Angular positioning of stent increases bowel perforation after self-expandable metal stent placement for malignant colorectal obstruction.

Background/aims: Some factors like stent wires, balloon dilatation and use of guide wires seems to increase perforation after self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement, but few studies mentioned about the relationship between angulation of malignant stricture and perforation. The present study aimed to confirm that more angular positioning of stents increases perforation.

Methods: This study was conducted with retrospectively evaluation at Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University.

Effects of metabolic syndrome on fibrosis in chronic viral hepatitis.

Background/aims: Metabolic syndrome, comprising diabetes, hypertension, central obesity, and dyslipidemia, is increasingly prevalent worldwide. We aimed to study the relationship between metabolic syndrome and the risk of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC).

Methods: In total, 954 patients (CHB, 850; CHC, 104 patients) with liver biopsy were included in the retrospective analysis.

Hepatitis B core antigen expression in hepatocytes reflects viral response to entecavir in chronic hepatitis B patients.

Background/aims: Hepatitis B core antigen is known to be a major target for virus-specific T cells and also reflects the progression of liver dissease and viral replication. Hepatitis B core antigen expression in hepatocytes leads to altered histological activity, viral replication, and immune response. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the topographical distribution of hepatitis B core antigen expression can predict the viral response to entecavir in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

A novel splice-site mutation c.42-2A>T (IVS1-2A>T) of SERPINC1 in a Korean family with inherited antithrombin deficiency.

Inherited antithrombin (AT) deficiency (OMIM 107300) is an autosomal dominant disorder and causes a 20-fold increase in the risk of venous thromboembolism. Herein, we describe a case of a novel splice-site mutation in the SERPINC1 gene in a Korean patient with inherited AT deficiency. The patient was a 35-year-old woman who presented with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism and was without a recent history of any precipitating factors.