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Bittaye SO, Kambi A, Tekanyi MAI, Tamba S, Sanneh L, Sisawo MM, Jatta A, Fatty G, Jeng A, Jallow MS, Leigh O, Njie R. Clinical manifestation, staging and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in Gambian patients. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:321. [PMID: 37730538 PMCID: PMC10510158 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02952-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a result of the lack of screening programs and the difficulty in making a proper diagnosis, the majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HHC) patients present late in low-resource countries. The study therefore assesses the clinical features, stage and prognostic variables of patients with HCC in The Gambia. METHODS From December 2015 to January 2019, patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HCC were enrolled. All patients' medical history, ultrasound scan, FibroScan and laboratory details were collected. RESULTS Two hundred and sixty (260) patients were enrolled. The mean age of HCC patients was 40 years, and 210 (80.7%) of them were male. The most common gastrointestinal symptoms were early satiety 229 (88.1%) and abdominal pain 288 (87.7%), while the most common constitutional symptoms were weight loss 237 (91.2%) and easy fatiguability 237 (91.2%). Hepatomegaly 205 (78.8%) was the most common sign. On ultrasound scan, lesions were mostly multifocal 175 (67.3%), and the median FibroScan score was 75 kPa. The median fibrosis 4 and aspartate transferase platelet ratio index were 4.6 and 2.2, respectively. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was positive in 170 (65.4%) patients, and the median AFP level was 3263 ng/ml. HCC patients with positive HBsAg were more likely to be male 145 (85.3%) vs 62 (72.1%) (p = 0.011), much younger 39.9 vs 51.4 yrs (p = < 0.0001), more likely to have abdominal pain 156 (91.8%) vs 68 (79.1%) (p = 0.002), jaundice 78 (45.9%) vs 29 (33.7%) (p = 0.042), dark urine 117 (68.8%) vs 46 (53.5%) (p = 0.018), raised transaminases (Aspartate transaminases 224.5 (32-7886) vs 153 (18-610), p = < 0.01, Alanine transferases 71 (5-937) vs 47 (8-271), p = < 0.001) and decreased platelet count 207 (33-941) vs 252 (52- 641) (p = 0.021) compared to patients with HCC who were HBsAg-negative. CONCLUSIONS The prognosis of patients with HCC is poor in developing countries such as The Gambia, where screening programs and treatment modalities are scarce. Young males are disproportionately affected, and HBV is a major cause of HCC in The Gambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Omar Bittaye
- Department of Internal Medicine, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia.
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia.
| | - Abubacarr Kambi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Momodou A I Tekanyi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Saydiba Tamba
- Department of Internal Medicine, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Lamin Sanneh
- Disease Control & Elimination, MRC Unit The Gambia @ London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Momodou Musa Sisawo
- Disease Control & Elimination, MRC Unit The Gambia @ London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Abdoulie Jatta
- Disease Control & Elimination, MRC Unit The Gambia @ London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Gibril Fatty
- Disease Control & Elimination, MRC Unit The Gambia @ London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Adam Jeng
- Disease Control & Elimination, MRC Unit The Gambia @ London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Momodou Salieu Jallow
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
- Pathology Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Ousman Leigh
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
- Pathology Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- American International University, Serekunda, Gambia
| | - Ramou Njie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
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Mbaga DS, Kenmoe S, Kengne-Ndé C, Ebogo-Belobo JT, Mahamat G, Foe-Essomba JR, Amougou-Atsama M, Tchatchouang S, Nyebe I, Feudjio AF, Kame-Ngasse GI, Magoudjou-Pekam JN, Fokou LKM, Meta-Djomsi D, Maïdadi-Foudi M, Touangnou-Chamda SA, Daha-Tchoffo AG, Selly-Ngaloumo AA, Nayang-Mundo RA, Yéngué JF, Taya-Fokou JB, Kenfack-Momo R, Atembeh Noura E, Demeni Emoh CP, Tazokong HR, Bowo-Ngandji A, Sake CS, Atenguena Okobalemba E, Njiki Bikoi J, Njouom R, Riwom Essama SH. Hepatitis B, C and D virus infections and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in Africa: A meta-analysis including sensitivity analyses for studies comparable for confounders. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262903. [PMID: 35061846 PMCID: PMC8782350 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Africa denotes unique facies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) characterized by a conjunction of low sensitization, restricted access to diagnosis and treatment and associated with the highest incidence and mortality in the world. We investigated whether hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV) and D (VHD) viruses were etiological agents of HCC in Africa. Methods Relevant articles were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, African Index Medicus, and African Journal Online databases, as well as manual searches in relevant reviews and included articles. Analytical studies from Africa evaluating the association between HCC development and HBV, HCV, and HDV were included. Relevant studies were selected, data extracted, and the risk of bias assessed independently by at least 2 investigators. The association was estimated using odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (95% CI) determined