Health-related quality of life in Thai patients with chronic hepatitis B

Background

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) significantly impacts the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but remains underexplored in the Thai population. Health state utilities (HSU) are indicators reflecting HRQoL which serve as fundamental inputs for economic evaluation analyses. This study aimed at assessing differences in HRQoL across five CHB stages in Thai patients, including non-cirrhotic CHB, compensated cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, early-/intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and advanced-/terminal-stage HCC.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study to collect HRQoL data from patients with CHB at five stages. The study included patients with CHB who were followed up at a super-tertiary care centre between March 2021 and February 2022. The participants completed the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and provided demographic data. Disease stage and relevant data were obtained from medical records. HSU and Euroqol-visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) scores, calculated using Thai-specific conversion coefficients, were assessed.

Results

Among 422 patients, 236 did not have cirrhosis, 92 had compensated cirrhosis, 13 had decompensated cirrhosis, 55 had early-/intermediate-stage HCC, and 26 had advanced-/terminal-stage HCC. The HSU scores for non-cirrhotic, compensated cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, early-/intermediate-stage HCC and advanced-/terminal-stage HCC were 0.95 ± 0.08, 0.89 ± 0.16, 0.79 ± 0.19, 0.89 ± 0.12 and 0.52 ± 0.39, respectively. Similarly, the EQ-VAS scores for various CHB stages were 83.56 ± 12.90, 80.48 ± 13.03, 68.76 ± 17.40, 79.00 ± 14.38 and 62.92 ± 20.62, respectively. A significant correlation (r = 0.469, P < 0.001) was observed between the HSU and EQ-VAS scores. The disease progression led to a notable HSU decline, particularly in the advanced-/terminal-stage HCC group (regression coefficient: -0.436, P < 0.001). The EQ-VAS scores indicated reduced quality of life in advanced liver disease.

Conclusions

Later CHB stages compromise the HRQoL. Decompensated cirrhosis and advanced-/terminal-stage HCC profoundly affect physical health and quality of life, whereas patients with compensated cirrhosis and early-/intermediate-stage HCC report better HRQoL.

Non-Invasive Serum Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Cirrhosis in Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) and AIH-Primary Biliary Cholangitis Overlap Syndrome (AIH-PBC): Red Cell Distribution Width to Platelet Ratio (RPR) Yielded the Most Promising Result

Several serum biomarkers for fibrosis assessment have been proposed in various liver diseases, but in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) or overlap with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC; AIH-PBC) patients, the data are scarce. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to validate six non-invasive biomarkers in the diagnosis of cirrhosis (F4 fibrosis) in such patients. We included adult patients diagnosed with AIH or AIH-PBC overlap syndrome who underwent a liver biopsy between 2011 and 2021. Laboratory data were collected to calculate the following scores: red cell distribution width to platelet ratio (RPR), aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI), Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AAR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lymphocyte-to-platelet ratio (LPR). A total of 139 patients were eligible (111 AIH and 28 AIH-PBC). The prevalence of cirrhosis was 35.3% (36% in AIH and 32.1% in AIH-PBC). The AUROCs of the RPR, FIB-4, APRI, AAR, LPR, and NLR in all patients were 0.742, 0.724, 0.650, 0.640, 0.609, and 0.585, respectively. RPR was significantly superior to APRI, NLR, and LPR. Moreover, RPR showed the highest AUROC (0.915) in the overlap AIH-PBC subgroup. In conclusion, RPR yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy to predict cirrhosis in AIH and AIH-PBC overlap syndrome patients, while FIB-4 was considerably optimal.

Predictive Factors Correlated with Successful Early Endoscopic Removal of Pancreaticolithiasis in Chronic Pancreatitis after Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

BACKGROUND

The treatment of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and symptomatic pancreatic duct (PD) calculi often involves techniques like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), or a combination of both. However, identifying predictive factors for the successful removal of these calculi remains variable. This study aimed to determine the factors predicting successful ESWL and endoscopic removal in CP and PD calculi patients.

METHODS

We examined data from CP patients who underwent complete PD calculi removal via ESWL combined with ERCP between July 2012 and 2022, and assessed baseline characteristics, imaging findings, and treatment details. Patients were categorized into early- and late-endoscopic complete removal groups (EER and LER groups, respectively).

RESULTS

Of the 27 patients analyzed, 74.1% were male with an average age of 44 ± 9.6 years. EER was achieved in 74% of the patients. Patients in the EER group exhibited smaller PD calculi diameter (8.5 vs. 19 mm, p = 0.012) and lower calculus density (964.6 vs. 1313.3 HU, p = 0.041) compared to the LER group. Notably, PD stricture and the rate of PD stent insertion were not different between the groups. A calculus density threshold of 1300 HU on non-contrast CT demonstrated 71% sensitivity and 80% specificity in predicting EER.

CONCLUSIONS

Smaller and low-density PD calculi may serve as predictors for successful EER, potentially aiding in the management of CP patients with PD calculi.

Diagnostic and prognostic performance of the SAFE score in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The steatosis-associated fibrosis estimator (SAFE) score was developed to detect clinically significant liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD in the United States. We compare the performance of the SAFE score and other non-invasive tests to diagnose liver fibrosis and to correlate the scores with liver-related outcomes in patients with NAFLD in Hong Kong.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study involving two data sets. The first cohort was a biopsy cohort of NAFLD patients (n = 279), and the second was a territory-wide cohort of NAFLD patients (n = 4603) retrieved from a territory-wide electronic healthcare database in Hong Kong.

RESULTS

In detecting significant fibrosis, liver stiffness measured by transient elastography had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) (.844), followed by SAFE score (.773). SAFE score had the highest AUROC among blood-based algorithms (.773 vs. .746 for FIB-4, .697 for APRI). Based on cut-off values of SAFE score (0 and 100 points), 854 (18.6%), 1596 (34.6%) and 2153 (46.8%) were in the low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups, respectively, in the territory-wide cohort. Six (.7%), 15 (.9%) and 59 (2.7%) developed liver-related events in those three groups respectively. Among patients who had liver-related events at 5 years, using the high cut-off, SAFE score could predict 84.9% of patients accurately, compared to 40.9% for FIB-4 and 27.2% for APRI.

CONCLUSION

The SAFE score performed well and better than other blood-based markers in diagnosing significant fibrosis and predicting liver-related events in Asian patients with NAFLD.

Deep learning-based phenotyping reclassifies combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma

Primary liver cancer arises either from hepatocytic or biliary lineage cells, giving rise to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICCA). Combined hepatocellular- cholangiocarcinomas (cHCC-CCA) exhibit equivocal or mixed features of both, causing diagnostic uncertainty and difficulty in determining proper management. Here, we perform a comprehensive deep learning-based phenotyping of multiple cohorts of patients. We show that deep learning can reproduce the diagnosis of HCC vs. CCA with a high performance. We analyze a series of 405 cHCC-CCA patients and demonstrate that the model can reclassify the tumors as HCC or ICCA, and that the predictions are consistent with clinical outcomes, genetic alterations and in situ spatial gene expression profiling. This type of approach could improve treatment decisions and ultimately clinical outcome for patients with rare and biphenotypic cancers such as cHCC-CCA.

