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Malakar S, Shah N, Mishra A, Pandey V, Shirol VV, Wodeyar NK, Verma P, Prathap S, Balankhe K, Rao R, Ghoshal UC. Acute Hepatitis E Virus Infection Triggering Autoimmune Hepatitis in a Patient With Chronic Liver Disease: Case Report and the Review of the Literature. Cureus 2024; 16:e56344. [PMID: 38633970 PMCID: PMC11021215 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute viral hepatitis E (HEV) is the most common form of acute viral hepatitis in India. It is associated with self-limiting disease in most cases. However, the chronic form of HEV is also being increasingly recognized. Other viral infections like the hepatitis A virus (HAV) have been implicated in inciting autoimmune hepatitis. HEV infection has been associated with the formation of circulating liver-directed autoantibodies, however autoimmune liver disease following acute HEV infection has been rarely reported. Here we present a case of a 72-year-old diabetic lady who presented to us with an asymptomatic rise of liver enzymes. Investigations suggested metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease. After three months of the diagnosis, she developed acute-on-chronic liver failure and her anti-HEV came out positive. She was managed accordingly. Afterwards patient had persistent high liver enzymes, so she underwent a liver biopsy. Her liver biopsy was compatible with autoimmune hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayan Malakar
- Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, IND
| | - Nishant Shah
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, IND
| | - Ankit Mishra
- Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, IND
| | - Vipin Pandey
- Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, IND
| | - Vivek V Shirol
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, IND
| | - Naganath K Wodeyar
- Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, IND
| | - Prabhat Verma
- Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, IND
| | - Sai Prathap
- Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, IND
| | - Kartik Balankhe
- Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, IND
| | - Ramnawal Rao
- Pathology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, IND
| | - Uday C Ghoshal
- Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, IND
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Riveiro-Barciela M, Roade L, Martínez-Camprecios J, Vidal-González J, Rodríguez-Diez B, Perelló M, Ortí G, Robles-Alonso V, Berastegui C, Navarro J, Martínez-Valle F, Bilbao I, Castells L, Ventura-Cots M, Llaneras J, Rando-Segura A, Forns X, Lens S, Prieto M, García-Eliz M, Imaz A, Rodríguez-Frías F, Buti M, Esteban R. mTOR inhibitors a potential predisposing factor for chronic hepatitis E: Results from the prospective collaborative CHES study (Chronic Hepatitis EScreening in patients with immune impairment and increased transaminases levels). GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2023; 46:764-773. [PMID: 36731726 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) in persons with immune impairment has a progressive course leading to a rapid progression to liver cirrhosis. However, prospective data on chronic HEV is scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for chronic HEV infection in subjects with immune dysfunction and elevated liver enzymes. PATIENTS AND METHODS CHES is a multicenter prospective study that included adults with elevated transaminases values for at least 6 months and any of these conditions: transplant recipients, HIV infection, haemodialysis, liver cirrhosis, and immunosuppressant therapy. Anti-HEV IgG/IgM (Wantai ELISA) and HEV-RNA by an automated highly sensitive assay (Roche diagnostics) were performed in all subjects. In addition, all participants answered an epidemiological survey. RESULTS Three hundred and eighty-one patients were included: 131 transplant recipients, 115 cirrhosis, 51 HIV-infected subjects, 87 on immunosuppressants, 4 hemodialysis. Overall, 210 subjects were on immunosuppressants. Anti-HEV IgG was found in 94 (25.6%) subjects with similar rates regardless of the cause for immune impairment. HEV-RNA was positive in 6 (1.6%), all of them transplant recipients, yielding a rate of chronic HEV of 5.8% among solid-organ recipients. In the transplant population, only therapy with mTOR inhibitors was independently associated with risk of chronic HEV, whereas also ALT values impacted in the general model. CONCLUSIONS Despite previous abnormal transaminases values, chronic HEV was only observed among solid-organ recipients. In this population, the rate of chronic HEV was 5.8% and only therapy with mTOR inhibitors was independently associated with chronic hepatitis E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Riveiro-Barciela
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luisa Roade
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Martínez-Camprecios
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judit Vidal-González
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Basilio Rodríguez-Diez
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Perelló
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillermo Ortí
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Virginia Robles-Alonso
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Digestive System Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Berastegui
- Pneumology Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Navarro
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Martínez-Valle
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Itxarone Bilbao
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lluis Castells
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Ventura-Cots
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Llaneras
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Rando-Segura
