Short-course tocilizumab increases risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective clinical observation

Similar Hepatitis B virus reactivation risk for patients with inflammatory arthritis or connective tissue diseases: a multicenter retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B reactivation and administration of prophylactic antiviral treatment are considered in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) undergoing immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory treatment. Data are more robust for rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving bDMARDs but are limited for other AIIRD and drug categories.

METHODS

Adult patients with AIIRD (inflammatory arthritis [IA] or connective tissue diseases [CTD]) and documented chronic or resolved HBV infection (defined as serum HBsAg positivity or anti-HBcAb positivity in the case of HBsAg non-detection respectively), followed-up in six rheumatology centers in Greece and Italy, were included. Data collected included demographic characteristics, AIIRD medications prior and after HBV screening [cs-DMARDs, (b-ts)- DMARDs, other immunosuppressants initiated and mean glucocorticoid dose], HBV prophylactic treatment, and possible HBV-reactivation (defined as increase in HBV-DNA or HBsAg seroconversion) within one year of HBV screening. Frequency of HBV reactivation and possible association with recorded parameters were examined.

RESULTS

During one year of follow-up, HBV reactivation occurred in 5.6% and 7.9% of IA and CTD patients, respectively. In patients with chronic hepatitis B, reactivation rates were 14.8% for IA and 22.2% for CTD, while in patients with resolved hepatitis B were 3.7% and 6%, respectively. In patients with resolved hepatitis B no association was found between HBV reactivation and antiviral prophylactic treatment, or the use of csDMARDs, bDMARDS, or other immunosuppressants.

CONCLUSION

The risk of HBV reactivation was similar between IA and CTD patients and was significantly higher in chronic compared to resolved hepatitis B infection. For the latter, prophylactic treatment was not associated with lower reactivation risk.

What is the benefit of prophylaxis to prevent HBV reactivation in HBsAg-negative anti-HBc-positive patients? Meta-analysis and decision curve analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with overt or occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection receiving immunosuppressive treatments have a wide risk of HBV reactivation (HBVr). We performed meta-analysis with decision curve analyses (DCA) to estimate the risk of HBVr in HBsAg-negative anti-HBc-positive patients naïve to nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) receiving immunosuppressive treatments.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Studies were identified through literature search until October 2022. Pooled estimates were obtained using random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed according to underlying disease and immunosuppressive treatments. DCA was used to identify the threshold probability associated with the net benefit of antiviral prophylaxis in HBsAg-negative anti-HBc-positive patients. We selected 68 studies (40 retrospective and 28 prospective), including 8034 patients with HBsAg negative anti-HBc positive. HBVr was 4% (95% CI 3%-6%) in HBsAg-negative anti-HBc-positive patients, with a significantly high heterogeneity (I2 69%; p < .01). The number-needed-to-treat (NNT) by DCA ranged from 8 to 24 for chemotherapy plus rituximab, from 12 to 24 for targeted therapies in cancer patients and from 13 to 39 for immune-mediated diseases. Net benefit was small for monoclonal antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our DCA in HBsAg-negative anti-HBc-positive patients provided evidence that NA prophylaxis is strongly recommended in patients treated with chemotherapy combined with rituximab and could be appropriate in patients with cancer treated with targeted therapies and in patients with immune-mediated diseases. Finally, in patients with cancer treated with monoclonal antibodies or with chemotherapy without rituximab, the net benefit is even lower.

Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in COVID-19 Patients Receiving Immunosuppressive Treatment: A Prospective Study

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) in COVID-19 patients receiving immunosuppressive treatment, which has been insufficiently studied to date. Secondarily, we aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of HBV infection in COVID-19 patients. Methods: We performed HBV screening on all Romanian adults hospitalized in four COVID-19 wards between October 2021 and September 2022. We enrolled patients with positive hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) without protective hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), HBV treatment, or baseline immunosuppressive conditions, and we conducted a virological follow-up on these patients at 3 months. Results: We identified 333/835 (39.9%) anti-HBc-positive patients. Follow-up was performed for 13 patients with positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and 19 HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive patients. Among those who received immunosuppressants, 4/23 (17.4%) patients experienced HBVr: 1 out of 8 (12.5%) HBsAg-positive patients (with 1.99 log increase in HBV DNA level) and 3 out of 15 (20%) HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive patients (with a de novo detectable HBV DNA level). Conclusions: Administration of COVID-19 immunosuppressants may result in a significant risk of HBVr in co-infected patients. We recommend performing an HBV triple screen panel (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc) for all COVID-19 patients receiving immunosuppressive treatment. HBV prophylaxis may be indicated in certain patients. Larger studies are needed in order to establish appropriate and cost-effective management for these patients.

The Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Receiving Tocilizumab: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Tocilizumab has demonstrated optimal efficacy and safety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from clinical trials. However, the risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) in these patients remains uncertain because patients with underlying HBV have been excluded in phase III studies.

METHODS

Systematical reviews were conducted on PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to 21 February 2023. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled incidence of HBV reactivation.

RESULTS

We included 0 clinical trials and 11 observational studies with a total of 25 HBsAg+ and 322 HBsAg-/anti-HBc+ RA patients. Among the HBsAg+ patients without antiviral prophylaxis, the pooled rate was 69.4% (95% CI, 32.9-91.3), with a median time of 4 months (range, 1-8 months) from tocilizumab initiated. Half of these patients with HBVr experienced hepatitis flare-up but no deaths. HBVr was eliminated with prophylaxis in this population. Among HBsAg-/anti-HBc+ patients, the pooled incidence of reactivation was 3.3% (95% CI, 1.6-6.7), with a median time of 10 months (range, 2-43 months) from tocilizumab initiated. HBVr was not associated with hepatitis flare-up and death. HBsAg-/anti-HBc+ patients without anti-HBs antibodies had a significantly higher risk of HBVr (Odds ratio, 12.20; 95% CI, 1.16-128.06).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review indicated that the risk of HBVr in RA patients with anti-HBs-, HBsAg+, or HBsAg-/anti-HBc+ cannot be ignored but may be avoided. Clinicians should consider implementing appropriate antiviral prophylaxis and monitoring policies for RA patients to avoid unnecessary hepatic side effects from tocilizumab treatment.

Recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on risk management of biological treatment and JAK inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To present recommendations based on the available evidence and the consensus of experts, for risk management of biological treatment and JAK inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

Clinical research questions relevant to the purpose of the document were identified. These questions were reformulated in PICO format (patient, intervention, comparison, outcome or outcome) by a panel of experts, selected based on their experience in the area. A systematic review of the evidence was carried out, grading according to the GRADE criteria (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). Specific recommendations were then formulated.

RESULTS

6 PICO questions were proposed by the panel of experts based on their clinical relevance and the existence of recent information regarding the risk of occurrence of serious infections, the risk of reactivation of the hepatitis B virus, the risk of reactivation of the virus varicella-zoster, the risk of appearance of skin (melanoma and non-melanoma) or haematological cancer, the risk of appearance of thromboembolic disease and the risk of progression of the human papilloma virus. A total of 28 recommendations were formulated, structured by question, based on the evidence found and the consensus of the experts.

