Characteristics of hepatitis C in renal transplant candidates

Fibrosis-4 Score Is Associated with Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients with Chronic Viral Hepatitis: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis B and C infections are major causes of morbidity and mortality in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on hemodialysis (HD). The Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score is a non-invasive method to evaluate chronic liver disease. However, it is unclear whether there is a connection between the FIB-4 score and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and mortality in patients on HD. This study investigates the relationship between FIB-4 scores, MACEs, and mortality in HD patients.

METHODS

A 5-year retrospective study included 198 HD patients with chronic hepatitis B and C from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. FIB-4 scores were categorized into high (>2.071), middle (1.030~2.071), and low (<1.030) tertiles for cross-sectional analyses. MACEs and mortality were tracked longitudinally.

RESULTS

Patients with high FIB-4 scores had lower hemoglobin and albumin levels. Cox multivariate analysis showed that high FIB-4 scores (aHR: 1.589) and diabetes mellitus (aHR: 5.688) were significant factors for all-cause mortality. The optimal FIB-4 score for 5-year mortality was 2.942. FIB-4 scores were not significant for predicting 5-year MACEs.

CONCLUSIONS

High FIB-4 scores are associated with increased 5-year all-cause mortality risk in HD patients with chronic hepatitis virus infection.

Splenic Arterial Pulsatility Index to Predict Hepatic Fibrosis in Hemodialysis Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

The clinical utility of the splenic arterial pulsatility index (SAPI), a duplex Doppler ultrasonographic index, to predict the stage of hepatic fibrosis in hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains elusive. We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study to include 296 hemodialysis patients with HCV who underwent SAPI assessment and liver stiffness measurements (LSMs). The levels of SAPI were significantly associated with LSMs (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.413, p < 0.001) and different stages of hepatic fibrosis as determined using LSMs (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient: 0.529, p < 0.001). The areas under receiver operating characteristics (AUROCs) of SAPI to predict the severity of hepatic fibrosis were 0.730 (95% CI: 0.671-0.789) for ≥F1, 0.782 (95% CI: 0.730-0.834) for ≥F2, 0.838 (95% CI: 0.781-0.894) for ≥F3, and 0.851 (95% CI: 0.771-0.931) for F4. Furthermore, the AUROCs of SAPI were comparable to those of the fibrosis index based on four parameters (FIB-4) and superior to those of the aspartate transaminase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index (APRI). The positive predictive value (PPV) for ≥F1 was 79.5% when the Youden index was set at 1.04, and the negative predictive values (NPVs) for ≥F2, ≥F3, and F4 were 79.8%, 92,6%, and 96.9%, respectively, when the maximal Youden indices were set at 1.06, 1.19, and 1.30. The diagnostic accuracies of SAPI with the maximal Youden index for a fibrosis stage of ≥F1, ≥F2, ≥F3, and F4 were 69.6%, 67.2%, 75.0%, and 85.1%, respectively. In conclusion, SAPI can serve as a good noninvasive index in predicting the severity of hepatic fibrosis in hemodialysis patients with chronic HCV infection.

Noninvasive Diagnosis of Hepatic Fibrosis in Hemodialysis Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health problem in hemodialysis patients, which leads to significant morbidity and mortality through progressive hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis. Percutaneous liver biopsy is the gold standard to stage hepatic fibrosis. However, it is an invasive procedure with postbiopsy complications. Because uremia may significantly increase the risk of fatal and nonfatal bleeding events, the use of noninvasive means to assess the severity of hepatic fibrosis is particularly appealing to hemodialysis patients. To date, researchers have evaluated the performance of various biochemical, serological, and radiological indices for hepatic fibrosis in hemodialysis patients with HCV infection. In this review, we will summarize the progress of noninvasive indices for assessing hepatic fibrosis and propose a pragmatic recommendation to diagnose the stage of hepatic fibrosis with a noninvasive index, in hemodialysis patients with HCV infection.

Non-Invasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis and Steatosis in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Renal Transplant Evaluation

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has an increased prevalence in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to similar risk factors. The aim of this study was to assess non-invasive testing including transient elastography (TE) for liver stiffness (LS), controlled attenuated parameter (CAP) for steatosis, Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI) and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), for evaluation of NAFLD along with advanced fibrosis (AF) in patients with ESRD undergoing renal transplant evaluation.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected within 12 weeks of TE. Primary outcomes were AF, defined by LS ≥ 9 kPa compared to APRI > 1.5, FIB-4 > 2.67, and NFS of 0.675, and ≥ 5% steatosis by CAP ≥ 263 dB/m compared to liver histology when available.

Results

A total of 171 patients were evaluated: mean age 56, 65% male, 36% obese, 47% had diabetes, 96% hypertension, and 56% dyslipidemia. Mean LS was 6.5 kPa with 21% having AF. Mean CAP was 232 dB/m, with 25% having steatosis. Those with AF were older with higher NFS. Those with steatosis were obese and had diabetes without higher LS or fibrosis scores. Only NFS was associated with LS ≥ 9 kPa. In those with liver histology, AF was associated with LS ≥ 9 kPa but not with APRI, FIB-4, or NFS.

Conclusions

Despite normal liver enzymes, non-invasive assessment via TE in ESRD patients exhibited high prevalence of AF and steatosis not detected by APRI or FIB-4 scores. This high prevalence was secondary to the common risk factors such as obesity and diabetes, among patients with NAFLD and ESRD.

Evaluation of Liver Enzymes in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients on the Renal Transplant-Waiting List in North-West of Iran

Background: Liver diseases, mainly hepatitis B and C, commonly occur in patients with end-stage renal diseases (ESRD). Alanine and aspartate aminotransferase are important for the diagnosis and monitoring of liver diseases. Several studies demonstrated that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have lower levels of serum aminotransferases than the normal population. The present study was designed to compare these enzymes in different types of dialysis in ESRD patients and the general population in Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, ESRD patients who were candidates for organ transplants in Montaserieh Hospital in Mashhad (Iran) from 2007 to 2014 were enrolled. The data of 1116 patients were collected by reviewing their medical records. Patients were divided into two groups of hemodialysis (n = 1034) and peritoneal dialysis (n = 82); their liver enzymes were compared with 510 healthy individuals from the MASHAD study. Results: There was a significant difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients and the control group regarding the age (P < 0.0001) and gender (P = 0.005). Conclusions: The reduction in serum aminotransferase levels in ESRD cases compared to the control group suggested that renal failure influences liver enzymes that were mildly increased in peritoneal dialysis versus hemodialysis patients in samples provided before the dialysis session.

