Can Interferon Therapy Change the Natural Course of Hepatitis Delta Infection?: a Clinical and Pathological Study.

Chronic delta hepatitis (CDH) has a worse outcome than other types of viral hepatitis. High-dose, long-term alpha interferon (IFN-α) is the approved treatment and may ameliorate the course of infection. We evaluated long-term histological outcomes of CDH patients treated with IFN-α. Patients with histologically proved noncirrhotic CDH who were treated with high-dose IFN-α for at least 1 year were classified as cirrhotic or noncirrhotic at the end of treatment. Noncirrhotic patients also had posttreatment liver biopsies. Patients were designated histologically responsive or nonresponsive on the basis of fibrosis status. Histological, virological, and biochemical courses were analyzed. Forty-eight patients were treated with IFN-α (conventional and/or pegylated) for a median of 24 months with a posttreatment follow-up of 5 years. During the follow-up, cirrhosis developed in 24 patients, 5 of whom were decompensated. There was no difference between pre- and posttreatment fibrosis scores for 24 noncirrhotic patients at the end of follow-up. Among patients, 13% (n = 6) had decreased, 21% (n = 10) had steady, and 16% (n = 8) had increased fibrosis scores. Persistent viral response (PVR) was achieved in 16 patients (33%). Twenty percent of the entire group was histologically responsive (decreasing or steady fibrosis scores with improved necroinflammatory scores), while nearly 80% had histological progression/cirrhosis. PVR was significantly associated with histological response. The long-term natural course of patients who were treated with high dose IFN-α for at least 1 year was evaluated clinically and histologically. Despite the association of PVR with histological response, IFN-α treatment did not change the natural course of CDH; clinical and histological progression continued in two-thirds of the cases despite treatment.

What is the clinical impact of occult HBV infections and anti-HBc positivity in patients with chronic hepatitis C?

Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is defined by the persistence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome in the liver of individuals testing negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) is the serological marker that indicates HBV exposure. The impact of anti-HBc and OBI on patients with chronic hepatitis C remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of anti-HBc and OBI and to evaluate their impact on the clinical and pathological outcomes of patients with chronic hepatitis C. The study included 59 HBsAg-negative chronic hepatitis C patients who underwent a liver parenchymal biopsy. The presence of HBV DNA was investigated using an in-house nested PCR method. OBI was detected in 16 (27.1%) of the 59 cases and also in 10 (62.5%) of 22 (37.3%) anti-HBc-positive patients. None of the patients had positive serum HBV DNA. OBI was associated with the presence of anti-HBV antibodies (P < 0.05). There was also an association between anti-HBc positivity and the activity grades and fibrosis stages of the liver and also a prevalence of liver steatosis (P < 0.05). Positive anti-HBc results may predict OBI and may also be associated with the progression of liver injury in HBsAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis C. Therefore, it is suggested that patients with chronic hepatitis C should be screened for anti-HBc positivity, and anti-HBc-positive patients should be carefully evaluated for disease progression.

Indications, effectiveness and safety of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: A single center experience and literature review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has been widely used since 1980 in enteral feeding of patients that are not able to be fed orally for a long time. The aim of this study is to evaluate the PEG indications, effectiveness and PEG related complications from a single center in Istanbul, Turkey. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: 265 patients with PEG who were followed up by the clinical nutrition team of a university hospital between 2010-2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002) test, anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis and laboratory data were used to evaluate the patients' nutritional status. RESULTS: The most common indications for PEG were dementia (35.1%), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (22.6%), stroke (15.8%), and cancer (14%). The mean body weight of the patients was increased after PEG (63.5±12.2 vs 62.0±12.7 kg). Mid upper arm circumference and calf circumference of the patients increased after PEG (27.5±2.5 vs 25.4±3.1 cm and 32.2±7.9 vs 29.6±5.9 cm, respectively). Serum albumin of the patients was increased significantly after PEG (3.34±0.69 g/dL to 3.64±0.65 g/dL) without any significant change in serum CRP. Subgroup analyses showed a significant increase in the mean serum albumin of patients with dementia after PEG (3.23±0.67 g/dL to 3.54±0.58 g/dL). Local insertion site infection occurred in 15 patients (5.6%) and only 3 patients had systemic inflammatory symptoms after local infection (1.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showed that long-term enteral feeding with PEG is an effective and safe method that provides improvement in nutritional status.

