Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with cirrhosis and predictive value of model for end-stage liver disease: Analysis of data from the Hepa-C registry

Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection and Decompensated Cirrhosis

Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and decompensated cirrhosis are an important population for antiviral therapy yet under-represented in clinical trials. HCV direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies, unlike interferon-containing regimens, can be safely utilized in decompensated patients. Per guidelines from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), therapy of choice in HCV and decompensated cirrhosis is sofosbuvir, an HCV polymerase inhibitor, combined with a replication complex inhibitor (NS5A inhibitor) with or without ribavirin. Combination therapy with a HCV protease inhibitor and an NS5A inhibitor is effective in this population but is specifically not recommended in AASLD guidelines due to safety concerns. Important risk factors for further decompensation during DAA therapy are serum albumin < 3.5 g/dL, MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score > 14, or HCV genotype 3 infection. Although sustained virologic response (SVR) is achieved less often in patients with decompensated vs compensated cirrhosis, in clinical studies response rates are > 80%. Both Child-Turcotte-Pugh Class at baseline and viral genotype can affect these response rates. Achieving SVR lowers risk of mortality, but to a lesser extent than in individuals with compensated cirrhosis. Likewise, treating patients for HCV infection along with successful treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma improves risks of both liver-related and overall mortality. In fewer than one third of cases, treating transplant-eligible, HCV-infected patients pre-transplant enables their delisting from transplant wait lists.

Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors after HCV clearance with DAA in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We assessed long-term clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for liver disease progression after sustained viral response with direct-acting antivirals in patients coinfected with HIV/HCV with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

A total of 1300 patients who achieved sustained viral response with direct-acting antivirals from 2014 to 2017 in Spain were included: 1145 with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (384 advanced fibrosis and 761 compensated cirrhosis) and 155 with decompensated cirrhosis. The median follow-up was 40.9 months. Overall, 85 deaths occurred, 61 due to non-liver non-AIDS-related causes that were the leading cause of death across all stages of liver disease. The incidence (95% CI) of decompensation per 100 person-years (py) was 0 in patients with advanced fibrosis, 1.01 (0.68-1.51) in patients with compensated cirrhosis, and 8.35 (6.05-11.53) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. The incidence (95% CI) of HCC per 100 py was 0.34 (0.13-0.91) in patients with advanced fibrosis, 0.73 (0.45-1.18) in patients with compensated cirrhosis, and 1.92 (1.00-3.70) per 100 py in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Prognostic factors for decompensation in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease included serum albumin, liver stiffness measurement (LSM), and fibrosis 4. In this population, LSM and LSM-based posttreatment risk stratification models showed their predictive ability for decompensation and HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-liver non-AIDS-related events were the leading causes of morbidity and mortality after direct-acting antiviral cure among coinfected patients with advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis. Among those with compensated advanced chronic liver disease, baseline LSM and posttreatment LSM-based models helped to assess decompensation and HCC risk.

Effect of nanoparticle macroalgae in the treatment of fatty liver disease using logistic regression, and support vector machine

One of the major health issues facing people worldwide is liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis may be brought on by long-term exposure to harmful substances, medicines, and microorganisms. The development of liver fibrosis in children was particularly worrying due to their longer life-span, which was possibly related to a great risk of developing long-term complications. Marine algae species have provided a biological variety in the research phase of novel approaches to the treatment of numerous ailments. Marine macroalgae have recently been the subject of research due to their rich bioactive chemical composition and potential for the production of various nutraceuticals. Macroalgae are potentially excellent sources of bioactive substances with particular and distinct biological activity when compared to their terrestrial equivalents. Macroalgae in diverse marine cases offer a few biologically active metabolites, comprising sterols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, proteins, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. Accordingly, there is great interest in their high potential for supporting immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and neuroprotective properties. Using an experimental model, the current research intends to collect data on the therapeutic value of macroalgae nanoparticles for fatty liver disease. The researchers' goal of predicting illnesses from the extensive medical datasets is quite difficult. The purpose of this research is to assess the protective effects of a seaweed, Padina pavonia (PP), on liver fibrosis caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). This research presents two models of logistic regression (LR) and support vector machines (SVM) for predicting the likelihood of liver disease incidence. The performance of the model was evaluated using a dataset. PP macro-algae considerably reduce the high blood concentrations of aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatases, and lactate dehydrogenases, as well as causing a considerable (p < 0.05) decrease in serum bilirubin levels. In addition to improving kidney function (urea and creatinine), algal extracts enhance fat metabolism (triglycerides and cholesterol). With an accuracy rate of 70.2%, a sensitivity of 92.3%, a specificity of 74.7%, a type I error of 9.1%, and a type II error of 21.0%, the predictive model has demonstrated excellent performance. The model validated laboratory tests' ability to predict illness (age; direct bilirubin (DB), total proteins (TP), and albumin (ALB). These classifier methods are compared on the basis of their execution time and classification accuracy.

Longitudinal assessment of HCV core antigen kinetics to monitor therapeutic response in the age of DAAs

BACKGROUND

In the economy of therapeutic monitoring, an affordable viral marker is essential in the era of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). We elucidated the kinetics of HCVcAg to delineate its precise role in monitoring therapeutic response.

METHODS

In this longitudinal study, 3208 patients were tested for HCV RNA. A total of 423 patients were started on DAAs. Treatment response and kinetics of HCVcAg/RNA were assessed in treatment-naïve (n = 383) and previously treated (n = 40) patients with follow-up for 2 years.

RESULTS

After the initiation of DAAs, the rate of relapse was significantly higher in the previously treated group than naive group [12.5% (5/40) Vs 2% (7/383), p<0.0001]. The response rate at RVR was significantly higher with HCVcAg than RNA in both groups (p<0.02). The kinetics of HCVcAg and RNA were significantly different at ETR and SVR12 in the naïve (p<0.04), but similar at all therapeutic points in the previously treated group. The correlation between HCVcAg and RNA was good at baseline, ETR and SVR, except RVR in both groups (r>0.6; p<0.0001). Furthermore, HCV genotypes, treatment regimen, CTP (<7/≥7) and MELD (<15/≥15) did not influence the therapeutic response and the viral replication kinetics (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It is the first longitudinal study from India shows that the response rate and kinetics of HCVcAg are comparable to HCV RNA for an extended duration, except at RVR, irrespective of the HCV genotypes, treatment regimen, and liver disease severity. Hence, HCVcAg can be considered as a pragmatic marker to monitor therapeutic response and predict relapse in the era of DAAs.

Evolution of care in cirrhosis: Preventing hepatic decompensation through pharmacotherapy

Cirrhosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, impacting more than 120 million people worldwide. Although geographic differences exist, etiologic factors such as alcohol use disorder, chronic viral hepatitis infections, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are prevalent in nearly every region. Historically, significant effort has been devoted to modifying these risks to prevent disease progression. Nevertheless, more than 11% of patients with compensated cirrhosis experience hepatic decompensation each year. This transition signifies the most important prognostic factor in the natural history of the disease, corresponding to a decline in median survival to below 2 years. Over the past decade, the need for pharmacotherapies aimed at reducing the risk for hepatic decompensation has been emphasized, and non-selective beta-blockers have emerged as the most effective option to date. However, a critical therapeutic gap still exists, and additional therapies have been proposed, including statins, rifaximin, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. Based on the results of innovative retrospective analyses and small-scale prospective trials, these pharmacotherapies represent promising options, but further studies, including randomized controlled trials, are necessary before they can be incorporated into clinical use. This report highlights the potential impact of these agents and others in preventing hepatic decompensation and discusses how this paradigm shift may pave the way for guideline-directed medical therapy in cirrhosis.

Patients Treated for HCV Infection and Listed for Liver Transplantation in a French Multicenter Study: What Happens at Five Years?

BACKGROUND

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have been proven safe and effective in cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation (LT). However, in the long term, data remain minimal regarding the clinical impact of viral eradication on patients listed for decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to elucidate the clinical outcomes of patients regarding delisting and the evolution of HCC during the long-term follow-up.

METHODS

An observational, multicenter, retrospective analysis was carried out on prospectively collected data from HCV-positive patients treated with an interferon-free regimen while awaiting LT in 18 French hospitals.

RESULTS

A total of 179 patients were included in the study. The indication for LT was HCC in 104 (58.1%) patients and cirrhosis in 75 (41.9%) patients. The sustained virological response was 84.4% and the treatment was well tolerated. At five years, among 75 patients with cirrhosis treated for HCV, 19 (25.3%) were delisted following improvement after treatment. Predictive factors for delisting highlighted an absence of ascites, MELD score ≤ 15, and Child-Pugh score ≤ 7. No patients with refractory ascites were delisted. Among patients with HCC, 82 (78.9%) were transplanted. The drop-out rate was low (6.7%) and few recurrences of HCC after LT were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

DAAs are safe and effective in patients awaiting LT for cirrhosis or HCC. A quarter of patients with cirrhosis can be delisted because of clinical improvement. Predictive factors for delisting, as a result of improvement, may assist prescribers, before initiating HCV infection therapy in the long-term perspective.

