Detection of hepatitis E virus RNA and genotype in Bangladesh

Background/Aims:  Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Bangladesh has not been adequately documented. We report HEV RNA and genotype detection in Bangladesh.
Methods:  In total, 82 samples were used; 36 sporadic acute hepatitis (AH), 12 fulminant hepatitis (FH), 14 chronic liver disease (CLD) and 20 from an apparently healthy population (HP) positive for both immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG specific anti-HEV antibodies (anti-HEV). The male/female ratio was 61/21, ages 12–67 (mean 30.4) years. RNA was extracted, transcribed to cDNA and amplified in nt 6345–6490 (ORF2) of HEV. Nucleic and amino acid sequences were determined. Homology comparison between Bangladesh clones and other representative HEV clones and phylogenetic tree analyses were done. Relations between HEV RNA-positivity and clinical factors were analyzed.
Results:  HEV RNA was positive in 9/36 (25.0%) of AH cases, 4/12 (33.3%) FH, 3/14 (21.4%) CLD and 0/20 (0%) HP samples; total 16/82 (19.5%). Four factors correlated significantly with HEV RNA-positivity (Mann-Whitney U test); alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ( P  = 0.0229), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ( P  = 0.0448), and titers of IgG ( P  = 0.0208) and IgM ( P  = 0.0095) specific anti-HEV. The 16 HEV clones were divided mainly into two groups, A and B, including six different cDNA sub-groups.
Conclusion:  HEV RNA was found in sporadic AH and FH and sub-clinical CLD cases, but not in HP. HEV RNA-positivity was significantly related to values of ALT and AST and titers of IgG and IgM specific anti-HEV, with IgM specific anti-HEV showing the most significant relationship. All clones were genotype I, which is prevalent in South Asia.     

熊去氧胆酸及其联合激素和免疫抑制剂治疗原发性胆汁性肝硬化的临床观察

目的 观察熊去氧胆酸(UDCA)、UDCA联合泼尼松龙、UDCA联合硫唑嘌呤3种方案治疗对原发性胆汁性肝硬化(PBC)的疗效,并评价影响疗效的危险因素.方法 82例初诊PBC患者随机分为单用UDCA(U组,28例)、UDCA联合泼尼松龙(UP组,27例)、UDCA联合硫唑嘌呤(UA组,27例)3个治疗组,在治疗第0、3、6、12个月采集临床、实验室资料及药物不良反应.主要采用重复测量的方差分析和COX回归进行统计学处理.结果 UP组患者较U组及UA组在乏力和瘙痒程度上有明显改善(P=0.015和P=0.037),U组、UA组无改善.3组患者治疗后丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、谷氨酰转肽酶(GGT)、总胆红素、直接胆红素(DBIL)和IgM均下降,组内比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),3组间比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).发生疾病进展的患者Mayo危险性评分高(P=0.018)、凝血酶原时间(PT)延长(P=0.042).UP组血糖升高2例、满月脸5例、多毛1例;UA组白细胞下降2例,胆绞痛1例,U组未出现药物不良反应.ALP、GGT、总胆固醇基线水平高是生化缓解的危险因素(P=0.015).总胆红素、DBIL、总胆汁酸增高、PT延长不利于肝生化缓解(P=0.075).结论 3种方案对PBC患者肝脏生化指标、IgM的改善作用相近,UDCA联合泼尼松龙方案可减轻乏力、瘙痒症状,单用UDCA方案不良反应发生率最低.Mayo危险性评分高、PT延长的患者疾病易进展;高水平的ALP、GGT、总胆固醇是生化缓解的危险因素;高水平的总胆红素、DBIL、总胆汁酸、PT不利于生化缓解.

