Temporary Conjunctival Flap Plus Medical Treatment Versus Medical Treatment Only for High-Risk Fungal Keratitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of temporary conjunctival flap with topical natamycin and oral voriconazole compared with medical treatment only in reducing the rate of perforation in high-risk fungal keratitis. METHODS: Sixty-two eyes of 62 patients with severe fungal keratitis were examined; only 54 patients were enrolled and divided randomly into 2 groups. The first group received medical treatment only in the form of topical natamycin 5% together with oral voriconazole 200 mg, while the second group received the same medical treatment plus a temporary conjunctival flap that was removed after 2 weeks. Five patients were lost during the follow-up, and only 49 patients were statistically analyzed. All patients were examined frequently until reepithelialization or the development of perforation. RESULTS: Fifteen perforations were reported, with a higher rate among the medical group (48%) compared with the conjunctival flap group (12.5%), with P value <0.05. A significant delay was noted in reepithelialization time in the medical group compared with the conjunctival flap group (mean time was 21.69 ± 5.41 and 15.36 ± 2.2 days, respectively), with P value = 0.001. Significant improvement in visual acuity was reported over time when comparing baseline versus 3-month visual acuity in the same group using paired t sample test (P value was 0.003 and <0.001 in the first and second group, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Temporary conjunctival flap is associated with a lower perforation rate compared with medical treatment only in severe fungal keratitis, which can provide a cheap and available alternative to therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty.

Detecting cyberbullying using deep learning techniques: a pre-trained glove and focal loss technique.

This study investigates the effectiveness of various deep learning and classical machine learning techniques in identifying instances of cyberbullying. The study compares the performance of five classical machine learning algorithms and three deep learning models. The data undergoes pre-processing, including text cleaning, tokenization, stemming, and stop word removal. The experiment uses accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score metrics to evaluate the performance of the algorithms on the dataset. The results show that the proposed technique achieves high accuracy, precision, and F1 score values, with the Focal Loss algorithm achieving the highest accuracy of 99% and the highest precision of 86.72%. However, the recall values were relatively low for most algorithms, indicating that they struggled to identify all relevant data. Additionally, the study proposes a technique using a convolutional neural network with a bidirectional long short-term memory layer, trained on a pre-processed dataset of tweets using GloVe word embeddings and the focal loss function. The model achieved high accuracy, precision, and F1 score values, with the GRU algorithm achieving the highest accuracy of 97.0% and the NB algorithm achieving the highest precision of 96.6%.

Topical combined tranexamic acid and epinephrine versus topical epinephrine in control of intraoperative bleeding of external dacryocystorhinostomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of gauze soaked with combined tranexamic acid (TXA) (100 mg/ml) epinephrine 1:200,000 versus gauze soaked with only epinephrine 1:200,000 used to guard against intraoperative bleeding in external Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 33 patients; only 30 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were divided randomly into 2 groups using the random numbers table, with 15 patients in each group. The first group (Group A) was operated upon using gauze soaked with combined TXA (100 mg/ml) and epinephrine 1:200,000, while the second group (Group B) was operated upon using gauze soaked only with epinephrine 1:200,000. RESULTS: The amount of bleeding was significantly lower in group A (29.4 ± 17.1 ml) compared to group B (49.1 ± 18.1 ml), with a P value = 0.005. In addition, the number of used gauzes and total surgical time was significantly lower in group A compared to group B, with P value = 0.008 and 0.01 respectively. CONCLUSION: External DCR using gauze soaked with combined TXA (100 mg/ml) and epinephrine 1:200,000 showed a significant reduction in the amount of intraoperative bleeding compared to gauze soaked with epinephrine 1:200,000 only. The reduction in the amount of bleeding with the addition of TXA resulted in clearer surgical field, shorter surgical time and more surgeon satisfaction.Query.

Combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy with and without augmentation in primary congenital glaucoma: triple-armed randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using Mitomycin-C (MMC) or Ologen implant as an adjunct to combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy (CTT) surgery relative to non-augmented CTT surgery in achieving higher success rates in patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). STUDY DESIGN: A prospective triple-armed randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in the period between April 2019 and May 2021, targeting 75 eyes of patients with PCG over one year, with patients being followed up for at least one whole year. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 75 eyes; only 70 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to one of the three study groups using a computer program to generate random number list. Eyes were treated by either CTT without augmentation, CTT augmented with MMC, or CTT augmented with Ologen implant. Only 63 eyes completed one year of follow-up and were evenly distributed among the three study groups; with 21 eyes in each group were statistically analyzed. OUTCOME MEASURES: Our primary outcome measure is to report and compare the percentage of patients who demonstrated complete success with intraocular pressure (IOP) controlled and maintained below 21 mmHg without the use of antiglaucoma medications or additional glaucoma surgery over a one-year follow-up. Secondary outcome measures include reporting failure, intra- and postoperative complications of the three surgical modalities, postoperative corneal diameter, clearance of corneal edema, and postoperative cup/disk (C/D) ratio. RESULTS: Complete success was achieved in 17 eyes (81.0%) in CTT group, 18 eyes (85.7%) in MMC group, and 17 eyes (81.0%) in Ologen group. Qualified success (IOP < 21 with or without antiglaucoma medications) was achieved in 18 eyes (85.7%) in both the CTT and the Ologen groups, with 19 eyes (90.5%) in the MMC group. Failure was observed in three eyes (14.3%) in both CTT and Ologen groups and two eyes (9.5%) in the MMC group. Based on survival analysis, CTT group had a cumulative success probability of 95.2% at three months, which dropped to 85.7% at six months and remained at that level for the 9th and 12th months of follow-up. With respect to the MMC group, the cumulative success probability at three months was 95.2%, dropped to 90.5% at six months, and remained at that level for the 9th and 12th months of follow-up. While in the Ologen group, the cumulative success probability at three months was 85.7% and remained at the same level during the 6th, 9th, and 12th months of follow-up, with p value = 0.862 using the logrank test. CONCLUSION: CTT is a safe and effective primary surgical intervention in patients with PCG without the need for augmentation while preserving the augmented procedure's use for recurrent cases.

Highly Sensitive Serum miRNA Panel for the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Egyptian Patients with HCV-Related HCC.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at exploring the potential role of a panel of serum micro-RNA (miRNA) markers in liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS: The study included 157 chronic HCV patients and 62 HCC patients who presented to the Cairo University Center for Hepatic Fibrosis, Endemic Medicine Department, from 2015 to 2017. Relevant clinical and laboratory data were collected and sera were subjected to miRNA expression profiling. Eleven miRNA markers were studied and receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to investigate the best cutoff values of the miRNAs that showed altered expression in HCC compared to HCV-associated advanced fibrosis. RESULTS: miRNA expression profiling revealed 5 miRNAs (miR-124, miR-141, miR-205, miR-208a, miR-499a) were significantly upregulated and 2 miRNAs were significantly downregulated (miR-103a, miR-15a) in HCC compared to advanced fibrosis patients. No significant difference was observed in miRNA expression between advanced fibrosis and early hepatic fibrosis apart from a significant downregulation of miR-155-5p in advanced fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Serum miRNAs could serve as potential diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of HCC.

Factors Affecting Final Surgical Outcome of Combined Trabeculotomy-Trabeculectomy in Primary Congenital Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate different pre-operative variables on the success of combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy (CTT) surgery in patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) to predict those at higher risk for surgical failure and for proper parent counseling. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-three eyes of patients with PCG were treated either with CTT without augmentation, or CTT augmented with mitomycin-C (0.2 mg/mL) in both subconjunctival space and under scleral flap for 3 minutes, or with CTT augmented with a collagen implant under both the scleral flap and the conjunctiva. Cases showed surgical failure was reported and evaluated in relation to different pre-operative variables. RESULTS: Complete success (IOP ≤21 mmHg) was achieved in 52 cases (82.5%). Cumulative success probability was calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, proving that higher pre-operative intraocular pressure (IOP) was associated with higher failure rates (28.6% for pre-operative IOP ≥30 mmHg versus 4.8% for IOP <30 mmHg), with P value = 0.007. CONCLUSION: CTT is an effective surgical intervention in PCG patients without sight threatening complications. Univariate survival analysis showed higher rates of surgical failure in patients with higher pre-operative IOP, while other pre-operative variables were irrelevant.

Relation between the severity of liver cirrhosis and neurological symptoms, nerve conduction study results, and motor unit number estimation.

