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Tada T, Toyoda H, Kumada T, Kurisu A, Sugiyama A, Akita T, Ohisa M, Aikata H, Miki D, Chayama K, Tanaka J. Comparison of liver disease state progression in patients with eradication of versus persistent infection with hepatitis C virus: Markov chain analysis. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:538-547. [PMID: 33215790 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the long-term prognosis of liver disease in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication after antiviral therapy versus those with persistent HCV infection. Four hundred and eighty patients (5259 person-years [PYs]) who received interferon-based therapy and achieved sustained virologic response and 848 patients (3853 PYs) with persistent HCV infection were included. In the analysis of 1-year liver disease state transition probability matrices using Markov chain models, progression to cirrhosis from the chronic hepatitis state was observed (0.00%-0.63%) in patients with HCV eradication. Among patients with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis and HCV eradication, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development was observed in males aged ≥ 50 years (0.97%-1.96%) and females aged ≥ 60 years (0.26%-5.00%). Additionally, in patients with cirrhosis and HCV eradication, improvement to chronic hepatitis was also observed (4.94%-10.64%). Conversely, in patients with chronic hepatitis and persistent HCV infection, progression to cirrhosis was observed in males aged ≥ 30 years and female aged ≥ 40 years (0.44%-1.99%). In males aged ≥ 40 years and female aged ≥ 50 years with cirrhosis, the transition probability for HCC was relatively high (4.17%-14.02%). Under the assumption of either chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis at age 40 or 60 years as the starting condition for simulation over the next 30 or 40 years, respectively, the probability of HCC was higher in patients with persistent HCV infection than those with HCV eradication. In conclusion, HCV eradication can reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis or HCC in patients with chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Tada
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital, Himeji, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Takashi Kumada
- Faculty of Nursing, Gifu Kyoritsu University, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Akemi Kurisu
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Project Research Center for Epidemiology and Prevention of Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Aya Sugiyama
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Project Research Center for Epidemiology and Prevention of Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Akita
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Project Research Center for Epidemiology and Prevention of Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ohisa
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Project Research Center for Epidemiology and Prevention of Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aikata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Daiki Miki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Junko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Project Research Center for Epidemiology and Prevention of Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Tada T, Toyoda H, Yasuda S, Kumada T, Kurisu A, Ohisa M, Akita T, Tanaka J. Long-term prognosis of liver disease in patients with eradicated chronic hepatitis C virus: An analysis using a Markov chain model. Hepatol Res 2020; 50:936-946. [PMID: 32401388 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM The long-term prognosis of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who have received antiviral therapy and who demonstrate HCV eradication remains incompletely characterized. In this study, we investigated the long-term prognosis of liver disease in patients with eradication of HCV. METHODS A total of 552 patients with chronic HCV infection (6815 person-years) who were treated with interferon-based therapy and who achieved sustained virologic response were included. Yearly transition probabilities for each liver state (chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) were calculated using a Markov chain model. RESULTS In the analysis of 1-year liver disease state transition probabilities, progression to cirrhosis occurred in 0.5-2.1% of male patients with chronic hepatitis across all age groups. In male patients with cirrhosis, HCC developed in 0.6-1.9% of patients over the age of 50 years. In female patients with chronic hepatitis, progression to cirrhosis occurred in 0.4-2.1% of patients across all age groups. In addition, in female patients with cirrhosis, HCC developed in those aged 60-69 (0.4%) and 70-79 (0.4%) years. Under the assumption of either a chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis state at age 40 or 60 years as the starting condition for simulation over the next 40 or 20 years, respectively, the probability of HCC gradually increased with age and was higher in male patients. CONCLUSIONS The development or progression of cirrhosis and the development of HCC are risks in HCV patients despite HCV eradication, not only in those with cirrhosis but also in those with chronic hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Tada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan.,Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and Prevention, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Himeji Red Cross Hospital, Himeji, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Takashi Kumada
- Faculty of Nursing, Gifu Kyoritsu University, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Akemi Kurisu
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and Prevention, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ohisa
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and Prevention, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Akita
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and Prevention, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Junko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and Prevention, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
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3
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Tada T, Toyoda H, Yasuda S, Miyake N, Kumada T, Kurisu A, Ohisa M, Akita T, Tanaka J. Natural history of liver-related disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: An analysis using a Markov chain model. J Med Virol 2019; 91:1837-1844. [PMID: 31254403 PMCID: PMC6771942 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term prognosis of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV) remains incompletely characterized. We investigated the long-term prognosis of liver disease in patients with chronic HCV infection who have not received antiviral therapy. METHODS A total of 2304 patients with chronic HCV who were not received interferon-based therapy were included. RESULTS In the assessment of 1-year disease state of liver transition probabilities, progression to chronic hepatitis occurred in 12% to 14% of patients across all age groups in male asymptomatic carriers. In male patients with chronic hepatitis, progression to cirrhosis was observed mostly in the 60 to 69 (7.6%) and ≥70 age groups (9.6%). In addition, in male patients with cirrhosis, HCC development occurred in approximately 5% of patients over the age of 40. In female asymptomatic carriers, progression to chronic hepatitis was observed in 6% to 14% of patients across all age groups. In female patients with chronic hepatitis, progression to cirrhosis was observed mostly in the 60 to 69 (8.7%) and ≥70 (7.4%) age groups. In addition, in female patients with cirrhosis, HCC development occurred in 0.9% to 3.3% of patients over the age of 50. Under assumptions of either chronic hepatitis or asymptomatic carrier state at age 40 as the starting condition for simulation over the following 40 years, the probability of HCC gradually increased with age and was higher in male patients. CONCLUSIONS There is a risk of cirrhosis or HCC development in HCV patients with not only chronic hepatitis but the asymptomatic carrier state as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Tada
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOgaki Municipal HospitalOgakiGifuJapan
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and PreventionHiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshimaJapan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOgaki Municipal HospitalOgakiGifuJapan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOgaki Municipal HospitalOgakiGifuJapan
| | - Nozomi Miyake
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOgaki Municipal HospitalOgakiGifuJapan
| | - Takashi Kumada
- Faculty of NursingGifu Kyoritsu UniversityOgakiGifuJapan
| | - Akemi Kurisu
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and PreventionHiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshimaJapan
| | - Masayuki Ohisa
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and PreventionHiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshimaJapan
| | - Tomoyuki Akita
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and PreventionHiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshimaJapan
| | - Junko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and PreventionHiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshimaJapan
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Mölleken C, Ahrens M, Schlosser A, Dietz J, Eisenacher M, Meyer HE, Schmiegel W, Holmskov U, Sarrazin C, Sorensen GL, Sitek B, Bracht T. Direct-acting antivirals-based therapy decreases hepatic fibrosis serum biomarker microfibrillar-associated protein 4 in hepatitis C patients. Clin Mol Hepatol 2018; 25:42-51. [PMID: 30449076 PMCID: PMC6435967 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2018.0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims An estimated 80 million people worldwide are infected with viremic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Even after eradication of HCV with direct acting antivirals (DAAs), hepatic fibrosis remains a risk factor for hepatocarcinogenesis. Recently, we confirmed the applicability of microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) as a serum biomarker for the assessment of hepatic fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of MFAP4 as a biomarker of liver fibrosis after HCV eliminating therapy with DAAs. Methods MFAP4 was measured using an immunoassay in 50 hepatitis C patients at baseline (BL), the end-of-therapy (EoT), and the 12-week follow-up (FU) visit. Changes in MFAP4 from BL to FU and their association with laboratory parameters including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), platelets, the AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4), and albumin were analyzed. Results MFAP4 serum levels were representative of the severity of hepatic fibrosis at BL and correlated well with laboratory parameters, especially APRI (Spearman correlation, R²=0.80). Laboratory parameters decreased significantly from BL to EoT. MFAP4 serum levels were found to decrease from BL and EoT to FU with high statistical significance (Wilcoxon p<0.001 for both). Conclusions Our findings indicate that viral eradication resulted in reduced MFAP4 serum levels, presumably representing a decrease in hepatic fibrogenesis or fibrosis. Hence, MFAP4 may be a useful tool for risk assessment in hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis after eradication of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Mölleken
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Maike Ahrens
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Chrestos Concept GmbH & Co. KG, Essen, Germany
| | - Anders Schlosser
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Julia Dietz
- Medical Clinic 1, J.W. Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Martin Eisenacher
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Helmut E Meyer
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - e.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | - Wolff Schmiegel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Uffe Holmskov
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christoph Sarrazin
- Medical Clinic 1, J.W. Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany.,Medical Clinic 2, St. Josefs-Hospital, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Grith Lykke Sorensen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Barbara Sitek
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thilo Bracht
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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D'Ambrosio R, Aghemo A, Rumi MG, Degasperi E, Sangiovanni A, Maggioni M, Fraquelli M, Perbellini R, Rosenberg W, Bedossa P, Colombo M, Lampertico P. Persistence of hepatocellular carcinoma risk in hepatitis C patients with a response to IFN and cirrhosis regression. Liver Int 2018; 38:1459-1467. [PMID: 29377616 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM In patients with HCV-related cirrhosis, a sustained virological response may lead to cirrhosis regression. Whether histological changes translate into prevention of long-term complications, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma is still unknown. This was investigated in a cohort of histological cirrhotics who had been prospectively followed-up for 10 years after the achievement of a sustained virological response to IFN. METHODS In all, 38 sustained virological response cirrhotics who underwent a liver biopsy 5 years post-SVR were prospectively followed to assess the impact of cirrhosis regression on clinical endpoints. RESULTS During a follow-up of 86 (30-96) months from liver biopsy, no patients developed clinical decompensation, whilst 5 (13%) developed hepatocellular carcinoma after 79 (7-88) months. The 8-year cumulative probability of hepatocellular carcinoma was 17%, without differences between patients with or without cirrhosis regression (19% [95% CI 6%-50%] vs 14% [95% CI 4%-44%], P = .88). Patients who developed or did not an hepatocellular carcinoma had similar rates of residual cirrhosis (P = 1.0), collagen content (P = .48), METAVIR activity (P = .34), portal inflammation (P = .06) and steatosis (P = .17). At baseline, patients who developed an hepatocellular carcinoma had higher γGT (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.06; P = .014) and glucose (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.02; P = .012) values; moreover, they had increased Forns Score (HR 12.8, 95% CI 1.14-143.9; P = .039), Lok Index (HR 6.24, 95% CI 1.03-37.6; P = .046) and PLF (HR 19.3, 95% CI 1.72-217.6; P = .016) values. One regressor died of lung cancer. The 8-year cumulative survival probability was 97%, independently on cirrhosis regression (96% vs 100%, P = 1.0) or hepatocellular carcinoma (100% vs 97%, P = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS Post-SVR cirrhosis regression does not prevent hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta D'Ambrosio
