VIRAL HEPATITIS C - Alendronate in Combination with Calcium and Vitamin D Prevents Bone Loss After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: A Prospective Single-Center Study
AUGUST 2005
Alendronate is efficacious in preventing the natural course of bone loss associated with liver transplantation. (Millonig et al., Liver Transpl., 11:960, 2005).

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION - A Randomized, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Human Hepatitis C Immune Globulin (Civacir) in Liver Transplant Recipients
AUGUST 2005
Human Hepatitis C Immune Globulin, an anti-HCV enriched immune globulin product, appears to be safe in patients with chronic hepatitis C undergoing liver transplantation. Further studies are required to determine whether the drug has beneficial effects in this group of patients. (Davis et al., Liver Transpl;11,941, 2005)


LIVER TRANSPLANTATION - Positive Serum Cryoglobulin is Associated with Worse Outcome After Liver Transplantation for Chronic Hepatitis C.
AUGUST 2005
In the multivariate model, serum cryoglobulins presence was an independent predictor for severe activity-free, severe fibrosis-free, and HCV-specific graft survival (P<0.05 for all outcomes). (Rayhill et al., Transplantation, 80,448, 2005).

LIVER STEATOSIS - Endothelial Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Risk Profile in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
AUGUST 2005
Endothelial dysfunction and increased risk of cardiovascular events are observed in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The risk of advanced liver disease is well recognized in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients, but the large majority of cases might experience cardiovascular disease in the long term, indirectly limiting the burden of liver failure. (Villanova et al., Hepatology, 42, 473-80, 2005.)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS - Circulatory Function and Hepatorenal Syndrome in Cirrhosis
AUGUST 2005
Hepatorenal syndrome is the result of a decrease in cardiac output in the setting of a severe arterial vasodilation. (Ruiz-del-Arbol et al., Hepatology, 42, 439, 2005.)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS - Predicting Cirrhosis in Patients with Hepatitis C Based on Standard Laboratory Tests: Results of the HALT-C Cohort
AUGUST 2005
A model based on standard laboratory test results can be used to predict histological cirrhosis with a high degree of accuracy in 50% of patients with CHC. (Lok et al., Hepatology, 42, 282, 2005.)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C - Treatment of Advanced Hepatitis C With a Low Accelerating Dosage Regimen of Antiviral Therapy
AUGUST 2005
In a sizeable proportion of patients with advanced HCV, low accelerating dose regimen may render blood free of HCV RNA, stabilize clinical course, and prevent post-transplantation recurrence. (Everson et al., Hepatology, 42, 255, 2005.)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C -International, Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Study Comparing Dynamically Individualized Versus Standard Treatment in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
AUGUST 2005
An improvement in virologic efficacy was not achieved with the available individualized treatment options. (Zeuzem et al., J. Hepatol., 43, 250, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Peginterferon alfa-2b and Ribavirin for Treatment-refractory Chronic Hepatitis C
AUGUST 2005
The response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin in previous non-responders with genotypes 2 and 3 and in prior relapsers with chronic hepatitis C is comparable to overall sustained viral response rates seen in previously untreated patients. (Krawitt et al., J. Hepatol., 43, 243, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Viral Kinetics In Patients with Lamivudine-Resistant Hepatitis B During Adefovir√Lamivudine Combination Therapy
AUGUST 2005
Although a recent study did not show any differences in the reduction of HBV DNA comparing monotherapy with adefovir dipivoxil to adefovir√lamivudine combination therapy in patients with lamivudine-resistant chronic hepatitis B, mathematical analysis of early viral kinetics suggests an additional effect of lamivudine on the infected cell loss during adefovir√lamivudine combination therapy. (Mihm et al., J. Hepatol, 43, 217, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS C - Non-Interferon-Based Therapy: an Option for Amelioration of Necro-Inflammation in Hepatitis C Patients who Cannot Afford Interferon Therapy
AUGUST 2005
Twenty-four weeks non-interferon-based therapy achieved a fourfold-higher whereas end of treatment virologic response and a tenfold-higher sustained biochemical response compared with silymarin therapy, which reflects an improvement of necroinflammatory activity as proven by repeat histopathology. (El-Zayadi et al., Liver Internat. 25, 746, 2005)

AUTOIMMUNE EPATITIS -Autoimmune Hepatitis Type 1: Safety and Efficacy of Prolonged Medical Therapy
AUGUST 2005
Autoimmune Hepatitis can be managed effectively over three to four decades with low-dose immunosuppression resulting in essentially normal lifestyles and minimal side effects. Liver transplantation with an increased risk of rejection and graft failure in this group can be avoided for long periods in most of these patients. (Seela et al., Liver Internat., 25, 734, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Successful Treatment of Hepatitis C Reinfection with Interferon-&#913;2b and Ribavirin After Liver Transplantation. A Long-Term Follow-Up.
AUGUST 2005
Combination therapy with IFN and RIBA in transplanted patients with chronic hepatitis C is an effective treatment that results in a high virological SR rate. It is well tolerated and leads to an improvement in histological outcome. (Yedibela et al., Liver Internat., 25, 717, 2005)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS - Long-Term Clinical Outcome of Large Volume Paracentesis with Intravenous Albumin in Patients with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis: A Randomized Prospective Study
AUGUST 2005
Large volume paracentesis with intravenous albumin was as effective as diuretics with intravenous albumin for the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis with similar mortality. (Choi et al., J.Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 20, 1215, 2005)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS - Long-Term Clinical Outcome of Large Volume Paracentesis with Intravenous Albumin in Patients with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis: A Randomized Prospective Study
AUGUST 2005
Large volume paracentesis with intravenous albumin was as effective as diuretics with intravenous albumin for the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis with similar mortality. (Choi et al., J.Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 20, 1215, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B - The Changing Pattern of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Over the Past Three Decades in Italy
AUGUST 2005
By the end of 1970s, Italy was a country at medium endemic level of hepatitis B virus infection; Nowadays, Italy is a country at very low endemic level of hepatitis B. These important changes may be due to improvement in socio-demographic features and specific preventive measures (such as vaccination program against hepatitis B). (Stroffolini, Digest.Liver Disease, 37, 622, 2005)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS- Assessment of the Agreement Between Wedge Hepatic Vein Pressure and Portal Vein Pressure in Cirrhotic Patients
AUGUST 2005
Wedged hepatic pressure measurement correlates well with direct portal pressure measurement and the agreement is sufficiently good to use this as a surrogate measurement. (Thalheimer et al., Digest Liver Disease, 37, 601, 2005)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS.- Psychological Status and Depression in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis
AUGUST 2005
Patients with cirrhosis have signs of psychological distress and depression, as assessed by Beck Depression Inventory and Psychological General Well-Being Index, in relation to the severity of liver disease. Accordingly, a non-negligible number of patients warrant treatment. (Bianchi et al., Dig. Liver Disease, 37, 593, 2005)

LIVER STEATOSIS- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Insulin Resistance: Importance of Risk Factors and Histological Spectrum.
AUGUST 2005
Insulin resistance occurred in 33% of the Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients, being more frequent among those with metabolic conditions than among those with exposure to petrochemicals. The presence of Insulin reasistance in cases with advanced fibrosis suggests that it may influence the prognosis of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. (Guidorizzi de Siqueira et al., Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 17, 837, 2005.)

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA- Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation, Percutaneous Ethanol Injection, and Percutaneous Acetic Acid Injection to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma of 3 Cm or Less
AUGUST 2005
Radiofrequency thermal ablation was superior to percutaneous ethanol injection and percutaneous acetic acid injection with respect to local recurrence, overall survival, and cancer free survival rates, but Radiofrequency thermal ablation also caused more major complications. (Lin et al., Gut; 54, 1151; 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- A 1-Year Trial of Telbivudine, Lamivudine, and the Combination in Patients With Hepatitis B e Antigen-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B
AUGUST 2005
Patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with telbivudine exhibited significantly greater virologic and biochemical responses compared with lamivudine. Results with the combination regimens were similar to those obtained with telbivudine alone. These data support the ongoing phase 3 evaluation of telbivudine for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B. (Lai et al., Gastroenterology, 129, 528, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C -Peginterferon-&#945;-2a (40KD) and Ribavirin for 16 or 24 Weeks in Patients With Genotype 2 or 3 Chronic Hepatitis C
AUGUST 2005
In HCV-2 and -3 (low viral load)-infected patients who have a rapid virologic response, treatment for 16 weeks with peginterferon-&#945;-2a and ribavirin is sufficient. In patients infected by HCV-3 (high viral load), longer treatment may be necessary. (Von Wagner et al., Gatroenterology, 129, 522, 2005)

