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Téllez L, Payancé A, Tjwa E, Del Cerro MJ, Idorn L, Ovroutski S, De Bruyne R, Verkade HJ, De Rita F, de Lange C, Angelini A, Paradis V, Rautou PE, García-Pagán JC. EASL-ERN position paper on liver involvement in patients with Fontan-type circulation. J Hepatol 2023; 79:1270-1301. [PMID: 37863545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Fontan-type surgery is the final step in the sequential palliative surgical treatment of infants born with a univentricular heart. The resulting long-term haemodynamic changes promote liver damage, leading to Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD), in virtually all patients with Fontan circulation. Owing to the lack of a uniform definition of FALD and the competitive risk of other complications developed by Fontan patients, the impact of FALD on the prognosis of these patients is currently debatable. However, based on the increasing number of adult Fontan patients and recent research interest, the European Association for The Study of the Liver and the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Diseases thought a position paper timely. The aims of the current paper are: (1) to provide a clear definition and description of FALD, including clinical, analytical, radiological, haemodynamic, and histological features; (2) to facilitate guidance for staging the liver disease; and (3) to provide evidence- and experience-based recommendations for the management of different clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Téllez
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), CIBEREHD (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas), University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Audrey Payancé
- DHU Unity, Pôle des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon, AP-HP, Clichy, France; Université Denis Diderot-Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Eric Tjwa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - María Jesús Del Cerro
- Pediatric Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lars Idorn
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stanislav Ovroutski
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease/Pediatric Cardiology, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ruth De Bruyne
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
| | - Henkjan J Verkade
- Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital/University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Fabrizio De Rita
- Adult Congenital and Paediatric Heart Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Charlotte de Lange
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Queen Silvia Childrens' Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Behandlingsvagen 7, 41650 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Annalisa Angelini
- Pathology of Cardiac Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Valérie Paradis
- Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, INSERM1149, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Pathology Department, Beaujon Hospital, APHP.Nord, Clichy, France
| | - Pierre Emmanuel Rautou
- AP-HP, Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon, DMU DIGEST, Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, FILFOIE, Clichy, France; Université Paris-Cité, Inserm, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, UMR 1149, Paris, France
| | - Juan Carlos García-Pagán
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Institut de Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Departament de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CIBEREHD (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas), Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN-Liver), Spain.
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Cieplucha A, Budts W, Gewillig M, Van De Bruaene A. Fontan-associated Liver Disease in Adults: What a Cardiologist Needs to Know. A Comprehensive Review for Clinical Practitioners. US CARDIOLOGY REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.15420/usc.2022.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays most patients with a univentricular heart after Fontan repair survive until adulthood. One of the hallmarks of Fontan circulation is
permanently elevated central venous pressure, which leads to congestive hepatopathy. Subsequently, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma may occur, all of them constituting an entity called Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD). Given that these complications convey poor
prognosis, the need for life-long hepatic surveillance is not in doubt. Many serum biomarkers and sophisticated imaging techniques have been proposed to avoid invasive liver biopsy in this cohort, but none proved to be a relevant surrogate of liver fibrosis seen in histopathological specimens. The surveillance models proposed to date require an extensive diagnostic work-up, which can be problematic, particularly in resource-depleted countries. Moreover, the question of combined heart–liver transplant is gaining more attention in the Fontan cohort. The aim of this study is to provide practical information on the pathophysiology of FALD and to propose a simplified framework for the routine assessment of liver status in Fontan patients that would be helpful in the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Cieplucha
- First Department of Cardiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Werner Budts
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Gewillig
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
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Hilscher MB, Wells ML, Venkatesh SK, Cetta F, Kamath PS. Fontan-associated liver disease. Hepatology 2022; 75:1300-1321. [PMID: 35179797 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Moira B Hilscher
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Michael L Wells
- Division of Abdominal ImagingDepartment of RadiologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Sudhakar K Venkatesh
