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Marcar VL, Wolf M. Modulation of the neuronal response in human primary visual cortex by re-entrant projections during retinal input processing as manifest in the visual evoked potential. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30752. [PMID: 38770287 PMCID: PMC11103468 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Initial deflections in the visual evoked potential (VEP) reflect the neuronal process of extracting features from the retinal input; a process not modulated by re-entrant projections. Later deflections in the VEP reflect the neuronal process of combining features into an object, a process referred to as 'object closure' and modulated by re-entrant projections. Our earlier work indicated that the VEP reflects independent neuronal responses processing temporal - and spatial luminance contrast and that these responses arise from an interaction between forward and re-entrant input. In this earlier work, changing the temporal luminance contrast property of a stimulus altered its spatial luminance contrast property. We recorded the VEP in 12 volunteers viewing image pairs of a windmill, regular dartboard or an RMS dartboard rotated by either Π/4, Π/2, 3Π/4 or Π radians with respect to each other. The windmill and regular dartboard had identical white to black ratio, while the two dartboards identical contrast edges per unit area. Rotation varied temporal luminance contrast of a stimulus without affecting its spatial luminance contrast. N75, P100, N135 and P240 amplitude and latency were compared and a source localisation and temporal frequency analysis performed. P100 amplitude signals a neuronal response processing temporal luminance contrast that is modulated by re-entrant projections with fast axonal conduction velocities. N135 and P240 signal the neuronal response processing spatial luminance contrast and is modulated by re-entrant projections with slow axonal conduction velocities. The dorsal stream is interconnected by fast axonal conduction velocities, the ventral stream by slow axonal conduction velocities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine L. Marcar
- University Hospital Zürich, Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory (BORL), Frauenklinikstrasse 10, CH-8091, Zürich, Switzerland
- University Hospital Zürich, Comprehensive Cancer Center Zürich (CCCZ), Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Wolf
- University Hospital Zürich, Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory (BORL), Frauenklinikstrasse 10, CH-8091, Zürich, Switzerland
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Liu J, Jin M, Zhang M, Wang Y, Sun S. Multimodal evoked potentials are useful for the diagnosis of pediatric acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:92. [PMID: 38308211 PMCID: PMC10835841 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04576-7] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The application of evoked potentials (EPs) to the diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM ) has not been investigated in detail. The aim of this study, therefore, was to analyze the value of multimodal EPs in the early diagnosis of pediatric ADEM. METHODS This was a retrospective study in which we enrolled pediatric ADEM patients and controls (Cs) from neurology units between 2017 and 2021. We measured indices in patients using brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs), visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), and then we analyzed their early diagnostic value in ADEM patients. RESULTS The mean age of the ADEM group was 6.15 ± 3.28 years (range,1-12 years) and the male/female ratio was 2.1:1 The mean age of the Cs was 5.97 ± 3.40 years (range,1-12 years) and the male/female ratio was 1.3:1. As we used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the diagnostic criterion, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (κ was 0.88) of multimodal EPs were highly consistent with those of MRI; and the validity could be ranked in the following order with respect to the diagnosis of ADEM: multimodal Eps > single SEP > single VEP > single BAEP. Of 34 patients with ADEM, abnormalities in multimodal EPs were 94.12%, while abnormalities in single VEPs, BAEPs and SEPs were 70.59%,64.71%and 85.3%, respectively. We noted significant differences between single VEP/BAEPs and multimodal EPs (χ2 = 6.476/8.995,P = 0.011/0.003). CONCLUSIONS The combined application of multimodal EPs was superior to BAEPs, VEPs, or SEPs alone in detecting the existence of central nerve demyelination, and we hypothesize that these modalities will be applicable in the early diagnosis of ADEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- The Children Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China
| | - Mei Jin
- The Children Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Pediatric Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China.
| | - Meijie Zhang
- The Children Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China
- The Key Laboratory of Pediatric Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China
| | - Yonggang Wang
- The Children Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China
| | - Suzhen Sun
- The Children Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Pediatric Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China.
