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Hanif FM, Majid Z, Luck NH, Tasneem AA, Laeeq SM, Mubarak M. Revolution in the diagnosis and management of hepatitis C virus infection in current era. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:647-669. [PMID: 35646260 PMCID: PMC9099099 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i4.647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global public health problem, particularly in developing part of the world. Significant advances have been made in the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Its management has been particularly revolutionized during the past two decades. In this review, we summarize the major advances in the diagnostic and management armamentarium for chronic HCV infection. The focus of the present review is on the newer directly acting anti-viral agents, which have revolutionized the management of chronic HCV infection. Management of uncomplicated chronic HCV infection and of specific complications and special at-risk populations of patients will be covered in detail. Despite the advent and approval of highly effective and well tolerable oral agents, still many challenges remain, particularly the affordability, the equitable distribution and access to later drugs. The World Health Organization aims to eliminate viral hepatitis including HCV by 2030 since its poses a major public health threat. There is an urgent need to ensure uniform and early access to diagnostic and therapeutic facilities throughout the world if the later goal has to be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farina M Hanif
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation , Karachi 74200, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Zain Majid
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation , Karachi 74200, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Nasir Hassan Luck
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation , Karachi 74200, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Abbas Ali Tasneem
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation , Karachi 74200, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Syed Muddasir Laeeq
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation , Karachi 74200, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Muhammed Mubarak
- Department of Histopathology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation , Karachi 74200, Sindh, Pakistan
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Berenguer M, Agarwal K, Burra P, Manns M, Samuel D. The road map toward an hepatitis C virus-free transplant population. Am J Transplant 2018; 18:2409-2416. [PMID: 29935050 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Antiviral therapy to eradicate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection improves outcomes in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for advanced chronic HCV with or without hepatocellular carcinoma. Traditionally, antiviral therapy focused on the use of interferon (IFN)-based regimens, with antiviral treatment initiated in the posttransplant period once recurrent HCV disease with fibrosis in the allograft was identified. The use of IFN-based therapy was limited in pretransplant patients with advanced liver disease. Earlier intervention, either before transplantation or early after LT, is now feasible with the advent of second-generation direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) with superior tolerability and efficacy to IFN-based therapy. These agents have the potential to reduce the number of patients developing HCV-related complications requiring LT and retransplantation, as well as reducing the demand for donor organs. We discuss the pros and cons of pretransplant, peritransplant, and posttransplant therapy with current DAAs, citing available data from clinical trials and real-world experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Berenguer
- Liver Transplantation & Hepatology Unit, Hospital Universitario La Fe, University of Valencia-CIBEReHD, Valencia, Spain
| | - K Agarwal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - P Burra
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - M Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - D Samuel
- Inserm-Paris Sud Unit 1193, Centre Hepatobiliaire, Hopital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
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Successful Treatment of Fibrosing Cholestatic Hepatitis With Daclatasvir and Asunaprevir After Liver Transplantation: A Case Report. Transplant Proc 2018; 50:2877-2881. [PMID: 30401415 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH) is an aggressive form of hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT). Most FCH cases are fatal, occurring as a secondary disease following rapidly progressive liver dysfunction and graft failure. We report a case of early-onset FCH after LT that was successfully treated using daclatasvir and asunaprevir. CASE REPORT A 59-year-old woman underwent living donor LT for HCV-related liver cirrhosis. However, liver function was not improved after LT and gradually worsened. A liver biopsy was performed at 30 and 47 days after the living donor LT to identify the cause of the liver dysfunction. The first biopsy result showed no specific finding. However, combined treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin was started because of a high HCV viral load (> 8.0 log IU/mL). Nevertheless, liver function and HCV viral load deteriorated, and the second biopsy performed on postoperative day 47 revealed FCH. We converted the antiviral agents into daclatasvir and asunaprevir and performed plasmapheresis twice. Since then, the liver dysfunction and HCV viral load gradually improved, and HCV RNA clearance occurred at week 11 after treatment. The patient achieved a sustained virologic response at week 24 after completion of the treatment. CONCLUSION Daclatasvir combined with asunaprevir can be a useful treatment option in potentially fatal FCH after LT.
