Caracterização clínica e patológica dos linfomas hepáticos: um estudo retrospetivo unicêntrico / Clinical and pathological characterization of hepatic lymphomas: a retrospective single-center study

ABSTRACT Background: The incidence of hepatic lymphoma has been increasing recently and diagnosis can be challenging as clinical presentation and radiological findings are usually variable and non-specific. Objective The aims of this study were to describe their main clinical, pathological and imaging characteristics and identify poor prognostic factors. Methods A retrospective study that included all patients with histological diagnosis of liver lymphoma over a 10-year period at our center was performed. Results A total of 36 patients were identified, with mean age of 56.6 years and male predominance (58%). There were three patients with primary liver lymphoma (8.3%) and 33 with secondary liver lymphoma (91.7%). The most common histological type was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (33.3%). The most common clinical manifestations included fever, lymphadenopathy, weight loss, night sweats and abdominal discomfort; three patients (11.1%) were asymptomatic. Computed tomography scan revealed heterogenous radiological patterns including a single nodule (26.5%), multiple nodules (41.2%) or diffuse infiltration (32.4%). The mortality rate during follow-up was 55.6%. Higher levels of C-reactive protein (P=0.031) and absence of treatment response (P<0.001) were significantly associated with higher mortality. Conclusion Hepatic lymphoma is a rare disease that may involve liver as part of a systemic disease or, less commonly, be confined to this organ. Clinical presentation and radiological findings are often variable and non-specific. It is associated with high mortality and poor prognostic factors include higher levels of C-reactive protein and absence of response to treatment.

RESUMO Contexto A incidência de linfoma hepático tem aumentando recentemente e o diagnóstico pode ser desafiante, na medida em que a apresentação clínica e os achados imagiológicos são geralmente variáveis e inespecíficos. Objetivo: Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever suas principais características clínicas, patológicas e de imagem e identificar fatores de mau prognóstico. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo retrospetivo que incluiu todos os pacientes com diagnóstico histológico de linfoma hepático num período de 10 anos no nosso centro. Resultados: Foram identificados 36 pacientes, com média de idade de 56,6 anos e predomínio de género masculino (58%). Havia três pacientes com linfoma hepático primário (8,3%) e 33 com linfoma hepático secundário (91,7%). O tipo histológico mais comum foi o linfoma difuso de grandes células B (33,3%). As manifestações clínicas mais comuns incluíram febre, linfadenopatia, emagrecimento, hipersudorese noturna e desconforto abdominal; 3 (11,1%) pacientes eram assintomáticos. A tomografia computadorizada revelou padrões radiológicos heterogêneos, incluindo um único nódulo (26,5%), múltiplos nódulos (41,2%) ou infiltração difusa (32,4%). A taxa de mortalidade durante o seguimento foi de 55,6%. Níveis mais elevados de proteína C reativa (P=0,031) e ausência de resposta ao tratamento (P<0,001) foram significativamente associados a maior mortalidade. Conclusão O linfoma hepático é uma doença rara que pode envolver o fígado como parte de uma doença sistêmica ou, menos comumente, estar confinado a este órgão. A apresentação clínica e os achados radiológicos são frequentemente variáveis e inespecíficos. Associa-se a elevada mortalidade e fatores de mau prognóstico incluem níveis mais elevados de proteína C reativa e ausência de resposta ao tratamento.

Histopathological evaluation of cirrhosis reversal / 中华肝脏病杂志

A normal liver can develop cirrhosis through long-term and repeated stimulation from various etiologies. Histological manifestations like the collapse of hepatic lobular structure (including microvascular structure) and the formation of pseudolobules can lead to portal hypertension and even decompensated cirrhosis. More and more evidence suggests that effective etiological treatment can not only delay but also reverse the progression of cirrhosis. The mechanism of cirrhosis reversal mainly includes the degradation of extracellular matrix, hepatocyte regeneration, and hepatic lobular remodeling. The "gold standard" for the evaluation of cirrhosis reversal at present is still a liver biopsy. Therefore, the histopathological evaluation of cirrhosis reversal is very important for determining the disease's prognosis, efficacy, and mechanism of exploration.

Biopsia hepática: experiencia en un hospital regional del sur de Chile / Liver biopsy: experience in a regional hospital in southern Chile

Introduction: Liver biopsy is an invasive procedure with a minimal rate of associated complications, which represents a highly useful strategy for the diagnosis of pathologies in the liver, when the etiology cannot be clarified by non-invasive techniques. It provides information that allows determining the progression and prognosis of liver diseases. Objectives: To evaluate the main etiology causes of liver disease in patients undergoing liver biopsy. Material and Methods: Review of the clinical record of 61 patients who underwent this procedure between 2018 and 2020 at the Hernán Henríquez Aravena hospital, demographic variables, diagnosis that motivates its performance, and associated complications. Results: Average age 58 years, of this 66% were female and 34% were male. The diagnoses that motivated this procedure were: autoimmune hepatitis, liver Tumors, and chronic liver damage of unknown etiology. 100% of the case had a satisfactory sample for the analysis and clarification of the cause of liver disease. 91% did not present complications and of the 8% associated with complications, pain was the most common. Conclusion: Liver biopsy is an effective method that allowed establishing etiology, confirming diagnosis suspicions, and evaluating the progression of liver disease with a low rate of complications.

