Faculty Bibliography

Background and Aims: Nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NrtI) are the standard of care for the treatment of chronic HBV (CHB) infection. While these agents achieve viral suppression in most patients (pts), sustained response is rarely achieved following cessation of treatment. The HBV core inhibitor ABI-H0731 (731) in combination with a NrtI is currently being evaluated in Phase 2 clinical studies.
Method(s): ABI-H0731-201 is a double-blind, placebo (Pbo)-controlled study in NrtI-suppressed pts with CHB. Patients were randomized 3:2 to receive 731 (300 mg QD) +NrtI or Pbo+NrtI for 24 wks. Eligible pts had HBV DNA <=LLOQ for >= 6 mos, HBsAg >1000 IU/mL, ALT <=5x ULN and Metavir F0-F2. HBV DNA was measured by COBAS TaqMan 2.0 (LLOQ = 20 IU/mL) and an in-house (ASMB) semi-quantitative PCR assay (LLOQ = 5 IU/mL). HBV pgRNA was measured by an ASMB RT-qPCR assay (LLOQ = 35 IU/mL). Safety was assessed through reporting of adverse events (AE) and laboratory abnormalities. This report summarizes the antiviral activity and safety for the HBeAg-negative pts only.
Result(s): Of the 26 HBeAg-negative pts enrolled in the study, 16 received 731+NrtI and 10 received Pbo+NrtI. Overall, the mean (range) age was 48 (34-64) years, 16 (62%) were male, 21 (81%) were Asian. Results are shown in the table. Treatment with 731+NrtI resulted in a higher proportion of pts achieving TND by the ASMB HBV DNA assay compared with Pbo+NrtI. At baseline and throughout the study, the pgRNA and HBcrAg levels were low and the HBsAg levels did not change. The safety profile of 731+NrtI was similar to Pbo +NrtI. Both treatments were well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events or discontinuations due to AEs. All AEs and lab abnormalities were mild or moderate in severity. Only one pt receiving 731+NrtI reported a Grade 1 rash that resolved on study without treatment interruption. No Grade 3 ALT elevations were observed. [Table presented]
Conclusion(s): In 24weeks of treatment, a higher proportion of HBeAg-negative pts receiving 731+NrtI achieved HBV DNA TND by highly sensitive PCR methodology compared to Pbo+NrtI. 731 has a favorable safety and tolerability profile. These data suggest the contribution of 731 to the standard of care in achieving deeper viral suppression and support continued treatment with 731+NrtI in the open-label Phase 2 study ABI-H0731-211.
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Background and aims: Machine learning (ML) may facilitate interpretation of histologic changes associated with treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We developed ML models that identify and quantify histologic features in a clinical study of HBV patients receiving antiviral therapy.
Method(s): ML models were developed using H&E histology images from 330 patients enrolled in registrational studies for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for HBV (GS-US-174-0102, GS-US-174-0103). Histological improvement and regression of cirrhosis were assessed by a central pathologist at baseline (BL) and weeks 48 and 240 according to the Ishak/Knodell necroinflammatory scoring and Ishak fibrosis staging systems. Images were split into training (N = 1090) and testing sets (N = 1061). Models were trained using the PathAI research platform (Boston, MA) to identify inflamed regions and immune cells (lymphocytes and plasma cells) using annotations from 40 board-certified pathologists. Additional annotations of steatosis and ballooning from previous models were included in training. Slide-level, quantitative ML features were computed and correlated with pathologist scores to assess accuracy. Regression analysis was performed to determine associations of ML features at BL and changes from BL with cirrhosis regression at week 240. Results were generated using the testing image set.
Result(s): ML % area of portal inflammation correlated strongly with Ishak portal inflammation scores (rho = 0.643; p < 0.001) and ML % area of interface inflammation correlated strongly with Ishak periportal necrosis scores (rho = 0.716; p < 0.001). Of the 48 patients in the testing set with cirrhosis at BL, 36 patients (75%) no longer had cirrhosis at week 240. Lower ML % area of steatosis (Figure) and greater ML % area of lobular inflammation at BL were predictive of cirrhosis regression (p = 0.006, p = 0.047, respectively), indicating the presence of underlying fatty liver in those who do not resolve cirrhosis. Change from baseline in ML % area of portal and lobular inflammation as well as change in lymphocyte density correlated with regression of cirrhosis at week 240 (p = 0.010, p = 0.026, p = 0.031 respectively). [Figure presented]
Conclusion(s): An ML approach accurately classified histopathologic features in H&E images from HBV clinical trial biopsies. ML features at BL and changes in ML features with treatment were significant associated with cirrhosis regression. An ML approach for evaluating liver histology in patients with HBV can provide mechanistic insight into both HBV disease pathogenesis and cirrhosis regression.