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Ramadori G, Bosio P, Moriconi F, Malik IA. Case report: 8 years after liver transplantation: de novo hepatocellular carcinoma 8 months after HCV clearance through IFN-free antiviral therapy. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:257. [PMID: 29510685 PMCID: PMC5840818 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4175-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background After orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), recurrent HCC mostly develops within 2 years. All cases of de novo HCC described so far occurred later than 2 years after OLT. Prevention of post-transplantation HCC has usually been tried to achieve by curing or controlling recurrent liver disease. This has been rationale for treatment with interferon (IFN)/ribavirin of HCV-recurrence in patients after OLT, transplanted for advanced HCV-induced liver disease and/or HCC. The availability of new and more efficient drugs has improved chances also for previously difficult-to-treat HCV-positive patients. Case presentation A 75 year-old male patient who had undergone OLT for decompensated HCV-cirrhosis in 2009, and bilio-digestive surgery in 2011 under tracrolimus (0.5 mg/day) and prednisone (5 mg/day) immunosuppressive therapy, started to receive antiviral treatment for recurrent HCV-infection of graft with 200 mg/day ribavirin in combination with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir by the end of October 2015. Because of multiple side effects (anemia, asthenia, infections, and reduction of kidney functions - palliated by treatment with erythropoietin), treatment was stopped after 16 weeks. At the third control, a minimal increase in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) serum level to 10 μg/L was measured 8 months after therapy, whereas both liver sonography and serum transaminases were normal. The patient’s general condition; however, remained poor, and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of abdomen was performed 2 months later. A nodule of 3 cm in diameter with a pseudocapsule was found centrally in the liver. The patient had to be hospitalized for recurrent infections of the lung, overt ascites and peritonitis. Rapid tumor growth (10 cm) was detected during last stay in hospital (April 2017), concomitant with a rise of AFP-serum levels to 91 μg/L. The family decided to take the patient home, and best supportive care was provided by a general practitioner, local nurses and the patient’s dedicated wife until his death. Conclusion Before treating OLT patients with HCV graft reinfection one should not only consider possible advantages of newly effective antiviral-therapies, but also life expectancy and possible side effects (difficult to manage at an outpatient service basis), including severe disadvantages such as the development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliano Ramadori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Street 40, D-37075, Goettingen, Germany.
| | - Patrizia Bosio
- General Practitioner, National health care system, Palazzago, BG, Italy
| | | | - Ihtzaz A Malik
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical Center, Kreuzbering 36, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
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Pharmacokinetics of Tacrolimus and Cyclosporine in Liver Transplant Recipients Receiving 3 Direct-Acting Antivirals as Treatment for Hepatitis C Infection. Ther Drug Monit 2017; 38:640-5. [PMID: 27310199 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interactions between tacrolimus and cyclosporine (CSA) and the 3 direct-acting antiviral regimen (3D) of ombitasvir, paritaprevir/ritonavir, and dasabuvir necessitate a priori dose adjustments for the immunosuppressants to achieve desired levels. Modeling and simulations based on data in healthy subjects predicted that tacrolimus 0.5 mg every 7 days or 0.2 mg every 3 days, and CSA at one-fifth the total daily dose administered once daily, would achieve desired trough concentrations (Ctrough) during 3D treatment. The success of these dosing recommendations was evaluated by analyzing pharmacokinetic data from liver transplant recipients in the CORAL-I study. METHODS A population pharmacokinetic model was developed using tacrolimus dosing and Ctrough data before and during 3D treatment (n = 29). The model was used to simulate various tacrolimus dosing regimens and predict tacrolimus concentration-time profiles during 3D treatment. CSA Ctrough data before and during 3D treatment (n = 5) were also summarized. RESULTS A one-compartment model with first-order absorption adequately described tacrolimus pharmacokinetic profiles during the first 4 weeks of 3D treatment. Estimated tacrolimus Ctrough values (median; interquartile range) before and during 3D treatment were comparable (5.7 ng/mL; 4.9-6.5 ng/mL versus 5.2 ng/mL; 4.2-6.3 ng/mL, respectively). Based on simulations, in a patient with a starting Ctrough of 6 ng/mL, 0.5 mg tacrolimus every 7 or 14 days or 0.2 mg tacrolimus every 3 days will result in Ctrough levels of 6-9 ng/mL, 4-6 ng/mL, and 6-10 ng/mL, respectively, during 3D treatment. For CSA, Ctrough values (median; interquartile range) before and during 3D treatment were comparable (126 ng/mL; 94-140 ng/mL versus 104 ng/mL; 82-140 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS Observed data for tacrolimus and CSA in liver transplant recipients confirm that the recommended dosing strategies are valid and therapeutic levels of immunosuppression can be maintained during 3D treatment.