When and how can nephrologists treat hepatitis C virus infection in dialysis patients?

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a major cause of end-stage liver disease, is a common comorbidity in patients on dialysis and causes increased morbidity and mortality. Historically HCV has been extremely difficult to cure with interferon and ribavirin-based therapies, which are also associated with significant side effects, and few dialysis patients ever received HCV treatment. However, in the last 4 years, interferon-free direct-acting antiviral therapies have been approved, and several combinations have been studied in dialysis patients. A recently approved, pan-genotypic, direct-acting antiviral regimen, glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, may simplify prescribing. The simplicity of these new therapies, with few side effects, makes it possible for nephrologists to treat HCV infection in their patients on dialysis. We review the workflow and motivation behind nephrology-led management of HCV infection. We highlight the importance of identifying which patients need referral to a hepatologist or HCV specialist prior to treatment and which can be managed by their nephrologist. Nephrologist involvement would lead to improved access to treatment and ensure that appropriate patients are referred for HCV treatment. In this paper, we review the background of HCV infection, its effect on dialysis patients, and impact on kidney transplantation. In addition, we outline the therapy options for each genotype of HCV, and we discuss the benefits and barriers to nephrology-led HCV treatment.

Hepatitis C virus infection and chronic kidney disease: Time for reappraisal

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with tremendous morbidity and mortality due to liver complications. HCV infection is also associated with many extrahepatic manifestations including cardiovascular diseases, glucose metabolism impairment, cryoglobulinemia vasculitis, B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Many studies have shown a strong association between HCV and CKD, by reporting (i) an increased prevalence of HCV infection in patients on haemodialysis, (ii) an increased incidence of CKD and proteinuria in HCV-infected patients, and (iii) the development of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis secondary to HCV-induced cryoglobulinemia vasculitis. HCV seropositivity is found to be associated with an increased relative risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the dialysis population. HCV seropositivity is linked to lower patient and graft survival after kidney transplantation. Such poor HCV-associated prognosis should have encouraged clinicians to treat HCV in CKD patients. However, due to frequent side effects and the poor efficacy of interferon-based treatments, very few HCV dialysis patients have received HCV medications until now. The emergence of new direct acting, interferon-free antiviral treatment, leading to HCV cure in most cases with a satisfactory safety profile, will shortly modify the management of HCV infection in CKD patients. In patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >30ml/min, the choice of DAA is not restricted. In those with a GFR <30 and >15ml/min, only paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir/dasabuvir or a grazoprevir plus elbasvir regimen are approved. In patients with end stage renal disease (GFR <15ml/min or dialysis), current data only allows for the use of a grazoprevir plus elbasvir combination. No doubt these data will be modified in the future with the advent of new studies including larger cohorts of HCV patients with renal impairment.

Evaluation of Renal-Hepatic Functional Indices and Blood Pressure Based on the Progress of Time in a Rat Model of Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as either kidney damage or a decline in renal function as determined by a decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for three months or longer. CKD is an important risk factor for mortality.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CKD on renal-hepatic functional indices and blood pressure in 5/6 nephrectomized (5/6 Nx) rats over the course of nine months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats were subjected to either 5/6 Nx or sham operations (n = 8). Members of the sham group underwent the same procedure without surgical reduction of the kidney mass. For all animals, body weight (BW), serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels were measured before and after surgery. After two-, three-, six-, and nine-month intervals, blood was collected to assay renal and hepatic functional indices. Tail-cuff blood pressure was recorded in each month after surgery.

RESULTS

BW was lower for the 5/6 Nx group rats after the operations compared with the BW of those in the sham operation group. Furthermore, the 5/6 Nx group showed elevations in blood pressure, Cr, BUN, ALT, and AST levels compared with the sham group over the course of time.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, CKD induced by the 5/6 Nx model caused hypertension and increased serum levels of Cr, BUN, ALT, and AST. These changes are augmented by the progress of time.

Novel Hepatitis C Treatment and the Impact on Kidney Transplantation

With a worldwide prevalence of 6% to 40% among patients with end-stage renal disease, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant cause of comorbidity in kidney transplant candidates and recipients alike. Hepatitis C infection negatively impacts patient and allograft outcomes, predisposes to progressive liver disease and increases the risks of glomerular disease as well as new onset diabetes after transplantation. Treatment options until now have revolved around interferon, limited in efficacy, restricted to pretransplant administration because of concerns related to allograft dysfunction and immune stimulation, and fraught with high rates of intolerance. Direct-acting antivirals therapies are now emerging, providing the opportunity to effectively cure chronic HCV infection and to reduce the burden of hepatic and extrahepatic complications of HCV that are observed in kidney recipients, thereby offering hope of improved patient outcomes. Against a description of the major outcomes and risks that HCV+ kidney candidates and recipients encounter, and a summary of the pertinent studies of interferon-based therapies in this population, this review discusses the potential role for emerging direct-acting antivirals, proposing treatment algorithms that should be considered in the management of these complex patients. Conundrums relating to the new treatment, including the potential impact on the utilization of kidneys from HCV-infected donors, are presented.

Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease: A Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in India

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is common in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and is an important cause of liver disease. We describe the demographic, clinical and biochemical profile of these patients from a tertiary care center of north India.

METHODS

Records of consecutive patients of HCV infection with ESRD on maintenance hemodialysis or with renal transplantation who presented to our unit from January 2009 to June 2013 were analyzed. The diagnosis of HCV was based on HCV-RNA positivity and/or positive anti-HCV serology. Those with positive anti-HCV serology and negative HCV-RNA on two occasions at 3-month interval, without treatment with interferon, were excluded.

