Hepatology

Projections from an agent-based model based on data from Ontario, Canada, suggest both current and prospective strategies may not meet World Health Organization HCV goals.

Study finds elevated HAMD-17 scores in PBC patients predict cirrhosis risk, with depressive symptoms linked to higher liver enzyme levels and worse UDCA response.

Results suggest discordance between FIB-4 and liver stiffness measurement for MASLD-related fibrosis risk stratification.

Treatment with GLP-1 RAs led to improvements in weight loss, liver function tests, and liver fat in patients with diabetes and MASLD, with hepatic improvements independent of weight loss.

Use of illicitly manufactured fentanyl was linked to a 64% increased risk of acquiring hepatitis C infection among people who inject drugs.

Nearly one-third of eligible patients declined HIV/HCV testing, with notable sex-based differences observed among non-Hispanic Black patients.

Noureddin reviews key considerations for starting, monitoring, and discontinuing treatment with resmetirom in patients with noncirrhotic MASH.

Strnad explains how findings from the SEQUOIA study inform fazirsiran’s use in patients with AATD-associated liver disease and its further evaluation in future phase 3 trials.

New expert panel recommendations outline considerations for initiating and monitoring resmetirom treatment in patients with MASH and moderate fibrosis.

This July 2024 month in review highlights pipeline movement in hepatology as well as research about novel diagnostic/prognostic approaches and factors impacting hepatic health outcomes.

Findings support the safety and efficacy of using HBsAg-positive donor kidneys in HBsAg-negative recipients, noting a lack of impact on posttransplant outcomes.

Results showed significant reductions in mean HbA1c, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance in patients with chronic HCV infection and type 2 diabetes who achieved SVR with DAAs.

Greater circulating Z-polymer levels were associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes in adults with AATD and the PiZZ genotype.

Results suggest cholesterol absorption inhibitors are linked to a lower risk of liver cancer, but no association was observed for other nonstatins like fibrates, omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin.

Patients with MASH and cirrhosis had a greater prevalence of comorbidities and faced increased annual total health care costs compared to those without cirrhosis.

Findings suggest the current emphasis on targeting inflammation to mitigate fibrosis in MASLD may be incorrect, citing the minimal impact of LBP function loss on fibrosis.

Using NHANES data, researchers calculated AGILE 3 + and AGILE 4 scores to determine the prevalence of advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with MASLD in the US.

Positive topline results from the phase 2 SPRING trial highlight CM-101’s anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cholestatic effects in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

The expanded label includes use in patients with PFIC 12 months of age and older as well as a higher concentration formulation.

The nomogram was constructed using independent risk factors for early cirrhosis and demonstrated greater diagnostic accuracy than current noninvasive fibrosis tests.

The homogenous genotyping test combines allele-specific tailed primers with SYBR-Green to facilitate fast and accurate detection of PI*S and PI*Z alleles of SERPINA1.

Primary care patients with MASLD who received a prescription for moderate- and high-intensity statins had a lower risk of progressing to a high-risk FIB-4 score.

The analysis of NHANES data found individuals with viral hepatitis and NAFLD as well as lower income and no college education were at a greater risk of mortality.

The cross-sectional analysis found Medicaid nonexpansion status, fibrosis, and sobriety restrictions negatively impacted annual rates of DAA prescription fills.

Findings highlight an increased risk of diabetes, MASLD, and cardiovascular disease in patients with PCOS, with risk varying by PCOS phenotype.

An analysis of data from the NV-HOPE study calls attention to lower rates of HBV and HCV screening among low-income US veterans versus the general US veteran population.

Refusal of hospital-administered birth doses of the hepatitis B vaccine declined in Washington, DC, from 2017-2022 despite pandemic-related disruptions to other childhood vaccines.

Findings underscore the importance of HCC screening adherence in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis who achieve HCV cure for improving overall survival.

Findings from a phase 2b study demonstrate fazirsiran’s dose-dependent impact on Z-AAT concentrations and histological measures of liver disease in patients with AATD.

Compared to individuals with the PI*ZZ genotype, those with PI*SS had a lower risk of lung disease, increased lung function, and better quality of life.