Machine learning models are superior to noninvasive tests in identifying clinically significant stages of NAFLD and NAFLD-related cirrhosis.

Background And Aims: We assessed the performance of machine learning (ML) models in identifying clinically significant NAFLD-associated liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Approach And Results: We implemented ML models including logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and artificial neural network to predict histological stages of fibrosis using 17 demographic/clinical features in 1370 patients with NAFLD who underwent liver biopsy, FibroScan, and labs within a 6-month period at multiple U.S.

Proof-of-concept study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of saroglitazar in patients with primary biliary cholangitis.

Background & Aim: Saroglitazar is a novel peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist with dual agonistic properties (α/γ). Due to a strong mechanistic rationale, we aimed to test the safety and efficacy of saroglitazar in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) who were either ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) resistant or intolerant.

Methods: In this double-blind, phase II proof-of-concept trial, 37 patients with PBC were randomized to saroglitazar 4 mg (n = 13), saroglitazar 2 mg (n = 14), or placebo (n = 10) daily for 16 weeks.

Practical strategies for pruritus management in the obeticholic acid-treated patient with PBC: proceedings from the 2018 expert panel.

Background And Aims: This article provides expert guidance on the management of pruritus symptoms in patients receiving obeticholic acid (OCA) as treatment for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). PBC is a chronic, autoimmune cholestatic liver disease that affects intrahepatic bile ducts. If not adequately treated, PBC can lead to cholestasis and end-stage liver disease, which may require transplant.

Fatty liver in hepatitis C patients post-sustained virological response with direct-acting antivirals.

Aim: To determine steatosis and fibrosis prevalence in hepatitis C patients after a sustained virological response achieved with direct-acting antivirals.

Methods: Transient elastography with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) was used to assess hepatic steatosis post-sustained virological response (SVR); the CAP technology was not available in the United States at study initiation. Liver stiffness/fibrosis was measured before and 47 wk after treatment completion.

Predicting clinical outcomes in patients with HBsAg-positive chronic hepatitis.

Background And Aims: The progression of HBsAg-positive chronic hepatitis is insidious and unpredictable. Identification of factors leading to either a benign or more serious clinical outcome may assist in decision making for antiviral therapy.

Methods: From 1989 to 1998, 130 untreated patients with chronic hepatitis were enrolled in a prospective study and followed every 3-6 months with liver and virologic tests, platelet counts and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) measurements.

Durability of Hepatitis B e Antigen Seroconversion in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Treated with Entecavir or Tenofovir.

Introduction: Loss of HBeAg and development of anti-HBe (seroconversion) is seen as a milestone and endpoint in the treatment of HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Among patients treated with nucleos(t)ide analogs (NA), recurrent viremia is common after discontinuation of therapy. Entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir (TDF) are highly potent NA.