Complementary Stimulation of Hepatobiliary Transport and Detoxification Systems by Rifampicin and Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Humans
AUGUST 2005
Rifampicin enhances bile acid detoxification as well as bilirubin conjugation and export systems, whereas Ursodeoxycholic Acid stimulates the expression of transporters for canalicular and basolateral bile acid export as well as the canalicular phospholipid flippase. These independent but complementary effects may justify a combination of both agents for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases.(Marchall et al., Gastroenterology, 129, 476, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS D- Lamivudine Therapy in Chronic Delta Hepatitis: A Multicentre Randomized-Controlled Pilot Study
AUGUST 2005
A sustained complete response was achieved in 8% of hepatitis D virus-infected patients treated with lamivudine and a partial histological response in 26% of them. Hepatitis D virus viraemia was unaffected, even in patients when hepatitis B virus replication was lowered by lamivudine therapy. (Niro er al., Alim. Pharmacol.Therapeutics, 22, 227 , 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C-Is Interferon-Alpha Therapy Safe and Effective for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C and Inflammatory Bowel Disease? A Case√Control Study
AUGUST 2005
The biochemical and virological response to a 12-month human leucocyte &#945;-interferon treatment in patients with chronic active hepatitis C are similar to that observed in matched controls with chronic hepatitis C virus without inflammatory bowel disease. Adverse effects are similar in both groups of patients and unrelated to the underlying inflammatory bowel condition. This provides hepatologists with evidence that &#945;-interferon can be safely administered to patients with chronic hepatitis C virus and inflammatory bowel disease provided that the inflammatory bowel condition is in clinical remission. (Bargiggia et al., Alim. Pharmacol.Therap., 22, 209, 2005)

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION- Liver Transplantation for Chronic Hepatitis B with Lamivudine-Resistant YMDD Mutant Using Add-On Adefovir Dipivoxil plus Lamivudine
JULY 2005
A combination of add-on adefovir dipivoxil plus lamivudine therapy provides effective prophylaxis in patients with pretransplantation YMDD mutant that may be actively replicating. (Lo et al., Liver Transpl., 11,807,2005.)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Outcome of Hepatitis B E Antigen-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B on Long-Term Nucleos(T)Ide Analog Therapy Starting with Lamivudine
JULY 2005
In HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B, long-term nucleos(t)ide analog therapy starting with lamivudine significantly improves survival and reduces the risk of major complications, compared with interferon non-sustained responders or untreated patients. In such patients with advanced fibrosis, close follow-up for lamivudine resistance and prompt onset of additional antiviral therapy is required or the ab initio use of agent(s) with low resistance rates should be considered (Papatheodoridis et al., Hepatology, 42, 121,2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Viral and Host Factors in Early Hepatitis C Virus Infection
JULY 2005
Host factors are more important determinants of acute HCV infection dynamics than virus-associated factors. (Mosley et al., Hepatology, 42, 86, 2005.)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- A Viral Kinetic Study Using Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2b and/or Lamivudine in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B/HBeAg Negative
JULY 2005
The addition of pegylated interferon alfa-2b in lamivudine treatment was found to neither enhance the potency of blocking HBV production nor the decay rates of infected cells. (Sypsa et al., Hepatology, 42, 77, 2005).

AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS- Autoimmune Hepatitis: Effect of Symptoms and Cirrhosis on Natural History and Outcome
JULY 2005
Patients autoimmune hepatitis who are asymptomatic at presentation have a good prognosis and may not require immunosuppressive therapy. Cirrhosis on initial liver biopsy portends a poor prognosis in all patients with autoimmune hepatitis. (Feld et al., Hepatology, 42, 53, 2005.)

LIVER STEATOSIS- Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The Dionysos Nutrition and Liver Study
JULY 2005
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is highly prevalent in the general population, is not associated with SLD, but is associated with many features of the metabolic syndrome.
(Bedogni et al., Hepatology, 42, 44, 2005.)

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA- Characterization of Small Nodules in Cirrhosis by Assessment of Vascularity: The Problem of Hypovascular Hepatocellular Carcinoma
JULY 2005
The noninvasive EASL criteria for diagnosis of HCC are satisfied in only 61% of small nodules in cirrhosis; thus, biopsy frequently is required in this setting. Relying on imaging techniques in nodules of 1 to 2 cm would miss the diagnosis of HCC in up to 38% of cases. Any nodule larger than 2 cm should be regarded as highly suspicious for HCC. (Bolondi et al., Hepatology, 42, 27, 2005.)

LIVER STEATOSIS- Steatosis: Co-factor in Other Liver Diseases
JULY 2005
Active management of obesity and a reduction in steatosis may improve liver injury and decrease the progression of fibrosis. (Powell et al., Hepatology, 42, 5, 2005).

ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS- Albumin Dialysis Reduces Portal Pressure Acutely in Patients with Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis
JULY 2005
Albumin dialysis produces clinically significant, acute reduction in portal pressure but the mechanism by which this effect is achieved is not clear. Our results suggest that Molecular Adsorbents Recirculating System (MARS) may be a useful adjunct in management of portal hypertension, particularly in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis with associated organ failure. (Sen et al., J.Hepatol. , 43, 142, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Virus and transaminase levels determine the emergence of drug resistance during long-term lamivudine therapy in chronic hepatitis B
JULY 2005
HBeAg status, HBV-DNA, ALT levels and treatment duration are the major determinants for the YMDD mutation during lamivudine therapy, and should be considered in designing the therapeutic strategy. (Chang et al., J. Hepatol., 43, 72, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS B-Safety And Antiviral Activity of Emtricitabine (FTC) for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: A Two-Year Study
JULY 2005
Emtricitabine was well tolerated and demonstrated a potent antiviral response for up to 2 years in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Based on these data, 200mg emtricitabine once daily was chosen as the optimal dose for future hepatitis B studies. (Gish et al., J.Hepatol, 43, 60, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS C-Combined Treatment with Pegylated Interferon (&#913;-2b) and Ribavirin in the Acute Phase of Hepatitis C Virus Recurrence
JULY 2005
Treatment with pegylated interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin in the acute phase of HCV reinfection yielded an early virological response of 62.5% and a sustained virological response of 34.7%. The combination was safe, with a low rate of therapy withdrawal.(Castells et al., J.Hepatol, 43, 53, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B E C- Hepatic Steatosis in Chronic Hepatitis B and C: Predictors, Distribution and Effect on Fibrosis
JULY 2005
Hepatic steatosis is common in chronic hepatitis B and C, and is associated with waist circumference, glucose, C-peptide and chronic hepatitis C genotype 3. Steatosis grade appears to relate to hepatic fibrosis progression rate in chronic hepatitis C genotype non-3. (Gordon et al., J.Hepat. 43, 38, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS C - Safety and Efficacy of Peginterferon plus Ribavirin in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C and Bridging Fibrosis or Cirrhosis
JULY 2005
Combination therapy with peginterferon plus ribavirin seems effective in this group of patients, except in those who had previously failed to respond to the combination of interferon and ribavirin. This therapy is safe with appropriate monitoring, but tolerance seems worse in patients with the most advanced liver disease. (Marrache et al., J.Viral Hepatitis, 12, 421, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Response to Long-Term Lamivudine Treatment (Up to 5 Years) in Patients With Severe Chronic Hepatitis B, Role of Genotype and Drug Resistance
JULY 2005
Data from up to 5 years on lamivudine indicated no difference in biochemical or virological response between genotypes. Cirrhosis was more prevalent with specific genotypes. We found no influence of HBV genotype on the development of resistance to lamivudine, however liver disease severity was influenced by genotype. (Moskovitz et al., J. Viral Hepatitis, 12, 398, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Efficacy of Lamivudine Re-Treatment for Relapsed Patients After an Initial Lamivudine Therapy in HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B
JULY 2005
Lamivudine re-treatment in relapsed patients after initial lamivudine therapy had a higher response rate and shorter duration to HBeAg seroconversion than during the initial therapy. However, HBeAg seroconversion induced by lamivudine re-treatment was not durable. (Shin et al., J.Viral Hepatitis, 12, 393, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Impact of Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection on Efficacy and Prognosis of Interferon-alpha Therapy for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
JULY 2005
In spite of mild insignificant increase in ETR and SR with the pegylated form, the poor response of genotype 4 in Egypt (genotype 4a) to different forms of IFNs may be related to an intrinsic resistance to the direct antiviral effect of IFN (Derbala et al., J.Viral Hepatitis, 12, 380, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Selective Granulocyte and Monocyte Apheresis As A New Adjunct to Enhance the Efficacy of Interferon-Alpha + Ribavirin in Patients With High Plasma Hepatitis C Virus
JULY 2005
Granulocyte and monocyte apheresis appears to deplete extra-hepatic hepatitis C virus reservoirs and generate active complement opsonins, which contribute to hepatitis C virus killing. Additional mechanism(s) are also likely and need to be elucidated in future studies with larger cohort of patients. (Sawada et al., Dig. Liver Dis., 37, 515, 2005).

LIVER CIRRHOSIS - Effects of Somatostatin, Terlipressin and Somatostatin plus Terlipressin on Portal and Systemic Hemodynamics and Renal Sodium Excretion in Patients with Cirrhosis
JULY 2005
Combined treatment with somatostatin and terlipressin does not exert an additive portal hypotensive effect in cirrhotic patients as compared to terlipressin alone, whereas somatostatin alone may impair systemic hemodynamics. Compared with somatostatin, terlipressin exerts a more beneficial effect on renal sodium excretion in patients with or without ascites. (Kalambokis et al., J.Gastroenterol.Hepatol., 20, 1075, 2005)

ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS - Bilirubin Response To Corticosteroids In Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis.
JULY 2005
Patients with a 25% fall in bilirubin after 6-9 days of corticosteroid therapy have a significant and sustained improvement in outcome. (Morris et al., Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 17, 759,2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Serum Hepatitis B Virus DNA Levels Differentiating Inactive Carriers from Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B.
JULY 2005
The measurement of serum HBV DNA more than twice is useful for assessing chronic hepatitis B surface antigen carriers and confirms that 105 copies/ml may be an appropriate level of HBV for characterizing the inactive carrier state. (Seo et al., Eur. J.Gastroenterol.Hepatol., 17,753, 2005).

