Young v adult cirrhotics: a prospective, comparative analysis of the clinical profile, natural course and survival

Changing landscape of alcohol-associated liver disease in younger individuals, women, and ethnic minorities

Alcohol use is the most important determinant of the development of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and of predicting long-term outcomes in those with established liver disease. Worldwide, the amount, type, and pattern of use of alcohol vary. Alcohol use and consequent liver disease have been increasing in certain ethnic groups especially Hispanics and Native Americans, likely due to variations in genetics, cultural background, socio-economic status, and access to health care. Furthermore, the magnitude and burden of ALD have been increasing especially in the last few years among females and young adults who are at the prime of their productivity. It is critical to recognize the problem and care for these patients integrating cultural aspects in liver clinics. At the federal level, a societal approach is needed with the implementation of public health policies aiming to reduce alcohol consumption in the community. By addressing these challenges and promoting awareness, we can strive to reduce the burden of ALD, especially in high-risk demographic groups to improve their long-term health outcomes. Finally, we need studies and quality research examining these changing landscapes of demographics in ALD as a basis for developing therapeutic targets and interventions to reduce harmful drinking behaviours in these high-risk demographic groups.

KGHeBTA (King George's Medical University Hepatitis B Therapeutic Algorithm): A New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Algorithm and Clinico-epidemiological Spectrum of Hepatitis B

Background

Diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms given by various societies for hepatitis B are fragmented and complex. The clinico-epidemiologic spectrum of hepatitis B is not studied with large-scale data from our region. We aimed to develop a comprehensive algorithm for the treatment of hepatitis B and study its clinico-epidemiological spectrum.

Methods

From 2014-2019, the clinico-laboratory data of hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg)-positive patients were prospectively recorded. King George's Medical University hepatitis B therapeutic algorithm (KGHeBTA) was developed on the basis of the standard existing guidelines. The prevalence of different clinical stages of HBsAg-positive patients was calculated and their treatment records reviewed. Testing circumstances and risk factors were noted.

Results

Among 1,508 data record sheets, 421 were complete. According to the KGHeBTA algorithm, 221 had detectable hepatitis B virus DNA. 21% were cirrhotic and 79% non-cirrhotic. 72% were incidentally detected asymptomatic hepatitis B, 7% were hepatitis B with acute symptoms, 0.7% were acute hepatitis B, and 22% were chronic hepatitis B. 20% patients were eligible for antivirals and 80% patients were not eligible. 32% patients were actually treated with antivirals due to the inclusion of some special indications as pregnancy and family history. Screening during various medical illnesses (40%) was the most common and during health camps (0.2%), the least common testing approach. Road-side shaving (52%) was the most common and intravenous drug abuse (0.2%) and the least common risk factor for the detection of hepatitis B in our data pool.

Conclusions

HBsAg-positive patients can be easily worked up and treated based on the proposed algorithm (KGHeBTA). About one fourth to one fifth of all HBsAg-positive patients were eligible and treated with oral antivirals. Most of the patients were incidentally detected asymptomatic hepatitis B screened during medical illnesses. Roadside shaving and intravenous drug abuse were the most and the least common risk factors.

Alcohol-associated liver disease in the United States is associated with severe forms of disease among young, females and Hispanics

BACKGROUND

Alcohol use and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) burden are increasing in young individuals.

AIM

To assess host factors associated with this burden.

METHODS

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), National Inpatient Sample (NIS), and United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) databases (2006-2016) were used to identify individuals with harmful alcohol use, ALD-related admissions, and ALD-related LT listings respectively.

RESULTS

Of 15 981 subjects in NHANES database, weighted prevalence of harmful alcohol use was 17.7%, 29.3% in <35 years (G1) versus 16.9% in 35-64 years (G2) versus 5.1% in ≥65 years (G3). Alcohol use was about 11 and 4.7 folds higher in G1 and G2 versus G3, respectively. Male gender and Hispanic race associated with harmful alcohol use. Of 593 600 ALD admissions (5%, 77%, and 18% in G1-G3 respectively), acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) occurred in 7.2%, (7.2 in G2 vs 6.7% in G1 and G3, P < 0.001). After controlling for other variables, ACLF development among ALD hospitalizations was higher by 14% and 10% in G1 and G2 versus G3, respectively. Female gender and Hispanic race were associated with increased ACLF risk by 8% and 17% respectively. Of 20,245 ALD LT listings (3.4%, 84.4%, and 12.2% in G1-G3 respectively), ACLF occurred in 28% candidates. Risk of severe (grade 2 or 3) ACLF was higher by about 1.7 fold in G1, 1.5 fold in females and 20% in Hispanics.

