Identifying high-impact variants and genes in exomes of Ashkenazi Jewish inflammatory bowel disease patients

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic digestive tract inflammatory conditions whose genetic etiology is still poorly understood. The incidence of IBD is particularly high among Ashkenazi Jews. Here, we identify 8 novel and plausible IBD-causing genes from the exomes of 4453 genetically identified Ashkenazi Jewish IBD cases (1734) and controls (2719). Various biological pathway analyses are performed, along with bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, to demonstrate the likely physiological relatedness of the novel genes to IBD. Importantly, we demonstrate that the rare and high impact genetic architecture of Ashkenazi Jewish adult IBD displays significant overlap with very early onset-IBD genetics. Moreover, by performing biobank phenome-wide analyses, we find that IBD genes have pleiotropic effects that involve other immune responses. Finally, we show that polygenic risk score analyses based on genome-wide high impact variants have high power to predict IBD susceptibility.

Large-scale sequencing identifies multiple genes and rare variants associated with Crohn's disease susceptibility

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified hundreds of loci associated with Crohn's disease (CD). However, as with all complex diseases, robust identification of the genes dysregulated by noncoding variants typically driving GWAS discoveries has been challenging. Here, to complement GWASs and better define actionable biological targets, we analyzed sequence data from more than 30,000 patients with CD and 80,000 population controls. We directly implicate ten genes in general onset CD for the first time to our knowledge via association to coding variation, four of which lie within established CD GWAS loci. In nine instances, a single coding variant is significantly associated, and in the tenth, ATG4C, we see additionally a significantly increased burden of very rare coding variants in CD cases. In addition to reiterating the central role of innate and adaptive immune cells as well as autophagy in CD pathogenesis, these newly associated genes highlight the emerging role of mesenchymal cells in the development and maintenance of intestinal inflammation.

Dominant Cone Rod Dystrophy, Previously Assigned to a Missense Variant in RIMS1, Is Fully Explained by Co-Inheritance of a Dominant Allele of PROM1

Purpose

Autosomal dominant cone rod dystrophy 7 (CORD7) was initially linked to the gene RIMS1 and reported in a 4-generation British family in 1998. The purpose of this study was to investigate the legitimacy of this association, and to correctly characterize the genetic cause of this condition.

Methods

The allele frequency of RIMS1 c.2459G>A, p.Arg820His, was investigated in the Genomes Aggregation Dataset (gnomAD) datasets and whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed for 4 members of the CORD7 family with filtering of rare pathogenic variants in a virtual gene panel comprising all genes known to be associated with inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD). Cytogenetic analysis was performed to rule out interchromosomal translocation.

Results

RIMS1 p.Arg820His has a maximal carrier frequency of >1:5000 in Europeans. A previously well-characterized PROM1 variant: c.1118C>T, p.Arg373Cys, was detected in 9 affected members of the CORD7 family who underwent WGS or direct sequencing. One affected family member is now known to have macular dystrophy in the absence of RIMS1 p.Arg820His. Clinical analysis of affected family members and 27 individuals with retinopathy associated with the same – PROM1 – variant showed consistent phenotypes.

Conclusions

The case for pathogenicity of RIMS1 p.Arg820His is not strong based on its presence on 10 alleles in the gnomAD dataset and absence from additional CORD affected individuals. The finding of a known pathogenic variant in PROM1 correlates well with the phenotypic characteristics of the affected individuals, and is likely to account for the condition. Clear evidence of association between RIMS1 and a retinal dystrophy is yet to be described.

Variability of retinopathy consequent upon novel mutations in LAMA1

PURPOSE

Bi-allelic mutations in LAMA1 (laminin 1) (OMIM # 150320) cause Poretti-Boltshauser Syndrome (PTBHS), a rare non-progressive cerebellar dysplasia disorder with ophthalmic manifestations including oculomotor apraxia, high myopia, and retinal dystrophy. Only 38 variants, nearly all loss of function have been reported. Here, we describe novel LAMA1 variants and detailed retinal manifestations in two unrelated families.

METHODS

Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on three siblings of a consanguineous family with myopia and retinal dystrophy and on a child from an unrelated non-consanguineous couple. Clinical evaluation included full ophthalmic examination, detailed colour, autofluorescence retinal imaging, retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography under anesthesia, and pattern and full-field electroretinography.

RESULTS

Genetic analysis revealed a novel homozygous LAMA1 frameshift variant, c.1492del p.(Arg498Glyfs *25), in the affected siblings in family 1 and a novel frameshift c.3065del p.(Gly1022Valfs *2) and a deletion spanning exons 17-23 in an unrelated individual in family 2. Two of the three siblings and the unrelated child had oculomotor apraxia in childhood; none of the siblings had symptoms of other neurological dysfunction as adults. All four had myopia. The affected siblings had a qualitatively similar retinopathy of wide-ranging severity. The unrelated patient had a severe abnormality of retinal vascular development, which resulted in vitreous haemorrhage and neovascular glaucoma in the left eye and a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in the right eye.

CONCLUSIONS

This report describes the detailed retinal structural and functional consequences of LAMA1 deficiency in four patients from two families, and these exhibit significant variability with evidence of both retinal dystrophy and abnormal and incomplete retinal vascularisation.

Expanding the clinical phenotype in patients with disease causing variants associated with atypical Usher syndrome

Atypical Usher syndrome (USH) is poorly defined with a broad clinical spectrum. Here, we characterize the clinical phenotype of disease caused by variants in CEP78, CEP250, ARSG, and ABHD12.Chart review evaluating demographic, clinical, imaging, and genetic findings of 19 patients from 18 families with a clinical diagnosis of retinal disease and confirmed disease-causing variants in CEP78, CEP250, ARSG, or ABHD12.CEP78-related disease included sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in 6/7 patients and demonstrated a broad phenotypic spectrum including: vascular attenuation, pallor of the optic disc, intraretinal pigment, retinal pigment epithelium mottling, areas of mid-peripheral hypo-autofluorescence, outer retinal atrophy, mild pigmentary changes in the macula, foveal hypo-autofluorescence, and granularity of the ellipsoid zone. Nonsense and frameshift variants in CEP250 showed mild retinal disease with progressive, non-congenital SNHL. ARSG variants resulted in a characteristic pericentral pattern of hypo-autofluorescence with one patient reporting non-congenital SNHL. ABHD12-related disease showed rod-cone dystrophy with macular involvement, early and severe decreased best corrected visual acuity, and non-congenital SNHL ranging from unreported to severe.This study serves to expand the clinical phenotypes of atypical USH. Given the variable findings, atypical USH should be considered in patients with peripheral and macular retinal disease even without the typical RP phenotype especially when SNHL is noted. Additionally, genetic screening may be useful in patients who have clinical symptoms and retinal findings even in the absence of known SNHL given the variability of atypical USH.

Genetic analysis of four consanguineous multiplex families with inflammatory bowel disease

Background

Family studies support a genetic predisposition to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), but known genetic variants only partially explain the disease heritability. Families with multiple affected individuals potentially harbour rare and high-impact causal variants. Long regions of homozygosity due to recent inbreeding may increase the risk of individuals bearing homozygous loss-of-function variants. This study aimed to identify rare and homozygous genetic variants contributing to IBD.

Methods

Four families with known consanguinity and multiple cases of IBD were recruited. In a family-specific analysis, we utilised homozygosity mapping complemented by whole-exome sequencing.

Results

We detected a single region of homozygosity shared by Crohn's disease cases from a family of Druze ancestry, spanning 2.6 Mb containing the NOD2 gene. Whole-exome sequencing did not identify any potentially damaging variants within the region, suggesting that non-coding variation may be involved. In addition, affected individuals in the families harboured several rare and potentially damaging homozygous variants in genes with a role in autophagy and innate immunity including LRRK1, WHAMM, DENND3, and C5.

