, Hôpital Rangueil, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse
| | - François Faitot
- Service de chirurgie hépato-bilio-pancréatique et transplantation hépatique, Hôpital Hautepierre, CHRU Strasbourg, Strasbourg
| | - Claire Francoz
- Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital Beaujon, APHP, Clichy
| | | | | | | | - Laurence Lavayssière
- Département de néphrologie et transplantation d'organes, Hôpital Rangueil, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse
| | | | - Domitille Erard-Poinsot
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Unité de transplantation hépatique, Hôpital Edouard Herriot - HCL, CHU Lyon, Lyon
| | - Victor de Lédinghen
- Unité Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux
| | - Marc Bourlière
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital Saint Joseph & INSERM UMR 1252 IRD SESSTIM Aix Marseille Université, Marseille
| | | | - Nathalie Ganne-Carrié
- Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Avicenne, APHP, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny & INSERM UMR 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Université de Paris
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Vaz K, Goodwin T, Kemp W, Roberts S, Majeed A. Artificial Intelligence in Hepatology: A Narrative Review. Semin Liver Dis 2021; 41:551-556. [PMID: 34327698 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
There has been a tremendous growth in data collection in hepatology over the last decade. This wealth of "big data" lends itself to the application of artificial intelligence in the development of predictive and diagnostic models with potentially greater accuracy than standard biostatistics. As processing power of computing systems has improved and data are made more accessible through the large databases and electronic health record, these more contemporary techniques for analyzing and interpreting data have garnered much interest in the field of medicine. This review highlights the current evidence base for the use of artificial intelligence in hepatology, focusing particularly on the areas of diagnosis and prognosis of advanced chronic liver disease and hepatic neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Vaz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thomas Goodwin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - William Kemp
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stuart Roberts
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ammar Majeed
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Yoshino K, Taura K, Okuda Y, Ikeno Y, Uemoto Y, Nishio T, Yamamoto G, Tanabe K, Koyama Y, Seo S, Kaido T, Okajima H, Imai T, Tanaka S, Uemoto S. Efficiency of acoustic radiation force impulse imaging for the staging of graft fibrosis after liver transplantation. Hepatol Res 2019; 49:394-403. [PMID: 30471140 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM Liver biopsy is the gold standard for assessing liver fibrosis (LF) after liver transplantation (LT), but its invasiveness limits its utility. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging to assess LF after LT. METHODS Between September 2013 and January 2017, 278 patients who underwent liver biopsy after LT in Kyoto University Hospital (Kyoto, Japan) were prospectively enrolled. Liver stiffness measurement was carried out using ARFI imaging; its value was expressed as shear wave velocity (Vs) [m/s]. The LF was evaluated according to METAVIR score (F0-F4). The diagnostic performance of Vs for F2≤ and F3≤ was assessed and compared with that of laboratory tests using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS The median Vs values increased according to the progression of LF (F0, 1.18 (0.78-1.92); F1, 1.35 (0.72-3.54); F2, 1.55 (1.05-3.37); F3, 1.84 (1.41-2.97)). The Vs had the highest area under the ROC curve (AUROC) for the prediction of both F2 ≤ and F3 ≤ fibrosis (F2, 0.77; and F3, 0.85). With the cut-off value of Vs >1.31, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 89.4%, 53.3%, 37.3%, and 94.2% in predicting F2≤, respectively. Shear wave velocity diagnosed LF better than any laboratory tests regardless of the type of primary disease. CONCLUSIONS Acoustic radiation force impulse helps to assess graft LF after LT. The high sensitivity suggested that ARFI might reduce the frequency of liver biopsies by detecting patients who are unlikely to have significant fibrosis after LT. (Unique trial no. UMIN R000028296.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Yoshino
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kojiro Taura
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Okuda
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Ikeno
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yusuke Uemoto
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nishio
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Gen Yamamoto
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Tanabe
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yukinori Koyama
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Seo
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshimi Kaido
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideaki Okajima
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takumi Imai
- Department of Clinical Biostatistics/Clinical Biostatistics Course, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine and Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shiro Tanaka
- Department of Clinical Biostatistics/Clinical Biostatistics Course, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine and Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinji Uemoto
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Ghose S, Biswas S, Datta K, Tyagi RK. Dynamic Hyaluronan drives liver endothelial cells towards angiogenesis. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:648. [PMID: 29890947 PMCID: PMC5996548 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4532-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature is essential in a number of physiological processes such as embryonic development, wound healing as well as pathological conditions like, tumor growth and metastasis. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a high molecular weight polysaccharide, major component of extracellular matrix is known to associate with malignant phenotypes in melanomas and various other carcinomas. Hyaluronic acid binding protein 1 (HABP1) has been previously reported to trigger enhanced cellular proliferation in human liver cancer cells upon its over-expression. In the present study, we have identified the HA mediated cellular behaviour of liver endothelial cells during angiogenesis. Methods Endothelial cells have been isolated from perfused liver of mice. Cell proliferation was studied using microwell plates with tetrazole dye. Cell migration was evaluated by measuring endothelial monolayer wound repair as well as through transwell migration assay. Alterations in proteins and mRNA expression were estimated by immunobloting and quantitative real time PCR using Applied Biosystems. The paraformaldehyde fixed endothelial cells were used for immuno- florescence staining and F-actin detection with conjugated antibodies. The images were captured by using Olympus florescence microscope (IX71). Results We observed that administration of HA enhanced cell proliferation, adhesion, tubular sprout formation as well as migration of liver endothelial cells (ECs). The effect of HA in the rearrangement of the actins confirmed HA -mediated cytoskeleton re-organization and cell migration. Further, we confirmed enhanced expression of angiogenic factors like VEGF-A and VEGFR1 in endothelial cells upon HA treatment. HA supplementation led to elevated expression of HABP1 in murine endothelial cells. It was interesting to note that, although protein levels of β- catenin remained unaltered, but translocation of this protein from membrane to nucleus was observed upon HA treatment, suggesting its role not only in vessel formation but also its involvement in angiogenesis signalling. Conclusions The elucidation of molecular mechanism (s) responsible for HA mediated regulation of endothelial cells and angiogenesis contributes not only to our understanding the mechanism of disease progression but also offer new avenues for therapeutic intervention. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4532-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampa Ghose
- Department of Medical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India. .,Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
| | - Subhrajit Biswas
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University Uttar Pradesh (AUUP), Sector 125, NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India.
