1
|
Stasi C, Brillanti S. Liver Stiffness Evaluation in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients with Cirrhosis before and after Direct-Acting Antivirals. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1418. [PMID: 39065186 PMCID: PMC11279336 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
After the introduction of direct-acting antivirals, parallel significant clinical progress has been achieved in the assessment of liver fibrosis progression/regression before treatment and during the follow-up of the cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The evolution of chronic hepatitis C into liver cirrhosis is correlated with an extensive accumulation of the extracellular matrix, leading to the formation of large amounts of fibrotic tissues that, initially, are concentrated in periportal areas and, in the later stages, surround the nodules of regenerating hepatocytes. The progressive increase in the fibrotic matrix contributes to vascular disturbances (favoring the development of portal hypertension) and to microenvironmental changes. The four clinical stages of liver cirrhosis are predictors for different clinical scenarios. The wide-ranging functions of the liver require different methods for their assessment. The non-invasive evaluation using transient elastography is useful in determining the longitudinal modifications of fibrosis during and after treatment with direct-acting antivirals. The liver stiffness evaluation, known to have a wide range of values in cirrhotic patients, can offer different prognostic implications after sustained virological response. This review discusses the different time points of liver stiffness evaluation that appear to show a more well-defined propensity to identify adequate monitoring schedules for these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Stasi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ragazzo TG, Zitelli PMY, Mazo DF, Oliveira CP, Carrilho FJ, Pessoa MG. Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis can predict clinical outcomes at late follow-up after a sustained virological response in HCV patients? Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2024; 79:100381. [PMID: 38733689 PMCID: PMC11103362 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2024.100381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to evaluate Liver-Related Events (LREs), including hepatic decompensation (ascites, hemorrhagic varices and encephalopathy) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), as well as changes in liver stiffness during the follow-up period among patients who achieved a Sustained Virological Response (SVR) after treatment for chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection. METHODS A total of 218 patients with HCV were treated, and those who achieved an SVR were followed up for 3-years. Transient Elastography (TE) using FibroScan® was performed at various time points: before treatment, at the end of treatment, at 6-months post-treatment, at 1-year post-treatment, at 2-years post-treatment, and at 3-years post-treatment. RESULTS At 6-months post-treatment, a Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM) cutoff of > 19 KPa was identified, leading to a 14.5-fold increase in the hazard of negative outcomes, including decompensation and/or HCC. The analysis of relative changes in liver stiffness between pre-treatment and 6-months posttreatment revealed that a reduction in LSM of -10 % was associated with a -12 % decrease in the hazard of decompensation and/or HCC, with this trend continuing as the LSM reduction reached -40 %, resulting in a -41 % hazard of decompensation and/or HCC. Conversely, an increase in the relative change during this period, such as an LSM increase of +10 %, led to a + 14 % increase in the hazard of decompensation. In cases where this relative change in LSM was +50 %, the hazard of decompensation increased to +92. CONCLUSION Transient elastography using FibroScan® can be a good tool for monitoring HCV patients with SVR after treatment to predict LREs in the long term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taisa Grotta Ragazzo
- Divisão de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia Clínica, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo ((HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia Momoyo Yoshimura Zitelli
- Divisão de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia Clínica, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo ((HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel F Mazo
- Divisão de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia Clínica, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo ((HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Divisão de Gastroenterologia (Gastrocentro), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia P Oliveira
- Divisão de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia Clínica, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo ((HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Flait José Carrilho
- Divisão de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia Clínica, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo ((HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mário Guimarães Pessoa
- Divisão de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia Clínica, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo ((HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xu S, Qiu L, Xu L, Liu Y, Zhang J. Development and validation of a nomogram for assessing hepatocellular carcinoma risk after SVR in hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. Infect Agent Cancer 2024; 19:17. [PMID: 38664813 PMCID: PMC11046761 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-024-00578-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis are at high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), even after sustained virological response (SVR). Clinical recommendations impose a significant burden on patients by recommending lifelong screening for HCC every six months. The goals of this study were to develop a nomogram that accurately stratifies risk of HCC and improve the screening approach that is currently in use. METHOD Risk factors for HCC were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses in this prospective study. We developed and validated a nomogram for assessing hepatocellular carcinoma risk after SVR in patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. RESULTS During the median follow-up period of 61.00 (57.00-66.00) months in the derivation cohort, 37 patients (9.61%) developed HCC. Older age (HR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.14, p = 0.009), male gender (HR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.10-5.13, p = 0.027), low serum albumin levels (HR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.86-1.00, p = 0.037), and high liver stiffness measurement (LSM) (HR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, p = 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of HCC development. Harrell's C-index for the derivation cohort was 0.81. The nomogram's 3-, 5- and 7-years time-dependent AUROCSs were 0.84 (95% CI 0.80-0.88), 0.83 (95% CI 0.79-0.87), and 0.81 (95% CI 0.77-0.85), respectively (all p > 0.05). According to the nomogram, patients are categorized as having low, intermediate, or high risk. The annual incidence rates of HCC in the three groups were 0.18%, 1.29%, and 4.45%, respectively (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Older age, male gender, low serum albumin levels, and high LSM were risk factors for HCC after SVR in hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. We used these risk factors to establish a nomogram. The nomogram can identify a suitable screening plan by classifying hepatitis C patients according to their risk of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Xu
- The Third Unit, Department of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixia Qiu
- The Third Unit, Department of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Xu
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin Research Institute of Liver Diseases, Tianjin, 300192, People's Republic of China
| | - Yali Liu
- The Third Unit, Department of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- The Third Unit, Department of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nicoletti A, Ainora ME, Cintoni M, Garcovich M, Funaro B, Pecere S, De Siena M, Santopaolo F, Ponziani FR, Riccardi L, Grieco A, Pompili M, Gasbarrini A, Zocco MA. Dynamics of liver stiffness predicts complications in patients with HCV related cirrhosis treated with direct-acting antivirals. Dig Liver Dis 2023; 55:1472-1479. [PMID: 37142455 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct acting antivirals(DAAs) are effective in reducing inflammatory ant fibrotic markers in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection and to prevent liver-related complications. Two-dimensional shear wave elastography(2D-SWE) is an effective technique for the assessment of liver fibrosis. AIM To evaluate changes in liver stiffness(LS) in HCV cirrhotic patients undergoing DAA therapy and to identify non-invasive parameters that predict the occurrence of liver-related events. METHODS We enrolled 229 patients who received DAAs between January 2015 and October 2018. Ultrasound parameters and laboratory data were assessed before treatment and 24(T1) and 48(T2) weeks after end of treatment. Patients were followed up every 6 months to evaluate the development of HCC and other liver related complications. Multiple Cox regression analysis was used to determine parameters associated with the development of complications. RESULTS Model for End-stage Liver Disease(MELD) score(HR 1.16; CI 95% 1.01-1.33; p = 0.026) and a change in LS at T2(1-year Delta LS) < 20%(HR 2.98; CI 95% 1.01-8.1; p = 0.03) were independently associated with HCC risk. One-year Delta-LS <20% was independently associated with the development of ascites(HR 5.08; CI 95% 1.03 - 25.14; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Dynamic changes of 2D-SWE-measured LS after DAA therapy may be a useful tool to identify patients who are at higher risk of liver related complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Nicoletti
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Cintoni
- Dept. of Clinical Nutrition, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Garcovich
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Funaro
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pecere
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Rome, Italy
| | - Martina De Siena
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Riccardi
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Grieco
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Liver Transplantation, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ozaki K, Ohtani T, Ishida T, Takahashi K, Ishida S, Takata K, Sakai T, Higuchi S, Gabata T. Liver fibrosis estimated using extracellular volume fraction obtained from dual-energy CT as a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma after sustained virologic response: A preliminary case-control study. Eur J Radiol 2023; 168:111112. [PMID: 37783146 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.111112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk after sustained virologic response (SVR) through clinical data analyses, including evaluation of liver fibrosis using the extracellular volume fraction (ECV) obtained from dual-energy computed tomography (DECT). METHODS Ninety-two patients (52 men and 40 women; mean age, 69.9 years) with hepatitis C virus infection after SVR underwent DECT of the liver (3-minute equilibrium-phase images) between January 2020 and March 2022. The ECV was calculated by measuring iodine density; fibrous markers, including ECV, fibrosis-4 index, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, and platelet count, were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05). The risk factors associated with HCC were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS The ECV (26.1 ± 4.6 %) in patients with HCC (n,21) was significantly larger than the ECV (20.7 ± 3.3 %) in patients without HCC (n = 71) (p < 0.001). The cutoff value for the ECV was 24.3 %. The area under the operating characteristic curve of the ECV was 0.857, which was higher than that of the serum fibrosis markers. Older age, SVR achieved with interferon, alpha-fetoprotein level (>5 ng/mL), advanced fibrosis before treatment (>F3), and ECV were associated with HCC according to the univariate analysis. Multivariate analyses showed that ECV was the only factor independently associated with HCC (odds ratio 0.619, 95 % confidence interval 0.482-0.795, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Liver fibrosis estimated using ECV can be a predictive marker in patients with HCC after SVR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kumi Ozaki
- Departments of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan; Department of Radiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan.
