Introduction: Colonoscopy is a basic tool in the study of pathology of the colorectal area, as well as one of the pillars of colon and rectal cancer screening. However, it is not a risk-free procedure, some of them with high morbimortality. Case Report: 55-year-old male with chronic alcoholism and hepatopathy due to HCV, COPD. During a study for diarrhea, an ultrasound of the abdomen revealed a 7 mm pancreas tumor, and a diagnostic colonoscopy showed no significant alterations. With the suspicion that the pancreatic lesion could be the cause of the diarrhea, an abdominal scan was performed showing a subcapsular collection at the splenic level of 11 × 3 cm compatible with hematoma without signs of active bleeding. Due to the hemodynamic stability, conservative management was decided, with worsening abdominal pain and hypotension in the following 12 hours. A new imaging test showed an enlarged splenic hematoma and free abdominal fluid suggestive of hemoperitoneum. Urgent surgery found hemoperitoneum secondary to splenic lesion and splenectomy was required. Conclusion: The presence of a possible iatrogenic splenic lesion should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a patient with acute onset abdominal pain and anemia or hemodynamic status alteration within the first 24-48 hours after colonoscopy.

Resumen Introducción: La colonoscopia es una herramienta básica en el estudio de patologías del área colorrectal, así como uno de los pilares del screening del cáncer de colon y recto. Sin embargo, no es un procedimiento exento de riesgos, algunos de ellos con elevada morbimortalidad. Caso Clínico: Varón de 55 años con enolismo crónico y hepatopatía por Virus Hepatitis C y Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica. En estudio por diarrea se solicita una ecografía de abdomen donde, como único hallazgo, se muestra una lesión de 7 mm a nivel de páncreas y una colonoscopia con intención diagnóstica que no muestra alteraciones significativas. Con la sospecha de que la lesión pancreática pudiese ser la causa del cuadro diarreico, se realiza un escáner abdominal donde se muestra una colección subcapsular a nivel esplénico de 11 × 3 cm compatible con hematoma sin signos de sangrado activo. Dada la estabilidad hemodinámica, se inicia manejo conservador, con empeoramiento del dolor abdominal e hipotensión en las siguientes 12 h. Se repite prueba de imagen objetivando aumento de hematoma esplénico y líquido libre intraabdominal. Se indica cirugía urgente donde se evidencia hemoperitoneo secundario a lesión esplénica que obliga a realizar esplenectomía. Conclusión: La presencia de una posible lesión esplénica yatrogénica se debe tener en cuenta en el diagnóstico diferencial en un paciente con dolor abdominal de inicio agudo y anemización o alteración del estado hemodinámico dentro de las primeras 24-48 h tras la realización de una colonoscopia.

ABSTRACT Among individuals coinfected with HCV and HIV, studies of mortality from non-hepatic causes have shown inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of HCV and HIV co-infection to mortality from hepatic and non-hepatic causes in Brazil. This retrospective cohort study included blood donors from Fundação Pró-Sangue de São Paulo (FPS) who were followed from 1994 to 2016 to compare mortality and its causes between HIV-HCV coinfected individuals versus those seronegative for all tested infections. Records from the FPS database and the Mortality Information System were linked through a probabilistic record Relationship (RL). The Hazard Ratio (HR) was estimated using Cox multiple regression models. HCV-HIV coinfected individuals compared to seronegative individuals had a higher risk of death from all causes (HR = 14.54), non-liver neoplasms (HR = 2.55), infections (HR = 10.37) and liver disease (HR = 7.0). In addition, HCV mono-infected individuals compared to seronegative individuals had a higher risk of death from all causes (HR = 2.23), liver cancer (HR = 32.21), liver disease (HR = 14.92), infection (HR = 3.22), and trauma (HR = 1.68). Individuals coinfected with HCV and HIV have increased overall mortality and death due to infections, liver diseases and non-liver neoplasms as compared to those uninfected with HCV and HIV.

