Prospective surveillance for cholangiocarcinoma in unselected individuals with primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Background & Aims: The evidence for hepatobiliary tumour surveillance in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is scarce. In this study, we aimed to prospectively evaluate cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) surveillance with yearly MRI with cholangiopancreatography (MRI/MRCP) in a nationwide cohort.

Methods: In total, 512 patients with PSC from 11 Swedish hospitals were recruited.

Mycophenolate mofetil treatment in patients with autoimmune hepatitis failing standard therapy with prednisolone and azathioprine.

Background: Data on rescue treatment of autoimmune hepatitis in patients that fail standard treatment are sparse.

Aims: To report our long-term experience with mycophenolate mofetil.

Methods: Retrospective study in 22 patients with autoimmune hepatitis who failed azathioprine and prednisolone due to adverse events (n = 14, 64%), lack of remission (n = 5, 23%) or a combination (n = 3, 13%).

[Ascites is usually caused by an underlying liver cirrhosis. Salt restriction and diuretics is the basis for treatment].

Ascites is a common complication of liver cirrhosis and is associated with a poor prognosis. The main pathophysiology is an increased portal pressure with compensatory activation of neurohumoral systems. A patient history, proper physical exam and adequate examination of ascitic fluid will reveal the aetiology in most cases.