A new indication for liver transplantation: nodular regenerative hyperplasia in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients

Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia Is Not a Rare Condition After Liver Transplantation: Incidence, Predictive Factors, and Impact on Survival

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this study were to evaluate incidence and to identify the risk factors of occurrence and the predictive factors of symptomatic forms of nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) after liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

To identify risk factors of NRH following LT, we included 1648 patients transplanted from 2004 to 2018 and compared the patients developing NRH after LT to those who did not. To identify predictive factors of symptomatic NRH, we selected 115 biopsies displaying NRH and compared symptomatic to asymptomatic forms. Symptomatic NRH was defined as the presence of ascites, esophageal varices, hepatic encephalopathy, portal thrombosis, retransplantation, or death related to NRH.

RESULTS

The incidence of NRH following LT was 5.1%. In multivariate analysis, the independent factor of developing NRH after LT was the donor's age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02; confidence interval, 1.01-1.03; P = 0.02). Symptomatic forms occurred in 29 (25.2%) patients: 19 (16.5%) patients presented with ascites, 13 (11.3%) with esophageal varices, 4 (3.5%) with hepatic encephalopathy, and 8 (7%) with portal thrombosis. The median period before the onset of symptoms was 8.4 (1.5-11.3) y after LT. The spleen size at diagnosis/before LT ratio (OR = 12.5; 114.17-1.37; P = 0.0252) and thrombectomy during transplantation (OR = 11.17; 1.48-84.11; P = 0.0192) were associated with symptomatic NRH in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

NRH following LT is frequent (5.1%) and leads to symptomatic portal hypertension in 25.2% of patients. Using older grafts increases the risk of developing NRH after LT. Clinicians should screen for signs of portal hypertension, particularly in measuring spleen size.

Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia: A Case of Rare Prognosis

Introduction: Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) is a known etiology of noncirrhotic portal hypertension. Cases of biopsy-proven NRH in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients have been described. While these patients often have normal synthetic liver function, several reports described disease progression to liver failure. Case: We here present a 26-year-old woman with history of congenital HIV on antiretroviral therapy complicated by Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia at age 14. CD4 counts have been >300 with undetectable viral load. She was referred to our Hepatology service for evaluation of splenomegaly, elevated liver tests, and thrombocytopenia. On initial presentation, she reported easy bruising and gingival bleeding, and abdominal imaging showed evidence of portal hypertension without associated cirrhosis. Upper endoscopy was significant for large esophageal varices without bleeding stigmata. Liver biopsy showed minimal fibrosis around the portal areas without significant inflammation. The lobules showed focal zones of thin hepatocyte plates on reticulin stain with adjacent areas showing mild regenerative changes. The diagnosis of NRH was made and patient was placed on propranolol for variceal bleeding prophylaxis. Two years later, the patient presented with bleeding gastric varices warranting transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Postprocedure course was complicated by mild encephalopathy. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging showed a 1.7 × 1.3 cm lesion suggestive of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The patient was deemed to be a candidate for liver transplantation, and she is now delisted due to ongoing pregnancy. Conclusion: This report describes the first case of HCC in an HIV patient with NRH. The possible association of NRH with HCC warrants further investigation.

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia rarely leads to liver transplantation: A 20-year cohort study in all Dutch liver transplant units

BACKGROUND

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia is an uncommon liver condition associated with several autoimmune disorders and drugs. The clinical symptoms of nodular regenerative hyperplasia vary from asymptomatic to severe complications of portal hypertension (nodular regenerative hyperplasia-syndrome).

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify the prognosis and optimal management, as well as the role of liver transplantation, in nodular regenerative hyperplasia.

METHODS

The pathology databases of all three Dutch liver transplant units were retrospectively scrutinised for explanted livers diagnosed with nodular regenerative hyperplasia or without clear diagnosis. Pre- and post-transplantation clinical, biochemical, radiological and histological information was obtained from electronic and paper records.

RESULTS

In total, 1886 patients received a liver transplant. In 255 patients, nodular regenerative hyperplasia could not be excluded. After detailed chart review, the native livers of 11 patients (0.6%) (82% male, median age: 44 years) displayed nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Seven patients (64%) had underlying disorders or drug exposure which possibly caused nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Laboratory and imaging abnormalities were present in all patients but did not contribute to the diagnosis of nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Five-year survival was 73% (median follow-up: four years, range: 2-248 months).

