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Bañares J, Aceituno L, Pons M, Genescà J. Noninvasive Assessment of Portal Hypertension. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:401-415. [PMID: 38945634 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.03.010] [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: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The progressive use of noninvasive tests (NITs) has changed the way hepatologists diagnose and manage patients with chronic liver disease, mainly because of their easiness to use and the ability to be repeated during follow-up. Liver stiffness measurement is the NIT with more scientific evidence. NITs have demonstrated to be useful to detect not only liver fibrosis but also the presence of clinically significant portal hypertension. Moreover, current evidence supports they can also be useful to evaluate the prognosis of patients with chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Bañares
- Liver Unit, Digestive Diseases Area, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Laia Aceituno
- Liver Unit, Digestive Diseases Area, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Mònica Pons
- Liver Unit, Digestive Diseases Area, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129, Barcelona 08035, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Joan Genescà
- Liver Unit, Digestive Diseases Area, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129, Barcelona 08035, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Espina Cadena S, Casas Deza D, Julián Gomara B, Borao Laguna CV, Sierra Gabarda O, Lamuela Calvo LJ, Lorente S, Serrano T, Arbonés Mainar JM, Bernal Monterde V. Screening and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with advanced fibrosis after hepatitis C virus eradication. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2024; 116:305-311. [PMID: 38214165 DOI: 10.17235/reed.2024.9945/2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after eradication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly variable in patients with advanced fibrosis (F3). Long-term surveillance for HCC after sustained virological response (SVR) is controversial in these patients. The objective of this study was to describe the post-SVR follow-up in clinical practice in patients with F3 and determine the predictive factors for the development of HCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS a multicenter, observational and retrospective study was performed, which included HCV-monoinfected patients with F3 fibrosis determined by transient elastography who achieved SVR between 2015 and 2022, with follow-up until May 2023. Clinical-demographic, laboratory, elastography, and ultrasound variables were recorded before and after treatment. A descriptive and inferential analysis, Cox regression analysis and survival analysis were carried out with the R statistical software. RESULTS two hundred and nineteen patients were included in the study (65.3 % males, median age 57 years), and 175 (79.9 %) received ultrasound screening after SVR for 62 (6-90) months. The prescribing service was the only independent variable related to performing ultrasound surveillance (p = 0.004). Eight patients developed HCC. In multivariate analysis adjusted for sex, age, presence of diabetes and alcohol consumption, a post-SVR FIB-4 ≥ 3.25 was associated with a 12-fold increase in HCC risk. The cumulative probability of HCC was higher in the group of patients with FIB-4 ≥ 3.25 after SVR (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION post-SVR follow-up of patients with F3 fibrosis is variable in clinical practice. Using the FIB-4 after SVR allows us to identify those patients with a higher risk of HCC who benefit from biannual ultrasound screening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sara Lorente
- Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa
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Lai JCT, Liang LY, Wong GLH. Noninvasive tests for liver fibrosis in 2024: are there different scales for different diseases? Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2024; 12:goae024. [PMID: 38605932 PMCID: PMC11009030 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goae024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the common pathway from various chronic liver diseases and its progression leads to cirrhosis which carries a significant risk for the development of portal hypertension-related complications and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is crucial to identify and halt the worsening of liver fibrosis given its important prognostic implication. Liver biopsy is the gold standard for assessing the degree of liver fibrosis but is limited due to its invasiveness and impracticality for serial monitoring. Many noninvasive tests have been developed over the years trying to assess liver fibrosis in a practical and accurate way. The tests are mainly laboratory- or imaging-based, or in combination. Laboratory-based tests can be derived from simply routine blood tests to patented laboratory parameters. Imaging modalities include ultrasound and magnetic resonance elastography, in which vibration-controlled transient elastography is the most widely validated and adopted whereas magnetic resonance elastography has been proven the most accurate liver fibrosis assessment tool. Nonetheless, noninvasive tests do not always apply to all liver diseases, nor does a common cut-off value of a test mean the same degree of liver fibrosis in different scenarios. In this review, we discuss the diagnostic and prognostic performance, as well as the confounders and limitations, of different noninvasive tests on liver fibrosis assessment in various liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Che-To Lai
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lilian Yan Liang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Grace Lai-Hung Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Conthe A, Ahumada A, Gallego Durán R, Marti-Aguado D, Ibáñez-Samaniego L. Current dilemmas in hepatitis virus C management. What should we do after achieving sustained virologic response? GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2023; 46:826-829. [PMID: 37813183 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Conthe
- Sección de Hepatología, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain.
| | - Adriana Ahumada
- Sección de Hepatología, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Gallego Durán
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; SeLiver Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - David Marti-Aguado
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, INCLIVA Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Valencia, Spain
| | - Luis Ibáñez-Samaniego
- Sección de Hepatología, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain
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La Mura V, Bitto N, Capelli C, Caputo C, Siboni S, Arcudi S, Ciavarella A, Gualtierotti R, Fracanzani AL, Sangiovanni A, Peyvandi F. Residual burden of liver disease after HCV clearance in hemophilia: a word of caution in the era of gene therapy. Blood Adv 2023; 7:5817-5824. [PMID: 37505111 PMCID: PMC10561041 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ruling out advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis is mandatory for persons with hemophilia (PWH) who are candidates for gene therapy. However, clinical evaluation and noninvasive tests (NITs) may be inaccurate after hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance. We conducted a prospective hepatological screening to detect advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis in PWH after HCV clearance. Any risk factor of chronic liver damage was registered by using biochemical data, liver stiffness measurement (LSM), and ultrasound (US). A pre/post-HCV clearance analysis was conducted prospectively in a subgroup of patients who underwent LSM, US, and NITs for fibrosis. We evaluated 119 patients (median age, 53 years; range, 36-87 years) with a previous HCV infection (hemophilia A, n = 108; hemophilia B, n = 11). Ninety-six (81%) presented at least 1 potential risk factor of chronic liver damage. Metabolic risk factors were the most prevalent, with 51 patients (44%) having US steatosis. In 21 patients (18%), clinical, biochemical, liver morphology, and/or LSM were suggestive of advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis. Furthermore, 10 patients (8%) had esophageal varices and 3 (3%) had hepatocellular carcinoma. In 57 patients included in the prospective analysis, LSM and NITs were reduced after HCV clearance (P < .05), but US signs specific of cirrhosis remained unchanged. Overall, 23 of 80 patients (29%) with LSM <10 KPa had at least 1 US sign suggestive of advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis. A similar proportion (18%) was observed for LSM <8 KPa. Overall, risk factors of chronic liver damage are frequent after HCV clearance, but changes in LSM and NITs after clearance may be inaccurate to rule out advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis. A specific diagnostic workup is warranted to evaluate liver health in PWH in the era of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo La Mura
- Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico-Angelo Bianchi Bonomi and Thrombosis Center, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Niccolò Bitto
- Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico-Angelo Bianchi Bonomi and Thrombosis Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Capelli
- Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico-Angelo Bianchi Bonomi and Thrombosis Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Caputo
- Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico-Angelo Bianchi Bonomi and Thrombosis Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Siboni
- Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico-Angelo Bianchi Bonomi and Thrombosis Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Arcudi
- Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico-Angelo Bianchi Bonomi and Thrombosis Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ciavarella
- Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico-Angelo Bianchi Bonomi and Thrombosis Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Gualtierotti
- Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico-Angelo Bianchi Bonomi and Thrombosis Center, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Ludovica Fracanzani
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Sangiovanni
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Flora Peyvandi
- Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico-Angelo Bianchi Bonomi and Thrombosis Center, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Rodprasert N, Hongboontry T, Cherdchoochart C, Chaiteerakij R. Association between Liver Stiffness and Liver-Related Events in HCV-Infected Patients after Successful Treatment with Direct-Acting Antivirals. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59030602. [PMID: 36984603 PMCID: PMC10053469 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59030602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are highly effective for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but the risk of liver-related events and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains after successful therapy. We aimed to evaluate post-treatment changes in liver stiffness (LS) and identify a cut-off LS value for predicting such events in chronic HCV-infected patients receiving DAA. Materials and Methods: A total of 185 patients who had achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) after DAA therapy were included. Baseline characteristics and laboratory results were retrospectively abstracted. LS was measured by transient elastography at baseline, 12, 24, 48, and 96 weeks after SVR. FIB-4 index was assessed at baseline and 48 weeks after SVR. Development of liver-related events (hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), portal-hypertension-related decompensation, listing for transplantation, and mortality) after SVR were identified. The association between liver fibrosis and the occurrence of liver-related events was analyzed using Cox regression analysis. Results: Significant differences in LS values were observed between baseline and 24, 48, 72, and 96 weeks after SVR. FIB-4 index at 48 weeks after SVR was significantly lower than the FIB-4 index at baseline. During the 41.6-month follow-up time, the incidence rates of all liver-related events and HCC were 2.36 and 1.17 per 100 person-years, respectively. Age, LS ≥8 kPa, and FIB-4 ≥1.35 at 48 weeks post-SVR were significantly associated with the occurrence of any liver-related events. By multivariate analysis, LS ≥8 kPa at 48 weeks post-SVR remained significantly associated with any liver-related events, with an adjusted hazard ratio (95%CI) of 5.04 (1.01-25.26), p = 0.049. Conclusions: Despite a significant reduction in LS after SVR, patients with LS ≥8 kPa at 48 weeks after SVR should be regularly monitored for liver-related complications, particularly HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Napas Rodprasert
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Tinn Hongboontry
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | | | - Roongruedee Chaiteerakij
