Further decompensation in cirrhosis: Results of a large multicenter cohort study supporting Baveno VII statements.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The prognostic weight of further decompensation in cirrhosis is still unclear. We investigated the incidence of further decompensation and its effect on mortality in patients with cirrhosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Multicenter cohort study. The cumulative incidence of further decompensation (development of a second event or complication of a decompensating event) was assessed using competing risks analysis in 2028 patients. A 4-state model was built: first decompensation, further decompensation, liver transplant, and death. A cause-specific Cox model was used to assess the adjusted effect of further decompensation on mortality. Sensitivity analyses were performed for patients included before or after 1999. In a mean follow-up of 43 months, 1192 patients developed further decompensation and 649 died. Corresponding 5-year cumulative incidences were 52% and 35%, respectively. The cumulative incidences of death and liver transplant after further decompensation were 55% and 9.7%, respectively. The most common further decompensating event was ascites/complications of ascites. Five-year probabilities of state occupation were 24% alive with first decompensation, 21% alive with further decompensation, 7% alive with a liver transplant, 16% dead after first decompensation without further decompensation, 31% dead after further decompensation, and <1% dead after liver transplant. The HR for death after further decompensation, adjusted for known prognostic indicators, was 1.46 (95% CI: 1.23-1.71) ( p <0.001). The significant impact of further decompensation on survival was confirmed in patients included before or after 1999. CONCLUSIONS: In cirrhosis, further decompensation occurs in ~60% of patients, significantly increases mortality, and should be considered a more advanced stage of decompensated cirrhosis.

Development and Validation of a Scoring System to Predict Response to Obeticholic Acid in Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Obeticholic acid (OCA) is the only licensed second-line therapy for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). With novel therapeutics in advanced development, clinical tools are needed to tailor the treatment algorithm. We aimed to derive and externally validate the OCA response score (ORS) for predicting the response probability of individuals with PBC to OCA. METHODS: We used data from the Italian RECAPITULATE (N = 441) and the IBER-PBC (N = 244) OCA real-world prospective cohorts to derive/validate a score including widely available variables obtained either pre-treatment (ORS) or also after 6 months of treatment (ORS+). Multivariable Cox regressions with backward selection were applied to obtain parsimonious predictive models. The predicted outcomes were biochemical response according to POISE (alkaline phosphatase [ALP]/upper limit of normal [ULN]<1.67 with a reduction of at least 15%, and normal bilirubin), or ALP/ULN<1.67, or normal range criteria (NR: normal ALP, alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and bilirubin) up to 24 months. RESULTS: Depending on the response criteria, ORS included age, pruritus, cirrhosis, ALP/ULN, ALT/ULN, GGT/ULN, and bilirubin. ORS+ also included ALP/ULN and bilirubin after 6 months of OCA therapy. Internally validated c-statistics for ORS were 0.75, 0.78, and 0.72 for POISE, ALP/ULN<1.67, and NR response, which raised to 0.83, 0.88, and 0.81 with ORS+, respectively. The respective performances in validation were 0.70, 0.72, and 0.71 for ORS and 0.80, 0.84, and 0.78 for ORS+. Results were consistent across groups with mild/severe disease. CONCLUSIONS: We developed and externally validated a scoring system capable to predict OCA response according to different criteria. This tool will enhance a stratified second-line therapy model to streamline standard care and trial delivery in PBC.

Characterizing Hepatitis Delta in Spain and the gaps in its management.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic hepatitis D (CHD) is a severe form of chronic viral hepatitis. The estimated hepatitis delta prevalence in Spain is around 5% of patients with hepatitis B. Reimbursement of new antiviral therapies (Bulevirtide, BLV) was delayed in our country until February 2024. We aimed to characterize the clinical profile of patients with HDV/HBV infection in Spain and current barriers in their management at the time of BLV approval. METHOD: Multicenter registry including patients with positive anti-HDV serology actively monitored in 30 Spanish centers. Epidemiological, clinical and virological variables were recorded at the start of follow-up and at the last visit. RESULTS: We identified 329 anti-HDV patients, 41% were female with median age 51 years. The most common geographical origin was Spain (53%) and East Europe (24%). Patients from Spain were older and had HCV and HIV coinfection probably associated to past drug injection (p<0.01). HDV-RNA was positive in 138 of 221 assessed (62%). Liver cirrhosis was present at diagnosis in 33% and it was more frequent among viremic patients (58% vs 25%, p<0.01). After a median follow-up of 6 (3-12) years, 44 (16%) resolved infection (18 spontaneously and 26 after Peg-INF). An additional 10% of patients developed cirrhosis (n=137) during follow-up (45% had portal hypertension and 14% liver decompensation). Liver disease progression was associated to persisting viremia. CONCLUSION: One-third of the patients with CHD already have cirrhosis at diagnosis. Persistence of positive viremia is associated to rapid liver disease progression. Importantly, barriers to locally determine/quantify HDV-RNA were present.

Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Reduces the Severity of COVID-19 in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: HIV-positive patients on tenofovir hydroxyl fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine have a lower risk of COVID-19 and hospitalization than those given other treatments. Our aim was to analyze the severity of COVID-19 in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) on TDF or entecavir (ETV). METHODS: Spanish hospital databases (n = 28) including information regarding adult CHB patients on TDF or ETV for the period February 1st to November 30th 2020 were searched for COVID-19, defined as a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction, and for severe COVID-19. RESULTS: Of 4736 patients, 117 had COVID-19 (2.5%), 67 on TDF and 50 on ETV. Compared to patients on TDF, those on ETV showed (p < 0.05) greater rates of obesity, diabetes, ischemic cardiopathy, and hypertension. COVID-19 incidence was similar in both groups (2.3 vs. 2.6%). Compared to TDF, patients on ETV more often (p < 0.01) had severe COVID-19 (36 vs. 6%), required intensive care unit (ICU) (10% vs. 0) or ventilatory support (20 vs. 3%), were hospitalized for longer (10.8 ± 19 vs. 3.1 ± 7 days) or died (10 vs. 1.5%, p = 0.08). In an IPTW propensity score analysis adjusted for age, sex, obesity, comorbidities, and fibrosis stage, TDF was associated with a sixfold reduction in severe COVID-19 risk (adjusted-IPTW-OR 0.17, 95%CI 0.04-0.67, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Compared to ETV, TDF seems to play a protective role in CHB patients with SARS-CoV-2 whereby the risk of severe COVID-19 is lowered.

Clinical practice guidelines of the Catalan Society of Gastroenterology about hepatic elastography 2022. / Documento de posicionamiento de la «Societat Catalana de Digestologia¼ sobre elastografía hepática 2022.

INTRODUCTION: After almost 20 years using transient elastography (TE) for the non-invasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis, its use has been extended to population screening, evaluation of steatosis and complications of cirrhosis. For this reason, the «Catalan Society of Gastroenterology¼ commissioned a group of experts to update the first document carried out in 2011. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The working group (8 doctors and 4 nurses) prepared a panel of questions based on the online survey «Hepatic Elastography in Catalonia 2022¼ following the PICO structure and the Delphi method. RESULTS: The answers are presented with the level of evidence, the degree of recommendation and the final consensus after being evaluated by two external reviewers. CONCLUSION: Transient elastography uses the simplest and most reliable elastographic method to quantify liver fibrosis, assess steatosis, and determine the risk of complications in patients with cirrhosis. The document has been endorsed by the "Catalan Society of Gastroenterology" and the "Col·legi Oficial d'Infermeres i Infermers de Barcelona".

Prevalence and outcomes of acute-on-chronic liver failure among cirrhotic patients admitted for an acute decompensation.

BACKGROUND: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a common syndrome that occurs in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. It consists of the rapid failure of various organs and is associated with high short-term mortality. We aim to describe the main features and outcomes of inpatients who developed ACLF and to identify the factors associated with in-hospital and 28-day mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients meeting ACLF criteria with advanced chronic liver disease admitted for decompensation from January 2014 to December 2016 were identified. Clinical and biological data were collected at the time of ACLF diagnosis and at 3-7 days thereafter, as well as in-hospital and 28-day mortality. RESULTS: Eighty nine out of 354 admission episodes (28%) developed ACLF, which was present at the time of admission in 72% of cases. A precipitating factor was identified in 83% of cases, the most frequent being infection (53%) and gastrointestinal bleeding (19%). In the multivariate regression analysis, the ACLF grade at 3-7 days after diagnosis was predictive of in-hospital mortality and 28-day mortality, and lower creatinine and bilirubin levels at the time of ACLF diagnosis and a precipitating factor other than bacterial infection were associated with ACLF reversion at 3-7 days. CONCLUSIONS: ACLF is a frequent complication among patients with chronic liver disease admitted for acute decompensations and is associated with a high mortality rate and is related to the number of organs involved. Bacterial infection is the most frequent precipitating factor of ACLF and probably entails a worse prognosis.

