Changes in characteristics of gastroenterology center inpatients in Japan because of rapidly aging society.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Rapidly aging societies have become a major issue worldwide including Japan. This study aimed to elucidate relative changes in the characteristics of inpatients in Japan related to this issue. METHODS: A total of 23 835 Japanese inpatients treated from 2010 to 2021 were enrolled (2010-2013, period I; 2014-2017, period II; 2018-2021, period III). Changes in clinical features were retrospectively analyzed based on ICD-10 diagnosis data. RESULTS: The percentage of patients aged over 75 years increased over time (period I, 38.0%; II, 39.5%, III, 41.4%). Emergency admissions comprised 27.5% of all in period I, which increased to 43.2% in period II and again to 44.5% in period III (P < 0.001). In period I, gastrointestinal disease, liver disease, pancreatic-biliary disease, and other disease types were noted in 47.4%, 29.5%, 19.2%, and 3.9%, respectively, while those values were 44.0%, 18.0%, 33.9%, and 4.1%, respectively, in period III (P < 0.001). The frequency of liver disease decreased by approximately 0.6-fold from periods I to III, while that of biliary-pancreatic disease increased by approximately 1.8-fold during that time. Both percentage and actual numbers of patients with biliary-pancreatic disease increased during the examined periods. Analysis of changes in the proportion of organs affected by malignancy during periods I, II, and III showed a marked increase in cases of biliary-pancreatic malignancy (11.6%, 19.5%, 26.6%, respectively) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In association with the rapidly aging Japanese society, there has been an increasing frequency of biliary-pancreatic disease cases requiring hospitalization for treatment in the west Japan region of Shikoku.

Clinical features of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with radiofrequency ablation therapy: developing a simple score to determine the need for immune-adjuvant therapy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Unresectable recurrence after curative treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a life-limited event. Although the IMbrave050 trial (IM050) showed a favorable reduction in recurrence with adjuvant immune-combination chemotherapy, inclusion criteria of the radiofrequency ablation (RFA) group were lower risk than that of the resection group. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical features of patients treated with RFA, which really need adjuvant-chemotherapy. METHODS: From 2000 to 2022, 528 patients with Child-Pugh A and HCC within the Milan criteria (MC), who met the IM050 criteria for RFA and undergone resection or RFA, were enrolled (71 years, HCV:HBV:HBV/HCV:alcohol:others = 337:44:5:53:89, multi-tumor = 138, RFA:resection = 309:219). Unresectable recurrence was defined as beyond the MC. Risk factors for recurrence beyond the MC were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Multivariate Cox-hazard analysis showed HCV-positive (HR 1.49), AFP-L3 > 10% (HR 1.75), and DCP > 100 mAU/mL (HR1.80) as significant prognostic factors for recurrence beyond the MC (each P < 0.05). Summing of positive factors (1 point for each) was used for scoring (AD-ON score), which showed increased positive rates for micro-hepatic vein invasion (score 0:1:2:3 = 0%:1.1%:6.6%:15.8%), micro-portal vein invasion (0:1:2:3 = 2.0%:12.1%:14.1%:31.6%), and poor differentiation (0:1:2:3 = 6.0%:6.7%:15.3%:15.8%) in the resection group associated with a greater score (each P < 0.01). In patients treated with RFA, those with greater AD-ON scores showed shorter time to recurrence beyond the MC, recurrence-free time, and overall survival (score 0:1:2:3 = no-estimation:97:66:23 months, 35:27:20:12 months, and 91:82:67:52 months, respectively, each P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: HCC patients treated by RFA and with a high AD-ON score (≧2) should be considered for aggressive adjuvant-chemotherapy to prolong the period of recurrence beyond the MC.

Renal Cell Carcinoma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Patient with Wilson's Disease.

No reports of renal cancer in patients with Wilson's disease (WD) exist. We herein report a 37-year-old Japanese man diagnosed with WD who had been treated with d-penicillamine 9 years prior. Hepatocellular carcinoma had been diagnosed at 36 years old and treated with radiofrequency ablation therapy. One year later, renal cancer and recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma had developed. The hepatocellular carcinoma was treated after renal cancer surgical resection of a clear-cell-type renal cell carcinoma, with iron, rather than copper, deposited on the renal cancer cells. This patient harbored a novel mutation, p. Leu1395Terfs in ATP7B.