Heterologous COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster with mRNA Vaccine Provide Enhanced Immune Response in Patients with Cirrhosis: A Prospective Observational Study

This study aimed to evaluate the antibody and cellular responses to different coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination regimens in patients with cirrhosis and to assess the antibody response after a vaccine booster. We conducted a prospective observational study of 89 patients with cirrhosis and 41 healthy volunteers who received two COVID-19 vaccine doses. Next, we prospectively evaluated 24 patients with cirrhosis who received a booster COVID-19 vaccine dose. In both studies, blood samples were collected before and 4 weeks after vaccination, and anti-spike receptor-binding domain protein IgG levels, T-cell phenotypes, and effector functions were assessed. The heterologous vaccine regimen (CoronaVac [SV]/AstraZeneca [AZ]) produced a better antibody response and CD4+IFNg+ T cell response compared to homogeneous vaccine regimens. The antibody response after the second dose of the vaccine was similar in patients with cirrhosis and healthy volunteers. Patients who received a booster dose of the mRNA vaccine had significantly increased antibody titers compared to those who received the AZ vaccine. In patients with cirrhosis, heterologous vaccination with SV/AZ resulted in a better immune response than the AZ/AZ and SV/SV regimens. Moreover, a booster dose of the mRNA vaccine led to a greater increase in antibody titers compared to the AZ vaccine.

Hepatitis C Screening in Post-Baby Boomer Generation Americans: One Size Does Not Fit All

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the impact of access to routine health care, as estimated by health insurance coverage, on hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence in US adults born after 1965 (post-baby boomer birth cohort [post-BBBC]) and to use the data to formulate strategies to optimize population screening for HCV.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Adult examinees in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with available anti-HCV data were divided into era 1 (1999-2008) and era 2 (2009-2016). The prevalence of HCV infection, as defined by detectable serum HCV RNA, was determined in post-BBBC adults. In low prevalence groups, prescreening modalities were considered to increase the pretest probability.

RESULTS

Of 16,966 eligible post-BBBC examinees, 0.5% had HCV infection. In both eras, more than 50% had no insurance. In era 2, HCV prevalence was 0.26% and 0.83% in those with and without insurance, respectively (P<.01). As a prescreening test, low alanine aminotransferase level (<23 U/L in women and 32 U/L in men) would identify 54% of post-BBBC adults with an extremely low (0.02%) HCV prevalence. Based on these data, a tiered approach that tests all uninsured directly for HCV and prescreens the insured with alanine aminotransferase would reduce the number to test by 56.5 million while missing less than 1% infections.

CONCLUSION

For HCV elimination, passive "universal" screening in routine health care settings is insufficient, although the efficiency of screening may be improved with alanine aminotransferase prescreening. Importantly, for individuals with limited access to health care, proactive outreach programs for HCV screening are still needed.

The efficacy of branched-chain amino acid granules to restore phagocytic activity in cirrhosis patients, a randomized controlled trial

Background

Infection is a detrimental complication among cirrhotic patients, leading to major morbidity and mortality. Reduction in phagocytic activation, as part of immunoparesis, is a distinctive key component of cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction (CAID) and predicts the development of infection. However, there are limited data on immunotherapeutic approaches to restore phagocytosis.

Aims

We aimed to determine the effect of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) granules on phagocytic activity in patients with CAID.

Methods

In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, Participants were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio stratified by Child-Pugh status) to receive either BCAA granules or placebo. In the 3rd and 6th months, phagocytic activity was assessed by flow cytometry. The primary endpoint was the restoration of innate immunity at the 6th month, defined as ≥75% phagocytic activity; the secondary endpoints were the accretion of phagocytic activity and hospitalization due to infection.

Results

A total of 37 patients were included. There were no differences among the patients in the baseline characteristics and phagocytic activity. At the 6th month, a higher proportion of patients with phagocytic restoration was observed in the BCAA granule group compared to the placebo group (68 vs. 5.6%, p < 0.001). The mean phagocytic activity was 75.4 and 63.4% in the BCAA granule and placebo groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Progressive accretion of phagocytic activity was observed during the 3rd and 6th months. There was no difference in hospitalization due to infection (3 vs. 2 events, p = 0.487).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that BCAA granules significantly restore phagocytic activity across various stages of cirrhosis. A longer follow-up period is required to demonstrate infection prevention.Clinical Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.in.th, TCTR20190830005.

Clinical Outcomes of the Endoscopic Step-Up Approach with or without Radiology-Guided Percutaneous Drainage for Symptomatic Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis

Background and objectives: Symptomatic walled-off pancreatic necrosis is a serious local complication of acute necrotising pancreatitis. The endoscopic step-up approach is the standard treatment for symptomatic walled-off pancreatic necrosis; however, adjunctive radiologic percutaneous drainage for this condition is controversial. This study compared the clinical and radiologic resolution of walled-off pancreatic necrosis achieved with the endoscopic step-up approach with or without radiology-guided percutaneous drainage. Material and Methods: This retrospective, single-centre cohort study enrolled patients with symptomatic walled-off pancreatic necrosis who underwent endoscopic transmural drainage (ETD) followed by directed endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) with or without radiology-guided drainage. A total of 34 patients (endoscopic approach, n = 22; combined modality approach, n = 12) underwent the endoscopic step-up approach (ETD followed by DEN). Baseline characteristics, clinical success, and resolution of necrosis were compared between groups. Results: All patients achieved symptom resolution from walled-off pancreatic necrosis. The mean patient age was 58.4 years, and 21 (61.8%) were men. Following treatment with the endoscopic approach and combined modality approach, clinical success was achieved in 90.9% of patients within 11.5 days, and 66.7% of patients within 16.5 days, respectively. Both length of hospital stay (55 days vs. 71 days; p = 0.071) and time to complete radiologic resolution were shorter (93 days vs. 124 days; p = 0.23) in the endoscopic approach group. Conclusion: Both the endoscopic step-up approach and the CMD approach resulted in a favourably high clinical resolution rates in patients with symptomatic WON. However, clinical success rates seemed to be higher, and the length of hospital stay tended to be shorter in the endoscopic approach than in the CMD approach, as well as the significantly shorter necrosectomy time in each procedure was observed. Of note, these findings might be from some inherited differences in baseline characteristics of the patients between the two groups, and a randomized controlled trial with a larger sample size to verify these results is warranted.

