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Lee HL, Bae SH, Jang B, Hwang S, Yang H, Nam HC, Sung PS, Lee SW, Jang JW, Choi JY, Han NI, Song BJ, Lee JW, Yoon SK. Reactivation of Hepatitis C Virus and Its Clinical Outcomes in Patients Treated with Systemic Chemotherapy or Immunosuppressive Therapy. Gut Liver 2018; 11:870-877. [PMID: 28750484 PMCID: PMC5669604 DOI: 10.5009/gnl16434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims According to the results of several studies, the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) reactivation is not as severe as the outcome of hepatitis B virus reactivation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pharmacological immunosuppression on HCV reactivation. Methods The medical records of patients who underwent systemic chemotherapy, corticosteroid therapy, or other immunosuppressive therapies between January 2008 and March 2015 were reviewed. Subsequently, 202 patients who were seropositive for the anti-HCV antibody were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were: unavailability of data on HCV RNA levels, a history of treatment for chronic hepatitis C, and the presence of liver diseases other than a chronic HCV infection. Results Among the 120 patients enrolled in this study, hepatitis was present in 46 patients (38%). None of the patients were diagnosed with severe hepatitis. Enhanced replication of HCV was noted in nine (27%) of the 33 patients who had data available on both basal and follow-up HCV RNA loads. Reappearance of the HCV RNA from an undetectable state did not occur after treatment. The cumulative rate of enhanced HCV replication was 23% at 1 year and 30% at 2 years. Conclusions Although enhanced HCV replication is relatively common in HCV-infected patients treated with chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy, it does not lead to serious sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Lim Lee
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- Division of Hepatology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bohyun Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seawon Hwang
- Division of Hepatology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Chul Nam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- Division of Hepatology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Won Lee
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- Division of Hepatology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- Division of Hepatology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam Ik Han
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Byung Joo Song
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Wook Lee
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- Division of Hepatology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Tseng KC, Lin MN, Chu TY, Tsai JP, Su CC. Predictors of seropositivity for human herpesvirus type 8 in patients with mild cirrhosis. Emerg Microbes Infect 2017; 6:e45. [PMID: 28588294 PMCID: PMC5520309 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2017.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The high seroprevalence of human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) in moderate or severe cirrhotics appears to be associated with male sex, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, alcoholism, and disease severity. The status of HHV-8 infection in mild cirrhotics remains unclear. Plasma samples collected from 93 mild cirrhotics and 93 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were analyzed for HHV-8 antibody and HHV-8 DNA. Mild cirrhotics had higher seropositivity for HHV-8 antibodies than healthy controls (P=0.0001). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that an age ≥55 years (odds ratio (OR) 2.88, P=0.02), hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (OR 3.42, P=0.01), and hepatitis activity (OR 4.10, P=0.004) were associated with HHV-8 seropositivity in cirrhotics. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that age ≥55 years (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.92, P=0.04) and hepatitis activity (aOR 3.55, P=0.005) were independent factors. The rate of hepatitis activity was higher in HCV-infected than in HBV-infected patients (P<0.0001) and in women than in men (P=0.0001). Cirrhotics who were seropositive for HHV-8 or HCV or had hepatitis activity were significantly older (P=0.02, <0.0001 and <0.0001, respectively). Plasma samples from all participants were negative for HHV-8 DNA. HHV-8 antibody titers in mild cirrhotics also markedly exceeded those in controls (P<0.0001), as did those in patients ≥55 years old vs. younger patients (P=0.01), those in patients with vs. without HCV infection (P=0.0008), and those in patients with vs. without hepatitis activity (P=0.0005). Mild cirrhotics had high HHV-8 seroprevalence and HCV infection, and, in particular, old age and hepatitis activity were predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Chih Tseng
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chiayi County 622, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Nan Lin
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan.,Department of Family Medicine, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chiayi County 622, Taiwan
| | - Tang-Yuan Chu
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Center, Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Pi Tsai
