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AIM AND BACKGROUND: The Nordic Liver Transplant Registry (NLTR) accounts for all liver transplants performed in the Nordic countries since the start of the transplant program in 1982. Due to short waiting times, donor liver allocation has been made without considerations of the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. We aimed to summarize key outcome measures and developments for the activity up to December 2013.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The registry is integrated with the operational waiting-list and liver allocation system of Scandiatransplant (www.scandiatransplant.org) and accounted at the end of 2013 for 6019 patients out of whom 5198 were transplanted. Data for recipient and donor characteristics and relevant end-points retransplantation and death are manually curated on an annual basis to allow for statistical analysis and the annual report.RESULTS: Primary sclerosing cholangitis, acute hepatic failure, alcoholic liver disease, primary biliary cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are the five most frequent diagnoses (accounting for 15.3%, 10.8%, 10.6%, 9.3% and 9.0% of all transplants, respectively). Median waiting time for non-urgent liver transplantation during the last 10-year period was 39 days. Outcome has improved over time, and for patients transplanted during 2004-2013, overall one-, five- and 10-year survival rates were 91%, 80% and 71%, respectively. In an intention-to-treat analysis, corresponding numbers during the same time period were 87%, 75% and 66%, respectively.CONCLUSION: The liver transplant program in the Nordic countries provides comparable outcomes to programs with a MELD-based donor liver allocation system. Unique features comprise the diagnostic spectrum, waiting times and the availability of an integrated waiting list and transplant registry (NLTR).

Objectives Recent studies suggest that activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF) superfamily, is involved in the pathogenesis of liver disorders. We sought to explore its possible role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods Serum levels of activin A and its natural inhibitor, follistatin, were measured in patients with NAFLD (n=70) and in control subjects (n=30). Gene expression was quantified in liver biopsies obtained from patients with NAFLD (n=13) and controls (n=6). Effects of activin A were examined in Huh7 (human hepatoma cell line) hepatocytes. Results Patients with NAFLD had significantly elevated serum levels of activin A and follistatin compared with healthy controls. In patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, n=38), there were particularly high levels of activin A that were significantly related to the degree of hepatic fibrosis. Liver biopsies from NAFLD patients showed a markedly increased activin A-follistatin mRNA ratio, indicating increased hepatic activin A activity. In hepatocytes, activin A enhanced the expression of collagen and TGF-beta(1), promoted matrix metalloproteinase activity, induced mitochondrial beta-oxidation, downregulated fatty acid (FA) synthase activity, promoted decreased weight percentage of saturated FAs, and altered the composition of polyunsaturated FAs. Conclusions Our findings support the complex role of activin A in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, involving effects on fibrosis and lipid accumulation.

Background In Norway, liver transplantation has been the treatment of choice for irreversible acute and chronic liver failure for 25 years. The aim of this article is to present a summary of the results obtained. Material and methods All liver transplants performed in Norway in the period 25.02.84-31.12.08 have been reviewed retrospectively with respect to patient and donor epidemiology, survival and recurrence. Results 651 transplants have been performed in this period. The annual number of transplants increased gradually up to the year 2000 (31), and more steeply afterwards - to 79 in 2008. Also the number of organ donations has increased and reached 98 (20 pr. million inh.) in 2008. 5-year patient survival was 53 % in the period 1984-1994. In the period 2001-2008, 1-year survival was 90 % and 5-year survival was 83 %. Interpretation The gradual improvement of results should be interpreted in light of improvements within transplant surgery, medicine and anaesthesiology and the increased local experience due to the increasing number of transplants performed. The transplant centre at Rikshospitalet has developed into being among the largest of its kind within the Nordic Countries and the results compare well with the best international data.

The antidiabetic agent metformin is regularly discussed as a promising treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is characterized by insulin resistance. However, the evidence for its beneficial effects is limited, and conflicting reports have been published. The purpose of this study was to conduct a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to test whether metformin improves liver histology in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.Forty-eight patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD were randomized to treatment with metformin (n=24) or placebo (n=24) for 6 months. A second liver biopsy was obtained in all subjects who completed the trial (n=44). Data analyses are restricted to this group (per-protocol analyses). The primary outcome was changes in histologically assessed liver steatosis. Secondary outcomes were changes in NAFLD activity (NAS)-score, liver steatosis assessed by computed tomography (CT), liver transaminases, body-weight, metabolic variables and inflammatory markers.No significant differences between treatment with metformin or placebo were observed for changes in liver steatosis, assessed either histologically or by CT, NAS-score, liver transaminases or on markers of insulin resistance or inflammation. In contrast, beneficial effects of metformin were observed on changes in body-weight (p0.001), serum levels of cholesterol (p=0.004), LDL-cholesterol (p0.001), glucose (p=0.032) and on HbA1c (p=0.020).Treatment with metformin for 6 months was no better than placebo in terms of improvement in liver histology in patients with NAFLD. Nevertheless, the use of metformin could still be beneficial in this group as it is associated with a reduction in serum levels of lipids and glucose. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00303537).