Liver cirrhosis is a global health problem that can be associated with several neurological manifestations. We aimed to assessment of the relation between the severity of the liver cirrhosis and the neurological symptoms, nerve conduction studies (NCS), as well as detecting subclinical neuropathic affection using motor unit number estimation (MUNE) technique. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 56 cirrhotic patients and 61 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Neurological manifestations, Child-Pugh classification, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, NCS and MUNE using a modified spike-triggered averaging technique were studied. Forty-five (80.3%) of the cirrhotic patients had neurological manifestations. Muscle cramps were the most frequently reported manifestation, followed by fatigue and then numbness. NCS abnormality was significantly related to the presence of neurological symptoms (p < 0.001) and not only to peripheral numbness. Only fatigue was significantly related to the lower MUNE values (p < 0.017). Child-Pugh classification progression was significantly related to the presence of fatigue and abnormal NCS results (p < 0.001); no similar relation was detected between the Child-Pugh classification and the MUNE value (p = 0.103). Higher MELD scores were significantly related to NCS abnormalities (p = 0.014) and negatively correlated, although not significantly, with the MUNE values (r = -0.246 and p = 0.067). The progression of liver cirrhosis was related to the presence of neurological manifestations and nerve conduction abnormalities. Nerve conduction abnormalities may be present even in the absence of clinical numbness. A decline in motor unit number could explain the pathophysiology of fatigue in cirrhotic patients.

Serum microRNA let-7a-1/let-7d/let-7f and miRNA 143/145 Gene Expression Profiles as Potential Biomarkers in HCV Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Egypt has the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide. Which make liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) major health concerns in Egypt. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been investigated as biomarkers for malignancies. We investigated miRNA gene expression of Lethal-7 (let-7) cluster: let7-a-1, let-7d-1, let-7f-1 and miRNA (miR)143/145 cluster in sera of HCC patients and chronic HCV patients. METHODS: The study included 40 post HCV-Hepatocellular carcinoma patients, 40 chronic HCV patients divided into 2 subgroups, 20 cirrhotic patients and 20 non-cirrhotic patients, and 40 apparently healthy subjects as a control group. Gene expression analysis for studied miRNAs was done using quantitative SYBR Green reverse-transcription Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: We found that Let-7a-1 gene expression was significantly downregulated in the serum of HCV-HCC patients than in HCV non HCC cirrhotic group and was significantly upregulated in the serum of liver cirrhosis patients than HCV non-cirrhotic group. miR-143 and miR-145 expressions were significantly downregulated in the serum of HCC patients than in control group and miR-143 was significantly downregulated in the serum of non-cirrhotic HCV patients than in control group. CONCLUSION: The downregulation of serum let-7-a1, miR-143, and miR-145 gene expression may exhibit significant influence on the development of HCC in chronic HCV Egyptian patients and can be used as biomarkers for HCC diagnosis.
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Diagnostic accuracy of acoustic radiation force impulse elastography (ARFI) in comparison to other non-invasive modalities in staging of liver fibrosis in chronic HCV patients: single-center experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reliability of ARFI elastography for liver fibrosis staging and compare it to other non-invasive assessment of hepatic fibrosis (FIB-4 and APRI) in chronic HCV (CHC) patients. METHODS: A single-center, prospective study included 2103 CHC patients. Liver stiffness (LS) was evaluated by TE and ARFI elastography. FIB-4 and APRI were calculated. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROCs) was used to assess the diagnostic performance of ARFI elastography for staging of liver fibrosis using TE as a reference standard. RESULTS: The best cut off values of ARFI elastography for diagnosis of ≥ F2, ≥ F3and F4 were 1.36 m/s, 1.45 m/s, and 1.7 m/s with AUROCs of 0.89, 0.94 and 0.95, respectively. ARFI elastography cut offs are lower in patients with normal ALT level compared to those with ALT level (1.1-< 3 ULN) and those with ALT level ≥ 3ULN (1.35 m/s vs 1.39 m/s vs 1.54 for F ≥ 2, 1.44 m/s vs 1.58 m/s vs 1.6 m/s for F3, 1.69 m/s, 1.84 m/s, 1.86 m/s for F4). FIB-4 (0.82-0.86) and APRI (0.78-0.82) yielded lower AUC in prediction of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis than ARFI elastography (0.89-0.95). CONCLUSION: ARFI elastography is a reliable method for non-invasive staging of liver fibrosis in CHC patients when compared to TE with a good diagnostic performance comparable to FIB-4 and APRI scores for the prediction of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Clinical impact of serum α-fetoprotein and its relation on changes in liver fibrosis in hepatitis C virus patients receiving direct-acting antivirals.

