Predictors of Significant Histological Hepatic Abnormality in Treatment-Naive Patients Infected with HBeAg-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the predictors for significant hepatic abnormality (SHA), a treatment indication, by assessing demographic, laboratory, and radiological results of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who underwent liver biopsy. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, individuals with untreated hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-negative CHB infection were enrolled. Multivariate analysis modeling was conducted with parameters identified as predictors for SHA in univariate analysis. Optimal threshold levels for variables to predict SHA in patients with chronic hepatitis B were determined based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: A total of 566 patients with untreated chronic hepatitis B were included in the cohort; 61% (345/566) were male, and the median age was 41 years (interquartile range [IQR]=34-50). Notably, 36.9% (209/566) had SHA. In the multivariate analysis, utilizing different models, age, gender, HBV-DNA, LDL, ALT, and platelet count were identified as the most reliable predictors for SHA in CHB patients. For predicting SHA, the area under the ROC curve values of HBV-DNA, AST, and ALT were 0.704 (sensitivity=62.8%, specificity=76.2%; p<0.0001), 0.747 (sensitivity=51.9%, specificity=88.9%; p<0.0001), and 0.737 (sensitivity=68.6%, specificity=68.4%; p<0.0001), respectively. Conclusion: In our study, age, male gender, ALT, AST, HBV-DNA, LDL cholesterol, platelet count, and FIB-4 score were independent predictors of SHA in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. The most sensitive parameters for SHA were LDL and ALT. The most specific parameters were age, AST, and APRI score. SHA may occur in patients with high HBV-DNA levels, even if ALT values are normal in HBeAg-negative patients.

Independent predictors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B.

OBJECTIVE: There are limited data on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. We aimed to determine the predictors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B virus infection. METHODS: All consecutive treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection at the Haseki Training and Research Hospital between October 1, 2021, and September 31, 2022, were retrospectively enrolled. Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is defined by positive serum hepatitis B surface antigen for 6 months or more. Patients with significant alcohol consumption, prolonged steatogenic drug use, malignancy, monogenic hereditary disorders, patients co-infected with hepatitis D virus, hepatitis C virus infection, or human immunodeficiency virus were excluded. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric determinants, laboratory findings, and virological parameters were retrospectively collected from patients' charts and electronic medical records. RESULTS: A total of 457 patients with treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B virus infection were included in the study. The three multivariate regression models revealed that age (p<0.028), body mass index (p=0.046), diabetes mellitus (p=0.030), hemoglobin (p=0.008), platelet (p=0.012), and triglyceride (p=0.002) in Model 1; body mass index (p=0.033), diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), hemoglobin (p=0.008), platelet (p=0.004), LDL (p=0.023), and HDL (p=0.020) in Model 2; and age (p<0.001), body mass index (p=0.033), hemoglobin (p=0.004), platelet (p=0.004), and HDL (p=0.007) in Model 3 were independent predictors. CONCLUSION: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was observed in about one-third of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and was positively associated with older age, higher body mass index, presence of comorbid conditions including diabetes mellitus, increased levels of metabolic laboratory parameters, especially serum triglyceride and LDL, and decreased HDL.

Independent predictors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: There are limited data on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. We aimed to determine the predictors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B virus infection. METHODS: All consecutive treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection at the Haseki Training and Research Hospital between October 1, 2021, and September 31, 2022, were retrospectively enrolled. Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is defined by positive serum hepatitis B surface antigen for 6 months or more. Patients with significant alcohol consumption, prolonged steatogenic drug use, malignancy, monogenic hereditary disorders, patients co-infected with hepatitis D virus, hepatitis C virus infection, or human immunodeficiency virus were excluded. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric determinants, laboratory findings, and virological parameters were retrospectively collected from patients' charts and electronic medical records. RESULTS: A total of 457 patients with treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B virus infection were included in the study. The three multivariate regression models revealed that age (p<0.028), body mass index (p=0.046), diabetes mellitus (p=0.030), hemoglobin (p=0.008), platelet (p=0.012), and triglyceride (p=0.002) in Model 1; body mass index (p=0.033), diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), hemoglobin (p=0.008), platelet (p=0.004), LDL (p=0.023), and HDL (p=0.020) in Model 2; and age (p<0.001), body mass index (p=0.033), hemoglobin (p=0.004), platelet (p=0.004), and HDL (p=0.007) in Model 3 were independent predictors. CONCLUSION: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was observed in about one-third of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and was positively associated with older age, higher body mass index, presence of comorbid conditions including diabetes mellitus, increased levels of metabolic laboratory parameters, especially serum triglyceride and LDL, and decreased HDL.

