Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Bacterial Isolates from Blood Culture of Pediatric Patients with Suspected Sepsis at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Sepsis is a serious, life-threatening condition, occurring when an infectious agent invades the body, resulting in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Neonates and children are among the most vulnerable population groups of developing sepsis because of their weak immune barrier. Despite major advances in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections, invasive infections followed by sepsis remain one of the leading causes of childhood mortality. The aim of this study was to identify bacterial agents and antimicrobial resistance patterns of aerobic bacteria among children suspected of having sepsis. This cross-sectional descriptive type of observational study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh from March 2021 to February 2022. Blood samples were collected from pediatric patients, suspected of having sepsis referred from inpatient facility of department of Neonatology and Pediatrics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH). Blood samples were inoculated into BacT/ALERT PF Plus bottles followed by sub-culture of positive samples in blood agar, MacConkey agar and chocolate agar plates. Isolated bacteria were identified by routine biochemical tests. Antimicrobial resistance pattern of all isolated bacteria was seen by disk diffusion method. MIC of vancomycin by agar dilution method was determined for isolated S. aureus and Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS). The prevalence of pediatric sepsis was 31.82% with highest isolation rate 35.55% among neonates. The isolation rate of gram-positive bacteria was 62.50% where S. aureus was the most common isolate 32.15% followed by CoNS 30.36%. Out of 21 gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas spp. was the most frequent isolate 7(33.33%), all of which were resistant to cefuroxime, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime along with all klebsiella and Acinetobacter isolates. Out of 18 S. aureus isolates, 94.44%, 88.89% and 66.67% were resistant to Azithromycin, Penicillin-G and Ciprofloxacin respectively. The MIC of Vancomycin by agar dilution method was observed <2µg/ml against all isolated S. aureus and CoNS. All the Gram-positive isolates were sensitive to Linezolid and Vancomycin. Early detection of bacteria followed by antimicrobial susceptibility test can help by selection of appropriate antibiotic and prevent spread of infection.

Species Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern of Candida Isolates in Patients with Vulvovaginitis from Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC), a frequent and cumbersome reproductive tract infection affects women's physical and mental health. Although Candida albicans was reported as the most common agent of VVC yet, recently there are significant changes in the pattern of Candida species causing VVC with varying antifungal susceptibility pattern. Therefore this cross-sectional, descriptive type of observational study conducted to identify the spectrum of Candida species associated with VVC and assesses their antifungal susceptibility pattern from March 2021 to February 2022. High vaginal swabs from 175 patients clinically suspected of VVC were collected and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar with Chloramphenicol. Species were identified by phenotypic methods like- germ tube test, sub-culture in chromogenic agar media and genotypic methods like- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Antifungal susceptibility was done by disk diffusion method. Out of 175 patients, 52(29.7%) were positive for Candida species. Of the isolates- C. albicans 34(65.0%), Non albicans Candida (NAC) 18(35.0%). Among NAC, C. glabrata 5(9.6%), C. tropicalis 5(9.6%), C. parapsilosis 4(7.7%) and each of C. krusei, C. kefyr, C. ciferrii, C. dubliniensis were 1(1.9%). On susceptibility testing highest resistance was to Clotrimazole 31.0% followed by Nystatin 13.0%, Itraconazole 12.0% and Fluconazole 10.0%. Resistance to azole was higher in NAC than in albicans. Of these patients, 16(31.0%) had history of recurrent VVC (RVVC) of which 12(75.0%) were by NAC, predominantly C. glabrata 5(32.0%). The results showed the increasing incidence of NAC associated vaginitis with higher resistance and recurrence that should be considered in gynecology clinics.

Clinical Profiles and Outcomes of Cytomegalovirus Positive Renal Transplant Patients in Early Post-Transplant Period.

