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Zhao Q, Ren X, Chen M, Yue SJ, Zhang MQ, Chen KX, Guo YW, Shao CL, Wang CY. Effects of traditional Chinese medicine formula Le-Cao-Shi on hepatitis B: In vivo and in vitro studies. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 244:112132. [PMID: 31381954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Formula Le-Cao-Shi (LCS) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which has long been used as a folk remedy against hepatitis B in China. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-hepatitis B effects of aqueous extract of LCS in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHOD we investigated the anti-HBV effects of LCS in vivo and in vitro with duck hepatitis B model and HepG2.2.15 cell line model, respectively. The serologic and cellular biomarkers and the histopathological changes were examined. RESULTS By a duck hepatitis B model, the extract of LCS was found to restrain the expressions of duck hepatitis B surface antigen (DHBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (DHBeAg), and HBV-DNA (DHBV-DNA). Moreover, LCS could decrease the levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST and ALT) and ameliorate duck liver histological lesions. Correspondingly, in a HepG2.2.15 cellular model, LCS could also significantly inhibit the secretions of HBsAg and HBeAg. CONCLUSION LCS exerted potent anti-hepatitis effects against the infection of HBV. The above results demonstrated the first-hand experimental evidences for the anti-hepatitis B efficiency of LCS. Our study provides a basis for further exploration and development of this promising compound prescription to treat hepatitis B disease.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antiviral Agents/pharmacology
- Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- DNA, Viral
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use
- Ducks
- Hepatitis B/drug therapy
- Hepatitis B/immunology
- Hepatitis B/pathology
- Hepatitis B/virology
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/immunology
- Hepatitis B Virus, Duck/drug effects
- Hepatitis B Virus, Duck/genetics
- Hepatitis B Virus, Duck/immunology
- Hepatitis B e Antigens/immunology
- Hepatitis, Viral, Animal/drug therapy
- Hepatitis, Viral, Animal/immunology
- Hepatitis, Viral, Animal/pathology
- Hepatitis, Viral, Animal/virology
- Humans
- Liver/drug effects
- Liver/pathology
- Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Xia Ren
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Min Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China; Marine Science & Technology Institute, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225127, PR China
| | - Shi-Jun Yue
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Meng-Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Kai-Xian Chen
- Open Studio for Druggability Research of Marine Natural Products, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, PR China
| | - Yue-Wei Guo
- Open Studio for Druggability Research of Marine Natural Products, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, PR China
| | - Chang-Lun Shao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, PR China.
| | - Chang-Yun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, PR China.
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Wang J, Xia J, Zhang R, Yan X, Yang Y, Zhao X, Chang H, Wang G, Chen G, Liu Y, Chen Y, Jia B, Zhang Z, Ding W, Huang R, Wu C. A novel index using routine clinical parameters for predicting significant liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis B. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:1151-1160. [PMID: 29741221 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Identifying the degree of liver inflammation is critical for therapeutic judgement of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, we lack indexes which can accurately predict significant liver inflammation in patients with CHB. This study aimed to develop a simple predictive index for liver inflammation in CHB using routine clinical parameters. A total of 519 patients with CHB who underwent liver biopsy were enrolled and randomly divided into training (n = 346) and validation cohorts (n = 173). Based on routine clinical parameters, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT; P = 0.031) and platelets (PLT; P < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of significant inflammation by multivariable analysis in the training cohort. Accordingly, the GGT to PLT ratio (GPR) was developed to amplify the opposing effects for predicting liver inflammation. In the training cohort, the AUCs of GPR in predicting significant inflammation were 0.791 (95% CI: 0.742-0.839), 0.783 (95% CI: 0.717-0.849) and 0.791 (95% CI: 0.716-0.867) in the entire patients with CHB, HBeAg-positive CHB patients and HBeAg-negative CHB patients, respectively. The diagnostic performance of GPR for significant inflammation was significantly superior to that of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and GGT in all patients with CHB and HBeAg-positive CHB patients, but was comparable with ALT, AST and GGT in HBeAg-negative CHB patients. In the validation cohort, the diagnostic performance of GPR in assessing significant liver inflammation was also superior to other indexes in all patients with CHB and HBeAg-positive CHB patients, but was comparable with GGT in HBeAg-negative CHB patients. Thus, GPR can be a novel and simple index for predicting significant liver inflammation in CHB, especially for HBeAg-positive CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - J Xia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - R Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, Huai'an No. 4 People's Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - X Yan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Y Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - X Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - H Chang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - G Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - G Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Y Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Y Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - B Jia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Z Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - W Ding
- Department of Hepatology, Huai'an No. 4 People's Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - R Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - C Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Diarra B, Yonli AT, Ouattara AK, Zohoncon TM, Traore L, Nadembega C, Obiri-Yeboah D, Yara J, Pietra V, Ouedraogo P, Bougouma A, Sanogo R, Simpore J. World hepatitis day in Burkina Faso, 2017: seroprevalence and vaccination against hepatitis B virus to achieve the 2030 elimination goal. Virol J 2018; 15:121. [PMID: 30081915 PMCID: PMC6080359 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-018-1032-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Burkina Faso is a high endemicity country for HBV infection. However, there are few data on vaccine coverage against HBV. The aim of this study was to contribute to the improvement of HBV vaccine coverage in Ouagadougou through HBV screening. Methods Awareness campaigns and voluntary hepatitis B screening were organized in the twelve districts of Ouagadougou by the “SOS Hepatitis Burkina” association. A rapid HBsAg detection test (Abon Biopharma Guangzhou, Co., Ltd. Chine) was performed on 2216 individuals, who voluntarily answered a series of questions. Vaccination against hepatitis B was proposed to HBV negative participants. Results In a sample of 2216 participants, aged 1 to 78 years (mean age 29.7 ± 14.7 years); a prevalence of 10.4% (230/2216) of HBsAg was obtained. This prevalence was high in the age groups 31 to 40 years (14.5%) and 41 to 50 years (15.0%). The prevalence of HBV was higher in the sixth district (14.3%) of Ouagadougou. At the end of the screening, 1202/1986 HBV negative participants were vaccinated, resulting in a vaccination rate of 60.5%. Vaccination coverage ranged from 44.5 to 73.7% all twelve districts. Conclusions This study still reports a high prevalence of HBV infection among young people with a peak in the sixth district of Ouagadougou. The study achieved high vaccination coverage in all age groups and districts of Ouagadougou. Trial registration The present study has been approved by the Ethics Committee for Health Research of Burkina Faso. CERS201501006 Registered 14 January 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birama Diarra
- Biomolecular Research Center Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), BP 364, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso.,Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics (LaBioGene) UFR/SVT, University Ouaga I Prof Joseph KI-ZERBO, BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Albert Theophane Yonli
- Biomolecular Research Center Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), BP 364, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso.,Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics (LaBioGene) UFR/SVT, University Ouaga I Prof Joseph KI-ZERBO, BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Abdoul Karim Ouattara
- Biomolecular Research Center Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), BP 364, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso. .,Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics (LaBioGene) UFR/SVT, University Ouaga I Prof Joseph KI-ZERBO, BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso.
| | - Theodora Mahoukèdè Zohoncon
- Biomolecular Research Center Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), BP 364, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso.,Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics (LaBioGene) UFR/SVT, University Ouaga I Prof Joseph KI-ZERBO, BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Lassina Traore
- Biomolecular Research Center Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), BP 364, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso.,Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics (LaBioGene) UFR/SVT, University Ouaga I Prof Joseph KI-ZERBO, BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Christelle Nadembega
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics (LaBioGene) UFR/SVT, University Ouaga I Prof Joseph KI-ZERBO, BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Justine Yara
- SOS Hepatitis, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (HOSCO), BP 444, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Virginio Pietra
- Biomolecular Research Center Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), BP 364, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Paul Ouedraogo
- Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (HOSCO), BP 444, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Alain Bougouma
- Gastroenterology Service, CHU Yalgado OUEDRAOGO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Rokia Sanogo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Technical Sciences and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Jacques Simpore
- Biomolecular Research Center Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), BP 364, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso.,Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics (LaBioGene) UFR/SVT, University Ouaga I Prof Joseph KI-ZERBO, BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso.,Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (HOSCO), BP 444, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
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Abstract
This study was performed to investigate the relationships of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to age-related cataract, and to assess whether liver damage mediates the hepatitis-cataract association. This study analyzed data in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2012 on 10,037 participants aged ≥40 years. We performed mediation analysis to address the contribution of serum markers of liver damage, high aspartate (AST, >49.9 IU/L) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT, >56.1 IU/L), to the relationships of HBV and HCV infection to cataract. Odds ratios (ORs) for nuclear and any cataract with HBV infection were 1.09 [95% confidence interval (95CI) = 1.02-1.16] and 1.07 (95CI = 1.00-1.14), respectively, compared to HBV uninfection; ORs with HCV infection were 1.35 (95CI = 1.18-1.55) and 1.40 (95CI = 1.12-1.76), respectively. High AST completely mediated the HBV infection-any cataract association. The significant relationships of HCV infection with nuclear and any cataract were formed only by their direct effects, not by mediation effects of high AST or ALT. HBV and HCV infection was significantly associated with nuclear and any cataract. High AST significantly mediates the effects of HBV infections on any cataract outcome, but the associations of HCV infection with nuclear and any cataract were not mediated by high AST or ALT.