BACKGROUND: α-Fetoprotein (AFP) is used widely as a serological marker for hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the AFP value is elevated in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients without hepatocellular carcinoma. Yet, data on the impact of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy on AFP levels after viral eradication are still lacking. AIM: The aim of this study was to elucidate the changes in the serum AFP level in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with DAA-based therapy and their relation to response and liver fibrosis parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 456 chronic HCV patients who received different DAAs-based treatment regimens were enrolled. Laboratory data including serum AFP, transient elastography values, and fibrosis scores were recorded at baseline and sustained virological response at 24 weeks after treatment (SVR24). The outcome was the changes in the AFP level from baseline to SVR24 and its relation to changes in liver fibrosis parameters at SVR24 using Spearman's rank correlation test. RESULTS: Overall, 96.9% of enrolled patients were responders. A statistically significant improvement in serum transaminases, albumin, transient elastography values, and fibrosis scores at SVR24 was reported. The AFP level was significantly decreased from a median (interquartile range) of 6 (3.2-10.8) ng/ml before DAAs to 4 (2.3-6) ng/ml at SVR24 (P < 0.0001). Only 22.6% of patients showed an increase in the AFP level after treatment. On multivariate analysis, the only independent baseline variable associated with an increase in the AFP level after treatment was baseline AFP (odds ratio: 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.91-0.99, P = 0.02). There is a significant correlation between changes in AFP and liver fibrosis parameters at SVR24. CONCLUSION: DAAs-based regimens are a highly efficient antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C patients that resulted in improvements in the serum AFP level.

High sustained virologic response rate using generic directly acting antivirals in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus Egyptian patients: single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health problem in Egypt, with a high prevalence of genotype 4. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of generic sofosbuvir (SOF) plus generic daclatasvir (DAC) with or without ribavirin in the treatment of Egyptian chronic HCV patients compared with the use of brand drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational study that included 234 Egyptian chronic HCV patients was carried out. Patients were classified into two groups: group A (101 patients) received brand SOF 400 mg plus brand DAC 60 mg and group B (134 patients) received generic SOF 400 mg plus generic DAC 60 mg with or without ribavirin for 12 weeks. The end point was a sustained virological response at 12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-eight (37.2%) patients in group A were treatment experienced compared with 12 (9.02%) patients in group B; there were 39 (38%) cirrhotic patients in group A and 22 (16.5%) cirrhotic patients in group B. In group A, 50% of patients received ribavirin, while in group B, 42.1% of patients received ribavirin. All patients were followed up; all of them attended their week 12 post-treatment visit with negative HCV RNA, with achievement of sustained virological response at 12 in 100% of patients receiving generic drugs (group B) and 99% of patients receiving brand drugs (group A). Generic SOF and DAC were well tolerated, with mild adverse events including fatigue and headache. CONCLUSION: Use of generic SOF and DAC with or without ribavirin is an extremely effective and a well-tolerated treatment for Egyptian chronic HCV patients.

Evaluation of accuracy of elastography point quantification versus other noninvasive modalities in staging of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus patients.

BACKGROUND: Elastography point quantification (ElastPQ) is a newly noninvasive method incorporated into a conventional ultrasound system for staging of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver diseases. AIM: The aim was to evaluate ElastPQ reproducibility and its accuracy in staging of liver fibrosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients in comparison with transient elastography (TE) and fibrosis scores [FIB-4 and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI)] using liver biopsy as a reference standard and also to predict the sensitivity and specificity of ElastPQ as well as proposing a cut-off for advanced fibrosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-center, cross-sectional study enrolled 72 chronic HCV patients. Baseline demographic and laboratory data were recorded. ElastPQ and TE were performed. Fibrosis scores were calculated. The performance of ElastPQ was compared with that of TE and noninvasive methods (FIB-4, APRI) using liver biopsy as a reference standard using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: ElastPQ is a valuable diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of F≥1, F≥2, and F≥3, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.79, 0.74, and 0.83, respectively. The best cut-off values for ElastPQ were 4.9, 6.6, and 10.7 kPa for mild fibrosis, significant fibrosis, and advanced fibrosis, respectively. ElastPQ correlated positively with all other fibrosis indices (TE, APRI, and FIB-4) as well as liver biopsy. Area under the curve for the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis (F3/F4) using ElastPQ was 0.83 at a cut-off value of 10.7 kPa (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: ElastPQ is a promising noninvasive US-based method for assessing liver fibrosis in HCV-related chronic liver disease patients with good diagnostic performance comparable to that of liver biopsy and TE.