Conclusion

This study examined the potential contribution of rare, high-impact homozygous variants in consanguineous families with IBD. While the analysis was not designed to achieve statistical significance, our findings highlight genes or loci that warrant further research. Non-coding variants affecting NOD2 may be of importance in Druze patients with Crohn's disease.

Novel Biallelic Variants and Phenotypic Features in Patients with SLC38A8-Related Foveal Hypoplasia

Biallelic pathogenic variants in solute carrier family 38 member 8, SLC38A8, cause a pan-ocular autosomal recessive condition known as foveal hypoplasia 2, FVH2, characterised by foveal hypoplasia, nystagmus and optic nerve chiasmal misrouting. Patients are often clinically diagnosed with ocular albinism, but foveal hypoplasia can occur in several other ocular disorders. Here we describe nine patients from seven families who had molecularly confirmed biallelic recessive variants in SLC38A8 identified through whole genome sequencing or targeted gene panel testing. We identified four novel sequence variants (p.(Tyr88*), p.(Trp145*), p.(Glu233Gly) and c.632+1G>A). All patients presented with foveal hypoplasia, nystagmus and reduced visual acuity; however, one patient did not exhibit any signs of chiasmal misrouting, and three patients had features of anterior segment dysgenesis. We highlight these findings in the context of 30 other families reported to date. This study reinforces the importance of obtaining a molecular diagnosis in patients whose phenotype overlap with other inherited ocular conditions, in order to support genetic counselling, clinical prognosis and family planning. We expand the spectrum of SLC38A8 mutations which will be relevant for treatment through future genetic-based therapies.

Detailed Phenotyping and Therapeutic Strategies for Intronic ABCA4 Variants in Stargardt Disease

Stargardt disease is a progressive retinal disorder caused by bi-allelic mutations in the ABCA4 gene that encodes the ATP-binding cassette, subfamily A, member 4 transporter protein. Over the past few years, we and others have identified several pathogenic variants that reside within the introns of ABCA4, including a recurrent variant in intron 36 (c.5196+1137G>A) of which the pathogenicity so far remained controversial. Detailed clinical characterization of this variant confirmed its pathogenic nature, and classified it as an allele of intermediate severity. Moreover, we discovered several additional ABCA4 variants clustering in intron 36. Several of these variants resulted in aberrant splicing of ABCA4, i.e., the inclusion of pseudoexons, while the splicing defects caused by the recurrent c.5196+1137G>A variant strongly increased upon differentiation of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells into retina-like cells. Finally, all splicing defects could be rescued by the administration of antisense oligonucleotides that were designed to specifically block the pseudoexon insertion, including rescue in 3D retinal organoids harboring the c.5196+1137G>A variant. Our data illustrate the importance of intronic variants in ABCA4 and expand the therapeutic possibilities for overcoming splicing defects in Stargardt disease.

A genetic and clinical study of individuals with nonsyndromic retinopathy consequent upon sequence variants in HGSNAT, the gene associated with Sanfilippo C mucopolysaccharidosis

Pathogenic variants in the gene HGSNAT (heparan-α-glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase) have been reported to underlie two distinct recessive conditions, depending on the specific genotype, mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIC (MPSIIIC)-a severe childhood-onset lysosomal storage disorder, and adult-onset nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Here we describe the largest cohort to-date of HGSNAT-associated nonsyndromic RP patients, and describe their retinal phenotype, leukocyte enzymatic activity, and likely pathogenic genotypes. We identified biallelic HGSNAT variants in 17 individuals (15 families) as the likely cause of their RP. None showed any other symptoms of MPSIIIC. All had a mild but significant reduction of HGSNAT enzyme activity in leukocytes. The retinal condition was generally of late-onset, showing progressive degeneration of a concentric area of paramacular retina, with preservation but reduced electroretinogram responses. Symptoms, electrophysiology, and imaging suggest the rod photoreceptor to be the cell initially compromised. HGSNAT enzymatic testing was useful in resolving diagnostic dilemmas in compatible patients. We identified seven novel sequence variants [p.(Arg239Cys); p.(Ser296Leu); p.(Phe428Cys); p.(Gly248Ala); p.(Gly418Arg), c.1543-2A>C; c.1708delA], three of which were considered to be retina-disease-specific alleles. The most prevalent retina-disease-specific allele p.(Ala615Thr) was observed heterozygously or homozygously in 8 and 5 individuals respectively (7 and 4 families). Two siblings in one family, while identical for the HGSNAT locus, but discordant for retinal disease, suggest the influence of trans-acting genetic or environmental modifying factors.

Functional variants in the LRRK2 gene confer shared effects on risk for Crohn's disease and Parkinson's disease

Crohn's disease (CD), a form of inflammatory bowel disease, has a higher prevalence in Ashkenazi Jewish than in non-Jewish European populations. To define the role of nonsynonymous mutations, we performed exome sequencing of Ashkenazi Jewish patients with CD, followed by array-based genotyping and association analysis in 2066 CD cases and 3633 healthy controls. We detected association signals in the LRRK2 gene that conferred risk for CD (N2081D variant, P = 9.5 × 10^-10) or protection from CD (N551K variant, tagging R1398H-associated haplotype, P = 3.3 × 10^-8). These variants affected CD age of onset, disease location, LRRK2 activity, and autophagy. Bayesian network analysis of CD patient intestinal tissue further implicated LRRK2 in CD pathogenesis. Analysis of the extended LRRK2 locus in 24,570 CD cases, patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and healthy controls revealed extensive pleiotropy, with shared genetic effects between CD and PD in both Ashkenazi Jewish and non-Jewish cohorts. The LRRK2 N2081D CD risk allele is located in the same kinase domain as G2019S, a mutation that is the major genetic cause of familial and sporadic PD. Like the G2019S mutation, the N2081D variant was associated with increased kinase activity, whereas neither N551K nor R1398H variants on the protective haplotype altered kinase activity. We also confirmed that R1398H, but not N551K, increased guanosine triphosphate binding and hydrolyzing enzyme (GTPase) activity, thereby deactivating LRRK2. The presence of shared LRRK2 alleles in CD and PD provides refined insight into disease mechanisms and may have major implications for the treatment of these two seemingly unrelated diseases.

Rare coding variant analysis in a large cohort of Ashkenazi Jewish families with inflammatory bowel disease

Rare variants are thought to contribute to the genetics of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is more common amongst the Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) population. A family-based approach using exome sequencing of AJ individuals with IBD was employed with a view to identify novel rare genetic variants for this disease. Exome sequencing was performed on 960 Jewish individuals including 513 from 199 multiplex families with up to eight cases. Rare, damaging variants in loci prioritized by linkage analysis and those shared by multiple affected individuals within the same family were identified. Independent evidence of association of each variant with disease was assessed. A number of candidate variants were identified, including in genes involved in the immune system. The ability to achieve statistical significance in independent case/control replication data was limited by power and was only achieved for variants in the well-established Crohn's disease gene, NOD2. This work demonstrates the challenges of identifying disease-associated rare damaging variants from exome data, even amongst a favorable cohort of familial cases from a genetic isolate. Further research of the prioritized rare candidate variants is required to confirm their association with the disease.

A New Look at Familial Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Ashkenazi Jewish Population

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are particularly common among the Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) population. Population-specific estimates of familial risk are important for counseling; however, relatively small cohorts of AJ IBD patients have been analyzed for familial risk to date. This study aimed to recruit a new cohort of AJ IBD patients, mainly from the UK, to determine the familial occurrence of disease.

METHODS

A total of 864 AJ IBD patients were recruited through advertisements, hospital clinics, and primary care. Participants were interviewed about their Jewish ancestry, disease phenotype, age of diagnosis, and family history of disease. Case notes were reviewed.