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5
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World Hepatitis Day in Burkina Faso, 2016: Awareness, Screening, Identification of HBV Markers, HBV/HCV Coinfection, and Vaccination. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2017. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.13789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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Soleimani F, Arabzadeh SAM, Mollaei H, Iranmanesh Z, Nikpour N, Motahar M. Evaluation of the frequency of precore/core mutation in patients with chronic hepatitis B, Kerman, Southeast of Iran. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(16)61093-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lim TH, Gane E, Moyes C, Borman B, Cunningham C. Serological and clinical outcomes of horizontally transmitted chronic hepatitis B infection in New Zealand Māori: results from a 28-year follow-up study. Gut 2015; 64:966-72. [PMID: 25006011 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2013-306247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B infection is endemic in New Zealand and has high prevalence in New Zealand Māori. Previous longitudinal studies in populations with predominantly vertically acquired chronic hepatitis B have shown low spontaneous hepatitis B surface-antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance rates: 0.5-1.4% annually (mean age of clearance 48 years). We report the 28-year follow-up data on clinical and serological outcomes in indigenous New Zealand Māori with early horizontally acquired HBV. METHODS In 1984, community seroprevalence study identified 572 HBsAg-positive individuals, followed for 28 years. Liver-related mortality and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence were compared between these 572 HBV carriers and 1140 HBsAg-negative matched case-controls. Surviving HBsAg-positive individuals have been followed up in 2012 with clinical assessment, blood tests and liver transient elastography. Rates of hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) and HBsAg seroconversion were determined. RESULTS After total 13 187.4 person-years follow-up, 15 HBsAg-positive patients have developed HCC compared with none of the HBsAg-negative controls (p<0.001). 12 HBsAg-positive patients died from liver-related causes compared with none in the controls (p<0.001). Spontaneous HBeAg-seroconversion occurred in 91% of HBeAg-positive patients. Spontaneous HBsAg loss occurred in 33% overall (annual clearance rate 1.34%), with higher rates at older ages (1.05% in patients<20 years at entry vs 4.3% per annum >40 years at entry, p<0.0001). Median ages of HBeAg loss and HBsAg loss were 23 years (range 6-66 years) and 40 years (range 4-80 years), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Horizontally transmitted HBV in Maori is similarly associated with increased risk of liver-related mortality and HCC compared with Chinese, although absolute incidence rates are lower. The rates of HBeAg and HBsAg loss are high, and occur at an earlier age than previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien Huey Lim
- New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Edward Gane
- New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chris Moyes
- The Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand, Whakatane, New Zealand
| | - Barry Borman
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Chris Cunningham
- Research Centre for Maori Health and Development, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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Al-Qahtani AA, Al-Ashgar HI, Al Mana H, Al-Ahdal MN, Soliman Ali A, Hasanain AF, Helmy A. Impact of Liver Biopsy on the Decision to Treat Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Genotype D Virus Infection. Intervirology 2014; 57:248-53. [DOI: 10.1159/000360858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Cheong JY, Kim DJ, Hwang SG, Yang JM, Kim YB, Park YN, Cho SW. Serum markers for necroinflammatory activity in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and normal or mildly elevated aminotransferase levels. Liver Int 2011; 31:1352-8. [PMID: 21745311 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2011.02570.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports on the usefulness of serum markers for predicting liver necroinflammation are limited. The aim of this study was to determine the serum markers that predict significant inflammation in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and C (CHC) and normal or mildly elevated serum aminotransferase levels. METHODS Two hundred twenty-seven patients with CHB or CHC with normal or mildly elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (≤60 IU/L) were enrolled in this study. Significant inflammation was defined as inflammatory grade ≥3 activities using the Batt-Ludwig scoring system. The correlation between liver histology and serum markers of liver inflammation was analysed. RESULTS Forty-eight (21.1%) and eight patients (3.5%) had grade 3 and 4 inflammation respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that age, platelet coun, and AST, ALT, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, hyaluronic acid, haptoglobin, apolipoprotein A1 and procollagen III N-terminal peptide levels were significantly different between the patients with and without significant inflammation. There were no significant differences in the cytokeratin-18 fragment levels between the two groups. On the basis of multivariate analysis, the AST and apolipoprotein A1 levels and stage of fibrosis were highly predictive of significant inflammation. Using AST and apolipoprotein cut-off values ≥44 IU/L and ≤100 ng/ml, respectively, the presence of significant inflammation was predicted with high specificity (96.5%) and with a negative predictive value of 76.3%. CONCLUSION The AST and apolipoprotein A1 levels were shown to be independent predictors of significant inflammatory activities in patients with CHB and CHC and normal or mildly elevated aminotransferase levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Y Cheong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
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Ijaz B, Ahmad W, Javed FT, Gull S, Hassan S. Revised cutoff values of ALT and HBV DNA level can better differentiate HBeAg (-) chronic inactive HBV patients from active carriers. Virol J 2011; 8:86. [PMID: 21352567 PMCID: PMC3052190 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims ELISA is still used as primary test for diagnosis HBV disease. However, ELISA-positive patients were marked as HBV inactive after confirmation with PCR and vice versa. Our aim was to assess the performance of new cut-off value of ALT, HBV DNA load and significance of AST as screening tool for HBeAg (-) chronic active or inactive patients in Pakistani population. Materials and methods In a cross-sectional, cohort study, 567 HBeAg (-) patients followed for one year were selected. Patients with persistent elevated ALT than normal and HBV DNA ≥ 100,000 copies/mL were taken as active chronic. Diagnostic values for ALT, AST and HBV DNA load in HBV HBeAg (-) chronic active and inactive patients compared using receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curves. Results Of 567 HBeAg (-) patients, 228 were classified as chronic inactive and 339 as active. HBV infection was dominant in male. Serum ALT, AST and HBV DNA levels showed significant and high AUROC to differentiate chronic HBeAg (-) inactive patients from active. AUROC for Serum ALT, AST and HBV DNA were observed 0.997, 0.969 and 1.000, respectively. For revised cut off value for ALT (30 IU/L for male and 19 IU/L for female) and HBV DNA load ≥100,000 copies/mL, a PPV of 97%, NPV of 94%, a sensitivity of 98%, and a specificity of 92% was observed to discriminate active carriers from inactive carriers. We also observed 93.5% specificity, 83.1% sensitivity, 82% PPV and 89.5% NPV for AST ≤20 IU/L to differentiate inactive carriers from active ones in our study group. Conclusions Revised cut off value of ALT and NIH derived HBV DNA value can better discriminate between HBeAg (-) chronic active and inactive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Ijaz
- Applied and Functional Genomics lab, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
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Histological changes in chinese chronic hepatitis B patients with ALT lower than two times upper limits of normal. Dig Dis Sci 2010; 55:432-7. [PMID: 19241166 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-009-0724-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2008] [Accepted: 01/12/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The role of ALT as a predictor of liver injury has been questioned. The aim of this study is to use liver biopsy to assess the degree of liver injury in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB) whose ALT < 2 x upper limit of normal (ULN). A total of 49.2% of patients in this study had significant inflammation (grade >or=2) and 36.4% had significant fibrosis (stage >or=2). The frequency of serious inflammation and fibrosis was similar in patients with different ALT levels. The level of serum HBV DNA was not significantly associated with the extent of inflammation and fibrosis. Advanced age was a significant independent predictor of histological damage and the presence of more significant inflammation and fibrosis. We conclude that many CHB patients with ALT < 2 x ULN have significant liver inflammation or fibrosis and that liver biopsy is necessary to assess liver damage and should be used to assess the need for anti-viral therapy.
