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Le AK, Garcia G, Nguyen MH. Editorial: hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease progression - HCV cure and the elimination of the "ethnic slope". Authors' reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 46:1012-1013. [PMID: 29052853 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
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Le AK, Zhao C, Hoang JK, Tran SA, Chang CY, Jin M, Nguyen NH, Yasukawa LA, Zhang JQ, Weber SC, Garcia G, Nguyen MH. Ethnic disparities in progression to advanced liver disease and overall survival in patients with chronic hepatitis C: impact of a sustained virological response. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 46:605-616. [PMID: 28766727 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A sustained virological response (SVR) is associated with improved outcomes, however, its impact on different ethnic groups is unknown. AIM To evaluate ethnic differences in the natural history of CHC and the impact of SVR. METHODS We conducted a cohort study of 8039 consecutive adult CHC patients seen at two medical centres in California between January 1997 and June 2016. Individual chart review confirmed CHC diagnosis. RESULTS Asian and Hispanic but not African American patients had significantly higher cirrhosis and HCC incidence than Caucasians. On multivariate analysis, Hispanic ethnicity was independently associated with increased cirrhosis (adjusted HR 1.37, CI, confidence interval 1.10-1.71, P=.006) and HCC risk (adjusted HR 1.47, CI 1.13-1.92, P=.004) compared to Caucasian. Asian ethnicity had a significant association with cirrhosis (adjusted HR 1.28, CI 1.02-1.61, P=.034) and HCC risk (adjusted HR 1.29, CI 0.94-1.77, P=.025). In patients who achieved SVR, Hispanic ethnicity was no longer independently associated with cirrhosis (adjusted HR 1.76, CI 0.66-4.71, P=.26) or HCC (adjusted HR 1.05, CI 0.27-4.08, P=.94); nor was Asian ethnicity (adjusted HR 0.62, CI 0.21-1.82, P=.38 for cirrhosis; 2.01, CI 0.63-6.36, P=.24 for HCC). Similar findings were observed with overall survival among the ethnicities by SVR status. CONCLUSION Hispanic and Asian ethnicity was independently associated with increased cirrhosis and HCC risk. Achieving an SVR eliminates the ethnic disparity in liver disease progression and overall survival between Hispanic and Asian vs Caucasian CHC patients.
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Tharinger H, Rebbapragada I, Samuel D, Novikov N, Nguyen MH, Jordan R, Frey CR, Pflanz S. Antibody-dependent and antibody-independent uptake of HBsAg across human leucocyte subsets is similar between individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and healthy donors. J Viral Hepat 2017; 24:506-513. [PMID: 28012213 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining detectable levels of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in serum after HBsAg sero-conversion is the key clinical endpoint indicative of recovery from infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). As HBV-infected hepatocytes secrete HBsAg subviral particles in vast excess over HBV virions, detectable hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) titres imply complete elimination of HBV virions as well as HBsAg particles. Although intrahepatic phagocytes, for example Kupffer cells, are thought to mediate clearance of HBsAg via antibody (Ab)-dependent and Ab-independent mechanisms, the relative contributions of circulating phagocytic cell types to HBsAg elimination are poorly characterized. Understanding the role of various immune cell subsets in the clearance of HBsAg is important because Ab-dependent or Ab-independent phagocytic HBsAg uptake may modulate presentation of HBsAg-derived epitopes to antigen-specific T cells and hence plays a critical role in adaptive immunity against HBV. This study aims to characterize phagocytic leucocyte subsets capable of internalizing HBsAg immune complexes (HBsAg:IC) or un-complexed HBsAg particles in whole blood directly ex vivo. The data show that uptake of HBsAg:IC occurs most prominently in monocytes, B cells, dendritic cells and in neutrophils. In contrast, B cells, and to a lesser degree also monocytes, seem to be effective phagocytes for un-complexed HBsAg. Importantly, a similar pattern of phagocytic HBsAg uptake was observed in blood from chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients compared to healthy controls, suggesting that phagocytosis-related cellular functions are not altered in the context of CHB.
