RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the standard treatment for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), but a significant proportion of patients do not respond adequately, leading to increased risk of adverse outcomes. This study aims to develop a new and straightforward predictive score to identify PBC patients likely to achieve a complete response to UDCA. METHODS: A logistic regression analysis was conducted using a derivation cohort of PBC patients to identify pre-treatment variables associated with response to UDCA. This analysis led to the development of the ALP-A score, calculated as: Age at diagnosis divided by (alkaline phosphatase at diagnosis/upper limit of normal). ALP-A score accuracy was evaluated using the area under the ROC curve, validated with a large external cohort from Brazil. Additionally, the correlation between the ALP-A score and the previously validated UDCA response score (URS) was assessed. RESULTS: ALP-A score had good predictive power for adequate (AUC 0.794; 95% CI, 0.737-0.852) and deep (0.76; 95% CI, 0.69-0.83) UDCA response at 1 year of treatment. A cutoff score of 17 and 23 points was determined to be the optimal threshold for distinguishing adequate and deep responders, respectively, from non-responders. ALP-A score demonstrated a sensitivity of 73%, specificity of 71%, positive predictive value of 65%, negative predictive value of 78%, and overall accuracy of 72% for biochemical response. The URS displayed similar discriminative ability (AUC 0.798; 95% CI, 0.741-0.855). CONCLUSION: ALP-A score performs comparably to URS but offers the great advantage of simplicity for routine clinical use. It serves as a valuable tool to identify PBC patients less likely to respond to UDCA treatment, facilitating early consideration of alternative therapeutic approaches.

Assuntos

Cirrose Hepática Biliar , Ácido Ursodesoxicólico , Humanos , Ácido Ursodesoxicólico/uso terapêutico , Cirrose Hepática Biliar/diagnóstico , Cirrose Hepática Biliar/tratamento farmacológico , Colagogos e Coleréticos/uso terapêutico , Fosfatase Alcalina , Brasil , Resultado do Tratamento

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare disease with a complex and not fully understood pathogenesis. Prognostic factors that might influence treatment response, relapse rates, and transplant-free survival are not well established. This study investigates clinical and biochemical markers associated with response to immunosuppression in patients with AIH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 102 patients with AIH treated with immunosuppressants and followed at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 1990 to 2018. Pretreatment data such as clinical profiles, laboratory, and histological exams were analyzed regarding biochemical response at one year, histological remission, relapse, and death/transplantation rates. RESULTS: Cirrhosis was present in 59 % of cases at diagnosis. One-year biochemical remission was observed in 55.7 % of the patients and was found to be a protective factor for liver transplant. Overall survival was 89 %. Patients with ascites at disease onset showed a higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/ alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio and elevated Model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. The presence of ascites was significantly associated with a 20-fold increase in mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: AIH has a severe clinical phenotype in Brazilians, with high rates of cirrhosis and low remission rates. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for achieving remission and reducing complications. The presence of ascites is significantly associated with mortality, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and prompt intervention. This study also stresses the need for further research on AIH in Latin America.

Assuntos

Hepatite Autoimune , Imunossupressores , Humanos , Hepatite Autoimune/tratamento farmacológico , Hepatite Autoimune/sangue , Hepatite Autoimune/mortalidade , Hepatite Autoimune/patologia , Masculino , Feminino , Estudos Retrospectivos , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Imunossupressores/uso terapêutico , Prognóstico , Brasil/epidemiologia , Resultado do Tratamento , Transplante de Fígado , Cirrose Hepática/mortalidade , Recidiva , Aspartato Aminotransferases/sangue , Alanina Transaminase/sangue , Indução de Remissão , Biomarcadores/sangue , Adulto Jovem , Ascite/etiologia , Idoso

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) have a higher prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) than the general population. PCOS and NAFLD have common metabolic risk factors, however, the role of diet in NAFLD development is still uncertain in PCOS women. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the dietary patterns and nutritional intake in patients with PCOS with and without NAFLD. METHOD: Cross-sectional study that included patients with PCOS diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria. All participants were submitted to abdominal ultrasound to investigate liver steatosis. Dietary profile was assessed by 24-hour food recall (24hR), and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Diet quality was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) adapted for the Brazilian population. Physical activity practice was also assessed. RESULTS: 87 participants were included (average age 35.2 ± 5.7 years), among whom, 67 (77%) had NAFLD. The group with PCOS and NAFLD presented higher body mass index (BMI) (34.9 ± 4.5 vs. 30.4 ± 4.9 kg/m2; p = 0.001), Waist Circumference (WC) (103 [97‒113] vs. 95 [87.5‒100] cm; p < 0.001) and were considered physically active less frequently than those without NAFLD (34.3% vs. 60%; p = 0.04). Food intake and dietary patterns assessed by 24hR, FFQ and HEI presented no difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: PCOS women with coexistent NAFLD had higher BMI, WC and were less physically active than those without NAFLD. Dietary evaluation showed that PCOS women with NAFLD had no significant difference in macro and micronutrients or food group intake and diet quality in comparison to those without NAFLD.