Abstract：

Objective The aims of this study were to compare the clinical and laboratory responses to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) monotherapy with the combination therapy of UDCA plus prednisolone/azathioprine in primary biliary cirrhosis(PBC),and to investigate the risk factors affecting the therapeutic responses.Methods Eighty-two patients with untreated PBC were divided randomly into three groups.Group U (28 patients) received UDCA alone,group UP(27 patients) received UDCA and pr ednisolone,while group UA (27 patients ) received UDCA and azathioprine.The clinical and laboratory data were recorded after treated for 3,6 and 12 months.Repeated measures ANOVA and COX regression model were used for statistical analysis.Results Fatigue and pruritus were improved only in group UP(P=0.015 and P=0.037 respectively).Alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT),total bilirubin (TBIL),direct bilirubin (DBIL) and IgM in the 3 groups were decreased (P＜0.05),while there was no statistical significant difference between the three groups (P＞0.05).The patients with disease progression had higher Mayo risk score (MRS) (P=0.018) and prolonged prothrombin time (PT)(P=0.042).In group UP,side-effect associated with glucocorticosteroids occurred in eight patients while there was no side-effect in group U.High baseline levels of ALP、GGT and CHO were risk factors for biochemical remission(P=0.015).The increase of DBIL,TBIL,total bile acid(TBA) and PT did not contribute to the prediction of biochemical remission ( P=0.075 ).Conclusion There are no differences among the three groups in the improvement of hepatic biochemical data and IgM.The combination therapy of UDCA with prednisolone could relieve fatigue and itching.The disease of patients with higher Mayo risk score and prolonged PT tend to progress.High baseline levels of ALP,GGT and CHO are risk factors for biochemical remission.High baseline levels of TBIL,DBIL,TBA and PT could not predict biochemical remission.The incidence of adverse effect is lowest when treated with UDCA alone.     

HEV核酸、抗原、抗体对HEV感染的诊断价值

目的探讨HEV核酸(HEV RNA)、HEV抗原(HEV Ag)、HEV抗体(HEV IgM抗体和HEV IgG抗体)在临床诊断HEV感染中的作用。方法收集在北京大学人民医院进行HEV IgM抗体和HEV IgG抗体检测的13992例标本,其中1924例HEV IgM抗体或HEV IgG抗体阳性。分别采用荧光PCR法进行HEV RNA和基因型检测,酶联免疫吸附试验方法进行HEV Ag、HEV IgM抗体和HEV IgG抗体检测,并检测ALT、AST、TBil和DBil水平。计量资料两组间比较采用Mann-Whitney U检验。结果1924例标本中HEV IgM抗体阳性152例(7.9%),HEV IgG抗体阳性1897例(98.6%),HEV RNA阳性62例(3.2%),HEV Ag阳性55例(2.9%)。HEV IgM抗体阳性组中HEV RNA阳性率为40.8%(62/152),HEV Ag阳性率为36.2%(55/152)。HEV RNA阳性组中HEV Ag阳性率为88.7%(55/62)。HEV RNA阳性组(n=62)ALT、AST、TBil、DBil水平高于HEV RNA阴性组(n=90)(Z值分别为-7.609、-6.942、-5.815、-6.130,P值均<0.001),HEV Ag阳性组(n=55)ALT、AST、TBil、DBil水平明显高于HEV Ag阴性组(n=97)(Z值分别为-6.413、-5.786、-5.199、-5.545,P值均<0.001)。巢式PCR扩增测序结果显示58例HEV RNA阳性,4例阴性。HEV IgG抗体阳性高水平明显降低HEV Ag检测的S/CO值,甚至出现阴性结果。结论与HEV抗体相比,HEV Ag可以提高戊型肝炎的诊断水平,具有一定的临床意义;高水平的转氨酶或胆红素可以辅助诊断HEV感染;高水平的HEV IgG抗体会降低HEV Ag检测值,检测时应注意HEV Ag阴性时HEV IgG抗体值。     

Correlation of liver biochemistry with liver stiffness in chronic hepatitis B and development of a predictive model for liver fibrosis