| | - Takashi Ohtani
- Radiological Center, University of Fukui Hospital, Japan
| | | | | | - Shota Ishida
- Radiological Center, University of Fukui Hospital, Japan; Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Medical Science, Kyoto College of Medical Science, Japan
| | - Kenji Takata
- Departments of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Toyohiko Sakai
- Departments of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Shohei Higuchi
- Departments of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Gabata
- Department of Radiology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cavalletto L, Villa E, Chemello L. The Complex Interplay Relationship between HCV Infection, Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Occurrence. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5196. [PMID: 37958369 PMCID: PMC10648642 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The new direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are highly effective, despite the short duration of treatment, and very tolerable [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Cavalletto
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Erica Villa
- CHIMOMO Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Liliana Chemello
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rodprasert N, Hongboontry T, Cherdchoochart C, Chaiteerakij R. Association between Liver Stiffness and Liver-Related Events in HCV-Infected Patients after Successful Treatment with Direct-Acting Antivirals. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59030602. [PMID: 36984603 PMCID: PMC10053469 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59030602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are highly effective for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but the risk of liver-related events and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains after successful therapy. We aimed to evaluate post-treatment changes in liver stiffness (LS) and identify a cut-off LS value for predicting such events in chronic HCV-infected patients receiving DAA. Materials and Methods: A total of 185 patients who had achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) after DAA therapy were included. Baseline characteristics and laboratory results were retrospectively abstracted. LS was measured by transient elastography at baseline, 12, 24, 48, and 96 weeks after SVR. FIB-4 index was assessed at baseline and 48 weeks after SVR. Development of liver-related events (hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), portal-hypertension-related decompensation, listing for transplantation, and mortality) after SVR were identified. The association between liver fibrosis and the occurrence of liver-related events was analyzed using Cox regression analysis. Results: Significant differences in LS values were observed between baseline and 24, 48, 72, and 96 weeks after SVR. FIB-4 index at 48 weeks after SVR was significantly lower than the FIB-4 index at baseline. During the 41.6-month follow-up time, the incidence rates of all liver-related events and HCC were 2.36 and 1.17 per 100 person-years, respectively. Age, LS ≥8 kPa, and FIB-4 ≥1.35 at 48 weeks post-SVR were significantly associated with the occurrence of any liver-related events. By multivariate analysis, LS ≥8 kPa at 48 weeks post-SVR remained significantly associated with any liver-related events, with an adjusted hazard ratio (95%CI) of 5.04 (1.01-25.26), p = 0.049. Conclusions: Despite a significant reduction in LS after SVR, patients with LS ≥8 kPa at 48 weeks after SVR should be regularly monitored for liver-related complications, particularly HCC development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Napas Rodprasert
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Tinn Hongboontry
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | | | - Roongruedee Chaiteerakij
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Innovation and Endoscopy in Gastrointestinal Oncology, Division of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Segna D, Mendoza YP, Lange NF, Rodrigues SG, Berzigotti A. Non-invasive tools for compensated advanced chronic liver disease and portal hypertension after Baveno VII - an update. Dig Liver Dis 2023; 55:326-335. [PMID: 36369196 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Non-invasive tests (NITs) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in particular, have entered clinical practice over 20 years ago as point-of-care tests to diagnose liver fibrosis in patients with compensated chronic liver disease. Since then, NITs use has evolved thanks to a large number of studies in all major etiologies of liver disease, and they have become important tools to stratify the risk of portal hypertension and liver-related events. The Baveno VII consensus workshop provided several novel recommendations regarding the use of well-established and novel NITs in the specific setting of portal hypertension screening, diagnosis and follow-up. The Baveno VII expert panels paid special attention to summarizing the existing data into simple clinical rules able to guide clinicians in their practice. The "rule of five" for LSM is a tool to stratify the risk of liver-related events, and LSM alone or in combination with platelet count, can be used now to rule-in and rule-out compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) and clinically significant portal hypertension, as well as to rule-out high-risk varices. Use of NITs in obese subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and patients with viral hepatitis C that has been successfully treated, require specific knowledge. This review will update the reader on these aspects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Segna
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, BHH D115, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - Yuly P Mendoza
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, BHH D115, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - Naomi F Lange
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, BHH D115, Bern 3010, Switzerland; Graduate School for Health Sciences (GHS), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Susana G Rodrigues
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, BHH D115, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, BHH D115, Bern 3010, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kondili LA, Quaranta MG, Cavalletto L, Calvaruso V, Ferrigno L, D'Ambrosio R, Simonelli I, Brancaccio G, Raimondo G, Brunetto MR, Zignego AL, Coppola C, Iannone A, Biliotti E, Verucchi G, Massari M, Licata A, Barbaro F, Persico M, Russo FP, Morisco F, Pompili M, Viganò M, Puoti M, Santantonio T, Villa E, Craxì A, Chemello L. Profiling the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma after long-term HCV eradication in patients with liver cirrhosis in the PITER cohort. Dig Liver Dis 2023:S1590-8658(23)00164-0. [PMID: 36775720 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.01.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Severe liver disease markers assessed before HCV eradication are acknowledged to usually improve after the SVR. We prospectively evaluated, in the PITER cohort, the long-term HCC risk profile based on predictors monitored after HCV eradication by direct-acting antivirals in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS HCC occurrence was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox regression analysis identified the post-treatment variables associated with de-novo HCC; their predictive power was presented in a nomogram. RESULTS After the end of therapy (median follow-up:28.47 months), among 2064 SVR patients, 119 (5.8%) developed de-novo HCC. The HCC incidence was 1.90%, 4.21%, 6.47% at 12-, 24- and 36-months from end-of-therapy, respectively (incidence rate 2.45/100 person-years). Age, genotype 3, diabetes, platelets (PLT)≤120,000/µl and albumin ≤3.5g/dl levels were identified as pre-treatment HCC independent predictors. Adjusting for age, the post-treatment PLT≤120,000/µl (AdjHR 1.92; 95%CI:1.06-3.45) and albumin≤3.5g/dl (AdjHR 4.38; 95%CI 2.48-7.75) values were independently associated with HCC occurrence. Two different risk profiles were identified by combining long-term post-therapy evaluation of PLT ≤ vs. >120,000/µl and albumin ≤ vs. >3.5g/dl showing a significant different HCC incidence rate of 1.35 vs. 3.77/100 p-y, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The nomogram score based on age, PLT and albumin levels after SVR showed an accurate prediction capability and may support the customizing management for early HCC detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loreta A Kondili
- Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy; UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Luisa Cavalletto
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Padua University, University Hospital, Clinica Medica 5, Refering Regional Center for Liver Diseases, Padova, Italy
| | - Vincenza Calvaruso
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigina Ferrigno
- Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta D'Ambrosio
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Simonelli
- L'altrastatistica srl, Consultancy & Training, Biostatistics Office, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Brancaccio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maurizia R Brunetto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Linda Zignego
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Interdepartmental Centre MASVE, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Carmine Coppola
- Department of Hepatology, Gragnano Hospital, Gragnano, NA, Italy
| | - Andrea Iannone
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Elisa Biliotti
- Infectious and Tropical Medicine Unit, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Policlinico Umberto I" Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Verucchi
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum, Bologna University, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Massari
- Malattie Infettive, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale, IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Anna Licata
- Infectious Diseases Unit, DIBIMIS, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Barbaro
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marcello Persico
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Division, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Pompili
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Viganò
- Hepatology Unit, San Giuseppe Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Puoti
- Infectious Disease Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy; Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Teresa Santantonio
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Clinical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Erica Villa
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical Specialties, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia and Modena University-Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonio Craxì
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Liliana Chemello
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Padua University, University Hospital, Clinica Medica 5, Refering Regional Center for Liver Diseases, Padova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Comparing Predictability of Non-invasive Tools for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Treated Chronic Hepatitis C Patients. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:323-332. [PMID: 35895234 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-022-07621-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-invasive tools including liver stiffness measurement (LSM) or FIB-4, assessed before or after direct acting antivirals (DAA), have been suggested to predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AIMS This study aims to compare predictability of HCC by these methods at different time points, to validate the HCC surveillance suggestion by guidelines, and to propose personalized strategy. METHODS Chronic hepatitis C whose LSM and FIB-4 were available at pretherapy and after sustained virological response (SVR) were enrolled. Advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) was defined as pretherapy LSM ≥ 10 kPa or FIB-4 index ≥ 3.25 or ultrasound signs of cirrhosis plus platelet count < 150,000/μL. The predictabilities were compared by area under ROC. The cumulative HCC incidences were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS Among 466 ACLD patients, 40 patients developed HCC during a follow-up duration of 26.8 months. Comparable predictive performances for HCC between LSM and FIB-4 at pretherapy and SVR were noted. By guidelines suggestion using pretherapy LSM = 10 kPa (advanced fibrosis) and 13 kPa (cirrhosis) for risk stratification, the annual HCC incidences of those with LSM of < 10, 10-12.9 and ≥ 13 kPa were 1.1, 3.6, and 5.0%, respectively. Combination of baseline LSM < 12 kPa and SVR FIB-4 < 3.7 could further stratify relatively low risk of HCC in ACLD patients of annal incidence of 1.2%. CONCLUSIONS ACLD patients who met advanced fibrosis but not cirrhosis by guidelines' cut-offs still posed high risk of HCC. Baseline LSM with SVR FIB-4 can be applied to stratify low, intermediate, and high risk of HCC for personalizing surveillance strategies after SVR.
