Real-world effectiveness of sofosbuvir-based treatment regimens for chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 infection: Results from the multicenter German hepatitis C cohort (GECCO-03)

There are limited data regarding the real world effectiveness of direct acting antivirals (DAA) for the therapy of chronic genotype 3 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. All HCV genotype 3 infected patients from the German hepatitis C cohort (GECCO), which is a prospective database of nine German hepatitis C treatment centers, were included in the study. Three hundred forty-two chronically infected HCV genotype 3 patients were analyzed (253 males [74.0%], mean age 47.3 years, 127 cirrhotic patients [37.1%] mostly with Child A cirrhosis, 113 treatment experienced patients [37.1%], 38 HCV/HIV co-infected patients [11.1%]). SVR12 rates in the "intention-to-treat" analysis were as follows: sofosbuvir/ribavirin 69.4% (75/108), sofosbuvir/peginterferon/ribavirin 80.6% (58/72), sofosbuvir/daclatasvir ± ribavirin for 12 weeks 88.3% (53/63), sofosbuvir/daclatasvir ± ribavirin for 24 weeks 79.3% (23/29), sofosbuvir/ledipasvir ± ribavirin for 12 weeks 71.4% (10/14), and sofosbuvir/ledipasvir ± ribavirin for 24 weeks 86.7% (26/30). Forty patients were lost to follow-up, 23 patients had a relapse, 4 patients stopped treatment prematurely and 1 patient died. Female sex (P = 0.038) and treatment with two different DAAs (P = 0.05) were predictors for SVR12 in the multivariate analysis. In conclusion, sofosbuvir/daclatasvir ± ribavirin for 12 weeks and sofosbuvir/ledipasvir ± ribavirin for 24 weeks are effective for the treatment of HCV genotype 3 infected patients including cirrhotic, treatment-experienced or HIV/HCV co-infected patients.

Effect of HBV polymerase inhibitors on renal function in patients with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Therapy of chronic hepatitis B with HBV-polymerase inhibitors, in particular tenofovir or adefovir, may affect renal function. To assess renal function more accurately in the normal range, we used the recently validated, Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

METHODS

Patient subgroups included: patients with HBV-monoinfection treated with lamivudine (n=36), adefovir (n=32), entecavir (n=32), or tenofovir (n=37). HBsAg-positive untreated patients (n=60) served as control. For comparison HIV-monoinfected patients treated with tenofovir (n=120) or zidovudine (n=52) based antiretroviral therapy and antiretroviral naive patients (n=109) were assessed. CKD-EPI equation was used to calculate eGFR. In a more sensitive approach, we modeled the individual change in eGFR over time with linear mixed effects models (LME).

RESULTS

Yearly predicted median changes in individual eGFR according to the LME model were: HBV untreated -2.05 ml/min, HBV lamivudine -0.92 ml/min, HBV adefovir -1.02 ml/min, HBV entecavir -1.00 ml/min, and HBV tenofovir -0.92 ml/min (p<0.01 for HBV untreated vs. HBV treated). In HIV-monoinfected patients: HIV untreated -0.62 ml/min, HIV treated with tenofovir -2.64 ml/min, HIV treated with zidovudine -1.0 ml/min (p=0.017 for tenofovir vs. no treatment, p<0.001 for tenofovir vs. zidovudine).

CONCLUSIONS

Therapy of HBV infection irrespective of medication seems to result in a milder decrease of renal function. In contrast tenofovir as part of HIV combination therapy seems to impair renal function in this Caucasian population.

Efficacy of third-line therapy using bevacizumab in a patient with metastatic colorectal cancer

Bevacizumab is currently approved in association with first- and second-line 5-fluorouracil–based chemotherapy regimens for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Few data about the usefulness of bevacizumab in third-line settings are available. We describe a patient refractory to folfiri and folfox chemotherapy regimens who showed a dramatic and durable response to bevacizumab and folfiri. We also review and discuss the available literature.

Cystatin C as a Marker of Renal Function is Affected by HIV Replication Leading to an Underestimation of Kidney Function in HIV Patients

Background

Broad use of tenofovir and an ageing HIV-infected population have created an interest in renal function in HIV patients. Serum cystatin C is a newer marker of renal function and might be more sensitive than creatinine.

Methods

Patients were enrolled consecutively in an observational study. HIV-seropositive patients naive to antiretroviral therapy ( n=261) were compared with healthy volunteers undergoing check-up procedures ( n=193). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was derived using creatinine-based Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Cockcroft–Gault formulas or cystatin C-based calculations. HIV-seropositive patients starting antiretroviral therapy ( n=92) were followed prospectively after enrolment.

