Prognostic significance of insulin-like growth factor-I serum levels in acute decompensation of cirrhosis.

CONTEXT: IGF-I serum levels are suppressed in cirrhosis, but its prognostic significance is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prognostic value of IGF-I in patients admitted for acute decompensation of cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cohort study that included 103 patients. IGF-I was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Ninety-day mortality was 26.2% and it was independently associated with MELD, age and IGF-I. The Kaplan-Meier survival probability at 90 days was 94.3% in patients with IGF-I ≥13 ng/mL and 63.2% for patients with IGF-I <13 ng/mL (p = .001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: IGF-I levels are independently associated with mortality in acute decompensation of cirrhosis.

Single-centre validation of the EASL-CLIF consortium definition of acute-on-chronic liver failure and CLIF-SOFA for prediction of mortality in cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The idea of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has emerged to identify those subjects with organ failure and high mortality rates. However, the absence of a precise definition has limited the clinical application and research related to the ACLF concept. We sought to validate the ACLF definition and the CLIF-SOFA Score recently proposed by the EASL-CLIF Consortium in a cohort of patients admitted for acute decompensation (AD) of cirrhosis. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, patients were followed during their hospital stay and thirty and 90-day mortality was evaluated by phone call, in case of hospital discharge. All subjects underwent laboratory evaluation at admission. RESULTS: Between December 2010 and November 2013, 192 cirrhotic patients were included. At enrollment, 46 patients (24%) met the criteria for ACLF (Grades 1, 2 and 3 in 18%, 4% and 2% respectively). The 30-day mortality was 65% in ACLF group and 12% in the remaining subjects (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that 30-day mortality was independently associated with ascites and ACLF at admission. The Kaplan-Meier survival probability at 90-day was 92% in patients without ascites or ACLF and only 22% for patients with both ascites and ACLF. The AUROC of CLIF-SOFA in predicting 30-day mortality was 0.847 ± 0.034, with sensitivity of 64%, specificity of 90% and positive likelihood ratio of 6.61 for values ≥9. CONCLUSION: In our single-centre experience the CLIF-SOFA and the EASL-CLIF Consortium definition of ACLF proved to be strong predictors of short-term mortality in cirrhotic patients admitted for AD.

The performance of prognostic models as predictors of mortality in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Although several prognostic models have been proposed for cirrhotic patients listed for transplantation, the performance of these scores as predictors of mortality in patients admitted for acute decompensation of cirrhosis has not been satisfactorily investigated. AIMS: To study MELD, MELD-Na, MESO, iMELD, Refit-MELD and Refit MELD-Na models as prognostic predictors in cirrhotic patients admitted for acute decompensation, and to compare their performance between admission and 48 hours of hospitalization to predict in-hospital mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cohort study included cirrhotic patients admitted to hospital due to complications of the disease. Individuals were evaluated on admission and after 48 h of hospitalization, and mortality was evaluated during the present admission. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three subjects with a mean age of 54.26 ± 10.79 years were included; 76.4% were male. Mean MELD score was 16.43 ± 7.08 and 52.0% of patients were Child-Pugh C. Twenty-seven patients (22.0%) died during hospitalization. Similar areas under the curve (AUROCs) for prognosis of mortality were observed when different models were compared on admission (P > 0.05) and after 48 h of hospitalization (P > 0.05). When models executed after 48 h of hospitalization were compared to their corresponding model calculated on admission, significantly higher AUROCs were obtained for all models (P < 0.05), except for MELD-Na (P = 0.075) and iMELD (P = 0.119). CONCLUSION: The studied models showed similar accuracy as predictors of in-hospital mortality in cirrhotic patients admitted for acute decompensation. However, the performance of these models was significantly better when applied 48 h after admission when compared to their calculation on admission.

Thyroid hormone profile is related to prognosis in acute decompensation of cirrhosis.

