ODP350 Safety and Efficacy of Tesomet over 48 Weeks of Treatment: Results From a 24-Week Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blind Study With 24 Week Open-Label Extension in Adults With Hypothalamic Obesity

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of Tesomet (tesofensine plus metoprolol) in adults with hypothalamic obesity, a rare disease with no approved therapy.

Research Design and Methods

Twenty-one adults with hypothalamic obesity (16 females, 5 males) were randomized to Tesomet (0.5 mg tesofensine/50 mg metoprolol) (n=14) or placebo (n=8) during a 24-week double-blind period. On completion of the double-blind period, 17 (81%) subjects (11 Tesomet; 6 placebo) entered in to a 24-week open-label extension period and were treated with Tesomet. The primary endpoint was safety while secondary endpoints included measures of body weight, waist circumference, and body composition. Trial NCT03845075.

Results

The most common adverse events following the 24-week double-blind period and the 24-week open-label extension period were sleep disorder, dizziness, dry mouth, and headache; the majority of these adverse events were mild to moderate in severity. No significant nor clinically meaningful changes in heart rate or blood pressure were observed during the study. On completion of the double-blind period mean change in body weight (kg) was -7.84 for the Tesomet group versus -0.34 kg for the placebo group (P=0. 03). At the end of the open-label extension period mean change in body weight (kg) from baseline was -6.34 for the Tesomet-Tesomet group and -6. 03 for the placebo-Tesomet group. On completion of the double-blind period mean change in waist circumference (cm) was -7. 09 cm for the Tesomet group versus -1.16 for the placebo group (P=NS). At the end of the open-label extension period mean change in waist circumference (cm) from baseline was -5.73 for the Tesomet-Tesomet group and -3. 04 for the placebo-Tesomet group. On completion of the double-blind period mean change in fat mass (kg) was -5.28 for the Tesomet group versus -1.11 for the placebo group (P=NS). At the end of the open-label extension period mean change in fat mass (kg) from baseline was -4.84 for the Tesomet-Tesomet group and -3.85 for the placebo-Tesomet group. On completion of the double-blind period mean change in lean tissue mass (kg) was -2.76 for the Tesomet group versus 0.36 for the placebo group (P<0. 01). At the end of the open-label extension period mean change in lean mass (kg) from baseline was -1.64 for the Tesomet-Tesomet group and -2.22 for the placebo-Tesomet group.

Discussion

Tesomet was generally well tolerated after 48 weeks treatment and resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in body weight and body composition measures in adults with hypothalamic obesity. In contrast to previous studies of tesofensine monotherapy in general obesity, no significant nor clinically meaningful changes in cardiovascular measures were observed during the study.

Conclusion

Tesomet is a promising new experimental treatment for hypothalamic obesity. A randomized, placebo controlled, multi-center, dose-finding, Phase 2b study has now been initiated.

Presentation: No date and time listed

Randomized controlled trial of Tesomet for weight loss in hypothalamic obesity

CONTEXT

Hypothalamic injury often leads to rapid, intractable weight gain causing hypothalamic obesity, which is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity and mortality. There are no approved or effective pharmacological treatments for hypothalamic obesity, and conventional lifestyle management remains ineffective.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety and efficacy of Tesomet (0.5 mg tesofensine/50 mg metoprolol) in adults with hypothalamic obesity.

METHODS

Twenty-one adults with hypothalamic obesity (16 females) were randomized to Tesomet (0.5 mg/50 mg) or placebo for 24 weeks. Patients also received diet/lifestyle counselling. The primary endpoint was safety; secondary endpoints included measures of body weight, appetite scores, quality of life, and metabolic profile.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients completed 24 weeks. Consent withdrawal, eligibility, and serious adverse events (SAE) unrelated to treatment resulted in dropouts. One patient experienced a Tesomet-related SAE of exacerbated pre-existing anxiety leading to treatment discontinuation. Tesomet-related adverse events were otherwise mostly mild and included sleep disturbances (Tesomet 50%, placebo 13%), dry mouth (Tesomet 43%, placebo 0%), and headache (Tesomet 36%, placebo 0%). No significant differences in heart rate or blood pressure were observed between groups. Compared to placebo, Tesomet resulted in additional mean (95% CI) weight change of -6.3% ((-11.3; -1.3); P = 0.017), increased the number of patients achieving ≥5% weight loss (Tesomet 8/13, placebo 1/8; P = 0.046), and tended to augment the reduction in waist circumference by 5.7 cm ((-0.1; 11.5); P = 0.054).

CONCLUSION

Tesomet was welltolerated, did not affect heart rate or blood pressure, and resulted in significant reductions in body weight compared to placebo in adults with hypothalamic obesity.

Weight Loss, Improved Body Composition and Fat Distribution by Tesomet in Acquired Hypothalamic Obesity

Background: Structural damage to the hypothalamus often results in hypothalamic obesity characterized by rapid and severe weight-gain with increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity and mortality. Currently, there are no approved or effective pharmacological treatments and conventional weight management remains largely ineffective. Objective: This RCT investigated safety and efficacy of Tesomet (co-administration of 0.5mg tesofensine and 50mg metoprolol) in hypopituitary patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity. Methods: Twenty-one (16 females) hypopituitary adults with hypothalamic obesity were randomized to Tesomet or placebo (2:1) for 24 weeks (NCT03845075). Subjects also received diet and lifestyle counselling. Primary endpoint was safety evaluated by change in heart rate, blood pressure and adverse events. Secondary endpoints included changes in anthropometric measures, body composition, corrected QT-interval and arrythmias. Results: Subjects had a median (range) age of 50 (25; 70) years and 90% had a BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Almost half (48%) had a history of craniopharyngioma, 86% had undergone pituitary/hypothalamic surgery, and 52% had irradiation therapy. All received one or more anterior pituitary hormone replacements; 52% had diabetes insipidus. In total, 18/21 subjects completed the study, one without investigational treatment. Three serious adverse events (SAE) were recorded in 2 subjects randomized to Tesomet. Adverse events were otherwise mostly mild (58%), frequently reported were sleep disturbances (62%), dry mouth (46%) and dizziness (46%), known side effects of tesofensine or metoprolol. Four subjects, two in each group, discontinued treatment. Tesomet discontinuation was secondary to anxiety (n=1) or dry mouth (n=1). No significant differences in heart rate or blood pressure were observed between the two groups. At week 24, compared to placebo (weight-loss: -0.3%), Tesomet treatment resulted in additional mean weight-loss of -6.3% (95CI [-11.3%; -1.3%], p=0.017); increase in the proportion of patients achieving >5% reduction in body weight (Tesomet 8; Placebo 1, OR 11.2 [1.0; 120.4], p=0.046); and reduction in waist circumference of -5.7cm ([-11.5; 0.1], p=0.054). Tesomet-induced weight loss was primarily correlated to a reduction in mean (SD) fat mass -5.3kg (5.3) (r2=0.9, P=0001) and to lesser extent a reduction in lean tissue mass -2.9kg (1.9) (r2=0.4, P=0.03). Treatment did not affect corrected QT-interval; mean change from placebo was -1.1ms (95CI [-16.0; 13.9], p=0.882), nor were arrythmias registered during the trial period. Conclusions: Tesomet was generally well-tolerated, did not affect heart rate, blood pressure or QTc-interval, and resulted in significant reductions in body weight compared to placebo in this cohort of hypopituitary patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity.

