MAFLD burden on the Spanish National Health System. A call to action.

We have read the editorial by Crespo et al on the metabolic associated liver disease (MAFLD) foreseeable burden on the Spanish National Health System over the next years. Between 0.35-0.4% of Spanish population has cirrhosis and more than one million people has significant fibrosis, assessed by ET ≥ 9 kPa. Compared with general population, patients with cirrhosis have more comorbidities and use healthcare resources more frequently. Recent data show a decrease of 24% in hospitalization due to cirrhosis during the period 2005-2014 in our country. These data predate the availability of direct antiviral agents against HCV. A 20% reduction of cirrhosis-related mortality during the period 2006-2018 was observed, as with other Southern European countries. This decline reflects a reduction of alcohol consumption in the last decades. More recently, 90% of patients with significant liver fibrosis were negative for HCV or HBV, did not consume harmful amounts of alcohol and showed components of metabolic syndrome thereby suggesting that MAFLD is the current leading cause of liver fibrosis in Spain. Some studies found that disadvantaged areas in the Community of Madrid had higher liver-related mortality, highlighting that lower income is another socioeconomic determinant of chronic liver disease.

Using hypnoanalysis and guided imagery to identify and manage emotional aspects of multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: To date, no studies have used hypnosis to examine and manage the potential emotional causes of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the scientific field; therefore, we decided to compare the effectiveness of hypnoanalysis and guided imagery for determining and manage these emotional causes. METHODS: Fifteen participants with severe MS were included and assigned into 2 groups: hypnoanalysis and guided imagery. In the hypnoanalysis group, the participants underwent 10 hypnotic sessions to understand events related to the cause of the disease, which were restructured (the events were modified by adding the psychological resources that each involved person needed); in addition, other techniques were used to investigate the causes and solutions according to the participants' unconscious. The guided imagery group received 10 group sessions of body relaxation and guided imagery, which were recorded for practice at home. Outcome measures, namely, disability (the Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS), quality of life (QoL, measured with the SF-36) and number of relapses, were evaluated 4 months previous the intervention, at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 months later. RESULTS: Hypnoanalysis revealed that stressful events and psychoemotional maladaptive patterns acted as causal, detonating, or aggravating factors of disease, and psychoemotional changes were the most frequent and varied solutions. No changes were observed in disability between the two groups. The guided imagery group showed an improvement in 2 subscales of QoL when compared with the hypnoanalysis group (which disappeared at the follow-up); this difference is probably due to the increased number of sessions and probably due to psychoemotional maladaptive patterns being more frequently mentioned than difficult circumstances in life and/or unsolved past events. However, the techniques used in hypnoanalysis were effective in understanding the potential emotional causes of MS, which showed high intra- and inter-participant consistency. CONCLUSIONS: The daily use of guided imagery overcame the restructuring of negative past events to improve QoL in patients with MS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12618002024224 (retrospectively registered).

Plan asistencial coordinado para la eliminación del virus de la hepatitis C en el centro de ayuda integral al drogodependiente (CAID) / Coordinated assistance plan for the elimination of hepatitis C virus at the centro de ayuda integral al drogodependiente (CAID (Comprehensive Care Centre for Drug Addicts))

Introducción: La población que se inyecta droga presenta una alta prevalencia de VHC y elevado riesgo de transmisión. Es prioritario establecer un plan ágil de diagnóstico y tratamiento. Objetivos1) Valorar la efectividad de un nuevo plan asistencial coordinado de derivación desde el Centro de Atención Integral al Drogodependiente (CAID) a atención especializada y 2) conocer la prevalencia del VHC, características clínicas, efectividad y seguridad del tratamiento en esta población. MétodosSe analizaron retrospectivamente 1.300 serologías solicitadas por el CAID entre 1998-2018, se calculó la seroprevalencia de VHC y se valoró la eficiencia del circuito clásico de derivación CAID-atención especializada. Se diseñó un plan asistencial coordinado entre especialistas implicados en el diagnóstico y tratamiento. Desde octubre de 2018 se incluyeron 11 pacientes en el nuevo plan y se comparó el rendimiento de ambos circuitos de derivación. Resultados: Con el circuito clásico, se perdió un 48,2% (83/172) de los pacientes. Un 14,5% (172/1.300) presentaron serología VHC positiva, en comparación con población general OR = 19; IC 95% 14,3-25. La prevalencia de infección activa fue del 80,3% (90/112). Con el nuevo circuito acudieron el 100% (11/11) (p = 0,0003). De los 11 pacientes derivados mediante el nuevo plan, 76,9% (8/11) tenían infección activa y el 100% (8/8) fueron tratados con agentes antivirales directos con éxito. Conclusiones: El nuevo plan asistencial coordinado CAID-atención especializada presenta alta efectividad, en comparación con el circuito clásico de derivación. La seroprevalencia y prevalencia de infección activa en la población del CAID es muy elevada. Los tratamientos con agentes antivirales directos son efectivos y seguros.(AU)

