ABO blood group does not influence Child-Pugh A cirrhosis outcome: An observational study from CIRRAL and ANRS CO12 CIRVIR cohorts

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Non-O blood group promotes deep vein thrombosis and liver fibrosis in both general population and hepatitis C. We aimed to evaluate the influence of Non-O group on the outcome of Child-Pugh A cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

We used two prospective cohorts of Child-Pugh A cirrhosis due to either alcohol or viral hepatitis. Primary end point was the cumulated incidence of 'Decompensation' at 3 years, defined as the occurrence of ascites , hydrothorax, encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding related to portal hypertension, or bilirubin >45 μmol/L. Secondary end points were the cumulated incidences of (1) 'Disease Progression' including a « decompensation» or « the occurrence of one or more parameters » among: prothrombin time (PT) <45%, albumin <28 g/L, Child-Pugh worsening (B or C vs A or B, C vs B), hepatorenal syndrome, and hepato-pulmonary syndrome, (2) other events such as non-malignant portal vein thrombosis (nmPVT), and (3) overall survival.

RESULTS

Patients (n = 1789; 59.9% Non-O group; 40.1% group O) were followed during a median of 65.4 months. At 3 years cumulated incidence of Decompensation was 8.3% in Non-O group and 7.2% in group O (P = .27). Cumulated incidence of Disease Progression was 20.7% in Non-O group and 18.9% in group O (P = .26). Cumulated incidence of nmPVT was 2.7% in Non-O group and 2.8% in group O (P = .05). At 3 years overall survival was 92.4% in Non-O group and 93.4% in group O (P = 1).

CONCLUSION

Non-O group does not influence disease outcome in Child-Pugh A cirrhotic patients. Clinicals trial number NCT03342170.

Predictive factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B using structural equation modeling: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The factors predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence in chronic hepatitis B need to be precisely known to improve its detection. We identified pathways and individual predictive factors associated with HCC in the ANRS CO22 HEPATHER cohort.

METHODS

The study analyzed HBV-infected patients recruited at 32 French expert hepatology centers from August 6, 2012, to December 31, 2015. We excluded patients with chronic HCV, HDV and a history of HCC, decompensated cirrhosis or liver transplantation. Structural equation models were developed to characterize the causal pathways leading to HCC occurrence. The association between clinical characteristics (age, gender, body-mass index, liver fibrosis, alcohol consumption, smoking status, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, alpha-fetoprotein, HBV DNA levels, antiviral therapy) and incident HCC was quantified.

RESULTS

Among the 4489 patients included, 33 patients reported incident HCC. The median follow-up was 45.5 months. Age (β = 0.18 by decade, 95% CI 0.14-0.23), male gender (β = 0.23, 95% CI 0.18-0.29), metabolic syndrome (β = 0.28, 95% CI 0.22-0.33), alcohol consumption (β = 0.09, 95% CI 0.05-0.14) and HBV DNA (β = 0.25, 95% CI 0.170.34) had a significant and direct effect on the occurrence of advanced liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis (β = 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.87) predicted, in turn, the occurrence of HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver fibrosis mediates the effects of age, gender, alcohol, metabolic syndrome and HBV DNA on the occurrence of HCC. Elderly men with chronic hepatitis B, risky alcohol use, advanced liver fibrosis, metabolic syndrome and high HBV DNA levels should be monitored closely to detect the development of HCC.

The Use of Rifaximin in the Prevention of Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy After Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt : A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of rifaximin in the secondary prevention of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is well documented, but its effectiveness in preventing a first episode in patients after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has not been established.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether rifaximin prevents overt HE after TIPS compared with placebo.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02016196).

PARTICIPANTS

197 patients with cirrhosis undergoing TIPS for intractable ascites or prevention of variceal rebleeding.

INTERVENTION

Patients were randomly assigned to receive rifaximin (600 mg twice daily) or placebo, beginning 14 days before TIPS and continuing for 168 days after the procedure.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary efficacy end point was incidence of overt HE within 168 days after the TIPS procedure.

RESULTS

An episode of overt HE occurred in 34% (95% CI, 25% to 44%) of patients in the rifaximin group (n = 93) and 53% (CI, 43% to 63%) in the placebo group (n = 93) during the postprocedure period (odds ratio, 0.48 [CI, 0.27 to 0.87]). Neither the incidence of adverse events nor transplant-free survival was significantly different between the 2 groups.

