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Di Dato F, Iorio R. Expanding indications for chronic hepatitis B treatment: Is it really desirable to treat everyone? World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:2294-2297. [PMID: 38813053 PMCID: PMC11130575 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i17.2294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic viral hepatitis causes an increased risk of progressive liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. On the wave of the World Health Organization's goal to reduce new cases and deaths from hepatitis B and C by 2030, there is an increasing call to expand the indications for treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, the main goal of treatment is to achieve a functional cure due to the inability of current drugs to completely eradicate the virus. There are still many discrepancies between available guidelines in terms of eligibility for treatment as well as an uncertainty about the appropriate treatment duration. This editorial addresses key questions about the topic and whether indications for treatment should be expanded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Di Dato
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Raffaele Iorio
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
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2
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Wu X, Yao Z, Lai X, Gu Y, Peng S. Age at treatment initiation predicts response in children with chronic hepatitis B. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 58:866-873. [PMID: 37589263 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that age has a significant impact on disease progression and outcome of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, its effect on treatment response has not yet been fully elucidated. AIM To investigate the associations of age at treatment initiation with clinical treatment outcomes in children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS This study included 306 treatment-naïve children with CHB. Participants were divided into three groups based on the age at which they started antiviral treatment: 1-3 years, 4-6 years and 7-17 years. The primary outcome of this study was HBsAg loss; secondary outcomes included HBeAg clearance and DNA undetectability. RESULTS Of the 306 subjects, 200 (65.4%) were male. Median (IQR) duration of follow-up was 26 (17, 42) months. There were 139 (45.4%), 79 (25.8%) and 88 (28.6%) of participants in the 1-3 years, 4-6 years and 7-17 years groups, respectively. After adjusting for other covariates, age at treatment initiation was negatively associated with the occurrence of HBsAg loss (1-3 years: HR = 5.07, 95% CI = 2.91-8.82; 4-6 years: HR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.31-4.46) and HBeAg clearance (1-3 years: HR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.18-2.53). In addition, we observed linear dose-responses relationships between age at treatment initiation and the probability of HBsAg loss and HBeAg clearance. CONCLUSIONS In children with CHB receiving antiviral treatment, HBsAg loss and HBeAg clearance were frequently observed. Age at treatment initiation can predict treatment response, including HBsAg loss and HBeAg clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenzhen Yao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Lai
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingping Gu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Songxu Peng
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defect for Research and Prevention (Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital), Changsha, Hunan, China
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Ozdogan E, Arikan C. Liver fibrosis in children: a comprehensive review of mechanisms, diagnosis, and therapy. Clin Exp Pediatr 2023; 66:110-124. [PMID: 36550776 PMCID: PMC9989719 DOI: 10.3345/cep.2022.00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease incidence is increasing among children worldwide due to a multitude of epidemiological changes. Most of these chronic insults to the pediatric liver progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis to different degrees. Liver and immune physiology differs significantly in children from adults. Because most of pediatric liver diseases have no definitive therapy, a better understanding of population and disease-specific fibrogenesis is mandatory. Furthermore, fibrosis development has prognostic significance and often guide treatment. Evaluation of liver fibrosis continues to rely on the gold-standard liver biopsy. However, many high-quality studies put forward the high diagnostic accuracy of numerous diagnostic modalities in this setting. Herein, we summarize and discuss the recent literature on fibrogenesis with an emphasis on pediatric physiology along with a detailed outline of disease-specific signatures, noninvasive diagnostic modalities, and the potential for antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Ozdogan
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cigdem Arikan
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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Lau NSM, Henderson P. Outcomes of paediatric patients with chronic liver disease in early adulthood: A heterogeneous, but representative, regional cohort study. J Paediatr Child Health 2022; 58:1771-1777. [PMID: 35762110 PMCID: PMC9796537 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM Advances in paediatric hepatology have led to the increasing survival of patients with paediatric-onset chronic hepatobiliary disease into adulthood. Data are lacking with regard to the outcomes of this heterogeneous group of patients and current transition models may be insufficient. This retrospective regional cohort study examined the outcomes of these patients cared for in a paediatric gastroenterology centre following transfer to adult services. METHODS A prospective database of paediatric patients with liver disease identified those already transferred to adult services. Following exclusions, medical notes were examined and health parameters recorded including initial diagnoses, transplant status, fertility and mortality. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate follow-up data and transplant-free survival (TFS). RESULTS Overall, 63 patients (52% male) entered the final analyses with a median follow-up of 27.5 years. The most common diagnosis was biliary atresia (19%); 27 different diagnoses were apparent within the cohort highlighting the heterogeneity within a single centre. Transplant prevalence at adult transfer was 41%; 14% of patients were lost to follow-up including 10% of transplant patients. TFS for biliary atresia was 17% after 37.4 years follow-up and was 54% for the total cohort. There were seven documented pregnancies and the prevalence of any psychological or psychiatric input was 44%. Transplant complications occurred in 38% of patients; there were two cancer diagnoses and two deaths following transfer. CONCLUSIONS Although overall mortality was low, the health-care burden of patients with paediatric-onset chronic liver disease is high. This group is also very heterogeneous, making structured transition to adult services difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole SM Lau
- Child Life and HealthUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Paul Henderson
- Child Life and HealthUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom,Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and NutritionRoyal Hospital for Children and Young PeopleEdinburghUnited Kingdom
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Liver Histology of Treatment-Naïve Children with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Shanghai China. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 123:112-118. [PMID: 36028208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate associations between hepatic histology and clinical characteristics in treatment-naïve children with CHB in Shanghai, China. METHODS The liver biopsy specimens of 278 treatment-naïve children with CHB virus infection were scored for inflammation and fibrosis, and correlations with clinical and laboratory data were determined. RESULTS CHB clinical, virologic and pathologic features were studied in 278 treatment-naïve children (177 males (63.7%)) from Shanghai, China. Maternal sera were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive for 277 children. At biopsy, 87.4% of patients were hepatitis B e antigen positive. The median age at biopsy was 5.1 years (interquartile range 2.8-8.4 years). Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels were generally high (mean 7.4 log10 IU/ml), as were levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT, median 105 U/L). Using the Metavir histology activity index scoring system, no, mild, moderate and severe inflammation was seen in 2.9%, 22.3%, 73.4%, and 1.4% of patients, respectively. No fibrosis, mild fibrosis, moderate fibrosis, and cirrhosis was seen in 11.5%, 32.7%, 47.5%, and 8.3% of patients, respectively. When the serum ALT level was ≤80 (2× the upper limit of normal) and >80 U/L, the inflammation score (P<0.0001) was significantly different. And the fibrosis score was significantly different (P<0.0001), either. Inflammation and fibrosis were aggravated with increasing ALT levels. Fibrosis scores were significantly higher in children aged ≤3 than aged >3 years (P<0.0001). The rates of moderate fibrosis and cirrhosis were higher in children aged ≤3 years at biopsy. No correlations were found between histologic changes and sex, HBV genotype or HBV DNA level. CONCLUSION Substantial heterogeneity in inflammatory and fibrotic levels was observed in treatment-naïve children with CHB in Shanghai, China. Serum ALT levels >80 U/L may be a strong indicator of the degree of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis severity. Moderate fibrosis and cirrhosis can appear in children aged <3 years or younger.