RESULTS

The 864 probands comprised 506 sporadic and 358 familial cases, the latter with a total of 625 affected relatives. Of the UK cases, 40% had a positive family history with 25% having at least one affected first-degree relative. These percentages were lower among those recruited through hospital clinics and primary care (33% for all relatives and 22% among first-degree relatives). Examining all probands, the relative risk of IBD for offspring, siblings, and parents was 10.5, 7.4, and 4, respectively. Age of diagnosis was significantly lower in familial versus sporadic patients with Crohn's disease.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports familial risk estimates for a significant proportion of the AJ IBD population in the UK. The high rate of a positive family history in this cohort may reflect the greater genetic burden for IBD among AJs. These data are of value in predicting the likelihood of future recurrence of IBD in AJ families.

Additional rare variant analysis in Parkinson's disease cases with and without known pathogenic mutations: evidence for oligogenic inheritance

Oligogenic inheritance implies a role for several genetic factors in disease etiology. We studied oligogenic inheritance in Parkinson’s (PD) by assessing the potential burden of additional rare variants in established Mendelian genes and/or GBA, in individuals with and without a primary pathogenic genetic cause in two large independent cohorts totaling 7,900 PD cases and 6,166 controls. An excess (≥30%) of cases with a recognised primary genetic cause had ≥1 additional rare variants in Mendelian PD genes, as compared with no known mutation PD cases (17%) and unaffected controls (16%), supporting our hypothesis. Carriers of additional Mendelian gene variants have younger ages at onset (AAO). The effect of additional Mendelian variants in LRRK2 G2019S mutation carriers, of which ATP13A2 variation is particularly common, may account for some of the variation in penetrance. About 10% of No Known Mutation-PD cases harbour a rare GBA variant compared to known pathogenic mutation PD cases (8%) and controls (5%), with carriers having earlier AAOs. Together, the data suggest that the oligogenic inheritance of rare Mendelian variants may be important in patient with a primary pathogenic cause, whereas GBA increases risk across all forms of PD. This study highlights the potential genetic complexity of Mendelian PD. The identification of potential modifying variants provides new insights into disease mechanisms by potentially separating relevant from benign variants and by the interaction between genes in specific pathways. In the future this may be relevant to genetic testing and counselling of patients with PD and their families.

A Frameshift in CSF2RB Predominant Among Ashkenazi Jews Increases Risk for Crohn's Disease and Reduces Monocyte Signaling via GM-CSF

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Crohn's disease (CD) has the highest prevalence in Ashkenazi Jewish populations. We sought to identify rare, CD-associated frameshift variants of high functional and statistical effects.

METHODS

We performed exome sequencing and array-based genotype analyses of 1477 Ashkenazi Jewish individuals with CD and 2614 Ashkenazi Jewish individuals without CD (controls). To validate our findings, we performed genotype analyses of an additional 1515 CD cases and 7052 controls for frameshift mutations in the colony-stimulating factor 2-receptor β common subunit gene (CSF2RB). Intestinal tissues and blood samples were collected from patients with CD; lamina propria leukocytes were isolated and expression of CSF2RB and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-responsive cells were defined by adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) time-of-flight mass cytometry (CyTOF analysis). Variants of CSF2RB were transfected into HEK293 cells and the expression and functions of gene products were compared.

RESULTS

In the discovery cohort, we associated CD with a frameshift mutation in CSF2RB (P = 8.52 × 10(-4)); the finding was validated in the replication cohort (combined P = 3.42 × 10(-6)). Incubation of intestinal lamina propria leukocytes with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor resulted in high levels of phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT5) and lesser increases in phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and AK straining transforming (AKT). Cells co-transfected with full-length and mutant forms of CSF2RB had reduced pSTAT5 after stimulation with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, compared with cells transfected with control CSF2RB, indicating a dominant-negative effect of the mutant gene. Monocytes from patients with CD who were heterozygous for the frameshift mutation (6% of CD cases analyzed) had reduced responses to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and markedly decreased activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase; activity of this enzyme has been associated with immune tolerance.

CONCLUSIONS

In a genetic analysis of Ashkenazi Jewish individuals, we associated CD with a frameshift mutation in CSF2RB. Intestinal monocytes from carriers of this mutation had reduced responses to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, providing an additional mechanism for alterations to the innate immune response in individuals with CD.

Genetic Complexity of Crohn's Disease in Two Large Ashkenazi Jewish Families

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Crohn's disease (CD) is a highly heritable disease that is particularly common in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. We studied 2 large Ashkenazi Jewish families with a high prevalence of CD in an attempt to identify novel genetic risk variants.

METHODS

Ashkenazi Jewish patients with CD and a positive family history were recruited from the University College London Hospital. We used genome-wide, single-nucleotide polymorphism data to assess the burden of common CD-associated risk variants and for linkage analysis. Exome sequencing was performed and rare variants that were predicted to be deleterious and were observed at a high frequency in cases were prioritized. We undertook within-family association analysis after imputation and assessed candidate variants for evidence of association with CD in an independent cohort of Ashkenazi Jewish individuals. We examined the effects of a variant in DUOX2 on hydrogen peroxide production in HEK293 cells.

RESULTS

We identified 2 families (1 with >800 members and 1 with >200 members) containing 54 and 26 cases of CD or colitis, respectively. Both families had a significant enrichment of previously described common CD-associated risk variants. No genome-wide significant linkage was observed. Exome sequencing identified candidate variants, including a missense mutation in DUOX2 that impaired its function and a frameshift mutation in CSF2RB that was associated with CD in an independent cohort of Ashkenazi Jewish individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

In a study of 2 large Ashkenazi Jewish with multiple cases of CD, we found the genetic basis of the disease to be complex, with a role for common and rare genetic variants. We identified a frameshift mutation in CSF2RB that was replicated in an independent cohort. These findings show the value of family studies and the importance of the innate immune system in the pathogenesis of CD.

Clonal expansion of hepatocytes with a selective advantage occurs during all stages of chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Hepatocyte clone size was measured in liver samples of 21 patients in various stages of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and from 21 to 76 years of age. Hepatocyte clones containing unique virus-cell DNA junctions formed by the integration of HBV DNA were detected using inverse nested PCR. The maximum hepatocyte clone size tended to increase with age, although there was considerable patient-to-patient variation in each age group. There was an upward trend in maximum clone size with increasing fibrosis, inflammatory activity and with seroconversion from HBV e-antigen (HBeAg)-positive to HBeAg-negative, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. Maximum hepatocyte clone size did not differ between patients with and without a coexisting hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, large hepatocyte clones containing integrated HBV DNA were detected during all stages of chronic HBV infection. Using laser microdissection, no significant difference in clone size was observed between foci of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive and HBsAg-negative hepatocytes, suggesting that expression of HBsAg is not a significant factor in clonal expansion. Laser microdissection also revealed that hepatocytes with normal-appearing histology make up a major fraction of the cells undergoing clonal expansion. Thus, preneoplasia does not appear to be a factor in the clonal expansion detected in our assays. Computer simulations suggest that the large hepatocyte clones are not produced by random hepatocyte turnover but have an as-yet-unknown selective advantage that drives increased clonal expansion in the HBV-infected liver.