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Forns
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Universidad de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabela Lens
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Universidad de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martín Prieto
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Liver Transplantation and Hepatology Unit, La Fe Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - María García-Eliz
- Liver Transplantation and Hepatology Unit, La Fe Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Arkaitz Imaz
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Rodríguez-Frías
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Clinical Laboratories, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Spain
| | - Maria Buti
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rafael Esteban
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
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Takakusagi S, Kakizaki S, Takagi H. The Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis E Virus Infection-A Condition Affecting Immunocompromised Patients. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1303. [PMID: 37317277 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E is a zoonosis caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV), which was first discovered 40 years ago. Twenty million HEV infections worldwide are estimated each year. Most hepatitis E cases are self-limiting acute hepatitis, but the virus has been recognized to cause chronic hepatitis. Following the first case report of chronic hepatitis E (CHE) in a transplant recipient, CHE has recently been identified as associated with chronic liver damage induced by HEV genotypes 3, 4, and 7-usually in immunocompromised patients such as transplant recipients. In addition, patients infected with HIV and those receiving chemotherapy for malignancy, along with patients with rheumatic disease and COVID-19, have recently been reported as having CHE. CHE can be easily misdiagnosed by usual diagnostic methods of antibody response, such as anti-HEV IgM or IgA, because of the low antibody response in the immunosuppressive condition. HEV RNA should be evaluated in these patients, and appropriate treatments-such as ribavirin-should be given to prevent progression to liver cirrhosis or liver failure. While still rare, cases of CHE in immunocompetent patients have been reported, and care must be taken not to overlook these instances. Herein, we conduct an overview of hepatitis E, including recent research developments and management of CHE, in order to improve our understanding of such cases. The early diagnosis and treatment of CHE should be performed to decrease instances of hepatitis-virus-related deaths around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Takakusagi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kusunoki Hospital, 607-22 Fujioka, Fujioka 375-0024, Gunma, Japan
| | - Satoru Kakizaki
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Takasaki General Medical Center, 36 Takamatsu-cho, Takasaki 370-0829, Gunma, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Takagi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kusunoki Hospital, 607-22 Fujioka, Fujioka 375-0024, Gunma, Japan
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Liu R, Tan C, Wu J, Xu Y, Li X, Zhong Z, Li S, Qiu Y, Feng B. Characterization of genotype IV hepatitis E virus-like particles expressed in E.coli. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15284. [PMID: 37095953 PMCID: PMC10122030 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
HEV (Hepatitis E virus) is an infectious disease transmitted between humans and animals, which poses a severe threat to the biological safety and property throughout the world. The disease is especially severe in patients with potential liver cirrhosis and women during pregnancy. There is no specific and thorough HEV treatment at present. The development of hepatitis E virus vaccine is vital to the prevention of viral hepatitis worldwide. Since HEV cannot grow adequately in vitro, vaccine developed by devitalized virus particles does not work. Exploration of HEV-like structures is essential for the development of functional vaccines against HEV infection. ORF2 encodes the structural proteins of HEV, some of which can automatically assemble into virus-like particles (VLP) in this experiment, the recombinant capsid protein p27 was expressed in E. coli and the VLP formed by p27 was used to immunize mice. The results showed that the VLP formed by recombinant P27 had similar particle size to that of HEV; the immune dose produced by p27 was positively correlated with the immune effect. Compared with other genetic engineering subunit vaccines, P27 protein has a better application prospect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushi Liu
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular and Immunological Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Chufan Tan
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular and Immunological Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Junwen Wu
- Nanya Middle School of Changsha, Changsha, 410129, China
| | - Ye Xu
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular and Immunological Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular and Immunological Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Zhihong Zhong
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular and Immunological Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Sang Li
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular and Immunological Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yilan Qiu
- School of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Bo Feng
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 410008, China
- Corresponding author.
