Validation and performance of three scoring systems for predicting primary non-function and early allograft failure after liver transplantation

Background: Primary non-function(PNF) and early allograft failure(EAF) after liver transplantation(LT) seriously affect patient outcomes. In clinical practice, effective prognostic tools for early identifying recipients at high risk of PNF and EAF were urgently needed. Recently, the Model for Early Allograft Function(MEAF), PNF score by King's College(King-PNF) and Balance-and-Risk-Lactate(BAR-Lac) score were developed to assess the risks of PNF and EAF. This study aimed to externally validate and compare the prognostic performance of these three scores for predicting PNF and EAF. Methods: A retrospective study included 720 patients with primary LT between January 2015 and December 2020. MEAF, King-PNF and BAR-Lac scores were compared using receiver operating characteristic(ROC) and the net reclassification improvement(NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement(IDI) analyses. Results: Of all 720 patients, 28(3.9%) developed PNF and 67(9.3%) developed EAF in 3 months. The overall early allograft dysfunction(EAD) rate was 39.0%. The 3-month patient mortality was 8.6% while 1-year graft-failure-free survival was 89.2%. The median MEAF, King-PNF and BAR-Lac scores were 5.0(3.5–6.3),-2.1(-2.6 to-1.2), and 5.0(2.0–11.0), respectively. For predicting PNF, MEAF and King-PNF scores had excellent area under curves(AUCs) of 0.872 and 0.891, superior to BAR-Lac(AUC = 0.830). The NRI and IDI analyses confirmed that King-PNF score had the best performance in predicting PNF while MEAF served as a better predictor of EAD. The EAF risk curve and 1-year graft-failure-free survival curve showed that King-PNF was superior to MEAF and BAR-Lac scores for stratifying the risk of EAF. Conclusions: MEAF, King-PNF and BAR-Lac were validated as practical and effective risk assessment tools of PNF. King-PNF score outperformed MEAF and BAR-Lac in predicting PNF and EAF within 6 months. BAR-Lac score had a huge advantage in the prediction for PNF without post-transplant variables. Proper use of these scores will help early identify PNF, standardize grading of EAF and reasonably select clinical endpoints in relative studies.

Research progress of ferroptosis regulating lipid peroxidation and metabolism in occurrence and development of primary liver cancer

As a highly aggressive tumor,the pathophysiological mechanism of primary liver cancer has attracted much attention.In recent years,factors such as ferroptosis regulation,lipid peroxidation and metabolic abnormalities have emerged in the study of liver cancer,providing a new perspective for understanding the development of liver cancer.Ferroptosis regulation,lipid peroxidation and metabolic abnormalities play important roles in the occurrence and development of liver cancer.The regulation of ferroptosis is involved in apoptosis and necrosis,affecting cell survival and death.Lipid peroxidation promotes oxidative damage and promotes the invasion of liver cancer cells.Metabolic abnormalities,especially the disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism,directly affect the proliferation and growth of liver cancer cells.Studies of ferroptosis regulation and lipid peroxidation may help to discover new therapeutic targets and improve therapeutic outcomes.The understanding of metabolic abnormalities can provide new ideas for the prevention of liver cancer,and reduce the risk of disease by adjusting the metabolic process.This review focuses on the key roles of ferroptosis regulation,lipid peroxidation and metabolic abnormalities in this process.

Clinical efficacy of Gamma Knife® combined with transarterial chemoembolization and immunotherapy in the treatment of primary liver cancer

