Deep learning and digital pathology powers prediction of HCC development in steatotic liver disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Identifying patients with steatotic liver disease who are at a high risk of developing HCC remains challenging. We present a deep learning (DL) model to predict HCC development using hematoxylin and eosin-stained whole-slide images of biopsy-proven steatotic liver disease.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We included 639 patients who did not develop HCC for ≥7 years after biopsy (non-HCC class) and 46 patients who developed HCC <7 years after biopsy (HCC class). Paired cases of the HCC and non-HCC classes matched by biopsy date and institution were used for training, and the remaining nonpaired cases were used for validation. The DL model was trained using deep convolutional neural networks with 28,000 image tiles cropped from whole-slide images of the paired cases, with an accuracy of 81.0% and an AUC of 0.80 for predicting HCC development. Validation using the nonpaired cases also demonstrated a good accuracy of 82.3% and an AUC of 0.84. These results were comparable to the predictive ability of logistic regression model using fibrosis stage. Notably, the DL model also detected the cases of HCC development in patients with mild fibrosis. The saliency maps generated by the DL model highlighted various pathological features associated with HCC development, including nuclear atypia, hepatocytes with a high nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, immune cell infiltration, fibrosis, and a lack of large fat droplets.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability of the DL model to capture subtle pathological features beyond fibrosis suggests its potential for identifying early signs of hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with steatotic liver disease.

Efficacy of serum leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein in predicting findings of Crohn's disease small bowel lesion in capsule endoscopy

Background/Aims

Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is an evaluation method for small bowel (SB) lesions in Crohn's disease (CD). However, the relationship between SBCE findings and the serological biomarker leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) remains unclear. We aimed to establish appropriate cutoff values of LRG to predict the presence of SB lesions in CD through SBCE.

Methods

Patients with CD with SB lesions who had undergone SBCE and LRG measurements 1 month before and after the SBCE were included. The LRG values for ulcers ≥0.5 cm and other inflammatory lesions noted in SBCE were determined using the Youden Index, and the sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Additionally, the correlation between the SBCE scores (CD Activity in Capsule Endoscopy) and LRG values was evaluated.

Results

Forty patients without active colorectal lesions were included in the study. When the cutoff value of LRG for SB ulcers ≥ 0.5 cm was set at 14 μg/mL, the sensitivity was 92.3%, specificity was 81.5%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 70.6%, and negative predictive value (NPV) was 95.7%. In contrast, an LRG cutoff value of 12 μg/mL without inflammatory findings had a sensitivity of 91.7%, specificity of 82.1%, PPV of 68.8%, and NPV of 95.8%. CD Activity in Capsule Endoscopy correlated well with LRG values (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient ρ = 0.681, P< 0.001).

Conclusions

An LRG cutoff value of 14 μg/mL may be useful in predicting the presence of SB ulcers ≥ 0.5 cm, and an LRG cutoff value of 12 μg/mL may be useful in predicting the absence of SB inflammatory findings.

A case of incorrect evaluation of intestinal patency by early dissolution of a patency capsule

A 60-year-old man presented with a suspected small intestinal tumor on positron-emission tomography-computed tomography. Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) was planned for close examination of the small intestine. To avoid retention of the SBCE due to strictures, a patency capsule (PC) was first used to evaluate patency. However, PC discharge was not visually confirmed during the 24-h period. No obvious PC was observed on plain abdominal radiography performed in the standing position. The patient underwent SBCE, assuming that the PC had been shed inconspicuously. SBCE revealed a neoplastic lesion with stenosis at a site thought to be the upper small intestine and remained stagnant at the same site for the duration of the battery. In addition, in the SBCE image, a PC shell was captured in the intestinal tract on the oral side of the stenosis. When the pre-SBCE plain abdominal radiograph was enlarged to confirm the details, PC was observed in the lateral and decubitus views as a dissolved shell only. To the best of our knowledge, no previous report has described the complete dissolution of a PC leaving only its shell during a 30-hour patency evaluation period. This case illustrates that, in the absence of visual confirmation of a PC discharge, PC may have remained in the body due to premature dissolution. Additional examinations or plain X-ray imaging should be performed to confirm this, with no preconceived notions that the PC will not dissolve within 30 hours of administration.

Patlak Reconstruction Using Dynamic 18 F-FDG PET Imaging for Evaluation of Malignant Liver Tumors : A Comparison of HCC, ICC, and Metastatic Liver Tumors

PURPOSE OF THE REPORT

The aim of this study was to explore the different patterns of dynamic whole-body (D-WB) FDG PET/CT parameters among liver malignancy types as potential diagnostic clues and investigate the association between static and dynamic PET/CT parameters for each tumor histology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy-one patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), metastatic liver tumor (MLT), or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent D-WB and static dual-time-point FDG PET/CT were enrolled. We obtained Pearson correlation coefficients between the metabolic rate of FDG (MR FDG ; mg/min/ 100ml) or distribution volume of free FDG (DV FDG , %) and static PET/CT parameters. We compared MR FDG and DV FDG values by tumor type and performed receiver operating characteristic analyses for MR FDG and static images.

RESULTS

A total of 12 ICC, 116 MLT, and 36 HCC lesions were analyzed. MR FDG and DV FDG showed excellent correlation with early (SUV e ) and delayed SUV max (SUV d ) ( r = 0.71~0.97), but DV FDG in the HCC lesions did not ( r = 0.62 and 0.69 for SUV e and SUV d , respectively) ( P < 0.001 for all). HCC lesions showed significantly lower MR FDG (2.43 ± 1.98) and DV FDG (139.95 ± 62.58) than ICC (5.02 ± 3.56, 207.06 ± 97.13) and MLT lesions (4.51 ± 2.47, 180.13 ± 75.58) ( P < 0.01 for all). The optimal MR FDG could differentiate HCC from ICC and MLT with areas under the curve of 0.84 and 0.80, respectively. Metastatic liver tumor lesions showed the widest distribution of MR FDG and DV FDG values but with no significant difference among most primary sites.

CONCLUSIONS

MR FDG was strongly correlated with SUV max in the 3 malignancies and showed utility for differentiating HCC from ICC and MLT. Each tumor type has a different glucose metabolism, and D-WB FDG PET/CT imaging has the potential to visualize those differences.

New concept in fatty liver diseases

In 2023, the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) Nomenclature Consensus group proposed a new name and concept for NAFLD/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology and the Japanese Society of Hepatology have accepted these new names and concepts. It was reported that the terms "nonalcoholic" and "fatty" are misleading and inappropriate, because NAFLD does not reflect the etiology. Thus, appropriate disease names are discussed, and new concepts are published. First, the concept of steatotic liver disease (SLD) was proposed to encompass fatty liver diseases of various etiologies, which are classified into five categories. The diagnostic criteria for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) included fatty liver with at least one of the five cardiometabolic risk factors (body mass index or waist diameter, blood glucose or glycated hemoglobin, blood pressure, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and the same restriction of alcohol consumption as NAFLD. A new fatty liver category was described, MetALD, to represent the intermediate drinker group (patients with MASLD with high weekly alcohol intake [140-350 g/week in women and 210-420 g/week in men]). The other five categories are alcohol-associated liver disease, fatty liver with an identifiable specific cause, and other fatty livers of unknown cause. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is an important pathological concept (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis); however, its definition, including hepatocellular balloon-like degeneration, needs to be reassessed. In Japan, we should use these names and criteria to manage SLD, including hepatocellular carcinoma, which is markedly increasing.

A retrospective study to investigate the efficacy and safety of granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis with ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Primary sclerosing cholangitis has a poor prognosis and can be accompanied by ulcerative colitis. Infection control is essential, so immunosuppressive drugs should ideally be preferably. Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis does not suppress the immune system and is used to treat ulcerative colitis. Therefore, this study investigated the efficacy and safety of granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated data from patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis with ulcerative colitis who visited our hospital from April 2000 to December 2022 and underwent granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (n = 10, number of treatment cycles = 15). Study endpoints were remission induction rate and safety, assessed as changes in liver functions and adverse events.

RESULTS

Seven of the 10 patients were male. The median (min-max) age was 23 (18-77) years. The most common disease type was right-dominant pancolitis. Remission occurred after 86.6% of cycles (13/15). Serum alkaline phosphatase and Aspartate transaminase were significantly lower after treatment (P = .0124, P = .002), and no negative effects on liver function were seen. The only adverse events were headache (n = 1) and decreased blood pressure (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis has high efficacy for intestinal lesions and improves alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase levels (high levels are a poor prognosis factor). It appears to be a treatment option in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with ulcerative colitis.

Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus in older adults with ulcerative colitis: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been increasing, also in older adults. Here, we retrospectively compared the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC) in older and younger patients with UC.