CONCLUSION

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia is a rare finding in patients, predominantly young males, transplanted for end-stage liver disease with unknown aetiology. Nonetheless, liver transplantation may have an important role in end-stage nodular regenerative hyperplasia-syndrome.

ACG clinical guideline: the diagnosis and management of focal liver lesions

Focal liver lesions (FLL) have been a common reason for consultation faced by gastroenterologists and hepatologists. The increasing and widespread use of imaging studies has led to an increase in detection of incidental FLL. It is important to consider not only malignant liver lesions, but also benign solid and cystic liver lesions such as hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia, hepatocellular adenoma, and hepatic cysts, in the differential diagnosis. In this ACG practice guideline, the authors provide an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of FLL.

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension - diagnosis and management

NCPH is a heterogeneous group of liver disorders of vascular origin, leading to PHT with near normal HVPG. NCPF/IPH is a disorder of young adults or middle aged women, whereas EHPVO is a disorder of childhood. Early age acute or recurrent infections in an individual with thrombotic predisposition constitute the likely pathogenesis. Both disorders present with clinically significant PHT with preserved liver functions. Diagnosis is easy and can often be made clinically with support from imaging modalities. Management centers on control and prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. In EHPVO, there are additional concerns of growth faltering, portal biliopathy, MHE and parenchymal dysfunction. Surgical shunts are indicated in patients with failure of endotherapy, bleeding from sites not amenable to endotherapy, symptomatic hypersplenism or symptomatic biliopathy. Persistent growth failure, symptomatic and recurrent hepatic encephalopathy, impaired quality of life or massive splenomegaly that interferes with daily activities are other surgical indications. Rex-shunt or MLPVB is the recommended shunt for EHPVO, but needs proper pre-operative radiological assessment and surgical expertise. Both disorders have otherwise a fairly good prognosis, but need regular and careful surveillance. Hepatic schistosomiasis, CHF and NRH have similar presentation and comparable prognosis.

Human immunodeficiency virus and nodular regenerative hyperplasia of liver: A systematic review

AIM: To investigate the diagnosis, pathogenesis, natural history, and management of nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the medical literature regarding NRH in patients with HIV. Inclusion criteria include reports with biopsy proven NRH. We studied the clinical features of NRH, in particular, related to its presenting manifestation and laboratory values. Combinations of the following keywords were implemented: “nodular regenerative hyperplasia”, “human immunodeficiency virus”, “noncirrhotic portal hypertension”, “idiopathic portal hypertension”, “cryptogenic liver disease”, “highly active antiretroviral therapy” and “didanosine”. The bibliographies of these studies were subsequently searched for any additional relevant publications.

RESULTS: The clinical presentation of patients with NRH varies from patients being completely asymptomatic to the development of portal hypertension – namely esophageal variceal bleeding and ascites. Liver associated enzymes are generally normal and synthetic function well preserved. There is a strong association between the occurrence of NRH and the use of antiviral therapies such as didanosine. The management of NRH revolves around treating the manifestations of portal hypertension. The prognosis of NRH is generally good since liver function is preserved. A high index of suspicion is required to make a identify NRH.

CONCLUSION: The appropriate management of HIV-infected persons with suspected NRH is yet to be outlined. However, NRH is a clinically subtle condition that is difficult to diagnose, and it is important to be able to manage it according to the best available evidence.

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension in HIV mono-infected patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Unexplained liver injury including fibrosis and portal hypertension has rarely been reported among patients with HIV in the absence of co-infection with hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV). We describe a series of HIV mono-infected patients with evidence of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.

METHODS

HIV-infected patients with evidence of portal hypertension who were anti-HBV and anti-HCV negative and HBV and HCV RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative were identified from patients managed by the Victorian statewide HIV referral service located at The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne. Portal hypertension was defined as either radiological or endoscopic evidence of varices, portal vein flow obstruction, or elevated hepatic venous pressure gradient (HPVG).

