Gastroenterology Insights

12 pages, 960 KiB

Open AccessReview

What Gastroenterologists Should Know about Carcinoid Syndrome

by Ludovica Magi, Maria Rinzivillo and Francesco Panzuto

Gastroenterol. Insights 2022, 13(1), 127-138; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent13010014 - 13 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4693

Carcinoid syndrome (CS) is the most common functional syndrome associated with neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN), particularly in intestinal NEN with extensive liver metastases. Owing to the heterogenous symptomatic scenario present in CS, recognition of these patients may be challenging. In this review, we explore [...] Read more.

Carcinoid syndrome (CS) is the most common functional syndrome associated with neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN), particularly in intestinal NEN with extensive liver metastases. Owing to the heterogenous symptomatic scenario present in CS, recognition of these patients may be challenging. In this review, we explore some key clinical factors used to identify patients affected by CS, with particular focus on differential diagnoses of diarrhea, which is the main symptom of CS. Moreover, we highlight the importance of nutritional screening as a clinical indication to prevent malnutrition and to manage the most common nutrient deficiencies present in these patients. Full article

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10 pages, 292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Telemedicine Is an Effective Tool to Monitor Disease Activity in IBD Patients in the COVID-19 Era: A Single Centre Experience Based on Objective Data

by Emanuele Sinagra, Anita Busacca, Laura Guida, Lucio Carrozza, Daniele Brinch, Federica Crispino, Marcello Maida, Salvatore Battaglia, Ciro Celsa, Calogero Cammà and Maria Cappello

Gastroenterol. Insights 2022, 13(1), 117-126; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent13010013 - 7 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3436

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has led IBD clinics to adopt a remote monitoring approach in order to guarantee an adequate follow-up of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and ensure the rules of social distancing. Aim: The aim of the study was to [...] Read more.

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has led IBD clinics to adopt a remote monitoring approach in order to guarantee an adequate follow-up of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and ensure the rules of social distancing. Aim: The aim of the study was to perform a survey on IBD patients who underwent remote monitoring in our tertiary referral center, to assess adherence, patients’ perceptions and satisfaction, and finally their opinions for future monitoring. Furthermore, we evaluated changes in disease activity and Quality of Life (QoL) using validated questionnaires. Methods: Consecutive patients with IBD scheduled for follow-up visits were switched to remote monitoring through e-mail from March 2020 to February 2021. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire focusing on the following elements of the intervention: (1) self-assessment questions, (2) action plans, and (3) educational messages. Results: Four hundred and twenty four Caucasian patients completed the survey. 233 (55.1%) were male, 220 (52.0%) had Crohn’s Disease (CD). Median baseline Mayo Score and Harvey Bradshaw Index were 3 and 4, respectively. 9 (2.1%) patients were referred to the emergency department because of disease flares. 410 (96.9%) patients were satisfied with telemedicine, and 320 (76.5%) patients reported that they would maintain this approach also after COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, on univariate logistic regression analysis, none of the variables were related to patients’ satisfaction or to an improved QoL. The presence of ulcerative colitis was associated with the need for treatment change. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a telemedicine approach is well accepted by patients with IBD and could represent an effective tool in monitoring disease activity. Further controlled studies are warranted to properly assess if telemedicine can replace face-to-face consultations in IBD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Gastroenterological Aspects of COVID-19 Infection)

11 pages, 498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Training Programs of Medical Residency in Romania

by Gabriel Constantinescu, Gina Gheorghe, Vlad Alexandru Ionescu, Oana-Mihaela Plotogea, Vasile Sandru, Camelia Cristina Diaconu, Valentin Nicolae Varlas, Nicolae Bacalbasa, Carmen Cristina Diaconu and Madalina Stan-Ilie

Gastroenterol. Insights 2022, 13(1), 106-116; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent13010012 - 1 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3225