Direct-Acting Antivirals for HCV Treatment in Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

DAA therapy is known to clear hepatitis C virus infection in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (DC). However, the safety and benefits of DAA in DC remain unclear, especially with the use of protease inhibitors (PI). Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy and clinical safety of DAA in DC patients and observed whether there was a discrepancy between PI-based and non-PI-based treatment. We searched Ovid-Medline, Ovid-EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and three local medical databases through October 2021 to identify relevant studies on the clinical safety and effectiveness of DAA in DC patients. The outcomes were sustained virologic response (SVR), overall mortality, the incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), adverse events, improvement or deterioration of liver function, and delisting from liver transplantation (LT). Two independent reviewers extracted the data from each study using a standardized form. The pooled event rate in DC patients and relative effect (odds ratio (OR)) of PI-treated versus non-PI-based DAA in DC patients were calculated using a random-effects model. In patients with DC, the SVR rate was 86% (95% CI 83–88%), the development of HCC 7% (95% CI 5–9%), and mortality 6% (95% CI 4–8%). Improvement in liver function was observed in 51% (95% CI 44–58%) of patients, and 16% (95% CI 5–40%) were delisted from LT. PI-based treatment showed a similar rate of serious adverse events (23% vs. 18%), HCC occurrence (5% vs. 7%), and mortality (5% vs. 6%) to that of non-PI-based DAA treatment in DC patients. HCC occurrence and mortality rates were low in patients with DC following DAA treatment. PI-based treatment in DC patients was relatively safe when compared to non-PI-based treatment. Overall, DAA improved liver function, which may have allowed for delisting from LT.

Direct antiviral therapy for hepatitis C cirrhotic patients in liver transplantation settings: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C (HCV)-induced decompensated cirrhosis warrants liver transplantation (LT) as the only ultimate solution. These patients experience liver deterioration, while on the transplant waitlist. However, debate remains over the optimal timing for treating HCV relative to before or after LT.

METHODS

We performed a literature search between 1/2011 and 1/2022 on PubMed and OVID Medline. Data were extracted from direct antiviral agent (DAA) studies in English. The outcomes of interest included sustained virological response (SVR) rates from various cohorts as well as long- and short-term outcomes in the LT settings.

RESULTS

After screening, 54 studies were eligible and included into the review. In aligning with the EASL and AASLD guidelines and suggestions, many studies supported DAA therapy before LT in patients with Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores < 18 and DAA therapy post-LT in MELD scores > 20 through SVR rates, long-term survival factors, liver deterioration, and incidences of severe adverse events. However, uncertainty still lies in the guideline recommendations and unsettled issues remain for various patient cohorts that may benefit from opposing the guideline cutoffs. Based on the recent studies on predictors of treatment outcomes in decompensated patients and the impact of DAA on the waiting list for LT, we proposed an algorithm to manage patients with MELD scores between 18 and 20.

CONCLUSION

DAA therapy for decompensated patients must be personalized with consideration of different factors, particularly among those with MELD scores between the two cutoff-values proposed by the current associational guidelines.

Long-term survival and clinical outcomes following direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment in HCV decompensated cirrhosis in Brazil: a real-world study

Introduction

The outcomes regarding portal hypertension-related complications and infections after HCV cure in decompensated cirrhosis are scarcely reported. We aimed to identify the predictors of survival and to evaluate the frequency of decompensation events of cirrhosis, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), portal hypertension complications and infections in a cohort of decompensated cirrhotic with sustained virological response (SVR) in a real-world scenario.

Patients and methods

This was a prospective study in consecutive HCV-infected patients with decompensated cirrhosis who achieved SVR after direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment. At baseline, clinical and laboratory data were recorded. Patients were followed until development of outcomes regarding further decompensation, death, or liver transplant. A Cox-regression analysis was performed and survival curves were constructed using the Kaplan Mayer method.

Results

One hundred and thirty patients (age 60 ± 9 years, 64% female, 70% genotype 1) were included and followed-up through three years. SVR was associated with a lower prevalence of ascites and an improvement in Child-Pugh and MELD scores. One and three-year probability of transplant-free survival was 93% and 66%, respectively. Variables related to three-years survival were MELD < 11 (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.13-1.37) and absence of ascites (HR 2.03, 95% CI 0.99-4.13) after the end of treatment (91% versus 37% in patients with ascites and a higher MELD, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Decompensated cirrhotics with SVR and a low MELD without ascites have an excellent long-term prognosis. On the contrary, those with higher MELD and ascites have a low probability of survival even in the short term and might be evaluated for liver transplantation.

Sofosbuvir-based antiviral therapy provided highly treatment efficacy, safety, and good tolerability for Taiwanese chronic hepatitis C patients with decompensated cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

For patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related decompensated cirrhosis, poor prognosis was documented due to the development of portal hypertension-related complications and hepatocellular carcinoma. Sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has revolutionized the treatment landscape of HCV, particularly in this subpopulation. To date, real-world efficacy, tolerability, and safety profiles for Taiwanese HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis treated by DAAs have not been reported.

METHODS

Between December 2015 and June 2020, 50 consecutive HCV-related Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classes B or C cirrhotics treated by sofosbuvir-based DAAs (with daclatasvir: 7, with ledipasvir: 32, with velpatasvir: 10, with ledipasvir then shifted to velpatasvir: 1) were enrolled. Forty-seven (94%) patients used DAAs in combination with low-dose ribavirin. SVR12 was defined by undetectable HCV RNA (<15 IU/mL) at treatment end and 12 weeks after the completion of therapy.

RESULTS

The mean age of the enrolled patients was 68.1 ± 11.2 years, 18% of the patients were CTP class C, and the baseline HCV RNA level was 5.42 ± 1.2 log10 IU/mL. The genotype distribution was as follows: 1a: 3; 1b: 34; 2: 9; 6: 3; and one patient with an unclassified HCV genotype. After DAAs treatment, the rates of undetectable HCV RNA at week 4 and at the end of the treatment were 88.9% and 98.0%, respectively. Subjective adverse events were reported by 42.0% of the patients, but they were generally mild and could be relieved by medications. One patient did not finish therapy due to sepsis with multiple organ dysfunction. The overall SVR12 rate was 96.0% (CTP class B: 97.6%, CTP class C: 88.9%). A significant improvement in hepatic functional reserve was noted after successful antiviral therapy.

CONCLUSION

For patients with HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis, which has been considered a contraindication for interferon-based therapy, sofosbuvir-based all-oral DAAs provided high treatment efficacy, acceptable safety, and good tolerability.

The curing regimens of HCV: A SWOT analysis

The development of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) has revolutionized the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, enabling cure of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in more than 95% of cases. There are essentially no contraindications, so almost any patient can now be successfully treated. The result is the prevention or amelioration of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and extrahepatic manifestations. Consequently, the 2020 Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology was awarded for the discovery of HCV. Due to the high efficacy of therapy, even global HCV elimination is conceivable even without a vaccine. Here, we would like to venture a SWOT analysis of current HCV therapies aimed at HCV elimination.

Long-term hepatic function of patients with compensated cirrhosis following successful direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus infection

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have contributed to the improvement of outcomes for all patients with chronic hepatitis C. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term hepatic benefits of hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure by DAAs in patients with compensated cirrhosis.

METHODS

This multicenter cohort study consisted of consecutive patients with compensated cirrhosis who initiated interferon-free DAA treatment before September 2016. The impact of treatment on long-term hepatic function was followed for at least 4 years after the end of treatment, and the progression to decompensation was evaluated.

RESULTS

The data of 394 patients were available for study. The median age was 70, and 41% had modified albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade 2b. During a short-term follow-up 1 year after the end of treatment, FIB-4 index and ALBI score significantly improved. The achievement rates of FIB-4 < 3.25 (40%) and ALBI grade 1 (70%) reached their plateau in the first year; however, there were significant further improvements in platelet count and α-fetoprotein level after the first year. The annual incidence of decompensation was 1.30 (95% confidence interval 0.83-2.02) per 100 person-years. In multivariable analysis, male sex and modified ALBI grade 2b at baseline were associated with decompensation.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large real-world cohort of patients with compensated cirrhosis treated with a DAA, remarkable improvement in hepatic function was seen after HCV cure, especially during the first year after the end of treatment. Treatment in the early stage of cirrhosis would be of great benefit for preventing liver deterioration to decompensation.