CONCLUSIONS

The SER recommendations on risk management of treatment with biologic therapies and JAK inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis are presented.

HBV reactivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with anti-interleukin-6: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the possibility of HBV reactivation (HBVr) in patients with RA under anti-IL-6 treatment.

METHODS

Using PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE, we performed a systematic literature search for articles related to HBVr in RA patients under anti-IL-6 treatment. The search was performed with no date limits and was last updated 28 January 2023. The results from all the databases were combined and duplicates were excluded, as were non-English articles, case reports, position articles, comments, and paediatric studies.

RESULTS

Our initial search led to 427 articles; 28 were duplicates, 46 non-English, 169 reviews, 31 books/letters, 25 case reports, and 88 irrelevant to the meta-analysis aim; 21 were excluded due to inadequate information, leaving 19 articles, with a sum of 372 RA patients with chronic HBV (CHB) or resolved HBV infection, for further analysis. The overall risk for HBVr in RA patients with CHB was 6.7%, increasing to 37% when only RA patients with CHB and no antiviral prophylaxis were included. On the contrary, HBVr was close to 0% in RA patients with resolved HBV infection, irrespective of antiviral prophylaxis. All RA patients experiencing HBVr in these studies were successfully managed with antiviral treatment and/or drug withdrawal.

CONCLUSION

Overall, anti-IL-6 treatment comes with a significant risk of HBVr in RA patients with CHB; risk is diminished when antiviral prophylaxis is used. In contrast, in RA patients with resolved HBV infection, the risk of HBVr seems to be extremely low. Large, well-designed studies (either controlled trials or multicentre/international observational studies) are warranted to further validate these results.

Outcomes in Patients with Liver Dysfunction Post SARS-CoV-2 Infection: What Should We Measure?

Aim

Since 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc all over the world. Early in the course of the pandemic, multiple hepatic manifestations of COVID-19 were noted. We aim to categorize hepatic dysfunction and its outcome in COVID-19 infection.

Methods

This is a review article based on a literature search in PubMed and Medline databases for articles detailing short-term and long-term outcomes of COVID-19 related liver dysfunction.

Results

The most common hepatic manifestation of COVID-19 was aspartate amino transferase (AST) predominant transaminase elevation. Transaminases improve once the COVID-19 infection resolves. In addition, COVID-19 cholangiopathy, autoimmune hepatitis associated COVID-19, and splanchnic venous thrombosis triggered by COVID-19 are other manifestations. Patients with preexisting liver disease, especially those with cirrhosis, have poor prognosis with COVID-19 infections compared to the general population. Elevations in liver tests were associated with severe COVID-19 infections. Patients with chronic liver disease have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infection. Among patients with chronic liver disease, decompensated liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and alcohol-associated liver disease were associated with an increased risk of severity and mortality from COVID-19 infection. Interactions between antiviral therapy for COVID-19 and hepatitis B/hepatitis C medications must be considered in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 vaccination-related hepatic dysfunction has been reported.

Conclusion

COVID-19 is here to stay. Hepatic dysfunction in COVID-19 signals severe COVID-19 infections. Patients with chronic liver disease have higher mortality from COVID-19 than general population. It is important to remember the lessons learned throughout the covid pandemic to take care of patients with COVID-19 now and in the future. Further studies are needed to document long-term outcomes in patients with COVID-19 who developed hepatic dysfunction.

COVID-19 and severity of liver diseases: Possible crosstalk and clinical implications

COVID-19-infected individuals and those who recovered from the infection have been demonstrated to have elevated liver enzymes or abnormal liver biochemistries, particularly with preexisting liver diseases, liver metabolic disorders, viral hepatitis, and other hepatic comorbidities. However, possible crosstalk and intricate interplay between COVID-19 and liver disease severity are still elusive, and the available data are murky and confined. Similarly, the syndemic of other blood-borne infectious diseases, chemical-induced liver injuries, and chronic hepatic diseases continued to take lives while showing signs of worsening due to the COVID-19 crisis. Moreover, the pandemic is not over yet and is transitioning to becoming an epidemic in recent years; hence, monitoring liver function tests (LFTs) and assessing hepatic consequences of COVID-19 in patients with or without liver illnesses would be of paramount interest. This pragmatic review explores the correlations between COVID-19 and liver disease severity based on abnormal liver biochemistries and other possible mechanisms in individuals of all ages from the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic to the post-pandemic period. The review also alludes to clinical perspectives of such interactions to curb overlapping hepatic diseases in people who recovered from the infection or living with long COVID-19.

Risk of hepatitis B reactivation in HBsAg-/HBcAb+ patients after biologic or JAK inhibitor therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) combined with HBsAg-/HBcAb+ is still inconsistent.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of existing databases from 1977 to August 22, 2021. Studies of RA patients combined with HBsAg-/HBcAb +, treated with b/tsDMARDs and the reported number of HBV reactivation were included.

RESULTS

We included 26 studies of 2252 HBsAg-/HBcAb+ RA patients treated with b/tsDMARDs. The pooled HBV reactivation rate was 2.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-0.04; I2  = 66%, p < .01). In the subgroup analysis, the HBV reactivation rate of rituximab (RTX), abatacept, and inhibitors of Janus kinase (JAK), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were 9.0% (95% CI: 0.04-0.15; I2  = 61%, p = .03), 6.0% (95% CI: 0.01-0.13; I2  = 40%, p = .19), 1.0% (95% CI: 0.00-0.03; I2  = 41%, p = .19), 0.0% (95% CI: 0.00-0.02; I2  = 0%, p = .43), 0.0% (95% CI: 0.00-0.01; I2  = 0%, p = .87), respectively. While HBsAb- patients have a significant risk of reactivation (odds ratio [OR] = 4.56, 95% CI = 2.45-8.48; I2  = 7%, p = .37), low HBsAb+ group also display a significant risk of reactivation (OR = 5.45, 95% CI: 1.35-21.94; I2  = 0%, p = .46).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrates the highest potential risk of HBV reactivation in HBsAg-/HBcAb+ RA patients receiving RTX treatment, especially HBsAb- patients. Our study furthers the understanding of the prophylactic use of anti-HBV drugs in such patients. However, it is relative safety to use the inhibitors of IL-6, TNF-α, and JAK in these patients.

Coronavirus Disease-2019 and Implications on the Liver

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a large impact on patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and liver transplantation (LT) recipients. Patients with advanced CLD are at a significantly increased risk of poor outcomes in the setting of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. The pandemic has also considerably altered the management and care that is provided to patients with CLD, pre-LT patients, and LT recipients. Vaccination against COVID-19 protects patients with CLD and LT recipients from adverse outcomes and is safe in these patients; however, vaccine efficacy may be reduced in LT recipients and other immunosuppressed patients.

The Impact of b/tsDMARD Dose Reduction on Chronic Hepatitis B in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Two-Center Long-Term Safety Analysis

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate the change of hepatitis B virus (HBV) viral loads and HBV reactivation (HBVr) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients after tapering the dose of biological/targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs).