Introduction: The drug-injecting population has a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and high risk of transmission. It is a priority to establish an agile diagnostic and treatment plan. Objectives1) Assess the effectiveness of a new coordinated care plan of referral from the Comprehensive Care Centre for Drug Addicts (CAID) to specialised care and 2) Determine the prevalence of HCV, clinical characteristics, effectiveness and safety of treatment in this population. Methods: 1,300 serologies requested by the CAID between 1998 and 2018 were retrospectively analysed, the seroprevalence of HCV was calculated and the efficiency of the traditional CAID-specialised care referral system was evaluated. A care plan was designed and coordinated among specialists involved in diagnosis and treatment. Since October 2018, 11 patients have been included in the new plan and the performance of both referral systems was compared. Results: With the traditional system, 48.2% (83/172) of the patients were lost. 14.5% (172/1,300) presented positive HCV serology, compared to the general population OR = 19; 95% CI 14.3-25. The prevalence of active infection was 80.3% (90/112). The prevalence of active infection was 80.3% (90/112). Of the 11 patients referred by the new plan, 76.9% (8/11) had active infection and 100% (8/8) were treated with Direct Antiviral Agents successfully. Conclusions: The new coordinated CAID-specialised care plan presents high effectiveness in comparison with the traditional referral system. The seroprevalence and prevalence of active infection in the CAID population is very high. Treatments with Direct Antiviral Agents are effective and safe.(AU)

Coordinated assistance plan for the elimination of hepatitis C virus at the centro de ayuda integral al drogodependiente (CAID (Comprehensive Care Centre for Drug Addicts)). / Plan asistencial coordinado para la eliminación del virus de la hepatitis C en el centro de ayuda integral al drogodependiente (CAID).

INTRODUCTION: The drug-injecting population has a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and high risk of transmission. It is a priority to establish an agile diagnostic and treatment plan. OBJECTIVES: 1) Assess the effectiveness of a new coordinated care plan of referral from the Comprehensive Care Centre for Drug Addicts (CAID) to specialised care and 2) Determine the prevalence of HCV, clinical characteristics, effectiveness and safety of treatment in this population. METHODS: 1,300 serologies requested by the CAID between 1998 and 2018 were retrospectively analysed, the seroprevalence of HCV was calculated and the efficiency of the traditional CAID-specialised care referral system was evaluated. A care plan was designed and coordinated among specialists involved in diagnosis and treatment. Since October 2018, 11 patients have been included in the new plan and the performance of both referral systems was compared. RESULTS: With the traditional system, 48.2% (83/172) of the patients were lost. 14.5% (172/1,300) presented positive HCV serology, compared to the general population OR = 19; 95% CI 14.3-25. The prevalence of active infection was 80.3% (90/112). The prevalence of active infection was 80.3% (90/112). Of the 11 patients referred by the new plan, 76.9% (8/11) had active infection and 100% (8/8) were treated with Direct Antiviral Agents successfully. CONCLUSIONS: The new coordinated CAID-specialised care plan presents high effectiveness in comparison with the traditional referral system. The seroprevalence and prevalence of active infection in the CAID population is very high. Treatments with Direct Antiviral Agents are effective and safe.