Incidence of liver- and non-liver-related outcomes in patients with HCV-cirrhosis after SVR

BACKGROUND & AIMS

As the long-term benefits of a sustained virological response (SVR) in HCV-related cirrhosis following direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment remain undefined, we assessed the incidence and predictors of liver-related events (LREs), non-liver-related events (NLREs) and mortality in DAA-treated patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with cirrhosis and SVR were enrolled in a longitudinal, single-center study, and divided into 3 cohorts: Cohort A (Child-Pugh A without a previous LRE), Cohort B (Child-Pugh B or Child-Pugh A with prior non-hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] LREs), Cohort C (previous HCC).

RESULTS

A total of 636 patients with cirrhosis (median 65 years-old, 58% males, 89% Child-Pugh A) were followed for 51 (8-68) months (Cohort A n = 480, Cohort B n = 89, Cohort C n = 67). The 5-year estimated cumulative incidences of LREs were 10.4% in Cohort A vs. 32.0% in Cohort B (HCC 7.7% vs. 19.7%; ascites 1.4% vs. 8.6%; variceal bleeding 1.3% vs. 7.8%; encephalopathy 0 vs. 2.5%) vs. 71% in Cohort C (HCC only) (p <0.0001). The corresponding figures for NLREs were 11.7% in Cohort A vs. 17.9% in Cohort B vs. 17.5% in Cohort C (p = 0.32). The 5-year estimated probabilities of liver-related vs. non-liver-related deaths were 0.5% vs. 4.5% in Cohort A, 16.2% vs. 8.8% in Cohort B and 12.1% vs. 7.7% in Cohort C. The all-cause mortality rate in Cohort A was similar to the rate expected for the general population stratified by age, sex and calendar year according to the Human Mortality Database, while it was significantly higher in Cohort B.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cirrhosis and an SVR on DAAs face risks of liver-related and non-liver-related events and mortality; however, their incidence is strongly influenced by pre-DAA patient history.

LAY SUMMARY

In this large single-center study enrolling patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis cured by direct-acting antivirals, pre-treatment liver disease history strongly influenced long-term outcomes. In patients with HCV-related cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma was the most frequent liver-related complication after viral cure. Due to improved long-term outcomes, patients with cirrhosis after HCV cure are exposed to a significant proportion of non-liver-related events.

Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus induced cirrhosis with Child-Pugh class B

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of SOF/DCV ± RBV in a cohort of Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC)-induced cirrhosis with decompensation (class B7–B9).

Results

After excluding the 9 patients who withdrew, SVR12 rate according to per protocol analysis was 82.9% (92/111), non-response and relapse rates were 2.7% (3/111) for each, 4 patients died secondary to hematemesis, and 8.1% stopped therapy due to worsening of Child’s class. SVR12 rate was significantly higher among patients with higher baseline WBCs count and lower among patients with Child-Pugh class B9. All treatment intolerant patients had ascites in pre-treatment assessment (P = 0.02). There was a significant decline in the levels of hemoglobin, ALT and AST, and serum bilirubin (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in albumin level (P < 0.001) at the end of treatment when compared to their pre-treatment levels. Follow-up of the three HCC did not show evidence of tumor recurrence.

Conclusions

The SOF/DCV combination ± ribavirin is an effective and safe regimen for patients with CHC induced cirrhosis with mild decompensation. Treatment did not increase the risk of HCC recurrence.

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir with or without low-dose ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and severe renal impairment

OBJECTIVE

Data regarding the real-world effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) with or without low-dose ribavirin (RBV) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and severe renal impairment (RI) are limited. We evaluated the performance of SOF/VEL with or without low-dose RBV in HCV-infected patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4 or 5.

DESIGN

191 patients with compensated (n=181) and decompensated (n=10) liver diseases receiving SOF/VEL (400/100 mg/day) alone and SOF/VEL with low-dose RBV (200 mg/day) for 12 weeks were retrospectively recruited at 15 academic centres in Taiwan. The effectiveness was determined by sustained virological response at off-treatment week 12 (SVR₁₂) in evaluable (EP) and per-protocol populations (PP). The safety profiles were assessed.

RESULTS

The SVR₁₂ rates by EP and PP analyses were 94.8% (95% CI 90.6% to 97.1%) and 100% (95% CI 97.9% to 100%). In patients with compensated liver disease, the SVR₁₂ rates were 95.0% and 100% by EP and PP analyses. In patients with decompensated liver disease, the SVR₁₂ rates were 90.0% and 100% by EP and PP analyses. Ten patients who failed to achieve SVR₁₂ were attributed to non-virological failures. Among the 20 serious adverse events (AEs), none were judged related to SOF/VEL or RBV. The AEs occurring in ≥10% included fatigue (14.7%), headache (14.1%), nausea (12.6%), insomnia (12.0%) and pruritus (10.5%). None had ≥grade 3 total bilirubin or alanine aminotransferase elevations.

CONCLUSION

SOF/VEL with or without low-dose RBV is effective and well-tolerated in HCV-infected patients with severe RI.

Breakthroughs in hepatitis C research: from discovery to cure

In the 1970s, an unknown virus was suspected for documented cases of transfusion-associated hepatitis, a phenomenon called non-A, non-B hepatitis. In 1989, the infectious transmissible agent was identified and named hepatitis C virus (HCV) and, soon enough, the first diagnostic HCV antibody test was developed, which led to a dramatic decrease in new infections. Today, HCV infection remains a global health burden and a major cause of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation. However, tremendous advances have been made over the decades, and HCV became the first curable, chronic viral infection. The introduction of direct antiviral agents revolutionized antiviral treatment, leading to viral eradication in more than 98% of all patients infected with HCV. This Perspective discusses the history of HCV research, which reads like a role model for successful translational research: starting from a clinical observation, specific therapeutic agents were developed, which finally were implemented in national and global elimination programmes.

Impact of lifestyle interventions targeting physical exercise and caloric intake on cirrhosis regression in rats

In patients, advanced cirrhosis only regresses partially once the etiological agent is withdrawn. Animal models for advanced cirrhosis regression are missing. Lifestyle interventions (LIs) have been shown to improve steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and portal pressure (PP) in liver disease. We aimed at characterizing cirrhosis regression after etiological agent removal in experimental models of advanced cirrhosis and to study the impact of different LI on it. Advanced cirrhosis was induced in rats either by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or by thioacetamide (TAA) administration. Systemic and hepatic hemodynamics, liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, hepatic macrophage infiltration, and metabolic profile were evaluated after 48 h, 4 wk or 8 wk of etiological agent removal. The impact of LI consisting in caloric restriction (CR) or moderate endurance exercise (MEE) during the 8-wk regression process was analyzed. The effect of MEE was also evaluated in early cirrhotic and in healthy rats. A significant reduction in portal pressure (PP), liver fibrosis, and HSC activation was observed during regression. However, these parameters remained above those in healthy animals. During regression, animals markedly worsened their metabolic profile. CR although preventing those metabolic disturbances did not further reduce PP, hepatic fibrosis, or HSC activation. MEE also prevented metabolic disturbances, without enhancing, but even attenuating the reduction of PP, hepatic fibrosis, and HSC activation achieved by regression. MEE also worsened hepatic fibrosis in early-TAA cirrhosis and in healthy rats.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We have developed two advanced cirrhosis regression experimental models with persistent relevant fibrosis and portal hypertension and an associated deteriorated metabolism that mimic what happens in patients. LI, despite improving metabolism, did not enhance the regression process in our cirrhotic models. CR did not further reduce PP, hepatic fibrosis, or HSC activation. MEE exhibited a profibrogenic effect in the liver blunting cirrhosis regression. One of the potential explanations of this worsening could be ammonia accumulation.

In the Era of Direct-Acting Antivirals, Liver Transplant Delisting Due to Clinical Improvement for Hepatitis C Remains Infrequent

BACKGROUND / AIMS

Studies have suggested marked increases in transplant delisting due to clinical improvement for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) associated cirrhosis in the era of direct acting antivirals (DAAs). This study provides a 'real world' assessment of waitlist dynamics for HCV transplant candidates in the current era.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of adults waitlisted for liver transplant (LT) alone between 1/1/2005-12/31/2018 using national US data. The post-DAA era included all listings occurring after 1/1/2013. Temporal trends in waitlisting, patient characteristics and outcomes with decompensated cirrhosis were evaluated. Adjusted competing risks models assessed the interaction of DAA-era and HCV history on (i) waitlist mortality, and (ii) delisting due to clinical improvement.

