Impact of all oral anti-hepatitis C virus therapy: A meta-analysis.

Aim: To investigate the efficacy, safety, and cost of treatment of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) with and without peg interferon alfa2a (P), and/or ribavirin (R) in treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 patients.

Methods: MEDLINE was searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) using DAAs for HCV treatment. Phase 1 trials and studies with investigational drugs on genotype 2 or 3, and on human immunodeficiency virus patients were excluded.

Impact of race on colorectal cancer.

Background: Several studies have shown that colorectal cancer runs a more severe course in blacks compared with whites. Black patients tend to have more advanced disease at diagnosis and are more likely to die of cancer than are white patients. The present study was carried out to compare the characteristics and outcomes of colon cancer in blacks and whites in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where patients are expected to receive similar treatment irrespective of race.

Tailoring treatment duration to 12 to 16 weeks in hepatitis C genotype 2 or 3 with rapid virologic response: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background And Aims: Current treatment for genotype (GT) 2 or 3 hepatitis C virus infection is pegylated interferon and ribavirin (RBV) 800 mg/d for 24 weeks. This meta-analysis was carried out to assess whether the treatment duration can be reduced in patients with rapid virologic response (RVR) METHODS: Literature was searched for studies comparing short-term (12 to 16 wk) and 24 weeks treatment in GT 2 or 3 with RVR.

Results: Six studies (n=2434) were included and data on end-of-treatment response (ETR), sustained virologic response (SVR), and relapse rates (RR) were obtained.

Mechanisms of synergy between alcohol and hepatitis C virus.

Background: Since the discovery of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), extensive literature has emerged on alcohol and HCV interaction.

Goal: To understand the impact of alcohol and HCV infection on the severity of liver disease and the mechanisms of interaction between the two.

Study: Of 1269 articles (1991 to 2006) searched through MEDLINE and cited cross references, 133 were thoroughly reviewed to assess: (a) prevalence of combined alcohol use and HCV, (b) severity of liver disease (c) treatment response, and (d) mechanisms of interaction between HCV and alcohol.

Alcohol use and treatment of hepatitis C virus: results of a national multicenter study.

Background & Aims: Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who use alcohol have been excluded from clinical trials; therefore, outcomes with antiviral therapy are unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of alcohol use on HCV treatment outcomes.

Methods: Subjects using alcohol were categorized as follows: no alcohol versus regular alcohol use, quantity consumed (none, <6 drinks/day, >/=6 drinks/day), CAGE score <2 or >/=2, and recent alcohol use (past 12 months).

Tubulovillous adenoma of anal canal: a case report.

Tumors arising from the anal canal are usually of epithelial origin and are mostly squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. We present a case of benign anal adenomas arising from the anus, an extremely rare diagnosis. A 78-year-old white man presented with rectal bleeding of several months duration.

Assessment of correlation between serum titers of hepatitis C virus and severity of liver disease.

Aim: The significance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) serum titers has been examined in several clinical situations. There is much evidence that patients with a lower viral load have better response rates to anti-viral therapy compared to those with higher levels. Moreover, a direct association has been observed between serum titers of HCV and transmission rates of the virus.