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the training process for resident physicians. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on professional training, and also the subjective perception of the levels of stress, [...] Read more.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the training process for resident physicians. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on professional training, and also the subjective perception of the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among resident doctors specializing in gastroenterology in Romania. Methods: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study, for a period of two months, among 180 resident doctors specializing in gastroenterology, working in university hospitals in Romania. A questionnaire consisting of 29 questions distributed through social media platforms was completed in Google Forms. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS software v.20. Results: A linear relationship was identified between the number of daily hospitalizations in the gastroenterology department and the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection among resident physicians. In total, 80% of the participants reported an increase in the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 88.3% stated that they were unsatisfied by online courses. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has had negative effects on both professional training and levesl of stress, anxiety and depression of resident doctors specializing in gastroenterology. In the specialty of gastroenterology there may be certain peculiarities, due to the interventional aspects that this medical specialty involves, for example, endoscopic procedures. Thus, the necessity to acquire practical skills in addition to theoretical knowledge increases the negative impact on gastroenterology internship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Gastroenterological Aspects of COVID-19 Infection)

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3 pages, 179 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Publisher’s Note: We Changed Page Numbers to Article Numbers for Articles Published in Gastroenterology Insights, Volumes 1–10

by Gastroenterology Insights Editorial Office

Gastroenterol. Insights 2022, 13(1), 103-105; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent13010011 - 23 Feb 2022

Viewed by 2108

Abstract

Gastroenterology Insights [...] Full article

16 pages, 3102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Irradiation Induces Tuft Cell Hyperplasia and Myenteric Neuronal Loss in the Absence of Dietary Fiber in a Mouse Model of Pelvic Radiotherapy

by Ulrikke Voss, Dilip Kumar Malipatlolla, Piyush Patel, Sravani Devarakonda, Fei Sjöberg, Rita Grandér, Ana Rascón, Margareta Nyman, Gunnar Steineck and Cecilia Bull

Gastroenterol. Insights 2022, 13(1), 87-102; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent13010010 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2900

Abstract

Pelvic radiotherapy is associated with chronic intestinal dysfunction. Dietary approaches, such as fiber enrichment during and after pelvic radiotherapy, have been suggested to prevent or reduce dysfunctions. In the present paper, we aimed to investigate whether a diet rich in fermentable fiber could [...] Read more.

Pelvic radiotherapy is associated with chronic intestinal dysfunction. Dietary approaches, such as fiber enrichment during and after pelvic radiotherapy, have been suggested to prevent or reduce dysfunctions. In the present paper, we aimed to investigate whether a diet rich in fermentable fiber could have a positive effect on radiation-induced intestinal damage, especially focusing on tuft cells and enteric neurons. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed either a purified non-fiber diet or the same purified diet with 5% or 15% oat fiber added, starting two weeks prior to sham-irradiation or irradiation with four fractions of 8 Gray. The animals continued on the diets for 1, 6 or 18 weeks, after which the gross morphology of the colorectum was assessed together with the numbers of enteric neurons, tuft cells and crypt-surface units. The results showed that dietary fiber significantly affected the intestinal morphometrics, both in the short and long-term. The presence of dietary fiber stimulated the re-emergence of crypt-surface unit structures after irradiation. At 18 weeks, the animals fed with the non-fiber diet displayed more myenteric neurons than the animals fed with the dietary fibers, but irradiation resulted in a loss of neurons in the non-fiber fed animals. Irradiation, but not diet, affected the tuft cell numbers, and a significant increase in tuft cells was found 6 and 18 weeks after irradiation. In conclusion, dietary fiber intake has the potential to modify neuronal pathogenesis in the colorectum after irradiation. The long-lasting increase in tuft cells induced by irradiation may reflect an as yet unknown role in the mucosal pathophysiology after pelvic irradiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gastrointestinal Disease)

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10 pages, 603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Associated Lesions in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Celiac Disease

by Iulia Enache, Daniel Vasile Balaban, Florina Vasilescu, Ciprian Jurcut, Florentina Ionita-Radu, Alina Popp, Dumitru Matei and Mariana Jinga