The study was sponsored by Saniona A/S

Re-boost immunizations with the peptide-based therapeutic HIV vaccine, Vacc-4x, restores geometric mean viral load set-point during treatment interruption

Background

Vacc-4x, a therapeutic HIV vaccine candidate has previously induced a significant reduction in viral load (VL) set-point compared to placebo upon interruption of combination anti-retroviral therapy (ART) (2007/1 study). This study, (2012/1), explored the potential to maintain Vacc-4x effect by re-boosting eligible 2007/1 study participants.

Methods

Participant inclusion required 2007/1 participants to have completed all Vacc-4x immunizations and interrupted ART for up to 26 weeks. At weeks (wk)0 and 2, participants received intradermal (i.d.) Vacc-4x booster immunizations (1.2mg) on ART with GM-CSF (60μg) i.d. as a local adjuvant. ART was interrupted for up to 16 weeks (wk12-wk28). Participants were then followed on ART until wk36. VL set-point, total proviral DNA (pvDNA) and immunogenicity assessed by IFN-γ ELISPOT, T-cell proliferation and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions were compared to participants’ values in the 2007/1 study where available.

Results

This open, multicenter, clinical study enrolled 33 participants from 9 clinical trial sites in the US and Europe. In the per-protocol (PP) population, the VL set-point geometric mean (GM) 18162 copies/mL was not significantly changed compared to the 2007/1 study (GM VL 22035 copies/mL), (p = 0.453, n = 18). For participants with available preART VL values, the VL set-point (GM 26279 copies/mL) remained significantly lower than the preART VL set-point (GM 74048 copies/mL, p = 0.021, n = 13). A statistically significant reduction in pvDNA (49%) from baseline to wk4 was observed (p = 0.03, n = 26). DTH responses (wk4) increased significantly from baseline (p = 0.006, n = 30) and compared to the 2007/1 study (p = 0.022, n = 29) whilst the proportion of participants with ELISPOT and T-cell proliferation responses was similar between the two studies.

Conclusions

Vacc-4x booster immunizations safely maintained the mean VL set-point at that established following primary Vacc-4x therapeutic immunization. The reduction in pvDNA during ART supports the potential for Vacc-4x immunization to reduce HIV reservoirs and thereby contribute to combination HIV cure strategies.

Sequential Vacc-4x and romidepsin during combination antiretroviral therapy (cART): Immune responses to Vacc-4x regions on p24 and changes in HIV reservoirs

OBJECTIVES

The REDUC clinical study Part B investigated Vacc-4x/rhuGM-CSF therapeutic vaccination prior to HIV latency reversal using romidepsin. The main finding was a statistically significant reduction from baseline in viral reservoir measurements. Here we evaluated HIV-specific functional T-cell responses following Vacc-4x/rhuGM-CSF immunotherapy in relation to virological outcomes on the HIV reservoir.

METHODS

This study, conducted in Aarhus, Denmark, enrolled participants (n = 20) with CD4>500 cells/mm³ on cART. Six Vacc-4x (1.2 mg) intradermal immunizations using rhuGM-CSF (60 μg) as adjuvant were followed by 3 weekly intravenous infusions of romidepsin (5 mg/m²). Immune responses were determined by IFN-γ ELISpot, T-cell proliferation to p24 15-mer peptides covering the Vacc-4x region, intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) to the entire HIV^Gag and viral inhibition.

RESULTS

The frequency of participants with CD8+ T-cell proliferation assay positivity was 8/16 (50%) at baseline, 11/15 (73%) post-vaccination, 6/14 (43%) during romidepsin, and 9/15 (60%)post-romidepsin. Participants with CD8+ T-cell proliferation assay positivity post-vaccination showed reductions in total HIV DNA post-vaccination (p = 0.006; q = 0.183), post-latency reversal (p = 0.005; q = 0.183), and CA-RNA reductions post-vaccination (p = 0.015; q = 0.254). Participants (40%) were defined as proliferation 'Responders' having ≥2-fold increase in assay positivity post-baseline. Robust ELISpot baseline responses were found in 87.5% participants. No significant changes were observed in the proportion of polyfunctional CD8+ T-cells to HIV^Gag by ICS. There was a trend towards increased viral inhibition from baseline to post-vaccination (p = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

In this 'shock and kill' approach supported by therapeutic vaccination, CD8+ T-cell proliferation represents a valuable means to monitor functional immune responses as part of the path towards functional HIV cure.

The Depsipeptide Romidepsin Reverses HIV-1 Latency In Vivo

Pharmacologically-induced activation of replication competent proviruses from latency in the presence of antiretroviral treatment (ART) has been proposed as a step towards curing HIV-1 infection. However, until now, approaches to reverse HIV-1 latency in humans have yielded mixed results. Here, we report a proof-of-concept phase Ib/IIa trial where 6 aviremic HIV-1 infected adults received intravenous 5 mg/m² romidepsin (Celgene) once weekly for 3 weeks while maintaining ART. Lymphocyte histone H3 acetylation, a cellular measure of the pharmacodynamic response to romidepsin, increased rapidly (maximum fold range: 3.7–7.7 relative to baseline) within the first hours following each romidepsin administration. Concurrently, HIV-1 transcription quantified as copies of cell-associated un-spliced HIV-1 RNA increased significantly from baseline during treatment (range of fold-increase: 2.4–5.0; p = 0.03). Plasma HIV-1 RNA increased from <20 copies/mL at baseline to readily quantifiable levels at multiple post-infusion time-points in 5 of 6 patients (range 46–103 copies/mL following the second infusion, p = 0.04). Importantly, romidepsin did not decrease the number of HIV-specific T cells or inhibit T cell cytokine production. Adverse events (all grade 1–2) were consistent with the known side effects of romidepsin. In conclusion, romidepsin safely induced HIV-1 transcription resulting in plasma HIV-1 RNA that was readily detected with standard commercial assays demonstrating that significant reversal of HIV-1 latency in vivo is possible without blunting T cell-mediated immune responses. These finding have major implications for future trials aiming to eradicate the HIV-1 reservoir.