- Division of Abdominal ImagingDepartment of RadiologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Frank Cetta
- Division of Pediatric CardiologyDepartment of Pediatric and Adolescent MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Patrick S Kamath
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
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Abstract
Liver diseases frequently coexist with heart disease. The causes of coexistent heart and liver disease are categorized into four groups: (1) heart disease affecting the liver, (2) liver disease affecting the heart, (3) cardiac and hepatic manifestations of a common cause, and (4) coexistent heart and liver disease with distinct causes. Discerning the cause of cardiac and liver dysfunction is important in the management of these conditions, particularly when considering surgical intervention or heart or liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moira B Hilscher
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Patrick S Kamath
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Impact of Non-cardiac Comorbidities in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: Management of Multisystem Complications. INTENSIVE CARE OF THE ADULT WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE 2019. [PMCID: PMC7123096 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-94171-4_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence and impact of non-cardiac comorbidities in adult patients with congenital heart disease increase over time, and these complications are often specifically a consequence of the long-term altered cardiovascular physiology or sequelae of previous therapies. For the ACHD patient admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for either surgical or medical treatment, an assessment of the burden of multisystem disease, as well as an understanding of the underlying cardiovascular pathophysiology, is essential for optimal management of these complex patients. This chapter takes an organ-system-based approach to reviewing common comorbidities in the ACHD patient, focusing on conditions that are directly related to ACHD status and may significantly impact ICU care.
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Gade AR, Patel M, West DR, Abrams GA. Prevalence of HCV Infection in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease and Treatment with Direct Antiviral Agents. South Med J 2018; 111:137-141. [PMID: 29505646 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000000774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects >3% of the US population, which over time can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The lack of a reliable screening method for HCV before 1992 resulted in a higher prevalence of the virus in adults with congenital heart disease who underwent corrective surgery that required blood transfusions. Direct-acting antiviral agents such as sofosbuvir/ledipasvir have significantly increased the efficacy of HCV therapy, although use of these medications in adults with congenital heart disease has not been described. METHODS Ours was a retrospective study of 188 adults with congenital heart conditions who had cardiac surgery before 1992. These patients were screened for HCV using HCV antibody followed by HCV RNA if the screening test was positive. RESULTS Of the 188 adults, 116 (43% male patients, 24-70 years) were screened for the HCV antibody, demonstrating that 104 individuals were negative and 12 subjects were positive for the virus. Subsequently, further testing for the presence of HCV demonstrated 11 of 12 were infected, with an overall prevalence of 9.5%. Five individuals chose to be treated with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir and 5 of 5 have successfully cleared the virus and are considered cured. CONCLUSIONS Adults with congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac surgery before 1992 warrant being screened for HCV, and, if testing positive, may be considered for therapy using direct-acting antiviral agents with close monitoring for cardiac complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Reddy Gade
- From the Division of Gastroenterology/Liver Center and the Division of Cardiology, Greenville Health Systems, Greenville, South Carolina
| | - Manisha Patel
- From the Division of Gastroenterology/Liver Center and the Division of Cardiology, Greenville Health Systems, Greenville, South Carolina
| | - Donna R West
- From the Division of Gastroenterology/Liver Center and the Division of Cardiology, Greenville Health Systems, Greenville, South Carolina
| | - Gary A Abrams
- From the Division of Gastroenterology/Liver Center and the Division of Cardiology, Greenville Health Systems, Greenville, South Carolina
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Hilscher MB, Johnson JN, Cetta F, Driscoll DJ, Poterucha JJ, Sanchez W, Connolly HM, Kamath PS. Surveillance for liver complications after the Fontan procedure. CONGENIT HEART DIS 2017; 12:124-132. [DOI: 10.1111/chd.12446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Moira B. Hilscher
- Department of Medicine/Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota USA
| | - Jonathan N. Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine/Division of Pediatric Cardiology; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota USA
| | - Frank Cetta
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine/Division of Pediatric Cardiology; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota USA
| | - David J. Driscoll
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine/Division of Pediatric Cardiology; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota USA
| | - John J. Poterucha
- Department of Medicine/Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota USA
| | - William Sanchez
- Department of Medicine/Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota USA
| | - Heidi M. Connolly
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota USA
