Presence Of Cirrhosis Research Articles

Clinical study on the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination in hepatitis C virus related chronic liver diseases in Egypt

BackgroundChronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) infections represent significant public health issues internationally. HBV vaccination has high sero-conversion rates in patients with mild to moderate chronic liver disease but has reduced efficacy in advanced stages. Aimto evaluate the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination in HCV-related chronic liver disease and identify possible factors that may contribute to hypo-responsiveness in those patients. MethodsOur study was a retrospective observational clinical study carried out at the tropical medicine department. It was conducted on 500 individuals (400 chronic HCV patients and 100 healthy controls). Individuals were divided into 5 groups: A (control group), B (cirrhotic patient not receiving treatment), C (chronic hepatitis patients receiving treatment), D (cirrhotic patients receiving treatment), and E (HCC patients receiving treatment). All individuals were subjected for comprehensive history taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and assessment of anti-HBs titer. ResultsThere is an inverse relationship between the level of anti-HBs Abs and the duration of vaccine. Diabetes and presence of cirrhosis have statistically significant relationship with serum anti-HBs Abs titer (P = 0.007). Oral DAAs therapy is associated with reduced response to HBV vaccine (only 31.75% of the patients were protected). ConclusionHCV infection and its complications significantly impair HBV vaccine response. Levels of anti-HBs Abs decline progressively with increasing duration from the last dose in immunization schedule of HBV vaccine. Diabetes and presence of cirrhosis being the main risk factors for vaccine hypo-responsiveness, also oral DAAs therapy is associated with reduced response to HBV vaccine.

Association of indirect measurement of cell function by bioimpedance analysis with complications in oncologic hepatic surgery

BackgroundBioelectric impedance vector analysis (BIVA) is a reliable tool to assess body composition. The aim was to study the association of BIVA-derived phase angle (PA) and standardized PA (SPA) values and the occurrence of surgery-related morbidity. MethodsPatients undergoing hepatectomy for cancer in two Italian centers were prospectively enrolled. BIVA was performed the morning of surgery. Patients were then stratified for the occurrence or not of postoperative morbidity. ResultsOut of 190 enrolled patients, 76 (40%) experienced postoperative complications. Patients with morbidity had a significant lower PA, SPA, body cell mass, and skeletal muscle mass, and higher extracellular water and fat mass. At the multivariate analysis, presence of cirrhosis (OR 7.145, 95% CI:2.712–18.822, p < 0.001), the Charlson comorbidity index (OR 1.236, 95% CI: 1.009–1.515, p = 0.041), the duration of surgery (OR 1.004, 95% CI:1.001–1.008, p = 0.018), blood loss (OR 1.002. 95% CI: 1.001–1.004, p = 0.004), dehydration (OR 10.182, 95% CI: 1.244–83.314, p = 0.030) and SPA < −1.65 (OR 3.954, 95% CI: 1.699–9.202, p = 0.001) were significantly and independently associated with the risk of complications. ConclusionIntroducing BIVA before hepatic resections may add valuable and independent information on the risk of morbidity.

Efficacy and Safety of Direct-Acting Antivirals in Elderly Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: A Nationwide Real-Life, Observational, Multicenter Study from Turkey.