Cytomegalovirus infection can cause increased mortality and morbidity in renal transplant recipient. The purpose of the present study was to observe the clinical profiles and outcomes of Cytomegalovirus positive renal transplant patients in early post-transplant period. This prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Nephrology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 2016 to August 2017. Adult patients who had undergone renal transplantation were selected as study population. CMV serology (CMV IgM and CMV IgG) of both donor and recipient were detected before renal transplantation. Cytomegalovirus viral DNA was extracted from both serum by using a commercially available DNA extraction kit and PCR was done by the StepOne™ PCR machine using real time PCR kit in all patient during the early post-transplant period. During this period, sign symptoms of patients with cytomegalovirus infection as well as clinical outcomes were also noted. Total number of 32 patients was included in this study with the mean age of 31.15±11.56 years. Cytomegalovirus was found positive in 11(34.4%) patients and negative in 21(65.6%) patients. Anorexia was the most common presentation which was found in 81.8% cases followed by renal impairment, fever, diarrhea, cough and weight loss which were present in 6(54.5%), 3(27.3%), 2(18.2%), 2(18.2%) and 2(18.2%) cases respectively. The outcomes of cytomegalovirus positive patients in first 6 months after renal transplantation revealed 25.0% patients had cytomegalovirus infection; 6.2% patients had cytomegalovirus disease and 6.2% patients were died. However, 9.4% patients had co-infection in the form of UTI and 6.2% patients had re activation of hepatitis C infection associated with cytomegalovirus infection. Cytomegalovirus was found positive in approximately one third of renal transplant recipients in early post-transplant period. Careful clinical evaluation and appropriate laboratory parameters should be looked over for timely diagnosis and management of these cases.

Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease Severity by Using CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF Score in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores are widely used in clinical practice and include similar risk factors for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). It is known that the factors comprising the newly defined CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score promote atherosclerosis and associated with severity of CAD. Objective of the study was to find out the association of the CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score with the severity of CAD in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). One hundred (100) patients with STEMI were enrolled in this study after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria over a one year period from October, 2017 to September, 2018 in the Department of Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Coronary angiogram was done within index hospitalization and coronary artery disease severity was assessed by SYNTAX score system. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of SYNTAX score. Patients with SYNTAX score ≥23 assigned as Group I and SYNTAX score <23 assigned as Group II. The CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score was calculated. Cut-off value of high CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score was ≥4.0. In this study mean age of study population was 51.8±9.8, male patients were predominant (79.0%). Among the studied patients, highest percentage had history of smoking followed by hypertension, diabetes mellitus and family history of CAD in Group I patients. It was found that DM and family history of CAD and history of stroke/TIA were significantly higher in Group I than Group II. An increasing trend of SYNTAX score was observed according to the CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score. SYNTAX score was significantly higher in CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score ≥4 than CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score <4 (26.3±6.3 vs. 12.1±7.7, p<0.001). Patients with CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score ≥4 had severe coronary artery disease than CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score <4 assessed by SYNTAX score with 84.4% sensitivity and 81.9% specificity (AUC:0.83, 95% CI: 0.746-0.915, p<0.001). CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score was positively correlated with the severity of CAD. This score could be considered as a predictor of coronary artery disease severity.

Role of Intra-arterial Nitroglycerin (Post Procedural, Prehemostasis) to Reduce Radial Artery Occlusion after Transradial Catheterisation: A Doppler-guided Study.

The study was intended to evaluate efficacy of Intra-arterial nitroglycerin through the sheath at the end of a transradial procedure to preserve the patency of the radial artery. This prospective observational study was done in the Department of Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka, Bangladesh from May 2017 to April 2018, by including a total 200 patients undergoing coronary procedures (CAG and / or PCI) through TRA. RAO was defined as an absence of antegrade flow or monophasic flow or invert flow on Doppler study. In this study 102 patients (Group I) received 200 mcg intra-arterial nitroglycerine, prior to trans-radial sheath removal. Another 98 patients (Group II) did not receive intra-arterial nitroglycerine prior to trans-radial sheath removal. Conventional haemostatic compression methods were applied (average 2 hours) in both groups of patients. Evaluation of radial arterial arterial blood flow by colour Doppler study was done on next day after the procedure in both groups. Results of this study in which RAO was determined by vascular doppler study showed that frequency of radial artery occlusion were 13.5% one day after transradial coronary procedures. We found the incidence was 8.8% vs. 18.4%, (p=0.04) in Group I and Group II respectively. The incidence of RAO was significantly lower in post procedural nitroglycerine group. From multivariate logistic regression analysis diabetes mellitus (p = 0.02), hemostatic compression time for more than 02 hours after sheath removal (p = <0.001) and procedure time (p = 0.02) was predictors of RAO. So, the administration of nitroglycerin at the end of a transradial catheterization reduced the incidence of RAO, as shown by 1 day after the radial procedure by doppler ultrasound.

NAFLD vs MAFLD: South Asian NAFLD Patients don't Favor Name Change.