Long-term clearance of hepatitis C virus following interferon α-2b or peginterferon α-2b, alone or in combination with ribavirin

Sustained virologic response (SVR) is the standard measure for evaluating response to therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the durability of SVR in the pivotal studies of peginterferon (PEG-IFN) α-2b or IFN α-2b. We conducted two phase 3b long-term follow-up studies of patients previously treated for CHC in eight prospective randomized studies of IFN α-2b and/or PEG-IFN α-2b. Patients who achieved SVR [undetectable hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA 24 weeks after completion of treatment] were eligible for inclusion in these follow-up studies. In total, 636 patients with SVR following treatment with IFN α-2b and 366 with SVR following treatment with PEG-IFN α-2b were enrolled. Definite relapse (quantifiable serum HCV RNA with no subsequent undetectable HCV RNA) was reported in six patients treated with IFN α-2b and three patients treated with PEG-IFN α-2b. Based on these relapses, the point estimate for the likelihood of maintaining response after 5 years was 99.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 98.1-99.7%] for IFN α-2b and 99.4% (95% CI, 97.7-99.9%) for PEG-IFN α-2b. Successful treatment of hepatitis C with PEG-IFN α-2b or IFN α-2b leads to clinical cure of hepatitis C in the vast majority of cases.

Clinical trial: the efficacy and safety of oral PF-03491390, a pancaspase inhibitor - a randomized placebo-controlled study in patients with chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Elevated serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) reflect hepatocellular injury in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Increased apoptosis and activated caspases are present in these patients. PF-03491390 inhibits multiple caspases and lowers serum AST and ALT levels in patients with chronic liver diseases.

AIM

To determine if treatment with an oral pancaspase inhibitor could reduce serum AST and ALT in patients with HCV.

METHODS

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-dose study in 204 patients treated with placebo or PF-03491390 (5, 25 or 50 mg) orally twice daily (b.d.) for up to 12 weeks. Serum AST and ALT were monitored weekly.

RESULTS

Significant reductions in serum AST and ALT were observed within 1 week of initiating PF-03491390 in all treatment groups (P < 0.0001). These reductions in AST and ALT were maintained throughout the 12 week treatment period and returned to baseline levels when PF-03491390 was discontinued. Increasing the dose did not further lower AST or ALT. The most frequently reported adverse events were headache and fatigue.

CONCLUSION

PF-03491390 significantly reduced serum AST and ALT levels in patients with chronic HCV, and was well tolerated over 12 weeks.

Effect of pretransplant hepatitis C virus RNA status on posttransplant outcome

Undetectable hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA [RNA(-)] before liver transplantation (OLT) has been shown to decrease the rates of disease recurrence. We sought to determine whether RNA(-) subjects differ in post-OLT recurrence (virological/VR, histological/HR), graft failure (GF), or patient survival from RNA(+) patients using a retrospective review. From 1995 to 2004, a total of 49 patients were RNA(-) at OLT as a result of interferon-based therapy: 22 SVR and 27 with end-of-treatment response (ETR) transplanted when RNA(-) within 6 months of ET. Forty-eight RNA(+) patients were analyzed as controls. Virological recurrence (VR) was seen in 55% of RNA(-) subjects with no difference in HR between RNA(-) vs (+) groups, namely 36.7% versus 56.3% (P = .068), respectively. The RNA(+) subjects showed a lower time to HR (5.6 vs 11 months; P = .027). The SVR subjects displayed lower VR (36.4%) and histological recurrence (HR) (13.6%) compared to ETR (VR 70.4%, P = .023; HR 55.6%, P = .003) or RNA(+) (HR 56%, P = .0008). The SVR subjects, who were identified with a sensitive assay (SVR(S), lower limit <600 IU/mL) showed no VR, HR, or GF. The 1- and 5-year survivals were 87.8%/75.6% and 89.6%/77.8% for RNA(-) and (+) groups, respectively (P = .77). In conclusion, RNA(-)-transplanted patients displayed lower VR and longer time to HR. The SVR patients showed lower VR and HR compared to ETR and RNA(+) patients.

Clinical trial: interferon alpha-2b continuous long-term therapy vs. repeated 24-week cycles for re-treating chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Treatment options are limited for patients with hepatitis C virus who do not experience sustained viral eradication with pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy.

AIM

To compare, in an open-label, randomized study, long-term continuous interferon alpha-2b treatment with repeated 24-week courses in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus that relapsed after prior interferon monotherapy.

METHODS

A total of 499 patients received 24 weeks of interferon alpha-2b, 3 MIU administered 3 TIW. Responders (normal alanine aminotransferase and negative hepatitis C virus -RNA, n = 244) were then randomized to continuous interferon therapy (1, 2 or 3 MIU TIW depending on response) or cyclical therapy (3 MIU TIW for 24 weeks per relapse). Mean Knodell inflammation (I + II + III) and necrosis (IV) scores at baseline vs. year 2 were compared.

RESULTS

Patients receiving continuous low-dose therapy vs. cycled therapy had larger reductions in inflammation (-3.9 vs. -3.1) and fibrosis (-0.49 vs. -0.24). Among both groups, the mean change was -3.4 for inflammation and -0.36 for fibrosis. Overall, 73% (95% CI: 67-79) of patients experienced reduced inflammation and 28% (95% CI: 22-34) had reduced fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest hepatitis C virus patients experiencing viral suppression during long-term maintenance therapy with interferon demonstrate histological improvement. Further prospective trials testing this hypothesis are in progress.

The Impact of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and the Metabolic Syndrome on Progression of Fibrosis in Patients With Recurrent HCV After Liver Transplantation

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the metabolic syndrome (MS) have been shown to play a role in disease progression and response to therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of coexisting NAFLD and MS on the progression of fibrosis in patients with recurrent HCV treated with interferon (IFN)/ribavirin after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). From 1998 to 2004, a total of 418 patients underwent OLT in our center for HCV-related cirrhosis. Thirty-five patients with recurrent HCV on IFN/ribavirin treatment, who had at least 2 posttransplant liver biopsies at least 6 months apart, were included in the study. Patients who had MS at the time of their first posttransplant biopsy were identified. The first and last posttransplant biopsies were assessed for the presence and severity of NAFLD, grade of inflammation, and stage of fibrosis. The fibrosis progression rate (FPR) was calculated and expressed in fibrosis units per month (FU/mo). Among 35 patients, 34% were diagnosed with NAFLD in the first posttransplant biopsy. The mean FPR was 0.05+/-0.16 FU/mo in the presence of NAFLD compared to 0.07+/-0.10 FU/mo in its absence (P=.68) and 0.03+/-0.06 FU/mo in the presence of MS versus 0.10+/-0.15 FU/mo in its absence (P=.06). When FPR values were divided into two categories of <0.16 FU/mo or >or=0.16 FU/mo (below/above the 25% upper quartile) or <0.08 FU/mo or >or=0.08 FU/mo (below/above the 50% upper quartile), there was no correlation between FPR categories and the presence of NAFLD with or without MS, only MS, or the absence of both in the first liver transplant biopsy (P=.13). Coexisting NAFLD or MS had no significant effect on the progression of fibrosis after OLT in patients with treated hepatitis C after OLT.

Current and future treatment of chronic hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an ongoing worldwide pandemic. In general, the mode of transmission is different according to its prevalence in different areas: mostly perinatal in highly prevalent zones and predominantly sexual and/or parenteral in low prevalence areas. The variation in presentations of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) make its management complex. Aminotransferase levels, viral load, histologic changes, age of the patient, viral mutations (e.g. hepatitis B e antigen negative) and pregnancy are all factors that impact on treatment decisions. The ideal drug that will eradicate the HBV has yet to be developed. This review focuses on the currently available medications for CHB: alpha-interferon, lamivudine, adefovir, as well as new drugs that have proven to be active against HBV in clinical trials and are closer to licensure; pegylated interferon tenofovir, entecavir, emtricitabine, telbivudine and clevudine. The antiviral properties and the advantages and disadvantages in HBeAg-positive and negative patients are discussed. Combinations of different medications currently under study were not included in this review. A suggested algorithm, developed from recent literature, may serve as a practical guide on tailoring drug selection based on viral load, aminotransferases, hepatitis B e antigen status and histological findings. Finally, practical management questions are raised.