Chronic autoimmune hepatitis triggered by olmesartan / Hepatitis autoinmune crónica desencadenada por olmesartán

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Resultados clinicos de las enfermeras de practica avanzada en heridas cronicas complejas en Andalucia / Clinical results of the nurses of advanced practice in complex chronic wounds in Andalucia

OBJETIVO: Describir y analizar el rol clínico de la enfermera de práctica avanzada en heridas crónicas complejas (EPA-HCC) en Andalucía, en cuanto al seguimiento de pacientes con heridas crónicas. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo transversal en los distritos Poniente de Almería, del A. G. C. Jaén Norte-Nordeste, A. G. S. Serranía de Málaga y Distrito Metropolitano de Granada entre junio del 2015 y junio del 2018, midiendo variables descriptivas como: diagnóstico etiológico de las heridas crónicas, tiempo de evolución antes de ser remitidos a EPA-HCC, tasas de cicatrización, mejoría, empeoramiento, total de heridas crónicas, tasas de derivación desde EPA-HCC a hospitales. RESULTADOS: Se realizó seguimiento de un total de 767 personas con heridas crónicas, donde el 70% de todas ellas fueron úlceras por presión, úlceras venosas y lesiones de pie diabético, con una media de evolución de todas las lesiones de 21 meses y cuya derivación por parte de las EPA-HCC hacia los especialistas hospitalarios fue del 13,82%, siendo más del 86,18% (n = 661) de los pacientes gestionados de forma eficaz por las EPA-HCC. La derivación directa de los pacientes a consulta de especialistas médicos desde la implantación de la figura fue tan solo del 5%, con el importante ahorro en coste que esto supuso; además, las EPA-HCC atendieron a casi una de cada 4 heridas crónicas, datos estos que solo hicieron referencia a la atención directa, no de consultoría. CONCLUSIONES: El rol clínico y coordinación que desempeñaron las EPA-HCC en los pacientes con heridas crónicas es efectiva en la mejora de los cuidados

OBJECTIVE: To describe and to analyze the clinical role performed by the advanced practice nurse in complex chronic wounds (APN-CCW) in Andalusia, regarding the follow-up of patients with chronic wounds. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study in the Poniente of Almería Districts, of the H. M. A. Jaén North-Northeast, H. M. A. Serranía de Málaga and the Metropolitan District of Granada between June 2015 and June 2018, measuring descriptive variables such as: etiological diagnosis of chronic wounds, evolution time before referring to APN-CCW, healing, improvement, worsening and deaths rates, total of chronic wounds, referral rates from APN-CCW to hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 767 people with chronic wounds were followed up, and 70% of all of them were pressure ulcers, venous ulcers and diabetic feet, with an average of 21 months- evolution of all injuries and whose derivation from APN-CCW to hospital specialists was 13.82%, with more than a 86.18% (n=661) of patients effectively managed by APN-CCW. The direct derivation of patients to the medical specialists office since the implementation of the figure was only 5%, with the significant cost savings that this supposed, besides, the APN-CCW attended almost one in every 4 chronic wounds, no consulting. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical role and coordination of the APN-CCW in patients with chronic wounds is effective in improving care

The Effectiveness of Advanced Practice Nurses with Respect to Complex Chronic Wounds in the Management of Venous Ulcers.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of advanced practice nurses with respect to complex chronic wounds (APN-CCWs) in the care of patients with venous ulcers. A multicentric, quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted without a control group in the sanitary management areas where the APN-CCW program is being piloted. The intervention consisted of a mass training of clinical nurses from the participating districts on the proper management of injuries and the use of compression therapy. The data were collected through a specifically constructed questionnaire with questions regarding descriptive variables of injuries and their treatment. A total of 643 professionals responded (response rate of 89.1%), attending to a total population of 707,814 inhabitants. An increase in multilayer bandage use by 15.67%, an increase in elastic bandage use by 13.24%, and a significant decrease in the referral of patients to consultation with hospital specialists was achieved, from 21.08% to 12.34%. The number of patients referred to the APNs was 13.25%, which implied a resolution rate of 94.08% of their injuries. In conclusion, the coordination by the APN-CCWs in patients with venous ulcers was effective in improving the continuity of care, in the optimization of resources, and in their care role.

