A guide to the management of hepatitis E infection during pregnancy

One-Pot Assay Based on CRISPR/Cas13a Technology for HEV RNA Point-of-Care Testing

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) poses a serious threat to both public health and animal food safety, thereby highlighting the demands for rapid, sensitive, and easy-to-use detection. This study aimed to develop a One-Pot assay using CRISPR/Cas13a for detecting HEV RNA, suitable for point-of-care testing (POCT) in resource-limited settings. CRISPR/Cas13a combined with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) was applied to a One-Pot assay device. Additionally, a large cohort of HEV-infected patient (154) and animal (104) specimens was utilized for validation. The RT-PCR/RT-RAA + CRISPR/Cas13a assays for HEV RNA detection (genotypes: HEV-1, HEV-3, and HEV-4) were established, optimized, and validated, achieving a limit of detection (LoD) of 1 copy/μL and 100% specificity. In the application validation for HEV infection, the positive rates of the RT-PCR + CRISPR and RT-RAA + CRISPR assays were 98.6% and 89.6% for patients, and 96.6% and 88.8% for animals, respectively, which were superior to those of RT-qPCR. Furthermore, sample rapid lysis, reagent lyophilization, and the One-Pot device were integrated to construct a One-Pot assay with an LoD of 102 copies/μL. Despite slight decreases in sensitivity, the One-Pot assay significantly reduces the assay time to 35 min, making it easy to perform, minimizing contamination, and meeting the requirements for screening. We developed a One-Pot assay of HEV RNA using the CRISPR/Cas13a which effectively realizes a POCT test and maximizes the impetus for POCT implementation and shows potential as a valuable tool for detecting and monitoring HEV infection.

Global temporal trends and projections of acute hepatitis E incidence among women of childbearing age: Age-period-cohort analysis 2021

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Acute hepatitis E (AHE) poses a significant threat to global public health, particularly among women of childbearing age (WCBA), who are at heightened risk for severe pregnancy-related complications. This study aimed to delineate the temporal trends and project future incidence of AHE in WCBA, providing insights crucial for targeted prevention and control strategies.

METHODS

Data on AHE incidence from the Global Health data 2021. The age-period-cohort (APC) model was applied to analyze trends across different age groups, periods, and birth cohorts, and the Bayesian APC model was utilized for forecasting future epidemiological trajectories.

RESULTS

Globally, AHE incidence numbers among WCBA rose from 2,831,075 in 1992 to 3,420,786 in 2021, while the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) declined from 194.66 to 179.54 per 100,000 with a global net drift of -0.28%. However, high SDI regions showed a contrasting trend with a positive net drift of 0.02%. The age effect was consistent across SDI regions and globally, showing a decrease with advancing age, while unfavorable period and cohort effects were exhibited in high-SDI region. At the national level, locations exhibited varying trends of change. The BAPC model predicted a total of 3,759,384 AHE global cases in WCBA by 2030, with an expected mild increase in the ASIR. The outlook for the management and containment of AHE is grim in certain countries, including India.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed a complex epidemiological landscape of AHE in WCBA, with increasing global incidence numbers juxtaposed against a declining ASIR. The AHE burden by 2030 remain severe among WCBA. Young WCBA and high SDI region merit particular attention. The findings underscore the need for region-specific strategies to curb the projected rise in AHE incidence and align with the 2030 WHO goals.

Current perspectives of viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis represents a major danger to public health, and is a globally leading cause of death. The five liver-specific viruses: Hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis D virus, and hepatitis E virus, each have their own unique epidemiology, structural biology, transmission, endemic patterns, risk of liver complications, and response to antiviral therapies. There remain few options for treatment, in spite of the increasing prevalence of viral-hepatitis-caused liver disease. Furthermore, chronic viral hepatitis is a leading worldwide cause of both liver-related morbidity and mortality, even though effective treatments are available that could reduce or prevent most patients' complications. In 2016, the World Health Organization released its plan to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by the year 2030, along with a discussion of current gaps and prospects for both regional and global eradication of viral hepatitis. Today, treatment is sufficiently able to prevent the disease from reaching advanced phases. However, future therapies must be extremely safe, and should ideally limit the period of treatment necessary. A better understanding of pathogenesis will prove beneficial in the development of potential treatment strategies targeting infections by viral hepatitis. This review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge on each type of viral hepatitis, together with major innovations.