RESULTS

140 patients (median age 44 years [range 18-68], 69% males) were included. Six patients had co-infections (HBV 5, HIV 1). Most (99, 71%) patients were asymptomatic for liver disease and HCV was identified either on routine screening (39, 28%) or during investigation for raised liver enzymes (60, 43%). Remaining 41 (29%) were symptomatic for liver disease, either in the form of jaundice alone (14, 10%), or decompensated liver disease (27, 19%). Median time between initiation of hemodialysis and HCV detection was 33 (range 0-124) months. Thirty-four (27%) patients had received renal transplantation. In 11 patients HCV was detected after renal transplantation. In 23 (18%) patients anti-HCV was falsely negative but HCV-RNA was positive. Nearly 35% patients had concomitant diabetes. Median Bilirubin, AST, and ALT were 1.1 mg/dL, 42 IU/L and 44 IU/L, respectively. HCV-RNA was more than 5 log in 49/88(59%) patients. Median HCV-RNA was 6.5 × 10(5) IU/ml (Range 650 to >10 million IU/ml). Genotype-1 was the commonest genotype (30/56, 54%) followed by genotype-3 (17/56, 30%).

CONCLUSION

HCV infection is usually asymptomatic in patients with ESRD, however, it may lead to jaundice and decompensated liver disease. False negative anti-HCV is quite common. We found that genotype-1 was commoner than genotype-3 in our cohort of ESRD patients. Most of the patients have high viral load.

Hepatitis C in hemodialysis patients

Despite reduction of hepatitis C prevalence after recognition of the virus and testing of blood products, hemodialysis (HD) patients still comprise a high risk group. The natural history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in dialysis is not fully understood while the clinical outcome differs from that of the general population. HD patients show a milder liver disease with lower aminotransferase and viral levels depicted by milder histological features on liver biopsy. Furthermore, the “silent” clinical course is consistent with a slower disease progression and a lower frequency of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Potential explanations for the “beneficial” impact of uremia and hemodialysis on chronic HCV infection are impaired immunosurveillance leading to a less aggressive host response to the virus and intradialytic release of “hepatoprotective” cytokines such as interferon (IFN)-α and hepatocyte growth factor. However, chronic hepatitis C is associated with a higher liver disease related cardiovascular and all-cause mortality of HD patients. Therapy is indicated in selected patients groups including younger patients with low comorbidity burden and especially renal transplant candidates, preferably after performance of a liver biopsy. According to current recommendations, choice of treatment is IFN or pegylated interferon with a reported sustained viral response at 30%-40% and a withdrawal rate ranging from 17% to 30%. New data regarding combination therapy with low doses of ribavirin which provide higher standard variable rates and good safety results, offer another therapeutic option. The new protease inhibitors may be the future for HCV infected HD patients, though data are still lacking.

A comparative study of serum aminotransferases in chronic kidney disease with and without end-stage renal disease: Need for new reference ranges

Background:

Hepatic diseases are common among chronic kidney disease patients and liver function tests particularly serum liver enzymes play an important role in diagnosing and monitoring these patients. Serum aminotransferase levels commonly fall near the lower end of the range of the normal values in patients of chronic kidney disease (CKD). High-levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can occur in these patients due to renal osteodystrophy. Thus, the recognition of liver damage in these patients is challenging.

Aim:

To compare the levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and ALP among three groups - CKD patients without end stage renal disease (ESRD), patients with ESRD and healthy controls.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective, hospital-based study was carried out from 100 patients’ records from each group and serum AST, ALT and ALP values were noted.

Results:

Our study showed that serum AST and ALT levels were significantly lower in CKD patients both without and with ESRD compared to controls. Further, these two enzyme levels were also significantly lower in CKD patients with ESRD compared to CKD patients without the condition. Serum ALP levels were significantly higher in patients with and without ESRD as compared to the controls. However, the values did not differ significantly between patients with and without ESRD.

Conclusion:

Levels of serum aminotransferases were low in CKD with and without ESRD and the levels become lower as the severity of CKD increases. Thus, the study established the need for separate reference ranges of serum aminotransferase in different stages of CKD.

Detection of hepatitis C virus in patients with terminal renal disease undergoing dialysis in southern Brazil: prevalence, risk factors, genotypes, and viral load dynamics in hemodialysis patients

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a serious public health issue, and it is estimated that 3% of the world's population is infected. Patients in hemodialysis units have an increased risk for contracting HCV, and high prevalence rates have been found in hemodialysis units around the world. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of HCV in patients with terminal chronic renal disease (tCRD) who have been submitted to hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in southern Brazil to characterize the most prevalent genotypes, the viral load, and possible risk factors and to assess the validity between the ELISA and RT-PCR detection methods. Of 320 patients from three dialysis units, 318 participated in this study. According to the medical records, 55 patients were reactive to HCV, as determined via ELISA. All 318 samples were submitted to RT-PCR and genotyped using an Abbott Realtime m2000 system. Data obtained through a questionnaire and chemical variables were associated with the HCV.

RESULTS

The prevalence of HCV was 18.24% (58), and the concordance between the HCV serology and the RT-PCR was 94%. Three patients were diagnosed to be negative for HCV using the ELISA assay but positive when using RT-PCR. Genotype 1 was the most prevalent (46.7%) genotype, within which subtype 1a was the most frequent (74.1%). One of the risk factors associated with HCV infection was the length of time that the patient had been undergoing hemodialysis treatments (p < 0.001). Additionally, the viral load was found to vary when tested before and after hemodialysis (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of HCV in dialysis units continues to remain high, indicating nosocomial contamination. RT-PCR detected the presence of the hepatitis C virus in patients with a non-reactive serology, which highlights the importance of performing molecular tests on dialysis patients. The variation in the viral load in patients submitted to hemodialysis indicates a possible destruction or gripping of viral particles to the dialyzer membrane.

