PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DE PACIENTES COM HEPATITE C CRÔNICA TRATADOS COM ANTIVIRAIS DE AÇÃO DIRETA EM UM CENTRO DE REFERÊNCIA NO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO / EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C TREATED WITH DIRECT ACTION ANTIVIRALS IN A REFERENCE CENTER IN THE STATE OF RIO DE JANEIRO

Segundo o Ministério da Saúde, o número de casos notificados e confirmados de hepatite C no período entre 1999 e 2020 foi de 262.815 casos no Brasil. Em 2016, a OMS estabeleceu como objetivo global que as hepatites não fossem mais um problema de saúde pública em 2030. A partir de 2015, os agentes antivirais de ação direta (DAA) começaram a ser utilizados nessa terapêutica. O tratamento atual da hepatite C com os novos DAA revolucionou o cenário mundial com taxas de cura de até 98%. O objetivo desse artigo é apresentar e discutir o tratamento realizado com DAA em pacientes com hepatite C crônica em um centro de referência no Estado do Rio de Janeiro no período entre novembro de 2015 e julho de 2019. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, prospectivo e descritivo de pacientes com hepatite C crônica tratados com DAA no ambulatório de hepatologia de um hospital de referência. No presente estudo pode ser concluído que a maioria dos pacientes evoluiu para a cura após o tratamento. Foi possível concluir também que os esforços idealizados pela OMS para que o vírus da hepatite C seja erradicado estão ocorrendo de forma positiva e que com as novas DAAs é possível ter um número satisfatoriamente alto de RVS, evitando, assim, desfechos desfavoráveis, como por exemplo, o surgimento de carcinoma hepatocelular.

According to the Ministry of Health, the number of notified and confirmed cases of hepatitis C in the period between 1999 and 2020 was 262,815 cases in Brazil. In 2016, the WHO established as a global goal that hepatitis was no longer a public health problem in 2030. As of 2015, direct action antiviral agents (DAA) began to be used in this therapy. The current treatment of hepatitis C with the new DAA has revolutionized the world scenario with cure rates of up to 98%. The aim of this article is to present and discuss the treatment performed with DAA in patients with chronic hepatitis C in a reference center in the state of Rio de Janeiro between November 2015 and July 2019. This is an observational, prospective and descriptive study of patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with DAA in the hepatology clinic of a reference hospital. In the present study, it can be concluded that most patients evolved to cure after treatment. It was also possible to conclude that the efforts idealized by the WHO to eradicate the hepatitis C virus are occurring in a positive way and that with the new DAAs it is possible to have a satisfactorily high number of SVR, thus avoiding unfavorable outcomes, such as the appearance of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Microeliminação da hepatite C na população carcerária: realmente possível? / Micro-elimination of hepatitis c in the incarcerated population: is it really possible?

ABSTRACT According to the World Health Organization, 71 million people live with chronic hepatitis C. The treatment of this disease requires assistance from specialized physicians and a highly complex health care system. The prison population has been recognized as being at a high risk of acquiring confinement-related infections, including viral hepatitis. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a primary cause of death owing to liver disease among liberty-deprived individuals. Generally, prisons do not have adequate isolation wards for persons with communicable diseases, and overcrowding is a risk factor for this population. Besides prison overcrowding, violence, poor sanitary conditions, low socioeconomic status, social isolation, and emotional instability are factors that can lead detainees to adopt unhealthy habits that make them more susceptible to infections, including HCV, and complicate effective treatment. The Criminal Execution Law 7, 210 of July 11, 1984, in Article 14, grants preventive and curative medical, dental, and pharmacological healthcare to detainees. However, adequate hepatitis C treatment is rarely provided at prisons owing to social stigma and lack of knowledge on the severity of this condition or because most detainees are unaware of their condition. Given the multiple limitations imposed by the prison system model, implementing measures to treat diseases effectively is challenging. However, it is possible to eliminate hepatitis C in prisons in the long term through the coordinated action of public health institutions and the prison system.

RESUMO De acordo com a Organização Mundial da Saúde, 71 milhões de pessoas vivem com hepatite C crônica. O tratamento dessa doença requer assistência de médicos especializados e um sistema de saúde de alta complexidade. A população carcerária tem sido reconhecida como sendo de alto risco de adquirir infecções relacionadas às condições de confinamento, incluindo hepatites virais. O vírus da hepatite C (VHC) é uma causa primária de morte por doença hepática em pessoas privadas de liberdade. Geralmente, as prisões não possuem locais adequados para isolamento de pessoas com doenças transmissíveis e a superlotação é um fator de risco para essa população. Além da superlotação das prisões, violência, más condições sanitárias, baixo nível socioeconômico, isolamento social e instabilidade emocional são motivos adicionais que induzem os detidos a praticar hábitos não saudáveis, que os tornam mais suscetíveis a certas infecções (incluindo VHC) e complicam o tratamento específico. A Lei de Execução Penal n. 7.210, de 11 de julho de 1984, em seu artigo 14, garante assistência preventiva e curativa à saúde, incluindo assistência médica, farmacêutica e odontológica aos detidos. No entanto, o tratamento adequado da hepatite C é raramente fornecido nas prisões devido estigma social ou falta de conhecimento de sua condição ou porque a maioria dos detidos não tem conhecimento de sua condição. Devido a múltiplas limitações impostas pelo modelo prisional, a implementação de medidas para o tratamento eficaz de doenças é desafiadora. No entanto, é possível eliminar a hepatite C em um ambiente prisional de longa permanência através de ações coordenadas de instituições de saúde pública e o sistema prisional.

