Extrahepatic Manifestations of Hepatitis C Virus

Serologic screening for viral infections among blood donors: a study in a blood bank in southern Brazil

BACKGROUND

Routine screening for viral infections at blood donation is important to avoid transfusion-transmitted infections. It also offers an opportunity to detect an asymptomatic infection.

OBJECTIVE

To study changes in serology positivity for viral infections (B and C hepatitis, HTLV-1/2, and HIV) at blood donation in a blood bank from Southern Brazil, comparing two periods of 5 years: the period from 2013 to 2017 with the period from 2018 to 2022. In addition, data on the donor fidelity rate during the studied period were sought.

METHODS

Retrospective study using data from 2013 to 2022 from a single blood center electronic database from Curitiba, Southern Brazil.

RESULTS

A significant drop in positive serology for all studied viruses was observed: highest in HIV (OR=0.39; 95% CI=0.27-0.57) and lowest in total anti HBc (0.56; 95 CI=0.50-0.63). Anti HBc serology became more commonly seen in women in the period of 2018-2022 when compared to men. No changes in the distribution of positive serology according to donors' ages were observed. Loyalty rates had a median of 70%, with the lowest being 60% in 2013, while the highest was 73% in 2018 and 2022.

CONCLUSION

A significant reduction in discarded blood bags due to viral serology was observed when the period of 2013-2017 was compared to 2018-2022 on this blood bank; the highest reduction was observed in HIV serology and the lowest in HBc serology, which became more common in women in the second period. High rates of donor fidelity were observed during the period studied.

Crossroads between Skin and Endocrine Glands: The Interplay of Lichen Planus with Thyroid Anomalies

In this narrative review, we aimed to overview the interplay between lichen planus (LP) and thyroid conditions (TCs) from a dual perspective (dermatologic and endocrine), since a current gap in understanding LP-TC connections is found so far and the topic is still a matter of debate. We searched PubMed from Inception to October 2023 by using the key terms "lichen planus" and "thyroid", (alternatively, "endocrine" or "hormone"). We included original clinical studies in humans according to three sections: LP and TC in terms of dysfunction, autoimmunity, and neoplasia. Six studies confirmed an association between the thyroid dysfunction (exclusively hypothyroidism) and LP/OL (oral LP); of note, only one study addressed cutaneous LP. The sample size of LP/OLP groups varied from 12-14 to 1500 individuals. Hypothyroidism prevalence in OLP was of 30-50%. A higher rate of levothyroxine replacement was identified among OLP patients, at 10% versus 2.5% in controls. The highest OR (odd ratio) of treated hypothyroidism amid OLP was of 2.99 (p < 0.005). Hypothyroidism was confirmed to be associated with a milder OLP phenotype in two studies. A single cohort revealed a similar prevalence of hypothyroidism in LP versus non-LP. Non-confirmatory studies (only on OLP, not cutaneous LP) included five cohorts: a similar prevalence of hypothyroidism among OLP versus controls, and a single cohort showed that the subjects with OLP actually had a lower prevalence of hypothyroidism versus controls (1% versus 4%). Positive autoimmunity in LP/OLP was confirmed in eight studies; the size of the cohorts varied, for instance, with 619 persons with LP and with 76, 92, 105, 108, 192, 247, and 585 patients (a total of 1405) with OLP, respectively; notably, the largest control group was of 10,441 individuals. Four clusters of approaches with respect to the autoimmunity in LP/OLP were found: an analysis of HT/ATD (Hashimoto's thyroiditis/autoimmune thyroid diseases) prevalence; considerations over the specific antibody levels; sex-related features since females are more prone to autoimmunity; and associations (if any) with the clinical aspects of LP/OLP. HT prevalence in OLP versus controls was statistically significantly higher, as follows: 19% versus 5%; 12% versus 6%; and 20% versus 9.8%. A single study addressing LP found a 12% rate of ATDs. One study did not confirm a correlation between OLP-associated clinical elements (and OLP severity) and antibody values against the thyroid, and another showed that positive TPOAb (anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies) was more often found in erosive than non-erosive OLP (68% versus 33%). Just the reverse, one cohort found that OLP subjects had a statistically significantly lower rate of positive TPOAb versus controls (9% versus 15%). Five case-control studies addressed the issue of levothyroxine replacement for prior hypothyroidism in patients that were diagnosed with OLP (no study on LP was identified); three of them confirmed a higher rate of this treatment in OLP (at 8.9%, 9.7%, and 10.6%) versus controls. In conclusion, with regard to LP/OLP-TC, we note several main aspects as practical points for multidisciplinary practitioners: OLP rather than LP requires thyroid awareness; when it comes to the type of thyroid dysfunction, mostly, hypothyroidism should be expected; female patients are more prone to be associated with ATDs; a potential higher ratio of OLP subjects taking levothyroxine was found, thus a good collaboration with an endocrinology team is mandatory; and so far, OLP individuals have not been confirmed to be associated with a higher risk of thyroid nodules/cancer.

