Category Archives: Pediatric Gastroenterology Liver Disease

Outcomes of Biliary Atresia

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A retrospective study from the Netherlands showed that timely surgery and postoperative antibiotics were associated with better outcomes in Biliary Atresia (BA) (J Pediatr 2012; 160: 638-44).  While these results are not surprising, due to the length of the study period (1987-2008) and the number of patients (n=214), the study offers insight into a number of unresolved issues with regard to BA.

The type of BA in this series:

  • type I      14  (6.5%)
  • type II      27 (12.6%)
  • type III   172 (80.4%)
  • undetermined  1 (0.9%)

Other notable findings:

  • 10% of their patients had splenic malformations; no significant change in outcome was noted in this subgroup.
  • 18% received high-dose corticosteroids –no benefit was identified in this subgroup.  The authors state that previous studies are inconclusive; a large US trial of prednisolone (4 mg/kg/day initially) is pending.
  • 31% received ursodeoxycholic acid –no benefit was identified in this subgroup.
  • Overall survival improved a little during the study period, mostly due to increased availability of liver transplantation. 4-year transplant-free survival was 46% and 4-year overall survival was 73%.   Table II (pg 641) in their study lists six other international studies.  Recent studies in some countries have reported 4-year survivals of 82-91%.
  • Antibiotic usage (most commonly co-trimoxazole) was associated with improved outcomes, presumably due to less frequent bouts of cholangitis.  Yet, in this study the reported incidence of cholangitis was not lower.  The authors do not have an explanation for this finding.

Age at time of Kasai:

  • ≤45 days 19%
  • 46-60 days 37%
  • 61-89 days 36%
  • ≥90 days 8%
  • Median was 59 days.  Authors note that Netherland guidelines call for all infants with jaundice at 3 weeks to have a fractionated bilirubin.

Related blog entries:

Minimizing malnutrition in Biliary Atresia

The heart connection

MicroRNAs and biliary atresia

Additional references:

  • -JPGN 2010; 51: 631.  n=91.  Operation w/in 100 days.  Data suggesting that 60 day cutoff is not valid. (Hong Kong)
  • -J Pediatr Surg 2003; 38: 997-1000. n=735.  90 day cutoff was key with 5-yr & 10-yr survival. (Japan)
  • -JPGN 2010; 51:61.  Canadian experience. n=230.  Center size did not affect outcome.  Overall 39% at 4yrs had survival with native liver.
  • -Liver transplantation 2009; 15: 829, 876.  With combo of Kasai & Tx, >95% exteneded survival (previously 100% fatal).  >80% will need a liver Tx at some point –~50% before age 2.  Increased fibrosis & genes for fibrosis may increase risk for poor outcome.
  • -JPGN 2009; 48: 72.  Review of 13 year experience. n=91.
  • -Pediatrics 2008; 121: e1438.  Single center (Australia?) noted longer delay in dx of BA over 15-year period from 48.5 days (1990-94) to 59.5 (95-99) to 69 days (2000-2004).
  • -JPGN 2008; 46: 238, 299.  More data on age of dx of BA and outcomes from Sweden.
  • -J Pediatr 2006; 149: 393.  Long term outcome of BA -28yrs in England.  7/56 survived long term with native liver; 5-yr native liver survival was 46%, 10-yr was 32%.
  • -J Pediatr 2006; 148: 467, 432..  Outcome of BA in US.  Avg age of referral was 53 days and HPE avg at 61 days.  one-third will survive to age 10 with native liver; overall 90% survival with kasai/hpe & Tx; 50-60% clear jaundice p Kasai.  yellow alert campaign: www.childliverdisease.org/jaundice
  • -Clin Gastro & Hep 2006; 1411.  BA with choledochal cyst. Nice pics of types of BA. Japanese pathologic classification:  Type 1 with atresia after gallbladder (CBD), type II atresia of common hepatic duct/CBD/GB  c normal intrahepatic ducts, Type III atresia of entire ductal system.
  • -Pediartics 2006; 117: 1147.  Usefulness of stool color cards for screening program.
  • -J Pediatr 2005; 147: 142 & 180-5.  23% c BA survive c native liver for more than 20 yrs; 88% survival for 3 yrs p-OLT; risk factors for poor outcome discussed including poor nutrition & age <5 months.
  • -J Pediatr 2004; 144: 123-5.  severity of fibrosis at time of Kasai inversely correlated with survival
  • -JPGN 2003; 37: 430-33.  Residual fibrosis/cirrhosis noted in 54%/40% respectively of pts with normal labs, median age 13 yrs.
  • -JPGN 2003; 37: 4-21. Review of BA