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Background and Aims: Noninvasive tests of fibrosis (NITs) are an alternative to liver biopsy for fibrosis staging and monitoring; however, associations between NITs and disease progression are poorly understood. Our aim was to evaluate the risk of liver-related complications according to baseline at enrolment (BL) and changes in the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) test and liver stiffness by transient elastography (LS by TE) following sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients with HCV cirrhosis.
Method(s): Patients with pre-treatment HCV cirrhosis who achieved SVR with sofosbuvir (SOF)-based regimens were enrolled in an ongoing, prospective registry (NCT02292706). Patients underwent routine clinical and laboratory assessments, including semi-annual ELF testing and annual LS by TE. At BL, fibrosis stage was defined based on ELF (F0-F2, <9.8; F3, 9.8-11.3; F4, >11.3) and LS by TE (F0-F2, <9.6 kPa; F3, 9.6-12.5 kPa; F4,?>12.5 kPa). Changes at 48 weeks (improved, no change, worse) were defined based on ELF response (>=0.5 unit change from BL) and LS by TE response (>=25% change from BL). Associations between NITs and all-cause mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and total liver-related events (hepatic decompensation, transplantation, HCC, and liver-related death) were evaluated using Cox regression.
Result(s): We included 1,370 subjects with HCV Child-Pugh A cirrhosis (median 60 years of age, 32% female). At BL, median ELF was 9.8 (IQR 9.1, 10.7); 530 (39%) and 158 (12%) patients had ELF scores consistent with F3 and F4 fibrosis, respectively. Median LS by TE was 13.9 kPa (IQR 9.1, 21.3); 210 (15%) and 640 (47%) patients had LS by TE consistent with F3 and F4 fibrosis, respectively. After a median follow-up from BL of 144 weeks (IQR 119, 172), BL ELF and LS by TE class were associated with risks of all-cause mortality, HCC, and liver-related events (Table). Relative to BL F0-F2, significantly increased risks for all outcomes were observed for both F3 and F4 fibrosis defined by ELF, and F4 fibrosis defined by LS by TE. Worsening of ELF at 48 weeks was significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality, while risks of HCC and total liver-related events were numerically, but non-significantly, higher for this group. In contrast, worsening of LS by TE at 48 weeks was not significantly associated with increased risks of the studied outcomes. Improvements in either measure were not associated with the risk of complications.
Conclusion(s): Following successful HCV therapy in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis, BL NITs are prognostic. Changes in NITs over 48 weeks may also be predictive of disease progression; however, further study is necessary following the accrual of additional follow-up time and events. This study is among the first to show an association between changes in liver fibrosis and changes in liver-associated morbidity and mortality in patients with compensated cirrhosis. [Figure presented]
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Background and aims: ABI-H0731 (731) is a first-generation HBV core inhibitor in development for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB). In the Phase 2a studies 202 and 201, treatment naive (TN) and virally suppressed (VS) HBeAg-positive patients (pts) with CHB were randomized 1:1 to 731 or placebo (Pbo) with NrtI in a blinded manner for 24 weeks. The combination of 731+NrtI was well tolerated and demonstrated faster and greater reductions in HBV DNA and pgRNA than NrtI alone. Following study completion, eligible pts entering an open-label extension study 211 received 731+NrtI for up to an additional 76 weeks. Here we report the updated data from study 211 through the current last reported observation.
Method(s): For TN pts, HBV DNA was measured by COBAS TaqMan 2.0 (LLOQ = 20 IU/mL) and pgRNA by an in-house quantitative PCR assay (LLOQ = 135 U/mL). For VS pts, HBV DNA was measured by an in-house semi-quantitative PCR assay (LLOD = 5 IU/mL) and pgRNA by an in-house semi-quantitative RT-PCR assay (LLOD = 5 IU/mL). For all pts, quantitative HBeAg and HBsAg were measured by Abbott Architect (LLOQ = 0.11 IU/mL and 0.05 IU/mL, respectively) and HBcrAg by Lumipulse G (LLOD = 1 kU/mL). Safety was assessed by adverse events (AEs) and laboratory parameters.
Result(s): Of the 23 TN pts from study 202, median (range) treatment duration 57 (36-83) weeks, 21 pts have DNA declines to <100 IU/mL and 6 pts have pgRNA declines to <500 U/mL. Declines of >=1 log or at 5% was upper respiratory tract infection (4 pts, 6%). Most laboratory abnormalities were Grade 1 or 2. Transient or intermittent Grade 3 elevations in ALT were observed in 2 pts (3%), both of whom continue on study drug.
