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Plummer MD, Regenstein F. Light Chain Deposition Disease: An Unusual Cause of Portal Hypertension. Hepatology 2021; 74:3546-3548. [PMID: 34448237 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Light chain deposition disease (LCDD) is a rare entity that is generally discovered in the setting of solid organ dysfunction. The monoclonal gammopathy leads to abnormal deposition of light chains in tissues, most often manifested by way of renal dysfunction. Other organ systems may also be affected, the liver being the second-most common after the kidneys. Liver involvement rarely leads to clinically significant disease, with few case reports in the literature. We present the case of a patient referred to a hepatology clinic for the evaluation of new-onset ascites resulting from portal hypertension secondary to LCDD involving the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Delk Plummer
- Division of Abdominal Transplant, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Fredric Regenstein
- Division of Abdominal Transplant, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
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Poordad F, Rustgi V, Brown RS, Patel V, Kugelmas M, Regenstein F, Balart L, LaBrecque D, Brown K, Avila M, Biederman M, Freed G, Smith R, Bernstein M, Arnold H, Cahan J, Fink S, Katkov W, Massoumi H, Harrison S. The impact of an educational program on HCV patient outcomes using boceprevir in community practices (OPTIMAL trial). Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2015; 8:263-9. [PMID: 26327916 PMCID: PMC4530435 DOI: 10.1177/1756283x15588876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although effective, direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapies for genotype 1 (GT 1) hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been associated with compliance challenges. Additionally, treatment at predominantly community-based centers has been associated with low retention of patients on treatment and higher dropout rates. The OPTIMAL Phase IV interventional trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01405027) was designed to evaluate the impact of an education program for community investigator (CI) sites participating in a Chronic Liver Disease Foundation study treating chronic GT 1 HCV patients. METHODS This physician educational program was administered by 22 Hepatology Centers of Educational Expertise (HCEE) academic sites to 33 CI sites asked to participate from December 2011 to July 2012. The HCEE mentors from DAA-experienced academic sites educated those at CI sites on therapeutic management, practice, and patient outcomes through a series of four standardized educational sequence visits regarding the use of first generation HCV protease inhibitors and the overall treatment of HCV. RESULTS Treatment duration compliance rates for patients treated at CI sites versus those treated at HCEE academic sites were evaluable in 77 of 84 HCEE academic site patients, 102 of 113 patients treated at CI sites, and 179 of 197 overall patients. The treatment duration compliance rates for patients treated at HCEE academic sites, CI sites and overall were 85.4 ± 25.39%, 83.8 ± 27.37%, and 84.5 ± 26.48%, respectively, and did not differ statistically between the groups (p = 0.49). Almost half (47%) of the patients in the study achieved a sustained virological response for 24 weeks (SVR24) regardless of the type of site (p = 0.64). Safety profiles were similar at both HCEE and CI sites. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated that education of CI sites unfamiliar with DAAs resulted in patient outcomes consistent with those observed at DAA-experienced academic sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Poordad
- The Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, 607 Camden St, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78215, USA
| | | | | | - Vishal Patel
- Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Luis Balart
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | | | - Mark Avila
- Digestive Medicine Associates, Hialeah, FL, USA
| | - Michael Biederman
- South Oakland Gastroenterology Associates, Farmington Hills, MI, USA
| | | | - Richard Smith
- Flint Gastroenterology Associates, Grand Blanc, MI, USA
| | | | - Hays Arnold
- Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Joel Cahan
- Consultants in Gastroenterology, Munster, IN, USA
| | - Scott Fink
- Main Line Gastroenterology Associates, Wynnewood, PA, USA
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Terrault N, Reddy KR, Poordad F, Curry M, Schiano T, Johl J, Shaikh O, Dove L, Shetty K, Millis M, Schiff E, Regenstein F, Barnes D, Barin B, Peters M, Roland M, Stock P. Peginterferon and ribavirin for treatment of recurrent hepatitis C disease in HCV-HIV coinfected liver transplant recipients. Am J Transplant 2014; 14:1129-35. [PMID: 24636466 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Achievement of a sustained virologic response (SVR) with antiviral therapy significantly improves graft survival in hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoinfected liver transplant (LT) patients. Risks and benefits of HCV therapy in HCV-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfected LT recipients are not well established. Among 89 