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Sellier P, Schnepf N, Jarrin I, Mazeron MC, Simoneau G, Parrinello M, Evans J, Lafuente-Lafuente C. Description of liver disease in a cohort of HIV/HBV coinfected patients. J Clin Virol 2010; 47:13-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2009.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2009] [Revised: 10/05/2009] [Accepted: 10/07/2009] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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13
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Rautou PE, Moucari R, Cazals-Hatem D, Escolano S, Denié C, Douarin L, Francoz C, Durand F, Ozenne V, Imbert A, Moreau R, Lebrec D, Plessier A, Valla D. Levels and initial course of serum alanine aminotransferase can predict outcome of patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009; 7:1230-5. [PMID: 19560555 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2009.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2009] [Revised: 06/07/2009] [Accepted: 06/13/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome can present with acute, subacute, or chronic disease; the definitions and significance of these variants have been disputed. An increased level of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an objective marker for acute liver injury. We analyzed the significance of changes in ALT levels in Budd-Chiari syndrome patients. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of data from 96 consecutive Budd-Chiari syndrome patients. RESULTS A threshold peak ALT level that was 5-fold the upper limit of normal distinguished 2 groups of patients: patients with high levels of ALT (40% of patients) presented with more severe liver disease, less frequent liver fibrosis, and more frequent liver cell necrosis, compared with those with ALT levels below this threshold. Patients with levels of ALT that started out high but slowly declined (<50% of starting concentration within 3 days) had significantly lower odds of survival than those with a rapid decline and those with low levels of ALT (40 months transplantation-free survival, 31%, 63%, and 71%, respectively). When ALT level and the velocity of its decline are used as criterion, these data add significant prognostic information to Child-Pugh, to Clichy, and to Rotterdam Budd-Chiari syndrome scores. CONCLUSIONS Determination of ALT levels at patient presentation allows 2 variants of Budd-Chiari syndrome to be distinguished. High levels of ALT reflect acute, severe, but potentially reversible, ischemic liver cell necrosis. High levels of ALT that decrease slowly predict a poor outcome for patients and might justify rapid aggressive management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Emmanuel Rautou
- Pôle des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon, AP-HP, Clichy, France
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14
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Abstract
Nucleoside or nucleotide analogs (NUCs) are a major step forward in the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Apart from their proven antiviral efficacy, these drugs have proved able to significantly improve liver fibrosis as short-term treatment. Using different definitions of fibrosis regression, after 1 year of treatment, improvement in liver fibrosis was observed among HBe antigen (HBeAg)-positive naive patients: 35-61% with lamivudine; 41% with adefovir; 68% with telbivudine; 39% with entecavir; and 74% with tenofovir. Among HBeAg-negative patients, after 1 year of treatment, improvement in liver fibrosis was seen in: 36-46% with lamivudine; 48% with adefovir; 56% with telbivudine; 36% with entecavir; and 71% with tenofovir. Long-term treatment is often required with NUCs; the response continue to improve over time, reaching up to 63% of patients with lamivudine and 71% of patients with adefovir, although the development of antiviral drug resistance can blunt any histological improvement. Also, there is now growing evidence that non-invasive methods of fibrosis diagnosis, such as surrogate markers, are likely to become as important as liver biopsy for taking the initial decision to biopsy and for treatment, and in the follow-up of treated chronic HBV patients.
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Assy N, Beniashvili Z, Djibre A, Nasser G, Grosovski M, Nseir W. Lower baseline ALT cut-off values and HBV DNA levels better differentiate HBeAg(-) chronic hepatitis B patients from inactive chronic carriers. World J Gastroenterol 2009; 15:3025-31. [PMID: 19554656 PMCID: PMC2702111 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.15.3025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To determine whether new cut-off values for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels better differentiate HBeAg(-) chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients from inactive chronic carriers.
METHODS: Ninety-one patients [32 HBeAg(+) CHB, 19 inactive carriers and 40 HBeAg(-) CHB] were followed up for 2 years and were tested for HBV DNA levels by a PCR-based assay. ALT was tested twice during the last 6 mo using new cut-off values: ULN (upper limit of normal) 30 IU/L for males, 19 IU/L for females. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated by discriminant analysis.
RESULTS: When using the revised ALT cut-off values, the lowest optimal HBV DNA level that differentiated HBeAg(-) CHB patients from inactive carriers was 50 000 copies/mL. The diagnostic accuracy of HBV DNA to determine inactive carriers with a cut-off of 50 000 copies/mL was similar to the previously recommended cut-off of 100 000 copies/mL (91%). HBV DNA levels were lower than the cut-off value in 95% of inactive carriers and in 28% of HBeAg(-) CHB patients. With ALT < 30 IU/L in men and < 19 IU/L in women and HBV DNA levels < 100 000 copies/mL, the risk of CHB is 5%. On the other hand, if ALT values were > 30 IU in men and > 19 IU in women and baseline HBV DNA levels were > 100 000 copies/mL, the risk is 86%.
CONCLUSION: New cut-off values for ALT together with HBV DNA levels proposed by AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases) and NIH (National Institute of Health) consensus seem appropriate to characterize inactive carriers.
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Wong GLH, Wong VWS, Choi PCL, Chan AWH, Chim AML, Yiu KKL, Chan FKL, Sung JJY, Chan HLY. Increased liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography in severe acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009; 24:1002-7. [PMID: 19457152 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2009.05779.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The proposed cut-off values for the degree of fibrosis as assessed by liver stiffness measurement (LSM) might not be applicable in severe acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to assess the effect of necroinflammatory activity on LSM in this condition. METHODS We prospectively recruited consecutive patients with severe acute exacerbation of CHB (alanine aminotransferase or ALT > 10x upper limit of normal). The relationship of ALT levels and LSM were serially assessed and liver biopsy was carried out after ALT normalization. RESULTS Eleven patients (10 male, median age 43 years) were followed up for 25 weeks; nine patients received antiviral therapy. Overall, LSM was positively correlated with ALT levels (r = 0.67, P < 0.001). At initial presentation, the median serum ALT and LSM was 1136 (581-2210) IU/L and 26.3 (11.1-33.3) kPa. A progressive reduction in LSM was observed during subsequent visits in parallel with the reduction of ALT levels. At the last visit, the median ALT was 27 (11-52) IU/L and LSM was 7.7 (4.7-10.8) kPa. Among the five patients who had liver biopsy carried out at week 25, four patients had F2 fibrosis (LSM 5.7-8.1 kPa) and one patient had F3 fibrosis (LSM 8.6 kPa). CONCLUSIONS LSM using transient elastography with the current proposed cut-off values might misdiagnose liver cirrhosis in patients suffering from severe acute exacerbation of CHB. LSM should be assessed after normalization of ALT levels in order to accurately assess the degree of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace L-H Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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17
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El-Zayadi AR, Badran HM, Saied A, Shawky S, Attia MED, Zalata K. Evaluation of liver biopsy in Egyptian HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients at initial presentation: implications for therapy. Am J Gastroenterol 2009; 104:906-11. [PMID: 19293791 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2009.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A subgroup of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and/or hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA levels below the cutoff values of international guidelines may have significant liver disease and miss the opportunity for early treatment. Histopathological changes of HBeAg-negative CHB patients at initial presentation irrespective of HBV-DNA and/or ALT levels to increase the likelihood of patients for treatment are evaluated. METHODS CHB patients attending Cairo Liver Center from January 2006 to May 2008 had biochemical, serological, and virological screening as well as liver biopsy that was assessed by Metavir score. RESULTS Fifty-two HBeAg-negative CHB patients (46 male and 6 female) with a median age of 37.5 years were included in the study. Significant fibrosis (>or=F2) was found in 26% (5/19) of patients with serum HBV-DNA <2,000 IU/ml, and 53% (21/40) of patients with ALT level <2xULN. Liver biopsy increased candidacy for treatment by nearly 25% before implementation of the recommended lower ALT levels (30 U/l for male and 19 U/l for female patients), and by 21.2% after implementation of the lower ALT level. Implementation of the lower ALT level increased the candidacy of patients for treatment by 4% (two patients), whereas liver biopsy increased eligibility for treatment by 55.8 % (27/49). CONCLUSIONS Liver biopsy is more reliable than either ALT or HBV-DNA levels in the decision to treat Egyptian HBeAg-negative CHB patients, even with the implementation of the recommended lower ALT levels.