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Lin D, Yang HI, Hoang J, Nguyen MH. Letter: should anti-viral therapy be recommended for individuals chronically infected with hepatitis B virus and at low risk of hepatocellular carcinoma? Authors' reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 45:182-183. [PMID: 27910153 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Lin D, Yang HI, Hoang J, Nguyen MH. Letter: reduction in chronic hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma with anti-viral therapy, including low-risk patients - more questions than answers. Authors' reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 45:186-187. [PMID: 27910142 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
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Lin D, Yang HI, Nguyen N, Hoang J, Kim Y, Vu V, Le A, Chaung K, Nguyen V, Trinh H, Li J, Zhang J, Hsing A, Chen CJ, Nguyen MH. Reduction of chronic hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma with anti-viral therapy, including low risk patients. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 44:846-55. [PMID: 27549411 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 07/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-viral therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is associated with a reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) primary described in patients with cirrhosis. AIM To examine the effects of treatment on HCC incidence in CHB with and without cirrhosis, after adjustment for background risks. METHODS A total of 2255 CHB patients from a US cohort (973 received anti-viral therapy) and 3653 patients from the community-based Taiwanese REVEAL-HBV study, none of whom received treatment. We used Cox proportional hazard models to calculate the risk of developing HCC after adjustment with the previously validated REACH-B risk score. RESULTS We found 273 incident cases of HCC. After adjustment, therapy lowered the risk of HCC development in the US treated cohort when compared to the US untreated cohort (HR 0.31; 95% CI: 0.15-0.66; P = 0.002). HCC risk reduction was also confirmed when compared to the REVEAL cohort (HR 0.22; 95% CI: 0.12-0.40; P < 0.001). Each REACH-B point was associated with a 53% increased risk of HCC (HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.46-1.59; P < 0.001). We found a significant statistical reduction in HCC incidence with therapy regardless of gender, age, cirrhosis status, HBeAg serology, alanine aminotransferase level, REACH-B score or treatment medication. Therapy was beneficial to those with mildly- to moderately elevated HBV DNA levels (>2000 IU/mL) and of even greater benefit to those with levels >200 000 IU/mL. CONCLUSION After adjustment for background risk, anti-viral therapy was associated with a significant reduction in HCC incidence in both community and real-life clinical cohorts, including in those patients previously thought to be at low risk.
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Lutchman G, Nguyen NH, Chang CY, Ahmed A, Daugherty T, Garcia G, Kumari R, Gupta S, Doshi D, Nguyen MH. Effectiveness and tolerability of simeprevir and sofosbuvir in nontransplant and post-liver transplant patients with hepatitis C genotype 1. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 44:738-46. [PMID: 27506182 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus genotype 1a (HCV-1a), prior treatment, cirrhosis and post-transplant status are historically associated with poor treatment responses. The new oral direct-acting agents appear to be effective and safe in these patients. AIMS To evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of simeprevir and sofosbuvir in a diverse real-life cohort of patients, including difficult-to-treat patients. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study in 198 consecutive patients with hepatitis C genotype 1 (148 nontransplant, 50 post transplant), who were treated with simeprevir and sofosbuvir for 12 weeks between December 2013 and December 2014. Primary outcome was sustained virological response with undetectable HCV RNA 12 weeks after completion of therapy (SVR12). Risk factors evaluated for lack of SVR12 included HCV 1a (vs. 1b), prior treatment (vs. none), and cirrhosis (vs. no cirrhosis). RESULTS SVR12 rates were similar in non- and post-transplant settings, 82% and 88%, respectively. There were no significant differences in adverse events in patients regardless of cirrhosis or transplant status. On multivariate analysis also inclusive of gender and liver transplant status, negative predictors of SVR12 were having at least 2 or 3 risk factors (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.10-0.87, P = 0.027 or 0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.85, P = 0.025, respectively). CONCLUSION Simeprevir and sofosbuvir combination is a safe and effective regimen for the treatment of non- and post-transplant patients with traditional risk factors for poor treatment response, unless more than 2 difficult-to-treat risk factors are present.