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Papailiou S, Markade A, Eleftheriou I, Tsolia MN, Garoufi A, Maritsi DN. A National Survey Across Primary Care Pediatricians Regarding Immunization Views and Practices in Children With Rheumatic Diseases. J Clin Rheumatol 2021; 27:e588-e590. [PMID: 31972735 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
METHODS Cross-sectional survey conducted with an anonymous questionnaire of 34 items distributed to pediatricians via an online platform. Four hundred questionnaires were sent, and 256 were returned and analyzed using STATA 13. Data collection included demographics, questions on knowledge, perceptions, and opinions, as well as advice given to families. RESULTS The majority of doctors felt that vaccination in children with RDs is essential. Responders were using a variety of guidelines to reach a clinical decision. Fifty percent were hesitant to adhere to the national vaccination scheme without expert input. Reasons were as follows: not convinced from current literature that the vaccine is safe (32%), afraid to cause disease flare (43%), and unable to deal with parental concerns/refusal (54%). Twelve percent of responders felt that the RD may have been triggered by a vaccine. The majority (82%) of doctors were pro annual influenza vaccination. Seventy percent of doctors were keener to administer booster doses rather than primary ones. CONCLUSIONS Variation in opinion and clinical practice exists. Overall, although general pediatricians are informed regarding efficacy and adverse effects of immunizations in patients with RDs, there are steps to be made from principle to practice. Vaccinating these children is of vital importance, and primary care pediatricians should be updated regarding existing guidelines referring to this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stayroula Papailiou
- From the Unit of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Second Department of Pediatrics, "P. & A. Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Wang L, Zhao J, Liu J, Zhen C, Zhang M, Dong Y, Gan Y, Xu Z, Li Y, Zhu S, Wang FS. Long-term benefits of interferon-α therapy in children with HBeAg-positive immune-active chronic hepatitis B. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1554-1562. [PMID: 34448324 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The long-term benefits of interferon-α (IFN-α) treatment in children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remain unclear. We conducted a retrospective and real-world study to evaluate the safety and long-term clearance rates of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in CHB children who received IFN-α monotherapy for 72 weeks and were with 13-year follow-up visit. Participants treated with IFN-α (n = 316) were more likely to become HBeAg negatve (39.87% vs. 27.37%; p < .05) and HBsAg negative (11.08% vs. 3.16%; p < .05) by the end of the treatment period than untreated participants (n = 95). Treated participants also had higher cumulative rates of HBeAg loss (74.13% vs. 59.27%; p < .05) and HBsAg loss (46.95 vs. 33.11%; p < 0.05) than untreated participants in parallel by the end of 13-year follow-up. In particular, the cumulative rate of HBsAg loss was higher in treated children aged 1-7 years than in those aged 8-17 years (71.40% vs. 39.0%; p < .01). Children who were HBeAg-negative at the end of IFN-α treatment or who had serum alanine aminotransferase levels of ≥80 IU/L at baseline were likely to have higher cumulative HBsAg loss rates. Accordingly, HBeAg loss at 72 weeks was positively associated with the cumulative HBsAg loss rate in untreated children. There were no serious adverse events of IFN-α therapy for the treated patients throughout the study period. Overall, IFN-α therapy was effective in obtaining higher long-term cumulative rates of HBeAg and HBsAg loss in children with HBeAg-positive immune-active CHB, especially among those aged 1-7 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, China.,Department of Live disease, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinfang Zhao
- Department of Infectious Disease, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaye Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Zhen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Live disease, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Live disease, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Gan
- Department of Live disease, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Xu
- Department of Live disease, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shishu Zhu
- Department of Live disease, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, China.,Department of Infectious Disease, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Hsieh AR, Fann CSJ, Lin HC, Tai J, Hsieh SY, Tai DI. Hepatitis B virus persistent infection-related single nucleotide polymorphisms in HLA regions are associated with viral load in hepatoma families. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:6262-6276. [PMID: 34712031 PMCID: PMC8515798 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i37.6262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome-wide association studies from Asia indicate that HLA-DP and HLA-DQ loci are important in persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. One of the key elements for HBV-related carcinogenesis is persistent viral replication and inflammation.
AIM To examine genetic and nongenetic factors with persistent HBV infection and viral load in families with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
METHODS The HCC families included 301 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers and 424 noncarriers born before the nationwide vaccination program was initiated in 1984. Five HBV-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) — rs477515, rs9272105, rs9276370, rs7756516, and rs9277535 — were genotyped. Factors associated with persistent HBV infection and viral load were analyzed by a generalized estimating equation.
RESULTS In the first-stage persistent HBV study, all SNPs except rs9272105 were associated with persistent infection. A significantly higher area under the reciprocal operating characteristic curve for nongenetic factors vs genetic factors (P < 0.001) suggests that the former play a major role in persistent HBV infection. In the second-stage viral load study, we added 8 HBsAg carriers born after 1984. The 309 HBsAg carriers were divided into low (n = 162) and high viral load (n = 147) groups with an HBV DNA cutoff of 105 cps/mL. Sex, relationship to the index case, rs477515, rs9272105, and rs7756516 were associated with viral load. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, genetic and nongenetic factors affected viral load equally in the HCC family cohort (P = 0.3117).
CONCLUSION In these east Asian adults, the mechanism of persistent HBV infection-related SNPs was a prolonged viral replication phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ru Hsieh
- Department of Statistics, Tamkang University, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan
| | - Cathy S J Fann
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chun Lin
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Jennifer Tai
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Sen-Yung Hsieh
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Dar-In Tai
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
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Xu Z, Zhao J, Liu J, Dong Y, Wang F, Yan J, Cao L, Wang P, Li A, Li J, Zhu S, Zhong Y, Zhang M, Wang FS. Assessment of liver fibrosis by transient elastography in young children with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatol Int 2021; 15:602-610. [PMID: 34240319 PMCID: PMC8286936 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10194-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of transient elastography (TE) and biopsy for the detection of liver fibrosis in children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods This single-center prospective study included 157 CHB children aged 0–6 years. All patients underwent liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by TE and liver biopsy, separated by an interval of less than 1 week. Results The LSM, aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index (APRI), and fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) were positively correlated with activity grade and fibrosis stage in CHB children. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of LSM for identifying significant (F ≥ 2) and advanced (F ≥ 3) fibrosis were 0.732 and 0.941, respectively. The cut-off values, specificity, and sensitivity for significant fibrosis were 5.6 kPa, 75.7%, and 67.4%, respectively; the corresponding values for advanced fibrosis were 6.9 kPa, 91.5%, and 81.3%, respectively. Compared to LSM, the overall diagnostic performances of APRI and FIB-4 for significant and advanced fibrosis were suboptimal, with low AUCs and sensitivity. Since LSM, platelet, and Log10 (hepatitis B surface antigen) were independent factors associated with the fibrosis stage (F < 2 and F ≥ 2), they were used to formulate the “LPS” index for the prediction of F ≥ 2. The AUC of LPS (for F ≥ 2) was higher than that of LSM (0.792 vs. 0.732, p < 0.05), and had an improved sensitivity (76.6% vs. 67.4%). Conclusions TE is a promising technology for the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis in CHB children aged 0–6 years. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12072-021-10194-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Department of Liver Disease of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinfang Zhao
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, 100 Western 4th Ring Road, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jiaye Liu
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, 100 Western 4th Ring Road, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Liver Disease of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fuchuan Wang
- Department of Liver Disease of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianguo Yan
- Department of Liver Disease of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Cao
- Department of Liver Disease of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pu Wang
- Department of Liver Disease of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Aiqin Li
- Department of Liver Disease of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Li
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, 100 Western 4th Ring Road, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Shishu Zhu
- Department of Liver Disease of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanwei Zhong
- Department of Liver Disease of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Liver Disease of Chinese, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China. .,Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, 100 Western 4th Ring Road, Beijing, 100039, China.
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a global healthcare burden. Although the recent developments in the field have led to a reduction in incidence, the morbidity and mortality including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain a formidable challenge. Advances in understanding the immunopathogenesis of CHB have led to a recent change in clinical categorization. EASL introduced the term hepatitis B 'e' antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic infection, to replace the historical term 'inactive carrier' disease phase, the commonest CHB phase. Although this disease phase is associated with a favorable prognosis, it is not a truly 'inactive' disease phase with no ostensible liver disease, as inferred by the previous anachronistic terminology, and the risk of spontaneous reactivation and the potential risk of disease progression and HCC development are not negligible. Likewise, the APASL also uses the term "Incidentally Detected Asymptomatic Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive Subject (IDAHS)", comprising all HBsAg-positive subjects who are incidentally detected during routine tests, without any previous or present symptoms of liver disease. This entity includes HBV infection with varied stages of liver disease. Antiviral treatment is generally reserved for patients with active inflammation and/or at risk of disease progression and HCC development. HBsAg loss is considered an optimal treatment endpoint, and may also be achievable in HBeAg-negative chronic infection and IDAHS. In light of this, and the emerging novel HBV therapies, lowering the treatment threshold and a 'Treat All' approach should now be considered. In this review, we summarize the literature and guidance on HBeAg-negative chronic infection, and we make a concerted effort to present the reasons why the one-dimensional term 'inactive carrier' should be abandoned.
