Perfil epidemiológico das hepatites b e c no estado do rio grande do norte / Epidemiological profile of hepatitis Band Cin the state of Rio Grande do Norte / Perfil epidemiológico de hepatitis B y C en el estado de Rio Grande do Norte

Introdução:Considerado um grave problema de saúde pública, a Hepatite é uma doença que se destaca por ser silenciosa e nem sempre apresentar sinais e sintomas, favorecendo assim o atraso no seu diagnóstico.Objetivo:Diante de um crescimento contínuo no estado do Rio Grande do Norte (RN) de casos de Hepatite B e C, o presentetrabalho objetivouidentificar o perfil epidemiológico da população do RN diagnosticada e notificada com hepatites B e/ou C entre os anos de 2007 a 2015, segundo as regionais de saúde. Método:Trata-se de um estudo observacional, descritivo, do tipo transversal, que utilizou uma consulta ao DATASUS para a obtenção dos dados. Resultados:Verificou-se que houve predominância do sexo masculino dentre os casos de hepatite B e C, assim como a faixa etária de 20 a 39 anos, considerando-se hepatite B e 40 a 59 para a hepatite C. Ademais, a raça parda foi a predominante em ambos os tipos virais; a 7ª região de saúde foi a regional que mais possuiu notificação e houve uma maior prevalência dos casos de hepatite B e C em pessoas com menores níveis de escolaridade. Conclusões:Concluiu-se que o perfil das hepatites B e C no estado do Rio Grande do Norte tem se mostrado semelhante aos dados do Brasil, com uma alta prevalência, sugerindo assim a necessidade de se ter uma maior articulação entre os setores e departamentos responsáveis pelo registro e controle das hepatites virais do tipo B e C e a importância do gestor em saúde frente a essas situações para a realização de medidas preventivas (AU).

Introduction:Considered a serious public health problem, Hepatitis is a disease that stands out for being silent and not always showing signs and symptoms, thus favoring the delay in its diagnosis.Objective:Faced with a continuous growth in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) of cases of Hepatitis B and C, the present study aimed to identify the epidemiological profile of the population of the RN diagnosed and notified with hepatitis B and / or C between the years 2007 to 2015, according to regional health.Methods:This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study that used a consultation with DATASUS to obtain the data.Results:It was found that there was a male predominance among the cases of hepatitis B and C, as well as the age group of 20 to 39 years, considering hepatitis B and 40 to 59 for hepatitis C. Furthermore, the brown race was the predominant in both viral types; the 7th health region was the region with the most reports and there was a higher prevalence of cases of hepatitis B and C in people with lower levels of education.Conclusions:It was concluded that the profile of hepatitis B and C in the state of Rio Grande do Norte has shown to be similar to the data from Brazil, with a high prevalence, thus suggesting the need to have a greater articulation between the sectors and departments responsible for the registry and control of type B and C viral hepatitis and the importance of the health manager in face of these situations for carrying out preventive measures (AU).

Introducción:considerada como un grave problema de salud pública, la hepatitis es una enfermedad que destaca por ser silenciosa y no siempre muestra signos y síntomas, favoreciendo así el retraso en su diagnóstico. Objetivo:Frente aun crecimiento continuo en el estado de Rio Grande do Norte (RN) de casos de hepatitis B y C, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar el perfil epidemiológico de la población de NB diagnosticada y notificada con hepatitis B y / o C entre los años de 2007 a 2015, según la salud regional. Método:Este es un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal que utilizó una consulta con DATASUS para obtener los datos. Resultados:se encontró que había un predominio de hombres entre los casos de hepatitis B y C, así como el grupo de edad de 20 a 39 años, considerando la hepatitis B y 40 a 59 para la hepatitis C. Además, la raza marrón predominaba en ambos tipos virales; la séptima región de salud fue la región con más informes y hubo una mayor prevalencia de casos de hepatitis B y C en personas con niveles más bajos de educación. Conclusiones:Se concluyó que el perfil de hepatitis B y C en el estado de Rio Grande do Norte ha demostrado ser similar a los datos de Brasil, con una alta prevalencia, lo que sugiere la necesidad de una mayor articulación entre los sectores y departamentos responsables. para el registro y control de la hepatitis viral tipo B y C y la importancia del gerente de salud ante estas situaciones para llevar a cabo medidas preventivas (AU).

