Liver transplantation for critically ill cirrhotic patients: Stratifying utility based on pretransplant factors.

The aim of this study was to produce a prognostic model to help predict posttransplant survival in patients transplanted with grade-3 acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF-3). Patients with ACLF-3 who underwent liver transplantation (LT) between 2007 and 2017 in 5 transplant centers were included (n = 152). Predictors of 1-year mortality were retrospectively screened and tested on a single center training cohort and subsequently tested on an independent multicenter cohort composed of the 4 other centers. Four independent pretransplant risk factors were associated with 1-year mortality after transplantation in the training cohort: age ≥53 years (P = .044), pre-LT arterial lactate level ≥4 mml/L (P = .013), mechanical ventilation with PaO2 /FiO2  ≤ 200 mm Hg (P = .026), and pre-LT leukocyte count ≤10 G/L (P = .004). A simplified version of the model was derived by assigning 1 point to each risk factor: the transplantation for Aclf-3 model (TAM) score. A cut-off at 2 points distinguished a high-risk group (score >2) from a low-risk group (score ≤2) with 1-year survival of 8.3% vs 83.9% respectively (P < .001). This model was subsequently validated in the independent multicenter cohort. The TAM score can help stratify posttransplant survival and identify an optimal transplantation window for patients with ACLF-3.

Efficacy and safety of selective internal radiotherapy with yttrium-90 resin microspheres compared with sorafenib in locally advanced and inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (SARAH): an open-label randomised controlled phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Sorafenib is the recommended treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of sorafenib to that of selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) with yttrium-90 (90Y) resin microspheres in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: SARAH was a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, investigator-initiated, phase 3 trial done at 25 centres specialising in liver diseases in France. Patients were eligible if they were aged at least 18 years with a life expectancy greater than 3 months, had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1, Child-Pugh liver function class A or B score of 7 or lower, and locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer [BCLC] stage C), or new hepatocellular carcinoma not eligible for surgical resection, liver transplantation, or thermal ablation after a previously cured hepatocellular carcinoma (cured by surgery or thermoablative therapy), or hepatocellular carcinoma with two unsuccessful rounds of transarterial chemoembolisation. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) by a permutated block method with block sizes two and four to receive continuous oral sorafenib (400 mg twice daily) or SIRT with 90Y-loaded resin microspheres 2-5 weeks after randomisation. Patients were stratified according to randomising centre, ECOG performance status, previous transarterial chemoembolisation, and presence of macroscopic vascular invasion. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Analyses were done on the intention-to-treat population; safety was assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of sorafenib or underwent at least one of the SIRT work-up exams. This study has been completed and the final results are reported here. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01482442. FINDINGS: Between Dec 5, 2011, and March 12, 2015, 467 patients were randomly assigned; after eight patients withdrew consent, 237 were assigned to SIRT and 222 to sorafenib. In the SIRT group, 53 (22%) of 237 patients did not receive SIRT; 26 (49%) of these 53 patients were treated with sorafenib. Median follow-up was 27·9 months (IQR 21·9-33·6) in the SIRT group and 28·1 months (20·0-35·3) in the sorafenib group. Median overall survival was 8·0 months (95% CI 6·7-9·9) in the SIRT group versus 9·9 months (8·7-11·4) in the sorafenib group (hazard ratio 1·15 [95% CI 0·94-1·41] for SIRT vs sorafenib; p=0·18). In the safety population, at least one serious adverse event was reported in 174 (77%) of 226 patients in the SIRT group and in 176 (82%) of 216 in the sorafenib group. The most frequent grade 3 or worse treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (20 [9%] vs 41 [19%]), liver dysfunction (25 [11%] vs 27 [13%]), increased laboratory liver values (20 [9%] vs 16 [7%]), haematological abnormalities (23 [10%] vs 30 [14%]), diarrhoea (three [1%] vs 30 [14%]), abdominal pain (six [3%] vs 14 [6%]), increased creatinine (four [2%] vs 12 [6%]), and hand-foot skin reaction (one [<1%] vs 12 [6%]). 19 deaths in the SIRT group and 12 in the sorafenib group were deemed to be treatment related. INTERPRETATION: In patients with locally advanced or intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma after unsuccessful transarterial chemoembolisation, overall survival did not significantly differ between the two groups. Quality of life and tolerance might help when choosing between the two treatments. FUNDING: Sirtex Medical Inc.