BACKGROUND This study was designed to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Gamma Knife®combined with transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)and immunotherapy in the treatment of primary liver cancer.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Gamma Knife®combined with TACE and immune-targeted therapy in the treatment of primary liver cancer.METHODS Clinical data from 51 patients with primary liver cancer admitted to our hospital between May 2018 and October 2022 were retrospectively collected.All patients underwent Gamma Knife®treatment combined with TACE and immunotherapy.The clinical efficacy,changes in liver function,overall survival(OS),and progression-free survival(PFS)of patients with different treatment responses were evaluated,and adverse reactions were recorded.RESULTS The last follow-up for this study was conducted on October 31,2023.Clinical evaluation of the 51 patients with primary liver cancer revealed a partial response(PR)in 27 patients,accounting for 52.94%(27/51);stable disease(SD)in 16 patients,accounting for 31.37%(16/51);and progressive disease(PD)in 8 patients,accounting for 15.69%(8/51).The objective response rate was 52.94%,and the disease control rate was 84.31%.Alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,lactate dehydrogenase,and alpha-fetoprotein isoform levels decreased after treatment compared with pretreatment(all P=0.000).The median OS was 26 months[95%confidence interval(95%CI):19.946-32.054]in the PR group and 19 months(95%CI:14.156-23.125)in the SD+PD group,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.015).The median PFS was 20 months(95%CI:18.441-34.559)in the PR group and 12 months(95%CI:8.745-13.425)in the SD+PD group,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.002).Common adverse reactions during treatment included nausea and vomiting(39.22%),thrombocytopenia(27.45%),and leukopenia(25.49%),with no treatment-related deaths reported.CONCLUSION Gamma Knife®combined with TACE and immune-targeted therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of primary liver cancer and has a good effect on improving the clinical benefit rate and liver function of patients.

Selective internal radiation therapy segmentectomy:A new minimally invasive curative option for primary liver malignancies?

Transarterial radioembolization or selective internal radiation therapy(SIRT)has emerged as a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of tumors.This percutaneous technique involves the local,intra-arterial delivery of radioactive microspheres directly into the tumor.Historically employed as a palliative measure for liver malignancies,SIRT has gained traction over the past decade as a potential curative option,mirroring the increasing role of radiation segmentectomy.The latest update of the BCLC hepatocellular carcinoma guidelines recognizes SIRT as an effective treatment modality comparable to other local ablative methods,particularly well-suited for patients where surgical resection or ablation is not feasible.Radiation segmentectomy is a more selective approach,aiming to deliver high-dose radiation to one to three specific hepatic segments,while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.Future research efforts in radiation segmentectomy should prioritize optimizing radiation dosimetry and refining the technique for super-selective administration of radiospheres within the designated hepatic segments.

Primary hepatic lymphoma presenting as pyogenic liver abscess:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary hepatic lymphoma(PHL)is a lymphoproliferative disorder confined to the liver without peripheral lymph node involvement and bone marrow invasion.PHL is extremely rare in clinical practice.The etiology and pathogenesis of PHL are largely unknown.There are no common standard protocols or guidelines for the treatment of PHL.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 66-year-old man who presented with fever and abdominal pain for three weeks.Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans showed a pyogenic liver abscess.The patient underwent a right posterior hepatectomy.The surgical pathology revealed aggressive B-cell lymphoma,with a primary consideration of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of non-germinal center origin.CONCLUSION This article reviews the characteristics,mechanism and treatment of PHL and provides insight into the diagnosis of PHL.

Effect of CT-Guided Microwave Ablation Combined with TACE on Liver Function and Survival of Patients with Primary Liver Cancer

Objective:To explore the effect of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)+CT-guided microwave ablation(MWA)on treating patients with primary liver cancer.Methods:78 primary liver cancer cases were enrolled and divided into groups according to their assigned surgical plans.The control group was treated with TACE alone,and the observation group was treated with TACE+CT-guided MWA.The efficacy of the treatment and the liver function indicators and follow-up results of the patients of the two groups were compared.Results:The efficacy of the treatment received by the observation group was higher than that of the control group.Besides,the patients in the observation group exhibited better improvement in liver function indicators after 3 months of treatment.Furthermore,the survival rates of 1 and 2 years after surgery of the observation group were all higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:TACE combined with CT-guided MWA is more effective in treating primary liver cancer compared to TACE alone.Besides,it resulted in better improvement of liver function and long-term survival rate.Therefore,this treatment regime should be popularized.

Absence of enhancement in a lesion does not preclude primary central nervous system T-cell lymphoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL)is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates in the central nervous system(CNS)and is exclusively limited to the CNS.Although most PCNSLs are diffuse large B-cell lymphomas,primary CNS T-cell lymphomas(PCNSTLs)are rare.PCNSTLs typically demonstrate some degree of enhancement on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).To the best of our knowledge,non-enhancing PCNSTL has not been reported previously.CASE SUMMARY A 69-year-old male presented to the neurology department with complaints of mild cognitive impairment and gradual onset of left lower leg weakness over a span of two weeks.Initial MRI showed asymmetric T2-hyperintense lesions within the brain.No enhancement was observed on the contrast-enhanced T1 image.The initial diagnosis was neuro-Behçet’s disease.Despite high-dose steroid therapy,no alterations in the lesions were identified on initial MRI.The patient’s symptoms deteriorated further.An MRI performed one month after the initial scan revealed an increased lesion extent.Subsequently,brain biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PCNSTL.The patient underwent definitive combined chemoradiotherapy.However,the patient developed bacteremia and died of septic shock approximately three months after diagnosis.CONCLUSION The absence of enhancement in the lesion did not rule out PCNSTL.A biopsy approach is advisable for pathological confirmation.

