Comparison of the Locking Intramedullary Nailing, Single Plate and Double Plate Osteosynthesis in Treatment of Humerus Shaft Fractures

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes between patients treated with single plate osteosynthesis, double plate osteosynthesis, and antegrade locked intramedullary nailing (IMN) in treatment of humerus diaphyseal fractures.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Adiyaman University Training and Research Hospital, Adiyaman, Turkey, between 2014 and 2020.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 99 patients with humerus diaphyseal fractures were retrospectively evaluated. Forty-six had been treated with single plating, 24 were treated with double plating, and 29 with IMN. The outcomes were evaluated in terms of the union time, union rate, complications, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) functional scores.

RESULTS

The average union time was 17 weeks and nonunion rate was 6% of patients. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of DASH functional score and nonunion (p >0.05). The surgical time and bleeding amount were significantly shorter in the IMN group compared to the other groups (p <0.05). A statistically significantly short union time was observed in both plating groups compared to IMN (p <0.05), but it was not different between single and dual plating (p >0.05).

CONCLUSION

Regardless of the implant used, good reduction and stable fixation, respect for the soft tissue and use of the implant in accordance with the surgical technique are sufficient to achieve union in the surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures.

KEY WORDS

Humeral shaft fracture, Surgical treatment options, Comparison, Outcomes.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report, data summary of 45 countries for 2012-2017: Device-associated module

BACKGROUND

We report the results of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2012 to December 2017 in 523 intensive care units (ICUs) in 45 countries from Latin America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific.

METHODS

During the 6-year study period, prospective data from 532,483 ICU patients hospitalized in 242 hospitals, for an aggregate of 2,197,304 patient days, were collected through the INICC Surveillance Online System (ISOS). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI) were applied.

RESULTS

Although device use in INICC ICUs was similar to that reported from CDC-NHSN ICUs, DA-HAI rates were higher in the INICC ICUs: in the medical-surgical ICUs, the pooled central line-associated bloodstream infection rate was higher (5.05 vs 0.8 per 1,000 central line-days); the ventilator-associated pneumonia rate was also higher (14.1 vs 0.9 per 1,000 ventilator-days,), as well as the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (5.1 vs 1.7 per 1,000 catheter-days). From blood cultures samples, frequencies of resistance, such as of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to piperacillin-tazobactam (33.0% vs 18.3%), were also higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a significant trend toward the reduction in INICC ICUs, DA-HAI rates are still much higher compared with CDC-NHSN's ICUs representing the developed world. It is INICC's main goal to provide basic and cost-effective resources, through the INICC Surveillance Online System to tackle the burden of DA-HAIs effectively.

Low recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma following ledipasvir and sofosbuvir treatment in a real-world chronic hepatitis C patients cohort

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) with or without ribavirin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in patients with advanced liver disease and to analyse whether the use of LDV/SOF treatment is associated with a new occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during and after LDV/SOF treatment. The Turkish Early Access Program provided LDV/SOF treatment to a total of 200 eligible CHC patients with advanced liver disease. The median follow-up period was 22 months. All patients were Caucasian, 84% were infected with genotype 1b, and 24% had a liver transplantation before treatment. The sustained virological response (SVR12) was 86.0% with ITT analysis. SVR12 was similar among patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B and C disease and transplant recipients. From baseline to SVR12, serum ALT level and MELD score were significantly improved (P < 0.001). LDV/SOF treatment was generally well tolerated. Only one patient developed a new diagnosed HCC. Seventeen of the 35 patients, who had a history of previous HCC, developed HCC recurrence during the LDV/SOF treatment or by a median follow-up of 6 months after treatment. HCC recurrence was less commonly observed in patients who received curative treatment for HCC compared with those patients who received noncurative treatment (P = 0.007). In conclusion, LDV/SOF with or without ribavirin is an effective and tolerable treatment in CHC patients with advanced liver disease. Eradication is associated with improvements in liver function and a reduced risk of developing a new occurrence of HCC.

The burden and epidemiology of community-acquired central nervous system infections: a multinational study

Risk assessment of central nervous system (CNS) infection patients is of key importance in predicting likely pathogens. However, data are lacking on the epidemiology globally. We performed a multicenter study to understand the burden of community-acquired CNS (CA-CNS) infections between 2012 and 2014. A total of 2583 patients with CA-CNS infections were included from 37 referral centers in 20 countries. Of these, 477 (18.5%) patients survived with sequelae and 227 (8.8%) died, and 1879 (72.7%) patients were discharged with complete cure. The most frequent infecting pathogens in this study were Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 206, 8%) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (n = 152, 5.9%). Varicella zoster virus and Listeria were other common pathogens in the elderly. Although staphylococci and Listeria resulted in frequent infections in immunocompromised patients, cryptococci were leading pathogens in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. Among the patients with any proven etiology, 96 (8.9%) patients presented with clinical features of a chronic CNS disease. Neurosyphilis, neurobrucellosis, neuroborreliosis, and CNS tuberculosis had a predilection to present chronic courses. Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, M. tuberculosis, and S. pneumoniae were the most fatal forms, while sequelae were significantly higher for herpes simplex virus type 1 (p < 0.05 for all). Tackling the high burden of CNS infections globally can only be achieved with effective pneumococcal immunization and strategies to eliminate tuberculosis, and more must be done to improve diagnostic capacity.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium report, data summary of 50 countries for 2010-2015: Device-associated module

BACKGROUND

We report the results of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2010-December 2015 in 703 intensive care units (ICUs) in Latin America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific.

METHODS

During the 6-year study period, using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI), we collected prospective data from 861,284 patients hospitalized in INICC hospital ICUs for an aggregate of 3,506,562 days.

RESULTS

Although device use in INICC ICUs was similar to that reported from CDC-NHSN ICUs, DA-HAI rates were higher in the INICC ICUs: in the INICC medical-surgical ICUs, the pooled rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection, 4.1 per 1,000 central line-days, was nearly 5-fold higher than the 0.8 per 1,000 central line-days reported from comparable US ICUs, the overall rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia was also higher, 13.1 versus 0.9 per 1,000 ventilator-days, as was the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection, 5.07 versus 1.7 per 1,000 catheter-days. From blood cultures samples, frequencies of resistance of Pseudomonas isolates to amikacin (29.87% vs 10%) and to imipenem (44.3% vs 26.1%), and of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates to ceftazidime (73.2% vs 28.8%) and to imipenem (43.27% vs 12.8%) were also higher in the INICC ICUs compared with CDC-NHSN ICUs.

