Hepatology Commons^™

Safety And Indications For Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography In Liver Transplant Patients: An Analysis Of The United States’ National Inpatient Sample Database, Zahid Ijaz Tarar, Umer Farooq, Mustafa Gandhi, Muhammad Usman Zafar, Saad Saleem, Faisal Kamal

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is performed to treat biliary complications after a liver transplantation; however, the previously available literature on the safety of ERCP in liver transplant patients is limited. We aimed to study the safety of ERCP in liver transplant patients.

METHODS: We used a National Inpatient Sample database from 2016-2019 to identify patients who underwent ERCP and had a history of a liver transplantation, using the international classification of diseases, 10

RESULTS: Liver transplant patients who underwent ERCP had a higher rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis and bleeding compared to the general adult population (11.39% vs. 9.19%, 0.83% …

Chronicles Of Hbv And The Road To Hbv Cure, Rukaiya Bashir Hamidu, Richard R. Hann, Hie-Won Hann

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Chronic hepatitis B remains a major public health concern and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, specifically through its causative role in chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Worldwide, it affects up to 292 million people. In this paper, we review the historic discovery of the hepatitis B virus and chronicle the significant advances in our understanding of the virus and its interactions with the human host to cause disease. We also overview advancements in therapies for hepatitis B virus and the current absence of curative therapies and highlight on-going therapeutic efforts in search of curative therapies to …

Functional, Diagnostic And Therapeutic Aspects Of Bile, Monjur Ahmed

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Bile is a unique body fluid synthesized in our liver. Enterohepatic circulation preserves bile in our body through its efficient synthesis, transport, absorption, and reuptake. Bile is the main excretory route for bile salts, bilirubin, and potentially harmful exogenous lipophilic substances. The primary way of eliminating cholesterol is bile. Although bile has many organic and inorganic contents, bile acid is the most physiologically active component. Bile acids have a multitude of critical physiologic functions in our body. These include emulsification of dietary fat, absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins, maintaining glucose, lipid, and energy homeostasis, sustenance of intestinal epithelial integrity …

Silymarin In Non-Cirrhotics With Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial., Victor J. Navarro, Steven H. Belle, Massimo D'Amato, Nezam Adfhal, Elizabeth M. Brunt, Michael W. Fried, K. Rajender Reddy, Abdus S. Wahed, Stephen Harrison

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

The botanical product silymarin, an extract of milk thistle, is commonly used by patients to treat chronic liver disease and may be a treatment for NASH due to its antioxidant properties. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of higher than customary doses of silymarin in non-cirrhotic patients with NASH. This exploratory randomized double-blind placebo controlled multicenter Phase II trial tested a proprietary standardized silymarin preparation (Legalon®, Rottapharm|Madaus, Mylan) and was conducted at 5 medical centers in the United States. Eligible adult patients had liver biopsy within 12 months showing NASH without cirrhosis with NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) ≥4 …

A Multicenter Evaluation Of A New Eus Core Biopsy Needle: Experience In 200 Patients., Douglas G. Adler, V. Raman Muthusamy, Dean S. Ehrlich, Gulshan Parasher, Nirav C. Thosani, Ann Chen, Jonathan M. Buscaglia, Anoop Appannagari, Eduardo Quintero, Harry Aslanian, Linda Jo Taylor, Ali Siddiqui

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Background and Objectives: We present a multicenter study of a new endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) needle (Acquire, Boston Scientific, Natick, MA). The aim of the study was to analyze the needle's clinical performance when sampling solid lesions and to assess the safety of this device.

Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective study of patients undergoing EUS-FNB during July 1-November 15, 2016.

Results: Two hundred patients (121 males and 79 females) underwent EUS-FNB of solid lesions with the Acquire needle. Lesions included solid pancreatic masses (n = 109), adenopathy (n = 45), submucosal lesions (n = 34), cholangiocarcinoma (n = …

Checkpoint Inhibitors: What Gastroenterologists Need To Know., Monjur Ahmed

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Checkpoint inhibitors are increasingly being used in clinical practice. They can cause various gastrointestinal, hepatic and pancreatic side effects. As these side effects can be serious, appropriate management is essential. The different checkpoint inhibitors with their mechanisms of action and indications, as well as evaluation and management of gastrointestinal, hepatic and pancreatic side effects, are discussed in this article.