Synchronous multiple primary malignant neoplasms in breast,kidney,and bilateral thyroid:A case report

BACKGROUND Multiple primary malignant neoplasms(MPMNs)are rare,while synchronous MPMNs(SMPMNs)are even less common.Owing to the progression of medical technology and the extension of life expectancy,its incidence is gradually increasing.CASE SUMMARY Although reports of breast and thyroid dual cancers are common,cases of an additional diagnosis of kidney primary cancer within the same individual are rare.CONCLUSION We present a case of simultaneous MPMN of three endocrine organs,reviewing the relevant literature to enhance our understanding of SMPMNs while emphasizing the increasingly important need for accurate diagnosis and multidisciplinary management whenever this challenging situation arises.

Effect of liver transplantation with primary hyperoxaluria type 1:Five case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Primary hyperoxaluria type 1(PH1)is a rare autosomal recessive disease stemming from a deficiency in liver-specific alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase,resulting in increased endogenous oxalate deposition and end-stage renal disease.Organ transplantation is the only effective treatment.However,its approach and timing remain controversial.CASE SUMMARY We retrospectively analyzed 5 patients diagnosed with PH1 from the Liver Transplant Center of the Beijing Friendship Hospital from March 2017 to December 2020.Our cohort included 4 males and 1 female.The median age at onset was 4.0 years(range:1.0-5.0),age at diagnosis was 12.2 years(range:6.7-23.5),age at liver transplantation(LT)was 12.2 years(range:7.0-25.1),and the follow-up time was 26.3 mo(range:12.8-40.1).All patients had delayed diagnosis,and 3patients had progressed to end-stage renal disease by the time they were diagnosed.Two patients received preemptive LT;their estimated glomerular filtration rate was maintained at>120 mL/min/1.73 m2,indicating a better prognosis.Three patients received sequential liver and kidney transplantation.After transplantation,serum and urinary oxalate decreased,and liver function recovered.At the last follow-up,the estimated glomerular filtration rates of the latter 3 patients were 179,52 and 21 mL/min/1.73 m2.CONCLUSION Different transplantation strategies should be adopted for patients based on their renal function stage.Preemptive-LT offers a good therapeutic approach for PH1.

Autoimmune hepatitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis after direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus:A case report

BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection is a major global health concern that leads to liver fibrosis,cirrhosis,and cancer.Regimens containing direct-acting antivirals(DAAs)have become the mainstay of HCV treatment,achieving a high sustained virological response(SVR)with minimal adverse events.CASE SUMMARY A 74-year-old woman with chronic HCV infection was treated with the DAAs ledipasvir,and sofosbuvir for 12 wk and achieved SVR.Twenty-four weeks after treatment completion,the liver enzyme and serum IgG levels increased,and antinuclear antibody became positive without HCV viremia,suggesting the development of autoimmune hepatitis(AIH).After liver biopsy indicated AIH,a definite AIH diagnosis was made and prednisolone was initiated.The treatment was effective,and the liver enzyme and serum IgG levels normalized.However,multiple strictures of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts with dilatation of the peripheral bile ducts appeared on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography after 3 years of achieving SVR,which were consistent with primary sclerosing cholangitis.CONCLUSION The potential risk of developing autoimmune liver diseases after DAA treatment should be considered.