LIVER CIRRHOSIS- Causes of Portal Venous Thrombosis in Cirrhotic Patients: the Role of Genetic and Acquired Factors.
JULY 2005
In cirrhotic patients prothrombotic mutations by themselves are not causative of portal vein trombosis. Sclerotherapy and previous abdominal surgery favour the development of two-thirds of cases of portal vein trombosis; in the remaining cases the pathogenesis remains elusive. (Mangia et al., Eur. J.Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 17,745,2005).

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA- A Randomized Controlled Trial of Radiofrequency Ablation With Ethanol Injection for Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma
JULY 2005
Judging from higher survival but similar adverse events, radiofrequency ablation is superior to ethanol injection for small hepatocellular carcinoma.(Shiina et al., Gastroenterology , 129, 122, 2005).

LIVER STEATOSIS- The Natural History of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study
JULY 2005
Mortality among community-diagnosed NAFLD patients is higher than the general population and is associated with older age, impaired fasting glucose, and cirrhosis. Liver-related death is a leading cause of mortality, although the absolute risk is low. (Adams et al., Gastroenterology, 129, 113,2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Suppression of Haematopoiesis During Therapy of Chronic Hepatitis C With Different Interferon &#61537;&#61472;Mono and Combination Therapy Regimens
JULY 2005
IFN-&#61537; based therapies are associated with a decrease in all three haematopoietic lineages, irrespective of the type of therapy used. The stronger suppressive effect of pegylated IFN-&#61537;2a on leucopoiesis could be due to a dose effect. Overall, concentrations of endogenous haematopoietic growth factors are increased but can only partially alleviate haematotoxicity. Potential uses of exogenous haematopoietic growth factors and their impact on the virological response need to be explored. (Schmidt et al.,Gut 54,1014, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Response To Interferon Alfa is Hepatitis B Virus Genotype Dependent: Genotype A is More Sensitive to Interferon Than Genotype D
JULY 2005
HBV genotypes A and D are important and independent predictors of IFN responsiveness in chronic hepatitis B. HBV genotype adapted treatment regimens may further improve treatment efficacy in chronic hepatitis B. (Erhardt et al ., Gut, 54,1009, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Insulin Resistance is a Cause of Steatosis and Fibrosis Progression in Chronic Hepatitis C
JULY 2005
Insulin resistance is the cause rather than the consequence of steatosis and fibrosis in genotype 1 patients and that increased circulating insulin is a risk factor for fibrosis through insulin resistance induced steatosis. (Fartoux et al., Gut, 54,1003,2005)

LIVER STEATOSIS- Immune Response Towards Lipid Peroxidation Products as a Predictor of Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease to Advanced Fibrosis
JULY 2005
The presence of immune reactions triggered by oxidative stress can be an independent predictor of progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to advanced fibrosis. (Albano et al., Gut ,54,987,2005)

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA-Better Survival in Female Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Oral Contraceptive Pills Related?
JULY 2005
Gender is an independent variable for survival after curative treatment of HCC. A survival benefit was observed in females. History of using oral contraceptive is associated with a better long-term survival in female patients. (Lam et al., J.Clin. Gastroenterol., 39,533, 2005).

LIVER CIRRHOSIS-Diagnosis of Liver Cirrhosis: A Comparison of Modified Ultrasound and Laparoscopy in 100 Consecutive Patients.
JULY 2005
Evaluating the transmission of heart pulsation on the liver surface improves the ability of ultrasound to diagnose liver cirrhosis; therefore, it should be an integral part of routine sonographic examination of the liver. (Weickert et al., J.Clin. Gastroenterol., 39,529, 2005).

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION- Solid-Organ Transplantation in HBsAg-Negative Patients with Antibodies to HBV Core Antigen: Low Risk of HBV Reactivation.
JUNE 2005
Subclinical reactivation of HBV infection was detected in a significant proportion of HBsAg-negative solid-organ-transplant recipients. (Knoll et al., Transplantation, 79,1631, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Virological Profiles in Hepatitis B Virus Inactive Carriers: Monthly Evaluation in 1-Year Follow-Up Study
JUNE 2005
The degree of suppression of HBV replication in inactive carriers is variable over time, and the entity and quality of HBV variability is comparable between active and inactive carriers. (Cacciola, et al., Liver International, 25, 555, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B-Hepatitis B Virus Infection In Lymphatic Tissues In Inactive Hepatitis B Carriers
JUNE 2005
Human lymphatic tissues cannot support viral replication in anti-HBc positive inactive HBV carriers, while retaining the viral genome as an integrated form (Umeda et al., J Hepatol., 42, 806, 2005)

LIVER DISEASES AND HIV-Liver Disease as A Major Cause Of Death Among HIV Infected Patients: Role of Hepatitis C and B Viruses and Alcohol
JUNE 2005
Liver disease is now a leading cause of death among HIV-HCV co-infected patients and is becoming an important cause of death among HIV-HBV co-infected patients. The risk of death from liver disease is highest in patients co-infected by both HCV and HBV. (Salmon-Ceron et al.,J. Hepatol., 42, 799,2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C-Prevention of Interferon-Alpha Associated Depression in Psychiatric Risk Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
JUNE 2005
IFN alpha induced depression in psychiatric risk patients can be ameliorated by both the use of antidepressants as well as by intensive psychiatric care. (Schaefer et al., J.Hepatol., 42, 788, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS B-Long-Term Follow-Up of Peginterferon and Lamivudine Combination Treatment in HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B
JUNE 2005
Combination treatment of peginterferon and lamivudine has a higher sustained virological response than lamivudine monotherapy up to 3 years after treatment. (Chan et al., Hepatology, 41, 1357, 2005.)

PRIMARY BILIARY CIRRHOSIS-A Randomized, Controlled Crossover Trial of Ondansetron in Patients with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and Fatigue
JUNE 2005
Ondansetron administration did not confer clinically significant fatigue reduction when compared with placebo in our study population. (Theal et al., Hepatology; 41, 1305, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS C-A Randomized Controlled Trial of Pegylated Interferon &#913;-2a (40 KD) or Interferon &#913;-2a Plus Ribavirin and Amantadine Vs Interferon &#913;-2a and Ribavirin in Treatment-NaОve Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
JUNE 2005
In treatment-naОve patients with chronic hepatitis C, triple therapy with PEG-IFN &#945;-2a, RBV and AMA produces higher SVR than dual or triple therapy with conventional IFN &#945;-2a. (Mangia et al., J.Viral Hepatitis, 12, 292, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B-Lamivudine vs Lamivudine and Interferon Combination Treatment of HBeAg(&#8722;) Chronic Hepatitis B
JUNE 2005
Efficay of combination treatment is similar to lamivudine monotherapy. However, combination treatment decreases the development of YMDD mutant strains compared with lamivudine monotherapy. (Yurdaydin et al., J.Viral Hepatitis, 12, 262, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS B-Possible Contribution of Prior Hepatitis B Virus Infection to the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
JUNE 2005
A possible contribution of prior HBV infection to the development of HCC is indicated. (Tanaka et al., J.Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 20, 850, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B-Precore Stop Codon Mutation of Hepatitis B Virus is Associated with Low Breakthrough Rate Following Long-Term Lamivudine Therapy
JUNE 2005
The stop codon mutation at the precore region of HBV in addition to low serum HBV-DNA level may be associated with low breakthrough rate following lamivudine therapy. (Shin et al., J.Gastroenterol.Hepatol., 20, 844, 2005)

LIVER STEATOSIS-Sampling Variability of Liver Biopsy in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
JUNE 2005
Histologic lesions of NASH are unevenly distributed throughout the liver parenchyma; therefore, sampling error of liver biopsy can result in substantial misdiagnosis and staging inaccuracies. (Ratziu et al. Gastroenterology, 128, 1898, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B-Intrahepatic Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA Can Be a Predictor of Sustained Response to Therapy
JUNE 2005
Intrahepatic HBV covalently closed circular DNA and intrahepatic total HBV DNA levels at the end of therapy are superior to serum HBV DNA as surrogates of sustained virologic response. (Sung et al., Gastroenterology , 128, 1890, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C-Peginterferon &#61537;-2b and Ribavirin Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 4: Impact of Treatment Duration and Viral Kinetics on Sustained Virological Response
JUNE 2005
PEG-IFN-&#61537;-2b and ribavirin for 36 or 48 weeks was more effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 than treatment for 24 weeks. Thirty six week therapy was well tolerated and produced sustained virological and histological response rates similar to the 48 week regimen. (Kamal et al., Gut;54:858, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B-Clinical Course of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B with Viral Breakthrough During Long-Term Lamivudine Treatment
JUNE 2005
After viral breakthrough, a few patients do not develop breakthrough hepatitis, some show normalization of the ALT level after the occurrence of breakthrough hepatitis, but in many patients, ALT continuously fluctuates. (Ide et al., J. Gastroenterol. , 40, 625,2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C-Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Genotypes in 373 Italian Children with HCV Infection: Changing Distribution and Correlation with Clinical Features and Outcome
JUNE 2005
HCV genotypes 1 and 2 are still prevalent among infected adolescents and young adults in Italy but rates of infection with genotypes 3 and 4 are rapidly increasing among children. These changes could modify the clinical pattern of hepatitis C in forthcoming years as children infected with genotype 3 have the best chance of spontaneous viraemia clearance early in life, and respond to interferon in a high proportion of cases. (Bortolotti et al., Gut; 54, 852, 2005)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS-Primary Prophylaxis of Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhotics Unable to Take &#946;-Blockers: A Randomized Trial of Ligation
JUNE 2005
This study suggests that ligation may be harmful when used as primary prophylaxis, similar to prophylactic sclerotherapy in the past. (Triantos et al., Alim. Pharmacol. Therap., 21, 1435, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B-Peginterferon Alfa-2a, Lamivudine, and the Combination for HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B
JUNE 2005
In patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B, peginterferon alfa-2a offers superior efficacy over lamivudine, on the basis of HBeAg seroconversion, HBV DNA suppression, and HBsAg seroconversion. (Lau et al., N.Engl.J.Med., 352,2682, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B-Long-Term Therapy with Adefovir Dipivoxil for HBeAg-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B
JUNE 2005
In patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B, the benefits achieved from 48 weeks of adefovir dipivoxil were lost when treatment was discontinued. In patients treated for 144 weeks, benefits were maintained, with infrequent emergence of viral resistance. (Hadziyannis et al., N.Engl. J.Med, 352, 2673, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C-Digestive Endoscopy Is Not a Major Risk Factor for Transmitting Hepatitis C Virus
JUNE 2005
Properly performed digestive endoscopy is not a major risk factor for the transmission of HCV. (Ciancio et al., J Ann. Intern. Med., 142, 903,2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C-An Outbreak of Hepatitis C Virus Infections among Outpatients at a Hematology/Oncology Clinic
JUNE 2005
A large health care√associated HCV outbreak was related to shared saline bags contaminated through syringe reuse is described. Effective infection-control programs are needed to ensure high standards of care in outpatient care facilities, such as hematology/oncology clinics. (Macedo de Oliveira et al., Ann.Intern.Med., 142, 898, 2005)