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Innovation and Endoscopy in Gastrointestinal Oncology, Division of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Sato T, Head KZ, Li J, Dolin CE, Wilkey D, Skirtich N, Smith K, McCreary DD, Liu S, Beier JI, Singhi AD, McEnaney RM, Merchant ML, Arteel GE. Fibrosis resolution in the mouse liver: Role of Mmp12 and potential role of calpain 1/2. Matrix Biol Plus 2023; 17:100127. [PMID: 36632559 PMCID: PMC9826883 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2022.100127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although most work has focused on resolution of collagen ECM, fibrosis resolution involves changes to several ECM proteins. The purpose of the current study was twofold: 1) to examine the role of MMP12 and elastin; and 2) to investigate the changes in degraded proteins in plasma (i.e., the "degradome") in a preclinical model of fibrosis resolution. Fibrosis was induced by 4 weeks carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) exposure, and recovery was monitored for an additional 4 weeks. Some mice were treated with daily MMP12 inhibitor (MMP408) during the resolution phase. Liver injury and fibrosis was monitored by clinical chemistry, histology and gene expression. The release of degraded ECM peptides in the plasma was analyzed using by 1D-LC-MS/MS, coupled with PEAKS Studio (v10) peptide identification. Hepatic fibrosis and liver injury rapidly resolved in this mouse model. However, some collagen fibrils were still present 28d after cessation of CCl4. Despite this persistent collagen presence, expression of canonical markers of fibrosis were also normalized. The inhibition of MMP12 dramatically delayed fibrosis resolution under these conditions. LC-MS/MS analysis identified that several proteins were being degraded even at late stages of fibrosis resolution. Calpains 1/2 were identified as potential new proteases involved in fibrosis resolution. CONCLUSION. The results of this study indicate that remodeling of the liver during recovery from fibrosis is a complex and highly coordinated process that extends well beyond the degradation of the collagenous scar. These results also indicate that analysis of the plasma degradome may yield new insight into the mechanisms of fibrosis recovery, and by extension, new "theragnostic" targets. Lastly, a novel potential role for calpain activation in the degradation and turnover of proteins was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Sato
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, United States
| | - Kimberly Z. Head
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Jiang Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, United States
| | - Christine E. Dolin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, United States
| | - Daniel Wilkey
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, United States
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, United States
| | - Nolan Skirtich
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Katelyn Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Dylan D. McCreary
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Sylvia Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Juliane I. Beier
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, United States
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Aatur D. Singhi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Ryan M. McEnaney
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Michael L. Merchant
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, United States
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, United States
| | - Gavin E. Arteel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, United States
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
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Isfordink CJ, van Erpecum KJ, Fischer K, van der Valk PR, van Vulpen LFD, Schutgens REG, Arends JE, Mauser-Bunschoten EP. Liver-related complications before and after successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in people with inherited bleeding disorders. Haemophilia 2023; 29:106-114. [PMID: 36184751 PMCID: PMC10092673 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With availability of direct-acting antivirals (DAA), most persons with inherited bleeding disorders are currently cured of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The risk of liver-related complications following HCV cure has not been reported for this population. AIM Reporting liver-related complications during long-term chronic HCV infection and following sustained virological response (SVR) in this population. METHODS Retrospective follow-up of a prospective single-centre cohort of HCV antibody-positive persons with inherited bleeding disorders. Primary endpoint was liver-related complications [hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), decompensated cirrhosis, bleeding gastroesophageal varices]. Liver-related complications were reported separately during chronic HCV and following SVR, stratified for interferon-based and DAA-based SVR. RESULTS In total 309/381 (81%) HCV antibody-positive individuals developed chronic HCV infection. Median follow-up was 44 years [interquartile range (IQR): 34-50]. Liver-related complications occurred in 36/309 (12%) of individuals with chronic HCV infection after median 31 years of chronic infection. Of 199 individuals with SVR, 97 were cured with interferon-based regimens and 102 with DAA after median infection durations of 29 and 45 years, respectively. At end of follow-up, respectively, 21% and 42% had advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Post-SVR, seven (4%) individuals had a liver-related complication, mainly HCC (n = 4). Incidence of liver-related complications per 100 patient-years post-SVR follow-up was .2 for interferon-cured and 1.0 for DAA-cured individuals (p = .01). CONCLUSION Successful HCV treatment does not eliminate the risk of liver-related complications in persons with inherited bleeding disorders. Due to higher baseline risk, incidence was higher after DAA than interferon-based SVR. We advise continuing HCC surveillance post-SVR in all with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cas J Isfordink
- Van Creveldkliniek, Department of Benign Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karel J van Erpecum
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kathelijn Fischer
- Van Creveldkliniek, Department of Benign Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul R van der Valk
- Van Creveldkliniek, Department of Benign Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lize F D van Vulpen
- Van Creveldkliniek, Department of Benign Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roger E G Schutgens
- Van Creveldkliniek, Department of Benign Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joop E Arends
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Evelien P Mauser-Bunschoten
- Van Creveldkliniek, Department of Benign Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Non-invasive tests for clinically significant portal hypertension after HCV cure. J Hepatol 2022; 77:1573-1585. [PMID: 36063968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Non-invasive tests (NITs) for clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH; hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] ≥10 mmHg) have predominantly been studied in patients with active HCV infection. Investigations after HCV cure are limited and have yielded conflicting results. We conducted a pooled analysis to determine the diagnostic/prognostic utility of liver stiffness measurement (LSM)/platelet count (PLT) in this setting. METHODS A total of 418 patients with pre-treatment HVPG ≥6 mmHg who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) and underwent post-treatment HVPG measurement were assessed, of whom 324 (HVPG/NIT-cohort) also had paired data on pre-/post-treatment LSM/PLT. The derived LSM/PLT criteria were then validated against the direct endpoint decompensation in 755 patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) with SVR (cACLD-validation-cohort). RESULTS HVPG/NIT-cohort: Among patients with cACLD, the pre-/post-treatment prevalence of CSPH was 80%/54%. The correlation between LSM/HVPG increased from pre- to post-treatment (r = 0.45 vs. 0.60), while that of PLT/HVPG remained unchanged. For given LSM/PLT values, HVPG tended to be lower post- vs. pre-treatment, indicating the need for dedicated algorithms. Combining post-treatment LSM/PLT yielded a high diagnostic accuracy for post-treatment CSPH in cACLD (AUC 0.884; 95% CI 0.843-0.926). Post-treatment LSM <12 kPa & PLT >150 G/L excluded CSPH (sensitivity: 99.2%), while LSM ≥25 kPa was highly specific for CSPH (93.6%). cACLD-validation-cohort: the 3-year decompensation risk was 0% in the 42.5% of patients who met the LSM <12 kPa & PLT >150 G/L criteria. In patients with post-treatment LSM ≥25 kPa (prevalence: 16.8%), the 3-year decompensation risk was 9.6%, while it was 1.3% in those meeting none of the above criteria (prevalence: 40.7%). CONCLUSIONS NITs can estimate the probability of CSPH after HCV cure and predict clinical outcomes. Patients with cACLD but LSM <12 kPa & PLT>150 G/L may be discharged from portal hypertension surveillance if no co-factors are present, while patients with LSM ≥25 kPa require surveillance/treatment. LAY SUMMARY Measurement of liver stiffness by a specific ultrasound device and platelet count (a simple blood test) are broadly used for the non-invasive diagnosis of increased blood pressure in the veins leading to the liver, which drives the development of complications in patients with advanced liver disease. The results of our pooled analysis refute previous concerns that these tests are less accurate after the cure of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We have developed diagnostic criteria that facilitate personalized management after HCV cure and allow for a de-escalation of care in a high proportion of patients, thereby decreasing disease burden.
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10
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Jachs M, Schwarz C, Panzer M, Binter T, Aberle SW, Hartl L, Dax K, Aigner E, Stättermayer AF, Munda P, Graziadei I, Holzmann H, Trauner M, Zoller H, Gschwantler M, Mandorfer M, Reiberger T, Ferenci P. Response-guided long-term treatment of chronic hepatitis D patients with bulevirtide-results of a "real world" study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 56:144-154. [PMID: 35514008 PMCID: PMC9321570 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Bulevirtide (BLV) blocks the uptake of the hepatitis D virus (HDV) into hepatocytes via the sodium/bile acid cotransporter NTCP. BLV was conditionally approved by the EMA but real-life data on BLV efficacy are limited. METHODS Patients were treated with BLV monotherapy. Patients who did not achieve further decreases in HDV-RNA after 24 weeks were offered PEG-IFN as an add-on therapy in a response-guided manner. RESULTS Twenty-three patients (m: 10, f: 13; mean age: 47.9 years, cirrhosis: 16; median ALT: 71 IU/ml; median HDV-RNA: 2.1 × 105 copies/ml) started BLV monotherapy (2 mg/day: 22; 10 mg/day: 1). Twenty-two completed ≥24 weeks of treatment (24-137 weeks): Ten (45%) were classified as BLV responders at week 24. BLV was stopped in two patients with >6 months HDV-RNA undetectability, but both became HDV-RNA positive again. One patient was transplanted at week 25. One patient terminated treatment because of side effects at week 60. Ten patients are still on BLV monotherapy. Adding PEG-IFN in eight patients induced an HDV-RNA decrease in all (1.29 ± 0.19 [SD] log within 12 weeks). HDV-RNA decreased by >2log or became undetectable in 45%(10/22), 55%(11/20), 65% (13/20) and 69% (9/13); and ALT levels normalised in 64% (14/22), 85% (17/20), 90% (18/20) and in 92% (12/13) patients at weeks 24, 36, 48 and 60, respectively. Portal pressure decreased in 40% (2/5) of patients undergoing repeated measurement under BLV therapy. CONCLUSION Long-term BLV monotherapy is safe and effectively decreases HDV-RNA and ALT-even in patients with cirrhosis. The optimal duration of BLV treatment alone or in combination with PEG-IFN remains to be established. An algorithm for a response-guided BLV treatment approach is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Jachs
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network for Rare Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Teresa Binter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network for Rare Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan W Aberle
- Center of Clinical Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Hartl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network for Rare Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Elmar Aigner
- SALK und Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Albert F Stättermayer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network for Rare Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Munda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ivo Graziadei
- Department of Medicine, Landeskrankenhaus Hall, Austria
| | | | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network for Rare Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Zoller
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network for Rare Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network for Rare Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Ferenci
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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11
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Mezina A, Krishnan A, Woreta TA, Rubenstein KB, Watson E, Chen PH, Rodriguez-Watson C. Longitudinal assessment of liver stiffness by transient elastography for chronic hepatitis C patients. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:5566-5576. [PMID: 35979107 PMCID: PMC9258363 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i17.5566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a common pathway of liver injury and is a feature of most chronic liver diseases. Fibrosis progression varies markedly in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Liver stiffness has been recommended as a parameter of fibrosis progression/regression in patients with HCV.
AIM To investigate changes in liver stiffness measured by transient elastography (TE) in a large, racially diverse cohort of United States patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).
METHODS We evaluated the differences in liver stiffness between patients treated with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy and untreated patients. Patients had ≥ 2 TE measurements and no prior DAA exposure. We used linear regression to measure the change in liver stiffness between first and last TE in response to treatment, controlling for age, sex, race, diabetes, smoking status, human immunodeficiency virus status, baseline alanine aminotransferase, and baseline liver stiffness. Separate regression models analyzed the change in liver stiffness as measured by kPa, stratified by cirrhosis status.
RESULTS Of 813 patients, 419 (52%) initiated DAA treatment. Baseline liver stiffness was 12 kPa in 127 (16%). Median time between first and last TE was 11.7 and 12.7 mo among treated and untreated patients, respectively. There was no significant change in liver stiffness observed over time in either the group initiating DAA treatment (0.016 kPa/month; CI: -0.051, 0.084) or in the untreated group (0.001 kPa/mo; CI: -0.090, 0.092), controlling for covariates. A higher baseline kPa score was independently associated with decreased liver stiffness.