CONCLUSIONS

Although DA-HAIs in INICC ICU patients continue to be higher than the rates reported in CDC-NSHN ICUs representing the developed world, we have observed a significant trend toward the reduction of DA-HAI rates in INICC ICUs as shown in each international report. It is INICC's main goal to continue facilitating education, training, and basic and cost-effective tools and resources, such as standardized forms and an online platform, to tackle this problem effectively and systematically.

Magnetic compression anastomosis for patients with a disconnected bile duct after living-donor related liver transplantation: a pilot study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

We present the use of the magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) technique for treatment of disconnected bile duct after living-donor related liver transplantation (LDLT) using the recently introduced through-the-scope magnet.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The MCA technique was used in patients with disconnected bile duct who could not be treated with either percutaneous or endoscopic procedures. All patients already had a percutaneous external biliary drainage catheter before the procedure. The magnet was placed percutaneously into the proximal side of the obstruction by pushing a 5-Fr catheter over a guidewire. Concurrently, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) including endoscopic papillary sphincterotomy was performed. The sister magnet was then carefully advanced to the opposite side of the obstruction with a 5-Fr catheter over a guidewire. After the confirmation of biliary recanalization, a guidewire was passed through the stricture and a percutaneous dilation of the stricture was performed with a balloon-tipped catheter. Endoscopic balloon dilation of the stricture, insertion of two plastic stents and the removal of the internal drainage catheter were performed during the first ERCP session. Stent exchange and multiple side-by-side stent placements were planned at regular intervals (3 monthly) for all patients.

RESULTS

A total of six LDLT patients with disconnected bile duct (aged 37 - 68, four men) underwent the MCA technique between September 2014 and July 2015. Biliary recanalization was achieved 13 - 42 days after the magnet placement procedure. The success rate of the procedure was 100 %.

CONCLUSIONS

The MCA technique using a small magnet (diameter 2.4 mm) is effective and useful in LDLT patients with disconnected bile duct.

Telbivudine in liver transplant recipients: Renal protection does not overcome the risk of polyneuropathy and myopathy

The recently reported benefit of telbivudine for renal function has not been systematically studied in long-term liver transplantation (LT) recipients who are at high risk for renal impairment. We aimed to examine whether switching lamivudine therapy to telbivudine could improve renal function in LT recipients who have impaired renal function. This single-center, prospective cohort study enrolled LT recipients who were on lamivudine for hepatitis B virus (HBV) prophylaxis and who had renal impairment for at least 1 year. Lamivudine was switched to telbivudine. The primary outcome was to evaluate the change in renal function at weeks 12, 24, 36, and 48. The secondary outcomes were to assess the efficacy of telbivudine for HBV prophylaxis and the safety profile of telbivudine in the posttransplant setting. After 45 patients were enrolled, the study was terminated early because of increased rates of polyneuropathy/myopathy. During telbivudine treatment (median, 64 weeks), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increased in 34 patients (76%). The improvement in renal function was prominent after 24 weeks of telbivudine treatment. Telbivudine was effective as prophylaxis against HBV recurrence. Twenty-six patients (58%) developed polyneuropathy and/or myopathy. The 1-year estimated incidence of polyneuropathy/myopathy was 28%. Diabetes was the strongest predictor of polyneuropathy/myopathy (hazard ratio, 4.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-11.50; P = 0.007). In conclusion, although it seems to have a favorable effect in the improvement of renal function and seems to be effective in the prevention of HBV recurrence, the high risk of polyneuropathy and myopathy hampers the use of telbivudine in LT recipients.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis A,B, and C viruses in Turkish alcoholic cirrhotics and the impact of hepatitis B on clinical profile

INTRODUCTION

The aims of this study were to detect the seroprevalence of hepatitis A, B, and C viruses in Turkish alcoholic cirrhotics, and to evaluate the impact of hepatitis B infection on clinical profile at first admittance.

METHODOLOGY

Serological markers for hepatitis A, B, and C viruses in 300 alcoholic cirrhotics diagnosed between January 1994 and December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 148 eligible patients were divided into group 1 (HBsAg positive, n = 43) and group 2 (HBsAg and anti-HBc negative, n = 105). Clinical characteristics at first admittance of groups 1 and 2 were compared.

RESULTS

The seroprevalence of anti-HAV total, HBsAg, and anti-HCV was found to be 91.5%, 16.3%, and 8.2%, respectively. The prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma was higher in the HbsAg-positive group compared to HbsAg- and anti-HBc-negative group (16.3% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.007). Other clinical features were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Alcoholic cirrhotics have higher frequencies of HBsAg and anti-HCV than the general population. These patients should be investigated for coexistent HBV and HCV infections, and HBV vaccination should not be neglected. Alcoholic cirrhotic patients with concomitant HBV infection should be closely screened for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Combined Therapy of Teicoplanin and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) in the Treatment of Experimental Mediastinitis in the Rat

Post-sternotomy mediastinitis affects 1-3% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and is lethal in 10-47% of these patients. We investigated the effect of an antioxidant/anti-inflammatory agent, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), in the attenuation of inflammatory response induced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in a rat experimental mediastinitis model. Rats, divided into six equal groups, received MRSA precolonized stainless steel wire pieces implanted into their mediastinal spaces. Control group and CAPE control group received saline and CAPE 10 micromol/kg.day(-1 )respectively, where Group A received a single dose of teicoplanin 24 mg/kg i.m. for the first day and then 12 mg/kg.day(-1) . Group B received teicoplanin as in Group A plus CAPE 10 micromol/kg. day(-1 )intra-peritoneally. Group C received teicoplanin 60 mg/kg i.m. for the first day and then 30 mg/kg.day(-1 )and Group D received teicoplanin as in Group C plus CAPE 10 micromol/kg.day(-1) . By the end of 14 days rats were sacrificed and serum malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO), urea and creatinine levels were evaluated. Mediastinal organ tissues were collected for histopathological analysis. Infection rates in all the drug-treated groups were lower than the control groups ( P=0.002) but statistical significance was attained only between the groups A and D ( P=0.018). In connective tissues and the peribronchial area polymorphonuclear leukocytic (PNL) infiltration in the treatment groups, although becoming very close, did not reach statistical significance (P =0.053, P=0.075, respectively). PNL infiltration especially in the peribronchial tissues of the Group B animals was found to be significantly less than the Control and CAPE Control groups with P values of 0.013 and 0.010, respectively. MDA and MPO levels were significantly lower in the treatment groups ( P<0.001 and P<0.001 respectively). Levels of the degradation products of NO were lower in treatment groups compared to two control groups (P=0.003, P= 0.005). NO levels in Group D were lowest among all treatment groups ( P=0.001). It has been demonstrated that although bacterial colonization can be controlled in mediastinitis, the inflammatory response persists. The combination of an antioxidant / anti-inflammatory agent, CAPE, added to standard antibiotic therapy might be effective in the treatment of post-sternotomy mediastinitis due to MRSA.

