Hepatitis and Treatment

A special issue of Diseases (ISSN 2079-9721). This special issue belongs to the section "Infectious Disease".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2018) | Viewed by 31641

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

After interferon-free regimens with combinations of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), against hepatitis C virus (HCV), appeared, higher sustained virologic response (SVR) rates were achieved compared to those of interferon-including regimens. HCV can be eradicated more easily with less adverse events, however, as some HCV-infected patients become older and some have advanced liver diseases, the occurrence and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is sometimes observed after SVR. Thus, different problems in the interferon-era have appeared. In patients infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), it has been easy to control virus replication, but the occurrence of HCC is still one of the major problems. Acute exacerbation and reactivation of HBV cannot be predicted, with or without the use of immunosuppressants and/or anti-cancer drugs. Hepatocarcinogenesis in non-viral liver diseases is also an important problem. This Special Issue will focus on the study of hepatitis, its treatment, and others.

Dr. Tatsuo Kanda
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • HCV
  • DAAs
  • HBV
  • HCC

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 816 KiB  
Article
Underutilization of Hepatitis C Virus Seropositive Donor Kidneys in the United States in the Current Opioid Epidemic and Direct-Acting Antiviral Era
by Andrew A. Li, George Cholankeril, Xingxing S. Cheng, Jane C. Tan, Donghee Kim, Alice E. Toll, Satheesh Nair and Aijaz Ahmed
Diseases 2018, 6(3), 62; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/diseases6030062 - 10 Jul 2018
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4030
Abstract
In recent years, the opioid epidemic and new hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatments have changed the landscape of organ procurement and allocation. We studied national trends in solid organ transplantation (2000–2016), focusing on graft utilization from HCV seropositive deceased donors in the pre-2014 [...] Read more.
In recent years, the opioid epidemic and new hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatments have changed the landscape of organ procurement and allocation. We studied national trends in solid organ transplantation (2000–2016), focusing on graft utilization from HCV seropositive deceased donors in the pre-2014 (2000–2013) versus current (2014–2016) eras with a retrospective analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing database. During the study period, HCV seropositive donors increased from 181 to 661 donors/year. The rate of HCV seropositive donor transplants doubled from 2014 to 2016. Heart and lung transplantation data were too few to analyze. A higher number of HCV seropositive livers were transplanted into HCV seropositive recipients during the current era: 374 versus 124 liver transplants/year. Utilization rates for liver transplantation reached parity between HCV seropositive and non-HCV donors. While the number of HCV seropositive kidneys transplanted to HCV seropositive recipients increased from 165.4 to 334.7 kidneys/year from the pre-2014 era to the current era, utilization rates for kidneys remained lower in HCV seropositive than in non-HCV donors. In conclusion, relative underutilization of kidneys from HCV seropositive versus non-HCV donors has persisted, in contrast to trends in liver transplantation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Treatment)
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8 pages, 357 KiB  
Communication
Adverse Effects of Direct Acting Antivirals in HIV/HCV Coinfected Patients: A 4-Year Experience in Miami, Florida
by Jose Armando Gonzales Zamora
Diseases 2018, 6(2), 51; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/diseases6020051 - 19 Jun 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3304
Abstract
Introduction: The new direct acting antivirals (DAA) have demonstrated low rates of adverse effects in controlled studies. However, real world-studies have disclosed emerging toxicities and drug-drug interactions in special populations. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of HIV/HCV coinfected patients who were treated [...] Read more.
Introduction: The new direct acting antivirals (DAA) have demonstrated low rates of adverse effects in controlled studies. However, real world-studies have disclosed emerging toxicities and drug-drug interactions in special populations. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of HIV/HCV coinfected patients who were treated with DAA at Jackson Memorial Hospital from 2014 to 2017. Our aim was to determine the adverse effects (AE) and factors that are associated with AE in HIV/HCV individuals who are treated with DAA. Results: There were 78 coinfected patients treated with DAA. AE that were secondary to DAA were reported by 21 (26.9%) patients. The most common AE were fatigue (47.6%), gastrointestinal symptoms (38.1%), anemia (14.3%), and headache (14.3%). In comparison with the rest of the study cohort, the patients who developed AE were more often Caucasian (33.3% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.017) and were more frequently treated with PrOD/Ribavirin (9.5% vs. 0%, p = 0.018). In terms of antiretroviral therapy (ART), there was a trend towards a more frequent use of TDF/FTC + NNRTI (33.3% vs. 14%, p = 0.055). Conclusions: These findings demonstrated good tolerability of DAAs in HIV/HCV coinfected patients. More real-world studies are needed to explore the variables that are associated with AE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Treatment)