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chiayi County 622, Taiwan.,Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chuan Su
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan.,Departments of Clinical Pathology and Anatomic Pathology, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chiayi County 622, Taiwan
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Sagnelli E, Sagnelli C, Pisaturo M, Coppola N. Hepatic flares in chronic hepatitis C: Spontaneous exacerbation vs hepatotropic viruses superinfection. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:6707-6715. [PMID: 24944463 PMCID: PMC4051912 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i22.6707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes an acute infection that is frequently asymptomatic, but a spontaneous eradication of HCV infection occurs only in one-third of patients. The remaining two-thirds develop a chronic infection that, in most cases, shows an indolent course and a slow progression to the more advanced stages of the illness. Nearly a quarter of cases with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) develop liver cirrhosis with or without hepatocellular carcinoma. The indolent course of the illness may be troubled by the occurrence of a hepatic flare, i.e., a spontaneous acute exacerbation of CHC due to changes in the immune response, immunosuppression and subsequent restoration, and is characterized by an increase in serum aminotransferase values, a frequent deterioration in liver fibrosis and necroinflammation but also a high frequency of sustained viral response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin treatment. A substantial increase in serum aminotransferase values during the clinical course of CHC may also be a consequence of a superinfection by other hepatotropic viruses, namely hepatitis B virus (HBV), HBV plus hepatitis D virus, hepatitis E virus, cytomegalovirus, particularly in geographical areas with high endemicity levels. The etiology of a hepatic flare in patients with CHC should always be defined to optimize follow-up procedures and clinical and therapeutic decisions.
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Harada N, Hiramatsu N, Oze T, Yamada R, Kurokawa M, Miyazaki M, Yakushijin T, Miyagi T, Tatsumi T, Kiso S, Kanto T, Kasahara A, Oshita M, Mita E, Hagiwara H, Inui Y, Katayama K, Tamura S, Yoshihara H, Imai Y, Inoue A, Hayashi N, Takehara T. Incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in HCV-infected patients with normal alanine aminotransferase levels categorized by Japanese treatment guidelines. J Gastroenterol 2013; 48:535-43. [PMID: 22976932 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-012-0657-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to evaluate Japanese treatment guidelines for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and normal alanine aminotransferase (N-ALT) levels from the viewpoint of the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Four groups of patients with chronic HCV infection treated with pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) plus ribavirin, and classified according to the N-ALT guidelines, were examined for HCC incidence: group A (n = 353), ALT ≤30 IU/L and platelet (PLT) ≥15 × 10(4)/mm(3); group B (n = 123), ALT ≤30 IU/L and PLT <15 × 10(4)/mm(3); group C (n = 233), 30 < ALT ≤ 40 IU/L and PLT ≥15 × 10(4)/mm(3); and group D (n = 100), 30 < ALT ≤ 40 IU/L and PLT <15 × 10(4)/mm(3). The mean observation period was 36.2 ± 16.5 months RESULTS In groups A and C, the HCC incidence was low even in patients with non-response (NR) (cumulative rates at 3 years, 0.0 and 2.9 %, respectively). In groups B and D, 14.5 and 5.3 % of NR patients had developed HCC at 3 years, but none of the patients with sustained virologic response (SVR) or relapse had developed HCC. In group B, no patients with mild fibrosis developed HCC irrespective of the antiviral effect of the treatment. Among patients with PLT <15 × 10(4)/mm(3) (group B plus group D), the HCC incidence was significantly lower in patients with SVR and relapse than in NR patients (p < 0.001, p = 0.021, respectively). CONCLUSION These results suggest that N-ALT patients with PLT <15 × 10(4)/mm(3) could be candidates for early antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Harada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, 565-0871, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Ichikawa T, Taura N, Miyaaki H, Matsuzaki T, Ohtani M, Eguchi S, Takatsuki M, Soyama A, Hidaka M, Okudaira S, Usui T, Mori S, Kamihira S, Kanematsu T, Nakao K. Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 infection worsens prognosis of hepatitis C virus-related living donor liver transplantation. Transpl Int 2012; 25:433-8. [PMID: 22417010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2012.01434.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Severe and life-threatening donor-transmitted human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infections after solid organ transplantation have been reported. However, in HTLV-1-infected recipients, graft and patient survival were not fully evaluated. A total of 140 patients underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Of these, 47 of 126 adult recipients showed indications of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver disease. The HTLV-1 prevalence rate was 10 of 140 recipients (7.14%) and three of 140 donors (0.02%). In HCV-related LDLT, graft and patient survival was worsened by HTLV-1 infection in recipients (seven cases). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates in the HCV/HTLV-1-co-infected group were 67%, 32%, and 15%, respectively, and the corresponding rates in the HCV-mono-infected group were 80%, 67%, and 67%, respectively. Only the 5-year survival rates were statistically significant (P=0.04, log-rank method). HTLV-1 infection in recipients is also an important factor in predicting survival in HTLV-1 endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuki Ichikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