Effect of albumin in cirrhotic patients with infection other than spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Albumin infusion improves renal function and survival in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) but its efficacy in other types of infections remains unknown. We investigated this issue through a multicenter randomized controlled trial. METHODS: A total of 193 cirrhotic patients with a Child-Pugh score greater than 8 and sepsis unrelated to SBP were randomly assigned to receive antibiotics plus albumin (1.5 g/kg on day 1 and 1g/kg on day 3; albumin group [ALB]: n=96) or antibiotics alone (control group [CG]: n=97). The primary endpoint was the 3-month renal failure rate (increase in creatinine ⩾50% to reach a final value ⩾133 µmol/L). The secondary endpoint was 3-month survival rate. RESULTS: Forty-seven (24.6%) patients died (ALB: n=27 vs. CG: n=20; 3-month survival: 70.2% vs. 78.3%; p=0.16). Albumin infusion delayed the occurrence of renal failure (mean time to onset, ALB: 29.0 ± 21.8 vs. 11.7 ± 9.1 days, p=0.018) but the 3-month renal failure rate was similar (ALB: 14.3% vs. CG: 13.5%; p=0.88). By multivariate analysis, MELD score (p<0.0001), pneumonia (p=0.0041), hyponatremia (p=0.031) and occurrence of renal failure (p<0.0001) were predictors of death. Of note, pulmonary edema developed in 8/96 (8.3%) patients in the albumin group of whom two died, one on the day and the other on day 33 following albumin infusion. CONCLUSIONS: In cirrhotic patients with infections other than SBP, albumin infusion delayed onset of renal failure but did not improve renal function or survival at 3 months. Infusion of large amounts of albumin should be cautiously administered in the sickest cirrhotic patients.

[Curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma]. / Traitement curatif du carcinome hépatocellulaire.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the leading cause of death in cirrhotic patients and the third most common cause of cancer-related death. The main prognosis factors are related to tumor status (defined by number and sze of nodules, cell differentiation grade, vascular invasion, and extrahepatic spread), liver function (defined by Child-Pugh class, bilirubin, albumin, portal hypertension) and genera health status. Only a minority of patients (20-30%) are deemed suitable for potentially curative treatments including orthotopic liver transplantation and surgical resection. Only radiofrequency thermal ablation can challenge surgery for small size tumors but as after resection, local intrahepatic recurrences are common. Orthotopic liver transplantation offers hope for cure of both complicating cancer and the underlying chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and for achieve the best outcomes in well-selected candidates. Hepatic resection is the treatment of choice in non-cirrhotic patients, where major resections can be performed with low rates of life-threatening complications and acceptable outcome.

Pentoxifylline does not decrease short-term mortality but does reduce complications in patients with advanced cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Pentoxifylline, an inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, is given to patients with liver diseases, but its effects in patients with advanced cirrhosis are unknown. We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of its effects in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: A total of 335 patients with cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class C) were assigned to groups given either pentoxifylline (400 mg, orally, 3 times daily; n = 164) or placebo (n = 171) for 6 months. The primary end point was mortality at 2 months. Secondary end points were mortality at 6 months and development of liver-related complications. RESULTS: By 2 months, 28 patients in the pentoxifylline group (16.5%) and 31 in the placebo group (18.2%) had died (P = .84). At 6 months, 50 patients in the pentoxifylline group (30.0%) and 54 in the placebo group (31.5%) had died (P = .75). The proportions of patients without complications (eg, bacterial infection, renal insufficiency, hepatic encephalopathy, or gastrointestinal hemorrhage) were higher in the pentoxifylline group than in the placebo group at 2 months (78.6% vs 63.4%; P = .006) and 6 months (66.8% vs 49.7%; P = .002). The probability of survival without complications was higher in the pentoxifylline group than in the placebo group at 2 and 6 months (P = .04). In multivariate analysis, the factors associated with death were age, the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, and presence of early-stage carcinoma. Treatment with pentoxifylline was the only factor associated with liver-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Although pentoxifylline does not decrease short-term mortality in patients with advanced cirrhosis, it does reduce the risk of complications.

Covid-19 in liver transplant recipients: the French SOT COVID registry.