Hepatitis C virus infection in end-stage renal disease and kidney transplantation

Liver disease secondary to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on renal replacement therapy and after kidney transplantation (KT). Hemodialytic treatment (HD) for ESRD constitutes a risk factor for bloodborne infections because of prolonged vascular access and the potential for exposure to infected patients and contaminated equipment. Evaluation of HCV-positive/ESRD and HCV-positive/KT patients is warranted to determine the stage of disease and the appropriateness of antiviral therapy, despite such treatment is challenging especially due to tolerability issues. Antiviral treatment with interferon (IFN) is contraindicated after transplantation due to the risk of rejection, and therefore, treatment is recommended before KT. Newer treatment strategies of direct-acting antiviral agents in combination are revolutionizing HCV therapy, as a result of encouraging outcomes streaming from recent studies which report increased sustained viral response, low or no resistance, and good safety profiles, including preservation of renal function. KT has been demonstrated to yield better outcomes with respect to remaining on HD although survival after KT is penalized by the presence of HCV infection with respect to HCV-negative transplant recipients. Therefore, an appropriate, comprehensive, easily applicable set of clinical practice management guidelines is necessary in both ESRD and KT patients with HCV infection and HCV-related liver disease.

Histological features of chronic hepatitis C in haemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

HCV infection in haemodialysis (HD) patients is still a matter of investigation. The aim of this study was to determine the histology of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in HCV-infected HD patients within the context of a comparative analysis including non-uraemic patients with CHC. The relative importance of virological, demographic and clinical parameters on disease manifestation was examined.

METHODS

Sixty-one consecutive liver biopsies from HD patients and 326 from non-uraemic patients with chronic HCV infection were comparatively evaluated.

RESULTS

Haemodialysis patients with CHC were older than control subjects (P = 0.031), showing a similar HCV genotype distribution (P = 0.328) and lower viral load (P = 0.001). CHC in HD patients was significantly milder according to stage (P = 0.033), grade and its parameters (periportal activity, portal inflammation and lobular activity) (P < 0.001). The frequency of lymphoid aggregates (10.2% vs. 50%, P < 0.001), bile duct lesions (1.7% vs. 22.1%, P < 0.001) and extent of steatosis (P = 0.022) in HD group was significantly reduced. Multivariate analysis showed that non-uraemic patients had 2.3 times higher risk of developing steatosis independently of genotype distribution and age. In HD group, genotype 3, longer HD duration and age at infection were significantly associated with steatosis, while older age at infection correlated with advanced fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic hepatitis C in HD patients is usually very mild, losing its diagnostic histological features while patient's age and age at infection retain their prognostic significance. The weak inflammatory response, probably because of immunocompromised status and low viral load, may present a beneficial factor in the natural course of the disease.

Liver enzymes serum levels in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis: a comprehensive review

We reviewed the literature regarding the serum levels of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis with and without viral hepatitis. Original articles published up to January 2013 on adult patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis were selected. These articles contained the words "transaminases" "aspartate aminotransferase" "alanine aminotransferase" "gamma glutamyl transferase," "liver enzymes", AND "dialysis" OR "hemodialysis". A total of 823 articles were retrieved. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 49 articles were selected. The patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis had reduced serum levels of aminotransferases due to hemodilution, lower pyridoxine levels, or elevated homocysteine levels. The chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis infected with the hepatitis C virus also had lower aminotransferase levels compared with the infected patients without chronic kidney disease. This reduction is in part due to decreased viremia caused by the dialysis method, the production of a hepatocyte growth factor and endogenous interferon-α, and lymphocyte activation, which decreases viral action on hepatocytes. Few studies were retrieved on gamma-glutamyl transferase serum levels; those found reported that there were no differences between the patients with or without chronic kidney disease. The serum aminotransferase levels were lower in the patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis (with or without viral hepatitis) than in the patients with normal renal function; this reduction has a multifactorial origin.

Can aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index and other non-invasive markers effectively reduce liver biopsies for renal transplant evaluation of hepatitis C virus-positive patients?

BACKGROUND

Advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis is still regarded as a contraindication for kidney transplantation alone by most centers. The value of aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and other non-invasive markers has been less studied in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive patients with concurrent end-stage renal disease to predict hepatic fibrosis. Can these be used to effectively decrease the number of biopsies done in these patients being evaluated for transplantation?

METHODS

Our study population included 255 patients with liver biopsy data. All patient information was collected and reviewed from medical records. The diagnostic accuracy of the predictive models was analyzed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value.

RESULTS

The variables associated with F3-F4 were aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.007), bilirubin (P ≤ 0.001), platelet count (P = 0.01) and APRI (P ≤ 0.001). The use of any one laboratory abnormality to predict liver biopsy scores did not show high positive predictive values (22.6-72.7%). Having abnormal liver findings or cirrhosis on imaging was associated with high specificities (92.0-97.8%) but low sensitivities (31.4-42.9%). Using APRI levels of ≥0.40 and ≤0.95 as an indication for liver biopsy, 50% of patients with F3-F4 would have correctly avoided having a biopsy. However, 33% of patients with F3-F4 would have been mislabeled and not be indicated for biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that there may not currently be a simple and sufficiently accurate non-invasive test to replace liver biopsy in renal transplant workup for HCV-positive patients. The risks outweigh the benefits when it comes to using non-invasive markers like the APRI.

Usefulness of liver biopsy in anti-hepatitis C virus antibody-positive and hepatitis C virus RNA-negative kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Some guidelines recommend a liver biopsy to all anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody-positive kidney transplant (KT) recipients. However, in the case of HCV RNA-negative KT recipients, the benefit of a liver biopsy is unclear. We examined the usefulness of a liver biopsy for anti-HCV antibody-positive and HCV RNA-negative patients by analyzing the hepatic histologic findings and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 30 anti-HCV antibody-positive patients who underwent liver biopsy before KT at Asan Medical Center were retrospectively recruited. The patients were divided into two groups based on HCV RNA positivity: 17 patients were positive and 13 patients were negative. Histologic evidence of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis was assessed using the METAVIR score, and clinical outcomes, including mortality, graft loss, and progression of liver disease, were compared.