Simple Scoring System for Esophagogastric Varices Prediction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients without Liver Stiffness Evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: For predicting esophagogastric varices (EGVs), the Virtual Baveno VII Consensus Workshop has proposed a combination of liver stiffness determination and platelet count measurement using a FibroScan®. However, FibroScan® is not available at all institutions. The present study aimed to develop a simple method to predict development of EGV using only general blood examination results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,090 hepatocellular carcinoma patients were enrolled, after excluding 956 with major portal vein tumor thrombus (Vp3/Vp4) or without upper gastrointestinal endoscopy examination results available. Those with EGV (≥ grade F2) or a history of treatment for the condition were defined as positive for significant EGV, and then clinical factors were retrospectively evaluated to determine indicators of occurrence. RESULTS: Logistic multivariate analysis showed platelet count (≤12 × 104/µL) (odds ratio [OR] 3.79, p < 0.001), mALBI grade 2a (OR 1.52, p = 0.036), and mALBI 2b or 3 (OR 3.46, p < 0.001) as significant predictive factors. Based on the OR values, platelet count (≤12 × 104/µL) and mALBI grade 2b/3 were each assigned 2 points and mALBI 2a was given 1 point, with the result termed recommendation for EGV screening (REGS) score. Significant EGV occurrence was noted in 2.9% (9/311) of the patients with a REGS score 0, 11.0% (13/118) with a score 1, 19.3% (53/274) with a score 2, 29.5% (39/132) with a score 3, and 38.0% (97/255) with a score 4 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that REGS score can provide useful predictive information for development of significant EGV without the need for special equipment such as a FibroScan®.

Usefulness of aMAP Risk Score for Predicting Recurrence after Curative Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma within Milan Criteria.

INTRODUCTION: The aMAP score is a prediction model for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk in chronic hepatitis patients. This study was conducted to elucidate the utility of this model for predicting initial recurrence of HCC in patients within the Milan criteria after undergoing curative treatment. METHODS: Patients with naïve HCC within the Milan criteria (n = 1,020) and treated from January 2000 to August 2022 were enrolled. The cohort was divided into two groups according to the aMAP score (high ≥60, low <60) and then compared for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Comparisons between the high and low groups showed that etiology (HBV:HCV:HBV+HCV:NBNC = 41:79:2:37 vs. 65:589:11:196, p < 0.001), AST (36 vs. 46 IU/L, p < 0.001), and multiple HCC occurrence (15% vs. 22%, p = 0.026) were significantly different. Additionally, median RFS (59.8 vs. 30.9 months; p < 0.001) and median OS (154.1 vs. 83.4 months, p < 0.01) were greater in the low group. As for patients with HCC due to chronic viral hepatitis, there was a significant difference in median RFS between the groups (59.8 vs. 30.6 months, p < 0.001), especially for HCV-positive patients (53.1 vs. 27.2 months, p = 0.002). In patients with HCC due to a nonviral cause, the difference in median RFS between the low (70.9 months) and high (32.0 months) groups was not significant. DISCUSSION: Findings of this retrospective study indicate a significant association of elevated aMAP with worse RFS in patients with HCC caused by chronic viral hepatitis, especially those with HCV. The aMAP score is considered useful to predict not only HCC-carcinogenesis risk but also risk of recurrence following curative treatment.

Clinical Utility of Albumin Bilirubin Grade as a Prognostic Marker in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Transarterial Chemoembolization: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Hepatic function is a key prognostic marker in patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and central to patient selection for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). We investigated the clinical utility of the Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) grade, an emerging prognostic model, in this heterogenous cohort via a meta-analysis of published studies. METHODS: Publications including full text articles and abstracts regarding ALBI grade were sourced by two independent researchers from databases including PubMed, Embase, Medline and Cochrane Library. Studies analysing patients with HCC undergoing TACE treatment were systematically screened utilising the PRISMA tool for data extraction and synthesis, after exclusion of duplicates, irrelevant studies and overlapping cohorts. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), as determined by ALBI grade and assessed by hazard ratio (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with analysis of collated data using comprehensive meta-analysis, version 3.0 software. RESULTS: Eight studies were included, with a pooled population of 6538 patients with HCC that underwent TACE treatment. Higher pre-treatment grade was associated with poor OS, with median OS of 12.0 months (P < 0.001) in ALBI grade 3, compared to 33.5 months in ALBI grade 1 (P < 0.001). Significant heterogeneity within each ALBI grade was associated with age and tumour size (P < 0.001) in ALBI grades 1 and 2. In contrast, age and alcohol-related liver disease were significant in the ALBI grade 3 group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High pre-treatment ALBI grade is associated with poorer prognosis in patients with HCC undergoing TACE therapy. The ALBI grade demonstrates clinical utility for clinical prognostication and patient selection for TACE.