CONCLUSION

Young age, female gender, and Hispanic race are independently associated with ALD-related burden and ACLF in the United States. If these findings are validated in prospective studies, strategies will be needed to reduce alcohol use in high risk individuals to reduce burden from ALD.

Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Compromising Cellular Resilience to Environmental Stressors

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), like exosomes, are nanosized membrane-enveloped vesicles containing different bioactive cargo, such as proteins, lipids, mRNA, miRNA, and other small regulatory RNAs. Cell-derived EVs, including EVs originating from stem cells, may capture components from damaged cells or cells impacted by therapeutic treatments. Interestingly, EVs derived from stem cells can be preconditioned to produce and secrete EVs with different therapeutic properties, particularly with respect to heat-shock proteins and other molecular cargo contents. This behavior is consistent with stem cells that also respond differently to various microenvironments. Heat-shock proteins play roles in cellular protection and mediate cellular resistance to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and heat shock. This review highlights the possible roles EVs play in mediating cellular plasticity and survival when exposed to different physical and chemical stressors, with a special focus on the respiratory distress due to the air pollution.

Alcohol associated liver cirrhotics have higher mortality after index hospitalization: Long-term data of 5,138 patients

Background/Aims

Liver cirrhosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Every episode of decompensation and hospitalization reduces survival. We studied the clinical profile and long-term outcomes comparing alcohol-related cirrhosis (ALC) and non-ALC.

Methods

Cirrhosis patients at index hospitalisation (from January 2010 to June 2017), with ≥1 year follow-up were included.

Results

Five thousand and one hundred thirty-eight cirrhosis patients (age, 49.8±14.6 years; male, 79.5%; alcohol, 39.5%; Child-A:B:C, 11.7%:41.6%:46.8%) from their index hospitalization were analysed. The median time from diagnosis of cirrhosis to index hospitalization was 2 years (0.2–10). One thousand and seven hundred seven patients (33.2%) died within a year; 1,248 (24.3%) during index hospitalization. 59.5% (2,316/3,890) of the survivors, required at least one readmission, with additional mortality of 19.8% (459/2,316). ALC compared to non-ALC were more often (P<0.001) male (97.7% vs. 67.7%), younger (40–50 group, 36.2% vs. 20.2%; P<0.001) with higher liver related complications at baseline, (P<0.001 for each), sepsis: 20.3% vs. 14.9%; ascites: 82.2% vs. 65.9%; spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: 21.8% vs. 15.7%; hepatic encephalopathy: 41.0% vs. 25.0%; acute variceal bleeding: 32.0% vs. 23.7%; and acute kidney injury 30.5% vs. 19.6%. ALC patients had higher Child-Pugh (10.6±2.0 vs. 9.0±2.3), model for end-stage liver-disease scores (21.49±8.47 vs. 16.85±7.79), and higher mortality (42.3% vs. 27.3%, P<0.001) compared to non-ALC.

Conclusions

One-third of cirrhosis patients die in index hospitalization. 60% of the survivors require at least one rehospitalization within a year. ALC patients present with higher morbidity and mortality and at a younger age.

A Study on the Temporal Trends in the Etiology of Cirrhosis of Liver in Coastal Eastern Odisha

Background

The etiology of cirrhosis of liver is known to change with time due to various factors including awareness, preventive interventions, and lifestyle changes in society. However, there is scarce Indian data available about temporal trends in etiology of cirrhosis of liver. Hence, the aim of this study was to study the temporal trends in the etiology of cirrhosis of liver.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective study conducted in the Department of Gastroenterology, Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, from January 2005 to December 2017. Data were collected from hospital records of all patients admitted to the Gastroenterology unit. A Poisson regression model was used to compare the hospitalization rate for different etiologies of cirrhosis of liver. All data were analyzed using Stata version 5.1 software.