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA- Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma as a Bridge to Liver Transplantation
MAY 2005
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is an effective bridge to Orthotopic liver transplantation for patients with compensated liver function and safely accessible tumors. (Lu et al., Hepatology, 41, 1130, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Peginterferon Alfa-2b plus Ribavirin Treatment in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Hepatitis C
MAY 2005
Combination treatment of peginterferon alfa-2b with ribavirin showed encouraging results and was well tolerated in children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C. (Wirth et al., Hepatology, 41,1013, 2005)

VIRAL HPATITIS C- Diagnosis of Hepatitis C Virus Related Acute Hepatitis by Serial Determination of IgM Anti-HCV Titres
MAY 2005
The detection of high and variable titres of HCV IgM in the early phase of the illness may identify acute hepatitis C and allow early antiviral treatment. (Sagnelli et al, J Hepatol, 42, 646,2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Treatment with Peg-Interferon Alfa-2b and Ribavirin of Hepatitis C Virus-Associated Mixed Cryoglobulinemia: a Pilot Study
MAY 2005
Peg-interferon alfa-2b in combination with ribavirin seems safe and useful for patients affected by mixed cryoglobulinemia, but not as effective as in patients with HCV-positive chronic hepatitis without cryoglobulinemia.(Mazzaro et al., J.Hepatol., 42, 632, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C AND HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA- Risk Factors for the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Among Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C who Achieved a Sustained Virological Response to Interferon Therapy
MAY 2005
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who had severe fibrosis, who had regularly taken moderate amounts of alcohol, or who were &#8805; 65 years at the start of IFN treatment should be carefully followed to detect small and controllable hepatocellular carcinoma, even after eradication of HCV.(Tokita et al., J.Gastroent. Hepatol. ,20, 752, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B AND C- Combination Therapy with Interferon-&#913; and Ribavirin In Patients with Dual Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Virus Infection
MAY 2005
Combination therapy with IFN-&#945; and ribavirin was effective in achieving sustained HCV clearance in patients with dual HBV and HCV infection, comparable to those with hepatitis C infection alone. (Hung et al., J. Gastroent.Hepatol., 20,727, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C - Impact of Liver Steatosis on Virological Response in Elderly Italian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Treated with Peg-Interferon Alpha-2b plus Ribavarin
MAY 2005
Only low-grade liver steatosis negatively affects the outcome of combination therapy, with peginterferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin, while severe steatosis (which is virus-related in most cases) has no impact on virological response. (Fabris et al., Alim.Pharmacol. Therap., 21, 1173, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- The Safety of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b in the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B: Predictive Factors for Dose Reduction and Treatment Discontinuation
MAY 2005
In patients with chronic hepatitis B and compensated liver disease prolonged pegylated interferon alpha-2b therapy is safe, and that pre-existent cirrhosis and neutropenia are the most important predictors of dose reduction or early treatment discontinuation. (van Zonneveld et al., Alim.Pharmacol.Therap., 21, 1163, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Prophylaxis of Hepatitis B Virus Recurrence After Liver Transplantation in Carriers of Lamivudine-Resistant Mutants
MAY 2005
In carriers of who selected lamivudine-resistant strains mutants, the risk of post-liver transplantation HBV recurrence is low, provided that preemptive and prophylactic adefovir dipivoxil (in addition to lamivudine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin) treatment is used in highly viremic patients and prophylactic Lamivudine (or adefovir dipivoxil) and hepatitis B immunoglobulin therapy is continued in low viremic patients (Marzano et al., Liver Transpl ., 11,532,2005).

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA-Analysis of Risk Factors for Tumor Recurrence After Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Key Role of Immunosuppression
MAY 2005
Cyclosporine exposure was the only independent prognostic determinant at multivariate analysis High Cyclosporine exposure favors tumor recurrence; Cyclosporine blood levels should be kept to the effective minimum in Hepatocellular carcinoma patients. (Vivarelli et a., Liver Transpl., 11, 497,2005)

VIRUS HEPATITIS C-Interferon Treatment in Children with Chronic Hepatitis C: Long-Lasting Remission in Responders, and Risk for Disease Progression in Non-Responders
MAY 2005
Response to interferon in children with hepatitis C is genotype-related and stable, agree with the results of large studies in adults. The outcome in non-responders was variable, including persistence of viremia and mild√moderate cytolysis (most cases), progression to cirrhosis, or eventual sustained viremia clearance. (Bortolotti et al., Dig Liver Dis., 37, 336, 2005).

VIRUS HEPATITIS C-Hepatitis C Virus Replicates in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Patients with Occult Hepatitis C Virus Infection
MAY 2005
HCV replicates in the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of patients with occult HCV infection and thus, although these patients do not have serum HCV-RNA, they could be potentially infectious (Castillo et al., Gut;54, 682, 2005)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS- Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt in Refractory Ascites: A Meta-Analysis
APRIL 2005
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a more effective treatment for refractory ascites than large volume paracentesis. However, TIPS increase encephalopathy and does not improve survival. (Deltenre et al., Liver International, 25, 349, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Impact of Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection on Efficacy and Prognosis of Interferon-alpha Therapy for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
APRIL 2005
Occult HBV infection may not have a significant impact on response to IFN therapy for chronic HCV and development of HCC after therapy. Occult HBV may be sensitive to IFN although HBV is not completely eradicated. (Hasegawa et al., Liver International, 25, 247, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Long-Term Outcome of Interferon-alpha-Induced Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders In Chronic Hepatitis C
APRIL 2005
All patients with IFN-alpha -induced thyroid disorders could be controlled with medication. However, the IFN-&#61472; alpha -induced thyroid disorders are not always reversible. One must be careful about not only the development of autoimmune thyroid disorders during IFN- alpha therapy but also the outcome of the thyroid disease. (Doi et al., Liver International, 25, 242, 2005

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA-Comparison of Recurrence After Hepatic Resection in Patients with Hepatitis B Vs. Hepatitis C-Related Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hepatitis B Virus Endemic Area
APRIL 2005
HCV infection, as compared with HBV infection, had a higher cumulated recurrence after hepatic resection in patients with small HCC. Low serum albumin level was significantly associated with recurrence among these patients (Huang et al., Liver International, 25, 236, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- SEN Virus Infection Influences the Pathological Findings in Liver But Does Not Affect the Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C and Liver Cirrhosis
APRIL 2005
SEN-virus co-infection may influence the histopathological features of the livers of patients with type C chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis but does not affect the outcome of patients with type C chronic liver disease. (Moriyama et al., Liver International, 25, 226, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Influence of Viral Load and Genotype in the Progression of Hepatitis B-Associated Liver Cirrhosis to Hepatocellular Carcinoma
APRIL 2005
Patients with genotype C and a continuously high HBV DNA for 5 years or more are at a high-risk group for HCC development. Maintaining continuously low HBV DNA for 3 years or more with anti-viral therapy, may be useful in preventing or delaying HCC occurrence. (Mahmood et al., Liver International, 24, 220, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C-Antiviral Efficacy of NS3-Serine Protease Inhibitor BILN-2061 in Patients With Chronic Genotype 2 and 3 Hepatitis C
APRIL 2005
The antiviral efficacy of the HCV serine protease inhibitor BILN-2061 is less pronounced and more variable in patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection compared with previous results in patients with HCV genotype 1. A lower affinity of BILN-2061 for the NS3 protease of genotypes 2 and 3 HCV is most likely a major contributor to these findings. (Reiser et al., Hepatology, 41, 832, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Late Liver-Related Mortality from Complications of Transfusion-Acquired Hepatitis C
APRIL 2005
In our study, liver-related mortality appeared to be high among elderly HCV-infected individuals. (Kamitsukasa et al., Hepatology;41, 819, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Prevalence and Significance of Neurocognitive Dysfunction in Hepatitis C in the Absence of Correlated Risk Factors
APRIL 2005
While our findings support an association between hepatitis C and indicators of central nervous system involvement in a cohort of patients carefully screened to eliminate other factors influencing neurocognitive integrity, the clinical significance of these effects is limited. (McAndrews et al., Hepatology;41,801, 2005.)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Impact of Hepatitis C on Health Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Quantitative Assessment
APRIL 2005
Patients with HCV have a clinically significant decrement in health related quality of life versus controls, and physical health related quality of life improves in patients achieving sustained virological response but not in those without sustained virological response. (Spiegel et al., Hepatology, 41,790, 2005