RESULTS

Overall listing rates for HCV patients have decreased in the DAA era and particularly with Model for End-stage Liver Disease score ≥15 and ≥30. Rates of refractory ascites and severe encephalopathy at listing have increased. Delisting due to clinical improvement remains low (6.1% for 2013-2017 versus 5.2% for 2009-2012 versus 4% for 2005-2008; p < .001) and, for many, ascites (46.5%) and encephalopathy (30.5%) persist at delisting. Waitlist recovery is more frequent for HCV patients post-DAA (adjusted SHR 1.78 vs pre-DAA, 95% CI: 1.58-2.02; p < .001), while improvements in waitlist mortality by era are similar to non-HCV candidates (adjusted SHR 0.74 [95% CI: 0.7-0.78; p < .001] and 0.77 [95% CI: 0.74-0.8; p < .001], respectively).

CONCLUSION

Listing rates for decompensated HCV cirrhosis have decreased in the DAA era. Delisting of HCV patients for clinical improvement has increased, but remains infrequent and many continue to experience considerable morbidity.

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir plus ribavirin for Child-Pugh B and Child-Pugh C hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis

Background/Aims

Real-world studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) plus ribavirin (RBV) for Child-Pugh B/C hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis are limited.

Methods

We included 107 patients with Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis receiving SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks in Taiwan. The sustained virologic response rates at off-treatment week 12 (SVR₁₂) for the evaluable population (EP), modified EP, and per-protocol population (PP) were assessed. Thesafety profiles were reported.

Results

The SVR₁₂ rates in the EP, modified EP and PP were 89.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.5–94.2%), 94.1% (95% CI, 87.8–97.3%), and 100% (95% CI, 96.2–100%). Number of patients who failed to achieve SVR₁₂ were attributed to virologic failures. The SVR₁₂ rates were comparable regardless of patient characteristics. One patient discontinued treatment because of adverse events (AEs). Twenty-four patients had serious AEs and six died, but none were related to SOF/VEL or RBV. Among the 96 patients achieving SVR₁₂, 84.4% and 64.6% had improved Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores. Multivariate analysis revealed that a baseline MELD score ≥15 was associated with an improved MELD score of ≥3 (odds ratio, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.16–14.71; P=0.02). Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1 had more significant estimated glomerular filtration rate declines than patients with CKD stage 2 (-0.42 mL/min/1.73 m²/month; P=0.01) or stage 3 (-0.56 mL/min/1.73 m²/month; P<0.001).

Conclusions

SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks is efficacious and well-tolerated for Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis.

Real-world clinical outcomes of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir treatment in HCV genotype 1- and 2-infected patients with decompensated cirrhosis: A nationwide multicenter study by the Japanese Red Cross Liver Study Group

The real-world virological efficacy and safety of interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy with sofosbuvir (SOF) and velpatasvir (VEL) were assessed in hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1- and 2-infected patients with decompensated cirrhosis. A total of 65 patients with HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh score of 7 points or more) who were treated with the SOF/VEL regimen were enrolled. The sustained virological response (SVR) rate and safety profile were analyzed. SVR was defined as undetectable serum HCV RNA at 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). The percentages of patients with undetectable HCV RNA at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the start of therapy were 81.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 69.5-89.9) (52/64), 98.4% (95% CI, 91.2-100.0) (60/61), and 98.5% (95% CI, 91.7-100.0) (64/65), respectively. The overall SVR rate was 92.3% (95% CI, 83.0-97.5) (60/65). Albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) scores decreased during and after treatment (p < 0.001), and there were significant differences between baseline and end of treatment and between baseline and SVR12. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in SVR rates according to patient age, sex, HCV genotype (subtype), Child-Pugh classification, modified ALBI grade, presence of ascites, presence of hepatic coma, or history of hepatocellular carcinoma. In all subpopulations, the SVR rates were higher than 80%. There were no severe adverse events associated with the treatment. The SOF/VEL regimen showed good virological efficacy and acceptable safety even in patients with HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis.

Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Truth or dare?

The discovery of direct acting antivirals (DAA) with high rates of sustained virusological response is the biggest epoch-making event in the history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. DAAs improve liver function, prevent hepatic decompensation, and might even reverse liver fibrosis. Although initial research pointed towards a potential drawback, it is now known beyond doubt that DAA treatment reduces hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence or recurrence after curative treatments. Unfortunately, the story has reached another plot twist, as several other issues have emerged: (i) Should we treat patients with early HCC and HCV before or after surgery/ablation? (ii) Should patients with HCC on the waiting list receive DAA before or after liver transplantation? (iii) Should we use interferon-free in patients with intermediate stage HCC or in patients under systemic treatments? In this review, we aim to offer some evidence-based answers to these changing clinical dilemmas where possible, or at least some educated guesses in cases were no or little data exists.

Liver function following hepatitis C virus eradication by direct acting antivirals in patients with liver cirrhosis: data from the PITER cohort

BACKGROUND

The development of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) for HCV has revolutionized the treatment of HCV, including its treatment in patients with HIV coinfection. The aim of this study was to compare the changes in liver function between coinfected and monoinfected patients with cirrhosis who achieved HCV eradication by DAA.

METHODS

Patients with pre-treatment diagnosis of HCV liver cirrhosis, consecutively enrolled in the multicenter PITER cohort, who achieved a sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment cessation (SVR12) were analysed. Changes in Child-Pugh (C-P) class and the occurrence of a decompensating event was prospectively evaluated after the end of DAA treatment. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate factors independently associated with changes in liver function following viral eradication.

RESULTS

We evaluated 1350 patients, of whom 1242 HCV monoinfected (median follow-up 24.7, range 6.8-47.5 months after viral eradication) and 108 (8%) HCV/HIV coinfected (median follow-up 27.1, range 6.0-44.6). After adjusting for age, sex, HCV-genotype, HBsAg positivity and alcohol use, HIV was independently associated with a more advanced liver disease before treatment (C-P class B/C vs A) (OR: 3.73, 95% CI:2.00-6.98). Following HCV eradication, C-P class improved in 17/20 (85%) coinfected patients (from B to A and from C to B) and in 53/82 (64.6%) monoinfected patients (from B to A) (p = 0.08). C-P class worsened in 3/56 coinfected (5.3%) (from A to B) and in 84/1024 (8.2%) monoinfected patients (p = 0.45) (from A to B or C and from B to C). Baseline factors independently associated with C-P class worsening were male sex (HR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.18-3.36), platelet count < 100,000/μl (HR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.08-2.85) and increased INR (HR = 2.41; 95% CI 1.51-3.84). Following viral eradication, in 7 of 15 coinfected (46.6%) and in 61 of 133 (45.8%) monoinfected patients with previous history of decompensation, a new decompensating event occurred. A first decompensating event was recorded in 4 of 93 (4.3%) coinfected and in 53 of 1109 (4.8%) monoinfected patients (p = 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement of liver function was observed following HCV eradication in the majority of patients with cirrhosis; however viral eradication did not always mean cure of liver disease in both monoinfected and coinfected patients with advanced liver disease.

Variceal recurrence 4 years post endoscopic band ligation in hepatitis C patients who achieved sustained virological response with oral direct-acting antiviral therapy

Oral Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are safe, highly effective altering disease burden and prognosis in hepatitis C patients. Sustained virologic response (SVR) is achieved nowadays in more than 90% of the treated patients and related to the improvements in functions of the liver, fibrosis plus survival. Furthermore, portal hypertension is thought to be improved with achievement of virological response, parallel to the improvements in hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. We aimed to assess the recurrence rate of oesophageal varices by long-term follow-up in patients treated with different DAAs regimens who had achieved SVR. We studied 176 Child A cirrhotic HCV patients who achieved SVR after DAAs treatment and had a history of endoscopic oesophageal varices obliteration and were on maximum tolerated propranolol dose. They were subjected to follow-up upper gastrointestinal endoscopy repeated every 6 months for 4 years. Fifty-two patients (29.5%) had recurrence of oesophageal varices observed during the 4-years follow-up upper GIT endoscopy. On multivariate analysis, platelet count was the only significant variable, P-value = .007*. HbA1C, HOMA IR, BMI 1 and BMI 2 showed non-significant differences between the studied groups. By ROC analysis, we identified baseline platelet count of 96 000/µL with 100% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI] [91%-100%]) and 74% specificity (95% CI [65%-81%]). Spearman correlation showed a positive correlation between AFP, age, AST, Bilirubin, creatinine, INR. Patients who achieved SVR post DAAs showed a significant decrease in oesophageal varices recurrence post endoscopic obliteration. Baseline platelet count was found to be a strong independent predictor for oesophageal varices recurrence.

Sofosbuvir plus velpatasvir treatment for hepatitis C virus in patients with decompensated cirrhosis: a Japanese real-world multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Real-world data on the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir plus velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) treatment for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related decompensated cirrhosis are limited in Japan.

METHODS

A total of 190 patients with compensated (108) or decompensated (82) cirrhosis who initiated direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment between February 2019 and August 2019 were enrolled. Sustained virologic response (SVR) was defined as undetectable serum HCV-RNA at 12 weeks after the end of treatment (EOT).

