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Moretti R, Giuffrè M, Merli N, Caruso P, Di Bella S, Tiribelli C, Crocè LS. Hepatitis C Virus-Related Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1569. [PMID: 34942871 PMCID: PMC8699483 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11121569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), despite being a hepatotropic virus, is the causative agent of many systemic disorders, such as vasculitis, autoimmune diseases, lymphoproliferative disorders, and a broad spectrum of neurological and psychiatric manifestations. Although symptoms have been misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed, only recently, evidence of direct (inflammatory) or indirect (immune-mediated) HCV-dependent cerebral effects has been established. HCV infection can promote acute inflammatory response, pro-coagulative status and ischemic disorders, and neurodegeneration. These effects rely on cerebral HCV replication, possibly mediated by blood-brain barrier alterations. Further study is needed to better understand the HCV-related mechanisms of brain damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Moretti
- Department Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (R.M.); (P.C.); (S.D.B.); (L.S.C.)
| | - Mauro Giuffrè
- Department Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (R.M.); (P.C.); (S.D.B.); (L.S.C.)
| | - Nicola Merli
- Department Neurological Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Paola Caruso
- Department Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (R.M.); (P.C.); (S.D.B.); (L.S.C.)
| | - Stefano Di Bella
- Department Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (R.M.); (P.C.); (S.D.B.); (L.S.C.)
| | | | - Lory Saveria Crocè
- Department Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (R.M.); (P.C.); (S.D.B.); (L.S.C.)
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Yeh EA, Yea C, Bitnun A. Infection-Related Myelopathies. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2021; 17:141-158. [PMID: 34637338 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-040121-022818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen growing attention to inflammatory and infectious disorders of the spinal cord, not only due to the discovery of autoantibody-mediated disorders of the spinal cord [e.g., aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG antibodies], but also due to the emergence of clusters of infection-related myelopathy, now known as acute flaccid myelitis. We review the spectrum of infection-related myelopathies and outline a nosological classification system based on association with infection. We describe the epidemiology and definitions of myelopathies, with a discussion of clinical presentation and neuroimaging features, and then turn to specific discussion of myelopathies due to direct pathogen invasion and those considered to be post- or parainfectious. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease, Volume 17 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ann Yeh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, and Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada; , .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada;
| | - Carmen Yea
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, and Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada; ,
| | - Ari Bitnun
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada;
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Rahmig J, Grey A, Berning M, Schaefer J, Lesser M, Reichmann H, Puetz V, Barlinn K, Siepmann T. Disseminated inflammation of the central nervous system associated with acute hepatitis E: a case report. BMC Neurol 2020; 20:391. [PMID: 33109105 PMCID: PMC7590485 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-020-01952-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E infection affects over 20 million people worldwide. Reports of neurological manifestations are largely limited to the peripheral nervous system. We report a middle-aged genotype 3c male patient with acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and severe neurological deficits with evidence of multiple disseminated inflammatory lesions of the central nervous system. CASE PRESENTATION A 42-year-old male patient presented to our emergency department with musculoskeletal weakness, bladder and bowel retention, blurred vision and ascending hypoesthesia up to the level of T8. Serology showed elevated liver enzymes and positive IgM-titers of hepatitis E. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed mild pleocytosis and normal levels of glucose, lactate and protein. HEV-RNA-copies were detected in the CSF and stool. Within 3 days after admission the patient became paraplegic, had complete visual loss and absent pupillary reflexes. MRI showed inflammatory demyelination of the optic nerve sheaths, multiple subcortical brain regions and the spinal cord. Electrophysiology revealed axonal damage of the peroneal nerve on both sides with absent F-waves. Treatment was performed with methylprednisolone, two cycles of plasma exchange (PLEX), one cycle of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and ribavirin which was used off-label. Liver enzymes normalized after 1 week and serology was negative for HEV-RNA after 3 weeks. Follow-up MRI showed progressive demyelination and new leptomeningeal enhancement at the thoracic spine and cauda equina 4 weeks after admission. Four months later, after rehabilitation was completed, repeated MRI showed gliotic transformation of the spinal cord without signs of an active inflammation. Treatment with rituximab was initiated. The patient remained paraplegic and hypoesthesia had ascended up to T5. Nevertheless, he regained full vision. CONCLUSIONS Our case indicates a possible association of acute HEV infection with widespread disseminated central nervous system inflammation. Up to now, no specific drugs have been approved for the treatment of acute HEV infection. We treated our patient off-label with ribavirin and escalated immunomodulatory therapy considering clinical progression and the possibility of an autoimmune response targeting nerve cell structures. While response to treatment was rather limited in our case, detection of HEV in patients with acute neurological deficits might help optimize individual treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Rahmig