Significant fibrosis predicts new-onset diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension in patients with NASH.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) could play a catalytic role in the development of metabolic comorbidities, although the magnitude of this effect in metabolically healthy patients with NAFLD remains unclear. We assessed the role of biopsy-proven NAFLD on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and other metabolic comorbidities (arterial hypertension [AHT], and dyslipidemia) in metabolically healthy patients. METHODS: We included 178 metabolically healthy-defined by the absence of baseline T2DM, AHT, dyslipidemia-patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD from the HEPAmet Registry (N = 1,030). Hepamet fibrosis score (HFS), NAFLD fibrosis score, and Fibrosis-4 were calculated. Follow-up was computed from biopsy to the diagnosis of T2DM, AHT, or dyslipidemia. RESULTS: During a follow-up of 5.6 ± 4.4 years, T2DM occurred in 9% (16/178), AHT in 8.4% (15/178), low HDL in 9.6% (17/178), and hypertriglyceridemia in 23.6% (42/178) of patients. In multivariate analysis, significant fibrosis predicted T2DM and AHT. Independent variables related to T2DM appearance were significant fibrosis (HR 2.95; 95% CI 1.19-7.31; p = 0.019), glucose levels (p = 0.008), age (p = 0.007) and BMI (p = 0.039). AHT was independently linked to significant fibrosis (HR 2.39; 95% CI 1.14-5.10; p = 0.028), age (p = 0.0001), BMI (p = 0.006), glucose (p = 0.021) and platelets (p = 0.050). The annual incidence rate of T2DM was higher in patients with significant fibrosis (4.4 vs. 1.2 cases per 100 person-years), and increased in the presence of obesity, similar to AHT (4.6 vs. 1.1 cases per 100 person-years). HFS >0.12 predicted the risk of T2DM (25% [4/16] vs. HFS <0.12 4.5% [4/88]; logRank 6.658, p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Metabolically healthy patients with NAFLD-related significant fibrosis were at greater risk of developing T2DM and AHT. HFS >0.12, but not NAFLD fibrosis score or Fibrosis-4, predicted the occurrence of T2DM. LAY SUMMARY: Patients with biopsy-proven non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and significant fibrosis were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension. The risk of metabolic outcomes in patients with significant fibrosis was increased in the presence of obesity. In addition to liver biopsy, patients at intermediate-to-high risk of significant fibrosis by Hepamet fibrosis score were at risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Time association between hepatitis C therapy and hepatocellular carcinoma emergence in cirrhosis: Relevance of non-characterized nodules.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite direct-acting antivirals being highly effective at eradicating hepatitis C virus infection, their impact on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. We analyzed the clinical and radiological outcome of cirrhotic patients treated with interferon-free regimens to estimate the risk of developing HCC. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter study focusing on cirrhotic patients treated with direct-acting antivirals until December 2016. Clinical and radiologic characteristics were collected before the start of antiviral therapy, at follow-up and at HCC development. Diagnosis of HCC was centrally validated and its incidence was expressed as HCC/100 person-years. RESULTS: A total of 1,123 patients were included (60.6% males, 83.8% Child-Pugh A) and 95.2% achieved a sustained virologic response. Median time of follow-up was 19.6 months. Seventy-two patients developed HCC within a median of 10.3 months after starting antiviral treatment. HCC incidence was 3.73 HCC/100 person-years (95% CI 2.96-4.70). Baseline liver function, alcohol intake and hepatic decompensation were associated with a higher risk of HCC. The relative risk was significantly increased in patients with non-characterized nodules at baseline 2.83 (95% CI 1.55-5.16) vs. absence of non-characterized nodules. When excluding these patients, the risk remained increased. CONCLUSION: These data expose a clear-cut time association between interferon-free treatment and HCC. The mechanisms involved in the increased risk of HCC emergence in the short term require further investigation. LAY SUMMARY: In this cohort of cirrhotic patients, interferon-free therapies achieved a high rate of sustained virologic response (>95%); however, we reported a risk of de novo hepatocellular carcinoma of 3.73 per 100 person-years and a clear-cut time association with antiviral therapy. The time association between starting direct-acting antivirals and developing hepatocellular carcinoma, together with the association with the presence of non-characterized nodules at baseline ultrasound, suggests that antiviral therapy elicits a mechanism (probably immune-related) that primes the growth and clinical recognition of hepatocellular carcinoma early during follow-up. As a result, short-term liver cancer risk is significantly increased.

