Development rate of chronic kidney disease in hepatitis C virus patients with advanced fibrosis after interferon therapy

Hepatitis Status and its Effect upon the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease: Presentations, Associations and Complications

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) have a high prevalence in Oman. This study aimed to examine the association between CKD and viral hepatitis through an observational cohort study conducted at the Royal Hospital of the Sultanate of Oman to evaluate the relationship of HBV and HCV with CKD. During the study, 233 patients were identified, 112 with chronic HBV (Group 1), 112 with chronic HCV (Group 2), and nine with HBV and HCV coinfection (Group 3). The population was predominantly male, especially in Groups 1 and 3. The difference in age between Groups 1 and 2 was significant, with the mean age being 48 ± 14.6 years and 55 ± 12.6 years, respectively (P <0.05). This study revealed that the prevalence of CKD in Group 1 is 51%, in Group 2 was 78%, and in Group 3 was 56%. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 79.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 in Group 1, 73.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 in Group 2, and 57.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 in Group 3. CKD had the highest prevalence in Group 2. The lowest eGFR was found in Group 3. Group 2 showed the highest rate of declining renal function over time despite treatment. This study found a significant and independent association between viral hepatitis and the risk of CKD, especially in cases of coinfection and HCV infection. This warrants close monitoring of kidney function during screening and follow-up. Patients with CKD should be screened for viral hepatitis.

The association between hepatitis C virus infection and renal function

BACKGROUND

The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and chronic kidney disease (CKD) still remains controversial. We aimed to investigate whether HCV really affects renal function, and to analyze the association between clinical effects of CHC and decreased kidney function (assessed by glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) level).

METHODS

An estimated 3360 patients with HCV infection and 3360 age- and sex-matched community-based control individuals without HCV were enrolled (1:1, case and control ratio) in this study between 2004 and 2016. We used the modification of diet in renal diseases to calculate eGFR. Demographic and laboratory parameters were assessed, and appropriate statistical methods were performed for the analysis.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that serum alanine aminotransferase level (odds ratio [OR] 0.998; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.997-0.999; P = 0.001), platelet count (OR 0.997; 95% CI 0.995-0.999; p = 0.002), and hypertension (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.03-1.66; P = 0.027) were significantly associated with HCV infection and serum triglyceride levels (OR 1.001; 95% CI 1.00-1.002; p = 0.005), platelet count (OR 0.996; 95% CI 0.995-0.997; p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) >25 (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.23-1.67; p < 0.001), hypertension (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.42-1.99; p < 0.001), hyperlipidemia (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.02-1.71; p = 0.035), and diabetes (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.03-1.71; p = 0.032) were significantly associated with a low eGFR (<90 mL/min/m3) in control subjects. The BMI >25 kg/m2, hypertension, and diabetes were found to be associated with low eGFR interaction with the HCV infection, via a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our study found that the patients with HCV infection are associated with a low eGFR compared with non-HCV-infected patients. This association is consistent in obese, diabetic, and hypertensive patients.

Impact of DAA-Based Regimens on HCV-Related Extra-Hepatic Damage: A Narrative Review

Two-third of patients with chronic hepatitis C show extrahepatic manifestations due to HCV infection of B lymphocytes, such as mixed cryoglobulinemia and non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma, or develop a chronic inflammatory status that may favor the development of adverse cardiovascular events, kidney diseases or metabolic abnormalities.DAAs treatments induce HCV eradication in 95% of treated patients, which also improves the clinical course of extrahepatic manifestations, but with some limitations. After HCV eradication a good compensation of T2DM has been observed, but doubts persist about the possibility of obtaining a stable reduction in fasting glucose and HbA1c levels.Chronic HCV infection is associated with low total and LDL cholesterol serum levels, which however increase significantly after HCV elimination, possibly due to the disruption of HCV/lipid metabolism interaction. Despite this adverse effect, HCV eradication exerts a favorable action on cardiovascular system, possibly by eliminating numerous other harmful effects exerted by HCV on this system.DAA treatment is also indicated for the treatment of patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia syndrome, since HCV eradication results in symptom reduction and, in particular, is effective in cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Furthermore, HCV eradication exerts a favorable action on HCV-related lymphoproliferative disorders, with frequent remission or reduction of clinical manifestations.There is also evidence that HCV clearance may improve impaired renal functions, but same conflicting data persist on the effect of some DAAs on eGFR.

Influence of hepatitis C virus co-infection and hepatitis C virus treatment on risk of chronic kidney disease in HIV-positive persons

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated the impact of HCV cure on CKD in HIV-positive persons in the EuroSIDA study.

METHODS

HIV-positive persons with known HCV status and at least three serum creatinine measurements after 1/1/2004 were compared based on time-updated HCV-RNA and HCV treatment: anti-HCV-negative, spontaneously cleared HCV, chronic untreated HCV, successfully treated HCV, and HCV-RNA positive after HCV treatment. Poisson regression compared incidence rates of CKD [confirmed (>3 months apart) eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m] between HCV strata.

