A 2-Step Strategy Combining FIB-4 With Transient Elastography and Ultrasound Predicted Liver Cancer After HCV Cure.

Introduction: Despite the direct-acting antiviral therapy has dramatically decreased the likelihood of having liver-related complications and extrahepatic outcomes, the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not totally eliminated after sustained virological response (SVR). We aimed to develop an easy-to-apply strategy to be adopted in clinical practice for accurately classifying the HCC risk in hepatitis C virus patients after SVR.

Methods: Prospective and multicenter study enrolling hepatitis C virus patients with advanced fibrosis (transient elastography [TE] > 10 kPa) or cirrhosis by ultrasound showing SVR.

Impact of comorbidities on patient outcomes after interferon-free therapy-induced viral eradication in hepatitis C.

Background & Aims: Patients with advanced liver fibrosis remain at risk of cirrhosis-related outcomes and those with severe comorbidities may not benefit from hepatitis C (HCV) eradication. We aimed to collect data on all-cause mortality and relevant clinical events within the first two years of direct-acting antiviral therapy, whilst determining the prognostic capability of a comorbidity-based model.

Methods: This was a prospective non-interventional study, from the beginning of direct-acting antiviral therapy to the event of interest (mortality) or up to two years of follow-up, including 14 Spanish University Hospitals.

Metformin inhibits glutaminase activity and protects against hepatic encephalopathy.

Aim: To investigate the influence of metformin use on liver dysfunction and hepatic encephalopathy in a retrospective cohort of diabetic cirrhotic patients. To analyze the impact of metformin on glutaminase activity and ammonia production in vitro.

Methods: Eighty-two cirrhotic patients with type 2 diabetes were included.

Genes and hepatitis C: susceptibility, fibrosis progression and response to treatment.

Hepatitis C virus contact and infection show three different phenotypes: spontaneous viral clearance (SVC), chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and sustained virological response (SVR) following antiviral treatment. Many factors, including genetics, influence the evolution of these three phenotypes. We performed a literature search (PubMed) up to 31 January 2010 without language restriction to identify relevant studies on genes and hepatitis C.