Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasing cause of mortality in Nigeria among persons with HIV (PLH), as access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves. In this study we describe clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics in Nigerian adults with HCC, with and without HIV, and examine how HIV impacts survival.This prospective observational study was conducted between August 2018 and November 2021 at two Nigerian hospitals [Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)]. Subjects ≥18 years with HCC diagnosed according to American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) criteria were included. Baseline characteristics were compared, and Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to estimate survival.213 subjects [177 (83%) without HIV and 36 (17%) with HIV (PLH)] were enrolled. Median age was 52 years (IQR 42,60) and most subjects were male (71%). 83% PLH were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity was similar between the two groups [91/177 (51%) without HIV vs. 18/36 (50%) with HIV; p = 0.86]. 46/213 (22%) subjects had active hepatitis C (anti-HCV+/HCV RNA>10 IU/mL). Cirrhosis was more common in PLH but there were no other significant differences in clinical and tumor characteristics between the groups. Overall, 99% subjects were symptomatic and 78% in late-stage HCC. Median overall survival was significantly shorter in PLH vs. without HIV (0.98 months vs 3.02 months, HR = 1.55, 95%CI 1.02, 2.37, p = 0.04). This association was not significant after adjusting for known risk factors including gender, current alcohol use, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), albumin, and total bilirubin (HR = 1.38, 95%CI 0.84, 2.29, p = 0.21).HCC presented late with an extremely poor overall prognosis, highlighting the urgent need for more intensive surveillance in Nigeria to diagnose HCC at earlier stages. Early diagnosis and management of viral hepatitis, and access to HCC therapies, could prevent early mortality among persons with HCC, especially among PLH.
Background: The burden of chronic viral hepatitis among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) and its association with liver disease in Nigeria has been seldom explored. Our objective was to compare characteristics in PLWH with and without significant liver fibrosis/cirrhosis, examining its association with viral hepatitis and other risk factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study among PLWH with and without significant fibrosis/cirrhosis (transient elastography ≥ 9.3 kPa) between July 2018 and August 2022. Data were compared between participant groups and logistic regression used to determine association between chronic viral hepatitis and significant fibrosis/cirrhosis. Results: Five hundred and thirty-seven participants (34.3% male), median age 46 years, 22.2% with significant fibrosis/cirrhosis were analyzed. Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was 11.2% and hepatitis C virus (HCV) 5.7%. Male sex, diabetes, HBV, and HCV were associated with significant fibrosis/cirrhosis, while ART for >5 years was associated with reduced risk. Conclusion: The chronic hepatitis viruses are associated with significant liver fibrosis/cirrhosis in PLWH in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of viral hepatitis awareness, screening, and treatment in HIV programs to reduce the risk of liver disease. Plain Language Summary Hepatitis B and C infection and liver disease in people with HIV infection in Nigeria People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who have hepatitis B or C infection have a higher chance of developing advanced liver disease than those who do not have either of the hepatitis infections. This finding highlights the importance of awareness, screening, and treatment of the hepatitis viruses in HIV programs in order to reduce the risk of liver disease in this population.