Necrolytic acral erythema in a Chinese patient with hepatitis C and hepatitis B virus coinfection

Abstract: Necrolytic acral erythema is a distinct erythema that has been described as an extrahepatic manifestation of hepatitis C virus infection. Most reported cases have been in Africa, especially Egypt. We report the first case (to the best of our knowledge) of necrolytic acral erythema in a Chinese patient with HCV and HBV coinfection. We aim to increase awareness for recognizing this condition in the Chinese population.

An eye on hepatitis C: a review / O olho na hepatite C: uma revisão

ABSTRACT This review aims to caution ophthalmologists about the ocular consequences leading to the diagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection. In addition, in this context, the effects of old and new drugs are discussed in the ophthalmological setting. The importance of early diagnosis and the curative treatment of the disease has been reported in the national and international literature, demonstrating that its progression has important implications for daily clinical and surgical ophthalmological practice. Despite the scarcity of studies on new direct-acting antiviral drugs, fewer side effects of these drugs have been shown when compared with conventional interferon treatment with or without ribavirin. The ophthalmologist's risk of becoming infected, as demonstrated by the presence of the virus in ocular structures, and the possibility of contamination, is also discussed.

RESUMO Esta revisão objetiva alertar os oftalmologistas sobre as consequências oculares que levam ao diagnóstico da infecção pelo vírus da Hepatite C. Além disso, neste contexto, os efeitos de drogas antigas e novas são discutidos no cenário oftalmológico. A importância do diagnóstico precoce e do tratamento curativo da doença tem sido relatada na literatura nacional e internacional, demonstrando que sua progressão tem implicações importantes para a prática oftalmológica diária. Apesar da escassez de estudos sobre novos medicamentos antivirais de ação direta, foram demonstrados menos efeitos colaterais desses medicamentos quando comparados ao tratamento convencional com interferon, com ou sem ribavirina associado ou não à rivabirina. O risco do oftalmologista de se infectar, como demonstrado pela presença do vírus nas estruturas oculares, e a possibilidade de contaminação, também é discutido.

Necrolytic acral erythema: a rare skin disease associated with hepatitis C virus infection

Abstract: Necrolytic acral erythema is a rare skin disease associated with hepatitis C virus infection. We report a case of a 31-year-old woman with hepatitis C virus infection and decreased zinc serum level. Physical examination revealed scaly, lichenified plaques, well-demarcated with an erythematous peripheral rim located on the lower limbs. After blood transfusion and oral zinc supplementation the patient presented an improvement of lesions.

Acroangiodermatitis (pseudo-Kaposi's sarcoma) in an HIV sero-positive patient with syphilis and hepatitis C virus coinfection: clinical and dermatopathological features

Acroangiodermatitis is an angioproliferative disease usually related to chronic venous insufficiency, and it is considered a clinical and histological simulator of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Immunohistochemistry is the suitable method to differentiate between these two entities. It reveals the following immunostaining profile: immunopositivity with anti-CD34 antibody is restricted to the vascular endothelium in acroangiodermatitis, and diffuse in the KS (endothelial cells and perivascular spindle cells); immunopositivity with anti-HHV-8 only in KS cases. We report the case of an HIV seropositive patient without apparent vascular disease, who presented violaceous and brownish erythematous lesions on the feet, and whose histopathology and immunohistochemistry indicated the diagnosis of acroangiodermatitis.

Anti-hepatitis C virus treatment may prevent the progression of liver fibrosis in non-responder human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus coinfected patients

