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Chang SH, Su TH, Ling ZM, Lee MH, Liu CJ, Chen PJ, Yang HC, Liu CH, Chen CL, Tseng TC, Chen CH, Lee HS, Chen CJ, Kao JH. Fibrosis-4 index stratifies risks of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C. J Formos Med Assoc 2024:S0929-6646(24)00284-5. [PMID: 38944614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.06.008] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Risk stratification for patients with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial. We aimed to investigate the role of the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index in predicting chronic hepatitis C (CHC)-related HCC. METHODS A retrospective cohort study consecutively included treatment-naive CHC patients receiving longitudinal follow-up at the National Taiwan University Hospital from 1986 to 2014. The clinical data were collected and traced for HCC development. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to investigate the predictors for HCC. RESULTS A total of 1285 patients in the ERADICATE-C cohort were included. The median age was 54, 56% were females, and 933 had HCV viremia. There were 33%, 38%, and 29% of patients having FIB-4 index <1.45, 1.45-3.25, and ≥3.25, respectively. After a median of 9-year follow-up, 186 patients developed HCC. Multivariable analysis revealed that older age, AFP≥20 ng/mL, cirrhosis, and a higher FIB-4 index were independent predictors for HCC. Compared with patients with FIB-4 index <1.45, those with FIB-4 1.45-3.25 had a 5.51-fold risk (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.65-11.46), and those with FIB-4 ≥ 3.25 had 7.45-fold risk (95% CI: 3.46-16.05) of HCC. In CHC patients without viremia, FIB-4 index 1.45-3.25 and FIB-4 ≥ 3.25 increased 6.78-fold and 16.77-fold risk of HCC, respectively, compared with those with FIB-4 < 1.45. CONCLUSION The baseline FIB-4 index can stratify the risks of HCC in untreated CHC patients, even those without viremia. The FIB-4 index should thus be included in the management of CHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Han Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Ze-Min Ling
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsuan Lee
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hua Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ling Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Hsuan-Shu Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Jen Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Chien RN, Lu SN, Hui-Min Wu G, Yang WW, Pwu RF, Liu CL, Cheng KP, Chen SC, Chen CJ. Policy and Strategy for Hepatitis C Virus Elimination at the National Level: Experience in Taiwan. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S180-S188. [PMID: 37703347 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad016] [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] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The estimated prevalence of anti-HCV was 3.1% in Taiwan. Studies have shown iatrogenic behavior was the major transmission route. It is highest in specific populations including patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), human immunodeficiency virus infection, who inject drug (PWID), and under opioid substitution treatment. Approximately 405,160 patients were seropositive for HCV RNA and in need of treatment. Taiwan government claims to reach WHO's 2030 goal of HCV elimination by 2025 and works hard to resolve several barriers of HCV elimination including political commitment, sustainable financing, minimize reimbursement restrictions, instituted monitoring, and perform micro-elimination of specific populations. The last stage of HCV elimination is to accelerate the universal HCV screening program of populations aged 45-79 years and resolve the unawareness issue of HCV infection. Hopefully, we can achieve the targets of HCV elimination set by WHO and reach the goal earlier in 2025.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Nan Chien
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- Liver Research Unit, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Grace Hui-Min Wu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Wen Yang
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Raoh-Fang Pwu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Health Care Administration, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ling Liu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Pen Cheng
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chung Chen
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Jen Chen
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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Cheng HY, Hu RH, Hsiao CY, Ho MC, Wu YM, Lee PH, Ho CM. Hepatitis C treatment and long-term outcome of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after resection. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 38:1618-1628. [PMID: 37402607 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16276] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM This study aimed to investigate the survival outcomes of antiviral agents (direct-acting antivirals [DAAs] or interferon [IFN]) in patients with hepatitis C virus who underwent liver resection for primary hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS This retrospective single-center study included 247 patients, between 2013 and 2020, being treated with DAAs (n = 93), IFN (n = 73), or no treatment (n = 81). Overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS After a median follow-up time of 50.4 months, the rates of 5-year OS and RFS in the IFN, DAA, and no treatment groups were 91.5% and 55.4%, 87.2% and 39.8%, and 60.9% and 26.7%, respectively. One hundred and twenty-eight (51.6%) patients developed recurrence; recurrence was mostly (86.7%) intrahepatic, and 58 (23.4%) developed early recurrence, most of which received no antiviral treatment. The OS and RFS were similar between patients who received antiviral treatment before (50.0%) and after surgery, but longer survival was observed in patients achieving sustained virologic response. In multivariate analysis, antiviral treatment was protective for OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.475, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.242-0.933) with significance but not RFS, in contrast to microvascular invasion (OS HR 3.389, 95% CI: 1.637-7.017; RFS HR 2.594, 95% CI: 1.520-4.008). In competing risk analysis, DAAs (subdistribution HR 0.086, 95% CI: 0.007-0.991) were protective against hepatic decompensation events but not recurrence events. CONCLUSION In patients with hepatitis C virus, antiviral treatment suggested OS benefit for primary hepatocellular carcinoma after resection, and DAAs might be protective against hepatic decompensation. Following adjustment for oncological factors, IFN and DAA treatment was not significantly advantageous relative to the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hou-Ying Cheng
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Jin-Shan Branch, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rey-Heng Hu
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Hsiao
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Ho
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Ming Wu
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Huang Lee
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Maw Ho
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Yi CH, Bair MJ, Wang JH, Wong MW, Liu TT, Lei WY, Liang SW, Lin L, Hung JS, Huang JF, Hsu YC, Chen CL. Improvement of patient-reported outcomes in patients achieving sustained virologic response with direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus infection. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2022; 55:643-650. [PMID: 35637143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-reported outcome (PRO) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (CHC) after successful direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy remains elusive. The study aimed to investigate the impact of DAA therapy on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We also assess the associated factors predictive of HRQoL change after sustained virologic response (SVR) to HCV therapy. METHODS CHC patients receiving DAA therapy were prospectively recruited. They completed paired HRQoL assessments which included Short-Form-36 (SF-36), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score, Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire score, and State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score before treatment and at Week 12 off-treatment. Clinical data and characteristics were compared in a paired manner. RESULTS A total of 158 patients achieved SVR (SVR rate: 96.6%) were enrolled into the final analysis. Improvement of depression, anxiety, digestive symptoms, and SF-36 items of vitality, body pain, physical functioning, emotional functioning, social functioning, and mental health were demonstrated among SVR patients. Sleep quality, or other SF-36 items were not significantly changed after the treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed that improvement of sleep quality, depression, and anxiety were associated with better HRQoL. CONCLUSION SVR to HCV therapy by DAA significantly improved PROs including HRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hsun Yi
- Department of Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jong Bair
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital and Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Hung Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wun Wong
- Department of Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan; School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tso-Tsai Liu
- Department of Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yi Lei
- Department of Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wei Liang
- Department of Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Sheng Hung
- Department of Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chun Hsu
- Center for Liver Diseases and School of Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Lin Chen
- Department of Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan; Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
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Hong CM, Lin YY, Liu CJ, Lai YY, Yeh SH, Yang HC, Kao JH, Hsu SJ, Huang YH, Yang SS, Kuo HT, Cheng PN, Yu ML, Chen PJ. Drug Resistance Profile and Clinical Features for Hepatitis C Patients Experiencing DAA Failure in Taiwan. Viruses 2021; 13:2294. [PMID: 34835100 PMCID: PMC8621340 DOI: 10.3390/v13112294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
About 4% of the population in Taiwan are seropositive for anti-HCV Ab and 70% with HCV RNA. To address this high chronic hepatitis C disease load, Taiwan National Health Insurance started reimbursing genotype-specific DAAs in 2017 and pangenotype DAAs in mid-2018. With a 97% SVR12 rate, there were still 2-3% of patients that failed to clear HCV. To understand the causes of DAA failure in Taiwan, we conducted a multi-center, clinical, and virologic study. A total of 147 DAA-failure patients were recruited, and we searched HCV NS3/4A, NS5A and NS5B for known resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) by population sequencing, and conducted whole genome sequencing (WGS) for those without known RASs. A total of 107 patients received genotype-specific DAAs while 40 had pangenotype DAAs. Clinically, the important cause of failure is poor adherence. Virologically, common RASs in genotype-specific DAAs were NS5A-L31, NS5A-Y93, and NS5B-C316, while common RASs in pangenotype DAAs were NS5A-L31, NS5A-A/Q/R30, and NS5A-Y93. Additionally, new amino acid changes were found by WGS. Finally, we identified 12 cases with inconsistent baseline and post-treatment HCV genotypes, which is suggestive of re-infection rather than treatment failure. Our study described the drug resistance profile for DAA failure in Taiwan, showing differences from other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ming Hong
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10022, Taiwan;
| | - You-Yu Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.L.); (C.-J.L.); (J.-H.K.)
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.L.); (C.-J.L.); (J.-H.K.)
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10022, Taiwan; (H.-C.Y.); (S.-J.H.)
| | - Ya-Yun Lai
- Center of Precision Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10055, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.L.); (S.-H.Y.)
| | - Shiou-Hwei Yeh
- Center of Precision Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10055, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.L.); (S.-H.Y.)
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10022, Taiwan; (H.-C.Y.); (S.-J.H.)
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.L.); (C.-J.L.); (J.-H.K.)
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10022, Taiwan; (H.-C.Y.); (S.-J.H.)
| | - Shih-Jer Hsu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10022, Taiwan; (H.-C.Y.); (S.-J.H.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin 64000, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei 11230, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Shun Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan;
| | - Hsing-Tao Kuo
- Chi Mei Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Tainan 71004, Taiwan;
| | - Pin-Nan Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 70403, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.L.); (C.-J.L.); (J.-H.K.)
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10022, Taiwan; (H.-C.Y.); (S.-J.H.)