Results

MDRD showed a higher median eGFR in antiretroviral- naive HIV-seropositive patients compared with controls (104 versus 93 ml/min; P<0.001). Cockcroft–Gault gave similar results (118 versus 106 ml/min; P<0.001). By contrast, cystatin C levels in HIV-seropositive individuals were higher, resulting in a lower median eGFR compared with controls (99 versus 120 ml/min; P<0.001). Cystatin C was positively correlated with HIV RNA ( r=0.33, P<0.01) and inversely correlated with CD4+ T-cell count ( r=-0.29, P<0.01). Initiating antiretroviral therapy ( n=92) decreased cystatin C levels and led to an increased cystatin C-based eGFR from median 84 to 103 ml/min at week 24 ( P<0.001). Serum creatinine was not substantially altered.

Conclusions

Correlation of cystatin C with HIV RNA and CD4+ T–cell count, plus decrease of cystatin C after suppression of HIV replication, suggest an increase of cystatin C levels by active HIV infection. This might result in overestimation of renal impairment, particularly in treatment-naive patients. Therefore, use of cystatin C to calculate GFR in HIV-seropositive individuals should not be recommended without further validation.

Lipoprotein(a) in patients initiating antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVES

The interaction between lipoprotein(a), an emerging cardiovascular risk factor, and antiretrovirals (ARVs) has been less well studied than the interaction between either cholesterol or triglycerides and these drugs. In this study we assessed the effect of initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) on lipoprotein(a) levels.

METHODS

Fasting samples from 95 patients initiating ART with nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors plus nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or protease inhibitors were obtained. Lipids and lipoproteins were determined until week 48.

RESULTS

As in the general population, the study population showed a highly skewed lipoprotein(a) distribution (median 9.9 mg/dL, range 0.1-110 mg/dL). The study population was divided into individuals with lipoprotein(a) >or=30 mg/dL at baseline (n=28) and those with <30 mg/dL (n=67). Almost exclusively, patients with high lipoprotein(a) at baseline (median 51.6 mg/dL) showed a profound increase of median 26.7 mg/dL (week 24). This effect was not associated with specific ARVs and was independent of changes in other lipids. The low-lipoprotein(a) group (baseline median 7 mg/dL) showed a small increase of median 2.6 mg/dL (week 24).

CONCLUSIONS

Marked increases in lipoprotein(a) after initiation of ART were mainly restricted to patients with high baseline levels. This may have clinical implications as patients with high lipoprotein(a) are at higher risk for myocardial infarction and stroke.

Cystatin C as a marker of renal function is affected by HIV replication leading to an underestimation of kidney function in HIV patients

BACKGROUND

Broad use of tenofovir and an ageing HIV- infected population have created an interest in renal function in HIV patients. Serum cystatin C is a newer marker of renal function and might be more sensitive than creatinine.

METHODS

Patients were enrolled consecutively in an observational study. HIV-seropositive patients naive to antiretroviral therapy (n = 261) were compared with healthy volunteers undergoing check-up procedures (n = 193). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was derived using creatinine-based Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Cockcroft-Gault formulas or cystatin C-based calculations. HIV-seropositive patients starting antiretroviral therapy (n = 92) were followed prospectively after enrolment.

RESULTS

MDRD showed a higher median eGFR in antiretroviral-naive HIV-seropositive patients compared with controls (104 versus 93 ml/min; P < 0.001). Cockcroft-Gault gave similar results (118 versus 106 ml/min; P < 0.001). By contrast, cystatin C levels in HIV-seropositive individuals were higher, resulting in a lower median eGFR compared with controls (99 versus 120 ml/min; P < 0.001). Cystatin C was positively correlated with HIV RNA (r = 0.33, P < 0.01) and inversely correlated with CD4+ T-cell count (r = -0.29, P < 0.01). Initiating antiretroviral therapy (n = 92) decreased cystatin C levels and led to an increased cystatin C-based eGFR from median 84 to 103 ml/min at week 24 (P < 0.001). Serum creatinine was not substantially altered.

CONCLUSIONS

Correlation of cystatin C with HIV RNA and CD4+ T-cell count, plus decrease of cystatin C after suppression of HIV replication, suggest an increase of cystatin C levels by active HIV infection. This might result in overestimation of renal impairment, particularly in treatment-naive patients. Therefore, use of cystatin C to calculate GFR in HIV-seropositive individuals should not be recommended without further validation.

Combination of tenofovir and lamivudine versus tenofovir after lamivudine failure for therapy of hepatitis B in HIV-coinfection

OBJECTIVE

At present sequential monotherapy for chronic hepatitis B with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-polymerase inhibitors is clinical practice. It is unknown to date whether combination therapy with lamivudine plus tenofovir could be superior to sequential therapy with tenofovir after the occurrence of lamivudine resistance.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, 1: 2 matched pair analysis comparing patients with HBV/HIV-coinfection starting an antiretroviral regimen including tenofovir plus lamivudine with patients who had highly replicative, lamivudine resistant HBe-antigen positive chronic hepatitis B and started with tenofovir as the only active HBV polymerase inhibitor subsequent to lamivudine.