Determination of associated factors with death in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A single-center, retrospective study

The effect of COVID-19 on the outcomes of patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is still unknown. Aim: In this study, we aimed to determine associated factors for mortality in patients with S. aureus bacteremia and to explore the impact of prior COVID-19. Design and setting: In this retrospective and single-center study, all adult patients (≥ 18 years old) with S. aureus bacteremia between March 2020 and February 2022 were included. Methods: The outcomes of our study were 14-day and 28-day hospital mortality after the first positive blood culture was obtained. Univariate and Cox regression analyses were performed. Results: A total of 140 patients with S. aureus bacteremia were included in the study. The median age was 64.5 (48.5-76) and 82 (58.5%) of the patients were male. 14-day and 28-day mortality rates were 28.6% and 37.1% respectively. Among patients with S. aureus bacteremia and previous COVID-19 history, 14-day and 28-day mortality rates were 33.9% (n = 21) and 41.9% (n = 26), respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed that Pitt bacteremia score, AST, urea, and previous antibiotic use were associated factors for 14-day mortality and 28-day mortality due to S. aureus bacteremia. Conclusions: This study justified the remarkable fatality of S. aureus bacteremia during the COVID-19 pandemic period and revealed that a high Pitt bacteremia score, increased levels of AST and urea, and previous antibiotic exposure were associated factors for mortality in patients with S. aureus bacteremia.

El efecto de COVID-19 en los resultados de pacientes con bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus todavía es desconocido. Objetivo: Determinar los factores asociados con la mortalidad en pacientes con bacteriemia por S. aureus y explorar el impacto del COVID-19 previo. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de un solo centro, que incluyó a todos los pacientes adultos (≥ 18 años) con bacteriemia por S. aureus entre marzo de 2020 y febrero de 2022. Estudiamos la mortalidad hospitalaria a los 14 y 28 días después de obtener el primer cultivo sanguíneo positivo, utilizando análisis univariados y de regresión de Cox. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 140 pacientes con bacteriemia por S. aureus en el estudio. La mediana de edad fue de 64,5 (48,5-76) años y 82 (58,5%) de los pacientes eran hombres. Las tasas de mortalidad a los 14 y 28 días fueron del 28,6% y 37,1%, respectivamente. Entre los pacientes con bacteriemia por S. aureus y antecedentes previos de COVID-19, las tasas de mortalidad a los 14 y 28 días fueron del 33,9% (n = 21) y 41,9% (n = 26), respectivamente. El análisis de regresión de Cox reveló que el puntaje de bacteriemia de Pitt, AST, urea y el uso previo de antibióticos fueron factores asociados con la mortalidad a los 14 y 28 días debido a la bacteriemia por S. aureus. Conclusiones: Este estudio justificó la notable letalidad de la bacteriemia por S. aureus durante el período de pandemia de COVID-19 y reveló que un puntaje de bacteriemia de Pitt elevado, niveles aumentados de AST y urea, y la exposición previa a antibióticos fueron factores asociados con la mortalidad en pacientes con bacteriemia por S. aureus.