RESULTS

Five patients were found to have portal hypertension. These patients were male, aged 41 to 65 years, with known duration of HIV infection between 11 to 25 years. All had been treated with antiretroviral therapy, including didanosine. Tests for metabolic, autoimmune, and hereditary causes of liver disease failed to establish an etiology for the liver injury. All had radiological or endoscopic findings of varices, and four patients had radiological features of portal vein obstruction or flow reversal. Only one patient underwent HPVG measurement, which was elevated. Non-invasive fibrosis assessment revealed increased liver stiffness in three (out of four) patients, and no cirrhotic features were found on those who underwent liver biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the largest published series of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension in HIV mono-infected patients in Australia. Further research is needed to understand what relationship, if any, HIV or its treatments might have on liver injury over time.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection and the liver

Liver disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals encompasses the spectrum from abnormal liver function tests, liver decompensation, with and without evidence of cirrhosis on biopsy, to non-alcoholic liver disease and its more severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatocellular cancer. HIV can infect multiple cells in the liver, leading to enhanced intrahepatic apoptosis, activation and fibrosis. HIV can also alter gastro-intestinal tract permeability, leading to increased levels of circulating lipopolysaccharide that may have an impact on liver function. This review focuses on recent changes in the epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical presentation of liver disease in HIV-infected patients, in the absence of co-infection with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus, with a specific focus on issues relevant to low and middle income countries.

Fatal cumulative toxicities of HAART in a stable, AIDS-free, HIV-infected patient

The authors describe the case of fatal cumulative toxicities in a 58-year-old AIDS-free, HIV-infected patient, who successively developed under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART): severe lipodystrophy, complicated osteoporosis, complicated non-cirrhotic portal hypertension of the liver (with ascites, portal thrombosis, oesophageal varices and protein-losing enteropathy) due to nodular regenerative hyperplasia. These cumulative HAART-related toxicities led to death, despite symptomatic treatment and the switch of antiretrovirals (especially didanosine) putatively involved in the process in these drug-mediated diseases. As morbidity and mortality in HIV infection continue to improve, it appears important to recognise such rare HAART-associated toxicities. This case illustrates the absolute necessity of investigating the long-term side effects of HAART in HIV infection, particularly in patients treated with first generation molecules. The switch strategy (switching old molecules to newer ones) is crucial in case of severe suspected toxicity and has to be discussed in asymptomatic patients largely exposed to first generation molecules, in order to prevent long-term toxicity.

Liver transplantation for the treatment of nodular regenerative hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) is the leading cause of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension in Western countries. Although some patients are successfully managed medically or with shunting procedures, others require liver transplantation. The aim of this review was to assess the overall results obtained with liver transplantation and to better define its role in this setting.

METHODS

Systematic review of all published studies on liver transplantation for NRH without language restrictions, in Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases through March 2010.

RESULTS

17 studies including a total of 73 patients were identified; 47 (64.3%) were excluded due to lacking inclusion criteria or clinical data and 26 (35.7%) were analysed. Before liver transplantation, the most frequent clinical presentation was gastroesophageal bleeding (65.3%) followed by ascites (61.5%), hepatic encephalopathy (30.7%) and liver failure (11.5%). The mean follow-up reported after liver transplantation was 30.6±27.6 months and patient and graft survival rate was 78.3%. Only one case reported a NRH recurrence 7 years after liver transplantation (LT).

CONCLUSIONS

Although there are no hard data supporting the role of liver transplantation in symptomatic NRH, onset of severe portal hypertension in this setting may represent a valid indication.

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension in HIV-infected individuals

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) has been associated with didanosine (ddI) exposure. We aimed to determine the number of individuals with NCPH within our cohort and define their characteristics. We identified individuals within our cohort with NCPH and performed a retrospective case note review. Cumulative antiretroviral therapy (ART) use was calculated and a statistical analysis performed to compare exposure to the rest of the clinic cohort for the same time period. Where available, data was collated on FibroScan®, echocardiography and coagulation profile. Seventeen patients were identified. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding was the most common presenting feature. Liver biopsy showed mild portal or periportal fibrosis in 13 (81%) and four with features of nodular regenerative hyperplasia. There was significantly greater exposure to ddl in this group (59.5 months) compared to the rest of the HIV cohort (21.1 months) P = <0.001. Eleven subjects has a liver elastography performed, six (55%) had a result greater than 9.6 kPa (consistent with greater than F2 disease by Metavir scoring). Echocardiography was performed in seven patients: four met criteria for pulmonary hypertension. This is consistent with other cohorts demonstrating an association between the didanosine exposure and NCPH. Our data also suggest an increased risk of pulmonary hypertension.