RESULTS

At baseline patients on tenofovir plus lamivudine (n = 25) had a median HBV DNA of 5.9 x 10(7) copies/ml compared to 1.37 x 10(8) copies/ml in the tenofovir arm (n = 50; P = 0.32). A sustained undetectable HBV DNA < 1000 copies/ml was achieved in 19/25 (76%) patients on tenofovir plus lamivudine and in 42/50 (84%) on tenofovir (P = 0.53). A loss of HBe-antigen was observed in 9/25 (36%) patients on tenofovir plus lamivudine and in 12/50 (24%) patients on tenofovir (P = 0.29). HBs-antigen loss was found in 1/25 (4%) and 3/50 (6%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of HBV/HIV-coinfected individuals, full HBV DNA suppression was achieved in the majority of patients independent of treatment allocation. Loss of HBe- and HBs-antigen was not different between the two study arms. Over a median treatment period of 116 weeks tenofovir was as effective as tenofovir plus lamivudine. Longer treatment periods may be needed to evaluate potential benefits of first-line combination therapy for chronic hepatitis B.

Pegylated interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in HIV-coinfected patients

OBJECTIVES

HIV-coinfection accelerates the course of HCV-related liver disease. Since, highly active anti-retroviral therapy significantly improved survival of HIV-patients more coinfected patients develop end stage liver disease. Therefore, treatment options for chronic hepatitis C in HIV-coinfected patients need to be evaluated.

METHODS

Efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon alpha-2b (peg IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) was examined within this prospective, uncontrolled, multicentre trial. Patients received peg IFN (1.5 microg/kg) once weekly plus RBV 800 mg daily for 48 weeks for HCV genotypes (GT) 1/4 and 24 weeks for GT 2/3.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-two patients were enrolled. Patients were predominantly male (68%) and former i.v. drug users (61%). Baseline characteristics (median) were as follows: age 39 years (range 23-58), CD4 count 494 cells/microl (range 150-1578/microl), HIV-RNA 2.3log copies/ml (range <1.7-5.4log copies/ml). 61% currently received anti-retroviral treatment. Fifty-six percent had HCV GT 1. EOT response was achieved by 52%. However, only 25% achieved sustained response (SR) due to a high relapse rate. SR rates were significantly higher among patients with GT 2/3 compared to those with GT 1/4 (44 vs. 18%). SR was observed in only one patient without early response (ER). Discontinuation rate was 30%, 21% discontinued due to adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Peg IFN/RBV appears safe and effective in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. GT 2/3 is associated with better SR. Lack of ER strongly predicts non-response. High relapse rates substantially reduce treatment success. In terms of toxicity neuro-psychiatric side effects frequently required treatment discontinuation.

Mitochondrial DNA depletion in liver tissue of patients infected with hepatitis C virus: contributing effect of HIV infection?

OBJECTIVES

It has been suggested that chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection depletes mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the liver. Because decreased mtDNA levels were also found in humans infected with HIV, we investigated whether HIV may have aggravated hepatic mtDNA depletion in individuals with HCV infection.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, liver biopsies were performed in a total of 40 individuals prior to any antiviral therapy. The individuals were recruited from the Hospital Clinic, Barcelona and the HIV Centre, Dusseldorf. Seventeen patients were negative for HIV and HCV and were biopsied for liver enzyme elevation of unknown cause (controls), 14 individuals had chronic HCV but no HIV infection, and nine subjects were coinfected with both viruses. mtDNA and liver histology were centrally assessed.

RESULTS

The groups did not differ with respect to age, gender, liver function tests and HCV viral load, where applicable. mtDNA levels were decreased by 19% in the HCV-monoinfected group (P=0.03) and by 27% in the HIV/HCV-coinfected subjects (P=0.02) compared to controls. The mtDNA content, however, did not differ between individuals with HCV monoinfection and HCV/HIV coinfection (P=0.75). The degrees of liver fibrosis, inflammatory activity or steatosis did not correlate with mtDNA content.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver mtDNA content is reduced in both HCV-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. Under the limitations of our study, we could demonstrate only a slight trend towards more pronounced mtDNA depletion in HIV/HCV-coinfected subjects.

Antiretroviral therapy with tenofovir is associated with mild renal dysfunction

A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare patients treated with tenofovir with patients never treated with tenofovir. Patients on tenofovir showed a lower mean glomerular filtration rate estimated by creatinine clearance or cystatin C clearance compared with control patients. In total, 24 patients on tenofovir versus five control patients had proteinuria greater than 130 mg/day. In the majority of patients on tenofovir proteinuria was of tubular origin.