CONCLUSION DAA treatment was not associated with a differential change in liver stiffness over time in patients with CHC compared to untreated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya Mezina
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
| | - Arunkumar Krishnan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
| | - Tinsay A Woreta
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
| | - Kevin B Rubenstein
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville 20852, United States
| | - Eric Watson
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville 20852, United States
| | - Po-Hung Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
| | - Carla Rodriguez-Watson
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville 20852, United States
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
- Innovation in Medical Evidence Development and Surveillance (IMEDS) Program, Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA, Washington, 20036, United States
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12
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He X, Zhou MX, Cheng C, Li SS, Gao Y, Ma ZT, Song XH, Bai ZF, Zou ZS, Xiao XH, Wang JB, Lu YW. Metabolomic Profiling for Histologically Fibrotic Stage in Chronic Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:896198. [PMID: 35668948 PMCID: PMC9163384 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.896198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Chronic drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a rare but under-researched adverse drug reaction–related disease, which is highly likely to progress into liver fibrosis and even cirrhosis. In this study, metabolomics was used to screen out characteristic metabolites related to the histological progression of fibrosis in chronic DILI and analyze the metabolic changes during the development of fibrosis to explain the underlying mechanism. Methods: Chronic DILI patients who underwent liver biopsy were divided into different fibrosis grades. Serum was analyzed by untargeted metabolomics to find serological characteristic metabolite fingerprints. The screened fingerprints were validated by the validation group patients, and the identification ability of fingerprints was compared using FibroScan. Results: A total of 31 metabolites associated with fibrosis and 11 metabolites associated with advanced fibrosis were identified. The validation group confirmed the accuracy of the two metabolite fingerprints [area under the curve (AUC) value 0.753 and 0.944]. In addition, the fingerprints showed the ability to distinguish the grades of fibrosis by comparing using FibroScan. The metabolite fingerprint pathway showed that bile acid synthesis is disturbed while lipid metabolism is extremely active, resulting in an overload of lipid metabolites in the occurrence and development of chronic DILI–associated fibrosis. Conclusions: Our metabolomic analysis reveals the unique metabolomic fingerprints associated with chronic DILI fibrosis, which have potential clinical diagnostic and prognostic significances. The metabolomic fingerprints suggest the disturbance of the lipid metabolites as the most important factor in the development of DILI fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian He
- School of Pharmacy and Chemistry, Dali University, Dali, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Xi Zhou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi, China
| | - Shan-Shan Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Tao Ma
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Hua Song
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao-Fang Bai
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng-Sheng Zou
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-He Xiao
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Bo Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jia-Bo Wang, ; Ya-Wen Lu,
| | - Ya-Wen Lu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jia-Bo Wang, ; Ya-Wen Lu,
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13
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Cardoso AC, Figueiredo-Mendes C, Villela-Nogueira CA, Marcellin P. Staging Fibrosis in Chronic Viral Hepatitis. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040660. [PMID: 35458391 PMCID: PMC9025777 DOI: 10.3390/v14040660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Staging fibrosis accurately has always been a challenge in viral hepatitis and other liver diseases. Liver biopsy is an imperfect gold standard due to its intra and interobserver agreement limitations and additional characteristics such as its safety and cost. Hence, non-invasive tests have been developed to stage liver fibrosis. In addition to serological biomarkers, physical tests with reasonable accuracy are available and adopted in the daily clinic regarding viral hepatitis fibrosis staging. In this review, we discuss the published data regarding the staging of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B and C, emphasizing non-invasive markers of fibrosis, both serological and physical. Moreover, we also discuss a persistent central gap, the evaluation of liver fibrosis after HCV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Cardoso
- Postgraduate Internal Medicine Program, Hepatology Division, Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudio Figueiredo-Mendes
- Hepatology Division, General Hospital, Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20020-022, Brazil;
| | - Cristiane A. Villela-Nogueira
- Internal Medicine Department, Hepatology Division, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil;
| | - Patrick Marcellin
- Hepatology Department, Hôpital Beaujon, APHP, INSERM, University of Paris, 92110 Clichy, France;
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14
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Isfordink CJ, Maan R, de Man RA, van Erpecum KJ, van der Meer AJ. Should we continue surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma and gastroesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis and cured HCV infection? Eur J Intern Med 2021; 94:6-14. [PMID: 34563447 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2021.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and variceal bleeding are among the most common causes of liver-related mortality in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced cirrhosis. Current guidelines recommend HCC and gastroesophageal varices (GEV) surveillance in patients with HCV infection and cirrhosis. However, since the recent introduction of direct-acting antivirals, most patients with cirrhosis are now cured of their chronic HCV infection. As virological cure is considered to substantially reduce the risk of cirrhosis-related complications, this review discusses the current literature concerning the surveillance of HCC and GEV in patients with HCV-induced cirrhosis with a focus on the setting following sustained virological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cas J Isfordink
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Raoel Maan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert A de Man
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Karel J van Erpecum
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Adriaan J van der Meer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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15
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Cerrito L, Ainora ME, Nicoletti A, Garcovich M, Riccardi L, Pompili M, Gasbarrini A, Zocco MA. Elastography as a predictor of liver cirrhosis complications after hepatitis C virus eradication in the era of direct-acting antivirals. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:1663-1676. [PMID: 34904036 PMCID: PMC8637667 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i11.1663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection leads to liver fibrosis and rearrangement of liver tissue, which is responsible for the development of portal hypertension (PH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The advent of direct-acting antiviral drugs has revolutionized the natural history of HCV infection, providing an overall eradication rate of over 90%. Despite a significant decrease after sustained virological response (SVR), the rate of HCC and liver-related complications is not completely eliminated in patients with advanced liver disease. Although the reasons are still unclear, cirrhosis itself has a residual risk for the development of HCC and other PH-related complications. Ultrasound elastography is a recently developed non-invasive technique for the assessment of liver fibrosis. Following the achievement of SVR, liver stiffness (LS) usually decreases, as a consequence of reduced inflammation and, possibly, fibrosis. Recent studies emphasized the application of LS assessment in the management of patients with SVR in order to define the risk for developing the complications of chronic liver disease (functional decompensation, gastrointestinal bleeding, HCC) and to optimize long-term prognostic outcomes in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cerrito
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Alberto Nicoletti
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Matteo Garcovich
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Laura Riccardi
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome (Italy), Rome 00168, Italy
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16
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Broquetas T, Herruzo-Pino P, Mariño Z, Naranjo D, Vergara M, Morillas RM, Forns X, Carrión JA. Elastography is unable to exclude cirrhosis after sustained virological response in HCV-infected patients with advanced chronic liver disease. Liver Int 2021; 41:2733-2746. [PMID: 34525253 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis and transient elastography (TE) correlation in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) after the sustained virological response (SVR) is unknown. AIMS To evaluate TE accuracy at identifying cirrhosis 3 years after HCV-eradication. METHODS Prospective, multi-centric study including HCV-cACLD patients before direct-acting antivirals (DAA). Diagnostic accuracy of TE (area under ROC, AUROC) to identify cirrhosis 3 years after SVR was evaluated. RESULTS Among 746 HCV-infected patients (95.4% with TE ≥10 kPa), 76 (10.2%) underwent a liver biopsy 3 years after SVR. Before treatment, 46 (63%) showed a TE>15 kPa. The TE before DAA was the best variable for predicting cirrhosis (METAVIR, F4) after SVR (AUROC = 0.79). Liver function parameters, serological non-invasive tests (APRI and FIB-4), and TE values improved after SVR. However, liver biopsy 3 years after HCV elimination (median time = 38.4 months) showed cirrhosis in 41 (53.9%). Multivariate analysis (OR (95% CI), P) showed that HCV-genotype 3 (20.81 (2.12-201.47), .009), and TE before treatment (1.21 (1.09-1.34), <.001) were the only variables associated with cirrhosis after SVR. However, the accuracy of TE after SVR was poor (AUROC = 0.75) and 6 (27.3%) out of 22 patients with a TE <8 kPa had cirrhosis. Similar results were found with APRI and FIB-4 scores. CONCLUSIONS Cirrhosis is present, 3 years after SVR, in more than half of HCV-cACLD patients even with the normalisation of liver function parameters, serological non-invasive tests and TE values. The low diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive methods after SVR reinforces the need for long-term surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Broquetas
- Liver Section, Gastroenterology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Departament de Medicina de la UAB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Herruzo-Pino
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Departament de Medicina de la UAB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zoe Mariño
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolores Naranjo
- Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Pathology Section, Department of Pathology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Vergara
- Liver Unit, Digestive Disease Department, Parc Taulí Sabadell Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Mª Morillas
- Hepatology Department, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Badalona, Spain
| | - Xavier Forns
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José A Carrión
- Liver Section, Gastroenterology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Departament de Medicina de la UAB, Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Ahumada A, Rayón L, Usón C, Bañares R, Alonso Lopez S. Hepatocellular carcinoma risk after viral response in hepatitis C virus-advanced fibrosis: Who to screen and for how long? World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:6737-6749. [PMID: 34790004 PMCID: PMC8567476 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i40.6737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection is associated with fibrosis progression, end-stage liver complications and HCC. Not surprisingly, HCV infection is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. After sustained virological response (SVR), the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma is not completely eliminated in patients with established cirrhosis or with advanced fibrosis. Therefore, lifelong surveillance is currently recommended. This strategy is likely not universally cost-effective and harmless, considering that not all patients with advanced fibrosis have the same risk of developing HCC. Factors related to the severity of liver disease and its potential to improve after SVR, the molecular and epigenetic changes that occur during infection and other associated comorbidities might account for different risk levels and are likely essential for identifying patients who would benefit from screening programs after SVR. Efforts to develop predictive models and risk calculators, biomarkers and genetic panels and even deep learning models to estimate the individual risk of HCC have been made in the direct-acting antiviral agents era, when thousands of patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis have reached SVR. These tools could help to identify patients with very low HCC risk in whom surveillance might not be justified. In this review, factors affecting the probability of HCC development after SVR, the benefits and risks of surveillance, suggested strategies to estimate individualized HCC risk and the current evidence to recommend lifelong surveillance are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Ahumada
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid 28007, Spain
- Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid 28007, Spain
| | - Laura Rayón
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid 28007, Spain
| | - Clara Usón
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid 28007, Spain
| | - Rafael Bañares
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid 28007, Spain
- Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid 28007, Spain
- Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28006, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Sonia Alonso Lopez
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid 28007, Spain
- Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid 28007, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
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18
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Fang JM, Cheng J, Chang MF, Ahn J, Westerhoff M. Transient elastography versus liver biopsy: discordance in evaluations for fibrosis and steatosis from a pathology standpoint. Mod Pathol 2021; 34:1955-1962. [PMID: 34108635 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00851-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) is a non-invasive method of evaluating liver fibrosis and steatosis. It can easily be performed in the outpatient setting and has been suggested as an alternative to liver biopsy. However, VCTE and biopsy discrepancies commonly occur. Patient characteristics, procedure performance, and liver features can impact the reliability of VCTE results. We identified 82 patients who received VCTE and biopsy within one month to assess how frequently major discrepancies occur and to determine the role of the liver biopsy in this workup. In our study, 35.4% of patients had a major fibrosis discrepancy, which was defined as advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis by VCTE and no to minimal fibrosis on biopsy. This was significantly associated with increased BMI, and liver features including steatohepatitis, inflammation, congestion, and cholestasis were important contributors to discrepancies. All patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis on liver biopsy were appropriately detected by VCTE (n = 28). Detection of steatosis was less sensitive as 19% (n = 4 of 21) of patients with moderate to severe steatosis on biopsy were missed by VCTE. Liver biopsy has been traditionally performed for diagnosis, but with the emergence of non-invasive tools to evaluate for liver fibrosis and steatosis, biopsies are now additionally being performed to confirm findings from noninvasive procedures. Although VCTE is a highly sensitive tool for liver fibrosis, it is not as specific, and therefore, the liver biopsy remains the gold standard for accurate fibrosis assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayun M Fang
- Department of Pathology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Jerome Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael F Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Joseph Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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19
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EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on non-invasive tests for evaluation of liver disease severity and prognosis - 2021 update. J Hepatol 2021; 75:659-689. [PMID: 34166721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 675] [Impact Index Per Article: 225.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive tests are increasingly being used to improve the diagnosis and prognostication of chronic liver diseases across aetiologies. Herein, we provide the latest update to the EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the use of non-invasive tests for the evaluation of liver disease severity and prognosis, focusing on the topics for which relevant evidence has been published in the last 5 years.
