ABSTRACT Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is one of the most common hepatic diseases in individuals with overweight or obesity. In this context, a panel of experts from three medical societies was organized to develop an evidence-based guideline on the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of MASLD. Material and methods: A MEDLINE search was performed to identify randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, cohort studies, observational studies, and other relevant studies on NAFLD. In the absence of studies on a certain topic or when the quality of the study was not adequate, the opinion of experts was adopted. Classes of Recommendation and Levels of Evidence were determined using prespecified criteria. Results: Based on the literature review, 48 specific recommendations were elaborated, including 11 on screening and diagnosis, 9 on follow-up, 14 on nonpharmacologic treatment, and 14 on pharmacologic and surgical treatment. Conclusions: A literature search allowed the development of evidence-based guidelines on the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of MASLD in individuals with overweight or obesity.

RESUMO Contexto: A qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde é frequentemente usada como uma medida de resultado que melhora a qualidade da atenção à saúde. O SF-36 e o RAND-36 foram derivados do Medical Outcomes Study. Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo validar o RAND-36 no Brasil, em indivíduos saudáveis e pacientes com doença hepática. Métodos: A análise fatorial confirmatória (AFC) foi realizada usando o software JASP. Os parâmetros do elemento foram estimados usando o método Robust Diagonally Weighted Least Squares (RDWLS). O índice de ajuste comparativo (CFI), o índice de adequação (GFI), o índice de Tucker-Lewis (TLI) e o erro quadrático médio de aproximação (RMSEA) foram avaliados. A consistência interna foi medida pelo índice de confiabilidade composta. A validade convergente foi realizada entre os domínios do RAND-36 e o Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho (ICT). Resultados : Este estudo de validação incluiu 763 indivíduos, 400 (52,4%) com doença hepática crônica. As doenças hepáticas mais prevalentes foram hepatite C (13,9%), doença alcoólica do fígado (11,8%) e esteatose (12,1%). O modelo de medida testado com a AFC obteve os seguintes indicadores de ajuste: X2 (gl): 599,65 (498); CFI: 0,998; GFI: 0,998; TLI: 0,998; RMSEA: 0,016 (90%CI: 0,011-0,021). A validade convergente do RAND-36 e do ICT total variou de média a grande correlação. Conclusão: O RAND-36 é eficaz para medir a percepção da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em indivíduos com e sem doença hepática crônica. Os resultados do nosso estudo apoiam as afirmações dos desenvolvedores sobre a confiabilidade do RAND-36 versão 1 como uma medida de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. A evidência para a validade do construto do RAND-36 foi substancial.

ABSTRACT Background: Health-related quality of life is frequently used as an outcome measure that improves the quality of care. The SF-36 and RAND-36 were derived from the Medical Outcomes Study. Objective The present study aimed to validate the RAND-36 in Brazil, in healthy individuals and patients with liver disease. Methods: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted by using JASP Software. The parameters of the items were estimated using the Robust Diagonally Weighted Least Squares (RDWLS) approach. Comparative fit index (CFI), Goodness-of-fit index (GFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) were evaluated. Internal consistency was measured using the Composite reliability index. Convergent validity between RAND-36 domains and Work Ability Index (WAI) was conducted. Results: This validation study included 763 individuals, 400 (52.4%) with chronic liver disease. The most prevalent liver diseases were hepatitis C (13.9%), alcoholic liver disease (11.8%), and steatosis (12.1%). The measurement model tested using the CFA obtained the following adjustment indicators: X2 (df): 599.65 (498); CFI: 0.998; GFI: 0.998; TLI: 0.998; RMSEA: 0.016 (90%CI: 0.011-.021). Convergent validity of RAND-36 and total WAI ranged from medium to large correlation. Conclusion: The RAND-36 is effective in measuring the perception of health-related quality of life in individuals with and without chronic liver disease. The results of our study support the developer’s claims for the reliability of the RAND-36 version 1 as a measure of health-related quality of life. The evidence for the construct validity of the RAND-36 was substantial.

