Hepatitis C Rapid Point-of-Care Testing and Laboratory-based Non-invasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis among Drug Abusers: An Experience from Iran

Background: People who use drugs, particularly injection drug users (IDUs) are known as the major source of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of HCV infection using rapid point-of-care testing and to assess liver fibrosis by non-invasive lab tests among addict populations of Mashhad, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, drug users who referred to drug treatment and harm reduction centers of Mashhad were enrolled during March and December 2019. A rapid test kit was used to assess the presence of anti-HCV antibodies and a real-time PCR was performed to confirm the infection. The AST-platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score were used to investigate liver fibrosis in patients with positive HCV RNA. A P value <0.05 was considered as significant. Results: A total of 390 drug users aged 15–74 years were assessed. Sixty-four individuals showed positive results for anti-HCV (16.4%), of whom 58 blood samples were available for PCR test. The viremic rate among the latter group was calculated at 84.5% (49/58); the total viremia prevalence was 12.8% (49/384). Multivariate analysis revealed that being single (P = 0.040) or divorced/ widow (P = 0.011) and history of drug injection (P<0.001) and tattoos (P = 0.021) were significantly associated with current HCV infection. Using APRI and FIB-4 indices, significant liver fibrosis was identified in 14.3% and 18.4% of cases, respectively. Conclusion: HCV infection screening using rapid tests and examining liver fibrosis by non-invasive lab tests appear to be practicable and useful among poor populations in settings such as drug treatment centers.

Download Full-text

Comparative study between two 2D-Shear Waves Elastography techniques for the non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection

Medical Ultrasonography ◽

10.11152/mu-2863 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Victor Bâldea ◽

Felix Bende ◽

Alina Popescu ◽

Roxana Șirli ◽

Ioan Sporea

Keyword(s):

Chronic Hepatitis ◽

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Liver Fibrosis ◽

Chronic Hepatitis C ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Operating Characteristics ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Chronic Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Chronic Hcv

Aims: We aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of two 2D-Shear Wave Elastography (2D-SWE) techniques for the non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection using Transient Elas-tography (TE) as reference. Material and methods: We enrolled 208 consecutive patients with chronic HCV infection, in which liver stiffness (LS) was evaluated in the same session using two 2D-SWE techniques: 2D-SWE.GE and 2D-SWE.SSI using TE as the method of reference. LS measurements were considered failures when no value was obtained after 10 attempts. Results: Valid LSMs were obtained in 95.6% (199/208) of cases by 2D-SWE.GE, 92.7% (193/208) of cases by 2D-SWE.SSI, and in 94.7% (197/208) of cases by TE (p>0.05). The mean LS values by 2D-SWE.GE were significantly lower than those obtained by 2D-SWE.SSI: 10.3±3.8 kPa vs. 15±10.4 kPa (p<0.0001). 2D-SWE.GE LSMs correlated better with TE than 2D-SWE.SSI (r=0.75, p<0.0001 vs. r=0.57, p<0.0001, z test p=0.0012). Linear regression analysis showed a moderate correlation between LSMs obtained by 2D-SWE.GE and 2D-SWE.SSI (r=0.63, R2=0.4, P<0.0001). Pairwise comparison of receiver operating characteristics curves (ROC) found no significant differences between 2D-SWE.GE and 2D-SWE.SSI in identifying F≥2 fibrosis (0.97 vs. 0.96, P = 0.5650), F≥3 (0.97 vs. 0.95, P = 0.2935), or F=4 (0.97 vs. 0.96, p = 0.6914). Conclusions: Both 2D-SWE techniques had good feasibility for the noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis. LS values obtained by 2D-SWE.GE were significantly lower than those obtained by 2D-SWE.SSI. No significant differences were found between both methods in staging liver fibrosis in patients with chronic HCV.