The number and proportion of elderly patients living with chronic hepatitis C are expected to increase in the coming years. We aimed to compare the real-world efficacy and safety of direct-acting antiviral treatment in elderly and younger Turkish adults infected with chronic hepatitis C. In this multicenter prospective study, 2629 eligible chronic hepatitis C patients treated with direct-acting antivirals between April 2017 and December 2019 from 37 Turkish referral centers were divided into 2 age groups: elderly (≥65 years) and younger adults (&lt;65 years) and their safety was compared between 2 groups in evaluable population. Then, by matching the 2 age groups for demographics and pretreatment risk factors for a non-sustained virological response, a total of 1516 patients (758 in each group) and 1244 patients (622 in each group) from the modified evaluable population and per-protocol population were included in the efficacy analysis and the efficacy was compared between age groups. The sustained virological response in the chronic hepatitis C patients was not affected by the age and the presence of cirrhosis both in the modified evaluable population and per-protocol population (P = .879, P = .508 for modified evaluable population and P = .058, P = .788 for per-protocol population, respectively). The results of the per-protocol analysis revealed that male gender, patients who had a prior history of hepatocellular carcinoma, patients infected with non-genotype 1 hepatitis C virus, and patients treated with sofosbuvir+ribavirin had a significantly lower sustained virological response 12 rates (P &lt; .001, P = .047, P = .013, and P = .025, respectively). Direct-acting antivirals can be safely used to treat Turkish elderly chronic hepatitis C patients with similar favorable efficacy and safety as that in younger adults.

S658 Risk Factors Associated With Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Cancer Patients Exposed to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as effective treatment options for many advanced malignancies. These agents have been associated with several immune related adverse events (irAEs) that may lead to discontinuation of therapy. Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects are amongst the most commonly reported irAEs. Currently, limited data exists on upper GI bleed (UGIB) in patients exposed to ICIs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and risk factors associated with UGIB among cancer patients treated with ICIs. Methods: We performed a retrospective study on all cancer patients from Cleveland Clinic health system who received treatment with ICI’s till June 2021. Only the patients with clinical and endoscopic evidence of upper GI bleed were included in the study. The study group (GI Bleed) was matched with control group (non-Bleeders) in 1:3. We compared characteristics of both groups (Bleeders and Non-Bleeders) using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Of the 6820 patients that received ICIs over the study period, 401 patients developed GI bleed. 30 patients had clinical and endoscopic evidence of upper GI Bleed. The most common endoscopic findings were gastric and duodenal ulcers (63%). Compared with the non-bleeding cohort, patients who developed UGIB bleeding had lower BMI (p= 0.0203). Non-small cell lung cancer was the most frequently treated malignancy in the bleeding group. Patients in the bleeding group had higher exposure to pembrolizumab compared to the non-bleeding group (80% vs. 45.6%, p= 0.001). The incidence of ICI induced colitis and hepatotoxicity were more frequent in the bleeding group compared to the non-bleeding cohort (53.5% vs. 27.8%, p= 0.0106). The presence of cirrhosis, diabetes and chronic kidney disease were similar in both groups. On the multivariant analysis, exposure to pembrolizumab (OR=3.62, p=0.0211), aspirin (OR= 10.55, p=0.0002) and with history of ICI induced colitis and hepatotoxicity (OR=3.66 p=0.0108) were predictive factors in development of bleeding. (Table) Conclusion: This is a novel study that evaluates the risk of UGIB in cancer patients treated with ICIs. In this univariate and multivariate analysis, exposure to aspirin, pembrolizumab and overall incidence of IrAEs were associated with increased risk of bleeding. Although UGIB is a relatively rare irAE, more studies are needed for risk stratification of patients exposed to ICIs. Table 1. - Baseline Clinical Characteristics Of Cancer Patients Exposed To ICIs Variable Non-Bleeding (n=90) Bleeding (n=30) p-value Age, mean ± SD 70.6 ± 11.0 69.6 ± 11.3 0.6854 Gender (Male), n (%) 56 (62.2) 19 (63.3) 0.9133 Race (White), n (%) 76 (84.4) 23 (76.7) 0.3316 Hispanic, n (%) 1 (1.1) 2 (6.7) 0.1539 Medication Type, n (%) PembrolizumabOther 41 (45.6)49 (54.4) 24 (80.0)6 (20.0) 0.0010 BMI, n (%)< 26≥ 26 38 (42.2)52 (57.8) 20 (66.7)10 (33.3) 0.0203 History of Upper GI Bleed, n (%) 7 (7.8) 0 (0.0) 0.1902 On Aspirin prior to procedure, n (%) 5 (5.6) 12 (40.0) < 0.0001 On Plavix prior to procedure, n (%) 1 (1.1) 1 (3.3) 0.4391 On Warfarin prior to procedure, n (%) 0 (0.0) 1 (3.3) 0.2500 Chronic kidney disease, n (%) 34 (37.8) 13 (43.3) 0.5893 Diabetes, n (%) 33 (36.7) 9 (30.0) 0.5073 Cirrhosis, n (%) 4 (4.4) 1 (3.3) 1.0000 Type of cancer treated, n (%)Non-small cell lung cancerOther 25 (27.8)65 (72.2) 15 (50.0)15 (50.0) 0.0253 Evidence of metastasis to the GI Tract, n (%) 4 (4.4) 0 (0.0) 0.5710 ICPI induced side effect, n (%) 25 (27.8) 16 (53.3) 0.0106 Treatment with steroids, n (%) 21 (23.3) 11 (36.7) 0.1527 Treatment with Infliximab or Entyvio, n (%) 1 (1.1) 1 (3.3) 0.4391 Current alive, n (%) 29 (32.2) 8 (26.7) 0.5682 PPI, n (%)NoYes 53 (58.9)37 (41.1) 17 (56.7)13 (43.3) 0.8307 Footnote: PPI (protein pump inhibitor).