One proposed way of curing HIV is to activate virus transcription and kill latently infected cells while the presence of antiretroviral therapy prevents spreading the infection. Induction of global T cell activation by mitogenic or other potent activators effectively reverses HIV-1 from latency ex vivo, but such compounds are generally too toxic for clinical use. Therefore, investigating the capacity of small molecule latency reversing agents to induce production of virus without causing global T cell activation has been a top research priority for scientists in recent years. In the present clinical trial, we demonstrate that significant viral reactivation can be safely induced using the depsipeptide romidepsin (HDAC inhibitor) in long-term suppressed HIV-1 individuals on antiretroviral therapy. Following each romidepsin infusion, we observed clear increases in lymphocyte H3 acetylation, HIV-1 transcription, and plasma HIV-1 RNA. Importantly, this reversal of HIV-1 latency could be measured using standard clinical assays for detection of plasma HIV-1 RNA. Furthermore, romidepsin did not alter the proportion of HIV-specific T cells or inhibit T cell cytokine production which is critically important for future trials combining HDAC inhibitors with interventions (e.g. therapeutic HIV-1 vaccination) designed to enhance killing of latently infected cells.

Incidence and clinical presentation of groin injuries in sub-elite male soccer

BACKGROUND

Groin injuries cause major problems in the football codes, as they are prevalent and lead to prolonged symptoms and high recurrence. The aim of the present study was to describe the occurrence and clinical presentation of groin injuries in a large cohort of sub-elite soccer players during a season.

METHODS

Physiotherapists allocated to each of the participating 44 soccer clubs recorded baseline characteristics and groin injuries sustained by a cohort of 998 sub-elite male soccer players during a full 10-month season. All players with groin injuries were examined using the clinical entity approach, which utilises standardised reproducible examination techniques to identify the injured anatomical structures. The exposure time and the injury time were also recorded. Injury time was analysed using multiple regression on the log of the injury times as the data were highly skewed. Effects are thus reported at relative injury time (RIT).

RESULTS

Adductor-related groin injury was the most common entity found followed by iliopsoas-related and abdominal-related injuries. The dominant leg was significantly more often injured. Age and previous groin injury were significant risk factors for sustaining a groin injury. Groin injuries were generally located on the same side as previously reported groin injuries. Adductor-related injuries with no abdominal pain had significantly longer injury times compared to injuries with no adductor and no abdominal pain (RIT 2.28, 95% CI 1.22 to 4.25, p=0.0096). Having both adductor and abdominal pain also increased the injury time significantly when compared to injuries with no adductor and no abdominal pain (RIT=4.56, 95% CI 1.91 to 10.91, p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Adductor-related groin injury was the most common clinical presentation of groin injuries in male soccer players and the cause of long injury time, especially when combined with abdominal-related injury.

Negative HCV-RNA 2 weeks after initiation of treatment predicts sustained virological response to pegylated interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the early viral kinetics as predictor for sustained virological response (SVR) during hepatitis C treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included patients with biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis C and ALT above the upper limit of normal, who received a standard treatment of pegylated interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin. The HCV-RNA concentration (limit of detection 20 IU/mL) was determined at days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, 21 and monthly thereafter.

RESULTS

Among 46 patients who completed the trial, 30 (65%) had SVR. Low baseline viral load, IL28B genotype CC and absence of cirrhosis were statistically associated with SVR. In multivariate analysis only absence of cirrhosis and HCV-RNA negativity at day 14 were independent predictors for SVR. Eight patients who became HCV-RNA negative on day 14 as well as 13 of 14 patients (93%) with HCV-RNA levels of <1000 IU/mL at day 7 obtained a SVR. Among 8 of 18 (44%) genotype 1 and 4 patients with more than a one log drop in HCV-RNA titer at day 7, 75% achieved SVR.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a correlation between low HCV-RNA titers in week 2 and SVR during pegylated interferon/ribavirin-based treatment. This may help identify a group of patients for whom SVR may be obtained without the addition of directly acting antivirals, and thereby save the patients for unnecessary side effects and the health care system for additional costs.

Exercise program for prevention of groin pain in football players: a cluster-randomized trial

Groin injuries cause major problems in sports and particularly in football. Exercise is effective in treating adductor-related groin pain, but no trials have been published regarding the specific prevention of groin pain or prevention specifically targeting overuse injuries in sport using exercise programs. We performed a cluster-randomized trial including 55 football clubs representing 1211 players. The clubs were randomized to an exercise program aimed at preventing groin injuries (n=27) or to a control group training as usual (n=28). The intervention program consisted of six exercises including strengthening (concentric and eccentric), coordination, and core stability exercises for the muscles related to the pelvis. Physiotherapists assigned to each club registered all groin injuries. Twenty-two clubs in each group completed the study, represented by 977 players. There was no significant effect of the intervention (HR=0.69, 95% CI 0.40-1.19). The risk of a groin injury was reduced by 31%, but this reduction was not significant. A univariate analysis showed that having had a previous groin injury almost doubles the risk of developing a new groin injury and playing at a higher level almost triples the risk of developing a groin injury.

Demonstration of an association between detection of IgG antibody reactivity towards the C-terminal region of the preS1 protein of hepatitis B virus and the capacity to respond to interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains complex, with somewhat unpredictable responses. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of the pretreatment presence of circulatory antibodies towards a synthetic peptide mimicking the amino acids 94-117 of the preS1 protein of HBV and the capacity to respond to alpha-inteferon (IFN-alpha) treatment.

METHODS

The anti preS1(94-117) antibodies were measured by a peptide-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the response to INF-alpha therapy was judged by the effect on the viral kinetics as measured by an assay based on quantitative polymerase chain reaction during the treatment and follow up.

RESULTS

We found a significant (P < 0.001) correlation between the pretreatment presence of anti preS1(94-117) antibodies and a decrease in viral levels on follow up after the end of IFN-alpha therapy. The combined response of HBV DNA suppression (P < 0.001), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) loss (P < 0.0001), anti-HBe seroconversion (P < 0.005) and AST aminotransferase normalization (P < 0.01) was also highly associated with the pretreatment presence of anti preS1(94-117) antibodies.

CONCLUSION

The positive predictive value (PPV) of anti preS1(94-117) in determining a virological response was 83% and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%, indicating that in the absence of pretreatment anti preS1 reactivity virtually no patient has the capacity to respond to IFN-alpha therapy. Our findings may help to improve the efficacy of INF-alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) by guiding the selection of patients for treatment and optimizing the clinical management of the individual patient.

WITHDRAWN: Ribavirin with or without alpha interferon for chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Ribavirin plus interferon combination therapy is presently considered the optimal treatment of interferon naive patients with chronic hepatitis C, but its role in relapsers and non-responders to previous interferon therapy is not established.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of ribavirin alone or in combination with alpha interferon in interferon naive patients, relapsers, and non-responders with chronic hepatitis C.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Eligible trials were identified through searches on electronic databases: The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register (August 2001), The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register on The Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2001, MEDLINE (1966 - August 2001), and EMBASE (1985 - August 2001). Manual searches of bibliographies and journals were done as well as authors of trials and pharmaceutical companies producing ribavirin or interferon were contacted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised trials comparing ribavirin with or without alpha interferon versus no intervention, placebo, or alpha interferon for chronic hepatitis C.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The primary outcome measures were the 'sustained' (six months after treatment) virological response, and morbidity plus mortality. The secondary outcome measures were the 'end of treatment' and 'sustained' biochemical response, the 'end of treatment' virologic response, histology, quality of life, and adverse events.