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20
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Barbosa WF, Andrade VG, Braz AMM, Winckler FC, Barbosa LR, Golim MDA, Silveira LVDA, Simões RP, Silva GF. Cirrhosis regression after SVR with indirect methods of fibrosis analysis: How far is it real? Clin Exp Med 2021; 22:269-275. [PMID: 34347205 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-021-00749-1] [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: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus has infected over 71 million people worldwide, and it is the main cause of cirrhosis in the western world. Currently, the treatment involves direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) and its main goal is to achieve sustained virologic response (SVR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of SVR using DAAs in the improvement of liver fibrosis using scores evaluation by indirect method, liver function, and inflammation indirect biomarkers. Patients with cirrhosis with SVR after treatment (n = 104) were evaluated using liver function scores, indirect fibrosis methods, alpha-fetoprotein, and ferritin at t-base and t-SVR. Statistically significant positive results in all parameters were observed: 54 patients were classified as 5 in the CP score in t-base, and 77 in t-SVR; a significant decrease was observed in MELD score, alpha-fetoprotein, ferritin, APRI, FIB-4 and liver stiffness in liver elastography. We did not observe difference in the liver function scores between regressors and non-regressors of liver stiffness, as well as in indirect inflammation biomarkers. The measurements of fibrosis using the indirect methods have significantly decreased in patients with cirrhosis treated who achieved SVR associated with decreased indirect inflammation biomarkers and improved liver function scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walnei Fernandes Barbosa
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Gutierrez Andrade
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline Márcia Marques Braz
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Cristina Winckler
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Livia Roma Barbosa
- Undergraduate Course in Medicine, Taubaté Medical School - UNITAU, Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Márjorie de Assis Golim
- Graduate Program in Research and Development (Medical Biotechnology), Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Liciana Vaz de Arruda Silveira
- Department of Bioestatistics, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Plana Simões
- Graduate Program in Research and Development (Medical Biotechnology), Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovanni Faria Silva
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. .,Graduate Program in Research and Development (Medical Biotechnology), Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
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21
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Elkrief L, Lazareth M, Chevret S, Paradis V, Magaz M, Blaise L, Rubbia-Brandt L, Moga L, Durand F, Payancé A, Plessier A, Chaffaut C, Valla D, Malphettes M, Diaz A, Nault JC, Nahon P, Audureau E, Ratziu V, Castera L, Garcia Pagan JC, Ganne-Carrie N, Rautou PE. Liver Stiffness by Transient Elastography to Detect Porto-Sinusoidal Vascular Liver Disease With Portal Hypertension. Hepatology 2021; 74:364-378. [PMID: 33345307 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Porto-sinusoidal vascular liver disease (PSVD) is a rare cause of portal hypertension. PSVD is still often misdiagnosed as cirrhosis, emphasizing the need to improve PSVD diagnosis strategies. Data on liver stiffness measurement using transient elastography (TE-LSM) in PSVD are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of TE-LSM to discriminate PSVD from cirrhosis in patients with signs of portal hypertension. APPROACH AND RESULTS Retrospective multicenter study comparing TE-LSM in patients with PSVD, according to Vascular Liver Disease Interest Group criteria, with patients with compensated biopsy-proven cirrhosis associated with alcohol (n = 117), HCV infection (n = 110), or NAFLD (n = 46). All patients had at least one sign of portal hypertension among gastroesophageal varices, splenomegaly, portosystemic collaterals, history of ascites, or platelet count < 150 × 109 /L. The 77 patients with PSVD included in the test cohort had lower median TE-LSM (7.9 kPa) than the patients with alcohol-associated, HCV-related, and NAFLD-related cirrhosis (33.8, 18.2, and 33.6 kPa, respectively; P < 0.001). When compared with cirrhosis, a cutoff value of 10 kPa had a specificity of 97% for the diagnosis of PSVD with a 85% positive predictive value. A cutoff value of 20 kPa had a sensitivity of 94% for ruling out PSVD with a 97% negative predictive value. Of the patients, 94% were well-classified. Even better results were obtained in a validation cohort including 78 patients with PSVD. CONCLUSIONS This study including a total of 155 patients with PSVD and 273 patients with cirrhosis demonstrates that TE-LSM < 10 kPa strongly suggests PSVD in patients with signs of portal hypertension. Conversely, when TE-LSM is >20 kPa, PSVD is highly unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Elkrief
- Service de Transplantation et Hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Switzerland.,Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, CHU de Tours, France.,Université de Paris, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Inserm, U1149, CNRS, ERL8252, Paris, France
| | - Marie Lazareth
- Université de Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie, DMU DIGEST, Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, FILFOIE, ERN RARE-LIVER, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Inserm, UMR 1149, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Chevret
- Service de Biostatistiques et Information médicale, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP and Inserm, UMR-1153, ECSTRA Team, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Paradis
- Université de Paris, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Inserm, U1149, CNRS, ERL8252, Paris, France.,Service d'Anatomopathologie, DHU Unity, DMU Digest, Hôpital Beaujon, AP-HP, Clichy, France
| | - Marta Magaz
- Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, European Reference Network for Rare Liver Disorders, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS and CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Laura Rubbia-Brandt
- Service d'anatomie et cytologie pathologiques, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Switzerland
| | - Lucile Moga
- Université de Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie, DMU DIGEST, Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, FILFOIE, ERN RARE-LIVER, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Inserm, UMR 1149, Paris, France
| | - François Durand
- Université de Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie, DMU DIGEST, Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, FILFOIE, ERN RARE-LIVER, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Inserm, UMR 1149, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Payancé
- Université de Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie, DMU DIGEST, Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, FILFOIE, ERN RARE-LIVER, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Inserm, UMR 1149, Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Plessier
- Université de Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie, DMU DIGEST, Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, FILFOIE, ERN RARE-LIVER, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Inserm, UMR 1149, Paris, France
| | - Cendrine Chaffaut
- Service de Biostatistiques et Information médicale, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP and Inserm, UMR-1153, ECSTRA Team, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Valla
- Université de Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie, DMU DIGEST, Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, FILFOIE, ERN RARE-LIVER, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Inserm, UMR 1149, Paris, France
| | - Marion Malphettes
- Service d'Immunopathologie clinique, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Alba Diaz
- Pathology Unit, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS and CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jean-Charles Nault
- AP-HP, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Liver Unit, Bondy, France.,University Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, "équipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Bobigny, France.,Inserm, UMR-1162 «Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors», Paris, France
| | - Pierre Nahon
- AP-HP, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Liver Unit, Bondy, France.,University Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, "équipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Bobigny, France.,Inserm, UMR-1162 «Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors», Paris, France
| | - Etienne Audureau
- AP-HP, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Département de Santé Publique, and Université Paris-Est, A-TVB DHU, CEpiA (Clinical Epidemiology and Aging) Unit EA4393, UPEC, Créteil, France
| | - Vlad Ratziu
- Service d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Castera
- Université de Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie, DMU DIGEST, Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, FILFOIE, ERN RARE-LIVER, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Inserm, UMR 1149, Paris, France
| | - Juan-Carlos Garcia Pagan
- Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, European Reference Network for Rare Liver Disorders, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS and CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nathalie Ganne-Carrie
- AP-HP, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Liver Unit, Bondy, France.,University Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, "équipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Bobigny, France.,Inserm, UMR-1162 «Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors», Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Rautou
- Université de Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie, DMU DIGEST, Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, FILFOIE, ERN RARE-LIVER, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Inserm, UMR 1149, Paris, France
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22
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Higuchi M, Tamaki N, Kurosaki M, Inada K, Kirino S, Yamashita K, Hayakawa Y, Sekiguchi S, Osawa L, Takaura K, Maeyashiki C, Kaneko S, Yasui Y, Tsuchiya K, Nakanishi H, Itakura J, Enomoto N, Izumi N. Changes of liver stiffness measured by magnetic resonance elastography during direct-acting antivirals treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C. J Med Virol 2021; 93:3744-3751. [PMID: 32890408 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Almost all patients achieved sustained virological response (SVR) by direct-acting antivirals (DAA) therapy, but it is not clear as to what extent DAA therapy affects changes in liver fibrosis after achieving SVR. In this study, we investigated the changes of liver stiffness by magnetic resonance elastogaraphy (MRE) during DAA therapy. A total of 308 patients were enrolled in the study. Liver stiffness was measured twice before and after DAA treatment using MRE and time-course change of liver stiffness was investigated. The median (interquartile range) values for liver stiffness were 4.2 (3.2-6.1) kPa at baseline and 3.3 (2.6-4.8) kPa at SVR, demonstrating a significant improvement (p < .01). A total of 44% of patients had no improvement in liver stiffness despite achieving SVR. In patients with advanced fibrosis (lower level of albumin [Alb] or histological fibrosis stage F4), it was difficult to improve liver stiffness. Except for Alb, there were no blood tests associated with nonimprovement in liver stiffness, making these cases difficult to predict. In conclusion, despite obtaining SVR, improvement in liver stiffness could not be obtained in some cases, especially in patients with advanced fibrosis. In these patients, liver stiffness must be followed even if SVR is obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayu Higuchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Nobuharu Tamaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kurosaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kento Inada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sakura Kirino
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Yuka Hayakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuhei Sekiguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Leona Osawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Kenta Takaura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiaki Maeyashiki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yasui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Tsuchiya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakanishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Itakura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Enomoto
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Namiki Izumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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23
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Improvement in Liver Stiffness in Pediatric Patients with Hepatitis C Virus after Treatment with Direct Acting Antivirals. J Pediatr 2021; 233:126-131. [PMID: 33577805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the degree of liver stiffness using transient elastography in Egyptian children infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) at baseline and 1 year after achievement of sustained virologic response (SVR) with direct acting antivirals. STUDY DESIGN This prospective study included children infected with HCV who received treatment with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir and achieved SVR. At baseline and 1 year after achievement of SVR, the extent of hepatic fibrosis was assessed by transient elastography using FibroScan to measure liver stiffness, in addition to noninvasive markers including aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index. RESULTS The study included 23 cases that had variable degrees of fibrosis at baseline; their ages ranged between 10 and 18 years. At baseline, 13 patients had F1; 3 patients had F1-F2; 1 patient had F2; 3 patients had F3; 2 had F3-F4; and 2 patients with F4. One year after achievement of SVR, there was a statistically significant improvement in liver stiffness, APRI, and FIB-4 index (P = .03, <.001, .02, respectively). In 13 patients (56.5%), the liver stiffness improved; in 7 patients, it was stationary; and the remaining 3 patients showed mild increase in liver stiffness that was, however, associated with improvement in APRI and FIB-4 index. Comorbid conditions and previous treatment with interferon were not associated with increased liver stiffness 1 year after SVR. CONCLUSIONS Egyptian children infected with HCV genotype 4 achieved significant regression in liver stiffness after treatment with direct acting antivirals.