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Pugliese N, Polverini D, Arcari I, De Nicola S, Colapietro F, Masetti C, Ormas M, Ceriani R, Lleo A, Aghemo A. Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the Elderly in the Era of Direct-Acting Antivirals: Evidence from Clinical Trials and Real Life. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:502. [PMID: 37999621 PMCID: PMC10674442 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8110502] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) into clinical practice has revolutionized the therapeutic approach to patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. According to the most recent guidelines, the first line of treatment for HCV infection involves the use of one of three pan-genotypic DAA combinations, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL), glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB), and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (SOF/VEL/VOX). These drugs have been shown to be effective and safe in numerous clinical trials and real-world studies, but special populations have been neglected. Among the special populations to be treated are elderly patients, whose numbers are increasing in clinical practice. The management of these patients can be challenging, in particular due to multiple comorbidities, polypharmacotherapy, and potential drug-drug interactions. This narrative review aims to summarize the current scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of DAAs in the elderly population, both in clinical trials and in real-life settings. Although there is still a paucity of real-world data and no clinical trials have yet been conducted in the population aged ≥ 75 years old, some considerations about the efficacy and safety of DAAs in the elderly can be made based on the results of these studies. The pan-genotypic associations of DAAs appear to be as efficacious and safe in the elderly population as in the general population; this is both in terms of similar sustained virologic response (SVR) rates and similar frequencies of adverse events (AEs). However, further studies specifically involving this patient population would be necessary to confirm this evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pugliese
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy; (N.P.); (D.P.); (I.A.); (F.C.); (A.L.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy; (S.D.N.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (R.C.)
| | - Davide Polverini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy; (N.P.); (D.P.); (I.A.); (F.C.); (A.L.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy; (S.D.N.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (R.C.)
| | - Ivan Arcari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy; (N.P.); (D.P.); (I.A.); (F.C.); (A.L.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy; (S.D.N.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (R.C.)
| | - Stella De Nicola
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy; (S.D.N.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (R.C.)
| | - Francesca Colapietro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy; (N.P.); (D.P.); (I.A.); (F.C.); (A.L.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy; (S.D.N.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (R.C.)
| | - Chiara Masetti
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy; (S.D.N.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (R.C.)
| | - Monica Ormas
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy; (S.D.N.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (R.C.)
| | - Roberto Ceriani
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy; (S.D.N.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (R.C.)
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy; (N.P.); (D.P.); (I.A.); (F.C.); (A.L.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy; (S.D.N.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (R.C.)
| | - Alessio Aghemo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy; (N.P.); (D.P.); (I.A.); (F.C.); (A.L.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy; (S.D.N.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (R.C.)
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Medina C, García AH, Crespo FI, Toro FI, Mayora SJ, De Sanctis JB. A Synopsis of Hepatitis C Virus Treatments and Future Perspectives. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:8255-8276. [PMID: 37886964 PMCID: PMC10605161 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45100521] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide public health problem. Chronic infection with HCV can lead to liver cirrhosis or cancer. Although some immune-competent individuals can clear the virus, others develop chronic HCV disease due to viral mutations or an impaired immune response. IFNs type I and III and the signal transduction induced by them are essential for a proper antiviral effect. Research on the viral cycle and immune escape mechanisms has formed the basis of therapeutic strategies to achieve a sustained virological response (SVR). The first therapies were based on IFNα; then, IFNα plus ribavirin (IFN-RBV); and then, pegylated-IFNα-RBV (PEGIFNα-RIV) to improve cytokine pharmacokinetics. However, the maximum SVR was 60%, and several significant side effects were observed, decreasing patients' treatment adherence. The development of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) significantly enhanced the SVR (>90%), and the compounds were able to inhibit HCV replication without significant side effects, even in paediatric populations. The management of coinfected HBV-HCV and HCV-HIV patients has also improved based on DAA and PEG-IFNα-RBV (HBV-HCV). CD4 cells are crucial for an effective antiviral response. The IFNλ3, IL28B, TNF-α, IL-10, TLR-3, and TLR-9 gene polymorphisms are involved in viral clearance, therapeutic responses, and hepatic pathologies. Future research should focus on searching for strategies to circumvent resistance-associated substitution (RAS) to DAAs, develop new therapeutic schemes for different medical conditions, including organ transplant, and develop vaccines for long-lasting cellular and humoral responses with cross-protection against different HCV genotypes. The goal is to minimise the probability of HCV infection, HCV chronicity and hepatic carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Medina
