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Alghamdi AS, Alghamdi H, Alserehi HA, Babatin MA, Alswat KA, Alghamdi M, AlQutub A, Abaalkhail F, Altraif I, Alfaleh FZ, Sanai FM. SASLT guidelines: Update in treatment of hepatitis C virus infection, 2024. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:S1-S42. [PMID: 38167232 PMCID: PMC10856511 DOI: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_333_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been a major global health concern, with a significant impact on public health. In recent years, there have been remarkable advancements in our understanding of HCV and the development of novel therapeutic agents. The Saudi Society for the Study of Liver Disease and Transplantation formed a working group to develop HCV practice guidelines in Saudi Arabia. The methodology used to create these guidelines involved a comprehensive review of available evidence, local data, and major international practice guidelines regarding HCV management. This updated guideline encompasses critical aspects of HCV care, including screening and diagnosis, assessing the severity of liver disease, and treatment strategies. The aim of this updated guideline is to assist healthcare providers in the management of HCV in Saudi Arabia. It summarizes the latest local studies on HCV epidemiology, significant changes in virus prevalence, and the importance of universal screening, particularly among high-risk populations. Moreover, it discusses the promising potential for HCV elimination as a public health threat by 2030, driven by effective treatment and comprehensive prevention strategies. This guideline also highlights evolving recommendations for advancing disease management, including the treatment of HCV patients with decompensated cirrhosis, treatment of those who have previously failed treatment with the newer medications, management in the context of liver transplantation and hepatocellular carcinoma, and treatment for special populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah S. Alghamdi
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, King Fahad Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdan Alghamdi
- Hepatology Section, Hepatobiliary Sciences and Organs Transplant Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haleema A. Alserehi
- General Directorate of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A. Babatin
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, King Fahad Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid A. Alswat
- Liver Disease Research Center, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alghamdi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, King Fahd Military Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel AlQutub
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Abaalkhail
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Al Faisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Altraif
- Hepatology Section, Hepatobiliary Sciences and Organs Transplant Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Faisal M. Sanai
- Liver Disease Research Center, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Barton JC, Barton JC, Adams PC. Prevalence and characteristics of anti-HCV positivity and chronic hepatitis C virus infection in HFE p.C282Y homozygotes. Ann Hepatol 2020; 18:354-359. [PMID: 31056361 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM Observations of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in adults with hemochromatosis are limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS We determined associations of serum ferritin (SF) with anti-HCV in non-Hispanic white North American adults in a post-screening examination. Cases included p.C282Y homozygotes (regardless of screening transferrin saturation (TS) and SF) and participants (regardless of HFE genotype) with high screening TS/SF. Controls included participants without p.C282Y or p.H63D who had normal screening TS/SF. Participants with elevated alanine aminotransferase underwent anti-HCV testing. We determined prevalence of chronic HCV infection in consecutive Alabama and Ontario referred adults with HFE p.C282Y homozygosity. RESULTS In post-screening participants, anti-HCV prevalence was 0.3% [95% CI: 0.02, 2.2] in 294 p.C282Y homozygotes, 9.5% [7.2, 12.3] in 560 Cases without p.C282Y homozygosity, and 0.7% [0.2, 2.3] in 403 Controls. Anti-HCV was detected in 7.2% of 745 participants with and 0.8% of 512 participants without elevated SF (odds ratio 9.9 [3.6, 27.6]; p<0.0001). Chronic HCV infection prevalence in 961 referred patients was 1.0% (10/961) [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.5, 2.0]. Ten patients with chronic HCV infection had median age 45y (range 29-67) and median SF 1163μg/L (range 303-2001). Five of eight (62.5%) patients had biopsy-proven cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS Odds ratio of anti-HCV was increased in post-screening participants with elevated SF. Prevalence of anti-HCV in post-screening participants with HFE p.C282Y homozygosity and chronic HCV infection in referred adults with HFE p.C282Y homozygosity in North America is similar to that of Control participants with HFE wt/wt and normal screening TS/SF.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Barton
- Southern Iron Disorders Center, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | | | - Paul C Adams
- Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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St. John TM. Chronic Hepatitis. Integr Med (Encinitas) 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-35868-2.00021-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Wyles D, Lin J. Clinical Manifestations of Acute and Chronic Hepatitis. Infect Dis (Lond) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-6285-8.00042-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Omata M, Kanda T, Wei L, Yu ML, Chuang WL, Ibrahim A, Lesmana CRA, Sollano J, Kumar M, Jindal A, Sharma BC, Hamid SS, Dokmeci AK, Al-Mahtab M, McCaughan GW, Wasim J, Crawford DHG, Kao JH, Yokosuka O, Lau GKK, Sarin SK. APASL consensus statements and recommendations for hepatitis C prevention, epidemiology, and laboratory testing. Hepatol Int 2016; 10:681-701. [PMID: 27229718 PMCID: PMC5003900 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-016-9736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) convened an international working party on "APASL consensus statements and recommendations for management of hepatitis C" in March 2015 to revise the "APASL consensus statements and management algorithms for hepatitis C virus infection" (Hepatol Int 6:409-435, 2012). The working party consisted of expert hepatologists from the Asian-Pacific region gathered at the Istanbul Congress Center, Istanbul, Turkey on 13 March 2015. New data were presented, discussed, and debated during the course of drafting a revision. Participants of the consensus meeting assessed the quality of the cited studies. The finalized recommendations for hepatitis C prevention, epidemiology, and laboratory testing are presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masao Omata
- Yamanashi Prefectural Central Hospital, 1-1-1 Fujimi, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 400-8506, Japan.
- The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Tatsuo Kanda
- Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Lai Wei
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Alaaeldin Ibrahim
- GI/Liver Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Benha, Banha, Egypt
| | | | - Jose Sollano
- University Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ankur Jindal
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Saeed S Hamid
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University and Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - A Kadir Dokmeci
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mamun Al-Mahtab
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Geofferey W McCaughan
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jafri Wasim
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University and Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Darrell H G Crawford
- University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Osamu Yokosuka
- Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - George K K Lau
- The Institute of Translational Hepatology, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shiv Kumar Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Alghamdi AS, Alghamdi M, Sanai FM, Alghamdi H, Aba-Alkhail F, Alswat K, Babatin M, Alqutub A, Altraif I, Alfaleh F. SASLT guidelines: Update in treatment of Hepatitis C virus infection. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2016; 22 Suppl:S25-57. [PMID: 27538727 PMCID: PMC5004485 DOI: 10.4103/1319-3767.188067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah S. Alghamdi
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, King Fahad Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alghamdi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, King Fahd Military Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal M Sanai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdan Alghamdi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Sciences and Liver Transplantation King Abdulaziz Medical City, and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Aba-Alkhail
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alswat
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology unit, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Babatin
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, King Fahad Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Alqutub
- Department of Medical Specialties, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Altraif
- Department of Hepatobiliary Sciences and Liver Transplantation King Abdulaziz Medical City, and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faleh Alfaleh
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology unit, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Alcohol intake alters immune responses and promotes CNS viral persistence in mice. Behav Brain Res 2016; 312:1-8. [PMID: 27269869 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection leads to progressive liver disease and is associated with a variety of extrahepatic effects, including central nervous system (CNS) damage and neuropsychiatric impairments. Alcohol abuse can exacerbate these adverse effects on brain and behavior, but the molecular mechanisms are not well understood. This study investigated the role of alcohol in regulating viral persistence and CNS immunopathology in mice infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a model for HCV infections in humans. Female and male BALB/c mice (n=94) were exposed to alcohol (ethanol; EtOH) and water (or water only) using a two-bottle choice paradigm, followed one week later by infection with either LCMV clone 13 (causes chronic infection similar to chronic HCV), LCMV Armstrong (causes acute infection), or vehicle. Mice were monitored for 60days post-infection and continued to receive 24-h access to EtOH and water. Animals infected with LCMV clone 13 drank more EtOH, as compared to those with an acute or no viral infection. Six weeks after infection with LCMV clone 13, mice with EtOH exposure evidenced higher serum viral titers, as compared to mice without EtOH exposure. EtOH intake was also associated with reductions in virus-specific CD8(+) T cell frequencies (particularly CD11a(hi) subsets) and evidence of persistent CNS viremia in chronically infected mice. These findings support the hypothesis that EtOH use and chronic viral infection can result in combined toxic effects accelerating CNS damage and neuropsychiatric dysfunction and suggest that examining the role of EtOH in regulating viral persistence and CNS immunopathology in mice infected with LCMV can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of comorbid alcohol use disorder and chronic viral infection.