The contribution of telemedicine to hepatitis C elimination in a correctional facility

Background: micro-elimination has been recently proposed as an efficient strategy to achieve global hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination. The Spanish Health Ministry Strategic Plan for hepatitis C infection highlighted intervention in prisons as a priority action. However, there are important barriers associated with the specialized care provision to the penitentiary population. Aims: to assess the contribution of telemedicine for HCV elimination in a correctional facility in Spain. Methods: an open label program of HCV elimination via telemedicine was started on February 3rd, 2015 in a large penitentiary of 1,200 inmates, as an alternative to referring patients to specialists. An anonymous satisfaction survey was performed among a random sample of inmates and all participating doctors. Results: the prevalence of HCV viremia prior to program initiation was 12.4%. One hundred and thirty-one patients received DAA HCV treatment during the period 2015-2018; 42.74% had a HCV-HIV co-infection. Overall, 97% achieved a sustained virological response (SVR). A second regime of DAA successfully rescued non-responder patients and the HCV prevalence was zero at the end of the program. Satisfaction was high or very high according to 67% of inmates and all participating doctors. Conclusion: telemedicine is an effective tool for HCV elimination in penitentiary correctional facilities where referral to specialists is difficult. The extensive use of this technology should be recommended in this setting in order to facilitate equitable access to specialized care

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The contribution of telemedicine to hepatitis C elimination in a correctional facility.

BACKGROUND: micro-elimination has been recently proposed as an efficient strategy to achieve global hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination. The Spanish Health Ministry Strategic Plan for hepatitis C infection highlighted intervention in prisons as a priority action. However, there are important barriers associated with the specialized care provision to the penitentiary population. AIMS: to assess the contribution of telemedicine for HCV elimination in a correctional facility in Spain. METHODS: an open label program of HCV elimination via telemedicine was started on February 3rd, 2015 in a large penitentiary of 1,200 inmates, as an alternative to referring patients to specialists. An anonymous satisfaction survey was performed among a random sample of inmates and all participating doctors. RESULTS: the prevalence of HCV viremia prior to program initiation was 12.4%. One hundred and thirty-one patients received DAA HCV treatment during the period 2015-2018; 42.74% had a HCV-HIV co-infection. Overall, 97% achieved a sustained virological response (SVR). A second regime of DAA successfully rescued non-responder patients and the HCV prevalence was zero at the end of the program. Satisfaction was high or very high according to 67% of inmates and all participating doctors. CONCLUSION: telemedicine is an effective tool for HCV elimination in penitentiary correctional facilities where referral to specialists is difficult. The extensive use of this technology should be recommended in this setting in order to facilitate equitable access to specialized care.

La enfermera de práctica avanzada en la adecuación de los tratamientos de las heridas crónicas complejas / The advanced practice nurse in the adequacy of chronic, complex wound care

Objetivo: Determinar el impacto de las enfermeras de práctica avanzada en heridas crónicas complejas (EPA-HCC) en la adecuación de los tratamientos de los pacientes con heridas crónicas y el consumo de apósitos en los distritos donde están implantadas. Método: Estudio de tipo cuasiexperimental de tipo pre-post sin grupo control con 3mediciones: preimplantación en 2015, al año de implantación en 2016 y a los 2 años postimplantación en 2017, en los distritos sanitarios donde se estaba pilotando la EPA-HCC en Andalucía. Las variables principales son: número de profesionales formados, número de consultorías, prevalencia de heridas crónicas, adecuación de los tratamientos y coste económico en materiales para cura de los DS participantes. Resultados: Se ha conseguido la formación de un total de 2.717 profesionales sanitarios con un total de 95.095 h lectivas; además, se han realizado un total de 3.871 consultorías y asesorías. La prevalencia de pacientes con lesiones en programa de atención domiciliaria y en residencias ha disminuido a la mitad. La adecuación de los tratamientos ha aumentado hasta el 90% y se ha conseguido un ahorro de más de 250.000 Euros en apósitos, en un período de 2años. Conclusión: La prevalencia de heridas crónicas durante los 2 años de implantación ha disminuido a la mitad, se ha conseguido una correcta adecuación del plan de formación y consultoría, consiguiendo racionalizar el gasto sanitario y una eficiente atención a las personas con heridas crónicas