- Institute of Immunology Dr. Nicolás E. Bianco C., Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1040, Venezuela; (C.M.); (F.I.C.); (F.I.T.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Alexis Hipólito García
- Institute of Immunology Dr. Nicolás E. Bianco C., Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1040, Venezuela; (C.M.); (F.I.C.); (F.I.T.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Francis Isamarg Crespo
- Institute of Immunology Dr. Nicolás E. Bianco C., Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1040, Venezuela; (C.M.); (F.I.C.); (F.I.T.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Félix Isidro Toro
- Institute of Immunology Dr. Nicolás E. Bianco C., Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1040, Venezuela; (C.M.); (F.I.C.); (F.I.T.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Soriuska José Mayora
- Institute of Immunology Dr. Nicolás E. Bianco C., Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1040, Venezuela; (C.M.); (F.I.C.); (F.I.T.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Juan Bautista De Sanctis
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (Catrin), Palacky University, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Fakoury MK, Schmidt SL, Brandão Mello CE, Filho ADC, Amendola Pires MM. Cognitive Performance in Asymptomatic Elderly People with Hepatitis C: The Role of Education. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4588. [PMID: 37510703 PMCID: PMC10380825 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144588] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotropism of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be the source of subtle neuropsychological symptoms in non-cirrhotic patients. Age is a risk factor for cognitive impairment (CI). Thus, asymptomatic elderly people who carry HCV might be at a greater risk of CI. Education can influence test performance. OBJECTIVES (1) To verify whether elderly people with HCV performed poorer than controls on cognitive tests. (2) To analyze how education affects performance. (3) To verify whether the extent of the effect of education on performance depends on the group (HCV vs. controls) and the type of cognitive test. METHODS Asymptomatic HCV carriers older than 60 years (n = 41) were matched with 41 corresponding controls. All participants performed the following tests: Mini-Cog, Mini Mental State Examination, clock drawing test (CDT), and verbal fluency. RESULTS (1) There were no significant differences in cognitive performance between the two groups. (2) Higher education was always associated with better performance. (3) There was a significant group difference in the slopes of the regression lines between years of education and CDT performance. No differences were found for the other three tests. CONCLUSION Considering the scores on the CDT, the rate of improvement in performance when schooling increases is higher in HCV carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Kopti Fakoury
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Neurology, Department of Neurology, PPGNEURO-UNIRIO, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- RENASCER Multidisciplinary Program of the Third Age, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Sergio Luis Schmidt
- Graduate Program in Neurology, Department of Neurology, PPGNEURO-UNIRIO, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- RENASCER Multidisciplinary Program of the Third Age, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Brandão Mello
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Neurology, Department of Neurology, PPGNEURO-UNIRIO, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Graduate Program in HIV/AIDS Infection and Viral Hepatitis, PPGHIV/HV-UNIRIO, School of Medicine and Surgery, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Aureo do Carmo Filho
- Graduate Program in Neurology, Department of Neurology, PPGNEURO-UNIRIO, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Marcia Maria Amendola Pires
- Graduate Program in Neurology, Department of Neurology, PPGNEURO-UNIRIO, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
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Elgaly MA, Hosny H, El Habashy HR, Hussein M, Magdy R, Elanwar R. Neurophysiological visual assessment in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension: visual evoked potential and multifocal field electroretinography. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:188. [PMID: 37165341 PMCID: PMC10170672 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03220-8] [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: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Determining the cause of visual deterioration in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) patients is of clinical necessity. This study aimed to study the effect of chronic increased ICP on the retina and optic nerve through objective electrophysiological measures in chronic IIH patients. METHODS Thirty patients with chronic IIH and thirty age and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Papilledema grade and CSF pressure were evaluated in the patients' group. Both groups were submitted to visual evoked potentials (VEP) and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG). RESULT The mean value of P100 latencies of the right and left on two check sizes, 1 deg and 15ṁ in chronic IIH patients, was significantly delayed than controls (P-value < 0.001 for each). Chronic IIH patients showed a significantly lower amplitude of the right and left R1, R2, R3, R4 & R5 compared to controls (P-value < 0.001, < 0.001) (P-value < 0.001, < 0.001) (P-value < 0.001, < 0.001) (P-value < 0.001, = 0.001) (P-value = 0.002, < 0.001), respectively. Also, patients showed a significantly delayed peak time of the right and left R1 and R2 compared to controls (P-value < 0.001, < 0.001) (P-value = 0.001, = 0.009), respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between each of CSF pressure and papilledema grade with right and left PVEP latencies. In contrast, there was no statistically significant correlation between either CSF pressure or papilledema grade and PVEP amplitudes in both eyes. CONCLUSION In chronic IIH patients, both optic nerve dysfunction and central retinal changes were identified, supported by VEP and the mfERG findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa A Elgaly
- Neuro Diagnostic Research Center (NDRC), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Hanan Hosny
- Neuro Diagnostic Research Center (NDRC), Beni-Suef University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hala R El Habashy
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona Hussein
- Department of Neurology, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Rehab Magdy
- Department of Neurology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rehab Elanwar
- Neuro Diagnostic Research Center (NDRC), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt.
- Neuro Diagnostic Research Center (NDRC), Beni-Suef University, Salah Salem Street, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt.
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Hawsawi NM, Saber T, Salama HM, Fouad WS, Hagag HM, Alhuthali HM, Eed EM, Saber T, Ismail KA, Al Qurashi HH, Altowairqi S, Samaha M, El-Hossary D. Genotypes of Hepatitis C Virus and Efficacy of Direct-Acting Antiviral Drugs among Chronic Hepatitis C Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:92. [PMID: 36828508 PMCID: PMC9967136 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection is a major causative factor for several chronic liver diseases, including liver cirrhosis, liver cell failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The HCV has seven major genotypes. Genotype 4 is the most prevalent genotype in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, followed by genotype 1. The HCV genotype affects the response to different HCV treatments and the progression of liver disease. Currently, combinations of direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) approved for the treatment of HCV achieve high cure rates with minimal adverse effects. Because real-world data from Saudi Arabia about the efficacy of DAAs are still limited, this study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of DAAs in treating patients with chronic hepatitis C and to identify the variables related to a sustained virologic response (SVR) in a real-world setting in Saudi Arabia. This prospective cohort study included 200 Saudi patients with chronic HCV who were 18 years of age or older and had been treated with DAAs at King Abdul-Aziz Specialized Hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia, between September 2018 and March 2021. The response to treatment was assessed by whether or not an SVR had been achieved at week 12 post treatment (SVR12). An SVR12 was reached in 97.5% of patients. SVR12 rates were comparable for patients of different ages, between men and women, and between patients with and without cirrhosis. In addition, the SVR12 rates did not differ according to the infecting HCV genotype. In this study, the presence of cirrhosis and the patient's gender were independent predictors of who would not reach an SVR12 (known here as the non-SVR12 group) according to the results of univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses based on the determinants of SVR12. In this population of patients with chronic HCV infection, all DAA regimens achieved very high SVR12 rates. The patients' gender and the presence of cirrhosis were independent factors of a poor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahed Mohammed Hawsawi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tamer Saber
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Hussein M. Salama
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Walaa S. Fouad
- Departments of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Howaida M. Hagag
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Hayaa M. Alhuthali
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad M. Eed
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebinel Kom 32511, Egypt
| | - Taisir Saber
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Khadiga A. Ismail
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Hesham H. Al Qurashi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, King Abdul-Aziz Specialized Hospital, Taif 26521, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samir Altowairqi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, King Abdul-Aziz Specialized Hospital, Taif 26521, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohmmad Samaha
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, King Abdul-Aziz Specialized Hospital, Taif 26521, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalia El-Hossary