Liver transplant in primary sclerosing cholangitis:Current trends and future directions

Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)is a chronic and progressive immunemediated cholangiopathy causing biliary tree inflammation and scarring,leading to liver cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease.Diagnosis of PSC is challenging due to its nonspecific symptoms and overlap with other liver diseases.Despite the rising incidence of PSC,there is no proven medical therapy that can alter the natural history of the disease.While liver transplantation(LT)is the most effective approach for managing advanced liver disease caused by PSC,post-transplantation recurrence of PSC remains a challenge.Therefore,ongoing research aims to develop better therapies for PSC,and continued efforts are necessary to improve outcomes for patients with PSC.This article provides an overview of PSC’s pathogenesis,clinical presentation,and management options,including LT trends and future aspects.It also highlights the need for improved therapeutic options and ethical considerations in providing equitable access to LT for patients with PSC.Additionally,the impact of liver transplant on the quality of life and psychological outcomes of patients with PSC is discussed.Ongoing research into PSC’s pathogenesis and post-transplant recurrence is crucial for improved understanding of the disease and more effective treatment options.

Current status of yttrium-90 microspheres radioembolization in primary and metastatic liver cancer

Liver malignancy,including primary liver cancer and metastatic liver cancer has become one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide due to the high malignant degree and limited systematic treatment strategy.Radioembolization with yttrium-90(^(90)Y)-loaded microspheres is a relatively novel technology that has made significant progress in the local treatment of liver malignancy.The different steps in the extensive work-up of radioembolization for patients with an indication for treatment with^(90)Y microspheres,from patient selection to follow up,both technically and clinically,are discussed in this paper.It describes the application and development of^(90)Y microspheres in the treatment of liver cancer.

Multifunctional roles of inflammation and its causative factors in primary liver cancer:A literature review

Primary liver cancer is a severe and complex disease,leading to 800000 global deaths annually.Emerging evidence suggests that inflammation is one of the critical factors in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Patients with viral hepatitis,alcoholic hepatitis,and steatohepatitis symptoms are at higher risk of developing HCC.However,not all inflammatory factors have a pathogenic function in HCC development.The current study describes the process and mechanism of hepatitis development and its progression to HCC,particularly focusing on viral hepatitis,alcoholic hepatitis,and steatohepatitis.Furthermore,the roles of some essential inflammatory cytokines in HCC progression are described in addition to a summary of future research directions.

Liver transplant in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis:A retrospective cohort from Northeastern Brazil

BACKGROUND Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)manifests within a broad ethnic and racial spectrum,reflecting different levels of access to health care.AIM To evaluate the clinical profile,complications and survival rates of patients with PSC undergoing liver transplantation(LTx)at a Brazilian reference center.METHODS All patients diagnosed with PSC before or after LTx were included.The medical records were reviewed for demographic and clinical variables,including outcomes and survival.The level of statistical significance was set at P<0.05.RESULTS Our cohort represented 1.6%(n=34)of the 2113 patients receiving liver grafts at our service over the past two decades.Most were male(n=19;56%).The average age(40±14 years)was similar for men and women(P=0.347).The mean follow-up time from diagnosis to LTx was 68 mo.Most patients had the classic form of PSC.Three women had PSC/autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome,and one patient had small-duct PSC.Alkaline phosphatase levels at diagnosis and pre-LTx model for end-stage liver disease.scores were significantly higher in males.Inflammatory bowel research(IBD)was investigated by colonoscopy in 26/34(76%)and was present in most cases(18/26;69%).IBD was less common in women than in men(44.4%vs.55.6%)(P=0.692).Cholangiocarcinoma(CCA)was diagnosed in 2/34(5.9%)patients by histopathology of the explant(survival:3 years 6 mo,and 4 years 11 mo).Two patients had complications requiring a second LTx(one after 7 d due to hepatic artery thrombosis and one after 17 d due to primary graft dysfunction).Five patients(14.7%)developed biliary stricture.The overall median post-LTx survival was 66 mo.Most deaths occurred in the first year(infection n=2,primary liver graft dysfunction n=3,unknown cause n=1).The 1-year and 5-year survival rates of this cohort were 82.3%and 70.6%,respectively,matching the mean overall survival rates of LTx patients at our center(87.1%and 69.43%,respectively)(P=0.83).CONCLUSION Survival after 1 and 5 years was similar to that of other LTx indications.The observed CCA survival rate suggests CCA may be an indication for LTx in selected cases.