Aim: To correlate liver stiffness with demographical factors and routine liver biochemistry and to assess the predictive value of these as potential markers of fibrosis. Methods: Transient elastography was performed in 1268 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. According to a previous validated study for CHB, liver stiffness of >8.1 and >10.3 kPa were used as cut‐off values for defining severe fibrosis and cirrhosis respectively. Results: Liver stiffness correlated positively with bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), globulin, α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and HBV DNA levels and negatively with albumin and platelet levels (P<0.05 for all correlations). From 13 parameters (age, sex, platelet, AST, ALT, GGT, AFP, albumin, globulin, bilirubin, ALP, HBV DNA and hepatitis B e‐antigen), four best parameters (AST, platelet, GGT and AFP) were used to derive a liver stiffness model. Using log (index)=1.44+0.1490(GGT)+0.3308 log (AST)−0.5846 log (platelets)+0.1148 log (AFP+1) to predict both severe fibrosis and cirrhosis had area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.85. Conclusion: Routine liver biochemistry correlated well with liver stiffness in Asian CHB patients. A model using simple serum markers can predict liver stiffness, and further studies are required to validate the usefulness of these simple tests as non‐invasive markers of fibrosis in CHB.     

肝移植临床化学指标实验诊断价值

目的:探讨临床化学指标对指导肝移植实验诊断价值.方法:分析98例肝移植受者病历,按出院诊断标准分为治愈组、治愈合并并发症组、死亡组3组.分析3组受者12项临床化学指标变化规律和特征.结果:ALT,AST, ALD,GLDH是预测缺血-再灌注损伤的良好指标.TB,DB,TBA是预测移植肝脏存活,恢复其胆汁分泌、排泄功能的指标.PA,CHE是反映移植肝脏存活、恢复其合成蛋白质功能的指标.急性排斥反应ALT,GGT, ALP, TB,DB有诊断价值.抗排异药物毒性反应ALT,AST, GGT, TB,DB有特异性.胆道狭窄/梗阻TB,DB有诊断价值.胆道感染时ALT, GGT有诊断特点.肺部感染时ALT,TB,DB有诊断意义.切口感染时ALT,GGT, GLDH有诊断价值.肝脏无功能临床化学指标3个特点:PA,CHE逐渐降低;TB,DB居高不降,甚至逐渐升高;ALD,GLDH进行性升高.结论:临床化学指标的变化规律和特点对判断肝脏存活、肝功能恢复,诊断、鉴别不同并发症以及指导临床治疗有诊断价值.     

戊型肝炎与慢性乙型肝炎重叠戊型肝炎病毒感染的临床特征比较

目的分析比较戊型肝炎与慢性乙型肝炎重叠戊型肝炎病毒感染患者的临床特征,并初步探索戊型肝炎慢性化问题。方法对66例戊型肝炎与37例慢性乙型肝炎重叠戊型肝炎病毒感染患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析比较及统计。结果慢性乙型肝炎重叠戊型肝炎病毒感染患者较戊型肝炎患者丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天门冬酸氨基转移酶(AST)、总胆红素(TBIL)、直接胆红素(DBIL)升高水平及发生率无显著差异,而在白蛋白(A)、白蛋白/球蛋白(A/G)及凝血酶原活动度(PTA)降低与肝纤维化系列各项指标增高方面更突出,消化道症状更重。结论慢性乙型肝炎重叠戊型肝炎病毒感染后肝功能损害更严重,凝血酶原时间长,慢性肝病特征常见,但单纯戊型肝炎患者慢性化问题也值得重视。     