Tratamiento de infección crónica por virus de hepatitis C en niños, ¿perspectiva hacia la curación o lejos de la meta? / Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in children, prospect towards cure or far from the goal?

Resumen La infección por el virus de hepatitis C es un problema global de salud pública; en México aproximadamente 2 % de la población se encuentra infectada. En niños, los datos de prevalencia son variables según la edad, pero se estima que 0.1 a 2 % de los niños presenta infección crónica por virus de hepatitis C, cuya principal vía de transmisión es la perinatal. Actualmente existen antivirales de acción directa aprobados en adultos con una tasa de respuesta viral sostenida superior a 95 %; sin embargo, en niños aún son pocos los estudios que confirman su seguridad y efectividad. Aunque todavía estamos lejos de la meta, avanzamos rápidamente hacia un tratamiento óptimo de curación también para pacientes pediátricos.

Abstract Infection with hepatitis C virus is a global health problem; in Mexico, approximately 2% of the population is infected. In children, data on prevalence are variable according to the age group, but 0.1-2% of children are estimated to have chronic infection with hepatitis C virus, the main way of transmission of which is perinatal. Currently, there are direct-acting antiviral agents approved in adults that offer a sustained viral response rate higher than 95%; however, in children there are still only few studies confirming their safety and effectiveness. Although we are still far from the goal, we are rapidly advancing towards an optimal curative treatment also for pediatric patients.

How are HCV-infected patients being identified in Brazil: a multicenter study

ABSTRACT Background: Hepatitis C is an important health problem. In Brazil, 1-2 million people are infected. Despite this expressive number, and the availability of very successful treatment, many patients remained undiagnosed mainly because of the asymptomatic nature of the infection. Objectives: To describe epidemiological characteristics of HCV-infected patients seen at referral centers in Brazil, the source of referral, and the time spanned to reach a reference center, in order to improve the identification of undiagnosed patients. Methods: Multicenter observational, cross-sectional study carried out in 15 centers of Brazil, between January/2016 and June/2017. Data of patients with a confirmed diagnosis (anti-HCV and HCV-RNA) were collected by interview using standard questionnaires and by review of charts. Results: Two thousand patients were included; 55.1% were male, mean age 58 ± 11 years. Only 14.9% had higher education and 84.2% received up to five monthly minimum Brazilian wages (approximately US$260.00/month). The time between diagnosis and beginning of follow-up was 22.9 months. The most common reasons for testing were check-up (33.2%) and blood donation (19%). General practitioners diagnosed most of the patients (30.1%). Fibrosis stage was mainly evaluated by liver biopsy (61.5%) and 31.3% of the patients were cirrhotic at diagnosis. Conclusions: This multicenter Brazilian study showed that the mean time to reach a referral center for treatment was almost two years. Primary care physicians diagnoses most hepatitis C cases in the country. Population campaigns and medical education should be encouraged to intensify screening of asymptomatic individuals, considering the efficiency of check-ups in identifying new patients.

Perfil dos pacientes com hepatite C crônica em um programa de saúde pública do sul do Brasil / Profile of patients with chronic hepatitis c in a public health program in southern brazil

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) can progress to cirrhosis and its complications as hepatocellular carcinoma, leading to morbidity and mortality. To know the profile of patients with CHC virus is fundamental to optimize management. OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile of patients with CHC in a public health program in Southern Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out in patients with CHC who underwent treatment against hepatitis C virus in a dispensation and pharmaceutical assistance center of the Public Health Department of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, South Brazil. All medical records of patients attended between December/2015 and December/2016 were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 1,431 records of patients with CHC were evaluated. Males were the most prevalent (802; 56%) patients. The mean age was 58.6±9.9 years, ranging from 18 to 89 years. Genotype 1 was the most frequent (866;60.5%) of the patients. Ninety (6.3%) patients were transplanted from a solid organ, and of these, 73 (5.1%) were transplanted from the liver. The fibrosis evaluation was performed in 1,300 (90.8%) patients. Of these, 566 (39.6%) were evaluated through liver biopsy. Regarding the degree of fibrosis, 779 (54.4%) presented fibrosis grade 4 (cirrhosis). The genotype 3 was the most associated with fibrosis grade 4, and genotype 1 was associated with high viral load. CONCLUSION: The present study made possible the evaluation of the characteristics of patients with CHC in a public health program in South Brazil. There was a predominance of CHC in males, and the mean age was 59 years. They presented a predominance of genotype 1, higher viral load in patients with genotype 1 and greater degree of fibrosis in patients with genotype 3.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A hepatite crônica C (HCC) pode evoluir para cirrose e suas complicações como carcinoma hepatocelular, acarretando morbimortalidade. Conhecer o perfil dos pacientes portadores do vírus da HCC é fundamental para o melhor manejo do tratamento. OBJETIVO: Descrever o perfil dos pacientes portadores de HCC em um programa de saúde pública do sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo onde foram incluídos os pacientes com HCC que realizaram o tratamento contra o vírus C em um polo de dispensação e assistência farmacêutica da Secretaria Estadual da Saúde do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram avaliados todos os prontuários dos pacientes tratados entre dezembro/2015 e dezembro/2016. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 1.431 registros de pacientes portadores de HCC. O sexo masculino foi o mais prevalente (802; 56%) pacientes. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 58,6±9,9 anos, com variação de 18 a 89 anos. O genótipo 1 foi o mais frequente, em 866 (60,5%) dos pacientes. Noventa (6,3%) pacientes eram transplantados de órgão sólido, sendo que 73 (5,1%) eram transplantados de fígado. A avaliação de fibrose foi realizada em 1.300 (90,8%) pacientes. Dentre estes, 566 (39,6%) foram avaliados através de biópsia hepática. Em relação ao grau de fibrose, 779 (54,4%) apresentavam fibrose grau 4 (cirrose). Os genótipos foram analisados em relação aos diferentes graus de fibrose, sendo observado que o genótipo 3 está associado com o grau 4 de fibrose. O genótipo 1 está associado com alta carga viral. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo possibilitou a avaliação do perfil dos pacientes portadores de HCC em um programa de saúde pública do Brasil. Houve uma predominância de HCC no sexo masculino, e a média de idade foi de 59 anos. Apresentam um predomínio do genótipo 1, maior carga viral nos pacientes portadores do genótipo 1 e maior grau de fibrose nos portadores de genótipo 3.

