[How to investigate and diagnose autochthonous hepatitis E?]

In developed countries, HEV infection was still recently considered as rare, and as an imported disease from endemic areas by travellers. Hepatitis E virus is now recognized mainly as an autochthonous disease in these countries. Although the source and the route of contamination remain uncertain, several cases of food-borne (zoonotic transmission) and blood-borne transmission have been recently reported. The mortality rates in industrialized countries seems to be higher than in endemic areas, since the infection occurs more frequently in elderly people with underlying chronic liver disease (mortality rate approaching 70% in this subgroup of patients). By contrast, whereas mortality rate rises by 20% during pregnancy in developing countries, no death in pregnant woman from developed countries secondary to an autochthonous case has been reported so far. Lastly, HEV infection may be a cause of chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised patients (mostly in solid organ-transplant recipients) which can evolve to cirrhosis.

Interaction of ribavirin with azathioprine metabolism potentially induces myelosuppression

BACKGROUND

The interaction of ribavirin, an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor, with azathioprine metabolism, potentially leading to myelotoxicity, remains unexplored.

AIM

To underline the interaction of ribavirin, an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor, with azathioprine metabolism, potentially leading to myelotoxicity.

METHODS

The medical records of eight patients who developed severe pancytopenia following concomitant use of azathioprine and ribavirin were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Bone marrow suppression reached nadir after a mean interval of 4.6 +/- 1.6 weeks following HCV therapy initiation in seven patients. At the time of pancytopenia, the mean platelet count was 69.75 +/- 82.8 x 10(-3)/mm(3), mean haemoglobin level 7.75 +/- 1.3 g/dL and mean neutrophil count 0.45 +/- 0.26 x 10(-3)/mm(3). All patients had normal thiopurine methyltransferase genotype. In two patients, a prospective monitoring of azathioprine metabolites was available. Myelotoxicity was accompanied by elevated total methylated metabolite levels (16,500 and 15,000 pmol/8 x 10(8) erythrocytes) with a concomitant decrease in 6-tioguanine nucleotide levels; 1 month after azathioprine, pegylated interferon alfa and ribavirin were discontinued and full blood count returned to normal in both patients. No haematological toxicity occurred after the reintroduction of peginterferon plus ribarivin or azathioprine alone in eight patients.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, the benefit/risk ratio favours avoidance of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitors in purine analogue-treated patients with normal thiopurine methyltransferase activity, a situation frequently encountered in clinical practice.

Review article: the utility of reagent strips in the diagnosis of infected ascites in cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) can be diagnosed via leucocyte esterase reagent strips, although diagnostic performances vary.

AIM

To perform critical review of literature on the use of reagent strips in SBP.

METHODS

Nineteen studies were analysed (Medline search), comparing reagent strips in cirrhotic ascites vs. cytobacteriological methods. Diagnostic grades (G) were: GO = 0 leucocytes/mm3; G1 = 15; G2 = 70; G3 = 125; G4 = 500 for Multistix, GO = 0; G1 = 25; G2 = 75; G3 = 500 for Nephur, Combur, UriScan, and GO = 0; G1 = 25; G2 = 75; G3 = 250; G4 = 500 for Aution.

RESULTS

Medians per study were: 75 patients (range: 31-1041), 136 ascites (47-2123), 17 SBP (5-117). For Multistix (12 studies), the sensitivities fell within the ranges 64.7-100% (G > or = 1), 45.7-83% (G > or = 2) and 45.3-89% (G > or = 3). For Nephur (n = 2), Combur (n = 6), UriScan (n = 1), sensitivities ranged 80.4-100% (G > or = 1), 63-100% (G > or = 2) and 67.7-97% (G > or = 3). For Aution (n = 3), sensitivities ranged 93-96% (G > or = 2) and 89% (G > or = 3). Nephur, Combur, UriScan displayed higher sensitivities than Multistix. However, in larger studies, sensitivities dramatically fell at 45.3% for Multistix (G > or = 3) if ascites polymorphonuclear count <1000/mm3 and 22.2% for bacterascites or 16.7-25% for asymptomatic patients.

CONCLUSION

Use of reagent strips for the diagnosis of SBP cannot be recommended, in view of low sensitivity and a high risk of false negatives, especially in patients with SBP and low polymorphonuclear count.