RESULTS

Fourteen thousand, seven hundred and fifty-four persons were included; at baseline 9273 (62.9%) were HCV-Ab negative, 696 (4.7%) spontaneous clearers, 3021 (20.5%) chronically infected, 922 (6.2%) successfully treated and 842 (5.7%) HCV-RNA positive after treatment. During 115 335 person-years of follow-up (PYFU), 1128 (7.6%) developed CKD; crude incidence 9.8/1000 PYFU (95% CI 9.2-10.4). After adjustment, persons anti-HCV negative [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 0.59; 95% CI 0.46-0.75] and spontaneous clearers (aIRR 0.67; 95% CI 0.47-0.97) had significantly lower rates of CKD compared with those cured whereas persons chronically infected (aIRR 0.85; 95% CI 0.65-1.12) and HCV-RNA positive after treatment (aIRR 0.71; 95% CI 0.49-1.04) had similar rates. Analysis in those without F3/F4 liver fibrosis using a more rigorous definition of CKD showed similar results.

CONCLUSION

This large study found no evidence that successful HCV treatment reduced CKD incidence. Confounding by indication, where those with highest risk of CKD were prioritized for HCV treatment in the DAA era, may contribute to these findings.

Direct acting antiviral HCV treatment does not influence renal function

HCV infection is associated with chronic kidney disease due to several mechanisms. Patients treated with interferon-based regimens demonstrate improved renal function and reduced incidence of chronic kidney disease. There is scarce evidence on the effect of direct acting antiviral regimens (DAAs) on renal function.We evaluated serial measures of renal function in a cohort of HCV-infected participants following completion of DAA-based treatment regimens.Measures of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were estimated by the CKD-EPI equation. Data was recorded at end of treatment, and at 6-12 months, 12-24 months, and greater than 24 months following treatment completion. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to determine distinct GFR trajectories. Predictors of group membership were determined by multinomial regression analysis.Six trajectories were identified. One trajectory comprising 27% of the cohort demonstrated declining renal function and the others demonstrated no change in renal function over time. Baseline GFR did not predict SVR. Diabetes was associated with lower post-treatment GFR but patients with diabetes did not demonstrate a decrease in GFR over the period of evaluation. Cirrhosis and SVR were not significant predictors of GFR or GFR trajectory.There is no clinically relevant change in renal function among the majority of HCV-infected patients following completion of DAA-based treatments. Renal function does not influence the efficacy of DAA-based regimens. No consistent effect of DAA treatment and/or SVR on renal function was observed over a 2-year period following treatment completion.

KDOQI US Commentary on the 2018 KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for the Prevention, Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Hepatitis C

The first KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) guideline for the prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was published in 2008. The ensuing decade bore witness to remarkable advances in the treatment of HCV infection following the approval of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents that deliver cure rates routinely >95%. In this context, the KDIGO organization correctly recognized the need for an updated HCV guideline that would be relevant to the treatment of HCV-infected patients with kidney disease in the DAA era. The current NKF-KDOQI (National Kidney Foundation-Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative) commentary provides an in-depth review and perspective on the 2018 KDIGO guideline. Of note, the KDIGO work group made significant updates to guideline chapters 2 and 4 as a direct result of the availability of DAAs. The intent of this commentary is to provide useful interpretation for nephrologists and other practitioners caring for HCV-infected patients with chronic kidney disease, including dialysis patients and kidney transplant recipients. The availability of DAA agents that are safe and highly effective has created new opportunities, such as the transplantation of kidneys from HCV-infected kidney donors. The ability to treat HCV infection in patients with kidney disease will have a significant impact on the care of our patients and should favorably influence long-term outcomes as well.

The impact of antiviral therapy for HCV on kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Controversy persists about the role of hepatitis C as a risk factor for developing kidney disease in the general population. Some authors have evaluated the effect of antiviral therapy for HCV on the risk of kidney disease.

STUDY AIMS AND DESIGN

A systematic review of the published medical literature was performed to assess whether antiviral therapy for HCV has an independent impact on kidney survival in the adult general population. A random effects model was used to generate an overall estimate of the risk of kidney disease after anti-HCV therapy across the published studies. Meta-regression and stratified analysis were also carried out.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies were eligible (n=356, 285 patients) and separate meta-analyses were conducted according to the outcome. Pooling studies based on viral responses (n=7; 34,763 individual patients) demonstrated a relationship between sustained viral response and lower frequency of kidney disease; the overall estimate for adjusted risk of kidney disease was 2.50 (95% CI, 1.41; 4.41) (p=0.0016) and between-study heterogeneity was found (p-value by Q test=0.004). Aggregation of studies comparing treated vs untreated cohorts (n=8, n=333,312 patients) revealed an association between anti-HCV therapy and lower risk of kidney disease. The overall estimate for adjusted risk of kidney disease across the eight studies was 0.39 (95% CI, 0.25; 0.612) (p=0.0001). Meta-regression showed that the effectiveness of antiviral therapy in reducing the frequency of kidney disease diminishes as cirrhosis (p=0.02) and HBV infection (p=0.0001) increase among HCV-infected individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Antiviral therapy for HCV lowers the risk of kidney disease among HCV-infected individuals. Studies to understand the mechanisms underlying this association are ongoing.