Model for end-stage liver disease exceptions in the context of the French model for end-stage liver disease score-based liver allocation system

Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score-based allocation systems have been adopted by most countries in Europe and North America. Indeed, the MELD score is a robust marker of early mortality for patients with cirrhosis. Except for extreme values, high pretransplant MELD scores do not significantly affect posttransplant survival. The MELD score can be used to optimize the allocation of allografts according to a sickest first policy. Most often, patients with small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and low MELD scores receive extra points, which allow them appropriate access to transplantation comparable to the access of patients with advanced cirrhosis and high MELD scores. In addition to patients with advanced cirrhosis and HCC, patients with a number of relatively uncommon conditions have low MELD scores and a poor prognosis in the short term without transplantation but derive excellent benefits from transplantation. These conditions, which correspond to the so-called MELD score exceptions, justify the allocation of a specific score for appropriate access to transplantation. Here we report the conclusions of the French consensus meeting. The goals of this meeting were (1) to identify which conditions merit MELD score exceptions, (2) to list the criteria needed for defining each of these conditions, and (3) to define a reasonable time interval for organ allocation for each MELD exception in the general context of organ shortages. MELD exceptions were discussed in an attempt to reconcile the concepts of transparency, equity, justice, and utility.

Biologic and clinical features of benign solid and cystic lesions of the liver

The widespread use of imaging analyses, either routinely or to evaluate symptomatic patients, has increased the detection of liver lesions (tumors and cysts) in otherwise healthy individuals. Although some of these incidentally discovered masses are malignant, most are benign and must be included in the differential diagnosis. The management of benign hepatic tumors ranges from conservative to aggressive, depending on the nature of the lesions. New imaging modalities, increased experience of radiologists, improved definition of radiologic characteristics, and a better understanding of the clinical features of these lesions have increased the accuracy of diagnoses and reduced the need for invasive diagnostic tests. These advances have led to constant adjustments in management approaches to benign hepatic lesions. We review the biologic and clinical features of some common hepatic lesions, to guide diagnosis and management strategies.

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients: a new challenge in antiretroviral therapy era

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) has been recently reported as a liver disease in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected patients under antiretroviral therapy (ART). Combination of non-exclusive mechanisms has been described: primary endothelial damage of terminal portal veins induced by HIV or immunologic disorders, mitochondrial toxicity by didanosine and prothrombotic state. It is characterized by heterogeneous liver histological findings, frequently identified as nodular regenerative hyperplasia and clinical manifestations of portal hypertension with well-preserved liver function. We describe herein two HIV-infected patients with clinical picture suggestive of NCPH. Besides the case reports, we briefly address questions to apply to patient care in clinical practice.

Noncirrhotic portal hypertension in HIV infection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Liver disease in the HAART era is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals in Western countries. Even if the majority of cases rely on identifiable causes (viral hepatitis, steatohepatitis, alcohol abuse, drug toxicity, etc.), the cause of liver abnormalities remains unknown for a subset of patients, some of whom present with noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH).

RECENT FINDINGS

In 2006, the first reports of NCPH in HIV-infected patients attracted special attention. Typically, individuals unaware of any underlying liver illness presented with variceal bleeding, occasionally fatal. Interestingly, severe portal hypertension occurred in the absence of liver function impairment in most cases. Liver biopsy revealed a distinctive histological feature characterized by massive absence of portal veins along with focal obliteration of small portal veins. After extensive ruling out of other causes, the role of antiretroviral toxicity (particularly didanosine exposure) emerged as the major contributor to this condition. Other potential factors could be an enhanced microbial translocation from the gut and prothrombotic conditions.

SUMMARY

NCPH is an uncommon condition, although increasingly being reported in HIV-infected individuals. It generally presents as a clinical episode of decompensated portal hypertension, generally with gastrointestinal bleeding. Long-lasting HIV infection and prolonged antiretroviral exposure are universally recognized in these patients. The involvement of didanosine has been highlighted in most series. Removal of this drug and prevention of variceal bleeding episodes are currently the most effective prophylactic and therapeutic interventions.

