Effectiveness and safety of direct-acting antivirals in the therapy of HCV-infected elderly people

BACKGROUND

The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) with their effectiveness and safety has revolutionized the approach to treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Nevertheless, elderly patients have often been excluded from clinical trials, so the results of real-world studies are particularly important in the context of the geriatric population. The study aimed to analyze the effectiveness and safety of antiviral DAA treatment in HCV-infected patients over the age of 65, with notable inclusion of those over the age of 85.

METHODS

The analyzed patients were divided by age into three groups: group A (65-74 years), group B (75-84 years) and group C (85 years or older). Patients started DAA based therapy at 22 hepatology centers between July 2015 and December 2022.

RESULTS

A total of 3505 elderly patients were included in the analysis, and this group consisted of 2501 patients in group A, 893 in group B, and 111 in group C. The study population, regardless of age, was dominated by women. Patients had a high prevalence of comorbidities (84.9%, 92.2%, and 93.7%, respectively) as well as a high rate of concomitant medications. The sustained virological response was 97.9% in groups A and B and 100% in group C. The therapy was well-tolerated, with a comparable safety profile observed in all analyzed groups.

CONCLUSIONS

DAA-based therapies are highly effective and well tolerated by the elderly patients, including those over 85. Age should not be a barrier to treatment, but careful management is necessary.

Treatment of the most difficult-to-cure hepatitis C virus-infected population with sofosbuvir / velpatasvir

INTRODUCTION

Pangenotypic therapies for infections with hepatitis C virus (HCV), although universal and highly effective, entail a risk of treatment failure.

OBJECTIVES

Our study aimed to identify the population of HCV‑infected patients most difficult to cure with the sofosbuvir / velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) regimen.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The effectiveness of the SOF/VEL regimen with a possible addition of ribavirin (RBV) was evaluated in populations known to be less responsive to treatment, and then in a population characterized by the combination of all factors impairing effectiveness, comprising patients treated with this regimen in the EpiTer‑2 multicenter retrospective study.

RESULTS

A total of 2267 patients were treated with SOF/VEL±RBV. Of those, 2078 (96.4%) achieved sustained virologic response. The cure rate was 93.5% among 646 patients infected with genotype (GT) 3, 92.3% among 635 patients with cirrhosis, 95.5% in a population of 1233 men, and 94.1% among 421 patients with body mass index (BMI) above 30. An analysis in a group of 43 men with cirrhosis and obesity infected with GT3 showed the effectiveness of pangenotypic therapy at only 79.1%, falling to 66.7% in individuals with previous treatment failure.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large population of SOF/VEL‑treated HCV‑infected patients, we showed relatively low effectiveness of the regimen in treatment‑experienced men with cirrhosis and obesity, infected with GT3. Triple therapy should be considered when initiating the treatment of HCV infections in this group, which, however, needs to be confirmed in further studies. Previous studies were conducted in less demanding populations, because they did not take into account sex and BMI, which significantly affect the treatment effectiveness.

Does a detectable HCV RNA at the end of DAA therapy herald treatment failure?

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The study aimed to assess the phenomenon of achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients with detectable ribonucleic acid (RNA) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) at the end of treatment (ET) with direct-acting antivirals (DAA), find how this is affected by the type of regimen, and how patients experiencing this differed from non-responders with detectable HCV RNA at the ET.

METHODS

The study included all consecutive patients with detectable HCV RNA at the ET selected from the EpiTer-2 database, a retrospective national multicentre project evaluating antiviral treatment in HCV-infected patients in 2015-2023.

RESULTS

Of the 16106 patients treated with IFN-free regimens with available HCV RNA assessment at the ET and at follow-up 12 weeks after treatment completion (FU), 1253 (7.8%) had detectable HCV RNA at the ET, and 1120 of them (89%) finally achieved SVR. This phenomenon was significantly more frequent in pangenotypic regimens, 10.3% vs. 4.7% in genotype-specific options (p < 0.001), and the highest proportion was documented for glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (13.7%), and velpatasvir/sofosbuvir ± ribavirin (6.9%). Patients ET + FU- treated with these two pangenotypic regimens (n = 668) had less advanced liver disease, were less frequently infected with genotype (GT) 3, and were significantly more likely to be treatment-naïve than 61 non-responders.

CONCLUSIONS

We documented 7.8% rate of patients with detectable HCV RNA at the ET, of whom 89% subsequently achieved SVR, significantly more frequently in the population treated with pangenotypic regimens. Less severe liver disease, more often GT3 infection, and a higher percentage of treatment-naive patients distinguished this group from non-responders.

Pangenotypic triple versus double therapy in HCV-infected patients after prior failure of direct-acting antivirals

Aim of the study

Despite the excellent effectiveness of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, still a few percent of patients fail therapy. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of triple vs double rescue treatment in such a population.

Material and methods

The study included all consecutive DAA-experienced patients retreated with pangenotypic options from the EpiTer-2 database, a retrospective national multicenter real-world project evaluating antiviral treatment in HCV-infected patients in 2015-2023.

Results

The studied population consisted of 269 patients, of whom 208 were treated with the double (P2) and 61 with the triple (P3) pangenotypic option. No statistically significant differences were found between these subpopulations, except a significantly more frequent history of liver transplantation in the P3 group (6.6% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.01). In the P2 group, two-thirds of patients were treated with velpatasvir/sofosbuvir, while in the P3 group the majority of patients received a combination of velpatasvir/sofosbuvir/voxilaprevir. Virological response at the end of therapy was comparable in both analyzed subpopulations, but the sustained virologic response (SVR) rate was significantly higher in triple retherapy, 98.3% vs. 88.7%, p = 0.02, calculated after exclusion of patients lost to follow-up. Lower SVR was achieved in genotype 3-infected men with cirrhosis, 88.9% and 80% in P3 and P2, respectively.

Conclusions

A comparison of double and triple pangenotypic retherapy in patients after failure of DAA therapy showed a higher sustained virological response in the triple option with a comparable response at the end of therapy. The factors reducing the chances of cure were cirrhosis, genotype 3 infection and male gender.

Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Direct-Acting Antivirals in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C and Epilepsy: An Epi-Ter-2 Study in Poland

INTRODUCTION

In Poland, active HCV infection affects between 0.4 and 0.5% of the population, i.e., about 150,000 people, while the number of patients with epilepsy is estimated to be 350,000-400,000. Currently available antiviral therapies show little interaction with neurological drugs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the treatment of chronic HCV infection in patients with coexisting epilepsy.

METHODS

A total of 184 epilepsy patients were selected from the group of 10,152 HCV-infected patients treated for HCV infection within the Epiter-2 database from 2015 to 2018. Comparing the effectiveness and safety of anti-HCV regimens between the patients with comorbid epilepsy and 3573 patients without comorbidities was our study's objective.

RESULTS

The effectiveness of anti-HCV treatment was high in both the sample and the control group. No statistically significant SVR difference was observed between the sample group, with ITT = 93.5% and mITT = 95.5%, and the control group, with ITT = 95.2% and mITT = 97.5%, regardless of the genotype and the stage of liver disease at the start of therapy. The treatment was safe in patients with epilepsy.