Assuntos

Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica , Síndrome do Ovário Policístico , Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/complicações , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/diagnóstico , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/epidemiologia , Síndrome do Ovário Policístico/complicações , Síndrome do Ovário Policístico/metabolismo , Estudos Transversais , Fatores de Risco , Dieta

RESUMO

Increasing epidemiological evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes, and that NAFLD may precede and/or promote the development of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate whether liver steatosis is associated with the incidence of diabetes in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). The ELSA-Brasil is an occupational cohort study of active or retired civil servants, aged 35-74 years, in six capital cities in Brazil. We excluded participants with diabetes at baseline, those who reported excessive alcohol consumption or with missing information on relevant covariates, and those with self-referred hepatitis or cirrhosis. In total, 8,166 individuals participated, and the mean duration of follow-up was 3.8 years. The Cox proportional regression model was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the associations. Abdominal ultrasonography was used to detect liver steatosis. In the follow-up period, the cumulative incidence of diabetes was 5.25% in the whole sample, 7.83% and 3.88% in the groups with and without hepatic steatosis, respectively (p < 0.001). Compared to those without steatosis, individuals with hepatic steatosis had an increased risk of developing diabetes (HR = 1.31; 95%CI: 1.09-1.56) after adjustment for potential confounders, including body mass index (BMI). Hepatic steatosis was an independent predictor of incident diabetes in the ELSA-Brasil cohort study. Physicians should encourage changes in lifestyle and screen for diabetes in patients with fatty liver.

Assuntos

Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Fígado Gorduroso , Adulto , Humanos , Brasil/epidemiologia , Estudos de Coortes , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/epidemiologia , Estudos Longitudinais , Fígado Gorduroso/complicações , Fígado Gorduroso/epidemiologia , Masculino , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is related to cardiovascular disease. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important indicator of cardiovascular health. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the CRF of NAFLD patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, including 32 patients with biopsy-proved NAFLD. The patients underwent ergometric test (ET) and six-minute walk test (6MWT) to determine CRF. The test results were compared to disease parameters and with each other. RESULTS: Considering the ET, 20 (62.5%) patients had very poor or poor CRF, and in 12 (37.5%), it was regular or good. In the 6MWT, 13 (40.6%) individuals had poor CRF, in 12 (37.5%), it was very poor, and in seven (21.9%), regular. NAFLD activity score (NAS) ≥5 was observed in 12 (37.5%) individuals. Twelve (37.5%) patients were sedentary, 11 (34.4%), insufficiently active, and nine (28.1%), active. Obesity and liver inflammation on biopsy were associated with very poor/poor CRF. NAS ≥5 and sedentary lifestyle were independently associated with very poor/poor CRF by ET. Although mean VO2max values determined by both tests were similar, no correlation of VO2max determined by ET and 6MWT was observed, as occurred for the distance walked in 6MWT and values of metabolic equivalent (MET) determined by ET. There was no reproducibility between CRF determined by ET and 6MWT. CONCLUSION: Most NAFLD patients had very poor or poor CRF. Severe liver injury (NAS ≥5) and sedentary lifestyle were independently associated with very poor/poor fitness, according to ET. No reproducibility was observed between the CRF defined by ET and 6MWT.

Assuntos

Aptidão Cardiorrespiratória , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica , Humanos , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/complicações , Estudos Transversais , Inflamação

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and PBC overlap syndrome (AIH/PBC) have been associated with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and extra-hepatic malignancy (EHM). This study aims to assess potential risk factors associated with cancer development in PBC and AIH/PBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Brazilian Cholestasis Study Group database was reviewed to compare clinical and laboratory features of PBC patients with HCC and EHM with those without cancer. RESULTS: Among the 752 PBC patients enrolled, 64 of them with AIH/PBC, 87 cancers were identified in 72 patients, including 20 cases of HCC and 67 of EHM. Patients with HCC had a higher prevalence of cirrhosis (95% vs. 32.5% of those subjects without cancer, p≤0.001), smoking (55% vs. 12.3%, p≤0.001), CREST syndrome (30% vs 7.6%, p=0.003) and prior azathioprine (30% vs 8%, p= 0.005) and prednisone (35% vs 14%, p= 0.018) use, whereas patients with EHM had a higher prevalence of smoking (42.3% vs 12.4% of those subjects without cancer, p= <0.001), AMA positivity (96.6% vs 80.1%, p≤0.001), azathioprine therapy (21% vs 7.9%, p= 0.01) and concurrent other autoimmune diseases. In multivariate analysis, cirrhosis, obesity and prior azathioprine therapy were independent risk factors for HCC, while Sjogren syndrome and psoriasis were associated with EHM. Fibrates reduced EHM risk. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of EHM is higher when compared to HCC in PBC patients. Cirrhosis, obesity, prior azathioprine use, and concurrent autoimmune diseases were significantly associated with cancer in PBC.