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- HIV Coinfection Shortens the Survival of Patients with Hepatitis C Virus-Related Decompensated Cirrhosis
APRIL 2005
HIV coinfection reduces considerably the survival of patients with HCV-related end-stage liver disease independently of other markers of poor prognosis. This fact must be taken into account to establish the adequate timing of liver transplantation in HIV-coinfected subjects. (Pineda et al., Hepatology, 41,4, 779, 2005)

PRIMARY BILIARY CIRRHOSIS-Budesonide Combined with UDCA to Improve Liver Histology in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: A Three-Year Randomized Trial
APRIL 2005
Budesonide combined with Ursodeoxycholic acid improved liver histology, whereas the effect of Ursodeoxycholic acid alone was mainly on laboratory values. Studies with longer follow-up using a combination of budesonide and Ursodeoxycholic acid are warranted to confirm safety and effects. (Rautiainen et al., Hepatology, 41, 747, 2005.)

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA- Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Comparison of 7 Staging Systems in an American Cohort
APRIL 2005
Performance status, tumor extent, liver function, and treatment were independent predictors of survival mostly in patients with cirrhosis and HCC. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system includes aspects of all of these elements and provided the best prognostic stratification for our cohort of patients with HCC. (Marrero et al., Hepatology,41, 707, 2005.)

PRIMARY BILIARY CIRRHOSIS- Severity of Cholestasis and Advanced Histological Stage But Not Menopausal Status Are the Major Risk Factors for Osteoporosis in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
APRIL 2005
Osteoporosis is more prevalent in women with primary biliary cirrhosis than in the general population. Age and severity of the disease, but not menopausal status, are the main risk factors for osteoporosis in this liver disease. (GuaЯabens et al., J.Hepatol., 42, 573, 2005)

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA- Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Compensated Cirrhosis with Radio-Frequency Thermal Ablation (RFTA): A Prospective Study
APRIL 2005
A complete response after radio-frequency thermal ablation significantly increases survival. The longest survival is obtained in the presence of HCC &#8804;3cm and of higher baseline albumin levels and platelet counts. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging classification is able to discriminate patients with good or poor prognosis. (CammЮ et al., J.Hepatol., 42, 535, 2005)

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA-Coffee Consumption Reduces the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Independently of Its Aetiology: A Case-Control Study
APRIL 2005
Coffee drinking was inversely associated with HCC regardless of its aetiology. (Gelatti et al., J.Hepatol., 42, 528, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Persistence of HBV-DNA in Children With Chronic Hepatitis B Who Seroconverted to Anti-Hbs Antibodies After Interferon-alpha Therapy: Correlation with Specific IgG Subclass Responses to HBsAg
APRIL 2005
HBV-DNA may persist for a long time after IFN-alpha therapy despite the appearance of anti-HBs antibodies. The monitoring of specific IgG subclasses may be of predictive value for HBV-DNA persistence. (Gregorek et al., J.Hepatol, 42, 486, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in A North American Community-Based Population
APRIL 2005
In this community-based population; (1) the prevalence of occult HBV infection is 18% in those with serologic evidence of previous HBV infection and 8.1% in HBV seronegative individuals, (2) age, gender and liver biochemistry findings do not identify those with occult HBV and (3) S-variants are present in the majority of individuals with occult HBV.(Minuka et al., J.Hepatol. , 42, 480,2005).

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA- Octreotide Therapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
APRIL 2005
Although occasional patients appear to have stable disease on long-acting octreotide therapy, overall the beneficial response in terms of time to tumor progression and survival is limited. (Slijkhuis et al., J.Clin. Gastroenterol.39, 333, 2005).

LIVER BIOPSY- Prospective Randomized Trial of Post-liver Biopsy Recovery Positions: Does Positioning Really Matter?
APRIL 2005
This study is the first to examine differing post-liver biopsy techniques. When three commonly practiced recovery positions, C, R, and S, are compared, C was the least acceptable position. Patients should be placed in position R or S during recovery. (Hyun et al., J.Clin. Gastroenterol., 39,328, 2005)

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION-Pegylated Versus Standard Interferon-alpha In Antiviral Regimens For Post-Transplant Recurrent Hepatitis C: Comparison of Tolerability And Efficacy
APRIL 2005
In the OLT setting, the potential benefits of antiviral treatments including PEG-IFN may be limited by the poor tolerability of the adopted drugs. (Toniutto et al., J.Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 20, 577, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Usefulness of Combined Measurement of Serum Bile Acids and Ferritin As Additional Prognostic Markers to Predict Failure to Reach Sustained Response to Antiviral Treatment in Chronic Hepatitis C
APRIL 2005
Patients with high level of serum bile acids and ferritin responded less to interferon alfa2b alone or plus ribavirin for 48 weeks. (Jorquera et al.,J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 20, 547, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C-Antiviral Therapy in Advanced Chronic Liver Disease Due to Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Pilot Study
APRIL 2005
Low and titrable dose IFN-&#61537; and ribavirin therapy in patients with HCV-related advanced chronic liver disease achieves improvement in hepatic synthetic function, Child Pugh score and ascites. However, close monitoring for serious adverse events is warranted. (Kumar et al., J. Gastroenterol.Hepatol., 20, 527, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Hepatocyte Steatosis is an Important Predictor of Response to Interferon (IFN) Monotherapy in Japanese Patients Infected with HCV Genotype 2a: Virological Features of IFN-Resistant Cases With Hepatocyte Steatosis
APRIL 2005
High serum ferritin and body mass index are independent factors associated with steatosis. The sustained virological response rate in patients with high-grade steatosis was significantly lower than in the low-grade group. (Akuta et al., J. Med. Virol. 75,550, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- The Importance of HCV on the Burden of Chronic Liver Disease in Italy: A Multicenter Prevalence Study of 9,997 Cases
APRIL 2005
Hepatitis C is the important pathogenic factor for chronic liver disease in Italy However, a comparison between the prevalent and incident cases suggests that in future HCV infection will also play a progressively decreasing role, in part as a consequence of treatment. (Sagnelli et al., J. Med. Virol. 75, 522, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Favorable Efficacy of Long-Term Lamivudine Therapy in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B: An 8-Year Follow-Up Study
APRIL 2005
Long-term lamivudine therapy improves long-term prognosis, especially when additional treatment for breakthrough hepatitis is used. (Akuta et al., J. Med. Virol. 75,491, 2005).

PRURITUS- A Controlled Trial of Ondansetron in the Pruritus of Cholestasis
APRIL 2005
Ondansetron was of no benefit in this group of pruritic patients during short-term treatment. (O'Donohue et al., Alim. Pharmacol. Therapeut., 21, 1041, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Liver histology of Asian patients with chronic hepatitis B on prolonged lamivudine therapy
APRIL 2005
Patients who developed YMDD mutations had higher baseline histological scores. With YMDD mutations, the liver histology became less favourable after 3 years than at the first year, although there was still improvement when compared with that at baseline. (Yuen et al., Aliment. Pharmacol. Therapeut., 21, 841, 2005

LIVER CIRRHOSIS-Colchicine Treatment of Alcoholic Cirrhosis: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Patient Survival
APRIL 2005
In patients with advanced alcoholic cirrhosis, colchicine does not reduce overall or liver-specific mortality. Liver histology improves to septal fibrosis in a minority of patients after 24 months of treatment, with similar rates of improvement in patients receiving placebo and colchicine. Colchicine is not recommended for patients with advanced alcoholic cirrhosis. (Morgan et al., Gastroenterology, 128, 4, 882,2005)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS-Randomized Study Comparing Banding And Propranolol to Prevent Initial Variceal Hemorrhage in Cirrhotics with High-Risk Esophageal Varices
APRIL 2005
For patients with cirrhosis with high-risk esophageal varices and no history of variceal hemorrhage, propranolol-treated patients had significantly higher rates of failure, first esophageal varix hemorrhage, and cumulative mortality than banding patients. Direct costs of medical care were not significantly different.( Jutabha et al., Gastroenterology, 128,4, 870, 2005)

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION- Prophylaxis of Hepatitis B Virus Recurrence After Liver Transplantation in Carriers of Lamivudine-Resistant Mutants
APRIL 2005
In carriers of YMDD mutants, the risk of post-Liver transplantation HBV recurrence is low, provided that preemptive and prophylactic adefovir dipivoxil (in addition to lamivudine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin) treatment is used in highly viremic patients and prophylactic lamivudine (or adefovir dipivoxil) and hepatitis B immunoglobulin therapy is continued in low viremic patients (Marzano et al.Liver Transpl ,11,532-538, 2005)

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION- Analysis of Risk Factors for Tumor Recurrence After Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Key Role of Immunosuppression
APRIL 2005
Cyclosporine exposure was the only independent prognostic determinant at multivariate analysis . High Cyclosporine exposure favors tumor recurrence; Cyclosporine blood levels should be kept to the effective minimum in HCC patients. (Vivarelli et al., Liver Transpl 11,497,2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Efficacy of Short-Term Interferon Therapy for Patients Infected with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 2a.
APRIL 2005
Duration of IFN therapy can be shortened to less than 24 wks in patients with good predictive factors. (Tabaru et al., Am J Gastroenterol.;100, 862, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Effects of Indomethacin on Viral Replication Markers in Asymptomatic Carriers of Hepatitis B: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
APRIL 2005
Use of asymptomatic HBsAg carriers who have detectable HBV-DNA or HBeAg in their sera has been observed to be useful. (Bahrami et al., Am J Gastroenterol;100, 856, 2005).

ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE- Efficacy and Tolerability of Long-Acting Injectable Naltrexone for Alcohol Dependence. A Randomized Controlled Trial
APRIL 2005
Long-acting naltrexone was well tolerated and resulted in reductions in heavy drinking among treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent patients during 6 months of therapy. These data indicate that long-acting naltrexone can be of benefit in the treatment of alcohol dependence. (Garbutt et al., JAMA. 293, 1617, 2005)

NON-ALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS- Incidence and Risk Factors for Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: Prospective Study of 5408 Women Enrolled in Italian Tamoxifen Chemoprevention Trial
APRIL 2005
Tamoxifen was associated with higher risk of development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis only in overweight and obese women with features of metabolic syndrome, but the disease, in both the tamoxifen and the placebo group, after 10 years of follow up seems to be indolent. (Bruno et al., BMJ, 330,932, 2005)

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA- Diabetes Increases the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the United States: A Population Based Case Control Study
APRIL 2005
Diabetes is associated with a 2√3-fold increase in the risk of HCC, regardless of the presence of other major HCC risk factors. Findings from this population based study suggest that diabetes is an independent risk factor for HCC. (Davila et al., Gut 54, 533, 2005)

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA -Effects of the Combined Treatment with Thalidomide, Megestrol And Interleukine-2 in Cirrhotic Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. A Pilot Study
APRIL 2005
In cirrhotic patients, the combined treatment with thalidomide + megestrol (╠interleukin-2) does not control hepatocellular carcinoma growth, possibly due to the low tolerance to thalidomide and interleukin-2 preventing the use of appropriate dosages. (Mirici Cappa et al., Dig.Liver Dis., 37,4, 254,2005)

NON ALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS- Metabolic Aspects of Hepatitis C Viral Infection: Steatohepatitis Resembling But Distinct From NASH
APRIL 2005
When hepatitis C is compared with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), there are a number of similarities and several differences. These differences may explain the markedly higher incidence of HCC development in chronic hepatitis C compared with that in NASH. HCV infection needs to be viewed not only as a liver disease but also as a metabolic disease. (Koike et al., J. Gastroenterology, 40, 329, 2005)

NEWS FROM THE 40th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF THE LIVER (EASL)√ April 13-17-2005, PARIS, FRANCE
APRIL 2005
News on Viral Hepatitis B (J.Hepatol, vol. 42, suppl.2, April 2005)

NEWS FROM THE 40th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF THE LIVER (EASL)√ April 13-17-2005, PARIS, FRANCE
APRIL 2005
News on Viral Hepatitis C (J.Hepatol, vol. 42, suppl.2, April 2005)

NEWS FROM THE 40th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF THE LIVER (EASL) √ April 13-17-2005, PARIS, FRANCE
APRIL 2005
News on Liver Cirrhosis (J.Hepatol, vol. 42, suppl.2, April 2005)

NEWS FROM THE 40th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF THE LIVER (EASL)√ April 13-17-2005, PARIS, FRANCE
APRIL 2005
News on Hepatocellular Carcinoma (J.Hepatol, vol. 42, suppl.2, April 2005)

NEWS FROM THE 40TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF THE LIVER (EASL)√ April 13-17-2005, PARIS, FRANCE
APRIL 2005
News on Liver Transplantation (J.Hepatol, vol. 42, suppl.2, April 2005)

NEWS FROM THE 40th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF THE LIVER (EASL)√ April 13-17-2005, PARIS, FRANCE
APRIL 2005
News on Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (J.Hepatol, vol. 42, suppl.2, April 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Monitoring of HBeAg Levels May Help to Predict the Outcomes of Lamivudine Therapy for HBeAg Positive Chronic Hepatitis B
MARCH 2005
The changing patterns of quantitative HBeAg levels by serial monitoring during lamivudine therapy may allow not only the prediction of treatment responses, but also an early recognition of a viral breakthrough.(Park et al, J Viral Hepat., 12, 216, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Impact of Interferon-Alpha Therapy on Liver Fibrosis Progression in Patients With HBeAg-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B
MARCH 2005
In HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B, IFNa significantly reduces the rate of fibrosis progression, but such an effect is mainly observed in patients with sustained biochemical responses. In relapsers and nonresponders, fibrosis benefit equals the treatment period. The strongest factor associated with fibrosis progression is the change in necroinflammatory activity. (Papatheodoridis et al., J Viral Hepat. ,12, 199, 2005)

VIRAL HPATITIS B-Long-Term Follow-Up of Chronic Hepatitis B After the Emergence of Mutations in the Hepatitis B Virus Polymerase Region
MARCH 2005
As mutations emerge in the polymerase region, the clinical outcome deteriorates.Thus, monitoring the patterns of mutation of the polymerase gene is useful when using lamivudine for treating HBV.(Natsuizaka et al., J Viral Hepat.;12, 154, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Efficacy of A 24-Week Course of PEG-Interferon Alpha-2b Monotherapy in Patients With Acute Hepatitis C After Failure of Spontaneous Clearance.
MARCH 2005
A 6-month course of PEG-IFN alpha-2b is effective in inducing resolution of acute hepatitis C in 94% of patients. Our results provide a rationale for delaying treatment for 12 weeks, targeting only patients who fail to clear the virus spontaneously and truly requiring therapy without loss of efficacy. (Santantonio et al., J Hepatol., 42, 329, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Barriers to Interferon-Alpha Therapy Are Higher in Intravenous Drug Users Than in Other Patients with Acute Hepatitis C.
MARCH 2005
Treatment of acute hepatitis C with pegylated IFN-alpha is highly beneficial, but its effectiveness is affected by a poor rate of acceptance and/or adherence to currently available regimens, especially in intravenous drug users and women. (Broers et al., J Hepatol. , 42, 323, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Etanercept as an Adjuvant to Interferon and Ribavirin in Treatment-Naive Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Phase 2 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
MARCH 2005
Etanercept given for 24 weeks as adjuvant therapy to interferon and ribavirin significantly improved virologic response at the end of the etanercept randomization period among patients with HCV, and was associated with decreased incidence of most adverse effects associated with interferon and ribavirin. (Zein et al., J Hepatol. , 42, 315, 2005).

VIRAL HPATITIS C- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Other Nonhepatic Malignancies in Swedish Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection
MARCH 2005
Incidence of several malignancies in a nationwide cohort of HCV-infected persons are reported. Although the delayed diagnosis of HCV probably has resulted in an underestimation of the risk, this study showed a significantly increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma (Duberg et al., Hepatology, 41, 652, 2005)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS- Effects of Celecoxib and Naproxen on Renal Function in Nonazotemic Patients with Cirrhosis and Ascites
MARCH 2005
Short-term administration of celecoxib does not impair platelet and renal function and the response to diuretics in decompensated cirrhosis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term safety of this drug in cirrhosis. (ClЮria et al., Hepatology, 41,579, 2005)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS- Variceal Ligation Plus Nadolol Compared with Ligation for Prophylaxis of Variceal Rebleeding: A Multicenter Trial
MARCH 2005
Nadolol plus EVL reduces the incidence of variceal rebleeding compared with endoscopic variceal ligation alone. A combined treatment could lower the probability of variceal recurrence after eradication. (De la PeЯa et al., Hepatology, 41,572, 2005)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS- Evidence of Normal Thrombin Generation in Cirrhosis Despite Abnormal Conventional Coagulation Tests
MARCH 2005
Generation of thrombin is normal in cirrhosis. (Tripodi et al., Hepatology, 41, 533, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Retinal Toxicity During Pegylated a-Interferon Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C: A Multifocal Electroretinogram Investigation
MARCH 2005
Subclinical retinal toxicity during anti-viral therapy with pegylated a-interferon and ribavirin was frequent in this study and it suggests that patients should be warned of this risk and monitored during therapy.(Chisholm et al., Aliment Pharmacol Ther., 21, 723, 2005)

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA-The Role of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Nationwide, Multicentre Study Evaluated By Cancer Stage
MARCH 2005
For patients who fulfilled the criteria of transcatheter arterial embolization, embolization can serve as a primary treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. The survival benefit of transcatheter arterial embolization is regardless of tumour stages.(Huang et al., Aliment Pharmacol Ther.;21,687, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Dynamic Decision Analysis to Determine Optimal Treatment Duration in Chronic Hepatitis C
MARCH 2005
The dynamics of alanine aminotransferase levels and cost-per-cure provides a useful alternative to determine the duration of therapy in chronic hepatitis C.(Veldt et al., Aliment Pharmacol Ther.,21, 539, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Adefovir Dipivoxil Added to Ongoing Lamivudine Therapy in Patients with Lamivudine-Resistant Hepatitis B E Antigen-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B
MARCH 2005
Administration of adefovir in patients with lamivudine-resistant chronic hepatitis B results in significant suppression of viral replication. (Vassiliadis et al., Aliment Pharmacol Ther.;21,531, 2005)