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11
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Komatsu H, Inui A, Yoshio S, Fujisawa T. Pharmacotherapy options for managing hepatitis B in children. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:449-467. [PMID: 33090882 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1841165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the first global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis, with particular focus given to hepatitis B and C in 2016. To achieve the reduction of mortality in children, it is indispensable to know which children should be treated and how to treat them. AREA COVERED In this article, the authors review the antiviral treatment of children with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection including antivirals available for children with chronic HBV infection. EXPERT OPINION The approvals of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) and pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) for children have lowered a hurdle to the initiation of antiviral treatment in children. The international guidelines use nearly the same criteria of antiviral treatment for children with chronic HBV infection, but the WHO guidelines provide a cautious stance on the antiviral treatment of children. Not only PEG-IFN but also NAs with a high genetic barrier to drug resistance should be the first-line treatment for children. In settings with limited medical resources, NAs can be the first-line treatment for children. Although the concept of an 'immune-tolerant phase' is challenged, evidence is not sufficient to recommend the treatment of HBeAg-positive immune-tolerant children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruki Komatsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University, Sakura Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ayano Inui
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Eastern Yokohama Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sachiyo Yoshio
- Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomoo Fujisawa
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Eastern Yokohama Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
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Arnone OC, Serranti D, Bartolini E, Mastrangelo G, Stinco M, Trapani S, Ricci S, Resti M, Indolfi G. Chronic hepatitis B in children, report of a single-centre longitudinal study on 152 children. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:1344-1351. [PMID: 32853482 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aims of this prospective study were as follows: (1) to describe the natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a large cohort of untreated children followed at a single centre and (2) to evaluate whether or not the new European Association for the Study of Liver (EASL) classification for the phases of HBV infection in adults can be used for children. All children who presented at the Liver Unit of our hospital from 1 January 1987 to 31 December 2019 and were diagnosed with chronic HBV infection were enrolled. The final sample consisted of 152 children. The median duration of the follow-up was 83 months (range 7-232). At baseline, 125 patients (82.2%) were HBeAg positive (85.3% abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels), and 24 (15.8%) were HBeAg-negative (93.3% abnormal ALT). At the end of the observation period, 62 of the HBeAg-positive patients (40.7%) achieved HBeAg seroconversion (median age 9.45 years, range 0.8-19) and 2 (1.4%) achieved HBsAg seroconversion. Elevated ALT serum levels at baseline (P = .011), lower baseline HBV DNA levels (P < .001) and Asian ethnicity (P = .0001) were identified as predisposing factors towards HBeAg seroconversion. EASL criteria could not be applied to 43.3% and 43.5% of the children at baseline and at end of observation, respectively, that were grouped into an undetermined phenotype category. According to the results of the present study, the new EASL guidelines for adults with HBV infection cannot be applied in a satisfactory manner in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia C Arnone
- Liver Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Daniele Serranti
- Liver Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Elisa Bartolini
- Liver Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Mariangela Stinco
- Liver Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Sandra Trapani
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Silvia Ricci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Massimo Resti
- Liver Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Indolfi
- Liver Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy.,Department NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
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13
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Norden C, Malham M, Nordly S, Grosen D, Kvistgaard H, Kjær MS, Brix Christensen V. Paediatric hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections: An observational study of a Danish cohort. Acta Paediatr 2020; 109:2694-2698. [PMID: 32506543 DOI: 10.1111/apa.15403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics in children with either chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Denmark. METHODS In this observational study, children and adolescents with either chronic HBV or HCV infection followed at the largest paediatric departments in Denmark between 2001 and 2013 were included. Data collection included as well epidemiological data as clinical data like virus genotype, viral load, serological markers, liver biochemistry, liver elastography and histology if available. RESULTS The study included 131 children. None of the patients had decreased liver function or end-stage liver disease during follow-up. Ten of the 18 children who underwent liver biopsy had signs of fibrosis. Thirteen (11%) children with HBV and one (7%) child with HCV received treatment. Different indications and different treatment regimens were used. CONCLUSION This study confirms that chronic HBV and HCV infections are often mild diseases during childhood. Nevertheless, children are at higher risk of serious liver disease early in life because of the early time of infection and probably also because of the high viral loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Norden
- The Paediatric Department Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre Denmark
| | - Mikkel Malham
- The Paediatric Department Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre Denmark
| | - Sannie Nordly
- The Paediatric Department Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre Denmark
| | - Dorthe Grosen
- Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital Odense Denmark
| | - Helene Kvistgaard
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine Aarhus University Hospital Aarhus Denmark
| | - Mette S. Kjær
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology and Hepatology Rigshospitalet Copenhagen Denmark
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Yang Y, Huang A, Zhao Y. Spontaneous loss of chronic HBV infection markers in treatment-naïve children: a systematic review and pooled meta-analyses. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 19:649-660. [PMID: 33164585 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1845652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Chronicity could be a serious threat to hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected children. The necessity of antiviral treatment to HBV-infected children has caused much controversy. The authors aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of synthesized evidence regarding the spontaneous loss of chronic HBV infection markers in treatment-naïve children for exploring their long-term management.Methods: Observational cohort studies and non-treatment arms of randomized controlled trials were searched that reported the spontaneous loss of chronic HBV infection markers in untreated children (characterized by the presence of HBsAg ≥6-month), via the rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion, and HBV DNA suppression with random-effects model.Results: Of 7,427 studies screened, 20 were included in meta-analysis. With cumulative 23,153 person-years of follow-up, the pooled annual incidences of HBsAg and HBeAg loss, HBV DNA suppression were 1, 6, 7%, respectively. Rates within HBeAg loss and HBV DNA suppression did differ by the transmission modes and ALT levels, not in HBsAg.Conclusion: Spontaneous HBsAg loss (function cure) occurs infrequently in treatment-naïve children with chronic HBV infection. Design of practically applicable programs aiming at therapeutics of children may be necessary to support the goal of eliminating HBV infection worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ailong Huang
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yao Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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15
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Longitudinal Immune Phenotype Assessment and Serological Outcome in Foreign-born Children With Chronic Hepatitis B. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2020; 71:381-387. [PMID: 32826716 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000002804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess changes in clinical phenotype, and identify determinants of outcome in children with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection born in HBV-endemic countries followed in 2 Italian tertiary care centers after immigration or adoption. METHODS A prospective observational study on hepatitis B e-antibodies-negative chronic hepatitis B children started on 2002. Patients with liver fibrosis, or those needing antiviral treatment were excluded. Immune active patients were defined those with raised transaminases (alanine aminotransferase > 40 IU/L), immune tolerants those having normal alanine aminotransferase, both exhibiting substantial viral replication (HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL). RESULTS Sixty-nine patients (44 boys, median age 4.7 years) had a median follow-up of 53 months. At entry, 18 (26%) children were immune tolerant, 47 (68%) immune active, and 4 had indeterminant immune status. At last follow-up, 14 (78%) of the immune-tolerant patients remained so, whereas only 23 (49%) of the immune active children maintained their initial immune phenotype. Seroconversion to hepatitis B e antibodies (SCHBe) occurred in only 2 (11%) immune tolerants, whereas 13 (28%) immune active patients achieved SCHBe.Ethnicity was the only feature independently correlated to SCHBe: Asian origin reduced by 4.1 times the probability of SCHBe (Asian vs other; odds ratio = 0.24 [95% confidence interval = 0.07-0.76]; P = 0.016) compared to other ethnicities, whereas viral genotype did not influence the outcome. CONCLUSIONS Ethnicity and immune status phenotype against HBV, rather than HBV genotype, are the main determinants of SCHBe in foreign-born children with chronic HBV infection.
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Hepatic Histology in Treatment-naïve Children With Chronic Hepatitis B Infection Living in the United States and Canada. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2020; 71:99-105. [PMID: 32265408 PMCID: PMC8491712 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000002712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study is to describe the hepatic histology in children chronically infected with hepatitis B virus living in the United States and Canada. METHODS Liver biopsies of 134 treatment-naïve children with chronic hepatitis B virus infection were scored for inflammation, fibrosis, and other histological features, and correlated with clinical and laboratory data. RESULTS Sixty percentage of subjects acquired the infection vertically, 51% were male, and 69% were hepatitis B e antigen-positive at the time of the biopsy. Hepatitis B DNA levels were generally high (mean 7.70 log IU/mL), as was serum alanine aminotransferase (median 120 U/L). Using the Ishak-modified histology activity index scoring system, interface hepatitis was mild in 31%, moderate in 61%, and severe in 6%. Lobular inflammation was mild in 54%, moderate in 29%, and marked in 7%. Portal inflammation was mild in 38% and moderate in 62% of subjects. Eighteen percentage had no fibrosis, 59% had portal expansion without bridging fibrosis, 19% had bridging fibrosis, and 4% had cirrhosis. Alanine aminotransferase positively correlated with inflammation and fibrosis. Neither age, duration of infection, nor Hepatitis B virus DNA levels correlated with fibrosis. Fibrosis-4 index did not correlate with fibrosis but correlated with inflammation. Aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index correlated with both inflammation and fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Chronic hepatitis B virus infection results in significant inflammation and fibrosis during childhood. Serum alanine aminotransferase is a strong indicator of the severity and extent of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis.