METHODS

This two-center analysis retrospectively investigated the virological and biochemical evidence of HBVr in RA patients who underwent b/tsDMARD dose reduction. Serum levels of viral loads were determined using real-time PCR. Serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) were determined using spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

Among a total of 40 HBsAg+ RA patients who tapered b/tsDMARDs, 14 (35%) used tocilizumab; 12 (30%) used tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors; and the rest used either abatacept or tofacitinib. We found that patients who had detectable HBV DNA before tapering achieved a one-log reduction in HBV DNA levels, in contrast to the findings in the other 12 patients who did not taper b/tsDMARDs (no change in HBV DNA levels with time). The incidence of HBVr (increased viral loads with hepatitis) was 4.62 (95%CI: 2.08, 10.28) and 2.26 (95%CI: 0.56, 9.02) events per 100 person-years before and after b/tsDMARD tapering, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The HBV viral load decreased after the tapering of b/tsDMARDs in RA patients with detectable HBV DNA. Dose reduction in b/tsDMARDs might be beneficial.

COVID-19 and liver diseases

Coronavirus causes an outbreak of viral pneumonia that spread throughout the world. Liver injury is becoming more widely recognized as a component of the clinical picture of COVID-19 infection. Hepatitis with serum ALT elevation has been reported in up to half of patients. Patients with CLD were at a higher risk of decompensation with liver failure, hospitalization, and mortality. The percentage of acute liver injury (ALI) varied from 5 to 28%. COVID-19 hinders HCV elimination by 2030. It is recommended to continue treatment of chronic HCV and chronic HBV if already receiving treatment. Consider using antiviral therapy to prevent viral flare-ups in patients with occult or resolved HBV and COVID-19 who are receiving immunosuppressive agents. Patients with AIH do not have an increased risk of adverse outcomes even in high-risk areas. There is an association between MAFLD and disease progression. Patients with any type of cancer are at a higher risk of infection and are more likely to develop more severe clinical outcomes. Most societies advise against immunosuppressant modifications in patients with mild COVID-19, whereas in rare cases such as severe lymphopenia, worsening pneumonia, or bacterial or fungal superinfection, reduction or discontinuation of antiproliferative agents and lymphocyte-depleting therapies has been suggested.

Prevalence of undiagnosed hepatitis B virus infection in patients with COVID-19A single center retrospective study

At its onset, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought significant challenges to healthcare systems, changing the focus of medical care on acute illness. Disruptions in medical service provision have impacted the field of viral hepatitis, with screening programs paused throughout much of 2020 and 2021. We performed a retrospective study on consecutive outpatients with COVID-19 during the second and third wave of COVID-19 in Romania, from November 2020 to April 2021, aiming to characterize the prevalence of undiagnosed hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among patients presenting with acute illness. Overall, 522 patients had available records during the study timespan. Their mean ± standard deviation age was 51 ± 13 years; 274 (52.5%) were male. We identified 16 (3.1%) cases of active HBV infection; only six of these patients were aware of their HBV status, and 3 of the newly diagnosed cases were identified as candidates for HBV treatment. A total of 96 patients (18.4%) had serological markers suggestive for prior HBV vaccination. A large proportion of patients (n = 120, 23.0%) had positive HBV core antibodies; among these, 90 (17.2%) had cleared a previous HBV infection (being positive for HBV surface antibodies and HBV core antibodies). We identified the following parameters that were significantly more frequent in patients with a history of HBV infection: older age (P < .001), hypoalbuminemia (P = .015), thrombocytopenia (P < .001), thrombocytopenia followed by thrombocytosis (P = .041), increased blood urea nitrogen (P < .001) and increased creatinine (P = .011). In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us essential lessons about the importance of maintaining access to screening programs and of ensuring active monitoring of patients with chronic infections such as hepatitis B, even during a medical crisis.

2022 EULAR recommendations for screening and prophylaxis of chronic and opportunistic infections in adults with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases

Objectives

To develop EULAR recommendations for screening and prophylaxis of chronic and opportunistic infections in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD).

Methods

An international Task Force (TF) (22 members/15 countries) formulated recommendations, supported by systematic literature review findings. Level of evidence and grade of recommendation were assigned for each recommendation. Level of agreement was provided anonymously by each TF member.

Results

Four overarching principles (OAP) and eight recommendations were developed. The OAPs highlight the need for infections to be discussed with patients and with other medical specialties, in accordance with national regulations. In addition to biologic/targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for which screening for latent tuberculosis (TB) should be performed, screening could be considered also before conventional synthetic DMARDs, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. Interferon gamma release assay should be preferred over tuberculin skin test, where available. Hepatitis B (HBV) antiviral treatment should be guided by HBV status defined prior to starting antirheumatic drugs. All patients positive for hepatitis-C-RNA should be referred for antiviral treatment. Also, patients who are non-immune to varicella zoster virus should be informed about the availability of postexposure prophylaxis should they have contact with this pathogen. Prophylaxis againstPneumocystis jiroveciiseems to be beneficial in patients treated with daily doses >15–30 mg of prednisolone or equivalent for >2–4 weeks.

Conclusions

These recommendations provide guidance on the screening and prevention of chronic and opportunistic infections. Their adoption in clinical practice is recommended to standardise and optimise care to reduce the burden of opportunistic infections in people living with AIIRD.

Systematic literature review informing the 2022 EULAR recommendations for screening and prophylaxis of chronic and opportunistic infections in adults with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) on the screening and prophylaxis of opportunistic and chronic infections in autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD).

METHODS

SLR (inception-12/2021) based on the following search domains: (1) infectious agents, (2) AIIRD, (3) immunosuppressives/immunomodulators used in rheumatology, (4) screening terms and (5) prophylaxis terms. Articles were retrieved having the terms from (1) AND (2) AND (3) plus terms from (4) OR(5). Databases searched: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

studies on postoperative infections, paediatric AIIRD, COVID-19, vaccinations and non-Εnglish literature. Study quality was assessed with Newcastle-Ottawa scale for non-randomised controlled trials (RCTs), RoB-Cochrane for RCTs, AMSTAR2 for SLRs.

RESULTS

From 5641 studies were retrieved, 568 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, with 194 articles finally included. For tuberculosis, tuberculin skin test (TST) is affected by treatment with glucocorticoids and conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and its performance is inferior to interferon gamma release assay (IGRA). Agreement between TST and IGRA is moderate to low. For hepatitis B virus (HBV): risk of reactivation is increased in patients positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. Anti-HBcore positive patients are at low risk for reactivation but should be monitored periodically with liver function tests and/or HBV-viral load. Risk for Hepatitis C reactivation is existing but low in patients treated with biological DMARDs. For Pneumocystis jirovecii, prophylaxis treatment should be considered in patients treated with prednisolone ≥15-30 mg/day for >2-4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Different screening and prophylaxis approaches are described in the literature, partly determined by individual patient and disease characteristics.

COVID-19 and liver disease

Knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 infection and its resultant COVID-19 in liver diseases has rapidly increased during the pandemic. Hereby, we review COVID-19 liver manifestations and pathophysiological aspects related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients without liver disease as well as the impact of COVID-19 in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), particularly cirrhosis and liver transplantation (LT). SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with overt proinflammatory cytokine profile, which probably contributes substantially to the observed early and late liver abnormalities. CLD, particularly decompensated cirrhosis, should be regarded as a risk factor for severe COVID-19 and death. LT was impacted during the pandemic, mainly due to concerns regarding donation and infection in recipients. However, LT did not represent a risk factor per se of worse outcome. Even though scarce, data regarding COVID-19 specific therapy in special populations such as LT recipients seem promising. COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity seems impaired in CLD and LT recipients, advocating for a revised schedule of vaccine administration in this population.