Objective: To investigate the prognostic significance of thyroid hormone profile in patients hospitalized for decompensated cirrhosis. Subjects and methods: Prospective cohort study that included 119 subjects. All subjects were evaluated at admission and followed for 90 days. TSH, fT3, fT4 were measured within 24 hours of hospitalization. Results: Higher fT4 and lower fT3 levels were observed among Child-Pugh C patients as compared to Child-Pugh A and B, and in those with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Lower fT3/fT4 ratio was observed in those with ascites, infections, ACLF, and in Child-Pugh C. Ninety-day mortality was 26.9% and it was independently associated with higher Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) and TSH, and lower fT3/fT4 ratio in multivariate analysis. A new prognostic model including MELD, TSH and fT3/fT4 ratio was devised. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for MELD, fT3/fT4 ratio, TSH (µIU/mL), and the new model for predicting 90-day mortality were 0.847 ± 0.041, 0.841 ± 0.039, 0.658 ± 0.062, and 0.899 ± 0.031, respectively. The 90-day survival was 31.6% in patients with values of the predictive model ≥ -0.77 and 93.5% for values < -0.77 (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Thyroid hormone profile was strongly associated with worse outcomes in patients with cirrhosis and might represent promising prognostic tools that can be incorporated in clinical practice.

Acute phase proteins for the diagnosis of bacterial infection and prediction of mortality in acute complications of cirrhosis.

INTRODUCTION: Bacterial infection is a frequent complication in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and is related to high mortality rates during follow-up of these individuals. We sought to evaluate the diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) in diagnosing infection and to investigate the relationship between these biomarkers and mortality after hospital admission. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study that included cirrhotic patients admitted to the hospital due to complications of the disease. The diagnostic accuracy of CRP and PCT for the diagnosis of infection was evaluated by estimating the sensitivity and specificity and by measuring the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC). RESULTS: A total of 64 patients and 81 hospitalizations were analyzed during the study. The mean age was 54.31 ± 11.87 years with male predominance (68.8%). Significantly higher median CRP and PCT levels were observed among infected patients (P < 0.001). The AUROC of CRP and PCT for the diagnosis of infection were 0.835 ± 0.052 and 0.860 ± 0.047, respectively (P = 0.273). CRP levels > 29.5 exhibited sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 81% for the diagnosis of bacterial infection. Similarly, PCT levels > 1.10 showed sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 90%. Significantly higher levels of CRP (P = 0.026) and PCT (P = 0.001) were observed among those who died within three months after admission. CONCLUSION: CRP and PCT were reliable markers of bacterial infection in subjects admitted due to complications of liver cirrhosis and higher levels of these tests are related to short-term mortality in those patients.

IGF-I and IGFBP-3 serum levels in patients hospitalized for complications of liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: IGF-I and IGFBP-3 are part of IGF system and, due to their predominantly hepatic synthesis, they seem to correlate with hepatic dysfunction intensity. AIMS: To investigate the significance of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in patients with decompensated liver disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study that included cirrhotic patients admitted to hospital due to complications of the disease, in whom IGF-I and IGFBP-3 serum levels were measured by chemiluminescence. RESULTS: Seventy-four subjects with a mean age of 53.1 ± 11.6 years were included in the study, 73% were males. IGF-I levels were positively correlated with IGFBP-3 and albumin, and negatively correlated with Child-Pugh, MELD, creatinine, INR and aPTT ratio. IGFBP-3 levels were positively correlated with IGF-I and albumin, and negatively correlated with Child-Pugh, MELD, creatinine, INR, total bilirubin and aPTT ratio. Significantly lower scores of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were observed in patients with higher MELD values and higher Child-Pugh classes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In cirrhotic patients admitted to hospital due to complications of the disease, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 serum levels were associated with variables related to liver dysfunction and to more advanced liver disease. The levels of these markers seem to undergo little influence from other clinical and laboratory variables, therefore mainly reflecting hepatic functional status.

Circulating insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 as prognostic biomarker in liver cirrhosis.