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24
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Isfordink CJ, van Erpecum KJ, van der Valk M, Mauser-Bunschoten EP, Makris M. Viral hepatitis in haemophilia: historical perspective and current management. Br J Haematol 2021; 195:174-185. [PMID: 33955555 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of clotting factor concentrates has substantially improved the lives of people with clotting factor deficiencies. Unfortunately, the transmission of blood-borne viral infections through these plasma-derived products led to a huge epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus and viral hepatitis in people with haemophilia (PWH). In a significant proportion of PWH exposed to these viruses, the ensuing decades-long chronic infection resulted in excess morbidity and mortality. Fortunately, developments in the safety of blood products, as well as vaccination and highly effective antiviral treatments have improved the prospects of PWH. The present article reviews the background of the viral hepatitis epidemic in PWH, the natural history of hepatitis B and C infections and their long-term management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cas J Isfordink
- Van Creveldkliniek, Department of Benign Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Karel J van Erpecum
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marc van der Valk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Evelien P Mauser-Bunschoten
- Van Creveldkliniek, Department of Benign Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Makris
- Sheffield Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.,Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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25
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Jayaswal ANA, Levick C, Collier J, Tunnicliffe EM, Kelly MD, Neubauer S, Barnes E, Pavlides M. Liver cT 1 decreases following direct-acting antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2021; 46:1947-1957. [PMID: 33247768 PMCID: PMC8131342 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-020-02860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Direct-acting antiviral therapies (DAAs) for treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) have excellent rates of viral eradication, but their effect on regression of liver fibrosis is unclear. The primary aim was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) to evaluate changes in liver fibrosis, liver fat and liver iron content (LIC) in patients with chronic HCV following treatment with DAAs. METHODS In this prospective study, 15 patients with chronic HCV due to start treatment with DAAs and with transient elastography (TE) > 8 kPa were recruited consecutively. Patients underwent MRI and MRS at baseline (before treatment), and at 24 weeks and 48 weeks after the end of treatment (EoT) for the measurement of liver cT1 (fibroinflammation), liver fat and T2* (LIC). RESULTS All patients achieved a sustained virological response. Liver cT1 showed significant decreases from baseline to 24 weeks post EoT (876 vs 806 ms, p = 0.002, n = 15), baseline to 48 weeks post EoT (876 vs 788 ms, p = 0.0002, n = 13) and 24 weeks post EoT to 48 weeks post EoT (806 vs 788 ms, p = 0.016, n = 13). Between baseline and 48 weeks EoT significant reduction in liver fat (5.17% vs 2.65%, p = 0.027) and an increase in reported LIC (0.913 vs 0.950 mg/g, p = 0.021) was observed. CONCLUSION Liver cT1 decreases in patients with chronic HCV undergoing successful DAA treatment. The relatively fast reduction in cT1 suggests a reduction in inflammation rather than regression of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun N A Jayaswal
- Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christina Levick
- Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jane Collier
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth M Tunnicliffe
- Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Stefan Neubauer
- Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Eleanor Barnes
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael Pavlides
- Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK.
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26
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Pockros PJ, Pan JJ. Don't Stop Post-Sustained Virologic Response Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance Just Yet! Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:2363-2364. [PMID: 31754685 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz1142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Pockros
- Liver Disease Center, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California, USA.,Clinical Research, Scripps Translational Science Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jason J Pan
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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27
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The Impact of Markers of HIV Infection on Change in Liver Stiffness in People With HIV and Hepatitis C Virus Co-infection After Treatment and Cure of Hepatitis C. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 85:e81-e89. [PMID: 32842055 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Markers of HIV disease severity are associated with increased liver fibrosis in HIV/Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infected individuals. HCV treatment may reverse liver fibrosis, but evidence among HIV/HCV-co-infected populations and the impact of HIV parameters on fibrosis regression is limited. We aimed to assess the influence of surrogate markers of HIV-infection and other determinants of liver stiffness before HCV treatment and changes after HCV cure in people living with HIV. METHODS We used data from an HCV treatment implementation study aiming for HCV micro-elimination among gay and bisexual men with HIV in Melbourne, Australia (co-EC Study). We obtained liver stiffness measurements (LSM) before and after direct-acting antiviral treatment using transient elastography (FibroScan). Linear mixed models were used to evaluate determinants of pretreatment LSM and changes in LSM following cure with duration in years between pre- and post-LSM assessment as main exposure variable. RESULTS At least one LSM was available in 173 participants, and 98 participants had 2 LSMs. Median pre- and post-treatment LSMs were 5.7 and 5.1 kPa, respectively. Median time between transient elastography measurements was 1.3 years (interquartile range = 0.9-2.1). In multivariable analysis, longer duration of known HIV infection, a lower CD4 and CD8 T-cell count and hazardous alcohol consumption were associated with higher LSM values before treatment initiation. Successfully treated patients had a 6% (95% confidence interval = -10% to -2%) annual decrease (0.34 kPa predicted decrease) in LSM following cure. Changes in LSM values did not depend on any of the pretreatment HIV markers or other factors. CONCLUSION Low levels of liver stiffness were observed before treatment initiation and a small decrease (6%) in LSM following HCV cure in people living with HIV. No clear predictors affecting change in LSM following cure were found in this study, including markers of HIV infection. However, markers of advanced HIV immunodeficiency and hazardous alcohol consumption remained associated with higher LSM values even after HCV cure.
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28
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You MW, Kim KW, Shim JJ, Pyo J. Impact of liver-stiffness measurement on hepatocellular carcinoma development in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with direct-acting antivirals: A systematic review and time-to-event meta-analysis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:601-608. [PMID: 32875681 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are still at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) even after achieving sustained virologic response (SVR). Liver-stiffness measurement (LSM) on imaging has been investigated as a predictor of HCC occurrence. OBJECTIVES To provide systematic summary of the predictive value of LSM in predicting HCC occurrence in HCV patients treated with DAA. METHODS A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed-MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed to identify studies that evaluated the predictive value of LSM in CHC patients treated with DAAs. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) comparing HCC occurrence between patients with positive and negative results on LSM was calculated for all studies and various subgroups. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed. RESULTS A review of 135 candidate articles identified eight eligible articles with a total of 3398patients for qualitative review and meta-analysis. The pooled HR for HCC occurrence determined by LSM was 3.43 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63-7.19) with heterogeneity (I2 = 81.87%, P < 0.001), thus indicating that LSM might be helpful for predicting HCC occurrence. In subgroup analyses, pooled HRs were different according to the study design (2.29; [95% CI, 0.96-5.45] for retrospective studies; 4.61 [95% CI, 2.44-8.71] for prospective studies), study population (4.00 [95% CI, 2.00-7.99] for CHC; 2.64 [0.99-7.00] for CHC with liver cirrhosis) and LSM parameter (3.17 [95% CI, 1.35-7.41] for baseline LSM; 4.19 [95% CI, 1.89-9.29] for others). In multivariate meta-regression, study design was the only influencing factor for pooled HR for HCC occurrence (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Consistent evidence demonstrated the predictive value of LSM for HCC occurrence in CHC patients treated with DAA. The significant influencing factor for risk of HCC occurrence indicated by LSM was study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung-Won You
- Department of Radiology, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung Won Kim
- Department of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Jun Shim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Junhee Pyo
- WHO Collaborating Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Alonso López S, Manzano ML, Gea F, Gutiérrez ML, Ahumada AM, Devesa MJ, Olveira A, Polo BA, Márquez L, Fernández I, Cobo JCR, Rayón L, Riado D, Izquierdo S, Usón C, Real Y, Rincón D, Fernández-Rodríguez CM, Bañares R. A Model Based on Noninvasive Markers Predicts Very Low Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk After Viral Response in Hepatitis C Virus-Advanced Fibrosis. Hepatology 2020; 72:1924-1934. [PMID: 33022803 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and advanced fibrosis remain at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after sustained viral response (SVR) and need lifelong surveillance. Because HCC risk is not homogenous and may decrease with fibrosis regression, we aimed to identify patients with low HCC risk based on the prediction of noninvasive markers and its changes after SVR. APPROACH AND RESULTS This is a multicenter cohort study, including patients with HCV and compensated advanced fibrosis that achieved SVR after direct antivirals. Clinical and transient elastography (TE) data were registered at baseline, 1 year, and 3 years after the end of treatment (EOT). All patients underwent liver ultrasound scan every 6 months. Patients with clinical evaluation 1 year after EOT were eligible. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed, and predictive models were constructed. HCC occurrence rates were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier. Nine hundred and ninety-three patients were eligible (56% male; 44% female; median age 62 years), 35 developed HCC (3.9%), and the median follow-up was 45 months (range 13-53). Baseline liver stiffness measurement (LSM) (HR 1.040; 95% CI 1.017-1.064), serum albumin (HR 0.400; 95% CI 0.174-0.923), 1-year DeltaLSM (HR 0.993; 95% CI 0.987-0.998), and 1-year FIB-4 score (HR 1.095; 95% CI 1.046-1.146) were independent factors associated with HCC. The TE-based HCC risk model predicted 0% of HCC occurrence at 3 years in patients with score 0 (baseline LSM ≤ 17.3 kPa, albumin >4.2 g/dL, and 1-year DeltaLSM > 25.5%) versus 5.2% in patients with score 1-3 (Harrell's C 0.779; log-rank 0.002). An alternative model with FIB-4 similarly predicted HCC risk. CONCLUSIONS A combination of baseline and dynamic changes in noninvasive markers may help to identify patients with a very low risk of HCC development after SVR.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/epidemiology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/virology
- Disease Progression
- Elasticity Imaging Techniques
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Hepacivirus/isolation & purification
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/blood
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/drug therapy
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/pathology
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/virology
- Humans
- Liver/diagnostic imaging
- Liver/pathology
- Liver Cirrhosis/blood
- Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy
- Liver Cirrhosis/pathology
- Liver Cirrhosis/virology
- Liver Neoplasms/blood
- Liver Neoplasms/epidemiology
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/virology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Assessment/methods
- Risk Factors
- Sustained Virologic Response
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Alonso López
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto De Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Gea
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - María José Devesa
- Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Olveira
- Hepatology Unit, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Benjamin Arturo Polo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Márquez
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Laura Rayón
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Riado
- Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Izquierdo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara Usón
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Real
- Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario La Princesa Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Rincón
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto De Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Conrado M Fernández-Rodríguez
- Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Rey Juan Carlos Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Bañares
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto De Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
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30
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Clinical outcome and hemodynamic changes following HCV eradication with oral antiviral therapy in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension. J Hepatol 2020; 73:1415-1424. [PMID: 32535060 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.05.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH), defined as a hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) ≥10 mmHg, persists 24 weeks after sustained virological response (SVR) in up to 78% of patients with HCV-related cirrhosis treated with direct-acting antivirals. These patients remain at risk of decompensation. However, long-term paired clinical and hemodynamic data are not available for this population. METHODS We conducted a prospective multicenter study in 226 patients with HCV-related cirrhosis and CSPH who achieved SVR after antiviral therapy. Patients with CSPH 24 weeks after end of treatment (SVR24) were offered another hemodynamic assessment 96 weeks after end of treatment (SVR96). RESULTS All patients were clinically evaluated. Out of 176 patients with CSPH at SVR24, 117 (66%) underwent an HVPG measurement at SVR96. At SVR96, 55/117 (47%) patients had HVPG <10 mmHg and 53% had CSPH (65% if we assume persistence of CSPH in all 59 non-evaluated patients). The proportion of high-risk patients (HVPG ≥16 mmHg) diminished from 41% to 15%. Liver stiffness decreased markedly after SVR (median decrease 10.5 ± 13 kPa) but did not correlate with HVPG changes (30% of patients with liver stiffness measurement <13.6 kPa still had CSPH). Seventeen (7%) patients presented with de novo/additional clinical decompensation, which was independently associated with baseline HVPG ≥16 mmHg and history of ascites. CONCLUSIONS Patients achieving SVR experienced a progressive reduction in portal pressure during follow-up. However, CSPH may persist in up to 53-65% of patients at SVR96, indicating persistent risk of decompensation. History of ascites and high-risk HVPG values identified patients at higher risk of de novo or further clinical decompensation. LAY SUMMARY As a major complication of cirrhosis, clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Herein, we show that CSPH persists at 96 weeks in just over half of patients with HCV-related cirrhosis, despite HCV elimination by direct-acting antivirals. Despite viral cure, patients with CSPH at the start of antiviral treatment remain at long-term risk of hepatic complications and should be managed accordingly.