Download Full-text

Non-invasive quantification of liver fibrosis regression following successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C with direct acting antivirals

Revista Romana de Medicina de Laborator ◽

10.1515/rrlm-2017-0030 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 355-363

Author(s):

Maria Nițescu ◽

Cristina Vâjâitu ◽

Oana Săndulescu ◽

Adrian Streinu-Cercel ◽

Daniela Pițigoi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Hepatitis ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Liver Fibrosis ◽

Chronic Hepatitis C ◽

Liver Stiffness ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Baseline Viral Load ◽

Direct Acting Antivirals ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Direct Acting

Abstract Introduction. The past years have revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with high rates of sustained virologic response (SVR). Furthermore, liver fibrosis has recently been redefined as a dynamic, reversible process. Methods. We performed a prospective cohort study to assess the role of laboratory evaluations and non-invasive measurement of liver stiffness in establishing the right time for starting treatment and in assessing the regression of liver fibrosis in Romanian patients treated with direct acting antivirals (DAA) for genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C. Results. We present the results for 102 patients, with a mean age of 58.5 years, and a rate of SVR of 100%. Our study has ruled out older age (p=0.628), IL28B non-CC genotype (p=0.693), baseline viral load above the cutoff of 600,000 IU/mL (p=0.353), and the presence of diabetes mellitus (p=0.272) or baseline steatosis (p=0.706) as factors potentially influencing the regression of liver fibrosis following DAA treatment of HCV infection with the 3D regimen. The quantitative regression of liver stiffness was inversely correlated with the duration of HCV infection (p=0.017), suggesting that timely treatment might associate better outcomes in terms of liver fibrosis. Conclusion. Our study’s results point towards the need to start DAA treatment earlier in patients with HCV infection.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis by FibroScan in β-Thalassemia Children Infected with Hepatitis C Virus Before and After Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir Therapy

International Blood Research & Reviews ◽

10.9734/ibrr/2020/v11i330130 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 9-17

Author(s):

Aya Lotfy Yosef ◽

Hanan Hamed Soliman ◽

Gamal El-Sayed Shiha ◽

Mohiee El-Deen AbdEl-Aziz Awad ◽

Eslam El-Sayed El-Hawary

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Liver Fibrosis ◽

Transient Elastography ◽

Liver Stiffness ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

University Hospital ◽

P Value ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Before And After

Background: Thalassemic children develop liver fibrosis because of liver iron overload and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Transient elastography (FibroScan) can be a reliable non-invasive method for evaluating liver fibrosis in thalassemic patients. Treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LED/SOF) direct acting antiviral agents can significantly affect liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by FibroScan. Aims: To assess liver fibrosis by non-invasive FibroScan through LSM before and after generic LED/SOF therapy in multi-transfused β-thalassemic children infected with HCV. Place and Duration of Study: Pediatric Hematology Unit, Tanta University Hospital, from November 2017 to May 2019. Methodology: Fifty multi-transfused β-thalassemic treatment-naϊve children (aged 12-18 years and weighing ≥35kg) with chronic HCV infection were subjected to clinical evaluation, quantitative HCV PCR assay, FibroScan examination, and calculation of APRI, FIB4 index and AST/ ALT ratio. In addition to standard therapy, generic LED/SOF (90/400 mg) treatment was given for 12 weeks’ duration with follow up for further 12 weeks after end of treatment. Results: A positive HCV PCR was changed into negative for all studied patients starting from week 4 after treatment. There was highly significant reduction in the LSM values by FibroScan in the studied patients after therapy (p-value <0.001) with median reduction of 19.4 %. The significant reduction in LSM values was particularly prominent in patients with significant (F2) and advanced (F3) liver fibrosis stages as well as cirrhotic patients (F4). There was significant reduction in the values of other non-invasive liver fibrosis markers FIB-4 index, APRI score and AST/ ALT ratio (p-value <0.001, <0.001 and 0.020 respectively) after therapy. Conclusion: Generic LED/SOF therapy for 12 weeks’ duration resulted in eradication of HCV infection that was associated with significant decrease in LSM by FibroScan particularly those with higher baseline liver fibrosis stages.