MAIN RESULTS

We included eight trials in which 271 patients were randomised to ribavirin versus placebo or no intervention and 48 trials in which 6585 patients were randomised to interferon with or without ribavirin. Compared with placebo or no intervention, ribavirin monotherapy had no significant effect on the virological response or histology and only a transient effect on the biochemical response. Compared with interferon, combination therapy reduced the risk of not having a sustained virological response by 26% in naive patients (relative risk (RR) 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-0.78), 33% in relapsers (RR 0.67; 95% CI 0.57-0.78), and 11% in non-responders (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.83-0.96). There was no significant effect on morbidity plus mortality (Peto odds ratio 0.45; 95% CI 0.19-1.06). Irrespective of previous therapy, combination therapy significantly reduced the risk of not having a sustained biochemical response (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.59-0.84) or improved histology (RR 0.67; 95% CI 0.56-0.81). Combination therapy also significantly increased the risk of treatment discontinuation (RR 1.28; 95% CI 1.07-1.52) and several types of adverse events.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapy increased the number of naive patients, relapsers, and non-responders with a sustained virological, biochemical, or histological response, but also the occurrence of adverse events.

Sequential combination of glucocorticosteroids and alfa interferon versus alfa interferon alone for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis B has serious effects on morbidity and mortality. Alfa interferon has been shown to increase the rates of HBeAg-clearance as well as seroconversion to anti-HBe, but response rates are unsatisfactory. Glucocorticosteroid pretreatment may increase the response to alfa interferon.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to assess the effects of the sequential combination of glucocorticosteroids and alfa interferon versus alfa interferon alone in hepatitis B 'e' antigen positive chronic hepatitis B on mortality, virological response, biochemical response, liver histology, quality of life, and adverse events.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Eligible trials were identified through searches of The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Controlled Trials Register (May 2005), The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2005), MEDLINE (1950 to May 2005), EMBASE (Excerpta Medica Database) (1980 to May 2005), BIOSIS (1969 to May 2005), and reference lists of relevant articles. Further trials were sought through correspondence with authors of trials and pharmaceutical companies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised clinical trials comparing identical alfa interferon treatment regimens with and without glucocorticosteroid pretreatment for hepatitis B 'e' antigen positive chronic hepatitis. We included trials irrespective blinding, publication status, or language.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three authors selected the trials independently and one extracted the data, which were then validated. We performed assessments of the outcome measures at the end of treatment and at six months and at maximal follow-up after the end of treatment with alfa interferon.

MAIN RESULTS

We included a total of 13 randomised trials with 790 patients. Loss of hepatitis B 'e' antigen (OR 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.92, P = 0.03) and hepatitis B virus DNA (OR = 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 2.05, P = 0.008) were significantly more frequent among patients treated with the sequential combination of glucocorticosteroids and alfa interferon than among patients treated with alfa interferon alone. Glucocorticosteroid pretreatment did not significantly influence seroconversion from hepatitis B 'e' antigen to antibodies to hepatitis B 'e' antigen, loss of hepatitis B surface antigen, normalisation of alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase activities, and severity of adverse events. Glucocorticosteroid pretreatment did not significantly affect mortality and adverse events. The effect of glucocorticosteroid pretreatment on liver histology and quality of life could not be assessed due to insufficient data.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment with glucocorticosteroids before treatment with alfa interferon in patients with hepatitis B 'e' antigen positive chronic hepatitis B may be more effective than treatment with alfa interferon alone with regard to loss of hepatitis B 'e' antigen and hepatitis B virus DNA, but evidence for effect on clinical outcomes is lacking.

Effects of amiodarone and thoracic epidural analgesia on atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to assess the effects of a perioperative dosing regimen of amiodarone administration, high thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA), or a combination of the 2 regimens on atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

DESIGN AND SETTING

The study was prospective, controlled, and randomized and was performed in a tertiary health care center associated with a university.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred sixty-three patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

In this 2 x 2 factorial-designed study the patients were randomized to 1 of 4 regimens in which group E had perioperative TEA, group E+A had TEA and amiodarone, group A had amiodarone, and group C served as control. The epidural catheter was inserted at T1-3 the day before surgery. TEA groups received TEA for 96 hours. The amiodarone regimen consisted of a single loading dose of 1,800 mg of amiodarone orally. Intravenous infusion of amiodarone was started after induction of anesthesia and was administered at 900 mg over 24 hours for the subsequent 3 days.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

AF was documented using Holter monitoring. In group E 22 of 44 (50%), in group E+A 10 of 35 (28.6%), in group A 10 of 36 (27.8%), and in the control group 20 of 48 (41.7%) patients developed AF (odds ratio amiodarone/nonamiodarone 0.47 [0.24-0.90]; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The perioperative amiodarone regimen used in this study was effective in reducing the incidence of AF after CABG while TEA was not.

No effect of antiviral (valacyclovir) treatment in fibromyalgia: a double blind, randomized study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of an antiviral compound, valacyclovir, on pain and tenderness in patients with the fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome.

METHODS

Sixty patients were randomized into a double blind, placebo controlled 6 week trial. Primary outcome was pain intensity change (on visual analog scale). Secondary outcome measures were tender points (myalgic score) and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients completed the study. The numbers of dropouts due to adverse events were equal in valacyclovir (2) and placebo (2) groups. The effect of valacyclovir on pain and tenderness and FIQ did not differ from placebo.

CONCLUSION

Valacyclovir cannot be recommended as a therapy for FM at this point.

N-terminal proBNP and mortality in hospitalised patients with heart failure and preserved vs. reduced systolic function: data from the prospective Copenhagen Hospital Heart Failure Study (CHHF)

Preserved systolic function among heart failure patients is a common finding, a fact that has only recently been fully appreciated. The aim of the present study was to examine the value of NT-proBNP to predict mortality in relation to established risk factors among consecutively hospitalised heart failure patients and secondly to characterise patients in relation to preserved and reduced systolic function.

MATERIAL

At the time of admission 2230 consecutively hospitalised patients had their cardiac status evaluated through determinations of NT-proBNP, echocardiography, clinical examination and medical history. Follow-up was performed 1 year later in all patients.

RESULTS

161 patients fulfilled strict diagnostic criteria for heart failure (HF). In this subgroup of patients 1-year mortality was approximately 30% and significantly higher as compared to the remaining non-heart failure population (approx. 16%). Using univariate analysis left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), New York Heart Association classification (NYHA) and plasma levels of NT-proBNP all predicted mortality independently. However, regardless of systolic function, age and NYHA class, risk-stratification was provided by measurements of NT-proBNP. Having measured plasma levels of NT-proBNP, LVEF did not provide any additional prognostic information on mortality among heart failure patients (multivariate analysis).