RESUMO Contexto A suplementação com probióticos, prebióticos e simbióticos mostrou efeitos positivos sobre marcadores clínicos e fatores de risco para doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA). Objetivo Avaliar o efeito da suplementação com probióticos, prebióticos ou simbióticos na microbiota intestinal em pacientes com DHGNA. Métodos Dois pesquisadores realizaram buscas independentes de artigos nas bases de dados Medline, via PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Lilacs, Biblioteca Central Cochrane, Clinical Trials.gov e na plataforma Ovid para busca de literatura cinza. Os títulos e resumos foram lidos para excluir artigos irrelevantes. Em seguida, os artigos selecionados foram lidos na íntegra e avaliados de acordo com os critérios de elegibilidade. O risco de viés foi avaliado de acordo com a Cochrane. Resultados Um total de 3.423 artigos foram identificado por meio de busca nas bases de dados eletrônicas; 1.560 deles eram duplicados e foram excluídos; 1.825 artigos foram excluídos após a leitura do título e do resumo. Um total de 39 artigos foram selecionado para leitura, porém apenas quatro artigos atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade para inclusão nesta revisão sistemática. Três dos estudos incluídos que utilizaram suplementação de prebióticos ou simbióticos mostraram que após a intervenção ocorreram mudanças no padrão da microbiota intestinal. Apenas em um estudo tais mudanças não foram observadas. Um elevado risco de viés foi observado na maioria das avaliações. Conclusão Embora haja uma possível alteração na microbiota intestinal de indivíduos com DHGNA após a suplementação com simbióticos ou prebióticos, uma indicação clínica como parte do tratamento da DHGNA ainda não é possível.