Effect of Direct-Acting Agents on Fibrosis Regression in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Patients' Treatment Compared with Interferon-Containing Regimens.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is aiming to cure and prevent the development, progression of fibrosis, and related complications. Interferon-based therapy was claimed to reduce or even reverse fibrosis. Although direct-acting agents have a better cure rate, we still lack the knowledge of their effect on fibrosis regression. We aim to assess fibrosis regression in direct-acting agents compared with interferon-based treatment regimens in the treatment of chronic HCV patients. The 204 chronic HCV patients were divided into 3 groups; group 1(N = 68) received Peg-IFN and ribavirin, group 2 (N = 69) received sofosbuvir and ribavirin, and group 3 (N = 67) received Peg-IFN, ribavirin, and sofosbuvir. Fibrosis assessment was performed by transient elastography (TE), APRI and FIB 4, in the pretreatment and at least 3 months after end of treatment. Of these, 66.2% of the patients did not show significant fibrosis changes, 6.4% fibrosis progressed, and 27.5% of fibrosis regressed (P < 0.0001) by TE. Similar results were detected in the different treatment regimens with no statistically significant difference between the regimens. Fibrosis regression was detected in 43.3% of cirrhotic patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) and only in 27.4% with significant fibrosis. Significant improvement of posttreatment aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alpha fetoprotein as well as APRI and FIB 4 scores were detected. Fibrosis regression (TE, APRI and FIB 4) was detected with direct-acting agents and interferon-based therapy. Treated patients with significant fibrosis will benefit of fibrosis regression irrespective to their treatment response, whereas fibrosis regression was associated with SVR in cirrhotic patients.

Effect of treatment with direct acting antivirals on body mass index and hepatic steatosis in chronic hepatitis C.

Direct Acting Agents (DAAs) have high cure rate but still lack the knowledge of their effect on hepatic steatosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP), evaluated with transient elastography, could help in assessment of steatosis grades. We aim to evaluate the effect of DAAs on BMI and steatosis in CHC using CAP. This cohort study included 155 CHC Egyptian patients divided into three groups according to the DAAs regimens. All patients were subjected to pre-treatment and 3-months post-treatment evaluation including BMI, laboratory workup and liver stiffness measurement with simultaneous CAP determination using the (FibroScan®) M probe. Patients mean age was 45.78 ± 11.6 years, 60.6% were females, mean BMI 26.63 ± 2.75 and 18.1% were cirrhotic. Baseline assessment revealed no steatosis in 43.9%, 32.9% had mild-moderate steatosis and 23.2% had severe steatosis. The overall sustained virological response 12 was 93.6%. Follow-up revealed stationary steatosis in 56.7% of patients and regression in 21.3%. Mean pre-treatment CAP were significantly lower in responders 244.9 ± 62.4 dB/m versus non-responders; 300 ±28.4 dB/m (P = 0.04). ROC curve delineated 273 dB/m as best cutoff for detection of responders with an AUC of 0.801, sensitivity 68.2%, and specificity 100%. BMI significantly increased after treatment (P = 0.004) particularly in patients with worsened steatosis (P = 0.001). Steatosis significantly correlated with BMI (r = 0.3, P value = < 0.001). DAAs causes a significant change in steatosis grade in a subset of treated patients. Pretreatment CAP was significantly lower in responders. BMI significantly increases following treatment particularly in patients with worsened steatosis.

Comparing the efficiency of Fib-4, Egy-score, APRI, and GUCI in liver fibrosis staging in Egyptians with chronic hepatitis C.