CONCLUSION

The results show that independent of LVEF, measurements of NT-proBNP add additional prognostic information. It is concluded that NT-proBNP is a strong predictor of 1-year mortality in consecutively hospitalised patients with heart failure with preserved as well as reduced systolic function.

Glucocorticosteroids for viral hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus may cause liver inflammation and fibrosis. It is not known whether glucocorticosteroids are beneficial or harmful for patients with hepatitis C infection.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of glucocorticosteroids for patients with acute or chronic hepatitis C infection with or without hepatitis C related autoimmune disorders.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Searches of The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Controlled Trials Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and reference lists of relevant articles and hand searches of relevant journals were performed in July 2003. Principal authors of clinical trials were approached.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised clinical trials dealing with glucocorticosteroids for viral hepatitis C - acute or chronic with or without autoimmune disorders.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were extracted by one reviewer and validated by another. Further information was sought by correspondence with the principal investigator of the trial in case the relevant data were not published. Disagreements were solved by discussion before the meta-analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

Eight trials randomised 384 patients with chronic hepatitis C to glucocorticosteroids plus interferon versus interferon plus placebo/no intervention, glucocorticosteroids versus interferon, or glucocorticosteroids versus placebo. Glucocorticosteroids treatment given as short pre-treatment followed by interferon or as long-term parallel treatment combined with interferon versus interferon monotherapy had no significant effect on mortality (no deaths occurred; 342 patients), virological response at six months follow-up (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.52 to 1.38; 38 patients), or biochemical response at six months follow-up (RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.84 to 1.06; 307 patients). There was no significant difference in serious adverse events between combination therapy versus interferon monotherapy (RR 4.76; 95% CI 0.24 to 93.19; 342 patients). Glucocorticosteroids versus interferon had no significant effect on mortality (RR 2.33; 95% CI 0.27 to 17.80; 13 patients) or virological response at follow-up (RR 1.17; 95% CI 0.86 to 1.58; 13 patients). We found no trials on glucocorticosteroids for acute hepatitis C.

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence neither to confirm nor exclude both beneficial and harmful effects of glucocorticosteroids for chronic hepatitis C with or without autoimmune disorders. This Review is not able to rule out potential serious adverse effects of glucocorticosteroids. Therefore, this Review cannot establish whether glucocorticosteroids treatment can be safely administrated for indications requiring glucocorticosteroids without analysing for hepatitis C virus. The effect of glucocorticosteroids for acute hepatitis C has not been examined in randomised trials.

Presence and significance of TT virus in Danish patients on maintenance hemodialysis

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of TT virus (TTV) in a population of Danish hemodialysis patients and evaluate possible relations between TTV infection and elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and hypo-response to treatment with erythropoietin (EPO).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients on maintenance hemodialysis at a single center were invited to participate. Demographic and clinical data were registered. Blood samples for virological and routine biochemical tests were drawn simultaneously. TTV DNA was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). TTV viral load was estimated by means of semi-quantitative PCR. All patients were tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and GB virus C.

RESULTS

Of 252 patients, 204 (80.9%) gave their written informed consent to participate in the study. The prevalence of TTV was 68% and 50% of TTV-positive patients had a high TTV viral load. TTV-positive patients were significantly older than TTV-negative patients (p = 0.011). No relations were found between TTV infection and elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or CRP or hypo-response to EPO treatment. The mean hemoglobin concentration was 11.24 +/- 1.48 g/dl. Patients with a high TTV viral load had a lower level of hemoglobin (10.86 +/- 1.47 g/dl) than the others (p = 0.01). This trend suggested a positive relation between TTV infection and the number of blood transfusions. A restriction fragment length polymorphism assay suggested that patients were infected with different TTV strains.

CONCLUSIONS

TTV is common in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. The presence of TTV is associated with increasing age. Patients with a high TTV viral load had lower levels of hemoglobin than the others. TTV infection is not related to elevated levels of ALT or CRP or to hypo-response to EPO treatment.

Efficacy of selective antenatal screening for hepatitis B among pregnant women in Denmark: is selective screening still an acceptable strategy in a low-endemicity country?

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriage in Denmark is unknown, but expected to be low (0.1%). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of selective antenatal screening for HBV infection and the epidemiology of HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among pregnant women. 4098 women were included in the study. Blood tests were examined for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis B core antigen (HBc) and anti-HCV. Case records were studied to evaluate whether patients at risk for HBV infection had been tested. Among the 4098 women, 18 10.4%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.3-0.71 were HBsAg positive. All had a risk factor for HBV infection. Only 13 (72%) were identified as HBsAg positive in the selective screening programme. 115 women (2.8%, 95% CI 2.3-3.4) were anti-HBc positive only. 95 (83%) were at risk for HBV. Only 72 of these (63%) were tested for HBsAg. The screening programme in this area of Denmark did not pick up one-third of pregnant women at risk of HBV.

[How to establish GCP-units in Denmark?]

According to a new EU Directive investigator initiated drug trials are to comply with the guidelines for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) as of May 2004. This implies that trials should be conducted according to a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and be subject to monitoring and auditing. In 2001, investigators in Denmark initiated 73 drug trials. In order to provide GCP services and guidance to the investigators it is proposed to establish 3-4 regional GCP units at the three university hospitals. The estimated annual cost for the 3-4 GCP units will be between DDK 7.5 and 10 million.

[Administrative organization and responsibility]

The paper describes the current organisation of clinical trials in Danish hospitals, with particular emphasis on the relationship between hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry. Legal responsibilities as well as mutual agreements on collaboration and organisation are described and discussed.

NT-proBNP: a new diagnostic screening tool to differentiate between patients with normal and reduced left ventricular systolic function

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether measurements of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) can be used to differentiate patients with normal and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in an unselected consecutive group of hospital inpatients.

SETTING

City general hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.

PATIENTS AND DESIGN

During a 10 month period 2230 admissions to a city general hospital (80% of targeted patients) had an echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular function, a comprehensive clinical evaluation, and blood analysis of N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) within 24 hours of admission. Exclusions resulted from lack of informed consent or failure to obtain the required evaluations before death or discharge from hospital. Echocardiography was unsatisfactory in 37 patients, so the final number studied was 2193.

RESULTS

A raised NT-proBNP (>or= 357 pmol/l) identified patients with an LVEF of <or= 40% (n = 157) with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 82%. The negative predictive value of having an NT-proBNP concentration below 357 pmol/l was 98%. Concentrations of NT-proBNP increased with increasing age and with decreasing LVEF (p < 0.05). A predicted concentration of NT-proBNP (corrected for age, sex, and serum creatinine) was determined for each patient. In patients with an NT-proBNP value less than predicted, the probability of having an LVEF of > 40% was more than 97%. This probability rapidly decreased to 70% as the measured NT-proBNP increased to 150% of the predicted value.

