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Dalekos GN, Stefos A, Georgiadou S, Lygoura V, Michail A, Ntaios G, Samakidou A, Giannoulis G, Gabeta S, Vlychou M, Petinaki E, Leventogiannis K, Giamarellos-Bourboulis EJ, Gatselis NK. Lessons from pathophysiology: Use of individualized combination treatments with immune interventional agents to tackle severe respiratory failure in patients with COVID-19. Eur J Intern Med 2021; 88:52-62. [PMID: 33820686 PMCID: PMC7997723 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2021.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Aims Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) may lead to the development of severe respiratory failure. In hospitalized-patients, prompt interruption of the virus-driven inflammatory process by using combination treatments seems theoretically of outmost importance. Our aim was to investigate the hypothesis of multifaceted management of these patients. Methods A treatment algorithm based on ferritin was applied in 311 patients (67.2% males; median age 63-years; moderate disease, n=101; severe, n=210). Patients with ferritin <500ng/ml received anakinra 2-4mg/kg/day ± corticosteroids (Arm A, n=142) while those with ≥500ng/ml received anakinra 5-8mg/kg/day with corticosteroids and γ-globulins (Arm B, n=169). In case of no improvement a single dose of tocilizumab (8mg/kg; maximum 800mg) was administered with the potential of additional second and/or third pulses. Treatment endpoints were the rate of the development of respiratory failure necessitating intubation and the SARS-CoV-2-related mortality. The proposed algorithm was also validated in matched hospitalized-patients treated with standard-of-care during the same period. Results In overall, intubation and mortality rates were 5.8% and 5.1% (0% in moderate; 8.6% and 7.6% in severe). Low baseline pO2/FiO2 and older age were independent risk factors. Comparators had significantly higher intubation (HR=7.4; 95%CI: 4.1-13.4; p<0.001) and death rates (HR=4.5, 95%CI: 2.1-9.4, p<0.001). Significant adverse events were rare, including severe secondary infections in only 7/311 (2.3%). Conclusions Early administration of personalized combinations of immunomodulatory agents may be life-saving in hospitalized-patients with COVID-19. An immediate intervention (the sooner the better) could be helpful to avoid development of full-blown acute respiratory distress syndrome and improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece.
| | - Aggelos Stefos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Sarah Georgiadou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Lygoura
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Anastasia Michail
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - George Ntaios
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Anna Samakidou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - George Giannoulis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Stella Gabeta
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Marianna Vlychou
- Diagnostic Radiology Department, General University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Efthymia Petinaki
- Department of Microbiology, General University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Leventogiannis
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, 124 62 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
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Rigopoulou EI, Gatselis NK, Galanis K, Lygoura V, Gabeta S, Zachou K, Dalekos GN. The changing epidemiology of hepatitis B in Greece. Ann Gastroenterol 2021; 34:431-437. [PMID: 33948070 PMCID: PMC8079866 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2021.0614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has changed in recent years as a result of various factors. Our aim was to assess the epidemiological characteristics and the evolution of the HBV infection in a well-defined area of Greece. Method Prospectively collected data from 1910 consecutive patients (60.8% male, age: 50.1 years) with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) followed from 1999-2016 were analyzed. Results Of the patients evaluated, 90.6% were of Greek and 8% of Albanian origin. Vertical/intrafamilial transmission during early childhood (56.8%) and traditional practices (17.2%) were the most common infection sources. Several areas with higher rates of CHB were identified. At first evaluation, 68.8% had chronic infection, 21.7% chronic hepatitis, 6.1% cirrhosis and 3.4% hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Comparison between 2 periods (1999-2010 and 2011-2016) revealed older age and longer disease duration at first presentation (P<0.001 for both) to be more common during 2011-2016, while patients of foreign nationality doubled during this period. There was a trend towards more advanced disease stage at first assessment during 2011-2016. Patients after 2011 had lower rates of virological and biochemical breakthrough (P<0.001 for both) during treatment with new antivirals. In addition, fewer patients progressed to cirrhosis (P=0.02) and HCC (P=0.04). Conclusions CHB continues to be a major health problem in Central Greece, as highlighted by the preservation of high prevalence areas and a tendency towards an increase of chronic liver disease burden longitudinally. Our data highlight the need for scaling-up prevention and treatment strategies, especially in at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini I Rigopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Galanis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Lygoura