临床诊断的肝细胞型急性药物性肝损伤患者血清ALT/ALP比值变化特点与组织病理学特征分析

目的 探讨药物性肝损伤(DILI)患者临床分型的变化及其组织病理学特征。方法 2018年8月～2019年8月入院临床诊断为肝细胞型DILI患者43例,在入院治疗2周后行肝穿活检,在病理学检查当日再次根据临床指标确定临床分型,观察组织病理学特征。结果 43例临床诊断的肝细胞型DILI患者在肝穿时血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、血清总胆红素(TBIL)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、γ-谷氨酰转肽酶(GGT)和总胆汁酸(TBA)水平已显著降低,其R值较入院时也显著下降(19.6±13.6对3.29±3.26),差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);组织病理学检查诊断急性炎症型21例,炎症淤胆型22例;在入院时,急性炎症型与炎症淤胆型患者血清ALT、AST、TBIL、ALP和GGT水平无显著性差异(P>0.05),仅急性炎症型患者R值显著小于炎症淤胆型(13.8±6.2对25.5±16.5,P=0.004),血清TBA水平显著低于炎症淤胆型(61.0±60.8 μmol/L对115.3±80.9μmol/L,P=0.017);入院时诊断为肝细胞型DILI的43例患者在肝穿时仅9例符合肝细胞型临床分型;经ROC曲线分析,以R值等于14.9为截断点,其曲线下面积(AUC)为0.708,具有一定的诊断意义。结论 药物性肝损伤的临床分型会随着病情的变化而呈动态变化,入院时以较高的R值诊断胆汁淤积具有一定的指导意义,值得进一步观察。     

Significant variation of traditional markers of liver injury after a half-marathon run

Background

While the promotion of health-related fitness is thereby widespread, less focus is currently being given on the biological influence that physical activity might exert on results of laboratory testing. As such, this study was undertaken to assess the kinetics of liver injury markers following physical exercise.

Design and methods

Total and direct bilirubin as well as the activity of biochemical markers of liver injury including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and creatine kinase (CK), were measured before and after a half-marathon.

Results

Significant increases occurred for GGT, AST, LDH, CK, total and direct bilirubin immediately after the run. AST, LDH, CK, total and direct bilirubin were still increased 24 h thereafter, whereas GGT decreased after 6 h. None of the athletes exceed the upper reference limit for ALT, ALP and GGT, whereas significant variations were instead observed for LDH, AST, CK, total and direct bilirubin.

Conclusions

Taken together, the results of our prospective investigation clearly attest that an acute bulk of aerobic physical exercise, such as a half-marathon, might produce significant changes in the activity of traditional biomarkers of liver injury, which should be carefully considered when investigating physically active individuals undergoing laboratory testing.     

Alterations of biliary biochemical constituents and cytokines in infantile hepatitis syndrome

INTRODUCTION Infantile hepatitis syndrome (IHS), with a morbidity of 1/2500 in live-born infants[1], comprises a series of symptoms, including jaundice, splenohepatomegalia, changes of texture of the liver, hepatic dysfunction in onset mainly in the neonatal period and infancy. It has been reported that the biochemical constituents and cytokines in blood alter when the disorder attacks[2]. However, what changes of those biochemical constituents and cytokines in bile can be, and what rela…     

Consecutive evaluation of immunoglobulin M and G antibodies against hepatitis E virus

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is sporadic in the Guangzhou city southern China. However, the evaluation of antibodies to HEV during consecutive time periods after infection has not been reported. We utilized enzyme immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect IgM and IgG anti-HEV in consecutive serum specimens from patients with acute hepatitis E and compared that data with detection rates of IgM and IgG anti-HAV in patients with acute hepatitis A. IgM anti-HEV can be detected as early as 4 days after onset of disease symptoms in some patients. The detection rate of IgM anti-HEV is significantly higher in specimens collected within 4 weeks (95%) of onset than in those specimens collected 4 to 18 weeks after onset (67.6%) (P<0.005). IgM anti-HEV had a similar pattern to IgM anti-HAV and can be used as a marker of acute HEV infection. In contrast with IgG anti-HAV, 56.8% of the specimens did not contain detectable levels of IgG anti-HEV (P<0.005). One should be cautioned against making a diagnosis of HEV infection solely by the currently available assays for IgG anti-HEV. In conclusion, IgM anti-HEV can be used as a reliable and sensitive marker for recent HEV infection, but serum specimens should be collected within 4 weeks after onset of symptoms to avoid false-negative results. In contrast, we should be aware of the failure to develop IgG anti-HEV in some patients. These patients carry the risk of reinfection.     