Impact of COVID-19 on the liver and on the care of patients with chronic liver disease, hepatobiliary cancer, and liver transplantation: An updated EASL position paper

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a serious challenge to the hepatology community, particularly healthcare professionals and patients. While the rapid development of safe and effective vaccines and treatments has improved the clinical landscape, the emergence of the omicron variant has presented new challenges. Thus, it is timely that the European Association for the Study of the Liver provides a summary of the latest data on the impact of COVID-19 on the liver and issues guidance on the care of patients with chronic liver disease, hepatobiliary cancer, and previous liver transplantation, as the world continues to deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of Liver Functions by Repurposed Drugs for COVID-19 Treatment

Liver injury is an important complication that may arise in patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is accompanied by a transient increase of transaminases and/or other liver enzymes. Liver function test (LFT) abnormalities generally disappear when the COVID-19 resolves or hepatotoxic drugs are discontinued. The LFT abnormalities are associated with drug-induced liver injury (DILI), due to the overuse of antimalarials, antivirals, and antimicrobials. Studies have reported varying levels of these liver injuries in COVID-19 patients; however, most involve elevated serum aminotransferases. Hepatic dysfunction is significantly high in patients with severe illness and has poor outcome. Normally, the liver is involved in the metabolism of many drugs, including nucleoside analogs and protease inhibitors, which are currently repurposed to treat COVID-19. In addition to the manifestation of COVID-19, drugs implemented in its treatment may aggravate liver injuries. Thus, DILI should be considered especially in those COVID-19 patients with underlying liver disease. It was unclear whether the elevated liver enzymes have originated from the underlying disease or DILI in this population. Furthermore, it is difficult to establish a direct relationship between a specific drug and liver injury. Another possible effect of liver damage may due to inflammatory cytokine storm in severe COVID-19. Liver injury can change metabolism, excretion, dosing, and expected concentrations of the drugs, which may make it difficult to achieve a therapeutic dose of the drug or increase the risk of adverse effects. These repurposed drugs have shown limited efficacy against the virus and the disease itself; however, they still pose risk of adverse effects. Careful and close monitoring of LFTs in COVID-19 patients can provide early diagnosis of liver injury, and the risk of DILI could be reduced. Also, drug interactions in liver-transplanted patients should always be kept in mind for certain immunosuppressive therapies and their known signs of DILI. Altogether, abnormal LFTs should not be regarded as a contraindication to use COVID-19 experimental therapies if needed under emergent status.

Impact of COVID-19 in Chronic Viral Hepatitis B Patients on Virological, Clinical, and Paraclinical Aspects

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by an infection in the respiratory tract leading to extrapulmonary manifestations, including dysregulation of the immune system and hepatic injury. Objectives: Given the high prevalence of viral hepatitis and a few studies carried out on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and hepatitis B virus (HBV), this study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in the northeast region of Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the blood samples were collected from 93 CHB patients registered in the Patient Detection Data Bank of Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran, and 62 healthy individuals as controls. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was adopted to detect COVID-19 infection in all the participants’ nasopharyngeal samples. All the participants were subjected to anti-hepatitis C virus, anti-hepatitis delta virus, and liver function tests. Then, HBV deoxyribonucleic acid load was detected in CHB patients. The collected data were analyzed by statistical tests using SPSS software (version 20). A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study, 14% (13/93) and 32.25% (20/62) of CHB patients and control individuals were infected with COVID-19, respectively. The mean age of CHB patients was 39.69 ± 19.58 years, and 71% of them were female. The risk of developing COVID-19 in healthy controls was observed to be 2.3 times higher than in patients with CHB (0.95% confidence interval: 1.242 - 4.290). On the other hand, the mean values of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase in CHB patients superinfected with COVID-19 were higher than other participants. Out of 35.4% of patients with viral hepatitis B that were taking antiviral drugs, only 5.4% had COVID-19. Conclusions: Although CHB infection did not predispose COVID-19 patients to more severe outcomes, the data of this study suggest that antiviral agents also decreased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. Alternatively, careful assessment of hepatic manifestations and chronic viral hepatitis infections in COVID-19 patients can lead to more favorable health outcomes.

COVID-19 and liver diseases, what we know so far

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia outbreak started in December 2019. On March 12, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) constitutes a pandemic, and as of May 2021, SARS-CoV-2 has infected over 167.3 million patients, including 3.4 million deaths, reported to WHO. In this review, we will focus on the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the liver. We will discuss how chronic liver diseases affect the COVID-19 disease course and outcomes. We will also discuss the SARS-CoV-2 effects on the liver, mechanisms of acute liver injury, and potential management plans.

Risk of hepatitis B reactivation: From biologic therapies for psoriasis to immunosuppressive therapies for COVID‑19 (Review)

The cytokine storm from the evolution of severe cases of COVID-19, requiring strong immunosuppressive therapies, has raised the issue of reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in these patients. An analysis of the first observational studies in patients with COVID-19 and immunosuppressive therapy and HBV infection along with special clinical cases was presented, as well as personal experience on a series of cases (a group of 958 patients with COVID-19), compared with the analysis of studies performed on patients with HBV infection that underwent biological therapies for psoriasis and personal experience (a group of 81 psoriasis patients treated with biological therapies). Clinical studies have revealed that HBV reactivation in patients undergoing biological therapies for psoriasis, can be prevented with monitoring and treatment protocols and thus, these therapies have been demonstrated to be safe and effective. In COVID-19, immunosuppressive therapies are short-lived but in high doses, and the conclusions of clinical trials are contradictory, but there are published cases of HBV reactivation, which requires a unitary attitude in the prevention of HBV reactivation in these patients. An algorithm was presented for monitoring and treatment of HBV infection for patients with psoriasis treated with biological therapy and the conditions when this protocol can be used for patients with COVID-19 and immunosuppressive therapy.

Management of hepatitis B virus reactivation due to treatment of COVID-19

The world has made significant progress in developing novel treatments for COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Some treatments target the patient's dysregulated inflammatory response during COVID-19 infection and may cause hepatitis B reactivation (HBVr) in patients with current or past hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This review summarizes the risk and management of HBVr due to different treatments of COVID-19 in patients who have current or past HBV infection. Abnormal liver function tests are common during COVID-19 infection. Current evidence suggests that current or past HBV infection is not associated with an increased risk of liver injury and severe disease in COVID-19 patients. Among patients who received high-dose corticosteroids, various immunosuppressive monoclonal antibodies and inhibitors of Janus kinase, the risk of HBVr exists, especially among those without antiviral prophylaxis. Data, however, remain scarce regarding the specific use of immunosuppressive therapies in COVID-19 patients with HBV infection. Some results are mainly extrapolated from patients receiving the same agents in other diseases. HBVr is a potentially life-threatening event following profound immunosuppression by COVID-19 therapies. Future studies should explore the use of immunosuppressive therapies in COVID-19 patients with HBV infection and the impact of antiviral prophylaxis on the risk of HBVr.