Comparison of Surgical Resection and Percutaneous Ultrasonographic Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Initial Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Early Stage following Curative Treatment.

Background/Aim: The SURF trial showed that surgical resection (SR) and percutaneous ultrasonographic guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) had equal therapeutic effects for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, consensus regarding which treatment is appropriate for initial recurrent early-stage HCC remains lacking. This study aimed to elucidate therapeutic efficacy differences between SR and RFA for initial recurrent early-stage HCC. Materials/Methods: From 2000 to 2021, 371 patients with recurrent early-stage HCC (≤3 cm, ≤3 nodules) after undergoing initial curative treatment with SR or RFA were enrolled (median age 72 years; males 269; Child−Pugh A:B, n = 328:43; SR:RFA, n = 36:335). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Although the median albumin−bilirubin (ALBI) score was better in the SR than the RFA group (−2.90 vs. −2.50, p < 0.01), there were no significant differences between them in regard to RFS (median 28.1 months, 95% CI 23.4−50.0 vs. 22.1 months, 95% CI 19.3−26.2; p = 0.34), OS (78.9 months, 95% CI 49.3­not applicable vs. 71.2 months 95% CI, 61.8−84.7; p = 0.337), or complications (8.3% vs. 9.3%; p = 1.0). In sub-analysis for RFS and OS according to ALBI grade revealed no significant differences between the SR and RFA groups (ALBI 1/2 = 28.2/17.5 vs. 24.0/23.4 months; p = 0.881/0684 and ALBI 1/2 = 78.9/58.9 vs. 115.3/52.6 months, p = 0.651/0.578, respectively). Conclusion: This retrospective study found no significant differences in regard to RFS or OS between patients in the SR and the RFA groups for initial recurrence of early-stage HCC after undergoing curative treatment. These results showing equal therapeutic efficacy of SR and RFA confirm the findings of the SURF trial.

Clinical Usefulness of Surgical Resection Including the Complementary Use of Radiofrequency Ablation for Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background/Aim: For intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer [BCLC]-B) cases, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is recognized as the standard treatment, while systemic therapy is recommended for TACE-unsuitable HCC. However, because the curative potential is not high, this study was conducted to elucidate the potential outcomes of surgical resection (SR) for BCLC-B HCC cases. Materials/Methods: From January 2000 to July 2022, 70 patients with BCLC-B HCC treated with surgery as the initial treatment were enrolled (median age 67.5 years, beyond up-to-7 criteria 44). Forty-five were treated with SR only (SR group), while twenty-five underwent that with complemental radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (Comb group). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were retrospectively evaluated in both groups. Results: The median albumin−bilirubin (ALBI) score was better in the SR as compared with the Comb group (−2.74 vs. −2.52, p = 0.02), while there were no significant differences between them for median RFS (17.7 vs. 13.1 months; p = 0.70) or median OS (66.6 vs. 72.0 months p = 0.54). As for those beyond up-to-7 criteria, there were no significant differences for median RFS (18.2 vs. 13.0 months; p = 0.36) or median OS (66.5 vs. 72.0 months; p = 0.57). An acceptable five-year cumulative survival rate (>50%) was obtained in both groups (54% vs. 64%). Conclusion: This retrospective study found no significant differences for RFS or OS between the present SR and Comb groups with BCLC-B HCC. When possible to perform, the outcome of SR for BCLC-B is favorable, with a five-year survival rate greater than 50%.

Exacerbation of psoriasis vulgaris by sorafenib treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma.