BACKGROUND: Notwithstanding the ongoing coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, information on its clinical presentation and prognosis in organ transplant recipients remains limited. The aim of this registry-based observational study was to report the characteristics and clinical outcomes of liver transplant (LT) recipients included in the French nationwide Registry of Solid Organ Transplant Recipients with Covid-19. METHODS: COVID-19 was diagnosed in patients who had a positive PCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 or in presence of typical lung lesions on imaging or specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Clinical and laboratory characteristics, management of immunosuppression, treatment for Covid-19, and clinical outcomes (hospitalization, admission to intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation, or death) were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 104 patients, 67 were admitted to hospital and 37 were managed at home (including all 13 children). Hospitalized patients had a median age of 65.2 years (IQR: 58.1 - 73.2 years) and two thirds were men. Most common comorbidities included overweight (67.3%), hypertension (61.2%), diabetes (50.7%), cardiovascular disease (20.9%) and respiratory disease (16.4%). SARS-CoV-2 infection was identified after a median of 92.8 months (IQR: 40.1 - 194.7 months) from LT. During hospitalization, antimetabolites, mTOR inhibitor, and CNIs were withdrawn in 41.9%, 30.0% and 12.5% of patients, respectively. The composite endpoint of severe Covid-19 within 30 days after diagnosis was reached by 33.0% of the adult patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 20.0%, and 28.1% for hospitalized patients. Multivariate analysis identified that age was independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: In our large nationwide study, Covid-19 in LT recipients was associated with a high mortality rate.

Outcome of patients treated with molecular adsorbent recirculating system albumin dialysis: A national multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) is the most widely used device to treat liver failure. Nevertheless, data from widespread real-life use are lacking. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter study conducted in all French adult care centers that used MARS between 2004 and 2009. The primary objective was to evaluate patient survival according to the liver disease and listing status. Factors associated with mortality were the secondary objectives. RESULTS: A total of 383 patients underwent 393 MARS treatments. The main indications were acute liver failure (ALF, 32.6%), and severe cholestasis (total bilirubin >340 µmol/L) (37.2%), hepatic encephalopathy (23.7%), and/or acute kidney injury-hepatorenal syndrome (22.9%) most often among patients with chronic liver disease. At the time of treatment, 34.4% of the patients were listed. Overall, the hospital survival rate was 49% (95% CI: 44-54%) and ranged from 25% to 81% depending on the diagnosis of the liver disease. In listed patients versus those not listed, the 1-year survival rate was markedly better in the setting of nonbiliary cirrhosis (59% vs 15%), early graft nonfunction (80% vs 0%), and late graft dysfunction (72% vs 0%) (all P < 0.001). Among nonbiliary cirrhotic patients, hospital mortality was associated with the severity of liver disease (HE and severe cholestasis) and not being listed for transplant. In ALF, paracetamol etiology and ≥3 MARS sessions were associated with better transplant-free survival. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that MARS should be mainly used as a bridge to liver transplantation. Survival was correlated with being listed for most etiologies and with the intensity of treatment in ALF.

Fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte membrane and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients.

BACKGROUND: Disturbances in fatty acid (FA) metabolism have been reported in cirrhosis, but the role of FAs in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unclear. Biomarkers are a promising means to explore the associations between exogenous intake or endogenous production of FAs and cancer risk. AIM: To estimate the relationship between fatty acid content in erythrocyte membranes and HCC risk in cirrhotic patients METHODS: The "CiRCE" case-control study recruited cirrhotic patients from six French hospitals between 2008 and 2012. Cases were cirrhotic patients with HCC (n = 349); controls were cirrhotic patients without HCC at inclusion (n = 550). FA composition of phospholipids in erythrocyte membranes was determined by high performance gas chromatography. Odds ratios for HCC risk according to FA concentrations were estimated with multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: HCC patients were older and more often men (P < 0.001). In both groups, saturated FAs represented more than 39% of all FAs in erythrocyte membranes, mono-unsaturated FAs around 14%, and polyunsaturated FAs around 46%. High levels of C15:0 + C17:0, C20:1 n-9, C18:2 n-6 and C20:2 n-6 were associated with higher risk of HCC. The levels of C18:0 and C20:4 n-6 were lower in HCC cases than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: The FA composition of erythrocyte membranes differed according to the presence of HCC with higher levels of saturated FAs, linoleic and eicosadienoic acids, and lower levels of stearic and arachidonic acids. These alterations may reflect particular dietary patterns and/or altered FA metabolism. Further investigations are warranted.

The epidemiology of Budd-Chiari syndrome in France.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological data is lacking on primary Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) in France. METHODS: Two approaches were used: (1) A nationwide survey in specialized liver units for French adults. (2) A query of the French database of discharge diagnoses screening to identify incident cases in adults. BCS associated with cancer, alcoholic/viral cirrhosis, or occurring after liver transplantation were classified as secondary. RESULTS: Approach (1) 178 primary BCS were identified (prevalence 4.04 per million inhabitants (pmi)), of which 30 were incident (incidence 0.68 pmi). Mean age was 40 ±â€¯14 yrs. Risk factors included myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) (48%), oral contraceptives (35%) and factor V Leiden (16%). None were identified in 21% of patients, ≥2 risk factors in 25%. BMI was higher in the group without any risk factor (25.7 kg/m2 vs 23.7 kg/m2, p < 0.001). Approach (2) 110 incident primary BCS were admitted to French hospitals (incidence 2.17 pmi). MPN was less common (30%) and inflammatory local factors predominated (39%). CONCLUSION: The entity of primary BCS as recorded in French liver units is 3 times less common than the entity recorded as nonmalignant hepatic vein obstruction in the hospital discharge database. The former entity is mostly related to MPN whereas the latter with abdominal inflammatory diseases.