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Poynard T, Ngo Y, Marcellin P, Hadziyannis S, Ratziu V, Benhamou Y. Impact of adefovir dipivoxil on liver fibrosis and activity assessed with biochemical markers (FibroTest-ActiTest) in patients infected by hepatitis B virus. J Viral Hepat 2009; 16:203-13. [PMID: 19175871 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2008.01065.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim was to assess the utility of FibroTest-ActiTest (FT-AT) as noninvasive markers of histological changes in patients with chronic hepatitis. Patients with chronic hepatitis B (HBeAg+ and HBeAg-) randomized in two trials of adefovir (ADV) vs placebo, with available paired liver biopsies and FT-AT at baseline and after 48 weeks of treatment were included. The predictive value of FT-AT was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUROCs) for the diagnosis of bridging fibrosis, cirrhosis and moderate-severe necroinflammatory activity. The impact of treatment with ADV vs placebo was assessed on liver injury according to baseline stage and virological response at 48 weeks. The analysis of 924 estimates for the diagnosis of bridging fibrosis, cirrhosis and moderate or severe necroinflammatory activity yielded FT-AT AUROCs: 0.76 +/- 0.02 (standardized 0.81 +/- 0.02), 0.81 +/- 0.02 and 0.80 +/- 0.01, respectively. Similar impacts of ADV on liver fibrosis and activity were observed both with paired biopsy (fibrosis stage from 1.6 to 1.4, activity grade from 2.5 to 1.3) and paired biomarkers (FT from 0.44 to 0.40, AT from 0.62 to 0.25) (P < 0.0001). FibroTest-ActiTest provides a quantitative estimate of liver fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in patients with chronic hepatitis B and may be an alternative to reduce the need for liver biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Poynard
- Pitié-Salpêtrière, Université Paris, Paris, France.
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19
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Zacharakis G, Koskinas J, Kotsiou S, Tzara F, Vafeiadis N, Papoutselis M, Maltezos E, Sivridis E, Papoutselis K. The role of serial measurement of serum HBV DNA levels in patients with chronic HBeAg(-) hepatitis B infection: association with liver disease progression. A prospective cohort study. J Hepatol 2008; 49:884-91. [PMID: 18674840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2008.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2008] [Accepted: 06/10/2008] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS To evaluate the fluctuating course of serum HBV-DNA levels during the natural history of chronic HBV infection in the general population of North-Eastern Greece, in association with liver disease progression. METHODS Two hundred and sixty-three adults with chronic HBV, median 34 years of age, were randomly selected and prospectively followed-up for a maximum period of 12 years. Viral markers, liver biochemistry and physical examination were performed every 6 months, and liver biopsy/abdominal ultrasound every 2-4 years. RESULTS At entry, 195/263 (76%) were HBeAg (-)/anti-HBe (+) inactive carriers: (a) almost all 195 individuals with undetectable or HBV-DNA levels <2000IU/ml had no liver disease at entry and at follow-up period by imaging or liver histology evaluation (b) only 4/195 (2%) showed HBV reactivation with HBV-DNA >2000IU/ml. At entry, 48/263 (18%) patients were chronic HBeAg(-); (a) 1/3 patients had intermittently HBV-DNA <2000IU/ml for at least one occasion and were misclassified as inactive carriers (b) 22/48 (46%) had moderate/severe histology at entry and 5/48 (10%) showed liver disease progression during follow-up. Logistic regression analysis was used to derive OR (95%CI) for factors associated with liver disease progression. CONCLUSIONS Close monitoring of serum HBV-DNA levels is useful in the management of chronic HBeAg(-) patients, as associated with liver disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Zacharakis
- Unit of Preventive Medicine, Social Security Institute, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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20
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Wong GLH, Wong VWS, Choi PCL, Chan AWH, Chim AML, Yiu KKL, Chan HY, Chan FKL, Sung JJY, Chan HLY. Evaluation of alanine transaminase and hepatitis B virus DNA to predict liver cirrhosis in hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B using transient elastography. Am J Gastroenterol 2008; 103:3071-81. [PMID: 19086958 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2008.02157.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and the risk of cirrhosis in a large cohort of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients based on transient elastography. METHODS We prospectively studied treatment-naive HBeAg-negative patients recruited based on territory-wide referrals. We defined possible cirrhosis and probable cirrhosis with two different cutoffs according to the results from a subgroup of patients with histologic proof. RESULTS One thousand one hundred ninety-seven patients with successful liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were studied. In the subgroup of 100 patients with liver biopsy, LSM of > or =8.4 kiloPascal (kPa) had a sensitivity of 90% and LSM of > or =13.4 kPa had a specificity of 94% for liver cirrhosis. Possible and probable cirrhosis were defined as a LSM value > or =8.4 kPa and > or =13.4 kPa, and were present in 31% and 11% of the patients, respectively. The risk of cirrhosis was significantly increased when ALT level was >0.5x upper limit of normal (ULN) or serum HBV DNA >4 log(10) copies/mL. Among patients who have ALT < or =0.5 x ULN and HBV DNA < or =4 log(10) copies/mL, 10% (26/264) and 3% (7/264) had possible and probable cirrhosis respectively, which were significantly lower when compared with 34% (329/887, P < 0.001) and 14% (125/887, P < 0.001) of those who had higher ALT and HBV DNA levels. CONCLUSIONS Liver cirrhosis was common among HBeAg-negative CHB patients. Patients with ALT levels >0.5 x ULN and/or serum HBV DNA >4 log(10) copies/mL have higher risk of cirrhosis and need further assessment for antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Lai-Hung Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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21
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Elevated perioperative transaminase level predicts intrahepatic recurrence in hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma after curative hepatectomy. Asian J Surg 2008; 31:41-9. [PMID: 18490213 DOI: 10.1016/s1015-9584(08)60056-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the role of elevated perioperative alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as a surrogate marker of hepatitis activity in determining the risk of recurrence and survival in hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative hepatectomy. METHODS A retrospective review of the hepatectomy database was performed and 142 patients were found who had hepatitis B-related HCC from January 2001 to March 2006. Their ALT levels preoperatively and 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively were recorded. The risk factors for recurrence and prognostic factors of survival were analysed. RESULTS An elevated perioperative ALT level (p = 0.021), multiple tumour nodules in the resected specimen (p < 0.001), and a tumour size greater than 5 cm (p = 0.001) were significant independent risk factors for tumour recurrence. The latter two factors were also independent prognostic factors for overall survival and disease-free survival. An elevated ALT level was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION An elevated perioperative ALT level, which reflects increased hepatitis activity, is an independent risk factor for intrahepatic recurrence of hepatitis B-related HCC. It is also associated with a poorer disease-free survival rate.