Activity of adefovir dipivoxil against all patterns of lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B viruses in patients

One hundred and thirty-one post-liver transplantation patients with chronic hepatitis B and failing lamivudine therapy with detectable serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) deoxyribonucleic acid by hybridization assays or > or =1 x 10(6) copies/mL by polymerase chain reaction, and elevated alanine transaminase levels despite continuous lamivudine, were enrolled in an open-label study of adefovir dipivoxil. The B and C domains of HBV polymerase were sequenced for baseline samples to determine the presence of lamivudine resistance mutations. The results showed that 98% of the samples had tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate (YMDD) mutations, indicating a strong correlation between the above clinical definition of lamivudine treatment failure and the presence of YMDD mutations. In addition to the rtM204V/I and the rtL180M mutations, the mutation rtV173L was identified in 19% of patients. Four major patterns of lamivudine-resistant HBV were identified: rtL180M + rtM204V (60%), rtV173L + rtL180M + rtM204V (19%), rtM204I (9%) and rtL180M + rtM204I (9%). Treatment with adefovir dipivoxil showed similar antiviral efficacy in patients with lamivudine-resistant virus from all four patterns.

Sirolimus therapy in orthotopic liver transplant recipients with calcineurin inhibitor related chronic renal insufficiency

Calcineurin inhibitor-related renal toxicity affects patient and graft survival in transplant recipients. Our clinical experience has revealed sirolimus to be an effective agent in treating renal insufficiency related to calcineurin inhibitor toxicity.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of OLT recipients suffering from chronic renal insufficiency and treated with sirolimus at the University of Miami.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients (nine men and five women) of mean age 57 years who had been treated with tacrolimus for at least 30 days were converted to sirolimus after developing nephrotoxicity. Mean creatinine clearances collected on day 0, 30, 60, and 90 after conversion were 40.1 mL/min, 49.6 mL/min, 53.9 mL/min, and 51.4 mL/min, respectively. Episodes of acute cellular rejection were not increased during the sirolimus conversion.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective review suggests that OLT patients suffering from tacrolimus-related renal insufficiency successfully converted to sirolimus may benefit from this therapy.

Preservation injury patterns in liver transplantation associated with poor prognosis

Preservation injury (PI) is defined as hepatic dysfunction that occurs within 10 days of liver transplantation (OLT) but spontaneously resolves. However, we noted two new patterns: one characterized by histologic evidence of preservation injury that occurs at later than 10 days post-OLT (late PI), and a second, of persistent charge in liver biopsies > 10 days post-OLT (persistent PI). To characterize these new patterns, we performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent liver biopsies for hepatic dysfunction post-OLT from September 1993 to March 1998. The outcome of the 61 patients with preservation injury on liver biopsy after OLT was followed until the last clinic visit or death. Thirty patients had early PI, 16 patients had persistent preservation injury and 15 patients, late onset preservation injury. There were no significant differences in the age (P =.28), sex (P =.77), follow-up time (P =.78), cold ischemia (P =.3), or warm ischemia time (P =.16) between these groups. There was also no significant association between early preservation injury or persistent preservation injury with the development of acute or chronic rejection (P =.19). The overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years was 52%, 45%, and 45%, respectively. There was no significant difference in survival between early, persistent, and late PI patterns (P =.59), although there was a trend toward better survival for patients with early preservation injury. The survival of OLT patients with persistent or late preservation injury is poor and should prompt consideration for retransplantation.

Decreasing fibrogenesis: an immunohistochemical study of paired liver biopsies following lamivudine therapy for chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND

Activation of hepatic stellate cells is the earliest step in fibrogenesis. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), expressed by activated hepatic stellate cells, and C-terminal procollagen alpha1(III) propeptide (PIIICP) are early markers of fibrogenesis and should precede fibrosis.

AIM

Determine if suppression of hepatitis B virus replication with lamivudine would decrease fibrogenesis as measured by immunohistochemical markers.

METHODS

Paired liver biopsies from patients with hepatitis B before and after therapy with lamivudine (n=47) or placebo (n=33) were studied. alpha-SMA and PIIICP were detected in paraffin-embedded tissue by immunohistochemistry and quantified in a blinded manner by video imaging analysis.

RESULTS

Liver biopsies from patients treated with lamivudine showed a significant decrease in alpha-SMA expression (1.06+/-0.23 vs. 0.58+/-0.11, pre vs. post, P<0.05). Placebo recipients had increased levels of alpha-SMA (0.82+/-0.14 vs. 1.32+/-0.21, P<0.05). PIIICP was similarly decreased after lamivudine. Among subjects whose Histologic Activity Index fibrosis score was unchanged or worsened, the mean change in alpha-SMA expression was significantly decreased in the lamivudine group compared with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Lamivudine decreased markers of hepatic stellate cell activation and collagen synthesis. Immunohistochemical techniques are sensitive for assessing fibrogenesis and will be useful in trials of antiviral and antifibrotic agents.

Prospective multicenter clinical evaluation of AMPLICOR and COBAS AMPLICOR hepatitis C virus tests

We conducted a multicenter clinical evaluation of the second versions of the manual AMPLICOR and the semiautomated COBAS AMPLICOR tests for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA (Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, Calif.). The performance characteristics of these HCV RNA tests for diagnosis of active viral infection were determined by comparison to anti-HCV serological test results, alanine aminotransferase levels, and liver biopsy histology results. A total of 878 patients with clinical or biochemical evidence of liver disease were enrolled at four hepatology clinics. A total of 1,089 specimens (901 serum and 188 plasma) were tested with the AMPLICOR test. Sensitivity compared to serology was 93.1% for serum and 90.6% for plasma. The specificity was 97% for serum and 93.1% for plasma. A total of 1,084 specimens (896 serum and 188 plasma) were tested with the COBAS test. Sensitivities for serum and plasma were the same as with the AMPLICOR test. The specificity was 97.8% for serum and 96.6% for plasma. Of the 69 specimens with false-positive and false-negative AMPLICOR test results relative to those of serology, alternative primer set (APS) reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis showed that the AMPLICOR test provided the correct result relative to the specimens containing HCV RNA in 64 (92.7%) specimens. Similarly, 66 of 67 (98.5%) false-positive and false-negative COBAS test results were determined to be correct by APS RT-PCR analysis. There were no substantive differences in clinical performances between study sites, patient groups, specimen types, storage conditions (-20 to -80 degrees C versus 2 to 8 degrees C), or anticoagulants (EDTA versus acid citrate dextrose) for either test. Both tests showed >99% reproducibility within runs, within sites, and overall. We conclude that these tests can reliably detect the presence of HCV RNA, as evidence of active infection, in patients with clinical or biochemical evidence of liver disease.

Dilatation of biliary strictures through the afferent limb of a Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy in patients with sclerosing cholangitis

Repeated dilatation of biliary strictures in patients with sclerosing cholangitis through a subcutaneously placed afferent limb of a choledochojejunostomy is technically feasible and safe. This study is a prospective 15-year evaluation of 36 patients treated by repeat dilatation through this jejunal limb. There was one operative death and one major complication of dilatation. The 5-year survival of all patients was 74%. If patients with cirrhosis or unproven cholangiocarcinoma at the time of operation are not included, the 5-year survival is 86%. The 15-year survival of all patients was 30%; it was 64% if those with cirrhosis and unproven cholangiocarcinoma at the time of operation are not included. Six patients are presently alive with an average survival of 159 months. The study suggests that a combination of repeated dilatations combined with transplantation is the approach of choice in selected patients.