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Wu CK, Chang KC, Tseng PL, Lu SN, Chen CH, Wang JH, Lee CM, Lin MT, Yen YH, Hung CH, Hu TH. Comparison of Therapeutic Response and Clinical Outcome between HCV Patients with Normal and Abnormal Alanine Transaminase Levels. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0142378. [PMID: 26968010 PMCID: PMC4788146 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Patients with chronic hepatitic C (HCV) infection and normal serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were considered to have mild disease. In Taiwan, these patients were not suggested for interferon (IFN) based therapies. The aim of study is to compare therapeutic outcomes between HCV patients with normal and elevated ALT levels. Methods We conducted a retrospective study on 3241 HCV patients treated by IFN based therapies. Patients with normal ALT levels were classified as group A (n = 186) while those with elevated ALT levels were group B (n = 3055). Results At baseline, incidence of diabetes mellitus, low platelet counts and cirrhosis were significantly higher in group B patients. The sustained virologic response (SVR) rate was comparable between the 2 groups (65.3% vs. 65.3%, P = .993). But significantly higher incidence of HCC development after HCV treatment was observed in group B (7.4% vs. 3.2%, P = .032). No significant differences with respect to the outcome of liver decompensation, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and mortality were noted between 2 groups. Multivariate analysis showed younger age, female gender, non-HCV genotype 1, lower viral load, higher platelet counts and non-cirrhosis were favorable factors for achieving SVR, rather than ALT levels. Further analysis revealed older age, cirrhosis, lower platelet levels and non- peg-interferon treatment are risk factors of HCC development. Conclusions HCV patients with normal ALT levels had similar response to antiviral therapy and low rate of HCC development after therapy. Antiviral therapies begun at early course of HCV infection may be beneficial to prevent disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Kung Wu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chin Chang
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Lin Tseng
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Houng Wang
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Mo Lee
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tsung Lin
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hao Yen
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hung Hung
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hui Hu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Berenguer J, Zamora FX, Aldámiz-Echevarría T, Von Wichmann MA, Crespo M, López-Aldeguer J, Carrero A, Montes M, Quereda C, Téllez MJ, Galindo MJ, Sanz J, Santos I, Guardiola JM, Barros C, Ortega E, Pulido F, Rubio R, Mallolas J, Tural C, Jusdado JJ, Pérez G, Díez C, Álvarez-Pellicer J, Esteban H, Bellón JM, González-García J, Miralles P, Cosín J, López J, Padilla B, Parras F, Carrero A, Aldamiz-Echevarría T, Tejerina F, Gutiérrez I, Ramírez M, Carretero S, Bellón J, Berenguer J, Alvarez-Pellicer J, Rodríguez E, Arribas J, Montes M, Bernardino I, Pascual J, Zamora F, Peña J, Arnalich F, Díaz M, González-García J, Bustinduy M, Iribarren J, Rodríguez-Arrondo F, Von-Wichmann M, Blanes M, Cuellar S, Lacruz J, Montero M, Salavert M, López-Aldeguer J, Callau P, Miró J, Gatell J, Mallolas J, Ferrer A, Galindo M, Van den Eynde E, Pérez M, Ribera E, Crespo M, Vergas J, Téllez M, Casado J, Dronda F, Moreno A, Pérez-Elías M, Sanfrutos M, Moreno S, Quereda C, Jou A, Tural C, Arranz A, Casas E, de Miguel J, Schroeder S, Sanz J, Condés E, Barros C, Sanz J, Santos I, Hernando A, Rodríguez V, Rubio R, Pulido F, Domingo P, Guardiola J, Ortiz L, Ortega E, Torres R, Cervero M, Jusdado J, Rodríguez-Zapata M, Pérez G, Gaspar G, Barquilla E, Ramírez M, Moyano B, Aznar E, Esteban H. Comparison of the Prognostic Value of Liver Biopsy and FIB-4 Index in Patients Coinfected With HIV and Hepatitis C Virus. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 60:950-8. [DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciu939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Berenguer
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM)
| | - Francisco X. Zamora
- Hospital Universitario La Paz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid
| | - Teresa Aldámiz-Echevarría
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM)
| | | | | | | | - Ana Carrero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM)
| | - Marisa Montes
- Hospital Universitario La Paz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid
| | | | | | | | - José Sanz
- Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares
| | | | | | | | | | - Federico Pulido
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre
(i+12), Madrid
| | - Rafael Rubio
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre
(i+12), Madrid
| | | | | | | | | | - Cristina Díez
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM)
| | - Julio Álvarez-Pellicer
- Hospital Universitario La Paz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid
| | | | - José M. Bellón
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM)
| | - Juan González-García
- Hospital Universitario La Paz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid
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Effects of Sustained Viral Response in Patients With HIV and Chronic Hepatitis C and Nonadvanced Liver Fibrosis. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2014; 66:280-7. [DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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KASL clinical practice guidelines: management of hepatitis C. Clin Mol Hepatol 2014; 20:89-136. [PMID: 25032178 PMCID: PMC4099340 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2014.20.2.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Histological and clinical characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis C and persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels. HEPATITIS RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2014; 2014:760943. [PMID: 24891947 PMCID: PMC4033356 DOI: 10.1155/2014/760943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (PNALT) are generally described to have mild liver disease. The aim of this study was to compare clinical and histological features in HCV-infected patients with PNALT and elevated ALT. Patients presenting to the University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago, who had biopsy proven HCV, an ALT measurement at the time of liver biopsy, at least one additional ALT measurement over the next 12 months, and liver biopsy slides available for review were identified. PNALT was defined as ALT ≤ 30 on at least 2 different occasions over 12 months. Of 1200 patients with HCV, 243 met the study criteria. 13% (32/243) of patients had PNALT while 87% (211/243) had elevated ALT. Significantly more patients with PNALT had advanced fibrosis (F3 and F4) compared to those with elevated ALT (P = 0.007). There was no significant difference in the histology activity index score as well as mean inflammatory score between the two groups. In conclusion, in a well-characterized cohort of patients at a tertiary medical center, PNALT did not distinguish patients with mild liver disease.