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22
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Feld JJ, Ayers M, El-Ashry D, Mazzulli T, Tellier R, Heathcote EJ. Hepatitis B virus DNA prediction rules for hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B. Hepatology 2007; 46:1057-70. [PMID: 17654702 DOI: 10.1002/hep.21811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED After hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion, hepatitis B may become inactive or progress to HBeAg-negative hepatitis with persistent or intermittent alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation. The aim of this study was to prospectively identify factors predictive of the clinical course in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Patients were stratified by ALT and HBeAg status and followed every 3 months for up to 5 years. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis using the change from normal ALT to elevated ALT as endpoints were performed to determine factors associated with ALT elevation/normalization. Seventy-four HBeAg-negative and 32 HBeAg-positive patients were prospectively evaluated. For HBeAg-negative patients, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was predictive of future ALT. Only 1 patient with normal ALT and an HBV DNA value lower than 10,000 copies/mL developed an elevated ALT within the subsequent year, whereas 67% with an HBV DNA value greater than 100,000 copies/mL had a rise in ALT above normal within 1 year. Patients with a previous history of ALT elevation and longer follow-up at all levels of HBV DNA were more likely to experience ALT elevations. For HBeAg-negative patients with elevated ALT and all HBeAg-positive patients, HBV DNA did not predict future ALT. Other viral and host factors were not predictive of future ALT. CONCLUSION HBeAg-negative CHB has a fluctuating course. HBV DNA values lower than 10,000 copies/mL predict persistently normal ALT for at least 1 year. Patients with HBV DNA values between 10,000 and 100,000 copies/mL can safely be followed at 6 monthly intervals, whereas HBV DNA values greater than 100,000 copies/mL are highly predictive of future ALT elevation and should prompt regular follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan J Feld
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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23
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Chan HLY, Tse AML, Zhang MD, Wong VWS, Chim AML, Hui AY, Sung JJY. Genetic polymorphisms of interleukin-1-beta in association with sustained response to anti-viral treatment in chronic hepatitis B in Chinese. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2006; 23:1703-11. [PMID: 16817913 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.02948.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin-1beta is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that may influence host defence against viral infection. AIM To investigate the impact of interleukin-1beta gene polymorphism on the response to anti-viral treatment. METHOD Hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B patients who have completed a randomized study of peginterferon alpha-2b and lamivudine combination vs. lamivudine monotherapy were included. Sustained responders were patients who had persistent hepatitis B e antigen loss and less than two occasions with hepatitis B virus DNA >100 000 copies/mL at any time up to week 76 post-treatment. Polymorphisms at interleukin-1beta-511, -31 and -3954 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (RN) were studied. RESULTS Eighty-eight patients were studied and 18 (20%) patients developed sustained response. Near complete linkage disequilibrium was observed between interleukin-1beta-511 and -31 loci. After adjustment for the potential confounding effects of treatment allocation, hepatitis B virus genotype, pre-treatment alanine aminotransferase and hepatitis B virus DNA levels, genotype C/T at interleukin-1beta-511 was found to be associated with higher sustained response than genotype C/C (adjusted odds ratio 10.4, 95% CI 1.1, 96.9, P = 0.040). The proportion of sustained responders tend to be higher among patients with allele T at interleukin-1beta-511 (83%) than those without (70%) (P = 0.058). CONCLUSION High interleukin-1beta production genotype at position -511 has a favourable response to anti-viral treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- H L-Y Chan
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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24
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Kim TH, Cho EY, Oh HJ, Choi CS, Kim JW, Moon HB, Kim HC. The degrees of hepatocyte cytoplasmic expression of hepatitis B core antigen correlate with histologic activity of liver disease in the young patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. J Korean Med Sci 2006; 21:279-83. [PMID: 16614514 PMCID: PMC2734004 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2006.21.2.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Subcellular localizaton of HBcAg have been found to be related to the activity of liver disease and HBV replication. The aim of this study was to determine whether the degree of expression of HBcAg in the hepatocyte nucleus and cytoplasm reflects the level of viral replication and histological activity in chronic HBV infection. A total of 102 patients with biopsy proven chronic hepatitis B were included. There was a highly significant correlation between the levels of HBV DNA in serum and the degree of expression of HBcAg in the nucleus for HBeAg-positive(p=0.000) and negative patients(p=0.04). There was a highly significant, correlation between the degrees of expression of HBcAg in hepatocyte cytoplasm and histologic activities (p<0.01) for HBeAg-positive patients. The degrees of expression of HBcAg in the hepatocyte cytoplasm correlated positively with the lobular activities (p<0.01), but not correlated with the portal activity and fibrosis for HBeAg-negative patients. In conclusion, in the young patients with chronic B viral hepatitis, the degree of expression of HBcAg in the hepatocyte nucleus may affect viral load, and the degree of expression of HBcAg in the hepatocyte cytoplasm may affect histologic activities of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Hyeon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
| | - Eun Young Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
| | - Hyo Jeong Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
| | - Chang Soo Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
| | - Ji Woong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
| | - Heung Bae Moon
- Department of Pathology, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
| | - Haak Cheul Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
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25
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N/A. N/A. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2005; 13:2809-2810. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v13.i23.2809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
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Wong PN, Fung TT, Mak SK, Lo KY, Tong GM, Wong Y, Loo CK, Lam EK, Wong AK. Hepatitis B virus infection in dialysis patients. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2005; 20:1641-51. [PMID: 16246180 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2005.03837.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major issue among dialysis patients. It is associated with a high risk of hepatic complication. The liver disease runs a unique clinical course in dialysis patients, as it can progress with modest hepatic inflammation and prominent fibrosis. The conventional cut-off level of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) for commencing antiviral therapy may prove too high and inappropriate for dialysis patients, and liver biopsy appears to be the only definitive means to establish the activity of liver disease in dialysis patients. Liver biopsy should be considered in patients with a serum ALT level that is persistently greater than 30 IU/L, or 0.75-fold the upper limit of the normal level, and/or other clinical and laboratory findings that suggest active liver disease. For antiviral treatment, preliminary reports have shown that lamivudine is effective and well tolerated in dialysis patients. However, the long-term efficacy of lamivudine and its optimal effective dose in dialysis patients remain unknown. The prevention of nosocomial transmission among dialysis patients is also important. Universal precaution measures should be strictly observed and the segregation of hepatitis B surface antigen-positive hemodialysis patients should be considered. For HBV non-immune patients, the importance of HBV vaccination should not be overemphasized. Until a new generation of highly immunogenic vaccines that are proven to be safe and effective in patients with end-stage renal disease becomes available, early vaccination before the development of end-stage renal failure remains the best way to secure immunological protection against HBV infection in dialysis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Nam Wong
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong.
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27
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Poynard T, Zoulim F, Ratziu V, Degos F, Imbert-Bismut F, Deny P, Landais P, El Hasnaoui A, Slama A, Blin P, Thibault V, Parvaz P, Munteanu M, Trepo C. Longitudinal assessment of histology surrogate markers (FibroTest-ActiTest) during lamivudine therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Am J Gastroenterol 2005; 100:1970-80. [PMID: 16128941 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.41957.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The noninvasive serum markers, FibroTest-ActiTest (FT-AT), are an alternative to liver biopsy in patients with chronic hepatitis C and B. The aim was to use these markers in a prospective study of patients treated with lamivudine in order to assess the impact of treatment, as well as the factors associated with fibrosis progression. METHODS Two hundred and ninety-eight patients were included in a prospective longitudinal study in 50 hospitals across France. FT-AT were measured at baseline, and then after 6, 12, and 24 months of lamivudine 100-mg treatment. Epidemiological, clinical, and virologic characteristics were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS Two hundred and eighty-three patients were included for analysis. The accuracy of FT-AT versus biopsy was validated with the area under the ROC curve, 0.77 (SE = 0.03) for bridging fibrosis and 0.75 (SE = 0.06) for severe activity (A3). At baseline, bridging fibrosis (METAVIR stages F2-F3-F4) was highly associated (p < 0.001) in multivariate analysis with male gender and age and marginally associated with anti-HBe presence (p= 0.05) and non-Asian ethnic origin (p= 0.046). Lamivudine treatment had a very significant impact overall. FT decreased significantly from 0.51 at baseline to 0.37 at 24 months (p < 0.001), and 85% of patients had improvement at 24 months. AT also decreased significantly from 0.56 to 0.13 (p < 0.0001), and 91% of patients had improvement at 24 months. A three-phase kinetics was observed for both fibrosis and activity; there was a marked improvement during the first 6 months, followed by a plateau between 6 and 12 months, and another improvement between 12 and 24 months. The occurrence of a YMDD variant does not entirely explain these three-phase variations. The first phase impact on fibrosis rates was higher in Asian patients (p= 0.01) and in patients younger than 40 yr (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In patients with chronic hepatitis B, a 24-month course of lamivudine treatment leads to a significant decrease in necroinflammatory grades and fibrosis stages as assessed by noninvasive markers, with the occurrence of a three-phase kinetics. FT-AT should be useful in the noninvasive follow-up of lamivudine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Poynard
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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Hasanjani Roushan MR, Hajiahmadi M, Shafaie S. Histopathological features of liver and its relation to serum transaminase levels in 91 cases of anti-HBe-positive chronic hepatitis B. Int J Clin Pract 2005; 59:791-4. [PMID: 15963206 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2005.00416.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
For assessing the histopathological features and its relation to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in anti-HBe-positive chronic hepatitis B in Babol, north of Iran, liver biopsy samples of 91 anti-HBe-positive chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with raised ALT were scored according to histological hepatitis activity index (HAI) from March 2000 to July 2003. Seventy-seven males and 14 females with a mean age of 32.24 (+/-11.92) years were studied. Mean ALT and AST levels were 112.5 (+/-98.9) and 69.57 (+/-60.6) IU/l, respectively. Minimal, mild, moderate and severe chronic hepatitis were seen in 35 (38.5%), 49 (53.8%), seven (7.7%) and 0 cases, respectively. There was not any significant difference between HAI and ALT levels of < 60, between 60-79 and > or = 80 IU/l (p = 0.299), but with regard to AST levels, this difference was significant (p = 0.005). This study showed that more than 90% of our cases are in the early stages of the liver disease. Although both serum ALT and AST levels are associated with the activity of hepatitis in HBV carriers, the AST is a better laboratory screening test for finding the severity of liver injury than ALT.