Introducción: La biopsia hepática es un procedimiento invasivo con una tasa mínima de complicaciones asociadas, que representa una estrategia de gran utilidad para el diagnóstico de patologías a nivel del hígado, cuando a través de técnicas no invasivas no se logra esclarecer la etiología. Además, entrega información que permite determinar la progresión y pronóstico de enfermedades hepáticas. Objetivos: Evaluar las principales causas etiológicas de hepatopatías en los pacientes sometidos a biopsia hepática. Material y Método: Revisión de fichas clínicas de 61 pacientes sometidos a este procedimiento entre el año 2018 y 2020 en el hospital Hernán Henríquez Aravena, se analizaron variables demográficas, diagnóstico que motiva su realización, y complicaciones asociadas. Resultados: Edad promedio: 58 años de estos: 66% eran del sexo femenino y 34% al sexo masculino. De los diagnósticos que motivaron a la realización de la biopsia fuero: hepatitis autoinmune, tumores hepáticos y daño hepático crónico de etiología no precisada. El 100% de los casos tuvo una muestra satisfactoria para el análisis y esclarecer la causa de la hepatopatía. El 91% no presentó complicaciones y del 8% de las complicaciones presentadas, el dolor fue la principalmente descrita. Conclusiones: La biopsia hepática es un método eficaz que permitió establecer etiología, confirmar sospechas diagnósticas y evaluar progresión de enfermedades hepáticas con una baja tasa de complicación.

Exploration on ALT threshold for initiating antiviral therapy in chronic HBV-infected patients based on results of 707 liver puncture cases / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective To explore the threshold of ALT for initiating antiviral therapy in HBV infected patients, and to provide a basis for initiating antiviral therapy in chronic HBV-infected patients. Methods This retrospective cohort study recruited 707 consecutive treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients undergoing diagnostic liver biopsy in the department of infectious diseases of the Affiliated Hospital of Yan′an University from October 2013 to August 2018. Liver biopsy specimens were obtained under ultrasound guidance using Menghini 16G disposable needles. The METAVIR scoring system, which is commonly used internationally, was used to divide the patients into the group with mild liver tissue injury and the group with significant liver tissue injury, and the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured separately. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of ALT for significant liver tissue injury under different demographic characteristics. Results Of 707 patients, 292 (41.30%) had significant liver tissue injury confirmed by liver biopsy (METAVIR ≥A2 and/or F2). When the ULN of ALT was set to NICE criteria (30 U/L for males, 19 U/L for females), AASLD criteria (35 U/L for males, 25 U/L for females) and EASL or APASL criteria (40 U/L for males and females), CHB patients with <ULN accounted for 32.38%, 35.03% and 36.07% of significant liver tissue injury, respectively. And significant liver tissue injury in CHB patients with 1-2×ULN accounted for 41.99%, 41.85% and 50.30%, respectively. The optimal ALT critical values were 33 U/L for overall patients, 25 U/L for females, 45 U/L for males, 45 U/L for ≤30 years olds, 33 U/L for>30 years olds, 22 U/L for HBeAg negative and 31 U/L for HBeAg positive patients. Conclusions The threshold of ALT for initiating antiviral therapy in chronic HBV patients should be individualized, especially should be down-regulated for the females, olders and HBeAg-negative patients.

Autoimmune hepatitis � primary biliary cirrhosis and overlap syndrome: A case report

Important immune-mediated liver illnesses include autoimmunity hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cirrhosis. Typically, they are distinguished based on histological, biochemical, serological, and clinical parameters. Diagnostic criteria for many conditions are typically met by patients with autoimmune liver disease. The diagnosis of AIH/primary sclerosing cholangitis overlap is based on a mix of biochemistry, autoantibody profile, cholangiogram, and liver histology; there are no universally accepted criteria for this. The patient can remain asymptomatic or present with pruritis and jaundice. Diagnosis is through liver biopsy showing bile duct destruction and proliferation. The treatment is by high-dose ursodeoxycholic acid.