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Shankar J, Nguyen MH, Crespo MM, Kwak EJ, Lucas SK, McHugh KJ, Mounaud S, Alcorn JF, Pilewski JM, Shigemura N, Kolls JK, Nierman WC, Clancy CJ. Looking Beyond Respiratory Cultures: Microbiome-Cytokine Signatures of Bacterial Pneumonia and Tracheobronchitis in Lung Transplant Recipients. Am J Transplant 2016; 16:1766-78. [PMID: 26693965 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial pneumonia and tracheobronchitis are diagnosed frequently following lung transplantation. The diseases share clinical signs of inflammation and are often difficult to differentiate based on culture results. Microbiome and host immune-response signatures that distinguish between pneumonia and tracheobronchitis are undefined. Using a retrospective study design, we selected 49 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from 16 lung transplant recipients associated with pneumonia (n = 8), tracheobronchitis (n = 12) or colonization without respiratory infection (n = 29). We ensured an even distribution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus culture-positive samples across the groups. Bayesian regression analysis identified non-culture-based signatures comprising 16S ribosomal RNA microbiome profiles, cytokine levels and clinical variables that characterized the three diagnoses. Relative to samples associated with colonization, those from pneumonia had significantly lower microbial diversity, decreased levels of several bacterial genera and prominent multifunctional cytokine responses. In contrast, tracheobronchitis was characterized by high microbial diversity and multifunctional cytokine responses that differed from those of pneumonia-colonization comparisons. The dissimilar microbiomes and cytokine responses underlying bacterial pneumonia and tracheobronchitis following lung transplantation suggest that the diseases result from different pathogenic processes. Microbiomes and cytokine responses had complementary features, suggesting that they are closely interconnected in the pathogenesis of both diseases.
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Ahn J, Nguyen MH, Lim JK, Lee HM, Pan CQ, Lok AS. Letter: lessons from the 'real-world' entecavir therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients--authors' reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 43:847-8. [PMID: 26932418 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
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Eschenauer GA, Kwak EJ, Humar A, Potoski BA, Clarke LG, Shields RK, Abdel-Massih R, Silveira FP, Vergidis P, Clancy CJ, Nguyen MH. Targeted versus universal antifungal prophylaxis among liver transplant recipients. Am J Transplant 2015; 15:180-9. [PMID: 25359455 PMCID: PMC4365781 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Guidelines recommend targeted antifungal prophylaxis for liver transplant (LT) recipients based on tiers of risk, rather than universal prophylaxis. The feasibility and efficacy of tiered, targeted prophylaxis is not well established. We performed a retrospective study of LT recipients who received targeted prophylaxis (n = 145; voriconazole [VORI; 54%], fluconazole [8%], no antifungal [38%]) versus universal VORI prophylaxis (n = 237). Median durations of targeted and universal prophylaxis were 11 and 6 days, respectively (p < 0.0001). The incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in targeted and universal groups was 6.9% and 4.2% (p = 0.34). Overall, intra-abdominal candidiasis (73%) was the most common IFI. Posttransplant bile leaks (p = 0.001) and living donor transplants (p = 0.04) were independent risk factors for IFI. IFIs occurred in 6% of high-risk transplants who received prophylaxis and 4% of low-risk transplants who did not receive prophylaxis (p = 1.0). Mortality rates (100 days) were 10% (targeted) and 7% (universal) (p = 0.26); attributable mortality due to IFI was 10%. Compliance with prophylaxis recommendations was 97%. Prophylaxis was discontinued for toxicity in 2% of patients. Targeted antifungal prophylaxis in LT recipients was feasible and safe, effectively prevented IFIs and reduced the number of patients exposed to antifungals. Bile leaks and living donor transplants should be considered high-risk indications for prophylaxis.