HCV-HIV LT recipients in the HIVTR cohort, 39 (23% Black, 79% genotype 1, 83% fibrosis stage ≤ 1) were treated with peginterferon-a2a or a2b plus ribavirin for a median 363 days (14-1373). On intent-to-treat basis, 22% (95% CI: 10-39) and 14% (95% CI: 5-30) achieved an end-of-treatment response (EOTR) and SVR, respectively. By per-protocol analysis (completed 48 weeks of therapy ± dose reductions), 42% and 26% had EOTR and SVR, respectively. Severe adverse events occurred in 85%, with 26% hospitalized with infections and 13% developing acute rejection. Early discontinuations and dose reductions occurred in 38% and 82%, respectively, despite use of growth factors in 85%. Eighteen of 39 treated patients (46%) subsequently died/had graft loss, with 10 (26%) attributed to recurrent HCV. In conclusion, SVR rates are low and tolerability is poor in HCV-HIV coinfected transplant recipients treated with peginterferon and ribavirin. These results highlight the critical need for better tolerated and more efficacious HCV therapies for HCV-HIV coinfected transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Terrault
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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Van Sickels NJ, Mave V, Zhang R, Killackey M, Paramesh A, Regenstein F, Mushatt D. Three organ transplant patients infected with 2009 novel H1N1 influenza in early fall, 2009. J La State Med Soc 2010; 162:206-213. [PMID: 20882813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
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5
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Florman S, Weaver M, Primeaux P, Killackey M, Sierra R, Gomez S, Haque S, Regenstein F, Balart L. Aggressive resection of hepatocellular carcinoma with right atrial involvement. Am Surg 2009; 75:1104-1108. [PMID: 19927515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma with extension into the right heart is a recognized, albeit rare occurrence. Patients who present with tumors extending into the heart have generally been considered inoperable and had limited survival, many sustaining tumor embolism and/or sudden death. Resection has been fraught with intraoperative and perioperative mortality as well as considerable postoperative morbidity. We report an exceptional case of a patient with such a tumor successfully treated with an aggressive surgical approach and review the limited published experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Florman
- Department of Surgery,Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
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Florman S, Weaver M, Primeaux P, Killackey M, Sierra R, Gomez S, Haque S, Regenstein F, Balart L. Aggressive Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Right Atrial Involvement. Am Surg 2009. [DOI: 10.1177/000313480907501116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma with extension into the right heart is a recognized, albeit rare occurrence. Patients who present with tumors extending into the heart have generally been considered inoperable and had limited survival, many sustaining tumor embolism and/or sudden death. Resection has been fraught with intraoperative and perioperative mortality as well as considerable postoperative morbidity. We report an exceptional case of a patient with such a tumor successfully treated with an aggressive surgical approach and review the limited published experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Florman
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Michael Weaver
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Paul Primeaux
- Department of Anesthesia, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Mary Killackey
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Rafael Sierra
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Santiago Gomez
- Department of Anesthesia, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Salima Haque
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | | | - Luis Balart
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Feagans J, Victor D, Moehlen M, Florman SS, Regenstein F, Balart LA, Joshi S, Killackey MT, Slakey DP, Paramesh AS. Interstitial pneumonitis in the transplant patient: consider sirolimus-associated pulmonary toxicity. J La State Med Soc 2009; 161:166-172. [PMID: 19772040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Interstitial pneumonia in a transplant patient can have a varied etiology. Sirolimus (Rapamycin; Rapamune) is a popularly used immunosuppressant in solid organ transplantation that has anecdotally been associated with pulmonary toxicity. Sirolimus-induced pulmonary toxicity consists of a range of syndromes that is characterized by the presence of organizing pneumonia, interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, focal fibrosis, or by the presence of alveolar hemorrhage. Diagnosis can be challenging and is usually made by exclusion of other etiologies. In this report we present two cases of sirolimus-associated pulmonary toxicity with a review of the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Feagans
- Tulane University, Department of Internal Medicine, New Orleans, USA