The relationship between HBV-DNA level and histology in patients with naive chronic HBV infection

BACKGROUND

In patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, precise definition of the hepatic fibrosis stage is the most important parameter to assess the risk of disease progression. Correlation between the prognosis of the CHB and the level of hepatitis-B virus DNA (HBV-DNA) is well considered in recent years.

AIMS

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between serum HBV-DNA level and histology of the liver. We also wanted to determine a threshold level of HBV-DNA for differentiation of low and high risk patients for progression.

METHODS

Two-hundred-fifty-nine patients with serum HBV-DNA level > 2000 copies/mL, determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and biopsy proven naïve CHB infection were evaluated. Liver biopsies were evaluated histopathologically according to the Ishak scoring system. Laboratory values such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase ratio (ALT) were tested every 3 months and the highest value of each patient was evaluated.

RESULTS

Mean age was 40 +/- 11 and 60% (155/259) of the patients were male. Mean laboratory values were as follows: AST: 52 +/- 46 U/L, ALT: 93 +/- 133 U/L, PLT: 224 +/- 60 1093)/l HBV DNA: 5.9 +/- 1.5 log copies/mL. In histological evaluation, mean inflammatory score was 4.34 +/- 2.72 and fibrosis score was 1.38 +/- 1.46. The fibrosis score was 0 or 1 in 63.3% (164/259) of the patients. The relationship between HBV-DNA level and histologic grade/stage was investigated and 15.000 copies/mL HBV DNA level was found as the threshold level to describe the activity of the disease. Fibrosis score was < 2 and/or grade < or = 5 in the patients who have HBV-DNA value below that level.

CONCLUSION

In patients who have serum HBV-DNA level < or = 15000/copies/mL, histological activity was almost always low, and it seems that these patients do not need a liver biopsy regardless of hepatitis-B-e antigen (HBeAg) status.

Efficacy of fractionated plasma separation and adsorption system (Prometheus) for treatment of liver failure due to mushroom poisoning

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Consuming wild mushrooms is an ordinary habit in late summer and autumn in our region. Every year, several cases of hepatic toxicity secondary to mushroom poisoning are observed because of poor identification of the mushrooms. Unfortunately some of them are fatal. Prometheus system is a newly developed extracorporeal liver support device for fractionated plasma separation and adsorption (FPSA) that enables removal of albumin-bound and water-soluble toxins. Therefore, it may be a promising treatment option for patients with liver failure due to mushroom poisoning.

METHODOLOGY

We studied 8 patients with mushroom poisoning. All patients underwent 1 to 4 consecutive FPSA (Prometheus)-system in addition to medical and supportive treatment such as fluid replacement, Penicillin G, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and silymarin. A variety of clinical and biochemical parameters were assessed.

RESULTS

We had improvement of the biochemical parameters after first treatment with FPSA-system. Seven of 8 patients survived and were discharged to resume an independent life. One patient who had grade III encephalopathy when admitted to hospital died. No major adverse events were observed during the application of this therapy modality.

CONCLUSIONS

FPSA-system may be a safe and effective treatment option for patient with mushroom poisoning. Early hospitalization is essential in order to be successful. Controlled studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this new treatment choice on survival of patients with acute liver failure (ALF) due to mushroom poisoning.

A pilot study: longer duration of posttransplant hepatitis C virus therapy may increase the sustained response rate

BACKGROUND

Although end of treatment virological responses are similar in posttransplant patients with recurrent chronic hepatitis C virus infection and nontransplant patients, the sustained virological response rate is lower in the posttransplant setting. We investigated the efficacy of a longer duration (3 years) of therapy.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with biopsy-proven recurrent hepatitis C were included in the study. In the first year of therapy, all patients were treated with a standard regimen of interferon alpha 2b 3MU 3 times in a week plus ribavirin (800 to 1000 mg/d). After the availability of pegylated interferon, patients were converted to pegylated interferon (1.5 microg/kg body weight). Hepatitis C virus RNA was evaluated at months 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, and 42. If hepatitis C virus RNA was negative at month 12, the patients continued treatment for 36 months.

RESULTS

Hepatitis C virus RNA was negative in six patients at 12 months, including two who became hepatitis C virus RNA negative after 3 months; two, after 6 months; and two, after 12 months of therapy. Those six continued treatment completing 3 years of treatment with a sustained virological response. Four of those six patients with sustained virological response required colony-stimulating factors during treatment.

CONCLUSION

Although the hepatitis C virus RNA status of patients at 12 weeks is a good marker to predict a sustained virological response in the nontransplant setting, it is not valid in posttransplant patients. A prolonged duration of therapy for patients who are viral responders at 12 months may prevent recurrence and increase the sustained virological response rate.

Common SPINK-1 mutations do not predispose to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common in obese and diabetics. Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-1 (SPINK-1) protein is highly expressed in the liver and adipose tissue of diabetic and obese suggesting its role in NAFLD. SPINK-1 also behaves as an acute phase reactant protein. Some genetic factors including the genetic variations in SPINK-1 protein have been linked to chronic pancreatitis and diabetes. We therefore hypothesized that SPINK-1 mutations might be a risk factor for the development of NAFLD.

METHODS

Liver biopsy proven fifty NAFLD cases (20 steatohepatitis, 30 diffuse fatty liver disease and 44 healthy controls were included to the study. Liver function tests were measured. Body mass index was calculated. Insulin resistance was determined by using a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Ultrasound evaluation was performed for each subject. Common genetic mutations in the third exon of SPINK-1 gene were analyzed by direct sequencing method.

RESULTS

We found two cases with a SNP at N34S location in NAFLD group (allele frequency %4). One subject with diffuse fatty liver disease and other with liver cirrhosis due to NAFLD had N34S mutation. No SNPs were detected in healthy controls. In conclusions, in limited number of patients SPINK-1 mutations were not considered as a risk factor alone for NAFLD development.

Serum procalcitonin and CRP levels in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a case control study

Background

Both C reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) are well known acute phase reactant proteins. CRP was reported to increase in metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes. Similarly altered level of serum PCT was found in chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis. The liver is considered the main source of CRP and a source of PCT, however, the serum PCT and CRP levels in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were not compared previously. Therefore we aimed to study the diagnostic and discriminative role of serum PCT and CRP in NAFLD.