We treated a 66-year-old Japanese male with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u-HCC) for multiple (>5) liver tumors (maximum 2.6 cm in size, Child-Pugh B score 7) in September 2018. The patient had a history of psoriasis vulgaris and sorafenib (SOR) was introduced (800 mg/day) because of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) refractoriness. However, psoriasis vulgaris exacerbation and a high fever were observed 2 weeks later, and the patient was admitted, after which improvement of psoriasis vulgaris was obtained with external medicine administration and SOR intake discontinuation. Few reports have noted exacerbation of psoriasis vulgaris caused by SOR treatment.

[A case of mass-forming chronic pancreatitis with amputation neuroma-like neurogenesis of the bile duct].

A man in his 40s visited a facility with the chief complaint of abdominal pain;liver dysfunction was detected, and consequently, he was referred to our hospital for further examinations. His medical history was unremarkable. He used to drink alcohol (beer, 1500mL) every day. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography showed stenosis of the distal bile duct and slight dilation of the upstream bile duct. Common bile duct stones and gallbladder stones were not detected. Malignant tumors in the bile duct biopsy were not discovered. The patient underwent subtotal stomach preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. The pathological diagnosis was chronic pancreatitis with amputation neuroma-like neurogenesis of the bile duct.

SARC-F combined with a simple tool for assessment of muscle abnormalities in outpatients with chronic liver disease.

AIM: An easily performed method for examination of muscle abnormalities is anticipated. We aimed to elucidate the clinical usefulness of simple assessments for muscle abnormality including a simple five-item questionnaire (SARC-F) in chronic liver disease patients. METHODS: From February to July 2019, 383 outpatients (median age 71 years, 259 men; chronic hepatitis (CH) : liver cirrhosis Child-Pugh A : liver cirrhosis Child-Pugh B : liver cirrhosis Child-Pugh C = 157:176:39:11) who underwent a computed tomography examination were enrolled. SARC-F, previously reported cut-off values for muscle strength decline (MSD; handgrip), pre-muscle volume loss (pre-MVL), calf circumference and finger-circle test results were used, and these results were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: A high SARC-F score (≥4) was observed in 25 patients, and a low score (<4) in 358 patients. The frequency of high SARC-F increased significantly with progression of chronic liver disease (chronic hepatitis : liver cirrhosis Child-Pugh A : liver cirrhosis Child-Pugh B/C = 2.5%:8.0%:14.0%, P=0.010). MSD frequency was 22.4% in men and 41.1% in women. Muscle volume loss and pre-MVL were noted in 22% and 30.5%, respectively, of the male patients, and 9.7% and 32.3%, respectively, of the female patients. In cases with high SARC-F and MSD, calf circumference and finger-circle abnormalities were found in 56% and 40.0% of patients, respectively, whereas those values for patients with low SARC-F and MSD were 14.5% and 10.6%, respectively (P < 0.001, for each; positive/negative predictive values: 0.560/0.855 and 0.400/0.894, respectively). Each SARC-F item showed a good area under the curve for MSD, but not pre-MVL. CONCLUSION: SARC-F score in combination with MSD and calf circumference or finger-circle test results may be an easy and simple method for surveillance of chronic liver disease patients with a high risk of sarcopenia and decline of quality of life.

Zinc deficiency as an independent prognostic factor for patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma due to hepatitis virus.

AIM: Although a reduced serum zinc level is often observed in patients with chronic liver disease due to hepatitis virus, its prognostic importance has not been adequately investigated. This study aimed to elucidate the association of zinc deficiency with prognosis, especially in early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. METHODS: From 2005 to 2018, 466 patients with naïve HCC due to hepatitis virus were enrolled (327 men, 139 women; median age 70 years; hepatitis C virus [HCV] n = 389, hepatitis B virus [HBV] n = 69, hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus n = 8; Child-Pugh A n = 367, Child-Pugh B n = 82; Child-Pugh C n = 17; TNM-LCSGJ stage I n = 150, stage II n = 181, stage III n = 91, stage IVa n = 26, state IVb n = 18). Of the 466 patients, 287 were within the Milan criteria (early HCC) and treated curatively. Zinc deficiency was defined as <60 µg/dL. Clinical records and prognostic factors were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The levels of serum zinc became lower with chronic liver disease progression (Child-Pugh A, B, C: 64.3 ± 14.3, 52.3 ± 15.7, 48.4 ± 13.5 µg/dL, respectively; P < 0.001). In early HCC patients treated curatively, overall survival and recurrence rates were better in patients treated curatively and without zinc deficiency as compared with patients with zinc deficiency (3-year overall survival 86.5% vs. 77.2%, 5-year overall survival 73.5% vs. 43.8%, P < 0.001; 3-year recurrence 44.8% vs. 58.3%, 5-year recurrence 56.8% vs. 77.5%, P = 0.002). Not only infection control of hepatitis virus (sustained virological response in HCV or nucleos(t)ide analogs in HBV; HR 0.078, P < 0.001), but also zinc deficiency (HR 1.773, P = 0.041) were significant prognostic factors for death. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of zinc were reduced in association with chronic liver disease grade progression. In addition to infection control of hepatitis virus, zinc deficiency might be a significant prognostic factor for survival in patients with early HCC due to viral hepatitis treated curatively.