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| | - Stella Gabeta
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
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Gatselis NK, Tornai T, Shums Z, Zachou K, Saitis A, Gabeta S, Albesa R, Norman GL, Papp M, Dalekos GN. Golgi protein-73: A biomarker for assessing cirrhosis and prognosis of liver disease patients. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:5130-5145. [PMID: 32982114 PMCID: PMC7495033 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i34.5130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reliable biomarkers of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or progression of chronic liver diseases are missing. In this context, Golgi protein-73 (GP73) also called Golgi phosphoprotein-2, was originally defined as a resident Golgi type II transmembrane protein expressed in epithelial cells. As a result, GP73 expression was found primarily in biliary epithelial cells, with only slight detection in hepatocytes. However, in patients with acute or chronic liver diseases and especially in HCC, the expression of GP73 is significantly up-regulated in hepatocytes. So far, few studies have assessed GP73 as a diagnostic or prognostic marker of liver fibrosis and disease progression. AIM To assess serum GP73 efficacy as a diagnostic marker of cirrhosis and/or HCC or as predictor of liver disease progression. METHODS GP73 serum levels were retrospectively determined by a novel GP73 ELISA (QUANTA Lite® GP73, Inova Diagnostics, Inc., Research Use Only) in a large cohort of 632 consecutive patients with chronic viral and non-viral liver diseases collected from two tertiary Academic centers in Larissa, Greece (n = 366) and Debrecen, Hungary (n = 266). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/Platelets (PLT) ratio index (APRI) was also calculated at the relevant time points in all patients. Two hundred and three patients had chronic hepatitis B, 183 chronic hepatitis C, 198 alcoholic liver disease, 28 autoimmune cholestatic liver diseases, 15 autoimmune hepatitis, and 5 with other liver-related disorders. The duration of follow-up was 50 (57) mo [median (interquartile range)]. The development of cirrhosis, liver decompensation and/or HCC during follow-up were assessed according to internationally accepted guidelines. In particular, the surveillance for the development of HCC was performed regularly with ultrasound imaging and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) determination every 6 mo in cirrhotic and every 12 mo in non-cirrhotic patients. RESULTS Increased serum levels of GP73 (> 20 units) were detected at initial evaluation in 277 out of 632 patients (43.8%). GP73-seropositivity correlated at baseline with the presence of cirrhosis (96.4% vs 51.5%, P < 0.001), decompensation of cirrhosis (60.3% vs 35.5%, P < 0.001), presence of HCC (18.4% vs 7.9%, P < 0.001) and advanced HCC stage (52.9% vs 14.8%, P = 0.002). GP73 had higher diagnostic accuracy for the presence of cirrhosis compared to APRI score [Area under the curve (AUC) (95%CI): 0.909 (0.885-0.934) vs 0.849 (0.813-0.886), P = 0.003]. Combination of GP73 with APRI improved further the accuracy (AUC: 0.925) compared to GP73 (AUC: 0.909, P = 0.005) or APRI alone (AUC: 0.849, P < 0.001). GP73 levels were significantly higher in HCC patients compared to non-HCC [22.5 (29.2) vs 16 (20.3) units, P < 0.001) and positively associated with BCLC stage [stage 0: 13.9 (10.8); stage A: 17.1 (16.8); stage B: 19.6 (22.3); stage C: 32.2 (30.8); stage D: 45.3 (86.6) units, P < 0.001] and tumor dimensions [very early: 13.9 (10.8); intermediate: 19.6 (18.4); advanced: 29.1 (33.6) units, P = 0.004]. However, the discriminative ability for HCC diagnosis was relatively low [AUC (95%CI): 0.623 (0.570-0.675)]. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the detection of GP73 in patients with compensated cirrhosis at baseline, was prognostic of higher rates of decompensation (P = 0.036), HCC development (P = 0.08), and liver-related deaths (P < 0.001) during follow-up. CONCLUSION GP73 alone appears efficient for detecting cirrhosis and superior to APRI determination. In combination with APRI, its diagnostic performance can be further improved. Most importantly, the simple GP73 measurement proved promising for predicting a worse outcome of patients with both viral and non-viral chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa 41447, Greece
| | - Tamás Tornai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Debrecen, Faculty of Medicine, Debrecen H-4032, Hungary
| | - Zakera Shums
- Department of Research and Development, Inova Diagnostics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92131, United States
| | - Kalliopi Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa 41447, Greece
