Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Status Research Articles

Trends in Discard of Kidneys from Hepatitis C Viremic Donors in the United States.

Kidneys from hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremic donors have become more commonly accepted for transplant, especially after effective direct-acting antiviral therapy became available in 2014. We examined the contemporary trend of kidney discard from donors with HCV seropositivity and viremia. Data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network were used to identify deceased donor kidneys recovered for transplant. The exposure was donor HCV antibody status in the first analyses, and donor HCV antibody and viremia status in the second analyses. Multilevel, multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of these HCV exposure measures with kidney discard, adjusted for donor characteristics. Multilevel analyses were conducted to account for similar kidney discard pattern within clusters of organ procurement organizations and regions. Among 225,479 kidneys recovered from 2005 to 2019, 5% were from HCV seropositive donors. Compared with HCV seronegative kidneys, the odds of HCV seropositive kidney discard gradually declined, from a multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 7.06 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 5.65 to 8.81) in 2014, to 1.20 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.42) in 2019. Among 82,090 kidneys with nucleic acid amplification test results in 2015-2019, 4% were from HCV viremic donors and 2% were from aviremic seropositive donors. Compared with HCV aviremic seronegative kidneys, the odds of HCV viremic kidney discard decreased from an aOR of 4.89 (95% CI, 4.03 to 5.92) in 2018, to 1.48 (95% CI, 1.22 to 1.81) in 2019. By 2018 and 2019, aviremic seropositive status was not associated with higher odds of discard (2018: aOR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.45; and 2019: aOR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.23). Despite the decrease in kidney discard in recent years, kidneys from viremic (compared with aviremic seronegative) donors still had 48% higher odds of discard in 2019. The potential of these discarded organs to provide successful transplantation should be explored.

Abstract 12659: Improved Heart Transplant Outcomes Among Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the Era of Direct-acting Antiviral Agents

Introduction: The effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in recipients or donors on heart transplants is less known in the era after the introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Methods: Using the United Network for Organ Sharing registry, 25,581 adult heart transplant recipients between 2005 and 2019 were identified. The trend in prevalence of HCV infected recipients and in utilization of HCV infected donors and their effect on the transplant outcomes were investigated in the pre-DAAs era versus the DAAs era separated by May 13, 2011, using Cox proportional hazard regression. Results: HCV antibody positive recipients (n=532, 2.1%) had stable prevalence ( P =0.18) with a higher mortality risk in the pre-DAAs era (50.8% versus 38.8% at 10 years; hazard ratio (HR), 1.50; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.22-1.85; P <0.001), however not in the DAAs era (25.3% versus 28.4% at 7 years; HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.72-1.28; P =0.79) ( P interaction<0.001). Organ use from HCV antibody positive donors (n=375, 1.5%) was exclusively concentrated in the recent years ( P <0.001) and provided the similar mortality up to 2 years (15.7% versus 12.4%; HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.65-1.43; P =0.84) regardless of the recipient HCV antibody status. The similar findings were confirmed with a subgroup cohort with positive nucleic acid amplification test (NAT). Conclusions: In the DAAs era, positive HCV antibody in recipients did not adversely affect the long-term transplant outcomes. Graft utilization from positive HCV antibody or NAT positive donors are rapidly more prevalent and appeared to be promising up to 2 years post-transplant.

Trends in utilization of deceased donor kidneys based on hepatitis C virus status and impact of public health service labeling on discard.

Kidneys from deceased donors infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are underutilized. Most HCV virus-infected donors are designated as Public Health Service increased donors (PHS-IR). Impact of PHS and HCV designations on discard is not well studied. We queried the UNOS data set for all deceased donor kidneys between January 2015 and December 2018. The final study cohort donors (n=38702) were stratified into three groups based on HCV antibody (Ab) and NAT status: (a) Ab-/NAT- (n=35861); (b) Ab+/NAT- (n=973); and (c) Ab±/NAT+ (n=1868). We analyzed utilization/discard rates of these organs, the impact of PHS-IR and HCV designations on discard using multivariable two-level hierarchical logistic regression models, forecasted number of HCV viremic donors/kidneys by 2023. During the study period, (a) the number of viremic donor kidneys increased 2 folds; (b) the multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression models showed that, overall, the PHS labeling (OR 1.20, CI 95% CI 1.15-1.29) and HCV designation (OR 2.29; 95% CI 2.15-2.43) were independently associated with increased risk of discard; (c) contrary to the general perception, PHS-IR kidneys across all HCV groups, compared to PHS-IR kidneys were more likely to be discarded; (d) we forecasted that the number of kidneys from HCV viremic donor kidneys might increase from 1376 in 2019 to 2092 in 2023. Hepatitis C virus viremic kidneys might represent 10%-15% of deceased donor organ pool soon with the current rate of the opioid epidemic. PHS labeling effect on discard requires further discussion of the utility of this classification.