CONCLUSIONS

A single measurement of NT-proBNP at the time of hospital admission provides important information about LVEF in unselected patients.

[Hepatitis B--a viral oncogene?]

Infection with hepatitis B virus may develop into a chronic carrier state, which may result in chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but the exact mechanism of the development of hepatocellular carcinoma is still not known. The question is whether it is hepatitis B virus itself or the cellular changes due to persistent hepatitis B virus infection that cause malignant changes? The purpose of this article was to describe the natural history of hepatitis B virus infection together with epidemiological, serological, and molecular data that show a connection between chronic hepatitis B virus infection and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Genotype mixtures of hepatitis B virus in patients treated with interferon

Little is known about coinfection among several hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes, although previous reports of recombination and genotype shifts indicate that this should occur. In the present study, we designed a method to identify mixtures of genotype A and another genotype, regardless of whether one of them predominates. Using this method, signs of genotypic coinfection were found in 20 (67%) of 30 hepatitis B e antigen-positive patients treated with interferon (IFN). In 8 of these patients, coinfection or genotype shifts were detectable by direct sequencing or standard preS genotyping. In most of these cases, genotype changes were detected after a >2-log decrease or increase of the HBV DNA level. The presence of genotype mixtures did not significantly influence IFN response. Because quasi-species selection may occur at or shortly after transmission, patients might acquire HBV infection from subjects who appear to be infected with a different genotype. This should be considered when tracing the source of HBV infection.

TTV viral load as a marker for immune reconstitution after initiation of HAART in HIV-infected patients

PURPOSE

To investigate whether TT virus (TTV) viral load may be used as a surrogate marker for functional immune reconstitution in HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

METHOD

Fifteen protease inhibitor-naïve HIV-infected patients were included in a longitudinal study. From each patient, three serum samples taken before HAART initiation and three samples taken during HAART were analyzed. TTV was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and was quantitated by competitive PCR. TTV viral heterogeneity was determined by restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and sequencing.

RESULTS

All 15 HIV-infected patients were TTV positive. No significant change in HIV RNA or TTV viral load was observed at the three time points before HAART initiation. Even though HAART lead to an immediate and significant reduction in HIV RNA (p =.0001), a significant reduction in TTV viral load (p =.0002) was not observed until after 3-5 months of HAART. Four patients did not have an increase in CD4+ T cell count after 1 year of HAART; however, a decrease in TTV viral load was still observed, and three of these patients had a reduction in HIV RNA. RFLPs and sequencing revealed that TTV is represented as a heterogeneous population of virus in HIV-infected patients.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study suggests that HAART leads to improved immunological responses, even in patients who do not have an increase in CD4+ T cell counts. We propose that the change in TTV viral load may be useful in the evaluation of cellular immune response at a functional level in HIV-infected patients who receive HAART.

Mutations in the X region and core promoter are rare and have little impact on response to interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis B

Therapy for chronic hepatitis B with interferon-alpha (IFN) may result in viral clearance and hepatitis B e seroconversion in 30-40% of patients. It is still unclear whether viral genetic variability influences response rates. However, certain core promoter mutations were recently associated with a better response to IFN. In the present study, the entire X region, including the core promoter, of hepatitis B virus (HBV) from 26 HBeAg-positive patients treated with IFN for 12 weeks, was sequenced. Serum samples pre-treatment, at end-of-treatment, and at follow-up of 18 sustained and 8 nonsustained responders were analyzed. Most patients were of European origin and had moderate aminotransferase elevation (mean 2.4 x upper limit of normal) and genotype A infection. Before treatment, 16 patients had an X region identical to a consensus sequence of the corresponding genotype; in the remaining 10 patients, a median of 1.5 mutations were found. After treatment, 1-4 new mutations (mean 1.8) had emerged in 5 patients. There was no association between specific mutations, or the number of mutations, and response to IFN. The low frequency of mutations indicates that analysis of this region is of limited clinical value and that emerging mutations in this region are not major determinants of response to treatment with IFN-alpha.

[Polyarteritis nodosa and hepatitis B infection treated with lamivudine]

A 36-year-old man was diagnosed with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). He presented with weight loss, hypertension, and mono-neuritis. Pneumoperitoneum and septicaemia developed and laparotomy revealed necrosis of a segment of the ileum. The patient was HBsAg/HBeAg and HBV DNA positive. Liver biopsy showed active cirrhosis. The PAN symptoms remitted upon treatment with prednisolone and lamivudine. Seroconversion from HBeAg to anti-HBe occurred six months later. One year after the end of treatment, the patient was still HBeAg and HBV DNA negative, with normal liver enzymes and no symptoms of PAN.

Sequential combination of glucocorticosteroids and alfa interferon versus alfa interferon alone for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis B has serious effects on morbidity and mortality. Alfa interferon has been shown to increase the rates of HBeAg-clearance as well as seroconversion to anti-HBe, but response rates are unsatisfactory. Glucocorticosteroid pretreatment may increase the response to alfa interferon.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to assess the effects of the sequential combination of glucocorticosteroids and alfa interferon versus alfa interferon alone in hepatitis B 'e' antigen positive chronic hepatitis B on mortality, virological response, biochemical response, liver histology, quality of life, and adverse events.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Electronic searches of the controlled trial registers of The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group and The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, BIOSIS, and EMBASE were combined (May 2000). Reading the bibliography of retrieved articles identified further trials. Alfa interferon-manufacturing companies were approached in order to inquire about any published and unpublished randomised trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The analyses included randomised trials comparing identical alfa interferon treatment regimens with and without glucocorticosteroid pretreatment for hepatitis B 'e' antigen positive chronic hepatitis. The trials could be open, single blinded, or double blinded. No patient exclusion criteria were applied.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three reviewers independently selected the trials and one extracted the data, which were validated. Assessments of the outcome measures were performed at the end of treatment and at six months and at maximal follow up after the end of treatment with alfa interferon.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 13 randomised trials including 790 patients were included. Loss of hepatitis B 'e' antigen (OR 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.92, P = 0.03) and hepatitis B virus DNA (OR = 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 2.05, P = 0.008) were significantly more frequent among patients treated with the sequential combination of glucocorticosteroids and alfa interferon than among patients treated with alfa interferon alone. Glucocorticosteroid pretreatment did not significantly influence seroconversion from hepatitis B 'e' antigen to antibodies to hepatitis B 'e' antigen, loss of hepatitis B surface antigen, normalisation of alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase activities, and severity of adverse events. Glucocorticosteroid pretreatment did not significantly affect mortality and adverse events. The effect of glucocorticosteroid pretreatment on liver histology and quality of life could not be assessed due to insufficient data.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment with glucocorticosteroids before treatment with alfa interferon in patients with hepatitis B 'e' antigen positive chronic hepatitis B may be more effective than treatment with alfa interferon alone with regard to loss of hepatitis B 'e' antigen and hepatitis B virus DNA, but evidence for effect on clinical outcomes is lacking.