Placement Of Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents To Drain Pseudocysts And Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis Can Be Safely Performed On An Outpatient Basis: A Multicenter Study, Douglas G. Adler, Janak Shah, Jose Nieto, Kenneth Binmoeller, Yasser Bhat, Linda Jo Taylor, Ali A. Siddiqui

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Backgrounds and Objectives: No study on the use of lumen-apposing fully covered self-expanding metal stent (LAMS) to drain pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) has evaluated outcomes of patients in the outpatient setting. The objective of this multicenter study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes, success rate, and adverse events of the LAMS for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transmural drainage of patients with symptomatic PFCs on an inpatient versus an outpatient basis.

Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective study conducted at 4 tertiary care centers. Results: We identified eighty patients with PFCs in whom EUS-guided transmural drainage using the LAMS was performed. The …

An Expert Consensus For The Management Of Chronic Hepatitis B In Asian Americans., M. J. Tong, C. Q. Pan, S.-H. B. Han, D. S.-K. Lu, S. Raman, K.-Q. Hu, J. K. Lim, H.W. Hann, A. D. Min

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is common with major clinical consequences. In Asian Americans, the HBsAg carrier rate ranges from 2% to 16% which approximates the rates from their countries of origin. Similarly, HBV is the most important cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver related deaths in HBsAg positive Asians worldwide.

AIM: To generate recommendations for the management of Asian Americans infected with HBV.

METHODS: These guidelines are based on relevant data derived from medical reports on HBV from Asian countries as well as from studies in the HBsAg positive Asian Americans. The guidelines herein differ from …

A Multicenter Comparative Trial Of A Novel Eus-Guided Core Biopsy Needle (Sharkcore, Mariam Naveed, Ali A. Siddiqui, Thomas E. Kowalski, David E. Loren, Ammara Khalid, Ayesha Soomro, Syed M. Mazhar, Joseph Yoo, Raza Hasan, Silpa Yalamanchili, Nicholas Tarangelo, Linda J. Taylor, Douglas G. Adler

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Background and Objectives: The ability to obtain adequate tissue of solid pancreatic lesions by EUS-guided remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to compare the performance characteristics and safety of EUS-FNA for evaluating solid pancreatic lesions using the standard 22-gauge needle versus a novel EUS biopsy needle.

Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective study of EUS-guided sampling of solid pancreatic lesions between 2009 and 2015. Patients underwent EUS-guided sampling with a 22-gauge SharkCore (SC) needle or a standard 22-gauge FNA needle. Technical success, performance characteristics of EUS-FNA, the number of needle passes required to obtain a diagnosis, diagnostic …

Clostridium Septicum Aortitis With Synchronous Ascending Colon And Rectal Adenocarcinoma., Deepanshu Jain, Andrew C. Kistler, Patricia L. Kozuch

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Clostridium septicum (C. septicum) aortitis is a rare condition frequently associated with colon adenocarcinoma and carries a poor prognosis. We report the case of a 66-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain, blood in the stool, fever and chills. Laboratory tests were significant for leukocytosis and microcytic anemia. Abdominal imaging revealed a right colon mass and aortitis. Colonoscopy confirmed the right colon mass and also discovered a rectal mass, both adenocarcinomas. Treatment consisted of antibiotics, aortic repair, right hemi-colectomy and later trans-anal excision of the rectal mass. Blood cultures and the aortic specimen grew C. septicum. The patient improved and …

Feasibility, Safety, And Outcomes Of A Single-Step Endoscopic Ultrasonography-Guided Drainage Of Pancreatic Fluid Collections Without Fluoroscopy Using A Novel Electrocautery-Enhanced Lumen-Apposing, Self-Expanding Metal Stent., Joseph Yoo, Linda Yan, Raza Hasan, Sanaa Somalya, Jose Nieto, Ali A. Siddiqui

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are currently limited data available regarding the safety of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) using the lumen-apposing metal stent without fluoroscopic guidance. This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes and safety of EUS-guided drainage of PFC using the electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents (EC-LAMSs) without fluoroscopic guidance.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on patients with symptomatic PFC who underwent EUS-guided drainage using EC-LAMS without fluoroscopy. All patients were followed clinically until resolution of their PFC. Technical success (successful placement of EC-LAMS), number of patients who achieved complete resolution of PFC without additional …

A Rare Cause Of Obscure Occult Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Haroon Shahid, Md, Jason Korenblit, Md, Mba

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND

• Obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is defined as persistent or recurrent GI bleeding after negative evaluations with upper endoscopy and colonoscopy.
• Accounts for approximately 5% of GI bleeding.
• Obscure GI bleeding can further be classified as being overt or occult.