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Wantuck JM, Nguyen MH. Letter: Response-guided treatment of hepatitis C virus genotype 5 may be feasible--authors' reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2014; 39:1338. [PMID: 24803252 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
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Gao L, Trinh HN, Li J, Nguyen MH. Letter: Treatment of HBeAg+ chronic hepatitis B--is tenofovir truly superior to entecavir? Authors' reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2014; 39:1339-40. [PMID: 24803254 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
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Gao L, Trinh HN, Li J, Nguyen MH. Commentary: tenofovir is superior to entecavir in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients--authors' reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2014; 39:993. [PMID: 24689344 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
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Chao D, Nguyen MH. Letter: apoptosis and hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B--authors' reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2014; 39:997. [PMID: 24689348 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
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Clancy CJ, Bartsch SM, Nguyen MH, Stuckey DR, Shields RK, Lee BY. A computer simulation model of the cost-effectiveness of routine Staphylococcus aureus screening and decolonization among lung and heart-lung transplant recipients. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 33:1053-61. [PMID: 24500598 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-013-2046-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/29/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to model the cost-effectiveness and economic value of routine peri-operative Staphylococcus aureus screening and decolonization of lung and heart-lung transplant recipients from hospital and third-party payer perspectives. We used clinical data from 596 lung and heart-lung transplant recipients to develop a model in TreeAge Pro 2009 (Williamsport, MA, USA). Sensitivity analyses varied S. aureus colonization rate (5-15 %), probability of infection if colonized (10-30 %), and decolonization efficacy (25-90 %). Data were collected from the Cardiothoracic Transplant Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Consecutive lung and heart-lung transplant recipients from January 2006 to December 2010 were enrolled retrospectively. Baseline rates of S. aureus colonization, infection and decolonization efficacy were 9.6 %, 36.7 %, and 31.9 %, respectively. Screening and decolonization was economically dominant for all scenarios tested, providing more cost savings and health benefits than no screening. Savings per case averted (2012 $US) ranged from $73,567 to $133,157 (hospital perspective) and $10,748 to $16,723 (third party payer perspective), varying with the probability of colonization, infection, and decolonization efficacy. Using our clinical data, screening and decolonization led to cost savings per case averted of $240,602 (hospital perspective) and averted 6.7 S. aureus infections (4.3 MRSA and 2.4 MSSA); 89 patients needed to be screened to prevent one S. aureus infection. Our data support routine S. aureus screening and decolonization of lung and heart-lung transplant patients. The economic value of screening and decolonization was greater than in previous models of other surgical populations.
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Chao DT, Lim JK, Ayoub WS, Nguyen LH, Nguyen MH. Systematic review with meta-analysis: the proportion of chronic hepatitis B patients with normal alanine transaminase ≤ 40 IU/L and significant hepatic fibrosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2014; 39:349-58. [PMID: 24387289 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Revised: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) may lead to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and premature death. Elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) levels ≥ the upper limit of normal (ULN) are a major determinant for initiating anti-viral therapy; however, ALT levels alone may not be predictive of hepatic fibrosis. AIM To determine the proportion of CHB patients with ALT ≤ 40 IU/L and liver fibrosis stage ≥ 2. Secondary goals include subgroup analysis by hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status, high hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels, Asian ethnicity, lower ULN of ≤ 30 IU/L (males) and 19 IU/L (females), and advanced age. METHODS Studies identified in EMBASE and MEDLINE (1/1990-6/2012) using the search criteria: "Hepatitis B"[Mesh] OR "Hepatitis B virus"[Mesh] OR "Hepatitis B, Chronic"[Mesh])) AND "Alanine Transaminase"[Mesh]) and abstracts containing the term 'hepatitis' from recent major U.S. gastroenterology and liver society meetings were considered. RESULTS Among nine studies (N = 830 patients), a significant proportion (20.7%; 95% CI: 16.2-26.0%) of CHB patients with ALT levels ≤ 40 IU/L had significant fibrosis irrespective of HBeAg status, high HBV DNA levels, ethnicity or age, although this proportion may be higher in patients older than 30-40 years old. The corresponding proportion was 27.8% even when the newer ULN of 30 IU/L (males) and 19 IU/L (females) was applied. CONCLUSIONS Approximately one fifth of CHB patients with ALT ≤ 40 IU/L may have significant hepatic fibrosis. The approach to such patients should be individualised, as further evaluation and treatment may be appropriate.
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Wantuck JM, Ahmed A, Nguyen MH. Review article: the epidemiology and therapy of chronic hepatitis C genotypes 4, 5 and 6. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2014; 39:137-47. [PMID: 24251930 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Revised: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global burden of hepatitis C (HCV) infection is mostly found in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, where HCV genotypes 4, 5 and 6 are common. The literature on these genotypes is sparse and this synopsis will review characteristics of patients infected with these genotypes. AIM To review characteristics of patients infected with HCV genotypes 4, 5 and 6. METHODS PubMed search for 'hepatitis C' AND 'genotype 4', 'hepatitis C' AND 'genotype 5', and 'hepatitis C' AND 'genotype 6' was conducted and relevant articles were reviewed. RESULTS Intravenous drug use is generally responsible for HCV genotype 4 infection in developed countries, but unsafe medical practices cause most cases of HCV genotypes 4, 5 and 6 in endemic countries. The sustained virological response (SVR) rate for patients with HCV genotype 4 who receive pegylated interferon and ribavirin for 48 weeks ranges from 40% to 70% in various small studies. The SVR rate is in the 60-70% range for HCV genotype 5 and 70-80% range for HCV genotype 6 following 48 weeks with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Preliminary data suggest that a shorter course of 24 weeks of pegylated interferon and ribavirin may be acceptable for HCV genotype 6, with an SVR rate of approximately 70%. CONCLUSIONS The current standard-of-care therapy for HCV genotypes 4, 5 and 6 is pegylated interferon and ribavirin for 48 weeks. A shorter course with 24 weeks of therapy may be considered for patients with genotype 6. Newer and much more effective therapies may be forthcoming in the next few years.