Viral hepatitis E: Clinical manifestations, treatment, and prevention

Hepatitis E is a globally distributed infection that varies in seroprevalence between developed and developing regions. In the less developed regions of Asia and Africa, a high seropositivity rate has been reported for hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibodies. Although acute hepatitis E is often self-limited and has a favorable prognosis, some populations experience severe manifestations, which may progress to liver failure. Moreover, some immunocompromised patients are at risk of developing chronic HEV infection and cirrhosis. Proactive screening, reducing misdiagnosis, improving patient management, timely antiviral therapy for severe and chronic cases, and vaccination of high-risk groups are important measures to reduce the morbidity of hepatitis E. This review focused on the clinical presentation, management, and prevention of hepatitis E.

Hepatitis E infection: A review

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a small non-enveloped virus that is transmitted via the fecal-oral route. It is a highly common cause of acute hepatitis, particularly in low to middle income regions of Asia, Africa, and Central America. Most cases are self-limited, and symptomatic patients usually present with acute icteric hepatitis. A subset of patients including pregnant women, older men, those with pre-existing liver disease and immunocompromised patients however, may develop severe disease and hepatic failure. Immunocompromised patients are also at risk for chronic infection, and their immunosuppression should be decreased in order to facilitate viral clearance. HEV can also present with a variety of extra-intestinal manifestations including neurological, renal, hematological, and pancreatic derangements. The gold standard of diagnosis is HEV ribonucleic acid detection via nucleic acid amplification testing. Currently, there are no approved treatments for Hepatitis E, though ribavirin is the most commonly used agent to reduce viral load. Studies assessing the safety and efficacy of other antiviral agents for HEV are currently underway. HEV vaccination has been approved in China, and is currently being investigated in other regions as well. This review article aims to discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis, presentation, diagnosis, complications, and treatment of Hepatitis E infection.

The burden of HEV-related acute liver failure in Bangladesh, China and India: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis E can potentially progress to HEV-related acute liver failure (HEV-ALF). East and South Asia bear a substantial burden of HEV infection, with Bangladesh, China, and India facing the most severe threat in this region. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the burden of HEV-ALF in these three high-risk countries.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed utilizing PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Studies in English or Chinese that reported data on the burden of HEV-ALF in Bangladesh, China and India were included. Outcomes were pooled with meta-analysis utilizing R software. Estimates were calculated with random-effects models, and subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted to address heterogeneity. Egger's test and Begg's test were performed to assess publication bias.

RESULTS

A total of 20 eligible studies were included in this study. The pooled HEV-attributable proportion of viral-related acute liver failure was estimated to be 40.0% (95% CI: 0.28-0.52), 30.0% (95% CI: 0.18-0.44), and 61.0% (95% CI: 0.49-0.72) among non-pregnant individuals in India, China and Bangladesh, while in Indian pregnant females, it was 71.0% (95% CI: 0.62-0.79). The combined prevalence among non-pregnant HEV-infected participants was 28.0% (95% CI: 0.20-0.37) and 10.0% (95% CI: 0.01-0.28) in India and China, and it was 34.0% (95% CI: 0.27-0.42) in Indian pregnant females with HEV infection. The overall mortality of HEV-ALF was estimated to be 32.0% (95% CI: 0.23-0.42) and 64.0% (95% CI: 0.50-0.77) among the non-pregnant and the pregnant participants in India, and it was 23.0% (95% CI: 0.14-0.34) in Chinese non-pregnant participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of HEV-ALF in Bangladesh, China, and India is non-negligible despite geographic and population heterogeneity. The prevention of HEV infection and early recognition of HEV-ALF are of great significance, especially in high-risk countries and populations.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration ID is CRD42022382101.