Anti-rheumatic drug-induced hepatitis B virus reactivation and preventive strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma

To date, an estimated 3 million people worldwide have been infected with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). Although anti-HBV therapies have improved the long-term survival profile of chronic carriers, viral reactivation still poses a significant challenge for preventing HBV-related hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and death. Immuno-modulating drugs, which are widely applied in managing rheumatic conditions, are commonly associated with HBV reactivation (HBVr) as a result of drug-induced immune suppression. However, there are few reports on the risk of HBVr and the medication management plan for HBV carriers, especially rheumatic patients. In this review, we summarize immuno-modulating drug-induced HBVr during rheumatoid therapy and its preventive strategies for HBVr-induced liver diseases, especially cirrhosis and HCC. These findings will assist with developing treatments for rheumatic patients, and prevent HBV-related cirrhosis and HCC.

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation Associated With Therapeutic Interventions

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation associated with various therapeutic interventions is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with current or resolved HBV infection. Because no curative treatment for HBV infection is yet available, there are many individuals at risk for HBV reactivation in the general population. Populations at risk for HBV reactivation include patients who are currently infected with HBV or who have been exposed to HBV in the past. HBV reactivation and its potential consequences is a concern when these populations are exposed to anti-cancer chemotherapy, immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapies for the management of various malignancies, rheumatologic diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, or solid-organ or hematologic stem cell transplantation. Accordingly, it has become important to understand the basics of HBV reactivation and the mechanisms by which certain therapies are more susceptible to HBV reactivation. This review aims to raise the awareness of HBV reactivation and to understand the mechanisms and the risks of HBV reactivation in various clinical settings.

Screening for Hepatitis B Virus Prior to Initiating Tocilizumab and Tofacitinib in Patients With Rheumatic Diseases: A Cross-sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can reactivate among rheumatology patients initiating tocilizumab (TCZ) or tofacitinib (TOF). HBV screening is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), and the Canadian Rheumatology Association, but it is not explicitly recommended by the American College of Rheumatology.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study to characterize HBV screening practices for adult rheumatology patients initiating TCZ or TOF before December 31, 2018, in the Greater Boston area. We classified appropriate HBV screening patterns prior to TCZ or TOF (i.e., HBV surface antigen [HBsAg], total core antibody [anti-HBcAb], and surface antibody [HBsAb]) as follows: complete (all 3 tested), partial (any 1 or 2 tests), or none. We determined the frequency of inappropriate HBV testing (HBV e-antigen, anti-HBcAb IgM, or HBV DNA without a positive HBsAg or total anti-HBcAb) and used multivariable regression to assess factors associated with complete HBV screening.

RESULTS

Among 678 subjects initiating TCZ, 194 (29%) completed appropriate HBV screening, 307 (45%) had partial screening, and 177 (26%) had none. Among 391 subjects initiating TOF, 94 (24%) completed appropriate HBV screening, 195 (50%) had partial screening, and 102 (26%) had none. Inappropriate testing was performed in 22% of subjects. Race was associated with complete HBV screening (White vs non-White: OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57-0.95), whereas prior immunosuppression was not (conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs [DMARDs]: OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.72-1.55; biologic DMARDs: OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.48-1.12).

CONCLUSION

Patients initiating TCZ or TOF are infrequently screened for HBV despite recommendations from the AASLD and CDC.

EULAR points to consider for the management of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To develop evidence-based European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) points to consider (PtCs) for the management of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2T RA).

METHODS

An EULAR Task Force was established comprising 34 individuals: 26 rheumatologists, patient partners and rheumatology experienced health professionals. Two systematic literature reviews addressed clinical questions around diagnostic challenges, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies in D2T RA. PtCs were formulated based on the identified evidence and expert opinion. Strength of recommendations (SoR, scale A-D: A typically consistent level 1 studies and D level 5 evidence or inconsistent studies) and level of agreement (LoA, scale 0-10: 0 completely disagree and 10 completely agree) of the PtCs were determined by the Task Force members.

RESULTS

Two overarching principles and 11 PtCs were defined concerning diagnostic confirmation of RA, evaluation of inflammatory disease activity, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, treatment adherence, functional disability, pain, fatigue, goal setting and self-efficacy and the impact of comorbidities. The SoR varied from level C to level D. The mean LoA with the overarching principles and PtCs was generally high (8.4-9.6).

CONCLUSIONS

These PtCs for D2T RA can serve as a clinical roadmap to support healthcare professionals and patients to deliver holistic management and more personalised pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies. High-quality evidence was scarce. A research agenda was created to guide future research.

Newer developments in viral hepatitis: Looking beyond hepatotropic viruses

Viral hepatitis in the entirety of its clinical spectrum is vast and most discussion are often restricted to hepatotropic viral infections, including hepatitis virus (A to E). With the advent of more advanced diagnostic techniques, it has now become possible to diagnose patients with non-hepatotropic viral infection in patients with hepatitis. Majority of these viruses belong to the Herpes family, with characteristic feature of latency. With the increase in the rate of liver transplantation globally, especially for the indication of acute hepatitis, it becomes even more relevant to identify non hepatotropic viral infection as the primary hepatic insult. Immunosuppression post-transplant is an established cause of reactivation of a number of viral infections that could then indirectly cause hepatic injury. Antiviral agents may be utilized for treatment of most of these infections, although data supporting their role is derived primarily from case reports. There are no current guidelines to manage patients suspected to have viral hepatitis secondary to non-hepatotropic viral infection, a gap that needs to be addressed. In this review article, the authors analyze the common non hepatotropic viral infections contributing to viral hepatitis, with emphasis on recent advances on diagnosis, management and role of liver transplantation.

Identification and Development of Therapeutics for COVID-19

After emerging in China in late 2019, the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread worldwide, and as of mid-2021, it remains a significant threat globally. Only a few coronaviruses are known to infect humans, and only two cause infections similar in severity to SARS-CoV-2: Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, a species closely related to SARS-CoV-2 that emerged in 2002, and Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, which emerged in 2012. Unlike the current pandemic, previous epidemics were controlled rapidly through public health measures, but the body of research investigating severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome has proven valuable for identifying approaches to treating and preventing novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Building on this research, the medical and scientific communities have responded rapidly to the COVID-19 crisis and identified many candidate therapeutics. The approaches used to identify candidates fall into four main categories: adaptation of clinical approaches to diseases with related pathologies, adaptation based on virological properties, adaptation based on host response, and data-driven identification (ID) of candidates based on physical properties or on pharmacological compendia. To date, a small number of therapeutics have already been authorized by regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while most remain under investigation. The scale of the COVID-19 crisis offers a rare opportunity to collect data on the effects of candidate therapeutics. This information provides insight not only into the management of coronavirus diseases but also into the relative success of different approaches to identifying candidate therapeutics against an emerging disease. IMPORTANCE The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving crisis. With the worldwide scientific community shifting focus onto the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19, a large number of possible pharmaceutical approaches for treatment and prevention have been proposed. What was known about each of these potential interventions evolved rapidly throughout 2020 and 2021. This fast-paced area of research provides important insight into how the ongoing pandemic can be managed and also demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaboration to rapidly understand a virus and match its characteristics with existing or novel pharmaceuticals. As illustrated by the continued threat of viral epidemics during the current millennium, a rapid and strategic response to emerging viral threats can save lives. In this review, we explore how different modes of identifying candidate therapeutics have borne out during COVID-19.