Resumen El carcinoma hepatocelular (HCC) es el tumor primario más frecuente del hígado, con 905 677 casos diagnosticados en 2020, en todo el mundo, y 830 180 muertes. Es responsable de la novena causa de muerte por cáncer en los hombres y la décima en mujeres en Argentina. A diferencia de otros tumo res de alta prevalencia, la evidencia científica acerca del HCC se limita principalmente a pequeñas cohortes y estudios retrospectivos. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir epidemiológicamente a aquellos pacientes con diagnóstico de HCC en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires en un periodo de 12 años. La supervivencia global para nuestra cohorte fue de 58, 46 y 36% a 1, 3 y 5 años respectivamente. El promedio de supervivencia en pacientes con tratamiento paliativo fue de 5 meses, 23 para aquellos que recibieron tratamientos no curativos y 75 meses para los que recibieron tratamientos curativos. El porcentaje de pacientes libres de enfermedad a 1, 3 y 5 años fue de 89%, 76% y 61% respectivamente. Se realizó un estudio minucioso de la etiología, factores de riesgo, incidencia, mortalidad y tratamientos realizados. Su importancia yace en su tamaño muestral, calidad y cantidad de información disponible.

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver tumor, with 905 677 diagnosed cases and 830 180 deaths, in 2020 worldwide. In Argentina, it accounts for the 9th cause of death for cancer in men and the 10th in women. Unlike other highly-prevalent tumors, scientific evidence for most therapeutic options is limited mainly to small cohorts and retrospective studies. The aim of this study is to characterize and describe epidemiologically patients with diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires during a 12-year period. Overall survival for our cohort was 58%, 46%, and 36% at 1, 3 and 5 years respectively. Average survival for patients receiving palliative treatment was 5 months, while for those who received either non-curative or curative treatment was 23 and 75 months respectively. Recurrence-free survival for those patients who under went a curative treatment was 89%, 76% y 61% at 1, 3 and 5 years. A thorough analysis of etiology, risk factors, incidence, mortality and treatment was made. The study’s importance lies in its large sample size, quantity and quality of data, and will most certainly stimulate the development of local studies in hepatocellular carcinoma.

RESUMO Contexto: Carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) é o tipo mais comum de câncer de fígado. Os fatores de risco para CHC incluem infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C (VHC) e B (VHB), cirrose alcoólica e alterações genéticas que podem afetar diversas vias celulares. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a expressão gênica e proteica sérica de VEGF, AFP, CSTB, β-catenina e GPC3 em grupos com CHC, cirrose ou VHC e controles, e sua relação com o estadiamento clínico nos grupos CHC e cirrose, bem como sua valores de sensibilidade e especificidade. Métodos: Duzentos e trinta indivíduos foram distribuídos no Grupo 1 (G1) - 80 pacientes com CHC; Grupo 2 (G2) - 76 pacientes com cirrose de qualquer etiologia; Grupo 3 (G3) - 33 pacientes com VHC; Grupo 4 (G4 - Controles) - 41 indivíduos sem sinais clínicos ou bioquímicos de qualquer doença hepática. A expressão gênica foi analisada por qRT-PCR e as proteínas séricas foram realizadas pelo método ELISA. Resultados: Aumento da expressão de VEGF e AFP pode ser observado em pacientes BCLC estágio D em comparação com pacientes estágio B, e pacientes estágio C apresentaram maior expressão de CTNNB1, em comparação com pacientes estágio B (P<0,05). Para VEGF e GPC3, foi observado poder discriminatório entre pacientes com CHC e controles (AUC = 0,71; 0,82, respectivamente). O CSTB mostrou poder discriminatório na comparação entre pacientes com VHC e controles (AUC =0,74). Conclusão: O presente estudo confirma a sensibilidade do CSTB sérico no diagnóstico da hepatite C, e a expressão gênica de VEGF e GPC3 sérica conferem sensibilidade e especificidade para o diagnóstico de CHC.