Treatment of Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are the most common cause of acute hepatitis, but they can also take a chronic course. There is no specific therapy for acute hepatitis, and current treatment is supportive. Choosing ribavirin as the first-line therapy for chronic HEV is advisable, especially immunosuppressed individuals. Moreover, ribavirin therapy in the acute phase of infection provides major benefits for those at high risk of acute liver failure (ALF)/acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Pegylated interferon α has been used successfully for treatment of hepatitis E but is associated with major side effects. Cholestasis is one of the most common, but devastating, manifestations in hepatitis E. Current therapy for HEV aims to treat symptoms. Therapy generally involves several measures, such as vitamins, albumin, and plasma for supporting treatment, symptomatic treatment for cutaneous pruritus, ursodeoxycholic acid, Obeticholic acid, S-adenosylmethionine, etc. for removing jaundice. HEV infection during pregnancy and patients with underlying liver disease may develop liver failure. For these patients, active monitoring, standard care, and supportive treatment are the foundations. Ribavirin has successfully been used to prevent liver transplantation (LT). Prevention and treatment of complications are important for treatment of liver failure. Liver support devices are intended to support liver function until such time as native liver function recovers, or until LT. LT is widely considered as irreplaceable and definitive treatment for liver failure, particularly for patients who do not improve with supportive measures to sustain life.

Prevalence of hepatitis E virus and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women in China

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has become a global concern, especially in pregnant women. However, the association between HEV prevalence and age, gravidity and parity of pregnant women remains unclear.

METHODS

Pregnant women (n=19,762) were enrolled for HEV prevalence and associated adverse pregnancy outcomes investigation in Qujing City, Yunnan Province of China from May 2019 to December 2020.

RESULTS

The seroprevalence of HEV was 11.6% (2,297/19,762; 95% CI:11.2%-12.1%). About 11.4% (2,247/19,762; 95% CI:10.9%-11.8%) were positive for anti-HEV IgG antibody, 0.1% (22/19,762; 95% CI:0.1%-0.2%) were positive for anti-HEV IgM antibody, and 0.1% (28/19,762; 95% CI:0.1%-0.2%) were positive for both anti-HEV IgM and IgG antibodies. Sixty-one out of 2,297 anti-HEV-antibodies-positive pregnant women were positive for HEV RNA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all HEV isolates from pregnant women belong to genotype 4. Age, gravidity and parity are associated with increased prevalence of HEV. Pregnant women positive for HEV-IgG antibody bear a higher risk for an adverse pregnancy history and liver injury with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels than anti-HEV-negative pregnant women. Furthermore, seropositive pregnant women suffered a higher adverse maternal outcomes risk (crude odds ratio [cOR]=1.29; 95% CI: 1.16-1.43; adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.40, 95% CI: 1.25-1.55 for anti-HEV-IgG-positive pregnant women and cOR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.02-1.86; aOR=1.43, 95% CI: 1.05-1.95 for anti-HEV-IgM-positive pregnant women) and fetal outcomes risk (cOR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.61-2.01; aOR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.57-1.99) than anti-HEV-negative pregnant women. Adverse pregnancy outcomes of HEV infection are aggravated by age, gravidity and parity.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we demonstrated high prevalence of HEV in pregnancy women in China, and HEV infection can cause various adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Laboratory Diagnosis of HEV Infection

Serological and nucleic acid tests for detecting hepatitis E virus (HEV) have been developed for both epidemiologic and diagnostic purposes. The laboratory diagnosis of HEV infection depends on the detection of HEV antigen or HEV RNA in the blood, stool, and other body fluids, and serum antibodies against HEV (immunoglobulin [Ig]A, IgM, and IgG). Anti-HEV IgM antibodies and low avidity IgG can be detected during the acute phase of the illness and can last approximately 12 months, representing primary infection, whereas anti-HEV IgG antibodies can last more than several years, representing remote exposure. Thus, the diagnosis of acute infection is based on the presence of anti-HEV IgM, low avidity IgG, HEV antigen, and HEV RNA, while epidemiological investigations are mainly based on anti-HEV IgG. Although significant progress has been made in developing and optimizing different formats of HEV assays, improving their sensitivity and specificity, there are many shortcomings and challenges in inter-assay concordance, validation, and standardization. This article reviews the current knowledge on the diagnosis of HEV infection, including the most common available laboratory diagnostic techniques.