| | - Asterios Saitis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - Stella Gabeta
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - Roger Albesa
- Department of Research and Development, Inova Diagnostics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92131, United States
| | - Gary L Norman
- Department of Research and Development, Inova Diagnostics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92131, United States
| | - Mária Papp
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Debrecen, Faculty of Medicine, Debrecen H-4032, Hungary
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa 41447, Greece
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Papatheodoridis GV, Goulis J, Sypsa V, Lionis C, Manolakopoulos S, Elefsiniotis I, Anagnostou O, Tsoulas C, Hatzakis A, Dalekos GN. Aiming towards hepatitis C virus elimination in Greece. Ann Gastroenterol 2019; 32:321-329. [PMID: 31263353 PMCID: PMC6595935 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2019.0375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There are estimated to be 74,000-134,000 patients living with chronic hepatitis C in Greece, but only 20-30% of them are aware of their disease status. In July 2017, the Hellenic National Plan for Hepatitis C was announced in alignment with the World Health Organization goals for the eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by the year 2030. This article discusses the epidemiology and current treatment of chronic hepatitis C in Greece. Additionally the authors propose actions on how to bring back to care diagnosed patients lost to follow up, optimize access to care for HCV-infected people who inject drugs, and increase HCV screening in the general population. The medical community in Greece can play a pivotal role in the implementation of the HCV National Plan and in the efforts to reach the goal of HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- George V Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital (George V. Papatheodoridis)
| | - John Goulis
- 4 Department of Internal Medicine, Αristotle University of Thessaloniki Medical School (John Goulis)
| | - Vana Sypsa
- Department of Hygiene, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Athens (Vana Sypsa, Angelos Hatzakis)
| | - Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion-Crete (Christos Lionis)
| | - Spilios Manolakopoulos
- 2 Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokratio General Hospital of Athens (Spilios Manolakopoulos)
| | - Ioannis Elefsiniotis
- Academic Department of Internal Medicine-Hepatogastroenterology, "Agioi Anargyroi" General and Oncology Hospital, Athens (Ioannis Elefsiniotis)
| | - Olga Anagnostou
- Greek Organisation Against Drugs (OKANA), Athens (Olga Anagnostou)
| | - Christos Tsoulas
- Medical Department, Gilead Sciences Hellas, Athens (Christos Tsoulas)
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Athens (Vana Sypsa, Angelos Hatzakis)
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University of Thessaly Medical School, Larissa (George N. Dalekos), Greece
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Patients with Haemoglobinopathies and Chronic Hepatitis C: A Real Difficult to Treat Population in 2016? Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2017; 9:e2017003. [PMID: 28101309 PMCID: PMC5224816 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2017.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & objectives In the past, patients with haemoglobinopathies were at high risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV) due to multiple transfusions before HCV screening. In these patients, the coexistence of haemochromatosis and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) often leads to more severe liver disease. We assessed the HCV prevalence, clinical characteristics and outcome in this setting with particular attention to the response to treatment including therapies with the new direct acting antivirals (DAAs). Methods The medical records of 81 consecutive patients followed the last 15 years were reviewed retrospectively. Results 43/81 (53%) patients were anti-HCV positive including 31/43 (72.1%) with CHC (HCV-RNA positive; age 25±7 years; 45.2% with genotype 1b; 19.4% cirrhotics; baseline ferritin 887 ng/ml; range: 81–10.820). Thirty patients received IFN-based therapy with or without ribavirin with sustained virological response (SVR) in 14/30 (46.7%). Eleven patients (9 non-responders to IFN-based therapies, one in relapse and one naïve) received treatment with DAAs (SVR: 100%). 3/11 patients increased their transfusion needs while 1/11 reported mild arthralgias. No drug-drug interactions between DAAs and chelation agents were observed as attested by the stability of ferritin levels during treatment. Conclusions More than 1/3 of patients with haemoglobinopathies suffered from CHC. Response rates to IFN-based treatment seem to be similar to other patients with CHC, while most importantly, treatment with DAAs was excellent and safe even in difficult to treat patients (most null responders with severe fibrosis) suggesting that this group of HCV patients should no longer be regarded as a difficult to treat.