Gastroenterol. Insights 2022, 13(1), 77-86; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent13010009 - 20 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3145

Abstract

(1) Background: Currently available guidelines require upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy with biopsy sampling for adult celiac disease (CD) diagnosis. Based on the pediatric experience, there has been a growing interest if serology-based diagnosis would be possible for adult CD also. Our aim was [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Currently available guidelines require upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy with biopsy sampling for adult celiac disease (CD) diagnosis. Based on the pediatric experience, there has been a growing interest if serology-based diagnosis would be possible for adult CD also. Our aim was to analyze the associated upper GI tract lesions in newly diagnosed CD patients, to see if significant associated pathology is detected during index endoscopy, which might impact patient management not related to CD. (2) Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of newly diagnosed CD cases diagnosed over a period of 7 years (2014–2020). Demographic, clinical, laboratory, endoscopy and histopathology data were collected from the patients’ charts. Diagnosis was set according to ACG Guideline 2013. (3) Results: Altogether 79 patients were recruited for this study purpose, 75.9% female, median age 39 years. All patients had positive CD-specific serology and atrophic mucosal injury in duodenal biopsy samples. Besides villous atrophy, associated endoscopic findings were detected in 42/79 (53.16%) of patients. Most of the gastric lesions were minor endoscopic findings—small sliding hiatal hernias, non-specific chronic gastritis, but we also found two cases of peptic ulcers, one case of metaplastic gastritis, six cases of atrophic gastritis and one subepithelial lesion. Only one patient had changes in the duodenum except CD-related findings—an inflammatory polyp in the duodenal bulb. No malignancies were found. (4) Conclusions: In our cohort, there was a significant number of newly diagnosed CD patients who had associated lesions during the index upper GI endoscopy, but most of them were minor endoscopic findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management and Treatment of Digestive Disorders)

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9 pages, 1803 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

An Extreme Case of Liver Adenomatosis: Are They All the Same?

by Carolina Chálim Rebelo, Diogo Bernardo Moura, Margarida Flor de Lima, Eduardo Dutra, Rui Amaral, José Renato Pereira and Maria Antónia Duarte

Gastroenterol. Insights 2022, 13(1), 68-76; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent13010008 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4270

Abstract

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a rare and benign liver tumor that affects predominantly young and middle-aged women, especially between 30–40 years old. Liver adenomatosis (LA) is defined as the presence of 10 or more HCA. There are authors that report eight different subtypes [...] Read more.

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a rare and benign liver tumor that affects predominantly young and middle-aged women, especially between 30–40 years old. Liver adenomatosis (LA) is defined as the presence of 10 or more HCA. There are authors that report eight different subtypes of HCA, that correlates with clinical and histopathological features, being the inflammatory subtype the most common. We present a case of a 32-year-old Caucasian woman with a history of self-limited episodes of right abdominal pain and an abdominal ultrasound with multiple hypoechogenic liver nodules, suspected of metastasis. She was taking combined oral contraceptive for 6 years. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) disclosed around 40 nodules, suggestive of HCA. Liver biopsy confirmed HCA, inflammatory subtype. Oral contraceptive was stopped and control MRI 6 months later disclosed reduction of nodules’ dimensions. Management of patients with LA should be based on the size of the largest tumor, as clinical presentation and risk of bleeding or malignancy do not differ between patients with single or multiple HCAs. However, even with biopsy, there is a risk of missampling, raising concern about the real risk of bleeding and malignant potential in patients with different subtypes coexisting in the same liver. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Liver)

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8 pages, 505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Modified eCura System for Identifying High-Risk Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Early Gastric Cancer Resected by Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

by Kazuhiro Nagao, Masahide Ebi, Takaya Shimura, Tomonori Yamada, Yoshikazu Hirata, Tomohiro Iwai, Takanori Ozeki, Wataru Ohashi, Tomoya Sugiyama, Yoshiharu Yamaguchi, Kazunori Adachi, Shinya Izawa, Yasushi Funaki, Naotaka Ogasawara, Makoto Sasaki, Hiromi Kataoka and Kunio Kasugai

Gastroenterol. Insights 2022, 13(1), 60-67; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent13010007 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3736

Abstract

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is widely used for early gastric cancer (EGC) in patients without lymph node metastasis (LNM). Prediction of LNM after ESD is important to determine prognosis in patients with EGC. In this regard, the eCura system was applied to [...] Read more.

