Multiorgan Failure and Omicron: A Suspected Case of Post-COVID-19 Cholangiopathy.

Since the declaration of a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted millions worldwide. This complex disease process has been primarily associated with respiratory illness. As we continue to learn about COVID-19, there appears to be a growing spectrum of non-pulmonary manifestations.

Effect of Low Positive End of Treatment Viral Load with Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy on Sustained Virologic Response.

Background: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are highly effective treatments against hepatitis C virus (HCV), with sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of 93-100% against all genotypes. In most patients, viral load (VL) becomes undetectable four weeks into treatment, but rarely a low positive VL may be observed at the end of treatment (EOT). This study was conducted to determine the effect of low positive EOT VLs with DAA therapies on SVR at 12 and 24 weeks.

Sofosbuvir and simeprevir in hepatitis C genotype 1-patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis or GFR <30 ml/min.

Background & Aims: Treating chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has suboptimal tolerability and cure rates. Safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir plus simeprevir regimen in CHC-infected patients with ESRD on haemodialysis (HD) or glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <30 ml/min is unknown. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir and simeprevir in this special patient population.

Safety and efficacy of simeprevir plus sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin in patients with decompensated genotype 1 hepatitis C cirrhosis.

Combination antiviral therapy involving sofosbuvir (SOF) and simeprevir (SIM) is a treatment option in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C; however, the safety of this regimen in patients with decompensated cirrhosis is not established. Data from a combined treatment cohort of 2 large hepatology referral centers were evaluated to assess for safety and efficacy of SIM plus SOF with or without ribavirin (RBV) in patients with Child B or C cirrhosis. All (n = 42) patients included in the analysis had Child B (n = 35) or C (n = 7) cirrhosis and received 400 mg daily of SOF plus 150 mg daily of SIM, with (n = 7) or without (n = 35) RBV, for 12 weeks.

S-adenosyl methionine improves early viral responses and interferon-stimulated gene induction in hepatitis C nonresponders.

Background & Aims: Less than half of patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) achieve sustained viral clearance after pegylated interferon (peginterferon) and ribavirin therapy. S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) improves interferon signaling in cell culture. We assessed the effect of SAMe on the kinetics of the early antiviral response and interferon signaling in nonresponders to previous antiviral therapy and investigated the mechanisms involved.

Increased caffeine consumption is associated with reduced hepatic fibrosis.

Although coffee consumption has been associated with reduced frequency of liver disease, it is unclear whether the effect is from coffee or caffeine and whether there is an effect on hepatic fibrosis specifically. This study was undertaken to use a food-frequency instrument for dietary caffeine consumption to evaluate the relationship between caffeine intake and liver fibrosis. Patients undergoing liver biopsy completed a detailed caffeine questionnaire on three occasions over a 6-month period.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C: a review.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been used for centuries in China and Japan to treat various illnesses, including viral hepatitis. Several therapeutic approaches constitute CAM, the most relevant for this review being the use of herbals. However, profound disagreements exist between conventional and alternative medicine practitioners regarding their value.

The effects of discontinuing pioglitazone in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Unlabelled: A pilot study of a 48-week course of pioglitazone demonstrated significant improvements in the biochemical and histological features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of the study was to assess the effects of stopping pioglitazone. Twenty-one patients with NASH were treated with pioglitazone (30 mg/day) for 48 weeks and underwent baseline and end-of-treatment evaluation including liver biopsy.

Viral hepatitis and HIV in Africa.

With increasing access to antiretroviral therapy across sub-Saharan Africa, progress is finally being made in combating the devastating HIV epidemic. As HIV-infected individuals live longer, the effects of coinfection with chronic hepatitis B and C will likely become an increasingly relevant issue. Indeed, HIV adversely affects the natural history of HBV and HCV, both of which are endemic across the African continent, Issues ranging from appropriate diagnostic testing to prevention and treatment are affected by HIV coinfection, particularly in resource-limited settings.