COVID-19 and Indirect Liver Injury: A Narrative Synthesis of the Evidence

The liver is frequently affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The most common manifestations are mildly elevated alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, with a prevalence of 16-53% among patients. Cases with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) seem to have higher rates of acute liver dysfunction, and the presence of abnormal liver tests at admission signifies a higher risk of severe disease during hospitalization. Patients with chronic liver diseases also have a higher risk of severe disease and mortality (mainly seen in patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease). Several pathways of damage have been proposed in the liver involvement of COVID-19 patients; although, the end-cause is most likely multifactorial. Abnormal liver tests have been attributed to the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors in SARS-CoV-2 infection. This enzyme is expressed widely in cholangiocytes and less in hepatocytes. Other factors attributed to liver damage include drug-induced liver injury, uncontrolled release of proinflammatory molecules ("cytokine storm"), pneumonia-associated hypoxia, and direct damage by the infection. Hepatic steatosis, vascular thrombosis, fibrosis, and inflammatory features (including Kupffer cell hyperplasia) are the most common liver histopathological findings in deceased COVID-19 patients, suggesting important indirect mechanisms of liver damage. In this translational medicine-based narrative review, we summarize the current data on the possible indirect mechanisms involved in liver damage due to COVID-19, the histopathological findings, and the impact of these mechanisms in patients with chronic liver disease.

Infection of Human Cells by SARS-CoV-2 and Molecular Overview of Gastrointestinal, Neurological, and Hepatic Problems in COVID-19 Patients

The gastrointestinal tract is the body's largest interface between the host and the external environment. People infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at higher risk of microbiome alterations and severe diseases. Recent evidence has suggested that the pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms associated with gastrointestinal complicity in SARS-CoV-2 infection could be explained by the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) cell receptors. These receptors are overexpressed in the gut lining, leading to a high intestinal permeability to foreign pathogens. It is believed that SARS-CoV-2 has a lesser likelihood of causing liver infection because of the diminished expression of ACE2 in liver cells. Interestingly, an interconnection between the lungs, brain, and gastrointestinal tract during severe COVID-19 has been mentioned. We hope that this review on the molecular mechanisms related to the gastrointestinal disorders as well as neurological and hepatic manifestations experienced by COVID-19 patients will help scientists to find a convenient solution for this and other pandemic events.

2-Deoxy-D-glucose Alleviates Collagen-Induced Arthritis of Rats and Is Accompanied by Metabolic Regulation of the Spleen and Liver

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is significantly associated with glycolysis. This study used 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), an inhibitor of glycolysis, to treat rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and investigate the metabolic regulatory mechanism of glycolysis in the disease. 2-DG significantly alleviated CIA. Metabolomics and transcriptomics, as well as their integrative analysis, detected significant changes in the pathways of bile secretion, cholesterol and linoleic acid metabolism in the plasma, liver and spleen during the CIA process and the opposite changes following 2-DG treatment, whereas the expression of the genes regulating these metabolic pathways were changed only in the spleen. In the rat liver, levels of (S)-5-diphosphomevalonic acid in the terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathway were significantly decreased during CIA progression and increased following 2-DG treatment, and levels of taurochenodeoxycholic acid in the pentose and glucuronate interconversions pathway showed the opposite results. In the spleen, levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol glucuronide in bile secretion and 12(S)-leukotriene B4 in arachidonic acid metabolism were significantly decreased during CIA progression and increased following 2-DG treatment. The changes in the gene-metabolite network of bile secretion in the spleen correlated with a decreased plasma L-acetylcarnitine level in CIA rats and an increase following 2-DG treatment. Our analysis suggests the involvement of spleen and liver metabolism in CIA under the control of glycolysis.

An overview of SARS-COV-2-related hepatic injury

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative pathogen of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is highly contagious and has a variety of clinical manifestations, including liver injury. There have been a few reports indicating acute-on chronic liver failure among COVID-19 patients, however, patients with COVID-19-related liver injury are generally asymptomatic and present with a mild to moderate elevation in serum hepatic enzymes. Severe COVID-19 patients have high rates of liver injury with poorer outcomes. The pattern of abnormalities in liver biochemical indicators may be hepatocellular, cholestatic, or mixed. Although the pathogenesis of hepatic injury is not yet completely understood, causes of liver damage include systemic inflammatory response syndrome, ischemia-reperfusion injury, side effects of medications, and underlying chronic liver disease. While viral RNA has been detected in hepatocytes, it remains unknown if the coronavirus has the capacity to cause cytopathic effects in hepatic tissue. Additionally, it is important to remember that the current upheaval to daily life and access to healthcare caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant and negative effect on other patients with chronic liver disease. The objective of this review was to summarize the current literature on COVID-19-related hepatic injury with an examination of clinical features, potential pathogenesis, and histopathological findings of this entity.

SARS-CoV-2-associated gastrointestinal and liver diseases: what is known and what is needed to explore

BACKGROUND

The pandemic of COVID19 which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first described in China as an unexplained pneumonia transmitted by respiratory droplets. Gastrointestinal (GI) and liver injury associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported as an early or sole disease manifestation, mainly outside China. The exact mechanism and incidence of GI and liver involvement are not well elucidated.

MAIN BODY

We conducted a PubMed search for all articles written in the English language about SARS-CoV-2 affecting the GI and liver. Following data extraction, 590 articles were selected. In addition to respiratory droplets, SARS-CoV-2 may reach the GI system through the fecal-oral route, saliva, and swallowing of nasopharyngeal fluids, while breastmilk and blood transmission were not implicated. Moreover, GI infection may act as a septic focus for viral persistence and transmission to the liver, appendix, and brain. In addition to the direct viral cytopathic effect, the mechanism of injury is multifactorial and is related to genetic and demographic variations. The most frequently reported GI symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bleeding. However, liver infection is generally discovered during laboratory testing or a post-mortem. Radiological imaging is the gold standard in diagnosing COVID-19 patients and contributes to understanding the mechanism of extra-thoracic involvement. Medications should be prescribed with caution, especially in chronic GI and liver patients.

CONCLUSION

GI manifestations are common in COVID-19 patients. Special care should be paid for high-risk patients, older males, and those with background liver disease.

Treatment or Prophylaxis against Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Patients with Rheumatic Disease Undergoing Immunosuppressive Therapy: An Update

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) flares or reactivations are serious causes of morbidity or mortality in rheumatologic patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. The recent insights in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases led to the use of new immunosuppressive therapies indicated in case of failure, partial response, or intolerance of conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Based on these premises, this review examines and discusses the main rheumatologic treatments that could require the initiation of prophylactic treatment or close monitoring of occult HBV infection in patients beginning antiviral therapy at the first signs of HBV reactivation, or antiviral treatment in chronic HBV-infected patients. We searched for relevant studies published in the last five years. Studies suggested that the presence of HBV infection is common in rheumatic patients and HBV reactivation during these immunosuppressant treatments is quite frequent in these kinds of patients. Therefore, before starting an immunosuppressive therapy, patients should be screened for HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc and, on the basis of markers positivity, they should be carefully characterized for HBV infection phases. In conclusion, screening of HBV infection in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy with subsequent HBV monitoring, prophylaxis or treatment consistently reduces the risk of clinical consequences.