[Is it possible to stop nucleos(t)ide analogue based therapy in chronic hepatitis B?]

Nucleos(t)ide analogues are very efficient in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. In the HBe antigen positive patients, the HBe seroconversion rates range from 12 to 22% after one year of treatment. When HBe seroconversion occure, it is possible to stop the treatment with analogue but only in non cirrhotic patients. If the treatment with analogue is continued for at least 6 months after confirmed HBeAg seroconversion, the HBe seroconversion is durable in 70-90% of patients. The follow up should be done during years. Stopping the treatment is more problematic in HBe antigen negative patients. A virological relapse occur in 44 to 80% of cases and a biochemical relapse occur in 30 to 70% of cases. Stopping the treatment with an analogue in this population should be considered only in a prospective study with careful monitoring and with a long term follow up.

A national survey of acute hepatitis E in France

BACKGROUND

Few data are available on the incidence, risk factors and contamination pathways involved in acute indigenous hepatitis E in developed countries.

AIMS

To draw up an overall picture of hepatitis E cases, to confirm whether or not the majority of the cases were indigenous and to attempt to identify the risk factors and contamination pathways involved in hepatitis E.

METHODS

This study was performed in the framework of a national network (ANGH) including 96 participating centres. The 19 centres with at least one case of acute HEV reported a total number of 53 cases.

RESULTS

A decreasing South-to-North geographic gradient was observed. A nonspecific clinical profile was observed in many cases. Acute hepatitis E was of indigenous origin in 90% of the patients. The most relevant and/or frequent possible risk factors among the 47 indigenous metropolitan cases were water consumption from a personal water supply, uncooked shellfish consumption and the recent acquisition of a pet pig.

CONCLUSIONS

This national survey confirmed that acute indigenous hepatitis E is an emerging disease in developed countries such as France, and suggests that various risk factors are responsible for acute indigenous hepatitis E contamination in non-endemic countries.

Coeliac disease in chronic hepatitis C: a French multicentre prospective study

BACKGROUND

A prevalence of 1.2% of coeliac disease (CD) in patients with chronic hepatitis C was recently reported, suggesting a possible epidemiological link between these two diseases. However, other studies have not found this relationship.

AIM

To conduct a French multicentre prospective study to assess the prevalence of CD in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients.

METHODS

Between June 2003 and November 2005, 624 consecutive HCV-positive out-patients were tested for antiendomysial IgA antibodies (AEA), antigliadin IgA and IgG antibodies (AGA). Patients with positive AEA or IgA AGA and positive IgG AGA in a context of a high suspicion of CD were asked to undergo gastroscopy with duodenal biopsies.

RESULTS

Isolated IgA AEA, IgA AGA and IgG AGA were 0.16%, 5.7% and 4.4%, respectively. Gastroscopy was required for 39 patients, 31 were performed (eight refusals), but only 25 duodenal biopsies were performed as six patients had cirrhosis. CD was never detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of CD in HCV-positive patients was 0% (95% confidence interval: 0-0.59%), but there is a low prevalence of CD in the whole French population.

Epidemiology of chronic hepatitis B infection in France: risk factors for significant fibrosis--results of a nationwide survey

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological data concerning hepatitis B are scarce in France.

AIM

To describe epidemiological, clinical, virological and histological features of HBsAg-positive patients followed at non-academic hospitals in France.

METHODS

Clinical, biological, virological and histological data of all HBsAg-positive consecutive patients observed from April 1, 2001 to May 31, 2002 in participating centres were recorded prospectively. Multivariate analyses of factors associated with significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were performed.

RESULTS

Nearly 1166 HBsAg-positive patients were seen in the 58 centres: 671 males and 495 females from metropolitan France (32%) and from outside metropolitan France (68%); mean age 41 +/- 15 years. Twenty-nine percent of patients were probable HBsAg inactive carriers, while 50% had chronic hepatitis; 43% of these were HBeAg-positive and 57% HBeAg-negative. Liver biopsy had been performed in 558 (51%) patients; 205 (17.6%) patients had cirrhosis. By multivariate analysis, factors associated with significant fibrosis were: age >40 years (P < 0.05), HBeAg-negative status (P < 0.02) and histological activity (P < 0.0001). Factors associated with cirrhosis: age (P < 0.0001), platelet count <150 000/mm(3) (P < 0.0001) and viral co-infection (P < 0.03).

