Briefly noted:
A Tansel et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 15: 1207-17. This systematic review and meta-analysis identified 25 studies and 6528 patients examining the relationship between autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) . In these studies the median followup was 8.0 years. Key findings:
- The pooled incidence of HCC was 3.06 per 1000 patient-years
- 92 of 93 patients who had HCC had evidence of cirrhosis before or at the time of their diagnosis
My take: This study demonstrates that AIH patients with cirrhosis are at increased risk for HCC. In patients with AIH who do not have cirrhosis, there does not appear to be a significant risk of HCC.
Also: Link for Online Resource for Hepatopulmonary Syndrome (Canadian Sponsored site). This site has content for patients and for practitioners, including a useful video.
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