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Sigal SH, Ala A, Ivanov K, Hossain S, Bodian C, Schiano TD, Min AD, Bodenheimer HC, Thung SN. Histopathology and clinical correlates of end-stage hepatitis B cirrhosis: a possible mechanism to explain the response to antiviral therapy. Liver Transpl 2005; 11:82-8. [PMID: 15690540 DOI: 10.1002/lt.20328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In chronic liver disease associated with histological necroinflammation, clinical severity is frequently greater in those with higher grades of activity. Conventional wisdom assumes that necroinflammation is mild or absent in patients with end-stage hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis due to the frequent presence of mildly elevated aminotransferase levels, the absence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and low or undetectable HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) levels. However, a histopathologic analysis of such patients has not been undertaken. The aims of this study were 1) to assess severity and histological features of inflammation, 2) to correlate the severity of inflammation with biochemical and virologic parameters, and 3) to define the relationship between inflammation and clinical severity in explanted livers from patients undergoing liver transplantation for HBV cirrhosis. Characteristics of 34 consecutive patients undergoing liver transplantation for HBV cirrhosis were correlated with inflammation and immunohistological findings in the explanted livers. High-grade inflammation (grades 3 and 4) was found in many cases (47.1% interface hepatitis; 14.8% lobular inflammation; and 20.6% portal inflammation). The presence of positive cytoplasmic staining for hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) was associated with grade 3 or 4 interface hepatitis (P = .046) and lobular hepatitis (P = .005). There was no correlation between inflammatory activity and age, Asian ethnicity, aminotransferase levels, total bilirubin levels, HBeAg seropositivity, and detectable HBV DNA level. Patients with high-grade inflammation had greater degrees of hepatic decompensation. In conclusion, high-grade inflammation is common in end-stage HBV cirrhosis, but it is not readily detected by biochemical and virologic parameters. High-grade inflammation is associated with a greater degree of hepatic decompensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel H Sigal
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, New York Weill Cornell Medical Center, 525 East 68th Street, Box 308, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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30
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Chan HLY, Wong ML, Hui AY, Hung LCT, Chan FKL, Sung JJY. Use of hepatitis B virus DNA quantitation to predict hepatitis B e antigen reversion in cases of chronic hepatitis B. J Clin Microbiol 2004; 41:4793-5. [PMID: 14532223 PMCID: PMC294957 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.41.10.4793-4795.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Seventy-three chronic hepatitis B patients who had either hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion (group I) or HBeAg-negative disease (group II) were studied. HBV DNA levels at HBeAg seroconversion (group I) and at initial visits (group II) were significantly lower among patients who were persistently negative for HBeAg than among those who underwent HBeAg reversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Lik-Yuen Chan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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31
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Manesis EK, Papatheodoridis GV, Sevastianos V, Cholongitas E, Papaioannou C, Hadziyannis SJ. Significance of hepatitis B viremia levels determined by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay in patients with hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Am J Gastroenterol 2003; 98:2261-7. [PMID: 14572577 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2003.07715.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the clinical relevance of low viremia levels remains unclear. We evaluated the clinical significance of a single baseline serum HBV DNA measurement by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in this setting. METHODS In total, 196 patients with HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection (62 inactive carriers, 134 with chronic hepatitis B) were studied. ALT activity was normal at baseline in 25/134 HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients (18.7%), whereas it remained normal throughout follow-up in all inactive carriers. RESULTS HBV DNA was <30,000 copies/ml in 14 (10.5%) and <100,000 copies/ml in 17 (12.9%) HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients, whereas it was <30,000 copies/ml in all inactive carriers (undetectable in 14). In particular, HBV DNA levels were <100,000 copies/ml in eight (32%) and <30,000 copies/ml in five (20%) of the 25 patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B and normal baseline ALT values. HBV DNA levels with a cut-off at 30,000 or 100,000 copies/ml could correctly classify 92.9% or 91.3% of patients with HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection, whereas ALT or IgM anti-HBc (IgM class antibody to HBV core antigen) index > 0.200 could correctly classify only 87.2% and 82.1% of patients, respectively. A combined HBV DNA and IgM anti-HBc index performed better by correctly classifying 94.4% of cases. CONCLUSIONS Serum HBV DNA levels evaluated by sensitive quantitative PCR assays can be used for differentiation between HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B and inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carrier state, but the cut-off level should be set at approximately 30,000 copies/ml and certainly lower than the recently suggested level of 100,000 copies/ml.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel K Manesis
- Academic Department of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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32
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Myers RP, Tainturier MH, Ratziu V, Piton A, Thibault V, Imbert-Bismut F, Messous D, Charlotte F, Di Martino V, Benhamou Y, Poynard T. Prediction of liver histological lesions with biochemical markers in patients with chronic hepatitis B. J Hepatol 2003; 39:222-30. [PMID: 12873819 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(03)00171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Liver biopsy is the gold standard for assessing hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related histology. The aim was to determine the diagnostic utility of noninvasive serum markers in patients with chronic hepatitis B. METHODS The aminotransferases and indices including alpha(2)-macroglobulin, apolipoprotein A1, haptoglobin, gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT), and total bilirubin (Fibrotest), and ALT (Actitest) were compared with liver histology. The primary outcomes were A2-A3 activity and F2-F4 fibrosis (METAVIR). RESULTS Two hundred and nine patients were included. Forty-one patients (20%) had A2-A3 activity and 61 (29%) had F2-F4 fibrosis. AST and GGT (P<0.001) were independently associated with A2-A3 activity. AST, ALT, and Actitest accurately predicted activity ((areas under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUROC), 0.81-0.82+/-0.04)); an AST or ALT< or =30IU/l excluded significant activity with 96% certainty. Fibrotest accurately predicted F2-F4 fibrosis (AUROC, 0.78+/-0.04). Fibrotest scores (range, 0-1.0) < or =0.20 and >0.80 had negative and positive predictive values of 92%, respectively. Restricting biopsy to patients with intermediate scores (>0.20 and < or =0.80) may prevent liver biopsies in 46% of patients while maintaining 92% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS The aminotransferases and an index including five biochemical markers are accurate noninvasive markers of HBV-related activity and fibrosis, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Myers
