Baseline serum HBV RNA is associated with the risk of hepatitis flare after stopping nucleoside analog therapy in HBeAg-negative participants.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: HBV RNA in peripheral blood reflects HBV cccDNA transcriptional activity and may predict clinical outcomes. The prospective Melbourne HBV-STOP trial studied nucleot(s)ide analog discontinuation in HBeAg-negative non-cirrhotic participants with long-term virological suppression. Ninety-six weeks after stopping treatment, the proportion of participants with virological relapse (HBV DNA > 2000 IU/mL), biochemical relapse (ALT > 2 × ULN and HBV DNA > 2000 IU/mL), or hepatitis flare (ALT > 5 × ULN and HBV DNA > 2000 IU/mL) was 89%, 58%, and 38%, respectively. We evaluated the ability of serum HBV RNA levels to predict these outcomes. APPROACH RESULTS: HBV RNA levels were measured using the Roche cobas 6800/8800 HBV RNA Investigational Assay. Sixty-five participants had baseline and longitudinal off-treatment specimens available for RNA testing. HBV RNA was detectable at baseline in 25% of participants and was associated with a higher risk of biochemical relapse (81% vs. 51%, p value 0.04) and hepatitis flare (63% vs. 31%, p value 0.04). Participants who had undetectable serum HBV RNA as well as HBsAg ≤ 100 IU/mL at baseline were less likely to experience virological relapse (4 of 9, 44%) than participants with detectable HBV RNA and HBsAg level > 100 IU/mL (15/15, 100%; p value 0.0009). Off-treatment levels of HBV RNA were correlated with HBV DNA and were associated with the risk of hepatitis flare. CONCLUSIONS: Serum HBV RNA may be a useful biomarker for guiding clinical decision-making before stopping nucleot(s)ide analog therapy. Baseline HBV RNA and HBsAg levels are associated with the risk of clinical relapse, hepatitis flare, and disease remission off-treatment.

Raised intracranial pressure and hydrocephalus following hindbrain decompression for Chiari I malformation: a case series and review of the literature.

OBJECT: Chiari-syringomyelia is a heterogeneous condition that may be treated by decompression of the foramen magnum. Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and/or hydrocephalus is a rare complication of this treatment. We aim to describe the incidence, clinical presentation, radiographic findings, management and outcome of patients developing raised ICP and/or hydrocephalus after hindbrain decompression for Chiari I malformation. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 138 consecutive adult and paediatric patients with Chiari I malformation who underwent foramen magnum decompression. RESULTS: The incidence of post-operative symptomatic raised ICP and/or hydrocephalus in this series was 8.7%. Overall, 9 of 12 patients developing raised ICP or hydrocephalus required a VP shunt, an overall incidence of 6.5%. However, 3 of 12 patients were successfully managed with external ventricular drainage or conservatively. Presentation was with headache or CSF wound leak at a median of 13 days post-operatively. Subdural hygromata were observed in five cases in association with hydrocephalus and urgent drainage to relieve mass effect was required in two cases. At a mean follow up of 36 months, 9 of 12 patients were asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: There is a risk of requiring a permanent VP shunt associated with decompression for Chiari I even in the absence of ventriculomegaly or signs of raised ICP pre-operatively. Patients presenting with new symptoms or CSF wound leak following FMD mandate investigation to exclude hydrocephalus, raised ICP or subdural hygroma.

The Efficacy of Interdisciplinary Near-Peer Teaching Within Neuroanatomical Education-Preliminary Observations.

Near-Peer Teaching (NPT) is increasingly becoming an integral part of the medical curriculum. When considered alongside the increasing popularity of interdisciplinary education, it seems appropriate to explore NPT within an interdisciplinary context. In these observations, 3rd-year medical students taught 2nd-year psychology students neuroanatomy. The session was evaluated using three objective and subjective assays. A knowledge assessment test showed significant improvement after teaching, and there were significant improvements on self-perceived knowledge/attitudes towards neuroanatomy, as well as positive feedback on the use of NPT. These observations evidence the successful use of Interdisciplinary Near-Peer Teaching (INPT) within a neuroanatomical curriculum. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-021-01238-6.

Life, epidermolysis bullosa and chasing tornadoes.

Sam Hall was diagnosed with epidermolysis bullosa as a baby. Here she describes growing up with the condition and the continual dressing changes it brings, and how she has not let it prevent her from leading an active and exciting life.