| | - Patrick S. Kamath
- Department of Medicine/Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota USA
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Sheiko MA, Golden-Mason L, Giugliano S, Hurtado CW, Mack CL, Narkewicz MR, Rosen HR. CD4+ and CD8+ T Cell Activation in Children with Hepatitis C. J Pediatr 2016; 170:142-8.e1. [PMID: 26743497 PMCID: PMC4833455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2015.11.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess if peripheral T cell populations in children with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection would show evidence of activation/exhaustion and an attenuated functional response. STUDY DESIGN Compared with adults, children with HCV infection have a higher rate of spontaneous viral clearance. In adults, chronic HCV has been linked to T cell exhaustion. Little is known of the immune status of children with HCV. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 16 children with HCV (6 males, 10 females; mean age 8.6 years, range 2-17), 16 age- and sex-matched control children without HCV infection, and 20 adults with chronic HCV. Multiparameter flow cytometry was performed to characterize T cell differences across the 3 groups. RESULTS Controls and children with HCV had similar levels of CD4(+), CD8(+), and γδ(+) T cells. Children with HCV demonstrated a decrease in naïve T cells compared with control children and increased activation/exhaustion marker expression on both CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells. Transcription factor analysis suggested functional activation of T cells in children with HCV; however, only the CD4(+) subset had enhanced cytokine production (interferon gamma and interleukin-2) compared with control children. CONCLUSIONS The HCV response in children is characterized by several changes in T cell phenotype. Many of these changes, such as increased T cell expression of programmed cell death-1, are similar to responses in adults. Of note, cytokine production by CD4(+) helper T cells is increased in children with HCV compared with age- and sex-matched control children, which may influence long-term prognosis in children with HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A. Sheiko
- Department of Pediatrics, Digestive Health Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine
| | - Lucy Golden-Mason
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatitis C Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO
| | - Silvia Giugliano
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatitis C Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO
| | - Christine Waasdorp Hurtado
- Department of Pediatrics, Digestive Health Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine
| | - Cara L. Mack
- Department of Pediatrics, Digestive Health Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine
| | - Michael R. Narkewicz
- Department of Pediatrics, Digestive Health Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine
| | - Hugo R. Rosen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatitis C Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO,Eastern Colorado Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO
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Effect of Blood Donor Characteristics on Transfusion Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Transfus Med Rev 2016; 30:69-80. [PMID: 26920039 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Optimal selection of blood donors is critical for ensuring the safety of blood products. The current selection process is concerned principally with the safety of the blood donor at the time of donation and of the recipient at the time of transfusion. Recent evidence suggests that the characteristics of the donor may affect short- and long-term transfusion outcomes for the transfused recipient. We conducted a systematic review with the primary objective of assessing the association between blood donor characteristics and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion outcomes. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central databases and performed manual searches of top transfusion journals for all available prospective and retrospective studies. We described study characteristics, methodological quality, and risk of bias and provided study-level effect estimates and, when appropriate, pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals using the Mantel-Haenszel or inverse variance approach. The overall quality of the evidence was graded using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. From 6121 citations identified by our literature search, 59 studies met our eligibility criteria (50 observational, 9 interventional). We identified the evaluation of association of 17 donor characteristics on RBC transfusion outcome. The risk of bias and confounding of the included studies was high. The quality of evidence was graded as very low to low for all 17 donor characteristics. Potential associations were observed for donor sex with reduced survival at 90 days and 6 months in male recipients that receive donated blood from females (hazard ratio 2.60 [1.09, 6.20] and hazard ratio 2.40 [1.10, 5.24], respectively; n = 1), Human Leukocyte Antigen - antigen D Related (HLA-DR) selected transfusions (odds ratio [OR] 0.39 [0.15, 0.99] for the risk of transplant alloimmunization, n = 9), presence of antileukocyte antibodies (OR 5.84 [1.66, 20.59] for risk of transfusion-related acute lung injury, n = 4), and donor RBC antigens selection (OR 0.20 [0.08, 0.52] for risk of alloimmunization, n = 4). Based on poor quality evidence, positive antileukocyte antibodies, female donor to male recipients, HLA-DR selected RBC transfusion, or donor RBC antigen selection may affect RBC transfusion outcome. Our findings that donor characteristics may be associated with transfusion outcomes warrant establishing vein-to-vein data infrastructure to allow for large robust evaluations. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42013006726.