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is widely used for early gastric cancer (EGC) in patients without lymph node metastasis (LNM). Prediction of LNM after ESD is important to determine prognosis in patients with EGC. In this regard, the eCura system was applied to predict LNM after noncurative ESD for EGC. This study aimed to identify risk factors for LNM and improve the accuracy of the eCura system for predicting the risk of LNM after ESD. Methods: A total of 150 patients who underwent noncurative resection of EGC by ESD were retrospectively enrolled at five institutions in Japan. All patients underwent additional surgery with lymph node resection after ESD. The risk factors for LNM among clinicopathological parameters were examined and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine the optimal cutoff point for predicting high LNM risk using the modified eCura system. Results: Of 150 patients, 19 (13%) had LNM. In the multivariate analysis, lymphatic invasion, and tumor size >30 mm were independent risk factors for LNM. Using a cutoff score of ≥4 for predicting high risk based on the eCura system, the rate of LNM was significantly higher in the high-risk group (4–7 points) than in the low-risk group (0–3 points) (odds ratio 12.0, 95% confidence interval 3.7–54.2, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: An eCura score ≥4 may improve the prediction of LNM risk after ESD in patients with EGC in the intermediate-risk group (2–4 points) of the eCura system, suggesting better treatment strategies for patients. Further prospective and long-term follow-up studies are needed to validate the efficacy of the modified system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Therapeutics and Prognostications in Gastrointestinal Cancer)

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25 pages, 2376 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gastrointestinal Microbiota Dysbiosis Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Colorectal Cancer: The Implication of Probiotics

by Frederick Odun-Ayo and Lalini Reddy

Gastroenterol. Insights 2022, 13(1), 35-59; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent13010006 - 7 Feb 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3682

Abstract

The complexity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)’s pathophysiology is such that microbial dysbiosis in the lung and gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota may be involved in its pathogenic process. GI microbiota dysbiosis has been associated with respiratory disorders, including COVID-19, as well as sporadic colorectal [...] Read more.

The complexity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)’s pathophysiology is such that microbial dysbiosis in the lung and gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota may be involved in its pathogenic process. GI microbiota dysbiosis has been associated with respiratory disorders, including COVID-19, as well as sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) through imbalanced microbiota and compromised immune response. It is pertinent to understand the possible role of probiotics in stabilizing the microbial environment and maintaining the integrity of the respiratory and GI tracts in SARS-CoV-2 induced dysbiosis and colorectal carcinogenesis. The long-term implication of SARS-CoV-2 in GI dysbiosis via microbiota-gut-lung cross-talk could increase the risk of new CRC diagnosis or worsen the condition of previously diagnosed individuals. Recent knowledge shows that the immune-modulatory response to probiotics is shifting the beneficial use of probiotics towards the treatment of various diseases. In this review, we highlight the potential impact of probiotics on SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with CRC through microbiota imbalance in COVID-19 patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Gastroenterological Aspects of COVID-19 Infection)

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2 pages, 137 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Gastroenterology Insights in 2021

by Gastroenterology Insights Editorial Office

Gastroenterol. Insights 2022, 13(1), 33-34; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent13010005 - 26 Jan 2022

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Abstract

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...] Full article

6 pages, 1544 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Gastroparesis, Thymoma, and Asymptomatic Myasthenia: A Rare Clinical Scenario

by Consuelo Tamburella, Silvana Parisi, Sara Lillo, Giacomo Ferrantelli, Paola Critelli, Anna Viola, Angelo Platania, Maria Santoro, Alberto Cacciola, Anna Santacaterina and Gianluca Ferini

Gastroenterol. Insights 2022, 13(1), 27-32; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent13010004 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4263

Abstract

Background: Paraneoplastic gastroparesis is a gastrointestinal syndrome that rarely precedes a tumor diagnosis. To increase awareness of this rare clinical entity, we present a case of severe gastroparesis, which was later proven to be associated with a thymoma. Case report: A 55-year old [...] Read more.