Hepatite C no sistema público de saúde brasileiro: impacto da doença / Hepatitis c in the brazilian public health care system: burden of disease

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Infection by hepatitis C virus is one of the leading causes of chronic hepatitis C and cause severe burden for patients, families and the health care system. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this research were to assess the severity of liver fibrosis, comorbidities and complications of hepatitis C virus; to examine health-related quality of life (HRQoL), productivity loss and resource use and costs in a sample of Brazilian chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1, patients. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional multicenter study performed in genotype-1 chronic hepatitis C patients to assess disease burden in the Brazilian public health care system between November 2014 and March 2015. Patients were submitted to a liver transient elastography (FibroScan) to assess liver fibrosis and answered an interview composed by a questionnaire specifically developed for the study and three standardized questionnaires: EQ-5D-3L, HCV-PRO and WPAI:HepC. RESULTS: There were 313 subjects enrolled, with predominance of women (50.8%), caucasian/white (55.9%) and employed individuals (39.9%). Mean age was 56 (SD=10.4) years old. Moreover, 42.8% of patients who underwent FibroScan were cirrhotic; the most frequent comorbidity was cardiovascular disease (62.6%) and the most frequent complication was esophageal varices (54.5%). The results also showed that "pain and discomfort" was the most affected HRQoL dimension (55.0% of patients reported some problems) and that the mean HCV-PRO overall score was 69.1 (SD=24.2). Regarding productivity loss, the most affected WPAI:HepC component was daily activity (23.5%) and among employed patients, presenteeism was more frequent than absenteeism (18.5% vs 6.5%). The direct medical costs in this chronic hepatitis C sample was 12,305.72USD per patient in the 2 years study period; drug treatment costs represented 95.9% of this total. CONCLUSION: This study showed that most patients are cirrhotic, present high prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases and esophageal varices, reduced HRQoL mainly in terms of pain/discomfort, and work productivity impairment, especially presenteeism. Additionally, we demonstrated that hepatitis C virus imposes an economic burden on Brazilian Health Care System and that most of this cost is due to drug treatment.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C (HCV) é uma das principais causas de hepatite C crônica e provoca implicações graves para pacientes, familiares e sistema de saúde. OBJETIVO: Os objetivos deste estudo foram: analisar a gravidade da fibrose hepática, comorbidades e complicações da hepatite C; examinar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS), a perda de produtividade e o uso de recursos e custos no sistema público por pacientes brasileiros com hepatite C crônica, genótipo tipo 1. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, multicêntrico em pacientes com hepatite C crônica genótipo-1 para avaliar a carga da doença no sistema público de saúde brasileiro entre novembro de 2014 e março de 2015. Os pacientes foram submetidos a uma elastografia hepática transitória (FibroScan) para avaliar a fibrose e a uma entrevista composta por um questionário desenvolvido para o estudo e cinco questionários padronizados: EQ-5D-3L, HCV-PRO, e WPAI:HepC. RESULTADOS: Foram recrutados 313 pacientes. A amostra foi composta predominantemente por mulheres (50,8%), caucasianos/brancos (55,9%) e indivíduos empregados (39,9%). A média de idade foi 56 (DP=10,4) anos. Em média, os pacientes com HCV esperaram 40,6 (DP=49,6) meses entre o diagnóstico e o primeiro tratamento. Ademais, 42,8% dos pacientes que realizaram o FibroScan tinham cirrose; a comorbidade mais frequente foi doença cardiovascular (62,6%) e a complicação mais comum as varizes esofágicas (54,5%). Os resultados também mostraram que "dor e desconforto" foi a dimensão de QVRS mais afetada (55,0% dos pacientes relataram alguns problemas) e que a média do escore do HCV-PRO foi 69,1 (DP=24,2). Em relação à perda de produtividade, o componente do WPAI:HepC mais afetado foi atividade diária (23,5%) e entre os pacientes empregados, presenteísmo foi mais frequente do que absenteísmo (18,5% vs 6,5%). Os custos diretos médicos totais com essa amostra foi de 12.305,72USD por paciente em um período de dois anos; o tratamento medicamentoso representou 95% desse total. CONCLUSÃO Esse estudo mostrou a maioria dos pacientes possui cirrose, apresenta alta prevalência de doenças cardiometabolicas e varizes esofágicas, QVRS reduzida principalmente em termos de dor/desconforto e dano na produtividade, especialmente presenteísmo. Adicionalmente, nós demonstramos que o HCV impõe uma carga econômica no sistema de saúde brasileiro e que os medicamentos correspondem à maioria dos custos.