CONCLUSION

HBV infection represents a significant workload for hepatogastroenterologists at non-academic hospitals in France.

Retrospective investigation of patients exposed to possible transmission of hepatitis C virus by a capillary blood glucose meter

A 75-year-old female with no known risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was hospitalized and a diagnosis of HCV seroconversion was established (HCV immunoblot and a positive quantitative viral load). An epidemiological investigation revealed that, during a previous hospitalization resulting in a diagnosis of diabetes, she had shared a Glucotrend capillary blood glucose meter (CBGM; Roche Diagnostics, France) with a known HCV-positive diabetic patient. Poor hygiene practices were observed when using this device. Since the Glucotrend CBGM had been purchased, the suspected source patient had been hospitalized eight times and another 19 diabetic patients with known anti-HCV antibodies also regularly attended the same hospital. Consequently, 35 diabetic patients who had been hospitalized at the same time as the suspected source patient and 1305 patients who had used the Glucotrend CBGM were invited to undergo serum anti-hepatitis B virus, anti-HCV and anti-human immunodeficiency virus testing. Among the 35 diabetic patients, none of the 24 subjects tested were positive. Among the 1305 other patients, 995 were tested and 19 (2%) were anti-HCV positive. Although this prevalence is higher than that reported in the general French population, this excess risk cannot be attributed to use of the CBGM. Furthermore, molecular analysis showed that the two HCV strains isolated did not belong to the same phylogenetic cluster. However, as a result of this incident, measures were taken to minimize the transmission of bloodborne viruses in the hospital concerned. Other French hospitals were informed by a national alert message from the French Agency for the Safety of Health Products.

Myelofibrosis in a patient with pachydermoperiostosis

Pachydermoperiostosis (idiopathic or primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy) is a rare condition of unknown origin involving the skin and the skeleton, with an autosomal dominant transmission. We report a case of anaemia in a patient with pachydermoperiostosis indicating myelofibrosis, and review the literature and the pathogenetic mechanisms.

Idiopathic non-cirrhotic intrahepatic portal hypertension in the West: a re-evaluation in 28 patients

BACKGROUND

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension of unknown cause is a poorly understood condition attributed to obstructive portal venopathy.

AIM

To reassess the manifestations, course, and causes, with special attention to thrombosis.

METHODS

Analysis of a cohort of 28 patients.

RESULTS

Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in 11 patients. Liver failure developed at the time of concurrent disease in eight patients, including all four patients who died. Portal vein thrombosis developed in 13 patients. A prothrombotic disorder was found in 12 of 23 fully investigated patients. Hepatoportal sclerosis was observed in 11 patients (with associated perisinusoidal fibrosis and/or nodular regenerative hyperplasia in six); periportal fibrosis, perisinusoidal fibrosis, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, or a combination thereof were observed in other patients. A morphometric evaluation showed an increased number of portal vessels in patients with hepatoportal sclerosis. There was no relation between pathological results and haemodynamic findings or prothrombotic disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcome was related to associated conditions. Overlap in pathological, haemodynamic, and causal features suggests a single entity, with prothrombotic disorders as major causal factors, and injury to sinusoids as well as to portal venules as the primary mechanism. Activated coagulation could mediate vascular injury in the absence of thrombosis. Anticoagulation should be considered.

Flumazenil vs. placebo in hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Randomized controlled trials testing flumazenil in hepatic encephalopathy have shown conflicting results.

AIM

To compare flumazenil and placebo in hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

An overview of randomized controlled trials comparing flumazenil and placebo in hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis was performed. For each end-point, heterogeneity and treatment efficacy were assessed by Peto and Der Simonian methods. As most trials were crossover in nature, a sensitivity analysis was performed including the two treatment periods.

RESULTS

Six double-blind randomized controlled trials, including 641 patients (326 treated with flumazenil and 315 with placebo), were identified. The treatment duration ranged from 5 min to 3 days. Heterogeneity tests between control groups were not significant. The mean percentages of patients with clinical improvement (five trials) were 27% in treated groups and 3% in placebo groups. This difference was significant by both methods (Peto: odds ratio=6.15; 95% confidence interval, 4.0-9.5; P < 0.001; Der Simonian: mean rate difference, 29%; 95% confidence interval, 17-41; P < 0.001). The mean percentages of patients with electroencephalographic improvement were 19% in treated groups and 2% in placebo groups. This difference was significant only with the Peto method (odds ratio=5.8; 95% confidence interval, 3.4-9.7; P < 0.001). The sensitivity analysis showed similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis shows that flumazenil induces clinical and electroencephalographic improvement of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis.

