Liver injury after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: Features of immune-mediated hepatitis, role of corticosteroid therapy and outcome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A few case reports of autoimmune hepatitis-like liver injury have been reported after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination. We evaluated clinical features, treatment response and outcomes of liver injury following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in a large case series. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We collected data from cases in 18 countries. The type of liver injury was assessed with the R-value. The study population was categorized according to features of immune-mediated hepatitis (positive autoantibodies and elevated immunoglobulin G levels) and corticosteroid therapy for the liver injury. We identified 87 patients (63%, female), median age 48 (range: 18-79) years at presentation. Liver injury was diagnosed a median 15 (range: 3-65) days after vaccination. Fifty-one cases (59%) were attributed to the Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) vaccine, 20 (23%) cases to the Oxford-AstraZeneca (ChAdOX1 nCoV-19) vaccine and 16 (18%) cases to the Moderna (mRNA-1273) vaccine. The liver injury was predominantly hepatocellular (84%) and 57% of patients showed features of immune-mediated hepatitis. Corticosteroids were given to 46 (53%) patients, more often for grade 3-4 liver injury than for grade 1-2 liver injury (88.9% vs. 43.5%, p = 0.001) and more often for patients with than without immune-mediated hepatitis (71.1% vs. 38.2%, p = 0.003). All patients showed resolution of liver injury except for one man (1.1%) who developed liver failure and underwent liver transplantation. Steroid therapy was withdrawn during the observation period in 12 (26%) patients after complete biochemical resolution. None had a relapse during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 vaccination can be associated with liver injury. Corticosteroid therapy may be beneficial in those with immune-mediated features or severe hepatitis. Outcome was generally favorable, but vaccine-associated liver injury led to fulminant liver failure in one patient.

Zero-Order Catalysis in TAML-Catalyzed Oxidation of Imidacloprid, a Neonicotinoid Pesticide.

Bis-sulfonamide bis-amide TAML activator [Fe{4-NO2 C6 H3 -1,2-(NCOCMe2 NSO2 )2 CHMe}]- (2) catalyzes oxidative degradation of the oxidation-resistant neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid (IMI), by H2 O2 at pH 7 and 25 °C, whereas the tetrakis-amide TAML [Fe{4-NO2 C6 H3 -1,2-(NCOCMe2 NCO)2 CF2 }]- (1), previously regarded as the most catalytically active TAML, is inactive under the same conditions. At ultra-low concentrations of both imidacloprid and 2, 62 % of the insecticide was oxidized in 2 h, at which time the catalyst is inactivated; oxidation resumes on addition of a succeeding aliquot of 2. Acetate and oxamate were detected by ion chromatography, suggesting deep oxidation of imidacloprid. Explored at concentrations [2]≥[IMI], the reaction kinetics revealed unusually low kinetic order in 2 (0.164±0.006), which is observed alongside the first order in imidacloprid and an ascending hyperbolic dependence in [H2 O2 ]. Actual independence of the reaction rate on the catalyst concentration is accounted for in terms of a reversible noncovalent binding between a substrate and a catalyst, which usually results in substrate inhibition when [catalyst]≪[substrate] but explains the zero order in the catalyst when [2]>[IMI]. A plausible mechanism of the TAML-catalyzed oxidations of imidacloprid is briefly discussed. Similar zero-order catalysis is presented for the oxidation of 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol by H2 O2 , catalyzed by the TAML analogue of 1 without a NO2 -group in the aromatic ring.

A Cause of Mortal Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Aortoesophageal Fistula.

INTRODUCTION: Aortoesophageal fistula is an uncommon but mortal cause of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The most common causes are thoracic aortic aneurisym, foreign body reaction, malignancy and postoperative complication. It can be seen in different pattern on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. There are surgical, endoscopic and interventional radiological treatment options, however, definitive treatment is surgical intervention. Diagnosis and treatment desicion should be made quickly because of rapid and mortal course. CASE REPORT: In this article, a case of aortoesophageal fistula was presented that resulted in mortality as a result of massive bleeding.