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Outcomes of a Hepatitis C Screening Protocol in At-Risk Adults With Prior Cardiac Surgery. World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg 2014; 5:503-6. [DOI: 10.1177/2150135114547587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: Symptoms associated with hepatitis C infection often do not develop until an advanced stage of liver disease. Prior to 1992, reliable testing for hepatitis C was unavailable, resulting in potential patient exposure during cardiopulmonary bypass. As the hepatitis C prevalence in our center was unknown, a screening protocol for patients who underwent surgery prior to 1992 was developed. Methods: Patients evaluated in the Wisconsin Adult Congenital Heart Disease program who underwent surgery prior to 1992 were screened for hepatitis C as part of their initial clinical evaluation. The hepatitis C-positive patients were assessed for risk factors, level of hepatic involvement, whether they received treatment, and whether viral clearance was obtained. Results: A total of 147 patients (53% male) underwent testing. Seven (4.8%) patients had evidence of chronic hepatitis C infection, which is higher than the Wisconsin reported prevalence of 0.3%. Six of the seven patients had elevated liver enzymes at time of diagnosis. No relationship was found between hepatitis C infection and number of surgeries, year of surgery, or age at surgery. Four patients had hepatitis C genotype 1, but none achieved viral clearance despite three having received treatment. Three had genotype 2, were treated, and had viral clearance. No hepatitis C-positive patient developed cirrhosis or required liver transplant. Conclusion: Hepatitis C infection in patients with congenital heart disease who underwent surgical palliation prior to 1992 is common, with prevalence higher than the general population. Our data emphasize the continued importance of screening the high-risk adult congenital heart disease patients.
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Wu FM, Ukomadu C, Odze RD, Valente AM, Mayer Jr. JE, Earing MG. Liver Disease in the Patient with Fontan Circulation. CONGENIT HEART DIS 2011; 6:190-201. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0803.2011.00504.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Wang A, Book WM, McConnell M, Lyle T, Rodby K, Mahle WT. Prevalence of hepatitis C infection in adult patients who underwent congenital heart surgery prior to screening in 1992. Am J Cardiol 2007; 100:1307-9. [PMID: 17920376 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2007.05.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2007] [Revised: 05/11/2007] [Accepted: 05/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Before the routine screening of donor blood for hepatitis C virus (HCV) began in 1992, patients who received blood transfusions were at increased risk for HCV infection. Patients with congenital heart disease requiring surgery were at particular risk because of the large volume of blood products required. It was hypothesized that patients who had congenital heart surgery before 1992 would have a high prevalence of HCV infection and would benefit from routine screening as part of cardiologic follow-up. HCV screening is performed on all patients in the Adult Congenital Cardiac Program at the investigators' center. Of 198 patients who underwent heart surgery before 1992, 17 (8.6%) had positive HCV antibody results, and 8 (4.0%) had positive HCV ribonucleic acid results. Only 1 of these patients had elevated serum transaminase levels at the time of screening. In conclusion, the data from this study demonstrated an approximately fivefold increased prevalence of HCV infection in adults with congenital heart disease compared with the aged-matched general population. Serum transaminase levels are not a valid screening method. The long-term significance of HCV in this population is not known. Routine HCV screening for all patients who underwent cardiac surgery before 1992 is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Wang
- Sibley Heart Center Cardiology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Luban NLC, Colvin CA, Mohan P, Alter HJ. The epidemiology of transfusion-associated hepatitis C in a children's hospital. Transfusion 2007; 47:615-20. [PMID: 17381619 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2007.01162.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children transfused with blood and blood products before 1992 are at risk for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. To determine the prevalence of HCV infection and risks associated with acquisition of HCV, a single-institution lookback study was performed. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 5473 infants and children who received transfusions between 1982 and 1992 were identified. A control population of 600 age-, sex-, race- and zip code-matched children who did not receive transfusions with the same exclusions provided background seroprevalence data. Patients were tested for antibodies to HCV, confirmed with second generation recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) and when appropriate quantitative and qualitative HCV RNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Viral persistence was assessed by serial PCR determinations for HCV RNA. RESULTS Of the 5473 eligible patients, 4726 were locatable and 2758 were tested. Forty-three children (1.6%) were persistently anti-HCV enzyme immunoassay (EIA)-positive, confirmed by RIBA; 39 were positive for the presence of HCV RNA. Four cleared their virus as assessed by two negative HCV PCRs 6 months apart. There was a borderline higher number of children with HCV who received fresh whole blood than those who tested HCV-negative. CONCLUSION Because HCV infection is generally asymptomatic, children are not identified unless they are specifically tested. We identified, enrolled, tested, and confirmed a new diagnosis of HCV infection in 43 patients. As HCV treatments become increasingly effective, it is important to identify silently infected individuals, particularly when the infection was iatrogenically induced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi L C Luban
- Division of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
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Rustgi VK. The epidemiology of hepatitis C infection in the United States. J Gastroenterol 2007; 42:513-21. [PMID: 17653645 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-007-2064-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2006] [Accepted: 04/02/2007] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the United States has remained constant from 1988 through 2002, although the peak age of infection has increased. While the number of new HCV cases is declining, the rates of HCV-associated morbidity and mortality are increasing. We reviewed the risk factors for HCV infection, the laboratory methods used to diagnose it, the dynamics of disease progression, and the natural history of HCV infection. METHODS Medline searches were performed using the key word HCV, together with incidence, risk factors, demographics, diagnostic methods, disease progression, natural history, normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT), fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RESULTS Three characteristics-abnormal serum ALT, history of injection drug use, and blood transfusion before 1992-identified 85% of HCV-positive individuals 20-59 years old. About 75%-85% of acutely infected individuals progress to chronic infection, with up to 20% developing liver cirrhosis over 20-25 years, putting them at increased risk for end-stage liver disease and/or HCC. HCV-associated cirrhosis is the leading cause of liver transplantation in the United States. Rates of infection are higher in non-Hispanic blacks than in non-Hispanic whites and Mexican Americans and higher in men than in women. In the United States, over 70% of HCV-infected individuals are infected with genotype 1. CONCLUSIONS HCV infection is more prevalent than human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis B virus infection and is particularly common among certain demographic groups. Individual rates of fibrosis progression vary, but identification of host and viral characteristics associated with disease progression may reveal the mechanisms of HCV-associated hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod K Rustgi
- Transplant Institute, Georgetown University Medical Center, 8316 Arlington Blvd., Ste 515, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To analyse the most relevant recent information on efficacy, duration and coverage of anti-hepatitis B virus vaccination; correlates of mother-to-child hepatitis C virus transmission; the natural history and outcomes of hepatitis B and C virus infections in children; the efficacy and safety of specific therapies. RECENT FINDINGS Insufficient hepatitis B virus vaccine coverage and incomplete or delayed vaccine cycles need improvement in many countries. Hepatitis B virus mutants may explain some fulminant hepatitis in perinatally infected infants and vaccine failures. No interventions to prevent vertical hepatitis C virus transmission have been identified. Spontaneous clearance of hepatitis B is lower in children than in adults, while the rates appear to be similar for hepatitis C. The disease progression is slower for both infections in childhood. Several studies support the efficacy and safety of interferons and lamivudine in chronic hepatitis B or of interferons and ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C in children, but the optimal therapy remains unclear. SUMMARY There are doubts as to the long-term persistence of anti-hepatitis B immunization in low-endemicity areas. Routine hepatitis C virus testing in pregnancy is not recommended as there are no available prophylactic measures. Although hepatitis B and C virus infections are usually asymptomatic or with mild manifestations in childhood, concerns around their long-term clinical impact suggest the need for early treatment. Children should preferably be treated in the context of targeted trials for a better understanding of the efficacy and tolerance of drugs currently used in adults.
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