Liver Stiffness Measurements in Patients with Non‐cirrhotic Portal Hypertension – The Devil is In the Details

Non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is often a diagnostic challenge due to signs and symptoms of portal hypertension that overlap with cirrhosis. The etiology of NCPH is broadly classified as prehepatic, hepatic (pre‐sinusoidal and sinusoidal) and post‐hepatic.1 Some common etiologies of NCPH encountered in clinical practice include portal vein thrombosis (prehepatic) and nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) (hepatic)

Molecular Mechanisms of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Potential Role for 12-Lipoxygenase

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of pathologies associated with fat accumulation in the liver. NAFLD is the most common cause of liver disease in the United States, affecting up to a third of the general population. It is commonly associated with features of metabolic syndrome, particularly insulin resistance. NAFLD shares the basic pathogenic mechanisms with obesity and insulin resistance, such as mitochondrial, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Lipoxygenases catalyze the conversion of poly-unsaturated fatty acids in the plasma membrane—mainly arachidonic acid and linoleic acid—to produce oxidized pro-inflammatory lipid intermediates. 12-Lipoxygenase (12-LOX) has been studied extensively in setting of inflammation and insulin resistance. As insulin resistance is closely associated with development of NAFLD, the role of 12-LOX in pathogenesis of NAFLD has received increasing attention in recent years. In this review we discuss the role of 12-LOX in NAFLD pathogenesis and its potential role in emerging new therapeutics

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in the Medical ICU: A Single-Institution Cohort Study on Acute Liver Failure and Mortality

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory disorder that is associated with high morbidity and mortality in the ICU. It has also been associated with acute liver failure. Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting: Tertiary-care medical ICU. Patients: Thirty-one patients critically ill with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Interventions: None. Measurements and main results: We performed a comprehensive review of critically ill hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis patients admitted to a tertiary-care medical ICU from January 2012 to December 2018. Most patients presented with constitutional symptoms and elevated liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia were common upon hospital admission. ICU admission laboratory and clinical variables were used to calculate Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, hemophagocytic syndrome diagnostic score, and model for end-stage liver disease. Mean age of the cohort was 48.1 years, and 45% were male. The mortality rate was 65% at 28 days and 77% at 1 year. About 28-day survivors were younger, had lower mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (16.5 vs 23.0; p = 0.004), and higher mean hemophagocytic syndrome diagnostic score (249.1 vs 226.0; p = 0.032) compared with nonsurvivors. Survivors were less likely to receive mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, or vasopressor support and were more likely to receive chemotherapy for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. In this ICU cohort, 29% were diagnosed with acute liver failure, of whom only 22% developed acute liver failure early during their hospital stay. Acute liver failure was associated with a higher model for end-stage liver disease score upon hospital admission. Available histology in those that developed acute liver failure showed massive hepatic necrosis, or histiocytic or lymphocytic infiltrates. Conclusions: Patients admitted to the ICU with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis have a high mortality. Those who survived had lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation scores, had higher hemophagocytic syndrome diagnostic scores, are more likely to receive hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis specific chemotherapy, and are less likely to have organ failure. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis can be associated with acute liver failure especially when model for end-stage liver disease score is elevated upon admission.Supported, in part, through T32HL091816 to Indiana University (Dr. Al Nasrallah). Dr. Sears receives research support to the institution through the American Cancer Society (128511-MRSG-15-163-01-DMC), National Institutes of Health, and Veterans Affairs Health Services, and is on the Scientific and Medical Advisory Boards for Biodesix and bioAffinity Technologies. The remaining authors have disclosed that they do not have any potential conflicts of interest

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Mild to Moderate Alcoholic Hepatitis

Introduction & Aim Much is known about alcoholic hepatitis (AH) that is severe enough to require hospitalisation. The characteristics of individuals with alcoholic hepatitis presenting with mild to moderate severity are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the risk factors, characteristics and outcomes of mild to moderate AH (M‐AH). Methods A total of 255 individuals with AH enrolled into a multicenter, prospective, observational study between 12/2014 and 4/2018 was included. Participants were seen at enrollment, 6 and 12 months. M‐AH was defined as MELD ≤20 at presentation, whereas severe AH as MELD ≥21. Results In total, 100 individuals had M‐AH, whereas 155 had severe AH. Individuals with M‐AH were older (49 vs 44 years, P = 0.01), had lower BMI (27 vs 31 kg/m2, P = 0.0007) and more likely to be male (68% vs 55%, P = 0.046) compared to the severe AH group. A higher proportion in the M‐AH group consumed coffee in the last 5 years compared to the severe AH group (29% vs 18%, P = 0.03), and fewer had PNPLA3 risk allele G (P = 0.019) compared to the severe AH group. Average drinks per drinking day (12.9 vs 10.7, P = 0.13) and total number of drinks in last 30‐day period (331 vs 280, P = 0.14) were not different between two groups. Compared to severe AH, patients with M‐AH had significantly lower mortality at 30 days (2% vs 13.6%), 90 days (3% vs 22.6%) and 12 months (10.4% vs 31.4%) (P < 0.001 for all). Conclusions Individuals with M‐AH were older, less obese, drank coffee more often and carried more favourable PNPLA3 genotype compared to severe AH, despite similar alcohol consumption. M‐AH had substantial mortality with one in ten dying by 12 months