Abstract Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major public health problem in West African countries. HCC still has a strikingly high mortality in this region. Whether HIV also contributes to an increased risk of HCC is in this region is unclear. In this study we describe clinical, radiological and laboratory features as well as survival in Nigerians with HCC, with and without HIV infection, enrolled in an NCI-funded study. Methods: This was a prospective, non-interventional study conducted at two Nigerian tertiary hospitals [Jos University Teaching Hospital and Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Subjects>18 years with HCC diagnosed according to AASLD criteria were included. Results: 204 participants were included in this study [males 144 (71%), median age 50 yrs (IQR 19, 86); HIV-infected (25 (12%)]. 51(27.6%) of all subjects were anti-HCV positive [HIV-uninfected 46 (28.4%) vs. HIV-infected 5(21.7%); p=0.62]. 62% of anti-HCV positive patients at JUTH were confirmed to have active infection (HCV RNA>10IU/mL). Median CD4 T cell count among HIV-infected was 236.50 [61.00-479.00] cells/mm3. 72% of the HIV patients were on ART. Tumor mass diameter on computed tomography did not differ between subject groups [HIV-infected 6.5cm (1.80-80.00) vs. HIV-uninfected 8.9 cm (1-93.0); p=0.23). Overall median survival for both groups was 2.04 months CI (1.58, 4.47). The mean probability of survival at month 1 was 0.7 (95% CI, 0.6, 0.8). Conclusion: A very short median survival was observed in this cohort of HIV-infected and uninfected Nigerian adults with HCC. Almost a third of all subjects were anti-HCV positive and two thirds of these subjects had active infection suggesting HCV infection is an important, risk factor for HCC in this setting. Citation Format: Pantong Davwar, Emoubor Odeghe, Mary Duguru, Ganiat Oyeleke, David Nyam, Edith Okeke, Olufunmi Lesi, Kwang-youn Kim, Godwin Imade, Alani Akanmu, Atiene Sagay, Lewis Robert, Lifang Hou, Rob Murphy, Claudia Hawkins. Characteristics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Nigerians with and without HIV [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 32.
Abstract Purpose: In Nigeria, over 3 million people are infected with HIV (prevalence rates 6.1-8.0%). Rates of co-infection with HBV and HCV among HIV-infected are common ranging from 9-12.3% (HBV) and 6-20% (HCV). Given the high burden of HIV/HBV co-infection, it is hypothesized that there are high rates of HCC among HIV-infected individuals in Nigeria. This abstract describes the pattern of liver diseases detected by abdominal ultrasound, including abnormalities suggestive of HCC, from a screening program. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all consenting adults (>18) HIV-infected subjects underwent an abdominal ultrasound using the N2 full Digital Ultrasound and completed a structured questionnaire. Ultrasonography findings were recorded. Basic descriptive statistics was performed. Results: Two thousand seven hundred and twenty-seven subjects were enrolled into the program [1950 (71.5%) females; mean age 46.40±10.15 years]. All subjects were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The majority of study subjects (2149, 78.8%) had a normal liver ultrasound scan. The most common liver abnormality was hepatomegaly, seen in 298 (10.9%) of the study subjects. One hundred and nine (4.0%) had a diffusely hyper-echogenic liver, suggestive of fatty liver. Seventy-two (2.6%) had a hypo-echogenic liver with starry sky appearance, suggestive of active inflammation. Thirty-eight (1.4%) of the study subjects had features consistent with liver cirrhosis. Liver nodules or solid masses were seen in 4 (0.01%) of the study subjects. Mean HIV viral load was significantly higher among those with hepatomegaly compared to those with a normal scan (log103.74 vs.log105.21 p=0.015). Conclusion: The prevalence of HCC among HIV-infected was extremely low 4(0.01%). This is reassuring given the relatively large number of subjects screened and high prevalence of other risk factors for HCC in this population. An effect of ART on reducing incidence of HCC in this population is surmised, however, requires further exploration in long-term follow up studies. Citation Format: Pantong Davwar, Nyam David, Emuobor Odeghe, Duguru Mary, Claudia Hawkins, Ganiyat Oyeleke, Edith Okeke, Lesi Olufunmilayo, Lewis Roberts, Atiene Sagay, Lifang Hou, Robert Murphy, Godwin Imade. The Prevalence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in HIV-Infection: Results of Large-Scale Liver Ultrasound Screening Program in HIV-Infected Nigerians [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 64.
Clinical deterioration in critically ill patients is a common phenomenon that can occur several hours before an adverse outcome. Early detection of subtle changes in vital signs, such as alterations in pulse rate and blood pressure, is crucial for preventing adverse events. However, these are not often recognized early enough to prompt quick intervention. The use of warning scores or assessment systems in the management of the critically ill in Nigeria has not been well evaluated. We assessed the association between the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) system and outcomes particularly mortality among the critically ill at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Nigeria.
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