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Chien RN, Lu SN, Pwu RF, Wu GHM, Yang WW, Liu CL. Taiwan accelerates its efforts to eliminate hepatitis C. Glob Health Med 2021; 3:293-300. [PMID: 34782872 DOI: 10.35772/ghm.2021.01064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The estimated prevalence of anti-HCV was 3.3% (1.8-5.5%) in the general population in Taiwan with several regional disparities. The reactive anti-HCV in different regions may vary between 0% and 65%. The National Hepatitis C Program (NHCP) office estimated approximately 623,323 persons reactive with anti-HCV based on several extensive region- and cohort-wide studies. Taiwan has accelerated its efforts to eliminate hepatitis C since 2018 by committing to achieve World Health Organization (WHO)'s 2030 goal of treating 80% of eligible patients by 2025. Many aggressive measures by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) have been ongoing including several key success factors such as political commitment by the MOHW to finance this national program and improve National Health Insurance (NHI) reimbursement restrictions for treatment. Meanwhile, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) instituted harm reduction programs and the Health Promotion Administration (HPA) started to improve awareness and perform national screening programs. The NHCP office instituted monitoring, evaluation, micro-elimination and funding to linkage to care programs. In addition to sustainable financing, it is imperative to scale-up screening coverage through a precision public health approach to fill the gap of under-diagnosis. Hopefully, we can achieve early elimination by announcing the treatment target of 250000 CHC patients by 2025.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Nan Chien
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan.,Liver Research Unit, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Raoh-Fang Pwu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Health Care Administration, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Grace Hui-Min Wu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Wen Yang
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ling Liu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
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Huang MH, Sun HY, Ho SY, Chang SY, Hsieh SM, Sheng WH, Chuang YC, Huang YS, Su LH, Liu WC, Su YC, Hung CC. Recently acquired hepatitis C virus infection among people living with human immunodeficiency virus at a university hospital in Taiwan. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:6277-6289. [PMID: 34712032 PMCID: PMC8515799 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i37.6277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the engagement in hepatitis C virus (HCV) care and completion of HCV treatment in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) who have HCV coinfection in the Asia-Pacific region. Examining the HCV care cascade can identify barriers to the completion of HCV treatment and facilitate achievement of HCV micro-elimination in PLWH.
AIM To investigate the care cascade of incident HCV infections among PLWH in Taiwan.
METHODS PLWH with incident HCV infections, defined as HCV seroconversion, were retrospectively identified by sequential anti-HCV testing of all archived blood samples at National Taiwan University Hospital between 2011 and 2018. All PLWH with incident HCV infections were followed until December 31, 2019. The care cascade of HCV examined included all incident HCV-infected patients, the percentages of anti-HCV antibodies detected by HIV-treating physicians in clinical care, plasma HCV RNA load tested, HCV RNA positivity diagnosed, referral to treatment assessment made, anti-HCV treatment initiated, and sustained virologic response achieved. Those who had HCV seroconversion during the interferon (IFN) era (2011–2016) and the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era (2017–2018) were analyzed separately. The duration of HCV viremia—from the date of seroconversion to viral clearance by treatments or until the end of observation—and the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during the HCV viremic period were estimated.
RESULTS During the study period, 287 of 3495 (8.2%) PLWH (92.3% being men who have sex with men) who were HCV-seronegative at baseline developed HCV seroconversion by retrospective testing of all archived blood samples. Of the 287 incident HCV infections, 277 (96.5%) had anti-HCV antibodies detected by HIV-treating physicians, 270 (94.1%) had plasma HCV RNA determined and 251 (87.5%) tested positive for HCV RNA. Of those with HCV viremia, 226 (78.7%) were referred to treatment assessment, 215 (74.9%) initiated anti-HCV treatment, and 202 (70.4%) achieved viral clearance. Compared with that in the IFN era, the median interval from HCV seroconversion by retrospective testing to detection of HCV seropositivity by HIV-treating physicians was significantly shorter in the DAA era {179 d [interquartile range (IQR) 87-434] vs 92 d (IQR 57-173); P < 0.001}. The incidence rate of STIs in the DAA vs the IFN era was 50.5 per 100 person-years of follow-up (PYFU) and 38.5 per 100 PYFU, respectively, with an incidence rate ratio of 1.31 (95% confidence interval 0.96-1.77), while the duration of HCV viremia was 380 d (IQR 274-554) and 735 d (IQR 391-1447) (P < 0.001), respectively.
CONCLUSION While anti-HCV therapies are effective in achieving viral clearance, our study suggests more efforts are needed to expedite the linkage of PLWH diagnosed with incident HCV infections to HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Hui Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970410, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yuan Ho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Min Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Huei Sheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chung Chuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hsin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital and China Medical University, Taichung 404394, Taiwan
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Strategies for hepatitis C virus treatment failure. J Formos Med Assoc 2021; 121:876-878. [PMID: 34538553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Cheng PN, Chen CY, Yu ML, Lin CC, Lin CY, Peng CY, Tseng KC, Lo CC, Tseng IH, Liu CJ. Elbasvir/grazoprevir is effective and tolerable for the treatment of HCV GT1-infected patients: A real world multicenter observatory study in Taiwan. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2021; 54:588-595. [PMID: 32499107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR) was found to be efficacious and well tolerated in clinical trials. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of EBR/GZR in the treatment of HCV genotype 1-infected Taiwanese patients. METHODS Chronic hepatitis C patients infected with GT1b or 1a without resistance-associated substitution, and treated with 12-week EBR/GZR were enrolled from 10 hospitals in Taiwan between August 2017 and December 2018. All clinical and virologic data were collected at each participating center. Primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response at week 12 (SVR12) after end of the EBR/GZR therapy, assessed in the per-protocol population, which excluded patients with important deviations from the protocol. Analysis was also performed based on the modified full analysis set, which included all allocated patients receiving at least 4-week medication. Virologic failure was recorded as breakthrough, nonresponse, or relapse. Safety was assessed through collection of adverse events, physical examination, vital signs, and standard laboratory evaluations. RESULTS Per protocol SVR12 rates were 99.5% (1169/1175) for all HCV genotype 1 patients. Among patients with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney diseases, 100% (107/107) achieved SVR12. In univariate analyses, variables associated with SVR12 were treatment termination (P < 0.0001) and treatment adherence (P < 0.0001) in the mFAS population. Overall, 22.3% of the patients experienced adverse events during treatment. Seven patients did not complete the treatment, five due to liver-unrelated deaths, one due to adverse event and one due to epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS EBR/GZR treatment was highly effective and well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Nan Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yi Chen
- Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi City, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Che Lin
- China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yen Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | | | - Kuo-Chih Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chia-Yi City, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chu Lo
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Martin de Porres Hospital, Chia-Yi City, Taiwan
| | - I-Hao Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yuan's General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan.
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10
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Azeem HA, Alkabeer AM, Mohammed AS, Hussein AA. Study of hepatitis B virus infection, reactivation among patients with chronic hepatitis C infection treated by direct antiviral agents (DAAs). EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43066-021-00121-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) may reactivate when treating chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with direct-acting antivirals (DAA). We aimed to investigate the risk of HBV infection and reactivation during DAA therapy by performing a prospective observational study carried on 200 patients positive for chronic HCV who were candidates for treatment by DAA therapy according to the Egyptian guidelines from February 2019 to December 2019; the patients identified to carry HBsAg at baseline or with positive HBc Abs were further assessed for other HBV markers: hepatitis B e antigen at baseline, and serum HBV DNA quantitative measurement at baseline, week 4 of treatment, end of treatment. On the other hand, recent infection by HBV among those patients was observed.
Results
Of all participants, 49% were males and 51% were females, aged above 18 years. There is a highly statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.05) between HCV RNA PCR (at the beginning, at the end of 4 weeks, and at the end of 12 weeks) in studied patients. There was a highly statistically significant difference found between the liver function tests at the beginning, at the end of 4 weeks, and at the end of 12 weeks of treatment where it shows improvement except for serum albumin. At beginning of the study, there were 34 patients who are co-infected with HCV and HBV with quantitative PCR test for HBV DNA ≥ 20 IU/ml. After 1 month of DAA therapy, reactivation was detected in 6 cases (4 occult cases show reverse seroconversion (became HBs Ag positive), and 2 co-infected cases show increased HBV DNA > 1000 IU/L above the baseline level). In addition, 3 new cases acquired recent infection with the positivity of HBc IgM and detectable levels of HBV DNA. After 3 months of study, reactivation was detected in one patient with co-infection (where increased HBV DNA > 1000 IU/L above the baseline level), and 5 new cases acquired recent infection late in the study.
Conclusion
Screening for HBV infection prior to DAA therapy is required to detect recent infection of reactivation of previous infection during or after DAA therapy.