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Efficacy and safety of interferon alpha-2b versus pegylated interferon alpha-2a monotherapy in children with chronic hepatitis B: a real-life cohort study from Shanghai, China. World J Pediatr 2019; 15:595-600. [PMID: 31487005 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-019-00303-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interferon alpha (IFN-α) is a preferred therapy for antiviral treatment of children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) aged > 1 year currently. Peginterferon alpha-2a (Peg-IFN α-2a) is a recommended international guideline for treatment of CHB children, which is limited to children aged > 3 years. But the exact efficacy and safety of IFN-α and Peg-IFN α-2a for treating CHB are not sufficient. METHODS Clinical manifestations, baseline characteristics, related laboratory tests and adverse events were retrospectively analyzed in children with CHB, who visited Children's Hospital of Fudan University and were treated with IFN α-2b or Peg-IFN α-2a monotherapy and followed up from January 2003 to October 2018. RESULTS A total of 36 immune-active patients without advanced fibrosis were enrolled to be treated with IFN α-2b (group A, n = 18) or Peg-IFN α-2a (group B, n = 18). IFN α-2b or Peg-IFN α-2a was administered for a median of 48 weeks subcutaneously by body surface area (BSA) category at a dose of 3 MU/m2 or 104 μg/m2, respectively. HBV e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion rates at 48 weeks post-treatment were higher in group A than group B (92.9% vs. 87.5%), so as the rates of HBsAg clearance (22.2% vs. 11.1%), and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA < 1000 IU/mL (88.9% vs. 83.3%). Only mild flu-like symptoms and transient neutropenia appeared in some children at the early stage of treatment. No severe abnormal results was observed in other laboratory assessments. CONCLUSION The antiviral monotherapy of 48-week IFN α-2b or Peg-IFN α-2a in children with CHB is well tolerated and effective, which is associated with higher rates of HBeAg seroconversion and HBsAg clearance than in adults and previously pediatric patients.
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Gill US, Battisti A, Kennedy PTF. Emerging tools in the changing landscape of chronic hepatitis B management. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2019; 17:943-955. [PMID: 31738607 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2019.1694906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The availability of a preventative vaccine, interferon, and nucleos(t)ide analogs have provided progress in the control of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Despite this, it remains a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Developments in our understanding of the pathogenesis of CHB and the emergence of new therapies are paving the way, as we move toward HBV cure.Areas covered: We performed bibliographical searches of online databases to review the literature regarding conventional disease phases of CHB. We provide the latest evidence challenging the perception of the natural history of CHB, noting that previously considered quiescent disease phases may not represent benign disease states devoid of progression. We explore the use of potential novel immunological and viral tools which should enhance disease stratification and management decisions in the coming years. Finally, we discuss the timing of treatment and how this could be initiated earlier to improve treatment outcomes, preventing sequelae of chronic infection.Expert opinion: The treatment paradigm in CHB is set to change with multiple novel agents in early phase clinical trials with the aim of a functional cure. An improved understanding of disease pathogenesis and the timing of treatment will be critical to the success of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upkar S Gill
- Barts Liver Centre, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Arianna Battisti
- Barts Liver Centre, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Patrick T F Kennedy
- Barts Liver Centre, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Hu Y, Ye Y, Ye L, Wang X, Yu H. Efficacy and safety of interferon alpha therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B: A long-term follow-up cohort study from China. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e16683. [PMID: 31393369 PMCID: PMC6708814 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000016683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) is currently the preferred antiviral treatment for children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) aged >1-year-old. However, the evidence regarding the exact efficacy and safety in the real world is not sufficient. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of IFN-α therapy in children with CHB and to provide a theoretical basis for practically identifying ideal antiviral therapies for CHB children.Clinical manifestations, baseline characteristics, related laboratory tests, and adverse events were retrospectively analyzed in children with CHB who visited the Children's Hospital of Fudan University, were treated with IFN-α and were followed up from January 2003 to October 2018.A total of 18 immune-active patients without advanced fibrosis were enrolled, and their average age at the start of treatment was 4.45 ± 2.75 years old. IFN α-2b was administered subcutaneously by body surface area (BSA) category, based on 3 MU/m, for a median 48 weeks. Before treatment, the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) range was 81 to 409 U/L (median 158 U/L). The median hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA load was 9.89 × 10 IU/mL, and the HBV-DNA load varied from 3.10 × 10 to 4.56 × 10 IU/mL. The ALT levels of 17 children became normal at an average of 12 weeks during treatment, and those of 1 child became normal at 6 weeks after IFN-α withdrawal. Sixteen (88.9%, 16/18) children became HBV-DNA negative (<10 IU/mL) at an average of 24 weeks during treatment, while 1 became negative at 96 weeks after IFN-α withdrawal and 1 remained HBV-DNA positive. HBV e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion occurred in 13 of 14 (92.9%, 13/14) HBeAg-positive patients at an average of 12 weeks during treatment. HBV s antigen (HBsAg) loss or seroconversion occurred in 4 (22.2%, 4/18) patients at an average of 21 weeks during treatment. Only mild flu-like symptoms and transient neutropenia appeared in some children at the early treatment stage. No severe abnormal results were observed in other laboratory parameters.The antiviral monotherapy of 48 weeks of IFN-α was well tolerated and good responded, which was associated with higher rates of HBeAg seroconversion and HBsAg clearance in the children in this study than in previously reported adults and pediatric patients.
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El‐Raziky ME, Fouad HM, Abd Elkhalak NS, Ghobrial CM, El‐Karaksy HM. Paediatric chronic hepatitis B virus infection: are children too tolerant to treat? Acta Paediatr 2019; 108:1144-1150. [PMID: 30362178 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIM Guidelines for managing the hepatitis B (HB) virus infection in children are still evolving. We aimed to assess the eligibility of children with HB virus infections for treatment based on the current guidelines. METHODS This observational study took place in 2016 and focused on children with isolated chronic HB infections, who attended the paediatric hepatology units at two centres in Egypt. We recruited all treatment-naïve children aged one year to 18 years who had completed at least 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS The study comprised 103 children aged between 1.5-18 years. Of these, 51 (50%) had the HB e antigen-positive chronic infection, 28 (27%) had the HB-negative chronic infection, 11 (11%) had the HB e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis and none had the HB e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis. The remaining 13 (12%) children did not fulfil the criteria for chronic HB definitions. Only two of the children were candidates for treatment: both had HB e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis and had undergone liver biopsies. CONCLUSION Only two of the 103 children with chronic HB were eligible for treatment according to the current guidelines and every measure should be taken to prevent the HB virus infection in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanan Mina Fouad
- The Department of Paediatrics Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University Cairo Egypt
- The National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute Cairo Egypt
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Alemayehu T, Hailu D. Hepatocellular carcinoma with vertebral metastasis in a child with hepatitis B virus infection: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2019; 13:158. [PMID: 31130140 PMCID: PMC6535836 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-019-2099-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma in children with hepatitis B virus infection is rarely reported. Metastases to the vertebrae are an even more unusual phenomenon. Case presentation We report on a case of a 10-year-old Ethiopian boy with hepatitis B infection presenting with paraplegia and incontinence of 10 days’ duration. A diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma with vertebral metastases was confirmed with serum α-fetoprotein, fine-needle aspirate cytology, and abdominal imaging. Conclusion Surveillance of children not immunized against hepatitis B virus prevents infection and its complications, such as hepatocellular carcinoma. Among children in endemic countries prone to development of hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic disease can present as sudden weakness of extremities with radiologic findings of vertebral body collapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinsae Alemayehu
- Department of Pediatrics and child health, College of health sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Daniel Hailu
- Department of Pediatrics and child health, College of health sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Indolfi G, Easterbrook P, Dusheiko G, Siberry G, Chang MH, Thorne C, Bulterys M, Chan PL, El-Sayed MH, Giaquinto C, Jonas MM, Meyers T, Walsh N, Wirth S, Penazzato M. Hepatitis B virus infection in children and adolescents. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 4:466-476. [PMID: 30982722 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(19)30042-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of acute and chronic liver disease and associated morbidity and mortality worldwide. Vertical (mother-to-child) and horizontal early childhood transmission are the main routes of HBV transmission and are responsible for most chronic infections, including among adults who bear the greatest burden of morbidity and mortality. Universal hepatitis B immunisation at birth and in infancy is the key strategy for global elimination of HBV infection, and has been highly effective in reducing new vertical infections. However, global progress in scale-up of HBV testing and treatment has been slow in adults and children. In this Series paper, we summarise knowledge on the epidemiology, natural history, and treatment of chronic HBV infection in adolescents and children, and we highlight key differences from HBV infection in adults. The estimated global prevalence of HBV infection in children aged 5 years or younger is 1·3%. Most children are in the high-replication, low-inflammation phase of infection, with normal or only slightly raised aminotransferases; cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are rare. Although entecavir is approved and recommended for children aged 2-17 years, and tenofovir for those aged 12-18 years, a conservative approach to treatment initiation in children is recommended. Key actions to address current policy gaps include: validation of non-invasive tests for liver disease staging; additional immunopathogenesis studies in children with HBV infection; long-term follow-up of children on nucleoside or nucleotide analogue regimens to inform guidance on when to start treatment; evaluation of different treatment strategies for children with high rates of HBV replication; and establishment of paediatric treatment registries and international consortia to promote collaborative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Indolfi