Cognitive, neurological and psychiatric disorders occurring in Hepatitis C Virus infection

Chronic Hepatitis C is associated with many extrahepatic manifestations. Central nervous system is frequently involved, but the pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood. Local and systemic inflammation, ischemia, immune-mediated phenomena have been described in this context. Clinical manifestations include cognitive alterations, stroke, depression and demyelinating phenomena. It is unclear if cognitive deficits can be improved or resolved with viral eradication and to understand this, could have important therapeutical implications.

Current and future challenges in HCV: insights from an Italian experts panel

BACKGROUND

The recent availability of direct acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) has drastically changed hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment scenarios, due to the exceedingly high rates of sustained virological response (SVR) and excellent tolerability allowing for treatment at all disease stages.

METHODS

A panel of Italian experts was convened twice, in November 2016 and January 2017, to provide further support on some open issues and provide guidance for personalized HCV care, also in light of forthcoming regimens.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Treatment recommendations issued by international and national liver societies to guide clinicians in the management of HCV infection are constantly updated due to accumulating new data. Such recommendations may not be applicable to all healthcare settings for a variety of reasons. Moreover, some gaps still remain and the spectrum of patients to be treated is also evolving.

Efficacy and Safety of Direct Acting Antivirals for the Treatment of Mixed Cryoglobulinemia

OBJECTIVES

Mixed cryoglobulinemia is strongly associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and ranges from being asymptomatic to causing life-threatening vasculitis. In those with symptoms, treatment with pegylated interferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) reduces mortality. However, few data are available on the safety and efficacy of antiviral therapy with direct acting antivirals (DAAs) in the treatment of HCV-related cryoglobulinemia.

METHODS

Patients treated for HCV-related cryoglobulinemia with DAA±pegIFN were retrospectively evaluated at a tertiary care center. Primary outcomes were virological, immunological, and clinical response. Complete (normalization), partial (>50% reduction), or non-response (<50% reduction) were used to describe change in cryocrit or vasculitic manifestations at week 12 post treatment. Side effects, hospitalizations, and decompensating events were recorded.

RESULTS

Eighteen symptomatic and 65 asymptomatic patients were reviewed (61% male, median age 58 years) including 10 with severe/life-threatening vasculitis. Sixty-six (79.5%) patients received pegIFN-free therapy. Sustained virological response (SVR) was attained in 16 (88.9%) symptomatic and 59 (90.8%) asymptomatic patients. Cryoglobulins disappeared in 5 (29.4%) symptomatic and 27 (52.9%) asymptomatic patients. Of symptomatic patients with SVR, clinical response was complete in 7 (38.8%) and partial response in 4 (22.2%). Of the 5 viral relapsers, 1 had a complete response during therapy with no symptomatic recurrence, while the other patients had no clinical response. Among 7 with severe vasculitis, 6 achieved SVR but only 1 had a complete clinical response, with 3 showing a partial response and 2 showing no improvement. All four with life-threatening vasculitis required plasmapheresis and three received rituximab. All achieved SVR leading to partial clinical response in two, but no response in two. Skin manifestations (39% reduction) were most likely to completely resolve with lower responses seen in renal (11.2% reduction) and neurological symptoms (11.1%). Eighty-two (98.8%) patients completed therapy, with 19 (22.8%) reporting adverse events. Hospitalization for decompensation or worsening vasculitis occurred in five (6.0%) and four (22.2) patients respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

DAAs resulted in high rates of SVR in patients with cryoglobulinemia. Safety and tolerability were excellent; however, most patients did not have a complete clinical or immunological response, suggesting a delay to clinical response particularly in those with severe/life-threatening vasculitis. Further follow-up will be required to determine if clinical improvement continues after viral clearance.

Dermatologic Manifestations of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with various extrahepatic manifestations, including dermatologic involvement mostly caused by immune complexes. Mixed cryoglobulinemia has a strong relationship with HCV with 95% of these patients being infected with HCV. Lichen planus is a disease of the squamous epithelium and may affect any part of the skin, with 4% to 24% of patients with lichen planus reported to have chronic HCV infection. Porphyria cutanea tarda is the most common form of porphyria, and it is thought that HCV interferes with iron stores, which can promote porphyria cutanea tarda. Finally, necrolytic acral erythema is a rare, psoriasis-like disease closely associated with HCV.

Extrahepatic Manifestations of Hepatitis C Virus After Liver Transplantation

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a leading cause of chronic liver disease in the United States. Although the hepatic impact of chronic HCV leading to cirrhosis and the need for liver transplantation is paramount, the extrahepatic manifestations of chronic HCV infection are equally important. In particular, a better understanding of the prevalence and impact of extrahepatic manifestations of chronic HCV infection in the post-liver transplant setting relies on understanding the interplay between the effects of chronic HCV infection in a posttransplant environment characterized by strong immunosuppression and the associated risks of this milieu.