Ribavirin with or without alpha interferon versus no intervention, placebo or alpha interferon for chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Ribavirin plus interferon combination therapy is presently considered the optimal treatment of interferon naive patients with chronic hepatitis C, but its role in relapsers and non-responders to previous interferon therapy is not established.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of ribavirin alone or in combination with alpha interferon in interferon naive patients, relapsers, and non-responders with chronic hepatitis C.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Eligible trials were identified through electronic databases, manual searches of bibliographies and journals, authors of trials, and pharmaceutical companies producing ribavirin or interferon (August 2001).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised trials comparing ribavirin with or without alpha interferon versus no intervention, placebo, or alpha interferon for chronic hepatitis C.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The primary outcome measures were the 'sustained' (six months after treatment) virological response, and morbidity plus mortality. The secondary outcome measures were the 'end of treatment' and 'sustained' biochemical response, the 'end of treatment' virologic response, histology, quality of life, and adverse events.

MAIN RESULTS

We included eight trials in which 271 patients were randomised to ribavirin versus placebo or no intervention and 48 trials in which 6585 patients were randomised to interferon with or without ribavirin. Compared with placebo or no intervention, ribavirin monotherapy had no significant effect on the virological response or histology and only a transient effect on the biochemical response. Compared with interferon, combination therapy reduced the risk of not having a sustained virological response by 26% in naive patients (relative risk (RR) 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-0.78), 33% in relapsers (RR 0.67; 95% CI 0.57-0.78), and 11% in non-responders (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.83-0.96). There was no significant effect on morbidity plus mortality (Peto odds ratio 0.45; 95% CI 0.19-1.06). Irrespective of previous therapy, combination therapy significantly reduced the risk of not having a sustained biochemical response (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.59-0.84) or improved histology (RR 0.67; 95% CI 0.56-0.81). Combination therapy also significantly increased the risk of treatment discontinuation (RR 1.28; 95% CI 1.07-1.52) and several types of adverse events.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapy increased the number of naive patients, relapsers, and non-responders with a sustained virological, biochemical, or histological response, but also the occurrence of adverse events.

Interferon alfa with or without ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C: systematic review of randomised trials

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of interferon alfa with or without ribavirin for treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

DESIGN

Systematic review of randomised trials on interferon alfa plus ribavirin combination therapy versus interferon alfa. Patients were naive (not previously treated with interferon), relapsers (transient response to previous interferon therapy), or non-responders (no response to previous interferon therapy).

STUDIES REVIEWED

Of 1155 references identified, 48 trials with 6585 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients were followed to the end of treatment in 20 trials and in 28 trials for 12-96 weeks after treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Virological response and morbidity plus mortality.

RESULTS

Compared with interferon, combination therapy reduced the risk of not having a sustained virological response for 6 months by 26% in naive patients (relative risk 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 0.78), 33% in relapsers (0.67, 0.57 to 0.78), and 11% in non-responders (0.89, 0.83 to 0.96). Morbidity and mortality showed a non-significant trend in favour of combination therapy (Peto odds ratio 0.45, 0.19 to 1.06). Combination therapy significantly reduced the risk of not having improvement in results of histology by 17% in naive patients (0.83, 0.74 to 0.93) and by 27% in relapsers and non-responders (0.73, 0.66 to 0.82). The risk of treatment discontinuations was significantly higher after combination therapy (1.28, 1.07 to 1.52).

CONCLUSION

Treatment with interferon alfa plus ribavirin has a significant beneficial effect on the virological and histological responses of patients with chronic hepatitis C, irrespective of previous treatment. Combination therapy may therefore also be considered appropriate for relapsers and non-responders.

Virological response to interferon therapy of chronic hepatitis B as measured by a highly sensitive assay

In the interferon (IFN) treatment of chronic hepatitis B, there is no accepted definition of virological response as measured by highly sensitive HBV DNA assays. In the present study of 98 patients given IFN (10 MU/day for 1 week, then 10 MU TIW for 11 weeks) with or without prednisolone priming, a virological response was identified as log HBV DNA/mL below 6.0 (by Amplicor Monitor, Roche) 6 months post-treatment. At this time, 92% (33/36) of the sustained responders (SR) still had detectable viraemia with log HBV DNA/mL at 4.30 +/- 0.15 (+/- SEM), as compared with 8.69 +/- 0.097 in nonsustained responders. Pretreatment viraemia below a threshold at 500 million copies/mL was associated with higher chance of response (P=0.023). Prednisolone enhanced the sustained response (53% vs. 30%, P=0.025), and in particular end-of-treatment response (ETR, 50% vs. 10%, P < 0.0001). ETR was predictive for SR (P < 0.0001), especially when log HBV DNA/mL was < 4.0 (PPV=92%). The potential value of differentiating the therapy of chronic hepatitis B on the basis of viraemia levels, as measured by highly sensitive assays, should be further investigated.

A randomized trial assessing the impact of written information on outpatients' knowledge about and attitude toward randomized clinical trials. The INFO trial group

To improve the patient education process in clinical research, three information materials describing general aspects of design and conduct of randomized clinical trials were developed. The materials varied in length, reading ability level, and reader appeal. Their influence on knowledge about and attitude toward randomized clinical trials was assessed in a randomized, parallel group, evaluator-blinded trial among 415 outpatients. The patients were randomized to the following groups: control (no intervention), leaflet, brochure, or booklet. Knowledge was assessed by a 17-item multiple-choice questionnaire and attitude was assessed by a 32-item Likert questionnaire at entry and 2 weeks after the intervention. The interventions and the questionnaires were pilot tested and power calculations were performed. At entry, the mean knowledge score was 7.9 points. At follow-up, the knowledge scores increased by 0.5 for the control, 1.0 for the leaflet, 1.6 for the brochure, and 1.4 for the booklet. The brochure and the booklet improved the knowledge score significantly compared with the control. The general attitude was positive at entry (mean 71.5 points). Only the booklet significantly increased the total attitude score (4.8 points) and the randomized clinical trials attitude subscale score (1.8 points). In conclusion, written information significantly improved outpatients' knowledge about and attitude toward randomized clinical trials. Detailed rather than brief information was more effective. Control Clin Trials 2000;21:223-240

Prevalence and prognostic significance of infection with TT virus in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus

No clear association between human disease and TT virus (TTV) has been documented. A possible pathogenic role of TTV was investigated in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). TTV serum concentrations were estimated in 185 HIV-infected patients by dilution polymerase chain reaction. Of these, 149 (76%) were TTV-positive, compared with 18 (7%) of 252 Danish blood donors (P<. 001). Of the HIV-infected patients who were TTV-positive, 72 (51%) had high TTV viremia (>/=5 times the highest concentration observed among blood donors, i.e., >/=3.5x105 TTV/mL of serum). High TTV viremia was associated with decreased survival (P<.001; relative hazard [RH], 2.0). There was a correlation between lower CD4+ T cell counts and higher TTV titers (P<.01). In a Cox regression model, CD4+ T cell count (P<.001), age (P<.001), HIV viral load (P<.001), beta2 microglobulin (P<.02), and high TTV viremia (P<.01; RH, 1.9) were independent predictors of survival. TTV is suspected to be an opportunistic pathogen with an independent influence on HIV progression.