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (obliterative portal venopathy) is the predominant form of chronic liver disease in cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF)-associated liver disease commonly manifests as portal hypertension and its complications. We investigated the proposal that the pathophysiology is of non-cirrhotic rather than cirrhotic portal hypertension. This distinction may have important implications for treatment. We compared liver transplant explants from cystic fibrosis patients with explants from patients with classical cholestatic diseases, primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Presence of cirrhosis, fibrosis, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, biliary and portal venous pathology were recorded. Quantitation of portal venules in representative section was performed. Nine patients with cystic fibrosis liver disease, 7 primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and 7 primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) were evaluated. Cirrhosis was present in 0/9 of CF patients and 11/14 of the PBC and PSC controls (p < 0.01). Nodular regenerative hyperplasia was present in 8/9 of the CF patients but none of the controls (p < 0.01). Portal venule numbers per 15 mm2 section were significantly lower in the CF patients 52 (20-72) compared to the primary biliary cholangitis 78 (47-110) and primary sclerosing cholangitis patients, 79 (41-134) (p < 0.05). Portal sclerotic nodules were found in all the CF patients but in only one of the controls (9/9 vs 1/14 p < 0.01). This study demonstrates that non-cirrhotic portal hypertension or obliterative portal venopathy is the predominant hepatic pathophysiology in adult CF patients requiring liver transplantation. It suggests that treatments directed at the hepatic portal venous system may be more effective than current treatment directed at the biliary system in cystic fibrosis.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes in patients with autoimmune hepatitis

BackgroundData regarding outcome of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in vaccinated patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are lacking. We evaluated the outcome of COVID-19 in AIH patients who received at least one dose of Pfizer- BioNTech (BNT162b2), Moderna (mRNA-1273) or AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1-S) vaccine. Patients and methodsWe performed a retrospective study on AIH patients with COVID-19. The outcomes of AIH patients who had acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) breakthrough infection after at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine were compared to unvaccinated patients with AIH. COVID-19 outcome was classified according to clinical state during the disease course as: (i) no hospitalization, (ii) hospitalization without oxygen supplementation, (iii) hospitalization with oxygen supplementation by nasal cannula or mask, (iv) intensive care unit (ICU) admission with non-invasive mechanical ventilation, (v) ICU admission with invasive mechanical ventilation or (vi) death, and data was analyzed using ordinal logistic regression. ResultsWe included 413 (258 unvaccinated and 155 vaccinated) patients (81%, female) with a median age of 52 (range: 17–85) years at COVID-19 diagnosis. The rates of hospitalization were (36.4% vs. 14.2%), need for any supplemental oxygen (29.5% vs. 9%) and mortality (7% vs. 0.6%) in unvaccinated and vaccinated AIH patients with COVID-19. Having received at least one dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was associated with a significantly lower risk of worse COVID-19 severity, after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities and presence of cirrhosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10–0.31). Overall, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was associated with a significantly lower risk of mortality from COVID-19 (aOR 0.20, 95% CI 0.11–0.35). ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 vaccination significantly reduced the risk of COVID-19 severity and mortality in patients with AIH.