Portal hypertension due to intrahepatic obstruction in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Portal hypertension is rare in the setting of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. We report here the case of a 73-year-old man presenting with diffuse high-grade B-cell lymphoma affecting predominantly the liver with large space occupying lesions. Histological examination of liver specimens showed abnormal large lymphoid cells whereas adjacent non-tumoural liver was normal. Portal hypertension was documented by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy that showed grade II oesophageal varices and measurement of portal pressures via transjugular approach showing increased hepatic venous pressure gradient (24 mmHg). We assume that portal hypertension was mainly related to these space occupying lesions.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with amantadine hydrochloride in patients who had not responded to previous treatment with interferon-alpha and/or ribavirin

Seven women and 3 men infected with hepatitis C virus, all of whom had failed to respond to therapy with either IFN-alpha or IFN and ribavirin, were treated with 200 mg/day of amantadine hydrochloride for 12 months. We found a significant decrease of serum ALT activity without any decrease in virus load. These results suggest that amantadine hydrochloride should not be used as monotherapy for patients who do not respond to treatment with IFN-alpha and/or ribavirin.

Focal neurological signs in hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients: an underestimated entity?

OBJECTIVES

Focal neurological signs have been poorly documented in the course of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients because they are not mentioned in any textbooks of liver diseases. Having the opportunity to observe such cases, we underwent a prospective study to determine incidence, characteristics, associated factors, prognostic significance, and outcome of this rare form of hepatic encephalopathy.

METHODS

Over a 12-month period, all cirrhotic patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit of our department for hepatic encephalopathy were prospectively studied. Patients with clinical and electroencephalogram evidences of hepatic encephalopathy were examined by a senior physician and, in cases of focal neurological signs, underwent examination by a neurologist, CT scan, lumbar punction, and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging and echo Doppler examination of neck and head vessels. Clinical and biological parameters were compared in patients during episodes with and without focal neurological signs, and outcome was noted.

RESULTS

Thirty-four cirrhotic patients were hospitalized for 48 episodes of hepatic encephalopathy; two of these patients with cerebral hematoma were excluded. Twenty-four patients exhibited 38 hepatic encephalopathy episodes without focal neurological signs (82.6%), and eight patients exhibited eight hepatic encephalopathy episodes with focal neurological signs (17.4%) that were hemiplegia and hemiparesia in six patients (75%). In all patients, cerebral CT scan and cerebrospinal fluid examination disclosed no abnormalities, as neither did cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (n = 5) and echo Doppler examination of neck and head vessels (n = 5). Except for female sex, which was more often encountered in patients with focal neurological signs (p < 0.05), there were no differences between episodes with and without focal neurological signs for any of the parameters studied. In surviving patients who recovered from hepatic encephalopathy (7/8), focal neurological signs disappeared without recurrences after follow up of 6 months (3-12).

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic encephalopathy with focal neurological signs when carefully searched is not uncommon. It could be more frequent in cirrhotic females, is reversible, and has no prognostic significance.

[Practices of transcutaneous liver biopsies in France. Results of a retrospective nationwide study]

OBJECTIVES

Few nationwide studies have evaluated the number of transcutaneous liver biopsies performed for diffuse parenchymal liver diseases and the practices of this procedure. The aims of this retrospective nationwide survey were to precise these data.

METHODS

In 1997, a confidential questionnaire was mailed to all AFEF and ANGH members. Parameters studied were annual number of transcutaneous liver biopsies performed by center for diffuse parenchymal liver diseases, sedation and/or premedication, haemostasis parameters required for choosing transcutaneous liver biopsy route, fasting liver biopsy, use of venous access, ultrasonography use during liver biopsy (determination of puncture site), modalities of follow-up after liver biopsy, number of biopsies performed as day-care procedure.