Liver transplant outcomes in HIV-infected patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis with synthetic cohort

OBJECTIVES

The relative success of liver transplantation in those with HIV compared to HIV-uninfected individuals remains a point of intense debate. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of liver transplantation in HIV-hepatitis co-infected patients using a meta-analysis and individual patient data meta-analysis as a synthetic cohort.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, AIDSLINE (inception to 2010), AMED, CINAHL, TOXNET, Development and Reproductive Toxicology, Hazardous Substances Databank, Psych-info and relevant conferences. We included cohort studies and individual case-reports evaluating survival of co-infected transplant patients. We abstracted data on cohort and case demographics and outcomes. We pooled cohorts using a random-effects analysis and created a synthetic cohort of cases using individual patient data. We confirmed this with the pooled cohort analysis.

RESULTS

We included 15 cohort studies and 49 case series with individual patient data. At 12 months, 84.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 81.1-87.8%] of patients had survived. Within the HIV-infected population evaluated, HIV-hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection was associated with optimal survival. In an adjusted model, individuals positive for HBV were 8.28 (95% CI 2.26-30.33) times more likely to survive when compared to those without HBV. Further, individuals with an undetectable HIV viral load at the time of transplantation were 2.89 (95% CI 1.41-5.91) times more likely to survive when compared to those with detectable HIV viremia. Hepatitis C virus was not a predictor of patient survival when adjusted for by other key predictors [0.54 (95% CI 0.17-1.80)].

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia: Evolving concepts on underdiagnosed cause of portal hypertension

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) is a rare liver condition characterized by a widespread benign transformation of the hepatic parenchyma into small regenerative nodules. NRH may lead to the development of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. There are no published systematic population studies on NRH and our current knowledge is limited to case reports and case series. NRH may develop via autoimmune, hematological, infectious, neoplastic, or drug-related causes. The disease is usually asymptomatic, slowly or non-progressive unless complications of portal hypertension develop. Accurate diagnosis is made by histopathology, which demonstrates diffuse micronodular transformation without fibrous septa. Lack of perinuclear collagen tissue distinguishes NRH from typical regenerative nodules in the cirrhotic liver. While the initial treatment is to address the underlying disease, ultimately the therapy is directed to the management of portal hypertension. The prognosis of NRH depends on both the severity of the underlying illness and the prevention of secondary complications of portal hypertension. In this review we detail the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of NRH.

The role of nucleoside and nucleotide analogues in nodular regenerative hyperplasia in HIV-infected patients: a case control study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) leading to non-cirrhotic portal hypertension has been described in HIV-infected patients and has been linked to didanosine. The relation between NRH and other antiretrovirals remains unclear.

METHODS

A case-control study was performed in 13 patients with NRH and 78 controls matched for time of inclusion, baseline CD4, and duration of follow-up. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Control patients and patients with NRH were similar at baseline regarding demographics and biological data with the exception of older age for patients with NRH (43.9 vs. 33.5 years, p=0.044). At the time of NRH diagnosis, cases had a lower CD4 count (327 vs. 468/mm(3), p=0.013), a similar CD4 percentage (24 vs. 26.2%, p=0.7), a lower platelet count (169 vs. 228 giga/L, p=0.003) and a higher AST level (33 vs. 26 IU/L, p=0.001) than controls. Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients with NRH had been exposed longer than controls to didanosine, stavudine, tenofovir, didanosine+stavudine, and didanosine+tenofovir. The age at baseline [OR 2.2 (1.0-5.0) per 10 years, p=0.053] and didanosine+stavudine cumulative exposure [OR 3.7 (1.4-10.2) per year, p=0.011] were independently associated with NRH. The age at baseline [OR 2.3 (1.0-5.3) per 10 years, p=0.045], cumulative exposure to didanosine [OR 1.4 (1.1-1.9) per year, p=0.023] and to tenofovir [OR 1.7 (1.0-2.8) per year, p=0.04] were independently associated with NRH when didanosine+stavudine exposure was excluded from the model.

CONCLUSIONS

NRH in HIV-infected patients seems strongly related to age and the cumulative exposure to didanosine+stavudine, didanosine, and stavudine.