Sustained virological response from interferon-based hepatitis C regimens is associated with reduced risk of extrahepatic manifestations

BACKGROUND & AIMS

HCV infection is associated with several extrahepatic manifestations (EHMs). We evaluated the impact of sustained virological response (SVR) on the risk of 7 EHMs that contribute to the burden of extrahepatic disease: type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease, stroke, ischemic heart disease, major adverse cardiac events, mood and anxiety disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

A longitudinal cohort study was conducted using data from the British Columbia Hepatitis Testers Cohort, which included ~1.3 million individuals screened for HCV. We identified all HCV-infected individuals who were treated with interferon-based therapies between 1999 and 2014. SVR was defined as a negative HCV RNA test ≥24 weeks post-treatment or after end-of-treatment, if unavailable. We computed adjusted subdistribution hazard ratios (asHR) for the effect of SVR on each EHM using competing risk proportional hazard models. Subgroup analyses by birth cohort, sex, injection drug exposure and genotype were also performed.

RESULTS

Overall, 10,264 HCV-infected individuals were treated with interferon, of whom 6,023 (59%) achieved SVR. Compared to those that failed treatment, EHM risk was significantly reduced among patients with SVR for type 2 diabetes mellitus (asHR 0.65; 95%CI 0.55-0.77), chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease (asHR 0.53; 95% CI 0.43-0.65), ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (asHR 0.73; 95%CI 0.49-1.09), and mood and anxiety disorders (asHR 0.82; 95%CI 0.71-0.95), but not for ischemic heart disease (asHR 1.23; 95%CI 1.03-1.47), major adverse cardiac events (asHR 0.93; 95%CI 0.79-1.11) or rheumatoid arthritis (asHR 1.09; 95% CI 0.73-1.64).

CONCLUSIONS

SVR was associated with a reduction in the risk of several EHMs. Increased uptake of antiviral therapy may reduce the growing burden of EHMs in this population.

LAY SUMMARY

We estimated the rates of chronic comorbidities other than liver disease between those who were cured and those who failed treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Our findings showed that the rates of these non-liver diseases were largely reduced for those who were cured with interferon-based treatments. Early HCV treatments could provide many benefits in the prevention of various HCV complications beyond liver disease.

Anti-hepatitis C virus therapy in chronic kidney disease patients improves long-term renal and patient survivals

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a documented risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, to date there are no reports on the long-term hard endpoints (ESRD and death) of anti-HCV therapy [interferon-based therapy (IBT) or new direct-acting antivirals] in CKD patients. Direct-acting antivirals are not available in Taiwan's single-payer national health insurance database currently released for research. Therefore, we hypothesized that a retrospective analysis of the long-term outcomes of IBT in CKD patients will serve as a proxy for direct-acting antivirals to increase our understanding of progression to ESRD following HCV infection.

AIM

To evaluate the long-term outcomes (ESRD and death) of anti-HCV therapy, especially IBT, in HCV-infected patients with stage 1-5 CKD.

METHODS

We analyzed 93894 Taiwanese adults diagnosed with CKD and without HBV infection. Of these, 4.9% were infected with HCV. Of the 4582 HCV-infected CKD patients, 482 (10.5%) received IBT (treated cohort). They were matched 1:4 with 1928 untreated HCV-infected CKD patients (untreated cohort) by propensity scores and year, which further matched 1:2 by propensity scores with 3856 CKD patients without HCV infection (uninfected cohort). All participants were followed until the occurrence of ESRD, death, or the end of 2012. The association between HCV infection, IBT use, and risks of ESRD and death was analyzed using competing risk analysis.

RESULTS

Taking the uninfected cohort as a reference, the adjusted hazard ratios for ESRD, after adjusting for competing mortality, were 0.34 (0.14-0.84, P = 0.019) and 1.28 (1.03-1.60, P = 0.029) in the treated and untreated cohorts, respectively. The treated cohort had a 29% (0.54-0.92, P = 0.011) decrease in mortality compared to the untreated cohort, in which the mortality was 31% (1.18-1.45, P < 0.001) higher than in the uninfected cohort. The reduced risks of ESRD (0.14, 0.03-0.58, P = 0.007) and death (0.57, 0.41-0.79, P = 0.001) were greatest in HCV-infected CKD patients who received at least 4 mo of IBT, which accounted for 74% of the treated cohort.