Methods

Fifty NAFLD cases and 50 healthy controls were included to the study. Liver function tests were measured, body mass index was calculated, and insulin resistance was determined by using a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Ultrasound evaluation was performed for each subject. Serum CRP was measured with nephalometric method. Serum PCT was measured with Kryptor based system.

Results

Serum PCT levels were similar in steatohepatitis (n 20) and simple steatosis (n 27) patients, and were not different than the control group (0.06 ± 0.01, 0.04 ± 0.01 versus 0.06 ± 0.01 ng/ml respectively). Serum CRP levels were significantly higher in simple steatosis, and steatohepatitis groups compared to healthy controls (7.5 ± 1.6 and 5.2 ± 2.5 versus 2.9 ± 0.5 mg/dl respectively p < 0.01). CRP could not differentiate steatohepatitis from simple steatosis. Beside, three patients with focal fatty liver disease had normal serum CRP levels.

Conclusion

Serum PCT was within normal ranges in patients with simple steatosis or steatohepatitis and has no diagnostic value. Serum CRP level was increased in NAFLD compared to controls. CRP can be used as an additional marker for diagnosis of NAFLD but it has no value in discrimination of steatohepatitis from simple steatosis.

A rare cause of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding: mesenteric hemangioma

Lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage accounts for approximately 20% of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The most common causes of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage in adults are diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, benign anorectal diseases, intestinal neoplasias, coagulopathies and arterio-venous malformations. Hemangiomas of gastrointestinal tract are rare. Mesenteric hemangiomas are also extremely rare.We present a 25-year-old female who was admitted to the emergency room with recurrent lower gastrointestinal bleeding. An intraluminal bleeding mass inside the small intestinal segment was detected during explorative laparotomy as the cause of the recurrent lower gastrointestinal bleeding. After partial resection of small bowel segment, the histopathologic examination revealed a cavernous hemagioma of mesenteric origin.Although rare, gastrointestinal hemangioma should be thought in differential diagnosis as a cause of recurrent lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Patients with bulbar papilla and choledocholithiasis and their endoscopic management

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study presents the endoscopic management of twenty-one patients with biliary stones, deformity at the duodenal bulb, and a flat shaped papilla ectopically located at duodenal bulb.

METHODOLOGY

Most of the patients were male with a mean age of 53.9 +/- 9.6 years. In four (19%) of the 21 patients stenotic parts in the bulbus were dilated with TTS balloons, thus allowing ectopic papillae to be reached in all of the cases. Papillary orifice and distal CBD were dilated with balloons from 4 mm diameter and increasing the diameter of the balloons stepwise to 6 to 15 mm.

RESULTS

In 20 (95%) the patients, the stones could be extracted in either the first or subsequent endoscopy session as the cholangiography. In one patient, retroperitoneal perforation in the intrapancreatic segment of the CBD occured after dilatation of CBD with a 15 mm balloon, and an operation was necessary.

CONCLUSION

The shared features which may constitute a unique clinical entity of the presented cases are 1) male gender, 2) bulbar papilla, 3) flat appearance of the major papilla endoscopically 4) deformed bulbus, and 5) presence of stones in the CBD. Bile duct stones can be treated with endoscopic balloon dilatation of the distal CBD and papilla.

Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of pegylated-interferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin in HCV-related decompensated cirrhotics

BACKGROUND

Pretransplantation clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA reduces the risk of HCV recurrence after transplantation. Furthermore, a sustained virological response could reduce disease progression and slow clinical deterioration in nontransplanted patients.

AIM

To evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN) alfa-2a plus ribavirin therapy in HCV-related decompensated cirrhotics.

METHODS

Twenty HCV-related decompensated cirrhotics (44-67 years, 12 males, six Child-Pugh score A, 14 Child-Pugh score B, all with genotype 1b) were enrolled into the study. Treatment with PEG-IFN alfa-2a (135 microg, once a week) plus ribavirin (1000-1200 mg/day) was commenced. A 48-week treatment was planned in patients who had early virological response.

RESULTS

Treatment was stopped in 8 (40%) patients. The remaining 12 (60%) patients completed 48 weeks of therapy; nine (45%) of them obtained end-of-therapy virological response and six (30%) of them obtained sustained virological response. Living donor liver transplantation was performed in three (15%) patients. Eight (40%) and six (30%) patients needed to reduce PEG-IFN alfa-2a and ribavirin dosages, respectively. No patient died during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

PEG-IFN alfa-2a plus ribavirin therapy is safe, tolerable and efficacious in selected HCV-related decompensated cirrhotics.

Adefovir dipivoxil alone or in combination with lamivudine for three months in patients with lamivudine resistant compensated chronic hepatitis B

We studied clinical and laboratory effects of 3 months of lamivudine with adefovir combination and adefovir dipivoxil (AD) alone in the treatment of patients with lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Eligible patients were hepatitis B surface antigen-positive men and women with compensated liver disease who were given lamivudine at least more than 6 months and had HBV polymerase gene mutation. Patients were assigned to receive adefovir 10 mg/day (Group 1) or adefovir 10 mg once daily and lamivudine 100 mg once daily combination during first 3 months, and then stopped lamivudine and continued adefovir (Group 2). Median age was 48 years (34 males and 20 females, and 35 were HBeAg-negative). Baseline median ALT, AST, and HBV DNA levels were 66 IU/l, 49 IU/l, and 6.7 log(10) copy/ml, respectively. Median adefovir therapy time and ALT normalization time were 9 and 3.5 months, respectively. There was no significant difference between groups according to the baseline HBV DNA, ALT, HBe Ag status, age, gender, and lamivudine resistance time. Virological and biochemical responses were similar in both groups during therapy. Two patients (8%) had ALT flare more than five times upper limit of normal without any clinical decompensation in Group 1. Mild ALT elevation according to baseline levels were found in 8 (27.6%) and 4 (17.4%) patients, respectively, in Group 2 and Group 1, and no statistically significance between two groups. In conclusion, this study showed that it is not necessary to continue lamivudine therapy while switching to AD therapy. Adefovir alone is effective in the treatment of patients with lamivudine resistant HBV infection and compensated liver disease, without significant clinical and laboratory flares. However, it is not easy to say that switching to AD with cessation of lamivudine is safe, because the study population is not enough for precise conclusion and resistance may be a considerable problem against AD in patients using long-term treatment.