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Triantos C, Konstantakis C, Tselekouni P, Kalafateli M, Aggeletopoulou I, Manolakopoulos S. Epidemiology of hepatitis C in Greece. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:8094-8102. [PMID: 27688651 PMCID: PMC5037078 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i36.8094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C is a global health issue and constitutes a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. In this article, a comprehensive literature search was conducted for the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Greece, since data on the HCV prevalence, viremia and genotypes are important for developing strategies to manage or eliminate HCV infection. In addition, the pattern of HCV infection was analyzed according to the geographic region and the risk factors. These differences reflect not only distinct epidemiological characteristics among populations, but also differences on the strategy of data acquisition and quantification. Although there are not enough data, the estimation of the current prevalence of Hepatitis C in Greece ranges from 0.5% to 2%. The most important risk factors for HCV infection include blood product transfusion, intravenous drug use, chronic hemodialysis, organ transplantation, occupational exposure, sexual transmission, and vertical transmission. Because of lack of vaccine or effective post-exposure prophylaxis for HCV, the main focus of prevention is to recognize and control these risk factors. HCV infection in Greece is closely associated with the development of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. As far as the genotype distribution is concerned genotype 1 estimated to be 45%-47% and it constitutes the prevalent genotype in Greece, followed by genotype 3.
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health burden in Europe, being one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Properties of the HCV disease burden are heterogeneous across the European continent, with differences in incidence, prevalence, diagnosis and treatment rates, transmission routes, and genotype distribution. Recent estimates expect an increase in HCV-related morbidity and mortality in most European countries until 2030 even when current treatment options are taken into account. The European perspective on hepatitis C virus infection is summarized herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Dultz
- Department of Medicine 1, Goethe University Hospital, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- Department of Medicine 1, Goethe University Hospital, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt 60590, Germany.
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Autoimmune hepatitis in patients with chronic HBV and HCV infections: patterns of clinical characteristics, disease progression and outcome. Ann Hepatol 2014. [PMID: 24378276 DOI: 10.1016/s1665-2681(19)30914-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
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Drositis I, Bertsias A, Lionis C, Kouroumalis E. Epidemiology and molecular analysis of hepatitis A, B and C in a semi-urban and rural area of Crete. Eur J Intern Med 2013; 24:839-45. [PMID: 23988264 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM An observational seroepidemiological study was carried out in a well-defined primary-care district on the island of Crete in order to determine the recent endemicity of viral hepatitis in Cretan-population. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The setting consisted of a semi-urban group and a remote & rural group. Serum samples were collected from 876 subjects (437 males, 439 females) aged 15 years or above. Subjects were randomly selected from the permanent population of the area that consisted of 5705 individuals. The aim was to measure the prevalence of selected viral-hepatitis markers. RESULTS Hepatitis B surface-antigen (HBsAg) was found positive in twenty-nine individuals, (3.3%). Antibodies to hepatitis B virus core-antigen (HBcAb) were detected in 287 subjects (32.8%) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) were detected in nineteen subjects (2.2%). Seropositivities for the semi-urban group were: 3.4%, 19.1%, 2.1% and 3.2%, 48.8%, 2.2% in remote & rural group respectively. Virtually, all subjects >45 years old were seropositive for antibodies to hepatitis A, whereas approximately 80% of those in the 15-44 age-group were found to be seropositive. CONCLUSION A threefold increase in the HBV exposure and carrier proportion was found in Cretan native-population and in rural-areas compared to older studies carried out in other rural-populations of the island. It is still unknown whether the recent economic crisis or the demographic changes in Cretan-population contributed to these findings. HCV endemicity remains relatively constant, however an alteration of hepatitis C genotypes was observed. Exposure to HAV was found to be higher in remote and rural areas compared to semi-urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Drositis