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Lang EK, Myers L, Slakey D, Rogers B, Brammer M, Regenstein F. Aminocaproic-acid seal to reduce or prevent bleeding after liver biopsy. J La State Med Soc 2007; 159:46-9. [PMID: 17396476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the efficacy of an aminocaproic-acid seal to prevent or reduce the risk of bleeding attendant to liver biopsies. The simple technique of occluding the biopsy tract by injecting 1-2 mL of aminocaproic acid, a fibrinolysis inhibitor, while withdrawing the biopsy sheath appears to reduce substantially the risk of delayed bleeding. The technique may be most useful if large core biopsy needles must be used to provide an adequate specimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich K Lang
- Department of Radiology and Transplant Surgery, Tulane Health Science Center, USA
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Prabhu R, Joshi V, Garry RF, Bastian F, Haque S, Regenstein F, Thung S, Dash S. Interferon alpha-2b inhibits negative-strand RNA and protein expression from full-length HCV1a infectious clone. Exp Mol Pathol 2004; 76:242-52. [PMID: 15126107 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2004.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2003] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We have established a T7-based model system for hepatitis C virus (HCV) 1a strain, which involves the use of a replication-defective adenovirus that carries the gene for T7 RNA polymerase and a transcription plasmid containing full-length HCV cDNA clone. To facilitate high-level expression of HCV, sub-confluent Huh7 cells were first infected with adenovirus containing the gene for the T7 RNA polymerase and then transfected with the transcription plasmid. As a negative control, part of NS5B gene of this clone was deleted which abolishes the HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and prevents replication of viral RNA. This model produces high levels of structural (core, E1, E2) and nonstructural proteins (NS5), which were detected by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assay. Negative-strand HCV RNA was detected only in the wild-type clone in the presence of actinomycin D, and no RNA was detected with the NS5B deleted mutant control. As a practical validation of this model, we showed that IFN alpha-2b selectively inhibits negative-strand RNA synthesis by blocking at the level of protein translation. The inhibitory effect of IFN alpha-2b is not due reduction of transcription by T7 polymerase or due to intracellular degradation of HCV RNA. This in vitro model provides an efficient and reliable means of assaying negative-strand RNA, protein processing, and testing the antiviral properties of interferon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Prabhu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Gaglio PJ, Regenstein F, Slakey D, Cheng S, Takiff H, Rinker R, Dick D, Thung SN. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and splenic artery aneurysm rupture: an association? Am J Gastroenterol 2000; 95:1531-4. [PMID: 10894591 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2000.02090.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Theoretically, patients with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency may be vulnerable to the development of splenic artery aneurysms. alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can induce cirrhosis with portal hypertension, and resulting protease-antiprotease imbalances may exaggerate arterial wall weakness due to proteolysis of arterial structural proteins. A splenic artery aneurysm rupture 7 days after liver transplantation provoked a reassessment of the incidence of this phenomenon in a liver transplant population. METHODS Case records from three institutions and the results of a survey sent to 126 liver transplantation programs in the United Network for Organ Sharing database were reviewed. The incidence of splenic artery aneurysm rupture in the peritransplantation period, etiology of liver disease associated with this phenomenon, and recommendations regarding management of splenic artery aneurysms was assessed. RESULTS Twenty-one cases of splenic artery aneurysm rupture were identified. alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency was the most common cause of cirrhosis in the majority of identified patients who presented with splenic artery aneurysm rupture, which was associated with a mortality rate of 57%. Respondents to the survey indicated that a preoperative evaluation was warranted if a splenic artery aneurysm was suspected; however, no consensus regarding management exists. CONCLUSIONS The presence and risk of rupture of splenic artery aneurysms may be greater in patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. If identified before rupture, an aggressive approach to diagnosing and treating these aneurysms should be initiated. At present, no consensus exists regarding the management of splenic artery aneurysms.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Gaglio
- Division of Transplantation, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Takiff H, Regenstein F, Cheng SS, Blazek J, Kesler E, Dick D. Liver transplantation: perspectives after 250 liver transplants at the Ochsner Clinic. J La State Med Soc 1997; 149:234-8. [PMID: 9231625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