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Shields RK, Clancy CJ, Minces LR, Shigemura N, Kwak EJ, Silveira FP, Abdel-Massih RC, Bhama JK, Bermudez CA, Pilewski JM, Crespo M, Toyoda Y, Nguyen MH. Epidemiology and outcomes of deep surgical site infections following lung transplantation. Am J Transplant 2013; 13:2137-45. [PMID: 23710593 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a retrospective study of deep surgical site infections (SSIs) among consecutive patients who underwent lung transplantation (LTx) at a single center from 2006 through 2010. Thirty-one patients (5%) developed SSIs at median 25 days after LTx. Empyema was most common (42%), followed by surgical wound infections (29%), mediastinitis (16%), sternal osteomyelitis (6%), and pericarditis (6%). Pathogens included Gram-positive bacteria (41%), Gram-negative bacteria (41%), fungi (10%) and Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycoplasma hominis and Lactobacillus sp. (one each). Twenty-three percent of SSIs were due to pathogens colonizing recipients' native lungs at time of LTx, suggesting surgical seeding as a source. Patient-related independent risk factors for SSIs were diabetes and prior cardiothoracic surgery; procedure-related independent risk factors were LTx from a female donor, prolonged ischemic time and number of perioperative red blood cell transfusions. Mediastinitis and sternal infections were not observed among patients undergoing minimally invasive LTx. SSIs were associated with 35% mortality at 1 year post-LTx. Lengths of stay and mortality in-hospital and at 6 months and 1 year were significantly greater for patients with SSIs other than empyema. In conclusion, deep SSIs were uncommon, but important complications in LTx recipients because of their diverse microbiology and association with increased mortality.
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Nguyen LH, Nguyen MH. Systematic review: Asian patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2013; 37:921-36. [PMID: 23557103 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2012] [Revised: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is a risk factor for both the development of end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Globally, approximately 170 million people are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the majority of these individuals come from the western Pacific and Southeast Asia regions (94.6 million persons combined). CHC is an understudied and underappreciated health problem in many Asian countries and in the US, where Asians represent one of the fastest growing groups of new Americans. AIM To perform a systematic review of the current literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis and screening, clinical characteristics and response to anti-viral therapy of Asians with CHC. METHODS Using a PubMed search of 'hepatitis C' and 'Asia,' 341 original manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals were identified, and 99 were selected based on their relevance. RESULTS Many Asian CHC patients do not have easily identifiable risk factors and may be underdiagnosed. Rates of HCV infection in Asians on community screening in the US are unexpectedly high, and there is a high prevalence of HCV genotype 6 in Southeast Asia and Southern China. HCV-infected Asians tend to present at older age and may have higher risk of HCC; however, they respond better to anti-viral therapy than non-Asians across all HCV genotypes. CONCLUSIONS Given the high HCV endemicity in Asia, lack of identifiable risk factors and favourable treatment response rates in Asians, we advocate the screening for HCV infection of all Asians who come from areas where HCV prevalence is ≥2%.
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Vutien P, Trinh HN, Nguyen K, Garcia RT, Nguyen HA, Levitt BS, Nguyen L, Ha NB, Ahmed A, Daugherty T, Garcia G, Nguyen MH. Precore and basal core promoter mutations in Asian American patients with hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2013; 37:464-72. [PMID: 23278246 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Revised: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies have shown that precore mutations abolish and basal core promoter (BCP) mutations down-regulate hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) production. Thus, the presence of precore and BCP mutations in HBeAg-positive patients indicates an infection with a mixed viral population of wild-type and precore and/or BCP mutant hepatitis B virus (HBV). To date, there has been limited study of the prevalence and clinical significance of precore and BCP mutations in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. AIM To determine the prevalence, predictors and clinical characteristics of mixed wild-type and precore/BCP HBV infection, through a cross-sectional study, in a US cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis B. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 828 chronic hepatitis B patients with HBV genotype and mutation panel testing seen at three US gastroenterology and liver clinics from June 2005 to September 2009. RESULTS A majority of our patients (92.3%) were either Vietnamese or Chinese American. In the HBeAg-positive cohort, 17% of patients had precore mutations only, 28% had BCP mutations only and 5% had both BCP and precore mutations. On multivariate analyses, HBV genotype C, increasing age, lower HBV DNA level and an ALT quotient >2 were independent predictors for the presence of precore and/or BCP mutations. CONCLUSIONS The current distinction and management recommendations for HBeAg-positive vs. HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B should be reassessed. Additional biomarkers and treatment endpoints should be studied for their usefulness in predicting continued viral suppression after treatment discontinuation.