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA- Proposal of a New Prognostic Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Analysis of 403 Patients
MARCH 2005
The Tokyo score (consisting of four factors: serum albumin, bilirubin and size and number of tumours) is a simple system which provides good prediction of prognosis for Japanese patients with HCC requiring radical therapy. (Tateishi et al., Gut;54:419, 2005)

PRIMARY BILIARY CIRRHOSI and PRIMARY SCLEROSING CHOLANGITIS - Which Patients with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis or Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Should Undergo Endoscopic Screening for Oesophageal Varices Detection?
MARCH 2005
Patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Patients with a platelet count <200 000/mm3, an albumin level <40 g/l, and a bilirubin level >20 ╣mol/l should be screened for oesophageal varices. (Bressler et al., Gut; 54,407, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Hepatitis C Reactivation in Patients with Chronic Infection with Genotypes 1b and 2c: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 206 Untreated Patients
MARCH 2005
Genotype 2c carriers are at high risk of hepatitis reactivation, suggesting that virus genetic heterogeneity is important in the natural history of HCV, questioning the linearity of hepatic fibrosis progression during hepatitis C. (Rumi et al., Gut; 54, 402, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Insulin Resistance Impairs Sustained Response Rate to Peginterferon plus Ribavirin in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients
MARCH 2005
Insulin resistance, fibrosis, and genotype are independent predictors of the response to antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin. (Romero-Gomez et al., Gastroenterology.; 128, 636, 2005)

LIVER DISEASES- Contribution of Metabolic Factors to Alanine Aminotransferase Activity in Persons with Other Causes of Liver Disease
MARCH 2005
Obesity, insulin resistance, and the metabolic syndrome are strong predictors of increased alanine aminotransferase activity in the US population, both in persons with and in persons without other causes of chronic liver disease. We hypothesize that metabolic fatty liver disease related to these conditions is the cause of the increased alanine aminotransferase activity and may be underrecognized in persons with other causes of chronic liver disease. (Ioannou et al.,Gastroenterology.;128, 627, 2005)

CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA- Risk Factors of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma in the United States: a Case-Control Study
MARCH 2005
This population-based study shows that in addition to previously well described risk factors, several others could be associated with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. These include hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, liver cirrhosis, and diabetes.(Shaib et al., Gastroenterology.;128, 620, 2005)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS- Differences in Long-Term Survival After Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt for Refractory Ascites and Variceal Bleed.
MARCH 2005
Patients who received TIPS for variceal bleed had significantly longer survival compared with those for refractory ascites. (Membreno et al., J Gastroenterol Hepatol., 20, 474, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Factors Associated with Response to Lamivudine: Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Care Clinic Serving Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B.
MARCH 2005
Pre-tx ALT levels were not associated with response to lamivudine, but lower platelet count and female sex in HBeAg (+) patients were important predictive factors of a favorable response to lamivudine therapy. (Hann et al., J Gastroenterol Hepatol., 20, 433, 2005).

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA- Improving the Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Patients with an Arterially-Enhancing Liver Mass
MARCH 2005
Delayed hypointensity of an arterially-enhancing mass was the strongest independent predictor of HCC, regardless of the size of the lesion. (Marrero et al., Liver Transpl, 11, 281, 2005).

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA- Comparing the Outcomes of Radiofrequency Ablation and Surgery in Patients with a Single Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Well-Preserved Hepatic Function.
MARCH 2005
Despite a higher rate of local recurrence, radiofrequency ablation was found to be as effective as surgical resection for the treatment of single small HCC in patients with well-preserved liver function, in terms of the incidence of remote recurrence and the patients' likelihood of achieving overall and/or recurrence-free survival. (Hong et al., J Clin Gastroenterol. , 39, 247, 2005)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS- Quantitative Treatment of the Hyponatremia of Cirrhosis
MARCH 2005
The hyponatremia of cirrhosis is frequently caused by diuretics. Its treatment can be effectively guided with the aid of quantitative estimates of Na deficit and/or water excess in all instances, although the methods of correction described are indicated in severe clinical conditions. (Castello et al., Dig.Liver Dis.,37, 176, 2005).

LIVER CIRRHOSIS- Serum Fibrosis Markers Can Detect Large Oesophageal Varices with a High Accuracy.
MARCH 2005
Non-invasive markers of fibrosis correctly predict the presence or absence of medium to large oesophageal varices in 86% of alcoholic patients. (Vanbiervliet et al., Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol.;17,333, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS B-Antibody Levels and Protection after Hepatitis B Vaccination: Results of a 15-Year Follow-up
MARCH 2005
Hepatitis B vaccination strongly protected against infection for at least 15 years in all age groups. Antibody levels decreased the most among persons immunized at 4 years of age or younger. (McMahon et al., Ann Intern Med.,142, 333, 2005)

PRIMARY BILIARY CIRRHOSIS- Raloxifene improves bone mass in osteopenic women with primary biliary cirrhosis: results of a pilot study
FEBRUARY 2005
Raloxifene appears safe and of benefit in preventing bone loss in patients with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis. (Levy et al., Liver Int., 25, 117, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Early Hepatitis C Virus Changes and Sustained Response in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Treated with Peginterferon a-2b and Ribavirin
FEBRUARY 2005
Peginterferon a-2b plus ribavirin treatment produces significant changes in HCV dynamics that can be detected as early as 48 h after the first dose of peginterferon a -2b and that these changes are useful in predicting response to therapy in CHC patients. (Gallegos-Orozco et al., Liver Int., 25, 91, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C-Decreased Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Whose Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Levels Became Less Than Twice the Upper Limit of Normal Following Interferon Therapy
FEBRUARY 2005
Patients with ALT levels less than twice the upper limit of normal after IFN therapy have a reduced risk of progression to HCC from C-viral chronic liver disease. (Moriyama et al., Liver Int., 25, 85, 2005)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS- Hemosiderosis is Associated with Accelerated Decompensation and Decreased Survival in Patients with Cirrhosis
FEBRUARY 2005
The presence of siderosis is associated with more advanced liver dysfunction. Even when the effects of baseline liver function are taken into account, siderosis is associated with decreased survival and more rapid decompensation in cirrhosis. (Kayali et al., Liver Int., 25, 41, 2005)

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA-Alcohol, tobacco and obesity are synergistic risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma
FEBRUARY 2005
Alcohol, tobacco and obesity are independent risk factors for HCC in our patient population, and they interact synergistically to increase the risk of HCC. Data from this study may allow us to stratify cirrhotics into low- and high-risk groups for the development of HCC surveillance strategies. (Marrero et al., J. Hepatol, 42, 218, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Long-Term Clinical and Histological Outcomes in Patients with Spontaneous Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Seroclearance
FEBRUARY 2005
In patients with spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance, necroinflammation was markedly improved and liver fibrosis was unchanged or regressed despite occult HBV infection. However, HCC developed in a minority of cases. (Ahn et al., J Hepatol. 42, 188, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B-Extended Lamivudine Treatment in Patients with Hbeag-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B
FEBRUARY 2005
The clinical benefit of lamivudine is greatest for patients without YMDD variants over 2 years of extended treatment. Additional therapies should be considered for patients with YMDD variants. (Rizzetto et al., J. Hepatol., 42, 173, 2005)

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION-Peginterferon Alfa-2a for Hepatitis C After Liver Transplantation: Two Randomized, Controlled Trials
FEBRUARY 2005
Peginterferon alfa-2a treatment for 48 weeks is safe and tolerable and offers some efficacy in the post-OLT setting. Randomized controlled studies are needed to establish the efficacy of pegylated interferon and ribavirin in patients who have undergone OLT. (Chalasani et al., Hepatology; 41, 289, 2005.)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- High-Dose Ribavirin in Combination with Standard Dose Peginterferon for Treatment of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
FEBRUARY 2005
A high dose of ribavirin according to an individualized schedule is feasible but associated with more frequent and serious side effects such as anemia. The viral response merits further evaluation. (Lindahl et al., Hepatology; 41,275, 2005.)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS-The Value of Residual Liver Volume as a Predictor of Hepatic Dysfunction and Infection After Major Liver Resection
FEBRUARY 2005
The likelihood of severe hepatic dysfunction following liver resection can be predicted by a small %RLV and a high BMI whereas postoperative infection is more related to liver dysfunction than precise residual liver volume (Schindl et al., Gut, 54, 289, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Prospective comparison of transient elastography, Fibrotest, APRI, and liver biopsy for the assessment of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C
FEBRUARY 2005
FibroScan is a simple and effective method for assessing liver fibrosis, with similar performance to FibroTest and APRI (aspartate transaminase to platelets ratio index). The combined use of FibroScan and FibroTest to evaluate liver fibrosis could avoid a biopsy procedure in most patients with chronic hepatitis C. (Castera et al., Gastroenterology, 128, 343, 2005)