Challenges with primary sclerosing cholangitis

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Although primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an infrequent liver problem in pediatrics, it remains important.  PSC accounts for 2-3% of pediatric liver transplant cases.  A recent report updates some of the challenges for pediatric hepatologists (Shneider BL. Liver Transplantation 2012: 18: 277-81).

First the article examines some of the salient differences between children and adults.  The approach in adults may not apply well to children.  Some inherited diseases and immunologic defects may produce a similar clinical picture.   Specific differences include the following:

  • Defects in the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette B4 (ABCB4 gene) (multidrug resistance protein 3) may cause a number of small-duct PSC in children
  • Cystic fibrosis can have a similar appearance
  • Overlap syndrome with autoimmune hepatitis is more common in children
  • Children with PSC often have higher alanine aminotransferase enzyme values than adults
  • Cholangiocarcinoma is rare in childhood, with 17 being the youngest reported case

Diagnosis usually requires, in addition to blood tests, cholangiography (eg MRCP), liver biopsy or both.  ERCP may not be needed depending on MRCP results.

Management: Pruritus may be managed with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), bile acid binding resins, and rifampin.  Bone disease needs to be monitored along with fat soluble vitamin status.

  • While pruritus may improve with UDCA, high-dose UDCA (28-30mg/kg/day) has been associated with increased likelihood of negative endpoints.  It is not clear whether there may be detrimental effects at lower doses.
  • What about immunosuppression?  This (corticosteroids/thiopurines) is accepted in cases with AIH overlap.  Of course, what constitutes overlap is not certain.  So, in many cases, a trial of corticosteroids is considered.
  • Antibiotics?  Oral vancomycin has been tried in a small number with preliminary success.

As noted above, liver transplantation is a needed treatment in some cases. One concern with this approach has been recurrent PSC in about 10% at an average of 18 months after liver transplantation.

Additional references:

  • -Am J Gastro 2011; 106: 1638.  Use of high dose Urso increases risk of colonic neoplasia. n=150.
  • -Hepatology 2011; 54: 1842.  Guidelines on surveillance for PSC.  IF IBD yearly scope.  **Yearly U/S + CA 19-9 or yearly MRI.
  • -Liver Transplantation 201; 17: 925-933.  n=79 pediatric pts.  49% w IBD prior to OLT (46% w UC, 3%) & 9.8% developed IBD p OLT.  1 & 5yr survival for OLT 99% & 87%.  Recurrence in 9.8%.
  • -Clin Gastro & Hepatology 2011; 9: 434.  37% of PSC pts with CA 19-9 >129U/mL do NOT have cholangiocarcinoma.  n=7.
  • -Hepatology 2010; 51: 660-678.  update on dx/mgt.
  • -Gastroenterology 2010; 138: 1102.  genome associations with PSC.
  • -Hepatology 2009; 50: 808, 671 (ed).  Use of urso ~30/kg associated w WORSE outcome @5yrs. n=76 (& 74 controls)
  • -Clin Gastro & Hep 2009; 7:239. n=47 children w PSC.  59% w IBD, 25% w overlap syndrome
  • -JPGN 2008; 47: 61.  Use of oral vancomycin, 50mg/kg/day in patients with PSC/IBD was effective. n=14.
  • -Liver Tx 2008; 14: 735.  Review.  5 yr OLT survival 85%  ReTx rate higher (9.6% vs 4.9%).
  • -Hepatology 2008; 47: 9494-57.  Asymptomatic PSC common in AIH –might be higher than 10%.
  • -Gastroenterology 2008; 134: 975.  Natural hx/o small duct PSC in 83 pts (compared to controls).  Not likely increase in cholangiocarcinoma unless also large duct involvement.
  • -Gastroenterology 2008; 134: 706.  IAC is similar; IAC=IGG4 Associated Cholangitis
  • -Hepatology 2008; 47: 949.  8/79 w AIH also had PSC.
  • -J Pediatr 2007; 151: 255, 230.  association of CFTR mutations in PSC (26%); also present in disease control group with IBD (43%).
  • -Clin Gastro & Hep 2007; 5: 32.  Review vis-a-vis possible cholangiocarcinoma.
  • -Hepatology 2006; 44: 1063.  Review along w secondary causes.
  • -Liver Transplantation 2006; 12: 1813.  Recurrence post Tx 22% AIH, 18% PBC, 11% PSC.  (Review of 43 studies).
  • -Gastroenterology 2005; 129:1464.  High-dose actigall ineffective in 5 yr randomized controlled study.
  • -Gastroenterology 2003; 125: 1364.  Incidence of PSC.
  • -JPGN 2003; 37: 345 (57A). Use of vanco 50/kg/day x 4-6weeks in PSC, n=10, (56A) some pts c normal cholangiograms.
  • -Gastroenterology 2003; 124: 889. Urso prevents colon ca.
  • -Am J Gastro 2001; 96: 1558-62.  High dose UDCA, 25-30/kg/day may help long-term outlook
  • -JPGN 2001; 33:296. PSC-IBD.
  • -NEJM 2002; 346: 271-277.  case c Crohn’s.  PSC assoc c UC, celiac dz, pancreatic insufficiency.
  • -Ann Intern Med 2001; 134: 89-95.  Urso decreases colonic neoplasia in pts c UC & PSC.
    -NEJM 1997; 336: 691. Ursodeoxycolic acid & PSC.
  • -Gregorio et al. Autoimmune hepatitis/sclerosing cholangitis overlap syndrome in childhood: a 16-year prospective study. Hepatology 2001;33:544-553

NASPGHAN 2010 Pointers:
I. -“STOPSC criteria”: 2 of 3 diagnostic criteria needed:
1) elev GGT or alk phos
2) intra and/or extrahepatic bile duct irregularities on cholangiography (i.e. PTC, MRCP, ERCP) c/w PSC
3) liver biopsy abnormalities c/w chronic biliary injury

AND no evidence of a secondary cause of sclerosing cholangitis

 

II. SUMMARY OF KEY CLINICAL FEATURES:

 

  • -Sclerosing cholangitis  is associated with IBD, autoimmune and connective tissue disorders, abnormalities of immune function (i.e. immunodeficiencies, GvHD), infiltrative disorders (i.e. Langerhans cell histiocytosis, lymphoma).
  • -PSC may sometimes affect only small intrahepatic bile duct (“small duct PSC”), which may have a better outcome based on adult studies
  • -PSC may have overlapping features of AIH  (“autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis”)
  • -IgG4 –associated cholangitis: patients appear to have PSC with elev IgG4.  They seem to respond very well to steroid therapy in adult studies
  • -No therapy of proven benefit for PSC (ursodiol, antibiotics), some case series have suggested antibiotics may help PSC
  • -5 times higher rate of Colorectal Ca when UC pt has PSC.  Consider yearly endoscopy

 

Breastfed babies less likely to develop fatty liver

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In a study presented at AASLD meeting (San Francisco, November 4, 2011), Ayonrinde et al followed 1170 children in Australia (www.rainstudy.org.au) from birth to age 17. Anthropometric measurements were followed regularly and a liver ultrasound was obtained at age 17.  Patients who reported consuming alcohol were excluded.