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11
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Kang YW, Baek YH, Lee SW, Park SJ, Yoon JS, Yoon KT, Hong Y, Heo NY, Seo KI, Lee SS, Cho HC, Shin JW. Real-world Effectiveness and Safety of Direct-acting Antiviral Agents in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 2 Infection: Korean Multicenter Study. J Korean Med Sci 2021; 36:e142. [PMID: 34060258 PMCID: PMC8167412 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advancement of treatment with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents has improved the cure rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection close to 100%. The aim of our study was to assess the real-world effectiveness and safety of DAA regimens for the treatment of patients with chronic HCV genotype 2. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients treated with sofosbuvir plus ribavirin (SOF + RBV) or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) for chronic HCV genotype 2 infection at seven university hospitals in the Korean southeast region. RESULTS SOF + RBV therapy produced an 89% and 98.3% sustained virologic response 12 week (SVR12) after treatment completion in the full analysis set and per-protocol set, respectively, and the corresponding values for G/P therapy were 89.5% and 99.2%, respectively. The difference between the treatments was probably because 6.2% (59/953) of patients in the SOF + RBV group did not complete the treatment and 9.8% (14/143) in the G/P group did not test HCV RNA after treatment completion. Adverse events (A/Es) were reported in 59.7% (569/953) and 25.9% (37/143) of the SOF + RBV and G/P groups, respectively. In the SOF + RBV group, 12 (1.26%) patients discontinued treatment owing to A/Es, whereas no patients discontinued treatment because of A/Es in the G/P group. CONCLUSION In both treatment groups, SVR was high when treatment was completed. However, there was a high dropout rate in the SOF + RBV group, and the dropout analysis showed that these were patients with liver cirrhosis (LC; 43/285, 15.1%), especially those with decompensated LC (12/32, 37.5%). Therefore, an early initiation of antiviral therapy is recommended for a successful outcome before liver function declines. Furthermore, patients with decompensated LC who are considered candidates for SOF + RBV treatment should be carefully monitored to ensure that their treatment is completed, especially those with low hemoglobin and high alanine transaminase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeo Wool Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Yang Hyun Baek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
| | - Sung Wook Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Sung Jae Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Jun Sik Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Ki Tae Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Youngmi Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Nae Yun Heo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Kwang Il Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University Gospel Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Sang Soo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine and Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Korea
| | - Hyun Chin Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Jung Woo Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
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12
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Jang TY, Liang PC, Liu TW, Wei YJ, Yeh ML, Hsu CT, Hsu PY, Lin YH, Hsieh MH, Huang CI, Huang CF, Lin ZY, Chen SC, Huang JF, Dai CY, Yu ML, Chuang WL. Genotype distribution, clinical characteristics, and racial differences observed in chronic hepatitis C patients in Pingtung, Taiwan. J Chin Med Assoc 2021; 84:255-260. [PMID: 33433134 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) set out to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030, a goal Taiwan might achieve before 2025. Using effective direct antiviral agents (DAAs) against chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in Taiwan, the treatment of CHC has been initiated in rural areas. Here, we aimed to elucidate the clinical and virological characteristics of HCV infection, and the treatment efficacy of DAAs in patients from Pingtung county in southern Taiwan. METHODS A total of 152 chronic hepatitis patients treated with DAAs were consecutively enrolled. Baseline characteristics and therapeutic efficacy were evaluated. RESULTS HCV genotype 2 was the most common viral genotype (39.5%), followed by 1b (36.8%), 6 (10.5%), and 1a (9.2%). The sustained virological response (SVR) rate was 98.7%. Hakka patients accounted for 22.4% of the study cohort, of which 14.7% had HCV genotype 6. There were no differences in clinical characteristics between Hakka and non-Hakka patients. Patients with HCV genotype 6 were younger in age (OR/CI: 0.95/0.91-1.00, p = 0.04) and composed of more people who inject drugs (PWID) (OR/CI: 17.6/3.6-85.5, p <0.001), when compared with other patients. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that DAA therapy can achieve a 98.7% SVR rate among CHC patients in Pingtung county of southern Taiwan, with a relative higher prevalence of genotype 6. The most important factor attributed to genotype 6 infection was PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyng-Yuan Jang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pingtung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ping-Tung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Po-Cheng Liang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ta-Wei Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Ju Wei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Cheng-Ting Hsu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Po-Yao Hsu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Hung Lin
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Meng-Hsuan Hsieh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Health Management Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Hepatobiliary Laboratory, Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ching-I Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Zu-Yau Lin
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shinn-Cherng Chen
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Center For Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDSB) and Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC
- Center for Lipid Science and Aging Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
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Yu ML, Tsai WL, Chu CJ, Kao JH. Characteristics of patients with hepatitis C virus infection and antiviral treatment initiation in Taiwan: The MOSAIC study. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2020; 37:245-252. [PMID: 33089964 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12317] [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: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the leading cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. Monitoring its epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment patterns are important for the management of patients with chronic HCV infection from both individual and public health perspectives. The MOSAIC study was an observational study conducted in 20 countries, including Taiwan; its primary objective was to describe epidemiology and treatment initiation patterns in patients seeking HCV care. Of the 111 chronic HCV patients enrolled from Taiwan, 58 (52.3%) had not previously received treatment. HCV genotype 1 was reported in 58 (52.3%) patients, of whom the majority (n = 47; 81.0%) were identified as having subtype 1b. Sixty-two (55.9%) patients had HCV RNA level > 800 000 IU/mL. Liver cirrhosis was found in 35 (29.3%) patients and was more prevalent in patients who previously received treatment (71.0%). Interferon (IFN)-based treatment was started within 12 weeks from study inclusion in 12 (10.8%) patients, of whom 11 (91.7%) who had not previously received treatment. Anti-HCV treatment was not recommended by physicians in 70 (71.4%) and was refused by 23 (23.5%) patients. The MOSAIC study provides data on the epidemiology of HCV infection and IFN-based treatment decision patterns in Taiwan. Further studies are needed to observe the impact of IFN-free treatment on the treatment selection pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lun Tsai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Jen Chu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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14
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Chen WM, Wei KL, Tung SY, Shen CH, Chang TS, Yen CW, Hsieh YY, Chiu WN, Hu JH, Lu SN, Hung CH. High viral load predicts virologic failure in chronic genotype 2 hepatitis C virus-infected patients receiving glecaprevir/pibrentasvir therapy. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 119:1593-1600. [PMID: 32839045 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The real-world data of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 infection remained limited. We aimed to evaluate the possible predictors of virological failure and side effects of GLE/PIB therapy for chronic genotype 2 HCV-infected patients in a real-world setting. METHODS A total of 326 compensated HCV genotype 2 patients treated with GLE/PIB 12 weeks for cirrhotic patients (n = 56) and 8 weeks for non-cirrhotic patients (n = 270) were enrolled. RESULTS The sustained virological response 12 weeks off therapy (SVR12) was 98.1%, 100%, and 97.7% in overall, GLE/PIB 12-week, and 8-week group, respectively. There were 6 (1.8%) patients with early withdrawal, and 14.1% patients had pruritus, the major adverse effect. In multivariate analyses, end-stage renal disease (odds ratio (OR) = 4.056, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.477-11.14, p = 0.007) and hypertension (OR = 2.325, 95% CI = 1.171-4.616, p = 0.016) were two significant factors associated with pruritus. There were 6 patients with virologic failure. In patients receiving 8-week GLE/PIB therapy, the SVR12 rate was significant lower in high baseline viral load (≥107 IU/ml) group compared to low viral load group (90.6% v.s 98.7%, p = 0.025). Multivariate analyses showed that HCV RNA≥107 IU/ml was one of the independent factors (OR = 0.134, 95% CI = 0.024-0.748; p = 0.022) associated with SVR12. CONCLUSION GIE/PIB is an effective, tolerable and safe agent to treat genotype 2 HCV infected patients. However, high viral load (≥107 IU/ml) may predict virologic failure in non-cirrhotic patients receiving 8 weeks GIE/PIB treatment. This result should be further validated in a large cohort in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ming Chen
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan; Department of Health and Nutrition, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Liang Wei
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Shui-Yi Tung
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Heng Shen
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Te-Sheng Chang
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Yen
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Yu Hsieh
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Wen Nan Chiu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yulin Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Yulin, Taiwan
| | - Jin Hung Hu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yulin Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Yulin, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan; 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, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan; Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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15
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Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C patients with direct acting antiviral failures: Implications for viral elimination in Taiwan. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 119:1871-1875. [PMID: 32553687 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the excellent antiviral effects of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with subsequent decrease of morbidity and mortality, a small proportion (5%) of the treated patients do not respond to first-line DAAs and have persistent viremia. Rescue therapy for patients with DAA failures is thus mandatory from both clinical and public health perspectives. Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (SOF/VEL/VOX), a fixed-dose pangenotypic rescue agent, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medical Agency (EMA) for retreating HCV patients who fail prior DAA therapies. However, this agent has not been licensed by health authorities of Taiwan. Herein we reported two cases who successfully cleared HCV by using SOF/VEL/VOX plus ribavirin (RBV) after virologic failures to first-line pangenotypic SOF/VEL. Furthermore, we discussed the current unmet medical needs and clinical implications of SOF/VEL/VOX on the perspectives of HCV elimination in Taiwan.
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16
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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.
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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
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17
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Liu CH, Lee MH, Lin JW, Liu CJ, Su TH, Tseng TC, Chen PJ, Chen DS, Kao JH. Evolution of eGFR in chronic HCV patients receiving sofosbuvir-based or sofosbuvir-free direct-acting antivirals. J Hepatol 2020; 72:839-846. [PMID: 31790766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Data regarding the nephrotoxicity of sofosbuvir (SOF) remain controversial. We compared the evolution of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with chronic HCV infection receiving SOF-based or SOF-free direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). METHODS A total of 481 patients with compensated liver diseases and eGFR ≥30 ml/min/1.73m2, receiving SOF-based (n = 308) or SOF-free (n = 173) DAAs for 12 weeks, were prospectively enrolled. The eGFR was assessed from baseline to off-treatment week 24 using the chronic kidney disease (CKD)-epidemiology collaboration equation. Differences in the evolution of eGFR between regimens were compared by a generalized linear mixed-effects model. Multivariate analysis was performed for factors affecting eGFR evolution. RESULTS Patients receiving SOF-based DAAs experienced a significant on-treatment decline in eGFR (adjusted slope coefficient difference: -1.24 ml/min/1.73m2/month; 95% CI -1.35 to -1.13; p <0.001) and a significant off-treatment improvement (adjusted slope coefficient difference: 0.14 ml/min/1.73m2/month; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.21; p = 0.004) compared to patients receiving SOF-free DAAs. Multivariate analysis showed age per 1-year increase (adjusted slope coefficient difference: -0.05 ml/min/1.73m2/month; 95% CI -0.05 to -0.04; p <0.001), SOF-based DAAs (adjusted slope coefficient difference: -0.33 ml/min/1.73m2/month; 95% CI -0.49 to -0.17; p <0.001), and CKD stage (adjusted slope coefficient difference: -1.44 ml/min/1.73m2/month; 95% CI -1.58 to -1.30; p <0.001 for stage 3 vs. 1, and -3.59 ml/min/1.73m2/month; 95% CI -3.88 to -3.30; p <0.001 for stage 2 vs. 1) were independent factors affecting eGFR evolution from baseline to off-treatment week 24. CONCLUSIONS Patients receiving SOF-based DAAs exhibited a quadratic trend, with eGFR worsening on treatment and improving off treatment. Increasing age, SOF-based DAAs, and more advanced baseline CKD stage are independently associated with a decline in eGFR in patients with HCV receiving DAAs. LAY SUMMARY While the efficacy of sofosbuvir for the treatment of hepatitis C virus is clear, data regarding its possible nephrotoxicity are controversial. Herein, we showed that sofosbuvir worsened on-treatment kidney function but led to an off-treatment improvement. Our findings suggest that treating physicians should be alert to risk factors for kidney dysfunction before initiating direct-acting antiviral treatment for patients with hepatitis C virus infection. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER NCT04047680.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsuan Lee