ABSTRACT Background Supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics and symbiotics has shown positive effects on clinical markers and risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Objective To evaluate the effect of supplementation with probiotic, prebiotic or symbiotic on intestinal microbiota in NAFLD patients. Methods Two investigators conducted independently search for articles in the Medline databases, via PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Lilacs, Central Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials.gov and on the Ovid platform for the gray literature search. Results A total of 3,423 papers were identified by searching the electronic databases; 1,560 of them were duplicate and they were excluded; 1,825 articles were excluded after reading the title and abstract. A total of 39 articles were select to reading, however only four articles met the eligibility criteria to include in this systematic review. Three of the included studies that used prebiotic or symbiotic supplementation showed that after the intervention there were changes in the intestinal microbiota pattern. Only in one study such changes were not observed. A high risk of bias was observed in most assessments. Conclusion Although there is a possible change in the gut microbiota of individuals with NAFLD after supplementation with symbiotics or prebiotics, a clinical indication as part of NAFLD treatment is not yet possible.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the role of anthropometric clinical indicators of visceral adiposity as predictors of NAFLD, identifying the cutoff points based on gender. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in patients with or without NAFLD. Waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), Conicity Index (C Index), and lipid accumulation product (LAP) were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 107 individuals were evaluated, of which 46.7% were diagnosed with NAFLD. Individuals with NAFLD presented higher values of WC, BMI, C Index, LAP, and WHtR when compared with those without NAFLD (p<0.05). For the total sample, the indicators WC, BMI, WHtR, LAP, and C Index had an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) above 0.87, with no difference in the prediction of NAFLD in both sexes. WHtR (AUC=0.934) was the indicator of visceral adiposity with the best discriminatory power for NAFLD, followed by LAP (0.919), WC (0.912), C Index (0.907), and BMI (0.877). CONCLUSIONS: The anthropometric clinical indicators of visceral adiposity showed high performance, especially the WHtR indicator, as NAFLD predictors.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between muscle mass depletion and compromising of the cell membrane integrity and clinical–anthropometric characteristics in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS: This observational study evaluated waist circumference, body mass index, and waist-to-height ratio in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Skeletal mass index corrected by weight and impairment of cell membrane integrity were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. RESULTS: In 56 patients, muscle mass depletion was observed in 62.5% and cell membrane impairment in 28.6%. The metabolic syndrome and elevated aspartate aminotransferase were the only clinical factors associated with mass depletion (p<0.05). The linear regression analysis showed association between skeletal mass index and waist-to-height ratio and waist circumference, after adjustments (p<0.05). The phase angle value was not different between those with and without mass depletion, and also it did not have correlation with skeletal mass index and clinical parameters (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of mass depletion and cell membrane impairment was higher in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The muscle mass depletion was associated with central obesity, aspartate aminotransferase elevated, and metabolic syndrome; however, the phase angle is not associated with clinical and anthropometric data.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a relevância da doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) em pacientes com HIV / AIDS. MÉTODOS A revisão sistemática foi realizada utilizando instrumentos de busca de material científico indexado, incluindo MEDLINE (pela PubMed), Web of Science, IBECS e LILACS. Estudos elegíveis incluíram o ano de publicação, critérios para diagnostico de DHGNA e HIV, publicados em inglês, português e espanhol, entre 2006 a 2018. Os critérios de exclusão incluíram estudos com pacientes com outras doenças do fígado. Dois revisores foram envolvidos na pesquisa dos artigos e o PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta - Analyses) foi utilizado nas análises. RESULTADOS Cento e dezesseis artigos foram selecionados, 27 excluídos porque não preencheram critérios de inclusão e assim, 89 foram lidos pelos investigadores. Desses, 13 artigos foram incluídos na revisão. Quatro séries de casos utilizaram métodos por imagens para identificação de DHGNA e nove estudos utilizaram biópsia hepática. A prevalência de DHGNA em pacientes com HIV variou de 30% a 100% e esteato-hepatite não alcoólica (EHNA) entre 20% e 89%. Na avaliação das principais variáveis estudadas, observou-se a associação positiva entre dislipidemia, resistência à insulina e índice de massa corporal. Não houve concordância entre os artigos que avaliaram a relação dos antiretrovirais com a DHGNA. CONCLUSÕES A presente revisão sistemática sugere elevada prevalência de DHGNA em pacientes infectados com HIV. DHGNA nesses pacientes foi associada principalmente a fatores metabólicos. A possível associação entre terapia antiretroviral e DHGNA nesses pacientes vem sendo discutida, mas são necessários mais estudos para estabelecer essa associação.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with HIV/AIDS. METHODS The systematic review included articles indexed in MEDLINE (by PubMed), Web of Science, IBECS, and LILACS. Studies eligible included the year of publication, diagnose criteria of NAFLD and HIV, and were published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish from 2006 to 2018. The exclusion criteria were studies with HIV-infection patients and other liver diseases. Two reviewers were involved in the study and applied the same methodology, according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). RESULTS One hundred and sixteen papers were selected, including full articles, editorial letters, and reviews. Twenty-seven articles were excluded because they did meet the inclusion criteria. A total of 89 articles were read, and 13 were considered eligible for this review. Four case series used imaging methods to identify NAFLD, and nine included histology. The prevalence of NAFLD in HIV-patients ranged from 30%-100% and, in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), from 20% to 89%. A positive association between dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and body mass index was observed. There was no agreement between the studies that evaluated the relationship between antiretroviral drugs and NAFLD. CONCLUSION This systematic review showed a high prevalence of NAFLD in HIV-patients, which was associated with metabolic risk factors. The possible association between antiretroviral therapy and NAFLD needs further studies.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Atualmente, o tratamento farmacológico da doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) ainda é limitado e baseia-se no tratamento de condições associadas às comorbidades. O estresse oxidativo e a resistência à insulina são os mecanismos que parecem estar mais envolvidos em sua patogênese. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia da N-acetilcisteína (NAC) em associação à metformina (MTF) e/ou ácido ursodesoxicólico (UDCA) no tratamento da EHNA. MÉTODOS: Estudo randomizado, multicêntrico e aberto, conduzido por 48 semanas. Incluiu pacientes com esteato-hepatite não alcoólica (EHNA) comprovada por biópsia. Os pacientes foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos: NAC (1,2 g) + UDCA (15 mg/kg) + MTF (850-1500 mg/dia) (n=26); UDCA (20 mg/kg) + MTF (850-1500 mg/dia) (n=13); NAC (1,2 g) + MTF (850-1500 mg/dia) (n=14) durante 48 semanas. Os dados clínicos, laboratoriais e as segundas biópsias hepáticas foram realizados após 48 semanas. RESULTADOS - Um total de 53 pacientes foram avaliados; 17 (32,1%) eram do sexo masculino; idade mediana de ±54 (IQR=15, 21-71) anos. No baseline, nenhuma diferença foi observada entre os grupos de acordo com parâmetros clínicos e histológicos. Os grupos diferiram apenas em colesterol, LDL e triglicerídeos. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nos parâmetros bioquímicos e histológicos entre os três grupos após 48 semanas de tratamento. Contudo, na análise intragrupos (intenção de tratar) comparando características histológicas e bioquímicas, houve melhora significativa no grau de esteatose (P=0,014), balonização (P=0,027) e, consequentemente, no NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) (P=0,005), e nos níveis de ALT no final do tratamento apenas no grupo NAC+MTF. Nenhuma evidência significativa de modificaçãona fibrose hepática pôde ser observada em nenhum dos grupos. CONCLUSÃO: - Este estudo multicêntrico sugere que a associação de NAC+MTF poderia reduzir a atividade da doença hepática em pacientes com EHNA. Esses dados estimulam estudos adicionais controlados com essa terapia para esses pacientes.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Nowadays, pharmacological treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is still limited and it is based on the treatment of conditions associated comorbities. Oxidative stress and insulin resistance are the mechanisms that seem to be mostly involved in its pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in combination with metformin (MTF) and/or ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). METHODS: Open-label multicenter randomized trial was conducted for 48 weeks. It included patients with biopsy-proven NASH. The patients were randomized into three groups: NAC (1.2 g) + UDCA (15 mg/kg) + MTF (850-1500 mg/day) (n=26); UDCA (20 mg/kg) + MTF (850-1500 mg/day) (n=13); NAC (1.2g) + MTF (850-1500 mg/day) (n=14) for 48 weeks. Clinical, laboratory and the second liver biopsies were performed after 48 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients were evaluated; 17 (32.1%) were males; median age ±54 (IQR=15, 21-71) years. In the baseline, no difference was seen between groups according clinical and histological parameters. The groups differed only in cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides. No significant differences in biochemical and histologic parameters were found between these the three groups after 48 weeks of treatment. In the intragroup analysis (intention-to-treat) comparing histological and biochemical features, there were significant improvements in the steatosis degree (P=0.014), ballooning (0.027) and, consequently, in the NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) (P=0.005), and in the ALT levels at the end of the treatment only in the NAC + MTF group. No significant evidence of modification in the liver fibrosis could be observed in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: This multicenter study suggests that the association of NAC + MTF could reduce the liver disease activity in patients with NASH. These data stimulate further controlled studies with this therapy for these patients.