Demographic and clinical profile of patients suffering prolonged severe hypoxia in COVID-19

ABSTRACT Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may result in rapid onset of hypoxemic respiratory failure. This study aimed to characterize the factors and outcomes associated with prolonged hypoxia in patients with COVID-19. Prolonged severe hypoxia (PSH) was defined as hypoxia requiring ≥6 L/min of oxygen by nasal cannula or equivalent for more than 10 days. Research design and methods This study was designed as a single-center retrospective analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to assess factors associated with PSH. Results The sample included 554 patients with 117 (21%) having PSH. Median length of stay of patients with PSH was significantly longer (median IQR: 18 days vs 6 days, p < 0.0001). Patients with PSH had significantly higher rates of venous thromboembolism (p < 0.0001) and major bleeding (p < 0.004). The presence of cirrhosis (OR 3.32, 95% CI [1.02 to 10.83]) and hypertension (OR 1.99, 95% CI [1.12 to 3.53]) were independently associated with PSH, while outpatient use of anti-platelet agents had an inverse association (OR 0.57, 95% CI [0.36 to 0.91]). Conclusion PSH is associated with increased length of stay, morbidity, and mortality. Hypertension and liver cirrhosis were significantly associated with higher odds of PSH, while use of anti-platelet therapy had a protective effect.

A risk prediction model for hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance.

After hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains, and the optimal surveillance strategy has yet to be determined. Herein, we aimed to evaluate incidence and risk factors for HCC and establish a novel prediction model for HCC development after HBsAg seroclearance. A total of 1,443 patients with chronic hepatitis B who achieved HBsAg seroclearance between 1991 and 2020 were retrospectively screened for study eligibility. The data from 831 of these patients were included in the final analysis. A prediction model was developed based on multivariable Cox models. Harrell's C-index and a time-dependent AUROC were used for discrimination. Bootstrap analysis was performed for internal validation. Overall, 40 patients (4.8%) developed HCC after HBsAg seroclearance during a follow-up of 4,644 person-years (0.86%/year). Age at HBsAg seroclearance, presence of cirrhosis, family history of HCC, and more-than-moderate alcohol consumption were independently predictive of HCC, and these 4 independent variables were used to develop the prediction model. The C-index of the model was 0.804. The time-dependent AUROCs of the score for HCC prediction at 5, 10, and 15 years were 0.799, 0.835, and 0.817, respectively. The score also showed good discrimination in the internal validation and sensitivity analysis. The novel prediction model based on age, cirrhosis, family history of HCC, and alcohol consumption enables reliable risk estimation of HCC after HBsAg seroclearance and may serve as a useful reference for decision-making in HCC surveillance for HBsAg-cleared patients. After spontaneous hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains. Age at HBsAg seroclearance, presence of cirrhosis, family history of HCC, and more-than-moderate alcohol consumption were independently associated with HCC development after HBsAg seroclearance. The novel prediction model using these 4 variables enables reliable risk estimation of HCC and serves as a useful reference for decision-making in HCC surveillance and management for HBsAg-cleared patients.