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jou-Wei Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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18
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Hsu CS, Liu WL, Li Q, Lowey B, Hertz L, Chao YC, Liang TJ, Chen DS, Kao JH. Hepatitis C virus genotypes 1-3 infections regulate lipogenic signaling and suppress cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatocytes. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 119:1382-1395. [PMID: 32284164 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with different hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype infections are associated with varying metabolic disorders. Although alteration of lipid metabolism has been confirmed as a virus-induced metabolic derangement in chronic hepatitis C patients, the impact of various HCV genotypes on hepatic cholesterol metabolism remains elusive. In this study, we thus investigated the HCV genotype-specific lipogenic and cholesterol metabolism profiles in an in vitro cell culture system. METHODS We first conducted HCV cell culture system (HCVcc) assays by infecting Huh7.5.1 cells with multiple infection-competent HCV strains, including the genotype 2a JFH1 and JFH1-based intergenotypic recombinants 1b and 3a. We then examined the expression levels of various lipid and cholesterol-related genes. RESULTS The data showed that infection with individual HCV genotypes exerted unique gene expression regulatory effects on lipoproteins and cholesterol metabolism genes. Of note, all HCV strains suppressed cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatocytes through downregulating the expression of HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) and farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1 (FDFT1) - two essential enzymes for cholesterol biosynthesis. These HCV-mediated inhibitory effects could be reversed by treatment with sofosbuvir, a pangenotypic NS5B inhibitor. In addition, overexpression of HCV genotype 1b, 2a or 3a core protein significantly suppressed HMGCR mRNA transcription and translation, thus diminished cellular cholesterol biosynthesis. Nonetheless, the core protein had no effect on FDFT1 expression. CONCLUSION Although HCV infection regulates host lipid metabolism in a genotype-specific manner, its inhibition on hepatocellular cholesterogenic gene expression and total cholesterol biosynthesis is a common effect among HCV genotype 1b, 2a and 3a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Sheng Hsu
- Liver Diseases Research Center, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan; School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Liang Liu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Qisheng Li
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Brianna Lowey
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Laura Hertz
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - You-Chen Chao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - T Jake Liang
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Nankang, 11549, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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19
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Liu CH, Liu CJ, Hung CC, Hsieh SM, Su TH, Sun HY, Tseng TC, Chen PJ, Chen DS, Kao JH. Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: Real-world effectiveness and safety in Taiwan. Liver Int 2020; 40:758-768. [PMID: 31710759 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Large-scale data regarding the real-world effectiveness and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were limited in East Asia. We aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of GLE/PIB in different HCV populations in Taiwan. METHODS A total of 658 chronic HCV patients with compensated liver diseases receiving GLE/PIB for 8 (n = 549), 12 (n = 103) or 16 (n = 6) weeks were retrospectively enrolled. The effectiveness was determined by sustained virologic response at off-therapy 12 weeks (SVR12 ). Patient characteristics potentially related to SVR12 and the safety profiles were also assessed. RESULTS By evaluable population (EP) and per-protocol (PP) analyses, the overall SVR12 rate was 98.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 96.8%-99.0%) and 99.4% (95% CI: 98.4%-99.8%). The SVR12 rates were 98.9% (95% CI: 97.6%-99.5%), 94.2% (95% CI: 87.9%-97.3%) and 100% (95% CI: 60.1%-100%) in patients receiving 8, 12 and 16 weeks of treatment respectively. A total of 656 (99.7%) patients completed the scheduled treatment. The SVR12 rates were comparable regardless of baseline characteristics or week 4 viral decline. Twenty (3.0%) patients had serious adverse events (AEs), but none were not related to GLE/PIB. The two most common AEs were pruritus (7.8%) and fatigue (5.5%). Two (0.3%) and no patients had ≥3-fold upper limit of normal (ULN) for total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. CONCLUSIONS GLE/PIB for 8-16 weeks is effective and well-tolerated for patients with chronic HCV infection in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Min Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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20
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Su TH, Tseng TC, Liu CJ, Chou SW, Liu CH, Yang HC, Chen PJ, Chen DS, Chen CL, Kao JH. Antiviral therapy against chronic hepatitis C is associated with a reduced risk of oral cancer. Int J Cancer 2020; 147:901-908. [PMID: 31853972 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
To identify the risk factors of oral cancer, we investigated the association between chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and oral cancer, and the development of oral cancer after anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy. We conducted a nationwide, population-based cohort study from 2004 to 2012 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. CHC patients without anti-HCV therapy were matched with those non-HCV patients by age, sex and comorbidities. Moreover, CHC patients who underwent pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PegIFN/RBV) anti-HCV therapy were matched with CHC patients without anti-HCV therapy. A total of 100,058 patients were included in the HCV cohort and non-HCV cohorts, respectively. Their mean age was 59 years and 50% of these were male. CHC infection significantly increased the cumulative incidence of lichen planus and oral cancer. After adjustment for confounders and competing mortality, CHC infection significantly increased the risk of oral cancer (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.677, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.392-2.020, p < 0.001). Another 23,735 CHC patients without anti-HCV therapy were matched with 23,735 CHC patients in the treatment cohort. After adjustment for confounders and competing for mortality, the risk of oral cancer was significantly reduced in CHC patients receiving anti-HCV therapy (HR: 0.652, 95% CI: 0.479-0.887, p = 0.007). To minimize the inclusion of pre-existing unidentified oral cancer, we excluded oral cancer developed within the first year of CHC or anti-HCV therapy and found these associations remained statistically significant. In conclusion, CHC significantly increases the risk of oral cancer. Moreover, PegIFN/RBV antiviral therapy significantly reduces the risk of HCV-related oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung-Hung Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wan Chou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hua Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ling Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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21
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Liu CH, Shih YL, Yang SS, Lin CL, Fang YJ, Cheng PN, Chen CY, Peng CY, Hsieh TY, Chiu YC, Su TH, Liu CJ, Yang HC, Chen PJ, Chen DS, Kao JH. Paritaprevir/ritonavir, ombitasvir plus dasabuvir for East Asian non-cirrhotic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b patients receiving hemodialysis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 34:1977-1983. [PMID: 30931537 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Data regarding the efficacy and safety of paritaprevir/ritonavir, ombitasvir plus dasabuvir (PrOD) for East Asian non-cirrhotic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b (HCV GT1b) patients receiving hemodialysis were limited. METHODS Forty-six HCV GT1b non-cirrhotic patients receiving hemodialysis who received PrOD for 12 weeks were prospectively enrolled in seven academic centers in Taiwan. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks off-therapy (SVR12 ). Patients' baseline characteristics, early virokinetics, and HCV resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) potentially related to SVR12 were analyzed. The safety profiles were also assessed. RESULTS The SVR12 rate was 100% (46 of 46 patients). Patients' baseline characteristics, on-treatment viral decline, and baseline HCV resistance-associated substitutions did not affect SVR12 . All patients tolerated treatment well. One patient with folliculitis temporarily discontinued treatment, and another two patients had serious adverse events (SAEs), which were considered not related to PrOD treatment. The common adverse events were pruritus (19.6%), fatigue (15.2%), and upper respiratory tract infection (6.5%). Twelve (19.6%) and one (2.2%) patients had hemoglobin levels < 10 and 8.5 g/dL, respectively, which were related to renal impairment. Five (10.9%) patients had on-treatment total bilirubin level of 1.5-3.0 mg/dL, but none developed hepatic decompensation. The bilirubin levels peaked at week 1 of treatment and then declined with continuous treatment. CONCLUSION Treatment with PrOD for 12 weeks is efficacious and well-tolerated for East Asian non-cirrhotic HCV GT1b patients receiving hemodialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lueng Shih
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Shun Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Lin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Fang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Nan Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yi Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Yuan Hsieh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Cheng Chiu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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22
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Hsu SJ, Enkhzaya S, Lin YY, Tseng TC, Khosbayar T, Tsai CH, Wang TS, Enkhtuya D, Ivshinkhorol D, Naranzul N, Jargalsaikhan B, Amarsanaa J, Baatarkhuu O, Kao JH. Resistance-associated substitution and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir therapy in Mongolian chronic hepatitis C patients. J Formos Med Assoc 2019; 119:712-719. [PMID: 31672433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mongolia has the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection worldwide. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) was introduced to Mongolia since 2016 for HCV eradication. It has been reported that HCV resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) would affect the effectiveness of LDV/SOF in western chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. We thus investigated the effectiveness of LDV/SOF and the impact of RAS on the treatment outcome in Mongolian CHC patients. METHODS Patients with genotype (GT) 1b HCV infection were prospectively enrolled in Mongolia and treated with LDV/SOF for 12 weeks. The proportion of pre-treatment NS5A Y93H RAS in viral quasispecies was measured with next-generation sequencing. The endpoint of LDV/SOF effectiveness was sustained virological response at post-treatment week 12 (SVR12). RESULTS A total of 94 CHC patients were evaluated. The baseline Y93H proportion was <1% in 74 patients, 1-15% in 7, 15-50% in 2, and ≥50% in 11. All patients completed 12-week LDV/SOF treatment and the SVR rate was 90.4%. The rate of failure to achieve SVR12 for patients with Y93H < 1%, 1-15%, and ≥15% were 0%, 14.3%, and 61.5%, respectively (p for trend = 0.001). In univariable analysis, older age, baseline alanine transaminase level <40 U/mL, and a higher proportion of Y93H were associated with treatment failure. In multivariable analysis, only a higher proportion of Y93H was associated with treatment failure (p = 0.022). CONCLUSION LDV/SOF therapy achieves a high SVR rate in Mongolian CHC GT1b patients without baseline Y93H RAS. A higher proportion of Y93H may severely undermine the effectiveness of LDV/SOF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Jer Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan; Hepatology Medical Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Sukhee Enkhzaya
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Department of Comprehensive Laboratory, National Center for Communicable Diseases, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - You-Yu Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tulgaa Khosbayar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of BioMedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Cheng-Hsueh Tsai
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-San Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Damba Enkhtuya
- Happy Veritas Liver Diagnostic Center, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | | | - Nyamsuren Naranzul
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Badarch Jargalsaikhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Jazag Amarsanaa
- Mongolian Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, Mongolia
| | - Oidov Baatarkhuu
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Department of Comprehensive Laboratory, National Center for Communicable Diseases, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Mongolian Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, Mongolia.
