Serum levels of inflammatory markers CRP, ESR and albumin in relation to survival for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with several chronic inflammatory conditions. It is increasingly understood that the inflammation may be part of the carcinogenic process and prognostically important. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the serum levels of three inflammation markers in relation to survival in HCC patients. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the serum levels of CRP, albumin and ESR, both singly and in combination, in relation to patient survival. RESULTS: Survival worsened with increase in CRP or ESR or decrease in albumin levels. Combinations of CRP plus albumin or CRP plus ESR were associated with an even greater range of survival (3-fold), together with significant differences in maximum tumor diameter (PVT) and percent of patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The triplet of CRP plus albumin plus ESR was associated with a sevenfold difference in survival, comparing low vs high parameter levels. These significant differences were found in patients with small or large tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Combinations of CRP with albumin or ESR or all three parameters together significantly related to differences in survival and to differences in MTD and percent PVT, in patients with both small and large size HCCs.

Cryptogenic liver cirrhosis and hepatitis E virus (HEV): Are they related?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the most common causes of acute hepatitis. In recent years, its role in the development of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis especially in immunosuppressed patients and its wide range of extrahepatic involvement have increased the amount of research on HEV. In this study we aimed to investigate the presence of HEV infection in individuals with cryptogenic cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HEV antibodies were analysed using the Anti HEV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (anti-HEV ELISA; Diapro Prodiagnostic Bioprobes, Milan, Italy). HEV RNA was isolated with using QIAMP Viral RNA mini kit (QIAGEN, Hilden, Germany). The HEV RNA titre was detected with the Rotor Gene 3000 real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system using GenoSen's HEV (Rotor Gene) Quantitative Real Time PCR Kit (Genome Diagnostics Private Limited, the Netherlands). RESULTS: Our study included 21 healthy volunteers (12 males) and 35 cryptogenic cirrhosis patients (19 males). The ages of the patients and the controls were similar (46±12.1 vs. 37.5±9.7years). The mean Child-Pugh score was 8±2.5. The anti HEV immunoglobulin G(IgG) positivity rate was 9.5% and 25.7% in the control and patient groups respectively (p>0.05). HEV RNA positivity was not detected in the control group, but 3 cases (8.6%) in the patient group were positive (p>0.05). The HEV RNA, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) levels for these 3 cases were 326.461copies/mL, 91IU/L and 67IU/L; 480copies/mL, 68IU/L and 36IU/L and 72copies/mL, 42IU/L and 24IU/L respectively. There were positive correlations between HEV RNA levels and AST and ALT levels (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Anti HEVIgG and HEV RNA positivity rates are high in cryptogenic cirrhosis although it is not statistically significant and there is a positive correlation between HEV RNA and aminotransferases.

Evaluation of the Paraoxonase-1 Level in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: This study, aimed to evaluate the role of paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP). PON-1 plays a significant role in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic responses and may help predict the severity of AP. METHODS: A total of 50 patients with AP and 45 healthy volunteers were included in the study. AP was diagnosed when serum amylase and/or lipase values increased threefold and/or more than the upper limit of normal, together with a complaint of abdominal pain. Modified Atlanta and Ranson scoring were used for AP severity. RESULTS: AP causes were biliary for 35 (70%) patients and idiopathic for 8 (16%) patients, AP developed in 6 (12%) patients after endoscopic retrograde pancreatography, and AP in 1 (2%) patient was a consequence hypertriglyceridemia. No difference in PON-1 level was found between the groups (PON-1=197.06±164.6 and 192.1±111.78, respectively, p=0.86). On the other hand, patients were stratified according to the modified Atlanta (177.5±166.8 for mild to moderate vs. 268.5±64.2 for severe, p<0.018) or Ranson (163.2±133.06 for mild vs. 208.8±158.0 for severe, p<0.016). PON-1 level was significantly higher in patients with severe AP compared to patients with mild and/or moderate disease. CONCLUSION: Although PON-1 level did not differ in patients with and without AP, PON-1 level increased significantly in parallel with the severity of AP. Thus, PON-1 can be a potential marker for the severity of the disease and can predict prognosis.