AIM: To investigate the prognostic significance of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: Prospective study that included two cohorts: outpatients with stable cirrhosis (n = 138) and patients hospitalized for acute decompensation (n = 189). Development of complications, mortality or liver transplantation was assessed by periodical phone calls and during outpatient visits. The cohort of stable cirrhosis also underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation yearly (2013 and 2014) in predefined study visits. In patients with stable cirrhosis, IGFBP-3 levels were measured at baseline (2012) and at second re-evaluation (2014). In hospitalized subjects, IGFBP-3 levels were measured in serum samples collected in the first and in the third day after admission and stored at -80 °C. IGFBP-3 levels were measured by immunochemiluminescence. RESULTS: IGFBP-3 levels were lower in hospitalized patients as compared to outpatients (0.94 mcg/mL vs 1.69 mcg/mL, P < 0.001) and increased after liver transplantation (3.81 mcg/mL vs 1.33 mcg/mL, P = 0.008). During the follow-up of the stable cohort, 17 patients died and 11 received liver transplantation. Bivariate analysis showed that death or transplant was associated with lower IGFBP-3 levels (1.44 mcg/mL vs 1.74 mcg/mL, P = 0.027). The Kaplan-Meier transplant-free survival probability was 88.6% in patients with IGFBP-3 ≥ 1.67 mcg/mL and 72.1% for those with IGFBP3 < 1.67 mcg/mL (P = 0.015). In the hospitalized cohort, 30-d mortality was 24.3% and was independently associated with creatinine, INR, SpO2/FiO2 ratio and IGFBP-3 levels in the logistic regression. The 90-d transplant-free survival probability was 80.4% in patients with IGFBP-3 ≥ 0.86 mcg/mL and 56.1% for those with IGFBP3 < 0.86 mcg/mL (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Lower IGFBP-3 levels were associated with worse outcomes in patients with cirrhosis, and might represent a promising prognostic tool that can be incorporated in clinical practice.

Unusual presentations of eosinophilic gastroenteritis: two case reports.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease that is characterized by eosinophil infiltration in one or multiple segments of the gastrointestinal tract. The etiology of this condition remains unknown. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis has heterogeneous clinical manifestations that depend upon the location and depth of infiltration in the gastrointestinal tract, and eosinophilia may or may not be present. This article reports two cases of eosinophilic gastroenteritis. The first is that of a 49-year-old woman with abdominal pain, ascites, eosinophilia, and a history of asthma. The second case is that of a 69-year-old male with a history of loss of appetite, belching, postprandial fullness, heartburn, and a 5-kilogram weight loss over a period of 9 months; ultimately, the patient was diagnosed with a gastric outlet obstruction due to pyloric stenosis. The rare character of eosinophilic gastroenteritis and its varied clinical presentations often lead to delayed diagnoses and complications. Case reports may help to disseminate knowledge about the disease, thereby increasing the likelihood of early diagnosis and intervention to prevent complications.

Clinical and laboratorial features of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in southern Brazil.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a severe complication that occurs in 8-27% of hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites, with high mortality rates. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics associated with SBP. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study, conducted in a public university. METHODS: The study consecutively included individuals with liver cirrhosis and ascites between September 2009 and March 2012. Forty-five patients were included: mean age 53.2 ± 12.3 years, 82.2% male, 73.8% Caucasian, mean Model of End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score of 19.5 ± 7.2, and 33.3% with SBP. The subjects were divided into two groups: SBP and controls. RESULTS: Comparison between individuals with SBP and controls showed that those with SBP had lower mean prothrombin activity time (36.1 ± 16.0% versus 47.1 ± 17.2%; P = 0.044) and lower median serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) (1.2 versus 1.7, P = 0.045). There was a tendency towards higher mean MELD in the SBP group, not significant (22.2 ± 7.6 versus 17.9 ± 6.7; P = 0.067). There was a strong positive correlation between the neutrophil count in ascitic fluid and serum leukocyte count (r = 0.501; P = 0.001) and a negative correlation between the neutrophil count in ascitic fluid with prothrombin activity time (r = -0.385; P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: A few characteristics are associated with the presence of SBP, especially liver dysfunction, SAAG and peripheral leukocytosis.

Estrongiloidíase gástrica em paciente imunocompetente - relato de caso / Gastric strongyloidiasis in immunocompetent patients - case report

A estrongiloidíase humana é um tipo de helmintose causada por duas espécies de nematoides intestinais pertencentes ao gênero Strongyloides. O acometimento do estômago é raro, especialmente em imunocompetentes, e quando acontece os principais sintomas gastrointestinais incluem diarreia, desconforto abdominal, náusea e anorexia. O exame anatomopatológico a partir de biópsias fornece o diagnóstico definitivo. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso atípico de estrongiloidíase gástrica em paciente imunocompetente que apresentava quadro de dor abdominal difusa recorrente.

Human strongyloidiasis is a type of helminth caused by two species of intestinal nematodes belonging to the genus Strongyloides. Stomach upset is rare, especially in immunocompetent patients, and when major gastrointestinal symptoms do occur they include diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and anorexia. Anatomopathological examination from biopsies provides the definitive diagnosis. The objective of this study was to report an atypical case of gastric strongyloidiasis in an immunocompetent patient with recurrent diffuse abdominal pain.