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Abravanel F, Lhomme S, Marion O, Péron JM, Kamar N, Izopet J. Diagnostic and management strategies for chronic hepatitis E infection. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:143-148. [PMID: 36625025 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2166932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) was initially thought to cause only acute infections, but the discovery of chronic hepatitis E in immunocompromised patients has profoundly changed our understanding of the virus. AREAS COVERED We describe the physiopathology, diagnosis, and clinical management of chronic HEV infection. The virus can persist in nearly two-thirds of immunosuppressed patients. Reducing immunosuppression is the first immunomodulatory strategy to cure chronic hepatitis E. But this may not always be feasible or effective. Ribavirin monotherapy for 3 months has been recommended as first-line treatment for chronically infected patients. Ribavirin is around 80% effective at eradicating HEV in retrospective studies. Apart from ribavirin, interferon has been successfully used in liver transplants recipients, but if the patient does not respond, no other alternative drug is available. The vaccine available to prevent HEV infection is one available only in China. EXPERT OPINION HEV infection is a major concern in immunocompromised patients. But the therapeutic arsenal is limited to ribavirin and interferon. Both produce several side effects and new drugs are urgently needed. Moreover, preventive strategies to limit HEV transmission and/or evolution to a chronic infection are also required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Abravanel
- Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Toulouse, France
| | - Sébastien Lhomme
- Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Marion
- Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, département de Néphrologie et transplantation d'organe, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean Marie Péron
- CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, département de Gastroentérologie, Toulouse, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, département de Néphrologie et transplantation d'organe, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Toulouse, France
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Favourable outcome of acute hepatitis E infection in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:433. [PMID: 36514177 PMCID: PMC9746154 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02586-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a frequent cause of acute viral hepatitis. Immunocompromised patients are at increased risk for viral infection and chronic courses of hepatitis. Whether patients with autoimmune diseases are at risk of developing clinically relevant hepatitis or even chronic liver disease after HEV infection is discussed controversially. ANCA-associated vasculitis is a rare autoimmune disease with potentially life-threatening organ involvement, thus requiring intensive immunosuppression with glucocorticoids, cyclophosphamide, or rituximab. As there are no reports available on the infection with HEV in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis, clinical decision making in such cases is based on experiences from other disease entities. Therefore, in this study we analyzed the course of liver disease and the therapeutic management of autoimmune vasculitis in a retrospective cohort of five patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis and acute hepatitis E. RESULTS Four patients were on immunosuppressive maintenance therapy and one patient was on remission induction therapy with cyclophosphamide and high dose glucocorticoids. All patients had at least one potentially hepatotoxic co-medication at the time of hepatitis. Hepatitis-associated clinical symptoms were recorded in four of five patients. The course of hepatitis was characterized by strongly elevated transaminases, a temporary liver failure was observed in one case. The management of hepatitis E included cessation of the immunosuppressants in all patients, whereas oral glucocorticoids were not discontinued. Under this regime, all patients cleared the virus without additional anti-viral treatment. Liver enzymes normalized one month after they peaked. In the follow-up period of at least 1.5 years (range 1.5-12 years), no chronic liver disease was observed, although one patient died of cholangiocarcinoma with liver metastases some years after HEV infection. Vasculitis was not active in our patient cohort at the time of HEV infection. However, inflammatory flares occured in three of five patients after discontinuation of the immunosuppressive therapy. Immunosuppressants were paused for a median time of 4 weeks and after their resumption vasculitic disease activity was controlled in all patients. CONCLUSIONS Acute HEV infection in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis shows a favorable outcome of liver disease but bears the risk of inflammatory flares due to cessation of immunosuppression.
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Ma Z, de Man RA, Kamar N, Pan Q. Chronic hepatitis E: Advancing research and patient care. J Hepatol 2022; 77:1109-1123. [PMID: 35605741 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) was initially thought to exclusively cause acute hepatitis. However, the first diagnosis of chronic hepatitis E in transplant recipients in 2008 profoundly changed our understanding of this pathogen. We have now begun to understand that specific HEV genotypes can cause chronic infection in certain immunocompromised populations. Over the past decade, dedicated clinical and experimental research has substantiated knowledge on the epidemiology, transmission routes, pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnosis, clinical features and treatment of chronic HEV infection. Nevertheless, many gaps and major challenges remain, particularly regarding the translation of knowledge into disease prevention and improvement of clinical outcomes. This article aims to highlight the latest developments in the understanding and management of chronic hepatitis E. More importantly, we attempt to identify major knowledge gaps and discuss strategies for further advancing both research and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongren Ma
- Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Robert A de Man
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Organ Transplantation, CHU Rangueil, INSERM UMR 1291, Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Disease (Infinity), University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Larrue H, Abravanel F, Peron JM. Hepatitis E, what is the real issue? Liver Int 2021; 41 Suppl 1:68-72. [PMID: 33975382 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a worldwide disease and the primary cause of acute viral hepatitis with an estimated 3.3 million symptomatic cases every year and 44,000 related deaths. It is a waterborne infection in the developing countries. In these countries, HEV genotypes 1 and 2 cause large outbreaks and affect young subjects resulting in significant mortality in pregnant women and patients with cirrhosis. In developed countries, HEV genotypes 3 and 4 are responsible for autochthonous, sporadic hepatitis and transmission is zoonotic. Parenteral transmission by the transfusion of blood products has been identified as a potential new mode of transmission. HEV can also cause neurological disorders and chronic infections in immunocompromised patients. The progression of acute hepatitis E is usually asymptomatic and resolves spontaneously. Diagnosis is based on both anti-HEV IgM antibodies in serum and viral RNA detection in blood or stools by PCR in immunocompetent patients, while only PCR is validated in immunocompromised individuals. Ribavirin is the only validated treatment in chronic infection. A vaccine has been developed in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Larrue
- Service d'hépatologie Hôpital Rangueil CHU Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
| | - Florence Abravanel
- Laboratoire de Virologie Hôpital Purpan CHU Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Marie Peron
- Service d'hépatologie Hôpital Rangueil CHU Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
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