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31
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Fang C, Sidhu PS. Ultrasound-based liver elastography: current results and future perspectives. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2020; 45:3463-3472. [PMID: 32918106 PMCID: PMC7593307 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-020-02717-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver disease affects 185 million population worldwide. It encompasses a heterogenous disease spectrum, but all can lead to the development of liver fibrosis. The degree of liver fibrosis is not only a prognosticator, but has also been used to guide the treatment strategy and to evaluate treatment response. Traditionally, staging of liver fibrosis is determined on histological analysis using samples obtained from an invasive liver biopsy. Ultrasound-based liver elastography is a non-invasive method of assessing diffuse liver disease in patients with known chronic liver disease. The use of liver elastography has led to a significant reduction in the number of liver biopsies performed to assess the severity of liver fibrosis and a liver biopsy is now reserved for only select sub-groups of patients. The aim of this review article is to discuss the key findings and current evidence for ultrasound-based elastography in diffuse liver disease as well as the technical challenges and to evaluate the potential research direction.
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32
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Masetti C, Lleo A, Colombo M, Colombo M, Aghemo A. Postsustained Virological Response Management in Hepatitis C Patients. Semin Liver Dis 2020; 40:233-239. [PMID: 32107758 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1702944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) has revolutionized management and care of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, leading to cure rates higher than 90% in patients with advanced liver disease as well. Viral eradication has been associated with longer survival, reduced mortality from both hepatic and extrahepatic causes, improvement in liver function, and reduced incidence of HCV-related extrahepatic diseases. While patients with mild fibrosis can safely be discharged after achievement of a sustained virological response, patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis remain at risk of developing complications of liver disease, thus requiring regular and life-long surveillance. Major complications of cirrhosis that need to be monitored are hepatocellular carcinoma onset and development or progression of clinically significant portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Masetti
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Colombo
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Colombo
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Aghemo
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
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33
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Loomba R, Adams LA. Advances in non-invasive assessment of hepatic fibrosis. Gut 2020; 69:1343-1352. [PMID: 32066623 PMCID: PMC7945956 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2018-317593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis should be assessed in all individuals with chronic liver disease as it predicts the risk of future liver-related morbidity and thus need for treatment, monitoring and surveillance. Non-invasive fibrosis tests (NITs) overcome many limitations of liver biopsy and are now routinely incorporated into specialist clinical practice. Simple serum-based tests (eg, Fibrosis Score 4, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Fibrosis Score) consist of readily available biochemical surrogates and clinical risk factors for liver fibrosis (eg, age and sex). These have been extensively validated across a spectrum of chronic liver diseases, however, tend to be less accurate than more 'complex' serum tests, which incorporate direct measures of fibrogenesis or fibrolysis (eg, hyaluronic acid, N-terminal propeptide of type three collagen). Elastography methods quantify liver stiffness as a marker of fibrosis and are more accurate than simple serum NITs, however, suffer increasing rates of unreliability with increasing obesity. MR elastography appears more accurate than sonographic elastography and is not significantly impacted by obesity but is costly with limited availability. NITs are valuable for excluding advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, however, are not sufficiently predictive when used in isolation. Combining serum and elastography techniques increases diagnostic accuracy and can be used as screening and confirmatory tests, respectively. Unfortunately, NITs have not yet been demonstrated to accurately reflect fibrosis change in response to treatment, limiting their role in disease monitoring. However, recent studies have demonstrated lipidomic, proteomic and gut microbiome profiles as well as microRNA signatures to be promising techniques for fibrosis assessment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Epidemiology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Leon A Adams
- Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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34
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Frías M, Rivero-Juárez A, Machuca I, Camacho Á, Rivero A. The outlook for precision medicine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection: challenges and opportunities. EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2020.1764346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Frías
- Clinical Virology and Zoonoses, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juárez
- Clinical Virology and Zoonoses, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, Spain
| | - Isabel Machuca
- Clinical Virology and Zoonoses, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ángela Camacho
- Clinical Virology and Zoonoses, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Clinical Virology and Zoonoses, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, Spain
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35
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Hepatitis C: Does Successful Treatment Alter the Natural History and Quality of Life? Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2020; 49:301-314. [PMID: 32389364 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cure of chronic hepatitis C infection has a major impact on the morbidity and mortality of infected patients. It is now clear that sustained virologic response improves overall survival and significantly reduces the risk of liver failure, fibrosis progression, need of liver transplantation, and incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, hepatitis C eradication improves a broad range of extrahepatic manifestations, such as dermatologic, neoplastic, cardiovascular, and endocrine, and improves quality of life.
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36
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Dash S, Aydin Y, Widmer KE, Nayak L. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Mechanisms Associated with Chronic HCV Infection and the Impact of Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2020; 7:45-76. [PMID: 32346535 PMCID: PMC7167284 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s221187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the major risk factor for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mechanisms of HCC initiation, growth, and metastasis appear to be highly complex due to the decade-long interactions between the virus, immune system, and overlapping bystander effects of host metabolic liver disease. The lack of a readily accessible animal model system for HCV is a significant obstacle to understand the mechanisms of viral carcinogenesis. Traditionally, the primary prevention strategy of HCC has been to eliminate infection by antiviral therapy. The success of virus elimination by antiviral treatment is determined by the SVR when the HCV is no longer detectable in serum. Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) and its analogs, pegylated IFN-α (PEG-IFN-α) alone with ribavirin (RBV), have been the primary antiviral treatment of HCV for many years with a low cure rate. The cloning and sequencing of HCV have allowed the development of cell culture models, which accelerated antiviral drug discovery. It resulted in the selection of highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-based combination therapy that now offers incredible success in curing HCV infection in more than 95% of all patients, including those with cirrhosis. However, several emerging recent publications claim that patients who have liver cirrhosis at the time of DAAs treatment face the risk of HCC occurrence and recurrence after viral cure. This remains a substantial challenge while addressing the long-term benefit of antiviral medicine. The host-related mechanisms that drive the risk of HCC in the absence of the virus are unknown. This review describes the multifaceted mechanisms that create a tumorigenic environment during chronic HCV infection. In addition to the potential oncogenic programming that drives HCC after viral clearance by DAAs, the current status of a biomarker development for early prediction of cirrhosis regression and HCC detection post viral treatment is discussed. Since DAAs treatment does not provide full protection against reinfection or viral transmission to other individuals, the recent studies for a vaccine development are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikanta Dash
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.,Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Yucel Aydin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Kyle E Widmer
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
| | - Leela Nayak
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
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37
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Martínez-Campreciós J, Bonis Puig S, Pons Delgado M, Salcedo Allende MT, Mínguez Rosique B, Genescà Ferrer J. Transient elastography in DAA era. Relation between post-SVR LSM and histology. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:453-455. [PMID: 31816146 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The natural history of HCV chronic infection has drastically changed after direct-acting antiviral treatment. Due to the high sustained virological response (SVR) achieved, noninvasive estimation of liver fibrosis regression has become a major key point. The present study tries to evaluate the relation between liver histology and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (TE) after SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Martínez-Campreciós
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Research Institut (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Bonis Puig
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Research Institut (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica Pons Delgado
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Research Institut (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Teresa Salcedo Allende
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Research Institut (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Mínguez Rosique
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Research Institut (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Genescà Ferrer
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Research Institut (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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38
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Gorin JB, Malone DFG, Strunz B, Carlsson T, Aleman S, Björkström NK, Falconer K, Sandberg JK. Plasma FABP4 is associated with liver disease recovery during treatment-induced clearance of chronic HCV infection. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2081. [PMID: 32034167 PMCID: PMC7005788 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58768-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have dramatically improved the management of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). In this study, we investigated the effects of hepatitis C virus clearance on markers of systemic inflammation measured in plasma samples from CHC patients before, during and after DAA therapy. We identified a plasma soluble protein profile associated with CHC. Successful DAA therapy rapidly normalised the plasma inflammatory milieu, with the notable exception of soluble (s)CD163, a marker of macrophage activation, which remained elevated after viral clearance and segregated patients with high and low levels of cirrhosis. Patients who received DAA in combination with Ribavirin maintained elevated levels of CXCL10, consistent with an immune-stimulatory role of Ribavirin. As anticipated, DAA-treated patients experienced durable improvement in liver fibrosis measurements. Interestingly, pre-treatment levels of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) were inversely associated with reduction of APRI and FIB-4 scores during treatment. Together, these results support the notion of a rapid restoration of many aspects of the inflammatory state in CHC patients in response to DAA therapy. Furthermore, the associations with sCD163 and FABP4 warrant further investigation into the role of macrophages in residual liver disease and fibrosis resolution after viral clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Gorin
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David F G Malone
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benedikt Strunz
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tony Carlsson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Soo Aleman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niklas K Björkström
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karolin Falconer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan K Sandberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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39
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Patel K, Sebastiani G. Limitations of non-invasive tests for assessment of liver fibrosis. JHEP Rep 2020; 2:100067. [PMID: 32118201 PMCID: PMC7047178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2020.100067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnostic assessment of liver injury is an important step in the management of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Although liver biopsy is the reference standard for the assessment of necroinflammation and fibrosis, the inherent limitations of an invasive procedure, and need for repeat sampling, have led to the development of several non-invasive tests (NITs) as alternatives to liver biopsy. Such non-invasive approaches mostly include biological (serum biomarker algorithms) or physical (imaging assessment of tissue stiffness) assessments. However, currently available NITs have several limitations, such as variability, inadequate accuracy and risk factors for error, while the development of a newer generation of biomarkers for fibrosis may be limited by the sampling error inherent to the reference standard. Many of the current NITs were initially developed to diagnose significant fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C, subsequently refined for the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and further adapted for prognostication in CLD. An important consideration is that despite their increased use in clinical practice, these NITs were not designed to reflect the dynamic process of fibrogenesis, differentiate between adjacent disease stages, diagnose non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or follow longitudinal changes in fibrosis or disease activity caused by natural history or therapeutic intervention. Understanding the strengths and limitations of these NITs will allow for more judicious interpretation in the clinical context, where NITs should be viewed as complementary to, rather than as a replacement for, liver biopsy.