RESULTS

Sixty seven centers were involved in the study. About 12 000 transcutaneous liver biopsies are performed each year in France for diffuse liver parenchymal diseases. Mean number of biopsies per center is 130 (median 70, ranges 5-600). Sedation is routinely used before liver biopsy in 31% of centers; APTT is not measured in 20% of centers and bleeding time is measured in 30% of centers before liver biopsy. Ultrasonography for determination of puncture site is used in 41% of centers. Venous access is implemented in 36% of centers. Outpatient liver biopsies are performed in less than 15% of cases by 64% of centers whereas 30% of centers practice outpatient liver biopsy of more than 50% of cases. Heterogeneity of biopsy practices are related to individual choices rather than the type or location of medical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Many transcutaneous liver biopsies are performed each year in France for diffuse parenchymal liver diseases, and practices vary greatly. Ultrasonography use and outpatient liver biopsy should be developed.

Blindness following gastrointestinal haemorrhage

Loss of vision is a rare but well known complication of distant and recurrent haemorrhage. It shares a poor prognosis, with only 10-14% of cases likely to make a complete recovery. Visual symptoms, due to ischaemic anterior optic neuropathy, vary from blurred vision to complete loss of vision in one or both eyes. The pathogenesis of such ischaemia remains unclear. Gastrointestinal bleeding seems to be the leading cause of loss of vision secondary to haemorrhage. However, complete and permanent blindness following gastrointestinal bleeding has rarely been reported. We report the case of a 51 -year-old woman who complained of complete blindness following blood loss, secondary to peptic ulcer, and discuss the pathogenesis of such a complication.

Hepatitis virus infections in heart transplant recipients: epidemiology, natural history, characteristics, and impact on survival

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We have observed a high prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in heart transplant recipients (HTRs). The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology, natural history, and clinical and biological characteristics of viral hepatitis in HTRs.

METHODS

From 1983 to 1992, 874 patients underwent heart transplantation at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France, 459 of whom qualified for analysis. A total of 140 patients had posttransplantation hepatitis B, C, or non-A-E. Sixty-nine patients developed HBV infection, 49 HCV infection, 11 HBV-HCV coinfection, and 11 non-A-E hepatitis.

RESULTS

HBV was transmitted nosocomially from patient to patient, most likely during endomyocardial biopsies. HCV was mainly transmitted through blood transfusions or the transplanted organ. Clinical and biological findings after 2 years of follow-up showed that 3 patients with an HBV genotype A precore mutant had severe or subfulminant hepatitis and that patients with HBV and HCV infection always progressed to chronicity. In general, patients had mild alanine aminotransferase level increases, a high level of viral replication, and few severe histologic lesions, except for patients infected by precore HBV mutants. Patients coinfected by HBV and HCV tended to have more severe liver lesions. The survival rate 5 years after transplantation in patients with viral hepatitis (HBV, 81%; HCV, 89%; HBV and HCV coinfection, 100%; non-A-E hepatitis, 73%) was similar to that in patients without liver test abnormalities (76%). The actuarial survival curve was also similar in patients with or without liver test abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, histologic liver lesions do not progress rapidly in patients with post-heart transplant infection caused by HBV or HCV. HBV or HCV infection seems to have little impact on the 5-year survival rate of HTRs.

Practices of liver biopsy in France: results of a prospective nationwide survey. For the Group of Epidemiology of the French Association for the Study of the Liver (AFEF)

A nationwide prospective study was conducted in France in 89 university and primary referral hospitals' liver units to evaluate practices of liver biopsy and the occurrence of complications. A total of 2,084 biopsies were analyzed, recording the indication, hemostasis parameters, experience of operator, route of biopsy, use of ultrasonography (US), type of hospitalization, side effects, and complications. Pain, anxiety, and discomfort were evaluated by patients by visual analogue scale (VAS). Biopsies were performed by experienced physicians (>150 procedures performed) in 72%, and hepato-gastroenterologists in 89% of the cases. Hepatitis C was the indication in 54%. Sedation or premedication (atropine) was given in 46%. US-guidance was used in 56% of the cases. A day-care procedure was used in 27%. No deaths occurred, but severe complications were observed in 0.57% and increased with the number of passes and decreased with experience of operator, use of atropine, and US-guidance. Pain was independently related to general anesthesia, experience of the operator, female sex, and hepatitis C. Anxiety was increased in women. Discomfort was increased by venous access and decreased with an experienced operator. Acceptance of additional biopsies was related to a day-care procedure and independently related to general anesthesia and multiples passes. This study showed that (1) liver biopsy procedures vary greatly in France, (2) hepatitis C is the main indication for liver biopsy at present, (3) US-guidance should be developed to reduce severe complications, and (4) day-care procedures increase acceptance of a future biopsy and should also be used more often.