LIMITATIONS

The study's conclusion applies mainly to patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, who made up the study population. The potential benefit of rifaximin 6 months after TIPS and beyond remains to be investigated.

CONCLUSION

In patients with cirrhosis treated with TIPS, rifaximin was well tolerated and reduced the risk for overt HE. Rifaximin should therefore be considered for prophylaxis of post-TIPS HE.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

French Public Health Ministry.

Original Study: Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt as a Bridge to Abdominal Surgery in Cirrhotic Patients

BACKGROUND

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been suggested to reduce portal hypertension-associated complications in cirrhotic patients undergoing abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative outcome in cirrhotic patients with and without specific preoperative TIPS placement, following elective extrahepatic abdominal surgery.

METHODS

Patients were retrospectively included from 2005 to 2016 in four centers. Patients who underwent preoperative TIPS (n = 66) were compared to cirrhotic control patients without TIPS (n = 68). Postoperative outcome was analyzed using propensity score with inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, colorectal surgery accounted for 54% of all surgical procedure. TIPS patients had a higher initial Child-Pugh score (6[5-12] vs. 6[5-9], p = 0.043) and received more beta-blockers (65% vs. 22%, p < 0.001). In TIPS group, 56 (85%) patients managed to undergo planned surgery. Preoperative TIPS was associated with less postoperative ascites (hazard ratio = 0.330 [0.140-0.780]). Severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo > 2) and 90-day mortality were similar between TIPS and no-TIPS groups (18% vs. 23%, p = 0.392, and 7.5% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.644, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative TIPS placement yielded an 85% operability rate with satisfying postoperative outcomes. No significant differences were found between TIPS and no-TIPS groups in terms of severe postoperative complications and mortality, although TIPS patients probably had worse initial portal hypertension.

Comparison of the effect of direct-acting antiviral with and without ribavirin on cyclosporine and tacrolimus clearance values: results from the ANRS CO23 CUPILT cohort

PURPOSE

Direct-acting antiviral agents have demonstrated their efficacy in treating HCV recurrence after liver transplantation and particularly the sofosbuvir/daclatasvir combination. Pharmacokinetic data on both calcineurin inhibitors and direct-acting antiviral exposure in liver transplant recipients remain sparse.

METHODS

Patients were enrolled from the ANRS CO23 CUPILT cohort. All patients treated with sofosbuvir/daclatasvir with or without ribavirin were included in this study when blood samples were available to estimate the clearance of immunosuppressive therapy before direct-acting antiviral initiation and during follow-up. Apparent tacrolimus and cyclosporine clearances were estimated from trough concentrations measured using validated quality control assays.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven mainly male patients (79%) were included, with a mean age of 57 years and mean MELD score of 8.2; 50 were on tacrolimus, 17 on cyclosporine. Ribavirin was combined with sofosbuvir/daclatasvir in 52% of patients. Cyclosporine clearance remained unchanged as well as tacrolimus clearance under the ribavirin-free regimen. Tacrolimus clearance increased 4 weeks after direct-acting antivirals and ribavirin initiation versus baseline (geometric mean ratio 1.81; 90% CI 1.30-2.52). Patients under ribavirin had a significantly higher fibrosis stage (> 2) (p = 0.02) and lower haemoglobin during direct-acting antiviral treatment (p = 0.02) which impacted tacrolimus measurements. Direct-acting antiviral exposure was within the expected range.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that liver transplant patients with a recurrence of hepatitis C who are initiating ribavirin combined with a sofosbuvir-daclatasvir direct-acting antiviral regimen may be at risk of lower tacrolimus concentrations because of probable ribavirin-induced anaemia and higher fibrosis score, although there are no effects on cyclosporine levels.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01944527.

Clinical outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis C after direct-acting antiviral treatment: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although direct-acting antivirals have been used extensively to treat patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, their clinical effectiveness has not been well reported. We compared the incidence of death, hepatocellular carcinoma, and decompensated cirrhosis between patients treated with direct-acting antivirals and those untreated, in the French ANRS CO22 Hepather cohort.

METHODS

We did a prospective study in adult patients with chronic HCV infection enrolled from 32 expert hepatology centres in France. We excluded patients with chronic hepatitis B, those with a history of decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver transplantation, and patients who were treated with interferon-ribavirin with or without first-generation protease inhibitors. Co-primary study outcomes were incidence of all-cause mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma, and decompensated cirrhosis. The association between direct-acting antivirals and these outcomes was quantified using time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01953458.