抗戊型肝炎病毒E2 IgM诊断急性戊型肝炎的敏感性和特异性

目的评价抗戊型肝炎病毒（HEV）衣壳蛋白重组抗原E2 IgM（抗-E2 IgM）诊断急性散发性戊型肝炎的敏感性和特异性。方法用酶联免疫吸附法检测176份急性散发性戊型肝炎和191份急性散发性非甲～非戊型肝炎患者血清中抗-E2 IgM，与国产传统试剂和新加坡Genelabs试剂检测的IgM（GL—IgM）作比较；对抗-E2 IgM阳性血清检测血清中HEV RNA，采用logistic回归分析检测抗-E2 IgM和HEV RNA的相关因素。结果在176份急性戊型肝炎患者血清中，抗-E2 IgM的检出率为68．75％，国产传统试剂抗-HEV IgM检出率为56．25％，x^2IgM=6．49，P〈0．05。在191份急性非甲～非戊型肝炎血清中有37例（19．37％）抗-E2 IgM阳性，其中11例GL—IgM同时阳性；在158份抗-E2 IgM阳性血清中，有81例HEV RNA阳性（51．27％），其中急性戊型肝炎的阳性率为57．02％，急性非甲～非戊型肝炎的阳性率为32．43％，23例抗-E2 IgM阴性的急性戊型肝炎患者的血清，无一例检测到HEV RNA。Logistic多因素回归分析发现，抗-E2 IgM的检出率与发病至人院时间、年龄、血清胆红素、血清氨基转移酶水平无关，血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶水平与HEV RNA水平呈正相关（P=0．024）。结论抗-E2 IgM是HEV急性期感染敏感性和特异性强的血清学指标；HEV感染仍是部分临床诊断为急性非甲～非戊型肝炎的病因；持续HEV病毒血症可能是影响急性戊型肝炎病情的重要因素。     

献血员戊型肝炎病毒亚临床感染情况调查

目的了解献血员中戊型肝炎病毒(HEV)亚临床感染情况。方法对2002年7～8月向北京市血液中心义务献血的所有人员进行整群抽样，检测抗-HEV IgM和IgG抗体。结果北京献血员中抗-HEV IgM阳性率为1．74％，其丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)异常比例高于抗-HEV IgM阴性献血员。ALT异常与HEV相关的比例为2．68％，与HBV相当，但高于丙型肝炎病毒。结论献血员中存在HEV亚临床感染者，并且是献血员中ALT异常的原因之一。     

Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 is associated with gallstone-related disease

Abstract

Objective: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is endemic in Northern Europe and despite a high seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies among blood donors (≈17%), few clinical cases are notified in Sweden. Low awareness of hepatitis E and its possible symptoms may contribute to this discrepancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of acute HEV infection among hospital admitted patients with abdominal pain and elevated liver enzymes.

Materials and methods: During 2016–2017, 148 adult patients with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > twice normal levels were prospectively enrolled at surgical wards at three Swedish hospitals. Serum samples were analyzed for HEV RNA as well as anti-HEV IgM and IgG, and medical records were reviewed.

Results: Six (6/148, 4.1%) patients were HEV infected confirmed by detectable HEV RNA, but only one of these patients had detectable anti-HEV antibodies. Four of the HEV infected patients were diagnosed with gallstone-related disease: three with biliary pancreatitis and one with biliary colic. The remaining two were diagnosed with bowel obstruction and pancreatic malignancy. Four HEV strains were typed by sequencing to genotype 3.