- A. M. and A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Aghemo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano-Milan, Italy.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano-Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Rumi
- Division of Hepatology, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Degasperi
- A. M. and A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Sangiovanni
- A. M. and A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Maggioni
- Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mirella Fraquelli
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Perbellini
- A. M. and A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - William Rosenberg
- Center for Hepatology, Division of Medicine, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Pierre Bedossa
- Department of Pathology and INSERM U773, Hopital Beaujon, Universitée Paris-Diderot, Clichy, France
| | - Massimo Colombo
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano-Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- A. M. and A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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6
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Olveira A, Domínguez L, Troya J, Arias A, Pulido F, Ryan P, Benítez LM, González-García J, Montes ML. Persistently altered liver test results in hepatitis C patients after sustained virological response with direct-acting antivirals. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:818-824. [PMID: 29476581 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Guidelines recommend evaluating persistent alteration of liver tests in HCV-infected patients after sustained virological response (SVR) and its influence on liver disease progression. We studied the prevalence, etiology, associated factors and evolutionary implications of persistent alteration of liver tests in HCV patients after direct-acting antivirals (DAA)-induced SVR. This was a prospective study of HCV-infected patients and SVR after DAA. Those with another previously diagnosed liver disease were excluded. Persistent alteration of liver tests was defined as any increase in ALT, AST or GGT at SVR12 and SVR24. Causes were determined according to standard clinical practice, including liver biopsy and follow-up transient elastography. A total of 1112 patients were included (70.8% males, median age 53 years, 38.8% cirrhosis, 34.9% interferon-experienced, 56.8% HIV-coinfected). Persistent alteration of liver tests was detected in 130/1112 patients (11.7% [95%CI: 9.7-13.6]). Its frequency differed between HCV-monoinfected (45/480: 9.4% [95%CI: 6.7-12.1]) and HIV-coinfected (85/632: 13.5% [95%CI: 10.7-16.2]) (P = .046). In multivariable analysis, cirrhosis (OR 2.12; 95%CI: 1.28-3.53; P = .004) and baseline transient elastography values (OR 1.03; 95%CI: 1.01-1.04; P = .000) were associated with persistent alteration of liver tests. The main etiologies were clinical diagnosis suggestive of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in 47 (36.2%), alcohol in 30 (23.1%) and drug consumption in 19 (14.6%). Baseline and follow-up transient elastography was performed in 594 patients and showed a significantly different decrease in patients who did or did not have a persistent alteration of liver tests (-21.1% vs -30%, respectively; P = .003), independently of sex, HIV status or baseline TE value. In conclusion, persistent alteration of liver tests is not infrequent after SVR. It is associated with cirrhosis and baseline transient elastography, and the main cause is fatty liver. According to transient elastography changes, persistent alteration of liver tests seems to affect the course of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Olveira
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Domínguez
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica del Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - J Troya
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Arias
- Servicio Medicina Interna, Unidad de trasplante hepático, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain
| | - F Pulido
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica del Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - P Ryan
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
| | - L M Benítez
- Servicio Medicina Interna, Unidad de trasplante hepático, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain
| | - J González-García
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - M L Montes
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPaz, Madrid, Spain
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Changes in liver stiffness and steatosis among patients with hepatitis C virus infection who received direct-acting antiviral therapy and achieved sustained virological response. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 30:546-551. [PMID: 29494353 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM Whether direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy can reduce liver fibrosis and steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains unclear. We evaluated sequential changes in liver stiffness and steatosis using transient elastography (TE) and the TE-based controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) in patients with HCV who received DAA therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 57 patients with HCV who received DAA therapy and achieved sustained virological response (SVR) were analyzed. Liver stiffness as evaluated with TE, steatosis as evaluated with CAP, and laboratory data were assessed before treatment (baseline), at end of treatment (EOT), 24 weeks after EOT (SVR24), and 48 weeks after EOT (SVR48). RESULTS Alanine aminotransferase levels, corresponding to the presence of necroinflammatory activity, significantly decreased overall, with significant differences between baseline and EOT, EOT, and SVR24, and baseline and SVR48. However, alanine aminotransferase levels showed no significant changes between SVR24 and SVR48. Median (interquartile range) liver stiffness values at baseline, EOT, SVR24, and SVR48 were 8.3 (5.0-14.8), 7.4 (4.6-14.7), 5.3 (4.1-11.8), and 5.4 (4.0-13.4) kPa, respectively (baseline vs. EOT, P=0.044; EOT vs. SVR24, P=0.011; and SVR24 vs. SVR48, P=0.054). In patients with fatty liver (CAP≥236 dB/m, n=14), CAP values at baseline and SVR48 were 253 (245-278) and 229 (209-249) dB/m, respectively (P=0.020). CONCLUSION Liver stiffness at SVR24 might reflect liver fibrosis in the patients who received DAA therapy and achieved SVR. In addition, liver steatosis reduces in the same cohort with fatty liver.
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8
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Tada T, Kumada T, Toyoda H, Sone Y, Takeshima K, Ogawa S, Goto T, Wakahata A, Nakashima M, Nakamuta M, Tanaka J. Viral eradication reduces both liver stiffness and steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who received direct-acting anti-viral therapy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018; 47:1012-1022. [PMID: 29424449 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether direct-acting anti-viral therapy can reduce liver fibrosis and steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is unclear. AIMS To evaluate changes in liver stiffness and steatosis in patients with HCV who received direct-acting anti-viral therapy and achieved sustained virological response (SVR). METHODS A total of 198 patients infected with HCV genotype 1 or 2 who achieved SVR after direct-acting anti-viral therapy were analysed. Liver stiffness as evaluated by magnetic resonance elastography, steatosis as evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging-determined proton density fat fraction (PDFF), insulin resistance, and laboratory data were assessed before treatment (baseline) and at 24 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR24). RESULTS Alanine aminotransferase and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance levels decreased significantly from baseline to SVR24. Conversely, platelet count, which is inversely associated with liver fibrosis, increased significantly from baseline to SVR24. In patients with high triglyceride levels (≥150 mg/dL), triglyceride levels significantly decreased from baseline to SVR24 (P = 0.004). The median (interquartile range) liver stiffness values at baseline and SVR24 were 3.10 (2.70-4.18) kPa and 2.80 (2.40-3.77) kPa respectively (P < 0.001). The PDFF values at baseline and SVR 24 were 2.4 (1.7-3.4)% and 1.9 (1.3-2.8)% respectively (P < 0.001). In addition, 68% (19/28) of patients with fatty liver at baseline (PDFF ≥5.2%; n = 28) no longer had fatty liver (PDFF <5.2%) at SVR24. CONCLUSION Viral eradication reduces both liver stiffness and steatosis in patients with chronic HCV who received direct-acting anti-viral therapy (UMIN000017020).
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Affiliation(s)
- T Tada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - T Kumada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - H Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Y Sone
- Department of Radiology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - K Takeshima
- Department of Imaging Diagnosis, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - S Ogawa
- Department of Imaging Diagnosis, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - T Goto
- Department of Imaging Diagnosis, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - A Wakahata
- Department of Imaging Diagnosis, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - M Nakashima
- Department of Pharmacy, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - M Nakamuta
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kyushu Medical Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - J Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and Prevention, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
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Tada T, Kumada T, Toyoda H, Mizuno K, Sone Y, Kataoka S, Hashinokuchi S. Improvement of liver stiffness in patients with hepatitis C virus infection who received direct-acting antiviral therapy and achieved sustained virological response. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 32:1982-1988. [PMID: 28299813 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.13788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM There is insufficient research on whether direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy can improve liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). We evaluated sequential changes in liver stiffness using shear wave elastography in patients with HCV who received DAA therapy. METHODS A total of 210 patients with HCV who received daclatasvir and asunaprevir therapy and achieved sustained virological response (SVR) were analyzed. Liver stiffness, as evaluated by shear wave elastography, and laboratory data were assessed before treatment (baseline), at end of treatment (EOT), and at 24 weeks after EOT (SVR24). RESULTS Alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT) decreased over time, and there were significant differences between baseline and EOT and between EOT and SVR24. Although platelet counts did not significantly differ between baseline and EOT, they increased significantly from EOT to SVR24. The median (interquartile range) liver stiffness values at baseline, EOT, and SVR24 were 10.2 (7.7-14.7), 8.8 (7.1-12.1), and 7.6 (6.3-10.3) kPa, respectively (P < 0.001, baseline vs EOT; P < 0.001, EOT vs SVR24). Additionally, in patients with ALT ≤ 30 (indicating low necroinflammatory activity in the liver) and Fibrosis-4 index > 2.0 (n = 75), the liver stiffness values at baseline, EOT, and SVR24 were 9.6 (7.7-15.2), 9.2 (7.3-12.1), and 7.7 (6.3-10.1) kPa, respectively (P < 0.001, baseline vs EOT; P < 0.001, EOT vs SVR24). CONCLUSION These results suggest that early improvement of liver stiffness starts during the administration of DAAs in patients who achieve SVR, and this effect is particularly pronounced in patients with progressive liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Tada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takashi Kumada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Mizuno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Sone
- Department of Radiology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Saki Kataoka
- Department of Imaging Diagnosis, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
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10