The effect of liver test abnormalities on the prognosis of COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread rapidly across the world. In our study, we aim to investigate the relationship between the liver enzymes on admission (AST, ALT, ALP, GGT) and severity of COVID-19. We evaluated course of disease, hospital stay, liver damage and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 614 patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID-19 between 03.16.20 and 05.12.20. Patients with liver disease, hematological and solid organ malignancy with liver metastases were excluded, resulting in 554 patients who met our inclusion criteria. We retrospectively evaluated liver transaminase levels, AST/ALT ratio, cholestatic enzyme levels and R ratio during hospital admission and these were compared in terms of morbidity, mortality and clinical course. RESULTS: Mean age of 554 subjects were 66.21±15.45 years, 328 (59.2%) were men. The mean values of liver enzymes on admission were AST (36.2±33.6U/L), ALT (34.01±49.34U/L), ALP (78.8±46.86U/L), GGT (46.25±60.05U/L). Mortality rate and need for intensive care unit were statistically significant in subjects that had high ALT-AST levels during their admission to the hospital (p=0.001). According to the ROC analysis AST/ALT ratio was a good marker of mortality risk (AUC=0.713: p=0.001) and expected probability of intensive care unit admission (AUC=0.636: p=0.001). R ratio, which was used to evaluate prognosis, showed a poor prognosis rate of 26.5% in the cholestatic injury group, 36.1% in the mixed pattern group and 30% in the hepato-cellular injury group (p 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ALT-AST elevation and AST/ALT ratio >1 was associated with more severe course and increased mortality in COVID-19.

Low recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma following ledipasvir and sofosbuvir treatment in a real-world chronic hepatitis C patients cohort.

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) with or without ribavirin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in patients with advanced liver disease and to analyse whether the use of LDV/SOF treatment is associated with a new occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during and after LDV/SOF treatment. The Turkish Early Access Program provided LDV/SOF treatment to a total of 200 eligible CHC patients with advanced liver disease. The median follow-up period was 22 months. All patients were Caucasian, 84% were infected with genotype 1b, and 24% had a liver transplantation before treatment. The sustained virological response (SVR12) was 86.0% with ITT analysis. SVR12 was similar among patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B and C disease and transplant recipients. From baseline to SVR12, serum ALT level and MELD score were significantly improved (P < 0.001). LDV/SOF treatment was generally well tolerated. Only one patient developed a new diagnosed HCC. Seventeen of the 35 patients, who had a history of previous HCC, developed HCC recurrence during the LDV/SOF treatment or by a median follow-up of 6 months after treatment. HCC recurrence was less commonly observed in patients who received curative treatment for HCC compared with those patients who received noncurative treatment (P = 0.007). In conclusion, LDV/SOF with or without ribavirin is an effective and tolerable treatment in CHC patients with advanced liver disease. Eradication is associated with improvements in liver function and a reduced risk of developing a new occurrence of HCC.