Effectiveness of Direct-acting Agents After Liver Transplantation A Real-life Study in Rio de Janeiro

Data concerning hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment using direct-acting agents (DAAs) post liver transplantation (LT) remains scarce in low- and average-income countries. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of post-LT HCV treatment using DAAs in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), and to assess the course of hepatic biomarkers after sustained virological response (SVR). Data from LT recipients with recurrent HCV treated using DAAs was retrospectively analyzed. HCV was defined by detectable HCV-RNA with elevated aminotransferases and/or histological signs of infection on liver biopsy post LT. SVR was defined as undetectable HCV-RNA 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Aspartate-to-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4) were calculated before treatment and after SVR. 116 patients (63% male, median age 62 years, 75% genotype 1 and 62% with hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] prior to LT) were included. Cirrhosis was identified in the allograft of 21 subjects (18%). The overall SVR was 96.6% without differences in SVR proportion according to clinical/demographic characteristics, genotype or presence of cirrhosis. SVR rates were similar in individuals with and without HCC pre-LT (95.8% [95% CI: 87.6-98.7] vs. 97.7% [95% CI: 85.0-99.7%], p=0.588). No serious adverse events were observed and the use of ribavirin was associated with at least one adverse event (OR=8.71 [95% CI: 3.17-23.99]). SVR was associated with regression of APRI (OR=26.00 [95% CI 4.27-1065.94]) and FIB-4 (OR=15.00 [95% CI: 2.30-631.47]). Post-LT HCV treatment with DAAs was safe and effective and associated with a significant decrease in hepatic biomarker levels after SVR.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor immunohistochemical expression in hepatocellular carcinoma without Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor exons 18-21 mutations.

Introduction: EGFR targeted therapies, have been proved beneficial for patients with HCC, nevertheless additional research on EGFR immunoexpresion and EGFR mutations is still needed, especially in population in which it has not been done yet. The aim of this study is to evaluate EGFR immunoexpression in HCC without EGFR exons 18-21 mutations and to evaluate its influence on survival in HCC patients in North Macedonia. Methods: We studied 31 cases of HCC for EGFR immunohistochemical expression and EGFR exons 18-21 mutations. The following clinical parameters were analyzed: Hepatitis B and C virus infection, presence of cirrhosis, tumor size, enlarged lymph nodes, metastases, alpha fetoprotein level and overall survival. Presence of the EGFR immunosignal (membranous and cytoplasmic) and the percentage of positive tumor cells in the entire tumor tissue specimen were semi-quantitatively determined. Results: Hepatitis B and C virus infection, tumor size, metastatic disease and EGFR immunoexpression have influence on patient's survival. No EGFR exons 18-21 mutations were detected in this group of HCCs. EGFR expression of 61%-80% in tumor tissue significantly influenced survival of the patients (p < 0.01). Multiple Cox regression confirmed tumor size of 5-10 cm (p < 0.05), tumor size > 10 cm (p < 0.01) and EGFR expression in range of 61% to 80% (p < 0.05) as independent survival predictors in patients with HCC. Conclusion: EGFR overexpression in range of 61% to 80% was an independent survival predictor in patients with HCC, implying that these patients could benefit from EGFR inhibition. However, the absence of EGFR mutations in exons 18-21 in any of the cases of this study suggest that single drug EGFR targeted therapy in patients with HCC may be insufficient.

From the Editor’s Desk…

From the Editor’s Desk…

Evaluating the best treatment for multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUNDHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common tumour often diagnosed with a multifocal presentation. Patients with multifocal HCC represent a heterogeneous group. Although Trans-Arterial ChemoEmbolization (TACE) is the most frequently employed treatment for these patients, previous data suggested that liver resection (LR) could be a safe and effective procedure.AIMTo compare LR and TACE in patients with multifocal HCC in terms of procedure-related morbidity and oncologic outcomes.METHODSAll patients with multifocal HCC who underwent LR or TACE as the first procedure between May 2011 and March 2021 were enrolled. The decision to perform surgery or TACE was made after a multidisciplinary team evaluation. Only patients in Child-Pugh class A or B7 and stage B (according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system, without severe portal hypertension, vascular invasion, or extrahepatic spread) were included in the final analysis. Propensity score matching was used to adjust the baseline differences between patients undergoing LR and the TACE group [number and diameter of lesions, presence of cirrhosis, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score]. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The outcomes of LR and TACE were compared using the log-rank test.RESULTSAfter matching, 30 patients were eligible for the final analysis, 15 in each group. Morbidity rates were 42.9% and 40% for LR and TACE, respectively (P = 0.876). Median OS was not different in the LR and TACE groups (53 mo vs 18 mo, P = 0.312), while DFS was significantly longer with LR (19 mo vs 0 mo, P = 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed that patients in the Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) B2 stage, with AFP levels lower than 400 ng/mL, less than 3 lesions, and lesions bigger than 41 mm, benefited more from LR in terms of DFS. Patients classified as ITA.LI.CA B3, with AFP levels higher than 400 ng/mL and with more than 3 lesions, appeared to receive more benefit from TACE in terms of OS.CONCLUSIONIn a small cohort of patients with multifocal HCC, LR confers longer DFS compared with TACE, with similar OS and post-procedural morbidity.