RESULTS

The SVR12 rates were 92.6% in patients with compensated cirrhosis and 90.2% in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (p = 0.564), and the treatment completion rates were 98.1% and 96.3%, respectively (p = 0.372). In patients with decompensated cirrhosis, 3 patients discontinued treatment and 2 patients died because of liver-related events. In patients with decompensated cirrhosis with SVR12, 50% of patients with Child-Pugh class B at baseline showed improvement to class A at SVR12, and 27% and 9% of patients with Child-Pugh class C at baseline showed improvement to class B and class A at SVR12, respectively. Patients who achieved SVR12 showed elevated serum albumin levels at the EOT, which were further elevated at SVR12, but no elevated serum albumin levels after the EOT were observed in patients with baseline serum albumin levels less than 2.8 g/dl.

CONCLUSIONS

Real-world efficacy of SOF/VEL treatment for patients with decompensated cirrhosis was similar to Japanese phase 3 study, although treatment discontinuation and death related to liver disease occurred. In patients with poor hepatic reserve, whether it improves continuously after viral clearance requires further evaluation.

Real-world efficacy and safety of 12-week sofosbuvir/velpatasvir treatment for patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C virus infection

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the real-world efficacy and safety of 12-week sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) treatment for patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

METHODS

A total 72 of patients with Child-Pugh (CP) class B or C were enrolled. We evaluated the sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12), adverse events (AEs), and changes in the liver function.

RESULTS

All participants had genotype 1 or 2 HCV infection. At baseline, the numbers of patients with CP class B and C were 59 and 13, respectively. The overall SVR12 rate was 95.8% (69/72); 94.9% (56/59) in CP class B and 100% (13/13) in CP class C. The serum albumin level, prothrombin time and ascites were significantly improved (P < 0.01); however, the serum bilirubin level and encephalopathy did not improve. Among patients who achieved SVR12, 75.0% showed an improvement in their CP score, while 5.9% showed a worsening. The presence of large portosystemic shunt (diameter ≥6 mm) and hyperbilirubinemia (≥2.0 mg/dL) were independent factors that interfered with the improvement in the CP score (P < 0.05). The most common AEs were encephalopathy (15.3%) and skin symptoms (7.9%). Two patients discontinued SOF/VEL due to AEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with SOF/VEL for 12 weeks was relatively safe and effective for patients with decompensated cirrhosis. An SVR provided an improvement of the liver function in the majority of patients. However, large portosystemic shunt and hyperbilirubinemia were independent factors that interfered with the improvement in the CP score.

Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy in Liver Transplant Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatitis C

Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) are highly effective for the treatment of hepatitis C (HCV), although there are limited data on the safety and efficacy of DAA therapy in hepatitis C-positive individuals awaiting liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Outcome of hepatitis C-related liver transplantation in direct-acting antiviral era

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become an easily treatable disease after the introduction of sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens. This is a large single center experience of changing severity and outcome profile of HCV-related liver disease after availability of DAAs.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected liver transplantation (LT) database of adults (age > 18 years at the time of LT) was performed from June 2010 to July 2018. A total of 410 patients (including 26 co-infection with hepatitis B) underwent LT for hepatitis C-related decompensated cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) out of 1754 adult transplantation in the defined period.

RESULTS

The study group comprised of 296 males and 114 females aged 52.1 ± 7.9 years. HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis and/or HCC as indication of LT was present in 289/1016 (28.4%) during 2010-2014, which was reduced to 121/738 (16.3%) during 2015-2018 (p = 0.000). The LT recipients for HCV-related cirrhosis had significantly lower Child's and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score during 2015-2018 as compared to that during 2010-2014; Child's score was 7.9 ± 2.2 vs. 8.6 ± 2.1, p = 0.003; MELD score was 13.9 ± 5.3 vs. 17.1 ± 5.8, p = 0.000, respectively. There was a trend towards better survival in HCV patients during 2015-2018 as compared to that during 2010-2014. Significantly more patients had HCV RNA negative status before LT during 2015-2018 (38.8% vs. 13%, p = 0.000); moreover, the proportion of LT for decompensated cirrhosis (without HCC) decreased significantly in the latter period, 64.0% vs. 42.1% (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

In the DAA era, HCV as an indication for LT has decreased and patients have less severe disease at transplantation. There is a trend towards better patient survival.

Real-world efficacy of sofosbuvir plus velpatasvir therapy for patients with hepatitis C virus-related decompensated cirrhosis

AIM

Combination therapy with sofosbuvir (SOF) plus velpatasvir (VEL) is approved for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related decompensated cirrhosis. We analyzed the real-world efficacy of SOF/VEL therapy.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients with HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis (25 and eight patients with Child B and C, respectively) were treated with SOF/VEL for 12 weeks. The HCV non-structural protein (NS)5A and NS5B drug resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) were determined by direct sequencing.

RESULT

Thirty-two of 33 patients completed the treatment, but the remaining patient discontinued the therapy during third week of the treatment due to aggravation of hepatic encephalopathy. Serum HCV-RNA became negative during the treatment in all patients but relapsed after the end of therapy in five patients. In total, 28 out of 33 patients (85%) achieved sustained virological response 12 weeks following completion of treatment (SVR12). The SVR12 rate was 96% in patients with Child B, but significantly lower, at 50%, in patients with Child C (P < 0.05). In genotype 1b HCV-infected patients, all eight patients without baseline NS5A RASs, but only three of seven patients with RASs, achieved SVR12. Multivariate analysis identified Child B (odds ratio, 35.8 for Child C; P = 0.045) as an independent predictor of SVR12. Median serum albumin levels significantly increased only in patients who achieved SVR12. Child-Pugh scores improved in 16 of 28 patients (57%) following achievement of SVR12.

CONCLUSION

The effect of SOF/VEL therapy is lower for patients with Child C. Improvement of hepatic function is expected after viral eradication with SOF/VEL therapy in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Eradication of hepatitis C virus preserve liver function and prolong survival in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients with limited life expectancy

Whether patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) benefit from hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication is uncertain. We aimed to investigate whether a survival benefit was conferred by HCV eradication in aHCC patients. This retrospective cohort study enrolled 168 HCV-infected aHCC patients from April 2013 to January 2019. All patients were treated with sorafenib. Endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and time to liver decompensation. Patients with undetectable HCV RNA exhibited reduced aspartate aminotransferase and alpha fetoprotein levels, as well as an attenuated proportion of aHCC at initial diagnosis but increased albumin and mean sorafenib daily dosing. Patients with undetectable HCV RNA exhibited significantly longer OS compared to patients with detectable or unknown HCV RNA, which was an independent factor of OS (HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.350-0.903, P = .017). Patients with undetectable HCV RNA also presented a trend for longer PFS (HR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.46-1.00, P = .053). The survival benefit was considered with respect to the significantly prolonged time to Child-Pugh B scores in patients with undetectable HCV RNA (HR 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38-0.92, P = .020). Patients with detectable HCV RNA at sorafenib initiation who further received direct acting antiviral therapy also had significantly longer OS (HR 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02-0.81, P = .030) and PFS (HR 0.23, 95% CI: 0.06-0.99, P = .048). In conclusion, abolishing HCV viremia preserves liver function and confers a survival benefit in advanced HCC patients on sorafenib treatment.

A new model to predict response to direct-acting antiviral therapy in decompensated cirrhotics due to hepatitis C virus

AIM

of the study: Decompensated hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis is a difficult to treat cohort, and there is no gold standard predictor of response to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. We conducted this study to look for factors responsible for improvement in post-therapy status, i.e. attainment of Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class A from B or C, and devise a new model to predict post-therapy response.

MATERIAL

and methods: Prospective analysis of data from decompensated HCV cirrhotics was done and association of each parameter with patient outcomes at 36 weeks after treatment was assessed.

RESULTS

34 patients (54.8%) attained CTP class A after treatment. Factors that were independently associated with disease outcome included albumin (odds ratio [OR] = 4.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.43-20.15, p = 0.018), alanine transaminase (ALT) (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1-1.04, p = 0.049), bilirubin (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.2-0.75, p = 0.007) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.0-1.06, p = 0.045). On multivariate analysis, bilirubin was significantly associated with treatment outcome (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.1-0.64, p = 0.006). A composite model was devised using demographic, biochemical, and clinical features, which has sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of 67.86%, 79.41%, 73.08%, 75%, and 73.63% respectively in predicting response to therapy. Only 7.6% of patients with a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score > 15 and none of the patients with CTP class C met the primary end-point of our study.

CONCLUSIONS

55% of our cohort met the primary end-point at 36 weeks. Patients with CTP class C and a MELD score > 15 should be referred for liver transplantation followed by DAA therapy. Our model was good at predicting improvement in post-therapy liver function.