ABSTRACT Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. Risk factors for HCC include hepatitis C (HCV) and B (HBV) virus infection, alcoholic cirrhosis and genetic alterations that can affect several cellular pathways. Objective: This study purposed to analyze the gene and serum protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiogenesis, alpha fetoprotein, cystatin B (CSTB), β-catenin and glypican-3 (GPC3) in groups with HCC, cirrhosis or HCV and controls, and their relation with clinical staging in the HCC and cirrhosis groups, as well its sensitivity and specificity values. Methods: A total of 230 individuals were distributed in Group 1 (G1) - 80 patients with HCC; Group 2 (G2) - 76 patients with cirrhosis due to any etiology; Group 3 (G3) - 33 patients with HCV; Group 4 (G4 - controls) - 41 individuals without clinical or biochemical signs of any liver disease. Gene expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR and serum proteins were performed using the ELISA method. Results: Increased VEGF and angiogenesis, alpha fetoprotein expression could be observed in BCLC stage-D patients compared to stage-B patients, and stage-C patients showed higher expression of β-catenin, compared to stage-B patients (P<0.05). For VEGF and GPC3, discriminatory power was observed between HCC patients and controls (AUC =0.71; 0.82, respectively). CSTB showed discriminatory power in the comparison between patients with HCV and controls (AUC =0.74). Conclusion The present study confirms the sensitivity of serum CSTB in the diagnosis of hepatitis C, and gene expression of VEGF and serum GPC3, confer both sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of HCC.

Abstract Mediation analysis has been receiving much attention from the scientific community in the last years, mainly due to its ability to disentangle causal pathways from exposures to outcomes. Particularly, causal mediation analysis for time-to-event outcomes has been widely discussed using accelerated failures times, Cox and Aalen models, with continuous or binary mediator. We derive general expressions for the Natural Direct Effect and Natural Indirect Effect for the time-to-event outcome when the mediator is modeled using generalized linear models, which includes existing procedures as particular cases. We also define a responsiveness measure to assess the variations in continuous exposures in the presence of mediation. We consider a community-based prospective cohort study that investigates the mediation of hepatitis B in the relationship between hepatitis C and liver cancer. We fit different models as well as distinct distributions and link functions associated to the mediator. We also notice that estimation of NDE and NIE using different models leads to non-contradictory conclusions despite their effect scales. The survival models provide a compelling framework that is appropriate to answer many research questions involving causal mediation analysis. The extensions through GLMs for the mediator may encompass a broad field of medical research, allowing the often necessary control for confounding.

Resumen El análisis de mediación ha recibido mucha atención en los últimos años, principalmente debido a su capacidad para desenredar las vías causales. Particularmente, mediación causal para el tiempo hasta el evento se ha discutido ampliamente utilizando tiempos de falla acelerados, modelos de Cox y Aalen, con mediador continuo o binario. Derivamos expresiones generales para el efecto directo natural y el efecto indirecto natural para el el tiempo hasta el evento cuando el mediador se modela utilizando modelos lineales generalizados, que incluyen procedimientos existentes como casos particulares. Definimos una medida para evaluar variaciones en exposiciones continuas en presencia de mediación. Consideramos un estudio de cohorte prospectivo que investiga la mediación de la hepatitis B en la relación entre la hepatitis C y el cáncer de hígado. Encajamos diferentes modelos, así como distintas distribuciones y funciones de enlace. Todos los enfoques dan como resultado evaluaciones consistentes de los effectos considerando sus correspondientes escalas. Los modelos de supervivencia proporcionan un marco convincente apropiado para responder a muchas preguntas de investigación que involucran mediación causal. Las extensiones a través de GLM para el mediador pueden abarcar un amplio campo de investigación médica, lo que permite el control necesario para los factores de confusión.