CONCLUSION

Adequate anti-HCV therapy in CKD patients improves long-term renal and patient survival.

Management of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with chronic kidney disease: position statement of the joint committee of Italian association for the study of the liver (AISF), Italian society of internal medicine (SIMI), Italian society of infectious and tropical disease (SIMIT) and Italian society of nephrology (SIN)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is now considered a systemic disease due to the occurrence of extra-hepatic manifestations. Among these, the renal involvement is frequent. HCV infection, in fact, is strongly associated with proteinuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and negatively affects the prognosis of renal patients. In the last few years, availability of more specific and effective drugs against HCV has dramatically changed the clinical course of this disease. These drugs may provide further advantages in the CKD population as a whole by reducing progression of renal disease, mortality rate and by increasing the survival of graft in renal transplant recipients. The strict pathogenetic and prognostic link between HCV infection and CKD requires an ongoing relationship among the healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of both HCV infection and CKD. Therefore, Scientific Societies involved in the care of this high-risk population in Italy have organized a joint expert panel. The aim of the panel is to produce a position statement that can be used in daily clinical practice for the management of HCV infected patients across the whole spectrum of renal disease, from the conservative phase to renal replacement treatments (dialysis and transplantation). Sharing specific evidence-based expertise of different professional healthcare is the first step to obtain a common ground of knowledge on which to instate a model for multidisciplinary management of this high-risk population. Statements cover seven areas including epidemiology of CKD, HCV-induced glomerular damage, HCV-related renal risk, staging of liver disease in patients with CKD, prevention of transmission of HCV in hemodialysis units, treatment of HCV infection and management of HCV in kidney transplantation.

Management of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with chronic kidney disease: position statement of the joint committee of Italian association for the study of the liver (AISF), Italian society of internal medicine (SIMI), Italian society of infectious and tropical disease (SIMIT) and Italian society of nephrology (SIN)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is now considered a systemic disease due to the occurrence of extra-hepatic manifestations. Among these, the renal involvement is frequent. HCV infection, in fact, is strongly associated with proteinuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and negatively affects the prognosis of renal patients. In the last few years, availability of more specific and effective drugs against HCV has dramatically changed the clinical course of this disease. These drugs may provide further advantages in the CKD population as a whole by reducing progression of renal disease, mortality rate and by increasing the survival of graft in renal transplant recipients. The strict pathogenetic and prognostic link between HCV infection and CKD requires an ongoing relationship among the healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of both HCV infection and CKD. Therefore, Scientific Societies involved in the care of this high-risk population in Italy have organized a joint expert panel. The aim of the panel is to produce a position statement that can be used in daily clinical practice for the management of HCV infected patients across the whole spectrum of renal disease, from the conservative phase to renal replacement treatments (dialysis and transplantation). Sharing specific evidence-based expertise of different professional healthcare is the first step to obtain a common ground of knowledge on which to instate a model for multidisciplinary management of this high-risk population. Statements cover seven areas including epidemiology of CKD, HCV-induced glomerular damage, HCV-related renal risk, staging of liver disease in patients with CKD, prevention of transmission of HCV in hemodialysis units, treatment of HCV infection and management of HCV in kidney transplantation.

Management of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with chronic kidney disease: position statement of the joint committee of Italian association for the study of the liver (AISF), Italian society of internal medicine (SIMI), Italian society of infectious and tropical disease (SIMIT) and Italian society of nephrology (SIN)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is now considered a systemic disease due to the occurrence of extra-hepatic manifestations. Among these, the renal involvement is frequent. HCV infection, in fact, is strongly associated with proteinuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and negatively affects the prognosis of renal patients. In the last few years, availability of more specific and effective drugs against HCV has dramatically changed the clinical course of this disease. These drugs may provide further advantages in the CKD population as a whole by reducing progression of renal disease, mortality rate and by increasing the survival of graft in renal transplant recipients. The strict pathogenetic and prognostic link between HCV infection and CKD requires an ongoing relationship among the healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of both HCV infection and CKD. Therefore, Scientific Societies involved in the care of this high-risk population in Italy have organized a joint expert panel. The aim of the panel is to produce a position statement that can be used in daily clinical practice for the management of HCV infected patients across the whole spectrum of renal disease, from the conservative phase to renal replacement treatments (dialysis and transplantation). Sharing specific evidence-based expertise of different professional healthcare is the first step to obtain a common ground of knowledge on which to instate a model for multidisciplinary management of this high-risk population. Statements cover seven areas including epidemiology of CKD, HCV-induced glomerular damage, HCV-related renal risk, staging of liver disease in patients with CKD, prevention of transmission of HCV in hemodialysis units, treatment of HCV infection and management of HCV in kidney transplantation.