Low hepatitis C prevalence in Belgium: implications for treatment reimbursement and scale up

BackgroundPrevalence data of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are needed to estimate the budgetary impact of reimbursement of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). In Belgium, the restricted reimbursement criteria are mainly guided by regional seroprevalence estimates of 0.87% from 1993 to 1994. In this first Belgian nationwide HCV prevalence study, we set out to update the seroprevalence and prevalence of chronic HCV infection estimates in the Belgian general population in order to guide decisions on DAA reimbursement.MethodsResidual sera were collected through clinical laboratories. We collected data on age, sex and district. HCV antibody status was determined with ELISA and confirmed with a line-immunoassay (LIA). In specimens with undetermined or positive LIA result, HCV viral load was measured. Specimens were classified seronegative, seropositive with resolved infection, indicative of chronic infection and with undetermined HCV status according to the test outcomes. Results were standardized for age, sex and population per district, and adjusted for clustered sampling.ResultsIn total 3209 specimens, collected by 28 laboratories, were tested. HCV seropositivity in the Belgian general population was estimated to be 0.22% (95% CI: 0.09–0.54%), and prevalence of chronic HCV infection 0.12% (95% CI: 0.03–0.41). In individuals of 20 years and older, these estimates were 0.26% (95% CI: 0.10–0.64%) and 0.13% (95% CI: 0.04–0.43), respectively. Of the total estimated number of HCV seropositive individuals in Belgium, 66% were between 50 and 69 years old.ConclusionsPrevalence of HCV seropositivity and chronic infection in the Belgian general population were low and comparable to many surrounding countries. These adjusted prevalences can help estimate the cost of reimbursement of DAAs and invite Belgian policy makers to accelerate the scaling up of reimbursement, giving all chronically infected HCV patients a more timely access to treatment.

A Regional Analysis of Hepatitis C Virus Collaborative Care With Pharmacists in Indian Health Service Facilities

Background: American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) are disproportionately affected by hepatitis C virus (HCV), with more than double the national rate of HCV-related mortality as well as the highest rates of acute HCV. The “cascade of care” for HCV consists of screening, confirmation, treatment, and sustained virologic clearance (SVR)/cure. At each stage of this process, patients can be lost to follow-up. Federal health care facilities in an administrative area of the Indian Health Service conducted a review to identify and address gaps in HCV treatment. Facilities generally treated HCV with a strong pharmacy component using a collaborative practice agreement and HCV telehealth services to external specialists. Methods: All facilities had a pharmacist HCV program point of contact. Each pharmacist conducted a chart review of HCV patients and submitted aggregate results on HCV antibody status, HCV confirmation testing, stage of liver disease, initiation of treatment, and SVR/cure. Each facility also ranked current barriers to scaling up HCV treatment services from a defined list of options. Results: Of 1789 HCV antibody positive patients, 77% (1381) had a confirmation test, of which 67% (929) were positive. Of these patients, 62% (576) had their liver fibrosis scored, and 58% (335) had initiated treatment. Of patients with an SVR/cure test, all (274/274) were negative. Discussion: These data indicate that rural clinics can be successful providing HCV diagnosis and treatment. Pharmacists can play a key role in HCV clinical services. The outcomes of each step in the treatment process at the facility level can vary widely due to local factors. The barriers to HCV care that persist are nonclinical.

Association between HCV infection and diabetes type 2 in Egypt: is it time to split up?