DAA therapy and long-term hepatic function in advanced/decompensated cirrhosis: Real-world experience from HCV-TARGET cohort

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy is used in patients with HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis with the expectation of improving hepatic function. However, little is known about the long-term hepatic benefit of successful antiviral treatment.

METHODS

Patients with advanced/decompensated cirrhosis (model for end-stage liver disease [MELD] ≥10), in whom NS5A-containing DAA therapy was initiated prior to September 2018, were included (from the HCV-TARGET cohort). Treatment outcomes and the impact of treatment on short-term and long-term hepatic function were examined.

RESULTS

A total of 642 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 60 years, 68% were male. The median baseline MELD was 12 (range 10-39) and 64% had prior decompensation. Among patients with available virologic outcomes, 90.5% achieved a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12). Eighty (24%) patients achieved a clinically significant decrease in MELD by ≥3 points during short-term follow-up (9-26 weeks after the end of treatment). However, in long-term follow-up (median of 4 years after treatment), mean changes in MELD (-0.30 points), total bilirubin (+0.23 mg/dl) and albumin (+0.36 g/dl) were marginal. Fifty-one patients died and 22 underwent liver transplant. In long-term follow-up, a clinically meaningful decrease in MELD of ≥3 occurred in 29% and a final MELD score of <10 was achieved in 25%.

CONCLUSION

In a large real-world experience of patients with advanced/decompensated HCV-related cirrhosis treated with DAAs, there were only marginal improvements in MELD, total bilirubin, or albumin at long-term follow-up (after achieving SVR12). These patients may remain at high risk of decompensation and must continue to be closely monitored. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT01474811.

LAY SUMMARY

Hepatitis C virus infection can now be cured with medications, even in patients who have advanced scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). In this study, we evaluated whether liver function improves or deteriorates in the long-term, following successful treatment of hepatitis C in patients with cirrhosis. We found that overall liver function was relatively stable with only 29% of patients achieving a clinically meaningful improvement in liver function, and we therefore believe that these patients require ongoing monitoring.

Impact of sustained viral response in the evolution of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: A prospective pilot study

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

To determine the prevalence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy(MHE) in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and to evaluate the impact of sustained viral response (SVR) on MHE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a prospective study using MHE screening and follow-up on patients with HCV and LC. The patients were evaluated at the beginning of treatment and 24 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

64 patients were included. 51.6% were male, the median age was 62 years, Child-Pugh classification A/B/C 93.8%/4.7%/1.6% and median MELD was 8.3. Prior hydropic decompensation was present in 11 patients. Median values of liver stiffness, as measured by transient elastography (TE) were 22.8kPa. Indirect signs of portal hypertension (PH) were present in 53.1% of patients, with a mean of 11.9mmHg among the ones with a measurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient. The prevalence of MHE before treatment was 26.6%. After treatment, 98.4% of patients achieved SVR. The presence of MHE at 24 weeks post-treatment had an statistically significant association with the presence of pre-treatment MHE (80% vs. 21.6%; p<0.01), higher MELD scores at 24-weeks post-treatment (9.8 vs. 8; p=0.02), higher Child-Pugh scores at 24-weeks post-treatment (p=0.04), higher baseline INR levels (1.4 vs. 1.1; p<0.001) and with the presence of indirect signs of PH (100% vs. 47.1%; p=0.02). During follow-up, those patients without MHE at 24 weeks post-treatment had a higher probability of experiencing an improvement in post-treatment TE (80.9% vs. 40%, p=0.04).

CONCLUSION

We found that SVR may lead to MHE resolution in a considerable proportion of patients, which has potential implications for disease prognosis.

Morbidity and mortality during hepatitis C treatment using sofosbuvir and daclatasvir with or without ribavirin, in a cohort of Egyptian patients

BACKGROUND

Though direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy is associated with a high cure rate of hepatitis C virus infection, a potential risk of serious adverse events (SAEs) exists. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and predictors of morbidity and mortality related to DAAs therapy.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted on a real word cohort of 1562 treatment naïve chronic hepatitis C (CHC) Egyptian patients, who received 12-weeks therapy with sofosbuvir (SOF) plus daclatasvir (DCV) ± ribavirin (RBV). The incidence and predictors of SAEs and mortality during treatment course and over the following 12 weeks were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean age of study participants was 51.38 ± 9.70 years (55.22%, males). Liver cirrhosis was defined in 72.4% of participants. SAEs were recorded in 120 participants (7.68%), including hepatic decompensation, gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia and hepatocellular carcinoma. Nine patients (0.58%) died and 69 patients (4.42%) discontinued therapy due to SAEs. Severity of cirrhosis was the significant predictor of morbidities and mortality. Hepatic decompensation was predicted by baseline serum albumin [cutoff value: 3.00 g/dL, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC): 0.953] and serum bilirubin (cutoff value: 1.75 mg/dL, AUROC: 0.940).

CONCLUSION

The risk of morbidity and mortality related to SOF/DCV ± RBV therapy in CHC patients is small and is significantly linked to advanced cirrhosis.

Combination with portosystemic shunt occlusion and antiviral therapy improves prognosis of decompensated cirrhosis

Background and Aim

Portosystemic shunt occlusion using endovascular treatment can transiently improve liver function in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. In recent years, viral hepatitis can be easily controlled. The present study aimed to clarify the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment in decompensated cirrhotic patients, and to elucidate whether viral treatment improves the prognosis after shunt occlusion.

Methods

Among 98 cirrhotic patients who received portosystemic shunt occlusion from January 2007 to June 2016, we retrospectively analyzed 61 decompensated cirrhotic patients.

Results

Forty‐five patients had viral hepatitis. Recovery rates of liver function to Child A within 6 months in viral hepatitis, non‐viral hepatitis, and overall were 78% (35/45), 81% (13/16), and 79% (48/61), respectively. Recovery rates according to baseline Child‐Pugh score were as follows: score 7, 88% (15/17); score 8, 89% (24/27); score 9, 69% (9/13); and score ≥ 10, 0% (0/4). Three‐year reprogression rates to decompensated cirrhosis for non‐virus, non‐sustained viral negativity (SVN), and SVN groups were 23 100, and 0%, respectively (P < 0.01). Three‐year survival rates for those were 63, 62, and 91%, respectively (P < 0.01). Eight‐year survival rate for SVN group was also 91%. Multivariate analysis revealed age, baseline ammonia level, baseline Child class, and SVN as independent contributors to survival.

Conclusions

SVN in patients with viral hepatitis appears prerequisite to maintaining recovered liver function by shunt occlusion and to improving prognosis. Combination therapy with shunt occlusion and antiviral treatment should be considered as a first‐line treatment for decompensated cirrhotic patients with viral hepatitis and large portosystemic shunt growth.

2020 Taiwan consensus statement on the management of hepatitis C: Part (II) special populations

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a silent killer that leads to rapid progression of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). High prevalence of HCV infection has been reported in Taiwan, especially in high-risk populations including people who inject drugs (PWID) and patients requiring dialysis. Besides, certain populations merit special considerations due to suboptimal outcome, potential drug-drug interaction, or possible side effect. Therefore, in the second part of this 2-part consensus, the Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver (TASL) proposes the treatment recommendations for the special population in order to serve as guidance to optimizing the outcome in the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era. Special populations include patients with acute or recent HCV infection, previous DAA failure, chronic kidney disease, decompensated cirrhosis, HCC, liver and other solid organ transplantations, receiving an HCV viremic organ, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV dual infection, HCV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection, active tuberculosis infection, PWID, bleeding disorders and hemoglobinopathies, children and adolescents, and pregnancy. Moreover, future perspectives regarding the management of hepatitis C are also discussed and summarized in this consensus statement.

Liver-related effects of chronic hepatitis C antiviral treatment

More than five years ago, the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection was revolutionized with the introduction of all-oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs. They proved highly efficient in curing patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), including patients with cirrhosis. The new DAA treatments were alleged to induce significant improvements in clinical outcome and prognosis, but the exact cause of the expected benefit was unclear. Further, little was known about how the underlying liver disease would be affected during and after viral clearance. In this review, we describe and discuss the liver-related effects of the new treatments in regards to both pathophysiological aspects, such as macrophage activation, and the time-dependent effects of therapy, with specific emphasis on inflammation, structural liver changes, and liver function, as these factors are all related to morbidity and mortality in CHC patients. It seems clear that antiviral therapy, especially the achievement of a sustained virologic response has several beneficial effects on liver-related parameters in CHC patients with advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. There seems to be a time-dependent effect of DAA therapy with viral clearance and the resolution of liver inflammation followed by more discrete changes in structural liver lesions. These improvements lead to favorable effects on liver function, followed by an improvement in cognitive dysfunction and portal hypertension. Overall, the data provide knowledge on the several beneficial effects of DAA therapy on liver-related parameters in CHC patients suggesting short- and long-term improvements in the underlying disease with the promise of an improved long-term prognosis.