AIM: To evaluate changes in liver histology in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus coinfection non-responders to a suboptimal Interferon+Ribavirine regimen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated 49 patients with two sequential liver biopsies: 18 were non-responders to Interferon+Ribavirine treatment (Group hepatitis C virus Rx) administered after the 1st liver biopsy who underwent a 2nd liver biopsy after a median period of 3.92 year and 31 were patients who remained untreated for hepatitis C virus disease (Group hepatitis C virus untreated) after the 1st liver biopsy because of refusal and underwent a 2nd liver biopsy after a median period of 5.05-years. Most patients in both groups were under highly active antiretroviral therapy. At the time of 1st liver biopsy similar degrees of necro-inflammation, fibrosis and steatosis were observed in both groups. Changes in liver lesions between 1st and 2nd liver biopsys were adjusted for different intervals between liver biopsys by a mathematic formula. RESULTS: Liver fibrosis did not change in 88.9% of patients in Group hepatitis C virus Rx and in 77.4% in Group hepatitis C virus untreated. A marked deterioration in liver fibrosis was observed in 5 (16%) patients in Group hepatitis C virus untreated and in none in Group hepatitis C virus treated. Necro-inflammation and steatosis remained substantially unchanged in both groups. CONCLUSION: Liver histology remained substantially unchanged in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus patients non-responder to anti-hepatitis C virus therapy over 4 years observation, suggesting an effective anti-hepatitis C virus early treatment for all hepatitis C virus/human immunodeficiency virus coinfected patients who can reasonably tolerate therapy. .

Factors associated with treatment interruption for hepatitis C

Objective To evaluate risk factors related to Hepatitis C treatment interruption. Methods Retrospective cohort of patients seen at the Hepatology outpatient service at Hospital dos Servidores do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, from 2001 to 2009. The factors investigated were: age, gender, genotype, degree of liver fibrosis, type of treatment, treatment time in weeks, diabetes mellitus, and systemic hypertension. Survival curves and bivariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used in the analyses. Results The risk of treatment interruption is six times greater in patients with more advanced degrees of liver fibrosis (F4) compared to those with less advanced degree (F2) in the period from 0 to 24 weeks of treatment. Genotype was found to be an important factor to explain therapy cessation after 24 weeks of treatment – the risk of stopping treatment was 2.5 times higher in patients with genotype 3 than in those with genotype 1. Conclusion Degree of liver fibrosis and genotype proved to be the main risk factors associated to treatment interruption. .

Objetivo avaliar os fatores de risco relacionados à interrupção do tratamento da hepatite C. Métodos coorte histórica dos pacientes atendidos no ambulatório de Hepatologia do Hospital dos Servidores do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, de 2001 a 2009. Os fatores investigados foram: idade, sexo, genótipo, grau de fibrose hepática, tipo de tratamento, tempo de tratamento em emanas, diabetes mellitus e hipertensão arterial sistêmica. Curvas de sobrevida e modelos de regressão Cox bivariados e multivariados foram utilizados nas análises. Resultados o risco de interrupção do tratamento é seis vezes maior em pacientes com o grau mais avançado de fibrose hepática (F4) do que naqueles com grau menos avançado (F2), no período de 0 a 24 semanas de ratamento. O genótipo mostrou ser importante fator para explicar a suspensão do tratamento a partir da 24ª semana de tratamento – o risco de interromper o tratamento foi 2,5 vezes maior em pacientes com genótipo 3 do que os com genótipo 1. Conclusão o grau de fibrose hepática e o genótipo mostraram-se os principais fatores de risco associados à interrupção do tratamento. .

Overview and recent trends of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in hepatology

A systematic review (SR) is a research methodology that involves a comprehensive search for and analysis of relevant studies on a specific topic. A strict and objective research process is conducted that comprises a systematic and comprehensive literature search in accordance with predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria, and an assessment of the risk of bias of the selected literature. SRs require a multidisciplinary approach that necessitates cooperation with clinical experts, methodologists, other experts, and statisticians. A meta-analysis (MA) is a statistical method of quantitatively synthesizing data, where possible, from the primary literature selected for the SR. Review articles differ from SRs in that they lack a systematic methodology such as a literature search, selection of studies according to strict criteria, assessment of risk bias, and synthesis of the study results. The importance of evidence-based medicine (EBM) in the decision-making for public policy has recently been increasing thanks to the realization that it should be based on scientific research data. SRs and MAs are essential for EBM strategy and evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. This review addresses the current trends in SRs and MAs in the field of hepatology via a search of recently published articles in the Cochrane Library and Ovid-MEDLINE.