CONCLUSIONS

The effectiveness and safety of HCV treatment in patients with epilepsy are comparable to those of patients with no significant comorbidities.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of direct-acting antivirals in hepatitis C virus patients with mental disorders

BACKGROUND

It is estimated that 58 million people worldwide are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Patients with severe psychiatric disorders could not be treated with previously available interferon-based therapies due to their unfavorable side effect profile. This has changed with the introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAA), although their real-life tolerance and effectiveness in patients with different psychiatric disorders remain to be demonstrated.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of DAA in patients with various mental illnesses.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study encompassing 14272 patients treated with DAA for chronic hepatitis C in 22 Polish hepatology centers, including 942 individuals diagnosed with a mental disorder (anxiety disorder, bipolar affective disorder, depression, anxiety-depressive disorder, personality disorder, schizophrenia, sleep disorder, substance abuse disorder, and mental illness without a specific diagnosis). The safety and effectiveness of DAA in this group were compared to those in a group without psychiatric illness (n = 13330). Antiviral therapy was considered successful if serum ribonucleic acid (RNA) of HCV was undetectable 12 wk after its completion [sustained virologic response (SVR)]. Safety data, including the incidence of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs (SAEs), and deaths, and the frequency of treatment modification and discontinuation, were collected during therapy and up to 12 wk after treatment completion. The entire study population was included in the intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis. Per-protocol (PP) analysis concerned patients who underwent HCV RNA evaluation 12 wk after completing treatment.

RESULTS

Among patients with mental illness, there was a significantly higher percentage of men, treatment-naive patients, obese, human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus-coinfected, patients with cirrhosis, and those infected with genotype 3 (GT3) while infection with GT1b was more frequent in the population without psychiatric disorders. The cure rate calculated PP was not significantly different in the two groups analyzed, with a SVR of 96.9% and 97.7%, respectively. Although patients with bipolar disorder achieved a significantly lower SVR, the multivariate analysis excluded it as an independent predictor of treatment non-response. Male sex, GT3 infection, cirrhosis, and failure of previous therapy were identified as independent negative predictors. The percentage of patients who completed the planned therapy did not differ between groups with and without mental disorders. In six patients, symptoms of mental illness (depression, schizophrenia) worsened, of which two discontinued treatments for this reason. New episodes of sleep disorders occurred significantly more often in patients with mental disorders. Patients with mental illness were more frequently lost to follow-up (4.2% vs 2.5%).

CONCLUSION

DAA treatment is safe and effective in HCV-infected patients with mental disorders. No specific psychiatric diagnosis lowered the chance of successful antiviral treatment.

Changes in characteristics of patients with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis from the beginning of the interferon-free era

BACKGROUND

Nearly 290000 patients with chronic hepatitis C die annually from the most severe complications of the disease. One of them is liver cirrhosis, which occurs in about 20% of patients chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), which replaced interferon (IFN)-based regimens, significantly improved the prognosis of this group of patients, increasing HCV eradication rates and tolerability of therapy. Our study is the first to assess changes in patient profile, effectiveness, and safety in the HCV-infected cirrhotic population in the IFN-free era.

AIM

To document changes in patient characteristics and treatment regimens along with their effectiveness and safety profile over the years.

METHODS

The studied patients were selected from 14801 chronically HCV-infected individuals who started IFN-free therapy between July 2015 and December 2021 in 22 Polish hepatology centers. The retrospective analysis was conducted in real-world clinical practice based on the EpiTer-2 multicenter database. The measure of treatment effectiveness was the percentage of sustained virologic response (SVR) calculated after excluding patients lost to follow-up. Safety data collected during therapy and the 12-wk post-treatment period included information on adverse events, including serious ones, deaths, and treatment course.

RESULTS

The studied population (n = 3577) was balanced in terms of gender in 2015-2017, while the following years showed the dominance of men. The decline in the median age from 60 in 2015-2016 to 57 years in 2021 was accompanied by a decrease in the percentage of patients with comorbidities and comedications. Treatment-experienced patients dominated in 2015-2016, while treatment-naive individuals gained an advantage in 2017 and reached 93.2% in 2021. Genotype (GT)-specific options were more prevalent in treatment in 2015-2018 and were supplanted by pangenotypic combinations in subsequent years. The effectiveness of the therapy was comparable regardless of the period analyzed, and patients achieved an overall response rate of 95%, with an SVR range of 72.9%-100% for the different therapeutic regimens. Male gender, GT3 infection, and prior treatment failure were identified as independent negative predictors of therapeutic success.

CONCLUSION

We have documented changes in the profile of HCV-infected cirrhotic patients over the years of accessibility to changing DAA regimens, confirming the high effectiveness of IFN-free therapy in all analyzed periods.

Rescue Therapy after Failure of HCV Antiviral Treatment with Interferon-Free Regimens

Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) regimens have provided hope for eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Patients following ineffective therapy with DAA, especially those previously treated with inhibitors of non-structural protein 5A (NS5A), remain a challenge. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of DAA pangenotypic options in patients after failure of NS5A containing genotype-specific regimens. The analysis included 120 patients selected from the EpiTer-2 database with data on 15675 HCV-infected individuals treated with IFN-free therapies from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2022 at 22 Polish hepatology centres. The majority of them were infected with genotype (GT) 1b (85.8%) and one-third was diagnosed with fibrosis F4. Among the rescue pangenotypic regimens, the most commonly used was the sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) ± ribavirin (RBV) combination. The sustained virologic response, which was a measure of treatment effectiveness, was achieved by 102 patients, resulting in cure rate of 90.3% in the per protocol analysis. All 11 non-responders were infected with GT1b, 7 were diagnosed with cirrhosis, and 9 were treated with SOF/VEL±RBV. We demonstrated the high effectiveness of the pangenotypic rescue options in patients after genotype specific NS5A-containing regimens failures, identifying cirrhosis as a negative prognostic factor of treatment effectiveness.

The Course of COVID-19 in Patients with Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

Patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD) have increased susceptibility to viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to analyse the SARD patient population with COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) in terms of baseline characteristics, severity, course and outcomes of the disease compared with the non-SARD group, and to identify factors associated with prognosis, including remdesivir therapy efficacy. Retrospective study comprised 8220 COVID-19 cases from the SARSTer database, including 185 with SARD. Length of hospitalisation, duration of oxygen therapy, mortality and the need for HFNO (high-flow nasal oxygen) and/or NIV (noninvasive ventilation) were significantly higher in the SARD versus non-SARD group. There was no difference in clinical features on admission to hospital. Patients with SARD were older and more likely to have cardiovascular, pulmonary and chronic kidney diseases. Age, the presence of cardiovascular disease, more severe conditions on admission and higher inflammatory marker values were found to be risk factors for death in the SARD group. In patients with SARD treated with remdesivir, there was a trend towards improved mortality but without statistical significance. Length of hospitalisation, 28-day mortality and the need for HFNO and/or NIV were higher in the SARD group. These patients often had other chronic diseases and were older.

Best therapy for the easiest to treat hepatitis C virus genotype 1b-infected patients

BACKGROUND

The revolution in treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection dates back to the introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). The increase in efficacy was most pronounced in patients infected with genotype (GT) 1b, as this was the most poorly responsive population to treatment during the interferon era.

AIM

To identify the most effective interferon-free therapy for GT1b-infected patients and to determine positive and negative predictors of virological response.