Download Full-text

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Tehsil Batkhela District Malakand, KPK, Pakistan

International Journal of Contemporary Research and Review ◽

10.15520/ijcrr/2018/9/06/525 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (06) ◽

pp. 20251-20256

Author(s):

Mudassir Khan ◽

Shahrukh Khan ◽

Shohra Haider ◽

Fazal Jalil ◽

Muhsin Jamal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Skin Color ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Rapid Test ◽

Prevalence Ratio ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Hcv Rna ◽

Common Symptom

Background: Prevalence of Hepatitis C viral infection and its major risk factors has been found out in population of Batkhela, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan by taking number of volunteers from the interested area. HCV prevalence has not been researched in recent time here in this area, so that’s why we contributed. Materials and Methods: Ab rapid test cassette serum/plasma (USA) kit has been used for the mentioned purpose following by ELISA and finally PCR to find out active infection of virus. ICT positive individuals were reconfirmed by ELISA and then ELISA positive samples were carefully investigated by RT-PCR for Hepatitis C Virus. Results: The study population was of 770 volunteers belonging to the mentioned area of research, 453 males and 317 females. The overall prevalence was found to be 5.32% of HCV in Batkhela. This prevalence ratio was 3.12% in males and 2.20 % in females. 3rd generation ELISA was used to refine ICT positive samples which showed that 37 of the ICT positive samples had antibodies detected by ELISA. To find out active HCV infection, ELISA positive samples were refined by real time PCR which showed 2.98% of prevalence of active HCV infection in Batkhela based on HCV RNA in their blood. Principle Conclusion: Overall prevalence was found 5.32%, contaminated reused syringes and blades at Barbour’s shop, blood transfusion, surgical operations and unhygienic food in stalls etc were found significant risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. Body weakness and pale yellow skin color was common symptom in HCV positive volunteers. Safe sexual activities, blood screening before donation and sterilizing surgical equipment’s can protect us from Hepatitis C Virus.

Download Full-text

DETEKSI ANTIBODI MULTIPEL HEPATITIS C DALAM DARAH DONOR

INDONESIAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY AND MEDICAL LABORATORY ◽

10.24293/ijcpml.v21i3.738 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 261

Author(s):

Ranti Permatasari ◽

Aryati Aryati ◽

Budi Arifah

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Core Protein ◽

Rapid Test ◽

Antibody Test ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Antibody Detection ◽

Hcv Rna ◽

Hcv Antibody

Hepatitis C (HCV) infection could be spread by blood transfusion. Screening of HCV in donor blood could prevent HCV infection to the recipient. HCV antibody test using rapid test of multiple antibody detection by immunochromatography method is an easy and rapid test that could detect four HCV antibodies separately. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of antibody HCV using multiple antibody detection rapid test in diagnosing HCV infection. This was an analytical observational study with a cross sectional design. The samples consisted of 42 donors’ blood serum from the Surabaya Branch of the Indonesian Red Cross which underwent HCV infection test using ELISA method. The samples were then tested using PCR HCV RNA as the gold standard and antibody HCV multiple antibodydetection rapid test The diagnostic value of HCV antibody test using multiple antibody detection rapid test by immunochromatography method showed a diagnostic sensitivity of 100%, diagnostic specificity of 75%, positive predictive value of 66.7% and negative predictive value of 100%, a diagnostic efficiency of 83.3%, with a positive probability ratio of 4 times. The most often positive antibody pattern was four (4) positive antibodies (core protein, NS3, NS4 and NS5). Core protein (CP) and NS3 were the most often positive antibodies. Based on this study result, the HCV antibody test using multiple antibody detection rapid test by immunochromatography method has a good diagnostic value.

Download Full-text

Faculty Opinions recommendation of Non-invasive biomarkers of liver fibrosis in haemophilia patients with hepatitis C: can you avoid liver biopsy?