GP73 level in patients with chronic hepatitis B: Relationship with liver biopsy, levels of ALT, AST and HBV DNA

Background/Aims: In this study, we investigated the Golgi protein 73 (GP73) level in Hepatitis B and determined the correlation between Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and liver histopathology. Materials and Methods: GP73 levels were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum samples from patients. Liver biopsy specimens were examined by the same pathologist. Results: This study included a total of 127 patients who underwent liver biopsy. Of patients, 85% were HBeAg negative. HBV DNA level was median 134667 IU/mL (2247–170000000 IU/mL), Liver biopsy results revealed a mean Histological Activity Index (HAI) grade of 7.7 ± 3.4 and a mean fibrosis stage of 2.25 ± 1.06 gr/dL. GP73 was as follows: a mean of 14.8 ± 7.9 ng/mL and a median of 12.9 (4.8–50.1) ng/mL. A weak correlation between GP73 level and AST (r = 0.236, P = 0.11), fibrosis stage (r = 0.287, P = 0.002), and HAI grade (r = 0.218, P = 0.016) was noted. No statistically significant correlation was detected between GP73 and ALT (r = 0.16, P = 0.08), HBV DNA (r = 0.13, P = 0.08). Conclusion: Although recent studies revealed a strong correlation and increased GP73 levels in accordance with HAI scores and the fibrosis grade of liver, we detected a weak correlation between serum GP73 levels and HAI scores, fibrosis stage, and AST. This may be due to the insufficient number of patients with higher HAI grading and fibrosis staging in our study. Therefore, we concluded that, in cases of low-moderate fibrosis and HAI grading, GP73 seemed not to be useful and a reliable marker to replace liver biopsy.

Fibrofast and fibrosis-4 versus fibroscan as indicators of hepatic fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: A cross sectional Study

Aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a broad category for a disease spectrum that includes simple steatosis, which can proceed to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and, finally, hepatocellular carcinoma. Owing to the invasive nature of liver biopsy, the need for non-invasive tools were required for diagnosis. Objective: To compare the performance of simple biochemical scores (fibroblast) FIB-5 and (fibrosis-4) FIB-4 with fibroscan to differentiate mild to moderate fibrosis (MF; F0 to F2) from advanced fibrosis (AF; F3 to F4) in patients with NAFLD. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 116 NAFLD patients. All patients were scanned with the FibroScan examination. FIB-5 and FIB-4 were calculated for all patients. Results: The mean kPa score (liver stiffness measurement score) of the patients belonging to advanced fibrosis [9.53 ± 1.05]. The FIB-4 score was significantly higher in patients with advanced fibrosis (1.54 ± 0.38) compared with patients with mild to moderate fibrosis (1.18 ± 0.44), p-value = 0.001, whereas the FIB-5 score was insignificant between patients. Conclusion: FIB-4 is superior to FIB-5 as a non-invasive simple marker in diagnosing advanced fibrosis in NAFLD patients.

Analysis of 53 cases of transjugular liver biopsy / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To investigate the practicability and safety of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB). Methods: Data of 53 cases with transjugular liver biopsy from June 2015 to June 2020 were collected. LABS-100 was used in all patients who underwent transjugular liver biopsy. Among them, 45 cases and eight were biopsied via hepatic vein and intrahepatic segment of the inferior vena cava. The surgical indications, related complications, and postoperative pathological diagnosis were analyzed and summarized. Results: TJLB was successful in all patients, with an average of 2.8 punctures per case. Satisfactory liver tissue and histopathological diagnosis was obtained in all patients. Two cases developed a cervical hematoma that was improved spontaneously, and one patient developed an intrahepatic hematoma that was improved after conservative treatment. Conclusion: TJLB is a practical and safe method for patients with contraindications to percutaneous liver biopsy.

Hamartomatosis biliar múltiple / Multiple biliary hamartomatosis

Introducción: La hamartomatosis biliar múltiple o también llamada enfermedad de los complejos de von Meyenburg fue descrita por este autor en 1955. Tiene un origen disembriogénico con un curso evolutivo benigno y asintomático, con pruebas funcionales hepáticas normales. Por los estudios de imágenes se puede confirmar el diagnóstico, pero igualmente ante un hígado multinodular pueden diagnosticar una hepatopatía crónica sin precisar su etiología, por lo que es imprescindible el diagnóstico histológico con biopsia hepática translaparoscópica dirigida. No se necesita ningún tratamiento específico y su seguimiento es ecográfico semestral o anual. Objetivo: Presentar el valor de la biopsia hepática dirigida por laparoscopia a las lesiones por hamartomatosis biliar múltiple. Desarrollo: Se presenta un paciente de 53 años con antecedentes de ser un bebedor social con frecuencia semanal. Ingresa por fiebre asociada a una sepsis urinaria, en el que aparece un fortuito hallazgo ecográfico de un hígado multinodular, sin precisar un diagnóstico etiológico por otros estudios de imágenes. Esto motivó a realizarle una laparoscopia con toma de biopsia hepática dirigida a las lesiones observadas. Se confirma el diagnóstico histológico de esta entidad. Conclusiones: Se demostró la importancia y vigencia del valor diagnóstico de la laparoscopia, al igual que la biopsia hepática dirigida para lograr el diagnóstico histológico de certeza en esta entidad(AU)