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Ho EY, Ha NB, Ahmed A, Ayoub W, Daugherty T, Garcia G, Cooper A, Keeffe EB, Nguyen MH. Prospective study of risk factors for hepatitis C virus acquisition by Caucasian, Hispanic, and Asian American patients. J Viral Hepat 2012; 19:e105-11. [PMID: 22239506 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2011.01513.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Commonly known risk factors for infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) include blood transfusion, injection drug use, intranasal cocaine use, and body tattoos. We hypothesized that Asian Americans infected with HCV may not identify with these established risk factors present in Caucasians and Hispanics, and our aim was to conduct a survey of risk factors in HCV-infected patients in these ethnic groups. In this prospective study, 494 patients infected with HCV completed a detailed risk assessment questionnaire at a liver centre in Northern California from 2001 to 2008. Among subjects participating in this study, 55% identified themselves as Caucasian, 20% as Hispanic, and 25% as Asian. Asian Americans were older, less likely to smoke or consume alcohol, and have a family history of cancer compared with Caucasians and Hispanics. The laboratory profiles were similar, and genotype 1 was the most common infection in all groups (74-75%). The great majority of Caucasians (94%) and Hispanics (86%) identified with commonly known risk factors, which was in contrast to 67% of Asians (P < 0.0001). The most common risk factors in Asians were blood transfusions (50%) and acupuncture (50%). Furthermore, 74% of Caucasians and 66% of Hispanics identified more than one major risk factor, while only 20% of Asians reported having more than one risk factor (P < 0.0001). Survey for established risk factors for acquisition of HCV may be more appropriate for risk assessment of Caucasians and Hispanics, but not for Asian Americans. These findings may guide the development of HCV screening in our increasingly diverse population.
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Sheen E, Trinh HN, Nguyen TT, Do ST, Tran P, Nguyen HA, Nguyen KK, Garcia RT, Nguyen MH. The efficacy of entecavir therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients with suboptimal response to adevofir. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34:767-74. [PMID: 21806648 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2011.04785.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) have experienced treatment failure to adefovir (ADV) and their management poses a growing challenge. Very limited data are available on the efficacy of entecavir (ETV) in patients previously treated with ADV. AIM To examine the effect of ETV monotherapy on HBV DNA and ALT levels in CHB patients previously treated with ADV, but switched to ETV due to suboptimal response. METHODS Study candidates were enrolled from five community gastroenterology clinics in the U.S. Each completed at least 12 months of ETV treatment after being previously treated with ADV and experiencing suboptimal response. Primary and secondary outcome measurements were complete viral suppression (CVS, HBV DNA <100 IU/mL) and biochemical response (BR, ALT < 40 U/L), respectively. RESULTS A total of 60 patients were included in this analysis. Twelve were lamivudine (LAM)-experienced and none were LAM-resistant. At time of switch to ETV, no patients had experienced CVS. The CVS rate was 68% after 12 months of ETV therapy. The BR rate was 67% at switch to ETV and 80% after 12 months. There was no significant difference in response rates between LAM-experienced and naïve patients. Among the eight patients with ADV resistance, each achieved CVS after 12 months of ETV therapy and seven achieved BR. CONCLUSIONS In patients with suboptimal response to adefovir, complete viral suppression and biochemical response can be achieved in the majority by 12 months after switching to entecavir, including patients with prior exposure to lamivudine and those with adefovir resistance.