População de células T CD8+ e Foxp3+ no líquen plano oral associado à infecção crônica de hepatite C / Subset of CD8(+) and Foxp3(+) T Cells in Oral Lichen Planus Associated with Chronic Hepatitis C virus Infection

A experiência adquirida na realização de estudos epidemiológicos sobre o líquen plano oral associado à infecção crônica de hepatite C nos faz acreditar que as lesões atróficas/erosivas associadas ao vírus C tendem a apresentar características clínicas atípicas, por vezes exacerbadas e com resposta piorada à terapêutica proposta. Acreditando que existiria uma contrapartida histopatológica que justificasse o comportamento clinico evidenciado, o presente estudo propôs-se a estudar as populações de células T CD8+ e Foxp3+ no líquen plano oral associado à infecção crônica de hepatite C e compará-las com as populações do líquen plano oral idiopático. Foram selecionados 11 blocos de líquen plano oral associado à infecção crônica de hepatite C (Grupo 1) e 19 blocos parafinados de líquen plano oral idiopático (Grupo 2) dos arquivos do Laboratório de Patologia Cirúrgica da Disciplina de Patologia Bucal da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo e do Laboratório de Patologia Bucal, do Departamento de Patologia, da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Para ambos os grupos foram realizados ensaios imunohistoquímicos com marcação dos anticorpos anti-CD8 e anti-Foxp3. As células marcadas foram contabilizadas e os resultados tratados estatisticamente. No Grupo 1, 64% dos pacientes eram do sexo feminino; 82% leucodermas e a média de idade era de 59 anos (variação 46 aos 75 anos). No Grupo 2, 63% dos pacientes eram do sexo feminino; 71% leucodermas e a média de idade era de 50,2 anos (variação 32 aos 66 anos).

Quando os dados entre os Grupos 1 e 2 foram comparados, não houve correlação estatisticamente significante entre as contagens de células T CD8+, contagens de células T Foxp3+ ou na relação CD8+/Foxp3+ por mm2. As lesões atróficas/erosivas do Grupo 1 apresentaram densidade aumentada de células T CD8+ (p=0,034) e aumento na relação CD8+/Foxp3+ por mm2 (p=0,018), em relação ao Grupo 2. O estudo realizado não encontrou diferenças nas densidades de células T CD8+ e Foxp3+ no infiltrado do líquen plano oral associado ao vírus C em relação ao líquen plano idiopático. Por outro lado, as diferenças encontradas na quantidade de células T CD8+ e na relação CD8/Foxp3, em lesões atróficas/erosivas, parecem justificar as características clínicas evidenciadas em estudos prévios.

Our previous studies with oral lichen planus associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection leads us to believe that atrophic/erosive forms of oral lesions tend to present unusual clinical features, sometimes exacerbated with a worsened response to treatment. Considering that this exacerbated aspect could indicate a similar exacerbate histopathological feature, the aim of this study was evaluated the populations of CD8(+) and Foxp3(+) T cells in oral lichen planus associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and correlated the findings with idiopathic forms of these lesions. The sample consisted of 11 cases of oral lichen planus associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (Group 1) and 19 cases of idiopathic oral lichen planus (Group 2) obtained from the Laboratories of Oral Pathology of the University of São Paulo and the Federal University of Santa Catarina. In both groups immunohistochemistry staining were performed using anti-CD8 and anti-Foxp3 antibodies. Positive cells were counted per area and the results were subjected to statistical analysis. In Group 1, 64% of the patients were female, 82% caucasian with mean age of 59 years (range from 46 to 75 years). In Group 2, 63% of the patients were female, 71% caucasian with mean age 50.2 years (range from 32 to 66 years). When Groups 1 and 2 were compared, no significant correlation between the frequencies of CD8(+), Foxp3(+) T cells and the ratio of CD8(+)/Foxp3(+) counts per mm2 was found.

The atrophic/erosive lesions in Group 1 showed an increased frequency of CD8(+) T cells (p = 0.034) and an increased ratio of CD8(+)/Foxp3(+) counts per mm2 (p = 0.018) compared to Group 2. In conclusion, our data indicated no differences in the frequencies of CD8(+) and Foxp3(+) T cells in the inflammatory infiltrate of oral lichen planus associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection compared to idiopathic lesions. However, the differences in the counts of CD8(+) T cells and the ratio of CD8(+)/Foxp3(+) in atrophic/erosive lesions seemed justify the clinical features in previous studies.