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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23
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Hsu SJ, Yang SS, Kao JH. Risk of hepatocellular carcinoma development after hepatitis C virus eradicated by direct-acting antivirals: Fact or fiction? J Formos Med Assoc 2019; 119:3-11. [PMID: 31627984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although interferon (IFN)-based therapy has been shown to reduce hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development once patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection achieve sustained virologic response (SVR), IFN-based therapy is limited by its multiple adverse effects, non-oral administration, and unsatisfactory SVR rate. In recent years, IFN-free all-oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have replaced IFN-based therapy as the standard of care for HCV infection worldwide because of the higher SVR rate and lower incidence of adverse effects. By using currently approved DAA regimens, HCV can be eradicated in more than 95% of infected hosts, regardless of their disease severity. Since 2016, the risk of de novo occurrence or recurrence of HCC in hepatitis C patients receiving DAAs has been debatable because of a report addressing an unexpected high early tumor recurrence rate. To solve this important, interesting, yet controversial issue, we thus reviewed the latest and most relevant articles on this subject and proposed recommendations to manage such patients for healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Jer Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Shun Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Su TH, Yang HC, Tseng TC, Chou SW, Lin CH, Liu CH, Liu CJ, Chen CL, Kao JH. Antiviral Therapy in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Is Associated With a Reduced Risk of Parkinsonism. Mov Disord 2019; 34:1882-1890. [PMID: 31505068 DOI: 10.1002/mds.27848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of parkinsonism after antiviral treatment against chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is unclear. OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between CHC and parkinsonism and the efficacy of antiviral therapy. METHODS Using the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan from 2004 to 2012, patients with and without CHC, patients receiving pegylated interferon-based antiviral therapy, and those without such therapy were matched by age, gender, and comorbidities by propensity scores and followed for new diagnoses of parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease (PD). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Overall, 49,342 patients with CHC were matched with 49,342 non-CHC patients. After adjustment for confounding factors, there was a significantly increased risk (31%) of parkinsonism (hazard ratio [HR] 1.306; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.208-1.412) in those with CHC and the risk of parkinsonism requiring anti-Parkinson medication (HR 1.323; 95% CI, 1.214-1.441). Furthermore, 23,647 untreated CHC patients were matched with 23,647 patients receiving antiviral therapy. Patients receiving antiviral therapy had a significantly lower risk of developing parkinsonism (38%; HR 0.618; 95% CI, 0.498-0.765) and a reduced risk of parkinsonism requiring anti-Parkinson medication (HR 0.651; 95% CI, 0.515-0.823). In sensitivity analyses, antiviral therapy significantly reduced the risk of parkinsonism and PD after adjustment for detection, selection, disease latency biases, and competing mortality. Our results suggest successful antiviral therapy associates with a reduced risk of hepatitis C virus-related parkinsonism compared with those with treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS CHC infection is associated with an increased risk of parkinsonism or PD. Antiviral therapy against CHC is associated with a reduced risk of parkinsonism or PD. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung-Hung Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wan Chou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Hsien Lin
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hua Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ling Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Liu CH, Su TH, Liu CJ, Hong CM, Yang HC, Tseng TC, Chen PJ, Chen DS, Kao JH. Sofosbuvir-based direct acting antiviral therapies for patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 2 infection. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 34:1620-1625. [PMID: 30693965 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Data regarding the comparative effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir (SOF) in combination with ribavirin (RBV), daclatasvir (DCV), or ledipasvir (LDV) for hepatitis C virus genotype 2 (HCV-2) patients were limited. We aimed to evaluate the performance of these regimens in Taiwan. METHODS One hundred eighty-seven HCV-2 patients with compensated liver diseases receiving SOF in combination with RBV (n = 82), DCV (n = 66), or LDV (n = 39) for 12 weeks were retrospectively enrolled. The effectiveness was determined by sustained virologic response 12 weeks off therapy (SVR12 ). The patient characteristics potentially related to SVR12 were compared. The safety profiles and laboratory abnormalities were assessed. RESULTS The SVR12 rates were 93.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 86.5-97.4%), 98.5% (95% CI: 91.9-99.7%), and 100% (95% CI: 91.0-100%) in patients receiving SOF combined with RBV, DCV, and LDV, respectively. All patients tolerated treatment well. The stratified SVR12 rates were comparable regardless of baseline characteristics or week 4 viral decline among these regimens. Six (3.2%) patients had serious adverse events which were not related to treatment. The rates of fatigue, pruritus, and anemia tended to be higher in patients receiving RBV (22.0%, 19.5%, and 8.5%) combination than those receiving DCV (10.6%, 6.1%, and 1.5%) or LDV (10.3%, 5.1%, and 0%) combination. CONCLUSIONS Sofosbuvir in combination with RBV, DCV, or LDV for 12 weeks is effective and well-tolerated for HCV-2 patients. Compared with DCV or LDV combination, the risks of fatigue, pruritus, and anemia are higher in patients receiving RBV combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ming Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Hsu SJ, Chiu MC, Fang YJ, Yang TH, Yu JJ, Chen CC, Kuo CC, Lee JY, Chen CH, Chen DS, Kao JH. Real-world effectiveness and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in Asian patients with chronic hepatitis C. J Formos Med Assoc 2019; 118:1187-1192. [PMID: 31279502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2019.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) is a pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral agent for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Real-world data of GLE/PIB in Asian patients other than Japanese are limited. We thus investigated the effectiveness and safety profile of GLE/PIB in Taiwanese patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). METHODS CHC patients who received 8, 12, or 16 weeks of GLE/PIB between August and October of 2018 were consecutively enrolled. The treatment duration was determined according to drug label. The hepatic fibrosis was staged according to liver histology, transient elastography, fibrosis index based on 4 factors (FIB-4), or findings of ultrasonography/endoscopy. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response at week 12 off therapy (SVR12). The safety profiles were also assessed. RESULTS A total of 110 CHC patients with 51% of males were enrolled. The median age was 70 years. A majority (82%) of patients were infected with HCV genotype 2. Forty-six (42%) and 64 (58%) patients had advanced hepatic fibrosis and compensated cirrhosis, respectively. Forty-five (41%) non-cirrhotic patients were treated for 8 weeks. The overall SVR12 rates were 100%, regardless of baseline clinical characteristics. The common adverse events (AEs) were pruritus (12%), anorexia (6%), and fatigue (5%). Nine (8%) serious AEs unrelated to GLE/PIB occurred. Three (2%) patients had Grade 3 elevation of total bilirubin level. None had premature treatment termination, hepatic decompensation, or death. CONCLUSION Interferon-free GLE/PIB regimen is highly effective and safe for Asian chronic hepatitis C patients with advanced hepatic fibrosis or compensated cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Jer Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan; Hepatology Medical Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Min-Chin Chiu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan; Hepatology Medical Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Fang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan; Hepatology Medical Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hua Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan; Hepatology Medical Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Jyun Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan; Hepatology Medical Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Chang Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Kuo
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan; Hepatology Medical Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Ji-Yuh Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan; Hepatology Medical Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan; Hepatology Medical Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Wu SH, Chu CJ, Huang YH, Hou MC. Successful treatment with sofosbuvir and daclatasvir plus ribavirin in acute hepatitis C-infected patient with hepatic decompensation. J Chin Med Assoc 2019; 82:595-598. [PMID: 31274790 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection has evolved rapidly in recent years due to the invention of interferon-free direct antiviral agents (DAAs). However, evidence and recommendations for acute hepatitis C (AHC) virus infection by DAAs are still limited, especially for those whose disease presents with hepatic decompensation. Here, we report a case with genotype 1b AHC virus infection, complicated by hepatic decompensation and the patient received sofosbuvir and daclatasvir plus low dose ribavirin for 12 weeks. Serum hepatitis C virus RNA significantly declines after therapy and became undetectable at week 8 and it remained undetectable at 12 weeks after finishing therapy; sustained virological response was impressed. Our findings support that combination of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir plus ribavirin can be used for genotype 1b, AHC virus infection patients with overt hepatic decompensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sih-Hsien Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chi-Jen Chu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Chang YK, Tseng YT, Chen KH, Chen KT. Long-term outcomes and risk factors of thyroid dysfunction during pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection in Taiwan. BMC Endocr Disord 2019; 19:36. [PMID: 30953492 PMCID: PMC6451221 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-019-0362-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and risk factors of thyroid dysfunction (TD) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection in Taiwan. METHODS The data in this study were obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research (Taiwan NHIR) database between 2001 and 2013. CHC patients treated with pegylated interferon/ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) were enrolled as case patients, and nontreated CHC patients were enrolled as controls and were matched at a control:case ratio of 3:1 by index date, age (± 3 years), and sex. We compared the cumulative incidence of TD between the cohorts at follow-up until 2013. RESULTS During the study period, 3810 cases and 9393 controls were included in the study. Among the study subjects, 173 (4.5%) case patients and 244 (2.6%) controls were diagnosed with TD during the follow-up period. The types of TD were hypothyroidism (42.9%), hyperthyroidism (31.2%), and thyroiditis (25.9%). Compared to controls during the 13-year follow-up, patients treated with PEG-IFN/RBV had a higher incidence rate of TD (P < 0.0001), as determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that female sex (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.49; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23-1.75; P < 0.001), treatment with PEG-IFN/RBV (HR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.38-2.06; P < 0.001), hyperlipidemia (HR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.12-1.71; P < 0.001), and past history of goiter (HR: 6.40; 95% CI: 5.00-8.18; P < 0.001) were independent predictors for the development of TD. CONCLUSIONS PEG-IFN/RBV treatment may be an independent risk factor for thyroid dysfunction among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Monitoring thyroid function keenly during PEG-IFN/RBV therapy in patients with chronic HCV infection is recommended for clinicians, especially for female patients and for patients with a history of hyperlipidemia and goiter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Kang Chang
- Department of Radiology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Tsung Tseng
- Department of Medical Research, Tainan Municipal Hospital (managed by Show Chwan Medical Care Corporation), Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kou-Huang Chen
- School of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian Province China