METHODS

This real-world retrospective analysis included patients chronically infected with GT1b HCV whose data were obtained from the multicenter observational EpiTer-2 database. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated for each therapeutic regimen as the percentage of sustained virological responses (SVR). Assessment of the safety was based on the evaluation of the course of therapy, the occurrence of adverse events including serious ones, deaths during treatment and in the post 12-wk follow-up period.

RESULTS

The studied population consisted of 11385 patients with a mean age of 53 ± 14.8 years and a female predominance (53.4%). The majority of them were treatment-naïve (74.6%) and patients with cirrhosis accounted for 24.3%. Of the DAA regimens used, 76.9% were GT-specific with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir + dasabuvir ± ribavirin being the most used option (32.4%). A total of 10903 patients responded to treatment resulting in a 98.1% in the per-protocol analysis after excluding 273 patients without SVR data. The effectiveness of all regimens exceeded 90% and the highest SVR of 98.9% was achieved in patients treated with a combination of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir. Logistic regression analyses showed that the virologic response was independently associated with female sex [odds ratio (OR) = 1.67], absence of decompensated cirrhosis at baseline (OR = 2.42) and higher baseline platelets (OR = 1.004 per 1000/μL increase), while the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection significantly decreased the odds of response (OR = 0.39). About 95%-100% of patients completed therapy irrespective of the drug regimen. At least one adverse effect occurred in 10.9%-36.3% and most of them were mild. No treatment related deaths have been reported.

CONCLUSION

We documented very high effectiveness and a good safety profile across all DAA regimens. Positive predictors of SVR were female sex, absence of decompensated cirrhosis at baseline and higher platelet count while HIV coinfection reduced the effectiveness.

Remdesivir Decreases Mortality in COVID-19 Patients with Active Malignancy

Data on the use of remdesivir, the first antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2, are limited in oncologic patients. We aimed to analyze contributing factors for mortality in patients with malignancies in the real-world CSOVID-19 study. In total, 222 patients with active oncological disorders were selected from a nationwide COVID-19 study of 4890 subjects. The main endpoint of the current study was the 28-day in-hospital mortality. Approximately half of the patients were male, and the majority had multimorbidity (69.8%), with a median age of 70 years. Baseline SpO2 < 85% was observed in 25%. Overall, 59 (26.6%) patients died before day 28 of hospitalization: 29% due to hematological, and 20% due to other forms of cancers. The only factor increasing the odds of death in the multivariable model was eGFR < 60 mL/min/m2 (4.621, p = 0.02), whereas SpO2 decreased the odds of death at baseline (0.479 per 5%, p = 0.002) and the use of remdesivir (0.425, p = 0.03). This study shows that patients with COVID-19 and malignancy benefit from early remdesivir therapy, resulting in a decrease in early mortality by 80%. The prognosis was worsened by low glomerular filtration rate and low peripheral oxygen saturation at baseline underlying the role of kidney protection and early hospitalization.

Hepatitis C Infection as a Risk Factor for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases: An EpiTer Multicenter Study

Hepatitis C infection is one of the main reasons for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In recent years, more and more is being heard about extrahepatic manifestations of the hepatitis C infection including its possible influence on the development of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. In the given work, the frequency analysis of the incidence of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases among 2898 HCV-infected patients treated in Poland and the assessment of their relevance to the HCV genotype and the progression of liver fibrosis can be found. The prevalence of hypertension in the group of analyzed patients was 39% and was significantly associated with old age (OR = 1.08 (1.07-1.08)) and female sex, as well as the progression of liver fibrosis (OR = 1.54 (1.29-1.85)). Hypertension was found in 47.6% of patients with F4 fibrosis, 42.1% of patients with F3 fibrosis, and 25% of patients with F1 fibrosis. The incidence of cardiovascular disease in the studied group of patients was as follows: all incidents, 131 (4.52%); including ischemic heart disease 104, (3.95%); stroke, 2 (0.07%); atherosclerosis, 21 (0.72%); and aneurysms, 4 (0.14%). The obtained results prove that the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is significantly associated with the advanced age of patients and the progression of liver fibrosis. The relevance of sex and the HCV genotype to the prevalence frequency of cardiovascular diseases in the study group has not been proven. This being the case, no differences in the frequency of their incidence depending on the HCV genotype, including genotype 3, was found. Hepatitis C infection as a non-classical risk factor for cardiovascular disease and hypertension does require further studying.

The association of airborne particulate matter and benzo[a]pyrene with the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients hospitalized in Poland

Air pollution can adversely affect the immune response and increase the severity of the viral disease. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between symptomatology, clinical course, and inflammation markers of adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalized in Poland (n = 4432) and air pollution levels, i.e., mean 24 h and max 24 h level of benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) and particulate matter <10 μm (PM₁₀) and <2.5 μm (PM_2.5) during a week before their hospitalization. Exposures to PM_2.5 and B(a)P exceeding the limits were associated with higher odds of early respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 and hyperinflammatory state: interleukin-6 > 100 pg/mL, procalcitonin >0.25 ng/mL, and white blood cells count >11 × 10³/mL. Except for the mean 24 h PM₁₀ level, the exceedance of other air pollution parameters was associated with increased odds for oxygen saturation <90%. Exposure to elevated PM_2.5 and B(a)P levels increased the odds of oxygen therapy and death. This study evidences that worse air quality is related to increased severity of COVID-19 and worse outcome in hospitalized patients. Mitigating air pollution shall be an integral part of measures undertaken to decrease the disease burden during a pandemic of viral respiratory illness.

Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Coronaviruses with Particular Emphasis on SARS-CoV-2 Virus

The rapidly spreading Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a global health crisis and has left a deep mark on society, culture, and the global economy. Despite considerable efforts made to contain the disease, SARS-CoV-2 still poses a threat on a global scale. The current epidemiological situation caused an urgent need to understand the basic mechanisms of the virus transmission and COVID-19 severe course. This review summarizes current knowledge on clinical courses, diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of COVID-19. Moreover, we have included the latest research results on the genetic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 and genetic determinants of susceptibility and severity to infection.

Efficacy of 8- versus 12-week treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in chronic hepatitis C patients eligible for 8-week regimen in a real-world setting

INTRODUCTION

Non-cirrhotic treatment-naive hepatitis C patients infected with genotype 1 can be treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) for 8 weeks, but in practice this regimen is frequently extended up to 12 weeks at least in part due to insufficient real-world data supporting shortening of treatment. The aim of our study was to compare 8- and 12-week regimens' efficacy in patients eligible for 8-week therapy in a real-world setting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data of HCV genotype 1 infected patients treated with LDV/SOF between 2015 and 2018 included in the EpiTer-2 database were analyzed with respect to patients' characteristics and length of treatment.

RESULTS

Among a total of 1718 patients treated with LDV/SOF, 679 were included in the analysis, 238 (35%) received 8-week regimen, whereas 441 were treated for 12 weeks although they fulfilled the criteria for a shorter course. The majority of patients were infected with genotype 1b (89%) and demonstrated minimal fibrosis (55%). The 12-week regimen was assigned significantly more frequently to patients with comorbidities, concomitant medications and advanced liver fibrosis. The sustained virologic response rate was similar after 8 (98%) and 12 (97%) weeks of therapy according to intent-to-treat analysis and reached 99% in both groups after exclusion of patients lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed high effectiveness regardless of treatment duration with LDV/SOF in non-cirrhotics infected with HCV genotype 1 eligible for the 8-week regimen according to the current label. This real-world study also demonstrated no need for addition of ribavirin (RBV) in this population and showed that shortening of treatment significantly improves the safety profile of LDV/SOF medication.