| | - Kasturi Datta
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakesh K Tyagi
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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Kitajima T, Kaido T, Hamaguchi Y, Yagi S, Taura K, Fujimoto Y, Hatano E, Okajima H, Haga H, Uemoto S. Validation of the FIB-4 index for evaluation of fibrosis in patients with recurrent hepatitis C after living donor liver transplantation: A single center experience. Hepatol Res 2016; 46:752-7. [PMID: 26583748 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM The FIB-4 index has been proposed as a simple, non-invasive surrogate marker of liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, the utility of FIB-4 in HCV positive patients after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of FIB-4 in the detection of significant liver graft fibrosis caused by recurrent HCV infection after LDLT compared with other simple fibrosis markers. METHODS A total of 259 liver biopsies (LB) with evidence of recurrent HCV were taken from 110 HCV positive LDLT patients who had undergone concomitant splenectomy before administration of antiviral therapy. In LB performed at 3 months or later after LT (n = 202, subject group), FIB-4 was compared between fibrosis stages and the accuracy of FIB-4 in predicting significant fibrosis (METAVIR, F ≥ 2) was assessed compared with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, age-platelet index, and AST to platelet ratio index (APRI). RESULTS FIB-4 was significantly different between all fibrosis stages (F0 and F1-F4, P = 0.022; F0/1 and F2-F4, P < 0.0005; and F0-F2 and F3F4, P = 0.034) and provided the best area under the receiver-operator curve (AUROC) compared with other markers (FIB-4, 0.711; APRI, 0.693; age-platelet index, 0.663; and AST to ALT ratio, 0.562). The optimal cut-off value to identify significant fibrosis was 2.20 with 65% sensitivity and 69% specificity. CONCLUSION FIB-4 is a more reliable marker for diagnosing significant liver fibrosis than APRI, age-platelet index, and AST to ALT ratio in LDLT patients with HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Kitajima
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshimi Kaido
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuhei Hamaguchi
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shintaro Yagi
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kojiro Taura
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Fujimoto
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Etsuro Hatano
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideaki Okajima
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hironori Haga
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinji Uemoto
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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9
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Sheen V, Nguyen H, Jimenez M, Agopian V, Vangala S, Elashoff D, Saab S. Routine Laboratory Blood Tests May Diagnose Significant Fibrosis in Liver Transplant Recipients with Chronic Hepatitis C: A 10 Year Experience. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2016; 4:20-5. [PMID: 27047768 PMCID: PMC4807139 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2015.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The aims of our study were to determine whether routine blood tests, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and Fibrosis 4 (Fib-4) scores, were associated with advanced fibrosis and to create a novel model in liver transplant recipients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHODS We performed a cross sectional study of patients at The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center who underwent liver transplantation for HCV. We used linear mixed effects models to analyze association between fibrosis severity and individual biochemical markers and mixed effects logistic regression to construct diagnostic models for advanced fibrosis (METAVIR F3-4). Cross-validation was used to estimate a receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curve for the prediction models and to estimate the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) age of our cohort was 55 (±7.7) years, and almost three quarter were male. The mean (±SD) time from transplant to liver biopsy was 19.9 (±17.1) months. The mean (±SD) APRI and Fib-4 scores were 3 (±12) and 7 (±14), respectively. Increased fibrosis was associated with lower platelet count and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values and higher total bilirubin and Fib-4 scores. We developed a model that takes into account age, gender, platelet count, ALT, and total bilirubin, and this model outperformed APRI and Fib-4 with an AUC of 0.68 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our novel prediction model diagnosed the presence of advanced fibrosis more reliably than APRI and Fib-4 scores. This noninvasive calculation may be used clinically to identify liver transplant recipients with HCV with significant liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Sheen
- Departments of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Heajung Nguyen
- Departments of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Melissa Jimenez
- Departments of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vatche Agopian
- Departments of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sitaram Vangala
- Departments of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David Elashoff
- Departments of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sammy Saab
- Departments of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Departments of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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10
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Serum aspartate aminotransferase levels and previous histopathological findings enable reduction of protocol liver biopsies after liver transplantation for hepatitis C. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2015; 27:131-6. [PMID: 23516677 DOI: 10.1155/2013/904636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains the leading indication for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. Recurrent hepatitis C following LT is universal, and significant fibrosis (SF, Metavir fibrosis stage ≥2) apparent on protocol biopsy typically prompts antiviral therapy. OBJECTIVE To determine the optimal timing of protocol liver biopsies in this setting. METHODS A total of 151 patients who underwent LT related to HCV infection between July 2004 and December 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. Data regarding protocol liver biopsies at six, 12 and 24 months post-LT, conventional laboratory parameters and demographic information were obtained. RESULTS The 151 patients included in the present study had significantly lower serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels than the four patients who progressed to receive antiviral treatment for SF before six months post-LT (P<0.001). AST level, but not alanine aminotransferase level, histological activity or fibrosis stage at the six-month biopsy was independently associated with the progression to SF at 12 months (P<0.05). However, AST level, histological activity and fibrosis stage at the 12-month biopsy emerged as independent parameters associated with progression to SF at 24 months (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The protocol liver biopsy at six months could be eliminated, especially in patients who consistently exhibit low AST levels. Histological activity, the presence or absence of fibrosis, and AST values at the 12-month biopsy may lead to the decision to defer the protocol biopsy at 24 months or result in earlier introduction of antiviral therapy.
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Abstract
Chronic HCV infection is the leading indication for liver transplantation. However, as a result of HCV recurrence, patient and graft survival after liver transplantation are inferior compared with other indications for transplantation. HCV recurrence after liver transplantation is associated with considerable mortality and morbidity. The development of HCV-related fibrosis is accelerated after liver transplantation, which is influenced by a combination of factors related to the virus, donor, recipient, surgery and immunosuppression. Successful antiviral therapy is the only treatment that can attenuate fibrosis. The advent of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has changed the therapeutic landscape for the treatment of patients with HCV. DAAs have improved tolerability, and can potentially be used without PEG-IFN for a shorter time than previous therapies, which should result in better outcomes. In this Review, we describe the important risk factors that influence HCV recurrence after liver transplantation, highlighting the mechanisms of fibrosis and the integral role of hepatic stellate cells. Indirect and direct assessment of fibrosis, in addition to new antiviral therapies, are also discussed.
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Ikeda K, Izumi N, Tanaka E, Yotsuyanagi H, Takahashi Y, Fukushima J, Kondo F, Fukusato T, Koike K, Hayashi N, Tsubouchi H, Kumada H. Discrimination of fibrotic staging of chronic hepatitis C using multiple fibrotic markers. Hepatol Res 2014; 44:1047-55. [PMID: 23941604 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 08/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM In order to evaluate and judge a fibrotic stage of patients with chronic hepatitis C, multivariate regression analysis was performed using multiple fibrotic markers. METHODS A total of 581 patients from eight hepatology units and institutes were diagnosed by needle biopsy as having chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus. Twenty-three variables and their natural logarithmic transformation were employed in the multivariate analysis. RESULTS Multivariate regression analysis finally obtained the following function: z = 2.89 × ln (type IV collagen 7S) (ng/mL) - 0.011 × (platelet count) (×10(3) /mm(3) ) + 0.79 × ln (total bilirubin) (mg/dL) + 0.39 × ln (hyaluronic acid) (μg/L) - 1.87. Median values of the fibrotic score of F1 (n = 172), F2 (n = 80), F3 (n = 37) and F4 (n = 16) were calculated as 1.00, 1.45, 2.82 and 3.83, respectively. Multiple regression coefficient and coefficient of determination were 0.56 and 0.320, respectively. Validation with patient data from other institutions demonstrated good reproducibility of the fibrotic score for hepatitis C (FSC), showing 1.10 in F1 (n = 156), 2.35 in F2 (n = 73), 3.16 in F3 (n = 36) and 3.58 in F4 (n = 11). CONCLUSION A concise multiple regression function using four laboratory parameters successfully predicted pathological fibrotic stage of patients with hepatitis C virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Ikeda
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital; Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research
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Fernández-Yunquera A, Ripoll C, Bañares R, Puerto M, Rincón D, Yepes I, Catalina V, Salcedo M. Everolimus immunosuppression reduces the serum expression of fibrosis markers in liver transplant recipients. World J Transplant 2014; 4:133-140. [PMID: 25032102 PMCID: PMC4094948 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v4.i2.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the expression of serum fibrosis markers in liver transplantation (LT) recipients on everolimus monotherapy compared to patients on an anti-calcineurin regimen.
METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study included LT patients on everolimus monotherapy (cases) (E) (n = 30) and matched controls on an anti-calcineurin regimen (calcineurin inhibitors, CNI), paired by etiology of liver disease and time since LT (n = 30). Clinical characteristics, blood tests and elastography were collected. Serum levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), angiopoietin-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), platelet derived growth factor, amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), hyaluronic acid (HA), VCM-1 (ng/mL), interleukin (IL)-10, interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) (pg/mL) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of these markers between E and CNI was compared. Stratified analysis was done according to factors that may influence liver fibrosis. Variables are described with medians (interquartillic range) or percentages.
