Alcohol-associated hepatitis trends before and following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic across two distinct cohorts in the United States and Hong Kong.

Background & Aims: Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) burden has been rising globally, fueled by increases in high-risk alcohol use following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We evaluated trends in annual incidence of alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) before and following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic across two geographically distinct populations in the USA and Hong Kong.

Methods: Using US national Veterans Affairs (VA) data and Hong Kong territory-wide data, trends in annual incidence of AH were evaluated from 2000 to 2023.

Histological severity, clinical outcomes and impact of antiviral treatment in indeterminate phase of chronic hepatitis B: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background & Aims: Current international guidelines recommend close monitoring and evaluation of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in the indeterminate phase, and treatment of patients at high risk of adverse outcomes. Clinical outcomes and the effect of antiviral therapy on the indeterminate phase remain unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the incidence of adverse clinical outcomes including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cirrhosis, and hepatic decompensation, and the effect of antiviral therapy, in the indeterminate phase.

Long-term use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate increases fracture risk in elderly patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Background & Aims: The use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is associated with a reduction in bone mineral density and an increase in bone metabolism biomarkers. However, data on clinical bone fractures remain limited. We evaluated the impact of TDF compared to entecavir on the risk of fracture in elderly patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Baveno VII criteria for recompensation predict transplant-free survival in patients with hepatitis B-related decompensated cirrhosis.

Background & Aims: The latest Baveno VII consensus has provided guidance for identifying patients who have truly recompensated from those with hepatic decompensation. This study aimed to evaluate patients' transplant-free survival in three different stages of cirrhosis.

Methods: All patients with chronic HBV infection and liver cirrhosis treated with oral nucleos(t)ide analogues from March 2006 to December 2022 were identified from a territory-wide database in Hong Kong.

Clinical Outcomes Following Treatment for COVID-19 With Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir and Molnupiravir Among Patients Living in Nursing Homes.

Importance: Older patients living in nursing homes are at very high risk of mortality after getting COVID-19.

Objective: To evaluate outcomes following oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19 among nonhospitalized older patients living in nursing homes.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This is a territory-wide, retrospective cohort study conducted between February 16 and March 31, 2022, with the last follow-up date on April 25, 2022.

Diabetes Mellitus Impacts on the Performance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk Scores in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients.

Background & Aims: We examined whether changing clinical characteristics and presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) impact the performance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk scores.

Methods: Adult patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) on ≥6 months of entecavir/tenofovir treatment between January 2005 and March 2020 were identified using a territory-wide electronic database in Hong Kong. DM was defined by antidiabetic agents, hemoglobin A1c ≥6.

Trends in risk factor control and treatment among patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes between 2000 and 2020: A territory-wide study.

Background & Aims: We aimed to determine the trends in risk factor control and treatment among patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in 2000-2020.

Methods: We conducted a territory-wide cohort study of adult patients with NAFLD and T2D diagnosed between 1 January 2000 and 31 July 2021 in Hong Kong. T2D was defined by use of any anti-diabetic agents, laboratory tests and/or diagnosis codes.

Incidence of Viral Rebound After Treatment With Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir and Molnupiravir.

Importance: Some patients treated with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir have experienced rebound of COVID-19 infections and symptoms; however, data are scarce on whether viral rebound also occurs in patients with COVID-19 receiving or not receiving molnupiravir.

Objective: To examine the incidence of viral rebound in patients with COVID-19 who were treated with the oral antiviral agents nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and molnupiravir.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This cohort study identified 41 255 patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized from January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022, in Hong Kong and assessed 12 629 patients with serial cycle threshold (Ct) values measured.

Risk of hepatic decompensation but not hepatocellular carcinoma decreases over time in patients with hepatitis B surface antigen loss.

Background & Aims: We examined the long-term incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatic decompensation among chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who have achieved hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance.

Methods: All adult CHB-monoinfected patients who cleared HBsAg between January 2000 and December 2020 were identified using a territory-wide database in Hong Kong. Patients who underwent liver transplantation and/or developed HCC before HBsAg seroclearance or less than 6 months follow-up were excluded.

Impact of the Use of Oral Antiviral Agents on the Risk of Hospitalization in Community Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients (COVID-19).

Background: We examined the effectiveness of molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in reducing hospitalization and deaths in a real-world cohort of nonhospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods: This was a territory-wide retrospective cohort study in Hong Kong. Nonhospitalized COVID-19 patients who attended designated outpatient clinics between 16 February and 31 March 2022 were identified.