Demographic and Clinical Overview of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients during the First 17 Months of the Pandemic in Poland

Long-term analyses of demographical and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients can provide a better overview of the clinical course of the disease. They can also help understand whether changes in infection symptomatology, disease severity, and outcome occur over time. We aimed to analyze the demographics, early symptoms of infection, laboratory parameters, and clinical manifestation of COVID-19 patients hospitalized during the first 17 months of the pandemic in Poland (March 2020-June 2021). The patients' demographical and clinical data (n = 5199) were extracted from the national SARSTer database encompassing 30 medical centers in Poland and statistically assessed. Patients aged 50-64 were most commonly hospitalized due to COVID-19 regardless of the pandemic period. There was no shift in the age of admitted patients and patients who died throughout the studied period. Men had higher C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels and required oxygenation and mechanical ventilation more often. No gender difference in fatality rate was seen, although the age of males who died was significantly lower. A share of patients with baseline SpO₂ < 91%, presenting respiratory, systemic and gastrointestinal symptoms was higher in the later phase of a pandemic than in the first three months. Cough, dyspnea and fever were more often presented in men, while women had a higher frequency of anosmia, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. This study shows some shifts in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity between March 2020 and July 2021 in the Polish cohort of hospitalized patients and documents various gender-differences in this regard. The results represent a reference point for further analyses conducted under the dominance of different SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Normal ranges of global left ventricular myocardial work indices in adults: a meta-analysis

Background

Non-invasive global myocardial work recently emerged as new parameter to characterize left ventricle function with potential advantages over both ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain.

Purpose

We aimed to perform a meta-analysis of normal ranges of non-invasive left ventricular myocardial work (MW) indices including global constructive work (GCW), global work index (GWI), global wasted work (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE) and to identify confounding factors that may contribute to variance in reported measures.

Methods

The authors searched four databases, Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library through January 2021 using the key terms “myocardial work”,“global constructive work”, “global wasted work”, “global work index”, “global work efficiency”. Studies were included if the articles reported LV myocardial work using 2D transthoracic echocardiography in healthy normal subjects, either in the control group or comprising the entire study cohort. The weighted mean was estimated by using the random effect model with a 95% confidence interval. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using the I2 test. Publication bias was examined by funnel plot and Egger's regression test.

Results

The search yielded 476 articles. After abstract and full text screening we included 13 datasets with 1665 patients for meta-analysis. The reported normal mean values of GCW and GWI among the studies were 2278 (95% CI, 2167 to 23878; I2=95%), and 2.010 (95% CI, 1922 to 2098, I2=97%), respectively. The mean GWE was 96.0 (95% CI, 95.6% to 96.5; I2=92%), and the mean GWW was 79.7% (95% CI, 68.8% to 90.7%; I2=90%) (Figure). Furthermore, age and gender did not significantly contribute to variations in normal values. No evidence of significant publication bias was observed in the funnel plots and the Egger test.

Conclusion

In this meta-analysis, we provide echocardiographic reference ranges for non-invasive indices of MW. These normal values should serve as a template for clinical and research use for this promising technology.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of direct-acting antivirals in patients with cirrhosis and history of hepatic decompensation: Epi-Ter2 Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim of this study was to assess the real-life effectiveness and safety of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) in patients with cirrhosis and history of hepatic decompensation compared to those with compensated cirrhosis.

METHOD

Data of patients treated with DAAs and included in the EpiTer-2 database (N = 10 152) were collected retrospectively. The primary endpoint was sustained viral response (SVR) at 12 weeks posttreatment. Patients were also evaluated in terms of liver-related adverse events and treatment modification/discontinuation.

RESULTS

The overall SVR rate was 91.4% in the intent to treat (ITT) analysis and 95.2% in the per-protocol (PP) analysis (P < .001). Patients with decompensated cirrhosis had lower SVR rates compared to those with compensated cirrhosis in ITT analysis (86.4% vs 92.0%, P < .001), while not in PP analysis (92.9% vs 95.5%, P > .05). Adverse events (AE) occurred 45.6% and 29.3% of patients with decompensated and compensated cirrhosis (P < .001). Patients with decompensated cirrhosis were at higher risk of death (5.4% vs 0.9%; P < .0001) or liver decompensation (21.5% vs 1.3%; P < .0001). Treatment with protease inhibitors was not associated with hepatic decompensation (P = .3). Only 82.6% of patients with decompensated cirrhosis completed DAA treatment (vs 92.8% in compensated cirrhotics; P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Despite higher frequency of AE and treatment modifications, once completed, DAAs yield comparable results for patients with decompensated and compensated cirrhosis. High rate of serious adverse events in patients with advanced liver disease treated with PI may not be related to the detrimental effect of the medications, but rather to the disease itself.

Effectiveness and Safety of Pangenotypic Regimens in the Most Difficult to Treat Population of Genotype 3 HCV Infected Cirrhotics

There is still limited data available from real-world experience studies on the pangenotypic regimens in patients with genotype (GT) 3 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and liver cirrhosis. The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pangenotypic regimens in this difficult-to-treat population. A total of 236 patients with mean age 52.3 ± 11.3 years and male predominance (72%) selected from EpiTer-2 database were included in the analysis; 72% of them were treatment-naïve. The majority of patients (55%) received the combination of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL), 71 without and 58 with ribavirin (RBV), whereas the remaining 107 individuals were assigned to glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB). The effectiveness of the treatment following GLE/PIB and SOF/VEL regimens (96% and 93%) was higher compared to SOF/VEL + RBV option (79%). The univariate analysis demonstrated the significantly lower sustained virologic response in males, in patients with baseline HCV RNA ≥ 1,000,000 IU/mL, and among those who failed previous DAA-based therapy. The multivariate logistic regression analysis recognized only the male gender and presence of ascites at baseline as the independent factors of non-response to treatment. It should be emphasized that despite the availability of pangenotypic, strong therapeutic options, GT3 infected patients with cirrhosis still remain difficult-to-treat, especially those with hepatic impairment and DAA-experienced.

Is an 8-week regimen of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir sufficient for all hepatitis C virus infected patients in the real-world experience?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The revolution of the antiviral treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection resulting in higher effectiveness came with the introduction of direct-acting antivirals with pangenotypic regimens as a final touch. Among them, the combination of glecaprevir (GLE) and pibrentasvir (PIB) provides the opportunity for shortening therapy to 8 weeks in the majority of patients. Because of still insufficient evaluation of this regimen in the real-world experience, our study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 8-week GLE/PIB in chronic hepatitis C patients depending on liver fibrosis and genotype (GT).

METHODS

The analysis included patients who received GLE/PIB for 8 weeks selected from the EpiTer-2 database, large retrospective national real-world study evaluating antiviral treatment in 12 584 individuals in 22 Polish hepatology centers.

RESULTS

A total of 1034 patients with female predominance (52%) were enrolled in the analysis. The majority of them were treatment naïve (94%), presented liver fibrosis (F) of F0-F3 (92%), with the most common GT1b, followed by GT3. The overall sustained virologic response after exclusion of nonvirologic failures was achieved in 95.8% and 98%, respectively (P = 0.19). In multivariate logistic regression HCV GT-3 (beta = 0.07, P = 0.02) and HIV infection (beta = -0.14, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of nonresponse.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated high effectiveness of 8-week GLE/PIB treatment in a non-GT3 population irrespective of liver fibrosis stage. Comparable efficacy was achieved in non-cirrhotic patients regardless of the genotype, including GT3 HCV.