Collapse
|
11
|
Ferraioli G, Roccarina D. Update on the role of elastography in liver disease. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2022; 15:17562848221140657. [PMID: 36506750 PMCID: PMC9730016 DOI: 10.1177/17562848221140657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of liver fibrosis and the assessment of its severity are important to provide appropriate management, to determine the prognosis or the need for surveillance. Currently, for fibrosis staging, liver stiffness measurement (LSM) with the shear wave elastography (SWE) techniques is considered a reliable substitute for liver biopsy in several clinical scenarios. Nonetheless, it should be emphasized that stiffness value is a biomarker of diffuse liver disease that must be interpreted taking into consideration anamnesis, clinical and laboratory data. In patients with diffuse liver disease, it is more clinically relevant to determine the likelihood of advanced disease rather than to obtain an exact stage of liver fibrosis using a histologic classification. In this regard, a 'rule of five' for LSMs with vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and a 'rule of four' for LSMs with the acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI)-based techniques have been proposed. In patients with advanced chronic liver disease (CLD), the risk of liver decompensation increases with increasing liver stiffness value. SWE has been proposed as a tool to predict the risk of death or complications in patients with CLD. LSM by VCTE combined with platelets count is a validated non-invasive method for varices screening, with very good results in terms of invasive procedures being spared. ARFI-based techniques also show some promising results in this setting. LSM, alone or combined in scores or algorithms with other parameters, is used to evaluate the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence. Due to the high prevalence of CLD, screening the population at risk is of interest but further studies are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Davide Roccarina
- Sherlock Liver Unit and UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK,Internal Medicine Consultant, SOD Medicina Interna ed Epatologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kumada T, Toyoda H, Yasuda S, Ogawa S, Gotoh T, Tada T, Ito T, Sumida Y, Tanaka J. Combined ultrasound and magnetic resonance elastography predict hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis C virus eradication. Hepatol Res 2022; 52:957-967. [PMID: 35841314 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Elastography is an established, noninvasive method for measuring liver stiffness using to 2-D shear-wave elastography (2D-SWE) or magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of combined measurement using 2D-SWE and MRE to stratify the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients who achieved hepatitis C virus eradication. METHODS Five hundred and twenty-five patients who underwent 2D-SWE and MRE before antiviral therapy and who achieved eradication were enrolled. The optimal 2D-SWE and MRE cutoff values were determined using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for predicting HCC development. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and a Cox proportional hazards model were used to adjust the cumulative incidence rate of HCC development for potential imbalances. RESULTS Time-dependent ROC analysis showed that the optimal cut-off values of 2D-SWE and MRE for predicting HCC development were 11.7 and 4.5 kPa, respectively. The IPTW-adjusted cumulative incidence rate of HCC development in patients with both an 2D-SWE value ≥ 11.7 kPa and an MRE value ≥ 4.5 kPa had a higher hazard ratio (28.080; 95% confidence interval, 5.527-132.600; p < 0.001) than those with either an 2D-SWE value < 11.7 kPa or an MRE value < 4.5 kPa. CONCLUSIONS The combined measurement of 2D-SWE and MRE was very effective for identifying patients at high risk of HCC development. US-based elastography should be performed first, and if the 2D-SWE value is high, MRE should then be carried out to confirm the degree of liver stiffness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kumada
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Gifu Kyoritsu University, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Sadanobu Ogawa
- Department of Imaging Diagnosis, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Gotoh
- Department of Imaging Diagnosis, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Tada
- Internal Medicine, Himeji Red Cross Hospital, Himeji, Japan
| | - Takanori Ito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshio Sumida
- Division of Hepatology and Pancreatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Junko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and Prevention, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Combined Liver Stiffness and Α-fetoprotein Further beyond the Sustained Virologic Response Visit as Predictors of Long-Term Liver-Related Events in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 2022:5201443. [PMID: 35837486 PMCID: PMC9273470 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5201443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Long-term risk stratification using combined liver stiffness (LS) and clinically relevant blood tests acquired at the baseline further beyond the sustained virologic response (SVR) visit for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has not been thoroughly investigated. This study retrospectively investigated the prognostics of liver-related events (LREs) further beyond the SVR visit. METHODS Cox regression and random forest models identified the key factors, including longitudinal LS and noninvasive test results, that could predict LREs, including hepatocellular carcinoma, during prespecified follow-ups from 2010 to 2021. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis estimated the significance of between-group risk stratification. RESULTS Of the entire eligible cohort (n = 520) of CHC patients with SVR to antiviral therapy, 28 (5.4%) patients developed post-SVR LREs over a median follow-up period of 6.1 years (interquartile range = 3.5-8.7). The multivariate Cox regression analysis identified two significant predictors of LREs after the year 3 post-SVR (Y3PSVR) baseline (LRE, n = 15 of 28, 53.6%, median follow-up = 4.1 [1.6-6.4] years after Y3PSVR): LS at Y3PSVR (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 3.980, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.085-7.597, P < 0.001), and α-fetoprotein (AFP) at Y3PSVR (aHR = 1.017, 95% CI = 1.001-1.034, P=0.034). LS ≥1.45 m/s and AFP ≥3.00 ng/mL for Y3PSVR yielded positive likelihood ratios of 4.24 and 2.62, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that among the stratified subgroups, the subgroup with concurrent LS ≥1.45 m/s and AFP ≥3.00 ng/mL at Y3PSVR exhibited the highest risk of LREs after Y3PSVR (log-rank P < 0.001). CONCLUSION We recommend the combined use of concurrent LS and AFP in future prediction models for LREs in CHC. Patients with concurrently high LS and AFP values further beyond the SVR visit may require a recall policy involving intense surveillance.
Collapse
|
14
|
HCC risk stratification after cure of hepatitis C in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease. J Hepatol 2022; 76:812-821. [PMID: 34871626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) caused by chronic hepatitis C who have achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). We developed risk stratification algorithms for de novo HCC development after SVR and validated them in an independent cohort. METHODS We evaluated the occurrence of de novo HCC in a derivation cohort of 527 patients with pre-treatment ACLD and SVR to interferon-free therapy, in whom alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and non-invasive surrogates of portal hypertension including liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were assessed pre-/post-treatment. We validated our results in 1,500 patients with compensated ACLD (cACLD) from other European centers. RESULTS During a median follow-up (FU) of 41 months, 22/475 patients with cACLD (4.6%, 1.45/100 patient-years) vs. 12/52 decompensated patients (23.1%, 7.00/100 patient-years, p <0.001) developed de novo HCC. Since decompensated patients were at substantial HCC risk, we focused on cACLD for all further analyses. In cACLD, post-treatment-values showed a higher discriminative ability for patients with/without de novo HCC development during FU than pre-treatment values or absolute/relative changes. Models based on post-treatment AFP, alcohol consumption (optional), age, LSM, and albumin, accurately predicted de novo HCC development (bootstrapped Harrel's C with/without considering alcohol: 0.893/0.836). Importantly, these parameters also provided independent prognostic information in competing risk analysis and accurately stratified patients into low- (~2/3 of patients) and high-risk (~1/3 of patients) groups in the derivation (algorithm with alcohol consumption; 4-year HCC-risk: 0% vs. 16.5%) and validation (3.3% vs. 17.5%) cohorts. An alternative approach based on alcohol consumption (optional), age, LSM, and albumin (i.e., without AFP) also showed a robust performance. CONCLUSIONS Simple algorithms based on post-treatment age/albumin/LSM, and optionally, AFP and alcohol consumption, accurately stratified patients with cACLD based on their risk of de novo HCC after SVR. Approximately two-thirds were identified as having an HCC risk <1%/year in both the derivation and validation cohort, thereby clearly falling below the cost-effectiveness threshold for HCC surveillance. LAY SUMMARY Simple algorithms based on age, alcohol consumption, results of blood tests (albumin and α-fetoprotein), as well as liver stiffness measurement after the end of hepatitis C treatment identify a large proportion (approximately two-thirds) of patients with advanced but still asymptomatic liver disease who are at very low risk (<1%/year) of liver cancer development, and thus, might not need to undergo 6-monthly liver ultrasound.
Collapse
|
15
|
Reinoso-Pereira GL, Paranaguá-Vezozzo DC, Mazo DF, França JID, Ono SK, Carrilho FJ. HIGH VALUES OF LIVER STIFFNESS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN STRATIFYING THE RISK OF HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA IN CIRRHOTIC HEPATITIS C PATIENTS. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2022; 59:204-211. [PMID: 35830030 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.202202000-38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evaluate the role of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (TE) as a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence in a prospective cohort of Brazilian hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients with cirrhosis. METHODS A cohort of 99 consecutive HCV patients was included between 2011 and 2016 with baseline LSM ≥12 kilopascals (kPa). Baseline variables were evaluated and HCC occurrence was documented. Kaplan-Meier methods with a log-rank test and the use of cox univariate and multivariate analysis assessed the association between variables and clinical results. RESULTS The mean age was 57.8±10.6 years. In a follow-up over a mean of 3.3 years, 20 (20.2%) patients developed HCC. In univariate logistic regression analysis, variables associated with HCC occurrence were: lower platelet count (P=0.0446), higher serum alpha-fetoprotein (P=0.0041) and bilirubin (P=0.0008) values, higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (P=0.0068) and higher LSM (P=0.0354). LSM evaluated by TE was independently associated with HCC development, and the best cut-off value for higher HCC risk was >21.1 kPa (HR: 5.548; 95%CI: 1.244-24.766; P=0.025). CONCLUSION A high value of liver stiffness relates substantially to an increased risk for HCC occurrence in Brazilian patients with cirrhosis due to HCV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gleicy Luz Reinoso-Pereira
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Divisão de Gastroenterologia Clínica e Hepatologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Denise Cerqueira Paranaguá-Vezozzo
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Divisão de Gastroenterologia Clínica e Hepatologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Grupo São Paulo Clínicas de Câncer de Fígado, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Daniel F Mazo
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Divisão de Gastroenterologia Clínica e Hepatologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Divisão de Gastroenterologia-Gastrocentro, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - João Italo Dias França
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Divisão de Gastroenterologia Clínica e Hepatologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Suzane Kioko Ono
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Divisão de Gastroenterologia Clínica e Hepatologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Grupo São Paulo Clínicas de Câncer de Fígado, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Flair José Carrilho
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Divisão de Gastroenterologia Clínica e Hepatologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Grupo São Paulo Clínicas de Câncer de Fígado, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cardoso AC, Figueiredo-Mendes C, Villela-Nogueira CA, Marcellin P. Staging Fibrosis in Chronic Viral Hepatitis. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040660. [PMID: 35458391 PMCID: PMC9025777 DOI: 10.3390/v14040660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Staging fibrosis accurately has always been a challenge in viral hepatitis and other liver diseases. Liver biopsy is an imperfect gold standard due to its intra and interobserver agreement limitations and additional characteristics such as its safety and cost. Hence, non-invasive tests have been developed to stage liver fibrosis. In addition to serological biomarkers, physical tests with reasonable accuracy are available and adopted in the daily clinic regarding viral hepatitis fibrosis staging. In this review, we discuss the published data regarding the staging of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B and C, emphasizing non-invasive markers of fibrosis, both serological and physical. Moreover, we also discuss a persistent central gap, the evaluation of liver fibrosis after HCV cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Cardoso
- Postgraduate Internal Medicine Program, Hepatology Division, Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudio Figueiredo-Mendes
- Hepatology Division, General Hospital, Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20020-022, Brazil;
| | - Cristiane A. Villela-Nogueira
- Internal Medicine Department, Hepatology Division, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil;
| | - Patrick Marcellin
- Hepatology Department, Hôpital Beaujon, APHP, INSERM, University of Paris, 92110 Clichy, France;
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Luna-Cuadros MA, Chen HW, Hanif H, Ali MJ, Khan MM, Lau DTY. Risk of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis C virus cure. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:96-107. [PMID: 35125821 PMCID: PMC8793019 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i1.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The direct-acting antivirals marked a new era of HCV therapy and are associated with greater than 95% cure rate. Successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C greatly reduces the risk of HCC. A proportion of patients, especially those with pre-existing cirrhosis, remain at risk for HCC despite sustained virologic response (SVR). Diabetes mellitus, hepatic steatosis, alcohol consumption and lack of fibrosis regression are associated with risks of HCC after HCV cure. Noninvasive modalities such as aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and fibrosis-4 index and transient elastography have been used to monitor hepatic fibrosis. More recently, various fibrosis scores have been combined with clinical parameters and other novel biomarkers to predict risks of HCC for patients who achieved SVR. These models still need to be validated and standardized prior to applying to routine clinical care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alejandra Luna-Cuadros
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Hao-Wei Chen
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Hira Hanif
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Mukarram Jamat Ali
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Muzammil Muhammad Khan
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Daryl Tan-Yeung Lau
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is still one of the major risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most frequent type of primary liver cancer. Direct-acting antivirals have substantially improved the cure rate of the virus, but the risk of hepatitis C virus-related HCC remains high, mainly in patients with advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. HCC is often asymptomatic and, therefore, remains undetected until the late tumor stage, which is associated with poor survival rates. Therefore, to improve the surveillance programs following HCV eradication, there is a need to summarize predictive factors or potential biomarkers, to specifically identify patients likely to develop HCC after direct-acting antiviral treatment. This review outlines the most recent data about different predictive factors for HCC development after direct-acting antiviral treatment of hepatitis C virus-infected patients, to improve the clinical management of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus.