Living donor liver transplantation for hepatitis B cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has particular advantages for Turkey where hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common cause of cirrhosis, both because LDLT circumvents the difficulties encountered in the emerging world in providing deceased donor organs, and because it allows preemptive antiviral therapy. The aim of this study was to review one institution's experience with LDLT in patients with chronic HBV infection.

METHODS

A total of 109 patients with chronic HBV infection underwent LDLT between September 1999 and June 2005, of whom 40 were coinfected with hepatitis D virus and 23 had hepatocellular carcinoma. Antiviral prophylaxis was attempted in all, beginning prior to transplantation with lamivudine or adefovir, and continuing after transplantation with low dose intramuscular hyperimmune B immunoglobulin (HBIg) plus lamivudine or adefovir.

RESULTS

In a median follow up of 20 months (range 1-66 months), there was no donor mortality. One-year recipient survival was 90%, and in total 16 recipients died. None of the deaths was related to HBV. Recurrence of HBV infection was detected by reappearance of serum hepatitis B surface antigen in six patients (5.5%) at 5, 8, 12, 17, 34 and 46 months after transplantation, respectively. There was no influence of donor hepatitis B core antibody status on the likelihood of recurrence of HBV in the allograft.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that LDLT with antiviral treatment and low dose HBIg provides excellent results for donors and recipients.

Liver fibrosis is associated with decreased peripheral platelet count in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C

Thrombocytopenia is a common complication of chronic liver diseases, but its pathogenesis is not clear. Although generally attributed to hypersplenism, other factors should also be considered. We investigated the relationship between the peripheral platelet count and the degree of fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. In an effort to avoid the effects of hypersplenism, we excluded patients with splenomegaly and/or bi- or pan-cytopenia. Seven hundred eighty-four patients (265 chronic viral hepatitis C and 519 chronic viral hepatitis B) were included in the study. Univariate analysis showed that the peripheral platelet count had a negative correlation with fibrosis score, necroinflammatory activity, and age in both groups. In multivariate analysis, the peripheral platelet count had a similar correlation with the fibrosis score and age, but not with necroinflammatory activity, in both groups. The peripheral platelet count decreased more significantly in females with chronic hepatitis C but not in the chronic hepatitis B group. In conclusion, a decrease in peripheral platelet count may be a sign of an increase in the degree of fibrosis during the course of chronic viral hepatitis B and C and factors other than hypersplenism may play a role in this decrease in the peripheral platelet count.

Living donor liver transplantation from hepatitis B core antibody positive donors

Liver allografts from donors previously exposed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) carry the risk of transmission of HBV infection to immunosuppressed recipients. However, exclusion of donor candidates with the serologic evidence of resolved hepatitis B-HBV surface antigen (HbsAg) negative and HBV core antibody (anti-HBc) positive-is not feasible in countries endemic for HBV.

AIM

Our aim was to assess the safety of living donor liver transplantation from anti-HBc positive donors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In our institution, 152 transplants were performed between June 1999 and April 2004. Fifty-six (37%) of the living donors were anti-HBc positive. Twenty of these liver grafts were transplanted to HbsAg-negative recipients. We excluded four HBsAg negative recipients who died because of early complications after transplantation. Lamivudine (100 mg/day) was given for prophylaxis of de novo HBV infection.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time for 16 HBsAg-negative recipients was 21.7 (7-48) months. None of them experienced de novo HBV infection.

CONCLUSION

The use of liver allografts from anti-HBc-positive living donors is reasonably safe in HBsAg-negative recipients under lamivudine prophylaxis.

DOES MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE ACTIVITY PREDICT SEVERITY OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS?

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) modulate end-organ complications of acute pancreatitis, but the correlation between increased MMP production and histological severity of disease remains unclear. We examined the role of MMP and pancreas histology on experimental acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar albino rats were subjected to cerulein-induced pancreatitis (8, 16, 24 and 32 h groups) or sham treatment. The animals were killed at different time points and pancreatic tissues were harvested to assess MMP (1, 2 and 9) activity and inflammatory changes.

RESULTS

Compared with other groups, 8 h group had decreased tissue MMP-1 concentrations. MMP-9 concentrations were lower in 24-h and 32-h groups, as were histological severity scores. MMP-2 activity did not differ among groups. Pancreatitis was prominent in 8-h, 16-h and 24-h groups by means of histology.

CONCLUSION

Induction of pancreatitis by cerulein altered pancreatic MMP levels in the early phase of inflammation. Inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 paralleled histological scores. Therefore, MMP may have a predictive value to assess histological severity.

Hyperhomocysteinaemia and factor V Leiden mutation are associated with Budd-Chiari syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is characterized by hepatic venous outflow obstruction and may be caused by various prothrombotic disorders. We aimed to study the role of hyperhomocysteinaemia, factor V Leiden mutation and G20210A prothrombin gene mutation in the pathogenesis of the syndrome.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients (16 male, 16 female, aged 19-45 years) with angiographically verified BCS and 33 age-matched and sex-matched voluntary healthy controls (15 male, 18 female, aged 19-45 years) were included into the study. Factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene mutations were determined in extracted DNA from peripheric mononuclear cells, using a light cycler amplification system. Plasma homocysteine levels were measured by fluorescence polarization immunoassay.

RESULTS

The homozygote factor V Leiden mutation was diagnosed in four BCS patients and the heterozygote mutation was diagnosed in five. The frequency of the mutant allele was 20.3% in BCS patients and 7.6% in the controls (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in prothrombin gene mutation frequency between the two groups. Serum homocysteine levels were significantly higher in the BCS group than in the controls (16.4 +/- 8.8 vs 11.0 +/- 2.7 micromol/l; P < 0.01). BCS patients with the mutant factor V Leiden allele have significantly higher levels of serum homocysteine (22.1 +/- 13.3 vs 14.4 +/- 5.9 mumol/l; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperhomocysteinaemia, especially when associated with the factor V Leiden mutation, is an important risk factor for the development of BCS.

The effects of short-term training on platelet functions and total antioxidant capacity in rats

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of short-term endurance training on plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) and on in vitro platelet aggregation and ATP release. Blood samples were collected from the abdominal aorta of rats following short-term treadmill exercise (25 m/min, 0 % grade, 30 min) for three consecutive days, as well as in non-exercised control group. Platelet aggregation and platelet ATP release were evaluated by impedance and bioluminescence techniques, respectively. Plasma TAS was measured spectrophotometrically. Plasma TAS was higher and ADP-induced platelet ATP release was lower in the short-term training group with respect to the control group (p<0.001). Significant negative correlation (r = -0.56, p<0.05) was found between plasma TAS and ADP-induced platelet ATP release. Neither ADP- and collagen-induced maximum aggregation rate nor collagen-induced platelet ATP release were significantly different between the groups. According to these results, short-term training caused an alteration in platelet functions limited to the secretion response, which may be related to the oxidant/antioxidant balance changes favoring the antioxidants. The improved plasma total antioxidant capacity was possibly sufficient to prevent exercise-induced oxidative damage, and the adaptive response of platelets might be associated with enhanced antioxidant status.