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6
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Efficacy of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin combination therapy for hepatitis C patients with normal ALT levels: a matched case-control study. J Gastroenterol 2011; 46:1335-43. [PMID: 21858637 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-011-0455-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/16/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The antiviral effect of pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) plus ribavirin combination therapy in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (N-ALT) has been reported to be equivalent to that for patients with elevated ALT levels (E-ALT). However, the actual antiviral effect in N-ALT patients remains obscure because efficacy can be overestimated in patients with an advantageous background. METHODS In this study, 386 patients were extracted, for a matched case-control study, from 1320 CHC patients treated with Peg-IFN alpha-2b plus ribavirin combination therapy; 193 N-ALT patients [116 with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 (HCV-1), 77 with HCV genotype 2 (HCV-2)] were matched with 193 E-ALT patients by a propensity score method using the variables of age, sex, IFN treatment history, body mass index, and platelet counts. RESULTS On multivariate analysis for sustained virological response (SVR) in N-ALT patients, younger age, low HCV RNA level at baseline, and HCV-2 were significant factors. The matched case-control study showed that the SVR rates of N-ALT patients were equivalent to those of E-ALT patients; at 49 and 40% in the HCV-1 group (P = 0.146), and 78 and 81% in the HCV-2 group (P = 0.691). However, in N-ALT patients with non-SVR, approximately 40% showed ALT elevation at 24 weeks post-treatment. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that the antiviral effect of Peg-IFN plus ribavirin therapy in N-ALT patients is comparable to that for E-ALT patients irrespective of their advantageous background; however, the application of this therapy for N-ALT patients, especially for those with HCV-1, should be considered carefully.
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7
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Kumada T, Toyoda H, Kiriyama S, Sone Y, Tanikawa M, Hisanaga Y, Kanamori A, Atsumi H, Takagi M, Nakano S, Arakawa T, Fujimori M. Long-term follow-up of patients with hepatitis C with a normal alanine aminotransferase. J Med Virol 2009; 81:446-51. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Uto H, Kurogi J, Takahama Y, Kusumoto K, Hayashi K, Ido A, Kohara M, Stuver SO, Moriuchi A, Hasegawa S, Oketani M, Tsubouchi H. Alanine aminotransferase flare-up in hepatitis C virus carriers with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels in a hyperendemic area of Japan. J Gastroenterol 2007; 42:673-80. [PMID: 17701131 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-007-2078-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2006] [Accepted: 05/27/2007] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical features of hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (PNALT) levels (ALT < or = 34 IU/l) have not been fully elucidated. We investigated clinical factors associated with ALT flare-up in PNALT individuals in a HCV hyperendemic area of Japan. METHODS We analyzed 101 HCV carriers who had PNALT between 1993 and 2000. The first occurrence of ALT flare-up (ALT > or = 35 IU/l) between 2001 and 2005 was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis of factors predicting ALT flare-up were conducted using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS The mean follow-up period was 2.8 years, and the 5-year cumulative incidence of ALT flare-up was estimated to be 31.8%. In multivariate analysis, an ALT level of 20-34 IU/l and a high serum ferritin level (> or =90 ng/ml) in the most recently available data up to the year 2000, as well as H63D heterozygosity in the HFE gene, were independently and strongly associated with the incidence of ALT flare-up (Hazard ratios = 5.6, 3.1, and 4.8, respectively). In addition, HFE H63D heterozygosity was significantly associated with higher serum ferritin levels in subjects with PNALT (153.8 + or - 73.3 ng/ml in subjects with the 63HD genotype vs. 89.4 + or - 51.3 ng/ml in subjects with the 63HH genotype, P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS HCV carriers with PNALT in this population were at risk for ALT flare-up. Basal ALT levels, serum ferritin levels, and HFE polymorphism are potentially important predictors of ALT flare-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Uto