Aim: There have been vociferous attempts to change the name of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) to Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). Of the many arguments put forth in support of this, an important one is the presumed demand by patient groups insisting on the change. However, this claim does not have credible evidence to support it. Therefore, we decided to conduct a survey among South Asian NAFLD patients to understand their perspectives with regard to the change in nomenclature. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at multiple centers across South Asia from January 2021 to June 2021. Patients were surveyed using an 8-question survey questionnaire and responses were categorized by multiple-choice format. Results: Of 218 patients surveyed, 80.3% of the patients were not aware of the entity "NAFLD" before they were first diagnosed. Although 74.3% of patients admitted to being questioned about alcohol intake at the time of the first diagnosis, 75.9% of female patients were not questioned regarding this. After being labelled NAFLD, 92.1% of patients were never questioned again about alcohol intake. While 86.3% of patients found the term "NAFLD" consoling, 83% did not feel that "Non" in NAFLD trivialized their problem. In addition, only 6.9% of patients were scared of developing cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: The term "NAFLD" destigmatizes patients of the taboo associated with alcohol use. It was found to be consoling to most patients and they did not feel it trivialized their problem. A change of name without considering patients' perspectives and peculiarities specific to different populations will have enormous ramifications for both patients and physicians. Clinical significance: Our survey clearly shows that patients are happy with the term "NAFLD" and it effectively destigmatizes them from the taboo of alcohol. This would lead to higher compliance with management and greater patient participation in future studies and trials. How to cite this article: Singh SP, Anirvan P, Butt AS, et al. NAFLD vs MAFLD: South Asian NAFLD Patients don't Favor Name Change. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2022;12(Suppl 1):S1-S4.

Neuropharmacological Effects of Chassalia curviflora (Rubiaceae) Leaves in Swiss Albino Mice Model.

The current study aimed to investigate the neuropharmacological properties of ethanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate leaf extracts of Chassalia curviflora (C. curviflora) in mouse models. The neuropharmacological properties of this plant were studied on Swiss albino mice at dosages of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight in thiopental sodium-induced sleeping time test, and at dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight in other tests. The extracts caused a marked reduction in the initiation and sleep length (P<0.05) in studies on thiopental sodium-induced sleeping time at dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg and a significant decrease (P<0.05) was found in terms of unconstrained locomotor and explorative activities in both hole crossing and open field tests at dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg. Furthermore, the extracts increased sleeping time with a dosage-dependent onset of action. The hole-board test extracts also reduced the number of head dips at dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg (P<0.05). It was found in this study that C. curviflora had the best neuropharmacological properties at a dosage of 200 ml/kg. Our findings also showed that all of the extracts from C. curviflora were experimentally active in an in vivo model. The study results suggested that the leaves had strong anti-depressant and hypnotic CNS properties that might be exploited for neuropharmacological adjuvant therapy in conventional medicine. However, pharmacological studies are warranted to explore the active substances and the mode of action.

Association of Aortic Valve Sclerosis with Angiographic Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome, Aged ≤65 Years.

Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) represents a degenerative process that progresses with advancing age. The study was intended to find out the association between aortic valve sclerosis and the severity of CAD in patient's age ≤65 years with acute coronary syndrome. This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in the department of cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka, Bangladesh during a period of October 2017 to September 2018. A total of 140 Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing coronary angiogram during index hospitalization were included in the study. Study patients were divided into two groups on the basis of echocardiographic presence or absence of Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS), with 70 patients in each group. Group I was patients with aortic valve sclerosis and Group II was patients without aortic valve sclerosis. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography before they underwent coronary angiography on different days. Severity of CAD was determined by Gensini score and Vessel score. Association of traditional risk factors (smoking habit, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and family history of CAD) with severity of CAD was investigated. Coronary angiography showed that AVS group had a higher positive rate of CAD (82.9% vs. 54.3%, p<0.001) and incidence rate of triple vessel CAD (40% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001) than non-AVS group. Gensini score had higher in AVS group than non AVS group (37.9±27.8 vs. 12.5±14.2; p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that AVS (p=0.01) and age (p=0.04) were independent predictors of the presence of significant coronary artery disease. The study concluded that echocardiographically detected AVS is an independent predictor of coronary artery disease severity. There is positive correlation between severity of AVS and severity of CAD in patient's age ≤65 years with ACS.