A randomized, double-blind trial comparing pegylated interferon alfa-2b to interferon alfa-2b as initial treatment for chronic hepatitis C

This international, randomized, active-controlled, parallel-group, double-blind dose-finding study compared peginterferon alfa-2b (PegIntron) to interferon alfa-2b for the initial treatment of compensated chronic hepatitis C. We randomly assigned 1,219 subjects to receive either the standard three-times-weekly (TIW) interferon alfa-2b dose (3 MIU) or the once-weekly (QW) peginterferon alfa-2b (0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 microg/kg). Subjects were treated for 48 weeks and then followed for an additional 24 weeks. All 3 peginterferon alfa-2b doses significantly (P < or =.042) improved virologic response rates (loss of detectable serum HCV RNA) after treatment and after follow-up, as compared with interferon alfa-2b. Unlike the end-of-treatment virologic response, the sustained virologic response rate was not dose-related above 1.0 microg/kg peginterferon alfa-2b because of a higher relapse rate among patients treated with 1.5 microg/kg peginterferon alfa-2b, particularly among patients infected with genotype 1. All 3 peginterferon alfa-2b doses decreased liver inflammation to a greater extent than did interferon alfa-2b, particularly in subjects with sustained responses. No new adverse events were reported, and the majority of adverse events and changes in laboratory values were mild or moderate. In conclusion, peginterferon alfa-2b maintained (0.5 microg/kg) or surpassed (1.0, 1.5 microg/kg) the clinical efficacy of interferon alfa-2b while preserving its safety profile. The higher rate of virologic response during treatment with 1.5 microg/kg peginterferon alfa-2b in patients infected with genotype 1 and high viral levels warrants further evaluation.

Hepatitis C, cryoglobulinemia, and cutaneous vasculitis associated with unusual and serious manifestations

Hepatitis C viral infection is currently the leading cause of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. It also is a major predisposing factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. It is estimated that approximately 1-2% of patients with hepatitis C infection have nonhepatic manifestations that are protean in nature. In this report, we describe six unusual cases of nonhepatic manifestations: abdominal vasculitis in two, peripheral neuropathy in two, and one patient each with central nervous system vasculitis and necrotizing cutaneous vasculitis. All patients had cutaneous vasculitis and cryoglobulinemia. None of our patients had cirrhosis, yet three of the six patients died. Because of the severe manifestations, aggressive therapy was instituted with interferon, immunosuppressive medications, i.v. immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis. Our report underscores the importance of recognizing nonhepatic manifestations in patients with hepatitis C infection that may be associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Large cystic lesions of the liver in adults: a 15-year experience in a tertiary center

BACKGROUND

Cystic lesions of the liver consist of a heterogeneous group of disorders and may present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Large hepatic cysts tend to be symptomatic and can cause complications more often than smaller ones.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective review of adults diagnosed with large (> or = 4 cm) hepatic cystic lesions at our center, over a period of 15 years. Polycystic disease and abscesses were not included.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight patients were identified. In 57 the lesions were simple cysts, in 8 echinococcal cysts, in 8 hepatobiliary cystadenomas, and in 1 hepatobiliary cystadenocarcinoma. In four patients, the precise diagnosis could not be ascertained. Mean size was 12.1 cm (range, 4 to 30 cm). Most simple cysts were found in women (F:M, 49:8). Bleeding into a cyst (two patients) and infection (one patient) were rare manifestations. Percutaneous aspiration of 28 simple cysts resulted in recurrence in 100% of the cases within 3 weeks to 9 months (mean 4(1/2) months). Forty-eight patients were treated surgically by wide unroofing or resection (laparoscopically in 18), which resulted in low recurrence rates (11% for laparoscopy and 13% for open unroofing). Four of the eight patients with echinococcal cysts were symptomatic. All were treated by open resection after irrigation of the cavity with hypertonic saline. There was no recurrence during a followup period of 2 to 14 years. Hepatobiliary cystadenomas occurred more commonly in women (F:M, 7:1) and in the left hepatic lobe (left:right, 8:0). Seven were multiloculated. All were treated by open resection, with no recurrence, and none had malignant changes. Cystadenocarcinoma was diagnosed in a 77-year-old man, and was treated by left hepatic lobectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Large symptomatic simple cysts invariably recur after percutaneous aspiration. Laparoscopic unroofing can be successfully undertaken, with a low recurrence rate. Open resection after irrigation with hypertonic saline is a safe and effective treatment for echinococcal cysts. Hepatobiliary cystadenomas have predilection for women and for the left hepatic lobe. Malignant transformation is an uncommon but real risk. Open resection is a safe and effective treatment for hepatobiliary cystadenoma, and is associated with a low recurrence rate.

Liver disease in the elderly

Despite several morphologic and functional changes that have been described in the aging liver, most relevant studies fail to identify a significant age-related deficit in liver function in humans. One of the important age-related changes is a decrease in regenerative capacity, which may partly explain the impaired recovery after severe viral and toxic injury in the elderly. Nevertheless, livers from older subjects are used successfully for transplantation. Substantial morbidity and mortality in the elderly is attributable to liver diseases, and the number of patients older than 65 years of age with chronic liver disease is increasing rapidly. Although there are no liver diseases specific to advanced age, the presentation, clinical course and management of liver diseases in the elderly may differ in important respects from those of younger individuals.

A multicenter study of lamivudine treatment in 33 patients with hepatitis B after liver transplantation

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection after liver transplantation (LT) may lead to severe and rapidly progressive graft failure. Antiviral treatment may be of benefit in selected patients with recurrent hepatitis B post-LT. The aim of this prospective open-label study is to determine the safety and efficacy of lamivudine in 33 liver transplant recipients with active HBV infection. The median time from LT to study enrollment was 51 months, all patients were hepatitis B surface antigen positive, and 75% and 94% of subjects had detectable hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and HBV DNA at entry, respectively. The median duration of lamivudine treatment on study was 85 weeks, during which time median HBV DNA levels became undetectable by 16 weeks and 9% of patients lost previously detectable HBeAg. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels improved in most patients and normalized in 27% of patients with elevated values pretreatment. Serum bilirubin and albumin levels significantly improved in patients with abnormal values at entry (P <.05). Virological breakthrough was detected in 13 subjects after a median of 61 weeks of lamivudine treatment and was confirmed to be caused by YMDD mutants in all patients tested. None of the patients with virological breakthrough showed a complete loss of clinical response to lamivudine. Serum ALT and bilirubin levels in patients with and without virological breakthrough were not significantly different at last study follow-up. Study results show that lamivudine is safe and effective in liver transplant recipients with recurrent hepatitis B. However, the high rate of virological breakthrough with prolonged therapy indicates the need for further studies of combination antiviral therapy in this patient population. Our results and others further establish the improving long-term outcomes with LT for patients with hepatitis B through advances in prevention of reinfection, as well as the availability of safe and effective antiviral therapies to treat patients with HBV recurrence.

Viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis constitutes the most common entity seen in hepatology practice. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for patients with chronic hepatitis. Both lamivudine and interferon are established therapies against chronic hepatitis B, with other treatments not equally effective. Adefovir dipivoxil is a promising new treatment for lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B mutants. Lamivudine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin are effective in preventing recurrence of hepatitis B after transplantation. The combination of interferon and ribavirin has been shown to be effective for treatment of hepatitis C. Studies support the antiviral, antifibrotic, and antineoplastic effect of interferon therapy. Recurrence of hepatitis C after transplantation has been associated with more rapid progression to cirrhosis. Other major advances in the field of viral hepatitis during the past year are highlighted.