Aim: To determine the impact of advanced practice nurses in chronic wound care in the adequacy of treatments for patients with chronic wounds and the consumption of dressings in the districts where they have been implemented. Method: A quasi-experimental pre-poststudy without a control group with 3 measurements: pre-implementation in 2015, one year after implementation in 2016, and 2 years post-implementation in 2017, in the health districts (HD) where the role of the advanced practice nurse in chronic wound care was piloted in Andalusia. The main variables were trained professionals, consultancies, prevalence of chronic wounds, adequacy of treatments and economic cost in materials for the participating HD. Results: The training of a total of 2,717 health teams with a total of 95,095 teaching hours was achieved. In addition, a total of 3,871 consultancies were performed. The prevalence of patients with injuries in the home care (HC) programme and in care homes diminished significantly, to almost half. The adequacy of the treatments increased to 90% and savings of more than 250,000 Euros in dressings were achieved in just 2 years. Conclusion: The prevalence of chronic wounds during the 2years of implementation decreased by almost half. Adequacy of training and consultancy was achieved, rationalising health expenditure and ensuring efficient care for patients with chronic wounds

Higher levels of serum uric acid influences hepatic damage in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Background: recent evidence suggests a causal link between serum uric acid and the metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and renal and cardiac disease. Uric acid is an endogenous danger signal and activator of the inflammasome, and has been independently associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis. Aim and methods: six hundred and thirty-four patients from the nation-wide HEPAMET registry with biopsy-proven NAFLD (53% NASH) were analyzed to determine whether hyperuricemia is related with advanced liver damage in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Patients were divided into three groups according to the tertile levels of serum uric acid and gender. Results: the cohort was composed of 50% females, with a mean age of 49 years (range 19-80). Patients in the top third of serum uric acid levels were older (p = 0.017); they had a higher body mass index (p < 0.01), arterial blood pressure (p = 0.05), triglyceridemia (p = 0.012), serum creatinine (p < 0.001) and total cholesterol (p = 0.016) and lower HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.004). According to the univariate analysis, the variables associated with patients in the top third were more advanced steatosis (p = 0.02), liver fibrosis (F2-F4 vs F0-1; p = 0.011), NASH (p = 0.002) and NAS score (p = 0.05). According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the top third of uric acid level was independently associated with steatosis (adjusted hazard ratio 1.7; CI 95%: 1.05-2.8) and NASH (adjusted hazard ratio 1.8; CI 95%: 1.08-3.0) but not with advanced fibrosis (F2-F4) (adjusted hazard ratio 1.09; CI 95%: 0.63-1.87). Conclusion: higher levels of serum uric acid were independently associated with hepatocellular steatosis and NASH in a cohort of patients with NAFLD. Serum uric acid levels warrants further evaluation as a component of the current non-invasive NAFLD scores of histopathological damage

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The advanced practice nurse in the adequacy of chronic, complex wound care. / La enfermera de práctica avanzada en la adecuación de los tratamientos de las heridas crónicas complejas.

AIM: To determine the impact of advanced practice nurses in chronic wound care in the adequacy of treatments for patients with chronic wounds and the consumption of dressings in the districts where they have been implemented. METHOD: A quasi-experimental pre-poststudy without a control group with 3measurements: pre-implementation in 2015, one year after implementation in 2016, and 2years post-implementation in 2017, in the health districts (HD) where the role of the advanced practice nurse in chronic wound care was piloted in Andalusia. The main variables were trained professionals, consultancies, prevalence of chronic wounds, adequacy of treatments and economic cost in materials for the participating HD. RESULTS: The training of a total of 2,717 health teams with a total of 95,095 teaching hours was achieved. In addition, a total of 3,871 consultancies were performed. The prevalence of patients with injuries in the home care (HC) programme and in care homes diminished significantly, to almost half. The adequacy of the treatments increased to 90% and savings of more than 250,000€ in dressings were achieved in just 2years. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of chronic wounds during the 2years of implementation decreased by almost half. Adequacy of training and consultancy was achieved, rationalising health expenditure and ensuring efficient care for patients with chronic wounds.