Management of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with chronic kidney disease: position statement of the joint committee of Italian association for the study of the liver (AISF), Italian society of internal medicine (SIMI), Italian society of infectious and tropical disease (SIMIT) and Italian society of nephrology (SIN)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is now considered a systemic disease due to the occurrence of extra-hepatic manifestations. Among these, the renal involvement is frequent. HCV infection, in fact, is strongly associated with proteinuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and negatively affects the prognosis of renal patients. In the last few years, availability of more specific and effective drugs against HCV has dramatically changed the clinical course of this disease. These drugs may provide further advantages in the CKD population as a whole by reducing progression of renal disease, mortality rate and by increasing the survival of graft in renal transplant recipients. The strict pathogenetic and prognostic link between HCV infection and CKD requires an ongoing relationship among the healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of both HCV infection and CKD. Therefore, Scientific Societies involved in the care of this high-risk population in Italy have organized a joint expert panel. The aim of the panel is to produce a position statement that can be used in daily clinical practice for the management of HCV infected patients across the whole spectrum of renal disease, from the conservative phase to renal replacement treatments (dialysis and transplantation). Sharing specific evidence-based expertise of different professional healthcare is the first step to obtain a common ground of knowledge on which to instate a model for multidisciplinary management of this high-risk population. Statements cover seven areas including epidemiology of CKD, HCV-induced glomerular damage, HCV-related renal risk, staging of liver disease in patients with CKD, prevention of transmission of HCV in hemodialysis units, treatment of HCV infection and management of HCV in kidney transplantation.

Hepatitis C virus cure does not impact kidney function decline in HIV co-infected patients

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text

Objective:

To examine the impact of sustained virologic response (SVR) and illicit (injection and noninjection) drug use on kidney function among hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV co-infected individuals.

Design:

Longitudinal observational cohort study of HCV-HIV co-infected patients.

Methods:

Data from 1631 patients enrolled in the Canadian Co-Infection Cohort between 2003 and 2016 were analyzed. Patients who achieved SVR were matched 1 : 2 with chronically infected patients using time-dependent propensity scores. Linear regression with generalized estimating equations was used to model differences in estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) between chronic HCV-infected patients and those achieving SVR. The relationship between illicit drug use and eGFR was explored in patients who achieved SVR.

Results:

We identified 384 co-infected patients who achieved SVR (53% treated with interferon-free antiviral regimens) and 768 propensity-score matched patients with chronic HCV infection. Most patients were men (78%) and white (87%), with a median age of 51 years (interquartile range: 45–56). During 1767 person-years of follow-up, 4041 eGFR measurements were available for analysis. Annual rates of decline in eGFR were similar between patients with SVR [−1.32 (ml/min per 1.73 m²)/year, 95% confidence interval (CI) −1.75 to −0.90] and chronic infection [−1.19 (ml/min per 1.73 m²) per year, 95% CI −1.55 to −0.84]. Among SVR patients, recent injection cocaine use was associated with rapid eGFR decline [−2.16 (ml/min per 1.73 m²)/year, 95% CI −4.17 to −0.16].

Conclusion:

SVR did not reduce the rate of kidney function decline among HCV–HIV co-infected patients. Increased risk of chronic kidney disease in co-infection may not be related to persistent HCV replication but to ongoing injection cocaine use.

Expert opinion on the management of renal manifestations of chronic HCV infection

Chronic HCV infection is a non-traditional (but modifiable) risk factor for chronic kidney disease and has been implicated in glomerular injury and nephrosclerotic disease. Three HCV direct-acting antiviral regimens are available for patients with severe kidney impairment: ombitasvir, paritaprevir with the pharmacokinetic enhancer ritonavir, and dasabuvir; glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir; and elbasvir plus grazoprevir. In patients with severe kidney impairment, sofosbuvir-free regimens are preferred because sofosbuvir accumulation has been associated with a progressive worsening of renal function. In this Review, we provide our expert opinion on the current HCV treatment paradigm and highlight the remaining issues that need to be overcome to improve the treatment of HCV in this population.

Expert opinion on managing chronic HCV infection in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been identified as an extrahepatic manifestation of chronic HCV infection. Conversely, in the context of chronic HCV infection, T2DM can accelerate the course of HCV-induced liver disease leading to increased risk of fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The presence of T2DM negatively impacts the efficacy of interferon-based antiviral therapy, but real-world data with high-efficacy direct-acting antiviral therapies suggest high viral clearance rates in T2DM patients. In HCV-infected individuals, viral eradication is associated with a reduced risk of de novo T2DM in non-diabetic patients and beneficial metabolic changes in patients with T2DM, highlighting the importance of antiviral treatment and physician awareness of this association.

Hepatitis C and Its Metabolic Complications in Kidney Disease

INTRODUCTION

Evidence has been accumulated during the last decade showing that HCV infection plays an important activity at hepatic and extra-hepatic level. Chronic HCV is associated with a large spectrum of extra-hepatic manifestations including lympho-proliferative diseases and metabolic abnormalities (such as insulin resistance and fatty liver disease).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We have performed an extensive review of the medical literature regarding the increased risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease that has been observed in various groups of HCV-infected patients. The potential link between such increased risk and the metabolic consequences of chronic HCV infection has been explored.