RESULTS: A total of 60 patients [age: 59 (49-64), hepatitis C virus (HCV): n = 21 (35%), time from LT: 73 mo (16-105)] were included. Patients had been on everolimus for a median of 15 mo. No differences in inflammatory activity, APRI test or liver elastography were found between the groups. No significant differences were observed between the groups in serum levels of PIIINP, metalloproteinase type = 1, angiopoietin, HGF, IP-10, TNF-α, IL-10 and vascular cell adhesion molecule. Patients on E had a lower expression of TGF-β [E: 12.7 (3.7-133.6), CNI: 152.5 (14.4-333.2), P = 0.009] and HA [E: 702.89 (329.4-838.2), CNI: 1513.6 (691.9-1951.4), P = 0.001] than those on CNI. This difference was maintained in the stratified analysis when recipient age is more than 50 years (TFG-β1: P = 0.06; HA: P = 0.005), in patients without active neoplasia (TFG-β1, P = 0.009; HA: P = 0.01), according to time since LT (> than 5 years, TFG-β1: P = 0.001; HA: P = 0.002), related to previous history of biliary complications (HA: P = 0.01) and HCV recurrence (HA: P = 0.004). Liver transplant recipients with everolimus monotherapy had less serum expression of TGF-β y HA than matched patients with anti-calcineurins. This difference remains when classifying patients according to donor age and time since LT. Due to the small sample size, when examining patients with a prior history of biliary complications or recurrent HCV, the difference was non-significant but trends towards the lower expression of TFG-β1 in the everolimus group. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a role in the transformation of quiescent hepatocellular stellate cell to their active profibrotic state, and experimental models have demonstrated the potential activity of mTOR inhibition in attenuating fibrogenesis.
CONCLUSION: This study supports a possible role of everolimus in liver fibrosis modulation after LT in a clinical setting and suggests that tailoring immunosuppression could avoid fibrosis progression in the allograft.
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the final common pathway for almost all causes of chronic liver injury. Liver fibrosis is now known to be a dynamic process having significant potential for resolution. Therefore, fibrosis prediction is an essential part of the assessment and management of patients with chronic liver disease. As such, there is strong demand for reliable liver biomarkers that provide insight into disease etiology, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis in lieu of more invasive approaches such as liver biopsy. Current diagnostic strategies range from use of serum biomarkers to more advanced imaging techniques including transient elastography and magnetic resonance imaging. In addition to these modalities, there are other approaches including the use of novel, but yet to be validated, biomarkers. In this chapter, we discuss the biomarkers of liver fibrosis including the use of invasive and noninvasive biomarkers and disease-specific biomarkers in various chronic liver diseases.
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15
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El Awady MK, Bader El Din NG, Abdel Aziz Riad M, Omran MH, Abdelhafez TH, Elbaz TM, Hunter SS, Dawood RM, Abdel Aziz AO. Predictors of disease recurrence post living donor liver transplantation in end stage chronic HCV patients. DISEASE MARKERS 2014; 2014:202548. [PMID: 24695489 PMCID: PMC3948502 DOI: 10.1155/2014/202548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2013] [Revised: 12/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
HCV recurrence represents a universal phenomenon after liver transplantation. In this study Fifty HCV patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation were enrolled and factors that may accelerate HCV reinfection of the allograft such as donor's age and degree of liver steatosis, recipient's age, gender, BMI, MELD score, liver functions, HCV viral load, type of immunosuppressive drug, and genetic polymorphisms of IL28B, OAS, and IL1B were studied. The results of disease-free survival (DFS) rates showed inverse correlation with the recipient's postoperative levels of ALT, AST, ALP (P < 0.001, <0.001, and 0.006 resp.) as well as pre- and postoperative titers of HCV RNA (P < 0.003 and <0.001 resp.). Recipient's IL28B SNP was a significant factor in predicting postoperative DFS (P < 0.025). However, SNPs in OAS and IL1B genes had no apparent correlation with DFS. Cox proportional hazards model revealed that patients with elevated levels of ALT, preoperative viral titers, IL28B CT, and IL28B TT were 8.28, 4.22, 3.35, and 1.36 times, respectively, more likely to develop recurrence. In conclusion IL28B SNP, ALT level, and preoperative HCV titer besides proper choice of immunosuppressant are helpful for predicting posttransplant HCV recurrence and DFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa K. El Awady
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Noha G. Bader El Din
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | | | - Moataza H. Omran
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Tawfeek H. Abdelhafez
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Tamer Mahmoud Elbaz
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Kasr El Aini, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Reham M. Dawood
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
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16
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Howell J, Angus P, Gow P. Hepatitis C recurrence: the Achilles heel of liver transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis 2013; 16:1-16. [PMID: 24372756 DOI: 10.1111/tid.12173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common indication for liver transplantation worldwide; however, recurrence post transplant is almost universal and follows an accelerated course. Around 30% of patients develop aggressive HCV recurrence, leading to rapid fibrosis progression (RFP) and culminating in liver failure and either death or retransplantation. Despite many advances in our knowledge of clinical risks for HCV RFP, we are still unable to accurately predict those most at risk of adverse outcomes, and no clear consensus exists on the best approach to management. This review presents a critical overview of clinical factors shown to influence the course of HCV recurrence post transplant, with particular focus on recent data identifying the important role of metabolic factors, such as insulin resistance, in HCV recurrence. Emerging data for genetic markers of HCV recurrence and their usefulness for predicting adverse outcomes will also be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Howell
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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17
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Crespo G, Forns X, Navasa M. [Serum markers of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. Prognostic value of noninvasive markers of fibrosis in liver transplantation]. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2013; 35 Suppl 2:17-22. [PMID: 23298655 DOI: 10.1016/s0210-5705(12)70045-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis must be evaluated in patients with chronic hepatitis C, since its severity will affect prognosis and the indication of antiviral therapy. Combining serological markers of fibrosis in algorithms or scores can identify a substantial number of patients with significant fibrosis and most patients with liver cirrhosis, thus potentially avoiding a large number of biopsies. Although these algorithms should be interpreted with caution, due to their possible limitations, their high reproducibility, applicability and availability make them an essential tool in the current evaluation of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. In contrast, serological markers have been found to be less effective in the diagnosis of fibrosis in the context of recurrent hepatitis C infection after liver transplantation. However, an algorithm for direct markers has shown excellent predictive ability in liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C. Consequently, this algorithm seems to be an excellent tool to establish prognosis and indicate antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Crespo
- Servicio de Hepatología, Institut de Malalties Digestives, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, España
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18
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Barrault C, Roudot-Thoraval F, Tran Van Nhieu J, Atanasiu C, Kluger MD, Medkour F, Douvin C, Mallat A, Zafrani ES, Cherqui D, Duvoux C. Non-invasive assessment of liver graft fibrosis by transient elastography after liver transplantation. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2013; 37:347-52. [PMID: 23318116 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2011] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (TE) (FibroScan) is a validated method of quantifying liver fibrosis in non-transplanted patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). It could be useful in follow-up after liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of LSM in evaluating liver fibrosis after LT in patients with and without recurrent HCV. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-three patients (mean age 57.6 ± 9.9 years), 28 (65.1%) HCV-positive patients and 15 (34.9%) HCV-negative patients underwent gold standard liver biopsy and TE 55.8 ± 4.9 months after transplantation. Liver fibrosis was scored on biopsy specimens according to METAVIR (F0-F4). Accuracy of TE and optimal stiffness cut-off values for fibrosis staging were determined by a receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS Median stiffness values were significantly different for METAVIR score less than 2 (5.8 kPa) vs. METAVIR score greater to equal to 2 (9.6 kPa) (P<0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.83 for METAVIR score greater to equal to 2 (95%CI: 0.71-0.95). The optimal stiffness cut-off value was 7 kPa for METAVIR scores greater to equal to 2. The results were similar whether the patients had recurrent HCV infection or not. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that transient elastography accurately identifies LT recipients with significant fibrosis, irrespective of HCV status. It is a promising non-invasive tool to assess graft fibrosis progression after LT in patients with HCV recurrence, as well as for screening of late graft fibrosis of other etiologies. Transient elastography could reduce the use of invasive protocol biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Barrault
- Liver Transplantation Unit, hôpital Henri-Mondor, 51, avenue du Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, 94000 Créteil, France.