At the Ochsner Clinic we recently performed our 250th liver transplant. Reaching this milestone has led us to reflect back on the history of liver transplant, both at our own institution and nationally, noting the many achievements and improvements in liver transplantation during the relatively brief history of this therapeutic modality. Furthermore, there are a number of issues both medical and political which will likely be affecting how liver transplantation is performed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Takiff
- Ochsner Clinic Dept of Transplantation, New Oreleans, La., USA
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12
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Lucini D, Milani RV, Ventura HO, Mehra MR, Messerli FH, Murgo JP, Regenstein F, Copley B, Malliani A, Pagani M. Cyclosporine-induced hypertension: evidence for maintained baroreflex circulatory control. J Heart Lung Transplant 1997; 16:615-20. [PMID: 9229291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical use of cyclosporine as an immunosuppressive agent enhanced long-term survival in transplant recipients at the expense of a high incidence of induced hypertension. Altered neurovegetative (autonomic) cardiovascular control is suspected as a mechanism of this form of hypertension. METHODS Spectral analysis of systolic arterial pressure and R-R interval variability (electrocardiographic recordings) were performed, and the index alpha of baroreflex gain was computed in four groups of subjects matched for age: 13 orthotopic heart transplant recipients; 13 solid organ transplant recipients; 13 patients with essential hypertension; and 18 control subjects with normal blood pressure. All but the control subjects were treated with similar dihydropyridine calcium entry blockers. Heart and solid organ transplant recipients also received cyclosporine. RESULTS R-R variance was lowest in the heart transplant recipients. The spectral profile of R-R interval was suggestive of sympathetic predominance in the patients with hypertension, but not in the solid organ transplant recipients or the control subjects. Systolic blood pressure variability and low frequency component (a marker of sympathetic vasomotor modulation) were similar in the four groups. The index alpha was 1.8 +/- 2.2 in heart transplant recipients, 11.7 +/- 6.6 in solid organ transplant recipients, 7.3 +/- 3.6 in patients with hypertension, and 13.5 +/- 6.4 msec/mm Hg in control subjects (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that (1) cyclosporine-induced hypertension in heart transplant recipients is associated with a loss of baroreflex function as a result of cardiac denervation-related uncoupling; (2) compared with patients with hypertension, organ transplant recipients with hypertension demonstrated a maintained baroreflex function as indicated by a lack of reduction of the index alpha; (3) baroreflex heart rate control in dihydropyridine-treated cyclosporine-induced hypertension is well maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Lucini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ochsner Medical Institutions, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121, USA
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Abstract
We compared the relative sensitivities of first-and-second generation branched nucleotide assays (Quantiplex HCV RNA 1.0 and 2.0, respectively, Chiron, Emeryville, Calif) for the detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA to that of a commercially available quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method (Monitor, Roche Molecular Systems, Nutley, NJ) in 53 patients with chronic hepatitis C. The sensitivities of the second-generation branched DNA (bDNA) and RT-PCR assays were similar (91% and 92%, respectively), and both were significantly more sensitive (P < .001) than the first-generation method. Moreover, both assays detected HCV RNA in all 11 patients with type 2a, 2b, or 3a genotypes vs 45% with the HCV RNA 1.0 bDNA assay. We examined 174 serum samples by the bDNA 2.0 and RT-PCR assays. Major quantification differences were noted on a given specimen with the RT-PCR method reporting values an average 41-fold lower (range, 0-703-fold) than those obtained with the bDNA assay. We conclude that both methods can be used to detect HCV RNA in patients who are infected with the genotypes that are most commonly encountered in the United States. The HCV RNA 2.0 bDNA assay may offer advantages when attempting to quantify high-level viremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Jacob
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ochsner Clinic, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Simon DM, Gordon SC, Kaplan MM, Koff RS, Regenstein F, Everson G, Lee YM, Weiner F, Silverman A, Plasse T, Fedorczyk D, Liao MJ. Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with interferon alfa-n3: a multicenter, randomized, open-label trial. Hepatology 1997; 25:445-8. [PMID: 9021962 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510250232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We studied the antiviral effectiveness and safety of interferon alfa-n3, a natural alpha interferon which contains multiple interferon species, in the treatment of previously untreated patients with chronic hepatitis C. Seventy-seven patients were randomized to receive either 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 million units (MU) of interferon alfa-n3 three times a week for 24 weeks and were then followed for an additional 24 weeks. At the end of therapy, 67% of patients in the 10 MU group normalized serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and 59% had no hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA detected by polymerase chain reaction. At the end of the follow-up period, 44% of patients in the 10 MU group maintained normal ALT, and 24% had nondetectable HCV RNA. Lower doses were much less effective. Interferon alfa-n3 was well tolerated and no patient developed neutralizing anti-interferon antibodies during or after the treatment period. Interferon alfa-n3 appears to be effective against hepatitis C virus and deserves further study in larger randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Simon
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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Dick D, Regenstein F, Blazek J, Farr G. Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: one center's experience, 1987-1994. J Transpl Coord 1996; 6:145-7. [PMID: 9188373 DOI: 10.7182/prtr.1.6.3.c0h0633x32043273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A retrospective review was done to evaluate the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma preoperatively, using ultrasonography and alpha-fetoprotein in patients awaiting orthotopic liver transplantation. Sixteen of the 187 patients who underwent 209 orthotopic liver transplantations at the Ochsner Transplant Center from 1987 to 1994 were diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, 3 preoperatively and 11 at the time of pathological inspection of the liver explant. Two developed metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma while awaiting orthotopic liver transplantation. Ultrasonography detected abnormalities in the region where hepatoma was identified in 5 of 11 (45%) patients with incidental hepatocellular carcinoma, in all 3 with overt hepatocellular carcinoma, and in neither of the 2 who developed metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma while awaiting orthotopic liver transplantation. Hepatocellular carcinoma was present in 5 of 23 (22%) patients with an alpha-fetoprotein greater than 20 ng/mL and in 3 of 10 (30%) with an alpha-fetoprotein greater than 50 ng/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Dick
- Ochsner Transplant Center, Department of Pathology (GF), New Orleans, La, USA
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16
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Jamal H, Regenstein F, Farr G, Perrillo RP. Prolonged survival in fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis with long-term ganciclovir therapy. Am J Gastroenterol 1996; 91:1027-30. [PMID: 8633545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A 45-yr-old man underwent liver transplantation for cirrhosis due to hepatitis B and developed recurrent infection. Serial liver biopsies revealed fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis, an entity that is associated with rapid graft failure, and this was treated with long-term intravenous ganciclovir therapy. The patient is alive and well 2 yr after transplantation, despite the presence of well-established cirrhosis and a marked accumulation of intrahepatic hepatitis B surface and core antigens. It is postulated that partial reduction of viral replication resulted in an incomplete syndrome in which rapid graft failure did not occur, but progressive fibrosis developed. Our case suggests that newer nucleoside analogues that provide a greater degree of inhibition to hepatitis B virus replication may greatly improve the outcome of patients with recurrent infection after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Jamal
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Alton Ochsner Medical Institutions, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Perrillo R, Tamburro C, Regenstein F, Balart L, Bodenheimer H, Silva M, Schiff E, Bodicky C, Miller B, Denham C. Low-dose, titratable interferon alfa in decompensated liver disease caused by chronic infection with hepatitis B virus. Gastroenterology 1995; 109:908-16. [PMID: 7657121 DOI: 10.1016/0016-5085(95)90401-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Interferon therapy has been associated with a number of severe side effects when administered to patients with decompensated cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis B. The safety and potential efficacy of a low-dose, titratable regimen of interferon alfa-2b in patients with decompensated liver disease caused by chronic hepatitis B virus infection were studied. METHODS Twenty-six patients were treated at five medical centers. Five patients had Child's class A status, 15 had Child's B status, and 6 had Child's C status. Treatment was continued for 24 weeks whenever possible. Dose adjustments were made according to predefined safety criteria. RESULTS All patients with Child's A status responded with a sustained loss of serum hepatitis B virus DNA, reduction in aminotransferase activity, and clinical stabilization. Only 5 patients with Child's B (33%) and no patients with Child's C status reached similar end points. The probability of survival was greater in responders than in nonresponders (P = 0.017). Three patients each developed serious infections or greater than twofold increases in serum aminotransferase levels during therapy. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose, titratable interferon therapy is safer than previously reported regimens. Nonetheless, serious infections were observed relatively frequently, and this therapy should be reserved for individuals with mild to moderate hepatic decompensation, preferably patients with Child's A status.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Perrillo