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Key Words
- AGA, American Gastroenterology Association
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- APRI, AST-platelet ratio index
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- AUC, area under the curve
- BMI, body mass index
- Biomarkers
- CAP, controlled attenuation parameter
- CHB, chronic hepatitis B
- CHC, chronic hepatitis C
- CLD, chronic liver disease
- CPA, collagen proportionate area
- DAA, direct-acting antiviral
- ELF, enhanced liver fibrosis
- Elastography
- FIB-4, fibrosis-4
- FLIP, fatty liver inhibition of progression
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- IFN, interferon
- LSM, liver stiffness measure
- Liver biopsy
- MR, magnetic resonance
- MRE, magnetic resonance elastography
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NFS, NAFLD fibrosis score
- NITs, non-invasive tests
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- SVR, sustained virologic response
- US, ultrasound
- VCTE, vibration-controlled transient elastography
- Viral hepatitis
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyur Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology, University Health Network Toronto, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Corresponding author. Address: Division of Gastroenterology, University of Toronto Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, 9EN, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4.
| | - Giada Sebastiani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Pascual S, Miralles C, Bernabé JM, Irurzun J, Planells M. Surveillance and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review. World J Clin Cases 2019; 7:2269-2286. [PMID: 31531321 PMCID: PMC6718786 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v7.i16.2269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) appears in most of cases in patients with advanced liver disease and is currently the primary cause of death in this population. Surveillance of HCC has been proposed and recommended in clinical guidelines to obtain earlier diagnosis, but it is still controversial and is not accepted worldwide.
AIM To review the actual evidence to support the surveillance programs in patients with cirrhosis as well as the diagnosis procedure.
METHODS Systematic review of recent literature of surveillance (tools, interval, cost-benefit, target population) and the role of imaging diagnosis (radiological non-invasive diagnosis, optimal modality and agents) of HCC.
RESULTS The benefits of surveillance of HCC, mainly with ultrasonography, have been assessed in several prospective and retrospective analysis, although the percentage of patients diagnosed in surveillance programs is still low. Surveillance of HCC permits diagnosis in early stages allows better access to curative treatment and increases life expectancy in patients with cirrhosis. HCC is a tumor with special radiological characteristics in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which allows highly accurate diagnosis without routine biopsy confirmation. The actual recommendation is to perform biopsy only in indeterminate nodules.
CONCLUSION The evidence supports the recommendation of performing surveillance of HCC in patients with cirrhosis susceptible of treatment, using ultrasonography every 6 mo. The diagnosis evaluation of HCC can be established based on noninvasive imaging criteria in patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Pascual
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante 03010, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBEREHD, Alicante 03010, Spain
| | - Cayetano Miralles
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante 03010, Spain
| | - Juan M Bernabé
- Radiology Department, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante 03010, Spain
| | - Javier Irurzun
- Radiology Department, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante 03010, Spain
| | - Mariana Planells
- Radiology Department, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante 03010, Spain
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Changes in Circulating Lysyl Oxidase-Like-2 (LOXL2) Levels, HOMA, and Fibrosis after Sustained Virological Response by Direct Antiviral Therapy. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8081242. [PMID: 31426495 PMCID: PMC6723423 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8081242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: we aimed to assess the influence of metabolic syndrome on fibrosis regression (using liver-stiffness measurement (LSM) and serological scores) and the relationship with the expression of lysyl oxidase-like-2 as a potential goal of antifibrotic therapy. Methods: We included 271 patients treated with Direct Antiviral Therapy (DAAs) in our hospital who achieved a sustained virological response (SVR); physical examination, blood tests, and LSM were made at baseline (B) and 24 months (24 M) after SVR. Hemodynamic studies and transjugular liver biopsies were performed on 13 patients. Results: At B, 68 patients were F1 (25.1%); F2 n = 59 (21.7%); F3 n = 44 (16.05%); and 100 were F4 (36.9%). Although the LSM (absolute value) improved in 82% of patients (n = 222), it progressed in 17.5% of patients (n = 48). At 24 M, 48 patients met the metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria and there was an increase in patients with a BMI of >25 kg/m2 (p < 0.001). At B and 24 M, a BMI of >25 kg/m2 is a risk factor for significant fibrosis or steatosis at 24 M (p < 0.05) and progression on LSM (p < 0.001), as well as MetS at B and 24 M (OR 4.1 IC (1.4–11.7), p = 0.008; and OR 5.4 IC (1.9–15.4), p = 0.001, respectively). Regarding the correlation between LSM and the liver biopsy, we found that only six out of 13 patients had a matching LSM and biopsy. We found a statistically significant decrease in LOXL2 levels at 24 M with respect to B (p < 0.001) with higher serological value in patients with elastography of >9 kPa vs. <9 kPa (p = 0.046). Conclusion: Regression of LSM was reached in 82% of patients. Downregulated LOXL2 was demonstrated post-SVR, with overexpression in cirrhotic patients being a potential therapy goal in selected patients.
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Tosetti G, Primignani M, La Mura V, D'Ambrosio R, Degasperi E, Mezzina N, Viganò M, Rumi M, Fracanzani AL, Lombardi R, Fargion S, Fraquelli M, Aghemo A, Lampertico P. Evaluation of three "beyond Baveno VI" criteria to safely spare endoscopies in compensated advanced chronic liver disease. Dig Liver Dis 2019; 51:1135-1140. [PMID: 30691777 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2018.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) <20 kPa and platelet count >150,000/mm3 exclude varices needing treatment (VNT) in viral compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD), saving-up to 20-25% endoscopies (Baveno VI criteria). Refinements of such criteria to further reduce endoscopies and an approach without LSM (Platelet 150/MELD 6) were later proposed. AIMS To assess LSM 25/platelet 125, LSM 25/platelet 110 (Expanded-Baveno VI) and Platelet 150/MELD 6 accuracy versus Baveno VI criteria, and the impact of platelet count variability on criteria accuracy in all-etiologies cACLD. METHODS cACLD patients undergoing screening endoscopy with laboratory data within 6 months and LSM within one year. RESULTS Of 442 patients, 31% had varices (7% with VNT). Baveno VI criteria had 100% sensitivity (Se) and negative predictive value (NPV) and spared 19.5% endoscopies. "LSM 25/platelet 125" and "Expanded-Baveno VI" criteria maintained such accuracy, sparing 15% and 24% more endoscopies, respectively (p < 0.001). Platelet 150/MELD 6 was less accurate, misclassifying 10% VNT. Platelet count variability exceeded 8% and one VNT patient was misclassified with both "Expanded-Baveno VI" and "LSM 25/platelet 125" criteria considering the previous platelet count. CONCLUSIONS Both "Expanded-Baveno VI" and "LSM 25/platelet 125" criteria are accurate in cACLD, but the former are more advantageous. Platelet 150/MELD 6 proved inadequate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Tosetti
- CRC "A. M. e A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Primignani
- CRC "A. M. e A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo La Mura
- CRC "A. M. e A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences For Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta D'Ambrosio
- CRC "A. M. e A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Degasperi
- CRC "A. M. e A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolò Mezzina
- Hepatology Unit, Ospedale San Giuseppe, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Viganò
- Hepatology Unit, Ospedale San Giuseppe, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Rumi
- Hepatology Unit, Ospedale San Giuseppe, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Ludovica Fracanzani
- Internal Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosa Lombardi
- Internal Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Fargion
- Internal Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mirella Fraquelli
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Aghemo
- Humanitas University Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano-Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- CRC "A. M. e A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Preveden T, Vereš B, Ružić M, Pete M, Luzza F, Pellicano R, Abenavoli L. Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus patients compared to liver biopsy: the experience of tertiary level hospital in Serbia. Minerva Med 2019; 111:197-202. [PMID: 31081313 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4806.19.06109-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, that is defined by active carriage of HCV RNA in the blood, is represents one of the major public health problems worldwide. In Serbia, the prevalence of anti-HCV positive persons in the general population, is estimated on average 1.13%. METHODS The aim of our study was to evaluate the ability of noninvasive scores in order to define the degree of liver fibrosis, and to assess the effect of host and viral factors on fibrosis in chronic HCV patients. In a retrospective analysis a total of 814 patients with chronic HCV infection were included. Liver fibrosis scores were calculated, and in particular AST/ALT Score APRI, Forns Index, and FIB-4 score, and all of them compared with histological classification. RESULTS We found that noninvasive biochemical scores of fibrosis, have a good performance especially to distinguish mild and moderate fibrosis to advanced fibrosis. In particular, we found that FIB-4 score is a useful screening tool to accurately exclude patients with advanced disease. CONCLUSIONS Noninvasive liver fibrosis scores are efficient tools in the management and follow-up of HCV patients in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Preveden
- Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Clinic for Infectious Disease, Novi Sad, Serbia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Benjamin Vereš
- Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Clinic for Infectious Disease, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Maja Ružić
- Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Clinic for Infectious Disease, Novi Sad, Serbia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Maria Pete
- Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Clinic for Infectious Disease, Novi Sad, Serbia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Francesco Luzza
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rinaldo Pellicano
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Molinette Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Ludovico Abenavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy -
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Kardashian A, McKinney J, Huynh N, Yu R, Peters M, Catalli L, Price JC. Post-sustained Virologic Response Liver Stiffness May Underestimate Fibrosis After Direct Acting Antiviral-containing Therapy. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 68:1784-1787. [PMID: 30388212 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ani Kardashian
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Jeff McKinney
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Nina Huynh
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Robin Yu
- Columbia University School of General Studies, New York, New York
| | - Marion Peters
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco
| | - Lisa Catalli
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center, University of California, San Francisco
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LOXL2-A New Target in Antifibrogenic Therapy? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071634. [PMID: 30986934 PMCID: PMC6480111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis being static and therefore irreversible is outdated. Indeed, both human and animal studies have shown that fibrogenesis is a dynamic and potentially reversible process that can be modulated either by stopping its progression and/or by promoting its resolution. Therefore, the study of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis is critical for the development of future antifibrotic therapies. The fibrogenesis process, common to all forms of liver injury, is characterized by the increased deposition of extracellular matrix components (EMCs), including collagen, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins (laminin and fibronectin 2). These changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix components alter their interaction with cell adhesion molecules, influencing the modulation of cell functions (growth, migration, and gene expression). Hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells (liver macrophages) are the key fibrogenic effectors. The antifibrogenic mechanism starts with the activation of Ly6Chigh macrophages, which can differentiate into macrophages with antifibrogenic action. The research of biochemical changes affecting fibrosis irreversibility has identified lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), an enzyme that promotes the network of collagen fibers of the extracellular matrix. LOXL2 inhibition can decrease cell numbers, proliferation, colony formations, and cell growth, and it can induce cell cycle arrest and increase apoptosis. The development of a new humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody against LOXL2 could open the window of a new antifibrogenic treatment. The current therapeutic target in patients with liver cirrhosis should focus (after the eradication of the causal agent) on the development of new antifibrogenic drugs. The development of these drugs must meet three premises: Patient safety, in non-cirrhotic phases, down-staging or at least stabilization and slowing the progression to cirrhosis must be achieved; whereas in the cirrhotic stage, the objective should be to reduce fibrosis and portal pressure.