Results

A total of 4,331 hospitalized patients of cirrhosis of liver were included in the analysis, of whom 2,742 (63.3%) had alcohol-related cirrhosis, 858 (19.8%) had viral hepatitis-related cirrhosis, and 731 (16.9%) had cirrhosis of liver due to nonalcohol and nonviral causes. The proportion of alcohol-related cirrhosis was increased by 26% from 2005 to 2017 (RR 1.26, p for trend <0.001). Though there were minimal ups and downs observed in the admission rate of viral hepatitis-related liver cirrhosis during later years, this was remarkably reduced by 73% (RR 0.27, p for trend <0.001) in the year 2017 at the end of the study. Similarly, the proportion of cirrhosis due to nonalcohol and nonviral causes decreased by 26% (RR 0.74, p for trend <0.001) by 2017.

Conclusion

Alcohol is the most common cause of cirrhosis of liver and the burden of alcohol-related cirrhosis is significantly increasing in comparison to other causes including viral infection, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and autoimmune hepatitis.

How to cite this article

Mishra D, Dash KR, Khatua C, et al. A Study on the Temporal Trends in the Etiology of Cirrhosis of Liver in Coastal Eastern Odisha. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2020;10(1):1–6.

Increasing Burden of Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure Among Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease in the Young Population in the United States

OBJECTIVES

Alcohol-associated liver disease is increasing, especially hospitalizations with acute on chronic liver failure and need for liver transplant. We examined trends in prevalence, inhospital mortality, and resource utilization associated with AALD and ACLF in the young.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample (2006-2014) was queried for hospitalizations with a discharge diagnosis of cirrhosis using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, codes. ACLF hospitalization was defined as ≥2 organ failures and stratified by age: young (≤35 years) and older (>35 years).

RESULTS

Of 447,090 AALD admissions (16,126 in young) between 2006 and 2014, ACLF occurred in 29,599 (6.6%), of which 1,143 (7.1%) were in young. Compared with older, admissions in young had more women (35% vs 29%), were obese (11% vs 7.6%), were Hispanics (29% vs 18%), have alcoholic hepatitis (AH) (41% vs 17%), and have ACLF grades 2 or 3 (34% vs 25%), P < 0.001 for all. Between 2006 and 2014, ACLF in AALD among young increased from 2.8% to 5.2%, with an AH proportion from 24% to 42%, P < 0.0001 for both. Young had more complications requiring ventilation (79% vs 76%) and dialysis (32% vs 28%), P < 0.001 for both. Compared with older, ACLF admission in young had longer hospitalization (12 vs 10 days) with higher hospital charges ($127,915 vs $97,511), P < 0.0001 for both, with 20% reduced inhospital mortality (54%-45%), P < 0.001.

DISCUSSION

AALD-related hospitalizations are increasing in young in the United States, mainly because of the increasing frequency of AH. Furthermore, this disease burden in young is increasing with a higher frequency of admissions with more severe ACLF and consumption of hospital resources. Studies are needed to develop preventive strategies to reduce burden related to AALD and ACLF in young.

Child-Turcotte-Pugh Score, MELD Score and MELD-Na Score as Predictors of Short-Term Mortality among Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease in Northern India

Background and Objectives

Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) and MELD-sodium (MELD-Na) scores are used for predicting disease severity and mortality among patients with end-stage liver disease. However, data regarding their usefulness in predicting the short-term outcome of end-stage liver disease are not available in India. This prospective study compared the CTP score, MELD score and MELD-Na score as predictors of short-term outcome among patients with end-stage liver disease.

Methods

CTP, MELD and MELD-Na scores were determined in 171 patients with end-stage liver disease at a tertiary healthcare centre in India at the time of admission, and the concordance (C-) statistics of the three scores for 3-month mortality were assessed and compared. The aetiology of end-stage liver disease and the clinical presentation were determined.

Results

The CTP score, MELD score and MELD-Na score on day 1 were significantly higher among non-survivors than among survivors (p < 0.0001 each). The C-statistic for 3-month mortality for the CTP score was 0.93 (p < 0.0001), that for the MELD score was 0.86 (p < 0.0001) and that for the MELD-Na score was 0.83 (p < 0.0001). The C-statistics of these scores differed significantly for 3-month mortality, and the CTP score was better than the MELD (p < 0.0001) and MELD-Na (p < 0.0001) scores in predicting 3-month mortality.