PurposeThere is a conflicting evidence about the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to assess this association in Egypt, the country with the highest HCV prevalence in the world. MethodsThe source of data was from the Egypt Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2008. Using multivariable logistic regression analyses to account for known confounders, the association was investigated at two levels’]: (1) HCV exposure (HCV antibody status) and diabetes mellitus and (2) diabetes mellitus and chronic HCV infection (HCV RNA status) among HCV-exposed individuals. ResultsWe found no evidence for an association between HCV antibody status and diabetes (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63–1.19). However, among HCV-exposed individuals, we found an evidence for an association between diabetes and active HCV infection (adjusted OR = 2.44, 95% CI, 1.30–4.57). ConclusionsAlthough it does not appear that HCV exposure and diabetes are linked, there might be an association between diabetes and chronic HCV infection. The HCV–diabetes relationship may be more complex than previously anticipated. Therefore, a call for an “amicable divorce” to the HCV–diabetes relationship could be premature.

An anonymous unlinked sero-prevalence survey of HIVHCV in an urban Emergency Department

BackgroundIn 2002, the sero-prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) in the Emergency Department (ED), University Hospital, Newark, New Jersey was 10.4%. Both HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are transmitted by injection drug use (IDU) or sexual contact. However, the degree of concurrent positive HCV antibody status in HIV-infected ED patients is unknown. ObjectivesIn this study we determined the sero-prevalence of HIV and HIVHCV in HIV-positive patients in the ED. Study designA cross-sectional study using an anonymous sero-prevalence survey was conducted from 7/1/2008 to 8/23/2008. Medical records were reviewed and de-identified; remnant blood specimens were also de-identified and tested for HIV antibody, and if positive, HCV antibody. ResultsOf 3488 specimens, 225 (6.5%, 95% CI: 5.7–7.3%) were positive for HIV antibody. Seventy-four patients 74/225 (32.9%, 95% CI: 33.8–46.5%) were unaware of their sero-positivity. Forty percent of HIV positive patients (90/225, 95% CI: 33.8–46.5%) were HCV antibody positive. The highest seroprevalence of HIVHCV antibody was among older patients (≥45 years), and patients with positive urine toxicology and elevated liver function tests. DiscussionGiven the high prevalence of HIV and HIVHCV antibody in the ED, routine testing is important for patients ≥45 years with positive urine toxicology and elevated liver function tests.

Hepatitis C virus viremia increases the incidence of chronic kidney disease in HIV-infected patients

Several studies have reported on an association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody status and the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the role of HCV viremia and genotype are not well defined. Patients with at least three serum creatinine measurements after 1 January 2004 and known HCV antibody status were included. Baseline was defined as the first eligible estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (Cockcroft-Gault equation), and CKD was either a confirmed (>3 months apart) eGFR of 60 ml/min per 1.73 m or less for patients with a baseline eGFR more than 60 ml/min per 1.73 m or a confirmed 25% decline in eGFR for patients with a baseline eGFR of 60 ml/min per 1.73 m or less. Incidence rates of CKD were compared between HCV groups (anti-HCV-negative, anti-HCV-positive with or without viremia) using Poisson regression. Of 8235 patients with known anti-HCV status, 2052 (24.9%) were anti-HCV-positive of whom 983 (47.9%) were HCV-RNA-positive, 193 (9.4%) HCV-RNA-negative and 876 (42.7%) had unknown HCV-RNA. At baseline, the median eGFR was 97.6 (interquartile range 83.8-113.0) ml/min per 1.73 m. During 36123 person-years of follow-up (PYFU), 495 patients progressed to CKD (6.0%) with an incidence rate of 14.5 per 1000 PYFU (95% confidence interval 12.5-14.9). In a multivariate Poisson model, patients who were anti-HCV-positive with HCV viremia had a higher incidence rate of CKD, whereas patients with cleared HCV infection had a similar incidence rate of CKD compared with anti-HCV-negative patients. There was no association between CKD and HCV genotype. Compared with HIV-monoinfected patients, HIV-positive patients with chronic rather than cleared HCV infection were at increased risk of developing CKD, suggesting a contribution from active HCV infection toward the pathogenesis of CKD.