The diagnostic and prognostic value of serum exosome-derived carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 in HEV-related acute liver failure patients

Early diagnosis and prognosis evaluation are of great significance to hepatitis E virus (HEV)-related acute liver failure (HEV-ALF) patients. We collected serum samples from 200 health controls (HCs), 200 patients with acute hepatitis E (AHE), and 200 HEV-ALF patients to evaluate serum exosome-derived carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 (CPS1) levels and determine its diagnostic and prognostic value. The exosome-derived CPS1 levels in the HEV-ALF group were significantly higher than those in the AHE and HCs groups. The AUC of exosome-derived CPS1 to predict the occurrence of HEV-ALF was 0.850 (0.811-0.883). Both logistical regression and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) showed that exosome-derived CPS1 is an independent risk factor for HEV-ALF. The exosome-derived CPS1 levels were positively correlated with organ failure and the outcomes in HEV-ALF patients. The exosome-derived CPS1 levels in the worsening group were significantly higher than those in the fluctuating and the improving groups. The AUC of serum exosome-derived CPS1 to predict 30-day mortality was 0.829 (0.770-0.879), which was significantly greater than that of the Child-Pugh, KCH, and MELD models. The level of serum exosome-derived CPS1 might serve as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HEV-ALF patients, which may provide better guidance for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of HEV-ALF patients.

Hepatitis E Virus; An Underestimated Threat for the Viral Hepatitis Elimination Program

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Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Antibodies (IgG) in the Community of Rawalpindi

Knowledge regarding the prevalence of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the general population can indicate public health and personal hygiene practices in a community. HEV spreads through the fecal-oral route and contaminates drinking water through sewage. Moreover, poverty also contributes to its prevalence in developing countries, including Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 650 blood samples taken from suspected patients of HEV in the Rawalpindi cantonment area (Pakistan) from April to November 2019 at the Department of Virology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Out of them, 444 (68.15%) were male and 206 (31.85%) were female; the detection of anti-HEV IgG antibodies was carried out using a commercial Anti-Hepatitis E virus antibody (IgG) ELISA Kit. The overall anti-HEV IgG prevalence percentages were 19.23% and 4.77% in males and females, respectively. Patients were categorized into eight groups with ages ranging between 1 and 90 years. HEV IgG seroprevalence was the highest in ages 31–40 (6.46%). The study concluded that males aged 40 or above were susceptible and infected with hepatitis E.

Review of clinical characteristics, immune responses and regulatory mechanisms of hepatitis E-associated liver failure

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute liver failure (LF) and one of the most common factors causing acute injury in acute-on-chronic LF (ACLF). When HEV-related LF occurs, a series of changes take place in both the intrahepatic environment and extrahepatic microenvironment. The changed types and distribution of immune cells (infiltrating macrophages and increased lymphocytes) in liver tissue, as well the increased proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the blood, indicate that the occurrence and progression of HEV-related LF are closely related to immune imbalance. The clinical features and immune reaction in the body during HEV-related acute LF (ALF) and ACLF are complicated. This review highlights recent progress in elucidating the clinical manifestations of HEV-associated ALF and ACLF and discusses the corresponding systemic immune changes and possible regulatory mechanisms.