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Clinical Aspects of Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Antiviral Res 2014. [DOI: 10.1128/9781555815493.ch14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Farghaly HS, Metwalley KA, El-Hafeez HAA. Hepatitis C virus infection in Egyptian children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A single center study. Indian J Endocrinol Metab 2014; 18:197-201. [PMID: 24741516 PMCID: PMC3987270 DOI: 10.4103/2230-8210.129111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Only few studies have evaluated the epidemiology and risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Egyptian children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The present study aimed at measurement of the rates of anti-HCV positivity by Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) test and of HCV-Ribonucleic acid (RNA) positivity by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) among children with T1DM and to study the possible risk factors of infection. SETTINGS AND DESIGN Cross-sectional controlled study. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 150 children with T1DM (Group 1) (mean age 14. 76 ± 6.4 years). Fifty children age and sex-matched were included as control group (Group 2) (mean age 13.62 ± 2.11 years). They were screened for HCV antibodies using third generation ELISA and HCV-RNA positivity by PCR. RESULTS The frequency of anti-HCV positivity by ELISA was significantly higher in children with T1DM (n = 150) in comparison wiith control group (n = 50) (12% vs 6%; P<0.001), while the frequency of HCV-RNA positivity by PCR among the cases testing positive by ELISA was 75% for both diabetic group and control group. There were no significant differences in serum levels of liver biochemical profile in diabetic children with anti-HCV positivity (n = 18) in comparison to those with anti-HCV negativity (n = 132). Residence in rural area, low socioeconomic class and prior hospitalization were significant risk factors for anti-HCV positivity by ELISA. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of HCV infection in children with T1DM in Upper Egypt appears to be high and is mainly related to residence in rural area, low socioeconomic class and prior hospitalization. HCV infection in these children is not associated with significant changes in hepatic biochemical parameters. RECOMMENDATIONS Implementation of strict infection control measures are highly recommended to reduce the frequency of HCV infection. Furthermore, the silent evolution of HCV infection in children makes periodic screening of HCV in diabetic children mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hekma Saad Farghaly
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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16
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Abdel-Rahman M, Saad Y, El-Raziky M, Zayed N, El-Akel W, Said M, El-Beshlawy M, Esmat G. Hepatitis C genotype 4 with normal transaminases: correlation with fibrosis and response to treatment, a cohort Egyptian study of 4277 patients. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2013; 37:479-84. [PMID: 23540379 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2013.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients with persistently normal transaminases represent a subgroup of patients with mild, slowly progressive disease, natural history, and optimal management of these patients needs to be investigated in Egypt. Our aim is to assess the severity of hepatic fibrosis and response to therapy in a cohort of Egyptian HCV patients with normal transaminases. PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospective demographics, laboratory, histological features and treatment outcome of patients included in the national program for the control of viral hepatitis in Egypt since 2007 were collected. Combined pegylated IFN/ribavirin therapy was given for patients with fibrosis stage ≥ F1 and elevated transaminases while those with normal transaminase; therapy was initiated only in patients with fibrosis stage ≥ F2. RESULTS Normal ALT and AST were detected in 1308/4277 (30.6%) and 1662/4277 (38.9%) patients, respectively, while both enzymes were normal in 943 patients (22%). Multivariate regression analysis showed that lower AFP and higher platelets count (compared with elevated transaminases group) were significantly correlated with normal transaminases (P<0.01), however, HCV-RNA levels did not show such significance. The number of patients with HAI score ≥ A1 was significantly lower in normal than elevated transaminases (36.5% vs 40.9%, respectively, P<0.01) and patients with fibrosis ≥ F2 was significantly lower in normal than elevated transaminases (36.4%) and (43%), respectively (P<0.01). There was no significant correlation between baseline transaminases levels and response to treatment. CONCLUSION Normal transaminases are frequently encountered in chronic HCV Egyptian patients (22%). They show low AFP level, mild degree of activity and stage of fibrosis with no correlation with response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahasen Abdel-Rahman
- Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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17
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Wu SL, Wang SC, Tsou HH, Kuo HW, Ho IK, Liu SW, Hsu YT, Chang YS, Liu YL. Hepatitis C virus infection influences the S-methadone metabolite plasma concentration. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69310. [PMID: 23935979 PMCID: PMC3720619 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Heroin-dependent patients typically contract hepatitis C virus (HCV) at a disproportionately high level due to needle exchange. The liver is the primary target organ of HCV infection and also the main organ responsible for drug metabolism. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a major treatment regimen for opioid dependence. HCV infection may affect methadone metabolism but this has rarely been studied. In our current study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that HCV may influence the methadone dosage and its plasma metabolite concentrations in a MMT cohort from Taiwan. METHODS A total of 366 MMT patients were recruited. The levels of plasma hepatitis B virus (HBV), HCV, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies (Ab), liver aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as well as methadone and its metabolite 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) were measured along with the urine morphine concentration and amphetamine screening. RESULTS Of the 352 subjects in our cohort with HCV test records, 95% were found to be positive for plasma anti-HCV antibody. The liver functional parameters of AST (Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test, P = 0.02) and ALT (Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test, P = 0.04), the plasma methadone concentrations (Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test, P = 0.043) and the R-enantiomer of methadone concentrations (Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test, P = 0.032) were significantly higher in the HCV antibody-positive subjects than in the HCV antibody-negative patients, but not the S-EDDP/methadone dose ratio. The HCV levels correlated with the methadone dose (β= 14.65 and 14.13; P = 0.029 and 0.03) and the S-EDDP/methadone dose ratio (β= -0.41 and -0.40; P = 0.00084 and 0.002) in both univariate and multivariate regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that HCV may influence the methadone dose and plasma S-EDDP/methadone dose ratio in MMT patients in this preliminary study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiow-Ling Wu
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Research and Diagnostics, Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Chang Wang
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Hui Tsou
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Wei Kuo
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Ing-Kang Ho
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
- Center for Drug Abuse and Addiction, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Wen Liu
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ting Hsu
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Sheng Chang
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Li Liu
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Drug Safety, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Berenguer J, Alvarez-Pellicer J, Carrero A, Von Wichmann MA, López-Aldeguer J, Mallolas J, Galindo MJ, Van Den Eynde E, Téllez MJ, Quereda C, Tural C, Sanz J, Barros C, Santos I, Pulido F, Guardiola JM, Ortega E, Rubio R, Jusdado JJ, Montes ML, Gaspar G, Barquilla E, Bellón JM, González-García J. Clinical effects of viral relapse after interferon plus ribavirin in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus. J Hepatol 2013; 58:1104-12. [PMID: 23395690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Sustained viral response (SVR) after therapy with interferon-ribavirin (IF-RB) reduces liver-related (LR) complications and mortality in HIV/HCV-co-infected patients. Here, we assess the impact of end-of-treatment response with subsequent relapse (REL) on LR events (LR death, liver decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver transplantation), and liver stiffness (LS) by transient elastography. METHODS We analyzed the GESIDA 3603 Cohort (HIV/HCV-co-infected patients treated with IF-RB in 19 centers in Spain). Response to IF-RB was categorized as SVR, REL, and no response (NR). The study started when IF-RB was stopped and ended at death or the last follow-up visit. Multivariate regression analyses were adjusted for age, sex, HIV category of transmission, CDC clinical category, nadir CD4+ cell count, HCV genotype, HCV-RNA viral load, and liver fibrosis. RESULTS Of 1599 patients included, response was categorized as NR in 765, REL in 250 and SVR in 584. Median follow-up was more than 4 years in each group. Taking the group of patients with NR as reference, we found that the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of liver-related events (liver-related death, liver decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation) for patients with REL and for patients with SVR were 0.17 (0.05; 0.50) and 0.03 (0; 0.20), respectively. We also found that SVR was followed by less liver stiffness than both REL and NR. However, REL was associated with less liver stiffness than NR. CONCLUSIONS Best outcomes were achieved with an SVR. However, REL was associated with less LR mortality, decompensation, and liver stiffness than NR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Berenguer