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Tada T, Kumada T, Toyoda H, Kiriyama S, Tanikawa M, Hisanaga Y, Kanamori A, Kitabatake S, Yama T, Tanaka J. Post-treatment levels of α-fetoprotein predict long-term hepatocellular carcinoma development after sustained virological response in patients with hepatitis C. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:1021-1031. [PMID: 27859993 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM The rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development is reportedly lower in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) who have achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) than in patients who were unresponsive to therapy. However, the development of HCC is sometimes observed in patients with SVR. Therefore, we clarified the predictive power of clinical factors for HCC incidence in patients with SVR using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis that takes time dependence into account. METHODS A total of 571 patients with HCV who achieved SVR with interferon-based therapy were enrolled. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and time-dependent ROC curves were used to analyze clinical factors associated with the development of HCC. RESULTS Twenty-four patients developed HCC during the follow-up period (median duration, 9.0 years). The 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year cumulative incidence rates for HCC were 1.7%, 4.8%, 5.8%, and 6.6%, respectively. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models showed that older age (hazard ratio [HR], 3.648), male sex (HR, 7.560), lower platelet count at 24 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR24) (HR, 3.939), and higher α-fetoprotein (AFP) at SVR24 (HR, 3.630) were independently associated with HCC development. In addition, time-dependent ROC analysis showed that, compared to platelet count at SVR24, AFP at SVR24 had higher predictive power for HCC incidence approximately 7 years after SVR. CONCLUSIONS Elevated AFP at SVR24 is a risk factor for HCC in patients with HCV, even those who achieve SVR. α-Fetoprotein is a good predictor of HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Tada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Takashi Kumada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Seiki Kiriyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Makoto Tanikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Hisanaga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Akira Kanamori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Shusuke Kitabatake
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Tsuyoki Yama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Junko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and Prevention, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
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11
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Tripodi A, D'Ambrosio R, Padovan L, Tosetti G, Aghemo A, Primignani M, Chantarangkul V, Peyvandi F, Colombo M. Evaluation of coagulation during treatment with directly acting antivirals in patients with hepatitis C virus related cirrhosis. Liver Int 2017; 37:1295-1303. [PMID: 28129465 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The effect of direct-acting-antivirals (DAA) on coagulation of hepatitis-C-virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis is unknown. METHODS We investigated 28 patients on DAA treatment and performed prothrombin-time, thrombin generation with and without thrombomodulin, whole-blood thromboelastometry, as well as the individual procoagulants (II, VIII, XIII, von Willebrand) and anticoagulants, antithrombin and protein-C. RESULTS Patients had undetectable HCV-RNA at the end-of- treatment and at 12-weeks after end-of-treatment (sustained virological response). Transaminases were significantly decreased at both end-of-treatment and at 12-weeks. Prothrombin-time declined at 12-weeks, but did not reach statistical significance. Factor-II, protein-C and antithrombin increased significantly at end-of-treatment (P<.001) and persisted at 12-weeks. Factor-VIII decreased at end-of-treatment and to a greater extent at 12-weeks when reached statistical significance (P<.05). Factor-VIII/protein-C ratio decreased sharply, reached statistical significance at end-of-treatment (P<.01) and persisted at 12-weeks. Von-Willebrand decreased at end-of-treatment and reached statistical significance at 12-weeks (P<.001). Endogenous-thrombin-potential without thrombomodulin increased significantly at end-of-treatment (P<.01) and persisted at 12-weeks. No changes were observed after addition of thrombomodulin. Endogenous-thrombin-potential ratio (with/without thrombomodulin) decreased and reached statistical significance at 12-weeks (P<.05). Thromboelastometry clotting time decreased sharply, reached statistical significance at end-of treatment (P<.001) and persisted at 12-weeks. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with DAAs in HCV-related cirrhosis results in improvement of the individual pro- and anticoagulants. It can be hypothesised that the net effect does not substantially modify their balance (as shown by the unchanged thrombin generation in the presence of thrombomodulin) but makes it more stable and less amenable to be perturbed as presumably occurs before treatment when there is a partial deficiency for both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Tripodi
- Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Milano, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.,IRCCS Cà Granda Maggiore Hospital Foundation, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta D'Ambrosio
- IRCCS Cà Granda Maggiore Hospital Foundation, Milano, Italy.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milano, Italy
| | - Lidia Padovan
- Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Milano, Italy.,IRCCS Cà Granda Maggiore Hospital Foundation, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Tosetti
- IRCCS Cà Granda Maggiore Hospital Foundation, Milano, Italy.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessio Aghemo
- IRCCS Cà Granda Maggiore Hospital Foundation, Milano, Italy.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milano, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Primignani
- IRCCS Cà Granda Maggiore Hospital Foundation, Milano, Italy.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Flora Peyvandi
- Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Milano, Italy.,IRCCS Cà Granda Maggiore Hospital Foundation, Milano, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Colombo
- IRCCS Cà Granda Maggiore Hospital Foundation, Milano, Italy.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milano, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milano, Italy
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12
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Bachofner JA, Valli PV, Kröger A, Bergamin I, Künzler P, Baserga A, Braun D, Seifert B, Moncsek A, Fehr J, Semela D, Magenta L, Müllhaupt B, Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mertens JC. Direct antiviral agent treatment of chronic hepatitis C results in rapid regression of transient elastography and fibrosis markers fibrosis-4 score and aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index. Liver Int 2017; 37:369-376. [PMID: 27678216 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel direct antiviral agents (DAA) targeting hepatitis C virus (HCV) have revolutionized the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC). Rates of sustained virological response (SVR) to treatment have drastically improved since introduction of DAA. Transient Elastography (TE) is an ultrasound based, non-invasive technique to assess liver stiffness (LS). We examined the changes in TE values and fibrosis scores FIB-4 and APRI after DAA treatment of CHC. METHODS 549 patients who received a DAA based treatment for CHC were screened and 392 were included. TE values recorded prior to therapy and within 18 months after therapy were evaluated. In addition, FIB-4 and APRI scores were calculated and histopathological results were recorded if available. RESULTS Median TE prior to DAA treatment was 12.65 kPa (IQR 9.45-19.2 kPa) and decreased to 8.55 kPa (IQR 5.93-15.25) post-treatment. This finding is statistically significant (P<.001) and equals a TE regression of 32.4% after DAA treatment. Median FIB-4 and APRI values significantly decreased from 2.54 (IQR 1.65-4.43) and 1.10 (IQR 0.65-2.43) to 1.80 (IQR 1.23-2.84, P<.001) and 0.43 (IQR 0.3-0.79, P<.001) respectively. CONCLUSION Patients with SVR after DAA therapy showed significant regression of TE values. Rapid decrease in TE was in concordance with regression of validated fibrosis scores FIB-4 and APRI. It remains to be examined whether this indicates a true regression of fibrosis or merely resolution of chronic liver inflammation with subsequent improvement of TE values and laboratory parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A Bachofner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Swiss HPB Center, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Piero V Valli
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Swiss HPB Center, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Arne Kröger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Swiss HPB Center, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Irina Bergamin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Patrizia Künzler
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Dominique Braun
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhardt Seifert
- Division of Biostatistics, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anja Moncsek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Swiss HPB Center, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Fehr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - David Semela
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Beat Müllhaupt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Swiss HPB Center, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Joachim C Mertens
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Swiss HPB Center, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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13
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Tada T, Kumada T, Toyoda H, Kiriyama S, Tanikawa M, Hisanaga Y, Kanamori A, Kitabatake S, Yama T, Tanaka J. Viral eradication reduces all-cause mortality, including non-liver-related disease, in patients with progressive hepatitis C virus-related fibrosis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 32:687-694. [PMID: 27577675 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.13589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with interferon (IFN)-based therapy has been reported to reduce all-cause mortality in patients with chronic HCV infection. However, the impact of HCV eradication on non-liver-related mortality and causes of death has not been sufficiently investigated in patients with progressive HCV-related fibrosis. METHODS We enrolled 784 chronic HCV patients with progressive liver fibrosis (aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index >1). Cause of death, incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, and all-cause mortality including non-liver-related mortality were analyzed. RESULTS Of these 784 patients, 170 achieved sustained virological response (SVR) (eradication of HCV) with IFN-based therapy (IFN-SVR), and 614 did not receive IFN-based therapy (non-IFN patients, chronic HCV infection). The median follow-up duration was 10.3 years. Two hundred seventy-three patients died during follow-up (liver-related death, n = 171; non-liver-related death, n = 102). The mortality rate from non-liver-related disease was 63.6% (7/11) in IFN-SVR patients and 36.3% (95/262) in non-IFN patients, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the eradication of HCV associated with not only hepatocellular carcinoma incidence (hazard ratio (HR), 0.162; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.092-0.284), and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.094; 95% CI, 0.047-0.187), but non-liver-related mortality (HR, 0.286; 95% CI, 0.127-0.644) as well. CONCLUSIONS Eradication of HCV reduced both liver-related and non-liver-related mortality in patients with progressive HCV-related fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Tada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Takashi Kumada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Seiki Kiriyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Makoto Tanikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Hisanaga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Akira Kanamori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Shusuke Kitabatake
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Tsuyoki Yama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Junko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and Prevention, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
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14
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Wang X, Gao F, Yuan G, Shi K, Huang Y, Chen Y, Qiu R, Sun L, Liu J, Hu C, Zhou Y. Ten-year follow-up analysis of chronic hepatitis C patients after getting sustained virological response to pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin therapy. J Viral Hepat 2016; 23:971-976. [PMID: 27453300 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
There is little data on the long-term follow-up outcomes of chronic hepatitis C patients achieving sustained virological response (SVR) after treatment with peglylated interferon-α plus ribavirin. We prospectively investigated the overall clinical, biochemical, virological and histological outcomes in a ten-year cohort study of 325 patients with chronic hepatitis C achieving SVR to pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin therapy. Patients underwent consistent clinical, biochemical and virological evaluation every six months, and patients with pretherapy Ishak fibrosis score ≥2 were invited to accept a second liver biopsy at the last follow-up. Liver biopsy specimens were evaluated using Ishak's scoring system. At the end of follow-up, five patients developed decompensated liver cirrhosis. One patient (0.3%) with pretherapy cirrhosis was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 305 patients (94%) had normal serum ALT and AST levels during the entire period of follow-up. Twenty-seven patients (8%) had conclusive evidence of virological relapse. Among the 117 patients with paired pretherapy and long-term follow-up biopsies, 96 (82%) had a decreased fibrosis score. Ninety-nine (79%) had a decrease in combined inflammation score. Thirty-seven (32%) had normal or nearly normal livers on long-term follow-up biopsy. SVR achieved with PEG-IFN-α and RBV combination therapy is durable, while late virological relapse may still occur in some patients. Clinical outcomes for patients who obtain SVR are excellent, although the patients with cirrhosis are still at a low risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - F Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong, China
| | - G Yuan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - K Shi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Y Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Y Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - R Qiu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian, Fujian, China
| | - L Sun