Safety, Efficacy and Development of Resistance under the New Protease Inhibitor Lopinavir/Ritonavir: 48-Week Results

BACKGROUND

Within this open-label, uncontrolled prospective trial we evaluated safety, efficacy and development of genotypic resistance under the new protease inhibitor lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) in antiretroviral (ARV) HIV patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

58 patients with virological failure under their current ARV therapy were started on a LPV/r containing regimen. Median baseline HIV RNA and CD4 count were 4.6 log(10) cps/ml (range 2.1-6.4) and 128 x 10(6)/l (0-767), respectively. CD4 count, HIV RNA and metabolic parameters were assessed at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48. Genotypic resistance testing was performed at baseline and again at weeks 12, 24 and 48 in the event of virological failure.

RESULTS

Until week 48, viral load (VL) decreased by a median of 1.9 log(10) cps/ml (-0.8-3.8). A VL below 80 cps/ml was found in 20/58 patients (34.5%) at week 48. In parallel, CD4 cells increased to a median of 332 x 10(6)/l (8-905). Nine patients discontinued study treatment. At 48 weeks, median triglyceride and cholesterol levels increased significantly. While the median number of overall protease mutations at baseline was four in all patients, it was six in patients virologically failing on LPV/r. The average number of mutations increased significantly to eight at week 48. Several mutations were detected considerably more often in the event of failure than in response to treatment, e. g. at amino acid positions 10, 24, 54, 71, 82, 84.

CONCLUSION

LPV/r is effective in heavily pretreated patients. Discontinuation due to adverse events is infrequent. No individual mutation can be associated with failure on LPV/r. However, a greater number of protease mutations at baseline is associated with poorer treatment outcome and several mutations seem to be related to treatment failure.

[Esophageal disease: is cross sectional imaging contributive?]

For a long time, esophagography and endoscopy were the major diagnostic tests used for evaluation of the esophagus. Now, the development of computed tomography, endosonography and MR imaging has permitted more comprehensive evaluation of esophageal diseases. Cross sectional imaging is essential to evaluate the relationship between esophageal lesions and adjacent mediastinal structures and to evaluate the thickness of the esophageal wall.

A prospective, controlled study assessing the effect of lopinavir on amprenavir concentrations boosted by ritonavir

In a controlled, prospective study, the efficacy of ritonavir 200 mg twice daily (bid) in inhibiting the decrease of amprenavir plasma concentrations caused by co-administration of lopinavir was assessed. Twelve HIV-seropositive patients were enrolled, and nine patients completed the 28-day study. At day 14, plasma concentrations of amprenavir 600 mg bid and ritonavir 200 mg bid were determined over 12 h. At day 15, lopinavir 400 mg bid was added. At day 28, plasma concentrations of amprenavir, ritonavir and lopinavir were assessed. Co-administration of lopinavir was found to decrease the amprenavir concentration, determined as the median area under the curve over 12 h (AUC12), by 25% (AUC12 24.9 microg/h/mL vs. 18.5 microg/h/mL; P<0.01), despite the presence of ritonavir 200 mg bid. Eight participants discontinued the study regimen during the first 6 weeks because of adverse gastrointestinal events. In conclusion, gastrointestinal tolerance of a regimen containing an increased dose of ritonavir 200 mg bid was low, while the regimen did not prevent a decrease of amprenavir and possibly lopinavir plasma concentrations.

[Micturition disorders in elderly patients]

After clinical evaluation, imaging is extremely important in determining the type of treatment and approach of micturition disorders in elderly. In this article, the advantages and limitations of each of the relevant techniques are reviewed and highlighting, with correlation to clinical evaluation. Sonography has become the most widely used technique to study bladder dysfunction. CT and MRI have specific indications.

HIV Lipodystrophy Case Definition using Artificial Neural Network Modelling

Objective

A case definition of HIV lipodystrophy has recently been developed from a combination of clinical, metabolic and imaging/body composition variables using logistic regression methods. We aimed to evaluate whether artificial neural networks could improve the diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

The database of the case-control Lipodystrophy Case Definition Study was split into 504 subjects (265 with and 239 without lipodystrophy) used for training and 284 independent subjects (152 with and 132 without lipodystrophy) used for validation. Back-propagation neural networks with one or two middle layers were trained and validated. Results were compared against logistic regression models using the same information.

Results

Neural networks using clinical variables only (41 items) achieved consistently superior performance than logistic regression in terms of specificity, overall accuracy and area under the ROC curve. Their average sensitivity and specificity were 72.4 and 71.2%, as compared with 73.0 and 62.9% for logistic regression, respectively (area under the ROC curve, 0.784 vs 0.748). The discriminating performance of the neural networks was largely unaffected when built excluding 13 parameters that patients may not have readily available. The average sensitivity and specificity of the neural networks remained the same when metabolic variables were also considered (total 60 items) without a clear advantage against logistic regression (overall accuracy 71.8%). The performance of networks considering also body composition variables was similar to that of logistic regression (overall accuracy 78.5% for both).