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a well-established indication for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), but post-OLT bile duct strictures complicate the outcome for these patients. These strictures might represent recurrent PSC (rPSC). To estimate the risk factors for post-OLT non-anastomotic bile duct strictures in PSC patients and to find their possible etiology, we performed magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) and angiography (MRA) in all PSC patients who had undergone OLT and were alive (median follow-up 6.4 years, range 1.4-15.2 years). This group of PSC patients was compared to a group of 45 non-PSC patients who had also undergone OLT. A logistic regression analysis was performed to find predictors of rPSC. Bile duct strictures were found in 19/49 PSC patients and in 4/45 non-PSC patients (P = 0.001). In the PSC group nine patients without other possible explanations for bile duct strictures than rPSC were identified, i.e., the estimated risk of rPSC was 9/49 (18%); surprisingly similar changes were also seen in one patient without a pre-transplant PSC diagnosis. Severe liver disease due to rPSC was seen in 4/9 patients (one patient died and three are being evaluated for re-OLT). Steroid-resistant rejection was the only significant predictor for rPSC. In conclusion, our study shows that by the use of MRC we found more bile duct strictures in PSC patients post-OLT compared to controls and that steroid-resistant rejections was a predictor of such changes.

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of 14 weeks of treatment in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 or 3 who achieve early virological response (EVR). In a noncontrolled multicenter trial, 122 treatment-naive patients received 1.5 μg/kg pegylated interferon alfa-2b subcutaneously once weekly and 800 to 1,400 mg/d ribavirin based on body weight. Treatment was stopped at week 14 in patients with EVR, defined as undetectable HCV RNA at weeks 4 and 8. Patients without EVR were assigned to 24 weeks of treatment. The primary end point was sustained virological response (SVR), defined as undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after end of treatment. Among the 122 patients, 95 (78%) had EVR and received 14 weeks of treatment. The remaining 27 (22%) were treated for 24 weeks. SVR was obtained in 85 (90%) of 95 patients in the 14-week treatment group and 15 of (56%) 27 in the 24-week treatment group. Altogether, SVR was obtained in 100 of 122 patients (82%; 95% CI, 75%-89%). SVR after 14 weeks of treatment was achieved more frequently among genotype 3a patients with low viral load compared with high viral load (98% vs. 79%; P = .019). Logistic regression analysis showed that absence of bridging fibrosis/cirrhosis was the only independent predictor of SVR. In conclusion, patients with genotype 2 or 3 and EVR obtained a high SVR after 14 weeks of treatment. The results need to be confirmed in a randomized, controlled study before this treatment approach can be recommended, particularly for patients with genotype 3 and high viral load or severe fibrosis. (HEPATOLOGY 2004;40: 1260–1265.)

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a common indication for liver transplantation, but evaluation of patients and timing of liver transplantation remain as major problems. Data from PSC and control patients listed for liver transplantation from 1990 through 2000 in the Nordic countries were recorded prospectively. Outcomes from the waiting list and after transplantation have been recorded for both groups. For PSC patients, regression analyses have been performed to analyze predictors of outcome. A total of 255 PSC and 610 control patients were accepted on the liver transplantation waiting list from 1990 to 2000. In the PSC group, 223 patients (87%) received a first liver allograft, and 32 patients (13%) died without transplantation. The corresponding figures for the control group were 89% and 10%. For PSC patients, the 5- and 10-year survival from the time of acceptance was 68% and 58%, respectively. A higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score and a shorter duration of PSC predicted death on the waiting list for PSC patients. PSC is a frequent indication for liver transplantation. In our material, serum bilirubin or Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score and PSC duration are predictors of outcome including survival of the waiting list.