Evaluation of HBsAg Seroclearance in Patients with Hepatitis B.

Objective: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance/seroconversion is regarded as an indicator of the ultimate immune control of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. HBsAg loss is the most important endpoint, as it shows deep suppression of HBV replication and viral protein expression. This study was aimed to retrospectively evaluate the HBsAg seroclearance/seroconversion status in patients with acute or chronic hepatitis B (CHB) diagnosis. Materials and methods: Patients diagnosed with acute or CHB at the Harran University Faculty of Medicine Department of Gastroenterology between January 2012 and December 2020 were included in this study. This study was designed as a retrospective historical cohort. Experimental analysis of the data was done with the help of the SPSS version 22.0 package program. Results: Of 1,053 patients with positive HBsAg, 854 patients with sufficient data in their files were included in this study. There were 494 (57.8%) males and 360 (42.2%) females; the mean age was 42.71 ± 14.31 (range 18-88). The mean duration of illness was 86.13 ± 72.92 months. In the 9-year follow-up of 854 patients, 65 (7.9%) of the last HBsAg test were negative and seroclearance had developed. The last anti-HBs test was positive in 49 (75.4%) of 65 patients who developed seroclearance, and it was found that seroconversion had developed. Twenty-seven of 30 (90%) of the patients who developed seroclearance had liver transplantation. Sixteen of 19 (84.2%) of them had acute hepatitis B, 14 of 477 (2.9%) were hepatitis carriers, 5 of 201 (2.5%) had e-negative CHB, 2 of 36 (5.6%) had cirrhosis, and 1 of 43 (2.3%) of them were delta hepatitis who developed seroclearance disease; none of the 38 e-positive CHB patients developed seroclearance. Conclusion: In the 9-year follow-up of patients who were positive for HBsAg at their first admission, approximately one-tenth (7.9%) developed seroclearance, and two-thirds also developed seroconversion. After liver transplantation and acute hepatitis B, almost all patients developed seroclearance, whereas, in approximately 3% of carriers (e-negative CHB and cirrhotic patients) seroclearance developed. How to cite this article: Taskin MC, Uyanikoglu A, Cindoglu C. Evaluation of HBsAg Seroclearance in Patients with Hepatitis B. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2022;12(2):65-68.

A New Risk-Scoring System for Colorectal Cancer and Polyp Screening by Turkish Colorectal Cancer and Polyp Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer worldwide. An early diagnosis and detection of colon cancer and polyp can reduce mortality and morbidity from colorectal cancer. Even though there are a variety of options in screen- ing tests, the question remains on which test is the most effective for the early detection of colorectal cancer. In this prospective study, we aimed to develop a simple, useful, effective, and reliable scoring system to detect colon polyp and colorectal cancer. METHODS: We enrolled 6508 subjects over the age of 18 from 16 centers, with colonoscopy screening. The age, smoking status, alcohol consumption, body mass index, polyp incidence, polyp size, number and localization, and pathologic findings were recorded. RESULTS: The age, male gender, obesity, smoking, and family history were found as independent risk factors for adenomatous polyp. We have developed a new scoring system which can be used for these factors. With a score of 4 or above, we found the following: sensitivity 81%, specificity 40%, positive predictive value 25.68%, and negative predictive value 89.84%, for adenomatous polyp detection; and sensitivity 96%, specificity 39%, positive predictive value 3.35%, negative predictive value 99.29%, for colorectal cancer detection. CONCLUSION: Even though the first colorectal cancer screening worldwide is generally performed for individuals over 50 years of age, we recommend that screening for colorectal cancer might begin for those under 50 years of age as well. Individuals with a score ≥ 4 must be included in the screening tests for colorectal cancer.