Conclusions

Neural networks may offer a means to improve the discriminating performance for HIV lipodystrophy, when only clinical data are available and a rapid approximate diagnostic decision is needed. In this context, information on metabolic parameters is apparently not helpful in improving the diagnosis of HIV lipodystrophy, unless imaging and body composition studies are also obtained.

Differentiating hyperlipidaemia associated with antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Hyperlipidaemia associated with antiretroviral treatment has led to concerns for an increased cardiovascular risk in HIV-infected patients.

OBJECTIVE

To assess this cardiovascular risk by comparing the lipoprotein pattern of antiretroviral-treated and untreated HIV-positive patients with patients with familial combined hyperlipidaemia (high cardiovascular risk) or familial hypertriglyceridaemia (low cardiovascular risk).

METHODS

Fasting serum samples were drawn from consecutive patients with HIV infection or lipoprotein disorders. Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1 and B were determined in serum. Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) was prepared by ultracentrifugation and analysed for cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B.

RESULTS

Lipoprotein disorders were found in 114/187 HIV-positive patients (61%). Of these, according to the Fredrickson classification, 10% were type IIa (elevated LDL-cholesterol), 14% type IIb (elevated LDL- and VLDL-cholesterol) and 76% were type IV (elevated VLDL-cholesterol). VLDL composition was analysed in 34 HIV-positive patients with type IV hyperlipidaemia. The ratio of VLDL-triglycerides to VLDL-apolipoprotein B in these patients was 16.2 +/- 6.0. This ratio was not different from 14 patients with famlial hypertriglyceridaemia (16.9 +/- 6.0; = 0.61), but differed substantially from 10 patients with familial combined hyperlipidaemia (6.8 +/- 1.0; < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In HIV-infected patients with high VLDL, large VLDL particles were found with no increase in number. This pattern resembles familial hypertriglyceridaemia. It is different from familial combined hyperlipidaemia, where an increase in number of small-sized VLDL particles occurs. Further research is needed to assess the contribution of VLDL-associated hypercholesterolaemia in those taking antiretroviral drugs to the cardiovascular risk profile of HIV-positive patients.

Simultaneous determination of the new HIV protease inhibitor lopinavir (ABT 378) and of indinavir(1), amprenavir, saquinavir, ritonavir (ABT 538)(2) and nelfinavir(3) in human plasma by gradient HPLC

Protease inhibitors are known by their inhibition of a viral protease that leads to production of immature and non-infectious virus particles. The novel protease inhibitor KALETRA is a co-formulation of lopinavir and ritonavir. Ritonavir reduces the metabolization of lopinavir by the cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme which leads to markedly increased plasma levels of lopinavir(4). A new rapid and sensitive HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of lopinavir, indinavir, amprenavir, saquinavir, ritonavir and nelfinavir in human plasma has been developed. An aliquot of 500 microl plasma, spiked with internal standard, was extracted with 500 microl 0.1 M ammonium hydroxide solution and 5 ml tert. -butyl ether. After drying under a nitrogen stream, the residue was redissolved in an eluent consisting of 50 mM phosphate buffer, pH 5.40 and acetonitrile (50:50, v/v). Chromatographic separation was accomplished on a C-18 column using a non-linear gradient elution and ultraviolet detection at 215 nm.

[The three-dimensional spiral scanner and volume rendering technique: importance in craniofacial traumatology and reconstructive surgery]

There are two reconstruction methods for 3D imaging with a helical scanner: a surface rendering process providing a 3D-SSD (Surface Shaded Display) image that looks like a plaster cast skull and 3D-VRD (Volume Rendering Technique) which is more precise and gives 3D images similar to radiographs. We review briefly the techniques used to acquire these images and present 3D volume-rendering scanners, pointing out its usefulness in craniomaxillofacial traumatology and reconstructive surgery.

[HIV-lipodystrophy syndrome]

CLINICAL FINDINGS

The HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome is reported with an increasing incidence predominantly in HIV-seropositive patients on antiretroviral therapy. The core of the lipodystrophy syndrome consists of fat loss in face, extremities and buttocks with or without a visceral fat accumulation, hyperlipidemia and a disturbed glucose metabolism are considered essential parts of the syndrome too. Additional metabolic abnormalities are regarded as syndrome related.

PATHOGENESIS

Currently identified risk factors associated with the development of lipodystrophy are antiretroviral treatment (duration, number and kind of drugs), low CD4 cell count, higher age and metabolic abnormalities. The currently favored hypotheses to explain the lipodystrophy syndrome are essentially based on the assumption that antiretroviral treatment is the cause of the disorder.

TREATMENT

The short-term benefit of antiretroviral treatment is greater than the disadvantages of the lipodystrophy syndrome, in the long term, however, the cardiovascular risk associated with the metabolic disturbances may result in an increased mortality on its own. The current approach to treatment includes modification of antiretroviral therapy and specific treatment of symptoms.

