Palliative care in cirrhosis of the liver.

Background: Liver cirrhosis (LC) is a progressive disease characterised by chronic liver inflammation, leading to diminished liver function and complex symptomatology. As LC advances to decompensated cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease (ESLD), patients experience severe symptoms such as pain, ascites and encephalopathy, significantly impairing their quality of life. Despite the high symptom burden and a substantial mortality rate, palliative care remains grossly underused.

A Case of Vaping-Associated Candida and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Co-infection Causing Esophagitis in an Immunocompetent Patient.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vaping have gained popularity in the last two to five years as an alternative way of consuming nicotine, as well as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), particularly in the younger population. Vaping/e-cigarettes heat nicotine/THC and other chemical components to create the vapor to be inhaled, which increases the risk of mucosal infection and esophagitis. Although tobacco smoking has been extensively studied and known to affect the oral cavity and esophagus, the effect of vaping is yet to be well-studied.

Association of statins with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with diabetes.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in patients with diabetes; limited data suggested that statins may reduce the risk of NAFLD progression. This study aimed to examine the association between statins and the development or progression of NAFLD in veterans with diabetes. In a new-user negative control design, we conducted a retrospective propensity score (PS)-matched cohort study of patients with diabetes between 2003 and 2015.

Herpes Simplex Virus Esophagitis in an Immunocompetent Patient.

Esophagitis due to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is a rare entity in the immunocompetent population. It is usually seen in immunocompromised hosts, those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, malignancies, and patients on immunosuppressive medications. We present a case of a young immunocompetent man with anabolic steroid use who presented with esophagitis symptoms found to be from HSV infection.

Recent advances in understanding and managing acute pancreatitis.

This review highlights advances made in recent years in the diagnosis and management of acute pancreatitis (AP). We focus on epidemiological, clinical, and management aspects of AP. Additionally, we discuss the role of using risk stratification tools to guide clinical decision making.

Concurrent radiotherapy with Carboplatin and cetuximab for the treatment of medically compromised patients with locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Cetuximab (Cx) + radiation therapy (RT) is well-tolerated and has improved survival in patients (pts) with locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (LA-HNSCC). However, its efficacy when compared to HD-DDP + RT has been questioned. At our institution, low-dose weekly carboplatin is added to Cx + RT for patients unsuitable for HD-DDP.

Hispanics with primary biliary cirrhosis are more likely to have features of autoimmune hepatitis and reduced response to ursodeoxycholic acid than non-Hispanics.

Background & Aims: Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a cholestatic disease that predominantly affects middle-aged Caucasian women. Studies have suggested that PBC has a more aggressive course in individuals of Hispanic ancestry. We investigated the clinical presentation and progression of PBC in an ethnically diverse population.

Predictive factors for clinically actionable computed tomography findings in inflammatory bowel disease patients seen in the emergency department with acute gastrointestinal symptoms.

Background: The wide use of abdomino-pelvic computed tomography (APCT) in emergency departments (ED) has raised the concern for radiation exposure, costs and potential reactions to contrast agents. The aim of this study was to determine the yield and predictive factors for clinically actionable findings (CAF) in APCTs performed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who visit the ED.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study including patients with IBD who visited the ED.