FINDINGS

Between Aug 6, 2012, and Dec 31, 2015, 10 166 patients were eligible for the study. 9895 (97%) patients had available follow-up information and were included in analyses. Median follow-up was 33·4 months (IQR 24·0-40·7). Treatment with direct-acting antivirals was initiated during follow-up in 7344 patients, and 2551 patients remained untreated at the final follow-up visit. During follow-up, 218 patients died (129 treated, 89 untreated), 258 reported hepatocellular carcinoma (187 treated, 71 untreated), and 106 had decompensated cirrhosis (74 treated, 32 untreated). Exposure to direct-acting antivirals was associated with increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2·77, 95% CI 2·07-3·71) and decompensated cirrhosis (3·83, 2·29-6·42). After adjustment for variables (age, sex, body-mass index, geographical origin, infection route, fibrosis score, HCV treatment-naive, HCV genotype, alcohol consumption, diabetes, arterial hypertension, biological variables, and model for end-stage liver disease score in patients with cirrhosis), exposure to direct-acting antivirals was associated with a decrease in all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 0·48, 95% CI 0·33-0·70) and hepatocellular carcinoma (0·66, 0·46-0·93), and was not associated with decompensated cirrhosis (1·14, 0·57-2·27).

INTERPRETATION

Treatment with direct-acting antivirals is associated with reduced risk for mortality and hepatocellular carcinoma and should be considered in all patients with chronic HCV infection.

FUNDING

INSERM-ANRS (France Recherche Nord & Sud Sida-HIV Hépatites), ANR (Agence Nationale de la Recherche), DGS (Direction Générale de la Santé), MSD, Janssen, Gilead, AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Roche.

Pregnancy in idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: A multicentric study on maternal and fetal management and outcome

BACKGROUND & AIMS

A total of 15% of patients with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) are women of childbearing age. We aimed to determine maternal and fetal outcome of pregnancies occurring in women with INCPH.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the charts of women with INCPH followed in the centers of the VALDIG network, having had ≥1 pregnancy during the follow-up of their liver disease. Data are represented as median (interquartile range).

RESULTS

A total of 24 pregnancies occurred in 16 women within 24 (5-66) months after INCPH diagnosis. Four women had associated partial portal vein thrombosis before pregnancy. At conception, 2 out of the 16 women had detectable ascites and others were asymptomatic. Out of these 24 pregnancies, there were four miscarriages, one ectopic pregnancy, and one medical termination of pregnancy at 20 weeks of gestation. Out of the 18 other pregnancies reaching 20 weeks of gestation (in 14 patients), there were nine preterm and nine term deliveries. All infants were healthy at delivery, but one died at day 1 of unknown cause and one at day 22 of infectious meningitis; both were preterm. Concerning mothers, two had worsening of ascites, two had variceal bleeding despite non-selective betablockers during pregnancy and one developed a main portal vein thrombosis in early postpartum. Genital bleeding occurred in three patients, including two receiving anticoagulation. All 16 women were alive and asymptomatic after a median follow-up of 27 (9-93) months after last delivery.

CONCLUSION

The overall outcome of women with INCPH who become pregnant is favorable despite a significant incidence of complications related to portal hypertension. Fetal outcome is favorable in most pregnancies reaching 20 weeks of gestation.

LAY SUMMARY

About 15% of patients with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension are women of childbearing age, who can become pregnant. As available reports on pregnancy in these women are scarce and heterogeneous, it is unclear whether or not pregnancy should be contraindicated in this setting. We provide detailed data showing that, regardless of the associated conditions, the overall outcome of women with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension becoming pregnant is good despite a significant incidence of complications related to portal hypertension, and that fetal outcome is favorable in most pregnancies reaching 20 weeks of gestation.