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.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Using 24-hour Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance With pH Testing According to Current Consensus.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a popular weight loss procedure with potential effects on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, research on the association between LSG and GERD using objective evaluation criteria, such as multichannel intraluminal impedance combined with pH testing (MII-pH), is limited. This study aimed to investigate the impact of LSG on GERD using MII-pH and current consensus guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was conducted as a prospective clinical study on 33 patients who underwent LSG between January 2022 and August 2022. MII-pH and high-resolution manometry were performed preoperatively and 3 to 6 months postoperatively. GERD diagnosis was based on MII-pH results using the Lyon and Update Porto consensus guidelines. RESULTS: Postoperative MII-pH analysis revealed a significant increase in acid reflux time, acid exposure time, reflux index, esophageal clearance, total reflux time, and longest reflux period. Weak acid reflux episodes decreased, while Demeester score and alkaline reflux showed nonsignificant increases. Pathologic reflux significantly increased postoperatively based on MII-pH diagnosis. High-resolution manometry showed a significant increase in unsuccessful motility. CONCLUSION: Although the Demeester score calculation consists of 6 metrics, including acid exposure time, the acid exposure time is more specific in detecting pathologic reflux. Pathologic GERD increases significantly with LSG in the early period. Therefore, preoperative and postoperative endoscopy and MII-pH can provide valuable information regarding the need for closer follow-up after LSG.

Comparison of Fibroscan, Shear Wave Elastography, and Shear Wave Dispersion Measurements in Evaluating Fibrosis and Necroinflammation in Patients Who Underwent Liver Biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to predict these stages of hepatic fibrosis and necroinflammation using measurements from two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), transient elastography (Fibroscan, TE), and shear wave dispersion (SWD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospectively designed study, chronic liver patients with nonspecific etiology whose biopsy was performed for up to 1 week were included. Two-dimensional SWE, SWD, and TE measurements were performed. The METAVIR and F-ISHAK classification was used for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: Two-dimensional SWE and TE were considered significant for detecting hepatic fibrosis. In distinguishing ≥F2, for 2D-SWE, area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) was 0.86 (confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.96) for the cutoff value of 8.05 kPa ( P = 0.003); for TE, AUROC was 0.79 (CI, 0.65-0.94) for the cutoff value of 10.4 kPa ( P < 0.001). No significance was found for TE in distinguishing ≥F3 ( P = 0.132). However, for 2D-SWE, a cutoff value of 10.45 kPa ( P < 0.001), with AUROC = 0.87 (CI, 0.78-0.97) was determined for ≥F3. Shear wave dispersion was able to determine the presence of necroinflammation ( P = 0.016) and a cutoff value of 15.25 (meter/second)/kiloHertz ([m/s]/kHz) ( P = 0.006) and AUROC of 0.71 (CI, 0.57-0.85) were calculated for distinguishing ≥A2. In addition, a cutoff value of 17.25 (m/s)/kHz ( P = 0.023) and AUROC = 0.72 (CI, 0.51-0.93) were found to detect severe necroinflammation. The cutoff value for SWD was 15.25 (m/s)/kHz ( P = 0.013) for detecting ≥A2 in the reversible stage of fibrosis (F0, F1, and F2), and AUROC = 0.72 (CI, 0.56-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Two-dimensional SWE and TE measurements were significant in detecting the irreversible stage and the stage that should be treated in hepatic fibrosis noninvasively. Shear wave dispersion measurements were significant in detecting necroinflammation noninvasively.

Concomitant Crohn's Disease and Anti-Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD)-Associated Autoimmune Encephalitis: A Case Report.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory, autoimmune disorder that predominantly affects the intestines but can also affect extraintestinal organs. Certain neurological conditions, such as autoimmune encephalitis, can develop along with this disease. In this case report, we present a case of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis that occurred shortly after the diagnosis of Crohn's disease and was unrelated to the treatment and nutritional deficiencies. After a significant weight loss (24 kg) and persistent diarrhea, the patient was diagnosed with Crohn's disease by colonoscopy and biopsy. Within two weeks after the diagnosis, he experienced altered consciousness and memory impairment, followed by a rapid deterioration in consciousness and respiratory distress, leading to intubation and admission to the intensive care unit. His brain MRI revealed asymmetrical diffuse cortical diffusion restrictions, hyperintense signals on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences, and diffuse pachymeningeal contrast enhancement involving both cingulate gyri, bilateral insular cortices, amygdalae, hippocampi, and the right precuneus. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed a slight elevation of CSF proteins, and the patient tested positive for serum anti-GAD antibodies. The patient responded favorably to a seven-day course of intravenous methylprednisolone, five days of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and oral corticosteroids. Subsequent treatment consisted of monthly IVIG, azathioprine, and vedolizumab, resulting in no neurologic sequelae except mild amnesia. A follow-up MRI at three months showed a nearly complete disappearance of the lesions. This is the first reported case of anti-GAD-associated encephalitis occurring in the presence of Crohn's disease.