COVID-19 impact on the liver

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic imposed arestructuring of global health systems by rethinking spaces used for the care of these patients and the additions of intensive care, infectious diseases and pneumology departments. This paper provides evidence on the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in hepatocytes and its direct cytopathic activity, as well as the degree of liver damage due to drug toxicity, inflammation and hypoxia in COVID-19. A review of clinical trials has quantified liver damage through both pathology and biochemistry studies. Additionally, we briefly present the results of a study conducted in our clinic on 849 patients admitted for COVID-19 treatment, of which 31 patients had pre-existing chronic liver disease and 388 patients had values above the normal limit for alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin. It was observed that patients with abnormal liver tests were significantly statistically older, had more comorbidities and had a higher percentage of unfavourable evolution (death or transfer to intensive care). The conclusion of this paper is that the main causes of liver damage are direct viral aggression, coagulation dysfunction and endothelial damage, and patients with impaired liver function develop more severe forms of COVID-19 which requires special care by a multidisciplinary team that includes a hepatologist.

COVID-19 and hepatitis B infection

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a major burden worldwide, resulting in serious public health challenges. HBV infection is another widely spread virus that chronically affects about 257 million people. The management of patients with HBV infection has gained attention in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with COVID-19 have varying levels of liver involvements, resulting from direct viral effects on the liver as well as hepatotoxic drugs. This was demonstrated by elevated levels of liver enzymes, particularly evident in those patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, scarce information is available on the management of COVID-19 patients having an underlying chronic liver disease, including HBV infection. Studies have shown reactivation of HBV infection following treatment with tocilizumab and corticosteroids, emphasizing the need for caution when using these agents to treat COVID-19 patients with HBV infection. HBV screening and prophylaxis should be considered in patients with elevated transaminase levels and also in high prevalence populations. In patients with advanced liver disease, attention must be given to minimize the risk of liver decompensation. Nevertheless, further investigation is needed to enable an evidence-based approach for the care of these patients.

Patients with cirrhosis during the COVID-19 pandemic: Current evidence and future perspectives

The outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a global public health emergency. Patients with cirrhosis were deemed more susceptible to viral infection because of their dysregulated immune response. Similar to the general population, cirrhotic patients exhibit various degrees of COVID-19-related liver injury, which could be attributed to direct virus cytotoxicity, systemic immune system activation, drug-related liver injury, reactivation of pre-existing liver disease, and hypoxic hepatitis. The clinical symptoms in patients with cirrhosis and COVID-19 were similar to those in the general population with COVID-19, with a lower proportion of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Although respiratory failure is the predominant cause of mortality in cirrhotic patients with COVID-19, a significant proportion of them lack initial respiratory symptoms. Most evidence has shown that cirrhotic patients have relatively higher rates of morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19. Advanced cirrhosis was also proposed as an independent factor affecting a poor prognosis and the need to consider COVID-19 palliative care. General measures implemented to prevent the transmission of the virus are also essential for cirrhotic patients, and they should also receive standard cirrhosis care with minimal interruptions. The efficacy of the available COVID-19 vaccines in cirrhotic patients still needs investigation.

Liver injury, SARS-COV-2 infection and COVID-19: What physicians should really know?

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which in males, especially in advanced age, can sometimes evolve into acute respiratory distress syndrome. In addition, mild to moderate alterations in liver function tests (LFTs) have been reported in the worst affected patients. Our review aims to analyse data on the incidence and prognostic value of LFT alterations, the underlying mechanisms and the management of pre-existing liver disease in COVID-19 affected patients.

METHODS

We searched available literature through online PubMed database using terms as "SARS-CoV-2," "Liver damage," "Liver Function tests," "COVID-19," "pre-existing liver disease," "drug-induced liver injury."

RESULTS

Available evidence suggest that there could be a relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and liver damage, although the underlying involved mechanism remains unclear. Cohort studies have shown that high ALT levels, low platelet counts and low albumin levels at admission and during hospitalisation are associated with a high mortality rate. Unfortunately, little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on pre-existing liver damage. While chronic viral infections or NAFLD are associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 progression, patients with cirrhosis may have increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to their systemic immunocompromised status. DILI seems common among hospitalised patient with severe pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

Mild to moderate liver impairment during Covid-19 is common, especially in patients with pre-existing liver disease. Further studies should be performed in order to understand how pre-existing liver conditions may influence and worsen progression of liver disease in COVID-19 patients.

Does Interleukin-6 Bridge SARS-CoV-2 With Virus-Associated Cancers?

To date SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), a member of the Coronaviridae family, has infected more than 40 million people worldwide. A second wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection is aggressively surging. The clinical worsening of SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to be strictly associated with comorbidities, which can be used to establish an intrinsic patient network whose molecular profile is pivotal for identifying and successfully treating populations at risk. Herein, we focus on the direct interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and virus-associated cancers, exploring the critical role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a mediator of this complex cross talk. IL-6 production is enhanced in diverse viral infections ranging from human papilloma virus (HPV) to hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and SARS-CoV-2 infection. High systemic levels of IL-6 are associated with viral persistence and poor clinical outcomes in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. Blockade of IL-6/IL-6R, using specific molecules, is under investigation in active clinical trials for the treatment of patients with SARS-CoV-2. Although the data are as yet inconclusive, they pave the way for selective targeting of crucial cytokine-activated aberrant signaling in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Impact of cytokine storm and systemic inflammation on liver impairment patients infected by SARS-CoV-2: Prospective therapeutic challenges

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a devastating worldwide pandemic infection caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome namely coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that is associated with a high spreading and mortality rate. On the date this review was written, SARS-CoV-2 infected about 96 million people and killed about 2 million people. Several arguments disclosed the high mortality of COVID-19 due to acute respiratory distress syndrome or change in the amount of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor expression or cytokine storm strength production. In a similar pattern, hepatic impairment patients co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibited overexpression of ACE2 receptors and cytokine storm overwhelming, which worsens the hepatic impairment and increases the mortality rate. In this review, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on hepatic impairment conditions we overviewed. Besides, we focused on the recent studies that indicated cytokine storm as well as ACE2 as the main factors for high COVID-19 spreading and mortality while hinting at the potential therapeutic strategies.