Conclusions

The CTP, MELD and MELD-Na scores were very good predictors of mortality at 3 months among patients with end-stage liver disease. The CTP score was superior to the MELD and MELD-Na scores in predicting 3-month mortality.

Natural History of Cirrhosis of Liver after First Decompensation: A Prospective Study in India

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

As liver cirrhosis is a dynamic condition, it is possible to improve survival in decompensated cirrhosis. Hence, we planned a prospective study to determine the natural history of cirrhosis after first decompensation.

METHODS

We enrolled all patients of liver cirrhosis who presented with first episode of decompensation defined by the presence of ascites, either overt or detected by Ultrasonography (UD), Gastroesophageal Variceal Bleeding (GEVB), and Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE). All patients were followed up to death/liver transplant or at least for the period of 1 year. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the risk of failure (death or Orthotopic Liver Transplantation (OLT)).

RESULTS

In total of 110 cirrhotic patients (93 males, mean age 50 ± 11 years), the most frequent etiology was alcohol (48%), followed by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis/cryptogenic (26%), hepatitis B (10%), autoimmune hepatitis (7%), and hepatitis C (6%). The distribution of CTP classes was: 4%, 56%, and 41% in class A, B, and C, respectively. Ascites was the most common decompensation found in 88 patients (80%) followed by HE (14%) and GEVB (6%). At 1-year follow up, transplant free survival was 78%, 2 underwent OLT, 4 developed hepatocellular carcinoma, and 24 died. Cumulative incidence of failure (death or OLT) by type of decompensation after 1 year was: 22% overt ascites, 50% GEVB, 28% UD ascites, 20% HE, and 33% ascites and GEVB concomitant.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with UD ascites do not have a negligible mortality rate as compared to overt ascites. Patients with cirrhosis after first decompensation have better transplant free survival with treatment of etiology and complications than previously mentioned in literature.

Current Scenario of Hepatitis B and Its Treatment in India

Hepatitis B is a significant public health problem in India, yet disease awareness is very low among the general population. The disease is mostly acquired horizontally, but the role of vertical transmission should not be underestimated. In spite of the fact that the majority of cases are e negative disease, most patients present in the advanced stage and even with hepatocellular carcinoma, the leading cause of which is hepatitis B. High-risk groups (especially tribals) also harbour significant disease burden and have a high prevalence of occult infection, supporting the potential of unknowingly spreading the disease. Findings on the relation of genotypes with disease severity or drug action have been conflicting. Though recently, oral antivirals with high genetic barrier to resistance have shown good viral suppression in the long term, e and s seroconversion is poor and relapse is universal upon therapy discontinuation. As no cure is possible with the currently available therapy, the target is long-term viral suppression by prolonged administration of oral antivirals; unfortunately, this leads to poor treatment adherence, which along with the high cost of therapy results in disease progression and spread of infection. At present, therefore, emphasis should be put on health education of the general and high-risk populations, along with health care workers to increase knowledge on such preventive measures as avoiding unsafe injection practices, high-risk sex, performing unnecessary injection and blood transfusion and providing proper screening of blood products; these efforts should be combined with intensive screening and aggressive vaccination programs, especially in high-risk groups and areas of high endemicity. Vaccination strategies are still below par and logistics should be developed for wider coverage; in addition, further research should be carried out on the efficacy and mode of usage for different types of vaccine.

Iatrogenic sinistral hypertension complicating screening colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is widely accepted as the gold-standard screening technique for detecting malignancies in the distal gastrointestinal tract in patients with symptoms suggestive of colon cancer. However, this procedure is not without risk, including colonic perforation. We report a patient who was managed conservatively after colonoscopy induced perforation. Eighteen months after appearing to make a full recovery, he presented with an upper gastrointestinal bleed. Oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) revealed large gastric fundal varices and computed tomography (CT) revealed splenic vein thrombosis. The ensuing left-sided (sinistral) hypertension explains the development of the fundal varices in the presence of normal liver function. At surgery, a persistent abscess cavity was identified and cultures from this site grew Streptococcus anginosus. Curative splenectomy was performed and the patient made a full recovery. We advocate more prompt operative intervention in selected cases of iatrogenic colonic perforation with primary repair to prevent late complications.