Introduction: Multiple biliary hamartomatosis or von Meyenburg complex disease was described by this author in 1955. Its origin is dysembryogenic with a benign and asymptomatic evolutionary course, with normal liver function tests. Imaging studies can confirm the diagnosis, but likewise, when it is a multinodular liver, chronic liver disease can be diagnosed without specifying its etiology, which is why it is essential a histological diagnosis with a directed overlaparoscopic liver biopsy. No specific treatment is needed and its follow-up is semi-annual or annual ultrasound. Objective: To present the value of laparoscopically directed liver biopsy for multiple biliary hamartomatosis lesions. Case report: A 53-year-old patient with a history of being a social drinker with a weekly frequency is reported. He was admitted for fever associated with urinary sepsis, in which a fortuitous ultrasound finding of a multinodular liver appeared, without requiring an etiological diagnosis by other imaging studies. This led to a laparoscopy with a liver biopsy aimed at the observed lesions. The histological diagnosis of this entity is confirmed. Conclusions: The importance and validity of the diagnostic value of laparoscopy, as well as directed liver biopsy to achieve a certain histological diagnosis in this entity, was demonstrated(AU)

Calidad de la biopsia hepática en 10 instituciones hospitalarias de Bogotá / Quality of liver biopsies taken in ten hospitals of Bogotá

Resumen Introducción: La biopsia hepática es la prueba de oro para el diagnóstico de las enfermedades que comprometen el hígado, una muestra adecuada y una muy buena lectura son elementos que determinan la utilidad de la prueba y el impacto en la toma de decisiones. Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de las biopsias hepáticas a partir de la frecuencia de un diagnóstico definitivo en la lectura de las mismas y su relación con el número de espacios porta y su longitud informada. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo basado en registros, entre el 1 de enero de 2010 y el 30 de julio de 2017. Se realizó la revisión de las historias clínicas de los pacientes a quienes se les realizó biopsia hepática y se evaluó el resultado de la patología. Resultados: Se incluyeron 659 informes de patología de 10 instituciones. El porcentaje de reporte de espacios porta varió entre un 15 % y un 87,4 %, entre las instituciones. La mediana de longitud de la biopsia fue 15 mm (rango intercuartílico [RIC]: 10-20) con el valor más bajo de 1,3 (1-1,5) y el más alto de 1,8 (1,4-2) y la del número de espacios porta fue de 10 (RIC: 7-15), con el valor más bajo de 5 (1-8) y el más alto de 13 (10-17). Los diagnósticos definitivos se presentaron entre 35 % y 69 %, diagnósticos probables entre 25 % y 63 %, y sin diagnóstico entre un 5 % y 31,8 %. En el resultado de la regresión logística del diagnóstico y análisis univariado, se encontró que el número de espacios porta presentó un Odds ratio (OR) de 1,12 (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95 %: 1,05-1,19) y la longitud, OR: 1,74 (1,06-2,87); con el análisis multivariado, el número de espacios porta sigue siendo significativo (OR: 1,12 [1,02 a 1,22], p = 0,011). Conclusiones: En Bogotá existen 3 instituciones hospitalarias con adecuada calidad preanalítica en la toma de biopsias hepáticas y diagnósticos definitivos por encima del 60 %, asociados en esta serie con la presencia de un cilindro de tejido hepático de longitud y número de espacios porta adecuados. Con el análisis multivariado, el número de espacios porta presentó significancia. Se insiste en la importancia de la experiencia y entrenamiento del patólogo que evalúa la biopsia.

Abstract Introduction: Liver biopsy is the gold-standard test for the diagnosis of diseases involving the liver. An adequate sample and an accurate reading of the report are key to determine the usefulness of the test and its impact on decision-making. Objective: To assess the quality of liver biopsies based on the frequency of a "definitive diagnosis" in their report and their association with the number of portal spaces and reported length. Materials and methods: Record-based retrospective observational study, from January 1, 2010, to July 30, 2017. A review of the medical records of patients who underwent liver biopsy was performed, and the pathology result was evaluated. Results: 659 pathology reports from 10 hospitals were included. The percentage of portal space reporting varied between 15% and 87.4%. The median biopsy length was 15mm (IQR: 10-20) and the median number of portal spaces was 10 (IQR: 7-15). Definitive diagnoses were between 35% and 69%, probable diagnoses between 25% and 63%, and no diagnosis between 5% and 31.8%. The logistic regression of the diagnosis and a univariate analysis found that the number of portal spaces had an OR of 1.12 (95%CI: 1.05-1.19), while length had an OR of 1.74 (95%CI: 1.06-2.87). The multivariate analysis showed that the number of portal spaces is significant [OR: 1.12 (95%CI:1.02 to 1.22), p = 0.011]. Conclusions: In Bogotá, there are 3 hospitals with adequate pre-analytical quality of liver biopsies and definitive diagnoses above 60%, which in this series is associated with the presence of a cylinder of liver tissue of adequate length and the number of portal spaces. Multivariate analysis showed that the number of portal spaces is significant. The importance of the experience and training of the pathologist who evaluates the biopsy is stressed.