Small Bowel Video Capsule Endoscopy Guidance in Practice: Expert Opinion Report.

Capsule endoscopy, in clinical use since the 2000s, has disrupted the diagnosis of various small bowel diseases, especially obscuregastrointestinal bleeding. An overview of information on indications, contraindications, patient management, and patient preparationfor capsule endoscopy, which allows the evaluation of the entire gastrointestinal tract, will be helpful for both referrers and capsuleendoscopy. This review critically considers current evidence on the optimal clinical use of capsule endoscopy and addresses areas in the "gray zone."

Efficacy and Safety of Sofosbuvir and Ledipasvir for Hepatitis C in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single-center Retrospective Observational Study

Background: Treatment using direct-acting antivirals provides high rates of sustained virologic response and a favorable safety profile for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. However, data on the efficacy of direct-acting antivirals in kidney transplant recipients are still limited. Aims: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of fixed-dose sofosbuvir/ledipasvir combination in kidney transplant recipients. Study Design: Retrospective, observational, single-center study. Methods: Data of 29 kidney transplant recipients who received a fixed-dose safety and efficacy of fixed-dose sofosbuvir/ledipasvir combination for 12 or 24 weeks with or without ribavirin were analyzed. The primary outcome was SVR12, which was defined as undetectable HCV-RNA levels 12 weeks after the treatment. Secondary outcomes were graft function, proteinuria, and calcineurin inhibitor trough level variability. Results: The predominant hepatitis C virus genotype was 1b (n = 19, 65.6%). All patients achieved SVR12. No graft failures nor deaths were reported during the study period. Throughout and after the treatment, the levels of aspartate aminotransferase [21 (range: 18-29.5) to 16 (range: 14-20) U/l, p < 0.001] and alanine aminotransferase [22 (range: 15-34) to 14 (range: 12-17.5) U/l, p < 0.001] improved significantly, unlike bilirubin, hemoglobin, and platelet levels. Renal function remained stable. Dose adjustments for calcineurin inhibitors were required. Serious adverse events were not observed. Conclusion: Safety and efficacy of fixed-dose sofosbuvir/ledipasvir combination was effective and safe in kidney transplant recipients with hepatitis C virus. However, cautious monitoring of trough levels of calcineurin inhibitorss is needed due to potential drug-drug interactions during the treatment episode.

Is the Y90-radioembolization treatment effective on the intermediate-advanced stage of hepatocellular carcinoma and what is the albumin-bilirubin score's prediction factor for survival?

Background and Aim: Radioembolization (RE) is a one of the palliative treatments that have been used to down stage and/or increase the survival time in intermediate-advanced stages of HCC. We aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of RE and the clinical use of the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score as a predictor for survival in HCC patients. Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients were enrolled. RE was performed in 28 of them (group 1) and 31 patients were followed up in the natural course (NC) (group 2). Patients were classified according to the Child-Pugh score (only cirrhotic patients), Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) staging, and ALBI scores were also calculated. Results: All patients in Group 1 were cirrhotic and their BCLC stages were as follows: 60.7% stage B and 39.3% stage C. In Group 2, 83.9% of patients were cirrhotic and their BCLC stages were as follows: 9.7% stage B, 51.6% stage C, and 38.7% stage D. Mortality rates were 82% and 100% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) was 13.5 months (95% CI: 10.4-16.6 months) and 4.5 months (95% CI: 3.5-5.5 months) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.000). When RE was applied to patients with ALBI Grade 1 and 2, the median OS was statistically higher than in the NC group, respectively (p<0.001, p<0.001). Conclusion: RE is an effective treatment method at the advanced stages of HCC. The ALBI score is a more useful and practical than the other prognostic tools.