Tratamento cirúrgico de lesões císticas do pâncreas: uma experiência unicêntrica / Surgical management of cystic lesions of the pancreas: a single-centre experience

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Cystic lesions of the pancreas represent a group of pancreatic diseases with great histological heterogeneity, varying from benign lesions, some of them with malignant potential, to overt malignant lesions. OBJECTIVE: To describe the cases of cystic lesions of the pancreas which underwent surgical intervention at a tertiary university hospital. METHODS: This is a retrospective population-based study (historical cohort) which was carried out enrolling individuals attended at the Outpatient service of Pancreas Surgery of the Hospital de Clínicas of Unicamp. The individuals underwent surgical procedures performed from January 2012 through December 2016. RESULTS: In the period evaluated, 39 cases of cystic lesions of the pancreas which underwent surgery were identified, 26 (66.6%) of which were female. The average age at diagnosis was 47.4±16.4 years (range, 18-73). In regards to symptoms, 35 (89.7%) were symptomatic. The average length of hospital stay was 10 days (range 4-76). Surgeries performed to treat the lesions depended on the localization and type of the lesions: cystojejunostomy (41%), distal pancreatectomy (36%), pancreaticoduodenectomy (15.4%), drainage of ruptured and/or infected pseudocyst (5.2%) and central pancreatectomy (2.6%). CONCLUSION: Cystic lesions of the pancreas are a group of lesions with a highly varying presentation and diagnostic approach and may require an also highly variable surgical treatment. An appropriate preoperative imaging diagnosis is essential for their management.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: As lesões císticas do pâncreas representam um grupo de doenças pancreáticas com grande heterogeneidade histológica, variando desde lesões benignas, algumas com potencial pré-maligno, até outras degeneradas para formas malignas. OBJETIVO: Descrever os casos de LCPs submetidos à intervenção cirúrgica em um hospital universitário terciário. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo populacional (coorte histórica) realizado com a participação de indivíduos atendidos no Ambulatório de Cirurgia do Pâncreas do Hospital de Clínicas da Unicamp. Os indivíduos foram submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos realizados no período de janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2016. RESULTADOS: No período avaliado, foram identificados 39 casos de lesões císticas do pâncreas operados, sendo 26 (66,6%) do sexo feminino. A idade média no diagnóstico foi de 47,4±16,4 anos. Em relação aos sintomas, 35 (89,7%) eram sintomáticos. O tempo médio de internação foi de 10 dias (variação de 4-76). As cirurgias realizadas para o tratamento das lesões dependeram da localização e do tipo das lesões: derivação pseudocisto-jejunal (41%), pancreatectomia distal (36%), pancreaticoduodenectomia (15,4%), drenagem de pseudocistos rotos e/ou infectados (5,2%) e pancreatectomia central (2,6%). CONCLUSÃO: As lesões císticas do pâncreas são um grupo de lesões cuja apresentação e abordagem diagnóstica são altamente heterogêneas e que podem requerer um tratamento cirúrgico altamente complexo e variável. Um diagnóstico pré-operatório adequado é essencial para definir o seu tratamento.

Prevalência de genótipos em portadores crônicos do vírus da hepatite C / Prevalence of genotypes in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus

Objetivo: Conhecer a prevalência dos genótipos do vírus da hepatite C, comparando-a com os dados de trabalhos semelhantes realizados no país. Métodos: Estudo observacional descritivo retrospectivo, no qual foi analisado o banco de dados do Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública do Espírito Santo, para verificação de exames realizados no período de dezembro de 2004 a dezembro de 2012. Resultados: Foram analisados 1.649 registros de pacientes anti-HCV positivos submetidos à detecção da quantificação do RNA do vírus da hepatite C e genotipagem. O RNA viral foi detectado em 72,71% dos pacientes analisados. O genótipo mais prevalente foi o 1, com 79,10%, seguido do 3, com 16,70%, do 2, com 3,24% e do 4, com 0,96%. Não tiveram sua genotipagem descrita 151 portadores do vírus. Os subgenótipos mais frequente dentre os examinados foram os tipos 1a e 1b, apresentando, inclusive, um genótipo duplo 2a/2c. Conclusão: Os dados refletiram a situação epidemiológica em relação aos portadores crônicos e prevalência de genótipos.