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19
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Berenguer M, Schuppan D. Progression of liver fibrosis in post-transplant hepatitis C: mechanisms, assessment and treatment. J Hepatol 2013; 58:1028-41. [PMID: 23262248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2012.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from an excessive wound healing response in most chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis C. Despite great advances in antiviral therapy in recent years, progressive liver fibrosis remains a major problem for patients with recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation. Liver biopsy remains a central tool in the management of HCV-positive liver transplant recipients, but reliable non-invasive methods for the assessment of liver fibrosis, such as ultrasound elastography, are increasingly being incorporated in the management of post-transplant patients, helping predict prognosis, guide treatment decisions, and stratify patients for emerging antifibrotic therapies. In this manuscript, we will review the natural history as well as tools to monitor fibrosis progression in the HCV-positive liver transplant recipient, the mechanisms underlying rapid fibrosis progression in up to 30% of these patients, the effect of antiviral therapies and highlight promising antifibrotic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Berenguer
- University Valencia, Dept. of Medicine, Hepatology & Liver Transplantation Unit, La Fe Hospital and CIBEREHD, National Network Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology Research, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.
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20
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Monitoring hepatitis C infection in the liver allograft. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2013; 27:129-30. [PMID: 23516676 DOI: 10.1155/2013/297218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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21
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Levitsky J, Doucette K. Viral hepatitis in solid organ transplantation. Am J Transplant 2013; 13 Suppl 4:147-68. [PMID: 23465008 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Levitsky
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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22
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Role of hyaluronic acid, its degrading enzymes, degradation products, and ferritin in the assessment of fibrosis stage in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 25:69-76. [PMID: 23011038 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0b013e3283594924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Liver biopsy is considered a gold standard for fibrosis staging, but it has a high risk of morbidity. Therefore, there is an interest in developing noninvasive markers for the prediction of liver fibrosis stages. METHODS Hyaluronic acid, ferritin, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, β-glucuronidase, glucosamine, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase were assayed in 210 individuals with chronic hepatitis C infection. Statistical analysis was carried out by logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic curves. RESULTS The best linear combination of only significant blood markers was used for the determination of the fibrosis discriminant score; score=[1.64 (numerical constant)-0.002×hyaluronic acid (pg/l)-2.68×β-glucuronidase (µmol/ml/min)-0.026×glucosamine (µg/dl)-0.001×ferritin-0.033 (ng/ml)×aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase]. The selected fibrosis discriminant score function correctly classified 81% of patients with severe liver fibrosis at a discriminant cut-off score=0.55 (i.e. less than 0.55 indicated mild liver fibrosis and greater than 0.55 indicated severe liver fibrosis), with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 73%. CONCLUSION A simple fibrosis index can be useful to select hepatitis C virus-infected patients with a very low risk of significant fibrosis in whom the protocol of liver biopsies may be avoided.
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23
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Fernández-Varo G. Marcadores serológicos de fibrosis. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2012; 35 Suppl 2:10-6. [DOI: 10.1016/s0210-5705(12)70044-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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24
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Berenguer M, Charco R, Manuel Pascasio J, Ignacio Herrero J. Spanish society of liver transplantation (SETH) consensus recommendations on hepatitis C virus and liver transplantation. Liver Int 2012; 32:712-31. [PMID: 22221843 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2011.02731.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In November 2010, the Spanish Society of Liver Transplantation (Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático, SETH) held a consensus conference. One of the topics of debate was liver transplantation in patients with hepatitis C. This document reviews (i) the natural history of post-transplant hepatitis C, (ii) factors associated with post-transplant prognosis in patients with hepatitis C, (iii) the role of immunosuppression in the evolution of recurrent hepatitis C and response to antiviral therapy, (iv) antiviral therapy, both before and after transplantation, (v) follow-up of patients with recurrent hepatitis C and (vi) the role of retransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Berenguer
- Spanish Society of Liver Transplantation (Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático, SETH)
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25
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Crespo G, Mariño Z, Navasa M, Forns X. Viral hepatitis in liver transplantation. Gastroenterology 2012; 142:1373-1383.e1. [PMID: 22537446 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2012.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2011] [Revised: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the only alternative for patients with end-stage liver disease. Viral hepatitis B and C are among the most common causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and a frequent indication for liver transplantation. Hepatitis B virus immunoglobulin and nucleot(s)ide analogues have facilitated the management of patients with hepatitis B who have received liver transplants and resulted in excellent long-term outcomes. On the contrary, recurrence of hepatitis C is the main cause of graft loss in most transplant programs. Current therapeutic approaches are far from optimal, because sustained virologic responses are only achieved in one-third of treated patients, and adverse effects are common and severe. However, the rapid development of direct-acting antivirals against hepatitis C virus will change the management of this disease and in a few years prevent graft infection with this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Crespo
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
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26
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Adebajo CO, Talwalkar JA, Poterucha JJ, Kim WR, Charlton MR. Ultrasound-based transient elastography for the detection of hepatic fibrosis in patients with recurrent hepatitis C virus after liver transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Liver Transpl 2012; 18:323-31. [PMID: 22140010 DOI: 10.1002/lt.22460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound-based transient elastography (TE) is a promising noninvasive alternative to liver biopsy for the detection of hepatic fibrosis due to recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation (LT). However, its overall test performance in various settings remains unknown. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and diagnostic accuracy meta-analysis of studies comparing ultrasound-based TE to liver biopsy for the detection of hepatic fibrosis due to a recurrent HCV infection after LT. Electronic and manual bibliographic searches (including scientific abstracts) were performed to identify potential studies. A meta-analysis was conducted to generate pooled estimates of the sensitivity values, specificity values, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratios of individual studies. The extent of the heterogeneity and the reasons for it were assessed. Six fully published studies were identified for analysis. Five studies that evaluated significant fibrosis were identified. Among these studies, the pooled estimates were 83% for sensitivity [95% confidence interval (CI) = 77%-88%], 83% for specificity (95% CI = 77%-88%), 4.95 for the positive likelihood ratio (95% CI = 3.4-7.2), 0.17 for the negative likelihood ratio (95% CI = 0.09-0.35), and 30.5 for the diagnostic odds ratio (95% CI = 12.8-72.4). For the 5 studies that assessed cirrhosis, the pooled estimates were 98% for sensitivity (95% CI = 90%-100%), 84% for specificity (95% CI = 80%-88%), 7 for the positive likelihood ratio (95% CI = 2.8-17.3), 0.06 for the negative likelihood ratio (95% CI = 0.02-0.19), and 130 for the diagnostic odds ratio (95% CI = 36.5-462.1). A diagnostic threshold (or cutoff value) bias was identified as an important cause of heterogeneity for the pooled results of both patient groups. In conclusion, ultrasound-based TE has excellent diagnostic accuracy for identifying cirrhosis due to a recurrent HCV infection after LT. The detection of significant fibrosis is more accurate for these patients versus patients whose native liver is chronically infected with HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corlan O Adebajo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Abstract
Hepatitis-C-virus- (HCV-) related end-stage cirrhosis is the primary indication for liver transplantation in many countries. Unfortunately, however, HCV is not eliminated by transplantation and graft reinfection is universal, resulting in fibrosis, cirrhosis, and finally graft decompensation. The use of poor quality organs, particularly from older donors, has a highly negative impact on the severity of recurrence and patient/graft survival. Although immunosuppressive regimens have a considerable impact on the outcome, the optimal regimen after liver transplantation for HCV-infected patients remains unclear. Disease progression monitoring with protocol biopsy and new noninvasive methods is essential for predicting patient/graft outcome and starting antiviral treatment with the appropriate timing. Antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin is currently considered the most promising regimen with a sustained viral response rate of around 30% to 35%, although the survival benefit of this regimen remains to be investigated. Living-donor liver transplantation is now widely accepted as an established treatment for HCV cirrhosis and the results are equivalent to those of deceased donor liver transplantation.