Resumo Introdução: A doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) é a terceira causa de transplante hepático no mundo. Tem elevada prevalência após transplante hepático (TH) e é representada pela recorrência da esteato-hepatite (NASH), ou por NASH de novo, que ocorre em pacientes transplantados por outra etiologia. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão da literatura para avaliar a relevância da recorrência ou do NASH de novo em pacientes transplantados de fígado. Método: Realizada revisão da literatura através de artigos indexados no Medline, Scielo e Lilacs até 2016 publicados em inglês e português. Foram considerados elegíveis estudos que incluíram local e ano de publicação, prevalência e características clínicas dos pacientes. Resultados: Foram identificados 110 artigos e selecionados 63, que avaliaram a recorrência de NASH, NASH de novo e sobrevida após o TH. A sobrevida foi de 90% a 100% em um ano e de 52-100% em 5 anos. A recorrência de esteatose variou de 15-100% e a de NASH de 4-71%, enquanto esteatose e NASH de novo variaram de 18-67% e 3-17%, respectivamente. A frequência de síndrome metabólica, diabetes, dislipidemia e hipertensão variaram de 45-58%, 18-59%, 25-66% e 52-82%, respectivamente. Conclusão: No pós-transplante de fígado, os pacientes apresentam elevada prevalência de recorrência, de NASH de novo e de distúrbios metabólicos. Entretanto, essas alterações parecem não influenciar a sobrevida dos pacientes.