RESULTS

The mean histologic activity scores for inflammation and fibrosis for the HCV RNA-positive and HCV RNA-negative groups were significantly different (inflammation score 1.11 ± 0.85 vs. 0.46 ± 0.51; P=0.01 and fibrosis score 1.05 ± 1.24 vs. 0.15 ± 0.37; P=0.01, respectively). The overall rates of mortality and graft loss were not significantly different between the two groups. Progression of liver disease was noted in the HCV RNA-positive group only.

CONCLUSION

The HCV RNA-negative group showed no evidence of liver disease progression. Neither did they show any histologic evidence of liver inflammation and fibrosis before KT. Therefore, it appears that liver biopsy is not necessary in anti-HCV antibody-positive and HCV RNA-negative KT recipients.

Hepatocyte destruction with enhanced collagen synthesis: characteristic feature of chronic hepatitis C patients on haemodialysis

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is frequent among patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis and is considered to be an independent risk factor for mortality in this setting. However, only a few of these patients are treated with anti-hepatitis virus treatment before the development of end-stage renal disease. Recent guidelines recommend identification of patients with good prognoses who are in need of interferon treatment, but we know little of patients who must be treated urgently. Ninety-eight patients on haemodialysis (48 anti-HCV-positive and 50 anti-HCV-negative patients) were enrolled in this study; HCV RNA was detected in 43 anti-HCV-positive patients. Univariate analysis and multivariate regression analysis were applied to identify variables independently associated with persistent HCV infection. Seven variables were proven to be associated with persistent HCV infection. Among them, type IV collagen 7S and N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (P-III-P) were defined as independent variables useful in distinguishing HCV RNA-positive patients from HCV RNA-negative patients with 0.91 sensitivity, 0.91 specificity, 0.89 positive predictive value and 0.93 negative predictive value. Our observations suggest that hepatocyte destruction with enhanced liver fibrosis is a characteristic clinical feature of persistent HCV infection. Type IV collagen 7S of ≥ 5 ng/mL and/or P-III-P of ≥ 5 U/mL would be useful markers to identify patients in need of interferon treatment, which supports the idea of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines that a good prognosis in patients with HCV infection on haemodialysis should prompt consideration for IFN treatment when applicable.

Hepatitis C infection and chronic renal diseases

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and chronic renal diseases can be linked in two different ways. Some forms of renal disease are precipitated by HCV infection, while patients with end-stage renal disease are at increased risk for acquiring HCV infection. Patients with chronic HCV infection and renal disease have a poor prognosis. Most studies on treatment of HCV and renal diseases have been uncontrolled trials with small number of subjects. So, there is a lack of evidence-based recommendations and guidelines on the management of this condition. In this review, we will attempt to provide the most recent insights on HCV infection both as a extrahepatic manifestations and as a complication of end-stage renal patients.

End-stage renal disease and African American race are independent predictors of mild liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection

Recipients of haemodialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have a higher prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection relative to the general US population. However, the natural course of HCV infection in patients with renal failure, including African Americans (AAs) and Caucasian Americans (CAs), is not well known. We compared the degree of liver inflammation and fibrosis in AA and CA patients with HCV infection, with and without ESRD. This was a cross-sectional study of 156 HCV patients with ESRD (130 AAs and 26 CAs) with a liver biopsy between 1992 and 2005. The control group consisted of 138 patients (50 AAs; 88 CAs) with HCV infections and a serum creatinine <1.5 mg/dL with a liver biopsy between 1995 and 1998. Specimens were graded for inflammation and fibrosis using Knodell histological activity index. Compared to patients without renal impairment, HCV patients with renal failure were older and more likely to be AA. Patients with renal impairment had lower mean serum transaminases, a higher mean serum alkaline phosphatase levels (all P < 0.0001) and less hepatic necro-inflammation (Knodell histological activity index -I, II and III; P < 0.05) and fibrosis (Knodell histological activity index -IV; P < 0.0001). There were no racial differences in serum liver chemistry and histology scores among patients with renal failure. In a multivariate analysis, younger age, ESRD, AA race and a lower serum alkaline phosphatase were associated with lower odds for advanced liver fibrosis. Thus, HCV patients with ESRD had a lower degree of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis compared to those without renal disease, independent of race.

Liver enzymes in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to analyze the serum levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and the hematocrit in patients with chronic kidney disease who were undergoing peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty patients on peritoneal dialysis and 40 on hemodialysis were assessed, and the patients were matched according to the length of time that they had been on dialysis. Blood samples were collected (both before and after the session for those on hemodialysis) to measure the enzymes and the hematocrit.

RESULTS

In the samples from the patients who were undergoing peritoneal dialysis, the aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels were slightly higher compared with the samples collected from the patients before the hemodialysis session and slightly lower compared with the samples collected after the hemodialysis session. The levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase in the hemodialysis patients were slightly higher than the levels in the patients who were undergoing peritoneal dialysis. In addition, the levels of aminotransferases and gamma-glutamyl transferase that were collected before the hemodialysis session were significantly lower than the values collected after the session. The hematocrit levels were significantly lower in the patients who were on peritoneal dialysis compared with the patients on hemodialysis (both before and after the hemodialysis session), and the levels were also significantly lower before hemodialysis compared with after hemodialysis.

CONCLUSION

The aminotransferase levels in the patients who were undergoing peritoneal dialysis were slightly higher compared with the samples collected before the hemodialysis session, whereas the aminotransferase levels were slightly lower compared with the samples collected after the session. The hematocrits and the aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels of the samples collected after the hemodialysis session were significantly higher than the samples collected before the session. Taken together, the present data suggest that hemodilution could alter the serum levels of liver enzymes.

Kinetics of hepatitis C virus load and hemodialysis: is there any influence of the reuse of dialysis membrane on HCV viremia?

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on regular hemodialysis are at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although controversial, a distinct dynamic of the HCV load has been reported in this group - a lower HCV viremia compared to non-uremic patients. The reasons for this remain unclear, but the host immune response related to the hemodialysis procedure and the reuse of dialysis membranes are the most investigated factors.