Hepatitis C: adherencia al tratamiento: consulta de hígado del Hospital Miguel Pérez Carreño Caracas / Hepatitis C: adherence to treatment in the population liver clinic Hospital

La adherencia o cumplimiento terapéutico es la realización del tratamiento de la hepatitis C con dosis suficientes de Interferon pegilado y Ribavirina durante el tiempo previsto, es decir 80% de las dosis inicialmente indicada, en el 80% del tiempo establecido. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la adherencia al tratamiento en el grupo seleccionado, el cumplimiento de la terapia depende de varios factores que incluyen: paciente, efectos colaterales, personal médico y paramédico y todo aquello que impida reducir dosis o interrumpir la terapia. En este trabajo se revisaron 41 historias del archivo interno de la consulta de hígado del Hospital Miguel Pérez Carreño a quien se le indico tratamiento con Peg-Interferon y RBV por diagnostico de Hepatitis C, independientemente del genotipo. Se tomaron en cuenta los siguientes parámetros: sexo, edad, morbilidad asociada, efectos colaterales, motivo para suspender terapia, % de pacientes que culminaron tratamiento, etc. Se utilizo procesador Word y Excel, y análisis estadístico simple. El hallazgo primordial fue que aproximadamente solo el 29% culmino la terapia. La conclusión de esta revisión es entender la importancia de profundizar la relación médico-paciente y la conformación del equipo multidisciplinario como punto indispensable para lograr la adherencia al tratamiento y por ende una respuesta viral sostenida, objetivo primordial de la terapia.

Adherence or compliance to therapy is to apply the treatment for Hepatitis C, with the maximum dosage of Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin along the foreseen period, i.e. 80% of the dosage initially prescribed during 80% of the established time. The completion of this objective depends on numerous factors: 1. Relating to Patients: a) patient’s education and understanding to realize the consequences of the disease and b) encouraging the patient to comply with the therapy. 2. Inherent to the treatment itself: a) appropriate management of adverse effects and b) drug tolerance of the patient. 3. Setting up a multidisciplinary team: medical doctor, nurse, psychologist, hematologist, etc. which positively influence the attitude of patient preventing dose reduction and drop-out of therapy. In this paper we reviewed 41 patient’s medical records from the internal archive of the Hepatic Department, Miguel Pérez Carreño Hospital. Those patients were treated with Peg-Interferon and RBV (Ribavirin) due to Hepatitis C diagnosis, independently on the genotype. The following parameters were taken into account: gender, age, associate morbidity, side effects, reasons for suspending therapy, % of patients who completed therapy, etc. Word processor and Excel were used and the simple statistical analysis. With the fundamental finding that, approximately, only the 29% of patients culminated the therapy. Reviewing this series allowed us to assess the importance of deepen the doctor-patient relationship, as well as setting up a multidisciplinary team, as an essential point in order to achieve the adherence to treatment and, therefore, a sustained viral response: the paramount objective of the therapy.

Caracterización de pacientes con hepatitis crónica C en el Servicio de Gastroenterología: Hospital Provincial Clínico Quirúrgico José R. López Tabrane, 2008-2010 / Characterization of the patients with chronic hepatitis C in the Service of Gastroenterology: Provincial Clinical Surgical Hospital José R. López Tabrane, 2008-2010

La hepatitis C es considerada un grave problema de salud al representar la primera causa de enfermedad hepática crónica, trasplante hepático y hepatocarcinoma. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y longitudinal, con el objetivo de caracterizar desde el punto de vista clínico, epidemiológico y anatomopatológico, a los 38 pacientes diagnosticados con hepatitis crónica por virus C en el Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital Provincial Clínico Quirúrgico José R López Tabrane, en el período comprendido entre enero de 2008 y enero de 2010. Los resultados fueron expresados en tablas o gráficos y procesados según métodos estadísticos correspondientes. Los antecedentes epidemiológicos más significativos fueron las donaciones de sangre e intervenciones quirúrgicas previas. La forma de presentación más frecuente fue la asintomática. Al momento del diagnóstico la mayoría de los pacientes se encontraban en estadío de hepatitis crónica; entre los diagnosticados con cirrosis predominaron los incluidos en el estadío B, según la clasificación de Child-Pugh. La respuesta virológica y bioquímica al final del tratamiento con Heberviron resultó baja, al igual que la evaluada seis meses después de concluido el mismo.