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - J Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - C Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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15
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D’Ambrosio R, Degasperi E, Aghemo A, Fraquelli M, Lampertico P, Rumi MG, Facchetti F, Grassi E, Casazza G, Rosenberg W, Bedossa P, Colombo M. Serological Tests Do Not Predict Residual Fibrosis in Hepatitis C Cirrhotics with a Sustained Virological Response to Interferon. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155967. [PMID: 27304619 PMCID: PMC4909284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Liver biopsy (LB) has lost popularity to stage liver fibrosis in the era of highly effective anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy, yet diagnosis of persistent cirrhosis may have important implications following HCV eradication. As performance of serological non-invasive tests (NITs) to predict residual fibrosis in non-viremic HCV patients is unknown, we investigated accuracy of NITs to predict residual fibrosis in cirrhotics after a sustained virological response (SVR) to interferon (IFN). METHODS Thirty-eight patients with a pre-treatment histological diagnosis of cirrhosis and a 48-104 months post-SVR LB were tested with APRI, CDS, FIB-4, FibroQ, Forns Score, GUCI Index, King Score, Lok Index, PLF, ELF. In 23 (61%) patients, cirrhosis had histologically regressed. RESULTS All NITs values declined after SVR without any significant difference between regressors and non-regressors (AUROC 0.52-0.75). Using viremic cut-offs, PPV ranged from 34% to 100%, with lower NPV (63% - 68%). NITs performance did not improve using derived cut-offs (PPV: 40% - 80%; NPV: 66% - 100%). PLF, which combines several NITs with transient elastography, had the best diagnostic performance (AUROC 0.75, Sn 61%, Sp 90%, PPV 80%, NPV 78%). After treatment, none of the NITs resulted significantly associated with any of the histological features (activity grade, fibrosis stage, area of fibrosis). CONCLUSIONS The diagnostic estimates obtained using both viremic and derived cut-off values of NITs were suboptimal, indicating that none of these tests helps predicting residual fibrosis and that LB remains the gold standard for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta D’Ambrosio
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail: ;
| | - Elisabetta Degasperi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Aghemo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mirella Fraquelli
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Rumi
- Division of Hepatology, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Floriana Facchetti
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Grassi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casazza
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Luigi Sacco, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - William Rosenberg
- Centre for Hepatology, Division of Medicine, University College of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pierre Bedossa
- Department of Pathology and INSERM U773, Beaujon Hopital, Universitée Paris-Diderot, Clichy, France
| | - Massimo Colombo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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16
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D'Ambrosio R, Colombo M. Should surveillance for liver cancer be modified in hepatitis C patients after treatment-related cirrhosis regression? Liver Int 2016; 36:783-90. [PMID: 26936383 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with abdominal ultrasound (US) is recommended for patients with advanced liver fibrosis because of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections who achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) to antiviral therapy. HCC, in fact, may still develop following SVR as a consequence of long-standing carcinogenic activity of either HCV or hepatic fibrosis, whereas HCC risk in non-viraemic patients may also be driven by cofactors like alcohol abuse or diabetes. This explains the debate on whether surveillance for HCC should be continued in patients with documented cirrhosis regression following a SVR too. While regression of cirrhosis was documented to occur in a majority of patients with compensated cirrhosis 5 years after an SVR to interferon, it should be noted that this clinical benefit could be the consequence of treating a selected population with well-compensated liver disease who in fact were interferon able. This may not be the case for most real-life patients with advanced cirrhosis receiving direct antivirals, in whom liver fibrosis may have reached a point of no-return thus potentially preventing the recovery of a normal liver architecture following SVR. Both invasive and non-invasive tools have suboptimal diagnostic accuracy for fibrosis regression in non-viraemic patients, and this prompts to follow international societies' recommendation to perform surveillance in patients with advanced liver fibrosis achieving a SVR, independently on liver histology outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta D'Ambrosio
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Colombo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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17
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Tachi Y, Hirai T, Ishizu Y, Honda T, Kuzuya T, Hayashi K, Ishigami M, Goto H. α-fetoprotein levels after interferon therapy predict regression of liver fibrosis in patients with sustained virological response. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 31:1001-8. [PMID: 27123974 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.13245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Eradicating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection improves liver fibrosis and reduces hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence in chronic HCV patients. We evaluated the relationship between fibrosis regression, as assessed by sequential biopsies, and clinical factors of patients with sustained virological response (SVR). METHODS We retrospectively enrolled 130 patients (74 men; 60.1 ± 8.1 years) with chronic HCV treated with interferon and ribavirin therapy who achieved SVR. To evaluate the change in fibrosis stage over time, all patients underwent a pre-therapy initial biopsy and a second biopsy after achieving SVR. RESULTS The mean time between biopsies was 5.5 ± 1.2 years. Fibrosis stage regressed in 55 patients (42.3%), remained stable in 69 (53.1%), and progressed in 6 (4.6%). The mean fibrosis stage significantly decreased, from 2.01 ± 0.99 units to 1.61 ± 1.24 units (P < 0.001). Aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase, and α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels at 24 weeks after the end of treatment (EOT) were significantly lower, and the platelet count at 24 weeks after the EOT was significantly higher in patients with fibrosis regression than in those without. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that lower AFP levels (< 5.4 ng/mL) at 24 weeks after the EOT (odds ratio [OR], 4.626; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.557-13.153; P = 0.006) and HCV genotype 2 (OR, 2.198; 95% CI, 1.010-4.786; P = 0.047) were significant independent predictive factors for regressed fibrosis after SVR. CONCLUSIONS Lower post-treatment AFP levels and HCV genotype 2 significantly correlated with liver fibrosis regression after SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Tachi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Komaki City Hospital, Komaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takanori Hirai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Komaki City Hospital, Komaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Youji Ishizu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takashi Honda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Teiji Kuzuya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ishigami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hidemi Goto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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Tada T, Kumada T, Toyoda H, Kiriyama S, Tanikawa M, Hisanaga Y, Kanamori A, Kitabatake S, Yama T, Tanaka J. Long-term prognosis of patients with chronic hepatitis C who did not receive interferon-based therapy: causes of death and analysis based on the FIB-4 index. J Gastroenterol 2016; 51:380-9. [PMID: 26342600 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-015-1117-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interferon (IFN)-based therapy has been reported to reduce the liver-related mortality rate in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, predictors of survival and causes of death, including non-liver-related causes, have not been sufficiently investigated in chronic HCV patients who have not received IFN-based therapy. METHODS A total of 1723 patients with chronic HCV infection who were not treated with IFN-based therapy were enrolled. Survival from liver-related diseases and non-liver-related diseases and causes of death were analyzed on the basis of the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, an index of liver fibrosis. RESULTS The median follow-up duration was 10.3 years. Of 465 patients who died during the follow-up period, 48.4 % died of liver-related diseases; of the remainder, 51.6 % died of non-liver-related diseases. On the basis of FIB-4 index, the liver-related mortality rate increased as the FIB-4 index increased: 16.1 % in the FIB-4 index < 1.45 group, 36.7 % in the 1.45 ≤ FIB-4 index ≤ 3.25 group, and 58.7 % in the FIB-4 index > 3.25 group (p < 0.001). Conversely, the non-liver-related mortality rate decreased as the FIB-4 index increased: 83.9, 63.3, and 41.3 %, respectively (p = 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, a FIB-4 index greater than 3.25 was identified as a risk factor independently associated with both liver-related death (hazard ratio 13.020; 95 % confidence interval 4.155-40.770) and non-liver-related death (hazard ratio 1.667; 95 % confidence interval 1.188-2.340). CONCLUSIONS Patients with chronic HCV infection and an elevated FIB-4 index may benefit from monitoring not only for the development of liver-related diseases but also for the development of non-liver-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Tada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, 4-86 Minaminokawa, Ogaki, Gifu, 503-8502, Japan.
| | - Takashi Kumada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, 4-86 Minaminokawa, Ogaki, Gifu, 503-8502, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, 4-86 Minaminokawa, Ogaki, Gifu, 503-8502, Japan
| | - Seiki Kiriyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, 4-86 Minaminokawa, Ogaki, Gifu, 503-8502, Japan
| | - Makoto Tanikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, 4-86 Minaminokawa, Ogaki, Gifu, 503-8502, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Hisanaga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, 4-86 Minaminokawa, Ogaki, Gifu, 503-8502, Japan
| | - Akira Kanamori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, 4-86 Minaminokawa, Ogaki, Gifu, 503-8502, Japan
| | - Shusuke Kitabatake
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, 4-86 Minaminokawa, Ogaki, Gifu, 503-8502, Japan
| | - Tsuyoki Yama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, 4-86 Minaminokawa, Ogaki, Gifu, 503-8502, Japan
| | - Junko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and Prevention, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
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Asahina Y, Izumi N, Hiromitsu K, Kurosaki M, Koike K, Suzuki F, Takikawa H, Tanaka A, Tanaka E, Tanaka Y, Tsubouchi H, Hayashi N, Hiramatsu N, Yotsuyanagi H. JSH Guidelines for the Management of Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A 2016 update for genotype 1 and 2. Hepatol Res 2016; 46:129-65. [PMID: 26876581 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Asahina
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
| | - Namiki Izumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital
| | | | - Masayuki Kurosaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital
| | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
| | | | - Hajime Takikawa
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine
| | - Eiji Tanaka
- The Second Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science
| | | | | | - Naoki Hiramatsu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Hiroshi Yotsuyanagi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
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20
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Tada T, Kumada T, Toyoda H, Ito T, Sone Y, Okuda S, Tsuji N, Imayoshi Y, Yasuda E. Utility of real-time shear wave elastography for assessing liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection without cirrhosis: Comparison of liver fibrosis indices. Hepatol Res 2015; 45:E122-9. [PMID: 25580959 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM To clarify the diagnostic impact of liver fibrosis except for cirrhosis identified using shear wave elastography (SWE) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients, and to compare the performance in diagnosing liver fibrosis among SWE and liver fibrosis indices. METHODS A total of 55 CHC patients who underwent liver biopsy were analyzed. The diagnostic performance for identifying significant liver fibrosis (F2-F3) for SWE, FIB-4 index, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and Forns' index was assessed using receiver-operator curve (ROC) analysis. RESULTS The median SWE elasticity value, FIB-4 index, APRI and Forns' index in the F0-F1 and F2-F3 groups were 6.3 kPa and 13.1 kPa; 1.52 and 4.45; 0.41 and 1.43; and 7.69 and 8.85, respectively (P < 0.001 for all four methods). Multivariate analysis showed that SWE was independently associated with the presence of significant liver fibrosis (odds ratio, 2.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-4.28; P < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve for SWE in diagnosing significant liver fibrosis was 0.94, indicating high diagnostic value, compared with 0.86, 0.88 and 0.83, for the FIB-4 index, APRI and Forns' index, respectively, which corresponds to moderate diagnostic value. The accuracy of SWE, FIB-4 index, APRI and Forns' index for diagnosing significant liver fibrosis was 90.9%, 76.4%, 74.5% and 67.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION SWE has excellent ability for diagnosing significant liver fibrosis in CHC even when patients with cirrhosis are excluded. The diagnostic performance of SWE is superior to that of three liver fibrosis indices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nozomi Tsuji
