Factors affecting the mortality of pediatric fulminant hepatic failure in relation to hepatitis B virus infection

Prognostic parameters of pediatric acute liver failure and the role of plasma exchange

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the prognostic parameters and beneficial effects of repeat plasma exchange in children with acute liver failure (ALF).

METHODS

Twenty-three patients under 18 years of age admitted to National Taiwan University Hospital due to ALF from 2003 to 2016 were included in this retrospective analysis.

RESULTS

Among the patients, 11 (48%) had native liver recovery (NLR), 9 (39.1%) died without liver transplant, and 3 (12.9%) received liver transplantation. The NLR group showed a lower proportion of idiopathic cases, lower peak ammonia level, higher peak alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level, and they had plasma exchange fewer times than the other groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses yielded optimal cutoff values of plasma exchange (≤6 times), peak ammonia level (<190 μmol/L), and peak AFP level for predicting NLR in children with ALF.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric ALF with idiopathic etiology, high peak ammonia level, and low peak AFP level are associated with fewer cases of NLR. Plasma exchange for more than six times probably offers little benefit with regard to patient survival if liver transplantation is not performed promptly.

The management of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in children

In the present paper, we review the increased disease burden of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infection that is recognized worldwide; especially in children when the most common mode of transmission is vertically from infected mothers. In children with HBV and HCV infection, spontaneous clearance of the virus in the first years of life is not common, in contrast with adults, but these patients often stay asymptomatic until early adulthood, when disease has progressed to chronic hepatitis with increased risk of cirrhosis and its complication, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Due to limited treatment options of HBV infection in the pediatric population, clinicians focus on primary prevention, by vaccinating all infants during their first days of life. Infants born to infected mothers, receive intravenous immunoglobulin on top of the vaccine, and thus preventing transmission in 95% of the infants. While for HCV infection, since there is no vaccine to prevent HCV disease, providers focus primarily on treatment. The treatment landscape of HCV infection in children rapidly evolves, away from interferon regimens, and towards direct-acting antiviral agents that have a safer and more efficacious drug profile. Currently, there are ongoing clinical trials investigating the efficacy and tolerance of direct-acting agents in children below 12 years of age.

Nucleoside analogues improve the short-term and long-term prognosis of patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem, and HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has an extremely poor prognosis. There is no standard approach for managing ACLF. Nucleos(t)ide analogue has been proven effective in suppressing viral replication, improving histology and biochemical, and decreasing the inflammatory response in patients with chronic hepatitis B. This study was designed to evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacy of nucleoside analogue treatment of patients with HBV-related ACLF. One hundred and six consecutive subjects were recruited from 2,308 patients with elevated alanine aminotransferase activity. Forty-two patients were treated with 0.5 mg entecavir (ETV) daily (ETV group); 30 patients received 100 mg lamivudine (LAM) daily (LAM group); 34 patients did not take any nucleos(t)ide analogues (non-NAs group). All eligible patients were given standard medical treatment. All the patients were followed up until death or until October 2010. The HBV DNA levels and the short-term and long-term efficacy of the drugs were evaluated. After 3 weeks of nucleoside analogue treatment and/or supportive therapy, HBV DNA levels were decreased when compared with the baseline level in the ETV group (7.04 ± 1.58 log(10) IU/mL vs. 4.03 ± 2.04 log(10) IU/mL, P = 0.001), the LAM group (7.25 ± 0.89 log(10) IU/mL vs. 4.33 ± 2.48 log(10) IU/mL, P = 0.01), and the non-NAs group (5.73 ± 0.96 log(10) IU/mL vs. 4.21 ± 1.47 log(10) IU/mL, P = 0.01). The ETV and LAM groups showed a similar accumulative mortality in the first 3 months of treatment (33.3% vs. 40%, χ(2) = 0.568, P = 0.374). The non-NAs group had a significantly high mortality, compared with the ETV group (64.7% vs. 33.3%, χ(2) = 7.163, P = 0.007), the LAM group (64.7% vs. 40%, χ(2) = 3.906, P = 0.042), and the nucleoside analogue group (ETV group + LAM group) (64.7% vs. 36.2%, χ(2) = 7.443, P = 0.006). All the 56 patients survived were followed up to October 2010. The median follow-up period was 7.3 months. Recurrence was observed in a total of 6 patients (10.72%), of whom 4 patients (33.33%) were from the non-NAs group, 2 (11.11%) from the LAM group after cessation LAM therapy by patients himself, and 0 from the ETV group (P = 0.003). Nucleoside analogue may improve the short-term and long-term prognosis of patients with HBV-related ACLF.

Auxiliary liver transplantation for acute liver failure in children

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to present the largest experience of auxiliary liver transplantation for acute liver failure (ALF) in children over the past 19 years.