Summary Introduction: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) associated or not with cirrhosis is the third leading indication for liver transplantation (LT) around the world. After transplants, NASH has a high prevalence and occurs as both recurrent and de novo manifestations. De novo NASH can also occur in allografts of patients transplanted for non-NASH liver disease. Objective: To evaluate recurrent or de novo NASH in post-LT patients. Method: A literature review was performed using search engines of indexed scientific material, including Medline (by PubMed), Scielo and Lilacs, to identify articles published in Portuguese and English until August 2016. Eligible studies included: place and year of publication, prevalence, clinical characteristics, risk factors and survival. Results: A total of 110 articles were identified and 63 were selected. Most of the studies evaluated recurrence and survival after LT. Survival reached 90-100% in 1 year and 52-100% in 5 years. Recurrence of NAFLD (steatosis) was described in 15-100% and NASH, in 4-71%. NAFLD and de novo NASH were observed in 18-67% and 3-17%, respectively. Metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and hypertension were seen in 45-58%, 18-59%, 25-66% and 52-82%, respectively. Conclusion: After liver transplants, patients present a high prevalence of recurrent and de novo NASH. They also show a high frequence of metabolic disorders. Nevertheless, these alterations seem not to influence patient survival.

Resumo Objetivo: A hiperferritinemia (HPF) está associada à agressão hepatocelular nas doenças do fígado e à sobrecarga de ferro, em doenças genéticas e adquiridas. A HPF é frequente em pacientes com doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) e é necessário definir seu significado para estabelecer as melhores condutas para esses indivíduos. Esta revisão avaliou o significado da HPF em portadores de DHGNA e esteato-hepatite não alcoólica (EHNA). Método: A busca de artigos foi realizada através do PubMed (Medline), Web of Science e Lilacs, e foram selecionados aqueles publicados em português, inglês e espanhol de 2005 a maio de 2016. Os artigos foram elegíveis quando informavam data e local da publicação, critérios diagnósticos para DHGNA, especificações das dosagens de ferritina sérica e/ou estudo histopatológico. Foram excluídos os artigos cujos pacientes relataram ingestão alcoólica ≥ 20 g/dia ou eram portadores de outras doenças do fígado. Resultados: Foram selecionados 11 de 30 artigos, totalizando 3.564 pacientes. Os artigos eram de corte transversal, retrospectivos, série de casos e caso-controles. Em dez artigos, observou-se correlação entre alteração de ferritina e DHGNA/EHNA com e sem fibrose hepática e resistência à insulina. Conclusão: Hiperferritinemia em pacientes com DHGNA/EHNA se associa com maior frequência à agressão hepatocelular do que com sobrecarga de ferro hepático. Os resultados da revisão sugerem a necessidade de um maior cuidado na interpretação da elevação da ferritina sérica em pacientes com DHGNA/EHNA para o estabelecimento de condutas clínicas apropriadas.

Summary Objective: In liver diseases, hyperferritinemia (HYF) is related to injured cells in acquired and genetic conditions with or without iron overload. It is frequent in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), in which it is necessary to define the mean of HYF to establish the better approach for them. The present study evaluated the significance of elevated ferritin in patients with NAFLD and steatohepatitis (NASH). Method: The review was performed using search instruments of indexed scientific material, including MEDLINE (by PubMed), Web of Science, IBECS and LILACS, to identify articles published in Portuguese, English and Spanish, from 2005 to May, 2016. Studies eligible included place and year of publication, diagnose criteria to NAFLD, specifications of serum ferritin measurements and/or liver histopathologic study. Exclusion criteria included studies with patients with alcohol consumption ≥ 20 g/day and other liver diseases. Results: A total of 11 from 30 articles were selected. It included 3,564 patients and they were cross-sectional, retrospective, case series and case-control. The result's analyses showed in 10 of these studies a relationship between ferritin elevated serum levels and NAFLD/NASH with and without fibrosis and insulin resistance. Conclusion: Hyperferritinemia in patients with NAFLD/NASH is associated more frequently with hepatocellular injury than hemochromatosis. These data suggest the relevance to evaluate carefully HYF in patients with NAFLD/NASH to establish appropriate clinical approach.