Collapse
|
19
|
Cerrito L, Ainora ME, Nicoletti A, Garcovich M, Riccardi L, Pompili M, Gasbarrini A, Zocco MA. Elastography as a predictor of liver cirrhosis complications after hepatitis C virus eradication in the era of direct-acting antivirals. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:1663-1676. [PMID: 34904036 PMCID: PMC8637667 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i11.1663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection leads to liver fibrosis and rearrangement of liver tissue, which is responsible for the development of portal hypertension (PH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The advent of direct-acting antiviral drugs has revolutionized the natural history of HCV infection, providing an overall eradication rate of over 90%. Despite a significant decrease after sustained virological response (SVR), the rate of HCC and liver-related complications is not completely eliminated in patients with advanced liver disease. Although the reasons are still unclear, cirrhosis itself has a residual risk for the development of HCC and other PH-related complications. Ultrasound elastography is a recently developed non-invasive technique for the assessment of liver fibrosis. Following the achievement of SVR, liver stiffness (LS) usually decreases, as a consequence of reduced inflammation and, possibly, fibrosis. Recent studies emphasized the application of LS assessment in the management of patients with SVR in order to define the risk for developing the complications of chronic liver disease (functional decompensation, gastrointestinal bleeding, HCC) and to optimize long-term prognostic outcomes in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cerrito
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Alberto Nicoletti
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Matteo Garcovich
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Laura Riccardi
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ahumada A, Rayón L, Usón C, Bañares R, Alonso Lopez S. Hepatocellular carcinoma risk after viral response in hepatitis C virus-advanced fibrosis: Who to screen and for how long? World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:6737-6749. [PMID: 34790004 PMCID: PMC8567476 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i40.6737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection is associated with fibrosis progression, end-stage liver complications and HCC. Not surprisingly, HCV infection is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. After sustained virological response (SVR), the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma is not completely eliminated in patients with established cirrhosis or with advanced fibrosis. Therefore, lifelong surveillance is currently recommended. This strategy is likely not universally cost-effective and harmless, considering that not all patients with advanced fibrosis have the same risk of developing HCC. Factors related to the severity of liver disease and its potential to improve after SVR, the molecular and epigenetic changes that occur during infection and other associated comorbidities might account for different risk levels and are likely essential for identifying patients who would benefit from screening programs after SVR. Efforts to develop predictive models and risk calculators, biomarkers and genetic panels and even deep learning models to estimate the individual risk of HCC have been made in the direct-acting antiviral agents era, when thousands of patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis have reached SVR. These tools could help to identify patients with very low HCC risk in whom surveillance might not be justified. In this review, factors affecting the probability of HCC development after SVR, the benefits and risks of surveillance, suggested strategies to estimate individualized HCC risk and the current evidence to recommend lifelong surveillance are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Ahumada
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid 28007, Spain
- Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid 28007, Spain
| | - Laura Rayón
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid 28007, Spain
| | - Clara Usón
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid 28007, Spain
| | - Rafael Bañares
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid 28007, Spain
- Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid 28007, Spain
- Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28006, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Sonia Alonso Lopez
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid 28007, Spain
- Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid 28007, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kuo YH, Kee KM, Hung CH, Lu SN, Hu TH, Chen CH, Wang JH. Liver stiffness-based score at sustained virologic response predicts liver-related complications after eradication of hepatitis C virus. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2021; 38:268-276. [PMID: 34687140 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine whether liver stiffness (LS) and fibrosis-4 (Fib-4) index were useful in assessing the occurrence of liver-related complications (LRC) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients after direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) had been administered. This retrospective study enrolled CHC patients achieving sustained virological response (SVR) after DAA. A total of 697 (male/female: 294/403, mean age: 63.8 year) patients with measured LS and complete lab data at SVR were enrolled, followed, and analyzed. In a median follow-up of 21.4 months after SVR, 39 patients developed LRC including 28 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with the 30-month cumulative incidence of LRC and HCC being 7.7% and 5.1%, respectively. Predictions of occurrence of LRC and HCC were 0.820 and 0.774 for LS, and 0.775 and 0.737 for Fib-4, with optimal cutoffs of LS and Fib-4 being 14.5 kPa and 2.9 for LRC prediction. In multivariate analysis, LS was associated with the occurrence of LRC (hazard ratio: 3.97, 95% confidence interval [1.866, 8.446], p < 0.001) after adjustment for Fib-4 and diabetes. A risk-score system combining LS, Fib-4, and diabetes was developed for LRC risk assessment. Patients were stratified into low- (score 0-1), intermediate- (score 2-3), and high-risk (score 4) groups with LRC cumulative incidences of 1.7%, 14.9%, and 36.4%, respectively (p < 0.001). For patients with CHC after DAA, the risk scoring system based on LS, Fib-4, and diabetes was useful to assess the risk of LRC development during follow-up; accordingly, it would be advantageous for clinicians to set up more personalized and cost-effective strategies of surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Hung Kuo
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kwong-Ming Kee
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hung Hung
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hui Hu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Houng Wang
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on non-invasive tests for evaluation of liver disease severity and prognosis - 2021 update. J Hepatol 2021; 75:659-689. [PMID: 34166721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 717] [Impact Index Per Article: 239.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive tests are increasingly being used to improve the diagnosis and prognostication of chronic liver diseases across aetiologies. Herein, we provide the latest update to the EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the use of non-invasive tests for the evaluation of liver disease severity and prognosis, focusing on the topics for which relevant evidence has been published in the last 5 years.
Collapse
|
23
|
Risk Factors for Liver Decompensation and HCC in HCV-Cirrhotic Patients after DAAs: A Multicenter Prospective Study. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153810. [PMID: 34359711 PMCID: PMC8345116 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The present study explored the predictors of the development of liver-related events in HCV cirrhotic subjects achieving SVR following antiviral therapy with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) during a follow-up of 24 months after SVR confirmation. Patients had a liver stiffness measurement (LSM) of ≥14 kPa at baseline. We found that baseline liver stiffness ≥ 20 kPa and HCV genotype different from 1 were both independent predictors of liver decompensation, while only LSM ≥ 20 kPa was an independent predictor of HCC. Abstract Background: Prospective studies on predictors of liver-related events in cirrhotic subjects achieving SVR after DAAs are lacking. Methods: We prospectively enrolled HCV cirrhotic patients in four Italian centers between November 2015 and October 2017. SVR and no-SVR cases were compared according to the presence or absence of liver-related events during a 24-month follow-up. Independent predictors of liver-related events were evaluated by Cox regression analysis. Results: A total of 706 subjects started DAAs therapy. SVR was confirmed in 687 (97.3%). A total of 61 subjects (8.9%) in the SVR group and 5 (26.3%) in the no-SVR group had liver-related events (p < 0.03). The incidence rate x 100 p/y was 1.6 for HCC, 1.7 for any liver decompensation, and 0.5 for hepatic death. Baseline liver stiffness (LSM) ≥ 20 kPa (HR 4.0; 95% CI 1.1–14.1) and genotype different from 1 (HR 7.5; 95% CI 2.1–27.3) were both independent predictors of liver decompensation. Baseline LSM > 20 KPa (HR 7.2; 95% CI 1.9–26.7) was the sole independent predictor of HCC. A decrease in liver stiffness (Delta LSM) by at least 20% at the end of follow-up was not associated with a decreased risk of liver-related events. Conclusion: Baseline LSM ≥ 20 kPa identifies HCV cirrhotic subjects at higher risk of liver-related events after SVR.