- Digestive Disease and Life-style related Disease, Health Research Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-0056, Japan
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Tajiri H, Etani Y, Mushiake S, Hasegawa Y, Ozono K. Acute exacerbation of hepatitis in a boy with chronic HCV genotype-2 infection after a 9-year period of normal transaminases levels. Eur J Pediatr 2007; 166:501-2. [PMID: 17072647 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-006-0267-0] [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] [Received: 06/01/2006] [Accepted: 07/19/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We report on a boy with HCV genotype-2a infection who presented with a severe degree of ALTflare after 9 years of asymptomatic period and was treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. We suggest that children with HCV genotype-2 infection who show a significant ALT flare should be treated with anti-viral therapies in order to avoid progression of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Tajiri
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka General Medical Center, 3-1-56 Bandaihigashi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, 558-8558, Japan.
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Kadam JS, Talal AH. Changing treatment paradigms: hepatitis C virus in HIV-infected patients. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2007; 21:154-68. [PMID: 17428183 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2006.0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of hepatic histology and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV)/HIV-coinfected patients is rapidly changing. HCV has become an important cause of mortality in HIV-infected patients. Consequently, assessment of liver histology in all coinfected patients is particularly important. The evaluation of hepatic histology is shifting from reliance on the liver biopsy toward noninvasive modalities. Additionally, the importance of HCV-associated morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients has prompted increasing numbers of these patients to be HCV treatment candidates. Prospective trials in coinfected patients have reported lower sustained virologic responses compared to HCV-monoinfected patients. Consequently, the numbers of coinfected nonresponders to pegylated interferon/ribavirin continues to increase. Because none of the presently available treatment modalities for pegylated interferon/ribavirin nonresponders are clearly efficacious, management decisions must be individualized. The options include, HCV-specific medications, maintenance therapy, the use of alternative interferon formulations, and observation. HCV-specific agents, particularly protease and polymerase inhibitors, show early promise in HCV-monoinfected individuals. Their use in coinfected patients, however, is likely to be delayed for several years, and they are likely to be used in combination with interferon. Low-dose pegylated interferon, administered in an attempt to slow fibrosis progression (maintenance therapy), is being evaluated in several large prospective trials in monoinfected and coinfected patients. Observation may be best for nonresponders with relatively mild hepatic histology. In summary, HCV treatment will likely follow the example forged by HIV. In the near future, combinations of different drugs will likely be used simultaneously to result in durable viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaydeep S Kadam
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021, USA
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Zeuzem S, Alberti A, Rosenberg W, Marcellin P, Diago M, Negro F, Prati D, Puoti C, Roberts SK, Shiffman ML. Review article: management of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and "normal" alanine aminotransferase activity. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2006; 24:1133-49. [PMID: 17014573 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.03073.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus infection, a major cause of chronic liver disease, occurs with normal serum alanine aminotransferase activity in approximately 25% of patients. These patients have historically remained untreated but substantial evidence indicates liver damage, progression of disease and impaired quality of life in some individuals. AIM To review the current management of patients with chronic hepatitis C and normal alanine aminotransferase activity. METHODS This review represents the summary of discussions at a Clinical Workshop with a comprehensive literature searching of available databases (PubMed and Embase). RESULTS Current limits defining normal serum alanine aminotransferase activity are not representative of a "healthy" status. Most patients with hepatitis C and normal alanine aminotransferase levels have histologically proven liver damage that, although generally mild, may be significant (> or =F2) in up to 20% of patients and progresses at approximately 50% of the rate in patients with elevated alanine aminotransferase levels. Some patients have persistently normal alanine aminotransferase activity and may have a more benign outcome, but a significant proportion (> or =20%) experience periods of increased serum alanine aminotransferase activity which may be associated with enhanced disease progression. CONCLUSIONS A treatment approach that considers host and virus-related variables and optimizes patient and cost benefits may therefore provide more effective management of patients with chronic hepatitis C and normal alanine aminotransferase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zeuzem