Prevention of hepatitis C recurrence by bridging sofosbuvir/ribavirin from pre- to post-liver transplant: a real-life strategy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) re-infection following liver transplant (LT) is associated with reduced graft and patient survival. Before transplant, Sofosbuvir/Ribavirin (SOF/R) treatment prevents recurrent HCV in 96% of those patients achieving viral suppression for at least 4 weeks before transplant. We evaluated whether a bridging SOF-regimen from pre- to post-transplant is safe and effective to prevent HCV recurrence in those patients with less than 4 weeks of HCV-RNA undetectability at the time of transplant.

METHODS

From July 2014 SOF/R was given in 233 waitlisted HCV cirrhotics with/without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within an Italian Compassionate Program. One hundred patients were transplanted and 31 patients (31%) treated with SOF/R bridging therapy were studied.

RESULTS

Liver transplant indication in bridge subgroup was HCC in 22 and decompensated cirrhosis in 9. HCV-genotype was 1/4 in 18 patients. SOF 400 mg/day and R (median dosage 800 mg/day) were given for a median of 35 days before LT. At transplant time, 19 patients were still HCV-RNA positive (median HCV-RNA 58 IU/mL). One recipient had a virological breakthrough at week 4 post-transplant; one died, on treatment, 1-month post-transplant for sepsis and 29/31 achieved a 12-week sustained virological response (94%). Acute cellular rejection occurred in three recipients. On September 2016, 30 recipients (97%) were alive with a median follow-up of 18 months (range 13-25).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with suboptimal virological response at LT, a bridging SOF/R regimen helps avoiding post-transplant graft reinfection.

Common issues in the management of patients in the waiting list and after liver transplantation

The present document contains the recommendations of an expert panel of transplant hepatologists, appointed by the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF), on how to manage the most common aspects of liver transplantation: the topics covered include: new treatments for HCV in patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation; antiviral treatments in patients with HCV recurrence after liver transplantation; prophylaxis for HBV recurrence after liver transplantation; indications for liver transplantation in alcoholic liver disease; and Immunosuppressive therapy. The statements on each topic were approved by participants at the AISF Transplant Hepatologist Expert Meeting (organized by the Permanent Committee on Liver Transplantation in Mondello on 4-5 October 2015), and are graded according to the Oxford classification of levels of evidence.

From current status to optimization of HCV treatment: Recommendations from an expert panel

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem at a global level, causing an enormous burden of hepatic and extra-hepatic morbidity and mortality. Treatment of chronic HCV (CHC) has been revolutionized in the last few years by the introduction of highly effective and well tolerated direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) able to achieve >90% rates of sustained virological response (SVR) in many groups of patients, including those previously excluded from interferon-based regimens. For such reason interferon-free regimens are now the treatments of choice for all patients. Successful anti-HCV treatment can stop liver disease progression and can solve the HCV-related extra hepatic manifestations, eventually reducing both liver-related and overall mortality. Together with the rapidly accumulating data about the evolution of treatment landscape, different guidelines from national and international Liver Scientific Societies have been published until today. However, these recommendations may not be applied worldwide as, due to high treatment costs, most of them identify as priority groups only patients with advanced liver disease. Moreover some types of patients pose clinical management problems for which even the guidelines do not always provide useful answers. With the aim of treatment optimization by filling some of the gaps of the current guidelines and addressing the remaining unmet needs in practice, a group of Italian experts, experienced on treatment of HCV infection, met in Stresa in February 2016. The summary of all the considerations arising from this two-day meeting and the final statements are reported in this position paper.

Type 2 Diabetes in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Hepatitis C Virus Infection--Liver: The "Musketeer" in the Spotlight

The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) involves chronic hyperinsulinemia due to systemic and hepatic insulin resistance (IR), which if uncorrected, will lead to progressive pancreatic beta cell failure in predisposed individuals. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of fatty (simple steatosis and steatohepatitis) and non-fatty liver changes (NASH-cirrhosis with or without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)) that are commonly observed among individuals with multiple metabolic derangements, notably including visceral obesity, IR and T2D. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is also often associated with both hepatic steatosis and features of a specific HCV-associated dysmetabolic syndrome. In recent years, the key role of the steatotic liver in the development of IR and T2D has been increasingly recognized. Thus, in this comprehensive review we summarize the rapidly expanding body of evidence that links T2D with NAFLD and HCV infection. For each of these two liver diseases with systemic manifestations, we discuss the epidemiological burden, the pathophysiologic mechanisms and the clinical implications. To date, substantial evidence suggests that NAFLD and HCV play a key role in T2D development and that the interaction of T2D with liver disease may result in a "vicious circle", eventually leading to an increased risk of all-cause mortality and liver-related and cardiovascular complications. Preliminary evidence also suggests that improvement of NAFLD is associated with a decreased incidence of T2D. Similarly, the prevention of T2D following HCV eradication in the era of direct-acting antiviral agents is a biologically plausible result. However, additional studies are required for further clarification of mechanisms involved.