METHODS

Between 1990 and 2009, a total of 128 liver transplants were performed on children with ALF. Of these, 20 received auxiliary liver transplants (19 were cadaveric and 1 living graft). The recipient median age was 12 years (range: 1 -16). Indications for auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation were seronegative non-A non-B hepatitis in 16 children, drug induced in 2, and 1 autoimmune hepatitis and 1 mushroom poisoning. The median waiting time for transplantation was 2 days (range: 1-9). After native liver partial hepatectomy, 20 grafts were implanted orthotopically and included 8 right lobes, 8 left lateral segments, 3 left lobes, and 1 whole liver. Regeneration of the native liver was assessed by radiologic, nuclear medicine imaging, and histology. Follow-up imaging and biopsies were performed at intervals of 3 to 6 months and yearly.

RESULTS

Patient survival was 85% at 1, 5, and 10 years. There were 3 deaths at a median of 9 days (range: 8-52) post-transplantation. There was 1 retransplant for chronic rejection 15 months post-transplantation. There were no biliary or vascular complications. Of 17 survivors, 14 (82%) have successfully regenerated their native liver and so far 11 children (65% of the survivors) have been withdrawn from immunosuppression at a median time of 23 months (range: 4-106) after transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation should be considered in children presenting with ALF who fulfill criteria for liver transplantation.

[Natural history and clinical manifestations of chronic hepatitis B virus]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem worldwide. In the last few decades, major advances have been achieved that have contributed to greater understanding of the natural history and clinical manifestations of this infection. The fluctuation between viral replication and the host's immune response has implications in the pathogenesis and progression of the hepatic lesion. In immunocompetent adults, most HBV infections resolve spontaneously in contrast with progression to chronic infection in most infants. Patients with chronic hepatitis due to HBV or chronic hepatitis B can present at four phases: 1) the immune tolerance phase, 2) HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B, 3) inactive HBsAg carrier state, and 4) HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis. HBeAg-positive or -negative chronic hepatitis can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Progression to these complications is more frequent in HBeAg-negative forms, associated with mutations that affect the pre-core region and maintain active viral replication. Risk factors are HBV-DNA positive serum levels, an increase in serum transaminase levels and some genotypes. These factors highlight the need to evaluate and monitor all HBV carriers to identify those who could benefit from early antiviral treatment, thus avoiding progression to more advanced forms of liver disease. These measures could improve prevention and treatment of hepatitis B.

Economic evaluation of delivering hepatitis B vaccine to injection drug users

BACKGROUND

Injection drug users (IDUs) are at high risk of hepatitis B (HBV) infection, and hepatitis B vaccination coverage in IDUs is low. Recent studies demonstrate that syringe exchange programs are effective venues to reach and immunize IDUs. The purpose of this paper was to determine if targeting IDUs for HBV vaccination through syringe exchange programs is economically desirable for the healthcare system and to assess the relative effectiveness of several different vaccination strategies.

METHODS

Active IDUs in Chicago IL and Hartford and Bridgeport CT (N=1964) were recruited and screened through local syringe exchange programs, randomized to a standard (0, 1, 6 months) or accelerated (0, 1, 2 months) vaccination schedule, and followed from May 2003 to March 2006. Analyses were conducted in 2007. The vaccination program's costs were balanced against future HBV-associated medical costs. Benefits in terms of prevented acute HBV infections and quality-adjusted life years were estimated based on a Markov model.

RESULTS

HBV vaccination campaigns targeting IDUs through syringe exchange programs are cost-saving. The most cost-saving strategies include giving the first dose to everyone at screening, administering the vaccination under the accelerated schedule (0, 1, 2 months), and obtaining highly discounted vaccine from local health departments.

CONCLUSIONS

It is economically inappropriate to offer HBV screening in the absence of vaccination. Existing syringe exchange programs in the U.S. should include HBV vaccination.

The curative effect of ALSS on 1-month mortality in AoCLF patients after 72 to 120 hours

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (AoCLF) is associated with a high mortality rate. An artificial liver support system (ALSS) creates a better environment for the self-regeneration of retained hepatocytes. AIM AND PATIENTS: We investigated the curative effect of ALSS on 1-month mortality at 72-120 h post-ALSS in 289 AoCLF patients.

METHODS

Of the 289 patients, 117 who survived for at least 1 month post-ALSS comprised the survival group; the remaining cases who died within 1 month served as controls. The improvements in laboratory data and clinical syndromes at 72-120 h post-ALSS were compared with those at 24 h.