Rome IV Criteria-Defined Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Atopic Patients and the Effect of Anxiety and Depression: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies report an increased prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in patients with atopic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and chronic urticaria. Both disease groups have a higher incidence of psychological disorders. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship of irritable bowel syndrome with the presence and severity of allergic diseases and accom- panying anxiety and depression. METHODS: One hundred sixty-two patients (56 with AR, 34 with AA, and 72 with CU) and 43 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data, along with disease duration and severity, was analyzed. Irritable bowel syndrome was diagnosed using Rome IV criteria. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to evaluate anxiety and depression. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistic Program for Social Sciences 23.0. RESULTS: Irritable bowel syndrome prevalence in the control group was 9.3% and 56% in atopic patients (P < .0001). Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety scores of 11 and above increased the odds of IBS approximately 14 times, and independently, the presence of allergic disease increased the odds 10 times. In the allergic patient subgroup, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety scores of 11 and above increased the risk of irritable bowel syndrome approximately 18 times. CONCLUSION: In this first study using Rome IV criteria to examine the relationship of irritable bowel syndrome, allergic diseases, and anxiety and depression, irritable bowel syndrome was more frequent in allergic patients, especially in patients with anxiety. Awareness of a disease cluster where these 3 disease groups intersect will guide clinicians from different disciplines involved in patients' treatment and follow-up.

Mass-like Appearance on 18F-FDG PET/CT: Cascade Stomach.

A 56-year-old female patient who had involuntary weight loss underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for detection of malignancy. The scan revealed non-metabolic soft tissue density in the posterior wall of the stomach requiring endoscopy. Endoscopical examination was performed 9 days after PET/CT and cascade stomach was detected. Cascade stomach is a rare entity that can be diagnosed by radiographic barium evaluations and endoscopy, the appearance on CT is largely incidental and CT has rarely been relied on for the diagnosis. We present this incidental case of cascade stomach on PET/CT to be familiar with the appearance.

Impact of Synbiotic Therapy on the Quality of Life in Patients with Mild-to-Moderately Active Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease which is affecting the quality of life, workforce and nutrition of patients negatively in the active periods due to its symptoms. This study aims to explore how synbiotic treatment affects the quality of life in patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. METHODS: Forty ulcerative colitis patients with mild-to-moderate activity were enrolled in the study. Patients were split into two even randomized groups as synbiotic (20 patients) and control (20 patients). The synbiotic group received synbiotic therapy and the control group received placebo for 8 weeks. Both groups were compared at the start and the end of therapy according to the quality of life scores. Quality of life was determined using a short form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. RESULTS: An increase in mean SF-36 scores were found in both groups at the end of the study. Altough this increase was higher in patients received synbiotic therapy, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).  SF-36 scores were higher in patients with mild activity or those in remission in both groups. CONCLUSION: Synbiotic use provides an increase in the SF-36 score, however, this increase is not statistically significant.

Age-based comparison of successful probing in Nepalese children with nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PURPOSE: To compare the success rates of probing in Nepalese children younger than 2 years versus children older than 2 years with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), and to identify factors associated with successful probing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was collected and analyzed retrospectively on children who underwent probing under general anesthesia for NLDO at Tilganga Eye Centre, Nepal, from May 2004 to October 2008. We compared successful probing rates in children less than or equal to 2 years old (group 1) versus children greater than 2 years old (group 2), and analyzed whether various clinical factors were associated with successful probing. Successful probing was defined as complete resolution of all clinical signs (discharge, epiphora or increased tear lake) at the outcome visit one month following surgery. RESULTS: Data on 84 children (109 eyes) was reviewed. The mean age of children in group 1 and group 2 was 15.3 months and 37.3 months, respectively. The success rate of probing for the overall sample was 82.6% (90/109 eyes). The success rate in group 1 was 90.2% (55/61 eyes), and 72.9% (35/48 eyes) in group 2 (p=0.018). Increased age at time of probing (p=0.031) and duration of symptoms (p=0.027) were associated with decreased probing success. CONCLUSION: Early treatment of NLDO with probing, ideally prior to 2 years, is associated with better outcomes. Age appropriate intervention may reduce the incidence of complications from NLDO, which is highly prevalent in the low-lying areas of Nepal, including Kathmandu.

Focal pyloric hypertrophy in adults: a diagnostic pitfall-a case report and review of the literature.