Drug therapy for hepatitis B

Until recently, IFN has been the only available therapy for chronic HBV infection; however, many new and exciting therapeutic strategies have emerged during the last decade. Recent advances in our understanding of the replicative mechanism of HBV and the development of potent nucleoside analogues have opened a new era in the treatment of HBV. Lamivudine has been introduced as an alternative to IFN, showing at least similar efficacy, but with a wider spectrum of indications and without the adverse effects. Therapeutic vaccination and molecular or gene therapy are being investigated as potential approaches, and aggressive combination therapy is emerging as a promising strategy. Based on the experience with HIV, the future of drug therapy against HBV likely includes combination therapy with 1 or more nucleoside/nucleotide analogues and an immune-modulating agent, such as IFN or a therapeutic vaccine. This combination may act synergistically against HBV and delay or prevent the development of drug-resistant mutants.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with recombinant alpha-interferon. A multicentre randomized, controlled trial. The Hepatitis Interventional Therapy Group

To assess the efficacy of therapy with the antiviral agent interferon in chronic hepatitis C (non-A, non-B hepatitis), we randomly assigned 166 chronic hepatitis C patients to treatment with either 3 million or 1 million units of recombinant interferon alfa-2b three times weekly for 24 weeks, or to no treatment. The probability of normalization or near normalization of the serum alanine aminotransferase levels after 6 months of interferon therapy was 46% in patients treated with 3 million units of interferon (p less than 0.001) and 28% in those treated with 1 million units (p less than 0.02), but only 8% in untreated patients. Serum alanine aminotransferase levels became completely normal in 22 of the 26 patients (85%) who responded to treatment with 3 million units of interferon and 9 of the 16 patients (56%) who responded to treatment with 1 million units. The patients who received 3 million units of interferon had histological improvement because of the regression of lobular and periportal inflammation. Relapse within 6 months after the completion of treatment occurred in 51% of the patients treated with 3 million units of interferon and 44% of those treated with 1 million units. We conclude that a 24-week course of interferon therapy is effective in controlling disease activity in many patients with hepatitis C, although relapse after the cessation of treatment is common.

Case studies of the hepatitis B patient: a panel discussion

In recent years, there have been significant advances in the treatment of patients with hepatitis B who are candidates for liver transplantation. This includes the prevention and management of hepatitis B posttransplantation. However, there is no established protocol for treating these patients. Ultimately, the goal would be to have patients HBV-DNA negative pretransplantation and then to prevent HBV recurrence posttransplantation to help ensure their quality of life. Several clinical case scenarios are presented and possible treatment solutions have been suggested. The timing of a transplant is critical due to the risk of viral mutation while the patient is on a nucleoside analogue antiviral agent and waiting for an organ. One successful option might be to start therapy pretransplant and continue it posttransplant. Combination therapy appears to provide the most effective course of treatment. This should include a nucleoside analogue and patients should be covered with hepatitis B immune globulin throughout the course of therapy. Several other variations of combination therapy are discussed, but many clinical issues remain to be resolved. Guidelines for future studies designed to answer these questions are proposed.

Impact of histological grade of hepatocellular carcinoma on the outcome of liver transplantation

HYPOTHESIS

Histological grade of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an important prognostic factor affecting patient survival after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

University-based teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Of 952 OLTs performed between June 1991 and January 1999, 56 OLT recipients had histologically proven HCC in the explant liver. Of those, 53 patients with complete clinicopathologic data were analyzed. A single pathologist blinded to the outcome of each patient reviewed all histological specimens.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 709 days. Overall survival for patients with tumors sized 5 cm or less at 1, 3, and 5 years was 87%, 78%, and 71%, respectively (Kaplan-Meier). Univariate analysis revealed the size, number, and distribution of tumors; the presence of microscopic vascular invasion and lymph node metastasis; histological differentiation; and pTNM stage to be statistically significant factors affecting survival. Multivariate analysis revealed histological differentiation and pTNM stage to be the independent and statistically significant factors affecting survival (P =.002 and.03, respectively). When pTNM stage was excluded from multivariate analysis, histological differentiation and size remained the significant independent factors (P =.02 and.03, respectively). Three-year survival for patients with small (</=5 cm) tumor with well- to moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated HCC was 82% and 67%, respectively. Three-year survival for patients with large (>5 cm) tumor with well- to moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated HCC was 62.5% and 0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In our retrospective experience, histological differentiation had a statistically significant effect on the prognosis of HCC after OLT. However, before altering the current OLT selection criteria for patients with HCC, prospective studies are required to confirm the impact of histological grade on clinical outcome.

Long-term mortality and morbidity of transfusion-associated non-A, non-B, and type C hepatitis: A National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute collaborative study

Persons with non-A, non-B hepatitis (cases) identified in 5 transfusion studies in the early 1970s have been followed ever since and compared for outcome with matched, transfused, non-hepatitis controls from the same studies. Previously, we reported no difference in all-cause mortality but slightly increased liver-related mortality between these cohorts after 18 years follow-up. We now present mortality and morbidity data after approximately 25 years of follow-up, restricted to the 3 studies with archived original sera. All-cause mortality was 67% among 222 hepatitis C-related cases and 65% among 377 controls (P = NS). Liver-related mortality was 4.1% and 1.3%, respectively (P =.05). Of 129 living persons with previously diagnosed transfusion-associated hepatitis (TAH), 90 (70%) had proven TAH-C, and 39 (30%), non-A-G hepatitis. Follow-up of the 90 TAH-C cases revealed viremia with chronic hepatitis in 38%, viremia without chronic hepatitis in 39%, anti-HCV without viremia in 17%, and no residual HCV markers in 7%. Thirty-five percent of 20 TAH-C patients biopsied for biochemically defined chronic hepatitis displayed cirrhosis, representing 17% of all those originally HCV-infected. Clinically evident liver disease was observed in 86% with cirrhosis but in only 23% with chronic hepatitis alone. Thirty percent of non-A, non-B hepatitis cases were unrelated to hepatitis viruses A,B,C, and G, suggesting another unidentified agent. In conclusion, all-cause mortality approximately 25 years after acute TAH-C is high but is no different between cases and controls. Liver-related mortality attributable to chronic hepatitis C, though low (<3%), is significantly higher among the cases. Among living patients originally HCV-infected, 23% have spontaneously lost HCV RNA.

Benign and solid tumors of the liver: relationship to sex, age, size of tumors, and outcome

From 1983 through 1997, our center diagnosed 130 cases of benign neoplasms: 27 with focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), 25 with hepatic adenoma, 71 with cavernous hemangioma, and seven with mixed tumors of different diagnoses. Most often these lesions were seen in females [female-to-male ratio (f/m): 5.5/1]. Hepatic adenomas and mixed tumors were seen exclusively in females and FNH predominantly in females (f/m: 26/1). Hemangiomas, however, were not uncommon in men (f/m: 52/19) relative to the other tumors (P < 0.001). Furthermore patients with hemangioma were older (mean age: 49 years) whereas patients with hepatic adenoma, FNH, and mixed tumors were often younger (mean age: 33, 35, and 44 years respectively; P < 0.004). Oral contraceptive steroid use was related by 21 of 25 patients (84%) with hepatic adenoma, 22 of 26 (85%) females with FNH, five of seven (71%) females with mixed tumors, and 10 of 52 (19%) patients with hemangioma. Ninety-five of the 130 patients (73%) had one or more symptoms. There was no statistically significant correlation between symptoms and the size of the lesion, the final diagnosis, and whether there were solitary or multiple masses. Three of 25 (12%) with hepatic adenoma presented with rupture, and one of 27 (4%) with FNH had such a consequence. None of the hemangiomas presented with rupture or progressed to such a state. One patient with hepatic adenoma (4%) had a focus of malignancy. Surgical removal of benign tumors was performed in 82 of 130 patients (63%), and there was one operative mortality (1.2%) in a patient who had a caudate lobe FNH. The types of surgical procedures included segmentectomy (62%), lobectomy (34%), and trisegmentectomy (4%). In two of 84 patients who had undergone laparotomy resection was not technically possible. Resection is recommended in all cases of hepatic adenoma because of fear of rupture or associated focus of malignancy. FNH was not observed to undergo a malignant transformation and will rarely rupture. Surgery is only recommended for symptomatic hemangioma, and size of the lesion is not a criterion for excision.