Interferon monotherapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection leads to sustained viral eradication in a minority of patients. However, in selected groups of patients, sustained virological response is observed in as many as 50% of patients. High initial interferon dose (induction therapy) has been reported to increase the initial response rate. We have studied the effect of interferon induction therapy in patients infected with HCV genotype 2b/3a, low viral load and no cirrhosis.A total of 71 treatment-naive HCV RNA-positive patients with biopsy-confirmed chronic hepatitis, with genotype 2b or 3a, viral loador = 3 million copies per ml and no cirrhosis were randomized to receive either standard interferon therapy (3 MIU interferon-alpha-2a thrice weekly) for 26 weeks or 6 MIU interferon-alpha-2a daily for 4 weeks (induction group) followed by the standard dose (3 MIU thrice weekly) for 22 weeks. Those with persistent HCV RNA at 4 weeks stopped treatment. Patients were monitored for HCV RNA during and following treatment, and data were interpreted according to intention-to-treat analysis.Viral clearance occurred more rapidly (after 4 weeks) in the induction group (33/36 = 92%) compared to the standard interferon group (21/35 = 60%) (P = 0.01). Among the initial responders, 23/33 (induction group) compared to 16/21 (standard group) were persistently HCV RNA-negative at the end of treatment. At 52 weeks (6 months' follow-up), 22/36 (61%) (induction group) compared to 10/35 (29%) (standard group) were HCV RNA-negative. Among initial responders, 22/33 (induction group) and 10/21 (standard group) achieved a sustained virological response. Among end-of-treatment responders, 22/24 (induction group) and 10/16 (standard group) were HCV RNA-negative at 6 months' follow-up (P = 0.013).In patients infected with HCV genotype 2b/3a, low viral load and without cirrhosis, IFN induction therapy increases the initial viral clearance and reduces the risk of relapse in end-of-treatment responders. A sustained virological response was achieved in 61% of the patients receiving IFN induction therapy.

Background and aims Curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is dependent on early diagnosis. Surveillance of patients at high risk for HCC is a key determinant to achieve this goal, but may be an underutilized tool. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of pre-diagnosis surveillance in patients with HCC in a large population-based cohort and to assess to what extent cirrhosis was known prior to the diagnosis of HCC. Methods All patients diagnosed with HCC during 2000–2009 in The South-Eastern Regional Health Authority, representing 56% of the Norwegian population, were identified from The National Cancer Registry and the medical records were reviewed. Results Fifteen out of 486 patients (3%) were diagnosed by surveillance. Potential curative treatment was offered to 58% of the patients who underwent surveillance as opposed to 15% in the non-surveillance group. Only age ≤65 years was an independent predictor of screening in a multivariate model. Almost two thirds of the patients with cirrhosis were unrecognized prior to the HCC diagnosis. Two hundred and fourteen patients (44%) were non-cirrhotics. Conclusion Regular HCC surveillance in at-risk populations is virtually not applied in Norway and this may contribute to inferior overall survival. Failure to recognize cirrhosis and a high rate of HCC in non-cirrhotic patients will be limiting factors for the overall effectiveness of a potential surveillance program.

Background Prophylactic treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been reported to reduce the incidence of acute rejection after liver transplantation compared with historical controls. We investigated this in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled multicenter study. Methods Fifty-four liver transplant patients were allocated to the UDCA treatment group (15 mg/kg/day), and 48 patients were allocated to the placebo group. Trial medicine was started on the first postoperative day and was given for 3 months. Follow-up was for 12 months. Treatment was stratified for adults with chronic liver disease (n=77), adults with acute liver failure (n=10), and children (n=15). Results The frequency of patients with acute rejection was 65% in the UDCA treatment group and 68% in the placebo group. The frequency of steroid-resistant rejection was similar in both groups. The probability of acute rejection, analyzed according to the intention-to-treat policy with Kaplan-Meier analysis, was similar in both treatment groups. No significant differences were found in patient survival and graft survival probabilities. For the biochemical markers of cholestasis, only gamma-glutamyltransferase was significantly improved after 2 months of UDCA treatment. Conclusions The initial optimistic report of a beneficial effect of prophylactic treatment with UDCA on acute rejection after liver transplantation was not confirmed in this controlled study.

The influence of angiotensin II on the formation of prostacyclin and thromboxane in preterm human umbilical arteries was investigated during in vitro perfusion. Bolus doses of 1, 10 and 100 ng led to a definite increase in the production of prostacyclin and a decrease in that of thromboxane.

OBJECTIVES: Two functional genetic variants in the inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) gene have been shown to be strongly associated with protection from ribavirin (RBV)-induced hemolysis. We aimed at evaluating this finding in a chronic hepatitis C genotype 2/3 cohort with a predominance of genotype 3 patients where available data are scarce. A second objective was to determine whether a protective association translated into the need for RBV reduction and hence a possible impact on treatment response. METHODS: Overall, 457 patients were recruited from two trials of genotype 2/3 patients treated with pegylated interferon α-2b and weight-based RBV. rs1127354 and rs7270101 were genotyped and a composite ITPAase deficiency variable was graded according to the two single nucleotide polymorphisms. The primary endpoints were hemoglobin (Hb) decline from baseline and Hb decline of more than 3 g/dl at week 4. RESULTS: Both single nucleotide polymorphisms and the composite ITPAase deficiency variable were strongly and independently associated with protection from a decline in Hb at week 4 in multivariate linear regression models (Prs1127354=7.0×10, Prs7270101=0.0036, PITPase deficiency variable =6.3×10). Patients with any degree of reduced ITPAase activity were less likely to have their RBV dose reduced (odds ratio 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.16-0.96, P=0.040), although this did not translate into increased rapid viral response or sustained viral response (Prvr=0.93, Psvr=0.22). CONCLUSION: We have confirmed a strong association between functional ITPA variants and RBV-induced hemolysis and showed protection from RBV dose reduction, although this did not translate into increased rapid viral response or sustained viral response.