Ultrasonography surveillance improves prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

To examine the effectiveness of ultrasonography (US) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance, the prognosis of HCC patients who underwent such screening at an expert medical institution or at general clinics were analyzed, as well as those without US surveillance. From October 2006 to December 2014, 872 patients with naïve HCC were enrolled and divided into the surveillance (S)-group (n=398), who underwent follow-up examinations with US, and the non-S group (n=474). The S-group was further subdivided into patients who underwent follow-up surveillance at Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, an expert medical institution (SE-group, n=189), and those who received surveillance at general clinics (SG-group, n=209). Prognosis and clinical characteristics were analyzed. In the non-S group, the frequency of patients without viral hepatitis (NBNC-HCC) and Tumor, Node, Metastasis stage was greater. As a result, the median survival time (MST) of the non-S group was reduced, compared with the S group (non-S group, 34.1 vs. S group, 68.2 months; P<0.001). Tumor size was significantly different between the SE- and SG-groups (SE-group, 2.0±1.0 vs. SG-group, 2.5±1.3 cm; P<0.001), whereas tumor number (SE-group: 1.5±1.1 vs. SG-group, 1.7±1.2; P=0.164) and MST (SE-group, 72.1 vs. SG-group, 67.1 months; P=0.931) were not significantly different. Surveillance performed at either an expert medical institution or general clinic improved the prognosis of HCC patients. Dissemination of findings demonstrating the importance of surveillance for HCC to all clinicians as well as patients with chronic liver disease is important, and establishment of an effective surveillance strategy for NBNC-HCC is required.

[Marked improvement in renal tubular markers after switching from adefovir to tenofovir alafenamide in a case of Fanconi syndrome diagnosed through high ALP levels].

A woman in her 60s visited our hospital due to elevation of ALP (1357U/L). The patient had been treated with lamivudine (LAM) in 2005, LAM+adefovir (ADV) in 2009, and ADV+entecavir in 2015 for chronic hepatitis B (CH-B). The ALP isozyme was predominantly bone type. Urinary ß-2 microglobulin (MG) and α-1MG increased to 49635µg/L and 64.1mg/L, respectively. Though no fractures were found during bone scintigraphy, the patient was diagnosed with Fanconi syndrome. However, 3 months after switching from ADV to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), ALP decreased to 856U/L, and urinary ß-2MG and α-1MG decreased to 624µg/L and 6.0mg/L, respectively. Fanconi syndrome should be considered when an increase in ALP is observed in patients treated with ADV, and urinary ß-2MG and α-1MG assays are useful for establishing a diagnosis. Switching from ADV to TAF was an effective therapeutic option.

Combination of Resection and Ablative Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Usefulness of Complementary Radiofrequency Ablation.