Risk factors for bile leakage after liver resection for neoplastic disease.

Biliary leakage (BL) remains the most frequent and feared complication after hepatoresective surgery. Placement of the abdominal drainage at the end of liver surgery remains controversial due to the delicate balance between risks and potential benefits in case of BL. The study was aimed to detect possible risk factors for BL occurrence after liver surgery. We enrolled all oncologic patients who underwent liver resection from June 2016 to March 2021. BL was diagnosed according to the ISGLS definition. We have examined demographic characteristics of the patients, type of neoplasia, presence of cirrhosis, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and type of intervention. Uni- and multivariable analyses were performed to assess the predictive value of potential predictor of BL. A total of 379 patients were enrolled in the study, 16 (4.2%) of which developed BL. Among others, at univariate analysis the occurrence of BL was found to be associated with bilio-digestive anastomosis (OR: 9.75, C.I. 2.7-34.7, p < 0.001) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR: 0.09, C.I 0.01,-0.88, p = 0.039). Multivariable analysis selected the body mass index (OR: 1.21, 95%C.I.: 1.04-1.41, p = 0.015), anatomical resection (OR: 8.35, 95% C.I.: 2.01-34.74, p = 0.004), and blood loss (OR: 1.09, 95%C.I.: 1.05-1.13, p < 0.001). Identification of patients at greater risk of BL can help in the choice of positioning the drainage at the end of liver surgery.

Impact of post-hepatectomy liver failure on morbidity and short- and long-term survival after major hepatectomy.

BackgroundPost-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is one of the most serious postoperative complications after hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) definition of PHLF on morbidity and short- and long-term survival after major hepatectomy.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent major hepatectomy (three or more liver segments) for various liver tumours between 2010 and 2018 at two Swedish tertiary centres for hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. Descriptive statistics, regression models, and survival analyses were used.ResultsA total of 799 patients underwent major hepatectomy, of which 218 patients (27 per cent) developed ISGLS-defined PHLF, including 115 patients (14 per cent) with ISGLS grade A, 76 patients (10 per cent) with grade B, and 27 patients (3 per cent) with grade C. The presence of cirrhosis, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder cancer, right-sided hemihepatectomy and trisectionectomy all significantly increased the risk of clinically relevant PHLF (grades B and C). Clinically relevant PHLF increased the risk of 90-day mortality and was associated with impaired long-term survival. ISGLS grade A had more major postoperative complications compared with no PHLF but failed to be an independent predictor of both 90-day mortality and long-term survival. The impact of PHLF grade B/C on long-term survival was no longer present in patients surviving the first 90 days after surgery.ConclusionsThe presently used ISGLS definition for PHLF should be reconsidered regarding mortality as only PHLF grade B/C was associated with a negative impact on short-term survival; however, even ISGLS grade A had clinical implications.

THU185 - Presence of cirrhosis in chronic liver disease patients associates with a lower immune response to COVID-19 vaccines-a multicenter european study

THU185 - Presence of cirrhosis in chronic liver disease patients associates with a lower immune response to COVID-19 vaccines-a multicenter european study

The Effect of a Liver Transplant Program on the Outcomes of Resectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Nationwide Multicenter Analysis.