METHODS

We included younger (age < 65 years; n = 116) and older patients (age ≥ 65 years; n = 21) with UC who received TAC from April 2009 through December 2022(mean follow-up, 1230 ± 175 days) and achieved remission. Evaluations included age at onset, laboratory values, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), use of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), biological experience, colonoscopy scores, remission at 1 month after treatment initiation, and adverse events. Treatment duration and renal function were assessed in patients with follow-up data (younger patients, n = 110; older patients, n = 19).

RESULTS

Older patients had a higher age at onset and treatment initiation but less 5-ASA use and biological experience. Before treatment, hemoglobin, albumin, and eGFR were significantly lower in the older group and CRP was significantly higher. The remission rate was 80.1% in the younger group and 66.6% in the older group (P = 0.1862). Adverse events were similar in both groups. The older group had a shorter treatment duration and significantly less change in renal function at all time points.

DISCUSSION

Rates of TAC-induced remission and adverse events were similar in older and younger adults with UC.

CONCLUSION

TAC can be used safely in elderly patients with moderate to severe UC with careful monitoring.

Serum level of full-length connective tissue growth factor reflects liver fibrosis stage in patients with Fontan-associated liver disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic liver disease leads to liver fibrosis, and an accurate diagnosis of the fibrosis stage is crucial for medical management. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is produced by endothelial cells and platelets and plays a central role in inducing fibrosis in various organs. In the present study, we tested the validity of measuring the serum levels of two types of CTGF to estimate the biopsy-confirmed liver fibrosis stage.

METHODS

We used two detection antibodies targeting the N- and C-terminal of CTGF to measure the serum levels of two forms of CTGF consisting of its full length and its N-terminal fragment. We analyzed the level of CTGF (via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and the liver fibrosis stage in 38 patients with Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) (26 cases of which were diagnosed pathologically). Correlations were determined by multivariate analysis and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The 65 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were included as a disease control group for examination.

RESULTS

Full-length CTGF was significantly inversely correlated with liver fibrosis in patients with FALD. Although the platelet count was also associated with the liver fibrosis stage, full-length CTGF was more closely correlated with the fibrosis stage. Furthermore, the level of full-length CTGF was inversely associated with high central venous pressure. Conversely, the serum level of CTGF was not correlated with the fibrosis stage in NAFLD.

CONCLUSION

The serum level of full-length CTGF may be useful for estimating the liver fibrosis stage in patients with FALD.

Comparison of Endoscopic and Artificial Intelligence Diagnoses for Predicting the Histological Healing of Ulcerative Colitis in a Real-World Clinical Setting

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted colonoscopy systems with contact microscopy capabilities have been reported previously; however, no studies regarding the clinical use of a commercially available system in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) have been reported. In this study, the diagnostic performance of an AI-assisted ultra-magnifying colonoscopy system for histological healing was compared with that of conventional light non-magnifying endoscopic evaluation in patients with UC.

Methods

The data of 52 patients with UC were retrospectively analyzed. The Mayo endoscopic score (MES) was determined by 3 endoscopists. Using the AI system, healing of the same spot assessed via MES was defined as a predicted Geboes score (GS) < 3.1. The GS was then determined using pathology specimens from the same site.

Results

A total of 191 sites were evaluated, including 159 with a GS < 3.1. The MES diagnosis identified 130 sites as MES0. A total of 120 sites were determined to have healed based on AI. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of MES0 for the diagnosis of GS < 3.1 were 79.2%, 90.6%, 97.7%, 46.8%, and 81.2%, respectively. The AI system performed similarly to MES for the diagnosis of GS < 3.1: sensitivity, 74.2%; specificity: 93.8%; PPV: 98.3%; NPV: 42.3%; and accuracy: 77.5%. The AI system also significantly identified a GS of < 3.1 in the setting of MES1 (P = .0169).

Conclusions

The histological diagnostic yield the MES- and AI-assisted diagnoses was comparable. Healing decisions using AI may avoid the need for histological examinations.

An Analysis of 10,000 Cases of Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Japan: Special Reference to the Graft-Versus-Recipient Weight Ratio and Donor Age

OBJECTIVE

To analyze 10,000 cases of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipient data to elucidate outcomes with special reference to the graft-versus-recipient weight ratio (GRWR), based on the Japanese Liver Transplantation Society (JLTS) registry.

BACKGROUND

The JLTS registry has been accurate and complete in characterizing and following trends in patient characteristics and survival of all patients with LDLT.

METHODS

Between November 1989 and August 2021, 10,000 patients underwent LDLT in Japan. The procedures performed during the study period included pediatric liver transplantation (age <18 years, n = 3572) and adult liver transplantation (age ≥18 years, n=6428). Factors related to patient survival (PS) and graft survival (GS) were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The GRWR was <0.7, 0.7 to <0.8, 0.8 to <3, 3 to <5, and ≥5 in 0.2%, 2.0%, 61.8%, 31.8%, and 2.6% of pediatric patients and <0.6, 0.6 to <0.7, 0.7 to <0.8, and ≥0.8 in 8.0%, 12.7%, 17.7%, and 61.5% of adult patients, respectively. Among pediatric recipients, the PS rate up to 5 years was significantly better in cases with a GRWR ≤5 than in those with a GRWR >5. When the GRWR and donor age were combined, among adult recipients 50 to 60 years old, the early PS and GS up to 5 years were significantly better in cases with a GRWR ≥0.7, than in those with a GRWR <0.7. (P = 0.02). In adults, a multivariate analysis showed that GRWR <0.6, transplant era (<2011), donor age (>60 years), recipient age (>60 years), model for end-stage liver disease score (≥20), and center volume (<10) were significant prognostic factors for long-term PS.

CONCLUSION

Although a satisfactory long-term PS and GS, especially in the recent era (2011-2021), was achieved in the JLTS series, a GRWR ≥5 in pediatric cases and relatively old donors with a GRWR <0.7 in adult cases should be managed with caution.

Immunohistochemical expression of NRF2 is correlated with the magnitude of inflammation and fibrosis in chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND

The nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-Kelch-like Ech-associated protein (NRF2-KEAP1) pathway is a major cellular defense mechanism against oxidative stress. However, the role of NRF2-KEAP1 signaling in the development of chronic liver disease remains unclear.

METHODS

Clinical liver specimens from 50 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), 49 HCCs developed from chronic viral hepatitis C (CHc), and 48 liver metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC) from both tumorous and non-tumorous areas were collected during hepatic resection surgery. They were evaluated by immunohistochemical analyses of hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome, NRF2, and KEAP1, and compared with clinicopathological information.

RESULTS

Hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were more severe in the low-intensity NRF2 group than in the high-intensity NRF2 group both between CRC and NASH (Low vs. High: inflammation; p = 0.003, fibrosis; p = 0.014), and between CRC and CHc (Low vs. High: inflammation; p = 0.031, fibrosis; p = 0.011), which could indicate that NRF2 expression in cytosol of hepatocytes was inversely correlated with liver inflammation and fibrosis in non-tumorous areas. The dense staining of NRF2 in the nuclei of non-tumor hepatocytes positively correlated with liver inflammation (CRC and NASH; R = 0.451, p < 0.001, CRC and CHc; R = 0.502, p < 0.001) and fibrosis (CRC and NASH; R = 0.566, p < 0.001, CRC and CHc; R = 0.548, p < 0.001) in both NASH and CHc, and was inversely correlated with hepatic spare ability features such as platelet count (R = -0.253, p = 0.002) and prothrombin time (R = -0.206, p = 0.012). However, KEAP1 expression was not correlated with NRF2 expression levels and nuclear staining intensity.

CONCLUSIONS

Nuclear translocation of NRF2 was correlated with the magnitude of liver inflammation and fibrosis in chronic liver disease. These results suggest that NRF2 plays a protective role in the development of chronic liver diseases such as NASH and CHc.

Analysis of genetic factors associated with fatty liver disease-related hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PNPLA3 and hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 13 (HSD17B13) genes are associated with fatty liver disease (FLD) progression and carcinogenesis. In the present study, we evaluated the characteristics of Japanese FLD patients according to HSD17B13 polymorphisms.

METHODS

We enrolled 402 patients who were clinically and pathologically diagnosed with FLD (alcoholic: 63 cases, nonalcoholic: 339 cases) at our hospital in 1990-2018 (228 males; median age: 54.9 [14.6-83.6] years). FLD patients with HSD17B13 A/A (212 cases) and others (A/AA or AA/AA; 190 cases) were compared.