Collapse
|
24
|
D’Ambrosio R, Degasperi E, Lampertico P. Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Patients with Chronic HCV Infection and a Sustained Virological Response to Direct-Acting Antivirals. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:713-739. [PMID: 34235108 PMCID: PMC8254542 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s292139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) may complicate with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in patients with cirrhosis. Although the achievement of a sustained virological response (SVR) had been associated with a reduction in the risk of HCC already in the Interferon era, some concerns initially raised following the use of direct-acting antivirals (DAA), as their use was associated with increased risk of HCC development and aggressiveness. However, studies demonstrated that the risk of HCC was strongly influenced by pre-treatment fibrosis stage and, eventually, prior HCC history more than the type of antiviral therapy. According to published studies, rates of de-novo HCC ranged between 1.4% and 13.6% in patients with cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis vs 0.9% and 5.9% in those with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Conversely, rates of recurrent HCC were higher, ranging between 3.2% and 49% in cirrhotics vs 0% and 40% in CHC patients. Most studies tried to identify predictors of HCC development, either de-novo or recurrent, and some authors were also able to build predictive scores for HCC risk stratification, which however still need prospective validation. Whereas some clinical features, such as age, gender, presence of comorbidities and fibrosis stage, may influence both de-novo and recurrent HCC, previous tumour burden before DAA seems to prevail over these features in recurrent HCC risk prediction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta D’Ambrosio
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Degasperi
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milan, Italy
- CRC “A. M. and A. Migliavacca” Center for Liver Disease, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Florea M, Serban T, Tirpe GR, Tirpe A, Lupsor-Platon M. Noninvasive Assessment of Hepatitis C Virus Infected Patients Using Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10122575. [PMID: 34200885 PMCID: PMC8230562 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Surveillance of these patients is an essential strategy in the prevention chain, including in the pre/post-antiviral treatment states. Ultrasound elastography techniques are emerging as key methods in the assessment of liver diseases, with a number of advantages such as their rapid, noninvasive, and cost-effective characters. The present paper critically reviews the performance of vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) in the assessment of HCV patients. VCTE measures liver stiffness (LS) and the ultrasonic attenuation through the embedded controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), providing the clinician with a tool for assessing fibrosis, cirrhosis, and steatosis in a noninvasive manner. Moreover, standardized LS values enable proper staging of the underlying fibrosis, leading to an accurate identification of a subset of HCV patients that present a high risk for complications. In addition, VCTE is a valuable technique in evaluating liver fibrosis prior to HCV therapy. However, its applicability in monitoring fibrosis regression after HCV eradication is currently limited and further studies should focus on extending the boundaries of VCTE in this context. From a different perspective, VCTE may be effective in identifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). An emerging prospect of clinical significance that warrants further study is the identification of esophageal varices. Our opinion is that the advantages of VCTE currently outweigh those of other surveillance methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mira Florea
- Community Medicine Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Teodora Serban
- Medical Imaging Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - George Razvan Tirpe
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, County Emergency Hospital Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Clinicilor Street, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Tirpe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Marinescu Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Monica Lupsor-Platon
- Medical Imaging Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Medical Imaging Department, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Dajti E, Marasco G, Ravaioli F, Colecchia L, Ferrarese A, Festi D, Colecchia A. Risk of hepatocellular carcinoma after HCV eradication: Determining the role of portal hypertension by measuring spleen stiffness. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100289. [PMID: 34095798 PMCID: PMC8165428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) reduces but does not eliminate the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The development of surveillance strategies for HCC after the sustained virologic response (SVR) is therefore warranted. We aimed to evaluate the role of spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) in the prediction of HCC risk in a cohort of patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) treated with DAAs. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of 140 patients with HCV-related ACLD successfully treated with DAAs in our centre between 2015 and 2017. Patients with available liver stiffness (LSM) and SSM before treatment and 6 months after (SVR24) were included. A Cox regression model investigated the association between SSM and HCC development. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 41.5 (IQR 32-49) months, 20 patients presented with HCC. SSM at SVR24 predicted HCC development in univariate and adjusted multivariate analysis (hazard ratio: 1.025; 95% CI: 1.001-1.050); the best cut-off was 42 kPa. Patients with LSM-SVR24 ≤10 kPa were at the lowest risk of HCC. In patients with LSM-SVR24 >10 kPa, HCC incidence was not further influenced by LSM values (10-20 kPa vs. >20 kPa), but only by SSM-SVR24 values (≤42 vs. >42 kPa). CONCLUSIONS Portal hypertension, as evaluated by SSM, plays a significant role in liver carcinogenesis after DAA treatment. We proposed a new algorithm based on post-treatment values of LSM and SSM for the stratification of HCC risk after SVR achievement. LAY SUMMARY Spleen stiffness predicts the development of hepatocellular carcinoma after viral eradication, especially in patients with post-treatment liver stiffness values >10 kPa. An algorithm based on liver and spleen stiffness can stratify for the risk of liver cancer development and guide the surveillance strategies after treatment with direct-acting antivirals.
Collapse
Key Words
- ACLD, advanced chronic liver disease
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- DAA
- DAA, direct-acting antiviral
- Direct-acting antiviral
- HCC
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- INR, international normalised ratio
- LSM, liver stiffness measurement
- Liver stiffness
- MELD, model for end-stage liver disease
- SSM, spleen stiffness measurement
- SVR, sustained virologic response
- Spleen stiffness
- TE, transient elastography
- Transient elastography
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elton Dajti
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marasco
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Ravaioli
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Colecchia
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferrarese
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Borgo Trento University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Davide Festi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Colecchia
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Borgo Trento University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Dajti E, Marasco G, Ravaioli F, Alemanni LV, Rossini B, Colecchia L, Vestito A, Festi D, Colecchia A. The role of liver and spleen elastography in advanced chronic liver disease. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2021; 67:151-163. [PMID: 34027932 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5985.20.02793-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Portal hypertension is the main driver of complications in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). In the last decade, many non-invasive tests, such us liver and spleen elastography, have been proposed and validated for the identification of patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) and its complications, mainly hepatic decompensation and liver-related morbidity and mortality. Moreover, elastography accurately stratifies for the risk of HCC development, HCC recurrence and decompensation after liver surgery. Recent studies suggest a role of SSM in monitoring response to treatments and interventions in ACLD, such as viral eradication, non-selective beta-blockers and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement. However, one of the most indications to perform elastography in ACLD still remains the screening for esophageal varices. In fact, according to the Baveno VI consensus, liver stiffness measurement (LSM) <20 kPa and platelet count >150,000/mm3 can safely identify patients at low risk of varices requiring treatment (VNT) and could therefore avoid invasive upper invasive endoscopy; LSM>20-25 kPa can accurately rule-in CSPH in patients with viral etiology. Spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) is a direct surrogate of portal hypertension and has been demonstrated more accurate in predicting portal hypertension severity and VNT. A combined model including Baveno VI Criteria and SSM (≤46 kPa) can significantly increase the number of spared endoscopies (>40-50%), maintaining a low (<5%) of missed VNT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elton Dajti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marasco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Ravaioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigina V Alemanni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Benedetta Rossini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Colecchia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Amanda Vestito
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Festi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Colecchia
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Borgo Trento University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy -
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Liang KH, Lai MW, Lin YH, Chu YD, Lin CL, Lin WR, Huang YH, Wang TH, Chien RN, Hu TH, Yeh CT. Plasma interleukin-17 and alpha-fetoprotein combination effectively predicts imminent hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence in liver cirrhotic patients. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:177. [PMID: 33865328 PMCID: PMC8052794 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-01761-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Predicting imminent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in liver cirrhotic patients is an unmet medical need. We aimed to investigate circulatory biomarkers and their optimum combinations in a prospective study.
Methods We investigated plasma interleukin 17 (IL-17) concentrations, quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), for the prediction of HCC in a large cohort of 404 HCC-naïve liver cirrhotic patients regularly followed after recruitment. Additionally, IL-17 in surgically resected tumor tissues were evaluated using immunohistochemistry staining.
Results IL-17 was detected in HCC tissues. The IL-17 concentrations in the peripheral blood do not have correlation with an extensive list of 31 common demographic, metabolic and liver function variables in the cohort of liver cirrhotic patients. Furthermore, patients stratified by IL-17 and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) showed distinctive cumulative incidence of HCC. Imminent HCC, defined here as HCC occurrence within 1 year, can be predicted by IL-17 alone with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] of 0.762 (P = 0.002). An multivariate analysis showed that age, hepatitis C viral infection, AFP and IL-17 were four independent factors associated with imminent HCC (adjusted P = 0.03, 0.041, 0.024 and 0.008 respectively). An explicit risk score (R) combining the concentrations of two plasma biomarkers, AFP and IL-17, achieved a high AUC of 0.933 (95% confidence interval 0.893–0.972, P < 0.001) in predicting imminent HCC, with 100% sensitivity and 79.9% specificity at the optimum cutoff. The score is defined as: \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$${\text{R}} = (2.6914)*{\text{IL-17}} + (0.3909)*{\text{AFP}} - (0.80812875)*{\text{IL-17}}^{2} + (0.10288876884)*{\text{IL-17}}^{2} *{\text{AFP}}.$$\end{document}R=(2.6914)∗IL-17+(0.3909)∗AFP-(0.80812875)∗IL-172+(0.10288876884)∗IL-172∗AFP. Conclusions The circulatory IL-17 concentration is a predictor of subsequent HCC occurrence in liver cirrhotic patients. The combination of AFP and IL-17 is highly effective in predicting imminent HCC within 1 year. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-021-01761-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kung-Hao Liang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Wei Lai
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Hsiang Lin
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Yu-De Chu
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Lang Lin
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Liver Research Unit, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 222, Maijin Road, Keelung, Taiwan.,Community Medicine Research Center, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Wey-Ran Lin
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hui Huang
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Tong-Hung Wang
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Tissue Bank, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Liver Research Unit, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 222, Maijin Road, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hui Hu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan. .,Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. .,Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5, Fu-Shin street, Kuei-Shan District, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Federico P, Giunta EF, Pappalardo A, Tufo A, Marte G, Attademo L, Fabbrocini A, Petrillo A, Daniele B. How to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Elderly Patients. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:233. [PMID: 33800217 PMCID: PMC8001824 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary tumour of the liver with the greatest incidence, particularly in the elderly. Additionally, improvements in the treatments for chronic liver diseases have increased the number of elderly patients who might be affected by HCC. Little evidence exists regarding HCC in old patients, and the elderly are still underrepresented and undertreated in clinical trials. In fact, this population represents a complex subgroup of patients who are hard to manage, especially due to the presence of multiple comorbidities. Therefore, the choice of treatment is mainly decided by the physician in the clinical practice, who often tend not to treat elderly patients in order to avoid the possibility of adverse events, which may alter their unstable equilibrium. In this context, the clarification of the optimal treatment strategy for elderly patients affected by HCC has become an urgent necessity. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the available data regarding the treatment of HCC in elderly patients, starting from the definition of "elderly" and the geriatric assessment and scales. We explain the possible treatment choices according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) scale and their feasibility in the elderly population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piera Federico
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Napoli, Italy; (E.F.G.); (A.P.); (L.A.); (A.F.); (A.P.); (B.D.)
| | - Emilio Francesco Giunta
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Napoli, Italy; (E.F.G.); (A.P.); (L.A.); (A.F.); (A.P.); (B.D.)