Therapeutic Advances in Viral Hepatitis A-E

Viral hepatitis remains a significant global health problem. All forms of viral hepatitis A through E (A-E) can lead to acute symptomatic infection, while hepatitis B and C can lead to chronic infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality related to progression to cirrhosis, end-stage-liver disease, and liver cancer. Viral hepatitis occurs worldwide, though certain regions are disproportionately affected. We now, remarkably, have highly effective curative regimens for hepatitis C, and safe and tolerable medications to suppress hepatitis B activity, and to prevent liver damage and slow disease progression. We have effective vaccines for hepatitis A and B which provide long-lasting immunity, while improved sanitation and awareness can curb outbreaks of hepatitis A and E. However, more effective and available preventive and curative strategies are needed to achieve global eradication of viral hepatitis. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology, transmission, diagnosis, and clinical features of each viral hepatitis with a primary focus on current and future therapeutic and curative options.

Seroprevalence and Potential Risk Factors of Hepatitis E Virus among Pregnant Women in Khartoum, Sudan

Although hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has been widely understood as a public health concern in pregnant females, it is sometimes overlooked because of unusual observations of hepatitis E-induced complications during pregnancy. The objective of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to find out how frequent Hepatitis E virus infection is in pregnant women in Sudan. Blood samples were collected from pregnant women (n = 90) attending Khartoum North Hospital from February to December 2019. The specimens were investigated for Hepatitis E virus IgG and IgM antibodies using the commercial kits based on the enzyme immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Out of ninety pregnant women, 36 (40%) were found positive for IgG antibodies, and 5 (6%) were tested positive for IgM antibodies. In addition, 13 (14.5%) of the positive cases are women in their third trimester. These data showed a significant association between previous Hepatitis E virus infection and miscarriage (p <0.001). This study did not find a significant association between maternal and gestation age, education, water sources, and hepatitis E virus infection. In conclusion, there was a high percentage of HEV infections among pregnant women attending Khartoum North Hospital. This study estimates the Hepatitis E virus burden in Khartoum state, but more extensive studies are required to confirm the burden in Sudan.

Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E: What we know so far?

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of viral hepatitis globally. There is growing concern about transfusion-transmitted HEV (TT-HEV) as an emerging global health problem. HEV can potentially result in chronic infection in immunocompromised patients, leading to a higher risk of liver cirrhosis and even death. Between 0.0013% and 0.281% of asymptomatic blood donors around the world have HEV viremia, and 0.27% to 60.5% have anti-HEV immunoglobulin G. HEV is infectious even at very low blood concentrations of the virus. Immunosuppressed patients who develop persistent hepatitis E infection should have their immunosuppressant regimen reduced; ribavirin may be considered as treatment. Pegylated interferon can be considered in those who are refractory or intolerant to ribavirin. Sofosbuvir, a nucleotide analog, showed modest antiviral activity in some clinical studies but sustained viral response was not achieved. Therefore, rescue treatment remains an unmet need. The need for HEV screening of all blood donations remains controversial. Universal screening has been adopted in some countries after consideration of risk and resource availability. Various pathogen reduction methods have also been proposed to reduce the risk of TT-HEV. Future studies are needed to define the incidence of transmission through transfusion, their clinical features, outcomes and prognosis.

A Focused Review on Recent Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis

The global burden of viral hepatitis remains substantial despite advances in antiviral therapy and effective vaccines. There are five hepatitis viruses (hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E). Mortality related to hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections is among the top four global infectious diseases, together with human immunodeficiency virus infection, malaria, and tuberculosis. Of those deaths, approximately 47% are attributable to hepatitis B virus, 48% to hepatitis C virus and the remainder to hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus. Ending hepatitis epidemics as a major public health threat is feasible with the tools and approaches currently available. Effective vaccines are available for preventing viral hepatitis A, B and E infections. New oral, well-tolerated treatment regimens for chronic hepatitis C patients can achieve cure rates of over 90%. Effective treatment is also available for people with chronic hepatitis B virus infection; although for most people such treatment needs to be long-term, and recent advanced aim at a "functional cure" of hepatitis B. In this review article, we discuss the most recent advances of the diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis.