Adult hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in the form of focal pyloric hypertrophy is an uncommon but a well-established lesion. In most cases, clinical findings suggest malignancy, and despite advances in imaging techniques, preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Herein, an example of focal pyloric hypertrophy is presented with a review of the literature to emphasize the clinicopathological characteristics of this lesion. In a 43-year-old man with abdominal discomfort, endoscopy showed a 1.5 cm nodular lesion near the pylorus that necessitated surgery to exclude malignancy. Pathological examination allowed the diagnosis of focal pyloric hypertrophy. The present case and the review revealed that focal pyloric hypertrophy is a male dominant lesion in middle-aged patients. The clinical diagnosis is problematic, and its initial diagnosis depends on a high clinical suspicion in patients with upper gastrointestinal system complaints irrespective of the duration of the symptoms. It is not known whether it is a separate entity from the diffuse form. Although both are similar in a clinical point of view, etiopathogenetic studies are required to clarify their differences completely. Moreover, the rare occurrence of focal pyloric hypertrophy and the lack of diagnostic clinical findings do not exclude its consideration in the differential diagnosis, especially in patients with gastric outlet obstruction.

Real-world efficacy and safety of Ledipasvir + Sofosbuvir and Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir ± Dasabuvir combination therapies for chronic hepatitis C: A Turkish experience.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the real-life efficacy and tolerability of direct-acting antiviral treatments for patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with/without cirrhosis in the Turkish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 4,352 patients with CHC from 36 different institutions in Turkey were enrolled. They received ledipasvir (LDV) and sofosbuvir (SOF)±ribavirin (RBV) orombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir±dasabuvir (PrOD)±RBV for 12 or 24 weeks. Sustained virologic response (SVR) rates, factors affecting SVR, safety profile, and hepatocellular cancer (HCC) occurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: SVR12 was achieved in 92.8% of the patients (4,040/4,352) according to intention-to-treat and in 98.3% of the patients (4,040/4,108) according to per-protocol analysis. The SVR12 rates were similar between the treatment regimens (97.2%-100%) and genotypes (95.6%-100%). Patients achieving SVR showed a significant decrease in the mean serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels (50.90±54.60 U/L to 17.00±14.50 U/L) and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores (7.51±4.54 to 7.32±3.40) (p<0.05). Of the patients, 2 were diagnosed with HCC during the treatment and 14 were diagnosed with HCC 37.0±16.0 weeks post-treatment. Higher initial MELD score (odds ratio [OR]: 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-2.38; p=0.023]), higher hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.31-2.28; p=0.038), and higher serum ALT levels (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.21-1.83; p=0.042) were associated with poor SVR12. The most common adverse events were fatigue (12.6%), pruritis (7.3%), increased serum ALT (4.7%) and bilirubin (3.8%) levels, and anemia (3.1%). CONCLUSION: LDV/SOF or PrOD±RBV were effective and tolerable treatments for patients with CHC and with or without advanced liver disease before and after liver transplantation. Although HCV eradication improves the liver function, there is a risk of developing HCC.

Effects of synbiotic therapy in mild-to-moderately active ulcerative colitis: A randomized placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the effects of probiotics and prebiotics on ulcerative colitis (UC). In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of synbiotic therapy on the clinical and endoscopic activities of the disease in patients with mild-to-moderately active UC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 40 patients with mild-to-moderate UC activity were included in the study and were randomized to the synbiotic and control groups. Synbiotic therapy was administered in the synbiotic group and placebo was administered in the control group for 8 weeks. Both groups were evaluated and compared in terms of the acute phase reactants and clinical and endoscopic activities of the disease at the beginning and at the end of the 8-week therapy. RESULTS: At the end of the study duration, the decrease in the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and sedimentation values in the synbiotic group was statistically significant (p=0.003). In both groups, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the clinical and endoscopic activity levels at the end of the treatment (symbiotic: p=0.001 and p=0.002, respectively; control: p=0.005 and p=0.001, respectively). When the groups were compared with each other, improvement in the clinical activity was significantly higher in the synbiotic group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of synbiotic therapy in patients with UC has a significant effect on the improvement in clinical activity. Moreover, although it appears to positively affect the acute phase reactants and endoscopic activity levels, the difference was not significant when compared with the patients who did not receive synbiotic therapy.

