Non-interventional study AI463-12 of real-world chronic HBV infection management--baseline characteristics and treatment patterns of Polish patients kohort.

Aim: This longitudinal non-interventional study aims to describe the demographics data disease characteristics and clinical management of a cross-sectional CHB patient population in Poland treated in regional medical centers.

Material And Methods: [corrected] Between March 2008 and December 2010 we observed patients with HBV related liver disease from 5 medical centers in Poland, both sexes, > 18 years old. At baseline, we used a case report form to extract data from patient charts, comprising: sociodemographic data; disease characteristics, HBeAg/ antiHBeAg status, genotype HBV; co-morbidities; viral load, liver biopsy and ALT levels in previous 12 months; treatment history in previous 12 months; current CHB treatment; changes in disease characteristics and CHB management; time from diagnosis to the therapy and resource utilization and any reasons for termination of follow-up.

Hepatocyte steatosis in HCV patients promotes fibrosis by enhancing TGF-beta liver expression.

Aim: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between TGF-beta expression in steatotic liver and the stage and yearly progression rate of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.

Methods: We examined 44 CHC fatty liver patients, using 76 non-steatotic CHC patients as controls. The stage of hepatic fibrosis was assessed on a score scale.

[Oxidative stress evaluation in chronic hepatitis C pathogenesis].

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was oxidative stress evaluation as reflected by antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation products levels in plasma and erythrocytes from CHC patients (chronic hepatitis C patients). Antioxidant status, markers of lipid peroxidation and liver function were measured in erythrocytes and plasma from 29 CHC patients and from 26 matched healthy controls. Plasma and erythrocytes MDA (malondialdehyde) levels were statistically decreased in CHC patients as compared with healthy controls while erythrocytes CuZnSOD (superoxide dismutase--cytoplasmic enzyme contains copper and zinc) activity was statistically increased in CHC patients as compared to healthy subjects.

[Pegylated interferon-alfa 2a with ribavirin in chronic viral hepatitis C (final report)].

Unlabelled: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa-2a [40KD] (Peg-IFNalpha-2a) plus ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C in an open-label programme in a routine clinical setting in Poland. Patients received Peg-IFNalpha-2a 180mg/week plus ribavirin 800-1200 mg/d for 48 weeks. Sustained virological response (SVR) was defined as undetectable HCV RNA (<50IU/mL) at the end of follow-up (week 72).

[Serum intercellular adhesion molecule ICAM-1 concentration in interferon alpha treated patients with chronic viral C hepatitis].

Intercellular adhesion molecule is a protein regulating the inflammatory cells movement. An increase of ICAM-1 expression on hepatocytes and in serum has been observed in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Interferon alpha treatment should lead to inflammatory response diminution and serum ICAM-1 concentration decrease.

[Cases of ineffective anti-hepatitis B vaccination--own observations].

Between 1999-2001 there were 6 patients with acute hepatitis B, previously vaccinated according to the recommended schedule of anti-hepatitis B immunization for adults, hospitalized in the Department of Infectious Diseases (Bytom, Silesian University Medical School). The study presents epidemiological and clinical analysis of these cases. Special attention is paid to possibility of immune response failure in spite of anti-hepatitis B vaccination.