- Paediatric and Liver Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Philippa Easterbrook
- Global Hepatitis Programme and HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Geoffrey Dusheiko
- King's College Hospital, London, UK; University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - George Siberry
- Office of the US Global AIDS Coordinator, US Department of State, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mei-Hwei Chang
- Department of Paediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Claire Thorne
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, NIHR GOSH BRC, London, UK
| | - Marc Bulterys
- Global Hepatitis Programme and HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Po-Lin Chan
- World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Manal H El-Sayed
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Carlo Giaquinto
- Department of Women and Child Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maureen M Jonas
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tammy Meyers
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Nick Walsh
- Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Americas, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stefan Wirth
- Department of Paediatrics, Helios Medical Centre Wuppertal, Witten-Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Martina Penazzato
- Global Hepatitis Programme and HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Wirth S, Zhang H, Hardikar W, Schwarz KB, Sokal E, Yang W, Fan H, Morozov V, Mao Q, Deng H, Huang Y, Yang L, Frey N, Nasmyth-Miller C, Pavlovic V, Wat C. Efficacy and Safety of Peginterferon Alfa-2a (40KD) in Children With Chronic Hepatitis B: The PEG-B-ACTIVE Study. Hepatology 2018; 68:1681-1694. [PMID: 29689122 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) represent an area of unmet medical need, attributed to increased lifetime risk of CHB sequelae and limited therapeutic options compared with adult CHB patients. The PEG-B-ACTIVE (NCT01519960) phase III study evaluated peginterferon (PegIFN) alfa-2a treatment in children aged 3 to <18 years with CHB. A total of 161 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive immune-active patients without advanced fibrosis (AF)/cirrhosis were randomized (2:1) to PegIFN alfa-2a (Group A, n = 101) or no treatment (Group B, n = 50); patients with AF were assigned to PegIFN alfa-2a (Group C, n = 10). PegIFN alfa-2a was administered for 48 weeks by body surface area (BSA) category, based on 180 μg/1.73 m2 . HBeAg seroconversion rates at 24 weeks posttreatment were significantly higher in Group A (25.7% vs. 6%; P = 0.0043), as were the rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance (8.9% vs. 0%; P = 0.03), hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA <2,000 IU/mL (28.7% vs. 2.0%; P < 0.001) or undetectable (16.8% vs. 2.0%; P = 0.0069), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization (51.5% vs. 12%; P < 0.001). Safety, including incidence of ALT flares and neutropenia, was comparable to the established PegIFN alfa-2a profile in HBV-infected adults or hepatitis C virus-infected children. Changes in growth parameters were minimal during treatment and comparable to those in untreated patients. Safety and efficacy outcomes in Group C were in line with Group A. Conclusion: PegIFN alfa-2a treatment of children in the immune-active phase of CHB was efficacious and well tolerated, and associated with higher incidence of HBsAg clearance than in adults. This represents an important advance to the treatment options for children with CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Wirth
- Department of Pediatrics, Helios Medical Center Wuppertal, Witten-Herdecke University, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Etienne Sokal
- Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Weibo Yang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Huimin Fan
- Eighth People's Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Qing Mao
- SouthWest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Deng
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Huang
- Roche (China) Holding Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Roche (China) Holding Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Nicolas Frey
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Cynthia Wat
- Roche Products Limited, Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom
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Béguelin C, Fall F, Seydi M, Wandeler G. The current situation and challenges of screening for and treating hepatitis B in sub-Saharan Africa. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 12:537-546. [PMID: 29737218 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2018.1474097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most important cause of hepatocellular carcinoma in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Although the tools to curb the epidemic are known, only a minority of HBV-infected persons are currently diagnosed and treated. Areas covered: We discuss HBV epidemiological trends in SSA, describe important determinants of its natural history, and summarize current knowledge on the continuum of HBV care. Using the results of a systematic review of the literature, we describe the proportion of patients with liver fibrosis at presentation for care. Throughout the manuscript, we highlight major research gaps and explore potential ways to improve uptake of HBV testing, evaluation of liver disease, access to antiviral therapy and monitoring of complications. Expert commentary: Less than 1% of HBV-infected individuals are diagnosed in SSA, despite the availability of rapid tests with good diagnostic accuracy. Up to 15% of individuals enter care with liver cirrhosis, a clear indication for antiviral therapy. Although the proportion of patients eligible for immediate antiviral treatment is generally below 20%, there are few published data from prospective cohort studies. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma could be reduced with improved access to antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Béguelin
- a Department of Infectious Diseases , Bern University Hospital, University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland
| | - Fatou Fall
- b Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Hôpital Principal , Dakar , Senegal
| | - Moussa Seydi
- c Department of Infectious Diseases , Hôpital Fann , Dakar , Senegal
| | - Gilles Wandeler
- a Department of Infectious Diseases , Bern University Hospital, University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland.,c Department of Infectious Diseases , Hôpital Fann , Dakar , Senegal.,d Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland
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Komatsu H, Inui A, Fujisawa T. Pediatric hepatitis B treatment. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2017; 5:37. [PMID: 28251116 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2016.11.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Although the introduction of hepatitis B vaccine has been contributing to the reduction in the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers worldwide, the treatment of children with chronic HBV infection is a challenge to be addressed. HBeAg seroconversion, which induces low replication of HBV, is widely accepted as the first goal of antiviral treatment in children with chronic hepatitis B. However, spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion is highly expected in children with chronic HBV infection. Therefore, the identification of children who need antiviral treatment to induce HBeAg seroconversion is essential in the management of chronic HBV infection. Guidelines and experts' opinion show how to identify children who should be treated and how to treat them. If decompensated cirrhosis is absent, interferon-alpha is the first-line antiviral treatment. Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs), such as lamivudine, adefovir, entecavir and tenofovir, are also available for the treatment of children, although the approval age differs among them. If decompensated cirrhosis is present, NAs are the first-line antivirals. When the emergence of drug-resistant HBV variants is taken into consideration, entecavir (approved for age 2 years or older) and tenofovir (age 12 years or older), which have high genetic barriers, will play a central role in the treatment of HBV infection. However, the optimal duration of NA treatment and adverse events of long-term NA treatment remain unclear in children. In resource-constrained countries and regions, the financial burden of visiting hospitals, receiving routine blood examination and purchasing antiviral drugs is heavy. Moreover, there is no clear evidence that the induction of HBeAg seroconversion by antiviral treatment prevents the progression of liver disease to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in children with chronic HBV infection. It is thus imperative to clarify the clinical impact of antiviral treatment in children with HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruki Komatsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Sakura Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ayano Inui
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Eastern Yokohama Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomoo Fujisawa
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Eastern Yokohama Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
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Şahin Y. PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS B INFECTION. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2017; 53:89-93. [PMID: 27305414 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-28032016000200007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been limited studies investigating the impact of chronic hepatitis B virus infection on the growth of children. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition in children with chronic hepatitis B infection. METHODS The nutritional status of patients was retrospectively evaluated in the outpatient Clinic of Pediatric Gastroenterology between February and November 2014. During the study, biochemical laboratory parameters, duration of disease, liver biopsy scores, and medication were evaluated. Additionally body mass index and body mass index centiles were calculated. RESULTS Of the 96 patients in this study, 68 were male and 28 were female, and the mean age was 144.7±43.9 months and 146.1±47.3 months, respectively. According to body mass index centiles five (5.2%) patients were underweight, seven (7.3%) patients were overweight, and seven (7.3%) patients were obese. CONCLUSIONS Moderate rates of malnutrition (including obesity) were found in chronic hepatitis B infection. Additional nutritional status information of healthy and sick children should be assessed in the infection's early period, and timely interventions should be initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasin Şahin
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology and Nutrition, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey, Istanbul University, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology and Nutrition, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul , Turkey
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Abstract
The diagnosis and treatment of infection with hepatitis B and C has undergone a paradigm shift in the past decade. Although children with these infections are usually asymptomatic with normal liver function, their evaluation and management can often involve complex issues and require specialized expertise. Here the authors review the common clinical scenarios which might be encountered by a general pediatrician, explain the various tests available for diagnosis, and provide practical guidelines for managing these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Malik
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Winita Hardikar
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.