The steatosis-associated fibrosis estimator (SAFE) score: A tool to detect low-risk NAFLD in primary care

BACKGROUND

NAFLD is common in primary care. Liver fibrosis stage 2 or higher (≥F2) increases future risk of morbidity and mortality. We developed and validated a score to aid in the initial assessment of liver fibrosis for NAFLD in primary care.

METHODS

Data from patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD were extracted from the NASH Clinical Research Network observational study ( n = 676). Using logistic regression and machine-learning methods, we constructed prediction models to distinguish ≥F2 from F0/1. The models were tested in participants in a trial ("FLINT," n = 280) and local patients with NAFLD with magnetic resonance elastography data ( n = 130). The final model was applied to examinees in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III ( n = 11,953) to correlate with long-term mortality.

RESULTS

A multivariable logistic regression model was selected as the Steatosis-Associated Fibrosis Estimator (SAFE) score, which consists of age, body mass index, diabetes, platelets, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, and globulins (total serum protein minus albumin). The model yielded areas under receiver operating characteristic curves ≥0.80 in distinguishing F0/1 from ≥F2 in testing data sets, consistently higher than those of Fibrosis-4 and NAFLD Fibrosis Scores. The negative predictive values in ruling out ≥F2 at SAFE of 0 were 88% and 92% in the two testing sets. In the NHANES III set, survival up to 25 years of subjects with SAFE < 0 was comparable to that of those without steatosis ( p = 0.34), whereas increasing SAFE scores correlated with shorter survival with an adjusted HR of 1.53 ( p < 0.01) for subjects with SAFE > 100.

CONCLUSION

The SAFE score, which uses widely available variables to estimate liver fibrosis in patients diagnosed with NAFLD, may be used in primary care to recognize low-risk NAFLD.

FAIL-T (AFP, AST, tumor sIze, ALT, and Tumor number): a model to predict intermediate-stage HCC patients who are not good candidates for TACE

Background

Patients with un-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are a diverse group with varying overall survival (OS). Despite the availability of several scoring systems for predicting OS, one of the unsolved problems is identifying patients who might not benefit from TACE. We aim to develop and validate a model for identifying HCC patients who would survive <6 months after their first TACE.

Methods

Patients with un-resectable HCC, BCLC stage 0-B, who received TACE as their first and only treatment between 2007 and 2020 were included in this study. Before the first TACE, demographic data, laboratory data, and tumor characteristics were obtained. Eligible patients were randomly allocated in a 2:1 ratio to training and validation sets. The former was used for model development using stepwise multivariate logistic regression, and the model was validated in the latter set.

Results

A total of 317 patients were included in the study (210 for the training set and 107 for the validation set). The baseline characteristics of the two sets were comparable. The final model (FAIL-T) included AFP, AST, tumor sIze, ALT, and Tumor number. The FAIL-T model yielded AUROCs of 0.855 and 0.806 for predicting 6-month mortality after TACE in the training and validation sets, respectively, while the "six-and-twelve" score showed AUROCs of 0.751 (P < 0.001) in the training set and 0.729 (P = 0.099) in the validation sets for the same purpose.

Conclusion

The final model is useful for predicting 6-month mortality in naive HCC patients undergoing TACE. HCC patients with high FAIL-T scores may not benefit from TACE, and other treatment options, if available, should be considered.

The effect of fiber supplementation on the prevention of diarrhea in hospitalized patients receiving enteral nutrition: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with the GRADE assessment

Introduction

Enteral nutrition (EN) in hospitalized patients has several advantages. However, post-feeding diarrhea occurs frequently and has been linked to negative outcomes. The EN formula itself may have an impact on how diarrhea develops, and fiber supplements may theoretically help patients experience less diarrhea. This study aimed to thoroughly evaluate whether adding fiber to EN decreases the likelihood of developing diarrhea and whether different types of fibers pose different effects on diarrhea (PROSPERO CRD 42021279971).

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis on fiber supplementation in hospitalized adult patients receiving EN. We thoroughly searched PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception to 1 September 2022. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Pooled results on the incidence of diarrhea were calculated using a random-effects model. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach was applied. Only fiber types from soy polysaccharides (n = 4), psyllium (n = 3), mixed soluble/insoluble fiber (mixed fiber, n = 3), pectin (n = 2), and partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG, n = 2) were examined in the sensitivity analysis.

Results

Among the 4,469 titles found, a total of 16 RCTs were included. Overall, compared to fiber-free formulas, fiber supplementation reduced the occurrence of diarrhea in patients receiving EN by 36% (pooled risk ratio [RR] of 0.64 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49-0.82, p = 0.005; I ² = 45%]), with GRADE showing the evidence of moderate certainty. Only mixed fiber and PHGG significantly decreased the incidence of diarrhea according to the sensitivity analyses for fiber types (RR 0.54, 95%CI: 0.39-0.75, I ² = 0% and RR 0.47, 95%CI: 0.27-0.83, I ² = 0%, respectively). The results for the remaining fiber types were unclear.

Conclusion

According to a meta-analysis, fiber supplements help lessen post-feeding diarrhea in hospitalized patients receiving EN. However, not all fiber types produced successful outcomes. Diarrhea was significantly reduced by PHGG and mixed soluble/insoluble fiber.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=279971, identifier: PROSPERO CRD 42021279971.

Postoperative outcomes of resectable periampullary cancer accompanied by obstructive jaundice with and without preoperative endoscopic biliary drainage

BACKGROUND

Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) is useful in resectable periampullary cancer with obstructive jaundice. Whether it is better than direct surgery (DS) in terms of postoperative complications and mortality is controversial.

METHODS

All cases of successful pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in patients with periampullary cancer with obstructive jaundice performed between January 2016 and January 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Endoscopic PBD was performed; data pertaining to serum bilirubin level, procedural technique, and duration before surgery were obtained. The incidence of postoperative complications and survival rate were compared between the PBD and DS group.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients (PBD, n = 58; DS, n = 46) underwent curative PD. The mean age was 63.8 ± 10 years and 53 (51%) were male. Age, body mass index (BMI), sex, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, presence of comorbid disease, initial laboratory results, and pathological diagnoses were not significantly different between the two groups. The incidence of postoperative complications was 58.6% in the PBD group while 73.9% in the DS group (relative risk [RR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92, 1.73, p=0.155) and the difference was not significant except in bile leakage (RR 8.83, 95% CI 1.26, 61.79, p = 0.021) and intraoperative bleeding (RR 3.97, 95% CI 0.88, 17.85, p = 0.049) which were higher in the DS group. The one-year survival rate was slightly less in the DS group but the difference was not statistically significant. The independent predictors for death within 1-year were intraoperative bleeding and preoperative total bilirubin > 14.6 mg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

PBD in resectable malignant distal biliary obstruction showed no benefit in terms of 1-year survival over DS approach. But it demonstrated the benefit of lower risks of intraoperative bleeding, and bile leakage. Additionally, the level of pre-operative bilirubin level of over 14.6 mg/dL and having intraoperative bleeding were associated with a lower 1-year survival in such patients. Overall, PBD may be not necessary for all resectable periampullary cancer patients, but there might be a role in those with severely jaundice (>14.6 mg/dL), as it helps lower risk of intraoperative bleeding, and might lead to a better survival outcome.

