Phase Angle but Not Psoas Muscle Predicts Nutritional Risk and Prognosis in Males with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Despite those with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being at increased risk of malnutrition, there is a notable absence of practical approaches for nutritional assessment in clinical practice. We investigated the usefulness of phase angle (PhA) and Total Psoas Area Index (TPAI) for indicating nutritional risk and HCC prognosis. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT), and handgrip strength (HGS) were assessed. The Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) was calculated. Body composition was assessed using bioimpedance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging. The Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification determined the prognosis. Fifty-one males with HCC were enrolled (CTP C = 11.8%). PhA showed a moderate positive correlation with APMT (r = 0.450; p < 0.001) and HGS (r = 0.418; p = 0.002) and a weak positive correlation with TPAI (r = 0.332; p = 0.021). PhA had a strong positive correlation with NRI (r = 0.614; p < 0.001). Mean PhA values were significantly different according to disease severity (CTP C p = 0.001, and BCLC D p = 0.053). TPAI had no significant correlation with HGS, CTP, or BCLC. PhA was a superior approach for predicting nutritional risk and prognosis in HCC than TPAI. Lower PhA is associated with disease progression, lower muscle mass and function, greater severity of nutritional risk, and increased mortality in HCC.

Basal core promoter and precore mutations among hepatitis B virus circulating in Brazil and its association with severe forms of hepatic diseases.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, few studies have investigated the prevalence of infection with the precore (PC) and basal core promoter (BCP) mutants of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyse the frequency of PC and BCP mutations among patients infected with HBV and to evaluate the association between the variants and advanced hepatic disease. METHODS: A total of 161 patients infected with HBV were studied. To identify PC and BCP mutations, a 501-bp fragment of HBV DNA was amplified and sequenced. FINDINGS: PC and BCP regions from HBV strains were successfully amplified and sequenced in 129 and 118 cases, respectively. PC and BCP mutations were detected in 61.0% and 80.6% of the cases, respectively. The A1762T/G1764A variant was identified in 36.7% of the patients with grade 1 and 2 liver fibrosis (29/79) and in 81.8% of the patients with grade 3 and 4 liver fibrosis (9/11) (p < 0.01); in 76.9% of the patients with cirrhosis (10/13) and in 38.1% of the patients without cirrhosis (40/105) (p = 0.01); and in 77.8% of the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (7/9) and in 39.4% of the patients without HCC (43/109) (p = 0.03). MAIN CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of HBV PC and BCP mutants was found. The A1762T/G1764A variant was independently associated with advanced forms of liver fibrosis, hepatic cirrhosis, and HCC.

IL-18, TNF, and IFN-γ alleles and genotypes are associated with susceptibility to chronic hepatitis B infection and severity of liver injury.

This study evaluated the association of polymorphisms in the IL-18 (-607C/A and -137C/G), IFNγ (+874 A/T), and TNF (-238 A/G and -308 A/G) genes with susceptibility to HBV infection and severity of liver injury. A total of 259 chronic HBV-infected patients followed at the University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, and 202 healthy individuals were studied. Four Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Liver biopsy was performed in 212 HBV-infected patients and classified according to severity of liver fibrosis (scores 0-4) and necroinflammatory activity (HAI scores 0-18). TNF-308*A allele (P < 0.001; OR = 2.16) and TNF -308 AA genotype (P = 0.026; OR = 5.43) were associated with susceptibility to HBV infection. An association was found between severe liver fibrosis when compared to mild fibrosis and the following polymorphisms: Alleles IL-18 -137*G (P = 0.004; OR = 3.45), TNF -308*A (P < 0.001; OR = 3.39), and IFNγ +874*T (P = 0.029; OR = 1.85) and IL-18 -137 GG genotype (P = 0.009; OR = 3.70). No significant association was found between IL-18 (-607 A/C) polymorphism and severity of liver fibrosis. Alleles IL-18 -137*G (P = 0.028; OR = 2.64) and TNF-308*A (P = 0.002; OR = 3.06) and IL-18 -137 GG genotype (P = 0.011; OR = 4.20) were associated with severe necroinflammatory activity (HAI>12) when compared to mild necroinflammatory activity (HAI 1-8). The results suggest that IL-18 -137C/G, TNF-308 G/A and IFNγ +874 A/T SNPs were associated to more severe liver injury in chronic HBV infection. TNF -308*A allele and TNF -308 AA genotype could play a role in the susceptibility to HBV infection.