Ectasia vascular do antro gástrico (estômago em melancia) ­ um relato de caso / Gastric antral vascular ectasia (watermelon stomach) ­ a case report

A Ectasia Vascular do Antro Gástrico (EVAG) é uma condição rara associada à hemorragia digestiva e anemia significativa. Acomete principalmente idosos e mulheres. É considerada uma anormalidade adquirida, resultando em ectasia da mucosa e da microvasculatura gástrica e é identificada na endoscopia digestiva alta (EDA). O diagnóstico pode se tornar complexo, pois a sua aparência endoscópica assemelha-se à gastropatia portal hipertensiva (GPH) ou à gastrite antral¹ , ². Este estudo tem como objetivo relatar um caso de EVAG e notificar a importância do conhecimento desta patologia, bem como a inclusão no diagnóstico diferencial à doenças como GPH e gastrite antral, para conduzir ao tratamento apropriado, pois apresenta bom prognóstico. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, no qual foi relatado caso de paciente masculino, 76 anos, que procurou atendimento médico por acentuada anemia e melena. O paciente apresentava quadro anêmico há 6 meses, associado à fadiga, palidez e histórico de múltiplas transfusões sanguíneas. Foi requisitado EDA, o qual apresentou colunas vermelhas longitudinais no antro gástrico, possibilitando a associação com a clínica e seu diagnóstico. O paciente foi conduzido para terapêutica com o Coagulador de Plasma de Argônio e apresentou boa evolução4 . Pacientes idosos que apresentam anemia crônica sem causa aparente e/ou hemorragia digestiva alta, associada com a sintomatologia citada, devem ser endoscopicamente investigados para EVAG³. O diagnóstico desta patologia é muitas vezes dificultado, já que existem outras causas mais comuns de hemorragia digestiva, que mascaram o diagnóstico. Desta forma, destaca-se a importância do conhecimento dessa enfermidade, pois o tratamento adequado apresenta-se eficaz.

Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE) is a rare condition associated with digestive hemorrhage and significant anemia. It mainly affects elderly and women. It is considered an acquired abnormality, resulting in mucosal ectasia and gastric microvasculature and is identified in upper digestive endoscopy (EDA). The diagnosis can become complex, since its endoscopic appearance resembles hypertensive portal gastropathy (GPH) or antral gastritis¹, ². This study aims to report a case of GAVE and to notify the importance of the knowledge of this pathology, as well as the inclusion in the differential diagnosis to diseases such as GPH and antral gastritis, to lead to appropriate treatment, since it presents a good prognosis. This is a descriptive study, in which a case of a 76-year-old male patient who sought medical care for marked anemia and mane was reported. The patient presented an anemic condition for 6 months, associated with fatigue, pallor and history of multiple blood transfusions. EDA was requested, which presented longitudinal red columns in the gastric antrum, making possible the association with the clinic and its diagnosis. The patient was submitted to therapy with the Argon Plasma Coagulator and showed good evolution4. Elderly patients presenting with unexplained chronic anemia and / or upper gastrointestinal bleeding, associated with the mentioned symptomatology, should be endoscopically investigated for GAVE³. The diagnosis of this pathology is often difficult, since there are other more common causes of digestive hemorrhage, which mask the diagnosis. In this way, the importance of the knowledge of this disease is highlighted, since the appropriate treatment is effective.

Prevalence and clinical features of celiac disease in patients with hepatitis B virus infection in Southern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that involves gluten intolerance and can be triggered by environmental factors including hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of celiac disease in individuals with HBV infection and to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of celiac disease associated with HBV. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 50 hepatitis B patients tested for IgA anti-endomysial antibodies (EMAs) and tissue anti-transglutaminase (TTG) between August 2011 and September 2012. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included with a mean age of 46.0 ± 12.6 (46.0) years; 46% were female and 13% were HBeAg+. Six patients had positive serology for celiac disease, four were EMA+, and five were TTG+. When individuals with positive serology for celiac disease were compared to those with negative serology, they demonstrated a higher prevalence of abdominal pain (100% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.008), lower median creatinine (0.7 mg/dL vs. 0.9 mg/dL, p = 0.007) and lower mean albumin (3.6 ± 0.4 g/L vs. 3.9 ± 0.3g/L, p = 0.022). All individuals with positive serology for celiac disease underwent upper digestive endoscopy, and three of the patients exhibited a macroscopic pattern suggestive of celiac disease. Histologically, five patients demonstrated an intra-epithelial lymphocytic infiltrate level > 30%, and four patients showed villous atrophy associated with crypt hyperplasia on duodenal biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: An increased prevalence of celiac disease was observed among hepatitis B patients. These patients were symptomatic and had significant laboratory abnormalities. These results indicate that active screening for celiac disease among HBV-infected adults is warranted.