Background In Scandinavia many patients with primary hypogammaglobulinemia contracted non-A, non-B hepatitis after intravenous treatment with an immune globulin product that was later found to contain a non-A, non-B hepatitis virus. Methods We studied the prevalence and clinical course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a group of 55 Norwegian patients with primary hypogammaglobulinemia and investigated its association with the use of contaminated immune globulin. We used the polymerase chain reaction to detect HCV RNA and performed HCV genotyping. We also analyzed the responses to treatment with interferon. Results Of 20 patients who received the contaminated immune globulin, 17 were seropositive for HCV RNA. In addition, 1 of 35 patients not exposed to the contaminated immune globulin was HCV RNA-positive. HCV genotype V was found in all 12 patients for whom genotyping was performed, but 8 patients also had genotype II or III, or both. All HCV RNA-positive patients had abnormal results on biochemic...

(1994). 3. Elements of Analytical Quality. Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences: Vol. 99, No. 3, pp. 209-230.

In the Nordic Protein Project an external control scheme (external quality assessment) was combined with the two other indispensable aspects of analytical quality, i.e. standardization (with a common high quality calibrator) and specification of needed analytical quality for sharing common reference intervals for nine serum proteins in the Nordic countries. The quality specifications are reliable for the purpose and given in clinical chemical terms - ready for application to the control systems. Further, a control design for disclosing external and internal errors, separately, is designed with respect to calibration and robustness towards analytical interference from turbid patient samples.

AIM: To compare 14 and 24 weeks treatment to patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection and rapid virological response (RVR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients included in two Scandinavian trials, one nonrandomized pilot trial (n=122) and one randomized controlled trial (RCT) (n=428) were entered into a pooled database. In both trials treatment naive patients with genotype 2 or 3 were treated with pegylated interferon alpha 2b (1.5 mug/kg, subcutaneous) weekly and ribavirin (800-1400 mg, orally) daily. Primary endpoint was sustained virological response (SVR). RVR was defined as HCV RNA less than 50 IU/ml after 4 weeks of treatment. In the pilot trial all patients with RVR were treated for 14 weeks and in the RCT patients with RVR were randomised to either 14 or 24 weeks treatment. Patients treated per protocol were included in the primary analysis. The noninferiority margin was set to be 10% between the two groups with a one-sided 5% significance level. RESULTS: In patients with RVR and genotype 2 or 3 SVR was obtained in 181 of 199 (91.0%) and 93 of 98 (94.9%) after 14 and 24 weeks treatment, respectively. The observed difference in SVR rates was 3.9% (90% confidence interval: +1 to -8.8). The relapse rate was highest among those older than 40 years and those with genotype 3 and high viral load, but prolongation of treatment from 14 to 24 weeks did not reduce the relapse rate substantially in any of these groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection and RVR 14 weeks treatment is noninferior to 24 weeks.

A recent nonrandomized pilot trial showed that hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients with genotype 2/3 and rapid virological response (RVR) had a 90% sustained virological response (SVR) rate after 14 weeks of treatment. We aimed to assess this concept in a randomized controlled trial. In the trial, 428 treatment-naive HCV RNA–positive patients with genotype 2 or 3 were enrolled. Patients with RVR were randomized to 14 (group A) or 24 (group B) weeks of treatment. Patients were treated with pegylated interferon α-2b (1.5 μg/kg) subcutaneously weekly and ribavirin (800-1400 mg) orally daily. The noninferiority margin was set to be 10% between the two groups with a one-sided 2.5% significance level. RVR was obtained in 302 of 428 (71%), and 298 of these were randomized to group A (n = 148) or group B (n = 150). In the intention-to-treat analysis, SVR rates were 120 of 148 (81.1%) in group A and 136 of 150 (90.7%) in group B (difference, 9.6%; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-17.7). Among patients with an HCV RNA test 24 weeks after the end of treatment, 120 of 139 (86.3%) patients in group A achieved SVR compared with 136 of 146 (93.2%) in group B (difference, 6.9%; 95% confidence interval, −0.1 to +13.9). Conclusion: We cannot formally claim that 14 weeks of treatment is noninferior to 24 weeks of treatment. However, the SVR rate after 14 weeks of treatment is high, and although longer treatment may give slightly better SVR, we believe economical savings and fewer side effects make it rational to treat patients with genotype 2 or 3 and RVR for only 14 weeks.