The hepatitis C is considered a serious health problem being the first cause of the chronic hepatic disease, liver transplantation and hepatocellular carcinoma. We carried out a descriptive, prospective, longitudinal study, with the objective of characterizing, from the clinical, epidemiologic and anatomopathological point of view, the 38 patients diagnosed with virus C chronic hepatitis at the Service of Gastroenterology of the Provincial Clinical Surgical Hospital José R López Tabrane, in the period from January 2008 to January 2010. The results were expressed in tables and graphics and processed according to the correspondent statistic methods. The most significant epidemiologic antecedents were blood donations and previous surgical interventions. The most frequent presentation form was the asymptomatic ones. At the moment of the diagnosis, most of the patients were in the stage of chronic hepatitis; among those diagnosed with cirrhosis there was a predominance of those included in the stage B, according to the Child-Pugh classification. The virological and biochemical answer at the end of the Heberviron treatment was low, as it also was six months after finishing the treatment.

Líquen plano bucal como um marcador precoce de hepatite C: revisão de literatura / Oral lichen planus as an early marker of hepatitis C: literature review

O presente trabalho objetiva, a partir de uma revisão de literatura, esclarecer o cirurgião-dentista sobre o papel potencial do líquen plano como marcador precoce da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C (VHC).Revisão de literatura: o VHC representa um grande problema de saúde pública, uma vez que pode ser responsável por desenvolver hepatite crônica, cirrose e carcinoma hepatocelular. Além disso, tal vírus pode induzir um amplo espectro de manifestações extra-hepáticas, algumas das quais se manifestam em pele e mucosas, a exemplo do líquen plano.Conclusão: entretanto, o levantamento bibliográfico realizado permite observar que existem muitas controvérsias acerca da relação entre VHC e líquen plano...

This paper aims, through a literature review, enlighten the reader about the potential role of lichen planus as an early marker of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.Literature review: HCV is a major public health problem, since it may be responsible for developing chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, this virus can induce a wide spectrum of extrahepatic manifestations, some of which are manifested in the skin and mucous membranes, such as lichen planus.Conclusion: however, the literature review allows us to observe that there are many controversies about the relationship between HCV and lichen planus...

Fibro- alpha score as a simple and useful non-invasive test for predicting significant liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients

Non-invasive methods for the assessment of liver fibrosis are clinically important where hepatitis C virus [HCV] is common in Egypt. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a panel of simple blood markers of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C [CHC] patients. A total of 199 patients with CHC evaluated for eligibility for antiviral therapy were included. Liver biochemical profile including transaminases, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum albumin, complete blood count prothrombin time and AFP were estimated. Liver biopsy was done. Statistical analyses were performed by logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curves to assess and compare diagnostic accuracy of blood markers. A stepwise combination algorithm was developed and validated prospectively in 135 additional patients. alpha-Foetoprotein [AFP] was the most efficient marker among other markers tested. The areas under the curves [AUCs] of AFP were 0.77 for significant liver fibrosis [F2-F4], 0.75 for advanced liver fibrosis [F3-F4] and 0.76 for liver cirrhosis [F4]. The stepwise multivariate discriminant analysis [MDA] selected a novel non-invasive index for discriminating patients with significant liver fibrosis, named Fibro- alpha score. Fibro- alpha score = [1.35 [numeric constant] +AFP [IU ml[-1]] x 0.009584 + aspartate aminotransferase [AST]/alanine aminotransferase [ALT] x 0.243 - platelet count [x10[9] I[-1]] x 0.001624]. The Fibro- alpha score was used for patients with advanced liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. The AUCs of Fibro-oc score were 0.82 for patients with advanced liver fibrosis and 0.80 for those with cirrhosis. These results were reproduced in a validation study with no significant difference. While liver biopsy is invasive, expensive and, in some settings, impossible to do, Fibro- alpha score is simple, cheap, non-invasive and may be useful for predicting significant liver fibrosis

Uso do score APRI na avaliação de doença hepática, após início de terapia antirretroviral, em pacientes portadores do HIV co-infectados com HCV versus monoinfectados por HIV / Evaluation of APRI score in liver disease following the introduction of antiretroviral therapy in HIV and HCV coinfected versus HIV monoinfected patients