[Bleeding from gastric varices as the initial manifestation of primary pancreatic lymphoma]

In patients with pancreatic cancer, the most frequent symptoms are abdominal pain, weight loss and jaundice. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding produced by gastric varices is a rare entity in these patients and requires the presence of splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) to be excluded. We describe the case of a young man who presented to the emergency department with hematemesis. Diagnostic tests revealed primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL), which provoked splenic vein thrombosis, collateral circulation and the formation of isolated bleeding gastric varices. To date, we have found no reports in the literature of PPL with this form of presentation. Finally, we review the literature, with emphasis on the importance of excluding splenic vein thrombosis in patients with isolated gastric varices, and discuss certain features of the diagnosis and treatment of PPL.

Applicability of MELD as a short-term prognostic indicator in patients with chronic liver disease: an Indian experience

BACKGROUND

The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), which employs objective variables, statistical weighting and a continuous scale, has replaced the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classification as the scoring system of choice in several liver transplant centers. However, the predictive ability of MELD has never been prospectively evaluated in India. The aim of this study was to examine the MELD score, the CTP score and the recently proposed modified CTP score in Indian patients with liver cirrhosis to determine their correlation and compare their prognostic significance for short-term survival.

METHODS

A total of 76 patients with cirrhosis (mean age 46.97 years) were prospectively evaluated and followed up for 6 months. MELD score, CTP score and modified CTP score were calculated at baseline. The correlation between variables was evaluated by Pearson's correlation test. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the cutoff values for each score with the best sensitivity and specificity in discriminating between patients who survived and those who died.

RESULTS

Alcoholic liver disease was the most common (50%) etiology of cirrhosis. MELD score and CTP score showed very good correlation (Pearson correlation r = 0.983). ROC curve showed area under curve (c-statistics) for MELD score, CTP score and modified CTP score as 0.764, 0.804 and 0.817, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The MELD score was not found to be superior to CTP score and modified CTP score for short-term prognostication of patients with cirrhosis in this study.

Current concepts and controversies in the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis

The treatment of alcoholic hepatitis remains one of the most debated topics in medicine and a field of continued research. In this review, we discuss the evolution of scoring systems, including the recent development of the Glasgow alcoholic hepatitis score, role of liver biopsy and current treatment interventions. Studies of treatment interventions with glucocorticoids, pentoxifylline, infliximab, s-adenosyl-methionine, and colchicine are reviewed with discussion on quality. Glucocorticoids currently remain the mainstay of treatment for severe alcoholic hepatitis.

Hepatitis B virus genotypes in chronic liver disease patients from New Delhi, India

AIM

To study the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes and their effect on the progression and outcome in patients with chronic liver diseases from New Delhi, India.

METHODS

Sera from 100 HBV-related chronic liver disease (CLDB) cases were tested for HBV genotype using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and Type-specific primers-based PCR (TSP-PCR) targeting to the surface (S) gene encoding hepatitis B surface antigen.

RESULTS

Only genotypes A and D were present and genotype D was dominant. Genotype D was present in all CLDB patient categories. The genotype distribution for the 100 patients with CLDB was as follows: genotype A, 16/100 (16%) (7/40- 17% chronic hepatitis B (CHB); 8/47, 17%, HBV-related cirrhosis (CRB); 1/13, 7.6%, HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCCB); genotype D- 84/100 (84%) (32/40- 80% CHB; 38/47- 81%, CRB; 11/13, 85%, HCCB); genotype A+D, 3/100 (3%) (1/40- 3% CHB; 1/47- 2%, CRB; 1/13, 7.6%, HCCB); C, 0; B, 0; E, 0; F, 0; G 0, H 0; (P<0.01, genotype D vs A).

CONCLUSION

Only HBV genotypes A and D were present in patients with CLDB from New Delhi, India. Compared with genotype D, genotype A patients had no significant clinical or biochemical differences (P>0.05). Mixed infection with genotype A and D were seen in 3% of the cases. Genotype D was the dominant genotype prevalent in all patient categories.