Swallow-Induced Syncope in a Patient with Achalasia

A 48-year-old man was referred for the evaluation of dysphagia and syncope. He suffered from both dysphagia and transient loss of consciousness when eating solid food, especially bread. An upper gastrointestinal barium examination and esophageal manometry suggested achalasia. Ambulatory ECG revealed marked sinus bradycardia when experiencing a syncopal episode following the ingestion of a solid meal. A permanent pacemaker was implanted and the patient's syncopal attacks were relieved following this procedure. However, the dysphagia and cardiac arrhythmia completely disappeared only following a successful pneumatic balloon dilatation for achalasia. This observation suggests that swallowing-induced sinus bradycardia and syncope might occur in the course of achalasia and these rhythm abnormalities could be relieved by successful treatment of the achalasia.

Two-Year Interferon Therapy with Or without Ribavirin in Chronic Delta Hepatitis

The only beneficial agent for the treatment of chronic delta hepatitis (CDH) is interferon (IFN). However, there is no consensus on the best dosage or duration of IFN therapy. As ribavirin (RBV) increases the sustained response when added to IFN in chronic hepatitis C, probably because of its immunomodulatory effect, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of 2-year IFN treatment and whether RBV had any additive effect to IFN in CDH.

Methods

Patients ( n=31) with CDH were randomized with a 1:2 ratio as 10 patients (3 females/7 males, age 39 ±9) receiving IFN monotherapy (9 MU IFN-α2a three times weekly) and 21 patients (8 females/13 males, age 38 ±11) receiving IFN plus RBV for 2 years (IFN at the same dosage and RBV at 1000–1200 mg/day). Alanine transferase normalization and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) RNA negativity at the end of treatment and at the end of the follow-up period (at least 6 months following 2-year treatment) were primary endpoints of the study. In addition, virological response and biochemical response were determined separately.

Results

Eight of 31 patients (25%) had cirrhosis in liver biopsies. Six patients from the IFN monotherapy group and 12 patients from the combination group had biochemical response. Five patients from the IFN monotherapy group and 11 patients from the combination group had virological response at the end of therapy. Two patients from the IFN group and five patients from the combination group had sustained biochemical response at the end of the follow-up period. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) activations with HBV DNA positivity were observed in two patients (one from the IFN monotherapy group, one from the combination group). Two patients (20%) in the IFN group and five patients (23.5%) in IFN plus RBV group remained as virological responders at the end of the follow-up period ( P>0.05). None of the patients with liver cirrhosis were responsive at the end of the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Almost 20% of the patients with CDH were responsive to 2-year IFN treatment at the end of the follow-up period and no additional effect of RBV was observed. Patients with advanced liver disease failed to respond to treatment.

Impact of pretransplant MELD score on posttransplant outcome in living donor liver transplantation

It is not clear whether pretransplantation MELD (model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score can foresee posttransplant outcome. We retrospectively evaluated 80 adult patients (55 men, 25 women) who underwent living donor liver transplantation between September 1998 and March 2003. Five other patients with fulminant hepatitis were excluded. The UNOS-modified MELD scores were calculated to stratify patients into three groups: group 1) MELD score less than 15 (n = 13); group 2) MELD score 15 to 24 (n = 36); and group 3) MELD score 25 and higher (n = 26). The patients were predominantly men (n = 52, 69.3%) with overall mean age of 43.9 years (range, 17-62 years). The mean follow-up was 15.7 months (range, 1-47; median = 14 months). The mean MELD score was 22.7 (range, 9-50; median = 21). The overall 1- and 2-year patient survivals were 87% and 78.7%, respectively. The 1-year patient survivals for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 100%, 87%, and 79%; respectively. 2-year survivals, 100%, 79%, and 61%, respectively. Survivals stratified by MELD showed no statistically remarkable differences in 1-year and 2-year patient survival (P = .08). In contrast, 1-year and 2-year patient survival rates for UNOS status 2A, 2B, and 3 were 73%-50%, 95%-91%, and 91%-91%, statistically significant difference (P = .002). Finally, to date preoperative MELD score showed no significant impact on 1- and 2-year posttransplant outcomes in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation recipients, but we await longer-term follow-up with greater numbers of patients.

HBV vaccination in liver transplant recipients: not an effective strategy in the prophylaxis of HBV recurrence

Anti-HBs immunoglobulins (HBIG) and lamivudine are main options to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) reinfection after liver transplantation. Although they are very effective, development of mutant viruses and high cost of treatment are main limitations for their application. Additionally there is an uncertainity for the duration of that prophylaxis regimen and its mostly applied indefinitely. Recently, post-transplant HBV vaccination is reported to be a cheaper alternative prophylaksis strategy, that enables discontinuation of HBIG. To investigate the efficacy of HBV vaccination in patients transplanted for HBV cirrhosis, we administered double course of double dose recombinant HBV vaccine (Genhavac B; containing HBV pre-S1, pre-S2, and S gene products). Vaccination has been started 1 month after HBIg discontinuation, and lamivudine (100 mg/day) was given throughout the study. The first cycle consisted of 0, 1- and 6-month schedule, and, in nonresponders, second cycle 0, 1-, 2-month schedule. Fourteen patients included into the study. Only one patient seroconverted (an anti-HBs titre of 37 IU/L) after the first cycle. No other patient responded to second cycle. HBV vaccination in the post-transplantation setting does not seems like an effective strategy in the prophylaxis of HBV recurrence.

Two-year interferon therapy with or without ribavirin in chronic delta hepatitis

The only beneficial agent for the treatment of chronic delta hepatitis (CDH) is interferon (IFN). However, there is no consensus on the best dosage or duration of IFN therapy. As ribavirin (RBV) increases the sustained response when added to IFN in chronic hepatitis C, probably because of its immunomodulatory effect, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of 2-year IFN treatment and whether RBV had any additive effect to IFN in CDH.

METHODS

Patients (n = 31) with CDH were randomized with a 1:2 ratio as 10 patients (3 females/7 males, age 39 +/- 9) receiving IFN monotherapy (9 MU IFN-alpha2a three times weekly) and 21 patients (8 females/13 males, age 38 +/- 11) receiving IFN plus RBV for 2 years (IFN at the same dosage and RBV at 1000-1200 mg/day). Alanine transferase normalization and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) RNA negativity at the end of treatment and at the end of the follow-up period (at least 6 months following 2-year treatment) were primary endpoints of the study. In addition, virological response and biochemical response were determined separately.