-Overt GI bleeding is clinically evident, with either hematemesis, hematochezia, or melena.

-Occult GI bleeding manifests as iron deficiency anemia or a positive fecal occult blood test.

• Our case demonstrates a rare cause of obscure occult GI bleeding.

Accuracy Of Melena Identification On Physical Exam In Post Graduate Training – Implications Of Level Of Training, Medical Specialty, Rectal Exam Concordance And Appropriateness Of Therapy, Richard M. Wu, Md, Mph, Eugene Han, Md, Andrew Dargan, Md, Cecilia Kelly, Md, Mitchell Conn, Md, Mba

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Introduction

Melena is commonly misidentified by young resident physicians.

The magnitude of this inaccurate physical exam has not been quantified.

Precise identification of melena may have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications.

Granular Cell Tumor Of The Common Hepatic Duct As An Unusual Cause Of Jaundice In A Hepatitis C Patient: Looking Beyond The Tip Of The Iceberg!, Tripti R. Chopade, Mbbs, Colin L. Smith, Md, Warren R. Maley, Md, Ali A. Siddiqui, Md, David A. Sass, Md

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Introduction

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are rare, benign mesenchymal tumors of Schwann cell origin. Since they were originally described by Abrikossoff in 1926,most GCTs have been described in the dermis, oral area, or subcutaneous tissue of the chest and arms. Only 5%-9% of reported cases have involved the gastrointestinal tract and fewer than 1% of cases have occurred in the biliary tract.Tumors involving the bile duct are difficult to distinguish radiographically from more common etiologies of biliary stricturing, and a tissue diagnosis is difficult to obtain endoscopically. Diagnosis and treatment is most often made via surgical resection.

Clinical Vignette: A Case Of Successful Surgical Decortication For Empyema With Trapped Lung, In A Patient With Decompensated Cirrhosis, Tripti R. Chopade, Md, She-Yan Wong, Md, David A. Sass, Md, Scott W. Cowan, Md, Jesse M. Civan, Md

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Introduction

Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) is a difficult-to-control complication of cirrhosis. Chest tube (CT) drainage is an option for management of HH, but is associated with a high rate of secondary infection and other complications.

Treatment Of Duodenal Variceal Hemorrhage With Endoscopic Band Ligation, Tripti R. Chopade, Md, Jesse M. Civan, Md, Jonathan M. Fenkel, Md, Ali A. Siddiqui, Md, Ashish R. Gandhe, Md, Dina L. Halegoua-De Marzio, Md

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Introduction

• Duodenal varices (DV) are a rare but potentially serious complication of portal hypertension and carry a high risk of massive gastrointestinal bleeding.

• This is a report of successful treatment of a massive DV hemorrhage with endoscopic band ligation.

Enteral Nutrition Support For A Sarcopenia In End-Stage Liver Disease, Dina Halegoua-De Marzio, Md, She-Yan Wong, Md, Flavius Guglielmo, Md, Jonathan M. Fenkel, Md

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Introduction

• Weight loss with muscle wasting, also known as sarcopenia, commonly occurs in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD).
• A robust association between sarcopenia and mortality in cirrhotic and post-liver transplant patients has been reported.
• This is a report of a patient with severe sarcopenia and ESLD who was provided enteral nutrition using a Dobhoff tube (DHT) pre-liver transplant resulting in successful bridging to transplant.

Listing Practices For Morbidly Obese Patients At Liver Transplant Centers In The United States, Dina Halegoua-De Marzio, Md, She-Yan Wong, Md, Jonathan M. Fenkel, Md, Cataldo Doria, Md, Phd, David A. Sass, Md

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Introduction

• Obesity affects more than one third of Americans.
• Morbid obesity (body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2) has been associated with multiple co-morbidities and perioperative complications.
• The effect of morbid obesity on liver transplant outcomes has yielded mixed results.

Efficacy And Safety Of Infliximab In Older Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients, Christina Cress Lindenmeyer, Md, Stephanie M. Moleski, Md, Maureen P. Whitsett, Med., Patricia L. Kozuch, Md

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Background:

The limited data regarding treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with anti-tumor necrosis factor antibodies in older patients suggest equal efficacy but higher morbidity and mortality compared to younger patients. This retrospective case control study aims to clarify the efficacy and safety of infliximab (IFX) in older IBD patients.