The prognostic value of inflammation-based scores in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients prior to treatment with sorafenib.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is the only currently approved drug for the indication of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It provides a limited gain in survival time but is frequently associated with adverse events. We currently lack simple prognostic factors in sorafenib-treated HCC patients. Various inflammation-based scores (IBSs) have been evaluated as predictors of tumor recurrence and survival in various malignancies (including HCC). The objective of the present study was to determine the prognostic value of IBSs for overall survival (OS) in advanced HCC patients prior to the initiation of sorafenib therapy. METHODS: Patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C HCC were enrolled retrospectively between October 2007 and September 2015. To identify prognostic factors for OS, bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: 161 patients (87.0% males; median age: 67; median OS: 9.1 months) were enrolled. A multivariate analysis identified a body mass index <25kg/m2 (hazard ratio (HR)=1.55, p<0.017), macroscopic vascular invasion (HR=1.63, p< 0.001), an AST level >38 U/L (HR=2.65, p<0.001), Child Pugh B stage (HR=2.59, p<0.001) and a systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) ≥600 × 109 (HR 1.72, p=0.002) as independent risk factors for OS in advanced HCC. CONCLUSION: IBSs (such as the SII) are novel, simple, low-cost prognostic indices in patients with advanced HCC. They may be of value in determining whether these patients may benefit from sorafenib therapy.

BRIP1 coding variants are associated with a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence in patients with HCV- or HBV-related liver disease.

The molecular mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) carcinogenesis are still not fully understood. DNA repair defects may influence HCC risk. The aim of the study was to look for potential genetic variants of DNA repair genes associated with HCC risk among patients with alcohol- or viral-induced liver disease. We performed four case-control studies on 2,006 European- (Derivation#1 and #2 studies) and African-ancestry (Validation#1 and #2 studies) patients originating from several cohorts in order to assess the association between genetic variants on DNA repair genes and HCC risk using a custom array encompassing 94 genes. In the Derivation#1 study, the BRIP1 locus reached array-wide significance (Chi-squared SV-Perm, P=5.00×10-4) among the 253 haplotype blocks tested for their association with HCC risk, in patients with viral cirrhosis but not among those with alcoholic cirrhosis. The BRIP1 haplotype block included three exonic variants (rs4986763, rs4986764, rs4986765). The BRIP1 'AAA' haplotype was significantly associated with an increased HCC risk [odds ratio (OR), 2.01 (1.19-3.39); false discovery rate (FDR)-P=1.31×10-2]. In the Derivation#2 study, results were confirmed for the BRIP1 'GGG' haplotype [OR, 0.53 (0.36-0.79); FDR-P=3.90×10-3]. In both Validation#1 and #2 studies, BRIP1 'AAA' haplotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of HCC [OR, 1.71 (1.09-2.68); FDR-P=7.30×10-2; and OR, 6.45 (4.17-9.99); FDR-P=2.33×10-19, respectively]. Association between the BRIP1 locus and HCC risk suggests that impaired DNA mismatch repair might play a role in liver carcinogenesis, among patients with HCV- or HBV-related liver disease.

[Intestinal permeability and cirrhosis]. / Perméabilité intestinale et cirrhose.

Patients with cirrhosis are at increased risk of developing infections due to bacterial translocation. This process depends on three principal factors: bacterial overgrowth, immunodepression, and altered intestinal permeability. Intestinal barrier functions may be disturbed in cirrhosis, related to the toxic effects of alcohol (on mucosa and biological membranes) and portal hypertensive enteropathy. Few studies on the assessment of intestinal permeability in cirrhotic patients are available, and contradictory results may be explained by methodological differences. However, four studies using a differential sugar absorption test (lactulose-mannitol test, a combination of an oligosaccharide and a monosaccharide) showed an increased intestinal permeability in cirrhotic patients. The recurrence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis can be appreciated only by one similar case history, a low rate of protides in ascites (<10 g/L), bilirubinemia > 55 micromol/L, and thrombocytopenia<98.000/mm3. These results suggest that primary antibiotherapy prophylaxis should be recommended, but this recommendation is limited by the risk of bacterial resistant selection and by the fact that no patient survival benefits was shown. Intestinal permeability could be another predictive factor to justify preventive antibiotherapy; but more studies are needed and methods should be standardized (technique used to measure permeability, patient groups involved).