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Arne Grey
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marco Berning
- Internal Medicine Department I, Gastroenterology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jochen Schaefer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Lesser
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Heinz Reichmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Volker Puetz
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kristian Barlinn
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Timo Siepmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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Kleefeld F, Arendt G, Neuen-Jacob E, Maschke M, Husstedt I, Obermann M, Schmidt H, Hahn K. [Neurological complications of hepatitis C infections]. DER NERVENARZT 2020; 92:144-149. [PMID: 33001263 PMCID: PMC7873080 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-020-00999-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Die chronische Hepatitis-C-Virus(HCV)-Infektion ist eine hochprävalente Systemerkrankung, die verschiedene neurologische Komplikationen verursachen kann. Es lassen sich HCV-assoziierte Symptome im zentralen und peripheren Nervensystem sowie der Muskulatur unterscheiden. Wichtige Pathomechanismen sind die HCV-assoziierte Autoimmunität (z. B. gemischte Kryoglobulinämie mit Polyneuropathie) und direkte Neurotoxizität (z. B. bei HCV-assoziierten kognitiven Defiziten). Die häufigsten neurologischen Komplikationen sind distal-symmetrische Polyneuropathien, Small-fiber-Neuropathien und kognitive Defizite. Die HCV-Infektion stellt außerdem einen Risikofaktor für ischämische und hämorrhagische Schlaganfälle sowie den Morbus Parkinson dar. Die frühe Identifikation und antivirale Behandlung HCV-positiver Patienten steht im Zentrum der Behandlung. Durch neue antivirale Therapien können >90 % der Patienten dauerhaft von der HCV-Infektion geheilt werden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Kleefeld
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin Charité, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Gabriele Arendt
- Neurologie, Neuro-Centrum Düsseldorf, Hohenzollernstr. 5, 40211, Düsseldorf, Deutschland
| | - Eva Neuen-Jacob
- Institut für Neuropathologie, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland
| | - Matthias Maschke
- Klinik für Neurologie, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder, Nordallee 1, 54292, Trier, Deutschland
| | - Ingo Husstedt
- Praxis an der Klinik Maria Frieden, Am Krankenhaus 1, 48291, Telgte/Münster, Deutschland
| | - Mark Obermann
- Klinik für Neurologie, Asklepios Kliniken Schildautal, Karl-Herold-Str. 1, 38723, Seesen, Deutschland
| | - Holger Schmidt
- Klinik für Neurologie, Elbe-Kliniken Stade, Bremervörder Str. 111, 21682, Stade, Deutschland
| | - Katrin Hahn
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin Charité, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland.
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Abstract
Infectious diseases are an important cause of spinal cord dysfunction. Infectious myelopathies are of growing concern given increasing global travel and migration and expanding prevention and treatment with vaccinations, antibiotics, and antiretrovirals. Clinicians must recognize these pathologies because outcomes can dramatically improve with prompt diagnosis and management. We provide a complete review of the most frequent infectious agents that can affect the spinal cord. For each pathogen we describe epidemiology, pathophysiology, anatomic location, characteristic clinical syndromes, diagnostic approach, treatment, and prognosis. The review includes spinal imaging from selected cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Montalvo
- Department of Neurology, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Tracey A Cho
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens associated with myelopathy. Infectious myelopathies may be due to direct infection or parainfectious autoimmune-mediated mechanisms; this article focuses primarily on the former. RECENT FINDINGS Some microorganisms exhibit neurotropism for the spinal cord (eg, enteroviruses such as poliovirus and flaviviruses such as West Nile virus), while others are more protean in neurologic manifestations (eg, herpesviruses such as varicella-zoster virus), and others are only rarely reported to cause myelopathy (eg, certain fungal and parasitic infections). Individuals who are immunocompromised are at increased risk of disseminated infection to the central nervous system. Within the last few years, an enterovirus D68 outbreak has been associated with cases of acute flaccid paralysis in children, and emerging Zika virus infection has been concurrent with cases of acute flaccid paralysis due to Guillain-Barré syndrome, although cases of myelitis have also been reported. Associated pathogens differ by geographic distribution, with myelopathies related to Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) and West Nile virus more commonly seen in the United States and parasitic infections encountered more often in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Characteristic CSF and MRI patterns have been identified with many of these infections. SUMMARY A myriad of pathogens are associated with infectious myelopathies. Host factors, geographic distribution, clinical features, CSF profiles, and MRI findings can assist in formulating the differential diagnosis and ultimately guide management.