RESULTS

Eight of 31 patients (25%) had cirrhosis in liver biopsies. Six patients from the IFN monotherapy group and 12 patients from the combination group had biochemical response. Five patients from the IFN monotherapy group and 11 patients from the combination group had virological response at the end of therapy. Two patients from the IFN group and five patients from the combination group had sustained biochemical response at the end of the follow-up period. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) activations with HBV DNA positivity were observed in two patients (one from the IFN monotherapy group, one from the combination group). Two patients (20%) in the IFN group and five patients (23.5%) in IFN plus RBV group remained as virological responders at the end of the follow-up period (P > 0.05). None of the patients with liver cirrhosis were responsive at the end of the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Almost 20% of the patients with CDH were responsive to 2-year IFN treatment at the end of the follow-up period and no additional effect of RBV was observed. Patients with advanced liver disease failed to respond to treatment.

Low-dose hepatitis B immune globulin and higher-dose lamivudine combination to prevent hepatitis B virus recurrence after liver transplantation

Post-transplant prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is based on treatment with lamivudine and/or hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG). However, optimum doses and duration for these drugs are not yet clear. We tested high doses of lamivudine (300 mg/day) in combination with low doses of HBIG (200-400 IU/2-4 weeks). Eighty patients who had post-transplant prophylaxis of lamivudine and HBIG were included in the study. Of those, 20 had hepatitis D virus co-infection and eight were HBV DNA-positive at the time of transplantation. Ten HBV DNA-positive patients were treated with lamivudine (150 mg/day) before transplantation; all were HBV DNA-negative after lamivudine treatment. All patients in the anhepatic phase were given 4000 IU of HBIG. Following this, 400 or 800 IU HBIG was administered intramuscularly daily for 5-10 days post-transplantation and 2-4 times weekly thereafter, according to serum titre of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs). Lamivudine was maintained or initiated at the time of transplantation and was continued indefinitely. Median follow-up was 21 months (range 3-73 months). Recurrence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positivity occurred in only three out of 78 (4%) patients; two of these three were HBV DNA-positive. Median anti-HBs titre at the final follow-up was 68 IU. Patient and graft survival was 85% at 1 year. In conclusion, a combination of lamivudine 300 mg/day and low-dose HBIG prevents post-transplantation recurrence of hepatitis B, even in the presence of viral replication in the pre-transplant period.

Low-Dose Hepatitis B Immune Globulin and Higher-Dose Lamivudine Combination to Prevent Hepatitis B Virus Recurrence after Liver Transplantation

Post-transplant prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is based on treatment with lamivudine and/or hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG). However, optimum doses and duration for these drugs are not yet clear. We tested high doses of lamivudine (300 mg/day) in combination with low doses of HBIG (200–400 IU/2–4 weeks). Eighty patients who had post-transplant prophylaxis of lamivudine and HBIG were included in the study. Of those, 20 had hepatitis D virus co-infection and eight were HBV DNA-positive at the time of transplantation. Ten HBV DNA-positive patients were treated with lamivudine (150 mg/day) before transplantation; all were HBV DNA-negative after lamivudine treatment.

All patients in the anhepatic phase were given 4000 IU of HBIG. Following this, 400 or 800 IU HBIG was administered intramuscularly daily for 5–10 days post-transplantation and 2–4 times weekly thereafter, according to serum titre of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs). Lamivudine was maintained or initiated at the time of transplantation and was continued indefinitely.

Median follow-up was 21 months (range 3–73 months). Recurrence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positivity occurred in only three out of 78 (4%) patients; two of these three were HBV DNA-positive. Median anti-HBs titre at the final follow-up was 68 IU. Patient and graft survival was 85% at 1 year.

In conclusion, a combination of lamivudine 300 mg/day and low-dose HBIG prevents post-transplantation recurrence of hepatitis B, even in the presence of viral replication in the pre-transplant period.

Addition of fusidic acid impregnated bone cement to systemic teicoplanin therapy in the treatment of rat osteomyelitis

We compared the efficacy of the combination of fusidic acid impregnated bone cement and systemic teicoplanin to systemic teicoplanin alone in implant-related osteomyelitis model in the rats. Foreign bodies were implanted into the medullary channels of 30 rat tibias after intramedullary inoculation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Following proof of induction of osteomyelitis in the rats on the 21st day, a bone cement rod including 1/40 ratio of fusidic acid was inserted into the medullary channel of the tibias in the study group. Teicoplanin was administered i.m. at 20 mg/kg/day for 14 days to both the study and control groups. At the end of the treatment, the tibias were examined macroscopically, microbiologically and histopathologically. The elimination rate with the teicoplanin+fusidic acid combination was 81.8%, while with teicoplanin alone was 55.6% (p=0.33). Although the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant, the combination treatment had a positive effect in eliminating the microorganism.

Interferon-lamivudine combination is no better than lamivudine alone in anti-HBe-positive chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Results of studies using lamivudine and interferon combination in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B are not consistent or conclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of interferon plus lamivudine use versus single lamivudine in anti-HBe-positive chronic hepatitis B.

METHODS

Eighty patients were treated with either lamivudine or lamivudine plus simultaneously started interferon. Patients were assigned in groups according to random allocation rule. Lamivudine was given 150 mg/day for 96 weeks in each group; interferon was administered 10 MU three times a week for 24 weeks in the combination therapy group.

RESULTS

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization was achieved earlier in patients treated with lamivudine alone. At the end of treatment, there was no difference between the groups with respect to HBV DNA negativity, ALT normalization and breakthrough rate. Histological improvement was remarkable in each group, but fibrosis score and necro-inflammatory activity were much lower in lamivudine-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of interferon to the lamivudine regimen does not increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Considering the side effects of interferon treatment, this combination seems not to be convenient for anti-HBe-positive chronic hepatitis B.

Interferon–Lamivudine Combination is No Better than Lamivudine Alone in Anti-Hbe-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B

Background and aims

Results of studies using lamivudine and interferon combination in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B are not consistent or conclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of interferon plus lamivudine use versus single lamivudine in anti-HBe-positive chronic hepatitis B.

Methods

Eighty patients were treated with either lamivudine or lamivudine plus simultaneously started interferon. Patients were assigned in groups according to random allocation rule. Lamivudine was given 150 mg/day for 96 weeks in each group; interferon was administered 10 MU three times a week for 24 weeks in the combination therapy group.