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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Hartman C, Berkowitz D, Shouval D, Eshach-Adiv O, Hino B, Rimon N, Satinger I, Kra-Oz T, Daudi N, Shamir R. Lamivudine treatment for chronic hepatitis B infection in children unresponsive to interferon. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2003; 22:224-9. [PMID: 12634582 DOI: 10.1097/01.inf.0000055062.64965.2e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Lamivudine is a potent inhibitor of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. This prospective open study reports the results of lamivudine treatment in children with chronic hepatitis B infection who did not respond to previous interferon treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS Lamivudine, 3 mg/kg/day (maximum, 100 mg/day), was given for 52 weeks to 20 children and adolescents, ages 8.5 to 19 years, with chronic hepatitis B infection who had been treated with interferon 2 to 5 years earlier. We evaluated virologic and biochemical responses, the occurrence of YMDD mutants and adverse effects. RESULTS All children were HBV DNA+, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) /anti-hepatitis B e antibody- at start of treatment. At the end of 1 year, HBV DNA declined by 95% in all patients, and 8 of 18 (44%) had sustained undetectable HBV DNA by hybridization assay. Median pretreatment alanine aminotransferase (ALT) x1.5 upper limit of normal decreased to ALT x0.9 upper limit of normal after 1 year. One child became HBeAg-negative. YMDD mutants were detected in 11 of 17 (65%) children after 1 year of lamivudine treatment. Among children with YMDD mutant variants, 54% maintained normal ALT values and 45% had undetectable HBV DNA by hybridization assay. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS Children with chronic hepatitis B infection treated with lamivudine after failure of interferon therapy had decreased HBV replication and improved ALT values. However, lamivudine treatment resulted in an exceptionally high rate of lamivudine-resistant mutants and low HBeAg seroconversion rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Hartman
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Meyer Children's Hospital of Haifa, Israel
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Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is present in 2-50% of renal transplant recipients and patients receiving hemodialysis. Renal transplantation confers an overall survival benefit in HCV positive (HCV+) hemodialysis patients, with similar 5-year patient and graft survival to those without HCV infection. However, longer-term studies have reported increased liver-related mortality in HCV-infected recipients. Unfortunately, attempts to eradicate HCV infection before transplant have been disappointing. Interferon is poorly tolerated in-patients with end-stage renal disease and ribavirin is contraindicated because reduced renal clearance results in severe hemolysis. Antiviral therapy following renal transplantation is also poorly tolerated, because of interferon-induced rejection and graft loss. Although the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has declined in hemodialysis patients and renal transplant recipients since the introduction of routine vaccination and other infection control measures, it remains high within countries with endemic HBV infection (especially Asia-Pacific and Africa). Renal transplantation is associated with reduced survival in HBsAg+ hemodialysis patients. Unlike interferon, lamivudine is a safe and effective antiviral HBV treatment both before and after renal transplantation. Lamivudine therapy commenced at transplantation should prevent early posttransplant reactivation and subsequent progression to cirrhosis and late liver failure. This preemptive therapy should also eradicate early liver failure from fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis. Because cessation of treatment may lead to severe lamivudine-withdrawal hepatitis, most patients require long-term therapy. The development of lamivudine-resistance will be accelerated by immunosuppression and may result in severe hepatitis flares with decompensation. Regular monitoring with liver function tests and HBV DNA measurements should enable early detection and rescue with adefovir. Chronic HCV and HBV infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients. The best predictor for liver mortality is advanced liver disease at the time of transplant, and liver biopsy should be considered in all potential HBsAg+ or HCV+ renal transplant candidates without clinical or radiologic evidence of cirrhosis. Established cirrhosis with active viral infection should be considered a relative contraindication to isolated renal transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Gane
- New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland Hospital, New Zealand.
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35
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Sung JJY, Chan HLY, Wong ML, Tse CH, Yuen SCH, Tam JSL, Leung NWY. Relationship of clinical and virological factors with hepatitis activity in hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B virus-infected patients. J Viral Hepat 2002; 9:229-34. [PMID: 12010512 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2893.2002.00352.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the factors associated with active disease among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive/hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection we studied chronic HBV infected patients who had undetectable HBeAg at the first visit. HBV DNA was determined by the cross-linking assay (NAXCOR) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mutations in the core promoter and precore regions and viral genotypes were studied. Clinical outcome of these patients were followed and categorized as: (i) relapse (ALT > 200 IU/L or three times the previous levels); (ii) active hepatitis (elevated ALT < 200 IU/L with concomitant detectable HBV DNA); or (iii) remission. A total of eighty-five patients were followed up for 5.5 +/- 1.0 years. At first visit, 31 (36.5%) patients had elevated ALT levels, 12 (14.1%) had measurable HBV DNA by the cross-linking assay and 26 (30.6%) by PCR. Sixteen (18.8%) patients had hepatitis relapse, 13 (15.3%) had active hepatitis, and 56 (65.9%) remained in remission. Core promoter and precore stop codon mutants were found in 27 and 12 patients, respectively. Eleven and 20 had genotype B and C HBV, respectively. Initial elevated ALT and detectable HBV DNA were associated with active liver disease. Patient demographics, viral mutants or genotypes failed to predict disease activity. Hence, serum ALT and HBV DNA levels offer the best prediction of natural course of HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J-Y Sung
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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36
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Chan HLY, Tsang SWC, Liew CT, Tse CH, Wong ML, Ching JYL, Leung NWY, Tam JSL, Sung JJY. Viral genotype and hepatitis B virus DNA levels are correlated with histological liver damage in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Am J Gastroenterol 2002; 97:406-12. [PMID: 11866280 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2002.05478.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to study the relationship between the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes, core promoter/precore stop codon mutations, and histological liver damage among hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients. METHODS Liver biopsy specimens of 55 HBeAg-negative chronic HBV-infected patients were studied. A histological activity index was scored for degree of necroinflammation (HAI-NI) and fibrosis (HAI-F) as described by Knodell et al. HBV DNA was determined by a cross-linking assay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at the core promoter/precore region and the S region. PCR-positive samples were directly sequenced for core promoter and precore mutations and examined by restriction fragment length polymorphism for genotyping. RESULTS Forty-one males and 14 females at a median age of 43 were studied. HBV DNA was detectable in 32 (58%) and 37 (67%) patients by the cross-linking assay and PCR, respectively, at the time of liver biopsy. The median (range) HAI-NI and HAI-F scores were 5 (1-10) and 2 (0-4), respectively. HBV DNA detectable by either the cross-linking assay or PCR was associated with a higher HAI-NI score. Eleven and 31 patients had genotypes B and C HBV, respectively. Genotype C HBV was associated with higher HAI-NI than genotype B HBV. Core promoter mutations and precore stop codon mutation were detected in 74% and 40% patients, respectively, but they were not associated with higher HAI-NI or HAI-F scores. CONCLUSIONS Detectable HBV DNA and genotype C HBV, but not core promoter or precore stop codon mutations, are associated with more severe liver damage in HBeAg-negative patients.