The effects of the time of intranasal splinting on bacterial colonization, postoperative complications, and patient discomfort after septoplasty operations / Efeitos do tempo de permanência de splints intranasais sobre a colonização bacteriana, complicações no pós-operatório e desconforto do paciente após septoplastia

Abstract Introduction: The main reason for nasal tampon placement after septoplasty is to prevent postoperative hemorrhage, while the secondary purpose is internal stabilization after operations involving the cartilaginous-bony skeleton of the nose. Silicone intranasal splints are as successful as other materials in controlling postoperative hemorrhages of septal origin. The possibility of leaving the splints intranasally for extended periods helps stabilize the septum in the midline. However, there is nothing in the literature about how long these splints can be retained inside the nasal cavity without increasing the risk of infection, postoperative complications, and patient discomfort. Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the association between the duration of intranasal splinting and bacterial colonization, postoperative complications, and patient discomfort. Methods: Patients who had undergone septoplasty were divided into three groups according to the day of removal of the silicone splints. The splints were removed on the fifth, seventh, and tenth postoperative days. The removed splints were microbiologically cultured. Early and late complications were assessed, including local and systemic infections, tissue necrosis, granuloma formation, mucosal crusting, synechia, and septal perforation. Postoperative patient discomfort was evaluated by scoring the levels of pain and nasal obstruction. Results: No significant difference was found in the rate of bacterial colonization among the different groups. Decreased mucosal crusting and synechia were detected with longer usage intervals of intranasal silicone splints. Postoperative pain and nasal obstruction were also diminished by the third postoperative day. Conclusions: Silicone splints were well tolerated by the patients and any negative effects on postoperative patient comfort were limited. In fact, prolonged splint usage intervals reduced late complications. Long-term silicone nasal splint usage is a reliable, effective, and comfortable method in patients with excessive mucosal damage and in whom long-term stabilization of the bony and cartilaginous septum is essential.

Resumo Introdução: A principal razão para a colocação de tampões nasais em septoplastias é a prevenção de hemorragia pós-operatória, enquanto o objetivo secundário é a estabilização interna após cirurgias que envolvam o esqueleto cartilaginoso do nariz. Os splints intranasais de silicone são tão eficazes como outros materiais para o controle de hemorragias do septo no pós-operatório. A possibilidade de manter os splints intranasais por longos períodos ajuda a estabilizar o septo na linha média. No entanto, não há nada na literatura sobre quanto tempo esses splints podem ser mantidos na cavidade nasal sem aumentar o risco de infecção, complicações no pós-operatório e causar desconforto ao paciente. Objetivos: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a associação entre o tempo de tamponamento com splints intranasais e colonização bacteriana, complicações no pós-operatório e desconforto do paciente. Método: Os pacientes submetidos a septoplastia foram divididos em três grupos, de acordo com o dia da remoção dos splints de silicone. Os splints foram removidos no 5°, 7° e 10° dias de pós-operatório, e a seguir, cultivados microbiologicamente. Complicações precoces e tardias foram avaliadas, incluindo infecções locais e sistêmicas, necrose do tecido, formação de granulomas, crostas na mucosa, sinéquias e perfuração do septo. O desconforto do paciente no pós-operatório foi avaliado com o uso de pontuação dos níveis de dor e de obstrução nasal. Resultados: Nenhuma diferença significante foi encontrada na taxa de colonização bacteriana entre os diferentes grupos. Diminuições da formação de crostas na mucosa e de sinéquias foram detectadas com tempos mais longos de uso de splints de silicone. A dor e a obstrução nasal também diminuíram no terceiro dia de pós-operatório. Conclusões: O uso de splints de silicone foi bem tolerado pelos pacientes, e seus efeitos negativos sobre o conforto do paciente no pós-operatório foram limitados. De fato, o tempo prolongado de uso teve um efeito redutor sobre as complicações tardias. O uso prolongado de splint nasal de silicone é um método confiável, eficaz e pouco desconfortável em pacientes com lesão excessiva da mucosa e naqueles cuja estabilização óssea e cartilaginosa do septo a longo prazo é essencial.