- Imaging Diagnosis, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yumi Imayoshi
- Imaging Diagnosis, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Eisuke Yasuda
- Department of Radiological Technology, Suzuka University of Medicine Science, Suzuka, Japan
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21
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Tachi Y, Hirai T, Miyata A, Ohara K, Iida T, Ishizu Y, Honda T, Kuzuya T, Hayashi K, Ishigami M, Goto H. Progressive fibrosis significantly correlates with hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with a sustained virological response. Hepatol Res 2015; 45:238-46. [PMID: 24655233 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM Hepatocellular carcinoma develops even in some patients who achieve a sustained virological response following treatment for hepatitis C virus infection. This study investigated the relationship between changes in fibrosis, as assessed by sequential biopsies, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients who achieved a sustained virological response for hepatitis C virus. METHODS We enrolled 97 patients with sustained virological response who had undergone initial biopsies before therapy and sequential biopsies at an average of 5.8 ± 1.9 years after the initial biopsy. Factors associated with hepatocellular carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS The liver fibrotic stage regressed in 44 patients (45%), remained stable in 47 patients (48%) and progressed in six patients (6%). The fibrotic stage significantly decreased, from 1.54 ± 0.86 to 1.16 ± 1.07 units. Hepatocellular carcinoma was identified in 12 patients (12.4%). The cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with progressive fibrosis was significantly higher than that in patients with regressed or stable fibrosis (P < 0.001). A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis confirmed that progressive fibrosis in sequential liver biopsies (hazard ratio [HR], 8.30; P = 0.001) and low platelet counts before treatment (HR, 8.69; P = 0.006) were significant independent factors associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with a sustained virological response. CONCLUSION Progressive fibrosis, assessed by sequential biopsies, was significantly correlated with development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients who had achieved a sustained virological response for hepatitis C virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Tachi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Komaki City Hospital, Komaki, Japan
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22
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Berak H, Laskus T, Kołakowska-Rządzka A, Wasilewski M, Stańczak JJ, Bardadin K, Walewska-Zielecka B, Horban A. Peginterferon alfa-2a and peginterferon alfa-2b combined with ribavirin in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C: results of a prospective single-centre study. Adv Med Sci 2014; 59:261-5. [PMID: 25117425 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This prospective, randomized, single-centre study compared peginterferons alfa-2a and alfa-2b, combined with ribavirin, in treating patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1. MATERIAL/METHODS Hundred-and-one patients received 48 weeks of open-label treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a (180 μg/week) and 111 patients received peginterferon alfa-2b (1.5 μg/kg/week). All patients received the same dose of ribavirin 1000/1200 mg/day, depending on weight. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response (SVR), defined as undetectable HCV RNA (<50 IU/mL) 24 weeks after the end of treatment. RESULTS Early virologic response (EVR), defined as at least 2 log₁₀ IU/mL reduction of viral load at 12 weeks, was more common in patients treated with peginterferon alfa-2a (88% vs. 74.8%; p=0.04). However, the difference in SVR was not statistically significant (49.5% vs. 44.1%; p=0.43). CONCLUSIONS Peginterferon alfa-2a treated patients were also more likely to be HCV RNA negative at the end of treatment (67.3% vs. 57.7%), but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that SVR was associated with low fibrosis stage (F1-2 by Scheuer; p=0.001) and low serum HCV RNA level (<400,000 IU/L; p=0.023). While both forms of peginterferon showed similar efficacy as measured by SVR, use of peginterferon alfa-2b could lower the number of patients receiving unnecessary treatment beyond 12 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Berak
- Daily Department, Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Laskus
- Department of Immunopathology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Warsaw Medical University, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Marek Wasilewski
- Daily Department, Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janusz J Stańczak
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Bardadin
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical Center for Postgraduate Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Andrzej Horban
- Daily Department, Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Infectious Diseases for Adults, Warsaw Medical University, Warsaw, Poland.
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23
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D'Ambrosio R, Aghemo A, Fraquelli M, Rumi MG, Donato MF, Paradis V, Bedossa P, Colombo M. The diagnostic accuracy of Fibroscan for cirrhosis is influenced by liver morphometry in HCV patients with a sustained virological response. J Hepatol 2013; 59:251-6. [PMID: 23528378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Transient elastography (TE) is a validated non-invasive tool to evaluate hepatic fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Whether TE may sense changes of liver fibrosis following therapeutic HCV eradication has never been evaluated. METHODS 37 HCV cirrhotics with paired pre- and post-sustained virological response (SVR) liver biopsies (LB) underwent TE at the time of post-SVR LB. Liver fibrosis was staged with the METAVIR scoring system and the area of fibrosis (%) was assessed morphometrically. RESULTS Thirty-three patients had valid TE measurements after 61 (48-104) months from an SVR, and 20 (61%) of them had cirrhosis regression. On post-SVR LB, the median area of fibrosis was 2.3%, being significantly reduced from baseline (p<0.0001). Median TE value was 9.8 kPa being lower in regressed vs. not regressed patients (9.1 kPa vs. 12.9 kPa, p=0.01). TE was <12 kPa in 5 (38%) F4 patients and in 19 (95%) ≤F3 patients (p=0.0007). The diagnostic accuracy of TE for diagnosing F4 after treatment was 61% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 12.3 LR+, 0.4 LR-, and AUROC 0.77. A significant correlation was found between TE and both fibrosis stage (r=0.56; p=0.001) and morphometry (r=0.56, p=0.001) as well as between fibrosis stage and area of fibrosis (r=0.72, p=0001). CONCLUSIONS Following therapeutic eradication of HCV, the predictive power of the viremic cut-off of 12 kPa was low as a consequence of liver remodelling and fibrosis reabsorption. LB still remains the only reliable approach to stage liver fibrosis following an SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta D'Ambrosio
- A.M. and A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease, First Division of Gastroenterology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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24
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Manns MP, Pockros PJ, Norkrans G, Smith CI, Morgan TR, Häussinger D, Shiffman ML, Hadziyannis SJ, Schmidt WN, Jacobson IM, Bárcena R, Schiff ER, Shaikh OS, Bacon B, Marcellin P, Deng W, Esteban-Mur R, Poynard T, Pedicone LD, Brass CA, Albrecht JK, Gordon SC. Long-term clearance of hepatitis C virus following interferon α-2b or peginterferon α-2b, alone or in combination with ribavirin. J Viral Hepat 2013; 20:524-9. [PMID: 23808990 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sustained virologic response (SVR) is the standard measure for evaluating response to therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the durability of SVR in the pivotal studies of peginterferon (PEG-IFN) α-2b or IFN α-2b. We conducted two phase 3b long-term follow-up studies of patients previously treated for CHC in eight prospective randomized studies of IFN α-2b and/or PEG-IFN α-2b. Patients who achieved SVR [undetectable hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA 24 weeks after completion of treatment] were eligible for inclusion in these follow-up studies. In total, 636 patients with SVR following treatment with IFN α-2b and 366 with SVR following treatment with PEG-IFN α-2b were enrolled. Definite relapse (quantifiable serum HCV RNA with no subsequent undetectable HCV RNA) was reported in six patients treated with IFN α-2b and three patients treated with PEG-IFN α-2b. Based on these relapses, the point estimate for the likelihood of maintaining response after 5 years was 99.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 98.1-99.7%] for IFN α-2b and 99.4% (95% CI, 97.7-99.9%) for PEG-IFN α-2b. Successful treatment of hepatitis C with PEG-IFN α-2b or IFN α-2b leads to clinical cure of hepatitis C in the vast majority of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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25
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Rutter K, Hofer H, Beinhardt S, Dulic M, Gschwantler M, Maieron A, Laferl H, Stättermayer AF, Scherzer TM, Strassl R, Holzmann H, Steindl-Munda P, Ferenci P. Durability of SVR in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with peginterferon-α2a/ribavirin in combination with a direct-acting anti-viral. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2013; 38:118-23. [PMID: 23710895 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 04/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The introduction of direct-acting anti-virals has increased sustained virological response (SVR) rates in chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection. At present, data on long-term durability of viral eradication after successful triple therapy are lacking. AIM To evaluate the long-term durability of viral eradication in patients treated with triple therapy, including direct-acting anti-virals. METHODS Patients who participated in randomised, controlled trials or an extended access programme of treatment with peginterferon-α2a/ribavirin in combination with a direct-acting anti-viral (telaprevir, danoprevir, faldaprevir, simeprevir, mericitabine, balapiravir) were followed after achieving SVR. The median follow-up after the patients was 21 (range: 7-64) months. RESULTS One hundred and three patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection [f/m: 34/69; GT-1b: 67 GT-1a: 34, GT-4: 2; mean age: 47.6 years (45.5-49.7; 95% CI)] achieving a SVR triple therapy were followed. Two cases of late relapses (2/103, 1.9%; 95% CI: 0.24-6.8) were observed. One patient was cirrhotic, both carried the genotype 1b and completed the prescribed treatment. The relapses occurred 8 and 12 months after cessation of anti-viral treatment. Cloning sequencing revealed identical sequence in both patients. Resistance analysis revealed no presence of viral resistance. CONCLUSION Like the SVR after peginterferon-α2/ribavirin combination treatment, HCV eradication after triple therapy remains durable after long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Rutter
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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26
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Durability of a sustained virological response, late clinical sequelae, and long-term changes in aspartate aminotransferase to the platelet ratio index after successful treatment with peginterferon/ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C: a prospective study. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 25:798-805. [PMID: 23395996 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0b013e32835eb8bf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous studies, mostly retrospective using conventional interferon, have suggested a favorable prognosis for patients with chronic hepatitis C and a sustained virological response (SVR). However, long-term outcome, including changes in the degree of hepatic fibrosis, of SVR patients in the era of pegylated interferon (PegIFN) remains underdefined. We prospectively evaluated the long-term virological, clinical, and biochemical outcomes, including aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), in chronic hepatitis C patients with an SVR. PATIENTS AND METHODS We included 145 consecutive, treatment-naive chronic hepatitis C patients (mean age 47.3±9.1 years; 87 men; 42.1% genotype 1; 36.6% genotype 2/3) who achieved an SVR after combination therapy with PegIFN-α/ribavirin. RESULTS The mean follow-up time was 68.8±35 months. The overall incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver-related death was 1.4 and 0.7%, respectively. Among nine (7.6%) patients with pretreatment cirrhosis, two (22.2%) developed HCC and one of them (11.1%) died. No patient had conclusive evidence of late virological relapse. All patients retained normal liver biochemistry, except for five of 145 (3.5%), who had persistently elevated transaminase levels, all of whom were diagnosed with new liver disease. APRI values improved significantly with treatment (0.95±1.09 vs. 0.66±0.64, P<0.001) and continued to improve after a mean of 61.4±45.5 months from an SVR in patients (n=54; 37.2%) with significant (Metavir ≥F2) pretreatment fibrosis (1.13±0.66 vs. 0.67±0.45, P<0.001). CONCLUSION The long-term outcome, including APRI, of chronic hepatitis C patients treated successfully with PegIFN/ribavirin and followed for a mean of 5.7 years is favorable. However, a high risk of progression to HCC and liver-related death remains for patients with pretreatment cirrhosis, in our setting, as high as 22.2 and 11.1%, respectively.
