Tenofovir in the treatment of naïve and refractory chronic Hepatitis B: A single center experience in Saudi Arabia.

Background/aims: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is a nucleotide analog used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. This study evaluated the efficacy of TDF in achieving undetectable HBV DNA after 48 weeks of treatment in a Saudi cohort of CHB patients.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective study included patients treated at a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia from January 2009 to December 2012.

Prospective trial in Saudi Arabia comparing the 14-day standard triple therapy with the 10-day sequential therapy for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Background/aims: Treatment success for Helicobacter pylori infection in Saudi Arabia is relatively unexplored. This prospective study compared the efficacy of sequential versus standard triple therapy in curing H. pylori infections.

Inflammatory bowel disease in Saudi Arabia: a hospital-based clinical study of 312 patients.

Background And Objectives: The epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and natural course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Saudi Arabia are still largely unknown. Hence, we decided to conduct a large retrospective, cohort study to determine these features of the disease.

Design And Setting: Retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh from January 1970 to December 2008.

Leukocyte apheresis in the management of ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the colon and rectum. Its pathogenesis is probably multifactorial including the influx of certain cytokines into the colonic mucosa, causing disease activity and relapse. The hypothesis of removing such cytokines from the circulation by leukocytapheresis was implemented to reduce disease activity, maintain remission, and prevent relapse.

Predictors of sustained virological response to a 48-week course of pegylated interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin in patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 4.

Background And Objectives: Knowledge of the predictors of sustained viral response (SVR) to pegylated interferon (PEG-INF) alfa-2a and ribavirin (RBV) therapy in patients with hepatitis C genotype-4 (HCV-4) is crucial for selecting patients who would benefit most from therapy. We assessed the predictors of SVR to this combination therapy in Saudi patients with chronic HCV-4 infection.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective study included 148 patients with HCV-4 infection who underwent clinical, biochemical and virological assessments before treatment and at 12, 24, 48 and 72 weeks post-treatment.

Bio-enteric intragastric balloon in obese patients: a retrospective analysis of King Faisal Specialist Hospital experience.

Background: Bio-enteric intragastric balloon (BIB) insertion is gaining popularity for weight reduction in obese patients. We evaluated the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of BIB in the treatment of obesity.

Methods: A total of 173 Saudi obese patients [mean+/-SD age 34.

Sustained virologic response to peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin in 335 patients with chronic hepatitis C: a tertiary care center experience.

Background/aim: This retrospective study assessed the efficacy, safety, and the predictors of sustained viral response (SVR) to a 48-week-course of peginterferon alpha-2a (Pegasys) and ribavirin combination therapy in 335 consecutive Saudi patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Materials And Methods: Clinical, biochemical, and virological parameters were collected at time 0 (pretreatment) and at 12, 24, 48, and 72 weeks posttreatment. The mean +/- SD age was 49.

Treatment with proton pump inhibitors in acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a meta-analysis.

Medical therapy is an attractive adjuvant to endoscopic treatment in upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding. This review aims to assess the treatment effects of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in acute non-variceal UGI bleeding. Outcome measures evaluated were further bleeding, surgery, all-cause deaths, ulcer deaths and non-ulcer deaths.