Factors associated with the overall survival of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To identify the factors associated with overall survival of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS:A total of 286 patients with HCC(male/female:178/108,age:46-100 years),who were diagnosed and treated by appropriate therapeutic procedures between January 2000 and December 2010,were enrolled in this study.Patients were stratified into two groups on the basis of age:Elderly(≥ 75 years old) and non-elderly( 75 years old).Baseline clinical characteristics as well as cumulative survival rates were then compared between the two groups.Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the factors associated with prolonged overall survival of patients in each group.Cumulative survival rates in the two groups were calculated separately for each modified Japan Integrated Stage score(mJIS score) category by the Kaplan-Meier method.In addition,we compared the cumulative survival rates of elderly and non-elderly patients with good hepatic reserve capacity(≤ 2 points as per mJIS).RESULTS:In the elderly group,the proportion of female patients,patients with absence of hepatitis B or hepatitis C viral infection,and patients with coexisting extrahepatic comorbid illness was higher(56.8% vs 31.1%,P 0.001;27.0% vs 16.0%,P = 0.038;33.8% vs 22.2%,P = 0.047;respectively) than that in the nonelderly group.In the non-elderly group,the proportion of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-infected patients was higher than that in the elderly group(9.4% vs 0%,P = 0.006).The cumulative survival rates in the elderly group were 53.7% at 3 years and 32.9% at 5 years,which were equivalent to those in the non-elderly group(55.9% and 39.4%,respectively),as shown by a log-rank test(P = 0.601).In multivariate analysis,prolonged survival was significantly associated with the extent of liver damage and stage(P 0.001 and P 0.001,respectively),but was not associated with patient age.However,on individual evaluation of factors in both groups,stage was significantly(P 0.001) associated with prolonged survival.Regarding mJIS scores of ≤ 2,the rate of female patients with this score was higher in the elderly group when compared to that in the non-elderly group(P = 0.012) and patients ≥ 80 years of age tended to demonstrate shortened survival.CONCLUSION:Survival of elderly HCC patients was associated with liver damage and stage,but not age,except for patients ≥ 80 years with mJIS score ≤ 2.     

老年人消化性溃疡出血的相关危险因素分析

Objective To explore the risk factors for peptic ulcer bleeding in elderly patients.Methods The 414 patients with upper gastrointestinal ulcer bleeding in Xuanwu Hospital from January 2001 to January 2006 were enrolled.The patients were divided into elderly group (≥ 60years,n= 183 ) and non-elderly group ( ＜ 60 years,n= 231 ).The coexisting diseases and hemorrhage causes were compared and analyzed.Results The detection rate of coexisting diseases was significantly higher in elderly group than in non-elderly group (68.9% vs.10.0% ).The hemorrhage causes included the taking of drugs for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases or osteoarthropathy in elderly group.And the fatigue,stress and dietary upset were the main causes in non-elderly group.Helicobacter pylori infection rate was 35.0% in the elderly and 58.0% in young patients.Conclusions It is very important to promote rational use of anticoagulant drugs and analgesic agents in elderly patients for managing peptic ulcer complication.     

Clinical features of coronary artery ectasia in the elderly

Objective To investigate the incidence, imaging and clinical characteristics in elderly patients with coronary artery ectasia （CAE）. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with CAE who underwent coronary angiography between January 2006 and December 2012. According to age, the enrolled patients were divided into two groups （elderly group, age≥ 65 years; non-elderly group, age 〈 65 years）. The clinical feature, imaging characteristics and the 5-year survival rate of the two groups were compared.Results The preva-lence of CAE in elderly patients was 0.33%. Patients in elderly group were found to have significantly higher proportion of female （30.1%vs. 10.1%,P〈 0.001）, three-vessel disease （60.5%vs. 45.2%,P = 0.003） and localized ectasia （55.0%vs. 40.2%,P = 0.003）. In addition, body mass index （20.90 ± 2.71 kg/m2vs. 22.31 ± 2.98 kg/m2,P 〈 0.001） and percentage of current smokers （45.0%vs. 64.6%,P 〈 0.001） were significantly lower in elderly group. Cumulative survival curves demonstrated reduced 5-year cumulative survival at the follow-up in the elderly group compared with the non-elderly group （88.0%vs. 96.0%,P = 0.002）. But the 5-year event free survival rate failed to show a significant difference between the two groups （31.0%vs. 35.0%,P= 0.311）.ConclusionThe prevalence of CAE in elderly patients was 0.33%, which was about 1/3 of the entire numbers of CAE patients. There were significant differences between the elderly and the non-elderly patients with CAE in terms of coronary artery disease risk factors and coronary artery ectatic characteristics. CAE might be asso-ciated with increased mortality risk in the elderly.     