Conclusion(s): Results from the ongoing Phase 2a extension study demonstrate continued declines in HBV DNA, pgRNA and viral antigens in pts treated with 731+NrtI. 731 continues to exhibit a favorable safety and tolerability profile in pts treated for over 1 year. The data support the continued development of 731.
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BACKGROUND:The use of direct acting antivirals (DAA) has expanded transplantation from hepatitis C viremic donors (HCV-VIR). Our team has conducted an open-label, prospective trial to assess outcomes transplanting HCV-viremic hearts. Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) was our sole DAA. METHODS:Serial quantitative hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA PCR was obtained to assess HCV viral titers. Between January 2018 to June 2019, a total of 50 recipients were transplanted. Of these, 22/50 (44%) were from HCV-VIR, the remaining 28 from non-viremic (HCV NON-VIR) donors. An 8 week course of GLE/PIB was initiated at 1 week post-transplant. RESULTS:There was no difference in demographic or clinical parameters between groups. All 22 recipients of HCV-VIR transplants became viremic. GLE/PIB was effective in decreasing viremia to undetectable levels by 6 weeks post-transplant in all patients. The median time to first undetectable HCV quantitative PCR was (4.3 weeks, IQR: 4-5.7 weeks). All patients demonstrated sustained undetectable viral load through 1 year follow up. There was no difference in survival at one year between HCV NON-VIR 28/28: (100%) vs. HCV-VIR 21/22 (95%) recipients. CONCLUSIONS:Our center reports excellent outcomes in transplanting utilizing hearts from HCV-VIR donors. No effect on survival or co-morbidity was found. An 8 week GLE/PIB course was safe and effective when initiated approximately 1 week post-transplant.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), of the family Herpeviridae, is a virus which infects nearly 20 million people per year throughout the world. HEV is most commonly transmitted via the fecal-oral route and has long been described as a virus which afflicts only those in resource-poor countries. However, HEV has been detected in numerous animal carriers, various food sources, and even in human blood products in resource-rich regions of the world. HEV is of importance in the transplant patient population, for its ability to cause chronic viral infection in these patients can lead to graft loss and cirrhosis. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of HEV as it pertains to the liver transplant patient population and discuss diagnosis and treatment of this infection.

Background: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) arises from inherited autosomal co-dominant SERPINA1 mutations that lead to liver and lung disease. Clinical manifestations within the liver are variable and include chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. While the risk of liver disease with homozygous AATD is established, the prevalence of clinically significant liver disease in heterozygotes is not well described. Accumulating evidence suggests that heterozygous AATD (HAATD) acts as a co-factor for other liver diseases, but little is known about its effect on pathologic fibrosis. We investigate the stage of liver fibrosis in patients with histologic evidence of HAATD compared to controls with a wide range of chronic liver diseases.
Design(s): Our database was retrospectively searched to obtain 23 liver biopsy and resection specimens with evidence of chronic liver disease and intracytoplasmic alpha1 anti-trypsin (AAT) globules stained by immunohistochemistry. The group with histologic evidence of possible HAATD was compared to control cases of liver biopsies obtained from patients with chronic liver disease without evidence of AAT globules. Clinicopathologic data included age, gender, race, genotype, chronic liver disease type (chronic cholestatic disease, fatty liver disease, Hepatitis B or C, auto-immune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, and unknown cause), liver disease stage, and clinical follow-up. Statistical analyses were performed to assess correlation between clinicopathologic variables and disease groups.
