Prevalence of fibrosis in hepatic explants and biopsies from individuals with urea cycle disorders

Background

Various forms of liver disease have been increasingly reported in individuals with urea cycle disorders (UCDs). In this study, we performed the first systematic and standardized histopathological assessment of the prevalence of fibrosis and steatosis in a large sample of hepatic explants and biopsies from individuals with UCDs at two liver transplantation centers.

Methods

Sixty-seven hepatic tissue samples from 66 individuals with UCDs were staged by two pathologists for hepatic fibrosis and steatosis using standard scoring systems at two large liver transplantation centers in the United States. Histopathological findings were correlated with clinical parameters, including UCD type, laboratory parameters, and imaging findings.

Results

Overall, 23 % (n = 15) of individuals demonstrated clinically significant hepatic fibrosis (≥ F2 according to Metavir staging). Of these, 12 were diagnosed with argininosuccinate lyase deficiency (ASLD) leading to an 80 % prevalence of clinically significant fibrosis in this disorder in this cohort. Eighteen percent of the patients (n = 12) had microvesicular and/or macrovesicular hepatic steatosis. No clinical parameters including routine laboratory testing or imaging were significantly associated with clinically significant hepatic fibrosis in individuals with ASLD.

Conclusion

In this large study of hepatic histopathology in UCDs, our findings demonstrate a high prevalence of clinically significant hepatic fibrosis in ASLD. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring for liver disease and promoting liver health in UCDs and may have implications for long-term monitoring for individuals with ASLD.