Efficacy of Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir, With and Without Ribavirin, in Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 3 Infection and Cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In phase 3 trials and real-world settings, smaller proportions of patients with genotype 3 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and cirrhosis have a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) with the combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir than in patients without cirrhosis. It is unclear whether adding ribavirin to this treatment regimen increases SVRs in patients with genotype 3 HCV infection and cirrhosis. METHODS: We performed a phase 2 trial of 204 patients with genotype 3 HCV infection and compensated cirrhosis (mean age 51 ± 7.4 years) at 29 sites in Spain from August 19, 2016 through April 18, 2017. Patients were assigned to groups given sofosbuvir and velpatasvir for 12 weeks (n = 101) or sofosbuvir and velpatasvir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks (n = 103). The primary efficacy end point was SVR12. RESULTS: The overall rates of SVR12 were 91% (92 of 101; 95% CI 84-96) for the sofosbuvir-velpatasvir group and 96% (99 of 103; 95% CI 90-99) for the sofosbuvir-velpatasvir plus ribavirin group. In the sofosbuvir-velpatasvir group, a smaller proportion of patients with baseline resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) in nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) achieved an SVR12 (84%) than did patients without (96%). In the sofosbuvir-velpatasvir plus ribavirin group, baseline RASs had less effect on the proportion of patients with an SVR12 (96% for patients with baseline RASs; 99% for patients without). The most common adverse events (which occurred in ≥10% of patients) were asthenia (12%) in the sofosbuvir-velpatasvir group and asthenia (27%), headache (24%), and insomnia (12%) in the sofosbuvir-velpatasvir plus ribavirin group. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with findings from previous studies, a high rate of patients (91% and 96%) with genotype 3 HCV infection and compensated cirrhosis achieved an SVR12 with sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, with or without ribavirin. Of patients treated with sofosbuvir and velpatasvir without ribavirin, fewer patients with baseline NS5A RASs achieved an SVR12 compared with patients without baseline NS5A. ClinicalTrials.govNCT02781558.

Effectiveness, safety and clinical outcomes of direct-acting antiviral therapy in HCV genotype 1 infection: Results from a Spanish real-world cohort.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Clinical trials evaluating second-generation direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have shown excellent rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) and good safety profiles in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of two oral DAA combination regimens, ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir plus dasabuvir (OMV/PTV/r+DSV) and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF), in a real-world clinical practice. METHODS: Data from HCV genotype 1 patients treated with either OMV/PTV/r+DSV±ribavirin (RBV) (n=1567) or LDV/SOF±RBV (n=1758) in 35 centers across Spain between April 1, 2015 and February 28, 2016 were recorded in a large national database. Demographic, clinical and virological data were analyzed. Details of serious adverse events (SAEs) were recorded. RESULTS: The two cohorts were not matched with respect to baseline characteristics and could not be compared directly. The SVR12 rate was 96.8% with OMV/PTVr/DSV±RBV and 95.8% with LDV/SOF±RBV. No significant differences were observed in SVR according to HCV subgenotype (p=0.321 [OMV/PTV/r+DSV±RBV] and p=0.174 [LDV/SOF]) or degree of fibrosis (c0.548 [OMV/PTV/r/DSV±RBV] and p=0.085 [LDV/SOF]). Only baseline albumin level was significantly associated with failure to achieve SVR (p<0.05) on multivariate analysis. Rates of SAEs and SAE-associated treatment discontinuation were 5.4% and 1.7%, in the OMV/PTV/r+DSV subcohort and 5.5% and 1.5% in the LDV/SOF subcohort, respectively. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurred in 30% of patients with a complete response to therapy for previous HCC. Incident HCC was reported in 0.93%. CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of patients managed in the real-world setting in Spain, OMV/PTV/r+DSV and LDV/SOF achieved high rates of SVR12, comparable to those observed in randomized controlled trials, with similarly good safety profiles. LAY SUMMARY: In clinical trials, second-generation direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have been shown to cure over 90% of patients chronically infected with the genotype 1 hepatitis C virus and have been better tolerated than previous treatment regimens. However, patients enrolled in clinical trials do not reflect the real patient population encountered in routine practice. The current study, which includes almost 4,000 patients, demonstrates comparable rates of cure with two increasingly used DAA combinations as those observed in the clinical trial environment, confirming that clinical trial findings with DAAs translate into the real-world setting, where patient populations are more diverse and complex.

Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Oral Combination Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 4 Infection.

Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 infection are poorly represented in clinical trials of second-generation direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). More data are needed to help guide treatment decisions. We investigated the effectiveness and safety of DAAs in patients with genotype 4 infection in routine practice. In this cohort study, HCV genotype 4-infected patients treated with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (OMV/PTVr) + ribavirin (RBV) (n=122) or ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) ± RBV (n=130) included in a national database were identified and prospectively followed up. Demographic, clinical and virologic data and serious adverse events (SAEs) were analyzed. Differences between treatment groups mean that data cannot be compared directly. Overall sustained virologic response at Week 12 post treatment (SVR12) was 96.2% with OMV/PTVr+RBV and 95.4% with LDV/SOF±RBV. In cirrhotic patients, SVR12 was 91.2% with OMV/PTVr+RBV and 93.2% with LDV/SOF±RBV. There was no significant difference in SVR12 according to degree of fibrosis in either treatment group (P = .243 and P = .244, respectively). On multivariate analysis, baseline albumin <3.5 g/dL (OMV/PTVr) and bilirubin >2 mg/dL (both cohorts) were significantly associated with failure to achieve SVR (P < .05). Rates of SAEs and SAE-associated discontinuation were 5.7% and 2.5%, respectively, in the OMV/PTVr subcohort and 4.6% and 0.8%, respectively, in the LDV/SOF subcohort. DAA-based regimens returned high rates of SVR12, comparable to limited data from clinical trials, in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic HCV genotype 4 patients managed in a realworld setting. Safety profiles of both regimens were good and comparable to those reported for other HCV genotypes.

Depression as Measured by PHQ-9 Versus Clinical Diagnosis as an Independent Predictor of Long-Term Mortality in a Prospective Cohort of Medical Inpatients.

BACKGROUND: Depression has been associated with higher rates of mortality in medical patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of depression in medical inpatients on the rate of mortality during a prolonged follow-up period. METHOD: This is a prospective follow-up study of a cohort of medical inpatients assessed during 1997-1998 in medical and surgical units at a tertiary university hospital in Spain and followed-up for a period ranging between 16.5 and 18 years. Eight hundred three patients were included; 420 (52.3%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 41.7 (13.8) years. Main outcome was death for any cause during follow-up. The original full Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) was administered at baseline as self-report from which the PHQ-9 was derived. Depressive disorders were assessed using PHQ-9 and a structured clinical interview (Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revised Third Edition). RESULTS: Depressive disorders as defined by PHQ-9 were detected in 206 patients (25.7%), 122 (15.2%) of them fulfilling criteria for major depression. During follow-up, 152 patients (18.9%) died. A PHQ score indicating the presence of major depressive disorder predicted increased mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.44; 95% CI, 1.39-4.29), even after adjusting for important demographic and clinical variables. Similarly, the PHQ-9 score as a continuous measure of depression severity predicted increased mortality (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10). Results were similar for clinical interview diagnoses of major depression (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.04-4.09). CONCLUSIONS: Medical inpatients with a PHQ depressive disorder had a nearly 2-fold higher risk of long-term mortality, even after adjustment for several confounders. Depression severity as represented by the PHQ-9 score was also a risk factor.

Role of ribavirin in interferon-free therapy for the treatment of hepatitisC virus. / Papel de la ribavirina en la terapia libre de interferón frente al virus de la hepatitisC.