[Hepatitis A acquired from an asymptomatic adopted child]. / Hépatite A transmise par un enfant adopté asymptomatique.

We report the case of acute hepatitis in a 36-year-old woman that was acquired from an adopted African child with asymptomatic active infection. At present, most experts do not screen for hepatitis A. However, adoptive parents should be vaccinated against hepatitis A because of the risk of unrecognized active infection in adopted children from countries in which infection is endemic.

[Epigenetic changes and liver carcinogenesis]. / Anomalies épigénétiques et carcinogenèse hépatique.

The molecular mechanisms involved in liver carcinogenesis are poorly understood. Over the past decade, epigenetic changes (DNA methylation) have received increasing attention for their potential involvement in the development of hepatocarcinoma. The DNA methylation level is influenced by environmental factors (folate and methionine diet), as well as by genetic factors (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase/MTHFR polymorphisms). These findings provide new insight into the understanding of liver carcinogenesis. Interventional studies are now required to determine the role of folate supplementation in the development of liver tumors in targeted patients.

[Which place for point-of-care screening tests in the diagnosis of hepatitis C infection among drug users?]. / Quelle place pour les tests rapides d'orientation diagnostique dans le dépistage de l'hépatite C chez les usagers de drogues ?

Hepatitis C is a severe disease, which often evolves into chronicity and for which there is no vaccine available. Therefore its screening is essential, especially among drug users who are the main reservoir of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Current guidelines for screening are based on the detection of total anti-HCV antibodies (Ab) by means of third generation EIA. This test is performed in a laboratory from a venous sample. Alternative methods have been recently developed, including point-of-care tests (POCT) that offer many advantages. Their excellent diagnostic performance, their quick results and their ease of use by a large number of professionals are arguments in favor of widespread use of these tests. The expected benefits of the use of POCT are individual (better knowledge of HCV status, better access to care and treatment) but also collective (reduction of morbidity and mortality related to HCV and its cost in terms of public health) Because of their clinical interest, POCT should be refunded as well as the currently recommended screening test. In order to optimize their ease of use, POCT use should be integrated into an organized screening and hepatology follow-up system.

[Epidemiology and natural history of hepatitis C]. / Epidémiologie et histoire Naturelle de l'hépatite C.

The estimated prevalence of hepatitis C infection in France is of 0.86%. The use of intravenous drugs is currently the main cause of hepatitis C infection and it may be responsible for 4400 new infections per year in France. The acute HCV infection is commonly asymptomatic and the progression from acute to chronic hepatitis range from 55 to 85%. Age at infection, alcohol consumption and gender have a significant impact on the progression of fibrosis. The fibrosis seems to progress linearly with an acceleration after 50 years of age. HCV is the second cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in France.

[Managing the complications of cirrhosis]. / Principes de prise en charge des complications des malades cirrhotiques.

The main complications of cirrhosis are gastrointestinal bleeding related to portal hypertension, ascites, spontaneous peritonitis, hepato-renal syndrome, encephalopathy and hepatocellular carcinoma. The apparition of these complications constitutes a major event for the patient. In addition to the etiological treatment, take charge of complications can improve the prognosis of the patients.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy as an ablative treatment for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To describe efficacy and safety of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for the treatment of inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: The records of 77 consecutive patients treated with SBRT for 97 liver-confined HCC were reviewed. A total dose of 45Gy in 3 fractions was prescribed to the 80% isodose line. Local control (LC), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and toxicity were studied. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 12months. The median tumor diameter was 2.4cm. The LC rate was 99% at 1 and 2years. The 1 and 2-year OS were 81.8% and 56.6% respectively. The median time to progression was 9months (0-38). The rate of hepatic toxicity was 7.7% [1.6-13.7], 14.9% [5.7-23.2] and 23.1% [9.9-34.3] at 6months, 1year and 2years respectively. In multivariate analysis, female gender (HR 7.87 [3.14-19.69]), a BCLC B-C stage (HR 3.71 [1.41-9.76]), a sum of all lesion diameters ⩾2cm (HR 7.48 [2.09-26.83]) and a previous treatment (HR 0.10 [0.01-0.79]) were independent prognostic factors of overall survival. CONCLUSION: SBRT allows high local control for inoperable hepatocellular carcinomas. It should be considered when an ablative treatment is indicated in Child A patients.