Factors influencing the failure of interferon-free therapy for chronic hepatitis C: Data from the Polish EpiTer-2 cohort study

BACKGROUND

The introduction of direct-acting antiviral drugs into clinical practice has revolutionized the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, making it highly effective and safe for patients. However, few researchers have analyzed the factors causing therapy failure in some patients.

AIM

To analyze factors influencing the failure of direct antiviral drugs in the large, multicenter EpiTer-2 cohort in a real-world setting.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of patients with chronic hepatitis C treated at 22 Polish centers from 2016-2020. Data collected from the online EpiTer-2 database included the following: hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype, stage of fibrosis, hematology and liver function parameters, Child-Turcotte-Pugh and Model for End-stage Liver Disease scores, prior antiviral therapy, concomitant diseases, and drugs used in relation to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfections. Adverse events observed during the treatment and follow-up period were reported. Both standard and machine learning methods were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

During analysis, 12614 patients with chronic hepatitis C were registered, of which 11938 (mean age: 52 years) had available sustained virologic response (SVR) data [11629 (97%) achieved SVR and 309 (3%) did not]. Most patients (78.1%) were infected with HCV genotype 1b. Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed in 2974 patients, while advanced fibrosis (F3) was diagnosed in 1717 patients. We included patients with features of hepatic failure at baseline [ascites in 142 (1.2%) and encephalopathy in 68 (0.6%) patients]. The most important host factors negatively influencing treatment efficacy were liver cirrhosis, clinical and laboratory features of liver failure, history of hepatocellular carcinoma, and higher body mass index. Among viral factors, genotype 3 and viral load also exerted an influence on treatment efficacy. Classical statistical analysis revealed that treatment ineffectiveness seemed to be influenced by the male sex, which was not confirmed by the multivariate analysis using the machine learning algorithm (random forest). Coinfection with HBV (including patients with on-treatment reactivation of HBV infection) or HIV, extrahepatic manifestations, and renal failure did not significantly affect the treatment efficacy.

CONCLUSION

In patients with advanced liver disease, individualized therapy (testing for resistance-associated variants and response-guided treatment) should be considered to maximize the chance of achieving SVR.

Real-world experience with Grazoprevir/Elbasvir in the treatment of previously "difficult to treat" patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 and 4

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Grazoprevir/elbasvir (GZR/EBR) was approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 and 4 infected patients with or without compensated liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to assess GZR/EBR regimen in the real-world experience, particularly in previously "difficult-to-treat" patients with chronic kidney diseases, human immunodeficiency virus-coinfected, cirrhotics, and treatment-experienced.

METHODS

The analysis included patients treated with GZR/EBR selected from 10 152 individuals from the EpiTer-2 database, large national real-world study evaluating antiviral treatment in 22 Polish hepatology centers between 2015 and 2018. Data were completed retrospectively and submitted online.

RESULTS

A total of 1615 patients who started GZR/EBR therapy in 2017 and 2018 with a female predominance (54%) and median age of 54 years were analyzed. The majority were infected with GT1b (89%) and treatment naïve (81%). Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed in 19%, and 70% of patients had comorbidities, of which chronic renal disease was present in 7% and HIV-coinfection in 4%. Overall, a sustained virologic response (SVR) was achieved by 95% according to intent-to-treat (ITT) and 98% after exclusion of lost to follow up (modified ITT). No differences were found in cure rate between all included patients and subpopulations previously considered as difficult-to-treat. Majority of patients completed the treatment course as scheduled, adverse events were mostly mild and did not lead to therapy discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

GZR/EBR treatment carried-out in patients infected with HCV genotype 1 and 4 demonstrated good tolerability and an excellent SVR rate with no effectiveness reduction in so called difficult-to-treat populations.

Low risk of HBV reactivation in a large European cohort of HCV/HBV coinfected patients treated with DAA

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence and clinical characteristics of HCV/HBV coinfection and to evaluate the rate of HBV-reactivation during anti-HCV therapy in a large real-world study.

METHODS

Analyzed population consisted of 10,152 chronic hepatitis C patients treated with DAA between 2015 and 2019 in a nationwide study. Prior to the DAA all subjects had HBsAg and 60% anti-HBc testing.

RESULTS

111 of 10,152 patients (1.1%) had detectable HBsAg and 1239 of 6139 (20.2%) anti-HBcAb. The prevalence of occult hepatitis B was 0.48%. HCV/HBV patients were younger with a higher proportion of males, HIV-coinfected, and advanced fibrosis. They were less often diagnosed with diabetes but more often with chronic kidney disease. In HBsAg(+) subjects with baseline HBV-DNA available 6/102 (5.9%) HBV-reactivations during or after DAA therapy were observed, and in two (1.9%) significant hepatic flares were noted. In HBsAg(-)/anti-HBc(+) group 2 (0.16%) reactivations were observed only in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

DISCUSSION

Data from a large European cohort suggest a relatively low risk of HBV-reactivation during DAA-therapy for HCV infection in HBsAg(+) patients. In HBsAg(-)/anti-HBc(+) HBV-reactivation seems to be limited to subjects with immunodeficiency. Importantly, previous exposure to HBV and occult hepatitis B is present in a significant proportion of HCV-infected.

Comparative effectiveness of 8 versus 12 weeks of Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/ritonavir and Dasabuvir in treatment-naïve patients infected with HCV genotype 1b with non-advanced hepatic fibrosis

PURPOSE

Since 2017 treatment-naïve patients infected with genotype 1b of hepatitis C virus and minimal or moderate fibrosis can be treated with Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/ritonavir + Dasabuvir (OPrD) for 8 weeks according to updated Summary of Product Characteristics. The aim of our study was to assess the comparative efficacy of 8 and 12-weeks therapy with OPrD in large cohort of patients eligible for 8 weeks regimen treated in real-world setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analysed data of 3067 HCV genotype 1b infected patients treated with OPrD between 2015 and 2017. Final analysis included patients with none, minimal or moderate fibrosis (F0-F2).

RESULTS

A total of 771 patients were enrolled in the study, including 197 (26%) treated for 8-weeks and 574 patients fulfilling criteria for 8-weeks but assigned to 12-weeks regimen. Majority of patients had no or minimal fibrosis (F0-F1). Longer treatment duration was more often administered in patients with moderate fibrosis, comorbidities, concomitant medications. SVR was achieved in 186 (94%) patients treated for 8 weeks and 558 (97%) for 12 weeks (p = 0.07). After exclusion of lost to follow-up patients, sustained virological response (SVR) rate reached 95% and 99%, respectively (p = 0.01). We were not able to identify factors associated with non-response.

CONCLUSIONS

This real-word experience study confirmed similar, high effectiveness of 8 and 12-weeks regimens of OPrD in genotype 1b HCV infected patients with non-advanced fibrosis. Despite of reduced SVR rate after 8-weeks regimen, there is no need to extend therapy to 12-weeks in vast majority of such patients and no need to add ribavirin.

Is Interferon-Based Treatment of Viral Hepatitis C Genotype 3 Infection Still of Value in the Era of Direct-Acting Antivirals?