12 Weeks of a Ribavirin-Free Sofosbuvir and Nonstructural Protein 5A Inhibitor Regimen Is Enough to Treat Recurrence of Hepatitis C After Liver Transplantation

Sofosbuvir (SOF) combined with nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) inhibitors has demonstrated its efficacy in treating a recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation (LT). However, the duration of treatment and need for ribavirin (RBV) remain unclear in this population. Our aim was to determine whether LT recipients could be treated with an SOF + NS5A inhibitor-based regimen without RBV for 12 weeks post-LT. Between October 2013 and December 2015, 699 LT recipients experiencing an HCV recurrence were enrolled in the multicenter ANRS CO23 CUPILT cohort. We selected patients receiving SOF and NS5A inhibitor ± RBV and followed for at least 12 weeks after treatment discontinuation. The primary efficacy endpoint was a sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). Among these 699 patients, 512 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Their main characteristics were: 70.1% genotype 1, 18.2% genotype 3, 21.1% cirrhosis, and 34.4% previously treated patients. We identified four groups of patients according to their treatment and duration: SOF + NS5A without RBV for 12 (156 patients) or 24 (239 patients) weeks; SOF + NS5A + RBV for 12 (47 patients) or 24 (70 patients) weeks. SVR12 values reached 94.9%, 97.9%, 95.7%, and 92.9%, respectively (P = 0.14). Only 20 patients experienced a treatment failure. Under multivariate analysis, factors such as fibrosis stage, previous treatment, HCV genotype, and baseline HCV viral load did not influence SVR12 rates in the four groups (P = 0.21). Hematological adverse events (AEs) were more common in the RBV group: anemia (P < 0.0001) and blood transfusion (P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

SOF + NS5A inhibitors without RBV for 12 weeks constituted reliable therapy for recurrent HCV post-LT with an excellent SVR12 whatever the fibrosis stage, HCV genotype, and previous HCV treatment. (Hepatology 2018; 00:000-000).

Safety of sofosbuvir-based regimens after liver transplantation: longitudinal assessment of renal function in the prospective ANRS CO23 CUPILT study

BACKGROUND

In liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C virus recurrence, there is concern about renal safety of sofosbuvir-based regimens. Changes in serum creatinine or in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) under treatment are used to look for possible renal toxicity. However, serum creatinine and eGFR are highly variable.

AIM

To analyse renal function trajectory with numerous assays of serum creatinine over a long period of time.

METHODS

In a multicentre cohort of 139 patients, the eGFR was obtained from serum creatinine using the Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. Slopes of eGFR were defined as a change in eGFR during a period divided by time. Pre-treatment, on-treatment and post-treatment periods were 9 months, 3-9 months and 4.5 months. Interactions between eGFR slopes and the pre-treatment eGFR, use of ribavirin or mycophenolate mofetil, and stage of fibrosis were addressed. On-treatment eGFR slopes were separated in tertiles. Pre- and post-treatment eGFR slopes were compared globally and according to tertiles.

RESULTS

The post-treatment eGFR slope was significantly better than pre-treatment eGFR slope (+0.18 (IQR -0.76 to +1.32) vs -0.11 (IQR -1.01 to +0.73) mL/min/1.73 m² /month, P = 0.03) independently of the pre-treatment eGFR (P = 0.99), ribavirin administration (P = 0.26), mycophenolate mofetil administration (P = 0.51) and stage of fibrosis (F3 and F4 vs lower stages, P = 0.18; F4 vs lower stages, P = 0.08; F4 Child-Pugh B and C vs lower stages, P = 0.38). Tertiles of on-treatment eGFR slopes were -1.71 (IQR -2.54 to -1.48), -0.78 (IQR -1.03 to -0.36) and +0.75 (IQR +0.28 to +1.47) mL/min/1.73 m² /month. Pre- and post-treatment eGFR slopes were not significantly different according to tertiles (respectively, P = 0.34, 0.08, 0.73).

CONCLUSION

The eGFR varies during treatment and gives a confusing picture of the renal safety of sofosbuvir-based regimens. In contrast, longitudinal assessment of the eGFR shows a rising trajectory over longer time, meaning that these therapies are safe for the kidneys in our cohort of liver transplant recipients.

Direct-acting antiviral agent-based regimen for HCV recurrence after combined liver-kidney transplantation: Results from the ANRS CO23 CUPILT study

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with reduced patient survival following combined liver-kidney transplantation (LKT). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of second-generation direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in this difficult-to-treat population. The ANRS CO23 "Compassionate use of Protease Inhibitors in Viral C Liver Transplantation" (CUPILT) study is a prospective cohort including transplant recipients with recurrent HCV infection treated with DAAs. The present work focused on recipients with recurrent infection following LKT. The study population included 23 patients. All patients received at least one NS5B inhibitor (sofosbuvir) in their antiviral regimen an average of 90 months after LKT. Ninety-six percent of recipients achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) at week 12 (SVR12). In terms of tolerance, 39% of recipients presented with at least one serious adverse event. None of the patients experienced acute rejection during therapy and there were no deaths during follow-up. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreased significantly from baseline to the end of therapy. However, this study did not show that the decline in GFR persisted over time or that it was directly related to DAAs. The DAA-based regimen is well tolerated with excellent results in terms of efficacy. It will become the gold standard for the treatment of recurrent HCV following LKT.

Daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir, with or without ribavirin, for hepatitis C virus genotype 3 in a French early access programme

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Optimally effective treatment for hepatitis C virus genotype 3 (GT3) is urgently needed, particularly in advanced liver disease. Daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir was efficacious in phase 3 studies. Real-world data for daclatasvir+sofosbuvir in advanced GT3 infection are presented from the French Temporary Authorisation for Use programme, which allowed patients in need without other treatment options access to daclatasvir ahead of its market authorization.

METHODS

Patients with F3/F4 fibrosis and/or extrahepatic hepatitis C virus manifestations, post-liver transplant hepatitis C virus recurrence and/or indication for liver/kidney transplant, were treated with daclatasvir+sofosbuvir (60+400 mg daily) for a recommended duration of 24 weeks. Addition of ribavirin and/or shorter treatment was at physician's discretion. The primary efficacy analysis was sustained virological response at post-treatment week 12 (SVR12; modified intention-to-treat). Safety was assessed by spontaneous adverse event reporting.

RESULTS

The efficacy population comprised 333 patients, mostly cirrhotic (77%, of whom 18% were decompensated) and treatment experienced (72%). After 24 weeks of daclatasvir+sofosbuvir, SVR12 was 89% (174/196) overall (95% CI 83.6-92.5%), 98% (43/44) without cirrhosis (95% CI 88.2-99.6%) and 86% (129/150) with any degree of cirrhosis (95% CI 79.5-90.7%), without SVR12 increase in those who received additional ribavirin for 24 weeks (SVR12 82% [50/61; 95% CI 70.5-89.6%]). Among 516 GT3-infected patients with safety data, 5 discontinued for adverse events and 11 died.

CONCLUSIONS

Daclatasvir+sofosbuvir achieved high SVR12 rates and was well tolerated in this large real-world cohort of GT3-infected patients with advanced liver disease, without benefit of ribavirin in those treated 24 weeks.

Efficacy and safety of boceprevir-based triple therapy in HCV cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation (ANRS HC29 BOCEPRETRANSPLANT)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In this French multicentre, open-label study, we analyzed the efficacy, safety and patient-reported outcomes of a boceprevir-based triple therapy in HCV genotype 1 cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

Patients received PEG-IFN/ribavirin (RBV) for 48 weeks (W) and boceprevir from W4 to W48 or until LT.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients (80% males, median age: 56 years) were included. Fifty-seven percent had hepatocellular carcinoma and 43% end-stage liver disease. At enrolment, the median MELD score was 9 (range: 6-18); the Child-Pugh score was A in 65%, B in 35% and C in 2%. Therapy was discontinued because of severe adverse events (SAEs) in 39% of cases and virological inefficacy in 24%. 16% of patients had undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR24). LT was performed in 18 patients (35%). HCV RNA was undetectable in 16.6% at LT. Seven patients (14%) died and three deaths were attributed to treatment. SAEs (n=129) were observed in 84% of patients. Twenty-four percent of patients developed severe infections. Albumin<35g/L was independently associated with severe infection. Compared with baseline values, a significant decrease (P=0.02) of the physical dimension of health-related quality of life was observed between W4 and W24. The mean (95% CI) number of self-reported symptoms doubled during treatment (from 6.3 [4.8-7.7] to 11.8 [9.3-14.3]; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The safety of the PEG-IFN/RBV/boceprevir combination is poor in patients awaiting LT, with a high risk of severe infection. Moreover, the limited efficacy confirms the indication for IFN-free combinations in these patients.

Safety and efficacy of daclatasvir-sofosbuvir in HCV genotype 1-mono-infected patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We report the first real-life results of the sofosbuvir+daclatasvir combination in hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infected patients.