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Vermersch P, Outteryck O, Ferriby D, Zéphir H. Diagnostic différentiel des tumeurs intramédullaires : les myélites. Neurochirurgie 2017; 63:349-355. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Talbott JF, Narvid J, Chazen JL, Chin CT, Shah V. An Imaging-Based Approach to Spinal Cord Infection. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2016; 37:411-30. [PMID: 27616314 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Infections of the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding meninges are uncommon, but highly significant given their potential for severe morbidity and even mortality. Prompt diagnosis can be lifesaving, as many spinal infections are treatable. Advances in imaging technology have now firmly established magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the gold standard for spinal cord imaging evaluation, enabling the depiction of infectious myelopathies with exquisite detail and contrast. In this article, we aim to provide an overview of MRI findings for spinal cord infections with special focus on imaging patterns of infection that are primarily confined to the spinal cord, spinal meninges, and spinal nerve roots. In this context, we describe and organize this review around 5 distinct patterns of transverse spinal abnormality that may be detected with MRI as follows: (1) extramedullary, (2) centromedullary, (3) eccentric, (4) frontal horn, and (5) irregular. We seek to classify the most common presentations for a wide variety of infectious agents within this image-based framework while realizing that significant overlap and variation exists, including some infections that remain occult with conventional imaging techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason F Talbott
- Department of Radiology, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA.
| | - Jared Narvid
- Department of Radiology, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA
| | - J Levi Chazen
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical School, New York, NY
| | - Cynthia T Chin
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Radiology, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA; Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical School, New York, NY
| | - Vinil Shah
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Radiology, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA
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Ferreira JD, Caldas AC, de Sá JC, Geraldes R. Longstanding spastic paraparesis in a patient infected with hepatitis C virus and seropositive for aquaporin-4 antibody - Case report and review of the literature. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2016; 8:120-3. [PMID: 27456886 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2016.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Nervous system involvement in Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) has been associated to neuro-immunological deregulation, particularly in interferon-alpha treated patients. We present a case of optic and brainstem demyelinating disorder associated with aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies. A 48 year-old woman, with previous diagnosis of non-treated hepatitis C, presented with a 10-year history of long-standing gait disturbance. Neurological examination disclosed a grade 4 spastic paraparesis, lower limb hyperreflexia, right positive Hoffmann sign, bilateral Babinski sign and spastic gait only possible with bilateral support. Spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was normal. Brain MRI showed an asymmetric, bilateral pontine and left mesencephalic hypersignal in T2 and FLAIR, with no gadolinium enhancement. Visual evoked potential revealed bilateral pre-chiasmatic conduction delay. Blood tests showed a positive anti-HCV antibody and a positive AQP4 antibody. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was normal, with no oligoclonal bands. The patient started intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisolone; simultaneously, interferon-alpha and ribavirin. There was a slight clinical improvement within the first weeks. There are 7 cases describing association between HCV infection and central nervous system (CNS) demyelination with positive AQP4 antibody, 4 patients under interferon-α. AQP4 antibodies should be tested in patients infected with HCV and CNS demyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Dias Ferreira
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Neurology, Santa Maria Hospital, CHLN, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Ana Castro Caldas
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Neurology, Santa Maria Hospital, CHLN, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Correia de Sá
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Neurology, Santa Maria Hospital, CHLN, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ruth Geraldes
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK; Anatomy Department, Lisbon Medical School, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Sarkar P, Morgan C, Ijaz S. Transverse myelitis caused by hepatitis E: previously undescribed in adults. BMJ Case Rep 2015; 2015:bcr-2014-209031. [PMID: 26150621 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2014-209031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the case of a 62-year-old Caucasian woman who was admitted with urinary retention and lower limb paraesthesia following a week's prodromal illness of headache and malaise. Liver function tests showed a picture of acute hepatocellular dysfunction. She developed reduced lower limb power, brisk reflexes, extensor plantars, a sensory level at T8 and reduced anal sphincter tone, establishing a clinical diagnosis of transverse myelitis. A spinal MRI showed no evidence of cauda equina or spinal cord compression. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed raised protein and raised white cell count. Hepatitis E IgM and IgG were positive and hepatitis E virus was found in her CSF. She was treated with methylprednisolone and is slowly recovering with physiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Sarkar
- Department of Neurology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
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McLean M, Nerdin M, Dutcher M, Tilney PVR. A 55-year-old woman with an abrupt onset of weakness. Air Med J 2014; 33:242-245. [PMID: 25441514 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
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CSF PCR in a child with parainfectious myelopathy associated with HVA infection. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2014; 58:e46-7. [PMID: 24792634 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0b013e3182779ebb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
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Sellner J, Steiner I. Neurologic complications of hepatic viruses. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2014; 123:647-61. [PMID: 25015509 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-53488-0.00031-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Johann Sellner
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Doppler-Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität Munich, Germany
| | - Israel Steiner
- Department of Neurology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Mahamid M, Nseir W, Abu Elhija O, Shteingart S, Mahamid A, Smamra M, Koslowsky B. Normal vitamin D levels are associated with spontaneous hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance. World J Hepatol 2013; 5:328-331. [PMID: 23805357 PMCID: PMC3692974 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v5.i6.328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate a possible association between serum vitamin D levels and spontaneous hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance.