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
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Nishimura T, Yamaguchi K, Fujii H, Okada Y, Yokomizo C, Niimi T, Sumida Y, Yasui K, Mitsuyoshi H, Minami M, Umemura A, Shima T, Okanoue T, Itoh Y. Prediction of a favorable clinical course in hepatitis C virus carriers with persistently normal serum alanine aminotransferase levels: A long-term follow-up study. Hepatol Res 2013; 43:557-62. [PMID: 22978477 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2012.01091.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Revised: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/19/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study examined serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels at first visit and their relationship with long-term normal serum ALT levels in hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers with persistently normal ALT (PNALT). METHODS HCV carriers with PNALT were identified as those patients with positivity of serum HCV RNA, ALT levels of 30 IU/L or less over a 12-month period on at least three different occasions, platelet count of more than 15 × 10(4) μl/mL and body mass index of 30 kg/m(2) or less. Outcome was retrospectively studied in 49 HCV carriers with PNALT, who were followed up for more than 10 years. RESULTS During the mean follow-up period of 14.7 ± 2.5 years, ALT levels of 30 IU/L or less were preserved in only eight patients (8/49; 16.3%). Among the 17 patients with initial ALT levels of 19 IU/L or less, nine patients remained with ALT levels of 30 IU/L or less after 10 years (9/17; 52.9%). The probability of ALT levels in PNALT being maintained at 30 IU/L or less was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in these patients than in those with initial ALT levels of 20 IU/L or more (n = 32). Abnormal ALT levels were more common in female PNALT patients aged 45-55 years, which is usually the time of menopause onset. CONCLUSION Because antiviral therapy in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C is rapidly advancing, waiting for more effective and safer treatments may be an option. The results of this study provide an important insight into this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Nishimura
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto
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20
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Nunnari G, Pinzone MR, Cacopardo B. Lack of clinical and histological progression of chronic hepatitis C in individuals with true persistently normal ALT: the result of a 17-year follow-up. J Viral Hepat 2013; 20:e131-7. [PMID: 23490382 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 09/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Thirty to 40% of patients with chronic hepatitis C have persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (PNALT). Even though traditionally considered as healthy people, most PNALT carriers actually have some degree of clinical progression and histological liver damage. We evaluated the clinical and histological outcome of a 17-year follow-up on a cohort of patients with chronic HCV infection and PNALT. Between 1994 and 2011, 70 PNALTs and 55 Hyper-alanine aminotransferase (ALT) subjects underwent a clinical, biochemical, virological and histological follow-up. At the end of the follow-up, all patients were alive. In the PNALT group, none of the patients developed hepatic decompensation, while 14.5% of Hyper-ALTs were diagnosed as affected by decompensated cirrhosis. No significant variation of the Metavir grading and staging scores was observed among PNALTs by comparing pre- and post-follow-up liver specimens. On the contrary, a significant increase in both Metavir grading and staging scores was noticed within the Hyper-ALT group. Finally, the analysis of IL28B single-nucleotide polymorphism rs12979860 revealed no difference between Hyper-ALTs and PNALTs in terms of frequency of C/C genotype. In conclusion, progression of chronic hepatitis C among PNALTs is slow or even absent, because at the end of the 17-year follow-up histological and clinical parameters had not worsened significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Nunnari
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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21
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Gonzalez HC, Jafri SM, Gordon SC. Role of liver biopsy in the era of direct-acting antivirals. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2013; 15:307. [PMID: 23319086 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-012-0307-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
An accurate assessment of the degree of fibrosis or presence of cirrhosis is critical both for the appropriate management of, and to provide prognosis for, patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. In the new era of direct acting antivirals, large numbers of patients may enter therapy, and although liver biopsy remains the gold standard, it is not practical in all settings. In recent years, a variety of noninvasive methods have been developed that may obviate the need for liver biopsy in most settings. Indirect laboratory formulas, tests, panels of biomarkers and imaging modalities may accurately stage the degree of fibrosis in hepatitis C monoinfection, hepatitis C/HIV coinfection, and post-transplant recurrent hepatitis C.
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Hepatitis C virus: a critical appraisal of new approaches to therapy. HEPATITIS RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2012; 2012:138302. [PMID: 23094146 PMCID: PMC3472509 DOI: 10.1155/2012/138302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The HCV council 2011 convened 11 leading clinicians and researchers in hepatitis C virus from academic medical centers in the United States to provide a forum for the practical and comprehensive evaluation of current data regarding best practices for integrating new direct-acting antiviral agents into existing treatment paradigms. The council investigated 10 clinical practice statements related to HCV treatment that reflect key topical areas. Faculty members reviewed and discussed the data related to each statement, and voted on the nature of the evidence and their level of support for each statement. In this new era of DAAs, a comprehensive and critical analysis of the literature is needed to equip clinicians with the knowledge necessary to design, monitor, and modify treatment regimens in order to optimize patient outcomes.
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Alghamdi AS, Sanai FM, Ismail M, Alghamdi H, Alswat K, Alqutub A, Altraif I, Shah H, Alfaleh FZ. SASLT practice guidelines: management of hepatitis C virus infection. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2012; 18 Suppl:S1-32. [PMID: 23006491 PMCID: PMC3713589 DOI: 10.4103/1319-3767.101155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah S. Alghamdi
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,Address for correspondence: Dr. Abdullah Saeed Alghamdi, Department of Medicine, King Fahad General Hospital, PO BOX 50505 (450), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. E-mail:
| | - Faisal M. Sanai
- Hepatobiliary Sciences and Liver Transplantation, King Abdulaziz Medical City, and King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, National Guard Health Affairs,Liver Disease Research Center, National Plan for Science and Technology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Ismail
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, King Fahad Hospital of the University, College of Medicine, University of Dammam, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdan Alghamdi
- Hepatobiliary Sciences and Liver Transplantation, King Abdulaziz Medical City, and King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, National Guard Health Affairs
| | - Khalid Alswat
- Liver Disease Research Center, National Plan for Science and Technology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology unit, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Alqutub
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Altraif
- Hepatobiliary Sciences and Liver Transplantation, King Abdulaziz Medical City, and King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, National Guard Health Affairs
| | - Hemant Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Faleh Z. Alfaleh
- Liver Disease Research Center, National Plan for Science and Technology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology unit, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Joseph AM. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in patients with concomitant chronic hepatitis C infection. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2012; 4:35-40. [PMID: 22870493 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x11424459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is present in 1.8% of the general US population and its prevalence worldwide is estimated at 2-3%. HCV infected patients with concomitant rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pose a particular challenge to the rheumatologist because of the risks of treatment with disease-modifying medications in patients with chronic liver infection. In this paper the difficulties of diagnosing RA in HCV patients and the safety of RA treatment in patients with both conditions are discussed.