Efectividad de la enfermera de práctica avanzada en el cuidado de los pacientes con úlceras por presión en atención primaria / Effectiveness of the advanced practice nurse in the care of patients with pressure ulcers in primary care

Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la EPA-HCC en el cuidado de los pacientes con úlceras por presión. Métodos: Se realiza un estudio de tipo cuasi experimental, multicéntrico, con dos mediciones sin grupo control, en cuanto a las medidas preventivas y tratamientos aplicados a pacientes con úlceras por presión (UPP) en los distritos o áreas de gestión sanitaria donde se está pilotando la EPA-HCC: Distrito Sanitario Poniente, Área de Gestión Sanitaria Jaén Norte-Nordeste y Área de Gestión Sanitaria Serranía de Ronda, entre septiembre 2015 y octubre 2016. Se utilizó un documento autoadministrado ad-hoc para todas las enfermeras que tenían pacientes a su cargo, y se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los mismos. Resultados: Respondieron un total de 335 profesionales en 2015 y 308 en 2016 (tasa de respuesta del 89,1%); los tres distritos atienden a una población total de 707.814 habitantes. En cuanto a las medidas preventivas del uso de sistemas especiales para el manejo de la presión (SEMP), se ha producido un incremento de un 6% en su uso de un año a otro, un descenso de un 4% del total de UPP, un descenso en el consumo de apósitos de hidrofibra con plata casi del 50% y un descenso de la escala RESVECH en un 52% del primer año al segundo. Conclusiones: Se constata una mejora en la optimización de los recursos, en las medidas preventivas puestas en marcha para conseguir los objetivos marcados y se crea la necesidad de seguir formando en tratamientos locales y tipos de desbridamientos a realizar

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of EPA-HCC in the care of patients with pressure ulcers. Methods: A multi-center quasiexperimental study with two measurements without a control group was carried out, in terms of preventive measures and treatments applied to patients with UPP in the Districts or Sanitary Management Areas where the EPA-HCC is being piloted: District Sanitario Poniente, Jaén North-Northeast Health Management Area, Serrania de Ronda Sanitary Management Area, between September 2015 and October 2016. A self-administered ad-hoc document was used for all the nurses who had patients under their care, performing a descriptive analysis thereof. Results: A total of 335 professionals responded in 2015 and 308 in 2016 (response rate of 89.1%), attending the three districts to a total population of 707,814 inhabitants. Regarding the preventive measures of the use of Special Systems for the Management of the Pressure (SEMP) there has been an increase of 6% its use from one year to another, a decrease of 4% the total of UPP, a decrease in the consumption of hydrofiber dressings with silver almost 50% and with a decrease of RESVECH in 52% of the first year to the second. Conclusions: There is an improvement in the optimization of resources, in the preventive measures put in place to achieve the objectives set and the need to continue training in local treatments and types of debridement to be created

Higher levels of serum uric acid influences hepatic damage in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

BACKGROUND: recent evidence suggests a causal link between serum uric acid and the metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and renal and cardiac disease. Uric acid is an endogenous danger signal and activator of the inflammasome, and has been independently associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis. AIM AND METHODS: six hundred and thirty-four patients from the nation-wide HEPAMET registry with biopsy-proven NAFLD (53% NASH) were analyzed to determine whether hyperuricemia is related with advanced liver damage in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Patients were divided into three groups according to the tertile levels of serum uric acid and gender. RESULTS: the cohort was composed of 50% females, with a mean age of 49 years (range 19-80). Patients in the top third of serum uric acid levels were older (p = 0.017); they had a higher body mass index (p < 0.01), arterial blood pressure (p = 0.05), triglyceridemia (p = 0.012), serum creatinine (p < 0.001) and total cholesterol (p = 0.016) and lower HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.004). According to the univariate analysis, the variables associated with patients in the top third were more advanced steatosis (p = 0.02), liver fibrosis (F2-F4 vs F0-1; p = 0.011), NASH (p = 0.002) and NAS score (p = 0.05). According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the top third of uric acid level was independently associated with steatosis (adjusted hazard ratio 1.7; CI 95%: 1.05-2.8) and NASH (adjusted hazard ratio 1.8; CI 95%: 1.08-3.0) but not with advanced fibrosis (F2-F4) (adjusted hazard ratio 1.09; CI 95%: 0.63-1.87). CONCLUSION: higher levels of serum uric acid were independently associated with hepatocellular steatosis and NASH in a cohort of patients with NAFLD. Serum uric acid levels warrants further evaluation as a component of the current non-invasive NAFLD scores of histopathological damage.