Association of Diastolic Dysfunction with Angiographic Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in patients with Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

In recent years, diastolic dysfunction is an evolving context. Presence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) indicates a poor prognosis in patients with an ACS and chronic coronary artery diseases. This study evaluated the association of LVDD and angiographic severity of CAD in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the period of April 2017 to March 2018. A total of 120 NSTEMI patients undergoing coronary angiogram (CAG) during index hospitalization were included in the study. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography before they underwent CAG on different days. Presence (Group I, n=65) and absence of LVDD (Group II, n=55) was established by echocardiography. Severity of CAD was assessed by Vessel score and Leaman score. Association of traditional risk factors (smoking habit, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and family history of CAD) with severity of CAD was investigated. Vessel score showed coronary artery obstruction (CAO) was present in 62(95.4%) patients in Group I and 35(63.6%) patients in Group II, single vessel was involved in 17(27.4%) patients while multi vessel in 45(72.6%) patients was found in Group I. On the contrary 27(77.1%) single vessel patients and 8(22.9%) multi vessel patients were found in Group II. Positive Leaman score was significantly higher in Group I, 62(95.4%) than that of Group II, 35(63.6%) which is statistically significant (p<0.001). This study showed a positive correlation between LVDD and CAD severity in terms of vessel score and Leamanscore. This study also demonstrates that the severity of vessel score and Leaman score was higher in the higher grade of diastolic dysfunction. The present study concludes that LVDD is associated with angiographically severe CAD in patients with NSTEMI.

Association of Echocardiographic Epicardial Fat Thickness with the Angiographic Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Estimation of visceral adipose tissue is important as it carries high cardiometabolic risk and several methods are available as its surrogate. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is a direct measure of visceral fat rather than anthropometric measurements. EFT can be accurately measured by two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography. It tends to be higher in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). The present study was intended to find out the association between echocardiographic EFT and severity of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in patients with ACS. This cross-sectional observational study was carried out in the department of cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh from October 2017 to September 2018. Sampling technique was purposive sampling. Comparison between groups was done by unpaired-t test & dichotomous variables were compared by chi-square test. A total of 164 patients was enrolled in the study, prospectively examined EFT on echocardiography and patients were divided into 2 groups, Group I patients with EFT >4.65mm and Group II patients with EFT ≤4.65mm. Coronary angiograms were analyzed for the extent and severity of CAD using Gensini score. The mean EFT (mm) was found 6.1±1.0 in Group I and 3.5±0.7 in Group II (p<0.001). Patients with a higher EFT were associated with a high Gensini score (Group I vs. Group II, 50.3±24.1 vs. 21.9±20.0; p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that EFT (OR 6.07, p<0.001) and smoking (OR 2.66, p=0.03) were independent factors affecting significant coronary artery stenosis. By ROC curve analysis, EFT >4.65mm predicated the presence of significant coronary stenosis by 76.1% sensitivity and 69.9% specificity. EFT measured using Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) significantly correlates with the severity of CAD. It is sensitive, easily available, and cost-effective and assists in the risk stratification and may be an additional marker on classical risk factors for CAD.

HeberNasvac, a Therapeutic Vaccine for Chronic Hepatitis B, Stimulates Local and Systemic Markers of Innate Immunity: Potential Use in SARS-CoV-2 Postexposure Prophylaxis.

INTRODUCTION: More than 180 million people have been infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and more than 4 million coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients have died in 1.5 years of the pandemic. A novel therapeutic vaccine (NASVAC) has shown to be safe and to have immunomodulating and antiviral properties against chronic hepatitis B (CHB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phase I/II, open-label controlled and randomized clinical trial of NASVAC as a postexposure prophylaxis treatment was designed with the primary aim of assessing the local and systemic immunomodulatory effect of NASVAC in a cohort of suspected and SARS-CoV-2 risk-contact patients. A total of 46 patients, of both sexes, 60 years or older, presenting with symptoms of COVID-19 were enrolled in the study. Patients received NASVAC (100 µg per Ag per dose) via intranasal at days 1, 7, and 14 and sublingual, daily for 14 days. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The present study detected an increased expression of toll-like receptors (TLR)-related genes in nasopharyngeal tonsils, a relevant property considering these are surrogate markers of SARS protection in the mice model of lethal infection. The HLA-class II increased their expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cell's (PBMC's) monocytes and lymphocytes, which is an attractive property taking into account the functional impairment of innate immune cells from the periphery of COVID-19-infected subjects. NASVAC was safe and well tolerated by the patients with acute respiratory infections and evidenced a preliminary reduction in the number of days with symptoms that needs to be confirmed in larger studies. CONCLUSIONS: Our data justify the use of NASVAC as preemptive therapy or pre-/postexposure prophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2 and acute respiratory infections in general. The use of NASVAC or their active principles has potential as immunomodulatory prophylactic therapies in other antiviral settings like dengue as well as in malignancies like hepatocellular carcinoma where these markers have shown relation to disease progression. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Fleites YA, Aguiar J, Cinza Z, et al. HeberNasvac, a Therapeutic Vaccine for Chronic Hepatitis B, Stimulates Local and Systemic Markers of Innate Immunity: Potential Use in SARS-CoV-2 Postexposure Prophylaxis. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2021;11(2):59-70.