Prevalence Of Antibodies To Hepatitis C Virus In Blood Donors In Nnewi, South-Eastern Nigeria; In Association With Blood Groups

Background: In spite of the fact that Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), nonHodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC); testing for antibodies to HCV is not yet mandatory in Nnewi, and most other centres in Nigeria. This work was done to determine the prevalence of antibodies to HCV among blood donors and assess if there is any association with the donor blood group, sex and age.Materials and methods: Data from 1229 blood donors who presented to the blood bank of the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital between 2005 and 2009 were retrospectively studied. Donor blood was tested for antibody to HCV using rapid immunoassay that quantitatively detects this antibody using recombinant HCV antigen. ABO and Rhesus blood groups were determined using monoclonal antibodies according to standard protocol.Result: The prevalence of HCV antibodies was found to be 2.0%. The age group 21-30 years was found to be the lowest risk group (1.4% seroprevalence). Seroprevalence increased after the age of 30 years, though not linearly, with the highest rate (3.2%) recorded in the 31-40 years and 51-70 years age groupsAmong the blood groups, O Rh D positive had the highest number of donors and a seroprevalence of 2.4%; compared to A Rh D positive (1.3%), A Rh D negative (9.1%), and O Rh D negative (9.1%). Other blood groups did not have any case of HCV seropositivity. No significant correlation was found between HCV antibody status and blood group, age or gender. Gender however was found to be significantly correlated with age (p<.05)Conclusion: The Prevalence of HCV antibodies in blood donors in Nnewi, Nigeria is moderate; age and gender of donors seem to be important factors affecting it. Screening of all blood donors should be made mandatory in order to prevent the transfer of hepatitis C infection by blood transfusion.

Impact of hepatitis C virus infection on all-cause and liver-related mortality in a large community-based cohort of inner city residents

The aim of this study was to measure the impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on mortality in a cohort of inner city residents. The Community Health and Safety Evaluation is a community-based study of inner city residents followed retrospectively and prospectively through linkages with provincial virology and mortality databases. We identified participants having received HCV antibody testing, evaluated cause-specific mortality rates and factors associated with all-cause and liver-related mortality using Cox Proportional Hazards models. Overall, 2332 participants received HCV antibody testing (recent non-injection drug use - 81%). The prevalence of HCV and HIV was 64% (1495 of 2332) and 21% (485 of 2332), respectively. Between January 2003 and December 2007, there were 180 deaths (192 per 10.000 person-years; 95% CI: 165, 222), with 21% HIV-related, 20% drug-related and 7% liver-related. Mortality was associated with age >50 [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 2.80 vs < 40 years (referent group); 95% CI 1.93, 4.07, P < 0.001] and HIV infection (AHR 3.81; 95% CI 2.72, 5.34, P < 0.001), but not positive HCV antibody status (AHR 1.19; 95% CI 0.83, 1.72, P = 0.35). Liver-related mortality was associated with age >50 [AHR 18.49 vs < 40 years (referent group); 95% CI 2.27, 150.41, P < 0.001] and positive HCV antibody status (AHR 7.69; 95% CI 0.99, 59.98, P = 0.052). This study demonstrates a high rate of mortality in this population, particularly those with HIV. HCV-infected inner city residents >50 years of age were at significant risk of liver-related mortality. Continued surveillance of this population infected with HCV in the 1970s and 1980s is important.

Sex and age differences in lipid response to chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

Low levels of serum lipids were reported in subjects chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and correlated with poorer clinical outcomes. Whether HCV 'hypo-lipidemia' is constant across age, sex and race has not been systematically explored. We therefore investigated the association between HCV infection and serum lipid levels in two independent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cohorts. HCV antibody status and serum lipid levels were obtained from 14 369 adults from NHANES 1999-2006 and 12 261 from NHANES III (enrolled in 1988-1994). In multivariable models, the prevalence of HCV-associated hypo-low density lipoprotein-cholesterol was highest among women >50 years of age in both NHANES 1999-2006 (OR: 10.51, 95% CI: 2.86, 38.62) and III (OR: 24.21, 95% CI: 6.17, 94.92), but among women <50 years of age, the odds ratios were 3.01 (95% CI: 1.00, 9.04) for NHANES 1999-2006 and 0.52 (95% CI: 0.14, 1.88) for III, respectively. HCV by age interaction among women was significant in both cohorts (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). Among men, the odds ratios of HCV-associated hypo-LDL-cholesterol were 2.74 (95% CI: 1.55, 4.85) in NHANES 1999-2006 and 3.84 (95% CI: 1.66, 8.88) in III, respectively, with no significant age effects. Similar patterns were observed for total-cholesterol, but no significantly discernable patterns for high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides. Results show that HCV infection is associated with lower total- and LDL-cholesterol in two US population-based cohorts, and this relationship varies significantly by age and sex, suggesting a possible influence of sex hormones on host lipid response to HCV infection.