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10 pages, 677 KiB  
Article
Survival and Prognostic Factors in Mixed Cryoglobulinemia: Data from 246 Cases
by Cesare Mazzaro, Luigino Dal Maso, Endri Mauro, Valter Gattei, Michela Ghersetti, Pietro Bulian, Giulia Moratelli, Gabriele Grassi, Francesca Zorat and Gabriele Pozzato
Diseases 2018, 6(2), 35; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/diseases6020035 - 03 May 2018
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3855
Abstract
Introduction: The clinical and therapeutic management of mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) remains a subject of controversy. In addition, most studies have not recorded the long-term follow-up and the outcome of these cases. Material and Methods: We enrolled 246 patients affected by MC who were [...] Read more.
Introduction: The clinical and therapeutic management of mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) remains a subject of controversy. In addition, most studies have not recorded the long-term follow-up and the outcome of these cases. Material and Methods: We enrolled 246 patients affected by MC who were consecutively admitted to our Department from January 1993 to February 2013. Clinical and biological data had been recorded until June 2014. Results: The median age (at diagnosis) was 60 years (range 26–83). The aetiology was HCV in 95% of patients, HBV in 3% and “essential” in 2%. HCV genotype was 1b in 57%, genotypes 2–3 in 43%. MC was Type II in 203 of the cases (87%) and Type III in 52 (13%). The most frequent clinical manifestations were purpura (72%), chronic liver disease (70%), glomerulonephritis (35%), arthralgias (58%), peripheral neuropathy (21%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (15%) and cutaneous ulcers (3%). Purpura, arthralgias, peripheral neuropathy, glomerulonephritis and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were more frequently observed in Type II than in Type III MC (p < 0.05). Treatments were interferon (IFN) or Pegilated-IFN (PEG-IFN) alone or plus Ribavirin (RIBA) in 101 cases, steroids with or without alkylating agents in 33 cases, Rituximab in 8 patients. The complete clinical, virological and immunological responses were associated with PEG-IFN plus RIBA. Severe infections were associated with renal failure. At 10 years, the overall survival rate was 71% in Type II MC and 84% in Type III (p < 0.053). Conclusions: From our data, antiviral therapy is the first-line therapy in HCV-related MC, whereas steroids, alkylating agents and Rituximab should be considered as a second-line therapy. Given the heterogeneity of the disease, the role of these different therapeutic strategies should be checked in randomized controlled trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Treatment)
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9 pages, 297 KiB  
Communication
Hepatitis C in Pregnancy
by Pratima Dibba, Rosann Cholankeril, Andrew A. Li, Meera Patel, Mariam Fayek, Christy Dibble, Nnenna Okpara, Autumn Hines and Aijaz Ahmed
Diseases 2018, 6(2), 31; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/diseases6020031 - 27 Apr 2018
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5932
Abstract
The prevalence of hepatitis C in pregnancy is as high as 3.6% in large cohorts. The prevalence of hepatitis C acquired by vertical transmission is 0.2% to 0.4% in the United States and Europe. Although screening is not recommended in the absence of [...] Read more.
The prevalence of hepatitis C in pregnancy is as high as 3.6% in large cohorts. The prevalence of hepatitis C acquired by vertical transmission is 0.2% to 0.4% in the United States and Europe. Although screening is not recommended in the absence of certain risk factors, the importance of understanding hepatitis C in pregnancy lies in its association with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. There is potential for those infants infected by vertical transmission to develop chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The risk of vertical transmission is increased when mothers are co-infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or possess a high viral load. There is no clear data supporting that mode of delivery increases or reduces risk. Breastfeeding is not associated with increased risk of transmission. Premature rupture of membranes, invasive procedures (such as amniocentesis), intrapartum events, or fetal scalp monitoring may increase risk of transmission. In pregnant patients, hepatitis C is diagnosed with a positive ELISA-3 and detectable Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA viral load. Infants born to HCV-infected mothers should be tested for either HCV RNA on at least two separate occasions. Although prevention is not possible, there may be a role for newer direct acting anti-viral medications in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Treatment)