Autoantibody profile in individuals with chronic hepatitis C.

INTRODUCTION: Autoantibodies are often produced during infection with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), but it remains controversial whether they influence the biochemical profile and histological features of this disease. Therefore, this current study sought to describe these autoantibodies and evaluate their impact on the clinical and histological presentation of hepatitis C. METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study assessed patients with HCV (RNA+) from October 2011 to July 2012. RESULTS: This study included 66 patients, with a mean age of 53.2±10.5 years. Of these patients, 60.6% were male, and 54.3% presented with genotype 1. Non-organ-specific autoantibodies (NOSA) were detected in 24% of the patients; of these, 7.6% were anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA+), 26.7% were anti-smooth muscle antibodies (SMA+) and 6.8% were liver kidney microsomal type 1 antibodies (LKM1+). With respect to the thyroid autoantibodies, 7.4% were anti-peroxidase (ATPO+) antibodies, and none were anti-thyroglobulin (ATG+) antibodies. Regarding celiac disease autoantibodies, 5.8% were endomysial antibodies (EMA+), and no transglutaminase (TTG+) antibodies were detected. Cryoglobulins were found in 2.1% of patients. When NOSA+ individuals were compared to patients without the presence of NOSAs, they exhibited higher median alkaline phosphatase (0.7 vs. 0.6 xULN; p=0.041), lower median platelet counts (141,500.0 vs. 180,500.0/mm 3 ; p=0.036), lower mean prothrombin activity (72.6±11.5% vs. 82.2±16.0%; p=0.012) and an increased prevalence of significant fibrosis (E≥2) (45.5% vs. 18.2%; p=0.012). There was also a tendency for a greater proportion of NOSA+ cases to have marked periportal activity (APP≥3) (44.5% vs. 15.6%; p=0.087). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the high prevalence of autoantibodies associated with HCV infection, it was observed that NOSA positivity was associated with a more severe histological and biochemical profile of hepatitis C infection.

Clinical and laboratorial features of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in southern Brazil / Características clínicas e laboratoriais da peritonite bacteriana espontânea no sul do Brasil

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a severe complication that occurs in 8-27% of hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites, with high mortality rates. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics associated with SBP. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study, conducted in a public university. METHODS: The study consecutively included individuals with liver cirrhosis and ascites between September 2009 and March 2012. Forty-five patients were included: mean age 53.2 ± 12.3 years, 82.2% male, 73.8% Caucasian, mean Model of End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score of 19.5 ± 7.2, and 33.3% with SBP. The subjects were divided into two groups: SBP and controls. RESULTS: Comparison between individuals with SBP and controls showed that those with SBP had lower mean prothrombin activity time (36.1 ± 16.0% versus 47.1 ± 17.2%; P = 0.044) and lower median serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) (1.2 versus 1.7, P = 0.045). There was a tendency towards higher mean MELD in the SBP group, not significant (22.2 ± 7.6 versus 17.9 ± 6.7; P = 0.067). There was a strong positive correlation between the neutrophil count in ascitic fluid and serum leukocyte count (r = 0.501; P = 0.001) and a negative correlation between the neutrophil count in ascitic fluid with prothrombin activity time (r = -0.385; P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: A few characteristics are associated with the presence of SBP, especially liver dysfunction, SAAG and peripheral leukocytosis. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Peritonite bacteriana espontânea (PBE) é uma complicação grave que ocorre em 8-27% dos pacientes hospitalizados com cirrose hepática e ascite, e apresenta altas taxas de mortalidade. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar as características clínicas associadas à PBE. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal, conduzido em uma universidade pública. MÉTODOS: O estudo incluiu, consecutivamente, indivíduos com cirrose hepática e ascite entre setembro 2009 e março 2012. Foram incluídos 45 indivíduos com média de idade de 53,2 ± 12,3 anos, sendo 82,2% homens, 73,8% brancos, com MELD (Modelo para Doença Hepática Terminal) de 19,5 ± 7,2, e 33,3% com PBE. Os indivíduos foram divididos em dois grupos: PBE e controles. RESULTADOS: Quando se compararam os indivíduos com PBE aos controles, observou-se menor média de tempo de atividade da protrombina (TAP; 36,1 ± 16,0% versus 47,1 ± 17,2%; P = 0,044) e menor mediana de gradiente albumina soro-ascite (GASA; 1,2 versus 1,7; P = 0,045). Houve tendência do grupo com PBE de apresentar maior média de MELD, sem significância estatística (22,2 ± 7,6 versus 17,9 ± 6,7; P = 0,067). Foi observada forte correlação positiva entre neutrófilos do líquido ascítico e contagem sérica de leucócitos (r = 0,501; P = 0,001) e correlação negativa de neutrófilos do líquido ascítico com TAP (r = -0,385; P = 0,011). CONCLUSÃO: Poucas características estão associadas à presença de PBE, em especial a disfunção hepática, o GASA e a leucocitose periférica. .