The aim of the study is to analyze treatments available for patients infected with genotype (G) 3 hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Poland at the beginning of the interferon (IFN)-free era and evaluate the efficacy and safety of different therapeutic options administered in a real-world setting. We analyzed data of 198 patients who started antiviral therapy after July 1, 2015, and completed it before December 31, 2016; 57.6% of them had liver cirrhosis and 46% were treatment experienced. Fifty percent of patients were assigned to sofosbuvir (SOF)+pegylated IFN alfa (PegIFNa)+ribavirin (RBV), 9% to PegIFNa+RBV, 36% received SOF+RBV, and 5% SOF+daclatasvir (DCV)±RBV. Cirrhotic patients were assigned more frequently to IFN-free regimens. Overall, a sustained virological response was achieved by 84.3% of patients in intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis and 87% in modified ITT analysis. For SOF+PegIFNa+RBV and SOF+DCV±RBV regimens, the sustained virologic response (SVR) rate reached at least 90%, whereas the two other therapeutic options demonstrated efficacy <80%. The SVR rate in noncirrhotics was higher than in cirrhotics, irrespective of regimen. Adverse events were documented in 52.5%, with the most common being weakness/fatigue and anemia. We confirmed effectiveness and safety of the SOF-based treatment in a real-world cohort of patients with chronic HCV G3 infection. Most notably, we demonstrated good tolerability and high efficacy of the SOF+PegIFNa+RBV regimen.

Real life results of direct acting antiviral therapy for HCV infection in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients: Epi-Ter2 study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the baseline demographics and real-life efficacy of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) in HIV-HCV-positive patients as compared to patients with HCV monoinfection. The analysis included 5690 subjects who were treated with DAAs: 5533 were HCV-positive and 157 were HIV-HCV-positive. Patients with HCV-monoinfection were older (p < .0001) and in HIV-HCV group there were more men (p < .0001). Prevalence of genotype 1a (p = .002), as well as of genotypes 3 and 4 (p < .0001) was higher in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients. Genotype 1b was more frequent (p < .0001) in the HCV-mono-infection group. Patients with HCV-monoinfection had a higher proportion of fibrosis F4 (p = .0004) and lower proportion of fibrosis F2 (p < .0001). HIV-HCV-coinfected individuals were more often treatment-naïve (p < .0001). Rates of sustained viral response after 12 weeks did not differ significantly between both groups (95.9% versus 97.3% in coinfection and monoinfection group, respectively; p > .05). They were, however, influenced by HCV genotype (p < .0001), stage of hepatic fibrosis (p < .0001), male sex (p < .0001), BMI (p = .0001) and treatment regimen modifications (p < .0001). Although factors associated with worse response to therapy (male sex, genotype 3) occurred more often in the HIV coinfection group, real-life results of DAAs did not differ significantly between both populations.

Long-term follow-up of patients treated with entecavir and peginterferon add-on therapy for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B infection: ARES long-term follow-up

Addition of peginterferon alpha (PEG-IFN add-on) to entecavir (ETV) treatment after a short lead-in phase results in more response than ETV monotherapy in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB). This study is the first to assess long-term efficacy of this treatment strategy. Patients who received ETV ± 24 weeks of PEG-IFN add-on in a global trial (ARES study) and completed follow-up were eligible to participate in this observational LTFU study if they had at least one combined HBeAg and HBV DNA measurement beyond week 96 of the ARES study. The primary endpoint was combined response (HBeAg loss and HBV DNA <200 IU/mL) at LTFU. In total, 48 patients treated with PEG-IFN add-on and 48 patients treated with ETV monotherapy were included. The median follow-up duration was 226 (IQR 51) weeks, and 86/96 (90%) patients were initial non-responders. At LTFU, combined response was present in 13 (27%) vs 11 (23%) patients (P = 0.81), and 1 log₁₀  HBsAg decline in 59% vs 28% (P = 0.02) for PEG-IFN add-on and ETV monotherapy, respectively. In 41 initial non-responders who continued ETV therapy, combined response at LTFU was present in 9 patients (PEG-IFN add-on: 5/22 [23%]; ETV monotherapy: 4/19 [21%]). Beyond week 96 of follow-up, rates of serological response became comparable between PEG-IFN add-on and ETV monotherapy. Although in this LTFU study initial non-responders were overrepresented in the add-on arm, PEG-IFN add-on possibly leads rather to accelerated HBeAg loss than to increased long-term HBeAg loss rates.

The efficacy of paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir+dasabuvir and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir is comparable in patients who failed interferon-based treatment with first generation protease inhibitors - a multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

According to the EASL and AASLD guidelines, the recommended treatment for patients who failed to achieve a sustained virologic response (SVR) on prior interferon-based triple therapy with protease inhibitors (PI), is a combination of sofosbuvir and NS5A inhibitors. Polish national recommendations also allow the use of paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir+dasasbuvir±ribavirin (PrODR) in this group of patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PrODR vs. ledipasvir/sofosbuvir±RBV (LSR) in PI-experienced patients in real-life setting.

METHODS

Our analysis included patients registered in the nationwide, investigators initiated, multicentre EpiTer-2 database. Among 4530 patients registered, 335 with genotype 1 (93% 1b) were previously treated with IFN-based regimens with PIs: 127 with boceprevir (BOC), 208 with telaprevir (TVR). Patients with advanced fibrosis (F3/F4) were significantly predominant (BOC 28.4%/61.4%, TVR 18.8%/64.4%, respectively). Subjects were assigned to IFN-free retreatment as follows: BOC - 64 (50.4%) PrODR and 63 (49.6%) LSR; TVR- 103 (49.5%) PrODR and 105 (50.5%) LSR.

RESULTS

SVR rates were comparable for particular groups: BOC → PrODR- 100%; BOC → LSR - 98%; TVR → PrODR - 97%; TVR → LSR - 96% (intent-to treat analysis-ITT) and BOC → PrODR→100%; BOC → LSR - 99%; TVR → PrODR - 99%; TVR → LSR - 98% (modified intent-to treat analysis-mITT). Both treatment regimens had a favourable safety profile. Adverse events (AEs) were generally mild or moderate in severity. Three deaths were reported. The treatment was stopped due to AEs in five patients (three treated with PrODR and two with LSR).

CONCLUSION

Efficacy and safety of treatment with PrODR and LSR is comparable in BOC or TVR-experienced patients.

Treatment of HCV infection in Poland at the beginning of the interferon-free era-the EpiTer-2 study

The aim of the EpiTer-2 study was to analyse patient characteristics and their medication for HCV infection in Poland at the beginning of the interferon-free era. Analysis of data of HCV infected patients treated during the initial period of availability of interferon-free regimens in Poland, who started therapy after 1 July 2015 and had available an efficacy evaluation report before 30 June 2017 was undertaken. A total of 2879 patients with chronic hepatitis C were entered, including 46% with liver cirrhosis. The most common was genotype 1b (86.8%). The study population was gender balanced, the majority of patients were overweight or obese and 69% presented comorbidities, with the highest prevalence that for hypertension. More than half of patients were retreated due to failure of previous therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Almost two-third of patients received current therapy with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir±dasabuvir (OPrD) ±ribavirin. Other patients received mostly sofosbuvir-based regimens including combination with ledipasvir and pegylated interferon and ribavirin for genotype 3-infected patients. Efficacy of treatment in the whole study population measured as intent-to-treat analysis was 95%. The most frequent regimen, administered for patients infected with genotype 1b, was 12 weeks of OPrD, resulting in an SVR rate of 98%. At least one adverse event was reported in 38% of patients, and the death rate was 0.8%. In conclusion, data from the EpiTer-2 study confirmed the excellent efficacy and safety profile of the real-world experience with recently introduced therapeutic options for genotype 1 HCV infection, but demonstrated weakness of the current therapeutic programme regarding genotype 3 infections.