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.30418.486917 ◽

2006 ◽

Author(s):

David Kershenobich

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C ◽

Liver Fibrosis ◽

Liver Biopsy ◽

Non Invasive

Download Full-text

Point-of-Care Testing Using Invasive and Non-Invasive Hemoglobinometers: Reliable and Valid Method for Estimation of Hemoglobin among Children 6–59 Months

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics ◽

10.1093/tropej/fmaa111 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Gomathi Ramaswamy ◽

Kashish Vohra ◽

Kapil Yadav ◽

Ravneet Kaur ◽

Tripti Rai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Point Of Care ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Outpatient Department ◽

Point Of Care Testing ◽

Adequate Treatment ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Hematology Analyzer ◽

The Mean ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Introduction Globally around 47.4% of children and in India, 58% of children aged 6–59 months are anemic. Diagnosis of anemia in children using accurate technologies and providing adequate treatment is essential to reduce the burden of anemia. Point-of-care testing (POCT) devices is a potential option for estimation of hemoglobin in peripheral and field settings were the hematology analyzer and laboratory services are not available. Objectives To access the validity of the POCTs (invasive and non-invasive devices) for estimation of hemoglobin among children aged 6–59 months compared with hematology analyzer. Methods The study participants were enrolled from the pediatric outpatient department in Haryana, India, from November 2019 to January 2020. Hemoglobin levels of the study participants were estimated in Sahli’s hemoglobinometer and invasive digital hemoglobinometers (DHs) using capillary blood samples. Hemoglobin levels in non-invasive DH were assessed from the finger/toe of the children. Hemoglobin levels measured in POCTs were compared against the venous blood hemoglobin estimated in the hematology analyzer. Results A total of 120 children were enrolled. The mean (SD) of hemoglobin (g/dl) estimated in auto-analyzer was 9.4 (1.8), Sahli’s hemoglobinometer was 9.2 (1.9), invasive DH was 9.7 (1.9), and non-invasive DH was 11.9 (1.5). Sahli’s hemoglobinometer (95.5%) and invasive DH (92.2%) had high sensitivity for the diagnosis of anemia compared with non-invasive DH (24.4%). In contrast, non-invasive DH had higher specificity (96.7%) compared with invasive DH (83.3%) and Sahli’s hemoglobinometer (70%). Invasive DH took the least time (2–3 min) for estimation of hemoglobin per participant, followed by Sahli’s (4–5 min) and non-invasive DH (5–7 min). Conclusion All three POCT devices used in this study are reasonable and feasible for estimating hemoglobin in under-5 children. Invasive DHs are potential POCT devices for diagnosis of anemia among under-5 children, while Sahli’s can be considered as a possible option, where trained and skilled technicians are available. Further research and development are required in non-invasive DH to improve accuracy. Lay summary In India, anemia is a serious public health problem, where 58% of the children aged 6–59 months are anemic. Point-of-care testing (POCT) using digital hemoglobinometers (DHs) has been recommended as one of the key interventions by the Anemia Mukt Bharat program since 2018 in India. These POCT devices are easy to use, less invasive, can be carried to field, require minimal training and results are available immediately. Therefore this study assessed the validity of POCT devices—invasive DH, non-invasive DH and Sahli’s hemoglobinometer among 6–59 months children in facility setting compared with the gold standard hematology analyzer. A total of 120 children under 6–59 months of age were enrolled from the pediatric outpatient department in Haryana, India, from November 2019 to January 2020. The (mean hemoglobin in g/dl) invasive (9.7) and non-invasive DH (11.9) overestimated hemoglobin value, while Sahli’s (9.2) underestimated hemoglobin compared with hematology analyzer (9.4). Invasive DH (92.2%) and Sahli’s hemoglobinometer (95.5%) reported high ability to correctly identify those with anemia compared with non-invasive DH (24.4%). In contrast, non-invasive DH (96.73%) had higher ability to correctly identify those without the anemia compared with invasive DH (83.3%) and Sahli’s (70%).

Download Full-text