Prevalence and clinical features of celiac disease in patients with hepatitis B virus infection in Southern Brazil

Introduction Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that involves gluten intolerance and can be triggered by environmental factors including hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of celiac disease in individuals with HBV infection and to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of celiac disease associated with HBV. Methods This cross-sectional study included 50 hepatitis B patients tested for IgA anti-endomysial antibodies (EMAs) and tissue anti-transglutaminase (TTG) between August 2011 and September 2012. Results Fifty patients were included with a mean age of 46.0 ± 12.6 (46.0) years; 46% were female and 13% were HBeAg+. Six patients had positive serology for celiac disease, four were EMA+, and five were TTG+. When individuals with positive serology for celiac disease were compared to those with negative serology, they demonstrated a higher prevalence of abdominal pain (100% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.008), lower median creatinine (0.7mg/dL vs. 0.9mg/dL, p = 0.007) and lower mean albumin (3.6 ± 0.4g/L vs. 3.9 ± 0.3g/L, p = 0.022). All individuals with positive serology for celiac disease underwent upper digestive endoscopy, and three of the patients exhibited a macroscopic pattern suggestive of celiac disease. Histologically, five patients demonstrated an intra-epithelial lymphocytic infiltrate level > 30%, and four patients showed villous atrophy associated with crypt hyperplasia on duodenal biopsy. Conclusions An increased prevalence of celiac disease was observed among hepatitis B patients. These patients were symptomatic and had significant laboratory abnormalities. These results indicate that active screening for celiac disease among HBV-infected adults is warranted. .

Autoantibody profile in individuals with chronic hepatitis C

Introduction Autoantibodies are often produced during infection with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), but it remains controversial whether they influence the biochemical profile and histological features of this disease. Therefore, this current study sought to describe these autoantibodies and evaluate their impact on the clinical and histological presentation of hepatitis C. Methods This cross-sectional analytical study assessed patients with HCV (RNA+) from October 2011 to July 2012. Results This study included 66 patients, with a mean age of 53.2±10.5 years. Of these patients, 60.6% were male, and 54.3% presented with genotype 1. Non-organ-specific autoantibodies (NOSA) were detected in 24% of the patients; of these, 7.6% were anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA+), 26.7% were anti-smooth muscle antibodies (SMA+) and 6.8% were liver kidney microsomal type 1 antibodies (LKM1+). With respect to the thyroid autoantibodies, 7.4% were anti-peroxidase (ATPO+) antibodies, and none were anti-thyroglobulin (ATG+) antibodies. Regarding celiac disease autoantibodies, 5.8% were endomysial antibodies (EMA+), and no transglutaminase (TTG+) antibodies were detected. Cryoglobulins were found in 2.1% of patients. When NOSA+ individuals were compared to patients without the presence of NOSAs, they exhibited higher median alkaline phosphatase (0.7 vs. 0.6 xULN; p=0.041), lower median platelet counts (141,500.0 vs. 180,500.0/mm 3 ; p=0.036), lower mean prothrombin activity (72.6±11.5% vs. 82.2±16.0%; p=0.012) and an increased prevalence of significant fibrosis (E≥2) (45.5% vs. 18.2%; p=0.012). There was also a tendency for a greater proportion of NOSA+ cases to have marked periportal activity (APP≥3) (44.5% vs. 15.6%; p=0.087). Conclusions In addition to the high prevalence of autoantibodies associated with HCV infection, it was observed that NOSA ...