Noncirrhotic portal hypertension in HIV-infected patients: a case control evaluation and review of the literature

Idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is an infrequent but possibly underestimated cryptogenetic liver disease recently described in small series of HIV-infected patients. The exposure to antiretroviral drugs, a direct role of HIV itself, microbial translocation from the gut, or a thrombophilic propensity have been suggested as possible pathogenic mechanisms. In this case control study, we describe 11 HIV-infected patients with idiopathic NCPH and compare the activity of protein C and S, and soluble CD14 levels (a surrogate marker of the translocation of intestinal bacterial products) with 10 age- and gender-matched HIV-infected controls with no liver disease. The clinical presentation of the 11 patients with NCPH was characterised by acute variceal bleeding (2/11), ascites (2/11), portal thrombosis (2/11), and ultrasonographic and endoscopic signs of portal hypertension (11/11), with slightly high alanine transaminase (ALT) and γglutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) levels. The FibroScan median liver stiffness was 8.1 kPa, which is inconsistent with significant fibrosis, and nodular regenerative hyperplasia was diagnosed in the 5 patients who underwent liver biopsy. The NCPH patients showed no impairment of hepatic synthesis, but had lower serum albumin levels and a higher international normalized ratio (INR) than the controls (p = 0.01), and lower protein C and S activity, although within the normal range (p = 0.02 and 0.3, respectively). No significant difference in soluble CD14 was seen between the two groups. In conclusion, the etiology of NCHP is not still established, but in order to prevent the dramatic complications of portal hypertension, all HIV-infected patients with unexplained liver enzyme abnormalities or thrombocytopenia should be considered for further investigations by means of thrombophilic screening, Doppler ultrasound evaluation, and in the presence of portal hypertension, endoscopy and liver biopsy.

Clinical syndromes and consequences of antiretroviral-related hepatotoxicity

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-related hepatotoxicity complicates the management of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), increases medical costs, alters the prescription patterns, and affects the guideline recommendations. Among the clinical consequences derived from HAART-related liver toxicity, hypersensitivity reactions and lactic acidosis are recognized as acute events with potential to evolve into fatal cases, whereas there seems to be other syndromes not as well characterized but of equal concern as possible long-term liver complications. Belonging to the latter category of syndrome, HAART-related nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, and nodular regenerative hyperplasia are discussed in this review. Updated information on liver toxicity of current antiretroviral drugs, including the most recently licensed, is provided. Management and prevention of liver toxicity among HIV-infected patients treated with HAART are reviewed as well.

Colon Capsule Endoscopy compared to Conventional Colonoscopy under routine screening conditions

Background

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) has been recently recognized as an emergent cause of liver disease in HIV-infected patients. NRH may cause non-cirrhotic portal hypertension with potentially severe consequences such as refractory ascites, variceal bleeding and hypersplenism. Obliteration of the small intrahepatic portal veins in association with prothrombotic disorders linked to HIV infection itself or anti-retroviral therapy seem to be the causes of NRH and thus the term HIV-associated obliterative portopathy has been proposed.

Case Presentation

Here we describe a case of a HIV-infected patient with biopsy-proven NRH and listed for liver transplantation (LT) because of refractory ascites and repeated upper gastrointestinal bleedings. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was placed as a bridge to LT and did not improve liver function. However, anticoagulant therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was associated with rapid improvement in the liver condition and allowed to avoid LT in this patient.

Conclusions

Thus, this case underscores the relation between thrombophilia and HIV-associated NRH and emphasizes anticoagulant therapy as possible treatment.

Cryptogenic liver disease in HIV-seropositive men

OBJECTIVES

In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), liver disease has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-seropositive individuals. Although liver disease is commonly caused by viral co-infection, it has also been described in patients without viral hepatitis. In this study, we determined clinical factors associated with the development of cryptogenic liver disease in HIV-infected individuals.

METHODS

HIV-seropositive and -seronegative patients undergoing evaluation for liver transplantation were selected if they met clinical criteria for cryptogenic liver disease. Clinical data were collected retrospectively, and radiological and histological data were reviewed separately.

RESULTS

Nine HIV-seropositive individuals were compared with 41 HIV-seronegative patients with cryptogenic liver disease. Only one HIV-seropositive patient (11%) had cirrhosis, compared to 39 HIV-seronegative patients (93%) (P<0.001). Three HIV-infected patients (33%) had histological evidence of nodular regenerative hyperplasia. HIV-seropositive patients had significantly lower body mass indices, and lower Child-Pugh-Turcotte and Model for Endstage Liver Disease scores than HIV-seronegative patients (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced cryptogenic liver disease in HIV-infected patients is infrequently caused by cirrhosis, and more frequently by nodular regenerative hyperplasia. This disease entity may become more common in the HAART era, and may contribute to an increased morbidity in HIV-infected individuals.