L-Carnitine in the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome

The objective of this pilot study was to assess the effect of L-carnitine on the course of the HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome. Twelve patients presenting with combined atrophic and hypertrophic changes of body fat were treated with L-carnitine 1000 mg bid for 3 months. No marked improvement of the body changes was observed. However a reduction in serum cholesterol levels, but not triglycerides, was noted. These preliminary data do not support the use of L-carnitine for the rapid reversal of advanced fat tissue alterations due to HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Liver adenomatosis: reappraisal, diagnosis, and surgical management: eight new cases and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

Liver adenomatosis (LA) is a rare disease originally defined by Flejou et al in 1985 from a series of 13 cases. In 1998, 38 cases were available for analysis, including eight personal cases. The aim of this study was to review and reappraise the characteristics of this rare liver disease and to discuss diagnosis and therapeutic options.

BACKGROUND

LA was defined as the presence of >10 adenomas in an otherwise normal parenchyma. Neither female predominance nor a relation with estrogen/progesterone intake has been noted. Natural progression is poorly known.

METHODS

The clinical presentation, evolution, histologic characteristics, and therapeutic options and results were analyzed based on a personal series of eight new cases and an updated review of the literature.

RESULTS

From a diagnostic standpoint, two forms of liver adenomatosis with different presentations and evolution can be defined: a massive form and a multifocal form. The role of estrogen and progesterone is reevaluated. The risks of hemorrhage and malignant transformation are of major concern. In the authors' series, liver transplantation was indicated in two young women with the massive, aggressive form, and good results were obtained.

CONCLUSION

Liver adenomatosis is a rare disease, more common in women, where outcome and evolution vary and are exacerbated by estrogen intake. Most often, conservative surgery is indicated. Liver transplantation is indicated only in highly symptomatic and aggressive forms of the disease.

[Intra-parotid neurogenic tumors of the facial nerve. Value of MRI]

Facial nerve intraparotid neuromas are rare. We report two cases with no facial paralysis. In the first case, the clinical protocol for the evaluation of a parotid mass did not suggest the intramastoid tumor extension. This extension was shown by CT and MRI and confirmed by gross and microscopic appearance. In the second case, no intrapretrous extension was observed with MRI. The diagnosis of neuroma was made during surgery. With a literature review, we discuss the diagnostic difficulties encountered in the investigation of parotid facial nerve tumors, emphasizing on the usefulness of CT and MRI in its diagnosis.

[The effect of a low-dose hydrochlorothiazide therapy on the bone mineral content of the axial and peripheral skeleton]

An increase in bone mineral content (BMC) as well as a decrease in the incidence of fracture of the proximal femur have been described in patients on thiazide diuretic treatment. A study was undertaken to assess, by means of dual X-ray absorptiometry, the effect of chronic low-dosage antihypertensive treatment with hydrochlorothiazide (HCT; < or = 25 mg daily) on lumbar vertebrae (representing the axial skeleton) and the nondominant radius (peripheral skeleton). Measurements were made on 27 women (mean age 63.8 +/- 8.2 years) and 23 men (65.9 +/- 9.5 years) and compared with a control group of 19 women (62 +/- 8.7 years) and 20 men (65.9 +/- 9.5 years) with minor surgical or dermatological lesions who had never taken HCT or other drugs with potential effects on mineral bone metabolism. In men who had been on HCT for more than 5 years, BMC of the lumbar vertebrae was higher by 10.3% and of the radius by 3.8% than among the controls (differences not significant). In women who had been on HCT for more than 5 years, the corresponding increases were 19.6% (P < 0.05) and 5.4% (not significant). Among those patients who had been on HCT for less than 5 years there were no significant differences compared with the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups relating as regards the proximal radius which, in contrast to the ultradistal radius, consists predominantly of cortical bone. -These data indicate that, while HCT has only a slight influence on BMC, it can be considered to have a desirable associated effect in the antihypertensive treatment of elderly patients.

[Radiologic double-contrast aspects of small esophageal cancers. 38 cases]

Double contrast radiological features of thirty eight small esophageal carcinoma are described. Double contrast study is essential in the detection of small esophageal carcinomas: localized thickening of the folds (29%), localized wall stiffness (23.6%), superficial ulcers (13%), discrete superficial nodule (42%), nodularity (15.7%), and ulcerated nodule (15.7%). In our series, six carcinomas arising from reflux esophagitis have the nodular appearance. As in the majority of the cases, small esophageal carcinomas are asymptomatic, when radiologic study of esophagus is performed in patients over 40 years with heavy alcohol and tobacco use, it is imperative to use the double contrast method and to carefully search for minor mucosal abnormalities.