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Pace FHDL, Ferreira LEVDC, Silva AEB, Ferraz MLG. Liver fibrosis progression in HIV/hepatitis C virus coinfected patients with normal aminotransferases levels. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2012; 45:444-7. [DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822012000400005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2011] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Approximately 30% of hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoinfected patients present persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Most of these patients have a slow progression of liver fibrosis. Studies have demonstrated the rate of liver fibrosis progression in hepatitis C virus-human immunodeficiency virus (HCV-HIV) coinfected patients is faster than in patients infected only by HCV. Few studies have evaluated the histological features of chronic hepatitis C in HIV-infected patients with normal ALT levels. METHODS: HCV-HIV coinfected patients (HCV-RNA and anti-HIV positive) with known time of HCV infection (intravenous drugs users) were selected. Patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive or hepatitis C treatment before liver biopsy were excluded. Patients were considered to have a normal ALT levels if they had at least 3 normal determinations in the previous 6 months prior to liver biopsy. All patients were submitted to liver biopsy and METAVIR scale was used. RESULTS: Of 50 studied patients 40 (80%) were males. All patients were treated with antiretroviral therapy. The ALT levels were normal in 13 (26%) patients. HCV-HIV co-infected patients with normal ALT levels had presented means of the liver fibrosis stages (0.77±0.44 versus 1.86±1.38; p<0.001) periportal inflammatory activity (0.62±0.77 versus 2.24±1.35; p<0.001) and liver fibrosis progression rate (0.058±0.043 fibrosis unit/year versus 0.118±0.102 fibrosis unit/year) significantly lower as compared to those with elevated ALT. CONCLUSIONS: HCV-HIV coinfected patients with persistently normal ALTs showed slower progression of liver fibrosis. In these patients the development of liver cirrhosis is improbable.
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Abstract
Fibrosis is a hallmark histologic event of chronic liver diseases and is characterized by the excessive accumulation and reorganization of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The gold standard for assessment of fibrosis is liver biopsy. As this procedure has various limitations, including risk of patient injury and sampling error, a non-invasive serum marker for liver fibrosis is desirable. The increasing understanding of the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis has suggested several markers which could be useful indicators of hepatic fibrogenesis and fibrosis. These markers include serum markers of liver function, ECM synthesis, fibrolytic processes, ECM degradation and fibrogenesis related cytokines. Recently, neo-epitopes, which are post-translational modifications of proteins, have been successfully used in bone and cartilage diseases which are characterized by extensive ECM remodeling. Increasing numbers of studies are being undertaken to identify neo-epitopes generated during liver fibrosis, and which ultimately might be useful for diagnosing and monitoring fibrogenesis. To date, the metalloproteinases generated fragment of collagen I, III, IV and VI have been proven to be elevated in two rat models of fibrosis. This review summarizes the recent efforts that have been made to identify potentially reliable non-invasive serum markers. We used the recently proposed BIPED (Burden of disease, Investigative, Prognostic, Efficacy and Diagnostic) system to characterize potential serum markers and neo-epitope markers that have been identified to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhui Liu
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Jafri SR, Gordon SC. Is there still a role for liver biopsy in managing hepatitis C virus infections? Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2012; 1:32-35. [PMID: 31186843 PMCID: PMC6499258 DOI: 10.1002/cld.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2010] [Revised: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Syed‐Mohammed R. Jafri
- From the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI
| | - Stuart C. Gordon
- From the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI
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Puoti C, Guarisco R, Spilabotti L, Bellis L, Mitidieri Costanza O, Dell' Unto O, Elmo MG. Should we treat HCV carriers with normal ALT levels? The '5Ws' dilemma. J Viral Hepat 2012; 19:229-35. [PMID: 22404720 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2011.01485.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 30% of patients with chronic HCV infection have persistently normal ALT levels. Although formerly referred to as 'healthy' or 'asymptomatic' HCV carriers, and thus historically excluded from antiviral treatment, it has now become clear that the majority of these patients have some degree of histological liver damage that may be significant in up to 20% of cases and might progress towards a more severe degree of liver fibrosis. A significant proportion of patients experience periods of increased serum ALT associated with enhanced disease progression. However, controversies still exist in clinical practice regarding the definition of 'persistent' ALT normality, the virological and histological features of these subjects, the need for liver biopsy, the role of noninvasive tools for the assessment of liver fibrosis, the natural history and the usefulness of antiviral treatment. The advent of new therapeutic options (pegylated interferon plus ribavirin) has shifted treatment targets towards the eradication of underlying infection, with therapy decision based on age, severity of disease and likelihood of response rather than on aminotransferase levels. This review is aimed at approaching the main unresolved issues on this topic, trying to give evidence-based answers to the more frequently asked questions from patients and their physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Puoti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Unit, Marino Hospital, Rome, Italy.
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Everson GT, Shiffman ML, Hoefs JC, Morgan TR, Sterling RK, Wagner DA, Lauriski S, Curto TM, Stoddard A, Wright EC. Quantitative liver function tests improve the prediction of clinical outcomes in chronic hepatitis C: results from the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-term Treatment Against Cirrhosis Trial. Hepatology 2012; 55:1019-29. [PMID: 22030902 PMCID: PMC3298578 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Risk for future clinical outcomes is proportional to the severity of liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). We measured disease severity by quantitative liver function tests (QLFTs) to determine cutoffs for QLFTs that identified patients who were at low and high risk for a clinical outcome. Two hundred and twenty-seven participants in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial underwent baseline QLFTs and were followed for a median of 5.5 years for clinical outcomes. QLFTs were repeated in 196 patients at month 24 and in 165 patients at month 48. Caffeine elimination rate (k(elim)), antipyrine (AP) clearance (Cl), MEGX concentration, methionine breath test (MBT), galactose elimination capacity (GEC), dual cholate (CA) clearances and shunt, perfused hepatic mass (PHM), and liver and spleen volumes (by single-photon emission computed tomography) were measured. Baseline QLFTs were significantly worse (P = 0.0017 to P < 0.0001) and spleen volumes were larger (P < 0.0001) in the 54 patients who subsequently experienced clinical outcomes. QLFT cutoffs that characterized patients as "low" and "high risk" for clinical outcome yielded hazard ratios ranging from 2.21 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-3.78) for GEC to 6.52 (95% CI: 3.63-11.71) for CA clearance after oral administration (Cl(oral)). QLFTs independently predicted outcome in models with Ishak fibrosis score, platelet count, and standard laboratory tests. In serial studies, patients with high-risk results for CA Cl(oral) or PHM had a nearly 15-fold increase in risk for clinical outcome. Less than 5% of patients with "low risk" QLFTs experienced a clinical outcome. CONCLUSION QLFTs independently predict risk for future clinical outcomes. By improving risk assessment, QLFTs could enhance the noninvasive monitoring, counseling, and management of patients with chronic HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory T. Everson