RESULTS

According to a systematic review with a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies (n = 9 clinical observational studies; n = 1,947,034 unique patients), we found a strong relationship between positive anti-HCV serologic status and increased incidence of chronic kidney disease in the adult general population, the summary estimate for adjusted hazard ratio was 1.43 (95% confidence intervals, 1.23; 1.63, P = 0.0001) (random-effects model) in anti-HCV positive patients. In another meta-analysis of clinical observational studies (n = 145,608 unique patients on long term dialysis; n = 14 observational studies), anti-HCV sero-positive status was an independent and significant risk factor for death in patients on maintenance dialysis. The summary estimate for adjusted relative risk (all-cause mortality) was 1.35 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.25; 1.47 (P &lt; 0.01) in anti-HCV positive patients on maintenance dialysis. An updated and stratified analysis (n = 4 studies, n = 91,916 patients on maintenance dialysis) resulted in an adjusted HR for cardiovascular mortality among anti-HCV positive patients of 1.21 (95% CI, 1.06; 1.39) (P &lt; 0.01); the homogeneity assumption was not rejected. The mechanisms underlying such relationships remain unclear; it has been suggested that HCV promotes atherogenesis through direct and indirect mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical trials are under way to assess whether the clearance of HCV RNA from serum by direct-acting antiviral drugs reduces all cause or disease-specific (cardiovascular) mortality among patients on maintenance dialysis.

Interferon-free therapy with sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for successful treatment of genotype 2 hepatitis C virus with lichen planus: a case report

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains the main cause of liver disease and can lead to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV may also develop extrahepatic manifestations in the skin, eyes, joints, kidneys, nervous system, and immune system. In fact, several studies reported that up to 70% of HCV patients experienced extrahepatic manifestations. Lichen planus (LP), which is an immune system disorder that is triggered by viral infections, allergens, and stress, can affect the skin, mouth, nails, and scalp. The association of LP with HCV has been reported, but the effect of HCV treatment on LP remission is controversial. We encountered a 53-year-old man with HCV genotype 2a and LP that were successfully treated with sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 12 weeks. After treatment, he achieved sustained virological response against HCV and remission of erosive LP lesions on the lip. In the era of interferon (IFN)-based treatment for HCV, exacerbation of autoimmune diseases is a common adverse event. Therefore, use of an IFN-free regimen of direct-acting antivirals for HCV might prevent the extrahepatic manifestation of an immune disorder.

Successful Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus-associated Oral Lichen Planus by Interferon-free Therapy with Direct-acting Antivirals

OBJECTIVES

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is one of the extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Presently developed interferon (IFN)-free direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) used to treat HCV infection have low side effect profiles and high efficacy. However, there are no studies examining the relationship between OLP and IFN-free DAAs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the disease course in patients with HCV-associated OLP, who received treatment with IFN-free DAAs.

METHODS

Seven patients with HCV-related OLP (including one with cutaneous LP), who received IFN-free treatment with daclatasvir (DCV)/asunaprevir (ASV) at our hospital in Japan from October, 2014 to February, 2015 were enrolled in the study. The subjects included four males and three females (average age, 73.9 years). We compared the symptoms of OLP in the patients before and at 24 weeks after the end of DAA therapy.

RESULTS

No worsening of symptoms was observed during treatment with the DAAs. The symptoms of OLP had subsided in all seven patients. Lesions of OLP and cutaneous LP disappeared in four, and improved in three of the seven patients after sustained virological response 24. No systemic clinical adverse events were observed in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Herein, we have reported the outcomes of HCV-associated OLP in patients who received successful treatment with IFN-free DAAs, using the DCV/ASV combination therapy.

Hepatitis C Virus Infection Increases the Risk of Developing Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

Chronic kidney disease and hepatitis C virus are prevalent in the general population worldwide, and controversy exists about the impact of HCV infection on the development and progression of kidney disease.

DESIGN

A systematic review of the published medical literature was made to assess whether positive anti-HCV serologic status plays an independent impact on the development of chronic kidney disease in the adult general population. We used a random-effects model to generate a summary estimate of the relative risk of chronic kidney disease (defined by reduced glomerular filtration rate or detectable proteinuria) with HCV across the published studies. Meta-regression and stratified analysis were also conducted.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies (n = 2,842,421 patients) were eligible, and separate meta-analyses were performed according to the outcome. Pooling results of longitudinal studies (n = 9; 1,947,034 unique patients) demonstrated a relationship between positive HCV serologic status and increased incidence of chronic kidney disease, the summary estimate for adjusted hazard ratio was 1.43 (95% confidence interval 1.23; 1.63, P = 0.0001), and between-studies heterogeneity was noted (P value by Q test <0.0001). The risk of the incidence of chronic kidney disease associated with HCV, in the subset of Asian surveys, was 1.31 (95% confidence interval 1.16; 1.45) without heterogeneity (P value by Q test = 0.6). HCV positive serology was an independent risk factor for proteinuria; adjusted odds ratio, 1.508 (95% confidence intervals 1.19; 1.89, P = 0.0001) (n = 6 studies; 107,356 unique patients).