NSAID, antiaggregant, and/or anticoagulant-related upper gastrointestinal bleeding: Is there any change in prophylaxis rate after a 10-year period?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Using proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) is a protective option for patients who require long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antiaggregants. In our previous study, the rate of PPI use in prophylaxis was found to be 2%. Here we aimed to investigate whether there is a change in PPI use in prophylaxis in a similar patient group after 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients who followed up with upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding diagnosis between January 01, 2016 and December 31, 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients who had malignancy or variceal hemorrhage were excluded. Ninety-six patients, who had taken NSAIDs, antiaggregants, or anticoagulants that were considered as the possible cause of bleeding, were included in the study. Risk groups for NSAID GI toxicity and PPI use rates in these patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty (21%) of all patients with upper GI bleeding were using PPI. According to the pre-bleeding risk factor assessment, 86% of the patients were found to have moderate to high risk for NSAID-related GI bleeding, and 81% of these patients were not using PPI. PPI prophylaxis was not provided to 15 (75%) of the 20 patients with previous history of peptic ulcer bleeding. CONCLUSION: Despite many studies and recommendations on risk factors and prophylaxis for NSAID-related bleeding, prophylactic PPI use is still largely ignored by physicians. The rate of PPI use in the patient group of this study was found still quite insufficient.

Effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir ± ribavirin treatment in liver and/or renal transplant patients with chronic hepatitis C: A single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Successful treatment is possible with novel direct-acting oral antiviral agents in solid organ transplant patients with hepatitis C. In this study, the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir ± ribavirin treatment in liver and/or renal transplant patients with chronic hepatitis C were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 liver and/or renal transplant patients who received sofosbuvir/ledipasvir ± ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C over 12 or 24 weeks were enrolled in the study. The treatment response, clinical and laboratory adverse effects, and effect on immunosuppressive drug levels were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients had undergone renal transplantation and 11 had undergone liver transplantation. All of the renal transplant patients and 91% of liver transplant patients had genotype 1. In total, 10 renal transplant patients and 4 liver transplant patients had treatment experience. Two renal transplant patients and one liver transplant patient had compensated cirrhosis. Nine renal transplant patients were on tacrolimus, and two were on cyclosporine; all of the liver transplant patients were on tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy. While hepatitis C RNA was negative in 75% of renal transplant patients and 91% of liver transplant patients at week 4, it was negative in all of the patients at the end of treatment and 12 weeks after treatment. Significantly reduced hemoglobin levels were observed in patients administered ribavirin during treatment (p = 0.01). There were no significant differences between the baseline and treatment period values of mean creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, bilirubin, and tacrolimus levels. There were no adverse effects leading to treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSION: Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir ± ribavirin is quite safe and effective in hepatitis C treatment after liver and/or renal transplantation.

Comparison of heater probe coagulation and argon plasma coagulation in the management of Mallory-Weiss tears and high-risk ulcer bleeding.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common medical emergency. Endoscopic treatments often lead to better therapeutic outcomes than conventional conservative treatments. This study aimed to investigate and compare the use of heater probe coagulation (HPC) and argon plasma coagulation (APC) together with epinephrine injection for the treatment of Mallory-Weiss tears and high-risk ulcer bleeding. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 97 patients (54 in the HPC group and 43 in the APC group) who were diagnosed with upper GI bleeding secondary to a Mallory-Weiss tear or high-risk gastric or duodenal ulcers were included in the study. Lesions were classified according to the Forrest classification. The HPC and APC groups were compared in terms of initial haemostasis, re-bleeding in the early period, need for surgery, average need for transfusion, and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the HPC and APC groups in terms of ensuring initial haemostasis (98% vs. 97.5%, p>0.05), re-bleeding rates (17% vs. 19%, p>0.05), need for surgery (2% vs. 9%, p>0.05), average need for transfusion (3.7±2.11 vs. 3.4±2.95 units, p>0.05), and average duration of hospital stay (4.6±2.24vs. 5.3±3.23days, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: There was no difference between HPC and APC when used together with epinephrine injection for the treatment of Mallory-Weiss tear and high-risk ulcer bleeding.

Interstitial Pneumonitis Related to Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a Treatment in a Patient with Chronic Hepatitis C.

Alkan E, Akin M, Adanir H, Tuna Y. Interstitial Pneumonitis Related to Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a Treatment in a Patient with Chronic Hepatitis C. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2016;6(1):91-92.