RESULTS

Total bilirubin, international normalized ratio, and creatinine levels, and encephalopathy were significantly improved at 24 h post-ALSS in both the groups (p<0.05); however, these variables showed deterioration at 72-120 h; a rebound occurred in the nonsurvivors (p>0.05). The improvements in these variables in the nonsurvivors were considerably smaller than those in the survivors (p<0.05), particularly at 72-120 h. One-month mortality was more accurately predicted by the logistic regression model at 72-120 h than at 24 h.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of AoCLF patients was highly dependent on the improvement in encephalopathy, total bilirubin, international normalized ratio, and creatinine levels at 72-120 h post-ALSS. These variables are useful, therefore, as disease severity indexes to determine organ allocation priorities for liver transplant.

Paediatric acute liver failure and transplantation: The University of Essen experience

To report our experience with 17 children who underwent a liver transplantation (LT) for acute liver failure (ALF). All LT procedures (deceased and living donor) were offered. Since 2003 Molecular Adsorbents Recycling System (MARS) was proposed as bridging procedure. We monitored the perioperative course and the short- and long-term outcomes. All children developed pretransplant hepatic encephalopathy (mostly grades II and III); six needed ventilator support and three haemodialysis. Median PELD/MELD score was 30. MARS was used in five children with poor pretransplant prognostic factors: all five survived the LT without sequelae. We performed 13 deceased donor LT (seven whole, five split and onr reduced) and four left lateral LDLT. Postoperative complications were observed in 10 children, requiring re-operation in seven. Two children developed irreversible neurological disorders. After a median follow up of 45 months, 16 children are still alive. About 1- and 5-year cumulative patient survival rates are 94% with a corresponding graft survival of 88% and 81%, respectively. The combination of experienced paediatric ICU management, the application of new liver support devices, and the capacity to offer both living and deceased donor transplant alternatives in a timely fashion represent the best formula to achieve optimal results in children with ALF.

Risk assessment in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: The liver as a risk factor

Patients with liver dysfunction have an increased risk of developing early and late complications after haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). That's why it is mandatory to evaluate liver status before transplantation in all cases. This evaluation should allow us to decide whether HSCT can be performed or whether we should adopt measures focused on preventing these complications. The evaluation of the liver in an HSCT candidate requires the collection of information by history-taking, physical examination, liver-function tests and, occasionally, imaging tests and liver biopsy. Additionally, as infection by hepatitis B or C viruses represents the most relevant cause of hepatic dysfunction after HSCT, the serological status of the patient should be carefully evaluated. This chapter tries to analyse and systematise the most important aspects in the patient's evaluation. Finally, as some liver dysfunctions in the stem-cell donor can have a negative impact for the donor during the harvest and/or for the recipient during HSCT, the methodology to evaluate the donors will also be analysed.

Modern management of acute liver failure

Liver transplantation has revolutionized the management of acute or fulminant liver failure. Overall success rates of liver transplantation are satisfactory, although not as high as for elective transplantation. Although the bulk of liver transplants use standard whole grafts, interesting data are emerging on auxiliary liver grafts and donations from living donors. Liver transplantation is an integral part of management protocols complementing the sophisticated critical care protocols that have contributed significantly to the overall improved outcomes seen in acute liver failure. The potential for liver support devices to have an impact on the need for liver transplantation and outcomes after transplantation remains exciting.

Initial load of hepatitis B virus (HBV), its changing profile, and precore/core promoter mutations correlate with the severity and outcome of acute HBV infection

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of the fulminant or severe form of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains unclear, although both host- and virus-specific factors are considered to have a great impact on the c course. We aimed to define possible viral factors implicated in the severe form of acute HBV infection.

METHODS

We investigated viral factors in 42 patients with acute HBV infection: 11 had fulminant hepatitis (FH); 9 had a severe form of acute hepatitis (SAH), defined as having a prothrombin activity of less than 40% without encephalopathy; and 22 had acute self-limited hepatitis (AH).

RESULTS

Although there was no significant difference in serum HBV DNA levels on admission among the three groups, the level decreased more rapidly in patients with SAH or FH than in those with AH. In patients with SAH or FH, the HBV load on admission was higher in patients who died than in those who recovered (7.0 +/- 1.6 vs 5.6 +/- 1.0 log copies/ml; P=0.0293). In univariate analysis, seronegativity for hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) and mutations in both the precore (G1896A and/or G1899A) and core promoter (T1753A/C and/or T1754C/G and/or A1762T/G1764A) were associated with FH (odds ratio [OR], 5.60; P=0.0269 and OR, 52.0; P=0.0006; respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the presence of precore/core promoter mutations was associated with FH (OR, 42.8; P=0.0020).

CONCLUSIONS

The rapid decrease in viral load in the early phase of acute HBV infection was associated with the severity of the disease. A high viral load on admission and the presence of both precore and core promoter mutations in patients with severe coagulopathy closely correlated with mortality.