Is there any predictor for relapse after treatment withdrawal in autoimmune hepatitis patients in the real life?

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS: In autoimmune hepatitis, there are uncertainties about whether to discontinue the treatment, when the treatment should be discontinued, and the risks of relapse in the cases where remission is achieved with immunosuppressive therapy. In this study, patients with AIH, whose immunosuppressive treatments were discontinued, were evaluated for the rates of remission and the risk of relapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 119 patients, who were diagnosed with AIH based on the AIHG scoring systems between 1990 and 2015, were evaluated. Patients were receiving standard azathioprine and steroid therapy. The treatment was discontinued in patients, who had been receiving treatment for at least 2 years, who had no clinical complaints, and whose aminotransferases were normal and when an increase occurred in AST values more than two times the normal after the treatment was interrupted, the case was considered as a relapse. RESULTS: Among the patients, 83%(n = 99) were women. When the patients were diagnosed with AIH, their mean age was 36 ± 16(8-79) years; 70.6%(n = 84) were type 1, 3.4%(n = 4) type 2, and 26%(n = 31) were autoantibody-negative AIH. At the time of discontinuation, liver biopsy was performed in 8 of the patients and minimal-mild abnormalities were detected. Patients whose treatment was discontinued received treatment for an average of 101 ± 75(range: 24-280, median: 68.5) months; and, they were followed up for an average of 19 (1-110) months during the period without medication. Relapse occurred in 67%(n = 12) of the patients with drug withdrawal. Relapse occurred within the first 12 months in 67% of these patients (n = 8) and developed with an acute hepatitis attack in 42%. None of the clinical, laboratory, and histological data were found to be effective on relapse. CONCLUSION: In patients with AIH, relapse occurs in two-thirds of patients within an average of 19 month after the discontinuation of the medication. Most relapses occur at the early period and they are accompanied by an acute hepatitis attack.

The effects of IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphism on hepatitis B infection.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphisms with the clinical, histological, and virological outcomes of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) also the treatment responses of patients who received Nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) therapy. METHODS: This study included 152 CHB patients who were underwent liver parenchymal biopsy. The IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphism were genotyped using the TaqMan assay. RESULTS: The IL28B rs12979860 CC and IL28B rs8099917 TT were identified as the genotypes with the highest frequency in all patients. On the other hand, IL28B rs12979860 TT and IL28B rs8099917 GG were the genotypes with the lowest frequency. The frequency of IL28B rs8099917 TG genotype was significantly different between patients with hepatitis B, who has histologically defined liver cirrhosis and no-fibrosis (p=0.02). In addition, a statistically significant correlation was found between the presence of IL28B rs8099917 G allele and virological unresponsiveness to NAs treatments in CHB patients (p=0.028). CONCLUSION: The presence of the IL28B rs8099917 G allele in CHB patients might be associated with the risk of developing cirrhosis and virological unresponsiveness to NAs treatments.

Cell-free methylation of RASSF1 and CDKN2AIP genes in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis.

Background and Aim: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation of tumor suppressor genes are emerging potential biomarkers in HCC. We aimed to evaluate the cfDNA methylation status of RASSF1 and CDKN2AIP genes in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) with or without HCC caused by HBV. Materials and Methods: A total of 47 patients with HBV cirrhosis were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: HCC and LC (HCC+LC, n=22) and HBV cirrhosis only (LC, n=25). cfDNA was isolated from the plasma samples of the patients. Methylation analysis was performed for RASSF1 and CDKN2AIP genes. Results: Mean methylation percentage of CDKN2AIP gene was 0.001±0.004% in the HCC+LC group and 0.008±0.004 % in the LC only group. The mean methylation percentage of RASSF1 gene was 5.1±16.1% in the HCC+LC group and 9.7±25.9% in the LC only group. The methylation rate of CDKN2AIP was significantly lower in the HCC+LC group (p=0.027). A positive correlation was found with the absence of cfDNA methylation of CDKN2AIP gene in the presence of HCC (R=0.667, p=0.018). Conclusion: cfDNA methylation of CDKN2AIP and RASSF1 genes may provide important diagnostic information regarding the development of HCC in the setting of HBV cirrhosis.