| | - Kow-Tong Chen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Tainan Municipal Hospital (managed by Show Chwan Medical Care Corporation), Tainan, Taiwan. No. 670, Chongde Road, East District, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Wu SH, Chu CJ, Lin CC, Su CW, Lee SD, Wang YJ, Lee FY, Huang YH, Hou MC. A 12-week rescue therapy by PrOD-based regimen for advanced fibrotic genotype-1 CHC patients who failed to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. J Chin Med Assoc 2019; 82:186-190. [PMID: 30908411 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) evolved rapidly due to the invention of interferon-free direct antiviral agents. Previous clinical trials showed combination therapy with paritaprevir/ritonavir, ombitasvir, and dasabuvir (PrOD) with or without ribavirin (RBV) can cure over 95% of genotype 1 CHC patients, regardless with cirrhosis or not. However, real-world data regarding the efficacy and safety of PrOD-based therapy in Asian HCV genotype 1 CHC patients are limited, especially for advanced-fibrotic patients who failed previous therapy with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus RBV. METHODS Between January and October 2017, 60 advanced fibrotic (≥F3) genotype 1 CHC patients who failed previous therapy with PEG-IFN and received PrOD-based therapy for 12 weeks were retrospectively enrolled. Weight-based RBV 800 to 1200 mg/d was added for genotype 1b patients with cirrhosis and all genotype 1a patients. Sustained virological response (SVR) was defined by undetectable HCV RNA at the end and 12 weeks after the completion of therapy. RESULTS The mean age was 63.2 ± 9.3 years, 26 (43.3%) of them were males and 20 (33.3%) were diagnosed to have liver cirrhosis. The mean baseline HCV RNA level was 6.19 ± 0.88 log10 IU/mL and 86.7% (52/60) of patients were infected by HCV genotype 1b. After PrOD-based therapy, the rates undetectable HCV RNA (<15 IU/mL) at week 2, 4, and 12 were 61.7%, 90.0%, and 100%, respectively; 69.6% (16/23) of patients with detectable HCV RNA at week 2 were < 100 IU/mL. Pruritus, fatigue, headache, insomnia, and dizziness were the most common patient-reported adverse events. Grade 2 hyperbilirubinemia were found in 21.6% (13/60) of patients during study period and all belonged to unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. After posttherapy follow up, all 60 patients (100%) achieved SVR. CONCLUSION Our real-world data in Taiwan revealed that PrOD-based rescue therapy is well-tolerated and highly effective for genotype 1 CHC patients with advanced fibrosis failing previous therapy with PEG-IFN plus RBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sih-Hsien Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chi-Jen Chu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chung-Chi Lin
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Healthcare and Services Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chien-Wei Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shou-Dong Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yuan-Jen Wang
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Healthcare and Services Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fa-Yauh Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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30
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Su TH, Liu CJ, Tseng TC, Chou SW, Liu CH, Yang HC, Wu SJ, Chen PJ, Chen DS, Chen CL, Kao JH. Early antiviral therapy reduces the risk of lymphoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2019; 49:331-339. [PMID: 30592071 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis C infection is linked to lymphoma development. AIM To investigate whether antiviral therapy prevents the risk of HCV-related lymphoma. METHODS Patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C were retrieved from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database during 2004-2012. We included patients who received pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PegIFN/RBV) antiviral therapy for ≥24 weeks (PegIFN/RBV cohort) or hepatoprotectants for ≥90 days without antiviral therapy (HCV-untreated cohort). Both cohorts were matched by age, sex, and comorbidities through propensity scores and followed for newly diagnosed lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). RESULTS In total, 24 133 patients were included in both the PegIFN/RBV and HCV-untreated cohort. The lymphoma incidence was significantly higher in the untreated than in the treated cohort (66.48 vs 43.34 per 100 000 person-years, P = 0.029). After adjusting for confounders, the patients who received PegIFN/RBV therapy were at a lower risk of developing lymphoma compared with the untreated patients (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43-0.96, P = 0.030). Moreover, this beneficial effect was mainly observed in patients with chronic hepatitis C <60 years old with a relative risk reduction of 51% for all lymphoma (HR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.29-0.82, P = 0.007) and 48% for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (HR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.30-0.91, P = 0.022). The risk of all lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma development after antiviral therapy was lowered to that of subjects without HCV. CONCLUSIONS PegIFN/RBV-based antiviral therapy significantly reduced the risk of lymphoma, especially non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; the reduction was mostly among patients <60 years old. Early antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung-Hung Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wan Chou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hua Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Ju Wu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ling Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Liu CH, Liu CJ, Su TH, Yang HC, Hong CM, Tseng TC, Chen PJ, Chen DS, Kao JH. Real-world effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir with or without ribavirin for patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection in Taiwan. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209299. [PMID: 30576344 PMCID: PMC6303025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The real-world data for the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) with or without ribavirin (RBV) in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 (HCV-1) infection remain limited in Taiwan. Methods A total of 273 chronic HCV-1 patients receiving 8, 12, or 24 weeks of SOF/LDV with or without RBV were enrolled. The sustained virologic response rate at week 12 off-therapy (SVR12) by evaluable population (EP) and per-protocol population (PP) were assessed for effectiveness. The treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse events (AEs) and serious AE rate were assessed for safety. Baseline patient characteristics and on-treatment HCV viral kinetics associated with SVR12 were analyzed. Results The SVR12 rates by EP and PP analyses were 96.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 93.9%-98.3%) and 97.5% (95% CI: 94.8%-98.8%), respectively. The rates of treatment discontinuation due to AE and serious AE were 0.4% and 4.4%, respectively. Seven patients with true virologic failure were relapsers. In 2 patients who were lost-to follow-up, one expired at treatment week 3 due to pneumonia which was considered not related to treatment, and one declined follow-up at off-therapy week 4. The SVR12 rates were comparable in terms of baseline patient characteristics and viral decline at week 4 of treatment. Conclusions SOF/LDV with or without RBV for 8–24 weeks is well tolerated and achieves a high SVR12 rate in patients with HCV-1 infection in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ming Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Liu CH, Yu ML, Peng CY, Hsieh TY, Huang YH, Su WW, Cheng PN, Lin CL, Lo CC, Chen CY, Chen JJ, Ma Q, Brooks-Rooney C, Kao JH. Comorbidities, concomitant medications and potential drug-drug interactions with interferon-free direct-acting antiviral agents in hepatitis C patients in Taiwan. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018; 48:1290-1300. [PMID: 30362139 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While direct-acting antivirals have been approved for treating hepatitis C, the guidelines highlight the importance of considering potential drug-drug interactions between DAAs and concomitant medications. AIM To assess comorbidity prevalence, concomitant medication use and potential drug-drug interactions between DAAs and concomitant medications for hepatitis C patients in Taiwan. METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 822 patients from May to August 2016 in Taiwan. Patient demographics, comorbidities and concomitant medications were evaluated by physician surveys. RESULTS A total of 709 (86.3%) patients had ≥1 comorbidity; the most prevalent comorbidity categories were diseases of the digestive system (40.1%), circulatory system (38.7%) and endocrine/nutritional/metabolic diseases (35.2%). Elderly patients had more comorbidities. A total of 622 (75.7%) patients received ≥1 concomitant medication; the average number of concomitant medications was 3.2. The most common concomitant medication classes were cardiovascular (34.4%), gastrointestinal (25.7%) and central nervous system drugs (22.7%). Among patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis, contraindications were most prevalent with paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir plus dasabuvir, daclatasvir/asunaprevir and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (13.3%, 6.0% and 5.4% respectively), and least prevalent with sofosbuvir, sofosbuvir/daclatasvir, sofosbuvir/ledipasvir and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (0.8%, 1.3%, 1.4% and 2.1% respectively). Sofosbuvir-based regimens had no contraindications in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. CONCLUSION Our population represented an elderly demographic, with a high prevalence of comorbidities and widespread use of concomitant medications. The potential drug-drug interactions between these concomitant medications and DAA regimens differed, with the fewest potential interactions with sofosbuvir-based regimens.
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Wu GHM, Pwu RF, Chen SC. Achieving hepatitis C elimination in Taiwan-Overcoming barriers by setting feasible strategies. J Formos Med Assoc 2018; 117:1044-1045. [PMID: 30449458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2018.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Grace Hui-Min Wu
- National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Raoh-Fang Pwu
- National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Health Care Administration, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Hong CM, Liu CH, Su TH, Yang HC, Chen PJ, Chen YW, Kao JH, Liu CJ. Real-world effectiveness of direct-acting antiviral agents for chronic hepatitis C in Taiwan: Real-world data. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2018; 53:569-577. [PMID: 30316726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has entered a new era since the introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Numerous clinical trials have shown that treatment response as well as tolerability of DAAs are superior to those of conventional therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. However, the results of clinical trials may not be directly applied to real-world practice. Therefore our study tried to investigate the effectiveness of various DAA regimens in Taiwanese patients with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS We performed a retrospective study on 400 CHC patients. The primary endpoint was undetectable HCV RNA (an HCV RNA level of <25 IU/mL) at 12 weeks posttreatment (SVR12). The results were stratified by different DAAs and HCV genotypes. RESULTS Genotype 1b was the major genotype (297, 74.3%), followed by genotype 2 (65, 16.3%). The patients were treated according to HCV genotype, clinical practice and reimbursement guidelines. The SVR12 rates of 57 patients treated with sofosbuvir and ribavirin, 107 treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin, 60 treated with daclatasvir/asunaprevir with or without ribavirin, 129 treated with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir with or without ribavirin, 12 treated with sofosbuvir/daclatasvir with or without ribavirin, and 35 treated with elbasvir/grazoprevir were 98.2%, 97.2%, 85.0%, 97.7%, 100.0%, and 100.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The overall SVR12 rates in our study were comparable with those in previous pivotal trials. DAAs are generally safe. The interaction of HBV and HCV during DAA therapy and the observation of de novo HCC development and HCC recurrence during or after DAAs warrants additional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ming Hong
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wen Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Generic sofosbuvir-based interferon-free direct acting antiviral agents for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: a real-world multicenter observational study. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13699. [PMID: 30209349 PMCID: PMC6135833 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32060-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-world data regarding the effectiveness and safety of generic sofosbuvir (SOF)-based interferon-free direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remain limited. A total of 517 chronic HCV-infected patients receiving 12 or 24 weeks of SOF-based therapies were retrospectively enrolled in 4 academic centers in Taiwan. The rate of sustained virologic response at week 12 off-therapy (SVR12) and that of treatment completion were assessed. The baseline characteristics and on-treatment HCV viral kinetics to predict SVR12 were analyzed. By evaluable population (EP) analysis, the SVR12 rate was 95.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 93.2–96.9%). The SVR12 was achieved in 29 of 34 patients (85.3%, 95% CI: 69.6–93.6%), 130 of 139 patients (93.5%, 95% CI: 88.2–96.6%), 119 of 124 patients (96.0%, 95% CI: 90.9–98.3%) and 215 of 220 patients (97.7%, 95% CI: 94.8–99.0%) who received SOF in combination with ribavirin (RBV), ledipasvir (LDV), daclatasvir (DCV) and velpatasvir (VEL), respectively. Of 517 patients, 514 (99.4%) completed the scheduled treatment. All 15 patients with true virologic failures were relapsers. Two decompensated cirrhotic patients had on-treatment deaths which were not related to DAAs. All 7 patients who were lost to follow-up had undetectable HCV RNA level at the last visit. The SVR12 rates were comparable in terms of baseline patient characteristics and viral decline at week 4 of treatment. In conclusion, generic SOF-based regimens are well tolerated and provide high SVR12 rates in patients with chronic HCV infection.