Effect of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: an esophageal impedance-pHmetry study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is an increasing interest for a link between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). There is no study in the literature which examines the relationship between OSAS and esophageal functions in adults with impedance. We first evaluated the role of reflux in OSAS with simultaneous polysomnography and impedance-pHmetry and then investigated whether the effect of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment changes in these parameters. METHODOLOGY: Twenty two OSAS patients who had applied to sleep laboratory between September 2007 and May 2008 were consecutively enrolled to the study. Twenty four hours esophageal impedance study was performed during polysomnographic recording. At least 50% of all apneas in patients must proceed with a reflux event in 2 minute intervals in order to be considered reflux related apnea patient. RESULTS: Pathologic reflux episodes were determined in 20 patients (8 were weakly acidic, 12 were acidic). Reflux dependent apnea was found in 6 patients. There was endoscopically esophagitis in all reflux related apnea patients. There was a negative correlation between initial mean SaO2 and gas reflux events at night (p=0.004, r =-0.588) and mixed reflux events at night (p=0.02, r=0.493). There was a statistically significant regression of AHI (apnea hypopnea index) after 3-months PPI treatment (p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Reflux may trigger apnea in some of the OSAS patients. Therefore, each OSAS patient must be inquired about esophageal and extraesophageal symptoms of reflux.

Second-line levofloxacin-based triple therapy's efficiency for Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with peptic ulcer.

OBJECTIVES: First-line standard eradication efficacy with lansoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin regressed over 10 years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a levofloxacin-based regimen in patients with peptic ulcer after failure of the standard first-line H.pylori eradication therapy in a country with a high rate of infection. METHODS: A total of 91 peptic ulcer patients who were diagnosed H.pylori positive proven by rapid urease test and histology between November 2005 to March 2008 were given lansoprazole 30 mg bid, amoxicillin 1 g bid and clarithromycin 500 mg bid (LAC) for 14 days. After three months from the first line eradication treatment omeprazole 20 mg bid, levofloxacin 500 mg bid, amoxicillin 1 g bid (OLA) 7 day treatment regimen was recommended as a second-line therapy for 37 patients who failed at first-line standard triple therapy. RESULTS: Eradication rates for LAC regimen were found to be 57.14% (52/91) for intention to treat and 58.42% (52/89) for per protocol analysis. Eradication rates for OLA regimen were found to be 37.83% (14/37) for ITT and 41.17% (14/34) for PP analysis. CONCLUSION: OLA regimen eradication rate was successful only in 40% of patients who failed in the first-line eradication. New eradication treatment strategies must be performed, at least in Turkey.

Is portal hypertensive enteropathy an important additional cause of blood loss in portal hypertensive patients?

OBJECTIVE: Recently, mucosal changes of small bowel were defined by developing new imaging techniques including capsule endoscopy (CE) in portal hypertensive patients. However, the clinical impact of these changes is unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine the additional cause of blood loss in portal hypertensive patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 444 portal hypertensive patients, hospitalized in our clinic between 2005 and 2007, were evaluated. Patients with obscure bleeding were enrolled to this prospective case-control study. CE was performed in 21 patients who met inclusion criteria. Gastroscopy, colonoscopy and computerized tomography/small bowel enema were performed in all patients. RESULTS: Fourteen cirrhotic and seven noncirrhotic portal hypertensive patients were enrolled to this study. Mean age of patients was 47.9±15.6 years, and 13 of 21 were male. Small bowel varices were found in 7 patients (1 active bleeding) and other mucosal abnormalities in 10 patients (vascular ectasia, erosion and edema, 1 active bleeding). Although two of them were normal, jejunal malignant mass was found in two patients (1 active bleeding). Of 21 patients, 19 (90.5%) patients had portal hypertensive abnormalities (including varices). However, ileal varices rate was 57.1% (4 patients) in noncirrhotic portal hypertensive patients and 21.4% (3 patients) in cirrhotics. CONCLUSION: Ninety percent of patients had portal hypertensive abnormalities in small bowel and one-third of them had small bowel varices. Small bowel varices and vascular ectasia were the main causes of obscure bleeding in portal hypertensive patients.

Decreased prohepcidin levels in patients with HBV-related liver disease: relation with ferritin levels.

