O9 Redefining poor prognostic criteria for acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure using regeneration and cell-death linked miRNA signatures

Abstract

Background Acute liver failure (ALF) remains a rare but life-threatening condition which requires early prognostication for transplantation (LTx). Existing models such as the King’s College Criteria (KCC) lack sensitivity. We have previously demonstrated the potential for regeneration linked miRNA to perform as biomarkers in acute and chronic liver disease. The aim of this study was to develop a miRNA-based prognostic model for acetaminophen (APAP) ALF. Methods Samples were provided by the US ALF Study Group. We assessed serum miRNA expression from 193 patients (94 survivors, 89 non-survivors) with APAP-ALF at two time points (early; day 1, late; day 3–5). Transplanted patients were excluded. A panel of 24 miRNA identified from our previous studies were analysed. Multiple logistic regression was used to create early and late miRNA outcome prediction models. Clinical data were incorporated to improve prognostication. Results Early up-regulation of miR-150 and down-regulation of -16–2 were associated with mortality. The early detection of miR-20a and absence of miR-149 were associated with mortality. Late up-regulation of miR-30a and down-regulation of -122, 16–2 and -21 were significantly associated with mortality. Late detection of miR-149, -17 and -191 were associated with mortality. Prognostic models were made for early and late miRNA expression. The early model contained miRNA associated with regeneration (miR-20a, -27a, -140, -150, -191) and achieved an area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) of 0.78 (95% CI 0.71–0.84, p Conclusion We demonstrate that specific serum miRNA have prognostic value as biomarkers in ALF. Our early model utilised regeneration linked miRNA whereas our late model utilised cell-death linked miRNA; this may signify mechanistic differences at early and late time points which determine patient survival.