Phase angle as a severity indicator for liver diseases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of phase angle (PhA) as a severity indicator of chronic liver diseases. METHODS: We examined the medical records of 54 patients-27 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 27 with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The patients were ≥18 y of age. Clinical data, such as Child-Pugh and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (HCC), aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis (FIB)-4 (NAFLD), nutritional parameters (body mass index [BMI], handgrip strength [HGS], and bioelectrical impedance [BIA] data) were collected. Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) was calculated. Analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney test and analysis of variance. Simple multiple linear regression for predictions (Child-Pugh in HCC, APRI and FIB-4 in NAFLD). Receiver operating characteristic curve was estimated to search a cutoff for PhA. For survival, we used the Kaplan-Meier estimator. To verify whether PhA affected patients' survival, we used the Mantel-Haenszel. RESULTS: The prevalence of cirrhosis was high in HCC (n = 25) and low in the NAFLD (n = 4). No patient was classified as undernourished based on BMI; however, NRI showed that 74.1% of patients with HCC had nutritional risk. Child-Pugh was positively correlated with the edema index (extracellular water/total body water [ECW/TBW]) and negatively correlated with PhA and HGS. Higher Child-Pugh and BCLC scores were associated with worse NRI. APRI and FIB-4 were positively correlated with weight and BMI. A significant difference between groups was found for the median values of R, ECW/TBW, PhA, HGS, and albumin. There was a trend toward lower survival in patients with HCC, according to the cutoff point of 5.1 degrees for PhA. CONCLUSION: PhA was shown to be an independent prognostic indicator for cirrhosis and may be related to survival in these patients.

Comprehensive analysis of HFE gene in hereditary hemochromatosis and in diseases associated with acquired iron overload.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may or not develop iron overload (IO), which is associated with worst prognosis, because can cause serious damage to organs. HFE gene controls the iron uptake from gut, particularly in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH). AIM: To identify associations between HFE coding region in patients exhibiting hereditary hemochromatosis and in diseases associated with acquired IO. METHODS: We sequenced exons 2 to 5 and boundary introns of HFE gene, evaluating all polymorphic sites in patients presenting hereditary (hemochromatosis) or acquired iron overload HCV and HCC) and in healthy controls, using Sanger sequencing. We also determined the ensemble of extended haplotype in healthy control individuals, including several major histocompatibility complex loci, using sequence specific probes. Haplotype reconstruction was performed using the Arlequin and Phase softwares, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) between histocompatibility loci and HFE gene was performed using the Haploview software. RESULTS: The HFE*003 allele was overrepresented (f = 71%) and HFE*001 allele was underrepresented (f = 14%) in HH patients compared to all groups. A strong linkage disequilibrium was observed among the H63D-G, IVS2(+4)-C and C282Y-G gene variants, particularly in HH; however, the mutation IVS2(+4)T>C was not directly associated with HH susceptibility. The HFE*001/HFE*002 genotype conferred susceptibility to HCC in HCV patients exhibiting IO (P = 0.02, OR = 14.14). Although HFE is telomeric to other histocompatibility genes, the H63D-G/IVS2(+4)-C (P ≤ 0.00001/P ≤ 0.0057) combination was in LD with HLA-B*44 allele group in healthy controls. No LD was observed between HFE alleles and other major histocompatibility loci. CONCLUSION: A differential HFE association was observed for HH and for diseases associated with acquired IO (HCV, HCC). Since HFE is very distant from other histocompatibility loci, only weak associations were observed with these alleles.

Distribution of HBV subgenotypes in Ribeirão Preto, Southeastern Brazil: a region with history of intense Italian immigration.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is distributed worldwide, with geographical variations regarding prevalence of the different genotypes. The aim of this study was to determine the HBV genotypes and subgenotypes circulating in Southeast Brazil and compare the genetic sequences found with HBV sequences previously described in the world. Sequences from 166 chronic HBV carriers were analyzed using the fragment constituted by 1306 base pairs comprising surface and polymerase regions of the HBV genome. The sequences obtained were submitted to phylogenetic analysis. HBV subgenotypes A1, A2, D1-D4, F2a, and F4 were found. HBV genotype D was the most frequent, found in 99 patients (58.4%). Within this group, subgenotype D3 was the most prevalent, in 73 patients (42.9%). HBV genotype A was identified in 58 (36%) patients, subgenotype A1, in 48 (29.8%) subjects. Genotype F was identified in 9 (5.4%). According to the phylogenetic analysis, the sequences found were grouped with sequences from Europe, Asia and Middle East (subgenotypes D1, D2, D3) and sequences from Latin America and Africa (subgenotype A1). HBV D3 grouped in different clusters inside D3 clade, several of them with sequences isolated in Italy. We also identified eight families whose relatives were infected with the same HBV subgenotype, most with high similarity between sequences. In conclusion, the distribution of the HBV sequences obtained interweaved with sequences from other continents, corresponding to regions from where many immigrants came to this region, in accordance to the hypothesis that the HBV detected over there were brought during the colonization times.