Natural history and etiology of liver disease in patients with previous community-acquired acute non-A, non-B hepatitis. A follow-up study of 178 Danish patients consecutively enrolled in The Copenhagen Hepatitis Acuta Programme in the period 1969-1987

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Consecutive patients originally diagnosed with acute non-A, non-B hepatitis were followed up to assess the long-term morbidity and mortality and to re-evaluate the etiology in surviving patients.

METHODS

Follow-up was performed in 178 patients with acute non-A, non-B hepatitis enrolled in the Copenhagen Hepatitis Acuta Programme in the period 1969-1987. Mortality and morbidity were assessed using: i) death certificates and ii) diagnoses at discharge following all somatic admissions. All patients who were alive were offered a re-examination encompassing clinical, biochemical and virological evaluation.

RESULTS

After a median of 23 years, 71 (40%) had died and seven (4%) were untraceable. Overall mortality and mortality due to cirrhosis and accidents, mainly intoxication with drugs, were significantly higher compared to those of an age- and sex-matched Danish population. Chronic hepatitis had been diagnosed in 19 (11%) and cirrhosis in 16 (9%). Of 100 patients who were alive, 57 accepted a re-examination. Anti-HCV was detected in 24 (42%) and 19 (33%) were HCV-RNA positive. Of the viremic patients, 11 (58%) had elevated P-ALT, but only three (16%) had already been diagnosed with HCV infection. A history of intravenous drug use was tantamount to anti-HCV positivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Danish patients with community-acquired acute non-A, non-B hepatitis had an increased mortality due to liver cirrhosis during the first years after the acute infection. Alcohol was the etiological agent in several cases, but HCV infection may also have been present. However, the long-term HCV-related morbidity and mortality were low.

[Occurrence of hepatitis B and C among mentally retarded]

The objective of this study was to examine whether the prevalence of hepatitis C, like hepatitis B, is increased among the mentally retarded in Denmark. The prevalence of serological markers of hepatitis B and C was examined in an institution for the mentally retarded. A total of 126 out of 178 inhabitants (71%) with a median age of 49 years (range 23-78) participated. All subjects were anti-HCV-negative by third generation ELISA antibody test. A total of 45 (35.7%) subjects were anti-HBc-positive and 10 (7.9%) were HBsAg-positive. Among subjects with Down's syndrome (n = 20), 55% were anti-HBc-positive and 30% were HBsAg-positive as compared to 32% and 3.8% respectively among others. In conclusion, hepatitis C infection seems to be uncommon among mentally retarded persons in Denmark and the risk of acquiring infection not significantly increased as compared to that of the general population. The prevalence of serological markers for hepatitis B was high and comparable to previous studies in this population.

Effectiveness of active physical training as treatment for long-standing adductor-related groin pain in athletes: randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Groin pain is common among athletes. A major cause of long-standing problems is adductor-related groin pain. The purpose of this randomised clinical trial was to compare an active training programme (AT) with a physiotherapy treatment without active training (PT) in the treatment of adductor-related groin pain in athletes.

METHODS

68 athletes with long-standing (median 40 weeks) adductor-related groin pain--after examination according to a standardised protocol--were randomly assigned to AT or PT. The treatment period was 8-12 weeks. 4 months after the end of treatment a standardised examination was done. The examining physician was unaware of the treatment allocation. The ultimate outcome measure was full return to sports at the same level without groin pain. Analyses were by intention to treat.

FINDINGS

23 patients in the AT group and four in the PT group returned to sports without groin pain (odds ratio, multiple-logistic-regression analysis, 12.7 [95% CI 3.4-47.2]). The subjective global assessments of the effect of the treatments showed a significant (p=0.006) linear trend towards a better effect in the AT group. A per-protocol analysis did not show appreciably different results.

INTERPRETATION

AT with a programme aimed at improving strength and coordination of the muscles acting on the pelvis, in particular the adductor muscles, is very effective in the treatment of athletes with long-standing adductor-related groin pain. The potential preventive value of a short programme based upon the principles of AT should be assessed in future, randomised, clinical trials.

The long-term effect of treatment with interferon-alpha 2a in chronic hepatitis B. The Long-Term Follow-up Investigator Group. The European Study Group on Viral Hepatitis (EUROHEP). Executive Team on Anti-Viral Treatment

This study was performed to evaluate the long-term effects of interferon-alpha 2a (IFN-alpha 2a) vs no treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B and to determine whether viral clearance, following therapy or occurring spontaneously, was sustained. Patients originating from three previously published multicentre, randomized, controlled trials were analysed. Information about survival and response during long-term follow-up was available in 340 (73%) and 308 (66%) of 469 randomized patients respectively. Response to therapy (viral clearance) was defined as: loss of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and loss of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and improvement in alanine aminotransferase level. Scheduled treatment-free follow-up was 12 months in all studies. Median long-term follow-up time after inclusion in the individual studies was 4.7 years (range: 0.2-7.5 years). Viral clearance after IFN-alpha 2a, or occurring spontaneously, was sustained in 70 out of 80 evaluable patients (88%) who were responders at the end of the original trials and 21 (30%) lost hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). A total of 80 patients received (re)treatment during the long-term follow-up period and 33% of them responded, irrespective of previous treatment category. Overall response rate was not significantly affected by gender, sexual inclination or ethnic origin. Durability of response did not depend upon ethnic origin or presence of cirrhosis. At the end of the original trial periods, 253 patients were histologically evaluated and 22 (9%) had histologically confirmed progression to cirrhosis. During long-term follow-up an additional five patients developed cirrhosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma developed in three patients (1%): in one patient during the follow-up period of the original trial and in two patients (one untreated) during the long-term follow-up period. Ten of 25 deaths were liver-related (hepatocellular carcinoma in three, gastrointestinal bleeding in two and liver failure in five). The distribution of clinical events (progression to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver-related deaths) was unrelated to original treatment category and response to treatment. Hence, 90% of responding patients will, irrespective of treatment category, have a sustained response. At least 30% of responding patients will eventually lose HBsAg. For a number of reasons, the present patient population and observation period are insufficient to establish a presumed beneficial effect of IFN-alpha 2a on disease progression and survival.