RESULTS

Compared to patients with HSD17B13 A/A and others, those with the A/A genotype showed increased incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (A/A vs. others; 18.4% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.01), cardiovascular diseases (14.2% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.01), and hypertension (56.6% vs. 47.4%, p = 0.06). In patients without A/A, the HCC incidence was significantly reduced in those with alcohol-related FLD, fibrosis-4 index <2.67, and the PNPLA3 CC genotype; however, there was no significant difference in nonalcoholic-FLD. Patients without HSD17B13 A/A showed severe steatosis (77% vs. 88.6%, p < 0.01). New HCC developed in 11 cases and the 5-year incidence rate of HCC was 3.3% in patients with both PNPLA3 GG/GC and HSD17B13 A/A, which was significantly higher than the rate for those with other SNP profiles (0.6%, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Inhibiting HSD17B13 activity may prevent HCC development, particularly in alcohol-related FLD and low-risk patients. Therefore, combinations of SNPs and other risk factors can be used for screening FLD-HCC.

Comparison of the Ability of Artificial-Intelligence-Based Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) Systems and Endoscopists to Detect Colorectal Neoplastic Lesions on Endoscopy Video

Artificial-intelligence-based computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems have developed remarkably in recent years. These systems can help increase the adenoma detection rate (ADR), an important quality indicator in colonoscopies. While there have been many still-image-based studies on the usefulness of CAD, few have reported on its usefulness using actual clinical videos. However, no studies have compared the CAD group and control groups using the exact same case videos. This study aimed to determine whether CAD or endoscopists were superior in identifying colorectal neoplastic lesions in videos. In this study, we examined 34 lesions from 21 cases. CAD performed better than four of the six endoscopists (three experts and three beginners), including all the beginners. The time to lesion detection with beginners and experts was 2.147 ± 1.118 s and 1.394 ± 0.805 s, respectively, with significant differences between beginners and experts (p < 0.001) and between beginners and CAD (both p < 0.001). The time to lesion detection was significantly shorter for experts and CAD than for beginners. No significant difference was found between experts and CAD (p = 1.000). CAD could be useful as a diagnostic support tool for beginners to bridge the experience gap with experts.

Risk factors for fatty pancreas and effects of fatty infiltration on pancreatic cancer

Objective: This study clarified the risk factors and pathophysiology of pancreatic cancer by examining the factors associated with fatty pancreas. Methods: The degree of fatty pancreas, background factors, and incidence of pancreatic cancer were examined among nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients (n = 281) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) patients with a family history of pancreatic cancer (n = 38). The presence of fatty pancreas was confirmed by the pancreatic CT value/splenic CT value ratio (P/S ratio). Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 10 cases with fatty pancreas, confirmed via postoperative pathology. Results: Fatty pancreas occurred in 126 patients (44.8%) in the NAFLD group who were older (p = 0.0002) and more likely to have hypertension (p < 0.0001). The IPMN group had 18 patients (47.4%) with fatty pancreas, included more men than women (p = 0.0056), and was more likely to have patients with hypertension (p = 0.0010). On histological examination, a significant infiltration of adipocytes into the acini from the pancreatic interstitium induced atrophy of the pancreatic parenchyma, and both M1 and M2 macrophages were detected in the area where adipocytes invaded the pancreatic parenchyma. Accumulation of p62 and increased positive staining of NQO1 molecules related to autophagy dysfunction were detected in pancreatic acinar cells in the fatty area, acinar-ductal metaplasia, and pancreatic cancer cells. The rate of p62-positive cell area and that of NQO1-positive cell area were significantly higher in the fatty pancreatic region than those in the control lesion (pancreatic region with few adipocyte infiltration). Furthermore, the rate of p62-positive cell area or that of NQO1-positive cell area showed strong positive correlations with the rate of fatty pancreatic lesion. These results suggest that adipocyte invasion into the pancreatic parenthyme induced macrophage infiltration and autophagy substrate p62 accumulation. High levels of NQO1 expression in the fatty area may be dependent on p62 accumulation. Conclusion: Hypertension was a significant risk factor for fatty pancreas in patients with NAFLD and IPMN. In fatty pancreas, fatty infiltration into the pancreatic parenchyme might induce autophagy dysfunction, resulting in activation of antioxidant proteins NQO1. Thus, patients with fatty pancreas require careful follow-up.

Outcomes of fatty liver disease with and without metabolic comorbidities and risk factors for mortality

Background and Aim

As the clinical course of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is unclear, we compared the clinical courses of MAFLD and non-alcoholic FLD (NAFLD).

Methods

Asian FLD patients (n = 987) from 1991 to 2021 (biopsy-proven in 939) were enrolled. The patients were divided into NAFLD (N-alone, n = 92), both MAFLD and N (M&N, n = 785), and M-alone (n = 90) groups. Clinical features, complications, and survival rates were compared among the three groups. Risk factors of mortality were subjected to Cox regression analysis.

Results

The N-alone group patients were significantly younger (N alone, M&N, and M alone: 50, 53, and 57 years, respectively), more frequently male (54.3%, 52.6%, and 37.8%), and had a low body mass index (BMI, 23.1, 27.1, and 26.7 kg/m²) and FIB-4 index (1.20, 1.46, and 2.10). Hypopituitarism (5.4%) and hypothyroidism (7.6%) were significantly observed in the N-alone group. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in 0.0%, 4.2%, and 3.5% of the cases, and extrahepatic malignancies in 6.8%, 8.4%, and 4.7% of the cases, respectively, with no significant differences. The cardiovascular event rate was significantly higher in the M-alone group (1, 37, and 11 cases, P < 0.01). Survival rates were similar among the three groups. Risk factors for mortality were age and BMI in the N-alone group; age, HCC, alanine transaminase, and FIB-4 in the M&N group; and FIB-4 in the M-alone group.

Conclusion

Different risk factors for mortality may exist among the FLD groups.

The Outcome of Salvage Liver Transplantation and Liver Resection for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using the 5-5-500 Rule, Japanese Extended Liver Transplantation Criteria for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited to Child-Pugh class C patients according to the Japanese HCC treatment algorithm. However, extended criteria of LT for HCC, known as the 5-5-500 rule, were published in 2019. Hepatocellular carcinoma reportedly has a high recurrence rate after primary treatment. We hypothesized that the outcome of recurrent HCC would be improved if the 5-5-500 rule were adopted for patients with recurrent HCC. We, therefore, analyzed the outcomes of surgical treatment (liver resection [LR] and LT) for recurrent HCC using the 5-5-500 rule in our institute.

METHODS

Fifty-two patients younger than 70 years of age received surgical treatment for recurrent HCC using our institute's 5-5-500 rule from 2010 to 2019. We divided these patients into the LR and LT groups in the first study. The 10-year overall survival and re-recurrence-free survival were analyzed. The second study analyzed the risk factors of re-recurrence after surgical treatment for recurrent HCC.

RESULTS

In the first study, the background characteristics of the 2 groups (LR and LT) showed no significant difference, except for age and Child-Pugh classification. There was no significant difference in the overall survival between groups (P = .35), but the re-recurrence-free survival in the LR group was significantly shorter than that in the LT group (P < .01). In the second study, the male sex and LR were risk factors of re-recurrence after surgical treatment for recurrent HCC. Child-Pugh's class did not contribute to re-recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

To improve the outcomes of recurrent HCC, LT is the better choice, regardless of the Child-Pugh class.

A case of neuroendocrine carcinoma with massive invasion to the liver and multiorgan causing acute liver failure

INTRODUCTION

Acute liver failure (ALF) due to a malignant neoplasm is rare. Here, we present a case of neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) with massive invasion to the liver and multi-organ causing ALF that resulted in a poor outcome. A 56-year-old man was referred to our hospital for ALF of unknown cause. Abdominal imaging studies revealed hepatomegaly with multiple intrahepatic lesions. The patient also showed disseminated intravascular coagulation. Despite administration of prednisolone for the ALF, he died suddenly of respiratory failure on day 3 after admission. Autopsy showed a markedly enlarged liver weighing 4,600 g with diffuse nodular lesions. The tumors had metastasized to the lungs, spleen, adrenal glands, and bone marrow. Severe pulmonary hemorrhage was also noted. Histologically, the tumors were poorly differentiated and composed of small-sized and uniform neoplastic cells, positive for chromogranin A, synaptophysin, CD56, and p53 with a Ki-67 labeling index of over 50%. As there was no primary lesion in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, or other organs, primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PHNEC) was suspected.

CONCLUSION

We experienced a case of NEC causing ALF and multi-organ invasion with a rapidly deteriorating course. Liver metastasis from a neuroendocrine tumor/neoplasm is common, while a primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor/neoplasm is extremely rare. We could not determine PHNEC; however, it was highly suspected. Further studies are needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of this rare disease.

Abstract 760: Characteristics of fatty liver disease-related hepatocellular carcinoma and genetic background in Japan

Aim: A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in PNPLA3 was identified as a disease susceptibility gene for fatty liver disease (FLD) and it’s associated with fibrosis progression and carcinogenesis. Additionally, mutations in hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 13 (HSD17B13), which encodes hepatic lipid droplet protein, have been found the involvement in various metabolic processes. Loss-of-function mutations in the human HSD17B13 gene may confer a strong protective effect on liver injury, inflammation, fibrosis, and even onset of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we evaluated the characteristics of Japanese patients with FLD- HCC and considered the risk factors of HCC including genetic background.