老年人消化性溃疡出血的相关危险因素分析

Objective To explore the risk factors for peptic ulcer bleeding in elderly patients.Methods The 414 patients with upper gastrointestinal ulcer bleeding in Xuanwu Hospital from January 2001 to January 2006 were enrolled.The patients were divided into elderly group (≥ 60years,n= 183 ) and non-elderly group ( ＜ 60 years,n= 231 ).The coexisting diseases and hemorrhage causes were compared and analyzed.Results The detection rate of coexisting diseases was significantly higher in elderly group than in non-elderly group (68.9% vs.10.0% ).The hemorrhage causes included the taking of drugs for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases or osteoarthropathy in elderly group.And the fatigue,stress and dietary upset were the main causes in non-elderly group.Helicobacter pylori infection rate was 35.0% in the elderly and 58.0% in young patients.Conclusions It is very important to promote rational use of anticoagulant drugs and analgesic agents in elderly patients for managing peptic ulcer complication.     

老年人Barrett食管的内镜表现及病理特征分析

Objective To explore the similarities and differences in endoscopic and pathological characteristics between elderly and non-elderly patients with Barrett esophagus (BE). Methods Three hundred and seventy-one cases with BE were divided into elderly group (n=254) and nonelderly group (n=117). The detection rate, endoscopic findings and pathological changes were assessed. Results The detection rate of BE was 2.9% in the elderly, and 0. 9% in the non-elderly(χ2 =127.8, P＜0.01). The 112 cases (44.1%) of the elderly had reflux symptoms, and so did 87cases (66.7%) of the non-elderly (χ2 =55.9, P＜0.01). The detection rate of BE in the two groups was increased year by year from 2004 to 2008. The detection rate of ring pattern was significantly higher in elderly group than in non-elderly group (28.7% vs. 10.3%, χ2=14.5, P＜0.01). Nonelderly patients had higher rate of island pattern than elderly patients (59.5% vs. 71.7%, χ2=4.7,P＜0.05). There were significant differences in the rate of specialized intestinal metaplasia between elderly and non-elderly patients (42.1% vs. 27.4%, χ2=6.9, P＜0.01). The difference in low and medium grade intraepithelial neoplasm between the two groups had statistical significance (21.3% vs.11.1%, χ2=4.9, P＜0.05). There were two cases with adenocarcinoma in elderly group, but no case was found in non-elderly group. The detection rate of H. pylori was comparable between elderly group and non-elderly group (35.5% vs. 40.9%, χ2=0.40, P＞0.05). Conclusions The elderly patients have the 3.2 times higher detection rate of BE than non-elderly patients. The detection rates of specialized intestinal metaplasia and intraepithelial neoplasm are higher in elderly group than in nonelderly group.     