Assuntos

Carcinoma Hepatocelular , Hepatite Autoimune , Cirrose Hepática Biliar , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Humanos , Hepatite Autoimune/complicações , Hepatite Autoimune/diagnóstico , Hepatite Autoimune/epidemiologia , Cirrose Hepática Biliar/diagnóstico , Cirrose Hepática Biliar/epidemiologia , Cirrose Hepática Biliar/complicações , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/diagnóstico , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/epidemiologia , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/complicações , Azatioprina/uso terapêutico , Neoplasias Hepáticas/epidemiologia , Neoplasias Hepáticas/complicações , Cirrose Hepática/complicações , Fatores de Risco , Síndrome , Obesidade/complicações

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) has been traditionally assessed 1 to 2 years after treatment initiation. With the development of new drugs, some patients may benefit from an earlier introduction of second-line therapies. AIMS: This study aims to identify whether well-validated response criteria could correctly identify individuals likely to benefit from add-on second-line therapy at 6 months. METHODS: Analysis of a multicenter retrospective cohort which included only patients with clear-cut PBC. RESULTS: 206 patients with PBC (96.6% women; mean age 54 ± 12 years) were included. Kappa concordance was substantial for Toronto (0.67), Rotterdam (0.65), Paris 1 (0.63) and 2 (0.63) criteria at 6 and 12 months, whereas Barcelona (0.47) and POISE trial (0.59) criteria exhibited moderate agreement. Non-response rates to UDCA was not statistically different when assessed either at 6 or 12 months using Toronto, Rotterdam or Paris 2 criteria. Those differences were even smaller or absent in those subjects with advanced PBC. Mean baseline alkaline phosphatase was 2.73 ± 1.95 times the upper limit of normal (× ULN) among responders versus 5.05 ± 3.08 × ULN in non-responders (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After 6 months of treatment with UDCA, the absence of response by different criteria could properly identify patients who could benefit from early addition of second-line therapies, especially in patients with advanced disease or high baseline liver enzymes levels.

Assuntos

Cirrose Hepática Biliar , Ácido Ursodesoxicólico , Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Masculino , Ácido Ursodesoxicólico/uso terapêutico , Cirrose Hepática Biliar/tratamento farmacológico , Colagogos e Coleréticos/uso terapêutico , Estudos Retrospectivos

RESUMO

Increasing epidemiological evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes, and that NAFLD may precede and/or promote the development of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate whether liver steatosis is associated with the incidence of diabetes in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). The ELSA-Brasil is an occupational cohort study of active or retired civil servants, aged 35-74 years, in six capital cities in Brazil. We excluded participants with diabetes at baseline, those who reported excessive alcohol consumption or with missing information on relevant covariates, and those with self-referred hepatitis or cirrhosis. In total, 8,166 individuals participated, and the mean duration of follow-up was 3.8 years. The Cox proportional regression model was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the associations. Abdominal ultrasonography was used to detect liver steatosis. In the follow-up period, the cumulative incidence of diabetes was 5.25% in the whole sample, 7.83% and 3.88% in the groups with and without hepatic steatosis, respectively (p < 0.001). Compared to those without steatosis, individuals with hepatic steatosis had an increased risk of developing diabetes (HR = 1.31; 95%CI: 1.09-1.56) after adjustment for potential confounders, including body mass index (BMI). Hepatic steatosis was an independent predictor of incident diabetes in the ELSA-Brasil cohort study. Physicians should encourage changes in lifestyle and screen for diabetes in patients with fatty liver.

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Evidências epidemiológicas crescentes sugerem uma relação bidirecional entre a doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) e o diabetes tipo 2 e que a DHGNA pode preceder e/ou promover o desenvolvimento de diabetes. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar se a esteatose hepática está associada à incidência de diabetes no Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). O ELSA-Brasil é um estudo de coorte ocupacional com servidores públicos ativos ou aposentados, com idades entre 35 e 74 anos, de seis capitais do Brasil. Foram excluídos os participantes com diabetes no início do estudo, aqueles que relataram consumo excessivo de álcool ou com falta de informações sobre covariáveis relevantes e indivíduos com hepatite ou cirrose autorreferida. No total, 8.166 indivíduos participaram e o tempo médio de seguimento foi de 3,8 anos. O modelo de regressão proporcional de Cox foi utilizado para estimar a razão de risco (HR) ajustada para as associações. A ultrassonografia abdominal foi utilizada para detectar esteatose hepática. No período de seguimento, a incidência cumulativa de diabetes foi de 5,25% em todo o grupo de participantes e de 7,83% e 3,88% nos grupos com e sem esteatose hepática, respectivamente (p < 0,001). Em comparação com aqueles sem esteatose, os indivíduos com esteatose hepática apresentaram um risco elevado de desenvolver diabetes (HR = 1,31; IC95%: 1,09-1,56) após o ajuste para potenciais fatores de confusão, incluindo o índice de massa corporal (IMC). A esteatose hepática foi um preditor independente de diabetes incidente no ELSA-Brasil. Os médicos devem incentivar mudanças no estilo de vida e a triagem para diabetes para pacientes com fígado gorduroso.

