Visceral Adiposity Index As a Practical Tool in Patients with Biopsy-Proven Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.

Aim: Our study aimed to examine the relationship of the visceral adiposity index (VAI) with clinical and histological parameters in biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cases and evaluate its place in clinical practice. Materials and Methods: The study included 57 biopsy-proven NAFLD cases and 57 healthy controls. The VAI values of the cases were calculated with the formula based on body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The relationships between VAI values and clinical and histological parameters were examined. Results: While the VAI was significantly higher in the NAFLD cases in comparison to the control group (3.5 ± 3.09 vs. 1.60 ± 0.98, respectively, P < 0.001), this difference was more noticeable in the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) group (3.60 ± 3.35) (P < 0.001). In distinguishing the NAFLD group and the healthy group in VAI, it was determined that VAI had a sensitivity of 72%, specificity of 68%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 76.9%. No significant relationship was found between the histological parameters and VAI scores. Conclusions: Our study showed that VAI was increased in the NAFLD cases. This increase was observed to be more noticeable in especially the NASH cases. It is possible for this index to be a practical modality that could be used in clinical practice in prediction of especially NASH cases, which constitute the progressive form of the disease, but in this sense, there is a need for further studies.

Fabry Disease Prevalence in Renal Replacement Therapy in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder resulting from lack of alpha-galactosidase A (AGALA) activity in lysosomes. OBJECTIVE: In this multicenter study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of FD in renal transplant (Tx) recipients in Turkey. We also screened dialysis patients as a control group. METHODS: All Tx and dialysis patients were screened regardless of the presence of a primary disease. We measured the AGALA activity in all male patients as initial analysis. Mutation analysis was performed in male patients with decreased AGALA activity and in female patients as the initial diagnostic assay. RESULTS: We screened 5,657 patients. A total of 17 mutations were identified. No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding the prevalence of patients with mutation. We found FD even in patients with presumed primary kidney diseases. Seventy-one relatives were analyzed and mutation was detected in 43 of them. We detected a patient with a new, unknown mutation (p.Cys223) in the GLA gene. CONCLUSIONS: There are important implications of the screening. First, detection of the undiagnosed patients leads to starting appropriate therapies for these patients. Second, the transmission of the disease to future generations may be prevented by prenatal screening after appropriate genetic counseling. In conclusion, we suggest screening of kidney Tx candidates for FD, regardless of etiologies of chronic kidney disease.

Single-frequency and multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis: What is the difference?

AIM: Bioelectrical impedance analysis is a promising method in determining the body compartments in haemodialysis patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the agreement between two widely used methods: the single-frequency and multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyses. METHODS: Maintenance haemodialysis patients were enrolled in the study. Single-frequency and multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyses were performed consecutively before haemodialysis. A second bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed right after the haemodialysis session. A third bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed one hour after haemodialysis. We used weight change as a measure of fluid removal during haemodialysis session. RESULTS: Bioelectrical impedance analysis estimates from both devices had significant differences. Best agreement was observed between single frequency and multifrequency devices' extracellular water estimates immediately after haemodialysis (mean difference 0.076 L). We found the best agreement between weight change and extracellular water change using single-frequency bioimpedance analysis. Moreover, one hour waiting time did not improve the agreement between weight and extracellular water changes for both devices. Different estimates seem to be caused by different raw impedance data measured by both devices and device-specific equations. CONCLUSION: There are significant differences among bioelectrical impedance measurements performed with different bioelectrical impedance analyzers. Using open source software might be an important step forward in the development of standardized measurements.

Comparison of a 4-Day versus 2-Day Low Fiber Diet Regimen in Barium Tagging CT Colonography in Incomplete Colonoscopy Patients.

Our aim was to compare the amount of residual feces, residual fluid, the tagging quality, and patient compliance using 4-day versus 2-day low fiber diet regimen in barium tagging CT colonography in incomplete colonoscopy patients. Methods. A total of 101 patients who underwent CT colonography were assigned to 2-day diet group (n = 56) and 4-day diet group (n = 45). Fecal tagging was achieved with barium sulphate while bisacodyl and sennoside B were used for bowel preparation. Residual solid stool was divided into two groups measuring <6 mm and ≥6 mm. We graded the residual fluid, tagging quality for solid stool, and fluid per bowel segment. We performed a questionnaire to assess patient compliance. Results. 604 bowel segments were evaluated. There was no significant difference between 2-day and 4-day diet groups with respect to residual solid stool, residual fluid, tagging quality for stool, and fluid observed in fecal tag CT colonography (P > 0.05). The prevalence of moderate discomfort was significantly higher in 4-day group (P < 0.001). Conclusion. Our study shows that 2-day limited bowel preparation regimen for fecal tag CT colonography is a safe and reasonable technique to evaluate the entire colon, particularly in incomplete conventional colonoscopy patients.