Lowering the cut-off value of ALT may contribute to identify chronic HBV infection patients with significant liver histological changes / 中华临床感染病杂志

Objective:To explore the necessity of lowering the cut-off value of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in identifying chronic HBV infection patients with significant liver histological changes.Methods:The clinical data of 123 chronic HBV infection patients with normal ALT according to domestic criteria who underwent liver biopsy in the Department of Hepatology of Taizhou People’s Hospital from June 2016 to March 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the cut-off ALT values recommended by 2018 version of AASLD guidelines (male 35 U/L, female 25 U/L), the patients were divided into two groups: high normal value group (HNALT, ALT≥AASLD and<domestic standard) and normal low value group (LNALT, ALT<AASLD value). The cases with significant liver histological changes (G/S≥2) were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to explore the risk factors of G/S≥2.Results:There were 68(68/123, 55.3%) cases with significant liver histological changes (G/S≥2) in this series. Among 83 patients in the LNALT group, there were 35 case of G≥2 (42.2%), 26 cases of S≥2 (31.3%) and 39 cases of G/S≥2 (47.0%); while among 40 patients in the HNALT group, there were 27 cases of G≥2 (67.5%), 21 cases of S≥2 (52.5%), and 29 cases of G/S≥2 (72.5%), respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups ( χ2=6.928, 5.126 and 7.107, all P values <0.05). Univariate analysis showed that ALT at high normal values ( χ2=7.107), albumin levels ( t=2.248), glutamyltransferase ( Z=-2.885) and international normalized ratio (INR) ( t=-3.152) were significantly associated with liver histological changes in patients ( P<0.05 ro <0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that ALT at high normal value ( OR=3.492, 95% CI 1.369-8.907) and INR ( OR=1.529, 95% CI 1.054-2.218) were independent risk factors of significant liver histological changes. Conclusion:Lowering the cut-off value of ALT may contribute to identify patients who potentially need antiviral treatment. It is recommended that patients with high normal value of ALT according to domestic criteria should undergo liver biopsy or non-invasive liver fibrosis examination to evaluate the histological changes of the liver and treat them if necessary.

Leiomiosarcoma intratesticular primario diagnosticado por biopsia hepática percutánea ecodirigida / Intratesticular Leiomyosarcoma Diagnosed by Percutaneous Liver Biopsy

Se presenta el caso clínico de un varón de 80 años diagnosticado de leiomiosarcoma testicular primario, a raíz de alteraciones del perfil hepático en analítica sanguínea y lesiones ocupantes de espacio (LOE) hepatoesplénicas en ecografía abdominal. En primer lugar, se realizó punción de lesión hepática y posteriormente orquiectomía radical, revelando concordancia histológica, compatible con leiomiosarcoma intratesticular. Presentamos el caso clínico debido a la rareza de ese tipo de tumores, sobre todo en estadio III, y su peculiar diagnóstico, tras la detección de alteración hepática tanto analítica como ecográfica

We present a case of an 80-year-old male diagnosed with primary testicular leiomyosarcoma due to the detection of hepatic profile analytical alterations and hepatosplenic space-occupying lesions in abdominal ultrasound. Puncture of hepatic lesion was performed first and radical orchiectomy later, revealing histological concordance, compatible with intratesticular leiomyosarcoma. We present the case due to the uncommon of this type of tumors, especially in stage III and its peculiar diagnosis, secondary of hepatic alteration, both analytic and ultrasound.