老年人Barrett食管的内镜表现及病理特征分析

Objective To explore the similarities and differences in endoscopic and pathological characteristics between elderly and non-elderly patients with Barrett esophagus (BE). Methods Three hundred and seventy-one cases with BE were divided into elderly group (n=254) and nonelderly group (n=117). The detection rate, endoscopic findings and pathological changes were assessed. Results The detection rate of BE was 2.9% in the elderly, and 0. 9% in the non-elderly(χ2 =127.8, P＜0.01). The 112 cases (44.1%) of the elderly had reflux symptoms, and so did 87cases (66.7%) of the non-elderly (χ2 =55.9, P＜0.01). The detection rate of BE in the two groups was increased year by year from 2004 to 2008. The detection rate of ring pattern was significantly higher in elderly group than in non-elderly group (28.7% vs. 10.3%, χ2=14.5, P＜0.01). Nonelderly patients had higher rate of island pattern than elderly patients (59.5% vs. 71.7%, χ2=4.7,P＜0.05). There were significant differences in the rate of specialized intestinal metaplasia between elderly and non-elderly patients (42.1% vs. 27.4%, χ2=6.9, P＜0.01). The difference in low and medium grade intraepithelial neoplasm between the two groups had statistical significance (21.3% vs.11.1%, χ2=4.9, P＜0.05). There were two cases with adenocarcinoma in elderly group, but no case was found in non-elderly group. The detection rate of H. pylori was comparable between elderly group and non-elderly group (35.5% vs. 40.9%, χ2=0.40, P＞0.05). Conclusions The elderly patients have the 3.2 times higher detection rate of BE than non-elderly patients. The detection rates of specialized intestinal metaplasia and intraepithelial neoplasm are higher in elderly group than in nonelderly group.     

Outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly patients

BACKGROUND: Although the mortality and morbidity of pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD) have improved significantly over the past years, the concerns for elderly patients undergoing PD are still present. Furthermore, the frequency of PD is increasing because of the increasing proportion of elderly patients and the increasing incidence of periampullary tumors. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of PD in elderly patients.METHODS: We studied all patients who had undergone PD in our center between January 1995 and February 2015. The patients were divided into three groups based on age: group I(patients aged 60 years), group II(those aged 60 to 69 years) and group III(those aged ≥70 years). The primary outcome was the rate of total postoperative complications. Secondary endpoint included total operative time, hospital mortality, length of postoperative hospital stay, delayed gastric emptying, re-exploration, and survival rate.RESULTS: A total of 828 patients who had undergone PD for resection of periampullary tumor were included in this study. There were 579(69.9%) patients in group I, 201(24.3%) in group II, and 48(5.8%) in group III. The overall incidence of complications was higher in elderly patients(25.9% in group I, 36.8% in group II, and 37.5% in group III; P=0.006). There were more patients complicated with delayed gastric emptying in group II compared with the other two groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula, biliary leakage, pancreatitis, pulmonary complications and hospital mortality.CONCLUSIONS: PD can be performed safely in selected elderly patients. Advanced age alone should not be a contraindication for PD. The outcome of elderly patients who have undergone PD is similar to that of younger patients, and the increased rate of complications is due to the presence of associated comorbidities.     

Characteristics and prognosis of gastric cancer in patients aged ≥ 70 years

AIM:To elucidate the prognostic value of age for gastric cancer and identify the optimal treatment for elderly gastric cancer patients.METHODS:We enrolled 920 patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy between January 2003and December 2007 in our center.Patients were categorized into three groups:younger group(age<50years),middle-aged group(50-69 years),and elderly group(≥70 years).Clinicopathological features were compared among the three groups and potential prognostic factors were analyzed.The log-rank test was used to assess statistical differences between curves.Independent prognostic factors were identified by the Cox proportional hazards regression model.Stratified analysis was used to investigate the impact of age on survival at each stage.Cancer-specific survival was also compared among the three groups by excluding deaths due to reasons other than gastric cancer.We analyzed the potential prognostic factors for patients aged≥70years.Finally,the impact of extent of lymphadenectomy and postoperative chemotherapy on survival for each age group was evaluated.RESULTS:In the elderly group,there was a male predominance.At the same time,cancers of the upper third of the stomach,differentiated type,and less-invasive surgery were more common than in the younger or middle-aged groups.Elderly patients were more likely to have advanced tumor-node-metastasis(TNM)stage and larger tumors,but less likely to have distant metastasis.Although 5-year overall survival(OS)rate specific to gastric cancer was not significantly different among the three groups,elderly patients demonstrated a significantly lower 5-year OS rate than the younger and middle-aged patients(elderly vs middle-aged vs younger patients=22.0%vs 36.6%vs 38.0%,respectively).In the TNM-stratified analysis,the differences in OS were only observed in patients withⅡandⅢtumors.In multivariate analysis,only surgical margin status,pT4,lymph node metastasis,M1 and sex were independent prognostic factors for elderly patients.The5-year OS rate d     