Comparative role of tenofovir versus entecavir for treating patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute on chronic liver failure.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to compare the safety and efficacy of tenofovir versus entecavir for treatment of naive acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) (ACLF-B). METHODS: Thirty-two patients aged 14-65 years were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis of ACLF was confirmed by clinical condition, biochemical analysis, and virological data. The causes of both chronic liver damages and acute insult in all patients were HBV. They were expressing HBV DNA in the sera, positive for IgM anti-HBc, had increased levels of serum bilirubin, compromised prothrombin time; and more than 50% patients had encephalopathy. The standard dose of tenofovir and entecavir was given. RESULTS: The antiviral effects of tenofovir and entecavir were evident as most patients became negative for HBV DNA in the sera after 90 days of therapy. Also, the levels of serum bilirubin, CTP (Child-Turcotte-Pugh) and MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) score exhibited significant improvement due to antiviral therapy. Although the improvement of liver functions, and liver damages were detected in patients receiving both tenofovir and entecavir, the survival of the patients was significantly higher in those receiving tenofovir compared to entecavir-treated patients. CONCLUSION: This prospective study with limited number patients provides a challenge to assess the real potential of tenofovir over entecavir as therapeutic option for ACLF-B by conducting a multicenter clinical trial enrolling patient of different races and background.

Factors associated with duration of breastfeeding in Bangladesh: evidence from Bangladesh demographic and health survey 2014.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding for optimum duration is one of the most effective ways to reduce infant morbidity and mortality and confirms expected growth and development of children. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of socio-demographic and anthropometric determinants on duration of breastfeeding (DB) among mothers in Bangladesh. METHODS: The data was extracted from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS)-2014. A total of 3541 married non-pregnant and currently non-breastfeeding Bangladeshi mothers in reproductive age who had at least one child aged 6-36 months were included in this study. Independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to find the significance difference in DB between two and more than two groups respectively. Multiple linear regression model was utilized to determine the effect of socio-economic, demographic, anthropometric and health related variables on DB. RESULTS: This study revealed that the mean and median of DB among Bangladeshi mothers were 18.91 (95% CI: 18.65-19.17) and 19.00 months respectively. Independent sample t-test and ANOVA showed that DB among Bangladeshi mothers was significantly influenced by (i) ANC visits, (ii) religion, (iii) mode of delivery, (iv) place of delivery, (v) parents' education, (vi) geographical location, (vii) mothers' occupation and (viii) household wealth quintile. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that mothers' age, total number of children, mothers' age at first birth, ANC visits, mothers' occupation and geographical location were important predictors of DB. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare providers and decision makers can consider these findings to make plan for counseling of mothers and family members to promote optimum DB practice in first 2 years of baby's life.

Observational study on the response of tenofovir monotherapy versus tenofovir plus telbivudine dual therapy in patients with hepatitis B virus related acute on chronic liver failure.