By age 17, 16% of girls and 10% of boys had developed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Breastfeeding was highly protective.  Infants breastfed for more than 6 months were less than half as likely to develop NAFLD.

As noted in this blog recently (A liver disease tsunami), fatty liver disease is a huge problem.  While this study may not influence the choice to breastfeed in many cases, it highlights yet another advantage of breastfeeding. 

Previous post on breastfeeding:

More evidence that breastfeeding improves cognitive development

Proven treatments for mitochondrial disorders

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The title is misleading; the most frequent treatments are unproven and not tailored well to the numerous disorders lumped under the term ‘mitochondrial disease.’  A nice review on what’s up-to-date with ‘mito’ disorders is in a recent NEJM (NEJM 2012; 366; 1132-41).

The first part of the review details the structure and function of the mitochondria including those pesky pathways for the production of ATP: glucose –>pyruvate through glycolysis.  In turn, pyruvate –>lactate –>acetyl coenzyme A (CoA).  Acetyl CoA generates NADH & flavin via tricarboxylic acid cycle.  Fatty acids and glutamine can also serve as substrates.  NADH & FADH2 fuel oxidative phosphorylation through five coupled mitochondria protein complexes.  Coenzyme Q10 helps transport electrons across the complexes.

Primary and secondary mitochodrial disorders.

  • 1000 genes encoding mitochondrial proteins have been identified in humans
  • 228 mutations of protein-encoding nuclear DNA (nDNA) and 13 mitoDNA (mtDNA) have been linked to human disorders
  • Secondary mito disorders include mito dysfunction due to viral infections and ‘off-target’ drug effects.  Specific drugs include valproic acid, statins, halothane, doxorubicin, and aspirin
  • Mito dysfunction is seen in a number of other diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancers, cardiac disease, diabetes, and obesity

Diagnosis:  Biopsy specimens from patients can be studied to assess cellular and mitochondrial physiology in comparison to healthy samples.  This review does not discuss molecular testing for mutations; however, an extensive list of genes associated with mitochondrial disorders (mtDNA & nDNA) is listed in Figure 2; a supplementary online appendix to the article explains these mutations in more depth.

Four potential treatments –all with a goal of increasing ATP production:

  • genetic therapy
  • small molecule treatment
  • metabolic manipulation
  • diet/exercise

Previous Cochrane review (2006) has not found evidence to support the use of any therapeutic interventions.  More recent trials have shown limited positive effects on clinical or biochemical end points but have not led to a New Drug Application with the FDA.  A few specific disorders that have treatments include the following:

  • Idebenone (a CoQ10 variant) for Friedreich’s ataxia & Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy
  • Ketogenic diet for improving seizures in children with electron-transport defects
  • Cyclosporin A for secondary mito dysfunction in Ulrich’s congenital muscular dystrophy & Bethlem’s myopathy
  • Overview of current trials: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term-mitochondrial+disease

As one of my colleagues (LS) has said, making a diagnosis of a mitochondrial disorder is like getting the license plate of the bus that ran you over.  Until treatments improve, this is pretty much the case.

Additional reference:

  • -Mitochondrion 2011; 11: 679-85. Why are there no proven therapies for genetic mitochondrial diseases?
  • -J Pediatr 2011; 158: 802.  Developing liver toxicity with VPA is a contraindication to OLTx (even in the absence of documented mitochondrial dz).  Rx with carnitine and d/c VPA.  82% of 17 children died w/in 1 yr of OLTx.  POLG1 mutations are associated with Alpers syndrome.
  • -Pediatrics 2007; 120: 1326. Diagnosis and complications of mitochondrial disease.
  • -Pediatrics 2007; 119: 722. long-term outcome of mito dz –variable.
  • -NEJM 2003; 348: 2656. Review

GCSF for acute-on-chronic liver failure

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When chronic liver patients decompensate, there are a number of considerations, including concerns about spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, GI bleeding, and renal insufficiency.  A new study looks at another treatment to improve the outcome of these patients.  Consecutive patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) were randomly assigned to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) therapy (n=23), 5 μg/kg subcutaneously, or placebo (n=24) (Gastroenterology 2012; 142: 505-12).