Development and validation of a machine learning-based early prediction model for massive intraoperative bleeding in patients with primary hepatic malignancies

BACKGROUND Surgical resection remains the primary treatment for hepatic malignancies,and intraoperative bleeding is associated with a significantly increased risk of death.Therefore,accurate prediction of intraoperative bleeding risk in patients with hepatic malignancies is essential to preventing bleeding in advance and providing safer and more effective treatment.AIM To develop a predictive model for intraoperative bleeding in primary hepatic malignancy patients for improving surgical planning and outcomes.METHODS The retrospective analysis enrolled patients diagnosed with primary hepatic malignancies who underwent surgery at the Hepatobiliary Surgery Department of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University between 2010 and 2020.Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential risk factors for intraoperative bleeding.A prediction model was developed using Python programming language,and its accuracy was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Among 406 primary liver cancer patients,16.0%(65/406)suffered massive intraoperative bleeding.Logistic regression analysis identified four variables as associated with intraoperative bleeding in these patients:ascites[odds ratio(OR):22.839;P<0.05],history of alcohol consumption(OR:2.950;P<0.015),TNM staging(OR:2.441;P<0.001),and albumin-bilirubin score(OR:2.361;P<0.001).These variables were used to construct the prediction model.The 406 patients were randomly assigned to a training set(70%)and a prediction set(30%).The area under the ROC curve values for the model’s ability to predict intraoperative bleeding were 0.844 in the training set and 0.80 in the prediction set.CONCLUSION The developed and validated model predicts significant intraoperative blood loss in primary hepatic malignancies using four preoperative clinical factors by considering four preoperative clinical factors:ascites,history of alcohol consumption,TNM staging,and albumin-bilirubin score.Consequently,this model holds promise for enhancing individualised surgical planning.

Primary pulmonary meningioma and minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules: Rare pulmonary nodular lesions requiring more awareness in clinical practice

In this editorial,we comment on an article by Ruan et al published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Case.Pulmonary meningothelial proliferative lesions,including primary pulmonary meningiomas,minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules,and metastatic pulmonary meningiomas are rare pulmonary lesions.These lesions are difficult to differentiate from lung cancers based on clinical and imaging manifestations.Herein,we briefly introduce the clinical,imaging,and pathological characteristics of these lesions and discuss their pathogenesis to strengthen the current understanding of pulmonary meningothelial proliferative lesions in clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Primary graft dysfunction after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) causes complications in liver transplantation, which result in poor prognosis. Recipients who develop PGD usually experience a longer intensive care unit and hospital stay and have higher mortality and graft loss rates compared with those without graft dysfunction. However, because of the lack of universally accepted definition, early diagnosis of graft dysfunction is difficult. Additionally, numerous factors affect the allograft function after transplantation, making the prediction of PGD more difficult. The present review was to analyze the literature available on PGD and to propose a definition.DATA SOURCE: A search of PubMed (up to the end of 2012) for English-language articles relevant to PGD was performed to clarify the characteristics, risk factors, and possible treatments or interventions for PGD.RESULTS: There is no pathological diagnostic standard; many documented definitions of PGD are different. Many factors such as donor status, procurement and transplant process and recipient illness may affect the function of graft, and ischemia reperfusion injury is considered the direct cause. Potentia managements which are helpful to improve graft function were investigated. Some of them are promising.CONCLUSIONS: Our analyses suggested that the definition of PGD should include one or more of the following variables: (1)bilirubin ≥10 mg/dL on postoperative day 7; (2) internationa normalized ratio ≥1.6 on postoperative day 7; and (3) alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase 】2000 IU/L within 7 postoperative days. Reducing risk factors may decrease the incidence of PGD. A majority of the recipients could recover from PGD; however, when the graft progresses intoprimary non-function, the patients need to be treated with retransplantation.

Liver Resection for Spontaneous Rupture of Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objective To study the effect of liver resection for spontaneous rupture of primary hepatocellulal carcinoma (PHCC). Methods The clinical data of 12 patients with ruptured PHCC treated by liver resection in Xiangya Hospital since 1970 were analyzed retrospectively. Results There were 10 males and 2 females with mean age of 42 (ranged 22–65) years in this series. Of the 12 patients, 11 underwent emergent hepatectomy and one 2-stage hepatectomy, including left segmental liver resection in 6 patients, left median lobectomy in 1, left hemihepatectomy in 1, partial right hepatectomy in 2, and tumor resection in 2. There was no operative death in 11 patients with liver function in grade A of Child-Paugh classification, but 1 patient with grade B liver function died of liver failure after operation. The operative mortality was 8.3%. In 11 survived patients, the postoperative median survival time was 16.5 months. The 1?, 3?, 5-year survival rate was 72.7%, 18.2%, 9.1% respectively; among them one patient has been alive free of the tumor for 25 years and 9 months. Conclusion Liver resection is the best treatment for ruptured PHCC when possible, which can result in long survival time. Key words liver resection - spontaneous ruptare - primary hepatocellular carcinoma