Effectiveness and safety of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir±ribavirin in the treatment of HCV infection: The real-world HARVEST study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF)±ribavirin (RBV) regimen in a real-world setting.

METHODS

Patients received a fixed-dose combination tablet containing LDV and SOF with or without RBV, for 8, 12 or 24 weeks. Patients were assessed at baseline, end of treatment, and 12 weeks after the end of treatment. The primary effectiveness endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12).

RESULTS

Of the 86 patients, aged 20-80 years, 82.6% were HCV genotype 1b-infected and 50.0% were cirrhotic. More than half (52.3%) had previously followed pegylated interferon-containing (PEG-IFN) treatment regimens, and 38.5% were null-responders. SVR12 was achieved by 94.2% of patients. All non-responders were cirrhotic: two demonstrated virologic breakthrough and the remaining three relapsed. All patients treated with an 8-week regimen achieved SVR12 despite having high viral load at baseline (HCV RNA of >1 million IU/mL in 8/10 patients, including one with a viral load of >6 million IU/mL). Adverse events were generally mild and transient. Most frequently, fatigue (22.1%), headache (15.1%), and arthralgia (7.0%) were observed. Laboratory abnormalities included anemia and hyperbilirubinemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with LDV/SOF±RBV is an effective and safe option for patients with HCV, including those with advanced liver disease or a history of non-response to PEG-IFN-based therapy.

Efficacy and safety of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/r and dasabuvir compared to IFN-containing regimens in genotype 1 HCV patients: The MALACHITE-I/II trials

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Telaprevir plus pegylated interferon/ribavirin (TPV+PegIFN/RBV) remains a therapeutic option for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) 1 infection in many regions. We conducted two open-label, phase IIIb trials comparing safety and efficacy of all-oral ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir±ribavirin (OBV/PTV/r+DSV±RBV) and TPV+PegIFN/RBV.

METHODS

Treatment-naïve (MALACHITE-I) or PegIFN/RBV-experienced (MALACHITE-II) non-cirrhotic, chronic HCV GT1-infected patients were randomized to OBV/PTV/r+DSV+weight-based RBV, OBV/PTV/r+DSV (treatment-naïve, GT1b-infected patients only), or 12weeks of TPV+PegIFN+weight-based RBV and 12-36 additional weeks of PegIFN/RBV. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response 12weeks post-treatment (SVR12). Patient-reported outcome questionnaires evaluated mental and physical health during the studies.

RESULTS

Three hundred eleven treatment-naïve and 148 treatment-experienced patients were randomized and dosed. Among treatment-naïve patients, SVR12 rates were 97% (67/69) and 82% (28/34), respectively, in OBV/PTV/r+DSV+RBV and TPV+PegIFN/RBV-treated GT1a-infected patients; SVR12 rates were 99% (83/84), 98% (81/83), and 78% (32/41) in OBV/PTV/r+DSV+RBV, OBV/PTV/r+DSV, and TPV+PegIFN/RBV-treated GT1b-infected patients. Among treatment-experienced patients, SVR12 rates were 99% (100/101) and 66% (31/47) with OBV/PTV/r+DSV+RBV and TPV+PegIFN/RBV. Mental and physical health were generally better with OBV/PTV/r+DSV±RBV than TPV+PegIFN/RBV. Rates of discontinuation due to adverse events (0-1% and 8-11%, respectively, p<0.05) and rates of hemoglobin decline to <10g/dl (0-4% and 34-47%, respectively, p<0.05) were lower for OBV/PTV/r+DSV±RBV than TPV+PegIFN/RBV.

CONCLUSIONS

Among non-cirrhotic, HCV GT1-infected patients, SVR12 rates were 97-99% with 12week, multi-targeted OBV/PTV/r+DSV±RBV regimens and 66-82% with 24-48 total weeks of TPV+PegIFN/RBV. OBV/PTV/r+DSV±RBV was associated with a generally better mental and physical health, more favorable tolerability, and lower rates of treatment discontinuation due to adverse events.

Randomised clinical trial: alisporivir combined with peginterferon and ribavirin in treatment-naïve patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection (ESSENTIAL II)

BACKGROUND

Alisporivir (ALV) is an oral, host-targeting agent with pangenotypic anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity and a high barrier to resistance.

AIM

To evaluate efficacy and safety of ALV plus peginterferon-α2a and ribavirin (PR) in treatment-naïve patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection.

METHODS

Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, Phase 3 study evaluating ALV 600 mg once daily [response-guided therapy (RGT) for 24 or 48 weeks or 48 weeks fixed duration] or ALV 400 mg twice daily RGT with PR, compared to PR alone. Following a Food and Drug Administration partial clinical hold, ALV/placebo was discontinued and patients completed treatment with PR only. At that time, 87% of patients had received ≥12 weeks and 20% had received ≥24 weeks of ALV/PR triple therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 1081 patients were randomised (12% cirrhosis, 55% CT/TT IL28B). Addition of ALV to PR improved virological response in a dose-dependent fashion. Overall, sustained virological response (SVR12; primary endpoint) was 69% in all ALV groups vs. 53% in PR control. Highest SVR12 (90%) was achieved in patients treated with ALV 400 mg twice daily and PR for >24 weeks. Seven cases of pancreatitis were reported, with similar frequency between ALV/PR and PR control groups (0.6% vs. 0.8% respectively). Adverse events seen more frequently with ALV/PR than with PR alone were anaemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinaemia and hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Alisporivir, especially the 400 mg twice daily regimen, increased efficacy of PR therapy in treatment-naïve patients with HCV genotype 1 infection. The mechanism of action and pangenotypic activity suggest that alisporivir could be useful in interferon-free combination regimens.

Elevated sputum BPIFB1 levels in smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a longitudinal study

A previous study involving a proteomic screen of induced sputum from smokers and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) demonstrated elevated levels of bactericidal/permeability-increasing fold-containing protein B1 (BPIFB1). The aim of the present study was to further evaluate the association of sputum BPIFB1 levels with smoking and longitudinal changes in lung function in smokers with COPD. Sputum BPIFB1 was characterized by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. The expression of BPIFB1 in COPD was investigated by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry using sputum and lung tissue samples. BPIFB1 levels were also assessed in induced sputum from nonsmokers (n = 31), smokers (n = 169), and patients with COPD (n = 52) via an ELISA-based method. The longitudinal changes in lung function during the 4-year follow-up period were compared with the baseline sputum BPIFB1 levels. In lung tissue samples, BPIFB1 was localized to regions of goblet cell metaplasia. Secreted and glycosylated BPIFB1 was significantly elevated in the sputum of patients with COPD compared with that of smokers and nonsmokers. Sputum BPIFB1 levels correlated with pack-years and lung function as measured by forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) % predicted and FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity) at baseline and after the 4-year follow-up in all participants. The changes in lung function over 4 years were significantly associated with BPIFB1 levels in current smokers with COPD. In conclusion, higher sputum concentrations of BPIFB1 were associated with changes of lung function over time, especially in current smokers with COPD. BPIFB1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of smoking-related lung diseases.