Objective: To know the prevalence of genotypes of hepatitis C virus, comparing it with data from similar studies conducted in Brazil. Methods: Retrospective descriptive observational study in which we analyzed the database of the Central Public Health Laboratory of the state of Espirito Santo, to check the exams performed from December 2004 to December 2012. Results: The records of 1649 patients who were anti-HCV-positive and underwent HCV RNA detection and genotypingwere analyzed. The viral RNA was detected in 72.71 % of these patients. The most prevalent genotype was genotype 1 with 79.10 %, followed by 16.70% with genotype 3, 3.24 % with genotype 2, and 0.96 % with genotype 4. The genotyping of 151 carriers of the virus was not described. The most common subgenotypes were types 1a and 1b, even with a double 2a/2c genotype. Conclusions: Data reflect the epidemiological situation regarding chronic carriers and prevalence of genotypes.

Epidemiología de las infecciones bacterianas en pacientes con cirrosis hepática, experiencia de un centro español de atención terciaria / Epidemiology of bacterial infections in patients with liver cirrhosis. Experience in a Spanish tertiary health center

Introducción. Las infecciones bacterianas representan una complicación grave de la cirrosis. En los últimos años se han observado cambios en el espectro microbiológico de estas infecciones, fundamentalmente, el aumento de infecciones por gérmenes multirresistentes. Objetivo. Establecer la proporción de infecciones por microorganismos multirresistentes en pacientes cirróticos ingresados en un centro de atención de Madrid, y analizar su epidemiología, factores de riesgo e impacto clínico. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio retrospectivo en el cual se evaluaron 294 pacientes hospitalizados por infección bacteriana en el Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón de Madrid, entre junio de 2011 y junio de 2013. Resultados. Se aislaron 310 microorganismos de 223 pacientes; 109 (35,2 %) eran Gram positivos, 167 (53,9 %), Gram negativos, y 34 (11 %), hongos. El agente etiológico más frecuente fue Escherichia coli (98 aislamientos). Las infecciones se habían adquirido en la comunidad en 22,9 % de los casos, se asociaron con la atención de salud en 38,1 % y se adquirieron durante la estancia hospitalaria en 39 %. Los pacientes con aislamientos multirresistentes desarrollaron con más frecuencia choque séptico (p=0,05), y presentaron peor función hepática y alta mortalidad durante la estancia hospitalaria (p=0,017). El ingreso previo, el uso de antibióticos en los 60 días anteriores, la adquisición de la infección en el hospital o asociada a un ingreso reciente y el aislamiento de bacterias en los cultivos de control, se determinaron como posibles factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de la infección multirresistente. Discusión. Los resultados del estudio confirmaron que el espectro microbiológico de las infecciones bacterianas en pacientes con cirrosis ha sufrido importantes cambios. Las infecciones por gérmenes multirresistentes causan infecciones con gran morbimortalidad y el fracaso del tratamiento antibiótico habitual. Para controlarlas de forma eficaz, es imprescindible detectar precozmente a aquellos pacientes con factores de riesgo.

Introduction: Bacterial infections represent a serious complication of liver cirrhosis. Traditionally, Gram negative bacteria have been described as the microorganisms responsible for the majority of the infections. However, in the past few years, changes in the microbiological spectrum have been described, and multiresistant bacteria are observed more frequently. Objective: To assess the proportion of patients with infections caused by multiresistant bacteria admitted to our hospital, and to obtain information about their epidemiology, risk factors and clinical impact. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective evaluation of 294 cirrhotic patients admitted to our unit due to infection between June, 2011, and June, 2013. Results: We isolated 310 microorganisms from 294 patients; 109 (35.2%) were Gram positive, 167 (53.9%), Gram negative, and 34, fungi (11%). As for the microbiological agents, the most frequent was Escherichia coli (98 isolations). The infection was community-acquired in 22.9% of cases, healthcare-associated in 38.1% and nosocomial in 39%. Worse liver infections and septic shock were more frequent among patients with multiresistant isolates (p=0.05); and intrahospital mortality was also higher among them (p=0.017). Previous hospital admission, antibiotic treatment 60 days before, nosocomial or healthcare-associated acquisition and bacterial isolation in control cultures were identified as possible risk factors for the development of multiresistant infection. Discussion: The results of our study confirm that important changes have ocurred in the microbiological spectrum of bacterial infections in patients with liver cirrhosis. Multiresistant bacteria are associated with high morbidity and mortality, as well as failure of traditional antibiotic treatment. Successfull control of the infection requires an early identification of patients at risk.

Observational descriptive study of cutaneous manifestations in patients from Mato Grosso with viral chronic hepatitis

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Extrahepatic manifestations are seen in association with chronic infection by hepatitis B or C virus including cutaneous disorders. The frequency of these findings seems to vary among different places and reports. There is a lack of information about this issue in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of cutaneous findings affecting HBV or HCV carriers from a reference outpatient unit in Mato Grosso. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study. RESULTS: 108 patients were studied. 88.9% presented some cutaneous findings but must of them were nonrelated to chronic viral infection. Four patients had cutaneous or autoimmune syndromes that may be HBV or HCV related. CONCLUSION: In our study we found no statistical association between viral hepatitis and skin diseases.