INTRODUÇÃO: O impacto da terapia antirretroviral altamente ativa na progressão da fibrose hepática em pacientes co-infectados com HIV e hepatite C não está totalmente esclarecido. Marcadores não-invasivos de fibrose hepática podem ser considerados promissores no estadiamento e na monitorização da sua evolução. MÉTODOS: Um total de 24 pacientes, divididos em dois grupos: 12 monoinfectados por HIV e 12 co-infectados com HIV e HCV foram acompanhados de julho de 2008 a agosto de 2009, desde o início de HAART, a cada três meses, com avaliação de dados clínicos, epidemiológicos e laboratoriais, assim como o cálculo do índice da relação aspartato aminotransferase sobre plaquetas. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a progressão de APRI, marcador não-invasivo de fibrose hepática, entre populações portadoras do vírus do HIV e co-infectados com HIV e HCV. RESULTADOS: Os grupos estudados não mostraram diferenças quando avaliados idade, sexo, medida de CD4 e carga viral para HIV em todas visitas, tipo de HAART e APRI antes do início de HAART. O grupo de pacientes co-infectados com HIV e HCV apresentava APRI significativamente maior que o grupo de monoinfectados por HIV no terceiro (0,57 + 0,31 x 0,27 + 0,05, p = 0,02) e sexto mês (0,93 + 0,79 x 0,28 + 0,11, p = 0,04). CONCLUSÕES: Neste estudo, HAART foi associado com aumento de APRI no terceiro e sexto mês de seguimento nos pacientes co-infectados, sugerindo que nestes pode estar ocorrendo hepatotoxicidade cumulativa e síndrome inflamatória da reconstituição imune após início dos antirretrovirais.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on hepatic fibrosis progression in HIV and hepatitis C virus coinfected patients is not completely understood. Noninvasive hepatic fibrosis markers show great promise in determining liver fibrosis staging and monitoring disease progression. METHODS: Twenty-four patients divided equally into two groups: 12 HIV-monoinfected and 12 with HIV/HCV coinfected patients, were followed from July 2008 to August 2009, after initiating HAART, with clinical, epidemiological and laboratorial assessments every 3 months and calculation of the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI). This study aimed to compare the progression of APRI, a noninvasive hepatic fibrosis marker, among populations with HIV and HIV/HCV coinfection. RESULTS: No differences were observed between the groups regarding age, sex, measurement of CD4 and HIV viral load in all consultations, type of HAART and APRI before initiating HAART. Coinfected patients showed a significantly higher APRI than the monoinfected group in month 3 (0.57 ± 0.31 x 0.27 ± 0.105, p = 0.02) and 6 (0.93 ± 0.79 x 0.28 ± 0.11, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, HAART was associated with APRI increases over six months follow-up in HIV/HCV coinfected patients, suggesting that these may be experiencing cumulative hepatotoxicity and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome after initiating antiretroviral drugs.

Correlation of biological serum markers with the degree of hepatic fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in hepatitis C and schistosomiasis patients

Liver biopsy is the gold-standard method to stage fibrosis; however, it is an invasive procedure and is potentially dangerous. The main objective of this study was to evaluate biological markers, such as cytokines IL-13, IFN-ã, TNF-á and TGF-â, platelets, bilirubins (Bil), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total proteins, ã-glutamil transferase (ã-GT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP), that could be used to predict the severity of hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis and hepatitis C (HC) as isolated diseases or co-infections. The following patient groups were selected: HC (n = 39), HC/hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HSS) (n = 19), HSS (n = 22) and a control group (n = 13). ANOVA and ROC curves were used for statistical analysis. P < 0.05 was considered significant. With HC patients we showed that TNF-á (p = 0.020) and AP (p = 0.005) could differentiate mild and severe fibrosis. With regard to necroinflammatory activity, AST (p = 0.002), ã-GT (p = 0.034) and AP (p = 0.001) were the best markers to differentiate mild and severe activity. In HC + HSS patients, total Bil (p = 0.008) was capable of differentiating between mild and severe fibrosis. In conclusion, our study was able to suggest biological markers that are non-invasive candidates to evaluate fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in HC and HC + HSS.