Towards the Improved Accuracy of Hepatitis E Diagnosis in Vulnerable and Target Groups: A Global Perspective on the Current State of Knowledge and the Implications for Practice

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a positive single-stranded, icosahedral, quasi-enveloped RNA virus in the genus Orthohepevirus of the family Hepeviridae. Orthohepevirus A is the most numerous species of the genus Orthohepevirus and consists of eight different HEV genotypes that can cause infection in humans. HEV is a pathogen transmitted via the fecal-oral route, most commonly by consuming fecally contaminated water. A particular danger is the HEV-1 genotype, which poses a very high risk of vertical transmission from the mother to the fetus. Several outbreaks caused by this genotype have been reported, resulting in many premature births, abortions, and also neonatal and maternal deaths. Genotype 3 is more prevalent in Europe; however, due to the openness of the market, i.e., trade-in animals which represent a natural reservoir of HEV (such as pigs), there is a possibility of spreading HEV infections outside endemic areas. This problem is indeed global and requires increased hygiene measures in endemic areas, which entails special care for pregnant women in both endemic and non-endemic regions. As already highlighted, pregnant women could have significant health consequences due to the untimely diagnosis of HEV infection; hence, this is a population that should be targeted with a specific combination of testing approaches to ensure optimal specificity and sensitivity. Until we advance from predominantly supportive treatment in pregnancy and appraise the safety and efficacy of a HEV vaccine in this population, such screening approaches represent the mainstay of our public health endeavors.

Hepatitis E virus: Epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and treatment

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the fifth known form of viral hepatitis and was first recognized as the cause of an epidemic of unexplained acute hepatitis in the early 1980s. Globally, it is one of the most frequent causes of acute viral hepatitis. The majority of HEV infections are asymptomatic and lead to the spontaneous clearance of the virus. Among the eight different genotypes identified to date, HEV genotype 1 (HEV1), HEV2, HEV3, and HEV4 are the most frequent genotypes causing infections in humans. HEV1 and HEV2 are prevalent in developing regions and able to result in large-scale outbreaks originating from contaminated water supplies. They are also responsible for severe hepatitis in pregnant patients and infants. In contrast, HEV3 and HEV4 are zoonotic, and the transmission of these genotypes to humans occurs mainly through the fecal contamination of water and consumption of contaminated meat from infected animals. Their main reservoir is the pig, and they are mostly encountered in developed countries. The major risk groups for HEV infection and its ensuing adverse consequences are pregnant women, infants, older people, immunocompromised individuals, patients with underlying chronic liver diseases, and workers that come into close contact with HEV-infected animals. In the clinical perspective, HEV infections have diverse clinical manifestations including acute and self-limiting hepatitis, acute-on-chronic liver disease, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Although HEV mainly results in acute self-limiting infection, chronic HEV infection may occur among immunocompromised patients (e.g., solid-organ transplant recipients). Additionally, HEV-associated extrahepatic manifestations involving various organs have been reported in the last decade, although the causal link for many of them still needs to be proven. Ribavirin and interferon-alpha are the most widely used agents for the treatment of HEV infections with a certain level of success. However, ribavirin is contraindicated in pregnant patients, and interferon-alpha cannot be used in most transplant recipients. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel antiviral compounds that are safe and effective particularly for patients having contraindications for ribavirin or interferon-alpha and infected by the ribavirin-resistant HEV. In this review article, a literature search using PubMed and MEDLINE databases was performed, up to March 2020. Only the articles published in English were reviewed.

A Review of the Diagnosis and Management of Hepatitis E

Purpose of review

We aim to provide the readers an up-to-date knowledge of the structure, epidemiology, and transmission followed by a detailed discussion on testing, diagnostics and management of hepatitis E virus infection. We have also included a comprehensive review of hepatitis E in pregnancy.

Recent findings

European Association for the Study of the Liver established clinical practice guidelines for testing and treatment of suspected hepatitis E virus infections in 2018. Evidence suggests chronic hepatitis E may follow a course similar to hepatitis B/C with progression to cirrhosis and possibly hepatocellular carcinoma in immunocompromised patients.