The use of Andrographis paniculata and its effects on liver biochemistry of patients with gastrointestinal problems in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross sectional study

In the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare facility supply and access are limited. There was an announcement promoting Andrographis paniculata (ADG) use for treatment of mild COVID-19 patients in Thailand, but misconception of taking for prevention might occur. Moreover, the effect of ADG on liver function test (LFT) has not been established. To study the ADG use and effect on LFT in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) problems, conducted a cross-sectional study including GI patients who voluntarily filled the ADG questionnaire in Aug-Sep 2021. LFT data at that visit and at the prior visit (if available) were obtained. The changes in LFT within the same person were analyzed and compared between patients with and without ADG consumption. During the study period, a total of 810 patients completed the survey, 168 patients (20.7%) took ADG within the past month. LFT data were available in 485 (59.9%) patients, the median alanine aminotransferase (ALT)  change compared with the prior visit was higher in the ADG vs control group (+ 2 vs 0, p = 0.029), and 44.5% had increased ALT (> 3 U/L) vs 32.2% in the ADG and control group, respectively (p = 0.018). Factors independently associated with an increased ALT, from a multivariable logistic regression, were ADG exposure (adjusted OR 1.62, p = 0.042), and patients with NAFLD who gained weight (adjusted OR 2.37, p = 0.046). In conclusion, one-fifth of GI patients recently took ADG, even it is not recommended for COVID-19 prevention. Those who took ADG are more likely to experience an increased ALT than who did not. The potential risk of ADG consumption on liver function should be further assessed.

Current Evidence Concerning Effects of Ketogenic Diet and Intermittent Fasting in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging globally, while no therapeutic medication has been approved as an effective treatment to date, lifestyle intervention through dietary modification and physical exercise plays a critical role in NAFLD management. In terms of dietary modification, Mediterranean diet is the most studied dietary pattern and is recommended in many guidelines, however, it may not be feasible and affordable for many patients. Recently, a ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting have gained public attention and have been studied in the role of weight management. This article reviews specifically whether these trendy dietary patterns have an effect on NAFLD outcomes regarding intrahepatic fat content, fibrosis, and liver enzymes, the scientific rationales behind these particular dietary patterns, as well as the safety concerns in some certain patient groups.

Diagnostic performance of endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition by EUS-FNA versus EUS-FNB for solid pancreatic mass without ROSE: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) is an established diagnostic procedure for solid pancreatic mass. However, the diagnostic yield between fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and fine-needle biopsy (FNB) remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic yields between FNA and FNB using conventional FNA and Franseen needles of the same size 22-gauge needle, in patients with solid pancreatic mass who underwent EUS-TA without rapid onsite cytopathology evaluation (ROSE).

METHODS

All cases of EUS-TA by FNA or FNB for solid pancreatic mass between January 2017 and October 2020 in a single-centre university hospital were retrospectively reviewed. All procedures were performed without an onsite cytologist. Before the endoscopist finished the procedure, macroscopic onsite evaluation (MOSE) was confirmed. The diagnostic yield and the average number of needle passes between FNB and FNA were then compared.

RESULTS

A total of 151 patients (FNA, n = 77; FNB, n = 74) with solid pancreatic mass detected by cross-sectional imaging underwent EUS-TA. The mean age was 62.3 ± 12.8 years, with 88 (58.3%) males. Age, sex, mass location, tumour size and disease stage from imaging were not significantly different between the two groups. The diagnostic performance was higher in EUS-FNB (94.6%) than in EUS-FNA (89.6%). The mean number of needle passes was clearly fewer in FNB than in FNA (2.8 vs. 3.8, p < 0.001). The total procedure time was shorter in FNB (34.7 min) than in FNA (41 min). The adverse event rate between FNB and FNA was not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic yield of solid pancreatic mass was higher in FNB using the Franseen needle than in FNA using the conventional FNA needle in a centre where ROSE is unavailable, without serious adverse event. In addition, FNB had fewer needle passes and shorter total procedure time.

HBV seroprevalence and liver fibrosis status among population born before national immunization in Southern Thailand: Findings from a health check-up program

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of liver-related death worldwide, particularly in Asia. Patients with either current or past HBV infection are at risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we investigated the HBV seroprevalence in residents of southern Thailand born before the national vaccination program.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of individuals born before the nationwide HBV vaccination program who sought check-up programs which included HBV serology and abdominal ultrasound at a tertiary care hospital in southern Thailand from 2019 to 2020 was conducted. HBV serology, cirrhosis and liver fibrosis status (determined by ultrasonography and FIB-4), and clinical notes regarding management following HBsAg+ detection were obtained.

Results

Of 1,690 eligible individuals, the overall prevalence of HBsAg+ and HBsAg-antiHBc+, indicating current and past HBV infections, were 2.9% and 27.8%, respectively. Among current HBV patients, 87.8% were unaware of their infection. Cirrhosis was found in 8.2%, 1.1%, and 0.3% of patients with current, past, and no HBV infection, respectively (p<0.001). One-fourth of past HBV patients had FIB-4≥1.45, which indicated indeterminate or significant liver fibrosis, which may increase the risk of HCC.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HBsAg+ in Southern Thailand was 2.9%, and that of past infection (HBsAg-antiHBc+) was 27.8%. Patients with current and past HBV infection have an increased risk of cirrhosis and significant liver fibrosis. Most current HBV patients were unaware of their infection. Identifying patients with current and past HBV infection who are at risk for HCC and linking them to a cascade of care is necessary to reduce the burden of HBV-related liver diseases in Thailand.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccinations in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease and Liver Transplant Recipients: An Update

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a current global pandemic associated with an increased mortality, particularly in patients with comorbidities. Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and liver transplant (LT) recipients are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Many liver societies have recommended that these patients should receive COVID-19 vaccinations, although there are limited studies assessing risks and benefits in this population. In addition, two doses of mRNA vaccines may not provide sufficient immune response, and booster dose(s) may be necessary, especially in LT recipients. Notably, variants of concern have recently emerged, and it remains unclear whether currently available vaccines provide adequate and durable protective immunity against these novel variants. This review focuses on the role of COVID-19 vaccinations in CLD and LT recipients.

