Impact of Sofosbuvir-Based Therapy on Liver Transplant Candidates with Hepatitis C Virus Infection.

Background: Sofosbuvir use in patients with decompensated cirrhosis may be associated with reduced liver transplant waitlist mortality and reduced need for transplant.

Methods: Data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients were linked with a national database of pharmacy claims. All adult patients on the liver transplant waitlist on January 1, 2014, or added to the list during 2014, with hepatitis C virus as reason for listing were identified (2009 patients).

Emergency Management of Malignancy-Associated Hypercalcemia.

The most common cause of hypercalcemia in the emergency department (ED) is malignancy-associated hypercalcemia (MAH), which can be caused by direct bone resorption from bone metastases, vitamin D secreting malignancies, and increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) or PTH-related protein (PTHrP) levels. Malignancy-associated hypercalcemia is associated with a very poor prognosis, with half of the patients dying within a month of diagnosis. Management consists of adequate hydration, bisphosphonate therapy, and correction of other abnormal electrolyte levels.