Disease burden of chronic hepatitis C in Brazil

Background: Hepatitis C virus infection is a major cause of cirrhosis; hepatocellular carcinoma; and liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to estimate hepatitis C virus disease progression and the burden of disease from a nationwide perspective.Methods: Using a model developed to forecast hepatitis C virus disease progression and the number of cases at each stage of liver disease; hepatitis C virus-infected population and associated disease progression in Brazil were quantified. The impact of two different strategies was compared: higher sustained virological response and treatment eligibility rates (1) or higher diagnosis and treatment rates associated with increased sustained virological response rates (2).Results: The number of infected individuals is estimated to decline by 35% by 2030 (1,255,000 individuals); while the number of cases of compensated (n= 325,900) and decompen- sated (n= 45,000) cirrhosis; hepatocellular carcinoma (n= 19,100); and liver-related deaths (n= 16,700) is supposed to peak between 2028 and 2032. In strategy 2; treated cases increased over tenfold in 2020 (118,800 treated) as compared to 2013 (11,740 treated); with sustained virological response increased to 90% and treatment eligibility to 95%. Under this strategy; the number of infected individuals decreased by 90% between 2013 and 2030. Compared to the base case; liver-related deaths decreased by 70% by 2030; while hepatitis C virus-related liver cancer and decompensated cirrhosis decreased by 75 and 80%; respectively.Conclusions: While the incidence and prevalence of hepatitis C virus in Brazil are decreasing; cases of advanced liver disease continue to rise. Besides higher sustained virological response rates; new strategies focused on increasing the proportion of diagnosed patients and eligibility to treatment should be adopted in order to reduce the burden of hepatitis C virus infection in Brazil.

Occult HBV infection status among chronic hepatitis C and hemodialysis patients in Northeastern Egypt: regional and national overview

INTRODUCTION: Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is considered to be one of the major risks for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on regular hemodialysis (HD) and patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study compared the prevalence of OBI among these two high-risk groups in the Suez Canal region, Northeastern Egypt, to obtain a better national overview of the magnitude of OBI in this region. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 165 HD patients and 210 chronic HCV-infected patients. Anti-HCV antibody, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), total hepatitis B core (anti-HBc) antibody, and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HCV RNA was detected using a quantitative real-time RT-PCR assay, and HBV was detected using a nested PCR. RESULTS: All patients were negative for HBsAg. A total of 49.1% and 25.2% of the patients in the HD and HCV groups, respectively, were anti-HBc-positive. In addition, more anti-HBs-positive patients were detected in the HD group compared to the HCV group (52.1% and 11.4%, respectively). Three cases were positive for HBV DNA in the HD group, while eighteen positive cases were detected in the HCV group. Both study groups showed significant differences in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level as well as anti-HBc, anti-HBs and HBV-DNA positivity. CONCLUSIONS: OBI was more prevalent among chronic HCV patients than HD patients in the Suez Canal region, Egypt, with rates of 8.5% and 1.8%, respectively. However, more precise assessment of this infection requires regular patient follow-up using HBV DNA detection methods. .

Infiltrado inflamatório em glândulas salivares menores e amostras hepáticas de pacientes com hepatite C crônica: a padrão de distribuição e imunifenótipo / Inflammatory infiltrate in salivary glands and liver of patients with chronic hepatitis C: pattern of distribution and immunophenotype

A hepatite C crônica afeta aproximadamente 3% da população mundial e se tornou a maior responsável por cirrose e transplante hepático no mundo Ocidental. É causada pelo vírus da hepatite C, sendo a inflamação hepática uma das consequências da infecção. Dentre as alterações consideradas extra-hepáticas ligadas às glândulas salivares, a síndorme sicca afeta 4 a 57% dos pacientes. no entanto, poucos estudos buscaram esclarecer a composição do infiltrado inflamatório glandular e sua possível relação com outras características da doença. O presente estudo objetivou caracterizar a composição e a distribuição do infiltradoinflamatório presente em glândulas salivares menores de pacientes portadores de hepatite C crônica, comparando com o infiltrado presente em fígado e com dados laboratoriais dos pacientes...

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C markers at the population level in the municipality of Caxias do Sul, southern Brazil

Chronic viral hepatitis are main public health problems worldwide. Data about the seroprevalence to Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV e HCV) at the population level are scarce on Brazil and especially for the Southern region of the country. The seroprevalence to HBV and HBC antigens was evaluated on a large portion of the population of the municipality of Caxias do Sul (427,858 inhabitants), Brazil. A total of 60,604 individual serum samples collected from 2008 to 2011 were screened for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and for antibodies against HBsAg; anti HCV antibodies were measured by ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay). Overall, 1.63% of the individuals were positive for HBsAg and 1.43% showed seropositivity to HCV. From the total, 31,749 samples were analyzed for HBsAg and 28,855 for HCV. For HBsAg, 519 samples showed positive (1.63%) while the results for 37 patients (0.12%) remained inconclusive. For the anti-HCV test, 412 individuals (1.43%) showed positive. From the positive samples for HBsAg 216 (50.6%) were from male individuals whereas for anti-HCV the seroprevalence was slightly higher for females 216 (52.4%). The higher prevalence for both hepatitis viruses were found among individuals at the age group of 40 to 59 years and the lower levels of positivity for both HBV and HBC were among children and teenagers.