Assessment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus patients by liver biopsy is not widely accepted despite its accuracy, being invasive, carrying complications, and adding cost. This paved the way to development and use of non-invasive markers of fibrosis in diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis. We aimed at evaluating the efficiency of Fib-4, Egy-score, Aspartate-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and Göteborg University Cirrhosis Index (GUCI) in comparison to liver biopsy, in the assessment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients. This was a cross sectional study including 200 chronic HCV patients were divided into two groups according to stage of fibrosis (Metavir score) into non-significant fibrosis (1.27, APRI >0.48, Egy-score >0.73, and GUCI >0.57 significantly predict significant fibrosis (P < 0.01). Fib-4 carries the best performance and significant reliability with AUROC 0.783, sensitivity 74%, specificity 69%, PPV 0.55, and NPV 0.86. The addition of BMI to Fib-4 improved the significant fibrosis AUROC curve performance but did not reach statistical significant improvement. We concluded that age and BMI are good predictors of hepatic fibrosis. Fib-4 (>1.27) is the best method of prediction of significant fibrosis compared to Egy-score, APRI, and GUCI. Addition of BMI to Fib-4 did not improve diagnostic value of Fib-4.

Efficacy of carvedilol versus propranolol versus variceal band ligation for primary prevention of variceal bleeding.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Band ligation and propranolol are the current therapies for primary prevention of variceal bleeding. Carvedilol is a rising nonselective beta-blocker used for reducing portal pressure with favorable outcome. The aim of this study to assess the efficacy of carvedilol, propranolol, and band ligation for primary prevention of variceal bleeding based on the effect of each regimen on progression of Child score and portal hypertensive gastropathy after 1 year. METHODS: The study included 264 cirrhotic patients with medium/large-sized varices who were candidates for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: group I: band ligation; group II: propranolol; group III: carvedilol. RESULTS: Group I showed higher success rate of 75 %, followed by group III with 70.2 % and group II with 65.2 %. Risk of bleeding was comparable between the three groups, with group II carrying the highest rate of complications (34.7 %) followed by group III (14.2 %) and finally group I (5.7 %). After 1 year of follow-up, Child score did not improve in any of the studied groups, while portal hypertensive gastropathy significantly increased in group I but decreased in groups II and III. CONCLUSIONS: Band ligation is the best treatment option for primary prevention of variceal bleeding with minimal complications. Carvedilol is a good pharmaceutical alternative medicine to propranolol with lesser side-effects. Progress of liver disease as represented by Child score is not affected by any of the primary variceal prophylactic regimens, although medical treatment reduces portal hypertensive gastropathy. Choice of treatment depends on patient will, compliance with treatment, and endoscopist competence.

Validation of Hepa-index as a non-invasive biomarkers panel for assessment of hepatic fibrosis in Egyptians with chronic hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVES: To validate the diagnostic performance of Hepa-Index in predicting different stages of hepatic fibrosis in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Methods: Hundred treatment naïve chronic hepatitis C Egyptian patients were prospectively enrolled between June 2014 and January 2015. They were subjected to: platelet count, alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2-MG), total bilirubin, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), total cholesterol, liver biopsy and histopathological staging of hepatic fibrosis according to METAVIR scoring system. Hepa-Index was calculated according to the formula: Hepa-Index=exp (-0.021 x platelet +1.65 x α2-MG+0.2 x total bilirubin + 0.026 x GGT -1.215 x total cholesterol) / (1+exp (-0.021 x platelet + 1.65 x α2-MG + 0.2 x total bilirubin +0.026 x GGT -1.215 x total cholesterol).  Results: Hepa-Index correlates positively with the stage of hepatic fibrosis. Cut off values of Hepa-Index were: 0.2 for predicting significant hepatic fibrosis (≥F2 METAVIR), 0.3 for severe hepatic fibrosis (≥F3 METAVIR) and 0.4 for cirrhosis (F4 METAVIR). Hepa-Index was able to detect significant fibrosis with sensitivity of 69.4%, specificity of 76.3% and AUROC of 0.803. Hepa-Index was also able to detect severe hepatic fibrosis with sensitivity of 79.2%, specificity of 64.5% and AUROC of 0.783 and cirrhosis with sensitivity of 81.8%, specificity of 68.5% and AUROC of 0.744. Conclusion: Hepa-Index is a good non-invasive biomarkers panel that can be used for non-invasive assessment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients.

Role of Serum Soluble CD163 in the Diagnosis, Risk of Bleeding, and Prognosis of Gastro-Esophageal Varices in Cirrhotic Patients.