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa: review of disease progression

Countries in the the Asia-Pacific region and Africa tend to have the highest prevalence of hepatitis B infection worldwide. Hepatitis B infection progresses from an asymptomatic persistently infected status to chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis, decompensated liver disease and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this review was to summarize rates and risk factors for progression between disease states in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa. A literature search was conducted employing MEDLINE and EMBASE (1975-2003) using the following key words: hepatitis B, natural history, disease progression, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, mortality, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. Bibliographies of articles reviewed were also searched. Ranges for annual progression rates were: (i) asymptomatic persistent infection to chronic hepatitis B, 0.84-2.7%; (ii) chronic hepatitis B to cirrhosis, 1.0-2.4%; and (iii) cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma, 3.0-6.6%. Patients with asymptomatic persistent infection and chronic hepatitis B had relatively low 5-year mortality rates (<4%); rates (>50%) were much higher in patients with decompensated liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. No data were found for progression rates in African populations. Hepatitis B e antigen was a risk factor for chronic hepatitis B, and bridging hepatic necrosis in chronic hepatitis B increased the risk of cirrhosis. Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma included cirrhosis, co-infection with hepatitis C virus, and genetic and environmental factors. In this review, wide ranges of disease progression estimates are documented, emphasizing the need for further studies, particularly in Africa, where progression rates are largely not available. Summarizing information on factors associated with disease progression should assist in focusing efforts to arrest the disease process in those at most risk.

Predictive role of serum procollagen III peptide and Knodell's index in survival prognosis of patients with hepatitis B virus liver cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to improve the accuracy of survival prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis using procollagen III peptide (PIIIP), as a marker of inflammation and fibrogenesis, and Knodell's histologic activity index (KI) in addition to previously used prognostic factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Five-year survival was followed in a group of 75 patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) liver cirrhosis (patients testing anti-HBe positive and HBV-DNA negative). There were 31 patients with compensated cirrhosis and 44 with decompensated cirrhosis. The diagnostic procedure included clinical, laboratory, ultrasound and pathohistologic examination. We combined PIIIP and KI with other significant variables to achieve the highest possible sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for survival prognosis in HBV liver cirrhosis. The models were compared using ROC analysis.

RESULTS

At the end of the five-year period of survival follow-up, there were 39 survivors and 36 patients had died (only three died from an extrahepatic cause). In the quantitative model, the discriminant canonical function (DCF) identified PIIIP, bilirubin, prothrombin time, ascites and KI as statistically significant parameters in the prognosis of five-year survival. Calculation of the score based on DCF yielded an accuracy of 89.3%. In the semiquantitative model, the analysis of variance identified PIIIP, bilirubin, albumin, pro-thrombin time, alkaline phosphatase, ascites and KI as significant variables. When PIIIP was added to the clinicohistologic diagnosis, Child-Pugh score and KI, the level of accuracy improved by 12% (from 78% to 90%), 11% (from 79% to 90%) and 10.6% (from 80% to 90.6%), respectively. When calculated with the three biochemical parameters (alkaline phosphatase, PIIIP and bilirubin) and KI identified by DCF, the accuracy was 90.6%.

CONCLUSION

Combining PIIIP and KI with other prognostic parameters is useful in achieving a better precision of survival prognosis in patients with HBV liver cirrhosis.

Hepatitis B virus genotypes and serotypes in western India: lack of clinical significance

To determine hepatitis B virus genotype and subtype distribution among HBV infected individuals with different clinical manifestations in western India, serum samples from 19 asymptomatic hepatitis B surface antigen carriers, 30 chronic hepatitis B patients, 8 acute hepatitis B patients, 5 fulminant hepatitis B patients, and with circulating HBV DNA were genotyped and subtyped on the basis of the nucleotide sequence analysis of S region of the HBV genome. Genotype D was the predominant genotype circulating in western India (57/62; 91.93%). All 19 asymptomatic hepatitis B surface antigen carriers, 8 acute hepatitis B patients, 5 fulminant hepatic failure patients and 25/30 chronic hepatitis B patients were circulating genotype D and ayw3/ayw2 subtypes. HBV genotype A was prevalent in 8% (5/62) of the total number of patients and all belonged to chronic hepatitis B category. Subtyping analysis showed that all genotype A isolates were of subtype adw2. As most of the patients from different clinical categories were infected with HBV genotype D, it is concluded that this genotype did not influence the outcome of HBV infection.