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36
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Huang IH, Hsieh TY, Lin JC, Huang TC. Concomitant use of direct-acting antiviral agents and chemotherapy in hepatitis C virus reactivation. J Formos Med Assoc 2018; 117:1034-1035. [PMID: 30173930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- I-Hsuan Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Yuan Hsieh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Chun Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Tzu-Chuan Huang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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37
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Liu CH, Liu CJ, Su TH, Yang HC, Hong CM, Tseng TC, Chen PJ, Chen DS, Kao JH. Real-world effectiveness and safety of paritaprevir/ritonavir, ombitasvir, and dasabuvir with or without ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection in Taiwan. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 33:710-717. [PMID: 28762541 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.13912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The real-world effectiveness and safety of paritaprevir/ritonavir, ombitasvir, and dasabuvir (PrOD) remain limited for East Asian hepatitis C virus genotype 1b (HCV-1b) patients. The study aimed to evaluate the antiviral responses of PrOD-based regimens for HCV-1b patients in Taiwan. METHODS The study performed a retrospective analysis of 103 HCV-1b patients receiving PrOD with or without ribavirin (RBV) for 12 weeks. Data were analyzed to assess the on-treatment and off-therapy HCV viral load and on-treatment adverse events. The pre-specified characteristics related to sustained virologic response 12 weeks off therapy (SVR12 ) were compared. RESULTS At treatment week 4, 100 of 102 patients (98.0%) had serum HCV RNA level < 25 IU/mL. The SVR12 was achieved in 101 of 103 patients (98.1%, [95% confidence interval: 93.2-99.5%]). All except one (99.0%) patients tolerated treatment well without treatment interruption. One cirrhotic patient discontinued treatment at week 1 due to hepatic decompensation. Twenty-four patients (23.3%) had ≥ grade 2 elevation in total bilirubin levels, and 21 of them (87.5%) had indirect type hyperbilirubinemia. The stratified SVR12 rates were comparable in terms of sex, age, body mass index, prior treatment experience, hepatitis B virus surface antigen status, RBV usage, baseline and week 2 viral load, renal function, and hepatic fibrosis stage. CONCLUSIONS Paritaprevir/ritonavir, ombitasvir, and dasabuvir with or without RBV are efficacious and generally well tolerated for treatment of HCV-1b patients in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ming Hong
- Department of Traumatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Jinshan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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38
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Lee MH, Huang YH, Chen HY, Khor SS, Chang YH, Lin YJ, Jen CL, Lu SN, Yang HI, Nishida N, Sugiyama M, Mizokami M, Yuan Y, L'Italien G, Tokunaga K, Chen CJ. Human leukocyte antigen variants and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma modified by hepatitis C virus genotypes: A genome-wide association study. Hepatology 2018; 67:651-661. [PMID: 28921602 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a genome-wide association study to discover genetic variants associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We genotyped 502 HCC cases and 749 non-HCC controls using the Axiom-CHB genome-wide array. After identifying single-nucleotide polymorphism clusters located in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region which were potentially associated with HCC, HLA-DQB1 genotyping was performed to analyze 994 anti-HCV seropositives collected in the period 1991-2013 in a community-based cohort for evaluating long-term predictability of HLA variants for identifying the risk of HCC. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals of HLA genotypes for determining the aforementioned HCC risk. Eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the proximity of HLA-DQB1 were associated with HCC (P < 8.7 × 10-8 ) in the genome-wide association study. Long-term follow-up showed a significant association with HLA-DQB1*03:01 and DQB1*06:02 (P < 0.05). The adjusted hazard ratios associated with HCC were 0.45 (0.30-0.68) and 2.11 (1.34-3.34) for DQB1*03:01 and DQB1*06:02, respectively. After stratification by HCV genotypes, DQB1*03:01 showed protective effects only in patients with HCV genotype 1, whereas DQB1*06:02 conferred risk of HCC only in patients with HCV non-1 genotypes. HLA imputation analyses revealed that HLA-DRB1*15:01, which is in linkage disequilibrium with DQB1*06:02, also increased the risk of HCC (odds ratio, 1.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-2.93). Haplotype analysis supported that DQB1*03:01 and DQB1*06:02 are primarily protective and susceptible variants, respectively. Conclusion: HLA-DQB1 was independently associated with HCC; HCV genotypes modified the effects of HLA-DQB1 on the risk of HCC. (Hepatology 2018;67:651-661).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Hsuan Lee
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Han Huang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Yu Chen
- Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Seik-Soon Khor
- Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Toyo, Japan
| | - Ya-Hsuan Chang
- Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ju Lin
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Lan Jen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hwai-I Yang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nao Nishida
- Genome Medical Sciences Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Masaya Sugiyama
- Genome Medical Sciences Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Masashi Mizokami
- Genome Medical Sciences Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Yong Yuan
- World Wide Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ
| | | | - Katsushi Tokunaga
- Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Toyo, Japan
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Tsao YC, Chen JY, Yeh WC, Peng YS, Li WC. Association between visceral obesity and hepatitis C infection stratified by gender: a cross-sectional study in Taiwan. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e017117. [PMID: 29133317 PMCID: PMC5695385 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The global prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is approximately 2%-3%, and the prevalence of the positive anti-HCV antibody has been increasing. Several studies have evaluated regional adipose tissue distribution and metabolism over the past decades. However, no study has focused on the gender difference in visceral obesity among patients with HCV infection. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING We reviewed the medical records of patients who visited a hospital in Southern Taiwan for health check-up from 2013 to 2015. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1267 medical records were collected. We compared patient characteristics, variables related to metabolic risk and body composition measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis between the groups. Regression models were built to adjust for possible confounding factors. RESULTS The prevalence rate of the positive anti-HCV antibody was 8.8% in the study population, 8.5% in men and 9.2% in women. Men with HCV infection tended to be older and have lower total cholesterol levels and higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (p<0.001). Women with HCV infection tended to be older and have higher levels of fasting glucose and ALT (p<0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, body fat percentage, fat-free mass/body weight (BW) and muscle mass/BW were found to be the independent determinants of visceral obesity in patients without HCV infection (p<0.001). However, the trend was not such obvious in patients with HCV infection, though still statistically significant (p<0.05). Furthermore, the trend was less significant in men with HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggested that HCV modulates host lipid metabolism and distribution to some extent, and a gender difference was also noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chung Tsao
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Family Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Yuan Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chung Yeh
- Department of Family Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Shing Peng
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Cheng Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Health Management, Xiamen Chang-Gung Hospital, Xiamen, China
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40
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Wu WP, Hoi CI, Chen RC, Lin CP, Chou CT. Comparison of the efficacy of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance elastography in the detection and staging of hepatic fibrosis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e8339. [PMID: 29049250 PMCID: PMC5662416 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000008339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study compared the efficacy of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in the estimation of hepatic fibrosis stages with histopathologic correlation.This retrospective study included 104 patients (87 men and 17 women; mean age, 60.6 ± 10.6 years) with chronic liver disease who underwent both Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and MRE. The relative enhancement (RE) ratio of the liver parenchyma and the contrast enhancement index (CEI) were calculated as (SIpostliver - SIpreliver)/SIpreliver and SIpost/SIpre, respectively, where SIpost and SIpre were the liver-to-muscle signal intensity ratios on the hepatobiliary phase images and noncontrast-enhanced images, respectively. The liver stiffness values were measured using MRE stiffness maps. The diagnostic performance of MRE, RE ratios, and CEI values for hepatic fibrosis staging were compared.The distribution of fibrosis stages was as follows: F0, n = 3 (2.9%); F1, n = 12 (11.5%); F2, n = 17 (16.3%); F3, n = 26 (25.0%); and F4, n = 46 (44.2%). MRE, RE ratios, and CEI values correlated significantly with hepatic fibrosis (rs = .79, -.35, -.25, respectively, P < .05). MRE showed a significantly higher diagnostic performance than did RE ratios and CEI values for each fibrosis stage, except while distinguishing the F1 fibrosis stage (CEI, P = .15). A cutoff value of RE ratio = 0.89 can be used to identify patients with significant hepatic fibrosis, with positive predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of 93.2%, 61.8%, 73.3%, and 24.4%, respectively.Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI can potentially predict significant hepatic fibrosis. However, the diagnostic performance of MRE for hepatic fibrosis staging was superior to that of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Pei Wu
- Department of Radiology, Chang-Hua Christian Hospital, Changhua
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei
| | - Cheng-In Hoi
- Department of Radiology, Centro Medico Pedder, Macau
| | - Ran-Chou Chen
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei
| | - Ching-Po Lin
- Brain Connectivity Laboratory, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Te Chou
- Department of Radiology, Chang-Hua Christian Hospital, Changhua
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei
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Chen HY, Su TH, Tseng TC, Yang WT, Chen TC, Chen PJ, Chen DS, Kao JH, Liu CJ. Impact of occult hepatitis B on the clinical outcomes of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: A 10-year follow-up. J Formos Med Assoc 2017; 116:697-704. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Yu ML. Hepatitis C treatment from "response-guided" to "resource-guided" therapy in the transition era from interferon-containing to interferon-free regimens. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 32:1436-1442. [PMID: 28124463 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.13747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Peginterferon/ribavirin has been the standard-of-care for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections: 48 weeks for genotype 1 or 4 (HCV-1/4) and 24 weeks for HCV-2/3. Response-guided therapy recommended shorter 24- and 16-week regimens for HCV-1 with lower baseline viral loads (< 400 000-800 000 IU/mL) and rapid virological response (RVR, undetectable HCV RNA at week 4) and HCV-2/3 with RVR, respectively; and extending to 72 and 48 weeks for HCV-1 slower responders and HCV-2 non-RVR patients, respectively, to improve the efficacy. The progress of directly acting antivirals (DAA), moving from interferon-containing regimens in 2011 to interferon-free regimens in 2013, has greatly improved the treatment success. Interferon-containing regimens include boceprevir or telaprevir or simeprevir or daclatasvir plus peginterferon/ribavirin, 24-48 weeks, for HCV-1 or 4. However, adding these DAA has no benefit for HCV-1 with lower baseline viral loads/RVR. Instead, 12-week sofosbuvir plus peginterferon/ribavirin attained sustained virological response rates of > 90% for HCV-1/3-6. Interferon-free regimens include two main categories: NS5B nucleotide inhibitor (sofosbuvir)-based regimens and NS3/4A inhibitor/NS5A inhibitor-based regimens (daclatasvir/asunaprevir, paritaprevir/r/ombitasvir/dasabuvir and grazoprevir/elbasvir). About 8-24 weeks interferon-free regimens could achieve sustained virological response rates of 82-99% for corresponding HCV genotypes. Although the newly DAA interferon-free regimens have high efficacy and safety, the huge budget impact increases the treatment barriers. The current recommendation should, therefore, base on the availability, indication, and cost-effectiveness in the transition era of DAA. Based on the concept of "resource-guided therapy," peginterferon/ribavirin might be applied for easy-to-treat interferon-eligible patients in resource-constrained areas. Prioritizing patients for interferon-free regimens according to "time-degenerative factors" (age and fibrosis) is justified before the regimens becoming available and affordable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Lee MH, Huang CF, Lai HC, Lin CY, Dai CY, Liu CJ, Wang JH, Huang JF, Su WP, Yang HC, Kee KM, Yeh ML, Chuang PH, Hsu SJ, Huang CI, Kao JT, Chen CC, Chen SH, Jeng WJ, Yang HI, Yuan Y, Lu SN, Sheen IS, Liu CH, Peng CY, Kao JH, Yu ML, Chuang WL, Chen CJ. Clinical Efficacy and Post-Treatment Seromarkers Associated with the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma among Chronic Hepatitis C Patients. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3718. [PMID: 28623331 PMCID: PMC5473811 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02313-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This follow-up study enrolled chronic hepatitis C patients to evaluate the treatment efficacy and to identify post-treatment seromarkers associated with risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with a sustained virological response (SVR) or nonsustained virological response (NSVR). A total of 4639 patients who received pegylated interferon and ribavirin during 2004-2013 were followed until December 2014. HCC was confirmed through health examinations and data linkage with a national database. A total of 233 HCC cases were reported after 26,163 person-years of follow-up, indicating an incidence of 8.9 per 1000 person-years: 6.9 for SVR and 21.6 for NSVR per 1000 person-years. The associated risk of HCC in patients with SVR was 0.37 (0.22-0.63) for those without cirrhosis and 0.54 (0.31-0.92) for those with cirrhosis compared with their respective counterparts with NSVR. Among patients with SVR, advanced age, male gender, cirrhosis, decreased platelet count, and increased aspartate aminotransferase and α-fetoprotein levels were associated with HCC (p < 0.001). The treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients before they developed cirrhosis showed a higher efficacy than did the treatment of those who had already developed cirrhosis. Patients with SVR may still have a risk of HCC and need to be regularly monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Hsuan Lee