RESUMO A prevalência de obesidade relacionada à síndrome metabólica tem crescido no Brasil, que implicou em uma maior frequência de doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica, não havia recebido muita atenção no passado. Contudo, essa atenção tem merecido interesse cada vez maior desde que se observou o elevado potencial de progressão para formas mais graves dessa doença como cirrose e carcinoma hepatocelular. No Brasil ainda não havia sido proposta nenhuma diretriz para orientar o diagnóstico e tratamento da doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica. A Sociedade Brasileira de Hepatologia realizou então um evento que reuniu especialistas de todo o Brasil com o objetivo de propor uma diretriz para a doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica baseada em evidências científicas e opiniões de especialistas nesse tema. A diretriz final é composta dos seguintes temas: 1-Conceitos e recomendações; 2-Diagnóstico; 3-Tratamento não medicamentoso; 4-Tratamento medicamentoso; 5-Diagnóstico em Pediatria; 6-Tratamento não medicamentoso em Pediatria; 7-Tratamento medicamentoso em Pediatria; 8-Tratamento cirúrgico.

ABSTRACT The prevalence of obesity-related metabolic syndrome has rapidly increased in Brazil, resulting in a high frequency of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, that didn't receive much attention in the past. However, it has received increased attention since this disease was identified to progress to end-stage liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease have not been established in Brazil. The Brazilian Society of Hepatology held an event with specialists' members from all over Brazil with the purpose of producing guideline for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease based on a systematic approach that reflects evidence-based medicine and expert opinions. The guideline discussed the following subjects: 1-Concepts and recommendations; 2-Diagnosis; 3-Non-medical treatment; 4-Medical treatment; 5-Pediatrics - Diagnosis; 6-Pediatrics - Non-medical treatment; 7-Pediatrics - Medical treatment; 8-Surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The majority of cases of hepatocellular carcinoma have been reported in individuals with cirrhosis due to chronic viral hepatitis and alcoholism, but recently, the prevalence has become increasingly related to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis around the world. The study aimed to evaluate the clinical and histophatological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma in Brazilians' patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis at the present time. METHODS: Members of the Brazilian Society of Hepatology were invited to complete a survey regarding patients with hepatocellular carcinoma related to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Patients with a history of alcohol intake (>20 g/day) and other liver diseases were excluded. Hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis was performed by liver biopsy or imaging methods according to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases’ 2011 guidelines. RESULTS: The survey included 110 patients with a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease from nine hepatology units in six Brazilian states (Bahia, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul). The mean age was 67±11 years old, and 65.5% were male. Obesity was observed in 52.7% of the cases; diabetes, in 73.6%; dyslipidemia, in 41.0%; arterial hypertension, in 60%; and metabolic syndrome, in 57.2%. Steatohepatitis without fibrosis was observed in 3.8% of cases; steatohepatitis with fibrosis (grades 1-3), in 27%; and cirrhosis, in 61.5%. Histological diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma was performed in 47.2% of the patients, with hepatocellular carcinoma without cirrhosis accounting for 7.7%. In total, 58 patients with cirrhosis had their diagnosis by ultrasound confirmed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Of these, 55% had 1 nodule; 17%, 2 nodules; and 28%, ≥3 nodules. CONCLUSIONS: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is a relevant risk factor associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with and without cirrhosis in Brazil. In this survey, hepatocellular carcinoma was observed in elevated numbers of patients with steatohepatitis without cirrhosis.