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Chao DT, Abe K, Nguyen MH. Systematic review: epidemiology of hepatitis C genotype 6 and its management. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34:286-96. [PMID: 21623850 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2011.04714.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 6 is common among patients from Southeast Asia and the surrounding regions, where HCV prevalence is also high. HCV genotype 6 has great genetic diversity and different response to antiviral therapy compared with the more commonly known genotype 1. AIM Our goal was to provide a systematic review of the current literature on the epidemiology, classification and treatment of HCV genotype 6. METHODS A search using PubMed for 'hepatitis C' AND 'genotype 6' produced a total of 47 articles, of which 33 articles were found to be relevant and included in this review. Additional articles were identified using the reference lists of these 33 primary articles. RESULTS The prevalence of HCV genotype 6 is estimated to be as high as 50% in some regions of Southeast Asia with demonstrated significance among intravenous drug users and thalassemia major patients. Although previous line probe assays may have misclassified HCV genotype 6 as genotype 1, newer line probe assays can more accurately and reliably determine HCV genotype. Patients infected with HCV genotype 6 respond better to interferon-based therapy compared with those infected with genotype 1, although patient baseline clinical characteristics and side effect profiles are similar between HCV genotype 6 and other HCV genotypes. CONCLUSIONS Future studies should seek to clarify issues regarding early predictors for treatment response in patients with HCV genotype 6, and the impact of ethnic and genotypic factors to treatment response in HCV genotype 6 patients.
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Nguyen NH, VuTien P, Garcia RT, Trinh H, Nguyen H, Nguyen K, Levitt B, Nguyen MH. Response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin in Asian American patients with chronic hepatitis C genotypes 1 vs 2/3 vs 6. J Viral Hepat 2010; 17:691-7. [PMID: 20002562 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2009.01226.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C is generally underappreciated in Asian Americans, and most pivotal studies were conducted in western countries and only included a small numbers of Asian patients. Our goal was to examine and compare treatment outcomes in these patients with genotypes 1 vs 2/3 vs 6. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 167 consecutive treatment-naïve Asian American patients treated with pegylated interferon (PEG IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) at two community clinics in Northern California from 12/00 to 1/08. Primary outcome was sustained virological response rate by intention-to-treat analysis. The overall completion rate was 76%, and treatment adherence (completion of ≥ 75-80% PEG IFN + RBV dose for ≥ 75-80% of intended duration) was 74%. Significant depression was noted in only 4% of patients. Sustained virologic response in patients with genotype 6 treated for 48 weeks was similar to that seen in those with genotype 2/3 (74%vs 75%, P = 0.89) and significantly higher than those with genotype 1 (74%vs 49%, P = 0.016). On multivariate analysis inclusive of sex, age, body mass index (≤ 25 vs > 25) and viral load, only treatment adherence and genotype (2/3 and 6 treated for 48 weeks) were found to be significant predictors of sustained virologic response. We conclude that significant depression is rare in Asian American patients (4%). Patients with genotype 6 treated for 48 weeks appear to have a similar treatment response rate as patients with genotype 2/3 and a significantly higher response rate than those with genotype 1.
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Nguyen MH, Garcia RT, Trinh HN, Nguyen HA, Nguyen KK, Nguyen LH, Levitt B. Prevalence of hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase mutations in treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2009; 30:1150-8. [PMID: 19785624 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2009.04151.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most important factors in treatment failure using nucleos(t)ide analogues in chronic hepatitis B is anti-viral resistance. Primary drug resistance refers to amino acid changes in the hepatitis B virus polymerase/reverse transcriptase (rt) that result in reduced susceptibility to anti-viral agents. Pre-existing drug resistance mutations may occur in untreated patients and may affect their treatment outcomes. AIM To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B DNA polymerase mutations in treatment-naïve patients. METHODS We used a direct PCR sequencing test to detect DNA polymerase mutations in 472 consecutive treatment-naïve patients at two community gastroenterology clinics in Northern California. RESULTS A majority of patients were Asians (>95%), had either genotype B or C (95%) and had no evidence of cirrhosis or liver cancer (94%). Mean age was 45 +/- 13 and mean hepatitis B virus DNA was 5.3 +/- 1.8 log(10) IU/mL. Most patients did not have any detectable mutations (82.4%). Some (16.7%) had mutations of unknown clinical significance (rtV207M/L/I) and only 4 patients had rtA181A/S, rtA194S or M250I. CONCLUSIONS No rtM204V/I or rtN236T mutations were observed in our study. Less than 1% of our patients had mutations that can be associated with primary resistance to existing anti-viral therapies for hepatitis B virus.
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