Effects of active HCV replication on neurologic status in HIV RNA virally suppressed patients

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a frequent copathogen with HIV. Both viruses appear to replicate in the brain and both are implicated in neurocognitive and peripheral neuropathy syndromes. Interaction of the viruses is likely to be complicated and better understanding of the contributions of each virus will be necessary to make evidence-based therapeutic decisions. This study was designed to determine if active HCV infection, identified by quantitative HCV RNA determination, is associated with increased neurocognitive deficits or excess development of distal sensory peripheral neuropathy in HIV coinfected patients with stable HIV viral suppression. The AIDS Clinical Trials Group Longitudinal Linked Randomized Trials (ALLRT) study was the source of subjects with known HIV treatment status, neurocognitive and neuropathy evaluations, and HCV status. Subjects were selected based on HCV antibody status (249 positive; 310 negative). HCV RNA viral loads were detectable in 172 participants with controlled HIV infection and available neurologic evaluations in the ALLRT. These participants were compared with 345 participants with undetectable HCV viral load and the same inclusion criteria from the same cohort. Neurocognitive performance measured by Trail-Making A or B and digit symbol testing was not dissimilar between the 2 groups. In addition, there was no significant association between active HCV replication and distal sensory neuropathy. Clinically significant neurocognitive dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy were not exacerbated by active hepatitis C virus infection in the setting of optimally treated HIV infection.

CD8+T Cell Activation in Women Coinfected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 and Hepatitis C Virus

Immune activation is a hallmark of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and impacts innate and adaptive immunity. Individuals coinfected with HIV-1 and hepatitis C virus (HCV) may have increased immune activation early in HIV disease because of a high HCV antigen load in tissues such as the liver. We evaluated T cell markers of activation and maturation in women with or without HIV-1 infection, by HCV antibody and HCV RNA status. We found increased percentages of activated CD8(+) T cells (i.e., CD8(+)HLA-DR(+)38(+) cells and CD8(+)CD28(+)HLA-DR(+) cells) but not of CD4(+) T cells among women who tested positive for HIV-1, HCV antibody, and HCV RNA, compared with HIV-1-positive women who tested negative for HCV antibody. Because CD8(+) T cell activation is related to HIV-1 disease progression, these data may have implications for the medical management of patients coinfected with HIV-1 and HCV.

The Effect of Hepatitis C Virus Infection on Health-Related Quality of Life in Prisoners

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in prisoners represents an important public health problem. However, there is very little information about HCV-related health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We examined the effect of HCV antibody positivity, HCV viremia, and being a prisoner on prisoners'' HRQOL. Population-based health surveys incorporating HCV screening were conducted among prisoners at New South Wales (NSW), Australia, correctional centers in 1996 and 2001. HCV antibody and HCV RNA status were determined from venous blood sampling. HRQOL and mood status were assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Comparison of HRQOL scores between HCV antibody negative, HCV antibody positive/non-viremic, and HCV antibody positive/viremic and assessment of temporal change in HRQOL between 1996 and 2001 within groups were made using ANCOVA adjusting for confounders. Factors associated with HRQOL were determined in linear regression models. Analyses between HCV antibody negative (n = 423), HCV positive/non-viremic (n = 89), and HCV positive/viremic (n = 178) prisoners found no measurable effect of HCV on HRQOL, including that attributable to HCV viremia. Compared to uninfected Australian population norms, prisoners had lower HRQOL irrespective of HCV status. The prevalence of 'moderate' to 'severe' depressive symptoms was greater in the HCV antibody positive/viremic group than the HCV antibody positive/non-viremic group or the HCV antibody negative group. Selected demographic factors (age), co-morbidity, severity of depressive symptoms and medical care utilization influenced HRQOL. There was evidence to support the effect of knowledge of HCV status on HRQOL. In conclusion, our findings contrast with previous studies in non-prisoner groups in which HCV infection appears to decrease overall HRQOL. Non-HCV factors may override HCV-specific HRQOL impairment in this population. Targeted management strategies are required to improve HRQOL of prisoners.