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27
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Odhiambo R, Chhatwal J, Ferrante SA, El Khoury A, Elbasha E. Economic Evaluation of Boceprevir for the Treatment of Patients with Genotype 1 Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Hungary. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2013; 1:62-82. [PMID: 37664146 PMCID: PMC10471397 DOI: 10.36469/9854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Background: Recent international, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (SPRINT-2; RESPOND-2) demonstrated that the triple combination of peginterferon (PEG), ribavirin (RBV) and boceprevir (BOC) was more efficacious than the standard dual therapy of PEG and RBV in treatment of patients chronically infected with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of triple therapy in both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients in Hungary. Methods: A Markov model was developed to evaluate the long-term clinical benefits and the costeffectiveness of the triple therapy from the Hungarian payer perspective. Model states were fibrosis (F0-F4, defined using METAVIR fibrosis scores), decompensated cirrhosis (DC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver transplantation (LT), and liver-related deaths (LD). Efficacy was estimated from SPRINT-2 and RESPOND-2 studies. Disease progression rates and health state utilities used in the model were obtained from published studies. Estimates of probability of liver transplantation and cost were based on an analysis of the Hungarian Sick Fund database. All cost and benefits were discounted at 5% per year. Results: Compared to dual therapy, triple therapy was projected to increase the life expectancy by 0.98 and 2.42 life years and increase the quality-adjusted life years (QALY) by 0.59 and 1.13 in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients, respectively. The corresponding incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were HUF7,747,962 (€26,717) and HUF5,888,240 (€20,304) per QALY. The lifetime incidence of severe liver disease events (DC, HCC, LT, LD) were projected to decrease by 45% and 61% in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients treated with triple therapy groups in comparison with PEG-RBV treatment. Conclusion: The addition of boceprevir to standard therapy for the treatment of patients with genotype 1 chronic HCV infection in Hungary is projected to be cost-effective using a commonly used willingness to pay threshold of HUF 8.46 million (3 times gross domestic product per capita).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jagpreet Chhatwal
- Graduate School of Public Health University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Antoine El Khoury
- Graduate School of Public Health University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Elamin Elbasha
- Graduate School of Public Health University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Morisco F, Granata R, Stroffolini T, Guarino M, Donnarumma L, Gaeta L, Loperto I, Gentile I, Auriemma F, Caporaso N. Sustained virological response: A milestone in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:2793-2798. [PMID: 23687416 PMCID: PMC3653153 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i18.2793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 01/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the long-term eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and liver-related complications in chronically infected patients that have achieved sustained virological response.
METHODS: One hundred and fifty subjects with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) or cirrhosis and sustained virological response (SVR) between the years of 1989 and 2008 were enrolled in a long-term clinical follow-up study at the Gastrointestinal and Liver Unit of the University Hospital of Naples “Federico II”. At the beginning of the study, the diagnosis of HCV infection was made on the basis of serum positivity for antibodies to HCV and detection of HCV RNA transcripts, while a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis was formulated using imaging techniques and/or a liver biopsy. SVR was achieved by interferon-based therapy, both conventional and pegylated, with and without ribavirin treatment. The patients were evaluated for follow-up at a median length of 8.6 years, but ranged from 2-19.9 years. Among them, 137 patients had pre-treatment CHC and 13 had cirrhosis. The patients were followed with clinical, biochemical, virological, and ultrasound assessments on a given schedule. Finally, a group of 27 patients underwent a liver biopsy at the beginning of the study and transient elastography at their final visit to evaluate changes in liver fibrosis.
RESULTS: The median follow-up was 8.6 years (range 2-19.9 years). HCV RNA remained undetectable in all patients, even in patients who eventually developed liver-related complications, indicating no risk of HCV recurrence. Three liver-related complications were observed: two cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and one case of bleeding from esophageal varices resulting in an incidence rate of 0.23%/person per year. Further, all three complications took place in patients diagnosed with cirrhosis before treatment began. Only one death due to liver-related causes occurred, resulting in a mortality rate of 0.077% person per year. This amounts to a 99.33% survival rate in our cohort of patients after therapy for HCV infection. Finally, of the 27 patients who underwent a liver biopsy at the beginning of the study, a reduction in liver fibrosis was observed in 70.3% of the cases; only three cases registering values of liver stiffness indicative of significant fibrosis.
CONCLUSION: Patients with CHC and SVR show an excellent prognosis with no risk of recurrence and a very low rate of mortality. Our data indicate that virus-eradication following interferon treatment can last up to 20 years.
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Abstract
The end point of liver fibrosis in almost all chronic liver diseases is cirrhosis. Progression to cirrhosis is accompanied by vascular remodeling and regeneration with important functional and hemodynamic consequences that include development of portal hypertension and eventually decompensation and death. Fibrosis can regress following successful treatment of the underlying disease. However, most common fibrosis scoring systems are not equipped for assessing this aspect. Nodule size, septal width and fibrosis area seem to correlate with disease severity and progression in cirrhosis. Classification systems based on nodule size, septal width, and fibrosis area need to be further validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Bedossa
- Department of Pathology, Beaujon Hospital and Clichy, University Denis Diderot, Clichy, Paris 7, France.
| | - Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dhanpat Jain
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8023, USA
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Guidelines for the Management of Hepatitis C Virus Infection: First edition, May 2012, The Japan Society of Hepatology. Hepatol Res 2013; 43:1-34. [PMID: 23332085 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
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- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
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Örmeci N, Erdem H. Basic answers to complicated questions for the course of chronic hepatitis C treatment. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2012; 6:371-82. [PMID: 22646258 DOI: 10.1586/egh.12.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus infection is a long-lasting disease, which causes chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, thus leading to liver-related death. Currently, the optimal treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection is the combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The aim of this review is to assess the long-term clinical outcomes of interferons alone or in combination with ribavirin in the management of chronic hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Necati Örmeci
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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D'Ambrosio R, Aghemo A. Treatment of patients with HCV related cirrhosis: many rewards with very few risks. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2012; 12:361-8. [PMID: 22879824 PMCID: PMC3412551 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.6095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is aimed at the persistent eradication of the virus, the so-called sustained virological response (SVR), with the aim ultimately being to prevent the development of liver-related complications and improve patients' survival. Patients with HCV-related compensated cirrhosis are the group most likely to benefit from viral clearance, as several retrospective studies have shown liver complications rates to be positively modified by the achievement of a SVR. Whether these benefits rely on viral clearance or on the histological improvements seen following successful interferon (IFn)-based therapies has recently been a matter for debate, as studies have shown cirrhosis to regress in some patients with a SVR. Whatever the mechanisms, cirrhosis has the uncanny ability to be both a dominant indication for therapy, as well as one of the strongest baseline factors associated with reduced efficacy of any IFn-based regimen. This has led to the development of alternative treatment strategies, such as low dose pegylated IFn (PegIFn) monotherapy, that unfortunately has proven to be of limited efficacy. For this reason regimens able to clear the virus without relying on the broad antiviral effect of IFN are eagerly awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta D'Ambrosio
- First Division of Gastroenterology, Cà Granda Hospital Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Kelly DA, Haber B, González-Peralta RP, Murray KF, Jonas MM, Molleston JP, Narkewicz MR, Sinatra FR, Lang T, Lachaux A, Wirth S, Shelton M, Te HS, Pollack H, Deng W, Noviello S, Albrecht JK. Durability of sustained response shown in paediatric patients with chronic hepatitis C who were treated with interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin. J Viral Hepat 2012; 19:263-70. [PMID: 22404724 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2011.01544.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Long-term studies in adults indicate that sustained virologic response (SVR) after combination treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) predicts long-term clearance. Although peginterferon plus ribavirin is now standard care for children with CHC, long-term follow-up studies are not yet available. This study evaluated durability of virologic response over 5 years in children previously treated with interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin (IFN/R). Ninety-seven of 147 children with CHC, who were treated with IFN/R and completed the 6-month follow-up in two previous clinical trials, participated in this long-term follow-up study. All were assessed annually for up to 5 years; patients with SVR were assessed for durability of virologic response. Children with SVR (n = 56) and those with detectable hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA 24-week post-treatment (n = 41) were followed for a median of 284 weeks. Overall, 70% (68/97) of patients completed the 5-year follow-up. One patient with genotype 1a CHC had SVR and relapsed at year 1 of follow-up with the same genotype. Kaplan-Meier estimate for sustained response at 5 years was 98% (95% CI: 95%, 100%). Six patients with low-positive HCV RNA levels (n = 4) or missing HCV RNA at the 24-week follow-up visit (n = 2) in the initial treatment studies had virologic response during this long-term follow-up study. Linear growth rate was impaired during treatment with rapid increases in the immediate 6 months post-treatment. Mean height percentile at the end of the 5-year follow-up was slightly less than the mean pretreatment height percentile. Five patients experienced serious adverse events; none related to study drug exposure. SVR after IFN/R predicts long-term clearance of HCV in paediatric patients; growth normalized in the majority of children during the long-term follow-up. Similar long-term results could be expected after peginterferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Kelly
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