Summary

Hepatitis E virus is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. A combination of serology and nucleic acid amplification testing is the recommended strategy for suspected patients. Ribavirin therapy for a period of 3 months is the drug of choice for severe acute hepatitis, acute-on chronic liver failure, and chronic infections from hepatitis E virus in immunocompromised patients who are unresponsive to decreased immunosuppression. PEGylated interferon α can be used for ribavirin-resistant liver transplant patients with chronic hepatitis E. Further research in therapeutic options is essential considering the stormy course of hepatitis E infection during pregnancy and teratogenicity of all available options.

Hepatitis E virus infection during pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) generally causes self-limiting viral hepatitis. However, in pregnant women, HEV infection can be severe and has been associated with up to 30% mortality in the third trimester. Additionally, HEV infection in pregnancy is also associated with high rates of preterm labor and vertical transmission.

MAIN BODY

HEV is now recognized as a global health problem in both developing and industrialized countries. HEV can be transmitted via the fecal-oral route, zoonotic route, and blood transfusion route. An altered immune status, hormonal levels, and viral factors may be related to the severity of the disease. Currently, no established treatment is available for HEV in pregnant women. A Chinese vaccine has been demonstrated to be protective against HEV in the general population and seems to be safe in pregnancy; however, its safety and efficacy in a large population of pregnant women remain to be determined.

CONCLUSION

This review summarizes the current knowledge about HEV infection during pregnancy and focuses on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, mechanisms underlying severe liver injury, and management and prevention of HEV infection during pregnancy. Considering that HEV infection during pregnancy may result in poor outcomes, screening for and monitoring HEV infection early in pregnancy should be taken into account. In addition, a better understanding of the pathogenesis will help to develop potential treatment strategies targeting HEV infection in pregnancy.

Extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis E virus: An overview

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant health problem with approximately 20 million individuals infected annually. HEV infection has been associated with a wide spectrum of extrahepatic manifestations, including neurological, hematological and renal disorders. Guillain-Barré syndrome and neuralgic amyotrophy are the most frequent neurological manifestations. In addition, HEV infection has been observed with other neurological diseases, such as encephalitis, myelitis and Bell’s palsy. Hematologic manifestations include anemia due to glucose-6-phospate dehydrogonase deficiency, autoimmune hemolytic anemia and severe thrombocytopenia. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and relapse IgA nephropathy with or without coexisting cryoglobulinemia appear to be the most common renal injuries related with HEV infection. Also, HEV infection has been associated with acute pancreatitis and other immune-mediated manifestations, such as arthritis and myocarditis. However, the pathophysiologic mechanisms of HEV-related extrahepatic manifestations are still largely unclear.

The Clinical Perspective on Hepatitis E

Every year, there are an estimated 20 million hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections worldwide, leading to an estimated 3.3 million symptomatic cases of hepatitis E. HEV is largely circulating in the west and is associated with several hepatic and extrahepatic diseases. HEV Genotype 1 and 2 infections are waterborne and causative for epidemics in the tropics, while genotype 3 and 4 infections are zoonotic diseases and are mainly transmitted by ingestion of undercooked pork in industrialized nations. The clinical course of these infections differs: genotype 1 and 2 infection can cause acute illness and can lead to acute liver failure (ALF) or acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) with a high mortality rate of 20% in pregnant women. In contrast, the majority of HEV GT-3 and -4 infections have a clinically asymptomatic course and only rarely lead to acute on chronic liver failure in elderly or patients with underlying liver disease. Immunosuppressed individuals infected with genotype 3 or 4 may develop chronic hepatitis E, which then can lead to life-threatening cirrhosis. Furthermore, several extra-hepatic manifestations affecting various organs have been associated with ongoing or previous HEV infections but the causal link for many of them still needs to be proven. There is no approved specific therapy for the treatment of acute or chronic HEV GT-3 or -4 infections but off-label use of ribavirin has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in the majority of patients. However, in approximately 15% of chronically HEV infected patients, cure is not possible.