Validation model of fibrosis-8 index score to predict significant fibrosis among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Identifying hepatic fibrosis is crucial for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) management. The fibrosis-8 (FIB-8) score, recently developed by incorporating four additional variables into the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, showed better performance in predicting significant fibrosis in NAFLD.

AIM

To validate the FIB-8 score in a biopsy-proven NAFLD cohort and compare the diagnostic performance of the FIB-8 and FIB-4 scores and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) for predicting significant fibrosis.

METHODS

We collected the data of biopsy-proven NAFLD patients from three Asian centers in three countries. All the patients with available variables for the FIB-4 score (age, platelet count, and aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels) and FIB-8 score (the FIB-4 variables plus 4 additional parameters: The body mass index (BMI), albumin to globulin ratio, gamma-glutamyl transferase level, and presence of diabetes mellitus) were included. The fibrosis stage was scored using nonalcoholic steatohepatitis CRN criteria, and significant fibrosis was defined as at least fibrosis stage 2.

RESULTS

A total of 511 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and complete data were included for validation. Of these 511 patients, 271 (53.0%) were female, with a median age of 51 (interquartile range: 41, 58) years. The median BMI was 29 (26.3, 32.6) kg/m², and 268 (52.4%) had diabetes. Among the 511 NAFLD patients, 157 (30.7%) had significant fibrosis (≥ F2). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the FIB-8 and FIB-4 scores and NFS for predicting significant fibrosis were 0.774, 0.743, and 0.680, respectively. The FIB-8 score demonstrated significantly better performance for predicting significant fibrosis than the NFS (P = 0.001) and was also clinically superior to FIB-4, although statistical significance was not reached (P = 0.073). The low cutoff point of the FIB-8 score for predicting significant fibrosis of 0.88 showed 92.36% sensitivity, and the high cutoff point of the FIB-8 score for predicting significant fibrosis of 1.77 showed 67.51% specificity.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that the FIB-8 score had significantly better performance for predicting significant fibrosis in NAFLD patients than the NFS, as well as clinically superior performance vs the FIB-4 score in an Asian population. A novel simple fibrosis score comprising commonly accessible basic laboratories may be beneficial to use for an initial assessment in primary care units, excluding patients with significant liver fibrosis and aiding in patient selection for further hepatologist referral.

Utility of handgrip strength (HGS) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in the diagnosis of sarcopenia in cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is associated with disability, mortality, and poorer survival in cirrhotic patients. For the evaluation of muscle volume, computed tomography (CT) is the most accurate tool. Unfortunately, it would be hard to apply a muscle mass measuring CT to daily practice. This research aims to study the utility of handgrip strength (HGS) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to detect sarcopenia in cirrhotic patients compared with CT as the reference.

METHODS

In cirrhotic patients who met inclusions criteria (age 20-70 years, ascites < grade 2 of International Ascites Club grading system, no active malignancy, and no cardiac implanted device), HGS were measured using a Jamar dynamometer. Subsequently, patients with low muscle strength (defined as JSH criteria, < 26 kg in male, < 18 kg in female) were then underwent CT and BIA (Tanita MC780 MA) on the same day to measure muscle volume, the definition of sarcopenia by CT was according to the Japan Society of Hepatology (JSH). We also collected data from patients with normal HGS whose CT results were available in the study period.

RESULTS

From 146 cirrhotic patients who underwent HGS, 30 patients (20.5%) had diagnosed low HSG. Data from 50 patients whose available CT results included 30 low HGS and 20 patients with normal HSG. The HGS was strongly correlated with skeleton muscle index (SMI) by CT (r = 0.81, p < 0.001) and had an excellent diagnostic performance for detecting sarcopenia by using JSH criteria the sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV were 88.2%, 100%, 100%, and 98.7% respectively. In contrast, only 6 of 30 patients (20%) met sarcopenic criteria by BIA. Among sarcopenic patients, the result showed a fair correlation between SMI and BIA (r = 0.54; p < 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated an excellent correlation between HGS and SMI by CT in the mixed cirrhotic population from the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups. The HGS using the JSH criteria showed an excellent performance in detecting sarcopenia compared to CT. Nonetheless, for the BIA by using the current cut-offs demonstrated unacceptable rate to detect sarcopenia.

Clinical Utility of SCALE-B to Predict Hepatitis B Virus Relapse, Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Loss After Antiviral Cessation in Asian Patients After 2-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Discontinuation of antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients leads to a higher hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss; yet, clinical relapse (CR) may occur. SCALE-B score was developed to predict off-treatment CR; however, validation of SCALE-B beyond a 48-week follow-up is rare. We studied whether SCALE-B and hepatitis B virus ribonucleic acid (HBV RNA) could predict outcomes in CHB patients after a 2-year follow-up.

METHODS

A total of 92 Thai CHB patients who stopped antiviral treatment were followed up; baseline characteristics, quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg), hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg), and HBV RNA were collected at the time of discontinuation, and SCALE-B scores were calculated. Patients were followed up every 12 weeks for 48 weeks, and then, the intervals were upon primary doctors. Follow-up data regarding virological relapse (VR), CR, and HBsAg loss were obtained.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 142 weeks; the cumulative incidences of VR, CR, and HBsAg loss were 65.2, 33.7, and 7.6%, respectively. After 48 weeks, VR and CR plateaued, but HBsAg loss increased from 2.2 to 7.6%. According to the SCALE-B strata, VR, CR, and HBsAg loss were significantly different. The highest stratum (≥ 320) was associated with higher VR, CR, and lesser HBsAg loss when compared to the lowest stratum, with adjusted hazard ratios of 5.0 (95% CIs: 1.8-14.4), 10.44 (95% CIs: 1.4-79.1), and 0.04 (95% CIs: 0.004-0.43), respectively.

CONCLUSION

At a median follow-up of 2.5 years after discontinuing therapy, HBsAg loss in Thai patients was found to increase over time. SCALE-B is a valuable tool for predicting CR, VR, and HBsAg loss; HBV RNA is not significantly associated with long-term outcomes.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [TCTR20180316007].

Tenofovir Alafenamide Attenuates Effects of Diabetes and Body Mass on Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Activities in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B

Persistent serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation in nucleotide/nucleoside analogue (NA)-treated patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) has been associated with unfavorable long-term outcomes.¹ It has been consistently shown that a higher proportion of patients receiving tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) achieve normal ALT in comparison with recipients of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate,^2-5 the mechanism for which remains unknown.².