Hepatitis C Screening and Treatment Outcomes in Patients With Substance Use/Dependence Disorders

The authors evaluated the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) seropositivity status and substance use treatment outcomes in an alcohol- and substance-dependent population undergoing rehabilitation. The second aim was to assess the impact of early screening for HCV infection and substance use treatment on HCV treatment outcomes. HCV-antibody testing of 338 patients attending a substance-use residential program was performed. HCV antibody status, lifetime comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, program completion rates, and 6-month abstinence rates after program discharge were assessed. HCV treatment outcomes were followed in patients who remained abstinent 6 months after completion of substance-use treatment. Almost one-fourth (23.1%) of patients were HCV antibody-positive. HCV-seropositive patients were more likely to complete the 28-day program and more likely to remain abstinent at 6 months after program discharge. HCV seropositive status was the strongest predictor for the likelihood of completing the program, and remaining abstinent for 6 months afterward. Patients with HCV who completed a substance-use treatment program were more likely to receive HCV treatment than substance-dependent patients with HCV who never attended a substance-use treatment program. Detecting HCV infection in the structured setting of substance-use treatment is ideal to initiate management of this infection, and it has a positive influence on the outcomes of both substance-use treatment and HCV treatment.

Outcome of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection on Graft Function After Renal Transplantation

Introduction Chronic liver disease resulting from hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections is still a major concern in kidney recipients. It is unclear whether HCV antibody status and markers of HBV infection are associated with renal dysfunction. Thus, we designed a study to investigate the incidence of HBV and HCV infection after renal transplantation and whether these infections alter graft function. Methods Fifty-eight patients who underwent renal transplantation participated in the study. Serum creatinine and aminotransferase levels were measured with standard automated analyzers. Anti-HCV antibodies were detected with an enzyme immunoassay, and a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique was used to test for HCV-RNA. Serological markers for HBV (HBsAg and anti-HBc antibody) were detected by enzyme immunoassay. All samples from patients who were seropositive for HBsAg or anti-HBc antibody were PCR-tested for HBV-DNA. A serum sample collected from living donors was tested for anti-HCV antibodies and serological markers for HBV. Serum creatinine and aminotransferase levels were also measured in living donors. Results Anti-HCV was not detected in serum samples of any cases before transplantation. However, 10 (17.2%) tested positive after transplantation. HCV-RNA was detected in 2 of the 10 patients (3.4% of all patients). None of the pretransplantation serum samples tested positive for HBsAg. However, anti-HBc antibody was identified in 8 (13.8%) of the 58 patients.. No HBV DNA was detected in serum samples of the patients with anti-HBc or HBsAg-positive. HBsAg was only detected in 1 (1.7%) recipient after transplantation. None of the 58 patients showed clinical signs or symptoms of renal dysfunction during the study period. Conclusion Our data suggest that, neither HBV nor HCV infection appears to cause or contribute to renal dysfunction in the early period (1 year) after renal transplantation. Nevertheless, a long-term consequence of chronic HBV or HCV liver disease or graft loss is not impossible in renal transplant recipients.