Baseline characterization of patients aged 70 years and above with hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To characterize the baseline profiles of patients aged 70 years and above with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: A series of 127 consecutive patients with HCC were enrolled between 2000 and 2004, and none of them had been diagnosed as having HCC previously. Baseline profiles, including parameters of hepatic function such as serum transaminase and prothrombin time [PT (% activity)] were compared between patients aged ≥70 and <70 years. RESULTS: Patients ≥70 years old showed significantly lower levels of aspartate aminotransferase (P=0.04) and alanine aminotransferase (P= 0.01), and significantly higher PTs (P = 0.04) and platelet counts (P = 0.02). Concomitantly, among ≥70-year-old patients, HCC was more common in non-cirrhotics, whereas among patients <70 years old, HCC was more common in cirrhotics. There was no significant difference between the groups in the number or size of tumors. CONCLUSION: Older HCC patients showed less inflammation and better preservation of hepatic function, indicating that not only cirrhotic patients but also non-cirrhotic patients should be considered as a high-risk group among the elderly.     

Do prognostic markers differ in elderly patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension? A single center, prospective study

Backgrounds Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was previously considered an illness that affects mostly the young, but now it is also increasingly recognized in the elderly. The aim of this study was to compare the features of elderly versus younger patients diagnosed with PAH, and to define the prognostic factors which affect their long-term survival. Methods In this prospective, single center study, the clinical, echocardiographic, hemodynamic characteristics, and the outcomes of younger (18–65 years) and elderly (≥ 65 years) patients with definitive diagnosis of precapillary PAH were compared. Results A total of 119 patients were analyzed in this study; 43 were elderly (mean age: 71.5 ± 5.5 years), while 76 were non-elderly (mean age 44.5 ± 15.2 years). During the mean follow-up duration of 26.8 ± 25.0 months, 43 deaths occurred, 17 of which were among the elderly group, with 28 among non-elderly group. Comparison of baseline parameters showed that 6 min walking distance, hemoglobin levels, pulmonary artery pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance were significantly lower; and estimated glomerular filtration rate, body mass index, E/e’ and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure were significantly higher in the elderly group than in the younger group. Survival analysis demonstrated that the independent predictors of death were tricuspid plane annular systolic excursion (TAPSE; HR: 1.272, 95% CI: 1.079–1.499, P = 0.004) and uric acid (HR: 1.291, 95% CI: 1.042–1.600, P = 0.019) in the elderly group. In contrast, in the non-elderly group, higher brain natriuretic peptide (HR: 1.002, 95% CI: 1.001–1.004, P < 0.001) and higher right atrial pressure (HR: 1.128, 95% CI: 1.026–1.241, P = 0.013) values were the only parameters associated with mortality. Conclusions Our data suggest that elderly PAH patients have a unique clinical and hemodynamic profile, with totally different prognostic markers compared to younger PAH patients.     