To evaluate the effect of a liver transplantation (LT) program on the outcomes of resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Surgical treatment of HCC includes both hepatic resection (HR) and LT. However, the presence of cirrhosis and the possibility of recurrence make the management of this disease complex and probably different according to the presence of a LT program. Patients undergoing HR for HCC between January 2005 and December 2019 were identified from a national database of HCC. The main study outcomes were major surgical complications according to the Comprehensive Complication Index, posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF), 90-day mortality, overall survival, and disease-free survival. Secondary outcomes were salvage liver transplantation (SLT) and postrecurrence survival. A total of 3202 patients were included from 25 hospitals over the study period. Three of 25 (12%) had an LT program. The presence of an LT program within a center was associated with a reduced probability of PHLF (odds ratio=0.38) but not with overall survival and disease-free survival. There was an increased probability of SLT when HR was performed in a transplant hospital (odds ratio=12.05). Among transplant-eligible patients, those who underwent LT had a significantly longer postrecurrence survival. This study showed that the presence of a LT program was associated with decreased PHLF rates and an increased probability to receive SLT in case of recurrence.

Influences of etiology and endoscopic appearance on the long-term outcomes of gastric antral vascular ectasia.

BACKGROUNDGastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) has diverse associations and presumed causes, which include liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, and autoimmune disease. This heterogeneity of underlying disorders suggests that the pathogenesis of GAVE may be variable.AIMTo compare the clinical features and long-term outcomes of GAVE according to endoscopic patterns and etiologies.METHODSThe medical records and endoscopic images of 23 consecutive patients diagnosed with GAVE by endoscopy at Yeungnam University Hospital from January 2006 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were allocated to cirrhosis (16 patients) and non-cirrhosis groups (7 patients). GAVE subtypes, as determined by endoscopy, were categorized as punctate (a diffuse, honeycomb-like appearance, 17 patients) or striped (a linear, watermelon-like appearance, 6 patients).RESULTSAll GAVE patients with cirrhosis (16/16, 100%) had a punctate pattern by endoscopy, whereas the majority of patients (6/7, 85.7%) without cirrhosis had a striped pattern (P < 0.001). Overt GAVE bleeding (10/23, 43%) was significantly more common in the non-cirrhosis group than in the cirrhosis group (6/7, 85.7% vs 4/16, 25.0%; P = 0.019), and more common in the striped group than in the punctate group (5/6, 83.3% vs 5/17, 29.4%; P = 0.052). However, mean numbers of admissions due to GAVE bleeding and argon plasma coagulation (APC) sessions to address overt bleeding were similar in the cirrhosis and non-cirrhosis groups and in the punctate and striped groups. All patients with GAVE bleeding were successfully treated by APC, and no patient died from GAVE-related blood loss during a median follow-up of 24 mo.CONCLUSIONPunctate-type GAVE is strongly associated with liver cirrhosis, and GAVE patients without cirrhosis tend to be more prone to overt bleeding. However, the presence of cirrhosis and endoscopic patterns did not influence long-term clinical courses or outcomes in cases of overt bleeding.

Evaluation of Hepatopulmonary Syndrome with Technetium-99m Macroaggregated Albumin Scintigraphy.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is characterized by intrapulmonary vascular dilatation causing hypoxemia in patients with liver disease. Technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) scintigraphy have diagnostic value in suspected HPS by detecting clinically significant right to left shunt. In presence of cirrhosis, MAA scan with extra-pulmonary organs visualization is specific of intrapulmonary shunting. MAA scintigraphy also provides added value of quantification of the shunt.