METHODS

The France REcherche Nord&Sud Sida-hiv Hépatites (ANRS) CO22 HEPATHER "Therapeutic options for hepatitis B and C: A French cohort" is a multicentre observational cohort which aims to include 15,000 HCV- and 10,000 HBV-infected patients. We selected all participants (n=768) with a HCV genotype 1 who initiated sofosbuvir (400mg/day) and daclatasvir (60mg/day) before October 1st 2014, with or without ribavirin (1-1.2g/day) for a duration of 12weeks or 24weeks. The main endpoint criterion was sustained virological response at 12weeks (SVR12), defined by the absence of detectable HCV-RNA 12weeks after the last treatment intake. Missing SVR12 measurements were imputed using SVR24 measurements (n=45), otherwise considered as virological failure (n=18).

RESULTS

A SVR12 was obtained in 729/768 (95%) patients, ranging from 92% (12-week sofosbuvir+daclatasvir) to 99% (24-week sofosbuvir+daclatasvir+ribavirin). The SVR12 rates did not significantly differ between the 24-week (550/574 (96%)) and the 12-week (179/194 (92%); p=0.0688) durations or between regimens with (165/169 (98%)) or without ribavirin (564/599 (94%); p=0.0850). The SVR12 rate was greater than 97% in non-cirrhotic patients irrespective of the treatment duration or the addition of ribavirin. Among cirrhotic patients, the SVR12 rate was higher with 24 than 12-week regimen (423/444 (95%) vs. 105/119 (88%); p=0.0054).

CONCLUSION

The sofosbuvir+daclatasvir combination is associated with a high rate of SVR12 in patients infected by genotype 1, with an optimal duration of 12weeks in non-cirrhotic and 24weeks in cirrhotic patients. The number of patients receiving ribavirin was too low to adequately assess its impact.

LAY SUMMARY

The sofosbuvir+daclatasvir combination of antiviral drugs is associated with a high rate (95%) of viral eradication in patients infected by HCV genotype 1. The best duration of a ribavirin-free sofosbuvir+daclatasvir combination seems to be 12weeks in non-cirrhotic patients and 24weeks for those with cirrhosis. Clinical trial number: NCT01953458.

Multicentre experience using daclatasvir and sofosbuvir to treat hepatitis C recurrence - The ANRS CUPILT study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

HCV recurrence remains a major issue in the liver transplant field, as it has a negative impact on both graft and patient survival. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of treating HCV recurrence with sofosbuvir (SOF) and daclatasvir (DCV) combination therapy.

METHODS

From October 2013 to March 2015, 559 liver recipients were enrolled in the prospective multicentre France REcherche Nord&Sud Sida-hiv Hépatites (ANRS) Compassionate use of Protease Inhibitors in viral C Liver Transplantation cohort. We selected 137 patients with an HCV recurrence receiving SOF and DCV, whatever the genotype or fibrosis stage. The use of ribavirin and the duration of therapy were at the investigator's discretion. The primary efficacy end point was a sustained virological response (SVR) 12weeks after the end of treatment.

RESULTS

The SVR rate 12weeks after completing treatment was 96% under the intention-to treat analysis and 99% when excluding non-virological failures. Only two patients experienced a virological failure. The serious adverse event (SAE) rate reached 17.5%. Four patients (3%) stopped their treatment prematurely because of SAEs. Anaemia was the most common AE, with significantly more cases in the ribavirin group (56% vs. 18%; p<0.0001). A slight but significant reduction in creatinine clearance was reported. No clinically relevant drug-drug interactions were noted, but 52% of patients required a change to the dosage of immunosuppressive drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with SOF plus DCV was associated with a high SVR12 and low rates of serious adverse events among liver recipients with HCV recurrence.

LAY SUMMARY

The recurrence of hepatitis C used to be the first cause of graft failure in infected liver transplanted recipients. Our study demonstrates the great efficacy of one combination of new all-oral direct-acting antiviral, sofosbuvir and daclatasvir, to treat the recurrence of hepatitis C on the graft. Ninety-six per cent of recipients were cured. The safety profile of this combination seemed to be good, especially no relevant drug-drug interaction with immunosuppressive drugs.

Efficacy of Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir in Patients With Fibrosing Cholestatic Hepatitis C After Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH) is a life-threatening disorder that develops in patients with recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after liver transplantation. Until recently, therapeutic options have been limited. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir- and daclatasvir-based regimens.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 23 patients with FCH who participated in a prospective cohort study in France and Belgium of the effects of antiviral agents in patients with recurrence of HCV infection after liver transplantation, from October 2013 through April 2014. Most of the patients had genotype 1 infections that had not responded to previous treatment; 4 patients also were infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Eight patients (37%) had ascites and 15 patients (65%) had bilirubin levels greater than 100 mmol/L; their median serum level of HCV RNA was 7 log IU/mL. The median time between transplantation and treatment initiation was 5 months. Subjects were given either sofosbuvir and daclatasvir (n = 15) or sofosbuvir and ribavirin (n = 8) for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was complete clinical response (survival without re-transplantation, bilirubin level <34 μmol/L, and no ascites or hepatic encephalopathy 36 weeks after treatment began).