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28
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Barritt AS, Darling JM, Hayashi PH. New and Evolving Management Paradigms for Hepatitis C after Liver Transplantation. CURRENT HEPATITIS REPORTS 2011; 10:179-185. [PMID: 22448143 PMCID: PMC3308145 DOI: 10.1007/s11901-011-0103-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis-C induced liver failure is the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States, and the burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced liver disease is not expected to peak for at least another decade. 2011 will usher in a new era of directly acting antiviral therapies and personalized medicine that will assist patients and clinicians in choosing the best drug regimen. Specific markers to predict sustained virologic response (SVR) in the posttransplant setting are under development, and the role of graft genetic markers like interleukin-28B and interferon-γ inducible protein-10 have yet to be fully defined. Lessons and experiences from treating the pretransplant population will be applied to patients with recurrent posttransplant HCV while studies specific to this population proceed. New paradigms for HCV treatment give promise to reducing the pretransplant burden of disease and improving SVR rates in the posttransplant population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Sidney Barritt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 8004 Burnett Womack, CB #7568, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7568, USA
| | - Jama M. Darling
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 8014 Burnett Womack, CB #7568, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7568, USA
| | - Paul H. Hayashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 8011 Burnett Womack, CB #7568, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7568, USA
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J.S. Cross T, Jothimani D, Heneghan MA, Harrison PM. Non-invasive assessment of fibrosis in liver grafts due to hepatitis C virus recurrence. Clin Transplant 2011; 25:345-51. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2011.01396.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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30
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Cholongitas E, Tsochatzis E, Goulis J, Burroughs AK. Noninvasive tests for evaluation of fibrosis in HCV recurrence after liver transplantation: a systematic review. Transpl Int 2010; 23:861-70. [PMID: 20704691 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2010.01142.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive tests (NIT) for evaluation of hepatic fibrosis have not been evaluated extensively in liver transplantation. We systematically reviewed the literature regarding NIT after liver transplantation. We identified 14 studies evaluating NIT based on serum markers and/or liver imaging techniques: 10 studies assessed NIT in recipients with recurrent HCV infection for fibrosis and four studies evaluated predictors of progression of fibrosis in recurrent HCV. Transient Elastography (TE) had good discrimination for significant fibrosis (median AUROC: 0.88). Among the serum NIT, APRI had good performance (median AUROC: 0.75). TE performed better than serum (direct and indirect) NIT for significant fibrosis with median AUROC 0.88 (vs. 0.66, P < 0.001), median sensitivity 0.86 (vs. 0.56, P = 0.002), median NPV 0.90 (vs. 0.74, P = 0.05) and median PPV 0.80 (vs. 0.63, P = 0.02). TE compared to indirect serum NIT, had better performance, but was not superior to APRI score. Finally, direct, compared to indirect NIT, were not significantly different except for specificity: median: 0.83 vs. 0.69, respectively, P = 0.04. In conclusion, NIT could become an important tool in clinical management of liver transplant recipients, but whether they can improve clinical practice needs further evidence. Their optimal combination with liver biopsy and assessment of collagen content requires investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Cholongitas
- The 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Aristotle University, Greece. Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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Germani G, Burroughs AK, Dhillon AP. The relationship between liver disease stage and liver fibrosis: a tangled web. Histopathology 2010; 57:773-84. [PMID: 20812954 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2010.03609.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The structural consequences of chronic liver disease are described as a series of liver disease 'stages' with scarring and architectural change that eventually destroys and replaces the normal lobular structure of the liver. Fibrosis ('excess collagen') and stage have been confused in histological staging systems. Fibrosis is part of increasing liver disease stage, but fibrosis and stage are different. Staging liver disease is important in routine histopathological assessment. Measurement of liver fibrosis is another process. The collagenous proportion of a liver biopsy [collagen proportionate area (CPA)] correlates with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), which is of recognized prognostic value. CPA at 1 year post-transplantation in hepatitis C virus-infected patients predicts subsequent clinical decompensation. CPA in cirrhotic patients predicts decompensation more accurately than staging or HVPG. The 'cirrhosis' stage category has poor prognostic power, and CPA effectively substages cirrhosis. CPA improves the description of liver disease stage. Proper validation of antifibrotic treatments and 'non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis' requires measurement of liver fibrosis (and not liver biopsy stage scores). It is unacceptable for the words 'fibrosis' and 'score' to remain next to each other. There are benefits to properly understanding liver fibrosis and liver disease stage and properly assessing each of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Germani
- The Royal Free Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre and University Department of Surgery UCL, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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Piscaglia F, Cucchetti A, Terzi E, Gianstefani A. Validation of noninvasive methods for the assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with recurrent hepatitis C after transplantation. Liver Transpl 2010; 16:1006-7. [PMID: 20665624 DOI: 10.1002/lt.22101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Kalil AC, Mattei J, Florescu DF, Sun J, Kalil RS. Recommendations for the assessment and reporting of multivariable logistic regression in transplantation literature. Am J Transplant 2010; 10:1686-94. [PMID: 20642690 PMCID: PMC2909008 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2010.03141.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Multivariable logistic regression is an important method to evaluate risk factors and prognosis in solid organ transplant literature. We aimed to assess the quality of this method in six major transplantation journals. Eleven analytical criteria and four documentation criteria were analyzed for each selected article that used logistic regression. A total of 106 studies (6%) out of 1,701 original articles used logistic regression analyses from January 1, 2005 to January 1, 2006. The analytical criteria and their respective reporting percentage among the six journals were: Linearity (25%); Beta coefficient (48%); Interaction tests (19%); Main estimates (98%); Ovefitting prevention (84%); Goodness-of-fit (3.8%); Multicolinearity (4.7%); Internal validation (3.8%); External validation (8.5%). The documentation criteria were reported as follows: Selection of independent variables (73%); Coding of variables (9%); Fitting procedures (49%); Statistical program (65%). No significant differences were found among different journals or between general versus subspecialty journals with respect to reporting quality. We found that the report of logistic regression is unsatisfactory in transplantation journals. Because our findings may have major consequences for the care of transplant patients and for the design of transplant clinical trials, we recommend a practical solution for the use and reporting of logistic regression in transplantation journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre C. Kalil
- Infectious Diseases Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Jane Mattei
- Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceicao, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Diana F. Florescu
- Infectious Diseases Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Junfeng Sun
- Critical Care Medicine Department, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Roberto S. Kalil
- Nephrology Division, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA
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Assessment of Allograft Fibrosis by Transient Elastography and Noninvasive Biomarker Scoring Systems in Liver Transplant Patients. Transplantation 2010; 89:983-93. [DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e3181cc66ca] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Masuzaki R, Yamashiki N, Sugawara Y, Yoshida H, Tateishi R, Tamura S, Kaneko J, Hasegawa K, Kokudo N, Makuuchi M, Omata M. Assessment of liver stiffness in patients after living donor liver transplantation by transient elastography. Scand J Gastroenterol 2010; 44:1115-20. [PMID: 19562623 DOI: 10.1080/00365520903078810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recurrence of hepatitis and progression of fibrosis are major problems in liver transplantation (LT) for patients with hepatitis C. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography correlates well with histologic liver fibrosis stages in chronic liver diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of transient elastography for the assessment of fibrosis in patients after living donor LT. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy-nine patients who visited our institution, and in whom LSM was successfully evaluated, were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into three groups according to positivity for hepatitis C antibody and hepatitis B surface antigen as the hepatitis C virus (HCV) group (n=37), the hepatitis B virus (HBV) group (n=10), and the NBNC (negative for both hepatitis B and C) group (n=32). The correlation between LSM and histologic fibrosis stage was assessed in 36 patients. LSM was also compared with regard to the effect of interferon therapy in HCV patients. RESULTS The median value for liver stiffness was 6.8 kPa and the median time from LT was 3.1 years. In patients who underwent liver biopsy, stiffness was significantly correlated with the stages of fibrosis (p<0.001, rho = 0.848). In patients who received interferon therapy after LT, the LSM decreased over time in those with a sustained virological response, whereas LSM increased in patients without a response. CONCLUSION Transient elastography may be an appropriate non-invasive procedure to sequentially assess the progression of liver fibrosis in patients after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Masuzaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tokyo, Japan
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36
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Carrión JA, Torres F, Crespo G, Miquel R, García-Valdecasas JC, Navasa M, Forns X. Liver stiffness identifies two different patterns of fibrosis progression in patients with hepatitis C virus recurrence after liver transplantation. Hepatology 2010; 51:23-34. [PMID: 19839063 DOI: 10.1002/hep.23240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Significant liver fibrosis (F >or= 2) and portal hypertension (hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] >or= 6 mmHg) at 1 year after liver transplantation (LT) identify patients with severe hepatitis C recurrence. We evaluated whether repeated liver stiffness measurements (LSM) following LT can discriminate between slow and rapid "fibrosers" (fibrosis stage F2-F4 at 1 year after LT). Eighty-four patients who had undergone LT and who were infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and 19 LT controls who were not infected with HCV underwent LSM at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after LT. All HCV-infected patients underwent liver biopsy 12 months after LT (paired HVPG measurements in 74); 31 (37%) were rapid fibrosers. Median LSM (in kilopascal) at months 6, 9, and 12 were significantly higher in rapid fibrosers (9.9, 9.5, 12.1) than in slow fibrosers (6.9, 7.5, 6.6) (P < 0.01 all time points). The slope of liver stiffness progression (kPa x month) in rapid fibrosers (0.42) was significantly greater than in slow fibrosers (0.05) (P < 0.001), suggesting two different speeds of liver fibrosis progression. Figures were almost identical for patients with HVPG >or= 6 mmHg or HVPG < 6 mmHg at 1 year after LT. Multivariate analysis identified donor age, bilirubin level, and LSM as independent predictors of fibrosis progression and portal hypertension in the estimation group (n = 50) and were validated in a second group of 34 patients. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve that could identify rapid fibrosers and patients with portal hypertension as early as 6 months after LT were 0.83 and 0.87, respectively, in the estimation group and 0.75 and 0.80, respectively, in the validation group. CONCLUSION Early and repeated LSM following hepatitis C recurrence in combination with clinical variables discriminates between rapid and slow fibrosers after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Carrión
- Liver Unit, Institut de Malalties Digestives, Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
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Carrión JA, Fernández-Varo G, Bruguera M, García-Pagán JC, García-Valdecasas JC, Pérez-Del-Pulgar S, Forns X, Jiménez W, Navasa M. Serum fibrosis markers identify patients with mild and progressive hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation. Gastroenterology 2010; 138:147-58.e1. [PMID: 19786026 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2009.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2009] [Revised: 08/25/2009] [Accepted: 09/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Significant fibrosis (fibrosis stage [F] >or= 2) and portal hypertension (hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] >or= 6 mm Hg) in patients 1 year after liver transplantation indicate progressive hepatitis C recurrence. This study evaluated whether serum fibrosis markers can predict hepatitis C recurrence during the first year after liver transplantation. METHODS Hyaluronic acid, amino-terminal propeptide of type-III-procollagen, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase type-1 concentrations were measured in serum samples from 133 patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) at 3, 6, and 12 months after liver transplantation; routine laboratory tests were also performed. Liver biopsy samples (n = 133) and HVPGs (n = 94) were analyzed 1 year after transplantation. Sixteen patients who were not infected with HCV served as controls. RESULTS An algorithm, including the 3 markers (3-M-ALG) and 3 published scores (aspartate aminotransferase [AST]-to-alanine aminotransferase ratio, AST-to-platelet ratio index, and Benlloch) were analyzed. One year after liver transplantation, 50 patients (38%) had significant fibrosis (F >or= 2) and 31 (32%) had an HVPG >or= 6 mm Hg. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of the 3-M-ALG used to identify F >or= 2 at 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation (0.67, 0.77, and 0.78) and of those with HVPG >or= 6 at the same time points (0.75, 0.87, and 0.90) were significantly higher than values obtained with the 3 published scores. At 12 months, a 3-M-ALG >or= 2 identified most patients at risk of decompensation/death. CONCLUSIONS Serum markers can accurately discriminate between patients with mild and progressive hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Carrión
- Liver Unit, Institut de Malalties Digestives, Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
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Affiliation(s)
- J Levitsky
- Division of Hepatology and Organ Transplantation, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Benlloch S, Heredia L, Barquero C, Rayón JM, Pina R, Aguilera V, Prieto M, Berenguer M. Prospective validation of a noninvasive index for predicting liver fibrosis in hepatitis C virus-infected liver transplant recipients. Liver Transpl 2009; 15:1798-807. [PMID: 19938146 DOI: 10.1002/lt.21919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We previously developed a mathematical model, the Hospital Universitario La Fe (HULF) index, as an alternative to protocol liver biopsy (PLB) to estimate significant fibrosis (SF) in patients who underwent liver transplantation (LT) for liver damage caused by chronic HCV infection. In the present study, we sought to validate this noninvasive index. The commonly derived clinical and laboratory data for calculating the HULF index were prospectively collected over 2.7 years from patients undergoing LT and PLB. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic capacity were evaluated with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Biopsy was performed 93 times in 86 LT patients. The prevalence of SF (F3-F4 on the Knodell scoring system) was 32%. The intraobserver and interobserver concordance was high (kappa = 0.94 and kappa = 0.75, respectively) in identifying SF in PLB. For low scores, the HULF index discarded an SF diagnosis with a sensitivity of 90% and a negative predictive value of 89%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.68. The precision of the HULF index did not improve with the incorporation of donor age and body mass index into the multivariate analysis. Applying the index would have prevented 24% of the biopsy procedures performed. In conclusion, the HULF index was prospectively validated with data commonly obtained in standard clinical practice. Because the index distinguishes a subgroup of HCV LT patients with a low probability of having SF, PLB would be avoided in those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Benlloch
