FibroTest is an independent predictor of virologic response in chronic hepatitis C patients retreated with pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin in the EPIC3 program

Background & Aims EPIC-3 is a prospective, international study that has demonstrated the efficacy of PEG-IFN alfa-2b plus weight-based ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C and significant fibrosis who previously failed any interferon–alfa/ribavirin therapy. The aim of the present study was to assess FibroTest (FT), a validated non-invasive marker of fibrosis in treatment-naive patients, as a possible alternative to biopsy as the baseline predictor of subsequent early virologic (EVR) and sustained virologic response (SVR) in previously treated patients. Methods Of 2312 patients enrolled, 1459 had an available baseline FT, biopsy, and complete data. Uni- (UV) and multi-variable (MV)…

Risk of cirrhosis-related complications in patients with advanced fibrosis following hepatitis C virus eradication

Background & Aims: The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is reduced but not eradicated among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced advanced hepatic fibrosis who attained sustained viral response (SVR). We aimed to assess the risk of cirrhosis-related complications in this specific group of patients. Methods: Data from previously reported Western cohort studies including patients with chronic HCV infection and bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis who attained SVR were pooled for survival analyses on the individual patient level. The primary endpoint was HCC and the secondary endpoint was clinical disease progression, defined as liver failure, HCC or death. Results: Included were 1…

Corrigendum to: “FibroTest is an independent predictor of virologic response in chronic hepatitis C patients retreated with pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin in the EPIC3 program” [J Hepatol 2011;54:227–235]

Soluble adhesion molecules correlate with liver inflammation and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon-α

Background: In chronic hepatitis C the relation of circulating adhesion molecules to disease features before, during and after therapy has not been completely established. Aim: To analyse the basal levels of circulating adhesins and the changes induced by interferon in these patients. Methods: We studied, using ELISA assays, the serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in 52 patients with chronic hepatitis C on entry, prior to finalizing a 6-month course of interferon-α therapy and at the end of the follow-up. Correlations with clinical, virological and histological features, including inflammation and fibrosis, were…