AIM/BACKGROUND: In HCC patients with multiple tumors in separate segments, monotherapy with surgical resection is often difficult when the estimated residual liver volume after surgery is thought to be inadequate. We evaluated the usefulness of resection combined with low invasive radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treatment of such cases. MATERIALS/METHODS: We analyzed 115 HCC patients with countable multiple tumors (≤5) without vascular invasion and/or extrahepatic metastasis, and treated solely with resection (SR group: n = 82), or with both resection and RFA (Comb group: n = 33) from January 2000 to December 2017. Clinical characteristics, overall survival rate (OSR), and disease-free survival rate (DFSR) were analyzed in a retrospective manner. RESULTS: There were 88 males (76.5%) and the average age of all patients was 67.8 ± 8.9 years. The average number of tumors and average maximum tumor size were 2.4 ± 0.7 and 4.1 ± 2.1 cm, respectively. Forty-two (36.5%) patients were classified as beyond up-to-7 criteria. The 3- and 5-year OSRs in the SR group were 82.0 and 67.0%, respectively, and in the Comb group were 75.2 and 65.6%, respectively (p = 0.244), while the 3- and 5-year DFSRs in the SR group were 45.2 and 28.0%, respectively, and those in the Comb group were 37.3 and 23.3%, respectively (p = 0.257). CONCLUSION: The combination of surgical resection and complementary RFA may be an effective strategy for treating HCC patients with countable multiple tumors, who are otherwise difficult to treat with surgical resection or RFA alone.

Easy surveillance of muscle volume decline in chronic liver disease patients using finger-circle (yubi-wakka) test.

BACKGROUND: Muscle atrophy (MA) and muscle strength decline are important clinical features in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients. An easy to perform MA screening method without need for special equipment would be helpful. We evaluated the usefulness of the previously reported finger-circle test as screening for MA in CLD patients. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 358 Japanese CLD outpatients (70.8 ± 10.2 years, male/female = 234/124) who had undergone a computed tomography examination from December 2017 to March 2018, of whom 137 had chronic hepatitis, 169 had liver cirrhosis Child-Pugh A, and 52 had liver cirrhosis Child-Pugh B/C. Bilateral psoas muscle area at the middle of the third lumber vertebra (L3) was evaluated with computed tomography findings, which was performed as a screening of hepatocellular carcinoma, using a previously reported parameter for MA [psoas index (PI): total psoas muscle area (cm2 )/height (m)2 ] [mean PI ± standard deviation (SD) of male patients: 6.50 ± 1.13 cm2 /m2 and those of female patients: 4.30 ± 0.90 cm2 /m2 ]. We then evaluated the correlation between MA and finger-circle test results in these patients. RESULTS: The mean PI values for finger-circle test results Bigger, Just-fits, and Smaller were 5.64 ± 1.34, 5.00 ± 1.25, and 4.83 ± 1.46 cm2 /m2 , respectively, in male patients (P < 0.001) and 4.31 ± 1.06, 3.93 ± 0.97, and 3.42 ± 0.94 cm2 /m2 , respectively, in female patients (P = 0.001). We found that a finger-circle test result in male patients other than Bigger (Just-fits and Smaller) predicted a decline in psoas muscle area of L3 to PI 5.25 cm2 /m2 (sensitivity/specificity 0.619/0.667, area under the curve 0.654, 95% confidence interval 0.583-0.724), which was approximately mean minus 1 SD (5.37 cm2 /m2 ). On the other hand, a Smaller test result in female patients predicted a decline in psoas muscle area of L3 to PI 3.33 cm2 /m2 (sensitivity/specificity 0.740/0.583, area under the curve 0.698, 95% confidence interval 0.583-0.813), approximately mean minus 1 SD (3.40 cm2 /m2 ). CONCLUSIONS: The finger-circle test is an easy to perform and effective screening method for predicting earlier stage of MA in CLD patients without the need for special equipment.

Prediction of risk of falls based on handgrip strength in chronic liver disease patients living independently.

AIM: Falling is known to be associated with cognitive function. We evaluated the relationship between muscle function and falls in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). METHODS: We enrolled 100 sequential CLD patients without dementia who were admitted to our institution for scheduled treatment from July 2017 to May 2018 (age 71.0 ± 10.2 years; 76 men). All subjects were self-reliant in regard to activities of daily living. On admission, handgrip strength was determined and falls within 1 month of admission were noted. For determining handgrip strength decline (HSD), previously reported values were used (men, <26 kg; women, <18 kg). The relationship between HSD and falls in CLD patients was evaluated in a retrospective manner. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients had chronic hepatitis and 49 had liver cirrhosis (LC) Child-Pugh A, 17 had LC Child-Pugh B, and 2 had LC Child-Pugh C. Twelve (12.0%) had a history of falling, including 8 (26.7%) of 30 with and 4 (5.7%) of 70 without HSD (P = 0.006). The cut-off value for age in relationship to falling was 69.0 years old (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.668; 95% confidence interval, 0.514-0.821). A fall during hospitalization was noted more often in patients with a history of falling than in those without (16.7% [2/12] vs. 2.3% [2/88], P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: In CLD patients, the presence of HSD and older age might be independent risk factors for predicting a fall. Assessment of handgrip strength could be an effective clinical tool for easily assessing the risk of falling, especially in elderly CLD patients.