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chou Lai
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yen Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Guang University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Houng Wang
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Pang Su
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kwong-Ming Kee
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Heng Chuang
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jer Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin, Taiwan
| | - Ching-I Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Ta Kao
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Chang Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hung Chen
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Guang University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Guang University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hwai-I Yang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yong Yuan
- Global Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Bristol Myers-Squibb, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Guang University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Liu CH, Liu CJ, Su TH, Fang YJ, Yang HC, Chen PJ, Chen DS, Kao JH. Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Patients Receiving Interferon-Free Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Open Forum Infect Dis 2017; 4:ofx028. [PMID: 28480296 PMCID: PMC5414056 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofx028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients receiving interferon (IFN)-free direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Methods Patients who were seropositive for HBV core antibody and who received IFN-free DAAs for HCV were enrolled. Hepatitis B virus reactivation was defined as reappearance of serum HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) ≥100 IU/mL in patients with baseline undetectable viral load, or ≥2 log10 IU/mL increase of HBV DNA in patients with baseline detectable viral load. Hepatitis B virus-related alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flare was defined as ALT ≥5 times upper limit of normal or ≥2 times of the baseline level. Hepatitis B virus-related hepatic decompensation was defined as presence of jaundice, coagulopathy, hepatic encephalopathy, or ascites. Results Compared with no HBV reactivation in 81 HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative patients, 2 of 12 HBsAg-positive patients had HBV reactivation (0% [confidence interval {95% CI}, 0%–4.5%] vs 16.7% [95% CI, 4.7%–44.8%], P = .015). No patients had ALT flare or hepatic decompensation. Baseline HBsAg level at a cutoff value of 500 IU/mL was associated with HBV reactivation in HBsAg-positive patients. There was no HBsAg seroreversion in HBsAg-negative patients. Conclusions Hepatitis B virus reactivation is limited to HBsAg-positive patients receiving IFN-free DAAs for HCV. Higher baseline HBsAg levels are associated with HBV reactivation. The risk of ALT flares or hepatic decompensation is low in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Douliou
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
| | - Yu-Jen Fang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Douliou
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei
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Nien HC, Hsu SJ, Su TH, Yang PJ, Sheu JC, Wang JT, Chow LP, Chen CL, Kao JH, Yang WS. High Serum Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Protein Level in Chronic Hepatitis C Viral Infection Is Reduced by Anti-Viral Treatments. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170028. [PMID: 28107471 PMCID: PMC5249206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) has been reported to associate with metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Since chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with metabolic derangements, the relationship between LBP and HCV deserves additional studies. This study aimed to determine the serum LBP level in subjects with or without HCV infection and investigate the change of its level after anti-viral treatments with or without interferon. Methods and Findings We recruited 120 non-HCV subjects, 42 and 17 HCV-infected subjects respectively treated with peginterferon α-2a/ribavirin and direct-acting antiviral drugs. Basic information, clinical data, serum LBP level and abdominal ultrasonography were collected. All the subjects provided written informed consent before being enrolled approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the National Taiwan University Hospital. Serum LBP level was significantly higher in HCV-infected subjects than non-HCV subjects (31.0 ± 8.8 versus 20.0 ± 6.4 μg/mL; p-value < 0.001). After multivariate analyses, LBP at baseline was independently associated with body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and HCV infection. Moreover, the baseline LBP was only significantly positively associated with ALT and inversely with fatty liver in HCV-infected subjects. The LBP level significantly decreased at sustained virologic response (27.4 ± 6.6 versus 34.6 ± 7.3 μg/mL, p-value < 0.001; 15.9 ± 4.4 versus 22.2 ± 5.7 μg/mL, p-value = 0.001), regardless of interferon-based or -free therapy. Conclusions LBP, an endotoxemia associated protein might be used as an inflammatory biomarker of both infectious and non-infectious origins in HCV-infected subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Ching Nien
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Research Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jer Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Jen Yang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Chuan Sheu
- Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Research Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Town Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lu-Ping Chow
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ling Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (WSY); (JHK)
| | - Wei-Shiung Yang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (WSY); (JHK)
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Liu CH, Chen YS, Wang SS, Kao JH. Treatment of de novo hepatitis C virus-related fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis after orthotopic heart transplantation by ledipasvir and sofosbuvir. J Formos Med Assoc 2017; 116:407-409. [PMID: 28089092 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Sharng Chen
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheoi-Shen Wang
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Hong CM, Liu CJ, Yeh SH, Chen PJ. Addition of ribavirin to daclatasvir plus asunaprevir for chronic hepatitis C 1b patients with baseline NS5A resistance-associated variants improved response. J Formos Med Assoc 2016; 116:295-299. [PMID: 28034492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Daclatasvir is a nonstructural protein 5A inhibitor with potent activity against hepatitis C virus genotypes 1-6 in vitro, and asunaprevir is a nonstructural protein 3 protease inhibitor with activity against genotypes 1, 4, 5, and 6. Despite a 90% sustained virologic response (SVR) rate, the SVR rate in patients with baseline NS5A-L31/Y93H polymorphisms decreased to around 40%. Therefore, an alternative regimen under the consideration of cost-effectiveness would be important. Whether the addition of ribavirin could improve the SVR rate among this group of patients remains unknown and hence our case series was reported. METHODS For six adult chronic hepatitis C 1b patients with a pre-existing NS5A-Y93H (>20%) polymorphism, we added ribavirin (800 mg/d) to daclatasvir/asunaprevir for 24 weeks and followed through 12-weeks post-treatment. Four of these patients received interferon/ribavirin treatment before but relapsed, while the other two were naïve cases. Two of them had liver cirrhosis and one had hepatocellular carcinoma postcurative therapy. The primary efficacy end-point was undetectable hepatitis C virus RNA (hepatitis C virus RNA level of<25 IU/mL) at 12 weeks after the end of the treatment (SVR12). RESULTS In total, five cases reached SVR12 eventually (SVR rate: 83%; 95% confidence interval: 18.6-99.1%). However, the viral load of one remaining patient rebounded from the 24th week of treatment. No patients developed significant adverse effects during and after the treatment. CONCLUSION In genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C patients with NS5A-Y93H polymorphism, the addition of ribavirin to daclatasvir/asunaprevir may increase the SVR12 rate with minimal side effects, and thus deserves more comprehensive trials in resource-limited areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ming Hong
- Department of Traumatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shiou-Hwei Yeh
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Department of Traumatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Pegylated IFN-α suppresses hepatitis C virus by promoting the DAPK-mTOR pathway. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:14799-14804. [PMID: 27930338 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1618517114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) has been found to be induced by IFN, but its antiviral activity remains elusive. Therefore, we investigated whether DAPK plays a role in the pegylated IFN-α (peg-IFN-α)-induced antiviral activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. Primary human hepatocytes, Huh-7, and infectious HCV cell culture were used to study the relationship between peg-IFN-α and the DAPK-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. The activation of DAPK and signaling pathways were determined using immunoblotting. By silencing DAPK and mTOR, we further assessed the role of DAPK and mTOR in the peg-IFN-α-induced suppression of HCV replication. Peg-IFN-α up-regulated the expression of DAPK and mTOR, which was associated with the suppression of HCV replication. Overexpression of DAPK enhanced mTOR expression and then inhibited HCV replication. In addition, knockdown of DAPK reduced the expression of mTOR in peg-IFN-α-treated cells, whereas silencing of mTOR had no effect on DAPK expression, suggesting mTOR may be a downstream effector of DAPK. More importantly, knockdown of DAPK or mTOR significantly mitigated the inhibitory effects of peg-IFN-α on HCV replication. In conclusion, our data suggest that the DAPK-mTOR pathway is critical for anti-HCV effects of peg-IFN-α.
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Su TH, Chen CL, Kao JH. Reply. Hepatology 2016; 64:1814. [PMID: 27019093 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tung-Hung Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ling Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Mah YH, Liu CH, Chen CL, Tseng TC, Liu CJ, Chen PJ, Chen DS, Kao JH. Prevalence and clinical implications of IL28B genotypes in Taiwanese patients with chronic hepatitis C. J Formos Med Assoc 2016; 115:953-960. [PMID: 27751759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Clinical implications of IL28B gene in Taiwanese chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients remain unknown. We thus investigated the prevalence and clinical implications of IL28B rs8099917 genotypes in CHC patients with different hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and healthy controls. METHODS A total of 200 HCV genotype 1 patients and 200 HCV genotype 2 patients who received liver biopsy, as well as 197 healthy controls were enrolled to determine the frequencies of IL28B rs8099917 genotypes. In addition, the association of IL28B rs8099917 genotype with baseline data, including HCV RNA level, HCV genotype, histological activity grade, fibrosis stage, and body mass index, were evaluated and further stratified by covariant factors. RESULTS Compared with healthy controls, CHC patients had a lower prevalence rate of favorable IL28B rs8099917 TT genotype (81.0% vs. 89.3%, p = 0.025). In addition, the prevalence rates of favorable TT genotype in patients with HCV genotypes 1 and 2 were 76.0% and 86.0%, respectively (p = 0.007). Using ordered logistic regression analysis, higher fibrosis stages were found to be associated with a lower prevalence of TT genotype (p = 0.033), but not histological activity grades (p = 0.748). The association with fibrosis stages was more pronounced in female patients (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION In Taiwan, CHC patients have a lower frequency of favorable IL28B TT genotype than healthy controls. Among patients with CHC, the frequency of TT genotype is higher in HCV genotype 2 patients than in HCV genotype 1 patients. In addition, CHC patients with TT genotype, particularly females, have a lower likelihood of advanced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yone-Han Mah
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, Lotung St Mary's Hospital, I-Lan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hua Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ling Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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