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Study of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pappalardo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Napoli, Italy; (E.F.G.); (A.P.); (L.A.); (A.F.); (A.P.); (B.D.)
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Study of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Tufo
- Surgical Unit, Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Napoli, Italy; (A.T.); (G.M.)
| | - Gianpaolo Marte
- Surgical Unit, Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Napoli, Italy; (A.T.); (G.M.)
| | - Laura Attademo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Napoli, Italy; (E.F.G.); (A.P.); (L.A.); (A.F.); (A.P.); (B.D.)
| | - Antonietta Fabbrocini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Napoli, Italy; (E.F.G.); (A.P.); (L.A.); (A.F.); (A.P.); (B.D.)
| | - Angelica Petrillo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Napoli, Italy; (E.F.G.); (A.P.); (L.A.); (A.F.); (A.P.); (B.D.)
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Study of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Bruno Daniele
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Napoli, Italy; (E.F.G.); (A.P.); (L.A.); (A.F.); (A.P.); (B.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
You MW, Kim KW, Shim JJ, Pyo J. Impact of liver-stiffness measurement on hepatocellular carcinoma development in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with direct-acting antivirals: A systematic review and time-to-event meta-analysis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:601-608. [PMID: 32875681 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are still at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) even after achieving sustained virologic response (SVR). Liver-stiffness measurement (LSM) on imaging has been investigated as a predictor of HCC occurrence. OBJECTIVES To provide systematic summary of the predictive value of LSM in predicting HCC occurrence in HCV patients treated with DAA. METHODS A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed-MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed to identify studies that evaluated the predictive value of LSM in CHC patients treated with DAAs. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) comparing HCC occurrence between patients with positive and negative results on LSM was calculated for all studies and various subgroups. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed. RESULTS A review of 135 candidate articles identified eight eligible articles with a total of 3398patients for qualitative review and meta-analysis. The pooled HR for HCC occurrence determined by LSM was 3.43 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63-7.19) with heterogeneity (I2 = 81.87%, P < 0.001), thus indicating that LSM might be helpful for predicting HCC occurrence. In subgroup analyses, pooled HRs were different according to the study design (2.29; [95% CI, 0.96-5.45] for retrospective studies; 4.61 [95% CI, 2.44-8.71] for prospective studies), study population (4.00 [95% CI, 2.00-7.99] for CHC; 2.64 [0.99-7.00] for CHC with liver cirrhosis) and LSM parameter (3.17 [95% CI, 1.35-7.41] for baseline LSM; 4.19 [95% CI, 1.89-9.29] for others). In multivariate meta-regression, study design was the only influencing factor for pooled HR for HCC occurrence (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Consistent evidence demonstrated the predictive value of LSM for HCC occurrence in CHC patients treated with DAA. The significant influencing factor for risk of HCC occurrence indicated by LSM was study design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myung-Won You
- Department of Radiology, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung Won Kim
- Department of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Jun Shim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Junhee Pyo
- WHO Collaborating Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Søholm J, Hansen JF, Mössner B, Røge BT, Lauersen A, Hansen JB, Weis N, Barfod TS, Lunding S, Øvrehus A, Mohey R, Thielsen P, Christensen PB. Low incidence of HCC in chronic hepatitis C patients with pretreatment liver stiffness measurements below 17.5 kilopascal who achieve SVR following DAAs. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243725. [PMID: 33301499 PMCID: PMC7728240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To evaluate the ability of pretreatment liver stiffness measurements (pLSM) to predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), incident decompensation and all-cause mortality in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) after treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). METHODS 773 CHC patients with SVR after DAA treatment and no prior liver complications were identified retrospectively. Optimized cut-off of 17.5 kPa for incident HCC was selected by maximum Youden's index. Patients were grouped by pLSM: <10 kPa [reference], 10-17.4 kPa and ≥17.5 kPa. Primary outcomes were incident hepatocellular carcinoma and secondary outcomes were incident decompensated cirrhosis and all-cause mortality, analyzed using cox-regression. RESULTS Median follow-up was 36 months and 43.5% (336) had cirrhosis (LSM>12.5 kPa). The median pLSM was 11.6 kPa (IQR 6.7-17.8, range 2.5-75) and pLSM of <10 kPa, 10-17.4 kPa and 17.5-75 kPa was seen in 41.5%, 32.2% and 26.3%. During a median follow-up time of 36 months, 11 (1.4%) developed HCC, 14 (1.5%) developed decompensated cirrhosis, and 38 (4.9%) patients died. A pLSM of 17.5 kPa identified patients with a high risk of HCC with a negative predictive value of 98.9% and incidence rate of HCC in the 17.5-75 kPa group of 1.40/100 person years compared to 0.14/100 person years and 0.12/100 person years in the 10-17.4 kPa and <10 kPa groups, p<0.001. CONCLUSION Pretreatment LSM predicts risk of HCC, decompensation and all-cause mortality in patients with SVR after DAA treatment. Patients with a pLSM <17.5 kPa and no other risk factors for chronic liver disease appear not to benefit from HCC surveillance for the first 3 years after treatment. Longer follow-up is needed to clarify if they can be safely excluded from post treatment HCC screening hereafter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Søholm
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- OPEN, Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Belinda Mössner
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- OPEN, Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Alex Lauersen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jesper Bach Hansen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Nina Weis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Suzanne Lunding
- Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, North Zealand University Hospital, Hilleroed, Denmark
| | - Anne Øvrehus
- Department of infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rajesh Mohey
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Medicine, Herning Hospital, Herning, Denmark
| | - Peter Thielsen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Peer Brehm Christensen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- OPEN, Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Alonso López S, Manzano ML, Gea F, Gutiérrez ML, Ahumada AM, Devesa MJ, Olveira A, Polo BA, Márquez L, Fernández I, Cobo JCR, Rayón L, Riado D, Izquierdo S, Usón C, Real Y, Rincón D, Fernández-Rodríguez CM, Bañares R. A Model Based on Noninvasive Markers Predicts Very Low Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk After Viral Response in Hepatitis C Virus-Advanced Fibrosis. Hepatology 2020; 72:1924-1934. [PMID: 33022803 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and advanced fibrosis remain at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after sustained viral response (SVR) and need lifelong surveillance. Because HCC risk is not homogenous and may decrease with fibrosis regression, we aimed to identify patients with low HCC risk based on the prediction of noninvasive markers and its changes after SVR. APPROACH AND RESULTS This is a multicenter cohort study, including patients with HCV and compensated advanced fibrosis that achieved SVR after direct antivirals. Clinical and transient elastography (TE) data were registered at baseline, 1 year, and 3 years after the end of treatment (EOT). All patients underwent liver ultrasound scan every 6 months. Patients with clinical evaluation 1 year after EOT were eligible. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed, and predictive models were constructed. HCC occurrence rates were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier. Nine hundred and ninety-three patients were eligible (56% male; 44% female; median age 62 years), 35 developed HCC (3.9%), and the median follow-up was 45 months (range 13-53). Baseline liver stiffness measurement (LSM) (HR 1.040; 95% CI 1.017-1.064), serum albumin (HR 0.400; 95% CI 0.174-0.923), 1-year DeltaLSM (HR 0.993; 95% CI 0.987-0.998), and 1-year FIB-4 score (HR 1.095; 95% CI 1.046-1.146) were independent factors associated with HCC. The TE-based HCC risk model predicted 0% of HCC occurrence at 3 years in patients with score 0 (baseline LSM ≤ 17.3 kPa, albumin >4.2 g/dL, and 1-year DeltaLSM > 25.5%) versus 5.2% in patients with score 1-3 (Harrell's C 0.779; log-rank 0.002). An alternative model with FIB-4 similarly predicted HCC risk. CONCLUSIONS A combination of baseline and dynamic changes in noninvasive markers may help to identify patients with a very low risk of HCC development after SVR.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/epidemiology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/virology
- Disease Progression
- Elasticity Imaging Techniques
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Hepacivirus/isolation & purification
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/blood
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/drug therapy
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/pathology
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/virology
- Humans
- Liver/diagnostic imaging
- Liver/pathology
- Liver Cirrhosis/blood
- Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy
- Liver Cirrhosis/pathology
- Liver Cirrhosis/virology
- Liver Neoplasms/blood
- Liver Neoplasms/epidemiology
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/virology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Assessment/methods
- Risk Factors
- Sustained Virologic Response
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Alonso López
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto De Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Gea
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - María José Devesa
- Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Olveira
- Hepatology Unit, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Benjamin Arturo Polo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Márquez
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Laura Rayón
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Riado
- Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Izquierdo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara Usón
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Real
- Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario La Princesa Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Rincón
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto De Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Conrado M Fernández-Rodríguez
- Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Rey Juan Carlos Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Bañares
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto De Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Serenari M, Ravaioli F, Cucchetti A, Kim SU, Cescon M. Reply to: "Response to A nomogram based on liver stiffness predicts postoperative complications in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma". J Hepatol 2020; 73:1270-1271. [PMID: 32829930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Serenari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, General Surgery and Transplantation Unit, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Ravaioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cucchetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, General Surgery and Transplantation Unit, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Seung-Up Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Yonsei Liver Centre, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Matteo Cescon
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, General Surgery and Transplantation Unit, University of Bologna, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mendizabal M, Piñero F, Ridruejo E, Herz Wolff F, Anders M, Reggiardo V, Ameigeiras B, Palazzo A, Alonso C, Schinoni MI, Videla Zuain MG, Tanno F, Figueroa S, Santos L, Peralta M, Soza A, Vistarini C, Adrover R, Fernández N, Perez D, Hernández N, Estepo C, Bruno A, Descalzi V, Sixto M, Borzi S, Cocozzella D, Zerega A, de Araujo A, Varón A, Rubinstein F, Cheinquer H, Silva M. Disease Progression in Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection Treated With Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 18:2554-2563.e3. [PMID: 32113892 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Little is known about how a sustained virologic response (SVR) to treatment of hepatitis C virus infection with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) affects patient mortality and development of new liver-related events. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of disease progression in patients treated with DAAs. METHODS We performed a prospective multicenter cohort study of 1760 patients who received DAA treatment at 23 hospitals in Latin America, from May 1, 2016, through November 21, 2019. We excluded patients with a history of liver decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or solid-organ transplantation. Disease progression after initiation of DAA therapy included any of the following new events: liver decompensation, HCC, liver transplantation, or death. Evaluation of variables associated with the primary outcome was conducted using a time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS During a median follow-up period of 26.2 months (interquartile range, 15.3-37.5 mo), the overall cumulative incidence of disease progression was 4.1% (95% CI, 3.2%-5.1%), and after SVR assessment was 3.6% (95% CI, 2.7%-4.7%). Baseline variables associated with disease progression were advanced liver fibrosis (hazard ratio [HR], 3.4; 95% CI, 1.2-9.6), clinically significant portal hypertension (HR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-3.8), and level of albumin less than 3.5 mg/dL (HR, 4.1; 95% CI, 2.3-7.6), adjusted for SVR achievement as a time covariable. Attaining an SVR reduced the risk of liver decompensation (HR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.8; P = .016) and de novo HCC (HR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1%-0.8%; P = .02) in the overall cohort. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection with DAAs significantly reduces the risk of new liver-related complications and should be offered to all patients, regardless of disease stage. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03775798.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Mendizabal
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina.