Results

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization was achieved earlier in patients treated with lamivudine alone. At the end of treatment, there was no difference between the groups with respect to HBV DNA negativity, ALT normalization and breakthrough rate. Histological improvement was remarkable in each group, but fibrosis score and necro-inflammatory activity were much lower in lamivudine-treated patients.

Conclusions

Addition of interferon to the lamivudine regimen does not increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Considering the side effects of interferon treatment, this combination seems not to be convenient for anti-HBe-positive chronic hepatitis B.

Serum transforming growth factor-beta1(TGF-beta1) in patients with cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C [corrected]

Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis are two of the most important health problems according to current gastroenterology literature. Based on the recent developments in the field of immunology, advanced follow-up and treatment modalities have been introduced for these disorders. Immune defence against viral infections depends on effective cellular immune responses derived mainly from Th1-related cytokines. Th2 type immune responses can inhibit efficient immune function by secretion of several cytokines such as IL-10, TGF-beta1. In this particular study, we determined the serum levels of TGF-beta1, which plays a role in immune suppression and induction of tissue fibrosis. We evaluated the role of TGF-beta1 in the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Fourteen chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 12 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and 21 cirrhotic patients were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of ten healthy people. Serum TGF-beta1 levels were higher in both cirrhosis and CHC group when compared to those in CHB and control groups (P < 0.05). Although serum TGF-beta1 levels in the cirrhosis group were higher than that in the CHC group, the difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, elevated TGF-beta1 levels in patients with CHC and cirrhosis may have a role in the pathogenesis and chronicity of these diseases.

Efficacy and safety of reuse of disposable laparoscopic instruments in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this prospective randomized study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the reuse of disposable laparoscopic instruments (DLI) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

A total of 125 consecutive patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis were randomly assigned to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy with single-use DLI (group 1, n = 62) or DLI that were reused (group 2, n = 63) after high-level disinfection by alkalinized 2% glutaraldehyde. Operative and postoperative outcomes were investigated.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between group 1 and group 2 in mean operating time, linear analogue pain scale score, duration and amount of analgesic administration, or hospital stay. Total incidence of complications (3.2% vs 4.8%, p = 0.50) and infection rates (1.6% vs 3.2%, p = 0.57) were also similar when group 1 was compared to group 2.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that reusing DLI did not change the operative and postoperative outcomes or the infection rate for laparoscopic cholecystectomy when strict rules for disinfection were followed.

Frequency of toxoplasmosis in patients with cirrhosis

AIM: It is known that toxoplasmosis rarely leads to various liver pathologies, most common of which is granulomatose hepatitis in patients having normal immune systems. Patients who have cirrhosis of the liver are subject to a variety of cellular as well as humoral immunity disorders. Therefore, it may be considered that toxoplasmosis can cause more frequent and more severe diseases in patients with cirrhosis and is capable of changing the course of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of toxoplasmosis in patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS: Serum samples were taken from 108 patients with cirrhosis under observation in the Hepatology Polyclinic of the Gastroenterology Clinic, and a control group made up of 50 healthy blood donors. IFAT and ELISA methods were used to investigate the IgG and IgM antibodies, which had developed from these sera.

RESULTS: Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibody positivity was found in 74 (68.5%) of the 108 cirrhotic patients and 24 (48%) of the 50 people in the control group. The difference between them was significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it was found that the toxoplasma sero-prevalence in the cirrhotic patients in this study was higher. Cirrhotic patients are likely to form a toxoplasma risk group. More detailed studies are needed on this subject.

Prevalence of amebiasis in inflammatory bowel disease in Turkey

AIM: To explore the prevalence of amebiasis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Turkey.

METHODS: In this study, amoeba prevalence in 160 cases of IBD, 130 of ulcerative colitis and 30 of Crohn’s disease were investigated in fresh faeces by means of wet mount+Lugol’s iodine staining, modified formol ethyl acetate and trichrome staining methods and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of wet mount+Lugol’s iodine staining, modified formol ethyl acetate and trichrome staining methods in the diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica)/ Entamoeba dispar (E. dispar).

RESULTS: E. histolytica/E. dispar cysts and trophozoites were found in 14 (8.75%) of a total of 160 cases, 13 (10.0%) of the 130 patients with ulcerative colitis and 1 (3.3%) of the 30 patients with Crohn’s disease. As for the 105 patients in the control group who had not any gastrointestinal complaints, 2 (1.90%) patients were found to have E. histolytica /E. dispar cysts in their faeces. Parasite prevalence in the patient group was determined to be significantly higher than that in the control group (Fischer’s Exact Test, P < 0.05). When the three methods of determining parasites were compared with one another, the most effective one was found to be trichrome staining method (Kruskal-Wallis Test, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Consequently, amoeba infections in IBD cases have a greater prevalence compared to the normal population. The trichrome staining method is more effective for the detection of E. histolytica /E. dispar than the wet mount+Lugol’s iodine staining, modified formol ethyl acetate methods.

Serum leptin levels in patients with liver cirrhosis and chronic viral hepatitis

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate serum leptin levels in relation to anthropometric features in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and chronic viral hepatitis (CVH), and to determine the effect of the severity and aetiology of the LC on serum leptin levels.

METHODS

Forty-nine patients with LC, 32 patients with CVH and 69 control subjects were age, body mass index (BMI) and sex-matched and included in the study. Plasma glucose, serum leptin and insulin levels were determined. Insulin resistance was assessed using homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Body composition was estimated by skinfold thickness.

RESULTS

Female patients with Child-A LC had higher levels of leptin, and female and male patients with Child-A LC had higher absolute leptin (leptin/BFM) levels compared to patients with Child-C LC and control subjects. Serum leptin levels of the patients with alcohol LC were higher than the control subjects, but the absolute leptin levels were comparable. When alcoholic and post-viral hepatitis cirrhotic patients were compared with each other on an aetiologic basis, there was no significant difference between them in leptin and absolute leptin levels. There were significant correlations between leptin and BMI, body fat percentage (BFP), BFM (body fat mass) in all three groups in both sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the physiologic correlations among serum leptin level, sex, BMI and BFM were well preserved in patients with chronic liver disease. Patients with alcohol LC had higher leptin levels. In early stages of liver disease, leptin levels and absolute leptin levels are higher than in normal subjects. However, in advanced stages of the disease the significant decline in leptin levels and similar levels of leptin expressed in relation to BFM compared to control subjects predominantly represent the expression of fat mass.