Pentoxifylline with metformin treatment improves biochemical parameters in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Background: The progression of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is multifactorial, and there is still a lack of approved medications for its treatment. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of combined treatment with Pentoxifylline and Metformin on biochemical parameters in patients with Nash. Setting: Outpatient hepatology clinic.

Role of cystatin C and renal resistive index in assessment of renal function in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical significance of cystatin C and renal resistive index for the determination of renal function in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods: We conducted a study of 63 patients with liver cirrhosis. A control group comprised of 30 age and gender-matched healthy persons.

Role of serotonin in development of esophageal and gastric fundal varices.

Aim: to determine the effect of free serotonin concentrations in plasma on development of esophageal and gastric fundal varices.

Methods: this prospective study included 33 patients with liver cirrhosis and 24 healthy controls. Ultrasonography and measurement of serotonin concentration in plasma were carried out in both groups of subjects.

A study of pulmonary embolism after abdominal surgery in patients undergoing prophylaxis.

Aim: To determine risk factors for pulmonary embolism and estimate effects and benefits of prophylaxis.

Methods: We included 78 patients who died subsequently to a pulmonary embolism after major abdominal surgery from 1985 to 2003. A first, retrospective analysis involved 41 patients who underwent elective surgery between 1985 and 1990 without receiving any prophylaxis.

Plasma and platelet serotonin levels in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Aim: To analyze the relationship between plasma and platelet serotonin levels and the degree of liver insufficiency.

Methods: The prospective study included 30 patients with liver cirrhosis and 30 healthy controls. The degree of liver failure was assessed according to the Child-Pugh classification.

Primary amyloidosis presenting with cholestasis and hyperkinetic portal hypertension.

Amyloidosis is not a single disease, but a series of diseases in which there is extracellular deposition of a protein in an abnormal fibrillar form. We report a 48-year old woman with subicteric coloration of scleras and hepatomegaly. Functional liver tests evidenced a high level of alkaline phosphatase and serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase with mild increase of bilirubin level.

Spontaneous splenorenal shunt in a patient with liver cirrhosis and hypertrophic caudal lobe.

Spontaneous splenorenal shunt is a rare condition, sometimes causing complications in cirrhotic patients. We report a 30-year old man with liver cirrhosis, hypertrophic caudal lobe and spontaneous splenorenal shunt. Real-time and color Doppler ultrasonography evidenced enlarged caudal lobe (130 x 95 mm) with direct veins draining into dilated inferior cava vein (diameter 25 mm, flow 52 cm/sec).