RESUMO O carcinoma hepatocelular é uma neoplasia de importância global e associada a altos índices de mortalidade. Recentes avanços no diagnóstico e tratamento da doença tornaram necessárias que se atualizassem as recomendações sobre o manejo da doença. Para definir as recomendações sobre o diagnóstico e tratamento do carcinoma hepatocelular, a Sociedade Brasileira de Hepatologia organizou uma reunião monotemática em João Pessoa (PB). Todos expositores foram solicitados a fazer uma revisão sistemática da literatura e apresentar os temas relacionados a fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de carcinoma hepatocelular, métodos para rastreamento, diagnóstico radiológico e sistemas de estadiamento da doença, tratamentos curativos e paliativos e carcinoma hepatocelular em fígado não cirrótico. Após o encontro, todos os expositores se reuniram para discussão dos tópico e elaboração dessas recomendações. O texto resultante foi ainda submetido a avaliação e aprovação por todos membros da Sociedade através de sua homepage. O documento atual é a versão final que contêm as recomendações da Sociedade Brasileira de Hepatologia.

ABSTRACT Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignancy of global importance and is associated with a high rate of mortality. Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease make it imperative to update the recommendations on the management of the disease. In order to draw evidence-based recommendations concering the diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma, the Brazilian Society of Hepatology has sponsored a single-topic meeting in João Pessoa (PB). All the invited pannelists were asked to make a systematic review of the literature and to present topics related to the risk factors for its development, methods of screening, radiological diagnosis, staging systems, curative and palliative treatments and hepatocellular carcinoma in noncirrhotic liver. After the meeting, all panelists gathered together for the discussion of the topics and the elaboration of those recommendations. The text was subsequently submitted for suggestions and approval of all members of the Brazilian Society of Hepatology through its homepage. The present paper is the final version of the reviewed manuscript containing the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Hepatology.

Contexto Doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) é uma das mais frequentes hepatopatias crônicas da atualidade. Associa-se à síndrome metabólica e doenças cardiovasculares. Objetivo Avaliar a frequência e relevância da DHGNA em pacientes com doença arterial coronariana (DAC). Métodos Foram avaliados pacientes de uma área do Nordeste de Brasil, submetidos à angiografia coronariana, com suspeita de DAC, entre 2009-2010. Critérios para DAC: presença de lesões obstrutivas em artérias coronárias epicárdicas ou seus principais ramos. Critérios para DHGNA: esteatose hepática na ultrassonografia; exclusão de outras doenças hepáticas; ingestão de etanol ≤20g/dia. Análise estatística incluiu os testes t, Mann-Whitney e qui-quadrado de Pearson. Análise de regressão multivariada mediu a força da correlação entre fatores de risco e concomitância de DAC e DHGNA. Resultados Foram avaliados 244 pacientes submetidos à angiografia coronariana: 63,5% apresentavam DAC e 42,2% DHGNA. DHGNA foi observada em 43,9% dos doentes com DAC. A análise de regressão mostrou que a possibilidade de ocorrência concomitante de DAC e DHGNA foi positivamente correlacionadas à resistência a insulina e ao sobrepeso/obesidade. Conclusão DHGNA foi frequente entre os pacientes com DAC; resistência à insulina e sobrepeso/obesidade foram os mais relevantes fatores de risco relacionados à associação DHGNA e DAC. Os dados sugerem que pacientes com DAC devem ser avaliados para DHGNA.

Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent chronic liver injury around the world. It is associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. Objective To evaluate the frequency and relevance of NAFLD in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods Patients from a Brazil Northeast area, who underwent elective coronary angiography (CAG) from 2009 to 2010 were included. All of them had suspicion of CAD. Criteria to CAD: presence of obstructive lesions in the epicardial coronary arteries, or in their major branches. NAFLD criteria: presence of hepatic steatosis on ultrasound; exclusion of other liver diseases; ethanol intake ≤ 20g/day. Statistics analysis included Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney and Pearson’s chi-squared test. Multivariate regression analysis measured the relationship between the risk factors and the concomitant presence of CAD and NAFLD. Results A total of 244 patients were evaluated: 63.5% had CAD and 42.2% had NAFLD. NAFLD was observed in 43.9% of the CAD patients. The regression analysis showed that the relationship between CAD and NAFLD was positively correlated with HOMA-IR ≥3.0 or insulin resistance and overweight/obesity. Conclusion NAFLD was frequent among CAD patients; insulin resistance and overweight/obesity were the most relevant risk factors related to the association NAFLD and CAD. The results suggest that patients with CAD should be evaluated for NAFLD.