The average age in this study was 40 years with the most common etiology being liver disease related to alcohol. The GCSF group, treated with 12 doses over 1 month, had higher leukocyte and platelet counts at 1 week.  More importantly, at day 60, the GCSF had higher survival, 70% vs 29%.  In addition, therapy was associated with lower Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores.

GCSF has been shown to improve results in animal models and has been used in chronic liver disease.  The mechanism for improvement following GCSF is not clear.  One role could be in the prevention of sepsis due to increased neutrophils; patients on GCSF had less multi-organ failure which is often precipitated by sepsis.  Another factor could be an element of hepatic regeneration induced by GCSF.  It was noted that CD34 cell population increased in the liver tissue after 4 weeks of GCSF protocol.

Additional reference:

  • -Dig Liver Dis 2007; 39: 1071-76.  Use of GCSF for 5 days was not effective for acute -on-liver disease

Curing Hepatitis C without interferon

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In the face of increasing morbidity and mortality, better therapies for Hepatitis C have emerged which if applied broadly have an opportunity to change the outcome.  Recently, several articles have highlighted the possibility of treating individuals without interferon.

  • Lok et al. NEJM 2012; 366: 216-224
  • Chayam et al. Hepatology 2012; 55: 742-48
  • Zeuzem et al. Hepatology 2012; 55: 749-58.

In the Lok study, 21 null responders (patients who failed to achieve ≥2log10 decline in HCV RNA after ≥12 weeks of peginterferon and ribavirin) were divided into two groups. In Group A, 36% of patients were able to achieve SVR12 using a combination direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) with non-overlapping resistance profiles — without the use of interferon. Group A patients received BMS-790052 (an oral, first-in-class, NS5A replication complex inhibitor) and BMS-650032 (an oral NS3 protease inhibitor). In Group B which included peginterferon and ribavirin the SVR12 was 100%. There were no serious adverse events, or discontinuations.  The most common side effects were diarrhea, fatigue, headache, and nausea.

In the Chayam study, the combination of BMS-790052 (now called daclatasvir) and BMS-650032 (now called asunaprevir) examined this combination of DAAs in null HCV responders with genotype 1B (in Japan).  Ten patients received both drugs for 24 weeks. All nine who completed treatment had an SVR.  One patient stopped the medication due to elevated bilirubin and lymphopenia which occurred following an apparent infectious gastroenteritis.

In the Zeuzem study, tegobuvir (a nonnucleoside polymerase inhibitor) and GS 9256 (an NS3 serine protease inhibitor) with RBV (n=15), with PEG/RBV (n=15) and without ribavirin (n=16) were administered in three arms for 4 weeks, followed by dual therapy with PEG and RBV.  The primary end point was rapid virologic response (RVR), defined as HCV RNA <25 IU/mL.  Reductions (mean) for HCV RNA were -4.1 log10 IU/mL for dual therapy, -5.1 log10 IU/mL for triple therapy, and -5.7 log10 IU/mL for quadruple therapy.  RVR was noted in 7% of dual Rx, 38% of triple therapy, and 100% of quadruple therapy.

These studies indicate that even for difficult to treat HCV patients that new oral medications are on the horizon that will increase cure rates and may allow effective regimens that do not include interferon.  This is good news because until recently regimens with interferon were more likely to provoke adverse reactions that to guarantee a cure.