Research is continuous for noninvasive tools for the prediction of portal hypertension than upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Serum sCD163 correlates with hepatic venous pressure gradient, aiding in the prediction of portal hypertension. We aimed at investigating the role of sCD163 in the prediction of the presence and size of varices as well as a stratification tool for surveillance or prophylaxis by assessment of prognosis and risk of bleeding. Two hundred forty-three cirrhotic patients were divided into 3 groups: group I: no varices, group II: small-sized varices, and group III: medium-sized and large-sized varices. Serum sCD163 levels were assessed and correlated with abdominal ultrasound and laboratory investigations. Follow-up for 1 year was conducted to assess the risk of bleeding, and band ligation was performed for significant varices with follow-up of obliteration. sCD163 levels were significantly higher in patients with varices requiring prophylactic interventions (P = 0.03) and in large varices (P = 0.012), patients at risk of bleeding (P = 0.04), and the bleeder patients (P = 0.001). No relationship between the sCD163 levels and the rate of variceal obliteration was reported. sCD163 levels were positively correlated with the Child score (P = 0.05), the portal vein diameter (P = 0.02), and the splenic size (P = 0.04). Although sCD163 level cannot predict the development of varices, it serves as a good predictor for the detection of size of varices (large varices), the need of prophylactic interventions, and risk of variceal bleeding. sCD163 level is a helpful indicator with the progression of cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Single Nucleotide rs760370 Polymorphism at the Main Ribavirin Transporter Gene Detection by PCR-RFLP Assay Compared with the TaqMan Assay and Its Relation to Sustained Virological Response in Chronic HCV Patients Treated with Pegylated Interferon-Ribavirin Therapy.

Ribavirin clearly plays a role in chronic hepatitis C treatment response. The equilibrative nucleoside transporter-1 codified by SLC29A1 gene has been associated with ribavirin uptake into hepatocytes and erythrocytes. rs760370A>G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at the SLC29A1 gene may have a role in ribavirin-based regimen treatment response. Accuracy of the polymerase-chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay compared with the TaqMan assay for the detection of the SNP rs760370 at the main ribavirin transporter gene and its relation to sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients treated with pegylated interferon-ribavirin therapy. The study included 100 chronic HCV patients who were treated with pegylated interferon-ribavirin therapy. The patients were categorized according to the treatment response into responders (50 patients) and null responders (50 patients). rs760370 SNP was measured using TaqMan 5-nuclease assay and by the newly developed PCR-based RFLP assay. The overall accuracy of the newly developed PCR-RFLP assay compared with the TaqMan assay for rs760370 polymorphism detection was 100%. Allelic frequencies at rs760370 were as follows: A/A genotype (28%), A/G genotype (58%), and G/G genotype (14%). Treatment response was not significantly related with rs760370 polymorphism (P = 0.5). Ribavirin-induced anemia was good predictor of sustained virological response (P = 0.001), but was not related to rs760370 polymorphism (P = 0.92). PCR-RFLP assay is an accurate, cost-effective method in the detection of rs760370 compared with TaqMan assay. rs760370 SNP cannot serve as predictor of response in chronic HCV patients treated with interferon ribavirin therapy.

Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for treating Egyptian patients with hepatitis C genotype 4.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Egypt has the highest prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the world, and more than 90% of patients are infected with genotype 4 virus. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of the HCV polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir in combination with ribavirin in HCV genotype 4 patients in Egypt. METHODS: Treatment-naïve or treatment-experienced patients with genotype 4 HCV infection (n=103) were randomly assigned to receive either 12 or 24 weeks of sofosbuvir 400 mg and ribavirin 1000-1200 mg daily. Randomization was stratified by prior treatment experience and by presence or absence of cirrhosis. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with HCV RNA <25 IU/ml 12 weeks after therapy (SVR12). RESULTS: Among all patients, 52% had received prior HCV treatment and 17% had cirrhosis at baseline. SVR12 rates were 90% (46/51) with 24 weeks and 77% (40/52) with 12 weeks of sofosbuvir and ribavirin therapy. Patients with cirrhosis at baseline had lower rates of SVR12 (63% 12 weeks, 78% 24 weeks) than those without cirrhosis (80% 12 weeks, 93% 24 weeks). The most common adverse events were fatigue, headache, insomnia, and anemia. Two patients experienced serious adverse events (cerebral ischemia, dyspnea). No adverse events resulted in treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSION: Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 12 or 24 weeks is effective in treating both treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced Egyptian patients with genotype 4 HCV.