The aim of this study was to determine in patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 the performance at week 4 of two assays with different sensitivities for HCV RNA detection, for the prediction of SVR and stratification for treatment duration (14 and 24 weeks). Recruitment was from two trials comparing 14 and 24 weeks treatment to patients with rapid virological response (RVR) (n = 550). RVR was originally defined as HCV RNA

Liver transplantation was performed in a patient with primary hypogammaglobulinaemia, chronic hepatitis C and hepatic failure. The immediate posttransplant period was uncomplicated. Owing to a stricture of the choledochojejunostomy the patient was reoperated with construction of a hepaticojejunostomy 11 months posttransplant. The patient remained hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA-positive, with high and increasing levels of HCV. Liver biopsies demonstrated the recurrence of HCV. 14 months after the transplantation the patient developed severe diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum. The infection did not respond to available therapeutic measures. He deteriorated with development of liver failure and died 18 months after the transplantation. The present case report illustrates the difficulties associated with organ transplantation in patients with primary hypogammaglobulinaemia.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis is the most common indication for liver transplantation (LTX) world-wide. The prevalence of HCV infections is much lower in Norway than in most other countries from which data on HCV infection and liver transplantation have been published.Patients with HCV infection referred for evaluation of a possible LTX between 1990 and 2005 were included in the study. Their clinical status, biochemical parameters and risk factors were recorded. All patients were followed until 1 January 2005 irrespective of transplantation status.Fifty-one patients were included; 80% were males and 18% were non-Caucasians. Previous intravenous drug abuse (28%) and exposure to contaminated IgG products (15%) were the most common routes of infection. In 45/51 (88%) of the evaluated patients at least one risk factor for rapid progression of HCV disease was identified. Twenty-seven patients were accepted on the waiting list. The MELD (model for endstage liver disease) score for the accepted patients was significantly higher than that for the patients who were not listed because they were found to be too healthy (18.4 versus 12.1, p0.01). Twenty-four patients (89% of those listed) received a liver allograft; their 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates following LTX were 81%, 68% and 68%, respectively. Two patients needed a second transplantation.A low number of HCV-infected patients have so far been evaluated for LTX in Norway. The present study demonstrates that almost all of the HCV patients progressing to cirrhosis and being evaluated for LTX in Norway have additional risk factors for development of cirrhosis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) represents an important indication for liver transplantation. Selection for and timing of liver transplantation is difficult due to the disease course and the frequent occurrence of hepatobiliary malignancies. Pretransplantation screening of malignancies is difficult, but brush cytology of the biliary ducts seems to represent a possibility for early detection of some cholangiocarcinomas. Patient and graft survivals following liver transplantation are good, with 1 year patient survival exceeding 90%. Survival is also satisfactory in patients with early detected or highly limited cholangiocarcinomas. Recurrent PSC represents a particular problem, and affects as many as 20 to 40% in a long-term perspective. Few predictors of recurrent disease have been identified; severe rejections and their treatment may be of importance.

The majority of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have simple steatosis. A minority, however, present with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition that can lead to advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. The frequencies of NASH and fibrosis among patients with NAFLD and sustained elevation of liver function tests (LFT) are uncertain. Our aim was to estimate these frequencies. We characterize a population with NAFLD, with special emphasis on insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome, and study possible predictors for different stages of the disease.All referred patients with sustained elevation of LFT, radiological evidence or clinical suspicion of fatty liver, and absence of other liver disease, were invited to participate in our study in the period June 2002 to December 2004.Of 129 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 88 underwent liver biopsy. NAFLD was verified in 83 of them. Among these patients, 59 (71%) had the metabolic syndrome, 41 (49%) had NASH and 36 (43%) had fibrosis. Abnormal glucose tolerance (T2DM or impaired glucose tolerance) was the only independent risk factor for NASH (OR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.20-8.23). Independent predictors for fibrosis were abnormal glucose tolerance (OR: 3.83; 95% CI: 1.29-11.40) and body mass index (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.06-1.36) per kg/m2.Both NASH and fibrosis are frequently present among patients with NAFLD and sustained elevation of LFT. The probability of these potentially progressive stages of NAFLD increases with the presence of abnormal glucose tolerance.