- Liver Unit, Department of Hepatogastroenterology, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain
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40
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Smith JO, Sterling RK. Systematic review: non-invasive methods of fibrosis analysis in chronic hepatitis C. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2009; 30:557-76. [PMID: 19519733 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2009.04062.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate determination of the presence and degree of liver fibrosis is essential for prognosis and for planning treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Non-invasive methods of assessing fibrosis have been developed to reduce the need for biopsy. AIM To perform a review of these non-invasive measures and their ability to replace biopsy for assessing hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic HCV. METHODS A systematic review of PUBMED and EMBASE was performed through 2008 using the following search terms: HCV, liver, elastography, hepatitis, Fibroscan, SPECT, noninvasive liver fibrosis, ultrasonography, Doppler, MRI, Fibrotest, Fibrosure, Actitest, APRI, Forns and breath tests, alone or in combination. RESULTS We identified 151 studies: 87 using biochemical, 57 imaging and seven breath tests either alone or in combination. CONCLUSIONS Great strides are being made in the development of accurate non-invasive methods for determination of fibrosis. Although no single non-invasive test or model developed to date can match that information obtained from actual histology (i.e. inflammation, fibrosis, steatosis), combinations of two modalities of non-invasive methods can reliably differentiate between minimal and significant fibrosis, and thereby avoid liver biopsy in a significant percentage of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J O Smith
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA 23298-0341, USA
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Pissaia A, Borderie D, Bernard D, Scatton O, Calmus Y, Conti F. APRI and FIB-4 Scores Are Useful After Liver Transplantation Independently of Etiology. Transplant Proc 2009; 41:679-81. [PMID: 19328955 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2008.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Noninvasive liver fibrosis scores are evaluated in hepatitis C virus-infected patients but are less known in liver transplant recipients. Fibrosis is a frequent, multifactorial event in these patients. This preliminary retrospective study reviewed the diagnostic performance of 3 simple scores for liver fibrosis in transplant patients: namely, APRI (aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index), FORNS (platelets, gamma-glutamyltransferase, patient age, and cholesterol), and FIB-4 (patient age, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and platelets). Ninety-four biopsies were collected from 50 liver transplant recipients at a mean period after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) of 30.7 months (range, 12-108 months). The indications for OLT were hepatitis C in 23% of cases, hepatitis B in 14%, alcoholic disease in 33%, cholestatic disease in 19%, and others in 11%. According to the Metavir classification, 72% of biopsies revealed no significant histological fibrosis (F0-1 = group 1) and 28% showed significant fibrosis (F2-4 = group 2). A correlation was observed between the histological stage of fibrosis and albumin, gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and hyaluronic acid levels. APRI and FIB-4 correlated significantly with the histological stage of fibrosis both globally and in the subgroup of nonhepatitis C liver recipients. When APRI and FIB-4 tests were applied to predict fibrosis (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve), the results were 0.87 and 0.78, respectively. Values were not significant with the FORNS test. In conclusion, APRI and FIB-4 enabled accurate prediction of significant fibrosis after OLT. In the nonhepatitis C subgroup, we found similar predictive performances. These simple scores may be applied in clinical practice in the context of follow-up after OLT independent of hepatitis C status.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pissaia
- Unité de Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
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Non-invasive biomarkers of liver fibrosis in liver transplant patients with hepatitis C: can we avoid liver biopsies? Dig Liver Dis 2009; 41:226-8. [PMID: 19138576 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2008.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2008] [Accepted: 12/06/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Corradi F, Piscaglia F, Flori S, D'Errico-Grigioni A, Vasuri F, Tamé MR, Andreone P, Boni P, Gianstefani A, Bolondi L. Assessment of liver fibrosis in transplant recipients with recurrent HCV infection: usefulness of transient elastography. Dig Liver Dis 2009; 41:217-25. [PMID: 18672413 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2008.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2007] [Revised: 06/12/2008] [Accepted: 06/12/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progression of recurrent hepatitis C is accelerated in liver transplant recipients, leading to special need of non-invasive validated methods to estimate liver fibrosis. AIM To assess the efficacy of liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography (Fibroscan) and serum parameters in predicting fibrosis stage in HCV-infected transplant recipients. METHODS The correlation between liver fibrosis, assessed at liver histology on bioptic specimens obtained for clinical indications, and stiffness or clinico-serological indexes (Benlloch, APRI, Forns, Fibrotest and Doppler resistance index), was investigated in transplant recipients with recurrence of HCV chronic hepatitis. A total of 56 patients (of which 36 with all clinico-serological indexes), presenting with the following METAVIR fibrosis stage F1=38, F2=9, F3=8, F4=1, were enrolled in the study population. Differences between fibrosis stages were calculated by non-parametric analysis. The best cut-off for identifying significant fibrosis (F2-F4) was assessed by ROC curve analysis. RESULTS Stiffness (median and range) was 7.7 KPa (range 4.2-13.9) in F1 and 17.0KPa (range 6.8-36.3) in >or=F2 (p<0.001). A stiffness cut-off of 10.1 KPa revealed 94% Sensitivity, 89% Specificity, 81% PPV and 94% NPV in differentiating F1 from F2-F4. The area under the receiver operator curve in the assessment of fibrosis was significantly higher for Liver stiffness (AUROC 0.943) than for any of the other non-invasive indexes (AUROCs ranging 0.591-0.815). CONCLUSIONS Transient elastography of the liver provides good accuracy in identifying patients with significant fibrosis and performs better than non-invasive indexes based on clinico-serological parameters in transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Corradi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Division of Internal Medicine - Bolondi, Italy
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Abstract
Protocol liver allograft biopsies are liver biopsies carried out at specific time points according to predetermined guidelines, rather than in response to specific indications such as change in the patient's clinical status or biochemical tests. Use of protocol liver allograft biopsy has been declining over the last decade: an informal survey of 35 transplant units showed that whereas 65% of units undertake protocol biopsies for those grafted for Hepatitis C virus infection, only 25% do so for patients grafted for other indications. In this overview, we consider the arguments against and those in favor of liver biopsies in adult liver allograft recipients. Arguments against the use of protocol liver biopsies are that they biopsies put the patient are associated with a small risk of morbidity and mortality, are expensive, do not provide useful information and do not alter clinical practice. The estimated rate of major complications is 0.6% and the estimated mortality rate 0.02%. However, the argument in favor of protocol biopsies is that even when standard liver tests are normal, there is on-going inflammation in the graft which, if immunosuppression is not altered, will lead to progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis and even graft loss. Conversely, normal liver histology may allow for reduction in the immunosuppression and so lower the risk of the complications associated with immunosuppression. Currently available diagnostic techniques are not yet sufficiently sensitive or specific to provide an accurate reflection of the state of the graft and the presence or absence of graft damage. We conclude that, while there are no clear data showing that protocol liver allograft biopsies are cost effective and lead to improved patient and graft outcome, such biopsies still have a role in the management of the liver transplant recipient.