Methods: We enrolled 402 patients of clinically and pathologically diagnosed with FLD (alcohol: 63, nonalcohol: 339) in our hospital from 1990-2018 (228 males, median age 54.9 [14.6-83.6] years). We analyzed the survival and new-onset HCC rates according to the etiology of FLD (alcohol and nonalcohol), hepatic fibrosis, FIB-4 index, and genetic background of PNPLA3 and HSD17B13 for consideration of the risk factors.

Results: FLD-HCC was observed in 57 cases (14.2%). Comparing to the patients with HSD17B13 wild-type AA (212 cases) and mutant (A/AA or AA/AA, 190 cases), patients with wild type showed significantly increased HCC complication (wild vs. mutant; 39 [18.4%] vs. 18 [9.5%], p = 0.01) and these were tended to be high complication of hypertension (120 [56.6%] vs. 90 [47.4%], p = 0.06). In patients with mutant of HSD17B13, HCC incidence was significantly reduced in alcohol-related FLD, FIB-4 index &lt;2.67, and PNPLA3 CC genotype, however, there was not significant difference in nonalcohol-FLD. Patients with HSD17B13 mutant showed severe steatosis (77% vs. 88.6%). Eleven cases of new HCC were developed during observation period (8.1 [0.5-25.1] years) (n = 370). Five-year incidence of HCC was 3.3% in patients with both PNPLA3 GG/GC and HSD17B13 wild type and it was significantly elevated compared to other SNP profiles (0.6%, p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis identified the risk of FLD-HCC including age, gender, and complication of hypertension.

Conclusions: Genetic background of FLD may associate with onset of HCC. Inhibiting HSD17B13 activity may prevent HCC development, especially in alcohol-related FLD and patients with low risk factors. Therefore, SNPs of gene combination with other risk factors may use for screening tool for FLD-HCC.

Citation Format: Tomomi Kogiso, Yuri Ogasawara, Kentaro Horiuchi, Makiko Taniai, Katsutoshi Tokushige. Characteristics of fatty liver disease-related hepatocellular carcinoma and genetic background in Japan [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 760.

Cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy versus large-volume paracentesis for the treatment of cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites: A multicenter prospective observational study

AIM

Cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART) and large-volume paracentesis (LVP) with albumin infusion are useful for managing refractory ascites (RA). However, it remains unclear which therapy is more effective in patients with cirrhosis with RA.

METHODS

From June 2018 to March 2022, 25 patients with RA treated with CART or LVP with albumin infusion were enrolled in this multicenter prospective observational study to investigate the number of abdominal paracenteses, albumin preparations used, and drainage volume during an 8-week observation period.

RESULTS

Among all patients at entry (median age, 63 years; 52% men; 60% Child-Pugh B and 40% Child-Pugh C), 92% were treated with furosemide (median, 20 mg/day), 92% with spironolactone (25 mg/day), and all with tolvaptan (7.5 mg/day). Patients with RA had a poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and prominent ascites-related symptoms. Four of the 20 eligible patients were treated with CART, 11 with LVP with albumin infusion, and five with their combination. The median number of paracenteses, total drainage volume, and albumin infusions were 1.5, 7.4 L, and 0, respectively, in the CART group; 5.0, 22.0 L, and 5.0, respectively, in the LVP group; and 5.0, 30.0 L, and 5.0, respectively in their combination group. The treatment effects did not differ significantly among the three groups regarding weight loss, liver function, renal function, electrolytes, and HRQOL. However, patients treated with CART had fewer paracenteses and albumin infusions than those treated with LVP.

CONCLUSIONS

CART and LVP have comparable therapeutic efficacy for RA in patients with cirrhosis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma and focal nodular hyperplasia in patients with Fontan-associated liver disease: characterisation using dynamic gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced MRI

AIM

To identify the characteristic diagnostic features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) patients using dynamic gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-one FALD patients (mean age, 28.3 ± 7.2 years) with liver nodules who underwent dynamic Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI were enrolled prospectively. Twenty-five patients (mean age, 72.8 ± 11.4 years) with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCC constituted the control group. The tumour-to-liver signal intensity (SI) ratio was measured at 30, 60, 100, 180 seconds and 15 minutes, and the SI ratio was compared among FALD-HCC, FALD-FNH, and HCV-HCC.

RESULTS

FALD-HCC exhibited weak early enhancement with mild washout in late phases. FALD-FNH exhibited marked early enhancement that continued until the late phases. The SI ratio was significantly lower for FALD-HCC than for FALD-FNH in all phases. The SI ratio was significantly lower for FALD-HCC than for HCV-HCC only at 30 seconds (p<0.05), whereas poorer washout was seen in FALD-HCC than HCV-HCC in other phases. In 15 minutes, FALD-HCC had a significantly lower SI ratio compared to FALD-FNH (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The time course of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI signal intensity in FALD-HCC was different from that in FALD-FNH or HCV-HCC. This imaging finding may be useful adjunctive information to distinguish FALD-HCC from FALD-FNH.

Predictors of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma among perioperative survivors of the Fontan operation

OBJECTIVE

Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) is widely recognised as a common complication in patients long after the Fontan operation. However, data on the predictors of FALD that can guide its screening and management are lacking. The present study aimed to identify the predictors of liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in post-Fontan patients.

METHODS

This was a multi-institutional retrospective cohort study. Clinical data of all perioperative survivors of Fontan operation before 2011 who underwent postoperative catheterisation were collected through a retrospective chart review.

RESULTS

A total of 1117 patients (538 women, 48.2%) underwent their first Fontan operation at a median age of 3.4 years. Postoperative cardiac catheterisation was conducted at a median of 1.0 year. During a median follow-up period of 10.3 years, 67 patients (6.0%) died; 181 (16.2%) were diagnosed with liver fibrosis, 67 (6.0%) with LC, 54 (4.8%) with focal nodular hyperplasia and 7 (0.6%) with HCC. On multivariable analysis, high central venous pressure (CVP) (HR, 1.28 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.63) per 3 mm Hg; p=0.042) and severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation (HR, 6.02 (95% CI 1.53 to 23.77); p=0.010) at the postoperative catheterisation were identified as independent predictors of LC/HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with high CVP and/or severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation approximately 1 year after the Fontan operation are at increased risk of developing advanced liver disease in the long term. Whether therapeutic interventions to reduce CVP and atrioventricular valve regurgitation decrease the incidence of advanced liver disease requires further elucidation.

Current Therapy and Liver Transplantation for Portopulmonary Hypertension in Japan

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) and hepatopulmonary syndrome are severe pulmonary complications associated with liver cirrhosis (LC) and portal hypertension. Three key pathways, involving endothelin, nitric oxide, and prostacyclin, have been identified in the development and progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). To obtain a good effect with PAH-specific drugs in PoPH patients, it is important to diagnose PoPH at an early stage and promptly initiate therapy. The majority of therapeutic drugs are contraindicated for Child-Pugh grade C LC, and their effects decrease in the severe PAH stage. Among many LC patients, the measurement of serum brain natriuretic peptide levels might be useful for detecting PoPH. Previously, liver transplantation (LT) for PoPH was contraindicated; however, the indications for LT are changing and now take into account how well the PoPH is controlled by therapeutic drugs. In Japan, new registration criteria for deceased-donor LT have been established for PoPH patients. PoPH patients with a mean pulmonary arterial pressure <35 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance <400 dyn/s/cm−5 are indicated for LT, regardless of whether they are using therapeutic drugs. Combined with PAH-specific drugs, LT may lead to excellent long-term outcomes in PoPH patients. We aimed to review current therapies for PoPH, including LT.

A Patient with Crohn's Disease Who Gave Birth Despite Sigmoid Volvulus, Venous Thrombosis, Nontraumatic Fracture of the Rib, and Sepsis during Pregnancy

The patient was a woman in her 40s who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD) of the large and small intestines in 1996. In 2005, she was referred to our hospital for treatment. We treated her for 17 years with corticosteroids, biologics, immunosuppressive agents, 5-aminosalicylic acid, and nutrition care. However, her Crohn's Disease Activity Index remained between 200 and 250, indicating refractory CD. During her medical treatment, the patient also underwent 3 operations. One year ago, the patient became pregnant through in vitro fertilization. Even after pregnancy was confirmed, the patient continued her treatment for refractory CD with ustekinumab, granulocyte apheresis, and budesonide. Nonetheless, her CD was highly active during pregnancy, and she experienced various complications: sigmoid volvulus at gestational week 15, venous thrombosis at gestational week 17, nontraumatic rib fracture due to fetal movement at gestational week 32, and sepsis from central venous catheter infection at gestational week 37. At gestational week 38, the patient gave birth by emergency cesarian delivery. This paper reports details of the case in which delivery was achieved after various complications were overcome and discusses previous relevant reports.