[Efficacity of treatment with lamivudine in two patients with severe reactivation of hepatitis B after withdrawal of chemotherapy]

Reactivation of chronic infection is a serious complication during and especially after the withdrawal of cancer chemotherapy in hepatitis B virus carriers. Mortality is high, ranging from 4 to 20%. We report two cases of severe reactivation, after withdrawal of chemotherapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia in one case and for a bladder tumor in the other. Recovery occurred with lamivudine therapy. Morbidity and mortality are common in these cases, especially when intensive chemotherapy and/or chronic hepatitis and/or precore mutants viruses are involved. Although lamivudine seems to be effective in these cases, prophylactic use has not been clearly defined and must be evaluated.

Hepatic and splenic involvement in cat-scratch disease: imaging features

Hepatosplenic involvement in cat-scratch disease, probably underdiagnosed, is characterized by multinodular lesions throughout the liver and spleen. Radiologic features of ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are not specific. The key of the diagnosis relies on a history of cat or kitten contact. A specific serological test can confirm the diagnosis without invasive procedures such as biopsy.

[Hepatitis C epidemiology at a general hospital center. Management and natural history as a function of the manner of identification]

OBJECTIVES

To study the epidemiological characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus followed in a primary referral hospital and the clinical influence of "systematic screening" defined as the screening of patients without symptoms and with known risk factors of hepatitis C (past transfusion, past or present intravenous drug use, haemodialysis) on the natural history and treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus.

METHODS

The files of 311 consecutive patients who screened positive for anti-hepatitis C virus and were seen at the primary referral hospital, Creil, from January 1992 to February 1996, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent "systematic screening" were younger with a shorter duration of infection. They were more often intravenous drug addicts and had lower alanine aminotransferase activity and Knodell scores than patients who underwent screening during "a diagnostic procedure", because of symptoms and/or abnormal liver biochemistry. Increased age at contamination and alcohol consumption of more than 40 g per day was associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis while patients who underwent "systematic screening" had a lower risk of cirrhosis and higher survival rate. Interferon therapy was attempted less often in anti-hepatitis C virus positive patients from "systematic screening" programs.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-hepatitis C virus positive patients from "systematic screening" programs had a benign disease and were rarely treated with interferon compared to anti-hepatitis C virus positive patients diagnosed during a "diagnostic procedure".

Pancreatic pseudocyst located in the liver: a case report and literature review

Pancreatic pseudocyst in the liver is a rare complication of acute or chronic pancreatitis. However, its frequency seems to be increasing with modem imaging procedures. The authors report a case of pancreatic pseudocyst involving the left lobe of the liver that occurred in a patient who never showed clinical evidence of pancreatitis or pancreatic injury. Complete screening led to the discovery of alcoholic chronic pancreatitis. The pseudocyst was treated successfully by radiologic drainage. The pancreatic pseudocyst location and therapeutic approaches are discussed. A literature review uncovered 26 cases of hepatic pancreatic pseudocysts. Clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, and treatment of these cases are analyzed.

[Hepatitis B: epidemiology, natural history, biology, treatment monitoring]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide public health problem. In France, 150,000 individuals are infected with the HBV. Although many are asymptomatic carriers, about 30% have chronic hepatitis, a condition associated with a risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Antiviral treatments, most notably interferon alpha, probably modify the natural history of hepatitis B, decreasing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and increasing survival. Nucleoside analogs, particularly lamivudine, have also demonstrated potent antiviral activity, which should however be weighed against the increasing risk over time of mutation development in the YMDD region of the DNA polymerase reverse transcriptase. Antiviral therapy monitoring should include clinical safety evaluations and periodic laboratory tests including blood cell counts, transaminase activities, and serum DNA levels. The improving results provided by antiviral drugs should not deflect attention away from the importance of large-scale hepatitis B immunization of neonates, which has been shown to decrease the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in areas with high levels of hepatitis B endemicity.