METHODS

We analyzed the kinetics of HCV RNA viremia in 21 hemodialysis patients infected with genotype 1, through a highly sensitive quantitative method (real-time polymerase chain reaction), immediately before and at the end of the first use and the last reuse of the cellulose diacetate dialysis membrane.

RESULTS

Initial HCV load did not correlate with demographic or biochemical parameters, but higher HCV viremia was associated with a longer time on hemodialysis (r = 0.44, p = 0.04). Although not significant, HCV RNA decreased in 11/21 (52.3%) patients after the first dialysis session (median 279,000 vs 176,000 IU/ml, p = 0.91). However, a significant increase in HCV RNA viremia was observed in 17/21 (80.9%) patients after the tenth session (median 187,000 vs 342,000 IU/ml, p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Except for the first session of hemodialysis, we did not confirm a decrease in HCV viremia related to the time on hemodialysis or with the reuse of the dialysis membrane. Factors other than the reuse of the dialysis membrane might be involved in the multifaceted kinetics of HCV RNA in CKD patients on hemodialysis.

Hepatitis C virus and kidney: a strong association with different clinical aspects

The most frequent kidney disease associated with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in patients with type II mixed cryoglobulinaemia. The principal clinical manifestations of glomerular disease in HCV-infected patients are the presence of proteinuria and haematuria with or without impaired kidney function. Pharmaceutical regimens vary because the main pathogenesis of renal dysfunction often mediated by cryoglobulins has not been fully elucidated. HCV infection remains common in patients on renal replacement therapy and has an adverse impact on their survival. Safe and effective pharmaceutical regimens have not been yet established and nosocomial spread within dialysis units continues to occur. Monotherapy with interferon for HCV infection is probably more effective in dialysis than in non-uraemic patients, while experience with ribavirin is limited because of its adverse haemolytic effect. Based on shortage of cadaver kidneys and the fact that HCV renal transplant recipients have better survival than stay on maintenance haemodialysis or at list for transplantation, health organization proposed the use of cadaver kidneys from anti-HCV-positive donors, bringing up concerns and conflicting views. This present review describes the main renal manifestations of HCV infection, the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of chronic kidney disease population and comments on the limitations and shortcomings of current therapeutical regiments.

Hepatitis C and kidney transplantation

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is relatively common among patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on dialysis and kidney transplant recipients. HCV infection in hemodialysis patients is associated with an increased mortality due to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The severity of hepatitis C-related liver disease in kidney transplant candidates may predict patient and graft survival after transplant. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard in the assessment of liver fibrosis in this setting. Kidney transplantation, not haemodialysis, seems to be the best treatment for HCV+ve patients with ESKD. Transplantation of kidneys from HCV+ve donors restricted to HCV+ve recipients is safe and associated with a reduction in the waiting time. Simultaneous kidney/liver transplantation (SKL) should be considered for kidney transplant candidates with HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis. Treatment of HCV is more complex in hemodialysis patients, whereas treatment of HCV recurrence in SLK recipients appears effective and safe.

Chronic hepatitis C

The goal of antiviral therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is to attain a sustained virologic response (SVR), which is defined as undetectable serum HCV-RNA levels at 6 months after the cessation of treatment. Major improvements in antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C have occurred in the past decade. The addition of ribavirin to interferon-alfa therapy and the introduction of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) have substantially improved SVR rates in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The optimization of HCV therapy with PEG-IFN and ribavirin continues to evolve. Studies are ongoing that use viral kinetics to tailor therapy to an individual's antiviral response and determine the ideal length of treatment to maximize the chance of SVR. Improved SVR can be achieved with new specific inhibitors that target the HCV NS3/4A protease and the NS5B polymerase. Several long-term follow-up studies have shown that SVR, when achieved, is associated with a very low risk of virologic relapse. Furthermore, antiviral therapy can reduce the morbidity and mortality rates associated with chronic hepatitis C by reducing fibrosis progression, the incidence of cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Transient elastography to assess hepatic fibrosis in hemodialysis chronic hepatitis C patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Although percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) is the gold standard for staging hepatic fibrosis in hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) before renal transplantation or antiviral therapy, concerns exist about serious postbiopsy complications. Using transient elastography (TE, Fibroscan(®)) to predict the severity of hepatic fibrosis has not been prospectively evaluated in these patients.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

A total of 284 hemodialysis patients with CHC were enrolled. TE and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) were performed before PLB. The severity of hepatic fibrosis was staged by METAVIR scores ranging from F0 to F4. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of TE and APRI, taking PLB as the reference standard.

RESULTS

The areas under curves of TE were higher than those of APRI in predicting patients with significant hepatic fibrosis (≥F2) (0.96 versus 0.84, P<0.001), those with advanced hepatic fibrosis (≥F3) (0.98 versus 0.93, P=0.04), and those with cirrhosis (F4) (0.99 versus 0.92, P=0.13). Choosing optimized liver stiffness measurements of 5.3, 8.3, and 9.2 kPa had high sensitivity (93-100%) and specificity (88-99%), and 87, 97, and 93% of the patients with a fibrosis stage of ≥F2, ≥F3, and F4 were correctly diagnosed without PLB, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

TE is superior to APRI in assessing the severity of hepatic fibrosis and can substantially decrease the need of staging PLB in hemodialysis patients with CHC.

Management of the kidney transplant patient with chronic hepatitis C infection

Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Renal transplantation confers a survival advantage in HCV-infected patients. Renal transplant candidates with serologic evidence of HCV infection should undergo a liver biopsy to assess for fibrosis and cirrhosis. Patients with Metavir fibrosis score ≤3 and compensated cirrhosis should be evaluated for interferon-based therapy. Achievement of sustained virological response (SVR) may reduce the risks for both posttransplantation hepatic and extrahepatic complications such as de novo or recurrent glomerulonephritis associated with HCV. Patients who cannot achieve SVR and have no live kidney donor may be considered for HCV-positive kidneys. Interferon should be avoided after kidney transplant except for treatment of life-threatening liver injury, such as fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis. Early detection, prevention, and treatment of complications due to chronic HCV infection may improve the outcomes of kidney transplant recipients with chronic HCV infection.

Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with end-stage renal disease

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The incidence of acute HCV infection during maintenance dialysis is much higher than that in the general population because of the risk of nosocomial transmission. Following acute HCV infection, most patients develop chronic HCV infection, and a significant proportion develop chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Overall, chronic hepatitis C patients on hemodialysis bear an increased risk of liver-related morbidity and mortality, either during dialysis or after renal transplantation. Interferon (IFN) therapy is modestly effective for the treatment of HCV infection in ESRD patients. Conventional or pegylated IFN monotherapy has been used to treat acute hepatitis C in ESRD patients with excellent safety and efficacy. Regarding chronic hepatitis C, approximately one-third of patients can achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) after conventional or pegylated IFN monotherapy. The combination of low-dose ribavirin and conventional or pegylated IFN has further improved the SVR rate in treatment-naïve or retreated ESRD patients in clinical trials. Similar to the treatment of patients with normal renal function, baseline and on-treatment HCV virokinetics are useful to guide optimized therapy in ESRD patients. Of particular note, IFN-based therapy is not recommended at the post-renal transplantation stage because of the low SVR rate and risk of acute graft rejection. In conclusion, ESRD patients with HCV infection should be encouraged to receive antiviral therapy, and those who achieve an SVR usually have long-term, durable, virological, biochemical, and histological responses.

Hepatitis C and kidney disease

Multiple extrahepatic manifestations have been associated with chronic hepatitis C, the most important among them being cryoglobulinemia, glomerulonephritis, porphyria cutanea tarda, lichen planus, seronegative arthritis, and lymphoproliferative disorders as in the sudies of Bonkovsky and Mehta (2001) and El-Serag et al. (2002). We will discuss in this paper chronic hepatitis C- related kidney disease and course and management of patients with chronic hepatitis C in special circumstances like hemodialysis and kidney transplantation.

Factors associated with the progression of hepatic fibrosis in end-stage kidney disease patients with hepatitis C virus infection

BACKGROUND

Few studies have evaluated the histological aspects of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in hemodialysis patients and the factors related to the progression of hepatic fibrosis in this population have not been defined.

AIM

To evaluate the influence of host-related factors on the fibrosis progression in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with HCV infection.

METHODS

HCV-infected ESRD patients who submitted to liver biopsy were included. The fibrosis stages were classified according to METAVIR scoring system. For the identification of factors associated with more advanced liver fibrosis, the patients were classified into two groups: group 1, absence of septal fibrosis (F0-1) and group 2, presence of septal fibrosis (F2-4). Groups 1 and 2 were compared regarding demographic, epidemiological, and laboratory variables and logistic regression analysis was used to identify the variables that were independently associated with the presence of septal fibrosis.

RESULTS

A total of 216 ESRD patients (63% men, 44+/-11 years) were included. In the histological analysis, the fibrosis stages were as follows: F0=36%, F1=41%, F2=12%, F3=7, and 4% had cirrhosis (F4). In the logistic regression model, the variables that were independently associated with the presence of septal fibrosis were duration of infection, estimated age at infection, coinfection with HBV and aspartate aminotransferase levels.

CONCLUSION

These findings support the importance of obtaining an adequate immune response to HBV vaccination and careful monitoring of liver disease in patients who become infected at an advanced age and/or those presenting elevated aspartate aminotransferase levels, as these are the main factors associated with the presence of septal fibrosis in ESRD patients.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma in 14 patients undergoing regular hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease

OBJECTIVE

Management of hepatocellular carcinoma is a major problem in the care of patients undergoing regular hemodialysis treatments, mainly because of a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection. The purpose of this study was retrospective assessment of the safety and efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma in the care of patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing regular hemodialysis treatments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between October 2004 and June 2008, 14 carefully selected hemodialysis patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (five naïve, nine recurrent) underwent a total of 19 radiofrequency ablation treatments. An internally cooled or expandable electrode was used. After tumor ablation, the insertion site at the liver surface was subjected to additional ablation to reduce the bleeding risk.

RESULTS

The Child-Pugh score was 6 or better in all patients but one. The number of tumors was one or two, and the tumor diameter was 35 mm or less in all treatments. No complication such as intraperitoneal hemorrhage was found in any treatment. Local tumor progression was found after one treatment and was successfully managed with subsequent radiofrequency ablation. During the mean observation period of 343 days, there was only one death, of heart failure, among the five patients with naïve tumors.

CONCLUSION

The safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation were not compromised in this series of selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were undergoing hemodialysis. Radiofrequency ablation is a promising option for small hepatocellular carcinomas in patients undergoing regular hemodialysis treatments.

Impact of hemodialysis therapy on hepatitis C virus infection: a deeper insight

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection remains prevalent in patients receiving regular dialysis all over the world. The adverse impact of anti-HCV serologic status on mortality in the dialysis population has been documented. Antiviral therapy for hepatitis C in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, including the dialysis population, is still unsatisfactory. Several findings support a different course of HCV in dialysis patients versus the non-uremic population. The HCV viral load appears lower in hemodialysis patients with HCV despite the immune compromise caused by chronic uremia; the histologic abnormalities seem milder, and a severe clinical course of chronic hepatitis C is unusual in most hemodialysis (HD) patients. It appears that the HD procedure per se can preserve patients from an aggressive course of HCV by reducing the viral load (HCV RNA). The mechanisms by which the HD procedure lowers HCV viremia remain largely speculative: the passage of viral particles into the dialysate, the trapping of the virus on the surface of the dialyzer membrane, and an indirect host-mediated mechanism have been cited. The latter hypothesis implicates the production of interferon-alpha, hepatocyte growth factor, or other cytokines provided with antiviral activities during the hemodialysis sessions. Clinical trials aimed at clarifying this issue are under way.

Serum alanine aminotransferase levels, hematocrit rate and body weight correlations before and after hemodialysis session

PURPOSE

To evaluate alanine aminotransferase levels before and after a hemodialysis session and to correlate these values with the hematocrit rate and weight loss during hemodialysis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The serum alanine aminotransferase levels, hematocrit rate and body weight were measured and correlated before and after a single hemodialysis session for 146 patients with chronic renal failure. An receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the serum alanine aminotransferase levels collected before and after hemodialysis was plotted to identify hepatitis C virus-infected patients.