A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized Comparison Of A Novel Signal Transmission Capsule Endoscope To An Existing Capsule Endoscope., Eric H Choi, Klaus Mergener, Carol Semrad, Laurel Fisher, David R Cave, Milan Dodig, Carol Burke, Jonathan A Leighton, David Kastenberg, Peter Simpson, James Sul, Kanishka Bhattacharya, Roger Charles, Lauren Gerson, Luke Weber, Glenn Eisen, Warren Reidel, John J Vargo, Jamile Wakim-Fleming, Simon K Lo

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: MiroCam, a capsule endoscope, uses a novel transmission technology, electric-field propagation, which uses the human body as a conduction medium for data transmission.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the ability of the MiroCam (MC) and PillCam (PC) to identify sources of obscure GI bleeding (OGIB).

DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, comparative study.

SETTING: Six academic hospitals.

PATIENTS: A total of 105 patients with OGIB.

INTERVENTION: Patients ingested both the MC and PC capsules sequentially in a randomized fashion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Concordance of rates in identifying a source of OGIB, operational times, and rates of complete small-bowel examination.

RESULTS: Data analysis resulted in …

A Multicenter, Prospective Study Of A New Fully Covered Expandable Metal Biliary Stent For The Palliative Treatment Of Malignant Bile Duct Obstruction., Bret T Petersen, Michel Kahaleh, Richard A Kozarek, David E. Loren, Kapil Gupta, Thomas E. Kowalski, Martin Freeman, Yang K Chen, Malcolm S Branch, Steven Edmundowicz, Michael Gluck, Kenneth Binmoeller, Todd H Baron, Raj J Shah, Timothy Kinney, William Ross, Paul Jowell, David Carr-Locke

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Background and Study Aims. Endoscopic placement of self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) is indicated for palliation of inoperable malignant biliary obstruction. A fully covered biliary SEMS (WallFlex Biliary RX Boston Scientific, Natick, USA) was assessed for palliation of extrahepatic malignant biliary obstruction. Patients and Methods. 58 patients were included in this prospective, multicenter series conducted under an FDA-approved IDE. Main outcome measurements included (1) absence of stent occlusion within six months or until death, whichever occurred first and (2) technical success, need for reintervention, bilirubin levels, stent patency, time to stent occlusion, and adverse events. Results. Technical success was achieved in …

Limited Sampling Estimates Of Epigallocatechin Gallate Exposures In Cirrhotic And Noncirrhotic Patients With Hepatitis C After Single Oral Doses Of Green Tea Extract., Dina Halegoua-De Marzio, Walter K. Kraft, Constantine Daskalakis, Xie Ying, Roy L Hawke, Victor J. Navarro

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has antiangiogenic, antioxidant, and antifibrotic properties that may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of cirrhosis induced by hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, cirrhosis might affect EGCG disposition and augment its reported dose-dependent hepatotoxic potential.

OBJECTIVE: The safety, tolerability, and disposition of a single oral dose of EGCG in cirrhotic patients with HCV were examined in an exploratory fashion.

METHODS: Eleven patients with hepatitis C and detectable viremia were enrolled. Four had Child-Pugh (CP) class A cirrhosis, 4 had Child-Pugh class B cirrhosis, and 3 were noncirrhotic. After a single oral dose of green tea extract 400 …

The Association Between Acrochorda (Skin Tags), Metabolic Syndrome, And Adenomatous Polyps, Brendan O'Hare, Md, Anastasia Shnitser, Md, Jason Korenblit, Md, Mba, Ali Siddiqui, Md

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND

Acrochorda (skin tags) are benign skin tumors that form primarily at skin creases, generally on the neck, armpit, and groin areas. There have been a small number of published studies in 1980s in patients who were found to have increased number of skin tags and colonic polyps, with a direct correlation described between the two. In addition, metabolic syndrome has been linked to adenomatous polyps, but a link between skin tags and metabolic syndrome has not been established.

Development Of A Competency-Based Transplant Hepatology Fellowship, Steven K. Herrine, Andrew P. Keaveny, Ayman Abdel-Latif Koteish, Richard K. Sterling, John R. Lake

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Presented at 63rd annual meeting AASLD, The Liver Meeting, Boston MA, November 9-13, 2012.

Purpose: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) next accreditation system (NAS) provides incentive for medical educators to understand and implement competency-based medical education (CBME) training and assessment in their programs. Noting decreasing enrollees for the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Transplant Hepatology (TH) exam, workforce concerns in TH, and questionnaire data from Gastroenterology (GI) fellows and Program Directors (PDs), we developed an ABIM-approved one-year competency-based TH pilot program.

