Predictive Factors in the Incidence of Cirrhosis in Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infections
Conclusions: Five predictive factors that are simple and easy to measure may be used as parameters for the prediction of liver cirrhosis in CHB patients.,Objectives: Evaluating the predictive factors of liver cirrhosis in CHB.,Patients and Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted during 1995 - 2014 on all CHB patients who were referred to Tehran hepatitis center, Tehran, Iran. The patients were assessed during periodic visits through medical history and laboratory data. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine predictors of cirrhosis.,Results: Two hundred thirty-seven CHB patients were followed for an average...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - April 15, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-308 G/A Polymorphisms and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicated that the TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism is significantly associated with increased susceptibility to HCC. However, to confirm this finding, more studies are needed on TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphisms associated with HCC.,Evidence Acquisition: The PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched through July 12, 2015, for studies on associations between TNF-α-308 and the risk of HCC. To determine this association, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.,Results: A total of 23 case-control studies were investigated, involving 3,389 cases and 4,23...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - April 11, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
The Correlation Between Serum Adipokines and Liver Cell Damage in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Conclusions: It seems that surrogate liver function tests and adipocytokine levels were correlated with the histologic findings of the liver.,Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between serum adipocytokines and the histologic findings of the liver in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).,Patients and Methods: This case-control study was performed on those with persistent elevated liver enzymes and with evidence of fatty liver in ultrasonography. After exclusion of patients with other etiologies causing abnormal liver function tests, the resulting patients underwent liver biop...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - April 10, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Next Steps for Eradication of Hepatitis C in the Era of Direct Acting Antivirals
Conclusions: The eradication of HCV will require significant governmental financial investment for screening, prevention, and treatment of infected patients.,Evidence Acquisition: The advent of first generation direct acting antivirals (DAAs) in 2011 was followed by the introduction of a new wave of DAAs in 2013, which exhibit outstanding efficacy. It is obvious that efforts to eradicate HCV are not limited to the development of DAAs.,Results: There are major steps that should be taken to eradicate HCV, including (1) the development of screening strategies, particularly for groups such as intravenous drug users and recipie...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - April 9, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Vaccination Against Hepatitis A for Hemophilic Patients: Is It Necessary?
Conclusions: More than 40% of the hemophilic patients under 20 years of age in the present study had no immunity against hepatitis A, and 23% of hepatitis C patients had not had a hepatitis A co-infection yet. Since hepatitis A can show a fulminant course in hepatitis C patients, vaccination against hepatitis A seems necessary in hemophilic patients in the region.,Background: Hemophilic patients require long-life intravenous infusion of factor concentrates to treat bleedings. This could increase the risk of transmission of blood-borne infections like hepatitis C.,Objectives: The current study was aimed at investigating the...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - April 4, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Leptin Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and the Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Coronary Atherosclerosis in the Chinese Han Population
Conclusions: LEPR Q223R polymorphisms may confer a significant risk of NAFLD and coronary atherosclerosis. The A allele in the K109R polymorphism might be considered an independent risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis in NAFLD patients.,Results: The LEPR Q223R A allele significantly reduced the risks of both NAFLD and coronary atherosclerosis (OR = 0.683, 95% CI: 0.527 - 0.884, P = 0.004 and OR = 0.724, 95% CI: 0.548 - 0.955, P = 0.022, respectively). Compared to controls, no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of K109R were found in the NAFLD and coronary atherosclerosis populations, respect...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - March 30, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Factors Affecting Exercise Test Performance in Patients After Liver Transplantation
Conclusions: Exercise test performance was affected by lower quality of life and lower physical activity after LT. With the exception of hypertension, well known factors that affect the risk of coronary artery disease had no effect on the exercise test results.,Results: Seven participants (6.5%) had a positive exercise test, and these individuals were older than those who had a negative exercise test (P = 0.04). A significant association between a negative exercise test and a higher level of physical activity was shown by the Seven-day physical activity recall questionnaire. In addition, HRQoL was improved in various domai...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - March 20, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Factors Affecting Exercise Test Performance After Liver Transplantation Exercise Test in Liver Transplant Recipients