Links to relevant blog entries on HCV:

HCV now more deadly than HIV

The cost of progress in treating Hepatitis C

Looking for trouble

More on PNAC

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In a previous blog entry (PNAC, PNALD, and IFAC), reduction in intralipids was shown to improve parenteral nutrition associated cholestasis (PNAC).  This change in the use of parenteral nutrition (PN) and others are emphasized in a review article by the American Pediatric Surgical Association (J Ped Surg 2012; 47: 225-40).

This review tries to provide evidence-based guidelines for PNAC with ratings of the evidence for each of their recommendations.

A summary of their findings is given in Figure 1 of the article.  Key points:

  • PN duration is a significant predictor for cholestasis
  • NEC & sepsis both play a role in the development of PNAC
  • Insufficient data to determine if antibiotics used to decrease bacterial translocation/hepatocyte damage may be beneficial
  • Fat emulsion restriction may reduce PNAC without detriment to growth
  • Fish-oil based lipid emulsions are safe and effective for PNAC.  “Despite the promise of Omegaven…the literature is insufficient to provide a recommendation higher than grade C.”  (Grade C= “possibly effective, ineffective, or harmful;” requires at least 2 convincing class III studies [class III studies generally are non-randomized non-blinded studies]).  Information to obtain Omegaven:

http://www.oley.org/documents/How_Physicians_Can_Obtain_Omegaven.pdf
http://www.oley.org/lifeline/PN_Liver_Disease.html

  • Strong evidence that higher initial protein load does not increase the risk of PNAC
  • Strong evidence that trophic feeds are beneficial to reduce PNAC
  • Weak/conflicting evidence that there is any benefit of Aminosyn over Trophamine
  • Weak evidence to support the routine removal of copper or manganese from PN as a prophylactic strategy to prevent PNAC
  • Weak evidence to support prophylactic cycling of PN to reduce PNAC.  There are also concerns about the development of hypoglycemia in preterm infants off of PN
  • Use of CCK is not recommended
  • Oral bile acids may result in improvement
  • Erythromycin may promote motility and facilitate enteral feeds, thereby reducing PNAC

PNAC, PNALD, and IFAC

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Intravenous lipids may cause parenteral nutrition associated cholestasis (PNAC), parenteral nutrition associated liver disease (PNALD), or intestinal failure associated cholestasis (IFAC) (J Pediatr 2012; 160: 421-7 & editorial 361-2).  PNAC refers to cholestasis due to parenteral nutrition and PNALD refers to PNAC that has progressed to liver dysfunction or permanent liver injury.

In a previous blog (Four advances for intestinal failure), one of the advances for intestinal failure that was noted was the reduction of lipid infusions with parenteral nutrition which reduces IFAC.  This study adds additional information to this area.  In this prospective study, 31 patients were enrolled in a reduced IV fat emulsion group and compared with a matched historical control group.  The reduced fat group received 1gm/kg of a standard soybean-based lipid emulsion (liposyn 20%) twice weekly.  Patients were eligible if they received PN for >2 weeks and had a direct bilirubin >2.5 mg/dL.

Outcomes:

  • Total bilirubins dropped 0.73 mg/dL each week in the reduced fat group; in the control group, the bilirubin increased 0.29 mg/dL each week
  • Growth was similar in both groups
  • Essential fatty acid deficiency (biochemical not clinical features) was identified in 13 of 31 infants among the restricted IV fat emulsion group.

Essential fatty acid deficiency was defined as having a triene: tetraene ratio >0.05 (mild), >0.2 (moderate) or >0.4 (severe).

Limitations:

  • Historical control group & small study population
  • Fat-restricted group received enteral antibiotics which may have helped reduce cholestasis
  • Majority of patients with relatively short duration of TPN: 18 of 31 for less than one month

The reasons why lipids may contribute to PNAC/PNALD/IFAC include the presence of phytosterols.  This in turn may damage hepatocytes via the farnesoid X receptor.  One other aspect of the study was that the fat-restricted cohort had a higher mortality.  This was thought to be related to the cohort being sicker rather than to any nutritional effect.  Specific causes of death included respiratory failure in a patient with an abdominal wall defect, chylothorax/sepsis in a patient with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and cardiopulmonary failure in a patient with pulmonary hypoplasia.