Análise da prevalência e de fatores de risco para as hepatites virais crônicas B e C em idosos residentes no município de Botucatu-SP / Analysis of the prevalence and risk factors for chronic viral hepatitis B and C in the elderly living in Botucatu -SP

A Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) define como idoso todo indivíduo com mais de 60 anos de idade. Atualmente no Brasil os idosos são aproximadamente 15 milhões de pessoas e apesar de viverem mais, apresentam maiores condições crônicas devido ao declínio da maioria das funções orgânicas, inclusive do sistema imunológico, aumentando a susceptibilidade e a maior incidência de doenças infecciosas. As hepatites virais tem distribuição mundial e são doenças infecciosas que apresentam características epidemiológicas, clínicas e laboratoriais distintas. Há uma estimativa de que 350 milhões de pessoas sejam portadores crônicos do vírus da hepatite B (VHB) ao redor do mundo e, embora menos prevalente que a hepatite B, o vírus da hepatite C (VHC) é a causa mais comum de hepatite crônica com cerca de 180 milhões de indivíduos infectados. Embora os conhecimentos a respeito da patogênese, curso e tratamento das hepatites virais crônicas tenham avançado nos últimos anos, há ainda pouco conhecimento sobre seu curso e tratamento na população idosa, especialmente no Brasil, justificando a relevância deste estudo, cujo objetivo geral é avaliar a prevalência de hepatites virais crônicas B e C na população idosa residente no município de Botucatu-SP. Foi realizado com 1029 idosos cadastrados na UNIMED, nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde, Unidades de Saúde da Família, participantes de Centros de Convivência de Terceira Idade e residentes em instituições de longa permanência. Os voluntários, após assinarem o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido (TCLE), foram submetidas a testes sorológicos para detecção do Anti-HBs, AgHbs e Anti HBc IgG, onde foram coletados 5ml de sangue através de punção venosa com seringa e agulha descartáveis. Para detecção do anti-VHC foram realizados testes sorológicos digitais (HCV Rapid Test Bioeasy®)...

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines as elderly any person aged over 60 years old. Currently in Brazil the elderly are approximately 15 million people and although they live longer have more chronic conditions due to decline in most physiological functions, including immune system, increasing susceptibility and a higher incidence of infectious diseases. Viral hepatitis has a worldwide distribution and are infectious diseases that present epidemiological, clinical and laboratory differences. It is estimated that 350 million people are chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide and, although less prevalent than hepatitis B, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common cause of chronic hepatitis with about 180 million infected individuals. While the knowledge about the pathogenesis, course and treatment of chronic viral hepatitis have advanced in recent years, there is still little knowledge about their course and treatment in the elderly population, especially in Brazil, justifying the relevance of this study, whose general objective is to evaluate the prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis B and C in the elderly population living in Botucatu-SP. Was held with 1029 elderly enrolled in Basic Health Units, the Family Health Units, participants of Social Centers for Seniors and residents of long-term institutions. The volunteers, after having signed an informed consent (IC), were submitted for serological tests for the detection of anti-HBs, HBsAg and Anti HBc IgG, where 5 ml of blood were collected by venipuncture with syringe and disposable needle. For detection of anti-HCV digital serological tests were done (HCV Rapid Test Bioeasy®). Mean age was 72.01 years (± 8.19 years). The prevalence of HBsAg positive with elderly was 0,58% and of these, all showed results for HBeAg negative characterizing inactive chronic disease...

Quality of life of patients with hepatitis C / Qualidade de vida de pacientes com hepatite C

INTRODUCTION: Self-report on the quality of life (QOL) is increasingly studied in the evaluation of various diseases, especially in chronic ones. However, there are few data in the literature focusing the QOL of patients living with chronic hepatitis C. The objective of this study was to evaluate the QOL in patients with hepatitis C assessed by the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL)-bref scale. METHODS: One hundred and eight hepatitis C patients attending the Outpatient Healthcare Medical Specialties in Tubarão, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, were contacted from May 2010 to February 2011. Patients answered the WHOQOL-bref scale and a questionnaire about their treatment and risk factors to hepatitis C virus (VHC) infection. RESULTS: Although most of patients with chronic hepatitis C considered their QoL good or very good (58.1%), 47 (44.8%) patients were poorly or very poorly satisfied with their health. About the WHOQOL answers, the environment domain had the highest score (25.15 + 5.77), while the lowest score was the social relationships domain (9.19 + 2.5). There was statistically significant association between household income and quality of life in all domains (p<0.001) and statistically significant association between education and the physical, psychological and social domains of quality of life (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the answers given in WHOQOL-bref, patients with chronic hepatitis C have a generally poor QOL, especially in social relationship domain. Household income and educational level were factors that interfered significantly with patients' QOL assessment.