Multiple Small Bowel Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 that Were Not Detected by Endoscopy: A Case Report

We treated a 39-year-old Japanese man who was admitted for an abdominal mass. He had had neurofibroma-like skin lesions since childhood. Computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound results were consistent with a tumor in the small intestine. Although the tumor was undetectable by single-balloon endoscopy, the patient's background and imaging results led us to suspect a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). He also met the diagnostic criteria for neurofibroma type 1 (NF1). We performed a surgical removal of the tumor, and the biopsy results led to a definitive diagnosis of GIST. Small bowel GISTs should be considered in cases of NF1.

Characteristics, Outcomes, and Risk Factors for Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Inpatients - A Comparison with Outpatients

Objective The study objectives were to clarify the clinical findings and the causes of intractability and mortality of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding in inpatients. Methods The patients were divided into Inpatient (Ip) and Outpatient (Op) onset groups, and their characteristics, clinical and bleeding data, and outcomes were compared. Patients or Materials Our study included 375 patients who developed UGI bleeding during hospitalization or were admitted after being diagnosed with UGI bleeding in an outpatient setting from January 1, 2015, to June 30, 2020. Results The Ip group had worse general condition; increased percentages of comorbidities; and more common use of proton pump inhibitor, anti-coagulant, and steroid than the Op group. Compared with the Op group, the Ip group had lower serum albumin levels and platelet counts at the onset of bleeding, whereas rebleeding, mortality, and bleeding-related death rates were higher. Multivariate analysis of the Ip group revealed that the risks of rebleeding included endoscopic high-risk stigmata, maintenance dialysis, and duodenal bleeding, whereas the risks of mortality were gastric ulcer and a Charlson Comorbidity Index update score of ≥3. Conclusion UGI bleeding in the Ip group was associated with higher rebleeding and mortality rates. Because of their poor general health condition, the pathology of UGI bleeding in these patients may differ from that of patients with common UGI bleeding. A different approach for the care and prevention of UGI bleeding in inpatients is required.

Development of a risk prediction score and equation for chronic kidney disease: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for end-stage renal disease and contributes to increased risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. We aimed to develop a risk prediction score and equation for future onset of CKD using large-scale health checkup data.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 58,423 participants without baseline CKD who were randomly assigned to Derivation (n=38,948) and Validation cohorts (n=19,475) at a ratio of 2:1. The predictors were anthropometric indices, life style, and blood sampling data. In the Derivation cohort, we performed multivariable logistic regression analysis and obtained the standardized beta coefficient of each factor that was significantly associated with new-onset CKD and assigned scores to each factor. We created a score and an equation to determine the risk of developing CKD after 5 years and applied them to the Validation cohort to assess their reproducibility.

Results

The risk prediction scores ranged from 0 to 16, consisting of the seven indicators, including age, sex, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, hyperuricemia, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). From the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve predicting CKD incidence, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.78. A score of ≥8 showed the highest Youden index in the Derivation cohort, with a sensitivity of 0.90 and specificity of 0.52. The CKD incidence gradually and constantly increased as the score increased from ≤6 to ≥14 (Figure). The risk prediction equation consisted of aforementioned seven indicators: 1/(1 + exp[−(9.4876 + 0.0311×age + 0.2400×sex + 0.3470×hypertension + 0.0893×dyslipidemia + 0.3444×diabetes + 0.0832×hyperuricemia + (−0.1980)×eGFR]). The median probability obtained from the Derivation cohort was 0.018 (interquartile range 0.002–0.084), and the AUC value of the ROC curve for the development of CKD after 5 years was 0.88, with a sensitivity of 0.84 and a specificity of 0.78 at a cutoff value of 0.077. The Validation cohort analysis yielded similar results.

Conclusion

We developed a clinically useful risk score and equation to predict the CKD incidence after 5 years in the general Japanese population. These models have reasonably high predictability and reproducibility.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Risk factors for Fontan-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Aims

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with Fontan-associated liver disease (i.e., FALD-HCC) has increased over time. However, the risk factors for HCC development remain unclear. Here, we compared the levels of non-invasive markers to the survival rate of FALD-HCC patients.

Methods

From 2003 to 2021, 154 patients (66 men, 42.9%) developed liver disease after undergoing Fontan procedures. HCC was diagnosed in 15 (9.7%) (8 men, 53.3%) at a median age of 34 years (range, 21–45 years). We compared FALD-HCC and non-HCC cases; we generated marker level cutoffs using receiver operating characteristic curves. We sought to identify risk factors for HCC and mortality.

Results

The incidence of HCC was 4.9% in FALD patients within 20 years after the Fontan procedure. Compared with non-HCC patients, FALD-HCC patients exhibited higher incidences of polysplenia and esophageal varices. At the time of HCC development, the hyaluronic acid (HA) level (p = 0.04) and the fibrosis-4 index (p = 0.02) were significantly higher in FALD-HCC patients than in non-HCC patients; the total bilirubin (T-BIL) level (p = 0.07) and the model for end-stage liver disease score [excluding the international normalized ratio (MELD-XI)] (p = 0.06) tended to be higher in FALD-HCC patients. Within approximately 20 years of the Fontan procedure, 10 patients died (survival rate, 96.9%). Kaplan–Meier curve analysis indicated that patients with T-BIL levels ≥ 2.2 mg/dL, HA levels ≥ 55.5 ng/mL, and MELD-XI scores ≥ 18.7 were at high risk of HCC, a generally poor prognosis, and both polysplenia and esophageal varices. Multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that the complication of polysplenia [Hazard ratio (HR): 10.915] and a higher MELD-XI score (HR: 1.148, both p < 0.01) were independent risk factors for FALD-HCC.

Conclusions

The complication of polysplenia and a MELD-XI score may predict HCC development and mortality in FALD patients.

Giant Hepatic Hemangioma Causing Prolonged Fever and Indicated for Resection

Hepatic hemangiomas are benign liver tumors, and most of them progress asymptomatically. We report a case of hepatic hemangioma considered the cause of fever. A 53-year-old woman had a fever of 40°C for about 3 months without infection. Hepatic hemangiomas with internal bleeding of 10 cm in size on liver S8/7 and S3/2 were observed. These were resected laparoscopically for diagnostic treatment. She was afebrile after the operation. The pathological diagnosis was hematoma inside cavernous hemangioma. It should be noted that a bleeding hepatic hemangioma may cause fever of unknown origin and be indicated for resection.

A case of pathologically complete response after preoperative chemotherapy in a pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma patient with portal vein tumor thrombosis

Preoperative treatment is being proposed as a standard treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma though few cases show a pathologically complete response. On the other hand, there is no consensus regarding preoperative chemotherapy for pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (ACC). The present study described a rare case of ACC in the pancreatic head with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) treated with preoperative chemotherapy using modified FOLFIRINOX, which achieved a pathologically complete response. A 65-year-old man was referred for consideration of treatment strategy. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed a pancreatic tumor and PVTT. The pancreatic tumor was diagnosed as ACC by an endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Initially, the tumor was assessed as unresectable due to the presence of PVTT, and therefore, a chemotherapy using modified FOLFIRINOX was administered. After 14 courses of the chemotherapy, imaging studies revealed that the tumor and PVTT showed marked reduction in size; thus, the patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with combined resection of the portal vein (PV). A pathological examination uncovered a complete degeneration of the primary tumor and the PV embolus without any residue of carcinoma. The patient did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy and survived with no evidence of recurrence for 33 months after surgery. The chemotherapy using modified FOLFIRINOX could give a complete response in patients with pancreatic ACC with PVTT.

Serum Leucine-Rich Alpha-2 Glycoprotein in Quiescent Crohn's Disease as a Potential Surrogate Marker for Small-Bowel Ulceration detected by Capsule Endoscopy

Background: Small bowel (SB) lesions in quiescent Crohn’s disease (CD) are sometimes not identified by clinical activity or existing markers. We investigated the usefulness of a novel biomarker, leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein (LRG), for screening for the presence of SB ulcerative lesions detected by small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE). Methods: We examined patients with a Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) value < 150 and a C-reactive protein (CRP) value < 0.5 mg/dL with SB or SB colonic CD. The presence of small-bowel ulcerative lesions (≥0.5 cm) was grouped by SBCE results, and we then compared the groups’ LRG value to establish a cutoff value for screening for the presence of lesions. Results: In 40 patients with CD, the LRG values differed significantly between the patients with and without SB ulcerative lesions (Ul + 14.1 (2.1−16.5) μg/mL vs. Ul − 12.3 (9.3−13.5) μg/mL; p = 0.0105). The respective cutoff LRG values for the presence of SB ulcerative lesions was 14 μg/mL (areas under the ROC curve 0.77), with sensitivity 63.6%, specificity 82.8%, positive predictive values 58.3%, negative predictive values 85.7%, and accuracy 78%. Conclusion: These results indicate that LRG may be useful in predicting the presence of SB inflammation associated in patients with CD with CRP < 0.5 mg/dL and CDAI < 150, and in selecting patients for SBCE.