- Department of Internal Medicine, , Saarland University Hospital, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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Shiffman ML, Diago M, Tran A, Pockros P, Reindollar R, Prati D, Rodríguez-Torres M, Lardelli P, Blotner S, Zeuzem S. Chronic hepatitis C in patients with persistently normal alanine transaminase levels. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006; 4:645-52. [PMID: 16630770 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2006.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Many patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) have persistently normal serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels. We compared characteristics of chronic hepatitis C patients with patients with normal and elevated ALT levels using data from 3 randomized phase III trials of peginterferon alfa-2a (40 kDa). METHODS The characteristics of 480 patients with normal ALT values (on >or=3 occasions without any increases in ALT level over a 6- to 18-month period) and 1993 patients with elevated ALT levels were compared. Sixty-eight of the 480 patients with normal ALT levels were randomized to no treatment and monitored for 72 weeks. RESULTS More patients with normal ALT levels than patients with elevated ALT levels were women (59% vs 32%; P<.01). The serum HCV RNA titer was significantly lower in patients with normal ALT levels (P<.01 vs in patients with elevated ALT levels). Patients with normal ALT levels had significantly lower inflammation and fibrosis scores on liver biopsy examination than patients with elevated ALT levels, but almost two-thirds had portal fibrosis and 10% had bridging fibrosis. No correlation between baseline ALT activity, HCV RNA level, and liver histology was observed in patients with normal ALT levels. During the 72-week follow-up period, ALT activity elevated above the upper limit of normal in 53% of the untreated patients with normal levels of ALT. None became HCV RNA undetectable. CONCLUSIONS Chronic hepatitis C patients with normal ALT levels should be evaluated in a similar manner as patients with elevated ALT levels because they are at risk for developing significant liver disease. The decision to treat with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin should be based on multiple factors, rather than on ALT levels alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell L Shiffman
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA, and Hospital General de Valencia, Spain.
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13
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Charlton M. Hepatocyte tails. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006; 4:564-5. [PMID: 16678074 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2006.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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14
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Méndez-Sánchez N, Ponciano-Rodriguez G, Chávez-Tapia NC, Motola-Kuba D, Almeda-Valdes P, Sánchez-Lara K, Ramos MH, Uribe M. Prevalence of hepatitis C infection in a population of asymptomatic people in a checkup unit in Mexico city. Dig Dis Sci 2005; 50:733-7. [PMID: 15844710 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-005-2565-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has an estimated prevalence of 3% around the world. Unfortunately, many persons with HCV infection are asymptomatic. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis C Virus infection in asymptomatic persons. This study was carried out in a population-based cross-sectional study in the Checkup Unit of University Hospital in Mexico City. Patients with two or more HCV risk factors were studied. Serum specimens from all patients were screened for HCV RNA by qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HCV RNA-positive serum was also screened by quantitative PCR and for HCV genotype. Three hundred asymptomatic people were included, 194 men and 106 women, with a mean age of 46.8+/-11.9. Six (2%) of the 300 people were positive and viremic. The most common risk factors in positive patients were manicures or pedicures with a nonpersonal instrument and more than three sexual partners. We concluded that hepatitis C is frequent in asymptomatic people, and those people are often viremic. In addition, this study suggests that the spectrum of liver disease in asymptomatic and newly diagnosed HCV-positive persons is broad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahum Méndez-Sánchez
- Departments of Biomedical Research, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Alberti A. Towards more individualised management of hepatitis C virus patients with initially or persistently normal alanineaminotransferase levels. J Hepatol 2005; 42:266-74. [PMID: 15664254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2004.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Alberti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, no 2, 35128 Padua, Italy.
