Comparison of Interferon-Gamma Release Assay and Tuberculin Skin Test for the Screening of Latent Tuberculosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: Indian Scenario.

Background: In a country like India, where the prevalence of tuberculosis is very high, the role of screening tools for detection of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) like TST and IGRA is still unclear, especially in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Our study is aimed at comparing the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) and tuberculin skin test (TST) to determine the prevalence of LTBI in IBD patients in the Indian subset of the population.

Methods: It was a prospective observational analysis.

Randomized controlled trial comparing lactulose plus albumin versus lactulose alone for treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.

Background: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with poor prognosis and treatment of HE is primarily directed at the reduction of the blood ammonia levels. The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of albumin plus lactulose versus lactulose alone for treatment of overt HE.

Methods: In prospective randomized controlled trial, 120 patients with overt HE were randomized in two groups: group A lactulose plus albumin (n = 60) and group B lactulose alone (n = 60).