Resumen Se reporta el caso de una paciente con reciente diagnóstico de hepatocarcinoma y cirrosis hepática asociada a hepatitis C hace 11 años, la cual fue sometida a hepatectomía derecha. La implicancia de pacientes con enfermedad hepática crónica como cirrosis es el aumento en la morbimortalidad tras la resección. La resección hepática en la mayoría de las ocasiones suele ser el tratamiento más efectivo para el aclaramiento oncológico. El manejo anestésico quirúrgico ha ido evolucionando y en la actualidad se pueden realizar resecciones extensas en pacientes complejos.

Abstract We report the case of a patient with a recent diagnosis of hepatocarcinoma and liver cirrhosis associated with Hepatitis C reported 11 years ago, who underwent right hepatectomy. The implication of patients with chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis is the increase in post-resection morbidity and mortality. Liver resection in most cases is the most effective treatment for cancer clearance. Surgical and anesthetic management has evolved and extensive resections can now be performed in complex patients.

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is currently the main blood-borne viral infection. One of the main obstacles to achieving its control in Argentina is related to difficulties in accessing the diagnosis and timely treatment of infected people. We carried out this study with the aim of characterizing the HCV-infected patients who started treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and to describe the experience related to treatment. The medical records of 82 patients, 44 (53.7%) male, 37 (45.1%) female, and one (1.2%) transgender, were selected. The mean age was 49 years. We report a frequency of cirrhosis, 39%, in 32 patients, coinfection with HIV in 48 (58.5%) and with HBV in 27 (32.9%). In 52 patients (63.4%), no risk factor clearly associated with infection was observed. All completed the therapy, of them 72 (87.8%) carried out the control to confirm sustained viral response (SVR), that attained 98.6%. We conclude that universal testing should be implemented over testing based on a risk approach, and that a simplified and decentralized care criterion should be promoted, reserving specialized care for patients with decompensated cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Resumen La principal infección viral transmisible por sangre es actualmente la debida al virus de hepatitis C (VHC). Uno de los mayores obstáculos para el logro de su control en la Argentina se relaciona con las dificultades de acceso al diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno de las personas infectadas. Este estudio se realizó con el objetivo de caracterizar a los pacientes infectados con VHC que iniciaron tratamiento con antivirales de acción directa (AAD) y describir la experiencia vinculada al tratamiento. Se seleccionaron las historias clínicas de 82 pacientes, 44 (53.7%) de sexo masculino, 37 (45.1%) de sexo femenino, y uno (1.2%) transgénero. La media de edad fue de 49 años. Se halló una frecuencia de cirrosis de 39%, 32 pacientes, coinfección con HIV en 48 (58.5%) y con VHB en 27 (32.9%). En 52 (63.4%) no se observó ningún factor de riesgo claramente asociado a infección. Todos completaron la terapia, de ellos 72 (87.8%) efectuaron el control para confirmar respuesta viral sostenida (RVS), que fue de 98.6%. Concluimos que el testeo universal debe implementarse por sobre el testeo con enfoque de riesgo, y que debe promoverse un criterio de atención simplificado y descentralizado, reservando la atención especializada para pacientes con cirrosis descompensada y cáncer de hígado.