- Gastroenterology Section, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Abstract
Interferon treatment of hepatitis B and C virus (HBV, HCV) infections has been hampered by overall initial response rates of < 50%, a relapse rate that is > 50% for patients with chronic HCV, and rare responses in individuals with chronic HBV who are immunosuppressed or immunologically tolerant to the HBV. Because of these difficulties, the efficacy of other therapeutic agents is being vigorously explored. Among the immunomodulatory agents being evaluated, thymosin appears to be a promising new therapy for HBV. Results from an ongoing multicenter trial evaluating thymosin are expected next year. A variety of nucleoside analogues with antiviral activity against the HBV have also been identified. Several of the more active agents deserve further study in clinical trials. In chronic HCV infection, only interferon therapy has been extensively studied. Ribavirin alone may have some value, but its precise role in the treatment of chronic HCV will require additional testing. Interferon therapy for patients with chronic HBV or HCV infection represents an important first step in the treatment of these disorders. In the absence of an ideal antiviral agent, however, combinations of the available antiviral and immunomodulatory agents or synergistic combinations of antiviral agents need to be studied in order to achieve better therapeutic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Regenstein
- Ochsner Medical Institutions, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121
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Mason AL, Wick M, White HM, Benner KG, Lee RG, Regenstein F, Riely CA, Bain VG, Campbell C, Perrillo RP. Increased hepatocyte expression of hepatitis B virus transcription in patients with features of fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis. Gastroenterology 1993; 105:237-44. [PMID: 8514040 DOI: 10.1016/0016-5085(93)90032-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent hepatitis B after liver transplantation may be complicated by fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis. This syndrome is associated with rapid graft failure and is characterized by ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes and abundant viral antigen expression. METHODS To study this disorder further, in situ hybridization studies were performed on 36 liver biopsy specimens from 14 transplanted patients with recurrent hepatitis B and 18 nontransplanted controls with chronic hepatitis B. Biopsy specimens were scored for histological features and intensity of riboprobe hybridization signal to hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and RNA. RESULTS HBV DNA hybridization signals of 2+ to 3+ intensity were observed in 53% of the posttransplant biopsies but none of the nontransplanted samples (P < 0.001). HBV RNA signals of this intensity were found in 42% of the transplant biopsy specimens compared with 17% of the nontransplant specimens (P < 0.07). Features of fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis were noted in 12 biopsies; 11 of these displayed RNA signals of 2+ to 3+ intensity (92%) compared with 4 of 24 (17%) biopsy specimens without this diagnosis (P < 0.001). The level of hepatocyte RNA correlated with the extent of hepatocellular ballooning (P < 0.007). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis is associated with enhanced hepatitis B virus transcription and support a cytopathic role for the virus in the development of this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Mason
- Gastroenterology Section, St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri
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Balart LA, Perrillo R, Roddenberry J, Regenstein F, Shim KS, Shieh YS, Taylor B, Dash S, Gerber MA. Hepatitis C RNA in liver of chronic hepatitis C patients before and after interferon alfa treatment. Gastroenterology 1993; 104:1472-7. [PMID: 8482458 DOI: 10.1016/0016-5085(93)90358-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C with interferon alfa is frequently followed by relapse. Because loss of hepatitis C viral RNA (HCV-RNA) in serum is not predictive of sustained response, the loss of HCV-RNA in liver as a predictor of sustained response was investigated. METHODS Twenty-one patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with recombinant interferon alpha had HCV-RNA sequences determined in frozen liver tissue before and after treatment and in serum at the end of treatment. Reverse double polymerase chain reaction was used to detect sequences to the 5' nontranslated region of the HCV genome using double nested primers. RESULTS HCV-RNA disappeared in the liver in 10 of 11 (91%) complete responders whereas it remained detectable in the liver or serum of 7 of 8 (87%) nonresponders. Five complete responders relapsed biochemically during 6 month's follow-up; 4 of these had no detectable HCV-RNA in liver at end of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Disappearance of HCV-RNA in liver correlates with initial clinical outcome, but as previously reported with serum HCV-RNA, this loss does not necessarily allow prediction of a sustained response.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Balart