Hepatitis B en pacientes con hepatitis C tratados con agentes antivirales directos / Hepatitis B virus in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with direct antiviral agents

Introducción: se han comunicado casos de reactivación de virus de la hepatitis B (VHB) en pacientes con virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) tratados con agentes antivirales directos (AAD). Objetivos y métodos: los objetivos del presente estudio son: a) conocer la prevalencia de la coinfección VHB/VHC en pacientes VHC tratados con AAD en la Comunidad de Madrid (CM) y determinar la incidencia y relevancia clínica de la reactivación del VHB; y b) conocer las tasas de cribado del VHB en pacientes VHC en nuestra comunidad. Se evaluaron 1.337 pacientes VHC consecutivos tratados con AAD en dos hospitales del sur de la CM desde enero de 2015 hasta junio de 2017. Resultados: nueve de los 1.337 (0,67%) presentaban HBsAg positivo y 356 (26,6%) presentaban algún marcador de infección VHB pasada. Dos de los cuatro (50%) pacientes HBsAg positivo sin tratamiento desarrollaron reactivación virológica VHB pero no bioquímica. De los 356 con patrón de infección VHB pasada, el 100% presentó transaminasas normales al finalizar el tratamiento y durante el seguimiento. La tasa de cribado VHB ascendió al 92,9% de la cohorte. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de infección VHB (HBsAg positivos) en pacientes con hepatitis crónica por VHC en la zona sur de la CM es baja. La reactivación del VHB en pacientes HBsAg positivo que reciben AAD es frecuente, pero sin relevancia clínica. En nuestro medio existe una alta tasa de cribado del VHB en pacientes con VHC candidatos a recibir AAD

Introduction: cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation have been reported in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) treated with direct antiviral agents (DAA). Objectives and methods: the main objectives of the present study are: a) to determine the prevalence of HBV/HCV coinfection in HCV patients treated with DAAs in the Autonomous Community of Madrid (CM) and also to determine the incidence and clinical relevance of HBV reactivation; and b) to determine the HBV screening rates in HCV patients in our region. For that purpose, 1,337 HCV patients were consecutively treated with DAAs in two hospitals located in South CM between January 2015 and June 2017. Results: nine of the 1,337 (0.67%) participants were HBsAg positive and 356 (26.6%) had previous HBV infection markers. Two of the four (50%) HBsAg positive patients with untreated HBV developed a virological reactivation, but not a biochemical reaction. Of the 356 patients with previous HBV infection markers, all had normal transaminases at the end of treatment and during follow-up. The HBV screening rate amounted to 92.9% of the cohort. Conclusions: the prevalence of HBV (HBsAg positive) infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C in the southern area of the CM is low. HBV reactivation in HBsAg positive patients treated with DAAs is common, although without clinical relevance. In our region, there is a high rate of HBV screening in patients with HCV that are likely treated with DAAs

Hepatitis B virus in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with direct antiviral agents.

INTRODUCTION: cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation have been reported in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) treated with direct antiviral agents (DAA). OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: the main objectives of the present study are: a) to determine the prevalence of HBV/HCV coinfection in HCV patients treated with DAAs in the Autonomous Community of Madrid (CM) and also to determine the incidence and clinical relevance of HBV reactivation; and b) to determine the HBV screening rates in HCV patients in our region. For that purpose, 1,337 HCV patients were consecutively treated with DAAs in two hospitals located in South CM between January 2015 and June 2017. RESULTS: nine of the 1,337 (0.67%) participants were HBsAg positive and 356 (26.6%) had previous HBV infection markers. Two of the four (50%) HBsAg positive patients with untreated HBV developed a virological reactivation, but not a biochemical reaction. Of the 356 patients with previous HBV infection markers, all had normal transaminases at the end of treatment and during follow-up. The HBV screening rate amounted to 92.9% of the cohort. CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of HBV (HBsAg positive) infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C in the southern area of the CM is low. HBV reactivation in HBsAg positive patients treated with DAAs is common, although without clinical relevance. In our region, there is a high rate of HBV screening in patients with HCV that are likely treated with DAAs.