The HLA-G 14-base pair deletion allele and the deletion/deletion genotype are associated with persistent HBe antigenemia in chronic hepatis B infection.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: HLA-G has well-recognized immunomodulatory properties, and this molecule is frequently expressed in the livers of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients. Because the HLA-G 14 bp-insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs371194629) has been associated with the magnitude of HLA-G expression, we evaluated this polymorphism in the recognized evolutionary forms of chronic HBV infection. METHODS: We studied 196 chronic HBV-infected patients (118 HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis, 53 HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis and 25 inactive carriers exhibiting low levels of serum HBVDNA and persistently normal ALT levels), and 202 healthy individuals. Chronic hepatitis HLA-G typing was performed using PCR-amplified DNA hybridized with specific primers. RESULTS: The frequencies of the insertion/deletion alleles and genotypes were very similar in patients and controls. After patient stratification according to the evolutionary form of the chronic HBV infection, the frequencies of the deletion allele (P=0.0460; OR=1.26; 95%CI=1.01-1.45) and of the deletion/deletion genotype (P=0.0356; OR=2.08; 95%CI=1.05-4.09) were overrepresented in HBeAg-positive patients when compared to HBeAg-negative patients. No differences were observed when HBV inactive carriers were compared to HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis patients. CONCLUSIONS: Because the 14-bp deletion allele has been associated with increased HLA-G production and because HLA-G may down regulate the cytotoxic activity of TCD8 and NK cells, patients exhibiting the 14-bp deletion allele at single or double doses are at increased risk for developing chronic forms of HBV associated with persistent viremia and worse prognoses.

Liver transplantation: expectation with MELD score for liver allocation in Brazil.

Liver transplantation represents the most effective therapy for patients suffering from chronic end-stage liver disease. Until very recently, in Brazil, liver allocation was based on the Child-Turcotte-Pugh score and the waiting list followed a chronological criterion. In February 2002 the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was adopted for the allocation of donor livers in the US. After that change, an increased number of patients with more severe liver disease was observed, although there was no difference in 1-year patient and graft survival. A reduction in waiting-list mortality was also observed. In Brazil, the MELD score was adopted on May 31st, 2006. Good results are expected regarding the new criterion for allocation.

Hepatitis C: a challenge to hepatologists and to the liver transplantation team.

Hepatitis C is the main cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and the leading indication of liver transplantation. The aim of this article was to review specific epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of hepatitis C and their implication for the hepatologists belonging to liver transplantation services. These specific aspects were reviewed in the literature mainly using Medline. Data regarding the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of hepatitis C are discussed, with emphasis on their consequences for the liver transplantation team. Hepatitis C is a challenge for hepatologists and for the liver transplantation team. The burden we observe today is the late consequence of infection that occurred in the past. Measures for early recognition of complications of liver disease are recommended. HCV treatment should always be performed before liver transplantation if possible, but if not, HCV recurrence should be recognized and treated early after transplantation.

Impact of blood salvage during liver transplantation on reduction in transfusion requirements.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse the changes in transfusion requirements, in patients submitted to orthotopic liver transplantation from cadaveric donors, with the use of intraoperative red blood cell salvage (Cell Saver). METHODS: Data from 41 transplants were analysed. Intraoperative blood loss was calculated from the cell salvage, suction and the swabs. The autologous and heterologous transfusions were recorded The red blood salvage was performed using the Cell Saver 5 System (Haemonetics). For analysis the patients were divided in two groups: one that used the Cell Saver and another that didn't. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 50 years and the main indication for liver transplantation was cirrhosis (35 cases-85.3%). The median blood loss was 8362+3994 ml (with the Cell Saver) and 10824+7002 ml (without the Cell Saver) and the median transfusion of heterologous packed red blood cells was 9.6+8 units (with the Cell Saver) compared to 22.3+21 units (without the Cell Saver). CONCLUSIONS: The Cells Saver has the potential to reduce the need for heterologous blood transfusion reducing the risks of transmissible diseases.