Interferon-free regimens achieve sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of over 90%, have generally well-tolerated adverse effects and involve 12-week treatment durations for most patients with chronic hepatitis C, including naive or previously treated patients and patients with or without cirrhosis. However, some of the treatment options recommended by the guidelines require the addition of ribavirin (RBV) or extend the duration of treatment to increase efficacy. The use of RBV is a useful tool in those difficult-to-cure patients such as patients with decompensated or genotype-3-infected cirrhosis and those who have not achieved SVR after treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAA). Overall, adding RBV to the different combinations causes adverse effects related to a decrease in haemoglobin and involves inconveniences such as its dosage, which requires patients to take several tablets twice daily. However, severe anaemia is rare and easily manageable with a dose reduction. In addition, RBV is teratogenic. In practice, because RBV is inexpensive and well tolerated when combined with an interferon-free regimen, it continues to be a useful tool to optimise the results of some HCV treatment regimens. RBV-free regimens eliminate RBV-related adverse effects related, resulting in better tolerability, improving patient adherence and quality of life and reducing the cost of treatment.

Neurological manifestations of excessive alcohol consumption. / Manifestaciones neurológicas del alcoholismo.

This article reviews the different acute and chronic neurological manifestations of excessive alcohol consumption that affect the central or peripheral nervous system. Several mechanisms can be implicated depending on the disorder, ranging from nutritional factors, alcohol-related toxicity, metabolic changes and immune-mediated mechanisms. Recognition and early treatment of these manifestations is essential given their association with high morbidity and significantly increased mortality.

Randomized clinical trial comparing high versus standard dose of ribavirin plus peginterferon alfa-2a in hepatitis C genotype 3 and high viral load. Dargen-3 study.

INTRODUCTION: Less than half of patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 (G3) and high viral load (HVL) without a rapid virological response (RVR) achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) when treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin (RBV). OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of high doses of RBV on SVR in patients with G3 and HVL. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients were randomized to receive peginterferon α-2a+RBV 800 mg/day (A; n=42) or peginterferon α-2a+RBV 1600 mg/day+epoetin ß 400 IU/kg/week SC (B; n=55). Patients allocated to group B who achieved RVR continued on RBV (800mg/day) for a further 20 weeks (B1; n=42) while non-RVR patients received a higher dose of RBV (1600 mg/day)+epoetin ß (B2; n=13). RESULTS: RVR was observed in 64.3% of patients in A and in 76.4% in B (p=0.259). Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis showed SVR rates of 64.3% (A) and 61.8% (B), with a reduction of -2.5% (-21.8% to 16.9%) (p=0.835). The SVR rate was 61.9% in arm B1 and 61.5% in arm B2. No serious adverse events were reported, and the rate of moderate adverse events was < 5%. CONCLUSIONS: G3 patients with high viral load without RVR did not obtain a benefit from a higher dose of RBV. Higher doses of RBV plus epoetin ß were safe and well tolerated (Clin Trials Gov NCT00830609).

Real-life effectiveness of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir in hepatitis C patients previously treated with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir.

BACKGROUND: Sofosbuvir, velpatasvir and voxilaprevir (SOF/VEL/VOX) is the recommended rescue therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C infection who fail direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Data are limited on the effectiveness of this treatment after the current first-line therapies. Our aim was to analyse the effectiveness and safety of SOF/VEL/VOX among patients failing sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB). METHODS: Retrospective multicentre study (26 Spanish hospitals), including chronic hepatitis C patients unsuccessfully treated with SOF/VEL or GLE/PIB, and retreated with SOF/VEL/VOX ± ribavirin for 12 weeks between December 2017 and December 2022. RESULTS: In total, 142 patients included: 100 (70.4%) had failed SOF/VEL and 42 (29.6%) GLE/PIB. Patients were mainly men (84.5%), White (93.9%), with hepatitis C virus genotype (GT) 3 (49.6%) and 47.2% had liver cirrhosis. Sustained virological response (SVR) was evaluated in 132 patients who completed SOF/VEL/VOX and were followed 12 weeks after end of treatment; 117 (88.6%) achieved SVR. There were no significant differences in SVR rates according to initial DAA treatment (SOF/VEL 87.9% vs. GLE/PIB 90.2%, p = 0.8), cirrhosis (no cirrhosis 90% vs. cirrhosis 87.1%, p = 0.6) or GT3 infection (non-GT3 91.9% vs. GT3 85.5%, p = 0.3). However, when considering the concurrent presence of SOF/VEL treatment, cirrhosis and GT3 infection, SVR rates dropped to 82.8%. Ribavirin was added in 8 (6%) patients, all achieved SVR. CONCLUSION: SOF/VEL/VOX is an effective rescue therapy for failures to SOF/VEL or GLE/PIB, with an SVR of 88.6%. Factors previously linked to lower SVR rates, such as GT3 infection, cirrhosis and first-line therapy with SOF/VEL were not associated with lower SVRs.