Portopulmonary hypertension and the risk of high right ventricular systolic pressure in liver transplant candidates

Aim

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) is a rare and serious complication of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension that can interfere with liver transplantation (LT). We evaluated the prevalence of PoPH and the clinical features of right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), which is equivalent to pulmonary artery systolic pressure, in LT candidates.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective study. A total of 157 Japanese patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis or portal hypertension (76 men, median age = 52 years [range: 18–68 years]) were enrolled. The relationships between RVSP and clinical parameters, and the prevalence of PoPH in LT candidates, were evaluated.

Results

The cardiological parameters were as follows: brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), 39.1 (4.0–780.5) pg/mL; RVSP, 31.2 (16.0–122.4) mmHg; ejection fraction, 58% (28–72%); and mean peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity, 2.3 (1.5–5.3) m/s. The RVSP was significantly higher in females (p = 0.02) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients (p = 0.01), and was weakly correlated with the BNP level (r = 0.40, p = 0.01). For RVSPs of < 36 and ≥ 36 mmHg, the 5-year survival rates were 36.1% versus 34.1%, and 85.4% versus 85.3%, in non-LT and LT cases, respectively (p = 0.47 and 0.69, respectively). Among six patients with an RVSP ≥ 50 mmHg, three (1.9%) were diagnosed with PoPH and treated with vasodilators.

Conclusions

PoPH was observed in 3 cases (1.9%) in 157 LT candidates. In patients with suspected mild pulmonary hypertension (RVSP, 36 - 50 mmHg), LT was successfully performed.

Evaluation of the Significance of Lymphatic, Microvascular and Perineural Invasion in Patients With Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

BACKGROUND

Some prognostic factors for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) have been reported; however, the significance of lymphatic, microvascular, and perineural invasion remains unclear. We aimed to clarify the role of these factors in PanNEN recurrence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed 138 patients who underwent curative pancreatectomy and were pathologically diagnosed with PanNEN. We evaluated the association between clinicopathological factors and the recurrence of PanNENs.

RESULTS

The numbers of patients with lymphatic, microvascular, and perineural invasion were 34 (25%), 43 (31%) and 17 (12%), respectively. Twenty-four patients (17%) had recurrences, and the 3, 5, and 10-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 88%, 84%, and 76%, respectively. The recurrence sites (with duplication) were mainly the liver (twenty-two patients), followed by the lymph nodes (seven patients), and bone (two patients). In multivariate analyses, grade 2-3 and the presence of microvascular invasion were significant risk factors for RFS (hazard ratio=7.5 and 7.9, respectively). When examining outcomes according to these factors, the 5-year RFS rates of patients with risk scores of 0, 1, and 2 were 100%, 91%, and 32%, respectively (p<0.001). Even in patients with grade 1 (n=97) or limited resection (enucleation, splenic-preserving distal pancreatectomy, central pancreatectomy, and duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection, n=62), the presence of microvascular invasion was a significant risk factor for RFS (hazard ratio=13.4 and 18.0, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The presence of microvascular invasion is an independent risk factor for recurrence in patients with PanNEN.

Clinical practice advice on lifestyle modification in the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Japan: an expert review

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide, including in Japan. The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology (JSGE) and the Japanese Society of Hepatology (JSH) have established the Japanese NAFLD/NASH guidelines in 2014 and revised these guidelines in 2020. As described in these guidelines, weight reduction by diet and/or exercise therapy is important for the treatment of NAFLD patients. The I148M single nucleotide polymorphism (rs738409 C > G) of PNPLA3 (patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 protein) is widely known to be associated with the occurrence and progression of NAFLD. In the Japanese, the ratio of PNPLA3 gene polymorphisms found is approximately 20%, which is higher than that found in Westerners. In addition, the ratio of lean NAFLD patients is also higher in Japan than in Western countries. Therefore, the method for lifestyle guidance for the NAFLD patients in Japan would be different from that for the people in Western countries. The problems in the treatment of NAFLD patients include alcohol consumption and sarcopenia. Therefore, guidelines that can help clinicians treat Japanese patients with NAFLD are needed. In this expert review, we summarize evidence-based interventions for lifestyle modification (diet, exercise, alcohol, and sarcopenia) for the treatment of patients with NAFLD, especially from Japan and Asian countries.

Outcomes of Japanese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease according to genetic background and lifestyle-related diseases

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Genetic background may be involved in the mechanisms of liver injury and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, its contributions to the long-term outcome of NAFLD have been unclear.

METHODS

We enrolled 314 Japanese patients with biopsy-confirmed NAFLD from 2000 to 2018 (161 men [51.3%]; median age, 53 [14-84] years; 114 with advanced fibrosis [37.5%]) in the patients without hepatocellular carcinoma at diagnosis. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed. Associations of mortality with patatin-like phospholipase 3 (PNPLA3) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) were analyzed. Finally, a subgroup analysis according to lifestyle-related disease was performed.

RESULTS

During the median 7 years of follow-up, 20 patients (6.4%) died (13 liver-related [4.1%] and 7 non-liver-related deaths [2.2%]). Patients with ALDH2 (non-GG genotype) who had reduced alcohol metabolism tended to have a poor prognosis (p = 0.06). Patients carrying both risk SNPs of PNPLA3 (GG) and ALDH2 (non-GG) had a significantly poor prognosis (p = 0.01). In the subgroup analysis, patients with PNPLA3 (GG) who were non-diabetics (p = 0.06) or non-dyslipidemic (p = 0.03), with ALDH2 (non-GG) who were non-dyslipidemic (p = 0.01) or hypertensive (p = 0.03), also had a poor prognosis. The Cox analysis revealed that ALDH2 (non-GG) was associated with a poor prognosis (Hazard ratio: 4.568, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.294-16.131, p = 0.02) similar to the liver function tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic background may affect NAFLD prognosis and ALDH2 SNP could predict the outcome.

Risk and protective factors of acute kidney injury in decompensated cirrhotic patients with ascites on tolvaptan

Background and Aim

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life‐threatening complication of liver cirrhosis. Here, we evaluated the risk factors and characteristics of AKI in cirrhosis.

Patients/Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective study. A total of 199 Japanese patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (104 men, median age 61 years) were enrolled and received tolvaptan orally. Survival rates and new onset of AKI were monitored, and risk factors were evaluated.

Results

Forty‐six patients (23.1%) suffered an AKI complication and exhibited significantly poorer survival (P < 0.01). The rates of hepatic encephalopathy (P < 0.01) and chronic kidney disease (CKD; P = 0.02) were significantly increased in patients with AKI. The rate of proton pump inhibitor (PPI)/H2 blocker treatment (P = 0.04) was significantly lower, whereas that of ascites drainage was significantly higher in the AKI cases (P < 0.01). The AKI risk was significantly increased in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HR 4.18, 95% CI 1.618–10.771). In contrast, the incidence of AKI was significantly lower in patients with a higher serum albumin level (HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.142–0.914, P = 0.03). Treatment with PPI/H2 blockers (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.126–0.711, P < 0.01) or kanamycin/rifaximin (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.075–0.929, P = 0.04) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of AKI development.

Conclusions

AKI incidence was increased in patients with decreased liver function and was associated with poor survival. PPI/H2 blocker or kanamycin/rifaximin treatment may reduce the risk of AKI.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a serious public health issue not only in Western countries but also in Japan. Within the wide spectrum of NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of disease that often develops into liver cirrhosis and increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While a definite diagnosis of NASH requires liver biopsy to confirm the presence of hepatocyte ballooning, hepatic fibrosis is the most important prognostic factor in NAFLD. With so many NAFLD patients, it is essential to have an effective screening method for NAFLD with hepatic fibrosis. As HCC with non-viral liver disease has increased markedly in Japan, effective screening and surveillance of HCC are also urgently needed. The most common death etiology in NAFLD patients is cardiovascular disease event. Gastroenterologists must, therefore, pay close attention to CVD when examining NAFLD patients. In the updated guidelines, we propose screening and follow-up methods for hepatic fibrosis, HCC, and CVD in NAFLD patients. Several drug trials are ongoing for NAFLD/NASH therapy, however, there is currently no specific drug therapy for NAFLD/NASH. In addition to vitamin E and thiazolidinedione derivatives, recent trials have focused on sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues, and effective therapies are expected to be developed. These practical guidelines for NAFLD/NASH were established by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology in conjunction with the Japan Society of Hepatology. Clinical evidence reported internationally between 1983 and October 2018 was collected, and each clinical and background question was evaluated using the Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. This English summary pro- vides the core essentials of these clinical practice guidelines, which include the definition and concept, screening systems for hepatic fibrosis, HCC and CVD, and current therapies for NAFLD/NASH in Japan.