- Arkalochori Health Centre-Venizeleio General Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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Karatapanis S, Tsoplou P, Papastergiou V, Vasiageorgi A, Stampori M, Saitis I, Tsitsopoulos E, Lisgos P, Skorda L, Ketikoglou I, Goulis I. Hepatitis C virus genotyping in Greece: unexpected high prevalence of genotype 5a in a Greek island. J Med Virol 2012; 84:223-8. [PMID: 22170541 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.22249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 5 (G5) is a rare genotype reported mainly in South Africa. However, increasing data suggest the sporadic presence of this genotype in different European countries. To assess the epidemiology of HCV-G5 in Greece, genotyping was performed in 973 consecutive patients infected with HCV, referred to 7 hepatology centers throughout Greece, from January 2005 to December 2009. Genotype 5a (19 patients, 1.9%) was the fifth most prevalent genotype after genotype 1 (408 patients, 41.9%), genotype 3 (318 patients, 32.7%), genotype 4 (158 patients, 16.2%), and genotype 2 (70 patients, 7.2%). The majority of patients infected with G5 (16/19,84.2%) were referred to the General Hospital of Rhodes, an island in south-east Greece. The HCV genotype distribution in that particular island, indicates a particularly high G5 prevalence of 12.8%, after genotype 1 (40%), genotype 3 (28%), and genotype 4 (15%). Among the patients from Rhodes infected with G5 (n = 16), 13 (81.2%) were females. The mean age was 62.3 ± 6.5 years, significantly older than the patients infected with other HCV genotypes (mean age 40.6 ± 7.2, P < 0.0001). Nine out of the 16 cases (56.2%) presented features of high pre-treatment viral loads. Advanced liver fibrosis (Metavir F3-F4) was found in four out of five performed liver biopsies. Ten patients received treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin and a sustained viral response were achieved in six cases. The source of infection is unknown but parenteral iatrogenic routes of transmission seem to have contributed significantly to the spread of genotype 5a in this region.
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Cornberg M, Razavi HA, Alberti A, Bernasconi E, Buti M, Cooper C, Dalgard O, Dillion JF, Flisiak R, Forns X, Frankova S, Goldis A, Goulis I, Halota W, Hunyady B, Lagging M, Largen A, Makara M, Manolakopoulos S, Marcellin P, Marinho RT, Pol S, Poynard T, Puoti M, Sagalova O, Sibbel S, Simon K, Wallace C, Young K, Yurdaydin C, Zuckerman E, Negro F, Zeuzem S. A systematic review of hepatitis C virus epidemiology in Europe, Canada and Israel. Liver Int 2011; 31 Suppl 2:30-60. [PMID: 21651702 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2011.02539.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 304] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Decisions on public health issues are dependent on reliable epidemiological data. A comprehensive review of the literature was used to gather country-specific data on risk factors, prevalence, number of diagnosed individuals and genotype distribution of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in selected European countries, Canada and Israel. METHODOLOGY Data references were identified through indexed journals and non-indexed sources. In this work, 13,000 articles were reviewed and 860 were selected based on their relevance. RESULTS Differences in prevalence were explained by local and regional variances in transmission routes or different public health measures. The lowest HCV prevalence (≤ 0.5%) estimates were from northern European countries and the highest (≥ 3%) were from Romania and rural areas in Greece, Italy and Russia. The main risk for HCV transmission in countries with well-established HCV screening programmes and lower HCV prevalence was injection drug use, which was associated with younger age at the time of infection and a higher infection rate among males. In other regions, contaminated glass syringes and nosocomial infections continue to play an important role in new infections. Immigration from endemic countries was another factor impacting the total number of infections and the genotype distribution. Approximately 70% of cases in Israel, 37% in Germany and 33% in Switzerland were not born in the country. In summary, HCV epidemiology shows a high variability across Europe, Canada and Israel. CONCLUSION Despite the eradication of transmission by blood products, HCV infection continues to be one of the leading blood-borne infections in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Comparison of simplified score with the revised original score for the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis: a new or a complementary diagnostic score? Dig Liver Dis 2010; 42:807-12. [PMID: 20399157 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2010.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2009] [Revised: 12/24/2009] [Accepted: 03/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group developed a simplified score for autoimmune hepatitis. We assessed this "new scoring system" and compared it with the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group original revised score. METHODS 502 patients were evaluated namely, 428 had liver diseases of various etiology [hepatitis B (n=109), hepatitis C (n=100), hepatitis D (n=4), alcoholic liver disease (n=28), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (n=55), autoimmune cholestatic diseases (n=77), liver disorders of undefined origin (n=32) and miscellaneous hepatic disorders (n=23)], 13 had autoimmune hepatitis/overlap syndromes, 18 had autoimmune hepatitis/concurrent with other liver diseases and 43 had autoimmune hepatitis. RESULTS The specificity of the simplified score was similar to that of the revised score (97% vs. 97.9%). The sensitivity in unmasking autoimmune hepatitis in autoimmune hepatitis/overlap syndromes was also similar in both systems (53.8% and 61.5%). However, the sensitivity for autoimmune hepatitis diagnosis in autoimmune hepatitis patients with concurrent liver disorders was lower by the new score (p=0.001). Liver biopsy proved to be the only independent factor for unmasking autoimmune hepatitis component among patients (p=0.003). CONCLUSION The simplified score is a reliable and simple tool for excluding autoimmune hepatitis. However, both systems cannot unmask autoimmune hepatitis component efficiently in autoimmune hepatitis patients with concurrent autoimmune or non-autoimmune liver diseases. This study also strongly reiterates the importance of liver biopsy in the work-up of patients.