Background/Aims To elucidate the role of systemic inflammation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods Serum samples in 47 patients with histologically verified NAFLD (22 with simple steatosis and 25 with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]), and in 30 age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched healthy controls, were assessed for (i) general markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP], tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, and interleukin [IL]-6), (ii) chemokines (CC-chemokine ligand [CCL] 2/monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1, CCL19 and CCL21), (iii) adipocytokines related to insulin resistance and inflammation (adiponectin and leptin) and (iv) a marker of oxidative stress (8-isoprostane-F2α). Results Serum levels of several inflammatory cytokines were increased in NAFLD as compared to controls, and IL-6 ( P =0.017), CCL2/MCP-1 ( P =0.008) and CCL19 ( P =0.001), but not CRP ( P =0.199), remained elevated also after correction for sex, body mass index (BMI) and age. Comparing NASH with simple steatosis, levels of TNF-α ( P =0.024) and CCL2/MCP-1 ( P =0.012) were elevated and adiponectin (in women) ( P =0.001) were decreased also after adjustment for sex, BMI and presence of the metabolic syndrome. Conclusions Our results indicate that patients with NAFLD are characterized by a low-grade systemic inflammation. The high CCL2/MCP-1 levels in NASH might be of importance for the conversion from simple steatosis to NASH.

Background/Aims Hepatobiliary malignancies are frequently seen in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and they complicate the evaluation of patients and timing of liver transplantation. Methods Data from all Nordic PSC patients listed for liver transplantation during 1990–2001 were recorded prospectively. Predictors of hepatobiliary malignancy and patient survival rates have been analysed. Results Hepatobiliary malignancy was found in 52/255 (20%) patients accepted to the waiting list. Recent diagnosis of PSC, no ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment, clinical suspicion and previous colorectal-cancer were predictors of malignancy. Among 89 patients with a strong suspicion of malignancy prior to acceptance, 35 (39%) had confirmed malignancy. A clinical suspicion had been raised in 35/52 (67%) patients with malignancy. Malignancy was found in 31/223 patients who received a liver allograft. The 1-, 3- and 5-year patient survival rates following transplantation for patients with PSC and cholangiocarcinoma were 65, 35 and 35%, respectively. Conclusions Hepatobiliary malignancy is suspected in 1/3 of the PSC patients and found in 1/5. Although cholangiocarcinoma is regarded as a contraindication to liver transplantation (LTX), PSC patients with cholangiocarcinoma had a 35% 5-year survival following transplantation.

Fulminant hepatic failure is a common indication for liver transplantation. Outcomes of patients listed for a highly urgent liver transplantation have been studied, with special emphasis on etiology of the liver disease, clinical condition, and ABO blood type. Data have been collected from the Nordic Liver Transplantation Registry. All Nordic patients listed for a highly urgent primary liver transplantation during a 12-year period have been included. Of the 315 patients listed for a highly urgent liver transplantation, 229 (73%) received a first liver allograft, 50 patients (16%) died without transplantation, and 36 patients (11%) were permanently withdrawn and survived. In 43% of the patients, no definite etiology of the liver failure could be established. Paracetamol intoxication was the most frequent specific indication for listing. Patients with blood type A had no significant shorter waiting time (3.8 v 6.6 days; P = .1) but a higher rate of transplantation (82% v 66%, P = .006) as compared with blood type O patients. In a multivariate analysis, paracetamol intoxication remained the single independent predictor of an outcome without transplantation. In conclusion, a high transplantation rate was observed among patients listed for a highly urgent liver transplantation because of fulminant hepatic failure. Blood type O patients had a lower chance of receiving a liver allograft. Patients with paracetamol intoxication had both a higher mortality without transplantation and a higher withdrawal rate attributable to improved condition.

Dalgard O, Bjoro K, Hellum K, Myrvang B, Bjoro T, Haug E, Bell H (Aker University Hospital, Oslo; National Hospital, Oslo; Akershus Central Hospital, Nordbyhagen; and Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway). Thyroid dysfunction during treatment of chronic hepatitis C with interferon alpha: no association with either interferon dosage or efficacy of therapy. J Intern Med 2002; 251: 400–406. Objectives. Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with interferon-α (IFN-α) may induce thyroid disorders. We evaluated whether this risk is related to the dosage of IFN-α or the virological treatment response. Other possible risk factors as well as the evolution of the thyroid abnormalities were also studied. Methods. In this prospective trial (n=254), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (fT4) and thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies were measured before, during and after treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV). The patients were randomized to either induction therapy [IFN-α 6 million units (MIU) daily for 4 weeks and 3 MIU 3/7 days for 22 weeks] or conventional therapy [IFN-α 3 MIU 3/7 days for 26 weeks]. In addition, all patients received ribavirin (1000 or 1200 mg) daily. Sustained virological response was defined as loss of detectable HCV RNA at 6 months follow-up. Thyroid dysfunction was defined as TSH level below or above the normal range (0.2–4.5 MIU L−1). Results. Biochemical thyroid dysfunction developed in 30 (11.8%) of 254 patients. Hypothyroidism (TSH > 4.5 MIU L−1) was seen in 20 and hyperthyroidism (TSH