Evaluation of safety and efficacy of tenofovir disoproxil in hemodialysis and renal transplant patients monoinfected with hepatitis B virus based on real life data.

Introduction: There are limited data about the safety of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in chronic renal failure (CRF). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TDF in renal transplant recipients and hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) during long-term follow-up. Material and methods: CHB patients undergoing hemodialysis (group 1), renal transplant recipients (group 2) and patients with normal renal function were included in the study. All patients were treated with TDF for at least 6 months. The groups were compared with regards to safety and efficacy. HBV-DNA levels were studied using a Cobas-TaqMan 96 system. Results: A total of 217 patients with CHB (group 1: 8 patients, group 2: 9 patients, group 3: 200 patients) were enrolled in this study. The frequency of clinical adverse effects was significantly higher in groups 1 and 2compared with group 3 (37.5% vs. 11.1% vs. 0.5%, respectively, p < 0.001). However, no patients discontinued the drug due to the adverse effects. Serum creatinine levels were similar at baseline and at the end of follow-up in groups 1 and 2 (6.5 ±1.8 mg/dl and 6.9 ±1.5 mg/dl; 1.3 ±0.2 and 1.4 ±0.4 mg/dl, respectively, p < 0.05). HBV-DNA negativity rates were comparable at the 12th month and at the end of follow-up (50-83% for group 1, 60-67% for group 2 and 70-75% for group 3, respectively, p > 0.05). Conclusions: Clinical adverse effects of TDF were more common in patients with CRF in comparison with patients without CRF. However, the occurrence of adverse effects did not necessitate discontinuation of the drug. TDF was safe and effective for this group of patients.

Is Having Inflammatory Bowel Disease a Risk Factor for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2?

BACKGROUND: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus was found to have effects not only in the lungs but also in many different organs. We aimed to evaluate the management of our patients with inflammatory bowel disease in this pandemic, the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 in terms of clinical, medical treatment, and features of inflammatory bowel disease, and to investigate the effects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on this particular group of patients. METHODS: During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, 207 patients who had inflammatory bowel disease for at least 6 months were questioned for coronavirus disease 2019 at their outpatient clinic admissions, and their medical records were evaluated prospectively. RESULTS: Of the 207 patients, 146 had Crohn's disease. The mean disease duration was determined as 118.15 ± 72.85 months. Of the patients, 127 (61.4%) were using mesalazine, 110 (53.1%) azathioprine, and 148 (71.5%) biological agents. It was found that 66 (31.9%) patients changed their medications during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. As a medication change, anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) dose was observed to be omitted most frequently at a rate of 80%. Diarrhea was present in 20.8%, abdominal pain in 20.3%, nausea in 10.6%, anorexia in 13.5%, and weight loss in 15.9% of the patients. Twelve (5.79%) patients were diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019. Lung involvement was present in 11 (91.7%) of the patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019. Of the patients diagnosed and not diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019, 75% vs. 71.6% were using biological agents (P = .80), respectively. Half of the patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 were active in terms of inflammatory bowel disease at the time of diagnosis, and 2 of these patients were severely active. CONCLUSION: The incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease was not different from the general population during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic. Coronavirus disease 2019 infection does not progress with poor prognosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease who receive immunosuppressive therapy including biological agents.