Sleep Disturbances And Hypnotic Medication Use In Relation To Risk Of Barrett’S Esophagus And Esophageal Adenocarcinoma, Anastasia Shnitser, Md, Abhik Roy, Md, Sidney Cohen, Md, Anthony J. Dimarino, Md

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND

The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) has increased more rapidly than any other cancer (with the exception of malignant melanoma) in the United States over the past 30 years. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the strongest risk factor for the development of Barrett’s esophagus, which in turn leads to the rise of most EA’s. In a large portion of persons with sleep disorders, perhaps as high as 30%, GERD is a major causal or contributing factor. It has been proposed that the use of hypnotics for the treatment of sleep disorders may exacerbate the damaging effects of refluxate on …

Predictive Value Of Alpha-Fetoprotein In The Long-Term Risk Of Developing Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Patients With Hepatitis B Virus Infection--Results From A Clinic-Based Longitudinal Cohort., Hie-Won Hann, Xiaoying Fu, Ronald E. Myers, Richard Hann, Shaogui Wan, Su Hee Kim, Natalie Au, Jinliang Xing, Hushan Yang

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Although serum level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has long been used to complement imaging tests in the screening and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), whether it can be used as a predictive marker of long-term risk for developing HCC in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) has not been extensively evaluated and thus remains controversial.

METHODS: We retrospectively conducted a clinic-based longitudinal cohort study including 617 Korean American patients with HBV who had been followed for up to 22 years (median follow-up time, 6.2 years) to evaluate the association between baseline serum AFP level and the long-term risk of HCC. …

Rhoa/Rock Pathway Is The Major Molecular Determinant Of Basal Tone In Intact Human Internal Anal Sphincter, Satish Rattan, Jagmohan Singh

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Poster presented at: Digestive Disease Week (DDW) International meeting in San Diego, California.

Background and Aims

Knowledge of molecular control mechanisms underlying the basal tone in the intact human IAS is critical for the pathophysiology and rational therapy for debilitating rectoanal motility disorders.

Effect Of Pooled Human Intravenous Globulin (Ivig) On The Reversal Of Cholinergic Inhibition Of Smooth Muscle By Immunoglobulins (Iggs) From Patients With Scleroderma (Ssc), Jagmohan Singh, Vaibhav Mehendiratta, Sergio A. Jimenez, Sidney Cohen, Anthony J. Dimarino, Satish Rattan

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Poster presented at: Digestive Disease Week (DDW) International meeting in San Diego, California.

Backgrounds and Aims:

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the most common internal organ system affected in SSc. We and others have shown before that the SSc immunoglobulins (IgGs) cause selective blockade of muscarinic type-3 cholinergic (M3-R) in the GI tract. Presently, there is no effective treatment for SSc although numerous cytotoxic and immunomodulatory agents have been employed with limited success and are marred with serious side effects. Present studies investigated the reversibility of SScIgGs-caused M3-R blockade by the pooled Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG).

Development Of Myogenic Ias Reconstructs From Human Internal Anal Sphincter (Ias) Smooth Muscle Cells (Smcs) With Functional And Molecular Properties Similar To Intact Human Ias, Jagmohan Singh, Satish Rattan

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Poster presented at: Digestive Disease Week (DDW) International meeting in San Diego, California.

Background and Aims:

Rectoanal incontinence is associated with defective Internal Anal Sphincter (IAS). Current therapies are not satisfactory, raising a potential for the replacement of the dysfunctional IAS with the reconstructs. Present studies were performed to develop human IAS smooth muscle reconstructs with functional and molecular attributes similar to the intact human IAS Smooth muscle (SM).

Relative Telomere Length: A Novel Non-Invasive Biomarker For The Risk Of Non-Cirrhotic Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Infection., Xiaoying Fu, Shaogui Wan, Hie-Won Hann, Md, Ronald E Myers, Phd, Richard S Hann, Jennifer Au, Bicui Chen, Jinliang Xing, Hushan Yang

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Telomere length has emerged as a promising risk predictor of various cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the majority of studies in this area measured telomere length in hepatocytes and one in lymphocytes with conflicting results. Moreover, no studies have been reported on using circulating DNA telomere length as a non-invasive HCC biomarker.

METHODS: We conducted a nested case-control study to determine the relative telomere length (RTL) in serum DNA from 140 hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC cases and 280 frequency-matched cancer-free HBV controls.

RESULTS: Cases had a significantly longer RTL (median, 0.31; range, 0.02-2.31) than controls …