[Hepatotoxicity caused by therapeutic doses of paracetamol in alcoholics. Report of 2 cases of fatal hepatitis in cirrhosis]

Paracetamol is a widely used medication as it is an effective analgesic and antipyretic. Because of the absence of gastro-intestinal side effects, it has been used as the analgesic of choice for alcoholic patients. Hepatotoxicity is dose-related and generally occurs in patients who absorb more than 125 mg/kg/j. However, cases of severe liver damage have been reported after absorption of therapeutic doses of paracetamol in alcoholics. We report 2 cases with a fatal outcome and discuss the mechanisms of toxicity, the prognostic factors and treatment of such event.

Prevalence and risk factors of bacteriuria in cirrhotic patients: a prospective case-control multicenter study in 244 patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The prevalence and risks factors of bacteriuria in cirrhotics have not been assessed by case-control study, and there are conflicting data concerning the role of liver failure and of ascites. The aims of this study were: i) to evaluate the prevalence of bacteriuria in cirrhotics, ii) to search for associated factors, iii) to evaluate the role of bladder post-void residual volume, and iv) to test the sensitivity of isolated bacteria to norfloxacin.

METHODS

The prevalence and risk factors of bacteriuria on admission were determined by a multicenter prospective case-control study.

RESULTS

Two hundred and forty-four cirrhotic patients and 240 controls were studied. Bacteriuria was present in 38 patients (15.6%; IC 5%: 11%-20%) and 18 controls (7.5%; IC 5%: 4.2%-11%; p<0.001). By univariate analysis, female sex and ongoing diuretic treatment were associated with bacteriuria (p<0.0001 and p<0.04, respectively). Pugh's grade, ascites and bladder residual volume were not associated with bacteriuria. By multivariate analysis, female sex (p<0.0001) and Child-Pugh score (p<0.03) were predictors of bacteriuria. Sensitivity of bacteria to norfloxacin was observed in 94.7%; sterile urine cultures were noted in 95.2% of patients treated with this antibiotic.

CONCLUSION

Bacteriuria is twice as frequent in cirrhotic patients as in matched controls, and there is a trend to association with female sex and liver insufficiency.

Hepatitis C virus infection risk factors in patients admitted in hospital emergency departments in Picardy. Value of oriented screening based on recommendations of the 'Direction Générale de la Santé'

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

Oriented hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening on the basis of transfusion, previous or current parenteral drug addiction, invasive procedures, and in family members of patients with hepatitis C, was recommended in France by the 'Direction Générale de la Santé' (DGS). The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of these risk factors in patients admitted in hospital emergency departments in Picardy.

METHODS

Between 1 June and 31 July 1996, physicians of the emergency units of seven hospitals in Picardy were asked to question admitted patients about risk factors mentioned in the DGS recommendations, and to suggest a screening test when at least one of these risk factors was present.

RESULTS

Among 1648 patients, 68.7% had at least one of these risk factors. Screening was accepted by 723 patients, 58.7% of those with at least one risk factor, and more than 70% of those with history of transfusion and/or drug addiction. It was immediately performed in 451, and 2.4% had anti-HCV antibodies. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 1.5% in patients without history of transfusion or drug addiction and 7.9% in those with at least one of these two risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Oriented screening based on transfusion or drug addiction history seems to have better efficiency than the screening policy recommended by the DGS. Poor reliability of answers about medical history was observed probably because of stress related to emergency circumstances. A screening test proposed to patients with these major risk factors by their usual physician would be probably more efficient.

Three cases of severe subfulminant hepatitis in heart-transplanted patients after nosocomial transmission of a mutant hepatitis B virus

