Novel non-invasive score to predict cirrhosis in the era of hepatitis C elimination: A population study of ex-substance users in Singapore

Background: Chronic hepatitis C infection is common among people with history of substance use. Liver fibrosis assessment is a barrier to linkage to care, particularly among those with history of substance users. The use of non-invasive scores can be helpful in predicting liver cirrhosis in the era of HCV elimination, especially in countries where transient elastography(TE) is not available. We compared the commonly used non-invasive scores with a novel non-invasive score in predicting liver cirrhosis in this population. Methods: HCV patients with history of substance use between 2011 and 2016 were analyzed. All patients had TE for liver fibrosis assessment. Clinical performance of established non-invasive scores for fibrosis assessment and novel score were compared. Youden's index was used to determine optimal cut-off of the novel score. Results: A total of 579 patients were included. In multivariate logistic regression, cirrhosis on TE was associated with age( P = 0.002), aspartate aminotransferase(AST)( P = 0.004), and platelet count( P < 0.001), but not alanine aminotransferase(ALT)( P = 0.896). These form the components of modified AST-toplatelet ratio index(APRI) score. Modified APRI was superior to APRI in predicting cirrhosis(AUROC, 0.796 vs. 0.770, P = 0.007), but not fibrosis-4 score(FIB-4)( P = 1.00). Modified APRI at cut-off of 4 has sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value(NPV) of 94.4%, 26.9% and 92.6%, respectively, and at 19, has sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value(PPV) of 33.3%, 96.2% and 77.1%, respectively. FIB-4 has a NPV and PPV of 88.6%, 41.8% and 78.5%, 77.6%, at cut-off of 1.45 and 3.25, respectively. Using the cut-off of 4 and 14 for modified APRI, 32.5% of patients can be correctly classified and misses out only 5.6% of cirrhosis patients. Conclusions: Modified APRI score is superior in predicting cirrhosis in HCV population, with 32.5% of the population being correctly classified using cut-off of 4 and 14. Further studies are required to validate the findings.

Boceprevir early-access for advanced-fibrosis/cirrhosis in Asia-pacific hepatitis C virus genotype 1 non-responders/relapsers

AIM:To examined the efficacy and safety of treatment with boceprevir,PEGylated-interferon and ribavirin(PR)in hepatitis C virus genotype 1(HCVGT1) PR treatmentfailures in Asia.METHODS:The Boceprevir Named-Patient Program provided boceprevir to HCVGT1 PR treatment-failures.Participating physicians were invited to contribute data from their patients:baseline characteristics,ontreatment responses,sustained virological response at week 12(SVR12),and safety were collected and analysed.Multivariate analysis was performed to determine predictors of response.RESULTS:150 patients were enrolled from Australia,Malaysia,Singapore and Thailand(Asians = 86,Caucasians = 63).Overall SVR12 was 61%(Asians= 59.3%,Caucasians = 63.5%).SVR12 was higher in relapsers(78%) compared with non-responders(34%).On-treatment responses predicted SVR,with undetectable HCVRNA at week 4,8 and 12 leading to SVR12 s of 100%,87%,and 82%respectively,and detectable HCVRNA at week 4,8 and 12,leading to SVR12 s of 58%,22%and 6%respectively.Asian patients were similar to Caucasian patients with regards to on-treatment responses.Patients with cirrhosis(n= 69) also behaved in the same manner with regards to on-treatment responses.Those with the IL28 B CC genotype(80%) had higher SVRs than those with the CT/TT(56%) genotype(P = 0.010).Multivariate analysis showed that TW8 and TW12 responses were independent predictors of SVR.Serious adverse events occurred in 18.6%:sepsis(2%),decompensation(2.7%) and blood transfusion(14%).Discontinuations occurred in 30.7%,with 18.6%fulfilling stopping rules.CONCLUSION:Boceprevir can be used successfully in PR treatment failures with a SVR12 > 80%if they have good on-treatment responses;however,discontinuations occurred in 30%because of virological failure or adverse events.

Real world experience with Pegylated Interferon and ribavirin in Hepatitis C Genotype 1 population with favourable IL28B polymorphism

Background and aim:Conventional hepatitis C treatment using pegylated interferon(PEG-IFN)and ribavirin is associated with significant side effects.IL28B polymorphism can predict response to treatment,with CC genotype having a better response.ITPA gene deficiency protects against clinically significant anaemia induced by treatment.The purpose of this study was to determine IL28B polymorphismand ITPA variation among hepatitis C genotype 1 patients who have undergone therapy with PEG-IFN and ribavirin and their association with sustained viral response(SVR).Methods:All hepatitis C genotype 1 patients who had been treated with PEG-IFN and ribavirin over the past 10 years were identified by available medical records and were contacted by letter of invitation to participate in the study.Blood samples for IL28B and ITPA genotyping were obtained.Medical records were reviewed for verification of treatment response,development of anaemia and if treatment reduction was required during the treatment.Results:A total of 61 patients with hepatitis C genotype 1 were treated with PEG-IFN and ribavirin,of whom 42 agreed to participate in the study.Mean age was 45.6±12.9 years at time of treatment,and 83.3%of patients weremales.Thirty-three(78.6%)had IL28B CC genotype,of whom 25(75.8%)obtained SVR compared with only 3 of 9(33.3%)non C/C genotype patients who achieved SVR(P=0.041).Eleven(26.1%)patients had ITPA AC genotype,and 30(71.4%)had CC genotype.There was no statistically significant difference between ITPA AC and CC genotypes in predicting clinically significant anaemia(45.5%vs 63.3%,P=0.302).Even among patients who developed anaemia,70.8%stillmanaged to achieve SVR.Treatment reduction also had no impact on SVR.Conclusion:Hepatitis C genotype 1 patients should be informed of the response rate for treatment with PEG-IFN and ribavirin in a population with favourable IL28B genotype before consideration of newer therapeutic options.