Clinical study of FibroTouch and six serological models for assessing the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the using value of FibroTouch and six serological models in detecting the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B, in an attempt to provide reference for accurate diagnosis.@*Methods@#Two hundred and fifty-eight cases with chronic hepatitis B admitted to Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou from September 1, 2015 to September 1, 2017 were selected. All patients underwent liver histopathological examination and FibroTouch measurement to determine liver stiffness (LSM). Serum biochemical parameters were detected and the scoring values of six serological models were calculated. SAS 9.4 statistical software was used for statistical analysis, and the correlation between FibroTouch and the six serological models was analyzed by Spearman correlation. The diagnostic value of FibroTouch and six serological models was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) based on liver histopathological findings.@*Results@#The median LSM of 258 cases with chronic hepatitis B was 9.4 (6.5-13.8) kPa. In the six serological models, the median value of aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI), FIB-4 index, S-index, Forn’s index, PRPindex, and FIB-5 were 0.42 (0.28-0.62), 1.27 (0.78-2.03), 0.11 (0.07-0.20), 6.95 (5.89-8.51), 0.000 8 (0.000 6-0.000 9),and 38.59 (36.28-40.97). FibroTouch had positive correlation with APRI, FIB-4, S-index, Forn’s index, PRP, fibrosis stage (r= 0.73,P< 0.001) and inflammation grade, and had negative correlation with FIB-5, and both had statistical significance. The area under curve (AUC) of FT-LSM at S≥2, S≥3, S = 4 were 0.89, 0.90 and 0.85, respectively, which was significantly higher than serological models (P< 0.001). The AUC of S-index model at S≥2, S≥3, S = 4 were higher than other five serological models.@*Conclusion@#The diagnostic performance of FibroTouch is significantly better than serological model. S-index model has the best diagnostic performance in the six serological models, and the combination of S-index and FT-LSM may better diagnose the grading of liver fibrosis, and thus can be applied and promoted in clinic.

Incidentally detected asymptomatic hepatitis C virus infection with significant fibrosis: Possible impacts on management

Background and Aims: Liver biopsy may be considered in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to assess the severity of liver injury and stage of fibrosis, thereby guiding therapeutic decisions. In addition, advanced stage also necessitates surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to assess whether transaminase (alanine transaminase [ALT]) levels and RNA titers correlate with the histological activity index (HAI) and fibrosis (F) stage in asymptomatic patients with incidentally detected HCV (IDHCV). Patients and Methods: Retrospective evaluation of liver biopsies was done in 113 patients with IDHCV, diagnosed during routine screening. Decision of liver biopsy was made on the basis of age, genotype, acceptable clinical, hematological, and biochemical profiles, and willingness of the patients to undergo treatment. Serum ALT levels, HCV RNA titers, and genotypes were correlated with HAI and F stage. Results: Genotyping was done in 77 of the 113 patients, of which genotype 3 was seen in 43 and genotype 1 in 25 patients. A higher fibrosis stage (Ishak's >F2) was noted in 23.8% of the biopsies. Serum ALT showed a significant correlation with the HAI score on liver biopsy (P = 0.01) but not with the stage of fibrosis (P = 0.52). HCV RNA titers did not reveal any correlation with HAI score or fibrosis stage. Conclusion: Serum transaminases and HCV RNA titers are poor predictors of disease severity and fibrosis. Since HCV shows a slow disease progression, higher stage may predict a worse prognosis irrespective of the low viral RNA load. Liver biopsy may help guide therapeutic decisions in IDHCV infection.

Clinical value of noninvasive method in diagnosing hepatic fibrosis about chronic HBV carriers / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective@#To compare the clinical value of FibroScan, FIB-4, APRI and AAR diagnosing hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers. @*Methods@#A total of 213 patients with chronic HBV carriers diagnosed by clinical and liver biopsy were selected. And according to HBeAg status, 149 patients were divided into HBeAg-positive group and 64 patients were divided into HBeAg-negative group. The liver stiffness measurements (LSM) was measured by FibroScan (FS), FIB-4, APRI and AAR values were calculated using FIB-4, APRI and AAR formula. And all patients underwent liver biopsy in the same period. According to the degree of hepatic fibrosis in Knodell, one decision point was set: significant hepatic fibrosis (S ≥ 2). The Spearman correlation analysis method was used to analyze the correlation of indicators and the area under receiver operator characteristic curves (AUROCs) of LSM, FIB-4, APRI and AAR were drawn according to liver biopsy pathology results as gold standard. The value of LSM, FIB-4, APRI and AAR diagnosing hepatic fibrosis in chronic HBV carriers was retrospectively analyzed. Retrospective analysis of FS, FIB-4, APRI and AAR were divided into 149 HBeAg-positive chronic HBV carriers (HBeAg-positive group) and 64 HBeAg-negative chronic HBV carriers (HBeAg) in 213 patients with chronic HBV carriers and HBeAg Negative group) in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. @*Results@#The LSM of 213 patients with chronic HBV carriers, 149 patients with HBeAg-positive chronic HBV carriers and 64 patients with HBeAg-negative chronic HBV carriers were significantly correlated with liver fibrosis grade≥ 2 (P < 0.001). Regardless of HBeAg status, only LSM in the three groups had moderate evaluation efficacy for evaluating significant fibrosis(S≥2), and the positive predictive value was more than 94%, but the diagnostic accuracy was not high, the minimum was 46.31% (HBeAg-positive group), the maximum value of 67.19% (HBeAg-negative group), while the remaining three kinds of serum noninvasive liver fibrosis diagnostic model indicators and diagnostic efficacy are low. The LSM in the three groups showed a significant positive correlation with liver fibrosis grade (S)≥2. @*Conclusion@#LSM is more accurate than FIB-4, APRI and AAR in diagnosing chronic HBV carriers. Dynamically monitoring changes of LSM can earlier understand the progress of liver fibrosis than the three kinds of serology noninvasive diagnostic model and is contributed to the choice of liver biopsy timing.