BACKGROUND: Levels of prohepcidin, a homeostatic regulator of iron absorption, are altered in chronic hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis. However, data on the potential alterations of prohepcidin in patients with HBV-related liver disease are scarce. We investigated whether serum prohepcidin is related to iron overload and perenchymal dysfuction in HBV-related liver disease. METHODS: Three groups of subjects were studied: 66 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 32 patients with HBV-related cirrhosis, and 42 healthy controls without evidence of liver disease. Serum levels of prohepcidin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Serum prohepcidin levels were significantly lower in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis (175.85 ± 71.5 ng/ml) than in patients with chronic hepatitis B (209.02 ± 62.7 ng/ml P < 0.05) and controls (222.4 ± 128.4 ng/ml, P < 0.05). After adjustment for potential confounders, prohepcidin was found to be an independent predictor of ferritin levels in multiple linear regression analysis (ß = -1.10, t = -3.11, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that prohepcidin levels are reduced in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis and are an independent correlate of serum ferritin.

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.

Association of Cirrhosis and Cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated association of pro-BNP, troponin-I, electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography (ECHO) during diagnosis and identification of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in cirrhotic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were divided into three groups as; compensated cirrhotic patients (group 1, n= 30), decompensated cirrhotic (group 2, n = 30) and control group (group 3, n = 30). ECHO, and ECG were performed, and troponin-I and levels of pro-BNP were analyzed. RESULTS: Average age of group 1 was 46.36 ± 16 years (range 19-86), 60% were female; group 2 was 57.03 ± 13.54 years (range 22-89), 56% female; and group 3 was 49.13 ± 0.95 years (range 18-80), 56% female. A significant increase in QTc was detected in compensated cirrhotic patients compared to the control group (p <0.05). Pro-BNP levels were significantly higher (p <0.05) in the compensated cirrhotic group compared to the control group. The levels of pro-BNP were also significantly higher in the decompensated cirrhotic group compared compensated cirrhosis group and control group (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: The increase of pro-BNP levels with severity of the disease in cirrhotic patients and the prolongation of QTc interval supports an association between these factors with cardiomyopathy. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Sezgin B, Cindoglu C, et al. Association of Cirrhosis and Cardiomyopathy. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2019;9(1):23-26.

Impaired thiol/disulfide homeostasis in patients with mild acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the dynamic thiol/disulfide (SS) homeostasis and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) concentration between healthy subjects and patients with mild acute pancreatitis (AP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 28 patients with AP (AP group) and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals (control group) were included in this study. Serum thiols/SS and IMA concentrations were measured and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean serum native thiol (SH) and total thiol (TT) levels were significantly lower in the AP group than in the control group (224.7±80.3 µmol/L vs. 314.66±87.5 µmol/L, p<0.001 and 273.3±76.8 vs. 346.9±79 µmol/L, p<0.001, respectively). SS levels were significantly higher in the AP group than in the control group (24.2±11.1 µmol/L vs. 16.1±9.9 µmol/L, p<0.054). There were no differences in the IMA concentration and the mean IMA/albumin ratio (IMAR) between both the groups. CONCLUSION: We found that mild AP may affect serum thiol and SS levels, and cause impaired thiol/SS homeostasis.

Is There any Association Between Celiac Disease and Helicobacter pylori?

OBJECTIVE: It was aimed to determine if there was a correlation between celiac disease (CD) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) by comparing the prevalence of H. pylori in patients with and without CD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients who were diagnosed with CD and tested for H. pylori and the patients who presented for gastroscopy and tested for H. pylori were evaluated retrospectively and the prevalence of H. pylori was compared. RESULTS: Fifteen (48%) of 31 patients who were diagnosed with CD and tested for H. pylori were males and had a mean age of 33.1 ± 12.7 years (17-72). In the CD group, H. pylori was positive in 15 patients (48%), and 592 antrum biopsy that was performed were included as the control group. Of these patients, 299 (50.5%) were males and had a mean age of 44.4 ± 17.05 years (16-96). Helicobacter pylori were positive in 316 patients (53.4%). Helicobacter pylori prevalence was similar in the groups with and without CD (p > 0.5). CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of H. pylori was lower in celiac patients compared to the control group, the difference was not statistically significant. Although no findings suggesting a correlation between CD and H. pylori was found, further studies should be conducted. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Uyanikoglu A, Dursun H, Yenice N. Is There any Association Between Celiac Disease and Helicobacter pylori? Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2016;6(2):103-105.