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Dong XQ, Wu Z, Li J, Wang GQ, Zhao H. Declining in liver stiffness cannot indicate fibrosis regression in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A 78-week prospective study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 34:755-763. [PMID: 30290019 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Little reliable data are available about the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) for fibrosis monitoring in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients on antiviral therapy. We aimed to assess the accuracy of LSM in fibrosis monitoring during 78-week antiviral therapy in CHB patients. METHODS Five hundred fifty-six treatment-naïve CHB patients with qualified LSM and liver biopsy at baseline were analyzed. Patients receiving entecavir-based therapy were prospectively followed to 78 weeks for second LSM and liver biopsy. Serologic detection, LSM, and liver biopsy were performed on the same day. Necro-inflammatory activity was also evaluated. RESULTS Areas under receiver operating characteristics curves of LSM at baseline and week 78 for significant fibrosis (≥ F3), advanced fibrosis (≥ F4), and liver cirrhosis (≥ F5) was 0.84, 0.87, 0.83 and 0.76, 0.85, 0.88, respectively. Patients with the same fibrosis stage but higher histology activity index score tend to have higher LSM at baseline. Liver stiffness decreased rapidly (3.8 [1.6-8.6] kPa) in parallel with baseline histology activity index scores from 11.3 (7.8-16.7) kPa at baseline to 6.4 (5.1-8.8) kPa at week 78. Greater decline of LSM in patients with only inflammation improvement was observed as compared with those without inflammation improvement (5.2 [2.5-9.7] vs 1.8 [0.2-8.1] kPa, P = 0.013). Baseline Ishak fibrosis score was the only predictor of 78-week fibrosis improvement (odds ratio, 1.859; P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS In CHB patients receiving 78-week antiviral treatment, LSM could diagnosis different liver fibrosis stages, decrease in absolute LSM value could reflect the remission of liver inflammation, and baseline Ishak fibrosis score was the only predictor for 78-week fibrosis reversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qin Dong
- Department of Infectious Disease, Center for Liver Disease, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Wu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Center for Liver Disease, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, Center for Liver Disease, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Gui-Qiang Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Center for Liver Disease, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,The Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Infectious Disease, Center for Liver Disease, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
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Long-term follow-up after cure from chronic hepatitis C virus infection shows occult hepatitis and a risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in noncirrhotic patients. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 31:506-513. [PMID: 30461522 PMCID: PMC6416012 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Curing of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection primarily aims to prevent severe liver complications. Our objectives were to investigate the long-term presence and impact of occult HCV infection (OCI) and to study the outcomes in terms of liver disease after virological cure. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 97 patients with achieved sustained virological response (SVR) during 1990-2005 were followed either by a clinical follow-up (FU) visit with blood sampling and liver elastography (n=54) or through national registries for outcomes (n=43). To diagnose OCI among patients with SVR, a highly sensitive method was used to detect HCV-RNA traces in whole blood. The FU duration was a median of 10.5 years, with samples up to 21.5 years after the end of treatment (EOT). RESULTS The majority of patients [52 (96%)] were HCV-RNA negative at FU, and regression of fibrosis was statistically significant. OCI was found in two (4%) of them at 8 and 9 years after EOT. These patients had F1 and F2 fibrosis before treatment and F2 at FU, but no other abnormal findings. Three previously noncirrhotic men were diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma 8-11 years after EOT. CONCLUSION Occult infection could be detected many years after the achievement of SVR but was not associated with serious liver disease. The majority had persistent viral eradication and regression of fibrosis after SVR. However, an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma may persist in the long term after SVR even in noncirrhotic patients. Further studies with FU after direct-acting antiviral therapy and on the long-term impact after cure are needed.
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Follow-Up Liver Stiffness Measurements after Liver Resection Influence Oncologic Outcomes of Hepatitis-B-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Liver Cirrhosis. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030425. [PMID: 30934621 PMCID: PMC6468874 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The severity of liver fibrosis can be noninvasively evaluated by measuring liver stiffness (LS) using transient elastography. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of achieving low liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in patients with cirrhosis confirmed from the resected liver due to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 184 patients that received curative surgery for HCC related to the hepatitis B virus at Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage 0–A, and had a METAVIR fibrosis score of 4 were investigated. LSM significantly decreased after antiviral therapy during follow-up (p = 0.001), and achieving LSM ≤8 kilopascal (kPa) suggested a reduced risk of late recurrence (>12 months) (hazard ratio (HR), 0.519; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.307–0.877; p = 0.014). Older age at surgery (≥45 years) and multiple HCC nodules predicted an increased risk of late recurrence (HR, 3.270; 95% CI, 1.296–8.251; p = 0.012; and HR, 3.146; 95% CI, 1.396–7.089; p = 0.006). Decreased LSM also suggested decreased mortality (HR, 0.251; 95% CI, 0.086–0.756; p = 0.045) along with baseline low aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) score (<1.5) (HR, 0.251; 95% CI, 0.086–0.759; p = 0.041). Having early HCC recurrence (HR, 9.416; 95% CI, 3.566–24.861; p < 0.001) and microvascular tumor invasion (HR, 3.191; 95% CI, 1.188–8.568; p = 0.021) predicted increased mortality. Among HCC patients with liver cirrhosis under antiviral therapy, achieving low LSM (≤8 kPa) predicted reduced late HCC recurrence.
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Chronic hepatitis C infection - Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis in the era of direct acting antivirals. Dig Liver Dis 2019; 51:183-189. [PMID: 30553749 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Significant advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection and its associated fibrosis have revolutionized treatment of these patients over the last several years. Liver biopsy, the gold standard diagnostic method for evaluating liver fibrosis level, was routinely used prior to initiation of hepatitis C therapy, placing patients at an inherent risk of adverse events. The recent advent of noninvasive serologic and nonserologic measures of hepatic fibrosis level has reduced the need for liver biopsy significantly, thereby minimizing its associated risks. These noninvasive methods have been extensively studied in the era of interferon therapies and are increasingly recognized in the realm of direct acting antiviral agents as well. Their validation of use after having achieved a sustained virologic response is yet to occur, but the future remains promising. This review focuses on the various non-invasive diagnostic modalities of liver fibrosis and discusses how they can be applied to the care of patients undergoing direct acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C. In the constantly evolving landscape of hepatitis C therapy, the review underscores the important prognostic value of fibrosis staging prior to HCV treatment and suggests potential uses for non-invasive fibrosis assessment following successful HCV eradication.
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Different kinetics of liver stiffness using shear wave elastography in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection treated with interferon-free regimens. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 31:67-74. [PMID: 30239347 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) lead to a high rate of sustained virologic response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C infection. The aim was to evaluate liver stiffness kinetics, using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging elastography, during and after DAAs in patients who had reached SVR. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 275 consecutive chronic hepatitis C virus-infected patients were included in this longitudinal prospective single-centre study. All patients received DAAs for 8 to 24 weeks, and liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) by ARFI at baseline, at week 4, week 12, week 24, and 24 weeks (SVR24) and 48 weeks (FU48) after the end of treatment were recorded. Transient elastography was performed at baseline and at SVR24. RESULTS A decrease in LSM was detected at SVR24 by ARFI and transient elastography (P<0.001 and <0.001, respectively). A continuous gradual decrease in ARFI was observed in patients with cirrhosis versus a nonsignificant change in patients without cirrhosis until FU48 (P<0.001 vs. 0.877, respectively). At SVR24, higher baseline ARFI values (P=0.038) were associated with a decrease in LSM in patients with cirrhosis versus normal international normalization ratio (P=0.003), lower bilirubin (P=0.003), and higher albumin (P=0.007) in patients without cirrhosis. The incidence of liver stiffness decrease from baseline was higher in patients with cirrhosis than in those without cirrhosis (P<0.001), whereas the incidence of liver stiffness progression was more pronounced in advanced than in compensated cirrhosis (P<0.001). CONCLUSION After DAAs in patients with SVR, liver stiffness improves in patients with cirrhosis, whereas non-cirrhotic patients show no true change in liver stiffness. Liver stiffness worsens in patients with advanced liver disease.
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