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Maruoka D, Imazeki F, Arai M, Kanda T, Fujiwara K, Yokosuka O. Longitudinal changes of the laboratory data of chronic hepatitis C patients with sustained virological response on long-term follow-up. J Viral Hepat 2012; 19:e97-104. [PMID: 22239532 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2011.01512.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is no study that follows up longitudinal changes in laboratory data of patients with C-viral chronic liver disease (C-CLD) who achieved sustained virological esponse (SVR) with interferon treatment in a long-term study. We investigated the laboratory data in a long-term retrospective cohort study of 581 patients with C-CLD who underwent liver biopsy between January 1986 and December 2005. 467 were treated with interferon and 207 of these patients achieved SVR with follow-up periods of 8.36 ± 5.13 years. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, albumin levels, platelet counts, and the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) values were serially examined during the follow-up period. None of the 207 patients with SVR exhibited hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA positivity more than 6 months after the end of IFN treatment. Platelet counts and albumin levels increased only in those with eradication of HCV. APRI values decreased more in patients with SVR than in those with nonsustained virological responses (non-SVR). Patients who achieved SVR and had fibrosis stage 0-1 and 2-4 at enrolment had platelet counts that longitudinally increased by 2.81 ± 3.95 and 5.49 ± 4.53 × 10(3) /μL during the 10-year follow-up period, respectively. Albumin levels continuously increased during the first 2 years by 0.15 ± 0.31 and 0.33 ± 0.37 in fibrosis stage 0-1 and 2-4, respectively and then plateaued. ALT levels decreased rapidly one year after the start of treatment by 110.3 ± 140.0 and 100.5 ± 123.4 in fibrosis 0-1 and 2-4, respectively. HCV RNA negativity persisted in all patients with SVR, and laboratory data including APRI longitudinally improved during the long-term follow-up period.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Maruoka
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba City, Japan
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Namikawa M, Kakizaki S, Yata Y, Yamazaki Y, Horiguchi N, Sato K, Takagi H, Mori M. Optimal follow-up time to determine the sustained virological response in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving pegylated-interferon and ribavirin. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2012; 27:69-75. [PMID: 21649727 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2011.06802.x] [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] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM This study evaluated whether the assessment of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA at 12 weeks (FW+12) post-treatment follow-up was as applicable as FW+24 to evaluate sustained virological response (SVR) using the highly sensitive real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) HCV assay. METHODS AND RESULTS Two hundred and twenty-two patients with chronic hepatitis C were included in this study. Pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and ribavirin were administered for 24-72 weeks based on the genotype and viral load. Serum HCV-RNA was measured using real-time PCR at pretreatment, the end of treatment, FW+4, FW+8, FW+12, FW+16, FW+20 and FW+24. Two hundred patients had a virological response at the end of treatment. One hundred and forty-eight of 200 (74.0%) patients with a virological response at the end of treatment had an SVR at the FW+24. The positive predictive value (PPV) to identify patients with SVR at FW+4, FW+8, FW+12 was 87.1, 96.1, 98.0%, respectively. The viral load showed a reversion to the basal level as early as 8 weeks in relapse patients. There were only three patients who relapsed after FW+12 and all three of these patients were females with genotype Ib and a high viral load. CONCLUSION The assessment of serum HCV-RNA FW+12, using the highly sensitive real-time PCR assay, is almost as effective as FW+24 to predict SVR. However, there are false negatives in female patients with a high viral load of genotype Ib when the SVR is predicted by FW+12. The current standard with FW+24 is reasonable, but the assessment of serum HCV-RNA FW+12 may be effective in most patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Namikawa
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
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Heo J. Durability of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C after achieving sustained virological response. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY 2011; 17:180-2. [PMID: 22102383 PMCID: PMC3304652 DOI: 10.3350/kjhep.2011.17.3.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Gordon CE, Uhlig K, Schmid CH, Levey AS, Wong JB. Long-term viral negativity after interferon for chronic hepatitis C virus infection in hemodialysis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2011; 6:2226-34. [PMID: 21784816 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.00410111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Interferon (IFN) and pegylated-IFN treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in hemodialysis patients result in sustained virological response (SVR) rates of 45% and 37%, respectively. Although most nonhemodialysis patients who achieve SVR remain persistently viral negative, the durability of SVR in hemodialysis patients is unknown. We analyzed the rate of long-term virological negativity in hemodialysis patients who achieved SVR after IFN or pegylated-IFN through analysis of patient-level data. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS After performing a systematic literature review for IFN-based treatment of hemodialysis patients with chronic HCV infection, we extracted patient-level data on patients who achieved SVR. We performed life table analysis to estimate long-term virological negativity rates after SVR in patients who continued on hemodialysis or subsequently underwent kidney transplantation. RESULTS Long-term HCV RNA outcomes following SVR were available for 121 hemodialysis patients (20 studies) and 45 patients who subsequently underwent transplantation (11 studies). The probability of remaining HCV RNA negative was 86% (95% confidence interval, 77% to 96%) for patients followed on hemodialysis 48 months after SVR and 95% (95% confidence interval, 89% to 100%) for kidney recipients followed 48 months after transplant. CONCLUSIONS Viral negativity from IFN-based HCV treatment in hemodialysis patient appears durable during extended follow-up, including after kidney transplantation. The certainty of the viral negativity estimate is limited by the small number with follow-up beyond 48 months or longer. Transplantation does not confer an increased risk of relapse. Future research should investigate whether IFN-based treatment improves clinical outcomes for hemodialysis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig E Gordon
- Renal Section, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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Pearlman BL, Traub N. Sustained virologic response to antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection: a cure and so much more. Clin Infect Dis 2011; 52:889-900. [PMID: 21427396 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cir076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustained virologic response (SVR) is defined as aviremia 24 weeks after completion of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In analyses of SVR durability, the incidence of late relapse is extremely low (<1%). Histologic regression of both necroinflammation and fibrosis has been demonstrated in paired liver biopsy samples in SVR-achieving patients. More noteworthy is the sustained responder's favorable prognosis even with baseline cirrhosis; despite mostly retrospective analyses, relative to nonresponders or to those untreated, patients with SVR have significantly fewer liver-related complications, less hepatocellular carcinoma, and fewer liver-related deaths. Although HCV is associated with insulin resistance, successful eradication of HCV appears to reduce the risk of impaired fasting glucose and diabetes development. In summary, chronic HCV infection is curable with SVR attainment, and with cure comes improved liver histology and more favorable clinical outcomes, in comparison with patients who do not achieve the same therapeutic milestone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian L Pearlman
- Center for Hepatitis C, Atlanta Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30312, USA.
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Trapero-Marugán M, Mendoza J, Chaparro M, González-Moreno L, Moreno-Monteagudo JA, Borque MJ, Moreno-Otero R. Long-term outcome of chronic hepatitis C patients with sustained virological response to peginterferon plus ribavirin. World J Gastroenterol 2011; 17:493-8. [PMID: 21274379 PMCID: PMC3027016 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i4.493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2010] [Revised: 10/07/2010] [Accepted: 10/14/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To assess the clinical, biochemical and virological long-term outcome in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with a sustained virological response (SVR) after peginterferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin combination therapy.
METHODS: One hundred and fifty three patients with a SVR after treatment with PEG-IFN plus ribavirin were included in a 5-year follow-up study in a single Spanish center, based on standard clinical practice. Clinical anamnesis, biochemical analysis, hepatitis C virus RNA and alpha-fetoprotein measurement, ultrasonography and transient elastography were performed annually.
RESULTS: The mean follow-up period of the 153 patients was 76 ± 13 mo after they obtained a SVR. Five patients (3.26%) presented with cirrhosis before treatment and 116 (75.8%) had genotype 1. No patient showed evidence of hepatic decompensation. One patient (0.65%) developed a hepatocellular carcinoma at month 30 after achieving SVR. There were no virological relapses during this follow-up period. Persistently elevated alanine aminotransferase was found in only one patient (0.65%). At the end of the 5-year follow-up, the mean value of transient elastography was 7 ± 4.3 kPa (F1). There were no deaths and no other tumors.
CONCLUSION: The long-term outcome of 153 CHC patients with SVR to PEG-IFN plus ribavirin was good. No evidence of a virological relapse was seen. One patient (0.65%) developed a hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Long-term effects of antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. HEPATITIS RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2010; 2010:562578. [PMID: 21188198 PMCID: PMC3003987 DOI: 10.1155/2010/562578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/25/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C is a major cause of chronic liver disease globally, and the natural history of progression may lead to cirrhosis with liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma, and premature liver-related death. Emerging data demonstrates that interferon-based therapy, particularly among those achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR), is associated with long-term persistence of SVR, improved fibrosis and inflammation scores, reduced incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, and prolonged life expectancy. This reduction in the rate of progression has also been demonstrated in patients with chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis in some but not all studies. The majority of these results are reported with standard interferon therapy, and long-term results of peginterferon plus ribavirin therapy with a higher likelihood of SVR should have a yet greater impact on the population of treated patients. The impact on slowing progression is greatest in patients with an SVR, less in relapsers, and equivocal in nonresponders. Thus, the natural history of chronic hepatitis C after completion of antiviral therapy is favorable with achievement of an SVR, although further data are needed to determine the likely incremental impact of peginterferon plus ribavirin, late long-term effects of therapy, and the benefit of treatment in patients with advanced hepatic fibrosis.