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Mina P, Georgiadou SP, Rizos C, Dalekos GN, Rigopoulou EI. Prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection in haemodialysis patients from central Greece. World J Gastroenterol 2010; 16:225-31. [PMID: 20066742 PMCID: PMC2806561 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i2.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To assess the hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA and the prevalence of occult HBV infection in end-stage renal failure (ESRF) patients from Central Greece.
METHODS: Sera from 366 ESRF patients attending five out of six dialysis units from Central Greece were investigated for HBV-DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Only serum samples with repeatedly detectable HBV-DNA were considered positive. IgG antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) were tested by a third generation enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while IgG antibodies to hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV) were tested by two commercially available ELISAs.
RESULTS: HBV-DNA was detected in 15/366 patients (4.1%) and HBsAg in 20/366 (5.5%). The prevalence of occult HBV infection was 0.9% (3/346 HBsAg-negative patients). Occult HBV was not associated with a specific marker of HBV infection or anti-HCV or anti-HEV reactivity. There was no significant difference in HBV-DNA titres, demographic and biochemical features, between patients with occult HBV infection and those with HBsAg-positive chronic HBV infection.
CONCLUSION: In central Greece, 4% of ESRF patients had detectable HBV-DNA, though in this setting, the prevalence of occult HBV seems to be very low (0.9%).
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Tsironi E, Gatselis N, Kotoula MG, Zachou K, Pefkianaki M, Zacharaki F, Chatzoulis DZ, Dalekos GN. Ocular disorders as the prevailing manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome: a case series. CASES JOURNAL 2009; 2:159. [PMID: 19946530 PMCID: PMC2783115 DOI: 10.1186/1757-1626-2-159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2009] [Accepted: 10/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by either a history of vascular thrombosis (one or more clinical episodes of arterial, venous, or small vessel thrombosis in any tissue or organ) or pregnancy morbidity in association with the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. The systemic features of the syndrome are characterized by large variability depending on the affected organ(s). Among them, neurological and behavioural disturbances, dermatological features as livedo reticularis and renal, ocular, liver or valvular heart manifestations have been reported in antiphospholipid syndrome patients. However, studies on the frequency and clinical presentation of the ocular manifestations as the prevailing (first) sign of antiphospholipid syndrome in patients suffering from "unexplained" ocular disease are missing. Herein, we present three cases suffering from unexplained ocular disease as first manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome. Case presentation All the three patients were referred to our department because of unexplained ocular features from the anterior or posterior segment and unexplained neuro-ophthalmologic symptoms. The first patient had bilateral retinal occlusive disease, the second and the third patient had unilateral nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy with macular oedema. Moderate to high levels of antiphospholipid antibodies were detected in all of them at baseline as well as 6 to 12 weeks after initial testing confirming the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Anticoagulant treatment with acenocoumarol was instituted resulting in stabilization and/or improvement of ocular signs in all of them. Conclusion Due to the important diagnostic and therapeutic implications of antiphospholipid syndrome, the possibility of ocular features as the first clinical manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome should be kept in mind of the physicians particularly in patients with no evident risk factors for ocular disease. In this case, prompt anticoagulant treatment and close follow-up seem to be essential for vision salvation and stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Tsironi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, 41110, Greece.