Proposed a simple score for recommendation of scheduled ultrasonography surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma after Direct Acting Antivirals: multicenter analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To develop a scoring method using with common clinical data for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development after sustained virological response at 24 weeks (SVR24) after treatment with direct acting antivirals (DAAs), we retrospectively evaluated clinical features of patients who obtained SVR24. METHODS: From October 2014 to December 2017, 1069 hepatitis C virus patients without a past history of HCC, who obtained SVR24 by DAAs at two different areas, were enrolled (the training [n = 484, ChuShikoku-group] and validation [n = 585, Chubu-group] sets). All were examined by ultrasonography as surveillance for HCC at the time of starting DAAs and twice a year after SVR24. We identified three parameters at SVR24, male gender, FIB-4 index > 3.25, and α-fetoprotein level > 5.0 ng/mL, as risk factors for HCC development and gave them point values, with the sum used as After DAAs Recommendation for Surveillance (ADRES) score. RESULTS: In the ChuShikoku-group, the respective 1-/2-year rates for HCC incidence rates ADRES score 0 were 0.0%/0.0%, for a score 1 were 1.1%/2.1%, score 2 were 8.8%/15.9%, and score 3 were 17.1%/28.1%. On the other hand, those respective scores for the Chubu-group were 0.0%/0.0%, 0.0%/0.7%, 7.9%/10.6%, and 19.5%/not available. The c-index of the predictive value for HCC development in the training set after SVR24 was 0.835 while 0.899 in the validation set. Finally, those of the entire cohort were 0.0%/0.0%, 0.5%/1.6%, 8.4%/13.4%, and 18.0%/32.8%. CONCLUSION: The present ADRES score was simple and easy to use and may be useful for predicting risk of HCC development in short term after reaching SVR24 by DAAs.

Relative changes in handgrip strength and skeletal muscle volume in patients with chronic liver disease over a 2-year observation period.

AIM: There are few reports regarding relative changes in muscle function of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). We examined CLD patients to evaluate relative changes in handgrip strength and muscle volume. METHODS: We enrolled 413 CLD outpatients who underwent handgrip strength measurements in both 2015 and 2017 (age 67.9 ± 10.0 years; male / female = 242/171; hepatitis C virus [HCV] / hepatitis B virus [HBV] / HBV and HCV / alcohol / others = 239/92/4/22/56; Child-Pugh score [CPS] in 2015 [5/6/7/8/9/≥10 = 335/51/12/11/3/1]). Relative change in muscle volume (ΔPI) from 2015 to 2017 was evaluated using computed tomography findings in 230 of the patients, using a previously reported method. Clinical characteristics, as well as relative changes of handgrip strength (ΔHGS) and ΔPI were analyzed. RESULTS: For the patient cohort as a whole, CPS became significantly worse in 2017 (5/6/7/8/9/≥10 = 319/56/13/11/5/9; P = 0.002). In individual patients with CPS decline, serum albumin level was significantly decreased (3.78 ± 0.50 to 3.33 ± 0.61 g/dL; P < 0.001), whereas no decrease was seen in those without such a decline (4.16 ± 0.48 to 4.20 ± 0.44 g/dL; P = 0.028). Furthermore, ΔHGS (-1.4 ± 4.8 [n = 59] vs. 0.7 ± 4.8 kg [n = 354]; P = 0.002) and ΔPI (-0.44 ± 0.88 [n = 38] vs. 0.03 ± 0.64 cm2 /m2 [n = 192]; P = 0.003) were worse in patients with, compared to those without, a decline in CPS. Age was not significantly different between patients with and without handgrip strength decline (66.5 ± 10.3 vs. 65.3 ± 9.9 years; P = 0.256). There was a significant relationship between ΔHGS, ΔPI and relative change in serum albumin (r = 0.161, P = 0.001 and r = 0.225, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Decline in CPS, especially decreasing serum albumin level, showed a significant relationship with muscle function reduction and muscle volume loss.