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Zeuzem S, Diago M, Gane E, Reddy KR, Pockros P, Prati D, Shiffman M, Farci P, Gitlin N, O'Brien CB, Lamour F, Lardelli P. Peginterferon alfa-2a (40 kilodaltons) and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C and normal aminotransferase levels. Gastroenterology 2004; 127:1724-32. [PMID: 15578510 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2004.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients with chronic hepatitis C and persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels have been routinely excluded from large randomized treatment trials; consequently, the efficacy and safety of antiviral therapy in this population are unknown. METHODS Patients with at least 3 normal ALT values over an 18-month period were randomized (3:3:1) to treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a 180 mug/wk plus ribavirin 800 mg/day for 24 weeks (212 patients), the same combination for 48 weeks (210 patients), or no treatment (69 patients) in a multinational study. All patients were monitored for 72 weeks. The primary measure of efficacy was sustained virologic response (SVR), defined as undetectable serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA by qualitative polymerase chain reaction at the end of 24 weeks of untreated follow-up. RESULTS No patient cleared HCV RNA in the untreated control group. SVR rates of 30% and 52% were obtained in the 24- and 48-week treatment groups, respectively. In patients infected with HCV genotype 1, SVR rates of 13% and 40% were obtained with 24 and 48 weeks of treatment, respectively (P < .0001). In patients infected with genotypes 2 or 3, SVR rates were 72% and 78% with 24 and 48 weeks of treatment, respectively (P = .452). Treatment-related flares in ALT activity were not observed. CONCLUSIONS The efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin combination therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C and persistently normal ALT levels are similar to that in patients with elevated ALT levels. The indication for treatment of hepatitis C can be evaluated independently from baseline ALT activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Zeuzem
- Saarland University Hospital, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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Alberti A, Benvegnù L, Boccato S, Ferrari A, Sebastiani G. Natural history of initially mild chronic hepatitis C. Dig Liver Dis 2004; 36:646-54. [PMID: 15506661 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2004.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in western countries. Chronic hepatitis C is highly heterogeneous and many patients present with a mild form of liver disease. Population-based studies have indeed demonstrated that around 50% of hepatitis C virus carriers have persistently normal ALT and two-third have mild histological liver lesions. Studies on the natural history of initially mild chronic disease indicate that the short-term outcome is always benign. However, progression of liver fibrosis can be observed at long-term (>5-7 years) follow-up, particularly in those cases who have elevated and/or fluctuating transaminase levels. Observational prospective studies and outcome modelling projections indicate that the risk of liver disease progression towards severe fibrosis/cirrhosis is minimal at 10-15 years in hepatitis C virus carriers with persistently normal ALT, around 5-10% in patients with elevated ALT and F0 (no fibrosis) in the initial biopsy but >30-40% in chronic carriers with elevated ALT and F1 (portal fibrosis) in the initial biopsy. Cofactors like age at infection, alcohol, coinfections and liver steatosis accelerate disease progression. On the basis of these findings, patients with initially mild chronic hepatitis C and elevated ALT should be proposed for antiviral therapy in the absence of contraindications.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Alberti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padua, Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Alberti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35100 Padova, Italy.
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Pasquale G, Sagnelli E, Coppola N, Scarano F, Scolastico C, Bellomo PF, Lettieri A, Piccinino F. Is liver biopsy necessary for hepatitis C virus carriers with persistently normal aminotransferase levels? Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2003; 15:831-3. [PMID: 12811317 DOI: 10.1097/01.meg.0000059137.68845.e2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
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