Clinical value of diagnosing hepatic fibrosis by Mohamadnejad model and FibroScan in the HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B virus carriers / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical value of diagnosing hepatic fibrosis in the HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers by hepatic fibrosis model of Mohamadnejad (M model) and the hepatic instantaneous elastic detector (FibroScan, FS).@*Methods@#A total of 217 patients were included: they were diagnosed as the HBeAg negative chronic HBV carriers. The value of the hepatic fibrosis was calculated by M model formula, liver stiffness measurements (LSM) was surveyed by FS, and all patients underwent liver biopsy in the same period. According to the degree of hepatic fibrosis in Knodell, one decision point was set: significant hepatic fibrosis (S ≥ 2). The Spearman correlation analysis method was used to analyze the correlation of indicators and the area under receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) of M model and FS was drawn.@*Results@#LSM and M model were positively correlated with the fibrosis stage of liver biopsy (r=0.64, 0.80, P=0.000, 0.000, <0.01). The diagnostic sensitivity, positive likelihood ratio, specificity and negative predictive value of M model and FS for the HBeAg negative chronic HBV carriers with significant hepatic fibrosis were 88.10%, 13.02, 93.23%, 92.50% and 82.14%, 5.20, 84.21%, 88.20%, respectively. The diagnostic AUROC of significant hepatic fibrosis were 0.927 and 0.858, respectively. It had significant statistical difference (Z=2.12, P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#M model and FS are noninvasive and ideal tools for screening HBeAg negative chronic HBV carriers with significant hepatic fibrosis. The value of diagnosing significant hepatic fibrosis in the HBeAg negative chronic HBV carriers by M model was remarkably higher than that of FS.

Significance of Liver Biopsy in the Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis of Congenital Biliary Atresia and Infant Hepatitis Syndrome / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

[Objective] To investigate the significance of liver biopsy in differential diagnosis and prognosis of congenital biliary atresia (CBA) and infant hepatitis syndrome (IHS).[Methods] Totally 77 children with congenital biliary atresia and 48 infants with hepatitis syndrome treated in Guangdong Women and Children Hospital from December 2012 to December 2016 were examined by liver biopsy and follow-up.Combined with immunohistochemistry and PAS staining,reticular fiber staining,Masson staining techniques,we make comparative analysis of both histopathological features and prognosis.[Results] The liver fibrosis grade,hepatic lobule inflammation activity staging,the degree of bile duct hyperplasia and the prognosis of CBA and IHS infants were statistically significant (P＜0.05).S2-S3-based liver fibrosis grading in infants with CBA,mainly in G2-G3 hepatic lobule inflammation staging,bile duct hyperplasia significantly;IHS infants with liver fibrosis grading as S0-S1,liver Slice inflammatory activity stage to G1-G2-based.The prognosis of infants with CBA was significantly worse than IHS,and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).[Conclusion] The early liver biopsy of infants with congenital biliary atresia and infant hepatitis syndrome,combined with immunohistochemistry and PAS staining,reticular fiber staining,Masson staining techniques has important clinical significance to the differential diagnosis and prognosis of both.

Etiology and clinical features of drug-induced liver injury diagnosed by liver biopsy / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To investigate the etiology and clinical features of drug-induced liver injury (DILI).Methods A total of 194 DILI in patients,who underwent liver biopsy in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2015,were enrolled in the study.The etiology,laboratory markers (such as alanine transaminase,aspartate aminotransferase,total bilirubin,gammaglutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase),and the pathological features were analyzed retrospectively.Then,all of the patients were followed up every 3 or 6 months,with a mean of 34.5 months.The risk factors associated with relapse,which was defined as liver enzymes (such as ALT or TBIL) rising at least 2 times of its upper limit of normal value (ULN),were analyzed with a logistic regression model.Results In terms of etiology,Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was the most common cause of DILI,which accounted for 46.9％ of patients,in return followed by acetaminophen-containing drugs (14.4％),antibiotics (9.3％),environmental toxins (4.6％),antidepressant (4.6％),dietary supplement (3.1％),lipid-lowering drugs (3.1％),chemotherapeutic agents (2.6％,and others unknown (11.3％).Of 194 DILI patients,hepatocellular type was observed in 78(40.2％) patients,cholestatic type in 63(32.5％),and mixed type in 53(27.3％).Histological findings showed that 70(36.1％) patients had an acute injury,124(63.9％) chronic damages,which composed by G0(9.8％),G,(19.1％),G2(21.6％),G3(9.8％),and G4(3.6％) in terms of inflammation level.Twenty-seven cases (21.8％) relapsed after discharge from hospital,multivariate analysis showed that cholinesterase is an independent risk factor which might predict the relapse of DILI patients.Conclusions The incidence of DILI is increasing,especially induced by TCM,therefore clinicians should master the clinical features of the disease in order to achieve correct diagnosis and establish the optimal treatment strategy.