METHODS: Fifty-three patients diagnosed with chronic inactive hepatitis B and spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance were followed up in two Israeli liver units between 2007 and 2012. This retrospective study reviewed medical charts of all the patients, extracting demographic, serological and vitamin D rates in the serum, as well as medical conditions and current medical therapy. Spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance was defined as the loss of serum HBsAg indefinitely. Vitamin D levels were compared to all patients who underwent spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance.
RESULTS: Out of the 53 patients who underwent hepatitis B antigen seroclearance, 44 patients (83%) had normal levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin vitamin D compared to 9 patients (17%) who had below normal levels. Multivariate analysis showed that age (> 35 years) OR = 1.7 (95%CI: 1.25-2.8, P = 0.05), serum vitamin D levels (> 20 ng/mL) OR = 2.6 (95%CI: 2.4-3.2, P = 0.02), hepatitis B e antigen negativity OR = 2.1 (95%CI: 2.2-3.1, P = 0.02), low viral load (hepatitis B virus DNA < 100 IU/mL) OR = 3 (95%CI: 2.6-4.2, P = 0.01) and duration of HBsAg seropositivity (> 8 years) OR = 1.6 (95%CI: 1.15-2.6, P = 0.04) were also associated with spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance.
CONCLUSION: We found a strong correlation between normal vitamin D levels and spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance.
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Suzuki K, Takao M, Katayama Y, Mihara B. Acute myelitis associated with HCV infection. BMJ Case Rep 2013; 2013:bcr-2013-008934. [PMID: 23771965 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2013-008934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of acute myelitis associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A Japanese woman developed left calf pain and weakness, but this quickly generalised to paraplegia. We diagnosed acute myelitis based on the results of clinical manifestations, an MRI examination and a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination. The clinical condition and spinal cord lesions improved following intravenous administration of methylprednisolone. The patient had been diagnosed with HCV infection 11 years before the onset. We detected HCV RNA in the CSF, supporting the strong association of our patient's myelitis. However, it is difficult to conclude whether the neurological condition was caused directly by the viral load or indirectly by the immune response. We suggest that testing for HCV infection is important in patients with myelitis. In particular, anti-HCV antibody and HCV RNA should be measured in the patients' serum as well as CSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Brain and Blood Vessels, Mihara Memorial Hospital, Isesaki, Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin C. Beh
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323, Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Benjamin M. Greenberg
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323, Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Teresa Frohman
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323, Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Elliot M. Frohman
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323, Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323, Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Corresponding author. Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75235.
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19
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Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with a number of extrahepatic disorders. The most studied conditions associated with HCV are type II mixed cryoglobulinemia and B cell lymphoma. However, many reports suggest that HCV might also be associated with a number of autoimmune disorders, both organ-specific and not organ-specific. Although concomitant treatment of HCV infection is a confounding factor when ascertaining the actual role of HCV in inducing autoimmune disease, a considerable amount of experimental data indicates that HCV is able to subvert the immune system and consequently induce autoimmunity. In the present review, we report a series of observations which associate chronic HCV infection with the onset of autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marino Paroli
- Department of Biotechnology and Medical-Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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McCarthy M, Ortega MR. Neurological complications of hepatitis C infection. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2012; 12:642-54. [PMID: 22991069 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-012-0311-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Though well-known as a cause of liver disease, Hepatitis C virus infection is emerging as a cause of a variety of peripheral and central nervous system disorders. The virus causes chronic persistent infection with complex immune responses in the majority of individuals. Viral infection may have the potential to generate neurological illness through direct infection of neural cells or through immune-mediated mechanisms, including enhancement of autoimmune responses. Moreover, the mainstay of antiviral treatment of hepatitis C infection, interferon-alpha, is itself associated with neurological morbidity. Thus neurologists are increasingly faced with diagnosing or even predicting a wide spectrum of neurological complications of hepatitis C infection and/or its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micheline McCarthy
- Neurology (127), Bruce Carter Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1201 NW 16th Street, Miami, FL 33125, USA.
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