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Hori T, Onishi Y, Kamei H, Kurata N, Ishigami M, Ishizu Y, Ogura Y. Fibrosing Cholestatic Hepatitis in a Complicated Case of an Adult Recipient After Liver Transplantation: Diagnostic Findings and Therapeutic Dilemma. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2016; 17:597-604. [PMID: 27545580 PMCID: PMC4994933 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.898427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Patient: Male, 66 Final Diagnosis: Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis Symptoms: Prolonged jaundice and intractable ascites Medication: Steroid pulse therapy and direct-acting antivirals Clinical Procedure: Liver transplantation Specialty: Transplantology
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohide Hori
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Onishi
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideya Kamei
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Kurata
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ishigami
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoji Ishizu
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Ogura
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
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Hori T, Onishi Y, Kamei H, Kurata N, Ishigami M, Ishizu Y, Ogura Y. Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis C in post-transplant adult recipients of liver transplantation. Ann Gastroenterol 2016; 29:454-459. [PMID: 27708510 PMCID: PMC5049551 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2016.0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C recurrence continues to present a major challenge in liver transplantation (LT). Approximately 10% of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive recipients will develop fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH) after LT. FCH is clinically characterized as marked jaundice with cholestatic hepatic dysfunction and high titers of viremia. Pathologically, FCH manifests as marked hepatocyte swelling, cholestasis, periportal peritrabecular fibrosis and only mild inflammation. This progressive form usually involves acute liver failure, and rapidly results in graft loss. A real-time and precise diagnosis based on histopathological examination and viral measurement is indispensable for the adequate treatment of FCH. Typical pathological findings of FCH are shown. Currently, carefully selected combinations of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offer the potential for highly effective and safe regimens for hepatitis C, both in the pre- and post-transplant settings. Here, we review FCH caused by HCV in LT recipients, and current strategies for sustained virological responses after LT. Only a few cases of successfully treated FCH C after LT by DAAs have been reported. The diagnostic findings and therapeutic dilemma are discussed based on a literature review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohide Hori
- Department of Transplant Surgery (Tohomide Hori, Yasuharu Onishi, Hideya Kamei, Nobuhiko Kurata, Yasuhiro Ogura), Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Onishi
- Department of Transplant Surgery (Tohomide Hori, Yasuharu Onishi, Hideya Kamei, Nobuhiko Kurata, Yasuhiro Ogura), Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideya Kamei
- Department of Transplant Surgery (Tohomide Hori, Yasuharu Onishi, Hideya Kamei, Nobuhiko Kurata, Yasuhiro Ogura), Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Kurata
- Department of Transplant Surgery (Tohomide Hori, Yasuharu Onishi, Hideya Kamei, Nobuhiko Kurata, Yasuhiro Ogura), Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ishigami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Masatoshi Ishigami), Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoji Ishizu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Masatoshi Ishigami), Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Ogura
- Department of Transplant Surgery (Tohomide Hori, Yasuharu Onishi, Hideya Kamei, Nobuhiko Kurata, Yasuhiro Ogura), Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
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Wirth TC, Manns MP. The impact of the revolution in hepatitis C treatment on hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Oncol 2016; 27:1467-74. [PMID: 27226385 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C infection represents a global health problem affecting ∼200 million chronically infected patients worldwide. Owing to the development of a fibrogenic and inflammatory micromilieu in the liver, hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients are at a high risk of developing fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The advent of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), however, has spurred a revolution in the treatment of HCV patients with sustained viral response (SVR) rates exceeding 90% in real-life settings. Recent clinical trials suggest that these novel treatments will not only alter the epidemiology of HCV infection but also the incidence of HCV-induced complications including hepatic decompensation, liver transplantation and hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, we summarize data from clinical trials carried out in HCV patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis and analyze the impact of viral clearance on HCC development and treatment. Finally, we review and discuss current and future treatment options of HCV patients with HCC in pre- and post-transplantation settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Wirth
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover
| | - M P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover German Center for Infectious Diseases (DZIF), Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
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González-Grande R, Jiménez-Pérez M, González Arjona C, Mostazo Torres J. New approaches in the treatment of hepatitis C. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:1421-32. [PMID: 26819511 PMCID: PMC4721977 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i4.1421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
About 130-170 million people, is estimated to be infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Chronic HCV infection is one of the leading causes of liver-related death and in many countries it is the primary reason for having a liver transplant. The main aim of antiviral treatment is to eradicate the virus. Until a few years ago the only treatment strategy was based on the combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG/RBV). However, in genotypes 1 and 4 the rates of viral response did not surpass 50%, reaching up to 80% in the rest. In 2011 approval was given for the first direct acting antiviral agents (DAA), boceprevir and telaprevir, for treatment of genotype 1, in combination with traditional dual therapy. This strategy managed to increase the rates of sustained viral response (SVR) in both naive patients and in retreated patients, but with greater toxicity, interactions and cost, as well as being less safe in patients with advanced disease, in whom this treatment can trigger decompensation or even death. The recent, accelerated incorporation since 2013 of new more effective DAA, with pan-genomic properties and excellent tolerance, besides increasing the rates of SVR (even up to 100%), has also created a new scenario: shorter therapies, less toxicity and regimens free of PEG/RBV. This has enabled their almost generalised applicability in all patients. However, it should be noted that most of the scientific evidence available is based on expert opinion, case-control series, cohort studies and phase 2 and 3 trials, some with a reduced number of patients and select groups. Few data are currently available about the use of these drugs in daily clinical practice, particularly in relation to the appearance of side effects and interactions with other drugs, or their use in special populations or persons with the less common genotypes. This situation suggests the need for the generalised implementation of registries of patients receiving antiviral therapy. The main inconvenience of these new drugs is their high cost. This necessitates selection and prioritization of candidate patients to receive them, via strategies established by the various national organs, in accordance with the recommendations of scientific societies.
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