Is Fasting Necessary for Individuals With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease to Undergo Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of meal intake on liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) in patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease undergoing vibration-controlled transient elastography. METHODS: LSM and CAP were assessed at baseline and serially for 6 hours after meal intake in 24 patients. RESULTS: A significant increase in LSM was seen up to the 2-hour time point (26 ± 25%, P = 0.02). The CAP scores changed minimally with a maximal change of 3% (P > 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Three hours of fasting is necessary before evaluation with vibration-controlled transient elastography

Decreased Quality of Life is Significantly Associated with Body Composition in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background & Aims We studied impaired quality of life (QOL) and its determinants among individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods We collected data from 341 patients with NAFLD who completed the short form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Body composition and liver fibrosis were assessed in patients with NAFLD using bioelectrical impedance and transient elastography, respectively. Advanced fibrosis was defined as liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) of 12.1 kPa or greater. SF-36 scores of patients with NAFLD were compared with SF36 scores of individuals with chronic medical illnesses and the general population obtained from the published literature. Results Among patients with NAFLD, percent body fat was negatively associated with scores from all 8 SF-36 scales, whereas lean body mass was positively associated with scores from 5 of 8 SF-36 scales. On multivariable analysis, SF-36 PF scores were negatively associated with type 2 diabetes, body mass index, and LSM and positively associated with lean body mass and level of alanine aminotransferase. Patients with NAFLD, and even those without advanced fibrosis, had significantly lower mean QOL scores than the control group or the general population. Conclusions Individuals with NAFLD, even those without advanced fibrosis, have lower QOL than controls. Body composition associates with QOL in patients with NAFLD; both of the modifiable factors independently associated with QOL are related to body composition. Further studies are needed to investigate if interventions to improve body composition can increase QOL for patients with NAFLD

Metabolic causes of liver disease among adults living with HIV from low- and middle-income countries: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION Liver disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among persons living with HIV (PLHIV). While chronic viral hepatitis has been extensively studied in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), there is limited information about the burden of metabolic disorders on liver disease in PLHIV. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data collected between October 2020 and July 2022 from the IeDEA-Sentinel Research Network, a prospective cohort enrolling PLHIV ≥40 years on antiretroviral treatment (ART) for ≥6 months from eight clinics in Asia, Americas, and central, East, southern and West Africa. Clinical assessments, laboratory testing on fasting blood samples and liver stiffness measurement (LSM)/controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) by vibration-controlled transient elastography were performed. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed factors associated with liver fibrosis (LSM ≥7.1 kPa) and steatosis (CAP ≥248 dB/m). Population attributable fraction (PAF) of each variable associated with significant liver fibrosis was estimated using Levin's formula. RESULTS Overall, 2120 PLHIV (56% female, median age 50 [interquartile range: 45-56] years) were included. The prevalence of obesity was 19%, 12% had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 29% had hypertension and 53% had dyslipidaemia. The overall prevalence of liver fibrosis and steatosis was 7.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.1-8.4) and 28.4% (95% CI 26.5-30.7), respectively, with regional variability. Male sex at birth (odds ratio [OR] 1.62, CI 1.10-2.40), overweight/obesity (OR = 2.50, 95% CI 1.69-3.75), T2DM (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.46-3.47) and prolonged exposure to didanosine (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.46-6.49) were associated with liver fibrosis. Overweight/obesity and T2DM accounted for 42% and 11% of the PAF for liver fibrosis, while HBsAg and anti-HCV accounted for 3% and 1%, respectively. Factors associated with steatosis included overweight/obesity (OR 4.25, 95% CI 3.29-5.51), T2DM (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.47-2.88), prolonged exposure to stavudine (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.27-2.26) and dyslipidaemia (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.31-2.16). CONCLUSIONS Metabolic disorders were significant risk factors for liver disease among PLHIV in LMICs. Early recognition of metabolic disorders risk factors might be helpful to guide clinical and lifestyle interventions. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the causative natures of these findings

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Translating Disease Mechanisms into Therapeutics Using Animal Models

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a range of pathologies arising from fat accumulation in the liver in the absence of excess alcohol use or other causes of liver disease. Its complications include cirrhosis and liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma, and eventual death. NAFLD is the most common cause of liver disease globally and is estimated to affect nearly one-third of individuals in the United States. Despite knowledge that the incidence and prevalence of NAFLD are increasing, the pathophysiology of the disease and its progression to cirrhosis remain insufficiently understood. The molecular pathogenesis of NAFLD involves insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Better insight into these molecular pathways would allow for therapies that target specific stages of NAFLD. Preclinical animal models have aided in defining these mechanisms and have served as platforms for screening and testing of potential therapeutic approaches. In this review, we will discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms thought to contribute to NAFLD, with a focus on the role of animal models in elucidating these mechanisms and in developing therapies

An Outbreak Presents An Opportunity to Learn About A Rare Phenotype: Autoimmune Hepatitis After Acute Hepatitis A

There are rare instances where patients with acute hepatitis A virus infection subsequently developed autoimmune hepatitis. The diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis in this setting is challenging. Furthermore, information on treatment with steroids or other immune suppressants, duration of therapy and possibility of treatment discontinuation is currently unclear. Here we report a case series of four patients with histology proven autoimmune hepatitis after hepatitis A virus infection. We describe the presenting features, diagnosis, treatment and long-term outcomes of these cases. This case series provides a insight into the clinical presentation and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis after hepatitis A infection with interesting take home points for clinical hepatologists