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Kotlyar DS, Blonski W, Rustgi VK. Noninvasive monitoring of hepatitis C fibrosis progression. Clin Liver Dis 2008; 12:557-71, viii. [PMID: 18625428 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2008.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive approaches in the diagnosis and monitoring of fibrosis are still evolving. Transient elastography is an inexpensive, rapid, and relatively accurate form of noninvasive monitoring, especially in severe fibrosis It is a nascent technology, however, and there is no clear indication that elastography is better than biopsy for less severe fibrosis. With improved resolution and longer term data, it may become a vital supplement. The combined use of transient elastography and biochemical markers seems to be the most promising noninvasive technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Kotlyar
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Histologic abnormalities are common in protocol liver allograft biopsies from patients with normal liver function tests. Am J Surg Pathol 2008; 32:965-73. [PMID: 18460980 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0b013e3181622490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The utility of protocol liver allograft biopsies remains controversial, particularly in patients with normal liver function tests (LFTs). However, histologic evaluation of these biopsies provides an opportunity to examine the types and severity of liver diseases that can occur in livers with normal clinical and biochemical function. We studied 165 protocol allograft biopsies taken from 100 liver transplant patients at the time of normal LFTs and normal clinical function at 3 to 8 months (n=36), 1 year (n=52), 2 to 3 years (n=54), and 4 to 5 years (n=23). Biopsies were classified as normal, minimal changes (eg, nonaggressive portal or lobular mononuclear inflammation, steatosis <10%), fatty liver disease, recurrent primary liver disease, and transplant-related disease (portal-based rejection or central venulitis, an inflammatory pattern that encompasses perivenular hepatocyte dropout, mononuclear inflammation, pigment-laden macrophages, and variable zone 3 fibrosis). Among these 100 patients, a total of 394 protocol biopsies were performed, and 165 (42%) were taken at the time of normal LFTs and normal clinical function. One hundred twenty-one (73%) were normal or showed minimal/nonspecific changes. Forty-four (27%) showed histologic abnormalities that included fatty liver disease (n=19, nonalcoholic in 18 cases; 13 with mild steatosis, 6 with moderate steatosis, 7 with grade 1/3 steatohepatitic activity, and 2 with stage 1/4 steatohepatitic fibrosis), recurrent primary biliary cirrhosis (n=9; all stage 1/4), recurrent hepatitis C infection (n=6; grade 0/4 in 1, grade 1/4 in 5, stage 0/4 in 4, stage 1/4 in 1, and stage 2/4 in 1), recurrent sarcoidosis (n=1), Ito cell hyperplasia (n=4; marked in 2 and mild in 2), central venulitis (n=10; 5 with mild zone 3 fibrosis or central vein obliteration and 1 with central-portal bridging fibrosis), and mild acute portal rejection (n=2). We judged the histologic changes to be of clinical significance in 19 (11.5%) cases. These results indicate that even at the time of normal clinical and laboratory function, a significant fraction of protocol allograft biopsies harbor histologic (27%) and clinically significant (11.5%) abnormalities. These most commonly include fatty liver disease, low-grade/low-stage recurrent hepatitis C and primary biliary cirrhosis, and central venulitis (including some cases with subsequent fibrosis progression). The data support performance of protocol biopsies to assess allograft status, and provide insight into the types and severity of liver diseases that can smolder in transplanted (and by extension, probably also in native) livers with apparent normal function.
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Mukherjee S, Sorrell MF. Controversies in liver transplantation for hepatitis C. Gastroenterology 2008; 134:1777-88. [PMID: 18471554 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2008.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2007] [Revised: 02/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/12/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C is one of the most common indications for liver transplantation in the United States, accounting for approximately 40%-45% of all liver transplants. Unfortunately, recurrent disease is universal in patients who are viremic before transplantation. This can lead to cirrhosis in at least 25% of patients 5 years after liver transplantation, and recurrent hepatitis C is now emerging as an important but occasionally contentious indication for retransplantation. Several attempts have been undertaken to identify patients at high risk for severe recurrent disease who may benefit from treatment, but unfortunately antiviral therapy frequently is ineffective and often is associated with numerous side effects. Although we have made significant strides in understanding the natural history of this disease in nontransplant patients, this does not hold true for the transplant population in which several uncertainties covering virtually the entire spectrum of liver transplantation persist. Despite these concerns, on a more practical level, it is usually only in the postoperative setting that clinicians truly can assess the impact of their interventions on the natural history of recurrent hepatitis C, for example, by adjusting immunosuppression or prescribing antiviral therapy. Preoperative and perioperative (including donor) factors often are outside the control of hepatologists and transplant surgeons. This review is not an inclusive review of the literature but summarizes what we believe are the more controversial topics of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Mukherjee
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3285, USA.
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Correlation of FIBROSpect II with histologic and morphometric evaluation of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2008; 6:242-7. [PMID: 18187364 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2007.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Accurate disease staging in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection helps guide treatment and may provide prognostic information. Liver biopsies are invasive, costly, and associated with morbidity. We hypothesized that a noninvasive test of liver fibrosis can accurately stage liver fibrosis. We prospectively evaluated the FIBROSpect II (FSII) biomarker panel versus pathology assessment and a quantitative measure of fibrosis. METHODS Liver biopsy specimens and serum were obtained from 252 CHC patients, including 50 posttransplant, from 3 tertiary centers. Biopsy specimens were scored centrally and independently at each site, along with central quantification of fibrosis by digitized morphometry. Serum tests were performed blinded to clinical or histologic evaluation. RESULTS The mean biopsy specimen length was 1.95 +/- 0.87 cm; prevalence of stage F2 through F4 fibrosis was 77%. Agreement between central and site readings for individual stages was modest (k = 0.674), with concordant readings in 106 of 248 (43%) biopsy specimens. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for FSII and morphometry for stages F2 through F4 for concordant biopsy specimens were 0.823 and 0.728, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for FSII were 83.5% and 66.7%, respectively, with an accuracy of 80.2%. The aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index sensitivity and specificity for predicting F2 through F4 were 30.4% and 100%, respectively, the indeterminate rate was 40.4%, and the accuracy rate was 48.4%. The accuracy of FSII in concordant biopsy specimens in the posttransplant cohort was 73%. CONCLUSIONS Serum biomarkers can differentiate mild from moderate-to-severe fibrosis. This prospective study validates the performance characteristics of FSII in CHC patients and a posttransplant cohort. Assessing the diagnostic utility of biomarkers is limited by variability in methods to quantify fibrosis and poor interobserver agreement for histologic staging.
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Toniutto P, Fabris C, Bitetto D, Falleti E, Avellini C, Rossi E, Smirne C, Minisini R, Pirisi M. Role of AST to platelet ratio index in the detection of liver fibrosis in patients with recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007; 22:1904-8. [PMID: 17914968 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2006.04628.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Per protocol annual liver biopsy represents the gold standard in the assessment of graft fibrosis progression due to recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation. Non-invasive liver fibrosis tests have been proposed as surrogate markers of liver fibrosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive immune-competent patients. No data are available in the literature on the usefulness of non-invasive liver fibrosis tests in liver transplanted patients with recurrent HCV infection. METHODS A total of 102 annual per protocol liver biopsies performed in 51 consecutive HCV-positive recipients (31 men), with a follow-up period lasting up to 5 years, were included and evaluated in this study. At each time point, the following non-invasive liver fibrosis tests were calculated: aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, age-platelet index, AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), Forns' fibrosis index and Bonacini's discriminant score. RESULTS In discriminating patients with histological fibrosis score >2, APRI provided the best area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) (0.801), in comparison to the other four non-invasive liver fibrosis tests. The AUROC of APRI was better in female (0.871) than in male (0.753) recipients. Among female recipients, an APRI value >1.4 was 91% sensitive and 75% specific in detecting a staging score >2. The corresponding values among male recipients were 60% and 77%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Among non-invasive liver fibrosis tests, APRI has the highest diagnostic value in discriminating liver transplanted patients with progression to significant liver fibrosis, although its accuracy is influenced by recipient sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Toniutto
- DPMSC, Medical Liver Transplant Unit, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
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Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, with 170 to 190 million people infected worldwide. The treatment of choice for patients who have HCV-related cirrhosis with or without hepatocellular carcinoma is liver transplantation. Virologic recurrence is constant after transplantation and results in chronic hepatitis in the vast majority. HCV infection now can be cured in a substantial proportion of liver transplant recipients. This review highlights the available strategies to improve outcome, including modification of factors that affect disease progression and the efficacy of antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Berenguer
- Universidad de Medicina, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Ciberehd, Avda Campanar 21, Valencia, 46009 Spain.
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