The Endothelium as a Driver of Liver Fibrosis and Regeneration

Liver fibrosis is a common feature of sustained liver injury and represents a major public health problem worldwide. Fibrosis is an active research field and discoveries in the last years have contributed to the development of new antifibrotic drugs, although none of them have been approved yet. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) are highly specialized endothelial cells localized at the interface between the blood and other liver cell types. They lack a basement membrane and display open channels (fenestrae), making them exceptionally permeable. LSEC are the first cells affected by any kind of liver injury orchestrating the liver response to damage. LSEC govern the regenerative process initiation, but aberrant LSEC activation in chronic liver injury induces fibrosis. LSEC are also main players in fibrosis resolution. They maintain liver homeostasis and keep hepatic stellate cell and Kupffer cell quiescence. After sustained hepatic injury, they lose their phenotype and protective properties, promoting angiogenesis and vasoconstriction and contributing to inflammation and fibrosis. Therefore, improving LSEC phenotype is a promising strategy to prevent liver injury progression and complications. This review focuses on changes occurring in LSEC after liver injury and their consequences on fibrosis progression, liver regeneration, and resolution. Finally, a synopsis of the available strategies for LSEC-specific targeting is provided.

Natural History of Hepatic and Extrahepatic Hepatitis C Virus Diseases and Impact of Interferon-Free HCV Therapy

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects 71.1 million persons and causes 400,000 deaths annually worldwide. HCV mostly infects the liver, causing acute and chronic necroinflammatory damage, which may progress toward cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, HCV has been associated with several extrahepatic manifestations. The advent of safe and effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has made the dream of eliminating this public health scourge feasible in the medium term. Prospective studies using DAA-based regimens have shown the benefit of HCV clearance in terms of both liver- and non-liver-related mortality.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir and nonstructural protein 5A inhibitors for chronic hepatitis C genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6: a multicentre cohort study

Background

We investigated real-world effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir and the nonstructural protein 5A inhibitors in the treatment of patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6.

Methods

We analyzed data from 1021 patients with HCV infection (506 with genotype 1; 16 with genotype 2; 314 with genotype 3; 13 with genotype 4; 166 with genotype 6) who received 12 to 24 weeks of daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir (n = 767), ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (n = 197), or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (n = 57), with or without ribavirin in 12 centers across Thailand to estimate sustained virologic response at post-treatment week 12 (SVR12).

Results

Overall, SVR12 rate was 98.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 96.7–98.8%) with daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir, 97.9% (95% CI, 94.8–99.2%) with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, and 96.5% (95% CI, 88.1–99.0%) with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir. SVR12 was achieved by 99.2% (95% CI, 97.9–99.7%) of subjects with genotype 1 infection, 100% (95% CI, 78.5–100%) of those with genotype 2 infection, 96.7% (95% CI, 94.0–98.2%) of those with genotype 3 infection, 90.9% (95% CI, 62.3–98.4%) of those with genotype 4 infection, and 96.7% (95% CI 92.5–98.6%) of those with genotype 6 infection. Patients with advanced liver disease were at risk of treatment failure. Only four patients discontinued treatment before week 4 due to non-hepatic adverse events.

Conclusions

In this large cohort of patients with various HCV genotypes managed in the real-world practice setting, daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir achieved high SVR rates with good safety profile, comparable to those observed in clinical trials.

Eliminating viral hepatitis C in Belgium: the micro-elimination approach

Background

Hepatitis C virus is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease and liver-related deaths worldwide. The estimated prevalence of chronic hepatitis C viral infection among the general Belgian population was 0.57% (n = 64,000) in 2015. Although Belgium has had a ‘Hepatitis C Plan’ since 2014, elimination efforts are unclear. This study employs the best available data and modelling estimates to define the burden of hepatitis C viral infection among key subgroups in Belgium, identify information gaps and propose potential approaches to screening, linkage to care and treatment, and cure.

Methods

We examined the peer-reviewed and grey literature since 2012 for data on the prevalence of hepatitis C viral infection in Belgium in key subgroups identified by national experts and in the literature. Ultimately, this research is primarily based on data provided by the key stakeholders themselves due to a lack of reliable data in the literature. Based on this, we modelled the treatment rates required to reach elimination of hepatitis C in several subgroups.

Results

Eleven potential subgroups were identified. There were no data available for two subgroups: generational cohorts and men who have sex with men. In six subgroups, fewer than 3000 people were reported or estimated to have hepatitis C infection. Migrants and people who inject drugs were the most affected subgroups, and children were the least affected subgroup. Only two subgroups are on target to achieve elimination by 2030: patients living with haemophilia and transplant recipients.

Conclusions

Removing Belgian treatment reimbursement restrictions in January 2019 was a big step towards eliminating HCV. In addition, increasing surveillance, including with a national registry, treatment prescription by other health-care providers and availability of treatment in local pharmacies are central to improving the current situation and getting on track to reach the 2030 WHO hepatitis C elimination targets in Belgium.

Direct acting antivirals treatment for hepatitis C virus infection does not increase the incidence of de novo hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence: Results from an Italian real-life cohort (LINA cohort)

The effectiveness of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is ascertained. However, some authors raised the issue of an increased incidence of de novo hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients treated with DAAs. Aim of the study was to evaluate the rate of HCC occurrence in a real-life cohort of patients who received anti-HCV treatment with DAAs.A prospective multicentre study was conducted. All adult patients with HCV infection who received treatment between March 2015 and December 2017 in 4 hospital of Campania region (South Italy) with at least 6 months of follow-up were enrolled.A total of 323 patients were included in the study. Most patients had HCV genotype 1b (61.8%). The overall SVR12 rate was 95.5%. Median time of observation was 10 months. The incidence rate of HCC was 0.2 per 100 person-months (crude incidence rate 3.4%, 95 confidence interval: 1.5%-5.3%). The median time for HCC occurrence was 11 months. HCC occurrence rate was significantly higher among patients who did not achieve SVR12 compared with patients who did (28.6% vs 2.8%, P < 0.05). No patient with F0-F3 fibrosis developed HCC. Among patients with cirrhosis, at the multivariate time-to-event analysis, no covariates were independently associated with the risk of HCC occurrence.Treatment with DAAs did not increase the risk of HCC occurrence. Patients who achieved SVR12 had a lower rate of HCC occurrence. Further studies are needed to estimate the incidence and the risk for HCC in the long-term follow-up among patients undergoing treatment with DAAs.

Changes in Circulating Lysyl Oxidase-Like-2 (LOXL2) Levels, HOMA, and Fibrosis after Sustained Virological Response by Direct Antiviral Therapy

Background: we aimed to assess the influence of metabolic syndrome on fibrosis regression (using liver-stiffness measurement (LSM) and serological scores) and the relationship with the expression of lysyl oxidase-like-2 as a potential goal of antifibrotic therapy. Methods: We included 271 patients treated with Direct Antiviral Therapy (DAAs) in our hospital who achieved a sustained virological response (SVR); physical examination, blood tests, and LSM were made at baseline (B) and 24 months (24 M) after SVR. Hemodynamic studies and transjugular liver biopsies were performed on 13 patients. Results: At B, 68 patients were F1 (25.1%); F2 n = 59 (21.7%); F3 n = 44 (16.05%); and 100 were F4 (36.9%). Although the LSM (absolute value) improved in 82% of patients (n = 222), it progressed in 17.5% of patients (n = 48). At 24 M, 48 patients met the metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria and there was an increase in patients with a BMI of >25 kg/m² (p < 0.001). At B and 24 M, a BMI of >25 kg/m² is a risk factor for significant fibrosis or steatosis at 24 M (p < 0.05) and progression on LSM (p < 0.001), as well as MetS at B and 24 M (OR 4.1 IC (1.4–11.7), p = 0.008; and OR 5.4 IC (1.9–15.4), p = 0.001, respectively). Regarding the correlation between LSM and the liver biopsy, we found that only six out of 13 patients had a matching LSM and biopsy. We found a statistically significant decrease in LOXL2 levels at 24 M with respect to B (p < 0.001) with higher serological value in patients with elastography of >9 kPa vs. <9 kPa (p = 0.046). Conclusion: Regression of LSM was reached in 82% of patients. Downregulated LOXL2 was demonstrated post-SVR, with overexpression in cirrhotic patients being a potential therapy goal in selected patients.

Early HCV viral kinetics under DAAs may optimize duration of therapy in patients with compensated cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Detailed hepatitis C virus (HCV) kinetics modelling is scarce in patients with advanced liver disease receiving direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Due to budget restrictions, patients and health systems would benefit from the shortest possible treatment course. We investigated whether modelling very early HCV kinetics in cirrhotic patients under DAAs therapy could be used to individualize care and reduce treatment duration to achieve cure.