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29
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Kramvis A. The clinical implications of hepatitis B virus genotypes and HBeAg in pediatrics. Rev Med Virol 2016; 26:285-303. [PMID: 27139263 PMCID: PMC5084815 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Revised: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although a successful vaccine against HBV has been implemented in 184 countries, eradication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still not on the horizon. There are over 240 million chronic carriers of HBV globally. The risk of developing chronic hepatitis ranges from >90% in newborns of hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg)‐positive mothers, 25%–35% in children under 5 years of age and <5% in adults. HBeAg, a non‐particulate viral protein, is a marker of HBV replication. This is the only HBV antigen to cross the placenta, leading to specific unresponsiveness of helper T cells to the capsid protein and HBeAg in newborns. HBeAg is tolerated in utero and acts as a tolerogen after birth. Perinatal transmission is frequent when mothers are HBeAg‐positive, whereas it occurs less frequently when mothers are HBeAg‐negative. Sequence heterogeneity is a feature of HBV. Based on an intergroup divergence >7.5% across the complete genome, HBV is classified phylogenetically into at least nine genotypes. With between ~4% and 8% intergroup nucleotide divergence, genotypes A–D, F, H and I are classified further into subgenotypes. HBV genotypes/subgenotypes may have distinct geographical distribution and can develop different mutations in the regions of the HBV genome that code for HBeAg. These differences can be related to the role of HBV genotypes to the natural history of infection and mode of transmission. Thus genotypes/subgenotypes of HBV can be responsible for the different natural history of infection and modes of transmission in children, found in various regions of the world, where different genotypes/subgenotypes prevail. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kramvis
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit (HVDRU), Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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30
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Fan L, Owusu-Edusei K, Schillie SF, Murphy TV. Cost-effectiveness of active-passive prophylaxis and antiviral prophylaxis during pregnancy to prevent perinatal hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatology 2016; 63:1471-80. [PMID: 26509655 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED In an era of antiviral treatment, reexamination of the cost-effectiveness of strategies to prevent perinatal hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission in the United States is needed. We used a decision tree and Markov model to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the current U.S. strategy and two alternatives: (1) Universal hepatitis B vaccination (HepB) strategy: No pregnant women are screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). All infants receive HepB before hospital discharge; no infants receive hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG). (2) Current strategy: All pregnant women are screened for HBsAg. Infants of HBsAg-positive women receive HepB and HBIG ≤12 hours of birth. All other infants receive HepB before hospital discharge. (3) Antiviral prophylaxis strategy: All pregnant women are screened for HBsAg. HBsAg-positive women have HBV-DNA load measured. Antiviral prophylaxis is offered for 4 months starting in the third trimester to women with DNA load ≥10(6) copies/mL. HepB and HBIG are administered at birth to infants of HBsAg-positive women, and HepB is administered before hospital discharge to infants of HBsAg-negative women. Effects were measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER). Compared to the universal HepB strategy, the current strategy prevented 1,006 chronic HBV infections and saved 13,600 QALYs (ICER: $6,957/QALY saved). Antiviral prophylaxis dominated the current strategy, preventing an additional 489 chronic infections, and saving 800 QALYs and $2.8 million. The results remained robust over a wide range of assumptions. CONCLUSION The current U.S. strategy for preventing perinatal HBV remains cost-effective compared to the universal HepB strategy. An antiviral prophylaxis strategy was cost saving compared to the current strategy and should be considered to continue to decrease the burden of perinatal hepatitis B in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Fan
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kwame Owusu-Edusei
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sarah F Schillie
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Trudy V Murphy
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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Visvanathan K, Dusheiko G, Giles M, Wong ML, Phung N, Walker S, Le S, Lim SG, Gane E, Ngu M, Hardikar W, Cowie B, Bowden S, Strasser S, Levy M, Sasaduesz J. Managing HBV in pregnancy. Prevention, prophylaxis, treatment and follow-up: position paper produced by Australian, UK and New Zealand key opinion leaders. Gut 2016; 65:340-50. [PMID: 26475631 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2015-310317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B during pregnancy presents unique management issues for both the mother and fetus. These include the lack of a current cohesive strategy for treatment and follow-up of mothers and their babies; the uncertain risk of postpartum HBV flares; the lack of randomised trial data on the safety and efficacy of antiviral treatment in pregnancy; the lack of head-to-head studies comparing different antivirals in pregnancy; and the lack of epidemiologic information regarding infection across different populations globally. This position paper provides a comprehensive review of the management of women with HBV infection prior to conception, throughout each stage of pregnancy and postpartum, as well as recommendations and clinical approaches for the follow-up of children born to infected mothers, based on available evidence in the literature and recommendations from international experts. Prevention of perinatal transmission is an important component of global efforts to reduce the burden of chronic HBV since vertical transmission is responsible for most of the chronic infection worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Visvanathan
- St. Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Australia Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Geoff Dusheiko
- Institute of Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital London, London, UK
| | - Michelle Giles
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Monash Health, The Alfred Hospital, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - May-Ling Wong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nghi Phung
- Liver Addiction Research Unit and Storr Liver Unit, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia Drug Health Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Walker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Perinatal Medicine, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suong Le
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Seng Gee Lim
- Department of Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ed Gane
- Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland City Hospital Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Meng Ngu
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Winita Hardikar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ben Cowie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Scott Bowden
- Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simone Strasser
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Miriam Levy
- Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Department of Medicine, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joe Sasaduesz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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32
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Sarin SK, Kumar M, Lau GK, Abbas Z, Chan HLY, Chen CJ, Chen DS, Chen HL, Chen PJ, Chien RN, Dokmeci AK, Gane E, Hou JL, Jafri W, Jia J, Kim JH, Lai CL, Lee HC, Lim SG, Liu CJ, Locarnini S, Al Mahtab M, Mohamed R, Omata M, Park J, Piratvisuth T, Sharma BC, Sollano J, Wang FS, Wei L, Yuen MF, Zheng SS, Kao JH. Asian-Pacific clinical practice guidelines on the management of hepatitis B: a 2015 update. Hepatol Int 2016; 10:1-98. [PMID: 26563120 PMCID: PMC4722087 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-015-9675-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1688] [Impact Index Per Article: 211.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, some 240 million people have chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), with the highest rates of infection in Africa and Asia. Our understanding of the natural history of HBV infection and the potential for therapy of the resultant disease is continuously improving. New data have become available since the previous APASL guidelines for management of HBV infection were published in 2012. The objective of this manuscript is to update the recommendations for the optimal management of chronic HBV infection. The 2015 guidelines were developed by a panel of Asian experts chosen by the APASL. The clinical practice guidelines are based on evidence from existing publications or, if evidence was unavailable, on the experts' personal experience and opinion after deliberations. Manuscripts and abstracts of important meetings published through January 2015 have been evaluated. This guideline covers the full spectrum of care of patients infected with hepatitis B, including new terminology, natural history, screening, vaccination, counseling, diagnosis, assessment of the stage of liver disease, the indications, timing, choice and duration of single or combination of antiviral drugs, screening for HCC, management in special situations like childhood, pregnancy, coinfections, renal impairment and pre- and post-liver transplant, and policy guidelines. However, areas of uncertainty still exist, and clinicians, patients, and public health authorities must therefore continue to make choices on the basis of the evolving evidence. The final clinical practice guidelines and recommendations are presented here, along with the relevant background information.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - M Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - G K Lau
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Humanity and Health Medical Centre, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Institute of Translational Hepatology, Beijing, China
| | - Z Abbas
- Department of Hepatogastroenterlogy, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - H L Y Chan
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - C J Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - D S Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - H L Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - P J Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - R N Chien
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and University, Chilung, Taiwan
| | - A K Dokmeci
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ed Gane
- New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J L Hou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - W Jafri
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - J Jia
- Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | - C L Lai
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - H C Lee
- Internal Medicine Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - S G Lim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - C J Liu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - S Locarnini
- Research and Molecular Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M Al Mahtab
- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - R Mohamed
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M Omata
- Yamanashi Hospitals (Central and Kita) Organization, 1-1-1 Fujimi, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 400-8506, Japan
| | - J Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - T Piratvisuth
- NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - B C Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - J Sollano
- Department of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - F S Wang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - L Wei
- Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing, China
| | - M F Yuen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pofulam, Hong Kong
| | - S S Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - J H Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Zampino R, Boemio A, Sagnelli C, Alessio L, Adinolfi LE, Sagnelli E, Coppola N. Hepatitis B virus burden in developing countries. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:11941-11953. [PMID: 26576083 PMCID: PMC4641116 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i42.11941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has shown an intermediate or high endemicity level in low-income countries over the last five decades. In recent years, however, the incidence of acute hepatitis B and the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen chronic carriers have decreased in several countries because of the HBV universal vaccination programs started in the nineties. Some countries, however, are still unable to implement these programs, particularly in their hyperendemic rural areas. The diffusion of HBV infection is still wide in several low-income countries where the prevention, management and treatment of HBV infection are a heavy burden for the governments and healthcare authorities. Of note, the information on the HBV epidemiology is scanty in numerous eastern European and Latin-American countries. The studies on molecular epidemiology performed in some countries provide an important contribution for a more comprehensive knowledge of HBV epidemiology, and phylogenetic studies provide information on the impact of recent and older migratory flows.