Surgical outcome in cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to clarify the surgical outcome in cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODOLOGY: The surgical outcome of 26 HCVAb-positive cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C antibody (the C-related HCC group) and 18 HCVAb-negative cirrhotic patients with (the non-C-related HCC group) undergoing hepatectomy for HCC were compared. The C-related HCC group was HCVAb[+], HBsAg[-] for hepatitis B surface antigen in 25 patients and HCVAb[+], HBsAg[+] in 1, and the non C-related HCC group was HCVAb[-], HBsAg[+] in 15 and HCVAb[-], HBsAg[-] in 3. RESULTS: Preoperative aspartate and alanine aminotransferase in the C-related HCC group were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than in the non-C-related HCC group. There were no significant differences in the operative method, intraoperative blood loss and weight of resected liver or pathological data between the 2 groups. In the recurrence pattern, the incidence of multicentric occurrence in the C-related HCC group (53.3%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in the non-C-related HCC group (7.7%). The mortality rate in both groups was 0% and no operative death was encountered. The crude survival and disease-free survival rates at 3 years were similar: 80.8% and 57.7% in the C-related HCC group and 77.8% and 55.6% in the non-C-related HCC group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although surgically treated cirrhotic patients with C-related HCC showed worse preoperative hepatitis status and a higher incidence of recurrence due to multicentricity compared with non-C-related HCC, the mortality and prognosis of patients with C-related HCC did not differ from that of non-C-related HCC. The indication of hepatic resection and consideration for the high incidence of postoperative multicentric occurrence in the patients with C-related HCC should therefore be more careful than in patients with non-C-related HCC.     

Optimal treatment strategy for elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The age distribution of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) now peaks at nearly 70 years in Japan and this is continually increasing. Whether such elderly patients with HCC aged 80 years or older should be treated, and if so, how they should be selected for treatment remains uncertain. The present study was undertaken to determine any differences in the clinical characteristics and prognostic features between patients with HCC aged 80 years or older and those younger than 80 years of age. We also aimed to identify any significant variables in the prognosis of elderly patients with HCC aged 80 years or older. METHODS: Seven hundred and four patients with HCC, diagnosed during a 12-year period from January 1989 to December 2000, were categorized into two groups as follows: (i) 36 patients aged 80 years or older at the detection of HCC were defined as the elderly group and; (ii) 668 patients younger than 80 years of age were placed in the non-elderly group. Clinical variables were analyzed and compared between the two groups, and any significant variables in the prognosis were simultaneously determined. RESULTS: Regarding sex, viral markers, concentration of serum alpha-fetoprotein, diameter and number of tumors, Child's grade, presence of portal thrombosis, histology grade of HCC and any types of treatment, no significant difference was found between the two groups. The 1-year and 3-year survival rates in the elderly group (54.1 and 28.1%, respectively) were not significantly different from those in the non-elderly group (69.9 and 43.2%, respectively; P = 0.1053). The only significant factor in the prognosis in the elderly group was the presence of portal thrombosis, although a Child's grade of B or C was almost a significant factor with a P-value of 0.063. Tumor size measuring more than 3 cm in the greatest dimension, non-solitary tumor, Child's grade of B or C, and the presence of portal thrombosis were all found to be prognostic factors in the non-elderly group using a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: An advanced stage of HCC, not advanced age, influenced the survival rate in these elderly patients. Therefore, an optimal treatment strategy should be applied for elderly patients with HCC who demonstrate less prognostic factors in the same manner as that for non-elderly patients.     

老年人肝细胞癌切除术后复发与微血管密度的关系

目的 探讨患者年龄对肝细胞癌(HCC)切除术后无瘤存活率的影响以及老年人HCC复发与微血管密度(MVD)的关系. 方法 回顾性分析71例老年人HCC肝切除术病例,以同期352例非老年HCC病例作对照,结合随访资料分析年龄对无瘤存活率的影响.采用免疫组织化学SABC法检测30例老年人和30例非老年人HCC组织中CD34和endocan的表达情况,研究微血管密度与老年人HCC预后的关系. 结果老年组1、3、5年无瘤存活率分别为75.7%、43.0%、43.0%,非老年组分别为53.6%、38.5%、33.4%,老年组的无瘤存活率大于非老年组,差异有统计学意义(Log Rank值为10.25,P＜0.05).老年组术前血清甲胎蛋白(AFP)阳性率为47.9%,低于非老年组(62.2%),差异具有统计学意义(X2=23.68,P＜0.05).高CD34-MVD组和高endocan-MVD组的中位生存时间分别为260 d和360 d,低CD34-MVD组和低endocan-MVD组的中位生存时间分别为850 d和800 d,差异均有统计学意义(Log Rank值分别为22.18和20.56,P＜0.05). 结论 老年人HCC肝切除术后的长期预后好于非老年组,老年人HCC术后复发转移与血管生成密切相关.     

Surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C virus infection may improve patient survival.

BACKGROUND: The benefit of surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, in terms of long-term survival, has not yet been established. METHODS: A total of 384 consecutive anti-HCV-positive HCC patients admitted to our hospital between January 1991 and October 2003 were enrolled. Patients were categorized into two groups, a surveillance group (182 patients) and a non-surveillance group (202 patients), according to tumor detection in a surveillance program based on periodical examination via ultrasound sonography and alpha fetoprotein determination at 6-month intervals, and their survival rates were compared. RESULTS: Although there were no significant differences in age and Child-Pugh classes between the two groups, the surveillance group exhibited a smaller tumor size (19 vs. 35 mm) and a higher incidence of single HCC (67% vs. 46%), compared with the non-surveillance group (each, P < 0.001). The cumulative survival rate in the surveillance group was higher than that in the non-surveillance group (5 years survival, 46% vs. 32%, P < 0.001). When the survival after correction of the lead-time bias in the surveillance group was analyzed according to the Child-Pugh classification, the surveillance program was found to have had a favorable outcome in Child-Pugh class A patients, but not in Child-Pugh class B/C patients. CONCLUSIONS: HCC surveillance for patients with HCV infection can lead to discovery of tumors at an early stage, especially in Child-Pugh class A, resulting in a favorable outcome.     

The Impact of Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus on the Survival of Patients after Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment

Objective Owing to advances in direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, a considerable number of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are now able to achieve a sustained viral response (SVR) after curative treatment of HCC. However, the beneficial effect of a DAA-SVR on the survival remains unclear. Methods A total of 205 patients with HCC who were HCV-positive with Child-Pugh A at the onset from 2008 to 2018 were categorized into 2 groups: 140 patients untreated for HCV throughout the entire course after HCC development (untreated group) and 65 patients treated for HCV with DAAs following HCC treatment who achieved an SVR (SVR group). After propensity score matching, 63 patients from each group were selected. Using these patients, the survival and maintenance of Child-Pugh A after HCC treatment were compared between the untreated group and SVR group. Results There was a significant difference in the overall survival (p<0.001) and the rate of maintaining Child-Pugh A (p<0.001) between the groups. The 5-year survival rates were 96% (SVR group) and 60% (untreated group), and the proportions of patients with Child-Pugh A at 5 years after HCC treatment were 96% (SVR group) and 38% (untreated group). Conclusion In patients with HCV-positive HCC, achieving a DAA-SVR after HCC treatment significantly improved the overall survival rate compared with HCV-untreated patients. The contribution of DAA-SVR during the course of HCC treatment to a longer survival is mainly due to the prevention of the progression of Child-Pugh A to B/C. Further research is needed to determine whether aggressive antiviral therapy is also effective for HCC patients with Child-Pugh B/C.     

Clinical features of HBsAg-negative but anti-HBc-positive hepatocellular carcinoma in a hepatitis B virus endemic area