Long-term Follow-up of a Patient with Portal Hypertension and Hepatic Failure Due to Hepatic Hydatid Disease

We observed liver failure with a presumed etiology of echinococcosis in an 89-year-old woman. Our patient had been born and then resided on Rebun Island until she was 12 years old. At 46 years old, she had been referred to our hospital due to right abdominal pain. Ultrasound had revealed multilocular cysts in the right lobe of the liver. At 84 years old, the hepatic cyst occupied nearly the entire liver with ring-shaped calcification along the cyst wall. The patient was diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis and hepatic hydatid disease based on typical imaging and the long-term natural clinical course.

Long-term outcome of Wilson's disease complicated by liver disease

Background and Aim

Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare inherited disease that causes systemic copper accumulation. This study examined the long‐term course of WD patients with liver disease.

Methods

The 12 patients (9 female patients) enrolled in the study had a median age of 28 years (range: 19–57 years) at their first visit to our hospital. Clinical course and fibrosis markers were assessed in all patients.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 24 years (range: 5–42 years). One patient had acute liver failure (ALF) and 11 patients had chronic liver disease (CLD, 5 with cirrhosis). The patients were followed‐up for >20 years. The patient with ALF underwent liver transplantation; the postoperative course during the subsequent 20 years was good. Of the six patients with CLD, liver cirrhosis developed in four patients with interrupted chelating therapy. Two of the patients with cirrhosis died; one of these two patients died at 21 years after liver transplantation. However, the remaining patients with continued treatment exhibited a favorable clinical course for 30 years and none developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The duration of chelation therapy was significantly negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with the fibrosis‐4 index or aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) score at the last visit; lower values were indicative of greater treatment success. Patients with an APRI score ≥1.5 had a significantly worse prognosis (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Long‐term survival of patients with WD was achieved without worsened liver function or carcinogenesis with appropriate treatment. Treatment disruption should be avoided.

Emergency upper gastrointestinal endoscopy performed safely in a patient with COVID-19 with suspected hemorrhagic shock

Coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has spread explosively throughout the world and has since been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Although it is recommended that upper gastrointestinal endoscopies either be postponed or canceled during the pandemic because of their high risk of aerosol generation, this does not apply in emergency cases, which may include patients with coronavirus disease. In this case report, we describe the safe undertaking of an emergency upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in a patient with suspected hemorrhagic shock who tested positive for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 using the polymerase chain reaction. We performed the procedure in the contamination zone of a specialized coronavirus disease ward with prespecified zones. Full personal protective equipment was worn during the procedure, as recommended by various academic societies, and careful attention was paid to the sterilization of all equipment after the procedure. Thus, emergency endoscopies can be performed safely in patients with coronavirus disease in a suitable environment by using appropriate personal protective equipment and by handling the equipment appropriately.

The utility of liver transplantation to treat acute liver failure caused by adult-onset Still's disease: case reports

PURPOSE

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is an inflammatory condition commonly complicated by mild liver dysfunction. However, severe liver failure is rarely reported. We report three cases of severe acute hepatic failure (ALF) associated with AOSD. We encountered three cases of acute liver failure (ALF) with encephalopathy.

RESULTS

Case 1 was a 75-year-old female, who was started on a steroid (prednisolone, PSL) to treat AOSD; this was gradually tapered. Two months later, severe ALF developed. She died despite an increase in the PSL dose and artificial liver support. Case 2 was a 26-year-old-female taking PSL 30 mg/day to treat subacute thyroiditis. PSL was tapered, and she received methyl PSL pulse therapy and artificial liver support, but this did not cure the ALF. Liver transplantation (LT) was performed 25 days later. Three years later, the same symptoms were observed and we diagnosed AOSD. Case 3 was a 56-year-old-female who met the AOSD criteria. PSL 50 mg/day was started and then tapered. Methyl PSL pulse therapy was prescribed to treat hemophagocytic syndrome, but she required LT on hospital day 13.

CONCLUSION

In AOSD cases, ALF is rarely complicated; urgent LT should be considered only for patients with AOSD-related severe ALF.

Granulocyte and monocyte apheresis therapy for patients with active ulcerative colitis associated with COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is now a pandemic. Although several treatment guidelines have been proposed for patients who have both inflammatory bowel disease and COVID-19, immunosuppressive therapy is essentially not recommended, and the treatment options are limited. Even in the COVID-19 pandemic, adjuvant adsorptive granulocyte and monocyte apheresis may safely bring ulcerative colitis (UC) into remission by removing activated myeloid cells without the use of immunosuppressive therapy. Our patient was a 25-year-old Japanese male with UC and COVID-19. This is the first case report of the induction of UC remission with granulocyte and monocyte apheresis treatment for active UC associated with COVID-19.

FIB-4 First in the Diagnostic Algorithm of Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in the Era of the Global Metabodemic

The prevalence of obesity or metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide (globally metabodemic). Approximately 25% of the adult general population is suffering from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which has become a serious health problem. In 2020, global experts suggested that the nomenclature of NAFLD should be updated to metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Hepatic fibrosis is the most significant determinant of all cause- and liver -related mortality in MAFLD. The non-invasive test (NIT) is urgently required to evaluate hepatic fibrosis in MAFLD. The fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index is the first triaging tool for excluding advanced fibrosis because of its accuracy, simplicity, and cheapness, especially for general physicians or endocrinologists, although the FIB-4 index has several drawbacks. Accumulating evidence has suggested that vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and the enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test may become useful as the second step after triaging by the FIB-4 index. The leading cause of mortality in MAFLD is cardiovascular disease (CVD), extrahepatic malignancy, and liver-related diseases. MAFLD often complicates chronic kidney disease (CKD), resulting in increased simultaneous liver kidney transplantation. The FIB-4 index could be a predictor of not only liver-related mortality and incident hepatocellular carcinoma, but also prevalent and incident CKD, CVD, and extrahepatic malignancy. Although NITs as milestones for evaluating treatment efficacy have never been established, the FIB-4 index is expected to reflect histological hepatic fibrosis after treatment in several longitudinal studies. We here review the role of the FIB-4 index in the management of MAFLD.

Hereditary Apolipoprotein A-1 Amyloidosis With Glu34Lys Mutation Treated by Liver Transplantation: A Case Report

Hereditary apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1) amyloidosis is a rare disease characterized by progressive deposition of amyloid fibrils in the kidney, heart, and liver. We observed a 45-year-old male patient with liver failure. Liver dysfunction was detected at 30 years of age during an annual health check-up. At 35 years of age, renal dysfunction was also found. At 40 years of age, the pathologic findings of the liver revealed amyloid deposition. A testis biopsy specimen taken at 42 years of age to identify the cause of male infertility showed amyloid accumulation. At 43 years of age, the amyloid results and genetic profile led to a definitive diagnosis of hereditary ApoA-1 amyloidosis caused by Glu34Lys mutation. A family history was absent. Liver failure showed Budd-Chiari-like formation, including enlargement of the caudate lobe and liver congestion. Although the patient showed end-stage liver cirrhosis and renal failure, only liver transplant was performed considering the burden for a living donor. The enlarged liver (4.9 kg) showed amyloid deposition in parenchyma and the space of Disse. Amyloid also accumulated in the giant spleen. The APOA1 mutation Glu34Lys is extremely rare, and in this case hepatic failure was successfully treated by liver transplant to both replace organ function and reduce production of the amyloidogenic ApoA-1-variant protein. Careful observation for reaccumulation of amyloidosis in the organ is required.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a serious public health issue not only in Western countries but also in Japan. Within the wide spectrum of NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of disease that often develops into liver cirrhosis and increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While a definite diagnosis of NASH requires liver biopsy to confirm the presence of hepatocyte ballooning, hepatic fibrosis is the most important prognostic factor in NAFLD. With so many NAFLD patients, it is essential to have an effective screening method for NAFLD with hepatic fibrosis. As HCC with non-viral liver disease has increased markedly in Japan, effective screening and surveillance of HCC are also urgently needed. The most common death etiology in NAFLD patients is cardiovascular disease (CVD) event. Gastroenterologists must, therefore, pay close attention to CVD when examining NAFLD patients. In the updated guidelines, we propose screening and follow-up methods for hepatic fibrosis, HCC, and CVD in NAFLD patients. Several drug trials are ongoing for NAFLD/NASH therapy, however, there is currently no specific drug therapy for NAFLD/NASH. In addition to vitamin E and thiazolidinedione derivatives, recent trials have focused on sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues, and effective therapies are expected to be developed. These practical guidelines for NAFLD/NASH were established by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology in conjunction with the Japan Society of Hepatology. Clinical evidence reported internationally between 1983 and October 2018 was collected, and each clinical and background question was evaluated using the Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. This English summary provides the core essentials of these clinical practice guidelines, which include the definition and concept, screening systems for hepatic fibrosis, HCC and CVD, and current therapies for NAFLD/NASH in Japan.