P53 tumor suppressor gene mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma patients in India

BACKGROUND

Specific mutations of the p53 tumor suppressor gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been reported from several parts of the world, but to the authors' knowledge to date the status of this gene has not been studied in HCC patients in India, where HCC is one of the major cancers and the frequency of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) as well as hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and exposure to dietary aflatoxin B(1) is very high. The most frequent mutation of the p53 gene in HCC is an AGG(Arg) to AGT(Ser) missense mutation at codon 249 of exon 7.

METHODS

Liver biopsy specimens from 21 HCC patients and 10 healthy controls were obtained through surgery or by needle biopsy technique. Phenol-chloroform-extracted DNA specimens were employed for the detection of HBV infection and p53 gene mutations. Nucleotide mutations of exons 4-9 of the p53 gene were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), single strand confirmation polymorphism, and direct sequencing. Third-generation sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the serologic detection of HBV and HCV infection.

RESULTS

Analysis of exons 4-9 of the p53 gene revealed only 3 mutations (3 of 21 specimens, 14.28%; 95% confidence interval, -0.7-29.3), 2 mutations at codon 249 showing G-->T transversions, and 1 mutation (4.7%) at codon 250 with a C-->T transition. The base substitutions at the third base of codon 249 resulted in a missense mutation leading to a change in amino acid from arginine to serine whereas at codon 250 it caused a change from proline to serine. Dot blot hybridization and PCR for HBV DNA from HCCs revealed 58.8% (10 of 17 specimens) and 90. 47% (19 of 21 specimens), positivity, respectively. ELISA for hepatitis B virus surface antigen in serum showed a positivity of 71. 42% (15 of 21 specimens), but there was only 40% positivity (8 of 20 specimens) for hepatitis B virus envelope antigen whereas 6 of 17 patients (35.29%) showed the presence of antibodies against hepatitis B virus envelope protein. No patient was found to be positive for the HCV antibody.

CONCLUSIONS

The very low frequency of p53 mutations and the extremely high frequency of HBV infection (> 90%) in HCC indicate that the mutations in the p53 gene frequently found in HCC reported from different endemic areas of the world may not play a direct role in the development of HCC in India. HBV infection and, possibly, exposure to the dietary aflatoxin B(1) appear to play major roles in the molecular pathogenesis of HCC in India.

Efficacy of low-dose alpha interferon therapy in HBV-related chronic liver disease in Asian Indians: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Interferon therapy has been shown to be effective in Western patients with chronic hepatitis due to hepatitis B viral infection, but not in Asian Chinese. Its efficacy in Asian Indian subjects with chronic HBV infection is not known.

METHODS

Forty-one patients with HBV-related chronic liver disease received randomly either: (a) recombinant alpha 2b interferon (n = 20) 3 MIU, subcutaneously, three times a week for 4 months, or (b) no treatment (n = 21). Patients were followed up for 12 months after completion of therapy.

RESULTS

In the interferon-treated group, complete response (loss of HBV-DNA and HBeAg) was significantly higher than spontaneous clearance in the control group (50% vs. 4.8% p < 0.05). Seroconversion to anti-HBe was seen in 35% of the treated and 4.8% of the control group (p < 0.05) at 4 months; it was noticeably higher in patients with chronic hepatitis than in those with cirrhosis. In the responders, alanine aminotransferase levels nearly normalized. One year after interferon therapy, HBeAg and HBV-DNA clearance was observed in 65% of patients, with HBsAg clearance in 15%. Reactivation was not seen in any patient. Side-effects were transient and minimal.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose recombinant alpha interferon therapy is quite effective and safe in Asian Indians with chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B infection.