by a random-effects model. Sources of heterogeneity were determined by subgroup analyses. Results A total of 36 case-control studies were included. With controls having non-hepatic disease, the overall results suggested a significantly increased risk of HCC in patients with HBV (HBeAg (OR = 19.9; 95% CI = [3.7–105.2]), HBsAg (OR = 9.9; 95%) CI = [6.2–15.6]) and DNA (OR = 8.9; 95% CI = [5.9–13.4]); HCV (Anti-HCV (OR = 9.4; 95% CI = [6.3–14.0]) and RNA (OR = 16.5; 95% CI = [7.8–34.6]); HDV (Anti-VHD, (OR = 25.8; 95% CI = [5.9–112.2]); and HBV/HCV coinfections (HBV DNA/HCV RNA (OR = 22.5; 95% CI = [1.3–387.8]). With apparently healthy controls, the overall results suggested a significantly increased risk of HCC in patients with HBV (HBsAg, (OR = 8.9; 95% CI = [6.0–13.0]); HCV (Anti-HCV, (OR = 7.7; 95% CI = [5.6–10.6]); and HBV/HCV coinfections (HBsAg/Anti-HCV (OR = 7.8; 95% CI = [4.4–13.6]) Substantial heterogeneity and the absence of publication bias were recorded for these results. Conclusions In Africa, HBV/HCV coinfections and HBV, HCV, and HDV infections are associated with an increased risk of developing HCC. The implementation of large-scale longitudinal and prospective studies including healthy participants to search for early biomarkers of the risk of progression to HCC is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatien Serge Mbaga
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- * E-mail: (DSM); (SK)
| | - Sebastien Kenmoe
- Virology Department, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- * E-mail: (DSM); (SK)
| | - Cyprien Kengne-Ndé
- Evaluation and Research Unit, National AIDS Control Committee, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Gadji Mahamat
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Marie Amougou-Atsama
- Centre de Recherche sur les Maladies Émergentes et Re-Emergentes, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Inès Nyebe
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Ginette Irma Kame-Ngasse
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Dowbiss Meta-Djomsi
- Centre de Recherche sur les Maladies Émergentes et Re-Emergentes, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Martin Maïdadi-Foudi
- Centre de Recherche sur les Maladies Émergentes et Re-Emergentes, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Raoul Kenfack-Momo
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Yaounde I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Efietngab Atembeh Noura
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Arnol Bowo-Ngandji
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Jacky Njiki Bikoi
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Richard Njouom
- Virology Department, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Amougou MA, Noah DN, Moundipa PF, Pineau P, Njouom R. A prominent role of Hepatitis D Virus in liver cancers documented in Central Africa. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:647. [PMID: 27821080 PMCID: PMC5100184 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1992-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is one of the commonest cancers in Central Africa, a region with the unusual peculiarity to be hyperendemic for infections with Hepatitis B, C and D viruses. However, data estimating the respective proportions of HCC cases attributable to these viruses are still limited in this area. The current study was undertaken to determine the role of these viruses in HCC compared to non-HCC Cameroonian patients. Methods A case–control study was conducted in the Gastroenterology Unit of Central Hospital of Yaounde in collaboration with Centre Pasteur of Cameroon. Blood samples of all HCC cases (n = 88) and matched control individuals without known liver disease (n = 85) were tested for serological markers of Hepatitis B, C and D viral infections using commercially available enzyme immune-assay kits. Hepatitis B and C viral loads were quantified for positive patients by real-time PCR using commercial kits. Results The mean age was 46.0 ± 18 and 42.1 ± 16 years old for HCC-patients and controls, respectively for a 2.3 Male/Female sex ratio. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen, antibody to HCV and antibody to HDV were significantly higher in HCC patients (65.90, 20.26 and 26 % respectively) than in control patients (9.23, 4.62 and 1 %) (P < 2.5 10−5). The risk factors analysis showed that both HBV and HCV infections were strongly associated with HCC development in Cameroon with crude odds ratios of 15.98 (95 % CI 6.19-41.25) and 7.33 (95 % CI 2.09-25.77), respectively. Furthermore, the risk of developing HCC increased even more significantly in case of HBV and HDV co-infections with the odd ratio of 29.3 (95 % CI, 4.1-1231). HBV-DNA level was significantly higher in HBsAg-positive HCC-patients than in HBsAg-positive controls with (6.3 Log IU/mL and 5.7 Log IU/mL) respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion HBV and HCV infections are the mains factors of HCC development in Cameroon. Our results show that patients co-infected with HDV are at very high risk to develop HCC. An active surveillance program of patients and, foremost, an easier access to antivirals and primary prevention measures are crucial steps to reduce the incidence of HCC in this country. Due to the lack of truly efficient antiviral therapy, the fate of HDV-infected patients remains, however, particularly worrying.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paul Fewou Moundipa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Pascal Pineau
- Unité « Organisation nucléaire et Oncogenèse », INSERM U993, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Richard Njouom
- Virology Unit, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, BP 1274, Yaounde, Cameroon.
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