Gastroesophageal reflux in asymptomatic obese subjects: An esophageal impedance-pH study.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between reflux and body mass index (BMI) in the asymptomatic obese population using the impedance-pH technique. METHODS: Gastroesophageal reflux is frequent in the obese population. However, the relationship between acid reflux and BMI in asymptomatic obese people is unclear. Forty-six obese (BMI > 25 kg/m(2)) people were enrolled in this prospective study. We evaluated the demographic findings and 24-h impedance pH values of the whole group. Gas, acid (pH < 4), weak acid (pH = 4-7) and weak alkaline (pH ≥ 7) reflux parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 49.47 ± 12.24 years, and half of them were men. The mean BMI was 30.64 ± 3.95 kg/m(2) (25.14-45.58 kg/m(2)). BMI of 23 was over 30 kg/m(2). Seventeen patients had a comorbidity (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or ischemic heart disease). Endoscopic examination revealed esophagitis in 13 of the 28 subjects (10 Grade A, 3 Grade B). The subjects were divided into two groups according to BMI (< 30 and > 30 kg/m(2)). Demographic and endoscopic findings, and impedance results were similar in these two groups. However, there was a positive correlation between BMI and total and supine pH < 4 episodes (P = 0.002, r = 0.414; P = 0.000, r = 0.542), pH < 4 reflux time (P = 0.015, r = 0.319; P = 0.003, r = 0.403), and DeMeester score (P = 0.012, r = 0.333). CONCLUSION: Acid reflux is correlated with BMI in asymptomatic obese individuals.

Co-infection with hepatitis B does not alter treatment response in chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To investigate the clinical features and treatment response in patients with hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection receiving anti-HCV therapy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Patients with HBV/HCV co-infection, who were eligible for anti-HCV therapy, were included in the study. Patients had detectable HBsAg for at least 6 months and detectable HCV-RNA before the initiation of therapy. Primary end-point was the proportion of patients achieving sustained virological response (SVR). HBV serology and HBV-DNA results obtained during the follow-up were assessed to determine HBV clearance or reactivation after anti-HCV therapy. RESULTS: There were 612 patients in the HCV cohort and 52 (8.5%) of them were HBV/HCV co-infected. Twenty-eight patients (20 male, mean age: 47 ± 12) received anti-HCV treatment and followed-up for a mean duration of 53 months (12-156). Fifteen patients received peginterferon/ribavirin combination while the remaining patients received standard interferon/ribavirin combination (n=6) or standard interferon monotherapy (n=7). Patients receiving interferon monotherapy were under chronic hemodialysis therapy. SVR was achieved in 14 (50%) patients at the end of follow-up. The proportion of patients with SVR in three treatment arms were not significantly different (P=0.78). Eight of 11 patients with detectable HBV-DNA cleared HBV-DNA during treatment. Seven (25%) patients experienced a rebound in HBV-DNA, and one patient experienced an acute hepatitis flare which was controlled by tenofovir therapy. Two (7%) patients cleared HBsAg and one of them was seroconverted to anti-HBs. CONCLUSION: Co-infection with HBV does not have a negative impact on the efficacy of anti-HCV treatment, but HBV-DNA should be monitored to overcome the risk of HBV exacerbation.