ABO Blood Group Differentials on Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Treated with Chemoembolization

BACKGROUND

The association between ABO blood group and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. We investigated the impact of ABO blood groups as a prognostic factor in HCC patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We revisited records of all HCC patients who underwent TACE between January 2007 and December 2019 at a tertiary care hospital. The inclusion criteria were HCC patients, Child-Pugh score A5-B7, and treated with TACE monotherapy. The baseline characteristics of each patient were compared against their blood group and the survival analysis was carried out using Cox's regression. With Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons, P-values <.0125 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of 211 eligible patients, the frequencies of blood groups O, A, B, and AB were 89, 54, 56, and 12, respectively. Their respective months of median survival were 41, 20, 21, and 42. After adjustments in the six-and-twelve criteria and Child-Pugh scores, and using blood group O as the referent group, the coefficients (SE) of groups A, B, and AB were 0.69 (0.24), 0.47 (0.23), and 0.49 (0.49), respectively. A significant difference in survival was found only between patients with blood group O vs A (hazard ratio, 2.00; confidence interval, 1.25-3.21).

CONCLUSIONS

ABO blood group is associated with the prognosis of HCC patients treated with TACE monotherapy. In our data, patients with blood group O tended to have the best survival. However, only blood group A patients had a significantly shorter survival rate comparing to blood group O.

Challenges in the discontinuation of chronic hepatitis B antiviral agents

Long-term antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients has been proven to be beneficial in reducing liver-related complications. However, lengthy periods of daily administration of medication have some inevitable drawbacks, including decreased medication adherence, increased cost of treatment, and possible long-term side effects. Currently, discontinuation of antiviral agent has become the strategy of interest to many hepatologists, as it might alleviate the aforementioned drawbacks and increase the probability of achieving functional cure. This review focuses on the current evidence of the outcomes following stopping antiviral treatment and the factors associated with subsequent hepatitis B virus relapse, hepatitis B surface antigen clearance, and unmet needs.

Diarrhea in tube-fed hospitalized patients: Feeding formula is not the most common cause

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and enteral nutrition (EN)-associated diarrhea are the most common recognized etiologies of nosocomial diarrhea. However, in clinical practice, the data regarding how each etiology contributes to the diarrheal episodes are limited. We identify the causes and factors associated with post-feeding diarrhea.

METHODS

Using the data of patients enrolled in "Effect of Psyllium Fiber Supplementation on Diarrhea Incidence in Enteral Tube-Fed Patients: A Prospective, Randomized, and Controlled Trial", the randomized controlled trial showed no difference in diarrheal incidences between fiber-added and fiber-free formulas. Hence, we analyzed the data of all enrolled patients. The causes of diarrhea were classified according to pre-specified definitions. The factors associated with diarrhea were analyzed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Diarrhea was found in 37.3% (n = 31/83). The most common cause was medication associated (61.3%). CDAD and EN-associated diarrhea were found in only 9.7% and 6.5%, respectively. Patients with baseline albumin <3 g/dL and underlying cerebrovascular disease were more likely to develop diarrhea (adjusted odds ratio 5.70, 95% confidence interval 1.79-20.51, and adjusted odds ratio 10.83, 95% confidence interval 2.96-48.57, respectively). Compared with those without diarrhea, the length of hospital stay in CDAD patients was significantly longer (+23.1 days, P = 0.02), a trend of longer hospital stay in patients with diarrhea from other causes was observed (+3.2 days, P = 0.096).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that the most common cause of post-feeding diarrhea is medication associated. Review and cessation of possible drugs should be undertaken before EN modification. CDAD accounts for <10% of diarrhea causes, but it impacts the clinical outcome and should be identified and treated properly.

Value and risk of percutaneous liver biopsy in patients with cirrhosis and clinical suspicion of autoimmune hepatitis

OBJECTIVE

The decision regarding whether to perform a liver biopsy in patients with cirrhosis and clinically suspected autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) remains a challenge. This study aimed to assess the utility and complications of percutaneous liver biopsy in cirrhosis for differentiating AIH from other liver conditions.

METHODS

A clinicopathological database of patients undergoing percutaneous liver biopsies for suspected AIH (unexplained hepatitis with elevated γ-globulin and autoantibody seropositivity) was reviewed to identify patients presenting with cirrhosis. Biopsy slides were reviewed by an experienced hepatopathologist who was blinded to clinical data.

RESULTS

In 207 patients who underwent liver biopsy for suspected AIH, 59 patients (mean age: 59.0±12.0 years, 83.1% female) had clinically diagnosis of cirrhosis. Mean Child-Turcotte-Pugh score was 6.6±1.6, and 44% of patients had a Child-Turcotte-Pugh score≥7. According to the revised International AIH Group (IAIHG) criteria, histology assessment combined with clinical information facilitated a diagnosis of AIH or overlap syndrome of AIH and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in 81.4% of cases. Liver biopsy identified other aetiologies, including PBC (n=2), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (n=6) and cryptogenic cirrhosis (n=3). A reliable diagnosis of AIH could be made using histological category of the simplified criteria in 69.2% and 81.8% of cases using IAIHG scores before biopsy of <10 and 10-15, respectively. Three patients with cirrhosis (5.1%) experienced bleeding following biopsy, but none of 148 patients with non-cirrhosis had bleeding complication (p=0.022).

CONCLUSION

Liver biopsy provides important diagnostic information for the management of patients with cirrhosis and suspected AIH, but the procedure is associated with significant risk.

Validation of the "Six-and-Twelve" Prognostic Score in Transarterial Chemoembolization-Treated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

INTRODUCTION

The "six-and-twelve" prognostic score was proposed recently to predict survival rate in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, it has not been validated externally. We validated this score and previous prognostic scores in Thai HCC patients treated with TACE.

METHODS

We identified all HCC patients who underwent TACE between January 2007 and December 2018 at our hospital. The inclusion criteria were treatment-naive, unresectable HCC BCLC-A and BCLC-B; if cirrhosis was present, Child-Pugh score ≤7; and baseline performance status 0-1.

RESULTS

Of 716 HCC patients undergoing TACE, 281 (mean age, 61.1 years; 73.0% men, 92.2% with cirrhosis) were eligible. Approximately half of the patients had hepatitis B virus. Median overall survival was 20.3 (95% confidence interval, 16.4-26.3) months. By stratifying with the "six-and-twelve" score (≤6, >6-12, >12), median (95% confidence interval) overall survival was 35.1 (26.4-53.0), 16.0 (11.6-22.6), and 7.6 (5.4-14.9) months, respectively. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) predicting death at 1, 2, and 3 years for the "six-and-twelve" score were 0.714, 0.700, and 0.688, respectively. Compared with the other currently available scores, the AUROC predicting death at 1 year for the "six-and-twelve" score was the most predictive and better than other models except the up-to-seven model.

DISCUSSION

Our study confirms the value of the "six-and-twelve" score to predict survival rate of unresectable HCC treated with TACE. However, in our validation cohort, AUROC of the "six-and-twelve" score was slightly lower than that of the original Chinese cohort (0.73).