The article does throw into question whether the use of a fish oil lipid preparation is needed to improve cholestasis.  In studies supporting fish oil preparations, a confounder was that the total lipid administered was reduced to 1 gm/kg/day in comparison to soybean lipids which were administered at 2-3 gm/kg/day.  This study suggests that reducing the total amount of lipid infusion is the more important factor.

The accompanying editorial makes a couple of useful points:

  • Increasing enteral feeds (>50%) is as effective as using less intravenous lipids
  • Use of standard lipids at 1gm/kg/day decreased IFAC from 15% to 4% in their intestinal failure patient population
  • Drastic reductions in lipids lead to essential fatty acid deficiency and should be avoided.
  • Use of Omegaven has not been shown to prevent liver fibrosis even with resolution of cholestasis; similarly, these studies do not inform fully on the long-term liver effects of reducing standard lipids
  • Neurologic followup will be important
  • Explains “Morton’s fork.”  John Morton was a 16th century Archbishop who wanted to increase taxes on people who were living lavishly.  In addition, he wanted to increase taxes on those living modestly (must be hiding wealth).

Additional references:

  • -NEJM 2010; 362: 181.  Letter to editor describes use of fish oil in (n=125) Boston pediatric patients.
  • -JPGN 2009; 48: 209. n=12. SBS.  9/12 improved with Omegaven. 3 had transplant (L-ITx). No controls.
  • -Pediatrics 2008; 121: e678-86. n=18.  Use of fish oil improved cholestasis compared to historical controls.
  • -Pediatrics 2006; 118: e197-e201.  Reversal of TPN-AC c IV omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil-derived) instead of intralipids

Another life-threatening complication of HCV

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Epidemiological studies have shown a causal relationship between B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) (Hepatology 2012; 55: 634-641).  This is not simply an association but a cause and effect.

The cited reference reviews several aspects of this relationship including the mechanisms of lymphoproliferation, the epidemiology, the clinical manifestations, the treatment, the prognosis, and preventive measures.

  • With regard to epidemiology, the odds ratios are between 2.4 and 5.2.  This is a small risk compared to hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Management: Lymphoma may regress with HCV treatment, indicating a role for HCV in pathogenesis.   HCV treatment may prevent the occurrence of B-NHLs as well.  For aggressive lymphomas, patients require systemic treatment with rituximab-based regimens (1st line treatment).
B-NHLs are not nearly as important as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in terms of mortality and morbidity in patients with HCV.  It is nevertheless quite significant considering the number of infected persons worldwide.
Other related posts on HCV:

Additional references:

  • -Gastroenterology 2011; 140: 1182. Increasing HCC/Cirrhosis in HCV pts.
  • -Clinical Gastro & Hep 2008; 6: 451. HCV associated with increased risk of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. OR was 1.8 among n=4784 cases of NHL/n=6269 controls
  • -Clinical Gastro & Hep 2008; 6: 459. Overweight & obesity increase risk of HCC. n=1431 chronic HCV patients; 36% developed HCC over 10 year f/u. OR 1.9 of HCC if overweight & 3.1 OR of HCC if obese.
  • -NEJM 2002; 347: 89-95. regression of splenic lymphoma w HCV treatment.

HCV now more deadly than HIV

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Hepatitis C virus (HCV) now kills more people in the United States than HIV (Ann Intern Med 2012; 156: 271-78).  Data from the CDC followed the mortality burden of Hepatitis B (HBV), HCV, and HIV from 1999 to 2007.    The data were derived from death certificates & a limitation was that these are often completed by individuals other than the primary physician.  Sometimes the exact cause is difficult to discern.  However, this is more likely to result in underreports of deaths from viral hepatitis compared with those from HIV.