The efficacy of interferon-alpha (IFN) induction in combination with ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is not known.A total of 256 treatment-naive HCV RNA-positive patients with biopsy-confirmed chronic hepatitis were enrolled in a randomized multicentre study. The patients received either standard combination therapy with 3 MIU interferon-alpha2b thrice weekly for 26 weeks or 6 MIU interferon-alpha2b daily for 4 weeks and 3 MIU 3/7 days for 22 weeks. All patients received ribavirin 1000 mg or 1200 mg (weight dependent) daily during the 26-week treatment period. Patients were monitored for HCV RNA during and following treatment.The sustained virological response rates (26 weeks after end of treatment) were 54% and 47% for patients receiving IFN induction/ribavirin and standard IFN/ribavirin, respectively (P = 0.35). Among patients infected with genotype 1a/1b, the sustained response rates were 32% and 35%. In patients infected with genotype 2b/3a IFN induction/ribavirin led to a sustained response rate of 80% as compared to 65% in the standard combination therapy group (P = 0.073). Steatosis was more frequently seen in liver biopsies from patients infected with genotype 3a as compared to genotypes la/lb. Among genotype 1a/1b infected patients. steatosis was a highly significant predictor of failure to achieve sustained virological response. Logistic regression analysis (multivariate analysis) showed that independent predictors of sustained virological response were low age, female gender, genotype 2b/3a and HCV RNA negativity at 2 weeks.IFN induction in combination with ribavirin does not increase the sustained virological response rate among patients infected with HCV. Absence of steatosis is an independent predictor of sustained virological response in patients infected with genotypes 1a/1b.

Aim of the Study: To assess the long-term hepatitis C (HCV) treatment outcome in former injecting drug users (IDUs). Materials and Methods: A long-term follow-up of 27 former IDUs who had been successfully treated for chronic hepatitis C was performed. These patients represented all IDUs who had obtained a sustained virological response in a Norwegian HCV treatment trial. The patients had been treated with interferon-α alone or in combination with ribavirin. At 5 years’ follow-up the 27 IDUs were retested for HCV RNA and risk behaviour for HCV transmission after treatment was assessed. In the control group all 18 non-IDUs who had obtained a sustained virological response in the same treatment trial were included. Results: At follow-up 13–82 months (median 64) after the end of treatment only one case of probable reinfection was seen among the 27 IUDs. No reoccurrence of HCV was observed in the control group. The IDU who was HCV RNA positive at follow-up had continued injecting drugs and reported frequent needle sharing. At follow-up HCV of genotype 1a was detected in contrast to genotype 1b before treatment indicating that this patient was reinfected with HCV. A return to injecting drug use occurred in 9 (33%) of 27 IDUs. Conclusion: The long-term outcome of HCV treatment in former IDUs was excellent. Despite frequent reinitiation of drug injection all but 1 remained HCV RNA negative.

In this issue of the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology Becher & El-Serag present a systematic review on non-malignant complications in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) [1]. Although de...

The Nordic protein project demonstrates a model for the process of achieving analytical quality. Goal: based on use of common reference intervals leading to the quality specifications. Creation of quality: through common high quality calibrator (with IFCC-values) (external factor) and individual trouble-shooting and guidelines (internal factor). Control of quality: with specially designed set of control samples and problem-related evaluation of control data. Establishing common reference intervals: through associated projects.

In the first of two review articles published in this issue of the journal, the Swedish Motility group gives a thorough presentation of colonic dysfunction, in particular constipation and incontine...

Objective. To study the prevalence of hepatobiliary disease in a clinically and immunologically well-characterized group of 88 adult Norwegian patients with primary hypogammaglobulinaemia. Subjects. Eighty-eight patients with primary hypogammaglobulinaemia were followed and signs and symptoms of liver disease were recorded. The patients were examined clinically and radiologically on a regular basis with liver biopsies performed when indicated. All patients were tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA, hepatitis G virus (HGV) RNA and hepatitis B virus (HBsAg). Results. Twenty-one patients were HCV RNA-positive, all having signs of chronic liver disease. Only four patients were HGV RNA-positive, of whom two were also HCV RNA-positive. Amongst the 67 HCV RNA-negative patients, 26 had signs of chronic liver disease, including two who were HGV RNA-positive. HCV RNA-negative patients with liver disease had received intravenous immune globulin substitution more frequently, had a longer history of any form of immune globulin substitution and had a greater incidence of common variable immunodeficiency than patients without signs of liver disease. In most cases (21 of 26 patients) the liver disease was relatively mild. Three patients had granulomatous liver disease, with a relatively aggressive course in all three. Conclusion. Hepatobiliary disease is a frequent complication in primary hypogammaglobulinaemia. Liver disease in HCV RNA-negative patients usually has a mild course. HGV does not seem to be a major cause of chronic liver disease in these patients.