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Fukushima N, Kuromatsu R, Arinaga-Hino T, Ando E, Takata A, Sumie S, Nakano M, Kawaguchi T, Ide T, Torimura T, Sata M. Adipocytokine involvement in hepatocellular carcinoma after sustained response to interferon for chronic hepatitis C. Hepatol Res 2010; 40:911-22. [PMID: 20887596 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2010.00699.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
AIM Interferon (IFN) dramatically reduces the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after a sustained virological response (SVR) to chronic hepatitis C (CH-C). However, HCC still develops in some patients after SVR. To evaluate metabolic factors in patients with HCC occurring after SVR and to determine whether insulin resistance and adipocytokines were involved in this etiology. METHODS We examined clinical and biochemical features, histological findings and serum levels of adipocytokine prior to IFN therapy and at the detection of HCC in nine patients who were diagnosed with HCC. As controls, 27 patients were included who showed SVR but had not been diagnosed with HCC for at least 5 years after SVR. RESULTS Three of four patients who developed HCC within 5 years after SVR showed liver cirrhosis when HCC was diagnosed. Prior to IFN therapy, four of nine HCC patients were diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes mellitus. Serum levels of leptin and insulin, Homeostatic Model of Assessment of Insulin Resistance and body mass index (BMI) were significantly higher and serum adiponectin was significantly lower in HCC patients at the time of HCC detection than in control patients more than 5 years after SVR. Six HCC patients had increased BMI and one HCC patient had a decreased BMI during the observation period. CONCLUSION Hepatic fibrosis may be tightly related to the emergence of HCC after SVR. Insulin resistance and adipocytokine disorders may be implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis after SVR, in part by promoting hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyoshi Fukushima
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume
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Nojiri K, Sugimoto K, Shiraki K, Kusagawa S, Tanaka J, Beppu T, Yamamoto N, Takei Y, Hashimoto A, Shimizu A, Omori S, Tameda M, Takase K. Development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C more than 10 years after sustained virological response to interferon therapy. Oncol Lett 2010; 1:427-430. [PMID: 22966320 DOI: 10.3892/ol_00000075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2009] [Accepted: 02/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients who have achieved a long-term sustained viral response (SVR) to interferon (IFN) are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of patients who developed HCC after 10 years of achieving SVR. We retrospectively studied 5 patients with HCC which developed more than 10 years after the termination of IFN therapy. The clinical characteristics at the induction of IFN therapy were male gender, a mean age of 51.6±9.1 years, while 2 patients were moderate alcohol consumers. None of the 5 patients were positive for either HBs Ag or anti-HBc Ab. A histological examination at the initial IFN therapy showed the activity scores to be A2 in all cases, and the fibrosis scores at least F2. The clinical parameters at the diagnosis of HCC included fluctuating transaminase levels in all cases. These levels scarcely fell below the upper limits even after SVR was achieved. In 3 patients, liver tissues were obtained at the treatment of HCC. These tissues showed marked improvement in both activities and fibroses, but severe steatosis in 1 patient. To conclude, chronic hepatitis C patients who respond to IFN therapy should undergo long-term follow-up, even after the eradication of HCV, with special attention particularly to patients who had elevated transaminase levels and steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichiro Nojiri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507
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Martinot-Peignoux M, Stern C, Maylin S, Ripault MP, Boyer N, Leclere L, Castelnau C, Giuily N, El Ray A, Cardoso AC, Moucari R, Asselah T, Marcellin P. Twelve weeks posttreatment follow-up is as relevant as 24 weeks to determine the sustained virologic response in patients with hepatitis C virus receiving pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Hepatology 2010; 51:1122-6. [PMID: 20069649 DOI: 10.1002/hep.23444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED A sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin is defined as undetectable serum HCV-RNA at 24 weeks (W+24) posttreatment follow-up. Viral load outcome in patients with virological relapse (VR) has not been explored. This study evaluated whether the assessment of serum HCV-RNA 12 weeks (W+12) after the end of treatment was as relevant as W+24 to evaluate SVR in 573 patients who received combination PEG-IFN and ribavirin and had a virological response at the end of treatment. Serum HCV-RNA was measured, using a new assay based on transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) with a lowest detection limit of 5-10 IU/mL, at W+12 and W+24 after the end of treatment. VR was defined as reappearance of detectable HCV-RNA at W+24 posttreatment follow-up. The positive predictive value (PPV) of undetectable serum HCV-RNA at W+12 was evaluated to identify patients with SVR, and the viral load outcome was measured in relapse patients. At the W+24 posttreatment follow-up, 408 (71%) patients had an SVR, 181 (71.2%) were treated with PEG-IFNalpha-2a and ribavirin, and 227 (71.1%) were treated with PEG-IFNalpha-2b and ribavirin. At W+12, serum HCV-RNA was undetectable in 409 patients, and 408 patients were SVR (PPV 99.7%, 95% confidence interval 99.1-100). In relapse patients, serum HCV-RNA levels were 5.623 +/- 0.748, 4.979 +/- 0.870, and 5.216 +/- 0.758 log(10) IU/mL at baseline, W+12, and W+24, respectively. CONCLUSION Our results show that the assessment of serum HCV-RNA 12 weeks after the end of treatment, using the highly sensitive TMA assay (PPV 99.7%), is as relevant as after 24 weeks to predict SVR and make decisions on the management of treated patients, suggesting a new definition for SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Martinot-Peignoux
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U-773, Centre de Recherche Biomédicale Bichat-Beaujon CRB3, Université Paris VII, Paris, France.
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Arima Y, Kawabe N, Hashimoto S, Harata M, Nitta Y, Murao M, Nakano T, Shimazaki H, Kobayashi K, Ichino N, Osakabe K, Nishikawa T, Okumura A, Ishikawa T, Yoshioka K. Reduction of liver stiffness by interferon treatment in the patients with chronic hepatitis C. Hepatol Res 2010; 40:383-92. [PMID: 20236358 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2009.00618.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the regression of liver fibrosis after interferon (IFN) treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C, liver stiffness (LS) was measured repeatedly and the factors associated with reduction of LS were assessed. METHODS LS was measured by transient elastography before treatment, at end of treatment (EOT), and 1 year and 2 years after EOT in 145 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated by IFN with or without ribavirin. RESULTS In the patients with sustained virological response (SVR) (n = 93) and relapsers (n = 28), LS significantly decreased at EOT (median, 5.4 [interquartile range, 4.0-8.6] kilopascals [kPa], P < 0.0001 and 6.8 [4.5-8.9] kPa, P = 0.0023) and 1 year after EOT (5.3 [4.2-7.0] kPa, P < 0.0001 and 6.8 [4.5-9.3] kPa, P = 0.0204) compared with baseline (8.0 [5.0-11.9] kPa and 10.6 [7.0-16.6] kPa). In SVR patients, LS significantly decreased 2 years after EOT (5.3 [4.1-6.3] kPa) compared with baseline (P < 0.0001) and LS at EOT (P = 0.0034). Two points or greater reduction of deduced stage at last LS measurement was observed in 78% of SVR patients, 59% of relapsers and 15% of patients with non-virological response whose pretreatment deduced stages were F3-F4. Fibrosis stage, hyaluronic acid levels, duration of treatment, response to treatment and alanine aminotransferase levels were associated with a 2-point or greater decrease of deduced fibrosis stage. CONCLUSION IFN treatment reduced LS in SVR patients and relapsers. Significant reduction of LS is associated with milder fibrosis stage, lower hyaluronic acid levels, longer IFN treatment, virological response of SVR or relapse and higher alanine aminotransferase levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Arima
- Department of Liver, Biliary Tract and Pancreas Diseases, Fujita Health University,1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
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Abstract
Occult hepatitis C virus infection (OCI) is a recently identified entity of which the existence became evident when nucleic acid amplification assays of enhanced sensitivity were introduced for the detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome and its replication. This form of HCV infection has been found to persist in the presence of antibodies against HCV and normal levels of liver enzymes for years after spontaneous or antiviral therapy-induced resolution of hepatitis C and, therefore, can be termed as secondary OCI. HCV RNA in OCI circulate at fluctuating levels normally not exceeding 200 genome copies per millilitre of serum or plasma, while low levels of virus genome and its replicative intermediate RNA-negative strand are detectable in the liver and, importantly, immune cells, which provide an opportunity to detect active virus replication without the need for acquiring a liver biopsy. In addition to secondary OCI, a form of OCI accompanied by persistently moderately elevated serum liver enzymes in the absence of antibodies to HCV, which can be termed as cryptogenic OCI, has also been described. The current understanding of the nature and characteristics of OCI, methods and pitfalls of its detection, as well as the documented and expected pathological consequences of OCI will be summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tram N Q Pham
- Molecular Virology and Hepatology Research Group, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Samanta T, Das AK, Ganguly S, Sharma S, Mittal R, Thara A, Sood N, Kaur A. Profile of hepatitis A infection with atypical manifestations in children. Indian J Gastroenterol 2010; 29:31-3. [PMID: 20373084 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-010-0006-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2008] [Revised: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 01/03/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the clinical course and biochemical profile of symptomatic children with viral hepatitis A who had atypical manifestations. Of 229 children with hepatitis A, atypical manifestations were found in 32 (14%) subjects. Prolonged cholestasis (n = 14), acute liver failure (9), relapse (9), ascites (8), and hematological problems (8) were the common presentations. Liver histology was suggestive of chronic liver disease in six children with protracted jaundice. Patients with atypical presentations were older (7.7 [1.6] years vs. 6.5 [2.6] years; p=0.012) and had higher total serum bilirubin (13.7 [8.1] mg/dL vs. 7.2 [4.0] mg/dL; p=<0.001) than those with typical presentation. Approximately 15% of children with acute hepatitis A infection have atypical presentation which is associated with increase in morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tryambak Samanta
- Department of Pediatrics, Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, 700 014, India.
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Abstract
Hepatitis C is a leading indication for transplantation and a common cause of liver-related death worldwide. Treatment for hepatitis C has evolved from interferon therapy alone, which yielded relatively poor response rates compared with the currently recommended and more effective combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Factors such as hepatitis C viral genotype, pretreatment viral load, race, renal function, degree of hepatic fibrosis, and comorbid conditions such as HIV coinfection have clinical importance in that they influence viral kinetics, which play a large role in determining a sustained response to therapy or virologic "cure." However, the goal of therapy is to reduce liver-related morbidity and mortality by decreasing rates of progression or improvement of fibrosis, reducing risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, improving posttransplant graft and patient survival, and resolving or improving some of the extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C. Studies generally infer long-term success from the more tangible goal of sustained viral suppression; however, increasing data suggest that effective therapy does result in decreased morbidity and mortality. Given the heterogeneity of patients who are infected with hepatitis C, treatment decisions should be specifically tailored to each individual patient on the basis of their predisposing conditions and anticipated clinical outcomes.
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George SL, Bacon BR, Brunt EM, Mihindukulasuriya KL, Hoffmann J, Di Bisceglie AM. Clinical, virologic, histologic, and biochemical outcomes after successful HCV therapy: a 5-year follow-up of 150 patients. Hepatology 2009; 49:729-38. [PMID: 19072828 PMCID: PMC2731713 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED One hundred fifty patients with sustained virologic response (SVR) after treatment of chronic hepatitis C were enrolled in a long-term clinical follow-up study; patients were followed for 5 years for liver-related outcomes and evidence of biochemical or virologic relapse. Patients with stage 2 or greater fibrosis on pretreatment biopsy were invited to undergo a long-term follow-up biopsy after their fourth year of follow-up. One hundred twenty-eight patients (85%) were followed through their fourth year, and long-term follow-up biopsies were obtained from 60 patients (40%). Forty-nine patients had paired pretreatment and long-term follow-up biopsies blindly rescored. Forty of these patients (82%) had a decrease in fibrosis score, and 45 (92%) had a decrease in combined inflammation score. Ten patients (20%) had normal or nearly normal livers on long-term follow-up biopsy. Two patients with pretreatment cirrhosis developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and one died. All the other patients with pretreatment cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis had improved fibrosis scores on long-term follow-up biopsy. No patient had conclusive evidence of virologic relapse. Three patients had persistently elevated alanine aminotransferase levels; two of these had new liver disease. CONCLUSION In a cohort of 150 patients with SVR followed for 5 years, the majority of patients had good outcomes. Serum virologic relapse was not seen, but two patients with pretreatment cirrhosis developed HCC, and one died. In a blind rescoring of 49 paired pretreatment and long-term follow-up biopsies, 82% improved fibrosis scores and 92% improved at least one component of inflammation. A minority of patients had normal or nearly normal liver tissue on long-term follow-up biopsy. Patients with cirrhosis pretreatment are at a low but real risk of HCC after SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L George
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Saint Louis University Liver Center, St Louis, MO, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin-Walter Welker
- Medizinische Klinik 1, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Sanefuji K, Kayashima H, Iguchi T, Sugimachi K, Yamashita YI, Yoshizumi T, Soejima Y, Nishizaki T, Taketomi A, Maehara Y. Characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma developed after achieving sustained virological response to interferon therapy for hepatitis C. J Surg Oncol 2009; 99:32-7. [DOI: 10.1002/jso.21176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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