METHODS

We included 74 patients with HCV-related cirrhosis who received interferon-free treatments for 12-24 weeks. HCV genotype, liver disease stage and treatment regimen were recorded. Viral load was determined prospectively at very frequent intervals until target not detected (TND, <15 IU/mL). A viral kinetic model was used to predict time to cure based on HCV clearance in extracellular body fluid (CL-EF).

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients (92%) achieved cure. Thirteen (18%) had MELD ≥15, 35 (47%) were Child-Pugh (CTP) ≥7. Median time to reach TND was 2 weeks (IQR: 1-4 weeks). Modelling indicated an average DAAs efficacy in blocking viral production of ε = 99.1%. HCV half-life (t1/2 ) was significantly shorter in patients with CTP <7, LSM <21 kPa or MELD <15 (1.5 vs 2.5 hours; P = 0.0057). The overall median CL-EF was 5.6 weeks (4.1-7.8). A CTP >7 and a LSM ≥21 kPa were significantly (P = 0.016) associated with longer CL-EF.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides insights into HCV dynamics during DAAs therapy in patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. Viral kinetics modelling suggests that treatment duration may be optimized in patients with compensated cirrhosis.

Diagnostic accuracy of red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio for predicting staging liver fibrosis in chronic liver disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Red cell volume distribution width to platelet ratio (RPR), as a novel noninvasive assessment, is frequently investigated. However, the utility of RPR to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of liver fibrosis remains controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the diagnostic performance of RPR for detecting staging liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves (SROC), diagnostic odds ratios (DOR), pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of RPR. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were also performed to identify factors that contributed to heterogeneity. The Quality Assessment for Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool was applied to assess the quality.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies with a total of 3346 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The area under the curve for SROC to summarize diagnostic accuracy of RPR for prediction of significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis was 0.73 (standard error [SE] = 0.02), 0.83 (SE = 0.03), and 0.85 (SE = 0.04), respectively. Pooled DOR with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was 4.93 (95% CI: 3.78-6.43), 10.27 (95% CI: 6.26-16.84), and 12.16 (95% CI: 5.85-25.28), respectively, using a random effects model. Meta-regression showed that length of liver biopsy specimen potentially contributed to heterogeneity. There was no significant publication bias observed across the eligible studies.

CONCLUSIONS

In chronic liver disease patients, RPR presented a good performance for prediction of significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis. More future trials are required for prospective validation.

Impact of the direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) on chronic hepatitis C in Sardinian patients with transfusion-dependent Thalassemia major

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Direct antiviral agents (DAAs) have revolutionised the standard of care for the treatment of hepatitis even in patients with hemoglobinopathies. The aim of this study is to show how, thanks to DAAs, HCV infection has been substantially eradicated in one of the biggest Centres for the management of Thalassemia in Europe.

METHODS

Thalassemia major patients regularly transfused and iron chelated in Cagliari (Italy) who were HCV-RNA positive were evaluated for the potential prescription of antiviral therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 99 patients, 26 of whom had been diagnosed with cirrhosis, were treated with at least one dose of DAAs, which proved to be safe and well tolerated. Two of the patients died during the treatment after becoming HCV-RNA negative while another voluntarily interrupted the therapy. The final SVR in the patients who completed the treatment was 100%, while measuring 97% (96/99) in the Intention-to-Treat analysis. After DAAs, no new cases of hepatocellular carcinoma have been reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of DAAs in patients suffering from beta-Thalassemia major with chronic hepatitis C or cirrhosis can be considered safe and effective. Close monitoring for hepatocellular carcinoma development is, in any case, recommended indefinitely post-SVR.

PNPLA3 gene predicts clinical recovery after sustained virological response in decompensated hepatitis C cirrhosis

Background

Patients with decompensated hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis experience various outcomes after sustained virological response (SVR), ranging from clinical recovery to further deterioration. We hypothesised that the genetic risk for steatosis, namely the polymorphisms rs738409 of Patatin-like Phospholipase Domain-Containing 3 (PNPLA3), rs58542926 of Transmembrane-6-Superfamily-2 (TM6SF2), and rs641738 of Membrane-bound O-acyltransferase Domain-Containing 7 (MBOAT7), is predictive of recovery.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 56 patients with Child-Pugh (CPT) B/C cirrhosis who underwent antiviral therapy. The primary outcome was change in CPT score at 12, 24, and 48 weeks after SVR. We used a linear mixed-effects model for analysis.

Results

Forty-five patients (PNPLA3: 21 CC, 19 CG, 5 GG) survived to the first endpoint without liver transplantation. The mean change in CPT score at 12, 24, and 48 weeks was −1.57 (SE=0.30), –1.76 (SE=0.32), and −2.0 (SE=0.36), respectively, among the patients with the PNPLA3 CC genotype and −0.50 (SE=0.20), –0.41 (SE=0.25), and −0.24 (SE=0.27), respectively, among the other 24 patients. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, the PNPLA3 CG/GG genotypes were associated with a 1.29 (SE=0.30, p<0.0001) point higher CPT score. Most of the difference came from differences in hepatic encephalopathy and bilirubin. The results for rs58542926 and rs641738 were not significant.

Conclusion

The PNPLA3 CG/GG genotypes could identify a subgroup of patients with decompensated HCV cirrhosis that had suboptimal clinical recovery despite SVR. An understanding of the genetic factors that influence clinical outcomes will help target patients for liver transplant based on individual genetic risk factors and provide insight leading to new therapeutic approaches.

Impact of All-Oral Direct-Acting Antivirals on Clinical and Economic Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C in the United States

Approved treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) with all-oral direct-acting antivirals (DAA) therapy is now entering into its fourth year; however, little has been reported on the real-world clinical (decompensated cirrhosis [DCC] and hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) and economic outcomes. A retrospective cohort analysis of the Truven Health MarketScan Database (2012-2016) was conducted. In a cohort of 26,105 patients with newly diagnosed HCV, 30% received all-oral DAA therapy (DAA group) and 70% were not treated (untreated group). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the risk of developing HCC and DCC, stratified by cirrhosis status. Among patients with cirrhosis (n = 2157), DAA therapy was associated with a 72% and a 62% lower incidence of HCC (hazard ratio [HR], 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15-0.52) and DCC (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.26-0.56). Similarly, DAA therapy was associated with a 57% and a 58% lower incidence of HCC (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.26-0.71) and DCC (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.30-0.58) in patients with noncirrhotic HCV (n = 23,948). A propensity score-matched cohort of 8064 HCV-infected patients who had at least a 12-month follow-up after HCV treatment was included for economic analysis. For patients with cirrhosis in the DAA group, the mean adjusted liver-related costs ($1749 vs. $4575; P < 0.001) and all-cause medical costs ($19,300 vs. $33,039; P < 0.001) were significantly lower compared with those in the untreated group. The mean adjusted costs were not statistically different between the two groups among patients without cirrhosis. Conclusion: In the short term, all-oral DAA treatment for HCV infection was associated with a decreased risk of developing HCC and DCC, resulting in decreased health care costs, especially in patients with cirrhosis. A longitudinal study is necessary to confirm our findings.

Drug Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis C Infection and Cancer Risk

BACKGROUND

In patients with chronic hepatitis C infection, a sustained virologic response (SVR) to interferon-based therapy markedly decreases the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) over the long term. This is also true for patients who have hepatic cirrhosis, as well as for those with HCC-with or without cirrhosis-who have undergone resection or ablation with curative intent. Recent publications, however, have reported a higher incidence of HCC among patients in both of these subgroups who were treated with direct antiviral agents (DAA) rather than interferon-based therapy.

METHODS

A selective search for pertinent literature was carried out in the PubMed database with the search terms "direct-acting antiviral therapy" and "hepatocellular carcinoma."

RESULTS

In comparison to historical patient cohorts that received interferonbased therapy, patients with hepatic cirrhosis after SVR brought about by DAA have a higher incidence of de novo HCC in 12 months (5.2-7.4%). The recurrence rate after treatment for HCC with curative intent was also higher, with marked fluctuations. Patients treated with DAA were often older and in a more advanced stage of cirrhosis than those who had received interferonbased therapy; these factors may have contributed to the observed higher incidence of HCC. On the other hand, the reduction of inflammation-triggered immune surveillance after very rapid elimination of the hepatitis C virus may have favored tumor progression.

CONCLUSION

Before DAA therapy is initiated in a patient who has cirrhosis or has undergone treatment for HCC with curative intent, a de novo or recurrent HCC should be meticulously excluded. Even after SVR, these patients still need intensive follow-up and surveillance.