Clinical Significance of Serum IL-18 and IL-18BP in Patients with Benign or Malignant Primary Liver Tumors

OBJECTIVE To study the relationship between the serumlevels of IL-18 and IL-18BP in the development and growth ofprimary liver cancer,benign liver tumors and liver cirrhosis and todetermine the value of serum IL-18 and IL-18BP in the diagnosisof primary liver cancer.METHODS The serum levels of IL-18 and IL-18BP in 36 patientswith primary hepatic carcinoma(PHC)were detected.Eighteenpatients were diagnosed with various benign liver tumors and 21patients with cirrhosis of liver(LC),determined by using an ELISAassay.The serum levels of AFP in 36 patients with primary livercancer were examined.The relationship among levels of serumIL-18,IL-18BP and AFP in the primary liver cancer was explored.RESULTS The sIL-18 levels in PHC were significantly lower thanin control group,the benign liver tumor group and the LC group.The sIL-18BP in PHC was significantly higher than that in controlgroup,benign liver tumor group and LC group(P<0.001).Therewas a close correlation between the levels of IL-18,IL-18BP andclinical stage in PHC:the later clinical stages had lower levels ofIL-18 and higher levels of IL-18BP while the earlier clinical stageshad higher levels of IL-18 and lower levels of IL-18BP.There was anegative correlation between serum levels of IL-18 and AFP in thePHC group(r = -0.7152,n=36,P<0.01),and there was a positivecorrelation between serum levels of IL-18 BP and AFP in thepatients with PHC(r=0.6315,n=36,P<0.01).The IL-18 and IL-18BP in the patients with various benign liver tumors or LC weresignificantly higher than those in control group.The differenceswere statistically significant(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Serum levels of IL-18 and IL-18BP can reflectthe immune function of patients with primary liver cancer,withvarious benign liver tumors or with LC and can also be indicativeof the clinic stage of primary liver cancer.It can be used to assistin making a diagnosis and in determining the clinical stage ofPHC.Detecting AFP concurrently can help make the diagnosis ofprimary liver cancer more precise.

Performance of transient elastography in assessing liver fibrosis in patients with autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis overlap syndrome

AIM To investigate the performance of transient elastography(TE) for diagnosis of fibrosis in patients with autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis(AIHPBC) overlap syndrome.METHODS A total of 70 patients with biopsy-proven AIH-PBC overlap syndrome were included. Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the correlation of liver stiffness measurement(LSM) and fibrosis stage. Independent samples Student's t-test or one-way analysis of variance was used to compare quantitative variables. Receiver operating characteristics(ROC) curve was used to calculate the optimal cut-off values of LSM for predicting individual fibrosis stages. A comparison on the diagnostic accuracy for severe fibrosis was made between LSM and other serological scores.RESULTS Patients with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome had higher median LSM than healthy controls(11.3 ± 6.4 k Pa vs 4.3 ± 1.4 k Pa, P < 0.01). LSM was significantly correlated with fibrosis stage(r = 0.756, P < 0.01). LSM values increased gradually with an increased fibrosis stage. The areas under the ROC curves of LSM for stages F ≥ 2, F ≥ 3, and F4 were 0.837(95%CI: 0.729-0.914), 0.910(0.817-0.965), and 0.966(0.893-0.995), respectively. The optimal cut-off values of LSM for fibrosis stages F ≥ 2, F ≥ 3, and F4 were 6.55, 10.50, and 14.45 k Pa, respectively. LSM was significantly superior to fibrosis-4, glutaglumyl-transferase/platelet ratio, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index scores in detecting severe fibrosis(F ≥ 3)(0.910 vs 0.715, P < 0.01; 0.910 vs 0.649, P < 0.01; 0.910 vs 0.616, P < 0.01, respectively).CONCLUSION TE can accurately detect hepatic fibrosis as a noninvasive method in patients with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome.