Liver stiffness measurements by 2-dimensional shear wave elastography compared to histological and ultrasound parameters in primary biliary cholangitis.

Background And Aims: Liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) by 2-dimensional-shear-wave elastography (LSM) are now widely used in hepatology. However, relevant information for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is scant. We compare LSM with liver biopsy (LB) in a cohort of PBC patients in Greece.

The impact of newer nucleos(t)ide analogues on patients with hepatitis B decompensated cirrhosis.

Background/aim: Patients with HBV-related decompensated cirrhosis (HBV-DeCi) should be treated with potent nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA)[entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir (TDF)]. The aim was the evaluation of safety and efficacy in terms of changes in liver disease course in HBV-DeCi patients treated with ETV or TDF.

Methods: In 52 HBV-DeCi patients clinical and laboratory data, including glomerular filtration rates (GFR), were recorded.

Natural course of treated and untreated chronic HCV infection: results of the nationwide Hepnet.Greece cohort study.

Background: Interferon (IFN-alpha)-based regimens have been used with varying success in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) for over two decades. The effect of such treatments on the natural course of CHC has been evaluated in small clinical trials with conflicting results.

Aim: To investigate the natural course of IFNalpha-based-treated and untreated patients with CHC by analysing data from the HEPNET.

Epidemiology, course and disease burden of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. HEPNET study for chronic hepatitis B: a multicentre Greek study.

Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) has been recognized as a major health problem worldwide. Greece belongs to the intermediate endemicity countries with a trend of decreasing prevalence of HBV infection during the last decade. However, the recent massive immigration to our country may have led to alterations of HBV epidemiology.

Interferon alfa-2b for decompensated liver disease caused by either chronic hepatitis B or C: preliminary results of a pilot study.

This pilot study was designed to assess the tolerance and effectiveness of interferon alfa-2b in patients with decompensated liver disease caused by chronic hepatitis B (n = 7) or C (n = 5). Preliminary results suggest that patients may benefit from small doses of interferon (improvement in liver function tests and reduction in alanine aminotransferase), although the decreased tolerance and dose dependent increase in side effects in these patients with liver disease underlines the need for close follow up and the dose adjustment of interferon treatment.