RESUMO Tumores malignos do fígado são a quarta maior causa de morte por câncer, sendo que o carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) corresponde a 85-90% desses casos. A maioria dos doentes apresenta-se, ao diagnóstico, sem possibilidade de tratamento curativo, restando apenas as opções paliativas (quimioembolização e sorafenibe). Há poucos estudos nacionais acerca do sorafenibe. OBJETIVO Avaliar fatores preditivos de sobrevida em pacientes com CHC que tiveram indicação de tratamento com sorafenibe na Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo (ISCMSP) e avaliação da conformidade da indicação da medicação em relação às recomendações do BCLC. MÉTODOS Foram analisados retrospectivamente os dados de 88 pacientes que tiveram indicação de tratamento com sorafenibe no período de 2010 a 2017 na ISCMSP. Análises univariada e multivariada foram realizadas na busca de preditores de sobrevida global nos pacientes que receberam a medicação. RESULTADOS Idade média de 61,2 anos, sendo 70,5% homens. A maioria (69,3%) foi classificada como Child Pugh A e BCLC C (94,3%). A cirrose esteve presente em 84,6% e a hipertensão portal em 55,7% desses. O vírus da hepatite C foi a etiologia mais comum (40,9%) do CHC. Sessenta e nove (78,4%) pacientes receberam a medicação, sendo o tempo médio de duração do tratamento 9,7 meses e a sobrevida global média, 16,8 meses. Diferenças significativas foram observadas na análise multivariada: Ecog PS (p=0,024), CP (p=0,013), tempo de uso de medicação (p<0,001), suspensão por piora clínica (p=0,031) e trombose portal (p=0,010). CONCLUSÃO Ausência de trombose portal, Child Pugh A, Ecog PS 0, tempo maior de uso de medicação e ausência de suspensão por piora clínica foram fatores preditores de melhor sobrevida global e a indicação da medicação esteve em conformidade com as orientações do BCLC em 94% dos pacientes.

SUMMARY Malignant liver tumors are the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75-85% of these. Most patients are diagnosed at incurable stages. Palliative care is the appropriate treatment course in these circumstances (chemoembolization and sorafenib). There are few national studies on sorafenib. The objective is to evaluate survival predictors of HCC patients treated with sorafenib and evaluate the compliance of its indication in relation to BCLC recommendations. METHODS A total of 88 patients with an indication of sorafenib from 2010 to 2017 at the ISCMSP were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed in the search for predictors of survival. RESULTS The mean age was 61.2 years, 70.5% were men, most were classified as Child-Pugh A (69.3%), and BCLC C (94.3%). Cirrhosis was present in 84.6% and portal hypertension in 55.7%. Hepatitis C virus was the most common etiology (40.9%). Sixty-nine (78.4%) patients received the medication, with the average duration of treatment being 9.7 months. The mean overall survival was 16.8 months. Significant differences were observed in the multivariate analysis: ECOG PS (p = 0.024): Child-Pugh (p = 0.013), time of medication use (p <0.001), clinical worsening (p = 0.031) and portal thrombosis (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION Absence of portal thrombosis, Child-Pugh A, longer time of medication use, ECOG PS 0, and absence of suspension due to clinical worsening were predictors of better overall survival in the study. The drug’s indication complies with BCLC guidelines in 94% of patients.

Chronic viral hepatitis types B and C may eventually lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Although hepatitis B is readily preventable by vaccination, there is growing evidence that antiviral therapy directed against hepatitis B may reduce the risk of liver cancer among those already infected. There is no vaccine against hepatitis C, but the evidence is now strong that antiviral therapy with sustained virological response (viral cure) reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) originates from hepatocytes usually secondary to chronic inflammation and cirrhosis. It is an important disease of global significance with a high incidence and mortality. It is the fifth and eighth most common cancer in males and females, respectively. HCC is also extremely lethal; in 2015 it was the second and sixth most common cause of death from cancer in males and females, respectively. Chronic viral hepatitis B and C are the most frequent risk factors for the development of HCC, and the global distribution of HCC largely mirrors that of chronic viral hepatitis. More recently, there has been a notable increase in the incidence of HCC as a result of obesity-related fatty liver disease. Here, we review the epidemiology of HCC, examine recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of HCC, discuss the implications for identification of potential therapeutic targets, and provide the most updated recommendations on surveillance for HCC, with particular attention to the unique challenges and potential opportunities to reduce the burden of illness and death from HCC in sub-Saharan Africa.