In total, 21.8 million death certificates were analyzed.

  • HBV death rate stayed relatively constant –in 2007: 1815 deaths*
  • HCV death rate increased steadily –in 2007: 15106 deaths*
  • HIV death rate improved –in 2007: 12734 deaths*

*When infection was cause or underlying contributor of death

One in 33 baby boomers are infected with HCV; most do not know they are infected.  Three-fourths of the deaths for HCV are in this age group as well.  In addition, it is expected that mortality from HCV will grow over the next 10-15 years without a major intervention. http://www.ajc.com/health/hepatitis-c-deaths-up-1356460.html

Given the increasing HCV disease burden, this strengthens the rationale for more aggressive case finding and the use of more effective & more expensive therapies (see previous blog: The cost of progress in treating Hepatitis C.  Among patients with HCV with advanced disease/cirrhosis, monitoring for HCC is important (Looking for trouble).

Additional references:

  • -Hepatology 2011; 54: 1547. Excess mortality (6x gen population) in those who achieve SVR
  • -Gastroenterology 2010; 138: 513. Predicts peak cirrhosis due to HCV in year 2020; peak HCV prevalence was year 2000.
  • -Clin Gastro Hep 2010; 8: 924. Epidemiology 2010.
  • -Hepatology 2010; 52: 1543. Visceral adiposity is associated with increased histological findings and higher viral loads.
  • -Gastroenterology 2010; 138: 136. Predicting clinical outcomes: plt<99, Alb <3.5, AST/ALT ratio >1.2, & TB>2 all assoc with 40-50% risk of developing ‘clinical outcome’ in next 3.5yrs. Outcomes: ascites, variceal hemorrhage, decompensation according to CTP (66%), peritonitis, death (2%), encephalopathy
  • -Hepatology 2009; 49: 729. 5-yr f/u after successful HCV RX, n=150. 2 developed HCC.
  • -Gastroenterology 2009; 136: 138, 39(ed). HCC occurring c HCV ~1%/yr in HALT-C study. prolonged Rx -not helpful. n=1005
  • -Hepatology 2008; 47: 1128. Increasing mortality of HCV between 1995-2004. Due to aging of infected individuals.
  • -Hepatology 2008; 47: 1371. Genotype 4 review.
  • -Hepatology 2008; 47: 836. 2/121 bx of children had cirrhosis.
  • -J Pediatr 2007; 150: 168. n=60. Looked at two populations: look back after transfusion and referrals. mean age at infection 7 months, mean time with infection 13yrs. 12% developed significant fibrosis.
  • -Hepatology 2007; 45: 1076. Large study: Lancet 2006; 368: 938. 39,109 c HBV, 75,834 c HCV, 2,604 c both. death rate: 3.2%, 5.3%, 7.1% respecively. Increased rate of dying c HCV due to drug use rather than liver dz.
  • -Clin Gastro & Hep 2006; 4: 1190-1191, 1271-78, 1278-1282. slow progression of HCV in 184 untreated women infected in 1977 (mean 27 years) — 2.1% developed cirrhosis. genotype 1B ALT values correlated with change in histology.
  • -JPGN 2006; 43: 209. Review of 91 cases; 7 c cirrhosis at presentation (mean 11.7yrs)
  • -Clin Gastro & Hep 2005; 3: 910. cirrhosis in 71% after 60 years in Asian patients; 25% in Caucasian pts 61-80 who presumably had disease for shorter interval.
  • -Gastroenterology 2003; 125: 1695. obesity/insulin resistance worsens fibrosis in HCV
  • -Gastroenterology 2002; 123: 483-491. IFN Rx improved survival; n=2889. retrospective study.
  • -JPGN 2001;33: 22A. spontaneous clearance in 30% during short f/u; n=145.
  • -Hepatology 2000; 32: 91-96. Low likelihood of progression in cohort followed for 20yrs.