CONCLUSIONS

HCV infection is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease in the adult general population.

Sustained virological response to antiviral therapy improves survival rate in patients with recurrent hepatitis C virus infection after liver transplantation

AIM

Previous European and North American studies analyzed the relationship between survival rate and sustained virological response (SVR) to interferon (IFN) therapy in patients with recurrent hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection after liver transplantation (LT). The present study was designed to define the same relationship in Japanese patients who had undergone LT.

METHODS

Forty-seven patients (genotype 1, 40; genotype 2, 7) with recurrent HCV after LT were treated with pegylated interferon (PEG IFN) or IFN/ribavirin (RBV). In possible, within 3 months after LT, patients started treatment with PEG IFN-α-2b or IFN-α-2b s.c. once weekly combined with RBV (200 mg/day).

RESULTS

The SVR rate was 51% (24/47) for all patients, 42.5% (17/40) for genotype 1 and 100% (7/7) for genotype 2. The median follow-up period was 71 months (range, 24-152). The survival rate of 24 patients who achieved SVR was 95% at 5 years and 92% at 10 years. These rates were significantly better than those of 23 patients who did not achieve SVR (82% at 5 years, 58% at 10 years) (P = 0.027). Two patients of the SVR group died during follow up (due to hepatocellular carcinoma in one and chronic rejection in one), while six non-SVR patients died during the same period (three died due to liver failure by recurrent HCV).

CONCLUSION

SVR following IFN therapy contributes to improvement of survival rate in patients with recurrent post-LT HCV infection.

A Taiwanese Nationwide Cohort Study Shows Interferon-Based Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C Reduces the Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it remains unclear whether interferon-based therapy (IBT) for HCV was associated with reduced risk of CKD.From the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 919 patients who received 3 months or more of IBT as our treated cohort. This cohort was propensity score-matched 1:4 with 3676 controls who had never received IBT for HCV infection (untreated cohort). Cumulative incidences of and hazard ratios (HRs) for CKD were calculated after adjusting for competing mortality.In the matched HCV cohort, the risk of CKD was significantly lower in the treated cohort (7-year cumulative incidence, 2.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7%-6.9%) than in the untreated cohort (4%; 95% CI, 3.5%-5.2%) (P < 0.001), with an adjusted HR of 0.42 (95% CI, 0.20-0.92; P = 0.03). The results also held in the overall HCV cohort. The number needed to treat for 1 fewer CKD at 7 years was 58. The reduced risk of CKD was greatest (0.35; 0.14-0.87; P = 0.024) in HCV-infected patients who received 6 months or more of IBT. Multivariable stratified analysis verified that greater risk reduction of CKD was present in HCV-infected patients with hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, and those without coronary heart disease.In conclusion, IBT, especially for 6 or more months, is associated with reduced risk of CKD in HCV-infected patients. Hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease can modify this association.

Novel evidence on hepatitis C virus-associated glomerular disease

A large spectrum of renal pathology is associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV). According to novel evidence, occult HCV infection (HCV-RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells or in serum after ultracentrifugation) could be involved in the pathogenesis of glomerular nephropathy among patients negative for conventional markers of HCV. Additional studies with appropriate size and technology are in progress to confirm the relationship between occult HCV and glomerular disease, which has multiple implications from the clinical standpoint.

The Unravelled Link between Chronic Kidney Disease and Hepatitis C Infection

The 2011 report of the World Health Organization General Assembly on noncommunicable diseases identified chronic kidney disease as a worldwide health issue posing a heavy economic burden. Hepatitis C virus infection, which is responsible for over 1 million deaths resulting from cirrhosis and liver cancer, is linked to chronic kidney disease in several ways; some forms of renal disease are precipitated by hepatitis C and patients with end-stage chronic renal disease are at increased risk for acquiring HCV. The aim of this review is to update the evidence on the relationship between hepatitis C infection and chronic kidney disease. Information has been accumulated in the last decade indicating that HCV plays an adverse effect on the incidence and progression of chronic kidney disease; a novel meta-analysis of observational studies (seven longitudinal studies; 890,560 unique individuals) found a relationship between hepatitis C seropositivity and incidence of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (adjusted relative risk, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.20; 2.39; P=0.002) in the adult general population. In addition to conventional risk factors, hepatitis C may be an additional factor for the development of chronic kidney disease, and an atheromasic activity of hepatitis C virus has been mentioned. The link between hepatitis C and atherosclerosis could also explain the excess risk of cardiovascular mortality that has been observed among hepatitis C virus seropositive patients undergoing maintenance dialysis. A number of biologically plausible mechanisms related to hepatitis C virus have been hypothesized to contribute to atherosclerosis. Implementation of effective treatment intervention towards hepatitis C is required to decrease the healthcare burden of hepatitis C and to prevent the progression of chronic renal disease.