ABSTRACT The increase of incidences of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) will continue in the next decades. The therapies about hepatitis C infection has been questioned as a risk factor. Some authors emphasized that sustained virologic response (SVR) with interferon- based therapy reduced the risk of developing HCC. In contrast, some publications that to suggest an increasing risk of HCC in patients treated with Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAA). Whether these therapies are associated with an increased risk of HCC remains to be studied and continued long-term observational studies will be needed. The goal in HCV care needs to go beyond merely achieving an SVR.

Background: Hepatitis C virus infection is a major cause of cirrhosis; hepatocellular carcinoma; and liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to estimate hepatitis C virus disease progression and the burden of disease from a nationwide perspective.Methods: Using a model developed to forecast hepatitis C virus disease progression and the number of cases at each stage of liver disease; hepatitis C virus-infected population and associated disease progression in Brazil were quantified. The impact of two different strategies was compared: higher sustained virological response and treatment eligibility rates (1) or higher diagnosis and treatment rates associated with increased sustained virological response rates (2).Results: The number of infected individuals is estimated to decline by 35% by 2030 (1,255,000 individuals); while the number of cases of compensated (n= 325,900) and decompen- sated (n= 45,000) cirrhosis; hepatocellular carcinoma (n= 19,100); and liver-related deaths (n= 16,700) is supposed to peak between 2028 and 2032. In strategy 2; treated cases increased over tenfold in 2020 (118,800 treated) as compared to 2013 (11,740 treated); with sustained virological response increased to 90% and treatment eligibility to 95%. Under this strategy; the number of infected individuals decreased by 90% between 2013 and 2030. Compared to the base case; liver-related deaths decreased by 70% by 2030; while hepatitis C virus-related liver cancer and decompensated cirrhosis decreased by 75 and 80%; respectively.Conclusions: While the incidence and prevalence of hepatitis C virus in Brazil are decreasing; cases of advanced liver disease continue to rise. Besides higher sustained virological response rates; new strategies focused on increasing the proportion of diagnosed patients and eligibility to treatment should be adopted in order to reduce the burden of hepatitis C virus infection in Brazil.

Problem Although most primary hepatocellular cancers (HCCs) are attributable to chronic viral hepatitis and largely preventable, such cancers remain a leading cause of cancer-related mortality wherever chronic hepatitis B is endemic. Approach Many HCCs could be prevented by increasing awareness and knowledge of hepatitis B, optimizing the monitoring of chronic hepatitis B and using antiviral treatments – but there are gaps in the implementation of such strategies. Local setting The “B Positive” programme, based in Sydney, Australia, is designed to improve hepatitis-B-related health outcomes among immigrants from countries with endemic hepatitis B. The programme offers information about disease screening, vaccination and treatment options, as well as optimized access to care. Relevant changes The B Positive programme has been informed by economic modelling. The programme offers culturally tailored education on chronic hepatitis B to target communities and their health practitioners and regular follow-up through a population-based registry of cases. Lessons learnt As the costs of screening for chronic hepatitis B and follow-up are relatively low and less than one in every four cases may require antiviral drugs, optimizing access to treatment seems an appropriate and cost-effective management option. The identification and accurate staging of cases and the judicious use of antiviral medications are predicated upon an informed and educated health workforce. As establishing community trust is a lengthy process, delaying the implementation of programmes against chronic hepatitis B until antiviral drugs become cheaper is unwarranted.