RESULTS

The mean weight loss of the 146 patients during hemodialysis was 5.3% (p < 0.001). The mean alanine aminotransferase levels before and after hemodialysis were 18.8 and 23.9 IU/, respectively, denoting a significant 28.1% increase. An equally significant increase of 16.4% in the hematocrit rate also occurred after hemodialysis. The weight loss was inversely correlated with the rise in both the alanine aminotransferase level (r = 0.3; p < 0.001) and hematocrit rate (r = 0.5; p < 0.001). A direct correlation was found between the rise in alanine aminotransferase levels and the hematocrit during the hemodialysis session (r = 0.4; p < 0.001). Based on the ROC curve, the upper limit of the normal alanine aminotransferase level should be reduced by 40% relative to the upper limit of normal if the blood samples are collected before the hemodialysis session or by 60% if blood samples are collected after the session.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, significant elevations in the serum alanine aminotransferase levels and hematocrit rates occurred in parallel to a reduction in body weight after the hemodialysis session. These findings suggest that one of the factors for low alanine aminotransferase levels prior to hemodialysis could be hemodilution in patients with chronic renal failure.

HCV in patients with end-stage renal disease

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains an important cause of liver disease in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and conversely, renal failure has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality throughout the natural history of chronic HCV and its treatment. With improved awareness within dialysis units of the potential for spread and the institution of preventative measures, the prevalence of HCV infection in the hemodialysis-dependent population has continued to decline since 1995. Use of HCV (+) donor kidneys is associated with an increase in the prevalence of liver disease, but when compared with continued hemodialysis, transplantation using these kidneys is associated with improved survival. Overall, survival in patients with chronic HCV infection appears to be better after renal transplantation when compared with maintenance hemodialysis, and transplant should be considered for these patients. Data support the use of interferon and the improved efficacy of pegylated interferon formulations for treatment of chronic HCV infection in ESRD patients, although tolerability continues to be troublesome. The newest and most promising data regarding the treatment of HCV in ESRD involve the combination of reduced dose ribavirin with interferon or pegylated interferon suggesting similar enhancements in sustained virologic response (SVR) as seen in non-ESRD patients, but caution is advised, as all studies to date used ribavirin plasma concentration monitoring in patient with ESRD. Finally, with regard to postrenal transplant treatment of HCV infection, there is no evidence to support treatment with interferon-based therapy and pretransplant treatment remains the best option whenever possible.

The management of viral hepatitis in CKD patients: an unresolved problem

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in dialysis (HD) show peculiar, atypical features of clinical presentation and diseases (cardiovascular, metabolic, hematologic). This is also true for viral hepatitis infections, for which CKD patients represent an important risk group. In the past, hepatitis B virus (HBV) was the major cause of viral hepatitis in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the introduction of a rigorous infection-control strategy, routine screening of patients and staff for hepatitis B serologic markers, vaccination of susceptible patients and staff, use of separate rooms and dedicated machines for HD of HbsAg-positive patients have all led to a decline in the spread of HBV infection in dialysis. Despite the prevalence of the antibody-hepatitis C virus (HCV), there has been a marked decrease in HD patients; after the introduction of routine screening for HCV and the use of erythropoietin, its occurrence ranges from 5% to 25% in the United States, with a prevalence of 6.8% in Europe. In CKD and in HD patients, the presence of HBV and HCV is an independent and significant risk factor for death and this risk may be at least partially attributed to chronic liver disease with its attendant complications. Liver disease can progress with modest hepatic inflammation and prominent fibrosis; the natural history of viral hepatitis in these patients is dependent on the immune dysfunction typical of kidney disease. Despite recent advances in antiviral therapy, there are still many uncertainties in regards to the efficacy and long-term outcomes of treatment with antiviral agents.

Hepatitis C is less aggressive in hemodialysis patients than in nonuremic patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The severity of liver disease among hepatitis C patients on hemodialysis is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical, biochemical, and liver histologic characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in hemodialysis patients and in those with normal renal function.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

A case-control study was carried out with 36 HCV patients on hemodialysis and 37 HCV patients with normal renal function matched for gender, age at infection, and estimated time of infection.

RESULTS

HCV patients on hemodialysis had lower levels of alanine aminotransferase and lower viral load. Hepatic fibrosis was significantly higher in the patients with normal renal function (73%) than in hemodialysis patients (47.2%, P < 0.025); the same was observed for inflammatory activity (control group 59.5% versus hemodialysis patients 27.7%, P = 0.003). In addition, the risk of tissue inflammation was four times lower in hemodialysis patients (odds ratio = 0.23, P < 0.004), and severe inflammatory activity on biopsy was the only independent risk factor for fibrosis (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The lower biochemical and inflammatory activities observed in hemodialysis patients suggest that hemodialysis and uremia may have a protective role against progression of the disease caused by HCV.

Hepatitis C virus infection in haemodialysis and kidney transplant patients

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important global health problem. The prevalence of HCV is significantly higher in haemodialysis and kidney transplant patients, as compared to the general population. In spite of the relatively milder liver disease activity reported in HCV-infected haemodialysis patients, HCV infection adversely affects survival. Likewise, HCV has a detrimental effect on both patient and graft survival after kidney transplantation. However, patient survival is significantly better with kidney transplantation compared to remaining on dialysis; therefore, HCV infection alone should not be a contraindication to transplantation. Combination antiviral therapy with pegylated interferon-alpha and low-dose ribavirin is currently evolving in haemodialysis patients. Interferon-alpha (standard/pegylated) is relatively contraindicated after kidney transplantation because of an increased risk of allograft rejection. Therefore, antiviral treatment of transplant candidates while on dialysis remains the best option and may avoid the risk of HCV-associated liver and renal disease after transplantation. Large multi-centre clinical trials are required in HCV-infected haemodialysis and kidney transplant patients in order to define optimal therapeutic strategies before and after transplantation.