| | - Federico Piñero
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| | - Ezequiel Ridruejo
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina; Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas, CEMIC, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cristina Alonso
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mirta Peralta
- Hospital Francisco J. Muñiz, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Soza
- Hospital Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Claudio Estepo
- Hospital Cosme Argerich, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andres Bruno
- Hospital Cosme Argerich, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adriana Varón
- Hospital Francisco J. Muñiz, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Hugo Cheinquer
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Silva
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
A nomogram based on liver stiffness predicts postoperative complications in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2020; 73:855-862. [PMID: 32829930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver stiffness measurement (LSM), assessed by transient elastography (Fibroscan), has been demonstrated to predict post-hepatectomy liver failure in patients who undergo hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, other complications are also likely to be related to the underlying grade of liver fibrosis. Herein, we aimed to identify predictors of postoperative complications and to build and develop a novel nomogram able to identify patients at risk of developing severe complications. METHODS Data from patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC between 2006 and 2016 at 2 referral centres were retrospectively reviewed. All surgical complications were recorded and scored using the comprehensive complication index (CCI), ranging from 0 (uneventful course) to 100 (death). A CCI ≥26.2 was used as a threshold to define severe complications. RESULTS During the study period, 471 patients underwent hepatic resection for HCC. Among them, 50 patients (10.6%) had a CCI ≥26.2. Age, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and LSM values, together with serum albumin, were independent predictors of high CCI. The nomogram built on these variables was internally validated and showed good performance (optimism-corrected c-statistic = 0.751). A regression equation to predict the CCI was also established by multiple linear regression analysis: [LSM (kPa) × 0.254] + [age (years) × 0.118] + [MELD score (pt.) × 1.050] - [albumin (g/dl) × 2.395] - 3.639. CONCLUSION A novel nomogram, combining LSM values, age and liver function tests provided an excellent preoperative prediction of high CCI in patients with resectable HCC. This predictive model could be used as a reference for clinicians and surgeons to help them in clinical decision-making. LAY SUMMARY Liver stiffness measurement is increasingly being used to assess the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with cirrhosis and/or chronic hepatitis. Using Fibroscan, we developed a novel nomogram to predict severe complications following liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma, according to the new comprehensive complication index. This tool could be used as a reference for clinicians and surgeons to help them in clinical decision-making.
Collapse
|
36
|
Mandorfer M, Hernández-Gea V, García-Pagán JC, Reiberger T. Noninvasive Diagnostics for Portal Hypertension: A Comprehensive Review. Semin Liver Dis 2020; 40:240-255. [PMID: 32557480 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1708806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive diagnostics for portal hypertension include imaging and functional tests, as well as blood-based biomarkers, and capture different features of the portal hypertensive syndrome. Definitive conclusions regarding their clinical utility require assessment of their diagnostic value in specific clinical settings (i.e., diagnosing a particular hemodynamic condition within a well-defined target population). Several noninvasive methods are predictive of clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH; hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] ≥ 10 mm Hg; the threshold for complications of portal hypertension); however, only a minority of them have been evaluated in compensated advanced chronic liver disease (i.e., the target population). Importantly, most methods correlate only weakly with HVPG at high values (i.e., in patients with CSPH). Nevertheless, selected methods show promise for diagnosing HVPG ≥ 16 mm Hg (the cut-off for increased risks of hepatic decompensation and mortality) and monitoring HVPG changes in response to nonselective beta-blockers or etiological treatments. Finally, we review established and potential future clinical applications of noninvasive methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Mandorfer
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Virginia Hernández-Gea
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos García-Pagán
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Dajti E, Ravaioli F, Festi D, Colecchia A. Clinical outcomes after treatment with direct-acting antivirals: not all concern hepatocellular carcinoma risk. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2020; 9:505-507. [PMID: 32832504 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn.2019.11.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elton Dajti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Ravaioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Festi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Colecchia
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Borgo Trento University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Marasco G, Colecchia A, Silva G, Rossini B, Eusebi LH, Ravaioli F, Dajti E, Alemanni LV, Colecchia L, Renzulli M, Golfieri R, Festi D. Non-invasive tests for the prediction of primary hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:3326-3343. [PMID: 32655261 PMCID: PMC7327793 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i24.3326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world and it is one of the main complications of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Even in the presence of a well-established follow-up protocol for cirrhotic patients, to date poor data are available on predictive markers for primary HCC occurrence in the setting of compensated advanced chronic liver disease patients (cACLD). The gold standard method to evaluate the prognosis of patients with cACLD, beyond liver fibrosis assessed with histology, is the measurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). An HVPG ≥10 mmHg has been related to an increased risk of HCC in cACLD patients. However, these methods are burdened by additional costs and risks for patients and are mostly available only in referral centers. In the last decade increasing research has focused on the evaluation of several, simple, non-invasive tests (NITs) as predictors of HCC development. We reviewed the currently available literature on biochemical and ultrasound-based scores developed for the non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension in predicting primary HCC. We found that the most reliable methods to assess HCC risk were the liver stiffness measurement, the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index score and the fibrosis-4 index. Other promising NITs need further investigations and validation for different liver disease aetiologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Marasco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Antonio Colecchia
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Borgo Trento University Hospital of Verona, Verona 37126, Italy
| | - Giovanni Silva
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Benedetta Rossini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Leonardo Henry Eusebi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Federico Ravaioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Elton Dajti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Luigina Vanessa Alemanni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Luigi Colecchia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Matteo Renzulli
- Radiology Unit, Sant’Orsola Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Rita Golfieri
- Radiology Unit, Sant’Orsola Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Davide Festi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Spleen stiffness measurement for assessing the response to β-blockers therapy for high-risk esophageal varices patients. Hepatol Int 2020; 14:850-857. [PMID: 32557193 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-020-10062-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) therapy is the treatment of choice for primary prophylaxis of cirrhotic patients with high-bleeding risk esophageal varices (HRV). The hemodynamic response to NSBB is assessed by the measurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). Recently, liver and spleen stiffness measurements (LSM and SSM) were proposed as non-invasive surrogates of HVPG. We aimed to evaluate LSM and SSM changes for assessing hemodynamic response in these patients. METHODS Cirrhotic patients with HRV were prospectively enrolled and evaluated at our Department before starting NSBB and after 3 months. Correlation between changes (delta) of HVPG after NSBB treatment and those of LSM or SSM by transient elastography was performed. RESULTS From the initial 59 patients considered for the study, 20 were finally included in the analysis. Fifteen (15) patients reached hemodynamic response to NSBB according to HVPG. Changes in LSM did not correlate with changes in HVPG (r = 0.107, p value = 0.655), unlike changes in SSM (r = 0.784, p value < 0.0001). Delta SSM presented excellent accuracy in identifying HVPG responders (AUROC 0.973; 95% CI 0.912-1). The best cut-off for delta SSM to identify responders was -10% (sensitivity 100%, specificity 60%, NPV 100% and PPV 90%). CONCLUSIONS SSM could be a reliable non-invasive test for the assessment of hemodynamic response to NSBB therapy as primary prophylaxis for HRV. Similar to HVPG, SSM reduction ≥ 10% is able to assess hemodynamic response.