INTRODUCTION: HBV is major health problem globally due to complications, including ACLF, cirrhosis and hepa¬tocellular carcinoma. ACLF due to exacerbation of CHB is associate with 30%-70% mortality. Reduction of HBV-DNA is therefore a target of therapy in ACLF-B. METHODS: Patients with spontaneous reactivation of HBV [(ALT >5×ULN or >2× baseline) and HBV-DNA >20,000 IU/ml] were randomized to Tenofovir mono therapy (300 mg/day) or Tenofovir plus Telbivudine (600 mg/day) dual therapy with standard care. Clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks and at 3 months. Virological evaluation was done at baseline and at 3 months. Primary end points were reduction of HBV-DNA and resolution of ascites, as applied. Secondary end point was reduction of liver related complications, therapy related adverse effects and survival at 3 months. RESULTS: 27 patients were enrolled. 15 received mono therapy with Tenofovir and 12 received dual therapy (Tenofovir plus Telbivudine). Baseline parameters in 2 groups had no significant difference. In both groups there was significant improvement of S. bilirubin, ALT, INR, CTP score and MELD score. Only MELD score showed significant improvement in patient with dual therapy at 3 months in comparison to mono therapy. 11 patients on Tenofovir mono therapy (n=15) showed undetected HBV-DNA (91.7%) at 3 months and one patient had detectable HBV-DNA (<2,000 IU/ml). 10 patients on dual therapy (n=12) had undetectable HBV-DNA (100%). Ascites resolved in 3 patients in both groups. Patients receiving dual therapy showed significant improvement in AKI on follow up compared to those on Tenofovir mono therapy. Among 5 deaths, 3 received mono therapy with Tenofovir and 2 dual therapy. Predictors of mortality had high S. bilirubin, HBV-DNA, MELD score and CTP score. CONCLUSION: In spontaneous reactivation of HBV presenting as ACLF, combination of Telbivudine plus Tenofovir is safer with less nephrotoxicity and better outcomes.

Role of tenofovir and telbivudine in treatment of hepatitis B related acute on chronic liver failure.

INTRODUCTION: ACLF is characterized by acute deterioration of liver function in patients with chronic liver disease. HBV is one of the most important causes of both acute insult and underlying chronic liver disease in ACLF. Reactivation of HBV is one of the common causes of ACLF in our region. ACLF requires multiple organ support and is associated with high short and medium term mortality. This is the reason why early, rapid reduction of HBV DNA is essential in treating ACLF-B. METHODS: Consecutive patients of ACLF-B due to spontaneous reactivation of HBV (ALT> 5xULN or >2 x baseline and HBV DNA >20,000 IU/ml) were randomized into tenofovir group (300mg/day) and telbivudine group (600mg/day) along with standard medical treatment. Clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated at baseline, day-7, day-14, day-30 and day-90. HBV DNA was evaluated at baseline and after three months of therapy. Primary end point was survival or death at three months. Secondary end point was improvement of liver function assessed by Child-Turcotte Pugh score and MELD score at three months. RESULTS: 30 patients were enrolled in the study and 15 of them received tenofovir and 15 patients received telbivudine. Most of the baseline parameters showed no difference except serum AST and serum creatinine level that showed statistically significant difference between two groups. After antiviral therapy both groups showed significant clinical improvement along with CTP and MELD scores. However statistically significant improvement between tenofovir and telbivudine groups was only seen with MELD score. Survival rate was 80% in tenofovir group and 60% in telbivudine group, but this was not statistically significant. Low serum albumin at baseline was predictor of mortality. CONCLUSION: In patients of ACLF-B, antiviral therapy with both tenofovir and telbivudine improve liver function, but there is no statistically significant difference in survival between tenofovir and telbivudine.

Role of Pegylated Interferon in Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases in the Context of SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in 168 million cases and about 3.5 million deaths (as of May 26, 2021) during the last 18 months. These 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic have been characterized by phases or waves of new cases, the emergence of new variants of the deadly virus, and several new complications. After providing emergency approval to several drugs and adherence to several public health measures with frequent full and partial lockdowns, the incidence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) could not be contained till now on a global basis. Although prophylactic vaccines have inspired optimism, the scarcity of vaccines and several vaccine-related regulations indicate that the vaccine's benefit would not be reaching the people of developing countries anytime soon. In the course of our clinical practice, we used pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) in 35 patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD), and we found that only two of them were infected with SARS-CoV-2 that was mild in nature. These two patients with CLD have a mild course of disease cured without any specific therapy. Patients with CLD are usually immune-compromised. However, three CLD patients remained free of SARS-CoV-2 although they had COVID-19 patients among their family members. Next, we accomplished two studies for assessing the immune-modulatory capacities of Peg-IFN, 1 and 12 injections following administration of Peg-IFN. The data revealed that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of Peg-IFN-administered CLD patients produced significantly higher levels of some cytokines of innate immunity in comparison with the cytokines produced by PBMC of CLD patients before Peg-IFN intake. The pattern of cytokine responses and absence of infection of SARS-CoV-2 in 33 of 35 CLD patients represent some preliminary observations indicating a possible role of Peg-IFN in patients with CLD. The study may be extended to other chronic infections and cancers in which patients receive Peg-IFN. The role of Peg-IFN for pre- or postexposure prophylaxis in the acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 infection and influencing the natural course of COVID-19 remains to be clarified. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Akbar SMF, Mahtab MA, Aguilar JC, et al. Role of Pegylated Interferon in Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases in the Context of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2021;11(1):27-31.