Hepatocellular carcinoma incidence in chronic hepatitis C patients according to sustained virological response (SVR) with interferon‐based therapies and baseline characteristics

AbstractIntroductionHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer‐related death worldwide with increasing incidence. Effective antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) became available in the last 7 years but despite the WHO Hepatitis elimination targets, they are not universally available today in all regions for all the patients, indicating still a bleak outlook for CHC‐associated HCC in the next decades.AimTo assess the HCC incidence in relation to interferon (IFN)‐based antiviral treatment response and baseline characteristics of a large cohort of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients from a single institution.MethodsWe retrospectively collected data of CHC patients, who were diagnosed between 1989 and 2011 and treated at the AKH‐University Hospital of Vienna before the introduction of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) only therapy. We analysed the HCC incidence in patients with a sustained virological response (SVR) and without SVR according to the patients' baseline characteristics.ResultsOur study included 2134 patients, who were treated or not treated with IFN‐based antiviral treatment and had long‐term follow‐up available. The overall HCC incidence in this cohort was 6.2% (132 HCC cases over a median follow‐up period of 9 years). According to the baseline fibrosis stage, the overall HCC incidence was: 1.1% in patients with baseline fibrosis stage F0‐2, 8.2% in F3 and 20.6% in F4 patients. The HCC incidence was significantly higher in non‐SVR and no‐treatment group as compared with SVR patients: 12.4% vs 1.9%, P &lt; .0001, 7.3% vs 1.9%, P &lt; .0001. In multivariate analysis, lower platelet count (odds ratio‐OR = ‐0.1, 95% CI: 0.15‐0.63), for the SVR group and presence of cirrhosis (OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.59‐8.17), ALBI grade &gt;=2 (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.0‐5.3) for the non‐SVR group were independently associated with HCC occurrence. For the group of patients with no treatment, the only predictor for HCC was high baseline alpha‐fetoprotein values (OR = 10.2, 95% CI: 2.2‐47.9).ConclusionThe achievement of SVR significantly reduces the risk for HCC occurrence during long‐term follow‐up. However, the risk remains high in successfully treated patients with low platelet count and in patients who did not achieve SVR with more advanced liver disease. These risk factors should be considered in decision‐making of HCC surveillance in this settling.

Comparing Survival Outcomes of Patients With LI-RADS-M Hepatocellular Carcinomas and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinomas.

There is a sparsity of data evaluating outcomes of patients with Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) (LR)-M lesions. To compare overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) meeting LR-M criteria and to evaluate factors associated with prognosis. Retrospective. Patients at risk for HCC with at least one LR-M lesion with histologic diagnosis, from 8 academic centers, yielding 120 patients with 120 LR-M lesions (84 men [mean age 62 years] and 36 women [mean age 66 years]). A 1.5 and 3.0 T/3D T1 -weighted gradient echo, T2 -weighted fast spin-echo. The imaging categorization of each lesion as LR-M was made clinically by a single radiologist at each site and patient outcome measures were collected. OS, PFS, and potential independent predictors were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard model. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. A total of 120 patients with 120 LR-M lesions were included; on histology 65 were HCC and 55 were iCCA. There was similar median OS for patients with LR-M HCC compared to patients with iCCA (738 days vs. 769 days, P= 0.576). There were no significant differences between patients with HCC and iCCA in terms of sex (47:18 vs. 37:18, P= 0.549), age (63.0 ± 8.4 vs. 63.4± 7.8, P= 0.847), etiology of liver disease (P= 0.202), presence of cirrhosis (100% vs. 100%, P= 1.000), tumor size (4.73 ± 3.28 vs. 4.75 ± 2.58, P= 0.980), method of lesion histologic diagnosis (P= 0.646), and proportion of patients who underwent locoregional therapy (60.0% vs. 38.2%, P=0.100) or surgery (134.8±165.5 vs. 142.5± 205.6, P= 0.913). Using multivariable analysis, nonsurgical compared to surgical management (HR, 4.58), larger tumor size (HR, 1.19), and higher MELD score (HR, 1.12) were independently associated with worse OS. There was similar OS in patients with LR-M HCC and LR-M iCCA, suggesting that LR-M imaging features may more closely reflect patient outcomes than histology. 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 5.