Hepatitis B surface antigen, core-related antigen and HBV RNA: Predicting clinical relapse after NA therapy discontinuation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The safe discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy remains challenging in chronic hepatitis B. We investigated the potential role of quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core-related antigen and hepatitis B virus RNA at the end of treatment in predicting off-therapy relapse.

METHODS

Patients who fulfilled the stopping criteria of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver guideline were enrolled. Virological relapse was defined as hepatitis B virus DNA level greater than 2000 IU/mL, and clinical relapse was defined as virological relapse plus alanine aminotransferase level of more than twice the upper limit of normal.

RESULTS

Ninety-two patients participated. The combination of end-of-treatment hepatitis B core-related antigen and hepatitis B virus RNA levels was most predictive of clinical relapse. Multivariate analysis revealed that end-of-treatment hepatitis B core-related antigen and hepatitis B virus RNA were independently associated with clinical relapse. During follow-up, no patients with undetectable hepatitis B core-related antigen (<3.0 log₁₀ U/mL) and hepatitis B virusRNA (<2.0 log₁₀ copies/mL) at end of treatment developed clinical relapse, in comparison with 22.9% and 62.5% patients with detectable levels of one or both biomarkers respectively. End-of-treatment quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen was linked to a likelihood of hepatitis B surface antigen clearance.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined hepatitis B core-related antigen and hepatitis B virus RNA assays at end of treatment were highly predictive of subsequent clinical relapse. These novel biomarkers could potentially be used to identify patients who could safely discontinue nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy.

Amoxycillin-Clavulanic Acid-Induced Esophageal Ulcer: An Unusual Cause

Pill-induced esophagitis or esophageal ulcers are considered when patients have retrosternal chest pain or odynophagia following the ingestion of suspicious medications. Various drugs have been reported to induce esophageal ulcers. However, amoxycillin-clavulanic acid-induced esophagitis or esophageal ulcer has not been reported in literature. Hence, we report the case of a 30-year-old Thai male who presented with acute, severe odynophagia and retrosternal chest pain. He had a history of taking amoxycillin-clavulanic acid for 12 days. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed and revealed geographic clean-based ulcers, with a kissing-ulcer appearance at the level of the mid-esophagus. A biopsy was taken and revealed inflamed granulation tissue and an ulcer with neither infection nor malignancy. Thus, the diagnosis of an amoxycillin-clavulanic acid-induced esophageal ulcer was made according to the clinicopathologic report.

Potential Benefits of Switching Liver Transplant Recipients to Tenofovir Alafenamide Prophylaxis

Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is the latest agent approved for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatment. In its registrations trials, TAF demonstrated better renal safety and improvement in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities compared with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).^1-3 However, data are scarce regarding these outcomes in liver transplantation (LTx) recipients.⁴ In this study, we determine effects of switching from other antivirals to TAF on ALT and renal function in LTx recipients.

Primary Gastrointestinal Amyloidosis: An Unusual Cause of Acute Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction

Amyloidosis of the gastrointestinal tract is an uncommon disorder characterized by the extracellular deposition of an abnormal fibrillar protein. It is rarely proven by biopsy. Amyloid deposition interferes with organ structure and its function. We report a case of a 64-year-old male who presented with severe colicky pain, unable to pass feces, and progressive abdominal distension for 2 days. Physical examination revealed marked abdominal distension, visible peristalsis, high-pitched hyperactive bowel sounds, and generalized tenderness. Plain abdominal radiograph showed markedly diffuse disproportional dilatation of the small bowel with different heights of air-fluid levels in the same loop. Abdominal computed tomography showed an evidence of small bowel obstruction, which revealed no gross mass or cause of obstruction, but long segment narrowing of the terminal ileum was seen. Ileocolonoscopy showed diffuse edematous mucosa of the ileum without mechanical obstruction but loss of normal bowel peristalsis. A random biopsy of the ileum was performed for pathological diagnosis, which reported extensive deposits of amorphous material within the muscle layers and in the submucosal vessels that stained strongly with Congo red and displayed the typical apple-green birefringence of amyloid protein when viewed under plane polarized light. Serum electrophoretic tests disclosed a monoclonal band of IgG-kappa monoclonal protein. His clinical symptoms improved after receiving chemotherapy with melphalan and prednisolone. Our case illustrated the rare cause of acute intestinal obstruction which mimicked a surgical condition. Primary intestinal amyloidosis should be in a differential diagnosis in patients without a demonstrated cause of obstruction.

Hepatitis B screening rates and reactivation in solid organ malignancy patients undergoing chemotherapy in Southern Thailand

Background/Aims

Hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) following chemotherapy (CMT) is well-known among hematologic malignancies, and screening recommendations are established. However, HBVr data in solid organ malignancy (SOM) patients are limited. This study aims to determine hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening rates, HBV prevalence, and the rate of significant hepatitis caused by HBVr in SOM patients undergoing CMT.

Methods

Based on the Oncology unit’s registration database from 2009–2013, we retrospectively reviewed records of all SOM patients ≥18 years undergoing CMT at Songklanagarind Hospital who were followed until death or ≥6 months after CMT sessions. Exclusion criteria included patients without baseline liver function tests (LFTs) and who underwent CMT before the study period. We obtained and analyzed baseline clinical characteristics, HBsAg screening, and LFT data during follow-up.

Results

Of 3,231 cases in the database, 810 were eligible. The overall HBsAg screening rate in the 5-year period was 27.7%. Screening rates were low from 2009–2012 (7.8–21%) and increased in 2013 to 82.9%. The prevalence of HBV among screened patients was 7.1%. Of those, 75% underwent prophylactic antiviral therapy. During the 6-month follow-up period, there were three cases of significant hepatitis caused by HBVr (4.2% of all significant hepatitis cases); all were in the unscreened group.

Conclusions

The prevalence of HBV in SOM patients undergoing CMT in our study was similar to the estimated prevalence in general Thai population, but the screening rate was quite low. Cases of HBVr causing significant hepatitis occurred in the unscreened group; therefore, HBV screening and treatment in SOM patients should be considered in HBV-endemic areas.

Evaluation of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and fibrosis 4 scores for hepatic fibrosis assessment compared with transient elastography in chronic hepatitis C patients

Background and Aim

Fibrotic stage (FS) assessment is essential in chronic hepatitis C treatment cascade. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) using transient elastography (TE) is reliable and correlated with liver biopsy. However, TE may not be widely available. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performances of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis 4 (FIB‐4) scores compared with TE.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, cross‐sectional study, including all chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoinfection patients with successful and reliable LSM, at 10 centers in Thailand from 2012 to 2017. Characteristics and laboratory data within 3 months of TE were retrospectively reviewed. Using TE as a reference standard, the diagnostic performances of APRI and FIB‐4 were evaluated. TE cut‐off levels of 7.1 and 12.5 kPa represented significant fibrosis (SF) and cirrhosis, respectively.