[Abdominal echography in colonic diseases]

In the past few years, several studies have assessed the visualization of digestive diseases by ultrasound, but its clinical accuracy has been rarely defined. Thus we evaluated the contribution of sonographic examination as an initial diagnostic mean in the detection of colonic lesion. During a period of thirty six months (June 85-June 88) when we performed a standard sonographic abdominal examination, we utilized ultrasound to look for thickening or other modifications of the large bowel wall, if the clinical findings suggested a colonic disease. In these conditions we performed 453 US examinations. In our study, 363 cases were considered to be negative and the controls demonstrated colonic wall lesions in 24 cases. Thus the sensitivity was one of 77%. The sonographic examination was positive in 90 cases with 6 false positives. Thus our specificity reached 98.2% and the accuracy achieved was 93.3%. Thus sonographic examination appears to be a rapid, non invasive, mobile, mean of examining the abdominal cavity and also the large bowel in all patients. If this examination is negative, a colonic disease is possible since sensitivity is 77%. On the other hand, if the examination is positive, a colonic disease is very probable, since specificity reached 98.2%. The accuracy of US Colonic examination is 93.3% and with using abdominal plain film, theses percentages may be improved.

[Enteroclysis in malabsorption syndrome in adults. Apropos of 73 cases]

We retrospectively analyzed the small bowel radiographies, performed by enteroclysis in 73 patients presenting a malabsorption disease. The etiology are: celiac disease (44 cases), abetalipoprotidemia (2 cases), Whipple's disease (7 cases), mastocytosis (1 case), amyloidosis (1 case), ischemia enteritis (4 cases), radiation injury (4 cases), lymphangiectasia (4 cases), Crohn's disease (4 cases) and NH lymphoma (2 cases). With enteroclysis, the radiological diagnosis of malabsorption disease is improved and it is able to differentiate malabsorption diseases based on radiological features: increased or decreased number of folds (celiac disease, mastocytosis, abetalipoprotidemia), nodularity of folds (Whipple's disease) and wall thickness (amyloidosis, lymphangiectasia, ischemic enteritis and radiation injury). It is no possible to differentiate NH lymphoma from Crohn's disease.

[What is the contribution of echography in Crohn disease?]

The alimentary tract often contains some gas which may obstruct the passage of the ultrasonic beam. However, when a pathological process involves the intestinal wall, a "target" pattern or a "pseudo-kidney" pattern may be visualized by ultrasound. It is also possible to visualize by US examination some complications of Crohn's disease: intestinal obstructive lesion with distended loops, fistula, abscesses and renal or biliary lithiasis. Because sonography is non-invasive and simple to perform without radiation exposure, it should often be used in Crohn's disease as the initial diagnosis and as the following-up test.

[Hepatitis secondary to current non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents]

The authors report 83 cases of acute hepatitis secondary to non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), published in the literature. The NSAID in question are: niflumic acid, tolfenamic acid, diclofenac, fenoprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, piroxicam, pirprofen and sulindac. Six deaths are directly ascribed to NSAID: although rare, these forms of hepatitis deserve therefore to be reported. They are usually mixed immuno-allergic forms of hepatitis (cytolytic as well as cholestatic). They often affect elderly women taking multiple medications. Monitoring of the liver function tests is necessary, during prolonged treatment with NSAID, especially during the first six months.

[Enteroclysis in chronic radioenteritis. Study of 43 cases]

Enteroclysis were practiced for 43 patients with radiation induced injuries of the small bowel. The radiological data revealed mucosal lesions in 23 cases, submucosa lesions in 21 cases, parietal thickening in 20 cases, mesenteric involvement in 32 cases. Narrowings and stenosis were present in 24 cases and dilated loops in 15 cases. Fistula formation existed in two cases. Twenty four patients were operated and the diagnosis of radiation enteritis was confirmed. In 12 cases, the enteroclysis succeed to a per os technique. The authors showed the superiority of the enteroclysis.

[Primary malignant melanoma of the digestive tract: esophagus and rectum. Apropos of 2 cases]

The authors report two cases of primary malignant melanoma. These primary neoplasms are exceptional on the GI tract. The diagnostical problems are discussed. The radiological features are a nodular lesion like an under-mucosa tumor.

[Abetalipoproteinemia. Apropos of 2 cases]

The cases of two sisters with abetalipoproteinemia are reported. Both presented the complete clinical and biological features of the disease: ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa, lack of apolipoprotein B, chylomicrons, LDL and VLDL, reduced titers of serum cholesterol and triglycerides, acanthocytosis, very low levels of serum vitamin A and E. Abetalipoproteinemia is a rare autosomal inherited disease. It is usually revealed during early childhood by steatorrhea and failure to thrive; ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa appear later. The originality of these two cases stems from: 1) their late and fortuitous diagnosis: the first sister was investigated at the age of 42 after the discovery of a vitamin K induced coagulation disorder. The other sister was 39 when she was routinely examined as a family member; 2) the presence of constipation without any other suggestive digestive complaint. However, white discoloration of the duodenal mucosa seen at endoscopy and lipid droplets within the intestinal absorptive cells at biopsy were characteristic. Barium studies showed diffuse involvement of the small bowel which was displaced by an enlarged sigmoid. Treatment consists of administration of vitamin A and vitamin E which prevent or delay ocular and neurologic symptoms. Vitamin K is associated whenever necessary.

