Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin and alpha-fetoprotein levels as biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma and their correlation with radiological characteristics.

Background: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a commonly used biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is normal in up to one-third of patients.

Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of des-gamma-carboxy-prothrombin (DCP) alone and in combination with AFP.

Methods: In this study, 202 patients with radiologically proven HCC were enrolled, and their DCP and AFP levels were evaluated for their diagnostic performance.

HepFREEPak: protocol for a multi-centre, prospective observational study examining efficacy and impact of current therapies for the treatment of hepatitis C in Pakistan and reporting resistance to antiviral drugs: study protocol.

Background: Pakistan has one of the highest burdens of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection globally. To achieve the World Health Organization's goals for HCV elimination, there is a need for substantial scale-up in testing, treatment, and a reduction in new infections. Data on the population impact of scaling up treatment is not available in Pakistan, nor is there reliable data on the incidence of infection/reinfection.

Point of Care Testing for SARS-COV-2 Antibodies before doing Endoscopy.

Objectives: COVID-19 has taken the world by storm, creating much disparity among both healthcare and non-healthcare centres regarding the provision of services. The purpose of our study was to see the prevalence of the SARS-COV-2 exposure in the asymptomatic patients undergoing the endoscopic procedure, already triaged based on history and examination.

Methods: Total 207 patients were enrolled during a time period of five months during October 2020 to April 2021 at Dr.

Incidence and predisposing factors for de novo post-COVID-19 irritable bowel syndrome.

Objective: Postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a known entity. We evaluated the incidence of post-COVID-19 IBS in patients discharged from the hospital and analyzed its correlation with the clinical and laboratory parameters, and treatment during the hospital stay.

Methods: Three hundred three COVID-19 hospitalized patients without prior history of IBS were prospectively followed after their discharge and were evaluated as per Rome-IV criteria for IBS.

Patients visiting gastroenterology clinics avoid giving honest history for COVID-19 related symptoms in the pre-clinic triage.

Objective: To assess the discrepancy in terms of history related to coronavirus disease-2019 and symptoms given in the pre-clinic triage and to the doctor attending the patient in a gastroenterology clinic.

Methods: The observational study was conducted from September 2020 to January 2021 at the Gastroenterology outpatient department of Dr Ziauddin Hospital's Clifton unit in Karachi, and comprised all patients visiting the facility regardless of age and gender. Data was collected using a questionnaire that was first filled up by the receptionist outside the clinic and was then administered again once the patient entered the clinic.

Severe COVID-19 Associated With Liver Injury in Patients Without Preexisting Liver Disease.

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known to disturb liver function tests (LFTs). Not much literature is available regarding the effect of COVID-19 on LFTs in patients without preexisting liver disease. The study aimed to find the effect of COVID-19 in these patients.