Collapse
|
40
|
Yu ML, Chen PJ, Dai CY, Hu TH, Huang CF, Huang YH, Hung CH, Lin CY, Liu CH, Liu CJ, Peng CY, Lin HC, Kao JH, Chuang WL. 2020 Taiwan consensus statement on the management of hepatitis C: part (I) general population. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 119:1019-1040. [PMID: 32359879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major public health issue with high prevalence in Taiwan. Recently, the advent of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents, with higher efficacy, excellent safety profile, and truncated treatment duration, has revolutionized the paradigm of hepatitis C treatment and made HCV elimination possible. To provide timely guidance for optimal hepatitis C management, the Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver (TASL) established an expert panel to publish a 2-part consensus statement on the management of hepatitis C in the DAA era. After comprehensive literature review and a consensus meeting, patient-oriented, genotype-guided recommendations on hepatitis C treatment for the general and special populations have been provided based on the latest indications and scientific evidence. In the first part of this consensus, we present the epidemiology and treatment situation of hepatitis C in Taiwan, the development of DAA, pre-treatment evaluation, post sustained virologic response (SVR) monitoring, and most importantly the treatment recommendations for the general population with compensated liver disease. The second part will focus on the treatment recommendations for the special populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hui Hu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hung Hung
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yen Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Huang R, Rao H, Yang M, Gao Y, Wang J, Jin Q, Ma D, Wei L. Noninvasive Measurements Predict Liver Fibrosis Well in Hepatitis C Virus Patients After Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy. Dig Dis Sci 2020; 65:1491-1500. [PMID: 31654313 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-05886-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short-time usage of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) limited knowledge regarding histological outcomes and predictive values of noninvasive measurements in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) after sustained virologic response (SVR) with DAA. AIMS This study aimed to indicate histological changes and assess predictive value of noninvasive measurements for fibrosis in these patients. METHODS HCV patients who achieved SVR by DAA were identified. Pre- and post-SVR clinical and histological data were collected. RESULTS Of patients, 83% (33/40), 38% (15/40) and 83% (33/40) achieved inflammation improvement, fibrosis regression and histological improvement, respectively. Liver stiffness measurements (LSM), APRI, and FIB-4 could predict post-SVR fibrosis well without significant differences. Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves of LSM, APRI, and FIB-4 were 0.78, 0.81, and 0.87 for post-SVR advanced fibrosis (≥ F4) and 0.86, 0.86, and 0.85 for post-SVR cirrhosis (≥ F5), respectively. Pre-SVR LSM, APRI, and FIB-4 values were significantly lower in patients with fibrosis regression (P = 0.003-0.012), while FIB-4 was significantly lower in patients with histological improvement (P = 0.012-0.033). Patients with higher pre-SVR Ishak scores tended to have bigger decline in APRI (P = 0.025) and FIB-4 (P = 0.024) after SVR. CONCLUSIONS DAA could improve liver inflammation and fibrosis of HCV patients in a short time after SVR. LSM, APRI, and FIB-4 predict fibrosis well even after SVR by DAA. Most of the cutoff values for advanced fibrosis (≥ F4) and cirrhosis (≥ F5) of these noninvasive measurements decreased significantly after SVR, maybe because of the inflammation improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory for Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Disease, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Huiying Rao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory for Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Disease, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory for Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Disease, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China.,Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yinghui Gao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory for Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Disease, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory for Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Disease, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Qian Jin
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory for Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Disease, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Danli Ma
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory for Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Disease, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Lai Wei
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory for Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Disease, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China. .,Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Non-invasive prediction of liver-related events in patients with HCV-associated compensated advanced chronic liver disease after oral antivirals. J Hepatol 2020; 72:472-480. [PMID: 31629779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS It is important to know which patients with hepatitis C are likely to develop liver-related complications after achieving a sustained virological response (SVR) to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. We aimed to describe the incidence of liver-related events in a population of patients with HCV-associated compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) who achieved SVR and to identify non-invasive parameters that predict the occurrence of liver-related events. METHODS This 2-center prospective study included 572 patients with cACLD who had been treated with DAAs and had achieved SVR. Patients had liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥10 kPa at baseline and had never decompensated (Child-Pugh class A). Laboratory work-up and LSM were performed at baseline and at 1 year of follow-up. RESULTS The median follow-up was 2.8 years during which 32 patients (5.6%) presented with a liver-related event. The incidence rate (IR) of portal hypertension-related decompensation was 0.34/100 patient-years. These patients all had baseline LSM >20 kPa, and LSM did not improve during follow-up in 4 out of 5 of them. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurred in 25 patients (IR 1.5/100 patient-years). Albumin levels at follow-up (hazard ratio [HR] 0.08; 95% CI 0.02-0.25) and LSM <10 kPa at follow-up (HR 0.33; 95% CI 0.11-0.96) were independently associated with the risk of HCC. Combining both predictors identified 2 groups with differing risk of HCC occurrence: those with LSM ≥20 kPa at follow-up or those with LSM between 10-20 kPa and albumin levels <4.4 g/dl were at the highest risk (IR ≥1.9/100 patient-years). Visual nomograms predicting HCC risk based on LSM and albumin at 1 year of follow-up were constructed. CONCLUSION In patients with HCV-related cACLD who have achieved SVR with DAAs, HCC is the most frequent liver-related event. Both albumin levels and LSM are useful for stratifying patients based on their risk of developing HCC during follow-up. LAY SUMMARY New oral antivirals can cure chronic hepatitis C infection, however patients with advanced chronic liver disease are still at risk of presenting with liver-related complications. The most frequent complication after oral antiviral therapy in asymptomatic patients with advanced chronic liver disease was liver cancer. The use of simple parameters such liver stiffness and albumin levels after treatment can help to identify patients at higher or lower risk of liver cancer.
Collapse
|
43
|
Wang JH, Hu TH, Chen CH, Hung CH, Yen YH, Chang KC, Lu SN. Liver stiffness measurement at complete virological response in hepatoma prediction for HBV-related cirrhosis patient with potent antiviral agent. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2019; 35:708-714. [PMID: 31430035 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development is ameliorated with nucleos(t)ide agent (NA) therapy for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis patients. This study investigates whether liver stiffness (LS) measurement at complete virological response (CVR) was useful in predicting HCC development. Between July 2006 and August 2016, HBV-related cirrhosis patients with potent NA (entecavir/tenofovir) with the first LS measurement during CVR and with serial LS were enrolled. Patients developing HCC 6 months after potent NA or before the first LS measurement were excluded. Three hundred and seventy-one patients were enrolled. The median follow-up was 5.6 and 3.8 years from potent NA treatment and the first LS measurement respectively. Twenty-seven patients developed HCC. The 1-, 3-, 5- and 7-year cumulated incidences of HCC occurrence were 0%, 2.8%, 5.8% and 9%, respectively. In addition to age > 57 years, LS > =21.5 kPa (HR: 3.86, 95%CI: 1.67-8.94) was an independent factor associated with HCC occurrence in multivariate analysis. However, the magnitude of change in LS was not associated with HCC development. For the first LS in HCC prediction, the performance was 0.636. There were two to thirteen LS measurements during CVR. The change in LS was classified into four patterns stratified by the first and serial LS. Compared with those with serial LS < 21.5 kPa, patients with LS > =21.5 kPa tend to have higher HCC occurrence (P = .062). In summary, LS at CVR was an independent factor associated with HCC development for HBV-related cirrhosis patients with potent NA. However, LS was not satisfactory in the prediction performance of HCC development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Houng Wang
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hui Hu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hung Hung
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hao Yen
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chin Chang
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Current and forthcoming perspectives in linkage to care of hepatitis C virus infection: Assessment of an Italian focus group. Dig Liver Dis 2019; 51:915-921. [PMID: 31031174 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2019.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant public health problem and is one of the major causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. In recent years many new tools to facilitate widespread HCV screening and new therapeutic options with excellent efficacy and tolerability profiles and cost lowering policies have become available. To fully utilise these new tools, the link between local and specialist centres for the management of HCV infection must be reinforced. In order to GAIN further insight into these aspects, with a particular focus on the Italian scenario, a group of experts met to discuss relevant aspects and open issues on chronic HCV. As a summary of that meeting, the following aspects are here overviewed: (i) global situation of HCV; (ii) screening, diagnosis and indications for the treatment of HCV; (iii) the Italian situation of HCV referrals; (iv) 'hard to reach' patients; (v) treatment of HCV with extrahepatic manifestations; (vi) treatment of patients with advanced cirrhosis. It is the intention of the expert panel to further promote widespread screening and eradication policies that should be accompanied by greater interaction, by attempting to involve all healthcare providers in an organised process to facilitate linkage to care of patients with HCV infections.
Collapse
|
45
|
Piñero F, Mendizabal M, Ridruejo E, Herz Wolff F, Ameigeiras B, Anders M, Schinoni MI, Reggiardo V, Palazzo A, Videla M, Alonso C, Santos L, Varón A, Figueroa S, Vistarini C, Adrover R, Fernández N, Perez D, Tanno F, Hernández N, Sixto M, Borzi S, Bruno A, Cocozzella D, Soza A, Descalzi V, Estepo C, Zerega A, de Araujo A, Cheinquer H, Silva M. Treatment with direct-acting antivirals for HCV decreases but does not eliminate the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2019; 39:1033-1043. [PMID: 30636361 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Data from Europe and North America have been published regarding the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after treatment with direct antiviral agents (DAA). We proposed to evaluate cumulative incidence and associated risk factors for de novo HCC. METHODS This was a prospective multicentre cohort study from Latin America including 1400 F1-F4-treated patients with DAAs (F3-F4 n = 1017). Cox proportional regression models (hazard ratios, HR and 95% CI) were used to evaluate independent associated variables with HCC. Further adjustment with competing risk regression and propensity score matching was carried out. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 16 months (IQR 8.9-23.4 months) since DAAs initiation, overall cumulative incidence of HCC was 0.02 (CI 0.01; 0.03) at 12 months and 0.04 (CI 0.03; 0.06) at 24 months. Cumulative incidence of HCC in cirrhotic patients (n = 784) was 0.03 (CI 0.02-0.05) at 12 months and 0.06 (CI 0.04-0.08) at 24 months of follow-up. Failure to achieve SVR was independently associated with de novo HCC with a HR of 4.9 (CI 1.44; 17.32), after adjusting for diabetes mellitus, previous interferon non-responder, Child-Pugh and clinically significant portal hypertension. SVR presented an overall relative risk reduction for de novo HCC of 73% (CI 15%-91%), 17 patients were needed to be treated to prevent one case of de novo HCC in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS Achieving SVR with DAA regimens was associated with a significant risk reduction in HCC. However, this risk remained high in patients with advanced fibrosis, thus demanding continuous surveillance strategies in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ezequiel Ridruejo
- Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina.,Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ana Palazzo
- Hospital Padilla, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - María Videla
- Sanatorio Sagrado Corazón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andres Bruno
- Hospital Cosme Argerich, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Alejandro Soza
- Hospital Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | | | | - Hugo Cheinquer
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Rigamonti C, Ogasawara S. Hepatocellular carcinoma after direct-acting antiviral agents: Can liver stiffness kinetics help identify patients at lower risk? Dig Liver Dis 2018; 50:580-582. [PMID: 29678415 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2018.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rigamonti
- Division of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy.
| | - Sadahisa Ogasawara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tajiri K, Shimizu Y. Branched-chain amino acids in liver diseases. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 3:47. [PMID: 30148232 PMCID: PMC6088198 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2018.07.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are involved in various bioprocess such as protein metabolism, gene expression, insulin resistance and proliferation of hepatocytes. BCAAs have also been reported to suppress the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vitro and to be required for immune cells to perform the function. In advanced cirrhotic patients, it has been clarified that serum concentrations of BCAA are decreased, whereas those of aromatic amino acids (AAAs) are increased. These alterations are thought to be the causes of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), sarcopenia and hepatocarcinogenesis and may be associated with the poor prognosis of patients with these conditions. Administration of BCAA-rich medicines has shown positive results in patients with cirrhosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuto Tajiri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|