[Rectocolic tuberculosis. Radiological aspects apropos of 14 cases]

During 11 years, 14 cases of tuberculosis of the colon are radiographied. The clinical findings are not specific and the association with evolutive pulmonary tuberculosis is infrequent (28%). The radiological features are described: ulcerations (4 cases), ulcerations and hypertrophic features (3 cases) and hypertrophic features (7 cases). The involving sites are caecum and ileocecum in 6 cases, ascending colon in 3 cases, transverse colon in 2 cases, descending colon in 2 cases and recto-sigmoid in 2 cases. The differential diagnosis are segmental Crohn colitis and colonic carcinoma. Endoscopic examination with biopsy is a help to the diagnosis, but in 5 cases, it will be deficient. The diagnosis of colonic tuberculosis is setting only by surgical resections in 6 cases (43%) and 4 patients have been treated by medical treatment with success. No relapse appears in operated patients.

[Cystic lymphangioma of the mediastinum. Radiologic data apropos of 7 cases]

Cystic mediastinal lymphangiomas are rare benign uncommon slow-growing tumors. Seven cases of cystic mediastinal lymphangioma in adults are presented. In both cases a mediastinal opacity is evident on plain chest radiographs. Roentgen findings are not specific. The mass is noted to be non-pulsatile, and well circumscribed smooth-surfaced. There are no evidence of invasion to the neighboring structures and no calcification are seen within the lesions. In two patients, sonography examination confirmed the cystic nature of the mass. Four patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scan. Ct can offer considerable additional information: CT will show well circumscribed and uniform low density lesions without invasive characteristics. Attenuation values in CT scan cannot be considered conclusive for diagnosis in all cases, on the non contrast scan, attenuation varied between -49 to +27 UH, there was no contrast enhancement.

[Value of small intestine transit by enteroclysis in obstructive syndromes of the small intestine. Apropos of 212 examinations]

During seven years, 212 small bowel examinations are made on patients with suspected small bowel obstruction by barium infusion. We find all the main small bowel pathology: Crohn's disease (16.5%), carcinomatosis (14.6%), neoplasia (10.3%), vascular disease (17.8%), actinic enteritis (9.5%) and miscellanous (18%). The small bowel infusion is normal in 15%. Surgery is avoided in 51% of the cases. There is non complications associated with the examination but in 12% of the cases, the examination is unsuccessful.

[Echographic aspects of Crohn's disease. Apropos of 42 studies]

Thirty two patients with confirmed Crohn's disease were examined from october 1983 to may 1985 by ultrasound (42 examinations) and by Conventional Contrast Radiology (Barium Contrast Studies). The well-know "target" pattern is the most frequent feature (88%) which is characteristic of the thickening bowel wall. The thickening is more important for the small bowel wall than the large bowel wall. But the "target" pattern is not the single pattern of inflammation involving the bowel. We also find a "rosette" pattern. This third ring is hypo or hyperechogenic or more complex. Other infrequent features are noted: solid abdominal masses, distended loops, luminal narrowing, fistula and stiffness. Because sonography is noninvasive and simple to perform without radiation exposure, it must often be used as the initial diagnostic tool and as the follow-up test for young people.

[Granulomatous colitis presenting as ischemic colitis]

The authors describe a case of granulomatous colitis mimicking a non gangrenous ischemic colitis. The radiological features are thumbprinting, ulcerations, then stenosis and sacculation. The resected specimen reveal some granuloma without necrosa.

[Granular cell tumors of the esophagus. Apropos of a case associated with bronchial carcinoma and treated by endoscopic excision]

The case of a granular cell tumor of the lower esophagus associated with a bronchial carcinoma is reported. The esophageal tumor was discovered by radiological and endoscopic examination for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and caused dysphagia after 6 1/2 years. An associated bronchial carcinoma led to the endoscopic removal of the esophageal tumor immediately prior to the thoracotomy. Eight days after operation the patient presented an hematemesis probably related to the endoscopic polypectomy. The course can be considered favorable after 17 months concerning the esophageal as well as the pulmonary situation. Histologically the esophageal tumor was a typical granular cell tumor and the bronchial tumor a squamous cell carcinoma. Seventy-nine cases of granular cell tumors of the esophagus have been published; 10 p. 100 of the cases are associated with bronchial, digestive or otorhinolaryngeal carcinoma. The onset of the carcinoma is usually subsequent to the esophageal tumor, justifying prolonged surveillance. This is the third case of a granular cell tumor of the esophagus treated by endoscopic polypectomy; this type of treatment requires close short-term follow-up because of the risk of hemorrhage as well as long-term follow-up because of the possibility of a second esophageal localization.