Liver biopsy versus ultrasound in methotrexate-treated psoriasis: a decision analysis

Before starting methotrexate therapy for cases of recalcitrant psoriasis, a liver biopsy has been usual in order to exclude cirrhosis and moderate or severe fibrosis, which are contraindications for methotrexate treatment. As mortality and morbidity of liver biopsy are not negligible, and as this invasive procedure is unpleasant for the patient and urges clinical admission, we evaluated the possibility of ruling out severe liver pathology by means of ultrasonography, which we compared to liver biopsy. We made this comparison by means of a decision tree. The advantages of this analysis are the clear definition of the decision problem and its alternatives, and the possibility of calculating the risk of each alternative, thus being able to choose the best diagnostic method. In this study, the results of various research groups are discussed, in which liver biopsy and liver ultrasound were compared. In our decision tree we used some of these results and other assumptions, based on comparable studies. We varied the biopsy mortality and the sensitivity of ultrasound to show the change in the risk of each alternative. Our analysis shows that the differences of expected values between the liver biopsy branch and the ultrasonography branch are relatively small. Therefore, we advise each center, which has at its disposal a specialist in liver ultrasonography, to re-evaluate its guidelines with regard to the detection of severe liver pathology before starting methotrexate for the treatment of psoriasis.

Gastroenterological emergencies in the tropics

Significant differences exist in the prevalence of most gastroenterological emergencies in tropical compared with temperate countries. Both ethnic and environmental (often clearly defined geographically) factors are relevant. The major oesophageal lesions which can present acutely in tropical countries are varices and carcinoma; bleeding and obstruction are important sequelae. Peptic ulcer disease (and its complications), often associated (not necessarily causally) with Helicobacter pylori infection, has marked geographical variations in incidence. Emergencies involving the small intestine are dominated by severe dehydration, and its sequelae, resulting from secretory diarrhoea, most notably cholera. However, enteritis necroticans ('pig bel' disease), paralytic ileus (sometimes caused by antiperistaltic agents) and obstruction (secondary to luminal helminths, volvulus and intussusception) are other important problems, especially in infants and children. Enteric fever is occasionally complicated by perforation and haemorrhage; the former (which is notoriously difficult to manage) is accompanied by significant mortality. Ileocaecal tuberculosis is a major cause of right iliac fossa pathology--sometimes associated with malabsorption; amoeboma is an important clinical differential diagnosis. The colon can be involved in invasive Entamoeba histolytica infection (which, like complicated enteric fever, is difficult to manage if the fulminant form, with perforation, ensues), shigellosis, volvulus and intussusception. Acute colonic dilatation occasionally follows Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., Campylobacter jejuni, Yersinia enterocolitica and rarely E. histolytica infections. Acute hepatocellular failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the tropics and subtropics. It usually results from viral hepatitis (HBV, sometimes complicated by HDV, and HCV), but there is a long list of differential diagnoses. Hepatotoxicity resulting from herbs, chemotherapeutic agents or alcohol also occurs not infrequently. Chronic liver disease and its sequelae (often long-term results of viral hepatitis) are commonplace. Haematemesis and hepatocellular failure are usually very difficult to manage due to a lack of sophisticated support techniques in developing countries. Invasive hepatic amoebiasis usually responds well to medical management; however, spontaneous perforation can occur and the consequences of this are serious. Pyogenic liver abscess, although far less common than amoebic 'abscess', carries a bad prognosis whatever the method(s) of management. Hydatidosis and schistosomiasis also involve the liver, and helminthiases are important in the context of biliary tract disease. Gall stones are unusual in most tropical settings. Acute pancreatitis is overall unusual, but chronic calcific pancreatitis can present as an acute abdominal emergency.

Superiority of the Child-Pugh classification to quantitative liver function tests for assessing prognosis of liver cirrhosis

To evaluate the prognostic value of quantitative liver function tests in comparison with established prognostic variables, the data of 47 patients with liver cirrhosis were analysed. A total of 16 variables, comprising the galactose elimination capacity and the indocyanine green clearance, the Child-Pugh classification, and several clinical and biochemical variables were subjected to Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. As independent variables, poor prognosis was associated significantly with increasing Child-Pugh score (p less than 0.00001), whereas the galactose elimination capacity (p = 0.03) and the indocyanine green clearance (p less than 0.001) were less sensitive indicators. The regression analysis showed prognostic value in decreasing sequence for Child-Pugh classification, age, sex, history of upper GI haemorrhage, and alkaline phosphatase activity. The quantitative liver function tests evaluated in the present work have less prognostic value than routinely accessible variables.