Management of liver disease patients in different clinical situations during COVID-19 pandemic

Chronic liver diseases are common worldwide, especially in developing countries. The rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/(COVID-19) leads to the infection of many patients with underlying chronic liver diseases. As a relatively new disease, management of COVID-19, in the context of chronic liver disease, is mainly based on the experience of the treating physician and the available data. In this review, we summarize the available evidence about the management of liver disease patients, in the context of COVID-19 infection, which can increase the severity of viral hepatitis B. Also, its clearance in HBV patients is delayed. A sixfold increased severity of COVID-19 was reported in obese patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFDL). In patients with autoimmune liver disease (AILD), it is not recommended to change their immunosuppressive therapy (as long as they are not infected with COVID-19), in order to avoid a flare of liver disease. However, immunosuppressant drugs should be modified, in the case of infection with COVID-19. To date, no data suggest an increased risk or severity in metabolic liver diseases, such as hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Patients with liver cirrhosis should be carefully managed with minimum exposure to healthcare facilities. Basic investigations for follow-up can be scheduled at wider intervals; if patients need admission, this should be in COVID-19-clean areas. Patients with hepatocellular carcinomas may have a poor prognosis according to preliminary reports from China. The course of COVID-19 in liver transplant recipients on immunosuppression seems to have a benign course, based on few reports in children and adults. The hepatotoxicity of COVID-19 drugs ranges from mild liver enzyme elevation to a flare of underlying liver diseases. Therefore, the decision should be customized. Telemedicine can minimize the exposure of healthcare workers and patients to infection with COVID-19 and decrease the consumption of personal protective equipment.

IL-6 inhibition in the treatment of COVID-19: A meta-analysis and meta-regression

Objectives

Multiple RCTs of interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitors in COVID-19 have been published, with conflicting conclusions. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the impact of IL-6 inhibition on mortality from COVID-19, utilising meta-regression to explore differences in study results.

Methods

Systematic database searches were performed to identify RCTs comparing IL-6 inhibitors (tocilizumab and sarilumab) to placebo or standard of care in adults with COVID-19. Meta-analysis was used to estimate the relative risk of mortality at 28 days between arms, expressed as a risk ratio. Within-study mortality rates were compared, and meta-regression was used to investigate treatment effect modification.

Results

Data from nine RCTs were included. The combined mortality rate across studies was 19% (95% CI: 18, 20%), ranging from 2% to 31%. The overall risk ratio for 28-day mortality was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.81, 0.99), in favour of benefit for IL-6 inhibition over placebo or standard of care, with low treatment effect heterogeneity: I² 0% (95% CI: 0, 53%). Meta-regression showed no evidence of treatment effect modification by patient characteristics. Trial-specific mortality rates were explained by known patient-level predictors of COVID-19 outcome (male sex, CRP, hypertension), and country-level COVID-19 incidence.

Conclusions

IL-6 inhibition is associated with clinically meaningful improvements in outcomes for patients admitted with COVID-19. Long-term benefits of IL-6 inhibition, its effectiveness across healthcare systems, and implications for differing standards of care are currently unknown.

Interaction between hepatitis B virus and SARS-CoV-2 infections

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic and garnered international attention. The causative pathogen of COVID-19 is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel, highly contagious coronavirus. Numerous studies have reported that liver injury is quite common in patients with COVID-19. Hepatitis B has a worldwide distribution as well as in China. At present, hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a leading cause of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Because both viruses challenge liver physiology, it raises questions as to how coinfection with HBV and SARS-CoV-2 affect disease progression and mortality. Is there an increased risk of COVID-19 in patients with HBV infection? In this review, we summarize the current reports of SARS-CoV-2 and HBV coinfection and elaborate the interaction of the two diseases. The emphasis was placed on evaluating the impact of HBV infection on disease severity and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and discussing the potential mechanism behind this effect.

Identification and Development of Therapeutics for COVID-19

After emerging in China in late 2019, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spread worldwide and as of mid-2021 remains a significant threat globally. Only a few coronaviruses are known to infect humans, and only two cause infections similar in severity to SARS-CoV-2: Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, a closely related species of SARS-CoV-2 that emerged in 2002, and Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, which emerged in 2012. Unlike the current pandemic, previous epidemics were controlled rapidly through public health measures, but the body of research investigating severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome has proven valuable for identifying approaches to treating and preventing novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Building on this research, the medical and scientific communities have responded rapidly to the COVID-19 crisis to identify many candidate therapeutics. The approaches used to identify candidates fall into four main categories: adaptation of clinical approaches to diseases with related pathologies, adaptation based on virological properties, adaptation based on host response, and data-driven identification of candidates based on physical properties or on pharmacological compendia. To date, a small number of therapeutics have already been authorized by regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while most remain under investigation. The scale of the COVID-19 crisis offers a rare opportunity to collect data on the effects of candidate therapeutics. This information provides insight not only into the management of coronavirus diseases, but also into the relative success of different approaches to identifying candidate therapeutics against an emerging disease.

A Case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Treatment With Remdesivir in a Hepatitis C-Coinfected Patient Resulting in Temporary Viral Control and Posttreatment Flare

We report a case of a man with chronic hepatitis C infection treated with remdesivir for COVID-19, resulting in lowered HCV viral load, followed by a rebound after its discontinuation. Concomitant treatment with tocilizumab possibly caused loss of anti-HBs.

COVID-19 in Chronic Liver Disease and Liver Transplantation: A Clinical Review

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought challenges to clinicians caring for patients with chronic liver disease. In the past 6 months, COVID-19 has led to over 150,000 deaths in the United States and over 660,000 deaths around the world. Mounting evidence suggests that chronic liver diseases can have an adverse effect on the clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19. We present a comprehensive review of the latest literature on preexisting liver diseases and its interrelationship with COVID-19 infection in cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, and viral hepatitis B. As social distancing and telemedicine gain new footing, we synthesize recommendations from 3 major hepatology societies [American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD), the European Association for the Study of Liver (EASL), and the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of Liver (APASL)] to present the best approaches for caring for patients with liver diseases as well as those requiring liver transplantation.

Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Undergoing Tocilizumab-Containing Treatment

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To investigate the risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients undergoing long-term tocilizumab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.

METHOD

From January 2011 through August 2019, a total of 97 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinical data, comedications, and the occurrence of HBV reactivation were recorded.

RESULTS

Seven patients were HBsAg+ (7.2%), 64 were HBsAg-/HBcAb+ (65.9%), and 26 were HBsAg-/HBcAb- (26.8%). The median disease follow-up time was 9 years. TCZ was administered for a median of 29 months. Four patients (4.1%) experienced HBV reactivation after tocilizumab therapy. Of the 7 HBsAg+ patients, 4 received antiviral prophylaxis and had no HBV reactivation; the remaining 3 patients did not receive antiviral prophylaxis, and all 3 (100%) experienced HBV reactivation and hepatitis flare-up. Hyperbilirubinemia occurred in 2 of these 3 patients, with mild prothrombin time prolongation in one. After salvage entecavir treatment, all patients had a favorable outcome. Of the 64 HBsAg-/HBcAb+ patients, only one became positive for serum HBV DNA (2.5 × 10⁷ IU/mL) after 18 months of tocilizumab treatment (1.6%; 1/64). This patient was immediately treated with entecavir, which prevented hepatitis flare-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Tocilizumab is widely used in treating rheumatoid arthritis and has the potential to reduce the mortality rate among severe COVID-19 patients. However, HBV reactivation needs to be considered. HBsAg+ patients have a high risk of HBV reactivation, which could be prevented by antiviral prophylaxis. Although the risk of reactivation is low in HBsAg-/HBcAb+ patients, strict monitoring is necessary.