RESULTS

All patients survived, without re-transplantation, until week 36. Rapid and dramatic improvements in clinical status were observed. The patients' median bilirubin concentration decreased from 122 μmol/L at baseline to a normal value at week 12 of treatment. Twenty-two patients (96%) had a complete clinical response at week 36. Despite the low rate of rapid virologic response, 22 patients (96%) achieved a sustained virologic response at week 12. The only relapse of HCV infection occurred in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection who received sofosbuvir and ribavirin. Tolerance was satisfactory, with no grade 3 or 4 adverse events related to sofosbuvir or daclatasvir and no significant interactions among drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Sofosbuvir therapy with daclatasvir or ribavirin leads to major clinical improvement and high rates of sustained virologic response at week 12 in most patients with recurrence of HCV infection and FCH after liver transplantation. ClinicalTrial.gov no: NCT01944527.

Ribavirin for chronic hepatitis E virus infection in transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

There is no established therapy for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. The aim of this retrospective, multicenter case series was to assess the effects of ribavirin as monotherapy for solid-organ transplant recipients with prolonged HEV viremia.

METHODS

We examined the records of 59 patients who had received a solid-organ transplant (37 kidney-transplant recipients, 10 liver-transplant recipients, 5 heart-transplant recipients, 5 kidney and pancreas-transplant recipients, and 2 lung-transplant recipients). Ribavirin therapy was initiated a median of 9 months (range, 1 to 82) after the diagnosis of HEV infection at a median dose of 600 mg per day (range, 29 to 1200), which was equivalent to 8.1 mg per kilogram of body weight per day (range, 0.6 to 16.3). Patients received ribavirin for a median of 3 months (range, 1 to 18); 66% of the patients received ribavirin for 3 months or less.

RESULTS

All the patients had HEV viremia when ribavirin was initiated (all 54 in whom genotyping was performed had HEV genotype 3). At the end of therapy, HEV clearance was observed in 95% of the patients. A recurrence of HEV replication occurred in 10 patients after ribavirin was stopped. A sustained virologic response, defined as an undetectable serum HEV RNA level at least 6 months after cessation of ribavirin therapy, occurred in 46 of the 59 patients (78%). A sustained virologic response was also observed in 4 patients who had a recurrence and were re-treated for a longer period. A higher lymphocyte count when ribavirin therapy was initiated was associated with a greater likelihood of a sustained virologic response. Anemia was the main identified side effect and required a reduction in ribavirin dose in 29% of the patients, the use of erythropoietin in 54%, and blood transfusions in 12%.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective, multicenter study showed that ribavirin as monotherapy may be effective in the treatment of chronic HEV infection; a 3-month course seemed to be an appropriate duration of therapy for most patients.

Disposal of injection material used for the treatment of hepatitis C: comparison with insulin-dependent diabetes and thromboembolism

AIM

The survey conducted in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region in France in 1999 showed that 38% of patients infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) receiving interferon injections in their home were aware of the recommendations concerning the disposal of injection material and that 41% of the needles were discarded with household waste after use. The purpose of our study conducted in the Centre region of France was to ascertain how injection material used by HCV-positive patients for interferon treatment are disposed of in comparison with material used by patients injecting insulin for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for thromboembolism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A questionnaire to be completed by patients was proposed to HCV-positive patients attending hepatogastroenterology clinics in the Centre region hepatitis C network for therapeutic follow-up (N=113 patients) between October 2001-January 2002. The same questionnaire was proposed to patients attending follow-up consultations for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (N=85 patients) or thromboembolism (N=23 patients) between March-June 2002.

RESULTS

Significantly more patients stated they were aware of recommendations for disposal of injection material in the HCV group (89%) than in the IDDM (67%) or LMWH (26%) groups (P<0.01). Injection material was discarded with household waste less often by patients in the HCV group (6%) than in the IDDM (32%) or LMWH (29%) groups (P<0.001) and more often collected in a safety box prior to incineration (73% in the HCV group versus 63% and 14% in the IDDM and LMWH groups respectively). The safety box was discarded with household garbage more often by patients in the IDDM (54%) or LMWH (50%) groups than in the HCV group (0%) (P<0.001). Equivalent proportions of the patients said they recapped the needle after use (HCV 83%; IDDM 93%; LMWH 84%).