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Stefos A, Gatselis N, Zachou K, Rigopoulou E, Hadjichristodoulou C, Dalekos GN. Descriptive epidemiology of chronic hepatitis B by using data from a hepatitis registry in Central Greece. Eur J Intern Med 2009; 20:35-43. [PMID: 19237090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2008.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2007] [Revised: 03/18/2008] [Accepted: 04/25/2008] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Greece, there are few data on the epidemiological characteristics of HBV. Our aim was to study the epidemiological patterns of HBV in Central Greece and identify the possible differences in HBV prevalence (clusters) among areas inside this region using data from the hepatitis registry. METHODS The study was performed in Thessaly, one out of the thirteen regions of Greece and covers most of the part of Central Greece. A total of 921 HBV patients were registered in the hepatitis registry during the period 1999-2004 while 303 were randomly selected to be studied further using a detailed questionnaire on several epidemiological factors. RESULTS 187/303 patients (61.7%) classified as chronic inactive HBV carriers, 78/303 (25.7%) had chronic hepatitis B, 29/303 (9.6%) had HBV-related cirrhosis and 9/303 (3%) HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The route of HBV transmission was vertical in 103 (34%), sexual in 46 (15.1%) and intrafamilial in 98 (32.4%). Folk remedies were identified as the predisposing risk factor for contracting HBV infection in 38 (12.5%), previous transfusion in 9 (3%) and unknown mode of transmission in 9 patients (3%). Alcohol abuse was the only independent factor (OR: 2.5; p=0.01) associated with the progression to cirrhosis-HCC. There were specific areas (clusters) inside Thessaly region with increased ratio of HBV infection; Vertical and sexual modes of transmission were more prominent in some of these areas. CONCLUSIONS Vertical, intrafamilial and sexual modes of HBV transmission identified as the major routes of HBV infection in our study. We also identified cluster areas of HBV infection in Central Greece. Alcohol abuse is frequent among HBV patients and is acting as an effect modificator risk factor for the development of HBV-related cirrhosis and HCC. Extended population studies in Greece are needed to assess in detail the epidemiological patterns of HBV and evaluate control programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aggelos Stefos
- Department of Medicine, Academic Liver Unit, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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Zografos TA, Liaskos C, Rigopoulou EI, Togousidis E, Makaritsis K, Germenis A, Dalekos GN. Adiponectin: a new independent predictor of liver steatosis and response to IFN-alpha treatment in chronic hepatitis C. Am J Gastroenterol 2008; 103:605-14. [PMID: 18190648 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2007.01729.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare serum adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha among patients with viral liver diseases; to investigate associations of serum adiponectin and TNF-alpha with histological or viral characteristics of chronic hepatitis C (CHC); to investigate adiponectin and TNF-alpha alterations during interferon (IFN)-alpha treatment; and to assess the relationship between serum adiponectin and TNF-alpha and response rates to treatment. METHODS Adiponectin (mug/mL) and TNF-alpha (pg/mL) determinations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in serial samples (before, the middle, the end, and 6 months after the end of treatment) from 83 CHC and 59 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Forty-three blood donors served as healthy controls. Patients were treated with IFN-alpha (4.5 MU/t.i.w.) for 12 months in CHB cases, and IFN-alpha (3 MU/t.i.w.) plus ribavirin for 6-12 months according to hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype in CHC cases. RESULTS After adjustment for gender and body mass index (BMI), HCV genotype 3 overweight patients (BMI > 25 kg/m(2)) had significantly lower adiponectin (7.3 +/- 2.7) at baseline compared with non-3 HCV genotype overweight patients (P < 0.05). Lower adiponectin (HCV genotype 3, P= 0.02 and HCV genotype 1, P= 0.025) and higher TNF-alpha (P= 0.025) at baseline were identified as independent predictors of liver steatosis in CHC patients. Lower adiponectin was also identified as an independent predictor of no virological response at the end of treatment (odds ratio [OR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-0.87, P < 0.001). At the end of IFN-alpha therapy, only HCV genotype 3 patients had significantly higher serum adiponectin (10.4 +/- 6.3) compared with its levels before treatment (8.7 +/- 4.7, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that HCV genotype 3 may directly affect adiponectin. This is further supported by the significant increase in adiponectin at the end of treatment only in HCV genotype 3 patients. Serum adiponectin at baseline appears to be an independent predictor of liver steatosis and for the achievement of end-of-treatment virological response, while serum TNF-alpha at baseline was identified as an independent predictor only of liver steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros A Zografos
- Department of Medicine (Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine), Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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