Addition of n-butyl cyanoacrylate to classic transarterial chemoembolization may improve the radiological response in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Transarterial chemoembolization is the treatment of choice for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. However, there are no clear data supporting transarterial chemoembolization vs . transarterial embolization or regarding the best chemotherapeutic agent, which may suggest a preponderant role of ischemia over chemotherapeutic action. This study sought to evaluate the radiological response and outcome of transarterial chemoembolization modified by n-butyl cyanoacrylate addition compared to conventional transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review identified forty-seven patients who underwent modified chemoembolization and thirty-three who underwent conventional chemoembolization between June 2006 and December 2011. The radiological response was reassessed using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The sustained complete response, time to progression and overall survival rates were also analyzed. RESULTS: Complete response rates were significantly higher in patients who had undergone modified chemoembolization compared to those who had undergone conventional treatment (61.7% and 24.3%, respectively; p < 0.001). The rate of sustained complete response was significantly higher in the modified chemoembolization group compared to the conventional chemoembolization group (median of 236 and 37 days, respectively; p < 0.001). Time to progression was significantly higher in the modified chemoembolization group compared to the conventional chemoembolization group (median of 424 and 201 days, respectively; p = 0.042). Overall survival rates revealed no difference between patients who received modified chemoembolization and conventional chemoembolization (median of 483 and 399 days, respectively; p = 0.316). CONCLUSION: Transarterial chemoembolization modified by n-butyl cyanoacrylate addition was superior to conventional transarterial chemoembolization in terms of the radiological response in the first imaging control. Although the sustained complete response and time to progression rates were higher for the modified chemoembolization group, no differences in overall survival rates were observed.

Prospective analysis of 44 consecutive liver transplants performed at a university hospital.

PURPOSE: To analyze the intraoperative and immediate postoperative biochemical parameters of patients submitted to orthotopic liver transplantation. METHODS: Forty four consecutive orthotopic liver transplants performed from October 2009 to December 2010 were analyzed. The patients (38 male and eight female) were divided into two groups: group A, survivors, and group B, non-survivors. Fifty percent of group A patients were Chid-Pugh C, 40% Chid-Pugh B and 10% Chid-Pugh A. In group B, 52% of the patients were Chid-Pugh C, 41% Chid-Pugh B, and 17% Chid-Pugh A. All orthotopic liver transplants were performed by the piggy-back technique without a portacaval shunt in an anhepatic phase. ALT, AST, LDH and lactate levels were determined preoperatively, at five, 60 minutes after arterial revascularization of the graft and 24 and 48 hours after the end of the surgery.( or: after the surgery was finished). RESULTS: There were no preoperative clinical differences (Child and Meld) between the two groups. The times of warm and hypothermal ischemia were similar for both groups (p>0.05). Serum aminotransferases levels at five and 60 minutes after arterial revascularization of the graft were similar (p>0.05) for both groups, as also were lactate levels at the time points studied. There was no significant difference in Δ lactate between groups at any time point studied (p>0.05). No significant difference was observed between groups during the first 24 and 48 hours after surgery (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: No significant difference in any of the parameters studied was observed between groups. Under the conditions of the present study and considering the parameters evaluated, no direct relationship was detected between the intraoperative situation and the type of evolution of the patients of the two groups studied.

Basal core promoter and precore mutations among hepatitis B virus circulating in Brazil and its association with severe forms of hepatic diseases

BACKGROUND In Brazil, few studies have investigated the prevalence of infection with the precore (PC) and basal core promoter (BCP) mutants of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). OBJECTIVES This study aimed to analyse the frequency of PC and BCP mutations among patients infected with HBV and to evaluate the association between the variants and advanced hepatic disease. METHODS A total of 161 patients infected with HBV were studied. To identify PC and BCP mutations, a 501-bp fragment of HBV DNA was amplified and sequenced. FINDINGS PC and BCP regions from HBV strains were successfully amplified and sequenced in 129 and 118 cases, respectively. PC and BCP mutations were detected in 61.0% and 80.6% of the cases, respectively. The A1762T/G1764A variant was identified in 36.7% of the patients with grade 1 and 2 liver fibrosis (29/79) and in 81.8% of the patients with grade 3 and 4 liver fibrosis (9/11) (p < 0.01); in 76.9% of the patients with cirrhosis (10/13) and in 38.1% of the patients without cirrhosis (40/105) (p = 0.01); and in 77.8% of the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (7/9) and in 39.4% of the patients without HCC (43/109) (p = 0.03). MAIN CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of HBV PC and BCP mutants was found. The A1762T/G1764A variant was independently associated with advanced forms of liver fibrosis, hepatic cirrhosis, and HCC.