Laboratory-based scoring system for prediction of hepatic inflammatory activity in patients with autoimmune hepatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), inflammation is closely related to fibrosis. Although transaminase levels are commonly used to assess hepatic inflammation, they may not relate directly to the histology. We developed a noninvasive diagnostic score as an alternative to liver biopsy to help optimize treatment for AIH and monitor disease progress.

METHODS

Eighty-two participants with type 1 AIH who had undergone liver biopsy were included (44 in training and 38 in validation sets). Liver histology was assessed according to the histologic activity index (HAI; score 0-18) and Ishak's histologic fibrosis index (HFI; score 0-6). High inflammation was defined as HAI>4, and advanced fibrosis was defined as HFI>2. Routine laboratory test findings and stepwise linear regression were used to develop the best models predicting HAI and HFI. The best cut-off value to predict high inflammation and advanced fibrosis for these formulas was then calculated based on receiver-operating characteristic analysis.

RESULTS

The cut-off value for a model predicting high inflammation was ≥3.57 (AUROC = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.86-1.00), with 100% sensitivity and 85% specificity. High inflammation was confirmed with an 81% positive predictive value and excluded with a 100% negative predictive value. In the validation set, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values were 100, 56, 88 and 100% respectively. The diagnostic yield of the fibrosis score was unsatisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

The noninvasive inflammatory score based on four routine laboratory parameters discriminated patients with and without significant hepatic inflammation and may facilitate follow-up of type 1 AIH patients.

Serum FGF21 and RBP4 levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C

INTRODUCTION

Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) regulates glucose, lipid, and energy homeostasis. Retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) controls metabolic and proliferative cell functions.

AIMS AND METHODS

Aims of the study were to assess (1) serum FGF21 and RBP4 levels in 75 non-obese chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and 41 healthy controls similar in age and BMI; (2) the relationship between their serum concentration and insulin resistance, liver histology, and biochemical parameters; (3) their effectiveness as diagnostic markers.

RESULTS

FGF21 levels increased significantly in CHC patients compared with controls (p = 0.04). CHC patients with steatosis had significantly higher FGF21 levels compared with those without steatosis (p = 0.01). FGF21 concentration was positively related to steatosis grade (r = 0.39, p = 0.007). RBP4 levels did not differ between CHC patients and controls, but were negatively associated with necro-inflammatory activity grade (r = (-0.34), p = 0.04), with significantly higher levels in patients with minimal inflammatory activity (G1 vs. G2/3, p < 0.001; G1 vs. G2, p = 0 < 001; G1 vs. G3, p = 0.01). After stepwise linear regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders, RBP4 levels retained their independent significance as a predictor of necro-inflammatory activity (β = -0.31; t = -2.15, p = 0.035) and FGF21 levels as a predictor of steatosis (β = 0.34; t = 2.31, p = 0.024). Serum FGF21 correlated with serum RBP4 levels (r = 0.32, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum FGF21 levels increased in CHC patients, especially in those with steatosis and were associated with steatosis grade. FGF21 seems to be a useful diagnostic marker in determining hepatic steatosis in CHC. A negative association between serum RBP4 and necro-inflammatory activity indicates that disease severity may determine RBP4 levels.

Association between hepatic angiogenesis and serum adipokine profile in non-obese chronic hepatitis C patients

It is unclear whether angiogenesis merely represents a homeostatic mechanism aimed at ensuring an adequate oxygen supply or one that exerts an additional pathogenic role leading to liver damage in chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients present a proangiogenic profile of angiogenic markers. Adipokines not only regulate adipose tissue and glucose metabolism, but also influence inflammation, fibrogenic process and production of proangiogenic factors. On the basis of this evidence we aimed to assess the number of new blood vessels in lobules and portal tracts in the liver and evaluate the relationship between angiogenesis intensity and serum adipokine concentrations in CHC. Our study showed a positive association between serum vaspin and angiogenesis intensity in portal tracts and lobules in CHC patients (r = 0.41, p = 0.04; r = 0.46, p = 0.03; respectively). Serum visfatin was found to be negatively related to angiogenesis in portal tracts and lobules but only in females (r = -0.76, p = 0.03; r= -0.95, p < 0.001; respectively). In conclusion, the role of some adipokines in liver angiogenesis seems to be different in females than in males. Serum vaspin concentration seems to reflect intensity of liver angiogenesis in CHC. Further studies are necessary to better determine the role of adipokines in new blood vessel formation in CHC.

Potential role of leptin, adiponectin and three novel adipokines--visfatin, chemerin and vaspin--in chronic hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is generally a slowly progressive disease, but some factors associated with rapid progression have been identified. Steatosis, independently of its metabolic or viral origin, leads to liver injury and fibrosis. It is suggested that hepatitis C virus may contribute to a wide spectrum of metabolic disturbances-namely, steatosis, insulin resistance, increased prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and lipid metabolism abnormalities. Adipokines, which are produced mainly by adipose tissue, may influence the inflammatory response and insulin sensitivity and contribute to the development of metabolic abnormalities in CHC and also regulate fibrogenesis and angiogenesis. Visfatin was described as an adipokine with immunomodulating and proinflammatory properties that promotes B-cell maturation and enhances activation of leukocytes, synthesis of adhesion molecules and production of proinflammatory cytokines. Visfatin exerts insulin-mimetic effects, decreases plasma glucose levels and regulates cell energy balance. Chemerin stimulates chemotaxis of dendritic cells, macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells toward the site of inflammation. On the other hand, it inhibits synthesis of proinflammatory mediators and enhances adiponectin production, influences adipocyte differentiation and maturation and regulates glucose uptake in adipocytes. Vaspin expression in human adipose tissue seems to be a compensatory mechanism associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Vaspin suppresses leptin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and resistin expression. Leptin protects against liver steatosis but accelerates fibrosis progression and exacerbates the inflammatory process. In contrast, adiponectin exerts a hepatoprotective effect. In this report, data indicating a possible role of these adipokines in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis are summarized.

Elevation of surfactant protein A in plasma and sputum in cigarette smokers

Serum surfactant protein (SP)-A has been postulated to associate with pulmonary fibrosis, but its role in cigarette smoking-related lung diseases is undefined. SP-A levels in plasma and induced sputum in nonsmokers, smokers with respiratory symptoms (cough and/or phlegm) and symptom-free smokers were assessed using a validated EIA method. A total of 474 current smokers without any diseases or medications were enrolled and followed for 2 yrs with 111 of them succeeding in stopping. Plasma SP-A level was detectable in all subjects and elevated in smokers independently of the symptoms compared to nonsmokers (p = 0.001). After 2 yrs of follow-up, the SP-A level was higher in those who continued smoking compared to the quitters (p<0.001). Plasma SP-A levels were associated with age, smoking history and lung function. Sputum (n = 109) SP-A was nondetectable in most nonsmokers, whereas smoking and symptoms increased sputum SP-A highly significantly (p = 0.001). In conclusion, SP-A may be involved in pathogenesis of cigarette smoking-related lung diseases. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of SP-A in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.