Conclusions: This study identified acute HEV3 infection in 4% of the patients with elevated liver enzymes admitted to a surgical ward. HEV infection was not the solitary disease leading to hospitalization, instead it was found to be associated with other surgical conditions such as gallstone-related disease including biliary pancreatitis. Additionally, HEV RNA might be the preferential diagnostic tool for detecting ongoing HEV infection.     

我国家禽戊型肝炎病毒感染情况的调查

目的了解我国家禽戊型肝炎病毒(HEV)感染情况。方法自我国15个省份采集鸡和鸭血清共计1647份,应用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)分别检测血清中HEV抗原和抗体;通过Nested PCR对陕西、西藏和海南的全部血清样本及其它抗原阳性样本分别进行HEV及禽HEV核酸检测。结果 1507份鸡血清中有54份为HEV抗体阳性,26份为HEV抗原阳性,抗原和抗体的阳性率分别为3.58%和1.73%;140份鸭血清中10份为HEV抗体阳性,2份为HEV抗原阳性,阳性率分别为7.14%和1.43%;鸡和鸭HEV抗原、抗体阳性率无统计学差异。在鸡、鸭血清标本中没有检测到HEVRNA。结论我国家禽存在HEV感染,但还需要进一步研究以确定感染的病毒是否为禽HEV或1-4型HEV跨种感染。     

Hepatitis E virus infection among patients with altered levels of alanine aminotransferase

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) affects 20 million people worldwide, with 3.3 million cases and 56,000 deaths. The transmission is mainly by the fecal-oral route. Several studies have reported increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in association with viral hepatitis. This study evaluated the diagnosis of HEV infection among patients attending the emergency room (ER) of Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa (HBP) and Hospital São Paulo (HSP) in São Paulo, Brazil increased ALT levels (≥ 200 IU/L). From October 2018 to July 2019, 400 sera samples were collected from patients treated at the ER of HBP (n=200) and HSP (n=200). All samples were screened for HEV by RT-qPCR. 200 samples from HSP were tested for IgM of anti-Hepatitis A (HAV) and B (HBV) viruses, and total antibodies of Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Ninety samples (45 from each hospital), were tested for anti-HEV IgM antibodies. Patients aged under 1 to 91 years (mean = 46.29 ± 24.17, median = 48). ALT levels varied from 200 to 8,974 IU/l. 16 patients (4%) turned out positive for HEV by RT-qPCR (ALT levels = 299 to 698 IU/L). Of the 200 HSP patients, 18 (9%) were anti-HAV IgM reactive, 9 (4.5%) for anti-HBV IgM, and 7 (3.5%) for anti-HCV antibodies (ALT levels = 833 to 1918 IU/L). Two of 90 BPH patients (2.22%) were anti-HEV IgM reactive (ALT levels = 1502 to 3831 IU/L). This is the first Brazilian study evaluating patients with suspected HEV infection with increased ALT levels, which were higher than 12 and 60 times the normal upper limit, in the acute phase or for patients reactive for antibody detection, respectively. Liver damage could be minimized by implementing molecular diagnostic tests in the hospital routine.     

Unexpected long‐lasting anti‐HEV IgM positivity: Is HEV antigen a better serological marker for hepatitis E infection diagnosis?

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the leading cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. The minimum criterion for diagnosis of acute infection is detection of anti‐HEV antibodies, although there are scant data on IgM duration. Our aim was to assess the persistence of HEV markers after acute self‐limited hepatitis E. HEV serological tests (IgM by Mikrogen and Wantai and HEV‐Ag) and HEV RNA were carried out in two cohorts: (a) patients with prior acute hepatitis E (ALT >10 x ULN plus positive IgM ± HEV RNA) currently self‐limited and (b) 50 blood donors with positive HEV RNA. Among 25 cases of prior acute hepatitis E, after a median follow‐up of 34 months, all presented undetectable HEV RNA. However, anti‐HEV IgM remained detectable in 14 (56%) by Mikrogen, 6 (24%) by Wantai and none for HEV‐Ag. Anti‐HEV IgM tested positive in 80%‐100% within the second year and 17%‐42% over 3 years later, by Wantai and Mikrogen, respectively. Among HEV RNA‐positive donors, 12 (25%) tested positive for either IgM by Mikrogen or Wantai, 9 (18%) for both and 18 (36%) for HEV‐Ag. HEV‐Ag positivity was more likely as HEV RNA was higher (14% if <2.2 log IU/mL; 64% if RNA ≥ 3.7). Overall, HEV‐Ag performed best, with a positive predictive value of 100% and diagnostic accuracy of 57%. Anti‐HEV IgM exhibited unexpectedly long persistence after a self‐limited acute hepatitis E. HEV‐Ag had the best performance and could be especially useful in settings where HEV RNA is not available.     

Coexistence of IgM antihepatitis A virus and IgM antihepatitis E virus in acute viral hepatitis: a prospective, multicentre study in Korea

This study investigated the clinical, serological and molecular characteristics of coexistence of both immunoglobulin M (IgM) antihepatitis A virus (HAV) and IgM antihepatitis E virus (HEV) in acute viral hepatitis using a prospective, multicentre design. Among a total of 771 symptomatic cases with acute viral hepatitis enrolled in a Korean city from September 2006 to August 2008, coexistence of IgM anti-HAV and IgM anti-HEV was found in 43 patients (A+E group; 6%), while the existence of IgM anti-HAV alone was found in 595 patients (A group; 77%) and that of IgM anti-HEV alone in 14 patients (E group; 2%). Clinical data analysis and measurement of IgM and IgG anti-HEV were performed using two different commercial kits, and HAV RNA and HEV RNA were detected in available serum or stool samples. The clinical features of the A+E group were similar to those of the A group. HAV RNA detection rates in the A+E and A group were similar, while HEV RNA was detected only in the stool samples of the E group, not in the A+E group. Comparative testing of anti-HEV using two different ELISA kits showed markedly discordant results for IgM anti-HEV positivity and consistently low positivity for IgG anti-HEV in the A+E group. Coexistence of IgM anti-HEV measured by the Genelabs ELISA kit in the setting of hepatitis A appears to yield false-positive results in nonendemic areas of HEV infection. Diagnosis of hepatitis E using IgM anti-HEV should be made with caution.     

重型和危重型新型冠状病毒肺炎患者肝功能损害回顾性分析

目的 探讨不同性别和年龄组肝重型和危重型冠状病毒疾病-19(COVID-19)病毒感染患者肝功能相关指标、治疗药物和疾病转归情况,为临床诊治该类肝损害提供经验。方法 2020年1月22日～2月22日我院收治的重型和危重型COVID-19感染患者27例,回顾性分析其临床特征、不同性别和年龄组入院首次肝功能相关指标、治疗药物和疾病转归情况。结果 在27例重型和危重型COVID-19感染患者中,男性22例(81.5%),女性5例(18.5%);年龄为29～91岁,中位年龄为56.0(44.0～68.0)岁。其中<60岁中青年组16例(59.3%),>60岁老年组11例(40.7%);26例(96.3%)患者出现血清ALT、AST、GGT、ALP、TBIL、PTA、DBIL和LDH水平异常;男性组与女性组血清ALT、AST、GGT、ALP、TBIL、PTA、DBIL和LDH水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);中青年组与老年组血清ALT、AST、GGT、ALP、TBIL、DBIL和LDH水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),但老年组PTA水平显著低于中青年组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);22例(81.5%)接受了联合抗病毒药物,18例(66.7%)接受了联合抗炎、调节免疫类中成药物,14例(51.9%)接受了联合护肝药物;自发病起1个月时间内,本组生存率为96.3%。结论 重型和危重型COVID-19感染患者病程早期容易出现肝损害,不同性别和年龄患者肝损伤差异不大。在中西药应用过程中出现肝损害,其与药物应用有关还是病毒感染本身的作用,还有待进一步探讨。