Resumen Situación Aunque la mayoría de carcinomas hepatocelulares (CHC) primarios se atribuyen a la hepatitis vírica crónica y son evitables en gran parte, ese tipo de cánceres sigue siendo una de las principales causas de la mortalidad relacionada con el cáncer en aquellos lugares en los que la hepatitis B crónica es endémica. Enfoque Muchos CHC podrían evitarse con un aumento de la concienciación y el conocimiento sobre la hepatitis B, la optimización de la supervisión de la hepatitis B crónica y el uso de tratamientos antivíricos, pero existen lagunas en la puesta en práctica de estas estrategias. Marco regional El programa “B Positive”, con sede en Sídney, Australia, se ha diseñado para mejorar los resultados sanitarios relacionados con la hepatitis B entre los inmigrantes procedentes de países en los que la hepatitis B es endémica, y ofrece información acerca de la detección de la enfermedad, la vacunación y las opciones de tratamiento, así como un acceso optimizado a la atención. Cambios importantes El programa “B Positive” se fundamenta en modelos económicos y ofrece educación culturalmente adaptada sobre la hepatitis B crónica para llegar a las comunidades y sus médicos, y realizar un seguimiento regular a través de un registro poblacional de casos. Lecciones aprendidas Puesto que los costes de detección y seguimiento de la hepatitis B son relativamente bajos y menos de uno de cada cuatro casos requiere medicamentos antivíricos, la optimización del acceso al tratamiento parece ser una opción de gestión adecuada y rentable. La identificación y clasificación correcta de los casos y el uso acertado de los medicamentos antivíricos se apoya en una personal sanitario informado y formado. El establecimiento de la confianza de la comunidad es un proceso muy largo, por lo que retrasar la ejecución de programas contra la hepatitis B crónica hasta que los medicamentos antivíricos se abaraten no tiene justificación alguna.

Résumé Problème Bien que la majorité des cancers hépatocellulaires primaires (CHC) soient attribuables aux hépatites virales chroniques et qu'ils puissent être évités en grande partie, ces cancers restent une des principales causes de mortalité liée au cancer partout où l'hépatite B chronique est endémique. Approche De nombreux CHC pourraient être évités par une sensibilisation et une connaissance accrues de l'hépatite B, l'optimisation du suivi des hépatites B chroniques et l'utilisation de traitements antiviraux – mais il existe des lacunes dans la mise en œuvre de ces stratégies. Environnement local Le programme «B Positive», basé à Sydney en Australie, est conçu pour améliorer l'état de santé lié à l'hépatite B chez les immigrants venus de pays où l'hépatite B est endémique. Le programme offre des informations sur le dépistage de la maladie, la vaccination et les options de traitement, ainsi qu'un accès optimisé aux soins. Changements significatifs Le programme «B Positive» a été élaboré par modélisation économique. Le programme offre un enseignement sur l'hépatite B chronique culturellement adapté pour cibler les communautés et leurs professionnels de santé, et un suivi régulier via un registre de cas basé sur la population. Leçons tirées Puisque les coûts de dépistage et de suivi de l'hépatite B chronique sont relativement faibles et que moins d'un malade sur quatre peut avoir besoin de médicaments antiviraux, l'optimisation de l'accès au traitement semble être une option de gestion appropriée et rentable. L'identification des cas, leur triage précis et l'utilisation judicieuse des médicaments antiviraux s'appuient sur un effectif de santé informé et éduqué. L'établissement de liens de confiance avec les communautés est un processus long. Par conséquent, il n'est pas justifié de retarder la mise en œuvre de programmes de lutte contre l'hépatite B chronique jusqu’à ce que les médicaments antiviraux deviennent plus abordables.

Contexto Pacientes cirróticos portadores de carcinoma hepatocelular apresentam alterações nutricionais e metabólicas, com impacto negativo no prognóstico. Objetivos Observar o perfil dos macro e micronutrientes em pacientes cirróticos com e sem carcinoma hepatocelular e sua relação com escore de Child-Turcot-Pugh e estadiamento através do escore do grupo Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer. Métodos Estudo transversal analítico. Avaliados exames laboratoriais de 31 pacientes com carcinoma hepatocelular e 48 com pacientes cirróticos pelo vírus da hepaite C (CI-HCV). Resultados A avaliação metabólico-nutricional de portadores de cirrose-HCV e carcinoma hepatocelular mostrou-se alterada em relação ao perfil lipídico (colesterol total, HDL e triglicerídeos), proteico (albumina, creatinina e ácido úrico), ferro (saturação da transferrina, ferro e ferritina), hematócrito e hemoglobina, zinco e vitamina B12. O diagnóstico de carcinoma hepatocelular foi relacionado com piores resultados de colesterol HDL, hematócrito e aumento de ferro e ferritina. Houve correlação entre marcadores bioquímicos nutricionais e a classificação de Child-Turcot-Pugh e com o estadiamento Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer. Conclusão Considerando a existência de alterações no metabolismo dos macro e micronutrientes nos pacientes cirróticos com e sem carcinoma hepatocelular e sua relação com o prognóstico das doenças, a avaliação bioquímica é válida para complementar o diagnóstico do estado nutricional de maneira rápida e prática.