Response to 'Viral Hepatitis Guidelines for Transplant Recipients'

Response to 'Viral Hepatitis Guidelines for Transplant Recipients'

Diabetes Is the Main Factor Accounting for the High Ferritin Levels Detected in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

A high prevalence of diabetes has been reported in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Both diabetes and HCV infection are associated with high serum ferritin levels. Although HCV infection could be the main factor responsible for the high ferritin levels, it is also possible that diabetes rather than HCV infection might be a major contributor to the high ferritin levels observed in patients with HCV infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of diabetes to the high ferritin levels observed in HCV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis. A total of 634 noncirrhotic individuals were prospectively recruited at a university hospital. According to the HCV antibody status and the presence of diabetes, the subjects were divided into four groups: group A (anti-HCV-positive diabetic patients, n = 53), group B (anti-HCV-negative diabetic patients, n = 242), group C (anti-HCV-positive nondiabetic patients, n = 191), and group D (anti-HCV-negative nondiabetic control subjects, n = 148). Multiple regression analyses were used to explore the variables independently related to ferritin levels. Serum ferritin levels in group A were significantly higher than in the other groups (A > B, P < 0.01; A > C, P < 0.001; A > D, P < 0.001). Ferritin levels were higher in group B than in group D (P = 0.001). However, group C has ferritin values similar to those of group D. In multivariate analyses, diabetes but not HCV infection was independently related to serum ferritin concentrations. Diabetes rather than HCV infection itself is the main factor associated with the increased ferritin levels detected in patients with HCV infection. Therefore, the presence of diabetes should be taken into account when iron metabolism is evaluated in HCV-infected patients.

Association of hypocholesterolaemia with hepatitis C virus infection in HIV-infected people.

To study the impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) status on serum cholesterol levels in HIV-infected patients. We retrospectively analysed data from the 881 participants of the Veterans Ageing Cohort 3 Site Study. Four different models were constructed using total cholesterol, low-density lipid (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipid (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides as dependent variables. The relevant covariates included HCV antibody status, HIV medication class, CD4 count, HIV viral load, glucose level, lipid-lowering drug use, gender, race, age, liver function test results, ethanol use, drug use, and HIV exposure category. Variables excluded from the final model included niacin use, gender, race, age, current ethanol use, and HIV exposure category. Of the 881 HIV-positive patients enrolled in the study, 700 (79%) were screened for HCV antibody, with 300 (42.8%) HCV antibody positive and 400 (57.2%) HCV antibody negative. A positive HCV antibody status was independently associated with lower total cholesterol levels (P=0.001) and LDL cholesterol levels (P<0.001) but not with lower HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels. HCV-positive patients had predicted LDL levels 19 mg/dL lower than those of HCV-negative subjects. HCV infection was also associated with a decreased use of lipid-lowering medication, and protease inhibitor use was associated with increased LDL and total cholesterol levels. HCV infection has been associated with lower cholesterol levels in HIV-negative individuals, and the same appears to be true with HIV-infected patients. This is an interesting finding given that HCV particles bind to LDL receptors in vitro and also because HCV-lipid interactions appear to be important in the HCV replication cycle.

High prevalence of glucose abnormalities in patients with hepatitis C virus infection: a multivariate analysis considering the liver injury.

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of both impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and diabetes between hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients and patients with other liver diseases but anti-HCV-, taking into account the degree of liver damage. A total of 642 consecutive patients attending the outpatient liver unit of a university hospital (498 anti-HCV+ and 144 anti-HCV-) were prospectively recruited. Patients were classified as having chronic hepatitis (n = 472) or cirrhosis (n = 170) by means of the result of either a liver biopsy or by typical clinical features. A logistic regression model was used to determine independent associations of covariates (age, sex, BMI, HCV antibody status, and triglycerides) with the presence of glucose abnormalities. A threefold increase in the prevalence of glucose abnormalities was observed in HCV+ patients with chronic hepatitis in comparison with HCV- subjects (32 vs. 12%; P = 0.0003). In contrast, among patients with cirrhosis, although both diabetes and IFG were more prevalent in anti-HCV+ patients (40%) than in anti-HCV- patients (36%), the differences were not statistically significant. Finally, the logistic regression analysis showed that HCV infection was independently related to glucose abnormalities in those patients with chronic hepatitis (odds ratio 4.26 [95% CI 2.03-8.93]). In contrast, HCV was not an independent predictor of glucose abnormalities in cirrhotic patients. The high prevalence of IFG and diabetes found in HCV-infected patients observed in our study suggests that screening for glucose abnormalities should be indicated in these patients. In addition, we provide evidence that the genuine connection between HCV infection and diabetes is initiated at early stages of hepatic disease.