- Section of Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO
| | | | - John C. Hoefs
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, CA and Gastroenterology Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA
| | - Timothy R. Morgan
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, CA and Gastroenterology Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA
| | - Richard K. Sterling
- Hepatology Section, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | | | - Shannon Lauriski
- Section of Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO
| | | | | | - Elizabeth C. Wright
- Office of the Director, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD
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Kim TY. The effect of alanine aminotransferase dynamics on predicting sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C virus infection. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY 2012; 18:29-31. [PMID: 22511900 PMCID: PMC3326988 DOI: 10.3350/kjhep.2012.18.1.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Uto H, Mawatari S, Kumagai K, Ido A, Tsubouchi H. Clinical Features of Hepatitis C Virus Carriers With Persistently normal Alanine Aminotransferase Levels. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2012; 12:77-84. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.4851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
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Kainuma M, Furusyo N, Azuma K, Kajiwara E, Takahashi K, Nomura H, Tanabe Y, Satoh T, Maruyama T, Nakamuta M, Kotoh K, Shimoda S, Hayashi J. Pegylated interferon α-2b plus ribavirin for Japanese chronic hepatitis C patients with normal alanine aminotransferase. Hepatol Res 2012; 42:33-41. [PMID: 22103907 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2011.00907.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of a pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) α-2b plus ribavirin (RBV) combination treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who have persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (NALT). METHODS This multicenter study included 989 patients with HCV genotype 1 (114 with NALT and 875 with elevated ALT) who received weight-based doses of PEG-IFN α-2b plus RBV for 48 weeks. We compared the sustained viral response (SVR) rates of patients with NALT and elevated ALT who received at least 80% or more of the target dosage of PEG-IFN α-2b and 60% or more of the target RBV (minimum acceptable dosage). RESULTS No significant difference was found in the overall SVR rate between the NALT (42.1%) and elevated ALT groups (37.3%). No significant difference in the SVR rates was found between NALT (63.3%) and elevated ALT group (61.6%) patients who received minimum acceptable dosage. Multivariate analysis showed that age (<65 years old) and total cholesterol (≧220 mg/dL) were significantly independent positive factors associated with an SVR in the NALT group. Twenty-four weeks after treatment, an ALT increase above the normal range was observed for 34.0% (18 of 53) of the non-responsive group of NALT patients. CONCLUSIONS The efficacy and safety of PEG-IFN α-2b plus RBV combination therapy for patients with chronic HCV infection are similar for patients with NALT and those with elevated ALT levels. These results indicate that patients with NALT should be considered for treatment with PEG-IFN α-2b plus RBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mosaburo Kainuma
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Kyushu University HospitalDepartments of Medicine and Clinical Science Medicine and Bioregulatory Science Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University Department of Medicine, Hamanomachi Hospital The Center for Liver Disease, Shin-Kokura Hospital Department of Medicine, Fukuoka City Hospital Department of Gastroenterology, Kyushu Medical Center, National Hospital Organization, Fukuoka Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Steel Yawata Memorial Hospital Harunomachi Center for Liver Disease, National Hospital Organization Kokura Medical Center Harugaoka Department of Medicine, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, Kitakyushu, Japan
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Chronic Hepatitis. Integr Med (Encinitas) 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4377-1793-8.00019-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Canadian patients with chronic hepatitis B cannot access appropriate drug treatments: a call for change. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2011; 25:538-41. [PMID: 22059156 DOI: 10.1155/2011/864046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Miyazaki T, Honda A, Ikegami T, Saitoh Y, Hirayama T, Hara T, Doy M, Matsuzaki Y. Hepatitis C virus infection causes hypolipidemia regardless of hepatic damage or nutritional state: An epidemiological survey of a large Japanese cohort. Hepatol Res 2011; 41:530-41. [PMID: 21501354 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2011.00803.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIM Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis that develops into hepatocellular carcinoma. Previous studies have shown in vitro that lipids within hepatocytes are crucially important for a series of HCV infection-proliferation-release processes. On the other hand, in the patients with HCV, the serum total cholesterol (Total-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels have been reported to be lower. We conducted an epidemiological survey of a large cohort and investigated whether the lower serum lipid levels were caused by a direct or the secondary effects of HCV infection (i.e. hepatic damage or nutritional disorder). METHODS Among 146 857 participants (male, 34%; female, 66%) undergoing public health examinations between 2002 and 2007 in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, the HCV positive rates determined by HCV antibody/antigen and/or RNA tests were 1.37% and 0.67% in males and females, respectively. RESULTS In addition to Total-C and LDL-C, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were also significantly lower in the HCV positive subjects compared with the negative subjects, regardless of sex, age or nutritional state evaluated by body mass index. Multivariate analysis showed that HCV infection was the strongest among the factors to be significantly associated with the lower level of these lipids. Particularly, the hypolipidemia was also confirmed in the HCV positive subjects with normal aminotransferase levels (alanine aminotransferase ≤30 and aspartate aminotransferase ≤30). CONCLUSION This epidemiological survey in a large Japanese cohort suggests that the HCV infection itself might directly cause hypolipidemia, irrespective of host factors including age, hepatic damage and nutritional state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teruo Miyazaki
- Department of Development for Community Medicine, Tokyo Medical University Center for Collaborative Research Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center Ibaraki Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Mito Ibaraki Prefectural Central Hospital, Kasama, Japan
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Shores NJ, Maida I, Perez-Saleme L, Núñez M. Virological rather than host factors are associated with transaminase levels among HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 9:15-9. [PMID: 20071593 DOI: 10.1177/1545109709356356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a routine parameter in the assessment and monitoring of chronic hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection. Hepatitis C virus-infected African Americans (AAs) have been reported to have lower ALT levels. In this retrospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study, host and virological factors possibly associated with ALT levels were analyzed by multivariate regression analyses among HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. Of the 289 patients included, 142 were African Americans and 144 Caucasians. In multivariate analysis, only HCV genotype 3 (B 0.2 [95% CI 13.39-52.33]; P = .001) and HCV RNA >500 000 IU/mL (B 3.1 [95% CI 7.67-34.75]; P = .002) were independent predictors of higher ALT levels. Per the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) definition, 18.2% had ALT levels within normal limits. Male sex and HCV RNA <500 000 IU/mL predicted ALT within normal limits. Hepatitis C viral factors rather than race were associated with ALT levels in this HIV/HCV-coinfected population. ALT were within normal limits in 18% of patients, who more often were male and had lower Hepatitis C viral load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Shores