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37
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Chan HLY. Changing scene in hepatitis B serology interpretation. HOSPITAL MEDICINE (LONDON, ENGLAND : 1998) 2002; 63:16-9. [PMID: 11828810 DOI: 10.12968/hosp.2002.63.1.1719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Serological tests have been used in the diagnosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection since the virus was first discovered. Advances in molecular biology and improvements in the understanding of HBV virology have changed the scene of hepatitis B serology interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Lik-Yuen Chan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong
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38
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis due to pre-core hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants presents as hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). HBeAg-negative CHB represents a late phase in the natural course of chronic HBV infection that develops after HBeAg loss and seroconversion to anti-HBe. It is usually associated with pre-core stop codon mutation at nucleotide 1896 (mainly selected in non-A HBV genotypes), but also with other pre-core changes or with mutations in the basic core promoter region (mainly in HBV genotype A). In chronic HBV infections, pre-core mutants can be detected both in patients with HBeAg-negative CHB and in inactive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers. The diagnosis of HBeAg-negative CHB is based on HBsAg positivity, HBeAg negativity, and mainly on increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum HBV-DNA levels and exclusion of other causes of liver disease. The differential diagnosis between patients with CHB and inactive HBsAg carriers can be made only by close follow-up of aminotransferase activity and viraemia levels, although the cut-off level of serum HBV DNA has not been definitely determined. IgM anti-HBc levels have also been suggested as an index that increases the diagnostic accuracy for transient hepatitis flares, while liver biopsy confirms the diagnosis and evaluates the severity of the liver disease. Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and lamivudine are the two drugs that have been tried, mainly in the management of HBeAg-negative CHB. A 12-month course of IFN-alpha achieves sustained biochemical remission in about 20% of patients, which has been associated with improvement in the long-term outcome of this subset. A 12-month course of lamivudine is rather ineffective, maintaining remission in less than 15% of patients after cessation of therapy. Long-term lamivudine is associated with progressively increasing rate of virological and subsequent biochemical breakthroughs due to YMDD mutants, with approximately 30% of patients remaining in remission in the third year of therapy. Several other antiviral agents are currently being evaluated in this setting with combined regimens being the most reasonable step for the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- G V Papatheodoridis
- Academic Department of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Chan HL, Hui Y, Leung NW, Ching JY, Chan FK, Sung JJ. Risk factors for active liver disease in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B virus-infected patients. Am J Gastroenterol 2000; 95:3547-51. [PMID: 11151891 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2000.03373.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES HBeAg-negative patients constitute approximately 70% of all chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in Southeast Asia, and some of these patients continue to suffer from active disease. We aimed to study the risk of hepatitis relapse in chronic HBV-infected patients with negative HBeAg and the predictor(s) of relapses. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of patients carrying HBsAg but lacking HBeAg. Patients recruited were required to have been followed for > or = 12 months with a minimum of three blood samples available for analysis. Patient demographic data, liver biochemistry, and HBV serology were analyzed in relation to relapses of hepatitis. Relapse was defined as an abrupt elevation of ALT > 200 IU/L or > 3-fold previous levels, whichever was higher. RESULTS In a period of 3 months, 317 patients seen at the Hepatitis Clinic at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong were recruited. The median duration of follow-up was 34 months. On initial consultation, 111 (35.0%) patients had elevated ALT (>60 IU/L). Overall, 57 (18.0%) patients developed at least one relapse, including 37 (33.3%) patients with elevated ALT and 20 (9.7%) patients with normal ALT at the first visit. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that elevated ALT level at first presentation (odds ratio 4.17, 95% confidence interval 2.24-7.75) and male gender (odds ratio 2.83, 95% confidence interval 1.23-6.49) were the two independent factors associated with a higher risk of hepatitis relapse. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of a single ALT test for hepatitis relapse were 64.9%, 71.5%, 33.3%, and 90.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS HBeAg-negative HBV carriers with normal ALT levels have a low risk of hepatitis relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- H L Chan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin
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40
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Lindh M, Horal P, Dhillon AP, Norkrans G. Hepatitis B virus DNA levels, precore mutations, genotypes and histological activity in chronic hepatitis B. J Viral Hepat 2000; 7:258-67. [PMID: 10886534 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2893.2000.00236.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to clarify how viraemia levels reflect the clinical stages of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, in particular studying whether 'healthy carriers' can be identified by analysing HBV DNA levels with a highly sensitive quantitative assay. Histology activity index (HAI), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, genotype and precore mutations were compared with the HBV DNA level, as measured using the Amplicor HBV Monitor assay in a prospective study. In 124 hepatitis B e antigen-negative (HBeAg-) patients, the majority with mild liver disease, log HBV DNA levels showed a Gaussian distribution around a geometric mean of 33 000 genome copies ml-1, and increasing HBV DNA level was associated with significantly higher inflammation (HAIinfl) and fibrosis (HAIfibr) scores and higher ALTi (ALT / the upper reference value). Severe inflammation (HAIinfl > or = 7) was seen in 83% (five of six), 36% (eight of 22) and 3% (one of 37) of HBeAg- patients with HBV DNA > 107, > 2 x 105 and < 104 copies ml-1, respectively. In severe HBeAg- hepatitis, patients with precore wild-type infection had lower HBV DNA levels than those with precore mutants. In 36 HBeAg-positive (HBeAg+) patients, no correlation between HBV DNA level and liver damage was seen. Ninety-six per cent of HBeAg- patients with ALTi < 0.5 had HAIinfl < or = 3. In HBeAg- carriers with ALTi 0.5-1.0, the relative risk for severe inflammation, comparing HBV DNA > 2 x 105 copies ml-1 vs < 2 x 105 copies ml-1, was 14.7. In conclusion, in HBeAg- carriers, HBV DNA < 104 copies ml-1 or ALTi < 0.5 indicates mild inflammation, while > 2 x 105 copies ml-1 of HBV DNA may justify further investigations. Precore status may be relevant for the interpretation of viraemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lindh
- Department of Clinical Virology, Göteborg University, Sweden
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41
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ter Borg F, ten Kate FJ, Cuypers HT, Leentvaar-Kuijpers A, Oosting J, Wertheim-van Dillen PM, Honkoop P, Rasch MC, de Man RA, van Hattum J, Chamuleau RA, Tytgat GN, Jones EA. A survey of liver pathology in needle biopsies from HBsAg and anti-HBe positive individuals. J Clin Pathol 2000; 53:541-8. [PMID: 10961179 PMCID: PMC1731225 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.53.7.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To use laboratory data and liver biopsies, prospectively obtained from hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe) positive patients, for the assessment of: (1) the relation between biopsy length/number of portal tracts and sampling error; (2) the relation between the severity of piecemeal necrosis and the new grading terminology (minimal, mild, moderate, and severe chronic hepatitis); and (3) liver pathology, which has not been studied in patients with this specific serological profile. METHODS The study group (n = 174) included 104 patients with normal aminotransferase concentrations and no cases with clinically apparent cirrhosis. The specimen length and number of portal tracts were measured at light microscopy examination. Sampling error analysis was related to the discrepancies between aminotransferase concentrations versus histological grade. Detailed histological scorings were undertaken by the reference pathologist and compared with laboratory and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA precore sequence data. RESULTS Sampling error seemed to be a constant feature, even for biopsies > or = 20 mm, but increased dramatically in biopsies < 5 mm long and/or containing less than four portal tracts. Between 25% and 30% of biopsies, graded as "mild" or "moderate" activity showed features of moderate and severe piecemeal necrosis, respectively. Ten per cent of the patients with normal aminotransferase values had stage III-IV hepatic fibrosis, and 20% had piecemeal necrosis. Only cytoplasmic, not nuclear, core antigen expression was a strong predictor of high hepatitis B viraemia. There was no association between precore stop codon mutations, grade/stage of liver disease, and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) expression. CONCLUSIONS The specimen available for light microscopical examination should be > 5 mm long and should contain more than four portal tracts. In addition, the new grading terminology might give the clinician an inappropriately mild impression of the severity of piecemeal necrosis. Furthermore, even in the presence of normal aminotransferase concentrations, considerable liver pathology can be found in 10-20% of HBsAg and anti-HBe positive individuals; such pathology is not associated with the occurrence of precore stop codon mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- F ter Borg
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wright
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's Hospital, London, W2 1NY, U.K
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Comanor L, Minor J, Conjeevaram HS, Roberts EA, Alvarez F, Bern EM, Goyens P, Rosenthal P, Lachaux A, Shelton M, Sarles J, Sokal EM. Statistical models for predicting response to interferon-alpha and spontaneous seroconversion in children with chronic hepatitis B. J Viral Hepat 2000; 7:144-52. [PMID: 10760045 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2893.2000.00205.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
To develop prognostic models for identifying children with hepatitis B who are likely to respond to interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) or to spontaneously seroconvert, we evaluated results of a multinational controlled trial comprising 70 children with chronic hepatitis B who received IFN-alpha and 74 children who did not receive therapy. Prognostic models were developed using SMILES (similarity of least squares), which is a data analysis network that incorporates multidimensional relationships in the clinical data of complex diseases. Commonly collected clinical data included age, gender, serum aminotransferase (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels, and IFN-alpha dose. Additional data included pretreatment directional information (e.g. increases or decreases in serum aminotransferase and HBV DNA levels), liver biopsy results, race and transmission mode. Using data available prior to initiation of treatment, the SMILES models achieved prospective predictions of 89% for responders, 96% for non-responders, 100% for seroconverters and 93% for non-seroconverters. Although not predictive by themselves, the variables that had the greatest impact on predictions for IFN-alpha response were HBV DNA pretreatment direction, baseline HBV DNA, IFN-alpha dose and gender. The variables that had the greatest impact on predictions for spontaneous seroconversion were ALT pretreatment direction, baseline HBV DNA level, age and AST pretreatment direction. Therefore, these models may be useful in determining, in children with hepatitis B, the likelihood of response to IFN-alpha and spontaneous seroconversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Comanor
- Bayer Diagnostics (formerly Chiron Diagnostics), Emeryville, CA 94301, USA
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Kn�ll A, Rohrhofer A, Kochanowski B, Wurm EM, Jilg W. Prevalence of precore mutants in anti-HBe-positive hepatitis B virus carriers in Germany. J Med Virol 1999. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9071(199909)59:1<14::aid-jmv3>3.0.co;2-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Habersetzer F, Trépo C, Minor J, Comanor L. Predictions of liver histology from laboratory tests and demographic data [corrected]. Lancet 1998; 352:907-8. [PMID: 9743014 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(05)60050-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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