Context Liver cirrhosis patients with hepatocellular carcinoma present nutritional alterations and metabolic disorders that negatively impact the prognosis. Objective The objective is to identify alterations in the metabolism of macro and micronutrients among liver cirrhosis patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma and their relation to the Child-Turcote-Pugh score and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging. Methods Analytical transversal study, with 31 hepatocellular carcinoma patients and 48 liver cirrhosis patients. Laboratorial exams were carried out. The existence of an association between the biochemical parameters and the disease severity as well as the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma was assessed. Results The metabolic-nutritional profile of liver cirrhosis patients caused by the hepatitis C virus and hepatocellular carcinoma showed alterations, specifically the lipid (total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides), protein (albumin, creatinine and uric acid), iron (transferrin, iron and ferritin saturation), hematocrit and hemoglobin, zinc and B12 vitamin profiles. There is a relation between nutritional biochemical markers and the Child-Turcote-Pugh, as well as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging. Conclusions Considering the existence of alterations in the metabolism of nutrients in liver cirrhosis patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma, and also that conventional nutritional assessment methods present limitations for this population, the biochemical laboratorial exams are valid to complement the diagnosis of the nutritional state in a quick and practical manner.

O carcinoma hepatocelular é o quinto tipo de câncer mais comum em homens e o sétimo em mulheres, diagnosticado todos os anos em mais de meio milhão de pessoas por todo o mundo. Em Portugal, sua incidência e mortalidade são baixas, comparativamente a outros tipos de cânceres. No Brasil, no município de São Paulo, segundo dados divulgados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), a incidência do câncer primário de fígado foi de 2,07/ 100.000 habitantes. Apesar de a grande maioria dos casos (85%) afetar principalmente países em desenvolvimento, sobretudo onde a infeção pelo vírus de hepatite B (HVB) é endêmica, a incidência em países desenvolvidos é cada vez maior. Esta patologia está associada a inúmeros fatores de risco não só ambientais, mas também genéticos, os quais, cada vez mais, despertam interesse na procura pelo melhor conhecimento da patologia, muito associada ainda a diagnósticos tardios e maus prognósticos. Dos tratamentos disponíveis, poucos doentes são aqueles que usufruem das suas escassas vantagens, estimulando cada vez mais a pesquisa de novas formas de terapêutica. Esta revisão pretende, de forma breve mas completa, identificar fatores de risco, vias moleculares e bioquímicas, fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e possíveis abordagens clínicas do carcinoma hepatocelular.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most common cancer in men and the seventh in women, as is diagnosed in more than half a million individuals worldwide every year. In Portugal, its incidence and mortality rates are low compared to other types of cancers. In Brazil, in the city of São Paulo, according to data released by the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS), the incidence of primary liver cancer was 2.07/ 100,000 inhabitants. Although the vast majority of cases (85%) mainly affect developing countries, especially where infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is endemic, the incidence in developed countries is increasing. This pathology is associated with several risk factors, not only environmental but also genetic, generating an increasing interest in attaining a better understanding of this disease, which is still associated with very late diagnosis and poor prognosis. Of the available treatments, few patients benefit from their scanty advantages, increasingly stimulating research of new forms of treatment against this disease. This review aimed to briefly but fully identify risk factors, molecular and biochemical pathways, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and possible clinical approaches of hepatocellular carcinoma.