Conclusions: Exercise test performance was affected by lower quality of life and lower physical activity after LT. With the exception of hypertension, well known factors that affect the risk of coronary artery disease had no effect on the exercise test results.,Results: Seven participants (6.5%) had a positive exercise test, and these individuals were older than those who had a negative exercise test (P = 0.04). A significant association between a negative exercise test and a higher level of physical activity was shown by the Seven-day physical activity recall questionnaire. In addition, HRQoL was improved in various domai...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - March 20, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
The Liver MicroRNA Expression Profiles Associated With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Genotype-4 Infection: A Preliminary Study
Conclusions: The identified expression profiles of some examined miRNAs might offer important points to consider for the treatment of naive patients and the management of chronically infected HCV patients in Egypt and around the world. (Source: Hepatitis Monthly)
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - March 19, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Efficacy of PEGylated Interferon in Treatment-Experienced Chinese Patients With HBeAg Positive Chronic Hepatitis B
Conclusions: PEGylated interferon was effective in treatment-experienced patients with HBeAg positive CHB, and showed higher rates of virological response, HBeAg loss, and seroconversion. The results provide important information regarding the role of re-treatment with PEGylated interferon in treatment-experienced HBeAg positive patients.,Patients and Methods: A total of 55 treatment-experienced, HBeAg positive Chinese patients were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 33 were NUCs-experienced and 22 were interferon-experienced. PEGylated interferon was administered to 34 patients; and 21 patients were retreated with...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - March 18, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Characterization of Occult Hepatitis B Infection Among Injecting Drug Users in Tehran, Iran
Conclusions: In comparison with the rate of HBcAb positivity reported in other Iranian studies, the rate was higher in the present study. There were a few variations, genotypes, and subtypes among the infected injecting drug users. Further investigations are needed to unravel the molecular characterization of OBI.,Results: Sixty-four (28%) participants were HBcAb positive, 59 cases were HBcAb positive and HBsAg negative, and 5 cases were HBsAg positive. Hepatitis B DNA was found in three HBsAg-positive cases. Thirteen of 59 (22%) individuals were hepatitis B DNA positive. The phylogenetic tree of hepatitis B DNA showed the...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - March 15, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
The HBsAg Prevalence Among Blood Donors From Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Conclusions: Based on the WHO classification of hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence, the prevalence of HBsAg in blood donors from E and M countries reached an intermediate level. However, there were low prevalence levels in some E and M countries.,Results: We included 66 eligible studies. The pooled prevalence of HBsAg in blood donors of both EMRO and middle eastern (E and M) countries was 2.03% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.79 – 2.26). In addition, the prevalence rates in the EMRO countries was 1.99% (95% CI: 1.84 – 2.14) and 1.62% in the Middle Eastern countries (95% CI: 1.36 – 1.88). The prevalence among blood d...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - March 12, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the General Population of Iran: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Conclusions: In total, Iran was classified within the low–intermediate HBV prevalence areas (2% - 4%), while according to recent data (after 2010), Iran was classified within the low HBV prevalence areas (< 2%), indicating that preventive measures conducted in Iran have been effective.,Context: The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global public health problem, affecting more than 2 billion people worldwide. Accurate and updated data on HBV prevalence is important for further planning to control the infection. The aim of this study was to update the prevalence estimate of HBV infection in the general population of Ir...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - March 12, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Hepatitis E Virus Circulation in Italy: Phylogenetic and Evolutionary Analysis
Conclusions: This study provides support for the hypothesis that humans are probably infected after contact with swine sources. The findings emphasize the importance of checking the country of origin of swine and of improving sanitary control measures from the veterinary standpoint to prevent the spread of HEV infection in Italy.,Results: The Bayesian maximum clade credibility tree and the time of the most common recent ancestor estimates showed that the root of the tree dated back to the year 1907 (95% HPD: 1811 - 1975). Two main clades were found, divided into two subclades. Skyline plot analysis, performed separately fo...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - March 11, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Hepatitis B Reactivation During Immunosuppressive Therapy or Cancer Chemotherapy, Management, and Prevention: A Comprehensive Review
Conclusions: Identification of patients at the risk of HBVr before immunosuppressive therapy is an undeniable part of treatment. Starting the antiviral therapy, based on the type of immunosuppressive drugs and the underlying disease, could lead to better management of disease.,Results: It was found that the positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), the high baseline HBV DNA level, the positive hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg), and an absent or low hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titer prior to starting treatment are the most important viral risk factors. Furthermore, rituximab, anthracycline, and different type...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - March 9, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