Distribution of HBV subgenotypes in Ribeirão Preto, Southeastern Brazil: a region with history of intense Italian immigration

Abstract Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is distributed worldwide, with geographical variations regarding prevalence of the different genotypes. The aim of this study was to determine the HBV genotypes and subgenotypes circulating in Southeast Brazil and compare the genetic sequences found with HBV sequences previously described in the world. Sequences from 166 chronic HBV carriers were analyzed using the fragment constituted by 1306 base pairs comprising surface and polymerase regions of the HBV genome. The sequences obtained were submitted to phylogenetic analysis. HBV subgenotypes A1, A2, D1-D4, F2a, and F4 were found. HBV genotype D was the most frequent, found in 99 patients (58.4%). Within this group, subgenotype D3 was the most prevalent, in 73 patients (42.9%). HBV genotype A was identified in 58 (36%) patients, subgenotype A1, in 48 (29.8%) subjects. Genotype F was identified in 9 (5.4%). According to the phylogenetic analysis, the sequences found were grouped with sequences from Europe, Asia and Middle East (subgenotypes D1, D2, D3) and sequences from Latin America and Africa (subgenotype A1). HBV D3 grouped in different clusters inside D3 clade, several of them with sequences isolated in Italy. We also identified eight families whose relatives were infected with the same HBV subgenotype, most with high similarity between sequences. In conclusion, the distribution of the HBV sequences obtained interweaved with sequences from other continents, corresponding to regions from where many immigrants came to this region, in accordance to the hypothesis that the HBV detected over there were brought during the colonization times.

Clinical Characteristics of 130 Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Followed at a Tertiary Hospital From Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignant tumor of the liver that represents a serious public health problem all over the world, corresponding to the third cause of cancer death worldwide. The object was to present the clinical characteristics and follow-up of patients with HCC attended at the University Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto-USP (HCFMRP-USP), Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Epidemiological and clinical data were revised from medical records. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients participated in the study, 81.5% of them being males. Mean (± SD) age at the time of HCC diagnosis was 55.6 ± 11.2 years. Cirrhosis was present in 89.2% of cases, with 53.4% of the patients being Child-Pugh A; chronic hepatitis B or C without cirrhosis was detected in 3.2%, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in 3.8%, and a normal liver in 3.8%. Orthotopic liver transplantation was performed in 26.2% of the subjects, 16.9% of the patients were submitted to surgical resection, and 6.2% to percutaneous ethanol infusion (PEI). Transarterial embolization and transarterial chemoembolization were performed in 9.2% of the patients. Systemic chemotherapy was applied to 4.6% of cases and 24.6% of the patients received symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSION: Thus, in the present series cirrhosis was the main risk factor for HCC, with 53.4% of the patients being Child-Pugh A. Liver transplantation or surgical resection of the tumor, potentially curative techniques, were possible in only 43.1% of cases.

Analysis of 83 consecutive liver transplants performed at a tertiary care reference hospital in the interior of the state of Sao Paulo.

PURPOSE: To analyze pre-, intra- and immediate postoperative parameters of patients submitted to liver transplantation. METHODS: Eighty-three consecutive orthotopic liver transplants performed from January 2009 to July 2011 were analyzed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: A, survivors (MELD between 9 and 60) and B, non-survivors (MELD between 14 and 40), with 30.6% of group A patients being CHILD C, 51℅ CHILD B and 18,4℅ CHILD A. In group B, 32.1℅ of the patients were CHILD C, 42,9℅ CHILD B, and 25℅ CHILD A. All orthotopic liver transplantations were performed using the piggyback technique without a portacaval shunt. Systemic arterial pressure and serum ALT and AST levels were determined preoperatively and 5, 60 and 1440 minutes after arterial graft revascularization. Serum ALT and AST profiles were evaluated for seven days after surgery. RESULTS: Systemic arterial blood pressure levels, time of hot and hypothermic ischemia and time of graft implant were statistically similar for the two groups (p>0.05). Serum levels (U/L) of ALT and AST at the 5, 60 and 1440 minute time points after arterial revascularization of the graft were also similar for the two groups studied, as also were the serum ALT and AST profiles. CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant difference in any of the parameters studied was detected between the two groups. Under the conditions of the present study and on the basis of the parameters evaluated, no direct relation was detected between the intraoperative period and the type of patient outcome in the two groups studied.