Liver histological changes in patients with hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B virus infection with low hepatitis B virus load / 中华传染病杂志

Objective To determine the predictive factors for antiviral therapy in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection [HBeAg(-) CHBI] patients with HBV DNA＜4.3 lg IU/mL.Methods A total of 179 HBeAg (-) CHBI patients were retrospective analyzed.Histology activity index (HAI) and fibrosis (S) were scored according to the Knodell HAI scoring system,and HAI＞3 and/or S≥3 was adopted as indications for treatment.Univariate and multiple regression analysis were used to assess factors associated with treatment indications.Receiver operating curves (ROC) and area under curve (AUC) were used to determine the predictive value of relevant factors.Results There were 81 cases with HAI＞3 (45.3％) and 72 with S≥3 (40.22％),and the proportion of patients with indications for treatment was 54.7 ％.Multiple regression analysis showed that age,γ-glutamyl transpeptadase (γ-GT),platelet (PLT) and albumin (Alb) were the predictive factors for the severity of liver damage and indication for treatment (all P＜0.05).The AUC for age,PLT,γ-GT and Alb were 0.655,0.657,0.726 and 0.65,respectively,and the corresponding Yoden index for age,PLT,γ-GT,and Alb were 0.297,0.426,0.03 and 0.012,respectively,the sensitivities of predicting HBeAg (-CHBI for treatment indications were 0.643,0.842,0.705 and 0.653,respectively.Conclusions This study shows that 54.7％ of HBeAg(-)CHBI patients with HBV DNA＜4.3 lg IU/ml have significant liver histological changes and require antiviral treatment.Older age,higher γ-GT,lower PLT and lower Alb levels are the predictive factors for treatment.

Clinical significance of liver biopsy in diagnosis of non-viral liver diseases / 中华消化杂志

Objective To observe the clinical characteristics of non-viral liver diseases which were examined by ultrasound guided liver biopsy in order to explore the significance of liver biopsy.Methods From January 2006 to December 2015,patients with non-viral liver diseases who received liver biopsy were retrospectively enrolled.Etiology,pathological diagnosis and clinical diagnosis of the patients were analyzed;the differences in disease types between male and female,among different age (less than 60 years and over 60 years)were compared;and the consistency of two pathologists in the pathological diagnosis was analyzed.Chi-square test was performed for statistical analysis.Results Among 182 patients,there were 73 (40.1％) males and 109 (59.9％) females.The most common etiology were autoimmune liver disease (68 cases,37.4％),non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (40 cases,22.0％) and drug-induced liver injury (DILI) (29 cases,15.9％).The differences in etiology between male and female,between age less than 60 years and over 60 years were statistically significant (X2 =7.31 and 5.87,both P ＜ 0.05).The consistency of two pathologists in the diagnosis of NAFLD,alcoholic liver disease,hereditary metabolic disease and neoplastic disease was good (Kappa=0.85,0.88,0.75 and 1.00).The consistency rates of two pathologists in the diagnosis of autoimmune disease,NAFLD and DILI were 52.9％ (36/68),75.0％ (30/40) and 48.3％ (14/29),respectively.The consistency rate was highest in NAFLD,and the difference was statistically significant (X2 =7.68,P=0.023).However,there was no significant difference in consistency rates of two pathologists in the diagnosis of autoimmune liver disease and DILI (X2 =0.12,P=0.859).The consistency rates between pathological diagnosis and clinical diagnosis in autoimmune liver disease,NAFLD and DILI were 60.3％ (41/68),85.0％ (34/40) and 55.2％ (16/29),respectively,and the difference was statistically significant (X2 =8.98,P=0.011).The consistency rate in NAFLD was highest.However,there was no significant difference in consistency rates between pathological diagnosis and clinical diagnosis in autoimmune liver disease and DILI (X2 =0.22,P=0.639).Conclusions The liver biopsy may guide the clinical diagnosis of NAFLD.However,to improve the diagnostic rates of autoimmune liver disease and DILI,biopsy results,history and laboratory results should be combined.