DISCUSSION

Information concerning use of safety boxes for disposal of injection material should be provided to patients in order to comply with regulatory recommendations on proper disposal of used injection material. Moreover, the habit of recapping needles (89% of all patients in this study) is still widespread.

[Gastric granulocytic sarcoma revealed by a massive digestive hemorrhage]

We report the case of a 37-year-old-man having a chronic myelogenous leukemia, who presented, one month after a splenic acutization, massive gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcerated nodules of the gastric fundus. The histologic examination of one of these nodules showed granulocytic sarcoma. In spite of an endoscopic treatment by sclerotherapy with adrenalined serum, the death occurred during a hemorrhagic recurrence. This observation, which is the third case reported of gastric granulocytic sarcoma during the acutization of a myelogenous chronic leukemia, and the first revealed by fatal gastrointestinal bleeding, shows the particular gravity of gastrointestinal bleeding complicating granulocytic sarcoma.

[Complete remission of a mesenteric fibromatosis after taking sulindac]

We report the case of a 22-year-old-man having a familial adenomatous polyposis coli treated by total colectomy with ileo-rectal anastomosis. Two years after the operation, an asymptomatic mesenteric fibromatosis appeared which was nonresectable due to mesenteric vessels infiltration. Nine years later, sulindac therapy was started for residual polyps in the rectal stump. This treatment was taken intermittently, during periods of 1 to 8 months, for 6 years. After 4 years of treatment, the tumor was no longer palpable. Four years after sulindac discontinuation, the patient was operated on for suspicion of intestinal adhesion. The mesenteric fibromatosis had completely disappeared and mesenteric vessels were free. This complete macroscopic regression of a desmoid tumor after sulindac therapy emphasizes again the interest of this treatment for mesenteric fibromatosis.

[Low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma and helicobacter heilmannii (Gastrospirillum hominis]

We report the fourth case of low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma associated to Helicobacter heilmannii. This spiral organism may be present in the gastric mucosa of animals where it is non pathogenic while, in humans, its presence is always associated with chronic gastritis. In this case, Helicobacter heilmannii was observed in the absence of Helicobacter pylori. Regression of endoscopic and histological lesions after Helicobacter heilmannii eradication suggests its role in gastric lymphoma. This observation underlines the need for searching for Helicobacter heilmannii by careful histological examination, in the absence of Helicobacter pylori, and the importance of its eradication in the treatment of gastric lymphoma.

[Hepatic artery ligation for liver metastasis of a acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas revealed by a nodular panniculitis]

We report the case of a 67-year-old-man presenting with pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma revealed by dermatological manifestations of cytosteatonecrosis and treated by hepatic artery ligation. The pancreatic etiology of these lesions was suspected due to hyperlipasemia, and was confirmed by abdominal computerized tomography showing a pancreatic tumor and multiple liver nodules, and by histological examination of one of these lesions. Because of symptomatic treatment failure, rapid impairment of patient's general condition, and by analogy with the treatment of hepatic metastases of neuroendocrine tumors, hepatic artery ligation was performed. Lipasemia decreased markedly and symptoms disappeared for 45 days. Hepatic artery obstruction may be used for emergency treatment of secreting liver metastases.

[Myotomy for esophageal muscular hypertrophy with eosinophil infiltration of the esophagus associated with toxocariasis revealed by esophageal motor disorder]

We report the case of a 61-year-old-man with an eosinophilic esophagitis with esophageal motor disorder associated with toxocariasis. He complained of non cardiac chest pain and had eosinophilia leading to the detection of Toxocara canis infection. Pain persisted despite treatment of toxocariasis. Basal manometry was normal but ambulatory 24-hour manometry-pHmetry showed diffuse esophageal spasm. Ultrasonography showed a thickening of the esophageal musculature in the two inferior thirds of the esophagus. After failure of treatment with sodium cromoglycate steroids and esophageal dilatation, calcium antagonists were partially effective. A long esophageal myotomy was performed permiting the disappearance of symptoms. The histological examination of a side myotomy biopsy showed an eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal muscle layer. This observation leads to discuss the possible relation between toxocariasis, the esophageal motor disorder and the eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal muscle layer.