Clinical, demographic and epidemiological characteristics of patients with hepatitis B followed at a university hospital in southeastern Brazil: predominance of HBeAg negative cases.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B is common in Brazil, although there are regional differences regarding the degree of endemicity, the most frequent forms of transmission and the presence of different evolutive stages of chronic disease. The present study aimed to determine the clinical, demographic and epidemiological characteristics of patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) residing in the Ribeirão Preto region, southeastern Brazil. METHODS: A total of 529 medical records of individuals with HBV monoinfection were reviewed. RESULTS: More than 60% of the subjects were males, with a mean age of 38 years-old. The HBeAg-negative serological pattern was verified in 84.4% of the patients, among whom the risk of vertical/intrafamily transmission was 43.2% (p = 0.02). The consumption of alcohol in amounts exceeding 20 g a day was observed in 21.3% of the subjects and was more frequent among men (33%) (p < 0.001). Among patients with cirrhosis, 54.1% were alcohol abusers (p = 0.04), all of them males. The presence of cirrhosis was more frequent in the HBeAg-positive group (24.4%) than in the HBeAg-negative group (10.2%) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High proportions of HBV-infected subjects with an HBeAg-negative pattern were observed, with a higher risk of vertical/intrafamily transmission. Alcohol abuse was associated with male subjects and with cirrhosis of the liver in this group. A tendency toward an increase in the number of HBeAg-negative cases was observed over time.

Addition of n-butyl cyanoacrylate to classic transarterial chemoembolization may improve the radiological response in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: Transarterial chemoembolization is the treatment of choice for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. However, there are no clear data supporting transarterial chemoembolization vs . transarterial embolization or regarding the best chemotherapeutic agent, which may suggest a preponderant role of ischemia over chemotherapeutic action. This study sought to evaluate the radiological response and outcome of transarterial chemoembolization modified by n-butyl cyanoacrylate addition compared to conventional transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review identified forty-seven patients who underwent modified chemoembolization and thirty-three who underwent conventional chemoembolization between June 2006 and December 2011. The radiological response was reassessed using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The sustained complete response, time to progression and overall survival rates were also analyzed. RESULTS: Complete response rates were significantly higher in patients who had undergone modified chemoembolization compared to those who had undergone conventional treatment (61.7% and 24.3%, respectively; p <0.001). The rate of sustained complete response was significantly higher in the modified chemoembolization group compared to the conventional chemoembolization group (median of 236 and 37 days, respectively; p <0.001). Time to progression was significantly higher in the modified chemoembolization group compared to the conventional chemoembolization group (median of 424 and 201 days, respectively; p =0.042). Overall survival rates revealed no difference between patients who received modified chemoembolization and conventional chemoembolization (median of 483 and 399 days, respectively; p =0.316). CONCLUSION: Transarterial chemoembolization modified by n-butyl cyanoacrylate addition was superior to conventional transarterial chemoembolization in terms of the radiological response in the first imaging control. Although the sustained complete response and time to progression rates were higher for the modified chemoembolization group, no differences in overall survival rates were observed.

Long-term follow-up of patients with chronic hepatitis C with sustained virologic response to interferon.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The durability of the sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C after treatment and the ideal follow-up time for these patients remains undefined. The objective of the study was to evaluate the durability of the virologic response in patients with chronic hepatitis C followed up for at least 12 months after SVR at HCFMRP-USP. METHODS: The study was conducted on 174 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with different antiviral regimens who had achieved SVR. Qualitative serum HCV-RNA was determined by the commercial kit (COBAS AMPLICOR HCV, v2.0). RESULTS: There was predominance of male (73%) with a mean age of 45.6 ± 10 years. Liver cirrhosis was present in 16.1% of the study subjects. Mean follow-up time after SVR was 47 months (12-156 months). Twenty-two patients received monotherapy with interferon; 94 received interferon plus ribavirin, and 58 received pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. A total of 134 patients (77.0%) received one treatment course, 29 (16.7%) received two courses, and 11 (6.3%) received three courses. The distribution of HCV genotypes was: genotype 1 (40.2%), genotype 3 (40.8%) and genotype 2 (10.3%). Genotype was undetermined in 8.7% of cases. None of the 174 patients had recurrence of HCV infection. Two cirrhotic patients developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with SVR there was no recurrence of HCV infection or evidence of liver disease progression in any patient followed up for a mean of 47 months after SVR, except for patients with advanced hepatic disease before treatment, who may develop HCC despite SVR. Therefore, one can assume that SVR is associated with long term good prognosis.