- Division of Gastroenterology, Ochsner Medical Institutions, New Orleans, Louisiana
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21
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Boudreaux JP, Hayes DH, Mizrahi S, Hussey J, Regenstein F, Balart L. Successful liver/kidney transplantation across ABO incompatibility. Transplant Proc 1993; 25:1874. [PMID: 8470209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J P Boudreaux
- Transplant Department, Ochsner Clinic, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121
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Boudreaux JP, Hayes DH, Mizrahi S, Hussey J, Regenstein F, Balart L. Fulminant hepatic failure, hepatorenal syndrome, and necrotizing pancreatitis after minocycline hepatotoxicity. Transplant Proc 1993; 25:1873. [PMID: 8470208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J P Boudreaux
- Transplant Department, Ochsner Clinic, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121
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23
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Shieh YS, Shim KS, Lampertico P, Balart LA, Jeffers LJ, Thung SN, Regenstein F, Reddy KR, Farr G, Schiff ER. Detection of hepatitis C virus sequences in liver tissue by the polymerase chain reaction. J Transl Med 1991; 65:408-11. [PMID: 1656140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although sensitive assays for serum antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV/anti-HCV) have been developed recently, the relation of anti-HCV to HCV infection of the liver has not been clarified. Therefore, we determined the presence of HCV RNA by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in liver biopsy specimens of 21 patients with chronic liver disease and 5 control patients. RNA was extracted from frozen liver tissues by the guanidinium method, HCV cDNA was synthesized by reverse transcription, and core region and NS3 region sequences were amplified by PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of the reaction was significantly enhanced by double PCR with nested primers followed by Southern blotting with an HCV specific oligomer probe. NS3 region sequences were detected in the liver specimens of 12 out of 15 anti-HCV positive patients. Core region sequences were detected in 9 patients, all of whom were also positive for NS3 region sequences. HCV sequences were not detected in 11 anti-HCV negative patients. In all cases, the integrity of the extracted RNA was demonstrated by successful amplification of albumin mRNA as internal control. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of the reverse transcription-double PCR method followed by Southern blotting for the detection of HCV sequences in liver tissues. In this system, the detection rate of NS3 region sequences is higher than that of core region sequences. There is a statistically significant correlation between high titer anti-HCV antibodies in serum and NS3 region sequences in liver tissue. However, not all anti-HCV positive patients had HCV positive hepatitis. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for HCV sequences on liver tissue extracts may reveal valuable information on the diagnosis of HCV infection and the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S Shieh
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Perrillo RP, Parker ML, Campbell C, Sanders GE, Strang SP, Regenstein F. Prevaccination screening of medical and dental students. Should low levels of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen preclude vaccination? JAMA 1983; 250:2481-4. [PMID: 6226808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers in 484 medical and 329 dental students was studied. Three students (0.9%) were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) reactive, and 46 students (5.7%) were reactive for antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs). There was no difference in anti-HBs frequency between medical and dental students, and the prevalence of this marker was not associated with year in school. Of the 46 reactors, eight (17%) were nonreproducible and 38 (83%) were reproducibly reactive when the same samples were reanalyzed. Of note, all nonreproducible reactors exhibited anti-HBs sample-negative control (S/N) ratios of less than 10, and none were positive for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). Nineteen (50%) of the reproducible reactors had anti-HBs S/N ratios equal to or greater than 10, and only 15 (39%) were anti-HBc positive. In view of these observations, we do not recommend HBV screening in a vaccine program for health students. Due to the frequency with which low-level anti-HBs reactors without anti-HBc are found to be nonreproducibly positive, we are concerned by the potential overinterpretation of such results before the formulation of decisions about the need for vaccination.
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