Review

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8 pages, 1213 KiB  
Review
Renal Impairment in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Review
by Hiroteru Kamimura, Toru Setsu, Naruhiro Kimura, Takeshi Yokoo, Akira Sakamaki, Kenya Kamimura, Atsunori Tsuchiya, Masaaki Takamura, Satoshi Yamagiwa and Shuji Terai
Diseases 2018, 6(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases6020052 - 19 Jun 2018
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5579
Abstract
The liver plays a key role in the metabolism of proteins. Liver dysfunction affects many organs because it communicates with the spleen and all digestive organs through the portal vein. Additionally, the kidney is an organ that is closely related to the liver [...] Read more.
The liver plays a key role in the metabolism of proteins. Liver dysfunction affects many organs because it communicates with the spleen and all digestive organs through the portal vein. Additionally, the kidney is an organ that is closely related to the liver and is involved in liver diseases. Glomerulonephritis is an important extrahepatic manifestation of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy effectively suppresses HBV replication by inhibiting HBV polymerase, thus decreasing the levels of serum HBV-DNA and delaying the progression of cirrhosis. Although NA therapy is recommended for all patients with chronic HBV infection, regardless of the level of renal dysfunction, there is limited information on NA use in patients with chronic kidney disease. In addition, in patients with end-stage liver cirrhosis, hepatorenal syndrome can be fatal. Hence, we should take into account the stage of impaired renal function in patients with cirrhosis. The aims of this article are to review the epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment, and prevention of HBV-associated nephropathy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Treatment)
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8 pages, 232 KiB  
Review
Update Treatment for HBV Infection and Persistent Risk for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Prospect for an HBV Cure
by Joseph Yoo, Hie-Won Hann, Robert Coben, Mitchell Conn and Anthony J. DiMarino
Diseases 2018, 6(2), 27; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/diseases6020027 - 20 Apr 2018
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4953
Abstract
Since the discovery of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) by Blumberg et al. in 1965, its genome, sequence, epidemiology, and hepatocarcinogenesis have been elucidated. Globally, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still responsible for the majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is the sixth-most [...] Read more.
Since the discovery of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) by Blumberg et al. in 1965, its genome, sequence, epidemiology, and hepatocarcinogenesis have been elucidated. Globally, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still responsible for the majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is the sixth-most common cancer in the world and the second-most common cancer death. The ultimate goal of treating HBV infection is the prevention of HCC. Fortunately, anti-HBV treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs), which began with lamivudine in 1998, has resulted in remarkable improvements in the survival of patients with chronic hepatitis B and a reduced incidence of HCC. These results were documented with lamivudine, entecavir, and tenofovir. Nonetheless, as the duration of antiviral treatment increases, the risk for HCC still remains despite undetectable HBV DNA in serum, as reported by different investigators with observation up to 4–5 years. In our own experience, we are witnessing the development of HCC in patients who have received antiviral treatment. Some have enjoyed negative serum HBV DNA for over 12 years before developing HCC. Current treatment with NAs can effectively suppress the replication of the virus but cannot eradicate the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) that is within the nucleus of hepatocytes. There still remains a great need for a cure for HBV. Fortunately, several compounds have been identified that have the potential to eradicate HBV, and there are ongoing clinical trials in progress in their early stages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Treatment)

Other

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190 KiB  
Commentary
Hepatitis B Virus Genotype C is Predominant in Myanmar
by Nan Nwe Win, Shingo Nakamoto, Myint Myint Sein, Mitsuhiko Moriyama, Tatsuo Kanda and Hiroshi Shirasawa
Diseases 2018, 6(1), 3; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/diseases6010003 - 26 Dec 2017
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3335
Abstract
Myanmar is adjacent to India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Laos and China. In Myanmar, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections is 6.5% and accounts for 60% of hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV has nine genotypes that have been identified by molecular genetic analysis. HBV genotypes [...] Read more.
Myanmar is adjacent to India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Laos and China. In Myanmar, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections is 6.5% and accounts for 60% of hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV has nine genotypes that have been identified by molecular genetic analysis. HBV genotypes are associated with several clinical features. We reviewed the prevalence of HBV genotypes in Myanmar and neighboring countries. We also reviewed HBV genotypes in refugees from Myanmar. HBV subgenotype C1 is predominant in Myanmar. As HBV genotype C is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it is important to screen for cirrhosis and HCC and to prevent their development in HBV-infected individuals of Myanmar. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Treatment)
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