- Division on Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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Ahmad W, Ijaz B, Gull S, Asad S, Khaliq S, Jahan S, Sarwar MT, Kausar H, Sumrin A, Shahid I, Hassan S. A brief review on molecular, genetic and imaging techniques for HCV fibrosis evaluation. Virol J 2011; 8:53. [PMID: 21299910 PMCID: PMC3041775 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic HCV is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the present day world. The assessment of disease progression not only provides useful information for diagnosis and therapeutic supervision judgment but also for monitoring disease. Different invasive and non invasive methods are applied to diagnose the disease from initial to end stage (mild fibrosis to cirrhosis). Although, liver biopsy is still considered as gold standard to identify liver histological stages, an assessment of the disease development based on non-invasive clinical findings is also emerging and this may replace the need of biopsy in near future. This review gives brief insight on non-invasive methods currently available for predicting liver fibrosis in HCV with their current pros and cons to make easier for a clinician to choose better marker to assess liver fibrosis in HCV infected patients. Methods More than 200 studies regarding invasive and noninvasive markers available for HCV liver disease diagnosis were thoroughly reviewed. We examined year wise results of these markers based on their sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and AUROCs. Results We found that in all non-invasive serum markers for HCV, FibroTest, Forn's Index, Fibrometer and HepaScore have high five-year predictive value but with low AUROCs (0.60~0.85) and are not comparable to liver biopsy (AUROC = 0.97). Even though from its beginning, Fibroscan is proved to be best with high AUROCs (> 0.90) in all studies, no single noninvasive marker is able to differentiate all fibrosis stages from end stage cirrhosis. Meanwhile, specific genetic markers may not only discriminate fibrotic and cirrhotic liver but also differentiate individual fibrosis stages. Conclusions There is a need of marker which accurately determines the stage based on simplest routine laboratory test. Genetic marker in combination of imaging technique may be the better non invasive diagnostic method in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Ahmad
- Applied and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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Putka B, Mullen K, Birdi S, Merheb M. The disposition of hepatitis C antibody-positive patients in an urban hospital. J Viral Hepat 2009; 16:814-21. [PMID: 19842281 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2009.01137.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that only 26-61% of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody-positive patients are referred to specialists who treat HCV. However, these studies were conducted in homogeneous populations and before pegylated interferon and ribavirin became the standard of care for chronic HCV infection. The aims of this study were: (i) to determine the percentage of HCV antibody-positive patients who were referred to specialists for further management in an urban, racially diverse population, (ii) to determine the percentage of referred patients who attend specialty clinics, and (iii) to identify factors that predict referral and follow-up. All patients with a positive HCV antibody test in 2005 were identified by an inquiry of Epic, our electronic medical record system. All medical records were reviewed for demographics, location where the test was ordered (inpatient vs outpatient), specialty ordering the test, referral, clinic attendance, detectability of HCV RNA and liver function tests. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate each variable's effect on referral and clinic attendance. Overall, 251 of 375 (67%) antibody positive patients were referred to HCV specialists. Of the 251 referrals, 166 (66%) attended at least one specialty clinic appointment. Patients were more likely to be referred if their HCV antibody was ordered in the outpatient setting (77% outpatient vs 38% inpatient, P < 0.001) ordered by a family practitioner (79% FP vs 64% for internal medicine doctor vs 58% for all other specialties, P = 0.01) had detectable RNA (88% detectable vs 65% not detectable vs 23% RNA status not available, P < 0.001) or elevation of alanine aminotransferase (75% elevated vs 56% not elevated, P < 0.001). Location, HCV RNA status and ALT elevation remained significant in a multivariate logistic regression model. These data confirm that up to one-third of HCV antibody-positive patients are not referred to HCV specialists, despite the availability of improved treatment regimens. Additional patients are lost to follow-up after being referred. The reasons for suboptimal referral and specialty clinic attendance rates are probably multifactorial. Institution of reflexive RNA testing for positive antibody tests and additional education of those physicians who encounter HCV-positive individuals may improve both rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Putka
- MetroHealth Medical Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Martin-Carbonero L, de Ledinghen V, Moreno A, Maida I, Foucher J, Barreiro P, Romero M, Satta G, Garcia-Samaniego J, Gonzalez-Lahoz J, Soriano V. Liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C and persistently normal liver enzymes: influence of HIV infection. J Viral Hepat 2009; 16:790-5. [PMID: 19413693 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2009.01133.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis progress slowly in patients with chronic hepatitis C and persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (PNALT) compared to subjects with elevated aminotransferases. Differences in liver fibrosis according to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status in this population have not been examined. All patients with serum hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA and PNALT who underwent liver fibrosis assessment using elastometry since 2004 at three different European hospitals were evaluated. Patients previously treated with interferon were excluded. PNALT was defined as ALT below the upper limit of normality in at least three consecutive determinations within the last 12 months. Fibrosis stage was defined as mild (Metavir F0-F1) if stiffness < or =7.1 kPa; moderate (F2) if 7.2-9.4 kPa; severe (F3) if 9.5-14 kPa, and cirrhosis (F4) if >14 kPa. A total of 449 HIV-negative and 133 HIV-positive patients were evaluated. HIV-negative patients were older (mean age 51.8 vs 43.5 years) and more frequently females (63%vs 37%) than the HIV counterparts. Mean serum HCV-RNA was similar in both the groups (5.9 vs 5.8 log IU/mL). Overall, 78.8% of the HIV patients were on HAART and their mean CD4 count was 525 (+/-278) cells/microL. In HIV-negatives, liver fibrosis was mild in 84.6%; moderate in 8.7%, severe in 3.3% and cirrhosis was found in 3.3%. In HIV patients, these figures were 70.7%, 18.8%, 6%, and 4.5%, respectively. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, older age (odds ratio or OR: 1.04; 95% confidence interval or CI: 1.02-1.07; P < 0.001) and being HIV+ (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.21-5.85; P < 0.01) were associated with severe liver fibrosis or cirrhosis (F3-F4). Thus, severe liver fibrosis and cirrhosis are seen in 6.6% of the HCV-monoinfected and in 10.5% of HCV-HIV co-infected patients with PNALT. Some degree of liver fibrosis that justifies treatment is seen in 15% of the HCV-monoinfected but doubles to nearly 30% in HIV-HCV co-infected patients with PNALT.