The biochemical pattern defines MASLD phenotypes linked to distinct histology and prognosis.

BACKGROUND: MASLD can manifest as hepatocellular damage, which can result in mild elevation of aminotransferases. However, in some patients, MASLD presents with cholestatic pattern. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the biochemical pattern on the natural course of MASLD, including liver damage in histology, the accuracy of non-invasive tests(NITs), and prognosis. METHODS: Multicenter study enrolling 2156 patients with biopsy-proven MASLD, who were classified based on their[ALT/ULN)]/[(ALP/ULN)] levels at the time of biopsy: (a) hepatocellular pattern(H), > 5; (b) mixed pattern(M),2-5; (c) cholestatic pattern(C), < 2. OUTCOMES: (a) histological evaluation of the single components of NAS, MASH, and fibrosis; (b) NITs and transient elastography assessing advanced fibrosis; (c) prognosis determined by the appearance of decompensated cirrhosis and death. RESULTS: Out of the 2156 patients, 22.9% exhibited the H-pattern, whilst 31.7% exhibited the C-pattern. Severe steatosis, ballooning, lobular inflammation, and MASH (56.4% H vs. 41.9% M vs. 31.9% C) were more common in H-pattern (p = 0.0001),whilst C-pattern was linked to cirrhosis (5.8% H vs. 5.6% M vs. 10.9% C; p = 0.0001). FIB-4(0.74(95% CI 0.69-0.79) vs. 0.83 (95% CI 0.80-0.85); p = 0.005) and Hepamet Fibrosis Score(0.77 (95% CI 0.69-0.85) vs. 0.84 (95% CI 0.80-0.87); p = 0.044)exhibited lower AUROCs in the H-pattern. The C-pattern[HR 2.37 (95% CI 1.12-5.02); p = 0.024], along with age, diabetes, and cirrhosis were independently associated with mortality. Most patients maintained their initial biochemical pattern during the second evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The H-pattern exhibited greater necro-inflammation in the histology than the C-pattern, whereas the latter showed more cirrhosis. The accuracy of NITs in detecting fibrosis was decreased in H-pattern. The occurrence of decompensated events and mortality was predominant in C-pattern. Therefore, identifying MASLD phenotypes based on the biochemical presentation could be relevant for clinical practice.

Long-term clinical course of decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis: a prospective study of 165 patients.

BACKGROUND: Prognosis of decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis is based mainly on studies that included patients with different severities of liver disease and did not recognize either hepatitis C virus epidemic or changes in clinical management of cirrhosis. AIM: To define the long-term course after the first hepatic decompensation in alcoholic cirrhosis. METHODS: Prospective inclusion at the start point of decompensated cirrhosis of 165 consecutive patients with alcoholic cirrhosis without known hepatocellular carcinoma hospitalized from January 1998 to December 2001 was made. Follow-up was maintained until death or the end of the observation period (April 1, 2010). RESULTS: The patients were followed for 835.75 patient years. Median age was 56 years (95% confidence interval: 54-58). Baseline Child-Pugh score was 9 (95% CI: 8-9), and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) was 13.8 (95% CI: 12.5-14.7). Ascites was the most frequent first decompensation (51%). During follow-up, 99 (60%) patients were abstinent, hepatocellular carcinoma developed in 18 (11%) patients, and 116 patients died (70%). Median overall survival was 61 months (95% CI: 48-74). Median survival probability after onset of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) was only 14 months (95% CI: 5-23). Age, baseline MELD, albumin, development of HE, and persistence of alcohol use were independently correlated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with alcoholic cirrhosis show a high frequency of complications. The low mortality rate in our cohort of patients probably reflects the improvement in the management of patients with cirrhosis; it is mainly influenced by baseline MELD, age, HE development, and continued abstinence. Patients who develop HE should be considered for hepatic transplantation.