Result(s): Compared to controls, subjects in the HAATD cohort had a higher rate of stage 4 fibrosis (52.17% vs 21.67%, p = 0.017). The control specimens were relatively evenly distributed among stages 1-4 fibrosis (Table). Of the 7 HAATD patients who underwent subsequent genetic testing, 6 patients were found to have heterozygous SERPINA1 mutations (5 PI*MZ, 1 PI*SZ). There were no significant differences in age, race, or gender between control and HAATD groups. (Table presented)
Conclusion(s): Histologic and immunohistochemical evidence of AAT globules was associated with a higher stage of concurrent liver disease. These results add to the growing body of literature which suggests that HAATD may potentiate the progression of concurrent liver diseases. In addition, histologic and immunohistochemical evidence of AAT globules may be useful in the early diagnosis of HAATD

BACKGROUND:The causative relationship between clearance of infection and long-term health-related quality of life (HRQL) improvements in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been generally accepted. The aim is to assess long-term HRQL trends in HCV patients who did not achieve sustained virologic response (SVR) after treatment with direct-acting antivirals. METHODS:HCV patients who completed treatment in clinical trials and did not achieve SVR were enrolled in a long-term registry (#NCT01457768). HRQL scores were prospectively collected using Short Form-36 instrument (SF-36; 8 HRQL domains and 2 summary scores). RESULTS:242 patients were included: 54±8 years, 85% male, 38% cirrhosis. Before treatment, patients' HRQL scores were similar to the general population norms (all one-sided p>0.05) followed by significant decreases by the end of treatment (-3.4 to -6.2 points, p<0.05 for 5/8 HRQL domains and Mental Summary). By the time subjects entered the registry, all but one mean HRQL scores had returned to pre-treatment levels (p>0.05). During subsequent periods in the registry, patients experienced further HRQL decrements: up to -9.2 points, p<0.05 for all HRQL domains, at week 24; up to -8.3 points, p<0.05 for 5/8 HRQL domains, at week 48. Although these HRQL decrements were observed regardless of cirrhosis status, they were more pronounced in patients with cirrhosis (p<0.05 for 3/8 HRQL domains). CONCLUSIONS:Patients who did not achieve SVR after treatment experience worsening of HRQL scores in long-term follow-up. Re-treatment of these patients will be important not only to improve their clinical outcomes but also their quality of life.

BACKGROUND & AIMS/OBJECTIVE:Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections who achieve a sustained virologic response (SVR) to treatment have improved patient-reported outcomes (PROs). We compared post-treatment PRO scores between patients with chronic HCV infection who did and did not achieve an SVR to treatment. METHODS:Patients who completed treatment in clinical trials were enrolled in 2 registries, depending on the treatment outcome (#NCT01457755, #NCT01457768), from 2016-2017 in 17 countries in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific region. PRO scores (a 0-100 scale) were collected at pre-treatment (baseline); the last day of treatment; the post-treatment week 12 follow-up visit (in patients with SVR only); the registry baseline; and on registry weeks 12, 24, 36, 48, and 96 (the non-SVR registry) or every 24 weeks until week 96 (SVR registry), using the short form-36 (SF-36) instrument. RESULTS:Our analysis included 4234 patients with an SVR and 242 without an SVR from whom pre-treatment PRO data were available (mean age, 54±10 years; 63% male; 65% enrolled in the United States; 17% with cirrhosis; 12% with HIV coinfection). Upon registry enrollment, patients with an SVR had significant increases in all PRO scores compared with pre-treatment baseline levels (all P<.05). Patients without an SVR had mean reductions of ≤9.2 points in PRO scores while followed on the registry (P<.05 for 4-8 of 8 PRO domains measured by the SF-36). In contrast, patients with an SVR had sustained increases in PRO scores (mean increase of ≤7.0 points) while on the registry. In multivariate analysis, achieving an SVR was independently associated with superior scores in all SF-36 domains at all registry time points (beta from +4.8 to +15.9 points, all P≤.01). CONCLUSIONS:In a follow-up analysis of participants in clinical trials, we found that those with an SVR to treatment for HCV infection had significant increases in well-being, based on PRO scores. Patients without an SVR had decreasing PRO scores over the follow-up period.

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in noninvasive tests of fibrosis (NITs) to understand the natural history of cirrhosis regression following removal of the causative exposure. In this ongoing, prospective cirrhosis registry study, 1574 subjects with HCV cirrhosis who achieved SVR via sofosbuvir (SOF)-based regimens were enrolled. Routine assessments included semi-annual Child-Pugh- Turcotte (CPT) scoring and measurement of the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) test, as well as annual liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography (LS by TE). Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of fibrosis improvement as defined by NITs. As of May 2019, median duration of follow-up was 123 weeks (IQR 96, 168). At week 144, 49% of those with baseline CPT class B/C had improved CPT class, while 98% of those with baseline CPT class A remained in CPT class A. During follow-up, changes in ELF and LS by TE suggested fibrosis improvement in an increasing proportion of patients with both F3 and F4 fibrosis at enrollment (Figure). ELF score improved by >=0.5 units at week 144 in 27% and 47% of patients with baseline F3 (ELF 9.8-11.3) and F4 (ELF > 11.3) fibrosis, respectively. Predictors of ELF improvement included higher ELF (p<0.001) and AST (p = 0.049), and lower platelets (p = 0.02) and BMI (p = 0.10) at registry baseline. In patients with cirrhosis in whom HCV has been eradicated by SOF-based therapy, NITs suggest significant fibrosis improvement in 25-50% of patients within 3 years. Associations between reductions in these NITs and improvements in clinical outcomes require evaluation during longerterm follow-up