Preliminary results from combination therapy with interferon-alpha and ribavirin (IFN/Rib) in patients with chronic hepatitis C have been promising, with up to 50% sustained hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA response. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a sustained HCV RNA response could be obtained with combination therapy in patients who were non-responders or relapsers after IFN treatment.In a multicenter study we randomized 53 HCV RNA-positive patients into 2 treatment groups. They all had biopsy-confirmed chronic hepatitis C, and all were recruited from a previous IFN study: 26 were previous non-responders and 27 responders with relapse. Group A received interferon-alpha2a, 4.5 MIU thrice weekly for 6 months, and group B received ribavirin, 1000-1200 mg/day, in combination with the same dose of interferon-alpha2a for 6 months. Median Knodell index was 5.0 in both groups. Genotype 1 was found in 24 (45%), type 2 in 3 (6%), and type 3 in 26 (49%).Sustained clearance of HCV viremia 6 months after interferon-alpha2a treatment stop was obtained in 12 of 53 patients (23%): 6 of 27 in the IFN group (22%) and 6 of 26 (23%) in the IFN/Rib group (NS). Nine of 27 (33%) former responders with relapse, compared with 3 of 26 (12%) non-responders, obtained a sustained HCV RNA response (P = 0.054). In previous relapse patients sustained loss of viremia was more frequent in genotype 3 (50%) than in genotype 1 (11%) patients (P = 0.022).In a group of previous IFN-alpha2a-treated chronic HCV patients we obtained a similar sustained clearance of viremia when retreated either with IFN-alpha2a alone or with a combination of IFN-alpha2a and ribavirin for 6 months. Previous relapse patients with HCV genotype 3 obtained sustained loss of viremia significantly more often (50%) than type-patients (11%). Previous IFN responders with relapse responded better than previous non-responders.

A. Mangia1, O. Dalgard2, N. Minerva3, H. Verbaan4, G. Scotto5, D. Bacca6, E. Agostinacchio7, K. Bjoro8, V. Carretta9, V. Piazzolla1, R. Cozzolongo10, M. Romano11, L. Mottola1, A. Andriulli12. 1Liver Unit, IRCCS ‘Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza’, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; 2Medical Department, Aker University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; 3Medical Department, Hospital, Canosa, Italy; 4Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital, Malmoe, Sweden; 5Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital, Foggia, 6Medical Department, Hospital, Casarano, 7Medical Department, ‘Santa Rita’ Hospital, Bari, Italy; 8Medical Department, RiksHospital, Oslo, Norway; 9Medical Department, Hospital, Venosa, 10Gastroenterology Department, IRCCS ‘S. De Bellis’, Castellana Grotte, 11Medical Department, ‘S. Pertini’ Hospital, Roma, 12Gastroenterology Department, IRCCS ‘Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza’, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy E-mail: a.mangia@tin.it

Background/Aim: Previous studies have indicated that response to interferon therapy is inversely proportional to the amount of body iron stores. We have studied the relationship between serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, liver iron, presence of HFE-C282Y gene mutation and response to treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-six naive, HCV-RNA positive patients (60% males, median age 38 years, range 21–70) were treated with interferon and ribavirin for 6 months. Iron indices and the presence of the C282Y mutation were measured. In 242 (94%) patients iron deposition were determined by Perls staining method. Patients with negative HCV-RNA at 6 months after the end of treatment were defined as sustained viral responders. Results: Non-responders (n = 127) had significantly higher median s-ferritin values compared with sustained viral responders (130 µg/L vs. 75 µg/L P

Vascular effects of a thromboxane A2 mimetic, U46619, and prostacyclin on human umbilical arteries have been investigated by in vitro perfusions. Administration of U46619 invariably induced vasoconstrictory responses which were found to be dose-dependent and consistently stronger than those observed with other prostaglandins (e.g. PGF2 alpha and PGE2). Infusion of prostacyclin alone did not lead to significant alterations in the arterial perfusion pressure. However, when prostacyclin was introduced after a constriction with U46619 had been established, a transient pressure decrease was observed. When both drugs were introduced simultaneously, the U46619 response was suppressed. This suppression was partial and dependent on the PGI2 concentration.