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
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Saracco GM, Marzano A, Rizzetto M. Therapy of Chronic Viral Hepatitis: The Light at the End of the Tunnel? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030534. [PMID: 35327336 PMCID: PMC8945793 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic viral hepatitis determines significant morbidity and mortality globally and is caused by three main etiological actors (Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and Hepatitis D Virus) with different replicative cycles and biological behaviors. Thus, therapies change according to the different characteristics of the viruses. In chronic hepatitis B, long term suppressive treatments with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues have had a dramatic impact on the evolution of liver disease and liver-related complications. However, a conclusive clearance of the virus is difficult to obtain; new strategies that are able to eradicate the infection are currently objects of research. The therapy for Hepatitis D Virus infection is challenging due to the unique virology of the virus, which uses the synthetic machinery of the infected hepatocyte for its own replication and cannot be targeted by conventional antivirals that are active against virus-coded proteins. Recently introduced antivirals, such as bulevertide and lonafarnib, display definite but only partial efficacy in reducing serum HDV-RNA. However, in combination with pegylated interferon, they provide a synergistic therapeutic effect and appear to represent the current best therapy for HDV-positive patients. With the advent of Direct Acting Antiviral Agents (DAAs), a dramatic breakthrough has occurred in the therapeutic scenario of chronic hepatitis C. Cure of HCV infection is achieved in more than 95% of treated patients, irrespective of their baseline liver fibrosis status. Potentially, the goal of global HCV elimination by 2030 as endorsed by the World Health Organization can be obtained if more global subsidised supplies of DAAs are provided.
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Chemello L, Cavalletto L, Ferrari S, Monaco S. Impact of direct acting antivirals (DAA) on neurologic disorders in chronic hepatitis C. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2021; 67:234-243. [PMID: 34672486 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5985.21.02865-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurologic and neuropsychiatric manifestations sometimes provide the first evidence of an unknown HCV infection. These conditions develop with a variable ranging of morbidity, including: "brain fog," fatigue, subtle cognitive and attention impairment, but also with more severe complications or acute presentation, like encephalomyelitis, encephalopathy, stroke and peripheral nerves involvement. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases for articles only in English language, that assessed the relationship between "DAA treatment and neurologic disorders" and after the attainment of SVR in full reports of cases that received the DAA schedule from January 2015 to December 2019. The following terms were used: "chronic Hepatitis C," "HCV," "DAA," "direct-acting antiviral," "SVR," "sustained virologic response," peripheral neuropathy" and "neurologic diseases or disorders." EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS HCV infection does not only involve the liver, causing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but also induces extrahepatic manifestations (EHM), mainly due to a complex immune disease, that damage small and medium vessels, called "mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis" (MCV). This kind of mechanism generates most of the HCV-induced neurological damages. Since 2015, the availability of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) oral molecules interfering with HCV replication has completely revolutionized therapeutic options and the target population, which now includes patients aged 12 to 80 years and with advanced liver disease. Relevant was the highlighted DAA effectiveness by achievement of a sustained virologic response (SVR) in about 95% of cases, showing a great tolerability. CONCLUSIONS This favorable effect has arisen in a wide category of patients infected by HCV, including subjects with cirrhosis and complications and/or with EHM, who showed a significant improvement of their symptoms and the disease regression. In this concise review, we examine the clinical outcomes after the introduction of the DAA for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC), focusing on the neurologic disorders and concluding that there is a strong amelioration of neurologic conditions in several cases, particularly, after attaining the viral eradication with a favorable course in most treated cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Chemello
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine (DIMED), Clinica Medica 5, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy -
| | - Luisa Cavalletto
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine (DIMED), Clinica Medica 5, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sergio Ferrari
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Salvatore Monaco