Comparison of S gene mutations in patients with occult and chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This study aimed to detect mutations in the HBV S gene and evaluate their relationship to occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI). METHODS: The study included 32 patients with negative serum HBsAg and HBV DNA who underwent liver biopsy due to different clinical indications defined as the OBI group and 32 patients who underwent liver biopsy due to chronic hepatitis B (CHB) as the comparison group. The HBV S gene region was amplified by Nested PCR, and Sanger sequencing was performed. RESULTS: At least one amino acid (aa) mutation was detected in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) of the HBV S gene in 14/32 (43.75%) of the patients with OBI and 8/32 (25.0%) with CHB. The genotype of all patients with OBI and CHB was HBV/D. Although 9 (28.1%) of the cases with OBI had sub-genotype HBV/D3, none of the patients with CHB had sub-genotype HBV/D3. Unlike patients with CHB, L15*, D33N, Q51P, V63F, L91I, P108S, T115I, P120L, T125M, Q129H, T189I, L216F, P217L mutations were detected in the HBV S gene in OBI cases. Also, P127T aa polymorphism was frequently detected. Mutation frequency in the HBV S gene in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) was higher in patients with OBI with sub-genotypes HBV/D3 and D2 than those with HBV/D1 and those with serotype HBV/ayw3 compared to those with HBV/ayw2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sub-genotypic-specific mutation patterns were seen in the "a" determinant region and T helper cell epitopes of HBsAg, especially in the C-terminus domain; this may be associated with OBI.

Cyclosporine Therapy as a Rescue Treatment in Steroid Refractory Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis: A Real Life Data From a Tertiary Center.

BACKGROUND: Cyclosporine is a rescue treatment alternative to avoid colectomy in corticosteroid refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of cyclosporine therapy in acute severe ulcerative colitis patients. METHODS: Acute severe ulcerative colitis (basal Lichtiger score > 10) patients who did not respond to 40 mg intravenous methylpredniso- lone therapy after 3-5 days were included in the study. The presence of clinical response and remission was assessed at 1st week, 1st, 6th, and 12th month according to the Lichtiger index. RESULTS: In this study, 40 patients, whose steroid refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis and basal Lichtiger score > 10 points were enrolled. The median disease duration was 49.3 months (2-204). All patients received cyclosporine for 132 ± 78 days (7-270). Clinical response was obtained on seventh day in 82.5%. The clinical response rates of the first and sixth months were 72.5% and 62.5%, respectively. A total of 17/40 (42.5%) patients underwent colectomy within 1 year. In the patients who underwent colectomy, the basal LS (14.2 ± 1.9 vs 12.3 ± 1.7) (P = .002) was higher and the basal hemoglobin value (11.8 ± 2.3 vs 10.1 ± 1.5) (P = .037) was lower than those who did not undergo colectomy. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that cyclosporine treatment may be successfully and safely used in steroid refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis patients. Cyclosporine is a drug that has recently started to come up again with the introduction of new maintenance treatments. Especially in patients who develop a loss of response to infliximab therapy, or where infliximab therapy is contraindicated, or who have azathioprine intolerance, or are unresponsive.

Metastases to the Stomach: Clinicopathologic Features of Metastases Mimicking Gastric Primaries.

OBJECTIVE: Metastatic involvement of the stomach is a rare event. Our aim in this study was to document the clinicopathological findings in patients with gastric metastases and find out if there are any potentially significant features to be used in the differential diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Our cohort consisted of 17 histologically verified gastric metastasis cases. Clinical, endoscopic and microscopic features were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The primary sites were the breast, skin, lungs, ovaries, colon, and gluteal soft tissue. Three patients were symptomatic because of the metastatic involvement of the stomach and 9 patients had concomitant metastasis in other sites. Invasive lobular breast carcinoma and malignant melanoma were the most common metastatic malignancies. The most common macroscopic appearance was the diffuse infiltrative type (Borrmann Type 4). Most of the metastatic lesions endoscopically mimicked primary gastric cancer. Furthermore, some of the metastatic lesions, particularly invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast and malignant melanoma, displayed histopathologic features similar to the primary gastric malignancies to a certain extent. CONCLUSION: The possibility of metastatic involvement of stomach must be kept in mind while dealing with a gastric mass lesion in a cancer patient, even though the clinical and endoscopic features suggest primary gastric cancer. Our study points out the importance of conveying the information about medical history and clinical findings of the patients for correct pathologic differential diagnosis.