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La creciente evidencia epidemiológica sugiere una relación bidireccional entre la enfermedad del hígado graso no alcohólica (EHGNA) y la diabetes tipo 2 y que la EHGNA puede preceder y/o desarrollar la diabetes. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar si la esteatosis hepática está asociada con la incidencia de diabetes en el Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). ELSA-Brasil es un estudio de cohorte ocupacional, realizado con funcionarios públicos activos o jubilados, con edades entre 35 y 74 años, de seis capitales en Brasil. Se excluyeron a los participantes con diabetes al inicio del estudio, aquellos que informaron consumir excesivamente alcohol o que carecían de información sobre las covariables relevantes, y los individuos con hepatitis o cirrosis autorreportada. En total participaron 8.166 sujetos, y el tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 3,8 años. Se utilizó el modelo de regresión proporcional de Cox para estimar la razón de riesgo ajustada (HR) en las asociaciones. Se realizó ecografía abdominal para detectar esteatosis hepática. En el periodo de seguimiento, el grupo de participantes tuvo incidencia acumulada de diabetes del 5,25%, y en los grupos con y sin esteatosis hepática fueron del 7,83% y el 3,88%, respectivamente (p < 0,001). Los individuos con enfermedad de hígado graso tuvieron mayor riesgo de desarrollar diabetes (HR = 1,31; IC95%: 1,09-1,56) después de ajustar los posibles factores de confusión, incluido el índice de masa corporal (IMC), en comparación con aquellos sin esteatosis. La esteatosis hepática fue un predictor independiente de diabetes incidente en ELSA-Brasil. Los médicos deben alentar cambios en el estilo de vida y la detección de diabetes a los pacientes con hígado graso.

RESUMO

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is defined as the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the liver of individuals with undetectable hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) in the serum. The actual prevalence of OBI and its clinical relevance are not yet fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of HBV DNA in liver biopsies of HBsAg-negative patients with chronic liver disease of different etiologies in a referral center in Brazil and compare two different HBV DNA amplification protocols to detect HBV. DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Liver Outpatient Clinic, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, between January 2016 and December 2019. METHODS: HBV DNA was investigated in 104 liver biopsy samples from individuals with chronic liver disease of different etiologies, in whom HBsAg was undetectable in serum by nested-polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR), using two different protocols. RESULTS: OBI, diagnosed by detecting HBV DNA using both protocols, was detected in 6.7% of the 104 individuals investigated. Both protocols showed a good reliability. CONCLUSION: In addition to the differences in the prevalence of HBV infection in different regions, variations in the polymerase chain reaction technique used for HBV DNA amplification may be responsible for the large variations in the prevalence of OBI identified in different studies. There is a need for better standardization of the diagnostic methods used to diagnose this entity.

RESUMO

Abstract Introduction Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) have a higher prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) than the general population. PCOS and NAFLD have common metabolic risk factors, however, the role of diet in NAFLD development is still uncertain in PCOS women. Objective To evaluate and compare the dietary patterns and nutritional intake in patients with PCOS with and without NAFLD. Method Cross-sectional study that included patients with PCOS diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria. All participants were submitted to abdominal ultrasound to investigate liver steatosis. Dietary profile was assessed by 24-hour food recall (24hR), and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Diet quality was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) adapted for the Brazilian population. Physical activity practice was also assessed. Results 87 participants were included (average age 35.2 ± 5.7 years), among whom, 67 (77%) had NAFLD. The group with PCOS and NAFLD presented higher body mass index (BMI) (34.9 ± 4.5 vs. 30.4 ± 4.9 kg/m2; p = 0.001), Waist Circumference (WC) (103 [97‒113] vs. 95 [87.5‒100] cm; p < 0.001) and were considered physically active less frequently than those without NAFLD (34.3% vs. 60%; p = 0.04). Food intake and dietary patterns assessed by 24hR, FFQ and HEI presented no difference between the groups. Conclusions PCOS women with coexistent NAFLD had higher BMI, WC and were less physically active than those without NAFLD. Dietary evaluation showed that PCOS women with NAFLD had no significant difference in macro and micronutrients or food group intake and diet quality in comparison to those without NAFLD.