Temporal trends in between and within-country inequalities in caesarean delivery in low- and middle-income countries: a Bayesian analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To provide updated information about between-country variations, temporal trends and changes in inequalities within countries in caesarean delivery (CD) rates. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) during 1990-2018. SETTING: 74 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). POPULATION: Women 15-49 years of age who had live births in the last 3 years. METHODS: Bayesian linear regression analysis was performed and absolute differences were calculated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Population-level CD by countries and sociodemographic characteristics of mothers over time. RESULTS: CD rates, based on the latest DHS rounds, varied substantially between the study countries, from 1.5% (95% CI 1.1-1.9%) in Madagascar to 58.9% (95% CI 56.0-61.6%) in the Dominican Republic. Of 62 LMICs with at least two surveys, 57 countries showed a rise in CD during 1990-2018, with the greatest increase in Sierra Leone (19.3%). Large variations in CD rates were observed across mother's wealth, residence, education and age, with a higher rate of CD by the richest and urban mothers. These inequalities have widened in many countries. Stratified analyses suggest greater provisioning of CD by the richest mothers in private facilities and poorest mothers in public facilities. CONCLUSIONS: CD rates varied substantially across geographical locations and over time, irrespective of public or private health facilities. Changes in CD rates continue across wealth, place of residence, education, and age of mother, and are widening in most study countries. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Increasing caesarean delivery rates were greater among the richest and urban mothers than their counterparts, with widened gaps in LMICs.

Depression among Patients Presenting with Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Prevalence and Associated Factors.

Gastrointestinal diseases frequently affect patients' physical and emotional wellbeing as being heavily affected by stress. This study was conducted to find out prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms among patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms. This cross sectional study was conducted at Outpatients Department jointly by Department of Gastroenterology and Department of Psychiatry of a tertiary care hospital in north east part of Bangladesh from November 2011 to June 2012. Consecutive patients with gastrointestinal symptoms underwent psychiatric evaluation using HDRS and analyzed. 442 patients, 38(8.6%) were found normal. Among the rest 128(28.96%), 138(31.22%), 72(16.29%) and 66(14.93%) had mild, moderate, severe and very severe depressive symptoms respectively. Female sex (95.03% vs. 89.32%), married people (93.77 vs. 86.13%), older age (98.24%), rural people (94.26% vs. 84.36%), farmers (96.36%) and house wives (96.24%) were more affected. Prevalence of depression was also higher among patients with lower socioeconomic class, less educated people and rural background. Depressive symptoms are very common in patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms. Awareness regarding psychiatric assessment and intervention may reduce sufferings and thus improve wellbeing of these patients.

Global incidence of caesarean deliveries on maternal request: a systematic review and meta-regression.

BACKGROUND: Caesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR) is considered a significant contributor to the unprecedented increase in caesarean deliveries (CDs) for nonclinical reasons. Current literature lacks a reliable assessment of the rate of CDMR, which hinders the planning and delivery of appropriate interventions for reducing CDMR rates. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review of the literature and meta-regression to explore the global incidence of CDMR. SEARCH STRATEGY: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Medline, Google scholar and grey literature were searched from January 1985 to May 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA: Observational studies that report CDMR data were included. We excluded non-English articles, case notes, editorial reviews and articles reporting elective CDs from pregnancy risk factors. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently conducted the screening and quality appraisal using a validated tool. The weighted average of CDMR over total deliveries (absolute proportion) and by total CDs (relative proportion) were generated. Quality-effects meta-regression was used to explain the variability of the CDMR estimates by moderators, including study methodology and demography of study participants. MAIN RESULTS: We identified 31 articles from 14 countries that include 5 million total births. The absolute proportion of CDMR varies between 0.2 and 42.0%, with significant variations across studies and subgroups. The economic status of the country and study year together explained 84% of the absolute and 76% of the relative proportion of CDMR variation. CONCLUSIONS: An appropriate reporting of CDMR should be a key priority in maternal health policies and practices. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Globally, the proportion of maternal requested caesarean delivery has mostly been influenced by the economic status of the country.