Eradication of hepatitis C virus with direct-acting antivirals improves glycemic control in diabetes: A multicenter study

Background and Aim

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes insulin resistance and diabetes as extrahepatic manifestations. We aimed to analyze the effect of HCV eradication by direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) agents on glucose tolerance.

Methods

The hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 272 patients with HCV infection who achieved a sustained virologic response (SVR) was analyzed at baseline before DAA treatment, at the end of DAA therapy (ETR), and 12 weeks after therapy (Post12W).

Results

There were no significant differences in HbA1c between baseline, ETR, and Post12W in the overall patients. When the data were stratified according to the presence or absence of diabetes, median HbA1c significantly decreased from baseline (7.2%) to ETR (6.8%) and Post12W (6.8%) in the 55 patients with diabetes, whereas there were no significant changes in the patients without diabetes. Basal HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and age were independently associated with the changes in HbA1c according to multivariate analysis, and the predictive formula for changes in HbA1c was found to be ΔHbA1c (%) = 1.449–0.4* HbA1c (%) + 0.012 × Age (year). There were no changes in body mass in diabetic or nondiabetic patients. In diabetic patients taking medication, 63.4% of patients needed less medication.

Conclusions

Eradication of HCV improves glycemic control, indicated by a 0.4% decrease in HbA1c in diabetes.

Development and course of diabetes according to genetic factors and diabetes treatment among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

OBJECTIVES

Many patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) also have diabetes. However, the genetic factors associated with diabetes in NAFLD are unclear. In this study, we investigated the clinical course and risk factors of diabetes development.

METHODS

A total of 544 patients (275 men; 50.6%) with a median age of 53 y and biopsy-confirmed NAFLD enrolled in the study. Patatin-like phospholipase 3 and voltage-gated potassium channel KQT-like subfamily member 1 (KCNQ1) single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in 287 cases. There were 272 patients without diabetes, and 64, 141, and 67 patients with diabetes not treated with an oral hypoglycemic agent, treated with an oral hypoglycemic agent, and treated with insulin, respectively. Changes in biochemical parameters and body weight over a 1-y period were determined in patients treated with incretin agents (n = 91), a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (n = 19), or both (n = 33). The prevalence and risk factors for diabetes development among patients with NAFLD were determined in nondiabetic patients.

RESULTS

Among patients with NAFLD, half of the patients had diabetes and the incidence was high in those with advanced fibrosis. Reduction in body weight was higher after sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor treatment (P = .050) and in KCNQ1 CC genotype patients (P < .05). Reduction in hemoglobin A1c level was significantly lower in patatin-like phospholipase 3 GG subjects (P < .05). De novo diabetes developed in 44 patients (10-y incidence: 17.9%), especially in obese (P = .046) and KCNQ1 CC genotype patients (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patient genetic background affected treatment response and incidence of diabetes in patients with NAFLD.

Gender difference in development of steatohepatitis in p62/Sqstm1 and Nrf2 double-knockout mice

Gender and menopause influence the severity and development manner of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Male p62/Sqstm1 and nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (p62 and Nrf2) double-knockout (DKO) mice exhibit severe steatohepatitis caused by hyperphagia-induced obesity, overload of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the liver, and potentiation of the inflammatory response in Kupffer cells. However, the pathogenetic phenotype of steatohepatitis in female DKO mice remains unknown. Phenotypic changes of steatohepatitis in DKO mice were compared in terms of gender differences. Compared with DKO male mice, DKO female mice exhibited later onset of steatohepatitis with obesity after 30 weeks of age, as well as milder severity of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Serum estradiol was higher in female than male mice, with levels increasing up to 30 weeks of age before decreasing until 50 weeks of age (corresponding to the post-menopausal period). Fecal and serum LPS were lower in female mice than male mice, and inflammatory signaling in the liver was attenuated in female compared with male mice. Correlating with LPS levels, the composition of intestinal microbiota in female mice was different from male mice. Gender differences were observed for the development of steatohepatitis in DKO mice. Low-grade inflammatory hit in the liver under in vivo conditions of high estradiol may be attributable to the milder pathological features of steatohepatitis in female mice.

Gender differences in the effects of weight reduction on future blood pressure elevation in the overweight middle-aged population

Background

The effectiveness of weight loss (WL) to prevent blood pressure (BP) elevation is common knowledge; however, the effect of gender differences on this efficacy is not known. We aimed to investigate whether there were gender differences in the degree of BP increase and the prevalence of hypertension in the future when middle-aged obese participants achieved slight WL.

Methods

We analyzed the annual health checkup data for the general Japanese population collected from January 2001 through December 2015. Middle-aged participants (40–49 years old) with overweight (body mass index [BMI], 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) who had examination data for two follow-up time-points (after 3 and 10 years) were included. The participants with a BMI decrease ≥1.0 kg/m2 in 3 years (WL group) were propensity score (PS)-matched to those with a BMI decrease &lt;1.0 kg/m2 or weight gain (non-WL group) based on the data of the first examination, including age, BMI, smoking and drinking status, eGFR, systolic BP and diastolic BP, and hypertension (defined as SBP ≥140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥90 mmHg). We compared the BMI, systolic BP, and hypertension prevalence after 10 years in both groups.

Results

There were 17,554 individuals, aged 40–49 years, with overweight. After excluding subjects who did not satisfy the inclusion criteria and PS matching, we identified 232 men and 160 women in both WL and non-WL groups. The BMI in the WL group after 3 years was significantly lower than that in the non-WL group (men, 25.2±1.4 kg/m2 vs. 27.1±1.6 kg/m2, P&lt;0.001; women, 24.9±1.4 kg/m2 vs. 27.1±1.5 kg/m2, P&lt;0.001), and the significance persisted even after 10 years among both men and women (men, 25.5±1.8 kg/m2 vs. 26.8±2.1 kg/m2, P&lt;0.001; women, 25.3±2.0 kg/m2 vs. 26.8±2.2 kg/m2, P&lt;0.001). Among women, the systolic BP and hypertension prevalence after 10 years were significantly lower in the WL group than in the non-WL group (systolic BP, 124.8±16.3 mmHg vs. 130.3±19.0 mmHg, P&lt;0.01; hypertension prevalence, 35.0% vs. 48.1%, P&lt;0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the SBP and hypertension prevalence after 10 years among men between the groups (systolic BP, 129.0±17.7 mmHg vs. 129.0±17.5 mmHg, P=0.96; hypertension prevalence, 46.1% vs. 48.7%, P=0.57).

Conclusions

There were gender differences in the effectiveness of WL to prevent future BP elevation in overweight middle-aged participants. WL could prevent future BP elevation and the hypertension onset in women but not in men.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Fib4 index is a more relevant marker for pulse wave velocity but not for carotid intima-media thickness in a men population

Background

Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) are useful markers for predicting cardiovascular disease not only in patients with cardiovascular disease but also in the general population. On the other hand, liver disease due to obesity has become a problem and has been reported to be associated with the progression of atherosclerosis. Recently, an indicator of liver stiffness, the Fibrosis-4 index (Fib4 index), has been used to detect the pre-stage liver diseases. However, there is no report to investigate the association between atherosclerotic parameters such as IMT and PWV, and Fib4 index. The Fib4 index is a simple index calculated from age and three blood sample data, and it will be useful for screening for an early stage of atherosclerosis if we can show the association between Fib4 index and these parameters.

Purpose

To investigate the association between atherosclerotic parameters such as IMT or PWV and Fib4 index

Methods

We recruited 3, 128 men participants who underwent health checkup. IMT was evaluated by carotid ultrasonography, and branchial-ankle PWV (baPWV) was measured by an automatic device. We analysed the association of IMT or baPWV with Fib4 index and atherosclerotic risk factors such as age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and fasting blood sugar (FBS). baPWV ≥1,600 cm/s was defined high baPWV and we performed the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis to demonstrate the significance of Fib4 index for baPWV.

Results

Mean Fib4 index was 1.39±0.68. In the univariate linear regression analysis, all factors such as age, SBP, LDL-C, FBS, Fib4 index were significantly associated with IMT or baPWV. On the other hand, in the multivariate linear regression analysis, Fib4 index was an independent factor for baPWV but not for IMT (IMT, p=0.498; baPWV, p=0.023). Figure 1 showed the result of ROC analysis to predict the high baPWV by Fib4 index. The area under curve (AUC) was 0.73, with the highest discriminating sensitivity and specificity at 0.71 and 0.65, respectively at Fib4 index = 1.27.

Conclusions

Fib4 index was significantly related to baPWV and could be the useful screening marker for arterial stiffness in a general men population.

Figure 1. ROC curve analysis

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None