Durability of sustained virologic response in chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study is to investigate the rate of sustained virologic response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C patients receiving antiviral treatment. METHODS: The files of patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon±ribavirin between 1995 and 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. Six months after the end of treatment, patients with negative hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA (<50 IU/mL, as determined by the polymerase chain reaction method) were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: The mean age of 196 patients (89 males) was 46.13±11.10 years (range, 17 to 73 years). In biopsies, the mean stage was 1.50±0.94; histological activity index was 7.18±2.43. In total, 139 patients received pegylated interferon (IFN)+ribavirin, 21 patients received classical IFN+ribavirin, and 36 patients received IFN alone. The HCV genotypes of 138 patients were checked: 77.5% were genotype 1b, and 22.5% were other genotypes. After achievement of SVR, the median follow-up period was 33.5 months (range, 6 to 112 months), and in this period relapse was only detected in two patients (1.02%) at 18 and 48 months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In total, 98.9% of patients with SVR in chronic hepatitis C demonstrated truly durable responses over the long-term follow-up period of 3 years; relapsed patients had intermittent or low-grade viremia.

Does Cholecystectomy Increase the Esophageal Alkaline Reflux? Evaluation by Impedance-pH Technique.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study is to investigate the reflux patterns in patients with galbladder stone and the change of reflux patterns after cholecystectomy in such patients. METHODS: Fourteen patients with cholecystolithiasis and a control group including 10 healthy control subjects were enrolled in this prospective study. Demographical findings, reflux symptom score scale and 24-hour impedance pH values of the 14 cholecystolithiasis cases and the control group were evaluated. The impedance pH study was repeated 3 months after cholecystectomy. RESULTS: Age, gender, and BMI were not different between the two groups. Total and supine weakly alkaline reflux time (%) (1.0 vs 22.5, P = 0.028; 201.85 vs 9.65, P = 0.012), the longest episodes of total, upright and supine weakly alkaline reflux mediums (11 vs 2, P = 0.025; 8.5 vs 1.0, P = 0.035; 3 vs 0, P = 0.027), total and supine weakly alkaline reflux time in minutes (287.35 vs 75.10, P = 0.022; 62.5 vs 1.4, P = 0.017), the number of alkaline reflux episodes (162.5 vs 72.5, P = 0.022) were decreased with statistical significance. No statistically significant difference was found in the comparison of symptoms between the subjects in the control group and the patients with cholecystolithiasis, in preoperative, postoperative and postcholecystectomy status. CONCLUSIONS: Significant reflux symptoms did not occur after cholecystectomy. Post cholecystectomy weakly alkaline reflux was decreased, but it was determined that acid reflux increased after cholecystectomy by impedance pH-metry in the study group.

Etiological factors of duodenal and gastric ulcers.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to determine the etiology of patients with duodenal and gastric ulcers. METHODS: 140 patients diagnosed with peptic ulcer between April 2002-2009 were enrolled in this prospective study. Two biopsy specimens were collected from the antrum and corpus for histology and one for rapid urease testing, and stool samples were analyzed for Helicobacter pylori antigen. Serum calcium and gastrin levels were also analyzed. RESULTS: 82 (58%) patients were male, with a median age of 47.70±15.03 years (range: 16-92). The ulcer was located in the duodenum in 96 patients, stomach in 40, and both duodenum and stomach in 4. The rates of patients positive for Helicobacter pylori antigen in stool, positive in urease testing and positive for Helicobacter pylori presence in antral and corpus samples were 48%, 52%, 67%, and 60%, respectively. 107 (76%) patients were positive for Helicobacter pylori in one of the test methods. 64 (46%) patients had a history of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug use within the last month. Mean levels of calcium and gastrin were 9.29±0.40 (7.90-10.20) and 73.96±89.88 (12.86-562.50), respectively. Gastrin level was correlated to inflammatory activity (p<0.05). 19 (13.6%) of the patients were negative for Helicobacter pylori, nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug use and hypersecretory illness, and were classified as idiopathic. CONCLUSIONS: The most common cause of duodenal and gastric ulcer was Helicobacter pylori, and it was responsible for three-fourths of the cases. About half of the patients had a history of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug use, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug and Helicobacter pylori were both responsible for the ulcer in three-fourths of these patients. In about one-tenth of the patients, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug use was the cause of ulcer alone, and about one-tenth of the ulcers were classified as idiopathic.