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Takano T, Tajiri H, Etani Y, Miyoshi Y, Tanaka Y, Brooks S. Natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in childhood and efficacy of interferon therapy. Scand J Gastroenterol 2015; 50:892-9. [PMID: 25861806 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2014.962075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In short-term observations, interferon (IFN) therapy has been shown to be effective in producing both biochemical and virological responses in children with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, in long-term follow up, no studies have shown a clear advantage of IFN therapy during childhood. We conducted a retrospective study on the sustained effect of IFN therapy among a Japanese pediatric population. METHODS AND SUBJECTS A retrospective study was performed on 155 children with chronic HBV infection who were followed in two affiliated hospitals during the period from 1986 to 2013. RESULTS The 155 patients comprised 97 males and 58 female. Infection route was maternal transmission in 96/155 patients. HBV genotype was A in 17, B in 6, and C in 51 patients. IFN therapy was performed in 48 patients. One year after the completion of IFN therapy, normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lower viral levels (<10(4) copies/ml) was observed in 43 and 29 patients, respectively. The sustained effects of IFN therapy were evaluated by comparison between 43 hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients treated with IFN and 67 patients with chronic hepatitis B observed without IFN therapy. A Cox's proportional hazard analysis showed a higher seroconversion rate in the IFN group than in the untreated group (p = 0.003). Similarly, there were higher rates of ALT normalization and lower viral levels in the IFN group than in the untreated group (p = 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION IFN therapy showed sustained effects for achieving ALT normalization and HBeAg seroconversion and for reducing the viral load in children with chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Takano
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka General Medical Center , Osaka , Japan
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Abstract
For two decades, hepatitis B vaccine has been integrated into national routine childhood vaccination programs in almost all countries. The prevalence of HBsAg has decreased in children worldwide. However, there are children who miss the benefit of hepatitis B vaccine in some regions and countries. Long-term follow-up studies have revealed the clinical outcomes of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in children. A small percentage of chronically infected children develop liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, it is controversial who should be treated and when antiviral treatment should be initiated in children. Compared with adult studies, the data are insufficient to evaluate the pathogenesis of hepatitis B infection and the efficacy of antiviral treatment in childhood. New antiviral drugs have been approved for children and adults. Also, oral antiviral drugs are administered to pregnant women to reduce the hepatitis B virus mother-to-child transmission rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruki Komatsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University, Sakura Medical Center, 564-1 Shimoshizu Sakura, Chiba, 285-8741, Japan
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Usta M, Urgancı N, Yıldırmak ZY, Dogan Vural S. Chronic hepatitis B in children with or without malignancies: A 13-year follow-up. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:2073-2079. [PMID: 25717240 PMCID: PMC4326142 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i7.2073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the outcome of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in children with or without malignancies.
METHODS: Twenty four children (15 boys and 9 girls) with malignancies, followed up by the pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic for CHB between January 2000 and December 2013, were enrolled in the study (Group 1). Group 2 was formed with twenty five children (11 girls and 14 boys) diagnosed with CHB without malignancies. The data from the patients’ records were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS: Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)/antiHBe seroconversion was observed in 3 patients (12.5%) in group 1 and 15 patients (60%) in group 2, with annual seroconversion rates of 1.61% and 16.6%, respectively, and the difference was significant (P < 0.01). One patient (6.6%) in Group 1 and 9 patients (53%) in Group 2 showed HBeAg/antiHBe seroconversion after treatment and the difference between the two groups was significant (P < 0.06) Loss of hepatitis B surface antigen was observed in one patient in each of group 1 and 2. No clinical, laboratory and imaging findings of liver disease were observed in any of the patients at the end of the study.
CONCLUSION: HBeAg/antiHBe seroconversion rate was lower in patients who had recovered from cancer.
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El Sherbini A, Omar A. Treatment of children with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Dig Liver Dis 2014; 46:1103-10. [PMID: 25195086 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2014.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 07/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective management of children with chronic hepatitis B is still an unresolved issue. AIM To assess the outcome of different therapeutic regimens among children with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. METHODS Electronic database searches identified clinical trials that completed specific periods of treatment and follow-up. Sustained response rates were defined by the loss of HBV DNA and HBeAg, and by the normalization of liver enzymes. The loss of HBsAg and seroconversion to anti-HBs were also listed. RESULTS Our searches found 20 eligible articles (1112 enrolled patients, 2-18 years old). Interferon-alpha therapy showed significantly higher sustained response rate and loss of HBsAg than no therapy (Odd's ratio 3.0, 95% confidence interval 1.6-5.4; and 2.3, 1.1-11.3, respectively). The sustained response rate was not significantly different between interferon and interferon plus lamivudine, or plus prednisone, or plus hepatitis B vaccine; this rate was significantly higher for interferon compared with combined interferon plus levamisole or vitamin E. CONCLUSION Interferon-alpha is still the most effective treatment option for children with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. Randomized trials are warranted for further comparing interferon to newer antiviral agents in terms of efficacy, safety, emergence of mutant variants, and cost/benefit ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asmaa Omar
- Public Health, Preventive and Social Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Hepatitis B control in the World Health Organization's Western Pacific Region: targets, strategies, status. Vaccine 2014; 31 Suppl 9:J85-92. [PMID: 24331026 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.10.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
WHO's Western Pacific Region has the highest rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the world; most countries have >8% prevalence of HBV chronic infection in their adult population. In 2005, Member States of the Region adopted a resolution to reduce chronic hepatitis B infection prevalence to less than 2% among children by 2012 as an interim milestone toward a regional goal of less than 1% prevalence. Country commitments to hepatitis B control and successes represent a remarkable public health achievement by preventing over 1 million chronic infections and 300,000 HBV-related deaths per birth cohort. Reported here is a review of the process and strategies for translating this public health initiative into practice including such activities as setting up an Expert Resource Panel, developing implementation guidelines, focusing on facility births while supporting efforts to reach home births, providing guidance for conducting seroprevalence surveys, and establishing a verification process.
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Gill US, Kennedy PTF. Chronic hepatitis B virus in young adults: the need for new approaches to management. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 12:1045-53. [PMID: 25052517 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2014.940899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
One in four patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) at birth or in early childhood will develop cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Historically, guidelines have overlooked treatment in young people, as the immune tolerant disease phase is considered synonymous with chronic infection in the young. Current treatment aims to suppress HBV replication through long-term nucleos(t)ide therapy with little emphasis on virus eradication. To achieve HBsAg loss, it is accepted that effective immune control of virus is required, mimicking that seen in those who resolve acute HBV infection. We have recently challenged the accuracy of a generic immune tolerant state in young people, thus raising a potential role for earlier treatment. Here we report on our immunological analysis of HBV in young people and the role of a dedicated clinic; we make the case for earlier intervention to achieve effective immune control leading to better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upkar S Gill
- Hepatology Unit, Centre for Digestive Diseases, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Guercio Nuzio S, Ann Tizzard S, Vajro P. Tips and hints for the transition: What adult hepatologists should know when accept teens with a pediatric hepatobiliary disease. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2014; 38:277-83. [PMID: 24768556 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2014.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The number of children with chronic hepatobiliary disease surviving into adulthood is more and more increasing, but no established model of transition does exist in this category of patients. Here, we summarize medical problems expected at the time of their transition, and any impacts on morbidity and mortality in adulthood. Information provided would turn useful to adult hepatologists and practitioners responsible for ensuring continuity of care for young adults affected by diseases they are not usually accustomed to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Guercio Nuzio
- Pediatrics Fellowship Program, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Sarah Ann Tizzard
- Paediatric Gastrointestinal, Liver and Nutrition Centre, King's College Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pietro Vajro
- Chair of Paediatrics, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.
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Della Corte C, Nobili V, Comparcola D, Cainelli F, Vento S. Management of chronic hepatitis B in children: an unresolved issue. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 29:912-9. [PMID: 24863185 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although a rather benign course of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection during childhood has been described, 3-5% and 0.01-0.03% of chronic carriers develop cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma before adulthood. Considering the whole lifetime, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma rises to 9-24% and the incidence of cirrhosis to 2-3% per year. The aim of this article is to review the current knowledge regarding the natural history and treatment of chronic hepatitis B in children and to focus on critical aspects and unresolved questions in the management of childhood HBV infection. A literature search was carried out on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science for articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals from January 1980 to February 2013. The search terms used included "Hepatitis B virus infection," "children," "HBV," "interferon," "lamivudine," "adefovir," "entecavir," and "tenofovir." Articles resulting from these searches and relevant references cited in the articles retrieved were reviewed. The current goals of therapy are to suppress viral replication, reduce liver inflammation, and reverse liver fibrosis. Therapeutic options for children are currently limited, and the risk for viral resistance to current and future therapies is a particular concern. Based on the data available at this time, it is the consensus of the panel that it is not appropriate to treat children in the immune-tolerant phase or in the inactive carrier state. For children in the immune-active or reactivation phases, liver histology can help guide treatment decisions. Outside of clinical trials, interferon is the agent of choice in most cases; currently, available nucleoside analogs are secondary therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Della Corte
- HepatoMetabolic Diseases Unit, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
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Vajro P, Ferrante L, Lenta S, Mandato C, Persico M. Management of adults with paediatric-onset chronic liver disease: strategic issues for transition care. Dig Liver Dis 2014; 46:295-301. [PMID: 24321359 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2013.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Revised: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Advances in the management of children with chronic liver disease have enabled many to survive into adulthood with or without their native livers, so that the most common of these conditions are becoming increasingly common in adult hepatology practice. Because the aetiologies of chronic liver disease in children may vary significantly from those in adulthood, adults with paediatric-onset chronic liver disease may often present with clinical manifestations unfamiliar to their adulthood physician. Transition of medical care to adult practice requires that the adulthood medical staff (primary physicians and subspecialists) have a comprehensive knowledge of childhood liver disease and their implications, and of the differences in caring for these patients. Pending still unavailable Scientific Society guidelines, this article examines causes, presentation modes, evaluation, management, and complications of the main paediatric-onset chronic liver diseases, and discusses key issues to aid in planning a program of transition from paediatric to adult patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Vajro
- Chair of Paediatrics, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi (Salerno), Italy.