Fulminant and severe viral hepatitis are frequently associated with mutant hepatitis B virus (HBV) strains. In this study, the genetic background of a viral strain causing severe subfulminant outcome in heart-transplanted patients was studied and compared with viral hepatitis B strains that were not linked to severe liver disease in the same setting. A total of 46 patients infected nosocomially with HBV genotype A were studied. Five different viral strains were detected, infecting 3, 9, 5, 24, and 5 patients, respectively. Only one viral strain was found to be associated with the subfulminant outcome and 3 patient deaths as a consequence of severe liver disease. The remaining 43 patients with posttransplantation HBV infection did not show this fatal outcome. Instead, symptoms of hepatitis were generally mild or clinically undiagnosed. Comparison of this virus genome with the four other strains showed an accumulation of mutations in the basic core promoter, a region that influences viral replication, but also in hepatitis B X protein (HBX) (7 mutant motifs), core (10 mutant motifs), the preS1 region (5 mutant motifs), and the HBpolymerase open reading frame (17 motifs). Some of these variations, such as those in the core region, were located on the tip of the protruding spike of the viral capsid (codons 60 to 90), also known in part as an important HLA class II-restricted epitope region. These mutations might therefore influence the immune-mediated response. The viral strain causing subfulminant hepatitis was, in addition, the only strain with a preCore stop codon mutation and, thus, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) expression was never observed. The combination of these specific viral factors is thought to be responsible for the fatal outcome in these immune-suppressed heart-transplant recipients.

Cyamamezine-induced acute hepatitis after unique massive intake: a case report

Hepatotoxicity of cyamamezine, a phenothiazine structurally related to chlorpromazine, has been rarely documented. We report here a case of acute symptomatic hepatitis following a unique massive intake of cyamamezine in a suicide attempt and discuss the mechanisms of such injury.

[Malignant pancreatic non-hodgkin's lymphoma manifesting as severe acute pancreatitis]

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the pancreas is a rare disease. Its diagnosis is difficult without histological examination. In fact, clinical and imaging findings are not pathognomonic. Acute pancreatitis associated with pancreatic lymphoma is extremely rare. We have found only 7 case reports in literature. We report herein a new case of pancreatic lymphoma which was revealed by a severe pancreatitis.

Atrium and paroxetine-related severe hepatitis

Two cases of severe hepatitis in young women using Atrium and paroxetine are presented. Both patients presented jaundice, marked increase in aminotransferases activities, and pronounced prolongation in prothrombin time. In both cases, liver biopsy specimen examination revealed lesions compatible with drug-related injury. Other causes of hepatic injury were reasonably ruled out by complete careful screening. Outcome was marked by rapid complete recovery in one case and by slow recovery in the other. We suggest that simultaneous treatment with Atrium and paroxetine could increase each of these drugs' hepatotoxicity.

Impact of hepatitis B and C virus on kidney transplantation outcome

The impact of hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) on patient survival after kidney transplantation is controversial. The aims of this study were (1) to assess the independent prognostic values of HBsAg and anti-HCV in a large renal transplant population, (2) to compare infected patients with noninfected patients matched for factors possibly associated with graft and patient survival, and (3) to assess the prognostic value of biopsy-proven cirrhosis. Eight hundred thirty-four transplanted patients were included: 128 with positive HBsAg (group I), 216 with positive anti-HCV (group II), and 490 without serological markers of HBV and HCV (group III). Fifteen percent and 29% of patients were HBsAg-positive and anti-HCV-positive, respectively. Ten-year survivals of group I (55 +/- 6%) and group II (65 +/- 5%) were significantly lower than survival of group III (80 +/- 3%, P <.001). At 10 years, among overall patients with HCV screening (n = 834), four variables had independent prognostic values in patient survival: age at transplantation (P <.0001), year of transplantation (P =.02), biopsy-proven cirrhosis (P =.03), and presence of HCV antibodies (P =.02). In the case control study, comparison of infected patients with their matched control patients showed that age at transplantation (P <.05), HBsAg (P =.005), and anti-HCV (P =.005) were independent prognostic factors. HCV, biopsy-proven cirrhosis, and age are independent prognostic factors of 10-year survival in patients with kidney grafts. The case-control study showed that anti-HCV and HBsAg were independently associated with patient and graft survivals. In infected patients, a routine liver histological analysis would improve selection of patients for renal transplantation.

Acute autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss associated with Crohn's disease

We report the sudden onset of bilateral hearing loss in a patient with Crohn's disease while the intestinal disease was quiescent. Antibodies directed against collagen type II were detected in the serum. Dramatic improvement of his hearing was observed under corticosteroid therapy. Diagnosis of autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss was established. This condition could be considered as an extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease. Early diagnosis is mandated, as prompt and intensive treatment with corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive drugs is effective and could prevent irreversible hearing loss.