Transient hepatopulmonary syndrome in a patient with acute hepatitis A

The hepatopulmonary syndrome is defined as the triad of liver disease, hypoxaemia and intrapulmonary vascular dilatation. This syndrome has been described in patients with liver cirrhosis, noncirrhotic portal hypertension, and fulminant hepatic failure, however, there are no previous descriptions of hepatopulmonary syndrome in patients with acute nonfulminant viral hepatitis. We report a 47-year-old, previously healthy man that presented with acute hepatitis A, and developed progressive dyspnoea, platypnoea and orthodeoxia with no evidence of parenchymal or thromboembolic lung disease. PaO2 on room air was 58 mmHg, O2 saturation was 88% and alveolar-arterial O2 gradient was 62%. During his hospitalization serum albumin level decreased to 3.1 g/dl and prothrombin time was prolonged to 16.8 s, however, he remained alert with no signs of hepatic encephalopathy. Contrast echocardiography revealed left heart chamber opacification 3-4 cardiac cycles after the opacification of the right heart chamber, consistent with hepatopulmonary syndrome. During the following days there was a gradual improvement in the patient's condition, with resolution of his dyspnoea and gradual increase of PaO2. Repeat contrast echocardiography and PaO2 determinations, 3 weeks later, were normal. On long-term follow-up the patient remained asymptomatic with normal liver function tests and normal O2 saturation. This report indicates that hepatopulmonary syndrome may be a transient manifestation of acute hepatitis A in the absence of fulminant liver failure.

A model for a managed care education approach to increase hepatitis awareness: Part. II

In last month's issue, the authors described a unique partnership that led to the development of an educational program on hepatitis C for managed health care plans. Part II and the conclusion addresses the implementation of the program in managed health plans.

Lamivudine for hepatitis B in clinical practice

Lamivudine is a potent, once-daily, oral antiviral therapy that is effective and well tolerated in most patient groups with chronic hepatitis B virus infection, including those with pre-core mutant infection. Studies to date show that lamivudine suppresses serum viral replication, causing reductions in serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and enhancing hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion (loss of HBeAg plus presence of antibodies to HBeAg [anti-HBe]). Lamivudine also improves liver disease, as shown by normalisation of alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and reduced progression to cirrhosis. Lamivudine is effective in patients who are interferon (IFN) alpha naïve and in those who have failed to respond to IFN alpha, and it suppresses HBV in decompensated liver disease and in liver transplantation. Variants with mutations in the YMDD (tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate) motif may emerge with prolonged lamivudine therapy, but most patients maintain clinical control. Lamivudine has a safety profile similar to that of placebo and it is better tolerated than IFN alpha. In conclusion, lamivudine represents a major advance in the therapeutic options available for the management of patients with chronic hepatitis B and should now be considered the drug of choice for most patients who require treatment.

Measurement of serum hyaluronic acid in patients with chronic hepatitis C and its relationship to liver histology. Consensus Interferon Study Group

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Chronic hepatitis C is a slowly progressing inflammatory disease of the liver that can lead to cirrhosis and its complications. Assessment of liver damage in hepatitis C has been primarily via histological evaluation. Liver biopsy, while useful in determining the extent of liver damage, has associated costs and places patients at a small but finite risk of bleeding. Studies in small patient populations have identified serum markers shown to correlate with liver histology, including procollogen III peptide and hyaluronic acid (HA). To determine whether serum HA was a reliable predictor of cirrhosis and fibrosis, we examined serum HA concentrations from 486 chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients were anti-HCV and HCV RNA positive, with elevated alanine aminotransferase values and underwent a liver biopsy. Sera were obtained at the baseline for HA using radioimmunoassay methodology. Patients with cirrhosis had significantly higher serum HA concentrations compared with non-cirrhotic patients (382+/-31 vs 110+/-9 microg/L respectively, P< 0.001). Patients with fibrosis had significantly higher mean serum HA concentrations (179+/-11 microg/L) compared with patients without fibrosis (62+/-20 microg/L; P< 0.001). The correlation between HA concentration and the components of the Knodell histological activity index score revealed no strong associations with the exception of fibrosis, which showed moderate correlation (R=0.5421, P<0.001). The clinical value of HA measurement appears to be its ability to exclude cirrhosis. A HA value of < 60 microg/L excluded the presence of cirrhosis or significant fibrosis with a predictive value of 99 and 93%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum HA measurement may be clinically useful to non-invasively assess the degree of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Further prospective studies are warranted to determine the clinical utility of HA as a non-invasive marker of liver fibrosis.

A model for a managed care education approach to increase hepatitis awareness: Part I

Morbidity and mortality associated with viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis C, are expected to increase rapidly over the next 2 decades. Many MCOs view hepatitis as a high-cost disease with a relatively low incidence; the incentive to develop education or awareness programs for hepatitis is correspondingly low. The American Gastroenterological Association, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases have, through the American Digestive Health Foundation, developed a unique, proactive, and flexible educational initiative for managed care. After providing an overview of hepatitis, this paper describes the four phases of this program designed to increase hepatitis awareness among managed care providers and members.

Lamivudine for hepatitis B in clinical practice

Lamivudine is a potent, once-daily, oral antiviral therapy that is effective and well tolerated in most patient groups with chronic hepatitis B virus infection, including those with pre-core mutant infection. Studies to date show that lamivudine suppresses serum viral replication, causing reductions in serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and enhancing hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion (loss of HBeAg plus presence of antibodies to HBeAg [anti-HBe]). Lamivudine also improves liver disease, as shown by normalisation of alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and reduced progression to cirrhosis. Lamivudine is effective in patients who are interferon (IFN) alpha naïve and in those who have failed to respond to IFN alpha, and it suppresses HBV in decompensated liver disease and in liver transplantation. Variants with mutations in the YMDD (tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate) motif may emerge with prolonged lamivudine therapy, but most patients maintain clinical control. Lamivudine has a safety profile similar to that of placebo and it is better tolerated than IFN alpha. In conclusion, lamivudine represents a major advance in the therapeutic options available for the management of patients with chronic hepatitis B and should now be considered the drug of choice for most patients who require treatment.

Viral hepatitis A, B, and C

Mankind probably has known viral hepatitis for many centuries; however, the major and most dramatic developments in our knowledge of these diseases have taken place during the second half of the 20th century. During this relatively short period of time, the infectious nature of hepatitis A, B, and C has been proven, leading to their identification and description. The advent of serologic markers has provided the means for establishing the diagnosis. Epidemiologic studies have provided important information that led to exciting achievements in detection and prevention of transmission. Molecular biology studies and cell culture techniques have established our knowledge of the viral genomes, and led to the development of specific vaccines for hepatitis A and B. Anti-viral therapy has been developed and aggressive combination therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for chronic hepatitis B and C. This article reviews some of the main fields of progress and achievement related to viral hepatitis A, B, and C in the 20th century.

The alcoholic patient with hepatitis C virus infection

Chronic alcoholism in patients with chronic hepatitis C hastens disease progression toward development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Approximately 30% of alcoholic patients with liver disease are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), the primary risk factor being a history of injection drug use. The histologic pattern in alcoholics is typically indistinguishable from nonalcoholic patients similarly infected with chronic hepatitis C. The mechanism(s) involved in alcohol-induced enhancement of chronic hepatitis C have not entirely been established but may involve increased viral replication, iron overload, and immune suppression. Still to be determined is the minimum amount of daily alcohol intake, if any, that can be ingested without enhancing progressive liver injury. However, chronic hepatitis C patients undergoing treatment with interferon must abstain from any alcohol intake, because the efficacy of interferon therapy is significantly lower in those who continue to drink. Future research efforts are needed in order to further delineate the epidemiology and pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C in the alcoholic patient.