Background: Paraneoplastic gastroparesis is a gastrointestinal syndrome that rarely precedes a tumor diagnosis. To increase awareness of this rare clinical entity, we present a case of severe gastroparesis, which was later proven to be associated with a thymoma. Case report: A 55-year old man had the sudden onset of severe abdominal cramps and abdominal distension, early satiety with postprandial nausea, acid regurgitation, belching, and flatulence. He lost about 20 pounds. The physical and imaging examination revealed stomach distension, gastroparesis, and the presence of a solid mass in the anterior mediastinum. Radical surgery was performed to remove the thymoma and, given the high value of Mib-1, the patient was submitted to postoperative chest radiation therapy. After thymectomy, a diagnosis of paraneoplastic myasthenia gravis with subacute autonomic failure was made. Conclusion: Autoimmune gastroparesis should be considered as a potential paraneoplastic syndrome in patients with thymoma, myasthenia gravis, and delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Therapeutics and Prognostications in Gastrointestinal Cancer)

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7 pages, 603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Efficacy of Tofogliflozin on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

by Takeshi Goya, Koji Imoto, Shigeki Tashiro, Tomomi Aoyagi, Motoi Takahashi, Miho Kurokawa, Hideo Suzuki, Masatake Tanaka, Masaki Kato, Motoyuki Kohjima and Yoshihiro Ogawa

Gastroenterol. Insights 2022, 13(1), 20-26; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent13010003 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2942

Abstract

The increasing number of patients with fatty liver disease is a major health problem. Fatty liver disease with metabolic dysfunction has been recognized as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although there is no standard therapy for NAFLD, previous reports support the effect of [...] Read more.

The increasing number of patients with fatty liver disease is a major health problem. Fatty liver disease with metabolic dysfunction has been recognized as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although there is no standard therapy for NAFLD, previous reports support the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on NAFLD. Recently, fatty liver disease with metabolic dysfunction was proposed to be defined as a novel concept, “metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)”, and it was proposed that new criteria for MAFLD diagnosis be established. To clarify the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on MAFLD, we analyzed the efficacy of tofogliflozin in patients with MAFLD. We conducted a single-center, retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of tofogliflozin in patients with MAFLD treated at Kyushu University Hospital between 2017 and 2019. Tofogliflozin was used to treat 18 patients with MAFLD. To determine the efficacy of tofogliflozin, we evaluated glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, liver injury, hepatic steatosis, and body composition three and six months after drug initiation. Although our study was a preliminary study because of some limitations (e.g., retrospective, observational, single-arm study, small sample size), we show that tofogliflozin could improve liver injury in patients with MAFLD by improving glucose metabolism and insulin resistance without causing muscle loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Liver)

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11 pages, 2775 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Plasma Vitronectin as Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Cirrhosis

by Salem Youssef Mohamed, Ahmed Elsayed Esmaiel, Marwa Abo Shabana and Nevin Fouad Ibrahim

Gastroenterol. Insights 2022, 13(1), 9-19; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent13010002 - 7 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2610

Abstract

Background: hepatitis C is an inflammatory liver disease caused by the hepatitis C infection (HCV), and without treatment, almost 50% will progress to liver cirrhosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent type of primary liver cancer and the fourth leading cause of [...] Read more.