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Abstract
Chronic liver disease is usually asymptomatic until its late stages and also significant hepatic necroinflammation and fibrosis may be present in persistently normal ALT levels HBV, HCV carriers or similarly, in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Given the large number of persons in the general population which may harbor a clinically significant liver disease behind the screen of normal alanine aminotransferase, more attention should be devoted to future research for alternative noninvasive markers of liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Calvaruso
- Gastroenterologia & Epatologia, DIBIMIS, Università di Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
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Miyazaki T, Honda A, Ikegami T, Hara T, Saitoh Y, Hirayama T, Doy M, Matsuzaki Y. The associated markers and their limitations for the primary screening of HCV carriers in public health examination. Hepatol Res 2009; 39:664-74. [PMID: 19453543 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2009.00513.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM Although the anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody test has been recommended to the whole Japanese population, most countries have not implemented it. The present study aims to re-evaluate the usefulness of markers examined in the general health examination for the initial screening of HCV carriers. METHODS Of the overall population, 25 142 individuals (8876 males, 16 266 females) participated in health examinations with HCV tests in 2005, and the most commonly associated markers for HCV-positive subjects were explored by multivariate analysis, based on blood biochemical, physical, sphygmomanometric and hematological parameters. Thereafter, the efficiencies of the markers were estimated from a total population of 85 013 individuals (29 502 males, 55 511 females) in 2003-2005. RESULTS The most significantly associated markers for HCV positivity were aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Optimal limits of ALT and AST by receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analysis were 24 and 27 IU (male, 33 and 28 IU; female, 22 and 26 IU), respectively. However, one-quarter of HCV carriers were not found to be positive using the optimal limits of aminotransferases. CONCLUSION The present study confirmed the limitation of serum aminotransferase levels as markers of HCV for primary screening. Therefore, at present, an anti-HCV antibody test is required for the efficient screening of HCV carriers in all health examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teruo Miyazaki
- Department of Development for Community Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Japan
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Deltenre P, Canva V, El Nady M, François C, Castelain S, Dharancy S, Louvet A, Bocket L, Lazrek M, Hollebecque A, Wartel F, Henrion J, Duverlie G, Mathurin P. A 2-log drop in viral load at 1 month is the best predictor of sustained response in HCV patients with normal ALT: a kinetic prospective study. J Viral Hepat 2009; 16:500-5. [PMID: 19457138 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2009.01100.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The most reliable predictor of a sustained virological response in patients with persistently normal ALT has not been identified. We analysed 17 patients with genotype 1 chronic HCV who underwent therapy with pegylated interferon alfa 2b and ribavirin for 48 weeks. Two patients discontinued therapy within 28 days because of side effects and the remaining 15 patients were analysed in detail. An analysis of on treatment virological response using area under the receiver operating characteristic analyses showed that a 2 log drop in HCV RNA at day 28 was the best predictor of a sustained virological response and a failure to reduce viral load by 2 logs correctly identified patients with a low (<15%) probability of achieving a sustained virological response. Introduction of this early discontinuation rule in patients with normal ALT would allow nearly half of the patients to discontinue futile therapy at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Deltenre
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Hôpital Huriez, Lille, France
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc G Ghany
- Department of Health and Human Services, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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PATEL H, HEATHCOTE EJ. When to treat and the benefits of treating hepatitis C in patients with haemophilia. Haemophilia 2009; 15:20-32. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2516.2008.01917.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Lalazar G, Pappo O, Hershcovici T, Hadjaj T, Shubi M, Ohana H, Hemed N, Ilan Y. A continuous 13C methacetin breath test for noninvasive assessment of intrahepatic inflammation and fibrosis in patients with chronic HCV infection and normal ALT. J Viral Hepat 2008; 15:716-28. [PMID: 18638013 PMCID: PMC2658713 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2008.01007.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Up to 30% of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and normal serum alanine aminotransferase (NALT) have significant liver disease. Currently, many of these patients undergo a liver biopsy to guide therapeutic decisions. The BreathID continuous online (13)C-methacetin breath test (MBT) reflects hepatic microsomal function and correlates with hepatic fibrosis. To assess its role in identifying intrahepatic inflammation and fibrosis in NALT patients, we tested 100 patients with untreated chronic HCV infection, and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers using (13)C MBT following ingestion of 75 mg methacetin. All HCV patients had undergone a liver biopsy within 12 months of performing the MBT. Patients with a necroinflammatory grade <or=4 or >4, based on Ishak (modified HAI) score, HAIa + HAIb + HAIc + HAId, were defined as having low or high inflammation, respectively. Patients with a histological activity fibrosis stage <or=2 or >2, were defined as having nonsignificant or significant fibrosis, respectively. A proprietary algorithm to differentiate intrahepatic inflammation within chronic HCV patients with NALT achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.90. Setting a threshold on the point of best agreement (at 83%) results in 82% sensitivity and 84% specificity. With application of another proprietary algorithm to differentiate patients with nonsignificant or significant fibrosis, 67% of liver biopsies performed in the patient group could have been avoided. This algorithm achieved an AUC of 0.92, with a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 88%. There was no correlation between body mass index (BMI) and MBT scores for patients with the same histological score. The continuous BreathID(13)C MBT is an accurate tool for measuring the degree of inflammation and fibrosis in patients with chronic HCV infection and NALT. As such, it may prove to be a powerful, noninvasive alternative to liver biopsy in the management of this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lalazar
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalem, Israel
| | - O Pappo
- Department of Pathology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalem, Israel
| | - T Hershcovici
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalem, Israel
| | - T Hadjaj
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalem, Israel
| | - M Shubi
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalem, Israel
| | - H Ohana
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalem, Israel
| | - N Hemed
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalem, Israel
| | - Y Ilan
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalem, Israel
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Sanai FM, Benmousa A, Al-Hussaini H, Ashraf S, Alhafi O, Abdo AA, Alameri HF, Akbar HO, Bzeizi KI. Is serum alanine transaminase level a reliable marker of histological disease in chronic hepatitis C infection? Liver Int 2008; 28:1011-8. [PMID: 18384520 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2008.01733.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 20-30% of patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have persistently normal alanine transaminase (PNALT) levels. These patients are described to have a mild degree of histological liver damage. We aimed to assess the histological liver changes in HCV patients with PNALT. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sixty-five patients with HCV and PNALT (group A) underwent a liver biopsy. PNALT was defined as three or more determinations identified to be within the normal range over 6 months or longer. The demographical features and histological changes were compared with 66 consecutive patients with chronic HCV infection and elevated ALT (group B). All patients had a detectable HCV RNA. Histological disease was scored according to the METAVIR system. RESULTS Females were more likely to have normal ALT levels (65%). The mean ALT level in Group A and B was 30 and 105 IU/L respectively. No patient in either group had normal histology. The mean necro-inflammatory scores in groups A and B (2.0+/-0.68 vs 2.09+/-0.67) and the mean fibrosis scores (2.11+/-0.87 vs 2.24+/-1.04) were not significantly different. Bridging fibrosis in groups A and B was seen in 24.6 and 37.9% patients, respectively, while cirrhosis was seen in 6.2 and 7.6% patients respectively. Hepatic steatosis in groups A and B (0.94+/-0.86 vs 1.0+/-1.02 respectively) was also not significantly different and did not show any association with the fibrosis scores across the two groups. In group A, the necro-inflammatory and fibrosis scores of patients with and without steatosis were not statistically significant. Age was the only predictor of normal ALT levels. However, increasing age did not show a significant increase in histological activity in either group beyond a certain age. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that ALT is a poor surrogate marker for inflammation and fibrosis in HCV patients. Given the presence of significant necro-inflammation in PNALT patients, the risk/benefit ratio justifies treatment without the need for a liver biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal M Sanai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Riyadh Military Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Pegylated Interferons: Clinical Applications in the Management of Hepatitis C Infection. HEPATITIS C VIRUS DISEASE 2008. [PMCID: PMC7122148 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-71376-2_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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Akkaya O, Kiyici M, Yilmaz Y, Ulukaya E, Yerci O. Clinical significance of activity of ALT enzyme in patients with hepatitis C virus. World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13:5481-5. [PMID: 17907292 PMCID: PMC4171283 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i41.5481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in relation to the clinical, biochemical, ultrasonographic and histological characteristics of patients with hepatitis C virus.
METHODS: Duration of disease, HCV-RNA, liver steatosis, and the hepatitis activity index (HAI) were correlated with serum ALT in 36 patients with HCV. ALT values were also investigated in 16 control subjects without any liver diseases.
RESULTS: In bivariate analyses, ALT levels correlated with duration of HCV infection (P < 0.01), HCV-RNA (P < 0.05), and the HAI (P < 0.01). Among the components of the HAI, ALT concentrations were significantly associated with periportal bridging/necrosis (P < 0.01) and fibrosis (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, periportal bridging/necrosis (β = 0.508; P < 0.01), duration of HCV infection (β = 0.413; P < 0.01), and HCV-RNA (β = 0.253; P < 0.05) were independently associated with ALT activity. The normal ALT activity for men and women was < 23 IU/L and < 22 IU/L, respectively.
CONCLUSION: In patients with HCV, alterations in the liver tissue as reflected by ALT elevation are mainly associated with periportal bridging/necrosis, viral load and duration of disease. A cut-off value < 23 IU/L distinguished with high diagnostic accuracy healthy controls from patients with HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onder Akkaya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Uludag University Medical School, Bursa, Turkey
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