INTRODUÇÃO: O autorrelato sobre a qualidade de vida (QV) é cada vez mais estudado na avaliação de várias doenças, especialmente nas crônicas. No entanto, existem poucos dados na literatura focando a QV de pacientes vivendo com hepatite C crônica. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a QV em pacientes com hepatite C através da escala World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment versão breve (WHOQOL-bref). MÉTODOS: Foi feito contato com 108 pacientes de hepatite C que frequentavam o Ambulatório Médico de Especialidades em Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brasil, de maio de 2010 a fevereiro de 2011. Os pacientes responderam ao WHOQOLbref e a um questionário sobre o seu tratamento e fatores de risco à infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C (VHC). RESULTADOS: Embora a maioria dos pacientes com hepatite C crônica considerasse sua QV boa ou muito boa (58,1%), 47 (44,8%) dos pacientes estavam nada ou muito pouco satisfeitos com a sua saúde. Sobre as respostas do WHOQOL, o domínio ambiental obteve o escore mais alto (25,15 + 5,77), enquanto o menor escore foi do domínio relações sociais (9,19 + 2,5). Houve associação estatística significativa entre renda familiar e qualidade de vida em todos os domínios (p<0,001) e associação estatística significativa entre educação e os domínios físico, psicológico e social da qualidade de vida (p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Baseado nas respostas dadas no WHOQOL-bref, pacientes com hepatite C crônica têm uma QV geralmente pobre, especialmente no domínio relações sociais. A renda familiar e o nível de educação foram fatores que interferiram significativamente na auto-avaliação da qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

Infección por virus de la hepatitis C en niños / Hepatitis C virus infection in children

La hepatitis C se adquiere por las vías parenteral, materno-fetal y sexual. Afecta al 3 por ciento de la población mundial. La transmisión vertical constituye la principal forma de diseminación del virus actualmente. La mayoría de los niños desarrolla enfermedad crónica asintomática; sin embargo, puede observarse progresión de la enfermedad en la edad pediátrica. Los anticuerpos contra el virus de la hepatitis C no permiten discriminar entre infección activa y resuelta. Se requiere la determinación por PCR del HCV-ARN. La combinación de peginterferón y ribavirina parece ser el tratamiento más eficaz. El desarrollo de nuevos fármacos, así como el de una vacuna, constituyen los próximos desafíos.

The modes of transmission of hepatitis C virus are parenteral, sexual and maternal-fetal. It affects 3 percent of the population worldwide. Currently, vertical infection is the main way of virus spreading. Most children are clinically asymptomatic, but progression of liver disease has been described. The positivity of antibodies against hepatitis C virus does not discriminate between active and resolved infection, so determination of serum HCV-RNA is necessary. The combination of peginterferon and ribavirin appears to be the most effective treatment. Future challenges are the development of new drugs and a vaccine.

Alfapeguinterferon-2a e ribavirina versus alfapeguinterferon-2b e ribavirina: avaliação custo-efetividade e do impacto orçamentário do tratamento do genótipo 1 da hepatite C crônica / Alfa-pegylated interferons (2a and 2b) and ribavirin for treatment chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Foi realizada análise de custo-efetividade e do impacto orçamentário de tratamentos indicados para adultos infectados com genótipo 1 do vírus da hepatite C, comparando o não-tratamento com terapias combinadas de alfapeguinterferon-2a e 2b associados a ribavirina. O modelo de Markov desenvolvido projetou a evolução da hepatite C em coorte de 1.000 pacientes, por um período de 30 anos, para os vários estados do desenvolvimento da doença. As terapias combinadas da ribavirina com o alfapeguinterferon 2a ou 2b apresentam efetividades estatisticamente idênticas quando avaliadas em 30 anos de evolução da doença. Quanto ao impacto do tratamento nos anos de vida e nos anos de vida ajustados por qualidade de vida; os anos de vida ganhos por qualidade de vida em relação à evolução da doença sem tratamento foram de 1,67 e 1,63, respectivamente, para a terapia combinada com alfapeguinterferon 2a e 2b, aplicando-se 5 por cento de desconto. A estratégia de tratamento com alfapeguinterferon 2a mais ribavirina se revelou mais custo-efetiva, dominando a outra alternativa de tratamento. Embora não haja diferenças significativas de efetividade entre os dois tipos de alfapeguinterferon, a diferença de preço entre os dois medicamentos faz com que a alternativa do uso do alfapeguinterferon 2a mais ribavirina seja mais eficiente. Quanto à estimativa do impacto orçamentário para o período de 2008 a 2017, a utilização do alfapeguinterferon 2a mais ribavirina resulta em redução nos gastos de aproximadamente 19 por cento, caso todos os doentes fossem tratados utilizando-se os esquemas terapêuticos selecionados.

A cost-effectiveness and budget impact of treatments given to adults infected with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus was performed by comparing the non-treatment with combined therapy alfapeguinterferon-2a and 2b and ribavirin. The Markov model developed engineered the development of hepatitis C in a cohort of 1,000 patients for a period of 30 years for the various states of disease development. The combined therapy of ribavirin with alfapeguinterferon 2a or 2b have statistically identical effectiveness when evaluated at 30 years of disease. As for the impact of treatment in life years and years of life adjusted for quality of life, the life years gained for quality of life in relation to the evolution of the disease without treatment were 1.67 and 1.63, respectively, for combined therapy with alfapeguinterferon 2a and 2b, applying a 5 percent discount. The strategy of treatment with alfapeguinterferon 2a plus ribavirin was more cost-effective, dominating the other treatment. Although there are significant differences in effectiveness between the two types of alfapeguinterferon, the price difference between the two products makes the alternative of using alfapeguinterferon 2a plus ribavirin more effective. Concerning the estimated budget impact for the period 2008 to 2017, using alfapeguinterferon 2a plus ribavirin results in a reduction in spending of about 19 percent if all patients were treated using the selected treatment regimens.