Background: hepatitis C is an inflammatory liver disease caused by the hepatitis C infection (HCV), and without treatment, almost 50% will progress to liver cirrhosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent type of primary liver cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Aim of the study: the objective of this study was to evaluate the serum level of vitronectin (VTN) compared to AFP and determine their role as diagnostic and prognostic markers of HCV-related liver diseases. Subject and Methods: this study involved 52 HCV patients from which 26 patients were cirrhotic, and 26 patients had HCC (on top of hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis) plus 10 healthy people as a control group. It was carried out in Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt. All individuals in this study were subjected to physical examination, full history taking, liver function tests, assessment of serum levels of Vitronectin (VTN) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) before and after the intervention within three months. Results: serum level of vitronectin increased significantly in cirrhosis patients and HCC patients than controls (p = 0.0041), (p < 0.001), respectively, and in HCC than cirrhosis patients (p < 0.001). Significant positive correlations were observed between levels of serum VTN and AFP in all HCV patients as well as cirrhotic patients (p < 0.001, p = 0.011, respectively). On the contrary, VTN and AFP didn’t show a significant correlation in HCC patients’ group. Moreover, the median serum level of VTN decreased significantly after treatment in patients with HCC (p < 0.001). At cut-off 38.5 ng/mL for AFP it shows sensitivity 80.8%, specificity 76.9% to differentiate HCC from cirrhosis cases. While VTN shows 84.6% sensitivity, 96.2% specificity at cut-off 26.5 μg/mL. Regarding clinicopathological characteristics and VTN levels, half of patients were stage B, 63.9% had tumor size >3 cm, 84.6% had more than one focal lesion. Conclusions: these results may allow one to speculate a potential role of Vitronectin in diagnosis and prognosis of HCC on top of cirrhosis related to HCV infection in addition to AFP and US and CT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Liver)

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8 pages, 1938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Combination of Nucleotide Analog Therapy and Steroid Pulse Therapy for Acute HBV Infection Effectively Promotes HBV Clearance

by Takeshi Goya, Tomoyuki Kurashige, Miho Kurokawa, Masatake Tanaka, Tomomi Aoyagi, Motoi Takahashi, Koji Imoto, Shigeki Tashiro, Hideo Suzuki, Masaki Kato, Motoyuki Kohjima and Yoshihiro Ogawa

Gastroenterol. Insights 2022, 13(1), 1-8; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent13010001 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2481

Abstract

Acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection occasionally progresses to acute liver failure, often with poor prognosis. The appropriate pharmacological approach is yet to be established. Although nucleotide analogs (NA) and corticosteroids are candidates for the treatment of acute HBV infection, their therapeutic effects, [...] Read more.

Acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection occasionally progresses to acute liver failure, often with poor prognosis. The appropriate pharmacological approach is yet to be established. Although nucleotide analogs (NA) and corticosteroids are candidates for the treatment of acute HBV infection, their therapeutic effects, especially their effect on HBV clearance, remain unclear. To clarify effects on the HBV clearance of combination therapy of NA and steroid pulse therapy (SPT) for acute HBV infection, we first analyze the effectiveness of this therapy in patients with HBV infection compared with NA monotherapy (NAM). Of the 57 consecutive patients with acute hepatitis B infection from May 2007 to December 2018, we have included 25 patients for this study, whom we followed up until HBV clearance. According to the administration of NA and SPT, we divided patients into two groups (NAM group and NA + SPT group) and compared their results. Of the 25 patients, 10 received NAM, whereas 15 received NA + SPT. There were no appreciable adverse effects related to SPT. The time required for the clearance of HBsAg (76 (43–116) days vs. 26 (14–51) days, p = 0.0418) and HBV-DNA (NAM group vs. NA + SPT group: 180 (83.5–220) vs. 69 (43–136) days, p = 0.0420) was significantly shorter in the NA + SPT group than in the NAM group. The hazard ratio of NA + SPT for the clearance of HBsAg and HBV-DNA were 0.45 (0.19–1.09) and 0.35 (0.14–0.89), respectively. In conclusion, we showed that NA + SPT promoted HBV elimination. These findings support the use of the NA + SPT combination for acute HBV infection without the concern of persistent HBV infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Liver)

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Gastroenterol. Insights, Volume 13, Issue 1 (March 2022) – 14 articles

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