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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The Relationship between Occupationally Exposed Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead and Brain Bioelectrical Activity-A Visual and Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials Study. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11030350. [PMID: 33801787 PMCID: PMC7998874 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the parameters of visual and brainstem auditory evoked potentials in patients occupationally exposed to arsenic, cadmium and lead. The study group comprised 41 copper smelter and refinery workers (average age: 51.27) with occupational exposure to arsenic, cadmium and lead. The control group consisted of 36 healthy volunteers (35 men and 1 woman, aged 27-66, average age: 51.08). Neurological examination, brain imaging, and visual and brainstem auditory evoked potentials were performed, and the relationship between blood Cd, Pb concentration (Cd-B, Pb-B), blood zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), and urine As concentration (As-U) were assessed. In the workers, exceedances of allowable biological concentrations were observed, with the urinary concentration of arsenic being 5.2%, the cadmium and lead in blood being 1.3%, while the case of ZnPP was 2.6%. The mean P100, relative P100, and N145 visual evoked potential (VEP) latencies were significantly longer in exposed workers than in the controls. The mean wave III and V brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) latency and the mean wave III-V and I-V interpeak latencies were longer, and the I and V amplitude was lower in the workers than the controls. In summary, occupational exposure to As, Cd, and Pb is associated with prolonged latency and reduced evoked potential amplitude, but As-U, Pb-B, Cd-B, and ZnPP concentrations are not linearly related to potential components. The analysis of evoked potentials may be a useful method of assessment of the central nervous system in patients with occupational exposure to heavy metals.
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Marciniewicz E, Podgórski P, Pawłowski T, Małyszczak K, Fleischer-Stępniewska K, Knysz B, Waliszewska-Prosół M, Żelwetro A, Rymer W, Inglot M, Ejma M, Sąsiadek M, Bladowska J. Evaluation of brain volume alterations in HCV-infected patients after interferon-free therapy: A pilot study. J Neurol Sci 2019; 399:36-43. [PMID: 30769221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The study was performed to evaluate cerebral volume changes in HCV-infected subjects before and after interferon-free therapy with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA). We aimed also to estimate the impact of successful DAA therapy on the neuropsychological state of patients. Eleven HCV genotype 1 (GT1) patients treated with ombitasvir/paritaprevir (boosted with ritonavir) and dasabuvir, with or without ribavirin underwent brain magnetic resonance (MR) before and 24 weeks after completion of therapy. All patients achieved sustained viral response. Precise automatic parcellation was made using the fully-available software FreeSurfer 6.0. Statistically significant volume deceleration six months after treatment was found in the subcallosal cingulate gyrus, transverse frontopolar gyri and sulci, anterior segment of the circular sulcus of the insula and horizontal ramus of the anterior segment of the lateral sulcus. After DAA therapy we found statistically significant improvement in the performance of all three tasks of the Rey Complex Figure Test that permits the evaluation of different functions (attention, planning, working,memory). Additionally, significant amelioration in Percentage Conceptual Level Responses in The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (a neurocognitive test for assessing intellectual functioning) was also discovered. Successful interferon-free therapy may lead to transient cerebral atrophy, probably by reducing neuroinflammation and oedema. This is the first pilot study of the alterations in brain volume after successful interferon-free therapy in chronic HCV patients. Longitudinal follow-up study is needed to observe further effects of therapy on cerebral structures volume changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Marciniewicz
- Department of General Radiology, Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Radiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Przemysław Podgórski
- Department of General Radiology, Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Radiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Pawłowski
- Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, L. Pasteura 10, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Małyszczak
- Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, L. Pasteura 10, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Fleischer-Stępniewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiences, Wroclaw Medical University, Koszarowa 5, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Brygida Knysz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiences, Wroclaw Medical University, Koszarowa 5, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Agnieszka Żelwetro
- The Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, J.W. Dawida 1, 50-527 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Weronika Rymer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiences, Wroclaw Medical University, Koszarowa 5, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Inglot
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiences, Wroclaw Medical University, Koszarowa 5, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Maria Ejma
- Department of Neurology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Marek Sąsiadek
- Department of General Radiology, Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Radiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Joanna Bladowska
- Department of General Radiology, Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Radiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
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