| | - Lorenza Ferrante
- Department of Translational Medicine, Paediatrics Section, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Marcello Persico
- Chair of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi (Salerno), Italy
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Hong SJ, Park HJ, Chu MA, Choi BS, Choe BH. The Rate of Conversion from Immune-tolerant Phase to Early Immune-clearance Phase in Children with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr 2014; 17:41-6. [PMID: 24749087 PMCID: PMC3990782 DOI: 10.5223/pghn.2014.17.1.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The spontaneous seroconversion rate of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection in children is lower than that in adults. However, few studies have investigated the rate of transition from the immune-tolerant to the early immune-clearance phase in children. METHODS From February 2000 to August 2011, we enrolled 133 children aged <18 years who had visited the Department of Pediatrics, Kyungpook National University Hospital. All subjects were in the immune-tolerant phase of HBeAg-positive CHB virus infection. The estimated transition rate into the early immune-clearance phase was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Among the 133 enrolled pediatric CHB virus infection patients in the HBeAg-positive immune-tolerant phase, only 21 children (15.8%) had converted to the early immune-clearance phase. The average age at entry into active hepatitis was 10.6±4.8 years. The incidence of transition from the immune-tolerant to the early immune-clearance phase in these children was 1.7 episodes/100 patient-years. When analyzed by age, the estimated transition rate was 4.6%, 7.1%, and 28.0% for patients aged <6, 6-12, >12 years, respectively. CONCLUSION In children with CHB virus infection, the estimated rate of entry into the early immune-clearance phase was 28.0% for patients aged 12-18 years, which was significantly higher than that observed for children aged <12 years (11.7%; p=0.001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Suk Jin Hong
- Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Mi Ae Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Bong Seok Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Byung-Ho Choe
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
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Circulating MicroRNAs in Plasma of Hepatitis B e Antigen Positive Children Reveal Liver-Specific Target Genes. Int J Hepatol 2014; 2014:791045. [PMID: 25580300 PMCID: PMC4281389 DOI: 10.1155/2014/791045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim. Hepatitis B e antigen positive (HBeAg-positive) children are at high risk of severe complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Liver damage is caused by the host immune response to infected hepatocytes, and we hypothesise that specific microRNAs play a role in this complex interaction between virus and host. The study aimed to identify microRNAs with aberrant plasma expressions in HBeAg-positive children and with liver-specific target genes. Methods. By revisiting our previous screen of microRNA plasma levels in HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and in healthy controls, candidate microRNAs with aberrant plasma expressions in HBeAg-positive children were identified. MicroRNAs targeting liver-specific genes were selected based on bioinformatics analysis and validated by qRT-PCR using plasma samples from 34 HBeAg-positive, 26 HBeAg-negative, and 60 healthy control children. Results. Thirteen microRNAs showed aberrant plasma expressions in HBeAg-positive children and targeted liver-specific genes. In particular, three microRNAs were upregulated and one was downregulated in HBeAg-positive children compared to HBeAg-negative and healthy control children, which showed equal levels. Conclusion. The identified microRNAs might impact the progression of CHB in children. Functional studies are warranted, however, to elucidate the microRNAs' role in the immunopathogenesis of childhood CHB.
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Iorio R, Tufano M, Giagnorio MG, Spagnuolo MI, Giannattasio A. What evidence exists to support antiviral treatment in children with chronic hepatitis B? Antivir Ther 2013; 19:225-7. [PMID: 24192644 DOI: 10.3851/imp2704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many questions are unanswered on the optimal management of chronically HBV-infected children. Chronic hepatitis B is generally a mild disease in children; however, response to therapy is partial and limited to specific subgroups, and available drugs have no proven advantage on long-term course of disease versus no treatment, and are hampered by numerous limitations. Studies on the natural history of chronic hepatitis B and the long-term results of the therapeutic schedules adopted so far should be critically appraised. A balance between the potential benefits of the treatment and its side effects, and the spontaneous course of the disease left untreated should be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Iorio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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46
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Sokal EM, Paganelli M, Wirth S, Socha P, Vajro P, Lacaille F, Kelly D, Mieli-Vergani G. Management of chronic hepatitis B in childhood: ESPGHAN clinical practice guidelines: consensus of an expert panel on behalf of the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. J Hepatol 2013; 59:814-29. [PMID: 23707367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2012] [Revised: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Etienne M Sokal
- Pediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain and Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
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Healy SA, Gupta S, Melvin AJ. HIV/HBV coinfection in children and antiviral therapy. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2013; 11:251-63. [PMID: 23458766 DOI: 10.1586/eri.13.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Small cohort studies from countries where both HIV and HBV are endemic demonstrate prevalence rates of chronic hepatitis B in HIV-infected children of between 1 and 49%. While data on coinfected children are limited, results from studies in adults with HIV/HBV coinfection raise the concern that coinfected children may be at a higher risk of liver disease, hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. With the scale-up of combination antiretroviral therapy worldwide, of which lamivudine is included in most first-line regimens, coinfected children treated with lamivudine risk development of HBV resistance mutations. This article summarizes the current literature relevant to HIV/HBV coinfection in children, the options for treatment and highlights priorities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Healy
- Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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48
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Treatment of children with chronic viral hepatitis: what is available and what is in store. World J Pediatr 2013; 9:212-20. [PMID: 23929253 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-013-0426-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, therapy of children with chronic hepatitis B and C is still based on few drugs, all burdened by a series of side-effects, unsatisfactory serum conversion rates, and/or drug-resistance. Moreover, selection of subjects to treat with conventional therapies is not univocal, especially during the pediatric age when the disease course is often mild with significant spontaneous seroconversion rate. Our review deals with pros and cons points when a physician decides to design a drug therapy for a child with chronic viral hepatitis, and different possible therapeutic opportunities. METHODS A literature search was performed through PubMed. The newest articles, reviews, systematic reviews, and guidelines were included in this review. RESULTS The management of children with viral hepatitis is still controversial over whom and when to treat and the use of drug(s). Novel therapeutic strategies have been evaluated only in clinical and preclinical trials involving, for instance, "therapeutic" vaccines. The data on safety and effectiveness of new drugs are also reviewed. CONCLUSION The results of reported studies confirmed that at least some of the new drugs, with greater efficacy and/or minor side-effects, will be used clinically.
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem, which can cause acute liver failure, acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It is most prevalent in Asia, Africa, Southern Europe, and Latin America. Approximately 2 billion people in the world have been infected by HBV, with more than 350 million as chronic carriers. Implementation of the HBV vaccine led to a significant reduction in viral transmission in many areas of the world; however, it remains highly endemic in many developing countries. The main source of infection in childhood is via perinatal transmission or horizontal transmission during preschool years. The majority of children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection are asymptomatic; however, they may develop progressive disease and are at increased risk of advanced liver disease or liver cancer before their third decade. All children with chronic HBV infection should be regularly monitored for disease progression. The goal of therapy for children with CHB is to arrest disease progression and reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis and cancer. The available medications have a low success rate because of immunotolerance in the child and the development of viral resistance to standard therapy. Therefore, case selection and determination of the best time to commence treatment are essential to increase treatment efficacy and reduce the risk of viral resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Abdel-Hady
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, B4 6NH, UK.
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50
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Tufano M, Liccardo D, Riva S, Candusso M, Torre G, Iorio R. Efficacy of combined antiviral therapy with lamivudine and tenofovir in a liver transplanted girl with de novo hepatitis B virus infection. Transpl Infect Dis 2013; 15:E81-4. [PMID: 23387823 DOI: 10.1111/tid.12057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Revised: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The management of de novo hepatitis B (HBV) infection in children after liver transplantation is not well defined. Because this infection may induce severe liver disease in the graft liver, an efficient antiviral therapy is desirable. Here, we describe the favorable viral outcome observed in a liver transplanted girl with de novo HBV infection following combination therapy with lamivudine and tenofovir.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tufano
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples, Italy
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