BACKGROUND: The presence of antibody to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) IgG in serum usually means a past infection of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The clinical characteristics of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), who have only a marker for past HBV infection, were investigated. METHODS: A total of 565 HCC patients were classified according to their markers for HBV and the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The clinical features and the survival rate of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)(-)/anti-HBc(+) patients were compared to those of HBsAg(+) patients. RESULTS: Four hundred and three patients were positive for HBsAg (B group, 71.3%), 64 were positive for anti-HCV (11.3%), and 90 were negative for both HBsAg and anti-HCV (N group, 15.9%). In the N group, 71 were positive for anti-HBc (PB group, 12.6% of total patients). The clinical characteristics of the PB group were different from those of the B group: age at diagnosis (60.6 +/- 9.6 vs 53.3 +/- 10.6 years, P < 0.001), habitual drinking (59.2% vs 23.6%, P < 0.001), family history of liver disease (9.9% vs 38.9%, P < 0.005), detection with periodic screening (28.2% vs 50.4%, P < 0.001), and elevated alpha-fetoprotein (53.5% vs 76.2%, P < 0.001). In both the PB group and the B group, liver cirrhosis was accompanied by a similar high prevalence (74.6% vs 89.1%). However, there was no significant difference in the cumulative survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HBsAg(-)/anti-HBc(+) HCC is not rare or more common than that of anti-HCV(+) HCC in Korea, a high HBV endemic area. Although some differences in clinical characteristics may imply a different pathogenesis, chronic HBV infection or habitual drinking may be major contributing factors in the development of HCC in these patients.     

Characteristics at presentation and outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the elderly. A study of the Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP)

PURPOSE: To describe the characteristics at presentation and the outcome of elderly patients (> or =70 years old) with HCC, a retrospective analysis using a CLIP database was performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The database included 650 patients. Chi2-test, logistic and Cox model were applied. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics and stage were similarly among elderly (n=158) and non-elderly (n=492) patients. More elderly patients did not receive any local treatment (56% versus 38%, p<0.0001). Age and CLIP score were independently predictive of the odds of locoregional treatment. Prognosis was worse for elderly patients with a hazard ratio of death of 1.49 (95% CI 1.20-1.86) at multivariable analysis. The survival difference disappeared when patients were compared within each treatment group, suggesting a close link between undertreatment and shorter survival. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with HCC have a worse prognosis compared to non-elderly ones. Such difference seems the consequence of undertreatment.     

MiR-449b表达对老年原发性肝细胞癌患者预后的影响

目的探讨miR-449b对老年原发性肝细胞癌(HCC)患者预后的影响。方法选取2013年1月-2015年1月于徐州医科大学附属医院肿瘤科接受肝癌根治性切除术治疗的老年HCC患者176例。应用实时荧光聚合酶链反应检测miR-449b在患者癌组织中的表达水平,随访患者的生存状况至2020年1月,评估miR-449b对HCC预后的预测值,分析影响老年HCC患者预后的因素。结果176例患者年龄66~82岁,平均(70.3±2.7)岁,其中男性141例、女性35例。截至2020年1月,随访的168例患者中,死亡97例。MiR-449b预测老年HCC患者死亡的临界值为0.36。当miR-449b为0.36时,miR-449b预测老年HCC患者死亡的敏感度为72.23%,特异度为70.38%,曲线下面积为0.712(P=0.001)。Kaplan-Meier和Log-rank检验显示,蔡尔德-皮尤改良(CTP)评分B级(HR=1.17,P<0.001)、肿瘤直径>5 cm(HR=1.13,P<0.001)、淋巴结转移(HR=1.09,P<0.001)和miR-449b低表达(HR=2.54,P<0.001)会增加老年HCC患者的死亡风险。Cox比例风险回归模型显示,CTP评分B级(HR=1.14,P<0.001)、肿瘤直径>5cm(HR=1.11,P<0.001)、淋巴结转移(HR=1.07,P<0.001)和miR-449b低表达(HR=2.48,P<0.001)是老年HCC患者死亡风险增加的独立危险因素。结论MiR-449b表达与老年HCC患者预后相关,miR-449b表达下调可能增加老年HCC患者的死亡风险。     

老年嗜酸性肉芽肿性多血管炎患者临床特点及预后

目的 年龄是影响抗中性粒细胞胞浆抗体相关性血管炎预后的重要因素,但针对老年嗜酸性肉芽肿性多血管炎(EGPA)患者的研究较为缺乏,本研究旨在探索老年EGPA患者的临床特点及预后影响因素.方法 回顾性分析2000年1月至2015年12月于北京协和医院确诊的EGPA患者,将患者分为老年组(年龄≥60岁)及非老年组(年龄<60...