Comparison of intravenous pantoprazole and ranitidine in patients with dyspepsia presented to the emergency department: a randomized, double blind, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare pantoprazole, a proton-pomp inhibitors (PPIs), and ranitidine, a H2 receptor antagonists (H2RA), in ceasing dyspeptic symptoms in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded study compared the effectiveness of 50 mg ranitidine (Ulcuran(®)) and 40 mg pantoprazole (Pantpas(®)), given in a 100 mL saline solution by an intravenous rapid infusion within 2-4 minutes in patients with dyspepsia presented to the ED. Pain intensity was measured at baseline, 30 and 60 minutes after the drug administration. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were eligible for the study. Of these patients, 2 were excluded from the study because the initial visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were under 20 mm and 4 were excluded from the statistical analysis because of being diagnosed as having other causes of epigastric pain despite being allocated to one of the study groups. Thirty-three patients in the pantoprazole group and 33 patients in the ranitidine group were analyzed ultimately. The mean age of the patients was 36.6±15 years, and 26 (39.4%) patients were male. Both of the groups reduced pain effectively at 30 [27.6±28 (18 to 37) vs. 28.3±23 (20 to 37), respectively] and 60 minutes [39.6±39 (26 to 53) vs. 42.3±25 (33 to 51), respectively]. There were 13 (39.4%) patients in the pantoprazole group and 8 (24.2%) patients in the ranitidine group who required additional drug at the end of the study (P=0.186). CONCLUSION: Intravenous pantoprazole and ranitidine are not superior to each other in ceasing dyspeptic symptoms at 30 and 60 minutes in the ED.

Kefir treatment ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats.

AIM: To investigate the preventive effect of kefir on colitis induced with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar-albino rats were randomized into four groups: normal control, kefir-control, colitis, and kefir-colitis groups. Rats in the normal and kefir-control groups were administered tap water as drinking water for 14 d. Rats in the colitis and kefir-colitis groups were administered a 3% DSS solution as drinking water for 8-14 d to induce colitis. Rats in the kefir-control and kefir-colitis groups were administered 5 mL kefir once a day for 14 d while rats in the normal control and colitis group were administered an identical volume of the placebo (skim milk) using an orogastric feeding tube. Clinical colitis was evaluated with reference to the disease activity index (DAI), based on daily weight loss, stool consistency, and presence of bleeding in feces. Rats were sacrificed on the 15(th) day, blood specimens were collected, and colon tissues were rapidly removed. Levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-10, malondialdehyde, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were measured in colon tissue. RESULTS: The DAI was lower in the kefir-colitis group than in the colitis group (on the 3(rd) and 5(th) days of colitis induction; P < 0.01). The DAI was also significantly higher in the colitis group between days 2 and 6 of colitis induction when compared to the normal control and kefir-control groups. The DAI was statistically higher only on the 6(th) day in the kefir-colitis group when compared to that in the normal control groups. Increased colon weight and decreased colon length were observed in colitis-induced rats. Mean colon length in the colitis group was significantly shorter than that of the kefir-control group. Kefir treatment significantly decreased histologic colitis scores (P < 0.05). MPO activity in the colitis group was significantly higher than in the kefir-control group (P < 0.05). Kefir treatment significantly reduced the DSS colitis-induced TNF-α increase (P < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed among groups for IL-10 and MDA levels. Colon tissue iNOS levels in the colitis group were significantly higher than those in the control and kefir-colitis groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Kefir reduces the clinical DAI and histologic colitis scores in a DSS-induced colitis model, possibly via reduction of MPO, TNF-α, and iNOS levels.

Is gastroesophageal reflux contribute to the development chronic cough by triggering pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of abnormal acid reflux in fibrotic lung disease patients is high, and in particular, patients with secondary pulmonary fibrosis show higher esophageal acid exposure than normal controls. There are also some findings that, in patients with pathological reflux, pulmonary fibrosis may develop. The aim of this study is to investigate if pulmonary fibrosis is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic cough due to Gastroesophageal Reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed in twenty-one patients with chronic cough due to gastroesophageal reflux who was diagnosed as reflux esophagitis by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, histology, and in ten healthy controls without GER or any lung disease. All participitants underwent laryngoscopic examination and gastroesophageal scintigraphy with late lung imaging. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid total and differential cell counts, T and B cell subsets, and the concentrations of IL- 1ß and TNF-α were measured. RESULTS: Reflux extending into the proximal esophagus was noted in 52.5%, and posterior laryngitis was present in 90.5% of the patients. No evidence of pulmonary aspiration was noted in the patients with reflux on scintigraphic examination. No significant difference was found between the GER and control groups in terms of cellular content, IL-1ß and TNF-α levels or mean T cell subsets and B cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Forced expiratory volume in one second, forced vital capacity FEV1/FVC, total lung capacity, and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity values were within normal limits in the gastroesophageal reflux group. CONCLUSION: Our findings do not support the hypothesis that gastroesophageal reflux leads to chronic cough by triggering alveolar epithelial injury and subsequent pulmonary fibrosis.

