[FIRST GENERATION PROTEASE INHIBITOR BASED TRIPLE THERAPY FOR HCV GENOTYPE 1--LOOKING BACK WHILE PROCEEDING TO A PROMISING ERA].

Background: For the last decade the backbone of hepatitis C (HCV) treatment was the pan-genotyping dual therapy with pegylated interferon alfa in combination with Ribavirin. This regimen was limited in achieving sustained virological response (SVR) and accompanied by serious adverse events. In 2010 there was overwhelming progress in the treatment options for HCV.

Efficacy and long-term durability of intradermal recombinant hepatitis B virus vaccine among intramuscular vaccine nonresponders: A prospective study in healthcare personnel.

Background: Data on efficacy, safety, and durability of intradermal vaccine administration in persons who have not responded appropriately to intramuscular administration of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine are relatively scarce.

Methods: We designed a prospective case series in an urban tertiary care hospital in Israel. The medical records of 4007 healthcare personnel who had worked in the hospital between 1996 and 2006 were examined and those with an unsatisfactory level (<10 mIU/ml) of hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) following two courses of a three-dose intramuscular HBV vaccine ("nonresponders") were identified.

Hepatitis B and C reactivation with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors: synopsis and interpretation of screening and prophylaxis recommendations.

Information on reactivation of chronic viral hepatitis infection in patients who are candidates for tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (TNFi) is in a constant state of flux. We retrieved the most updated guidelines (in English) of prominent rheumatological and gastroenterological professional socienties for the mangement of chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the context of treatment with TNFi. Subsequently, the major areas of uncertainty and absence of consensus in the guidelines were located and a secondary search for additional studies addressing those areas was performed.

[Guidelines for diagnosis and management of cirrhotic ascites and its complications. The Israeli Association for the Study of the Liver].

Ascites is the most common manifestation of decompensated liver cirrhosis. The life expectancy of cirrhotic patients developing uncomplicated ascites is 50% for 3 years. Refractory ascites, electrolyte imbalance, hepato-renal syndrome and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis may develop.