Extrahepatic complications of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, and is strongly associated with the metabolic syndrome. In the last decade, it has become apparent that the clinical burden of NAFLD is not restricted to liver-related morbidity or mortality, and the majority of deaths in NAFLD patients are related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. These findings have fuelled concerns that NAFLD may be a new, and added risk factor for extrahepatic diseases such as CVD, chronic kidney disease (CKD), colorectal cancer, endocrinopathies (including type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] and thyroid dysfunction), and osteoporosis. In this review we critically appraise key studies on NAFLD-associated extrahepatic disease. There was marked heterogeneity between studies in study design (cross-sectional versus prospective; sample size; presence/absence of well-defined controls), population (ethnic diversity; community-based versus hospital-based cohorts), and method of NAFLD diagnosis (liver enzymes versus imaging versus biopsy). Taking this into account, the cumulative evidence to date suggests that individuals with NAFLD (specifically, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) harbor an increased and independent risk of developing CVD, T2DM, CKD, and colorectal neoplasms. We propose future studies are necessary to better understand these risks, and suggest an example of a screening strategy.

Hepatitis C virus itself is a causal risk factor for chronic kidney disease beyond traditional risk factors: a 6-year nationwide cohort study across Taiwan

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and chronic kidney disease (CKD) have high prevalences in Taiwan and worldwide, but the role of HCV infection in causing CKD remains uncertain. This cohort study aimed to explore this association.

Methods

This nationwide cohort study examined the association of HCV with CKD by analysis of sampled claims data from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 1998 to 2004. ICD-9 diagnosis codes were used to identify diseases. We extracted data of 3182 subjects who had newly identified HCV infection and no traditional CKD risk factors and data of randomly selected 12728 matched HCV-uninfected control subjects. Each subject was tracked for 6 years from the index date to identify incident CKD cases. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to determine the risk of CKD in the HCV-infected and control groups.

Results

The mean follow-up durations were 5.88 years and 5.92 years for the HCV-infected and control groups, respectively. Among the sample of 15910 subjects, 251 subjects (1.6%) developed CKD during the 6-year follow-up period, 64 subjects (2.0%) from the HCV-infected group and 187 subjects (1.5%) from the control group. The incidence rate of CKD was significantly higher in the HCV-infected group than in the control group (3.42 vs. 2.48 per 1000 person-years, p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis indicated that the HCV-infected group had significantly greater risk for CKD (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.25-2.43, p = 0.0009). This relationship also held for a comparison of HCV-infected and HCV-uninfected subjects who were younger than 70 years and had none of traditional CKD risk factors.

Conclusions

HCV infection is associated with increased risk for CKD beyond the well-known traditional CKD risk factors. HCV patients should be informed of their increased risk for development of CKD and should be more closely monitored.

Hepatitis C virus viremia increases the incidence of chronic kidney disease in HIV-infected patients

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported on an association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody status and the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the role of HCV viremia and genotype are not well defined.

METHODS

Patients with at least three serum creatinine measurements after 1 January 2004 and known HCV antibody status were included. Baseline was defined as the first eligible estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (Cockcroft-Gault equation), and CKD was either a confirmed (>3 months apart) eGFR of 60 ml/min per 1.73 m or less for patients with a baseline eGFR more than 60 ml/min per 1.73 m or a confirmed 25% decline in eGFR for patients with a baseline eGFR of 60 ml/min per 1.73 m or less. Incidence rates of CKD were compared between HCV groups (anti-HCV-negative, anti-HCV-positive with or without viremia) using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Of 8235 patients with known anti-HCV status, 2052 (24.9%) were anti-HCV-positive of whom 983 (47.9%) were HCV-RNA-positive, 193 (9.4%) HCV-RNA-negative and 876 (42.7%) had unknown HCV-RNA. At baseline, the median eGFR was 97.6 (interquartile range 83.8-113.0) ml/min per 1.73 m. During 36123 person-years of follow-up (PYFU), 495 patients progressed to CKD (6.0%) with an incidence rate of 14.5 per 1000 PYFU (95% confidence interval 12.5-14.9). In a multivariate Poisson model, patients who were anti-HCV-positive with HCV viremia had a higher incidence rate of CKD, whereas patients with cleared HCV infection had a similar incidence rate of CKD compared with anti-HCV-negative patients. There was no association between CKD and HCV genotype.

CONCLUSION

Compared with HIV-monoinfected patients, HIV-positive patients with chronic rather than cleared HCV infection were at increased risk of developing CKD, suggesting a contribution from active HCV infection toward the pathogenesis of CKD.