PRIMARY BILIARY CIRRHOSIS-The Effect of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Therapy on the Natural Course of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
FEBRUARY 2005
Treatment with ursodesoxicolic acid alone normalizes the survival rate of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis when given at early stages. However, there is a continued need for new therapeutic options in patients with advanced disease. (Corpechot et al., Gastroenterology, 128, 297, 2005)

INTERFERON- Interferon-induced depression: prevalence and management
FEBRUARY 2005
Psychiatric side effects are easy to see during interferon therapy. A psychiatric evaluation should be considered on all patients before treatment. If depression develops, it should be treated aggressively, and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors are the anti-depressants of choice (Scalori et al., Dig Liver Dis.;37,102, 2005)

PRIMARY BILIARY CIRRHOSIS-Therapeutic Efficacy of Decreased Nitrite Production by Bezafibrate in Patients with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
FEBRUARY 2005
The therapeutic efficacy of bezafibrate in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, including those with Uusodeoxicolic acid-resistant primary biliary cirrhosis. Downregulation of nitrite production by antigen-presenting dendritic cells may have some relationship with the therapeutic efficacy of bezafibrate; however, further study will be needed to clarify whether or not the antiinflammatory activity of bezafibrate. (Akbar et al., J. Gastroenterology, 40, 157, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Risk Factors for Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C After Sustained Response to Interferon
FEBRUARY 2005
The risk of development of HCC is not completely eliminated in sustained responders to IFN. These findings may be useful in determining a follow-up strategy after a sustained response to IFN. (Ikeda et al., J.Gastroenterology, 40, 148, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C-Clinical and Virological Characteristics of Untreated Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C who Develop Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Flare-Up
FEBRUARY 2005
Multivariate analysis identified genotype 2 as the only significant determinant of ALT flare-up. ALT flare-up occurred in three of four patients without increase in viral load. (Hiraga et al., J. Med. Virol. 75:240, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS B-Quantitative Detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen by Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay During Lamivudine Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Carriers
FEBRUARY 2005
Monitoring of serum HBsAg concentrations with the use of Architect HBsAg QT, in addition to measurement of HBV DNA levels, is helpful for evaluating the response to lamivudine treatment and for the early detection of drug-resistant strains. (Kohmoto et al., J. Med. Virol. 75, 235, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Liver Histology in Patients with Hbsag Negative Anti-Hbc and Anti-HCV Positive Chronic Hepatitis
FEBRUARY 2005
Anti-HBc positive patients with HCV chronic infection have a significantly higher degree of liver fibrosis, and that hepatocellular apoptosis, bile duct damage, and ductular proliferation correlate with the presence of this antibody in the serum. (Sagnelli et al., J. Med. Virol. 75, 222-226, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Combination Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis B: Comparing Pegylated Interferon-a2b and Lamivudine with Lamivudine Alone
FEBRUARY 2005
In patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B, staggered combination treatment with pegylated interferon-a2b and lamivudine may lead to a higher rate of virologic response than lamivudine monotherapy. (Chan et al., Annals, 142, 1-30, 2005).

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION- Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhosis: Is Clinical Tumor Classification before Transplantation Realistic?
FEBRUARY 2005
Current imaging techniques have a high incidence of false-negative and false-positive results when evaluating HCC in cirrhosis (Sotiropoulos et al., Transplantation. 79, 483, 2005).

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION-Triple Antiviral Therapy with Amantadine for IFN-Ribavirin Nonresponders with Recurrent Posttransplantation Hepatitis C.
FEBRUARY 2005
Triple antiviral therapy for 48 weeks induced a sustained virological response in 33% of IFN-ribavirin nonresponders with recurrent hepatitis C. (Bizollon et al., Transplantation, 79,325-329, 2005).

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION- Liver Transplantation and Hepatitis C Virus: Systematic Review of Antiviral Therapy.
FEBRUARY 2005
Even the best antiviral therapy (pegylated interferon/ribavirin) is neither easily used nor reasonably effective. The best strategy will be pretransplant treatment, most likely with newer agents (Triantos et al., Transplantation, 79, 261, 2005).

LIVER CIRRHOSIS-Meta-analysis: endoscopic variceal ligation for primary prophylaxis of oesophageal variceal bleeding
FEBRUARY 2005
In patients with cirrhosis with moderate to large varices and who have not bled, endoscopic varices ligation compared with b-blockers significantly reduced bleeding episodes and severe adverse events, but had no effect on mortality (Khuroo et al., Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 21,347, 2005)

PRIMARY BILIARY CIRRHOSIS-Long-Term Ursodeoxycholic Acid Therapy for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: A Follow-Up to 12 Years
FEBRUARY 2005
Long-term ursodeoxycholic acid therapy did not alter disease progression in primary biliary cirrhosis patients despite a significant improvement in serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase consistent with, and similar to, those seen in ursodeoxycholic acid cohorts in randomized trials. (Chan et al., Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 21,217-26, 2005).

LIVER CIRRHOSIS-Partial Splenic Embolization in Patients with Cirrhosis: Efficacy, Tolerance and Long-Term Outcome in 32 Patients.
FEBRUARY 2005
In patients with cirrhosis, Partial Splenic Embolization may resolve cytopenia and the clinical complications related to hypersplenism or splenomegaly. However, due to a high risk of severe complications, particularly splenic abscess, the indications of Partial Splenic Embolization should be very limited and the extent of necrosis should be strictly controlled during the Partial Splenic Embolization procedure. (N'kontchou et al., Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol., 17, 179, 2005)

LIVER DISEASES-Correlation of Alcohol Consumption with Liver Histological Features in Non-Cirrhotic Patients.
FEBRUARY 2005
In non-cirrhotic patients liver steatosis and fibrosis were more common features among patients who reported a higher alcoholic consumption, but no clear-cut association between typical histological features of alcoholic liver disease and alcohol consumption was found. (Kondili et al., Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol.;17,155-159, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C-Liver Steatosis is an Independent Risk Factor for Treatment Failure in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C.
FEBRUARY 2005
Steatosis in the liver biopsy performed before the beginning of antiviral treatment was found to be associated only to the body mass index of the patients and to be a strong independent factor for treatment failure (Thomopoulos et al., Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol.;17, 149, 2005).

PRIMARY BILIARY CIRRHOSIS-Mycophenolate Mofetil for the Treatment of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis in Patients With an Incomplete Response to Ursodeoxycholic Acid.
FEBRUARY 2005
Mycophenolate Mofetil is not associated with important clinical benefits in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis based on the results of this pilot investigation. (Talwalkar et al., J.Clin. Gastroenterology, 39,168, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS C-Nosocomial Transmission of HCV in the Liver Unit of a Tertiary Care Center
JANUARY 2005
HCV nosocomial infection appears to occur via patient-to-patient transmission in liver units, particularly in individuals who require long hospitalizations. Continuous reinforcement of universal prevention measures and, when possible, isolation of patients at higher risk might further reduce nosocomial HCV transmission. (Forns et al., Hepatology, 41, 115, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Persistence of Hepatitis C Virus in Patients Successfully Treated for Chronic Hepatitis C
JANUARY 2005
In patients with Sustained virological response after therapy, small quantities of HCV RNA may persist in liver or macrophages and lymphocytes for up to 9 years. This continuous viral presence could result in persistence of humoral and cellular immunity for many years after therapy and could present a potential risk for infection reactivation. (Radkowski et al., Hepatology, 41, 106, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Impact of Steatosis on Progression of Fibrosis in Patients with Mild Hepatitis C
JANUARY 2005
Steatosis is a major determinant of the progression of fibrosis in mild hepatitis C, regardless of the genotype. Our results argue for antiviral treatment in the subgroup of patients with mild hepatitis and steatosis. (Fartoux et al., Hepatology, 41,82, 2005)

AMINOTRANSFERASES- Chronological Development of Elevated Aminotransferases in a Nonalcoholic Population
JANUARY 2005
An association between development of elevated aminotransferases and risk factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has been observed. (Suzuki et al., Hepatology, 41, 64, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Noninvasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis by Measurement of Stiffness in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
JANUARY 2005
Noninvasive assessment of liver stiffness with transient elastography appears as a reliable tool to detect significant fibrosis or cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C. (Ziol et al., Hepatology, 41,48-54, 2005)

LIVER CIRRHOSIS- Serum Sodium Predicts Mortality in Patients Listed for Liver Transplantation
JANUARY 2005
Serum sodium < 126 mEq/L at listing or while listed for transplantation is a strong independent predictor of mortality. (Biggins et al., Hepatology, 41,32, 2005).

LIVER CIRRHOSIS- Effect of Somatostatin Versus Octreotide on Portal Haemodynamics in Patients with Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension
JANUARY 2005
Both somatostatin and octreotide can significantly reduce portal pressure, although somatostatin is more potent than octreotide. (Yang et al., Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol.,17, 53, 2005).

VIRAL HEPATITIS B- Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2b Alone or in Combination with Lamivudine for Hbeag-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B: A Randomised Trial
JANUARY 2005
Interpretation Treatment with pegylated interferon alfa-2b is effective for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. Combination with lamivudine in the regimen used is not superior to monotherapy. HBV genotype is an important predictor of response to treatment. (Janssen et al., Lancet, 365, 123, 2005)

VIRAL HEPATITIS C- Hepatic Vein Transit Times Using a Microbubble Agent Can Predict Disease Severity Non-Invasively in Patients with Hepatitis C
JANUARY 2005
Hepatic vein transit times using an ultrasound microbubble contrast agent can assess HCV related liver disease with cl