Results

The distribution of FS by TE in 2000 eligible patients was as follows: no SF 28.3%, SF 31.4%, and cirrhosis 40.3%. APRI ≥ 1 provided 70.1% sensitivity and 80.6% specificity, with an area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.834 for cirrhosis. The specificity increased to 96.3% when using a cut‐off level of APRI ≥ 2. FIB‐4 ≥ 1.45 provided a sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC of 52.4%, 91.0%, and 0.829 for cirrhosis, respectively. For SF, APRI performed better than FIB‐4, with an AUROC of 0.84 versus 0.80 (P < 0.001). APRI score < 0.5 and FIB‐4 score > 1.45 yielded sensitivities of 82.3% and 74.4% and specificities of 65.4% and 69.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

APRI and FIB‐4 scores had good diagnostic performances for FS assessment compared with TE, especially for cirrhosis. APRI may be used as the noninvasive assessment in resource‐limited settings for HCV patients’ management.

Phlegmonous Proctitis: A Rare Entity of the Presentation of Proctitis

Phlegmonous proctitis is a rare condition; it was first described in 1940. We report the case of an elderly woman who presented with acute severe lower abdominal pain, tenesmus, and fever. A computed tomography of the whole abdomen revealed a long segment of circumferential wall thickening of the rectum and rectosigmoid colon. Colonoscopy was done subsequently and showed marked edematous and erythematous rectal mucosa. When rectal tissue biopsy was performed, a large amount of pus came out at the biopsy site, which led to the diagnosis of phlegmonous proctitis.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary intervention in patients with surgically altered anatomy

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) in patients with surgically altered anatomies.

METHODS: We performed a search of the MEDLINE database for studies published between 2001 to July 2014 reporting on EUS-BD in patients with surgically altered anatomy using the terms “EUS drainage” and “altered anatomy”. All relevant articles were accessed in full text. A manual search of the reference lists of relevant retrieved articles was also performed. Only full-text English papers were included. Data regarding age, gender, diagnosis, method of EUS-BD and intervention, type of altered anatomy, technical success, clinical success, and complications were extracted and collected. Anatomic alterations were categorized as: group 1, Billroth I; group 2, Billroth II; group 4, Roux-en-Y with gastric bypass; and group 3, all other types.

RESULTS: Twenty three articles identified in the literature search, three reports were from the same group with different numbers of cases. In total, 101 cases of EUS-BD in patients with altered anatomy were identified. Twenty-seven cases had no information and were excluded. Seventy four cases were included for analysis. Data of EUS-BD in patients categorized as group 1, 2 and 4 were limited with 2, 3 and 6 cases with EUS-BD done respectively. Thirty four cases with EUS-BD were reported in group 3. The pooled technical success, clinical success, and complication rates of all reports with available data were 89.18%, 91.07% and 17.5%, respectively. The results are similar to the reported outcomes of EUS-BD in general, however, with limited data of EUS-BD in patients with altered anatomy rendered it difficult to draw a firm conclusion.

CONCLUSION: EUS-BD may be an option for patients with altered anatomy after a failed endoscopic-retrograde-cholangiography in centers with expertise in EUS-BD procedures in a research setting.

HBV DNA level could predict significant liver fibrosis in HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B patients with biopsy indication

Background

Non-invasive models and methods to substitute liver biopsy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients were investigated but their roles as predictors of significant liver histology for diagnosis of HBeAg-negative CHB patients who had indication for liver biopsy according to The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) guidelines are still unknown. This study was designed to identify predictors of significant liver necroinflammation as defined by a Histology Activity Index of necroinflammatory score ≥ 4 or Metavir necroinflammatory activity score ≥ 2 and significant liver fibrosis as defined by a Metavir fibrosis score ≥ 2 in HBeAg-negative CHB patients that had a hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level ≥ 2,000 IU/ml and age ≥ 40 years or elevated alanine aminotransferase level between 1–2 times the upper limit of normal.

Methods

Twenty-two patients were prospectively included and performed liver biopsies. Clinical and laboratory parameters including age, gender, underlying disease, family history of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma, body mass index (BMI), HBV DNA level, HBsAg level, liver function test, complete blood count, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index and transient elastography were collected and analyzed with liver histology profiles.

Results

Five patients (23%) had significant liver inflammation and 7 patients (32%) had significant liver fibrosis. Factors associated with significant liver inflammation were a lower BMI and higher alkaline phosphatase level while a factor associated with significant liver fibrosis was lower age. On multivariate analysis, only HBV DNA level > 5.5 log IU/ml could predict significant liver fibrosis (odds ratio 28.012, 95% CI, 1.631-481.240, p = 0.022) and its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 71.4%, 93.3%, 83.3% and 87.5% respectively.

Conclusions

An HBV DNA level of > 5.5 log IU/ml was able to predict significant liver fibrosis for treatment of HBeAg-negative CHB patients that had indication for liver biopsy as recommended by AASLD and APASL guidelines.

Benefit of "transparent soft-short-hood on the scope" for colonoscopy among experienced gastroenterologists and gastroenterologist trainee: a randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The attachment of a transparent hood to the colonoscope tip has been reported to offer some benefits, such as enabling the endoscopist to perform the colonoscopy more easily and to save time. However, there have been no randomized, controlled trials concerning these benefits, nor have any reports been published regarding the use of hoods for the purpose of training colonoscopists. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate the possible benefits of the transparent soft short hood when used by both experienced and trainee endoscopist groups.

METHODS

This randomized, controlled trial to assess the results of using a transparent soft short hood attached to the tip of the colonoscope was undertaken by two groups of investigators: experienced endoscopists and gastroenterologist trainees. The cecal and ileal intubation times, as well as the doses of sedative medication required, were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 112 patients, 65 of whom were female, underwent colonoscopy by 2 endoscopists and 5 gastroenterologist trainees. Colonoscopy was complete in 100% of the patients. The study showed significant shortening of the cecal intubation time when using the soft short hood, in both the endoscopist and gastroenterologist trainee groups (6.8/4.61 min, P = 0.006; and 9.36/7.36 min, P = 0.03). The ileal intubation time had a trend to be significantly less when using the transparent hood in the trainee group (126.4/52.9 s), although this was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). The average dose of propofol, when using the transparent hood, was significantly lower in the endoscopist group (180/120 mg, P = 0.001). No significant complications occurred in the hood or non-hood groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The transparent soft short hood shortened the cecal intubation time in both the experienced endoscopist and gastroenterologist trainee groups, as well as reducing the dose of sedative medication required in the experienced endoscopist group. Interestingly, it also reduced the trainee ileal intubation time. The attachment of this type of hood enabled both the experienced endoscopists and gastroenterological trainees to perform colonoscopy more quickly and easily, without any complications.