Non-invasive assessment of liver graft fibrosis by transient elastography after liver transplantation.

Background: Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (TE) (FibroScan) is a validated method of quantifying liver fibrosis in non-transplanted patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). It could be useful in follow-up after liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of LSM in evaluating liver fibrosis after LT in patients with and without recurrent HCV.

Incidence of new-onset and flare of preexisting psoriasis during rituximab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: data from the French AIR registry.

Objective: Psoriasis could be a paradoxical reaction to tumor necrosis factor-α antagonist therapy and it has been reported with rituximab therapy. Our objective was to assess the rates of new-onset and flare of preexisting psoriasis in patients taking rituximab for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: The nationwide multicenter prospective AutoImmunity and Rituximab (AIR) registry was set up in 2006 by the French Society for Rheumatology to collect data on patients taking rituximab for joint diseases.

Association of caffeine intake and histological features of chronic hepatitis C.

Background & Aims: The severity of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is modulated by host and environmental factors. Several reports suggest that caffeine intake exerts hepatoprotective effects in patients with chronic liver disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of caffeine consumption on activity grade and fibrosis stage in patients with CHC.

Daily cannabis use: a novel risk factor of steatosis severity in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Background & Aims: Steatosis is highly prevalent in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and has been reported to increase fibrosis and reduce the rate of viral eradication. Two recent studies indicate that endocannabinoids promote experimental steatosis via activation of hepatic CB1 receptors. We therefore investigated the impact of cannabis smoking on steatosis severity during CHC.