From suspicion of liver metastases to the diagnosis of Wilson disease in a patient with seminoma.

Wilson disease is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by copper accumulation in the liver, brain, kidneys, and cornea due to inadequate biliary copper excretion. It should be considered especially in young patients who have findings of liver disease with unexplained etiology. Clinical presentation of the disease can be variable, and different types of parenchymal changes of the liver can be seen on imaging modalities. Multiple nodular lesions mimicking metastases can be detected. This condition can obligate physicians to screen for a malignant disease. Moreover, it may cause misdiagnosis as advanced stage of disease when coexistent with a malignancy. The coexistence of Wilson disease with some malignant diseases has been reported; however, coexistence with seminoma was not reported before. Approximately 40% of testicular cancers are pure seminoma. Liver metastases are rare in seminoma. In this article, a case of Wilson cirrhosis is reported. The patient was first followed with diagnosis of seminoma with suspicion of liver metastases.

Relationship of increased serum brain natriuretic peptide levels with hepatic failure, portal hypertension and treatment in patients with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Brain natriuretic peptide is a cardiac neurohormone secreted from ventricles in response to end diastolic pressure and increased volume. It has diuretic, natriuretic and vasodilator effects. In cirrhosis, a hyperdynamic circulation occurs because of hemodynamic and hemostatic alterations. The increase in brain natriuretic peptide concentration shows parallelism with the stage of cirrhosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the relation of increased brain natriuretic peptide level with the pathophysiologic components of cirrhosis and treatment. METHODS: Ninety-five cirrhotic patients in different stages (Child-A: 33; Child-B: 25; Child-C:37) and age and sex matched 86 healthy individuals were recruited for the study. Brain natriuretic peptide concentration was measured with brain natriuretic peptide-Triage test device using fluoresan immune assay method. RESULTS: Brain natriuretic peptide levels of patients with hepatic cirrhosis were significantly higher compared to control group (288.5±329.2/60.2±29.5/p=0.000, respectively). Serum brain natriuretic peptide levels were positively correlated with Child score (Child A-B-C; 201.2±266/258.7±233.6/386.5±407.7, respectively). A negative correlation was observed between brain natriuretic peptide and albumin levels (p=0.002). Brain natriuretic peptide concentration was significantly correlated with the grade of esophagus varices, and presence of ascites and collateral circulation (p=0.006; p=0.001; p=0.002; respectively). Patients receiving with beta-blocker and diuretic treatments had significantly higher brain natriuretic peptide levels. CONCLUSIONS: High brain natriuretic peptide levels in patients with cirrhosis may be due to hepatocellular insufficiency or portal hypertension, but a cardiomyopathy developing insiduously should not be regarded.

HIV risk behaviors of Latin American and Caribbean men who have sex with men in Miami, Florida, USA.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to describe the sexual practices, drug use behaviors, psychosocial factors, and predictors of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in a sample of Hispanic men who have sex with men (MSM) born in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries who currently reside in Miami-Dade County, Florida. METHODS: Hispanic MSM (N = 566) recruited from community and Internet venues completed a computer-assisted self-interview assessing sociodemographic factors, drug use, sexual behaviors, and psychosocial factors. We focused on the 470 men who were born in LAC countries, including Puerto Rico. We first examined separately, by country of origin, the sexual practices, drug use behaviors, and psychosocial factors of the sample. We then collapsed the groups and examined the factors associated with UAI in the previous 6 months for the entire sample of Hispanic MSM from LAC countries. RESULTS: In the previous 6 months, 44% of the sample engaged in UAI, and 41% used club drugs. At the multivariate level, psychological distress, higher number of sexual partners, club drug use, HIV-positive status at the time of immigration, and greater orientation to American culture were significantly associated with UAI in the previous 6 months. CONCLUSION: Many MSM born in LAC countries engage in HIV-related risk behaviors in the AIDS epicenter of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Culturally appropriate interventions should address these risk behaviors in this underserved population.