A bibliometric analysis of inflammatory bowel disease research in the Arab world.

Background: The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to increase worldwide, including in the Arab world. This study investigates IBD research output in Arab countries from 2009 to 2023, alongside prevalence and incidence trends.

Methods: We utilized bibliometric analysis with data from Clarivate Analytics, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and the World Bank.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt for Budd-Chiari Syndrome: A Single-Centre Experience.

: Despite several challenges in clinical management, there has been significant progress in understanding the aetiology, natural history and outcomes of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) treatments. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) using covered stent in management of BCS. : We conducted a retrospective analysis of 70 BCS patients who underwent TIPS using covered stents between January 2010 and December 2022 at a single tertiary liver transplant centre.

The burden of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and viral hepatitis in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Globally, viral hepatitis is decreasing, but nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is increasing. We assessed the burden and trends of MASLD and viral hepatitis in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Prevalence, death, and disability data due to MASLD, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) were obtained from 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database for Saudi Arabia.

Robotic living donor hepatectomy is associated with superior outcomes for both the donor and the recipient compared with laparoscopic or open - A single-center prospective registry study of 3448 cases.

Minimally invasive donor hepatectomy is an emerging surgical technique in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We examined outcomes across open, laparoscopic, and robotic LDLT using a prospective registry. We analyzed 3448 cases (1724 donor-recipient pairs) from January 2011 to March 2023 (NCT06062706).

The Diagnostic Performance of Various Clinical Specimens for the Detection of COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis of RT-PCR Studies.

Background: The diagnostic performance of numerous clinical specimens to diagnose COVID-19 through RT-PCR techniques is very important, and the test result outcome is still unclear. This review aimed to analyze the diagnostic performance of clinical samples for COVID-19 detection by RT-PCR through a systematic literature review process.

Methodology: A compressive literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to November 2022.

Recent Advances in Locoregional Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is responsible for 90% of primary hepatic cancer cases, and its incidence with associated morbidity and mortality is growing worldwide. In recent decades, there has been a revolution in HCC treatment. There are three main types of locoregional therapy: radiofrequency ablation, transarterial chemoembolisation, and transarterial radioembolisation.

Diabetes mellitus is not associated with worse short term outcome in patients older than 65 years old post-liver transplantation.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a global health care challenge and a leading indication of liver transplantation (LT). Hence, more patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are undergoing LT, especially, above the age of 65.

Aim: To evaluate the impact of DM on short-term outcomes post-LT in patients over the age of 65.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence and Mortality Rate Post Liver Transplantation: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Real-World Evidence.

Background: liver transplantation (LT) is the best curative option for eligible patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however recurrence remains a major concern. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of HCC recurrence.

Methods: studies were selected using PubMed, Epistemonikas, and Google Scholar databases published from inception to 15 May 2022 and a meta-analysis of the proportions was conducted.

Comparison of the safety and immunogenicity of the BNT-162b2 vaccine and the ChAdOx1 vaccine for solid organ transplant recipients: a prospective study.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and its resulting disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has spread to millions of people worldwide. Preliminary data from organ transplant recipients have shown reduced seroconversion rates after the administration of different SARS-CoV-2 vaccination platforms. However, it is unknown whether different vaccination platforms provide different levels of protection against SARS-CoV-2.

First Experience in Living Liver Donation From Donors With Sickle Cell Trait.

Unlabelled: Living donor liver transplantation is the main source of organs in the Middle East. Therefore, well balanced criteria are needed to avoid unnecessary exclusion of potential donors, while prioritizing donor safety. We face a high incidence of sickle cell trait (SCT; and disease).

Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization Versus Drug-Eluting Beads in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs in nearly three-quarters of all primary liver cancers, with the majority not amenable to curative therapies. We therefore aimed to re-evaluate the safety, efficacy, and survival benefits of treating patients with drug-eluting beads transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) compared to the conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (C-TACE). Several databases were searched with a strict eligibility criterion for studies reporting on adult patients with unresectable or recurrent HCC.

Long Term Outcomes of Liver Transplantation For Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis.

Background: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare indication for liver transplantation (LT). Data on the long-term outcomes of living-related LT for AIH are limited and inconsistent. The present study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of deceased donor LT (DDLT) and living donor LT (LDLT) for AIH.

Changing trends in liver transplantation indications in Saudi Arabia: from hepatitis C virus infection to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background: Several trend analyses on liver transplantation (LT) indications have been published in the U.S. and in other countries, but there are limited data on LT indication trends in Saudi Arabia (SA), especially since the availability of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Effect of COVID-19 on liver abnormalities: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Emerging evidence suggest association of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection with the development of many liver abnormalities. The overarching aim of this study was therefore to assess the available evidence on the clinical effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the profiles of liver chemistries and coagulation in COVID-19 diagnosed patients. We considered all study designs including epidemiological and observational that reported liver function test abnormalities in patients confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Validating controlled attenuation parameter in the assessment of hepatic steatosis in living liver donors.

Introduction: Hepatic steatosis (HS) negatively impacts transplant outcomes in living liver donors. To date, liver biopsy is preferred for HS evaluation. This study aims to evaluate the measurement of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) as a diagnostic tool of HS in living liver donors.

Efficacy and safety of once daily tacrolimus compared to twice daily tacrolimus after liver transplantation.

Background: Once daily tacrolimus regimen was found to exhibits similar bioavailability, safety and efficacy properties compared to twice-daily tacrolimus in kidney transplantation patients.

Aim: To compare the efficacy and safety of once-daily prolonged release tacrolimus compared to twice-daily tacrolimus in liver transplantation patients.

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL databases were searched for clinical trials until December 2020.

Living donor liver transplantation in septuagenarians: Better late than never.

Background: The coupling of increased life expectancy and improvements in both quality and access to chronic liver disease care, is culminating in an expanding population of septuagenarians (≥70 years) in need of liver transplantation (LT). The objective of this study is to partially alleviate this knowledge deficit and to add clarity to the current status and role of LDLT in this recipient population.

Methods: Of 295 adult patients underwent LDLT between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2016.

Long-Term Outcomes of Everolimus Therapy in De Novo Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Risk of nephrotoxicity in liver transplant patients on calcineurin inhibitors (CnIs) is a concern. Several controlled trials reported benefit of everolimus (EVR) in minimizing this risk when combined with a reduced CnI dose.

Background: To systematically review the efficacy and safety of EVR, alone or with reduced CnI dose, as compared to CnI alone post-liver transplantation.

Hepatocellular carcinoma and the Fontan circulation: Clinical presentation and outcomes.

Background: Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) is universal in patients with a Fontan circulation. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of its severe expressions, and, though rare, frequently fatal. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, risk factors, and outcomes of HCC in patients with a Fontan circulation.

Diminished accuracy of biomarkers of fibrosis in low replicative chronic hepatitis B.

Background: We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), AST/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AAR), and age-platelet index (API) for significant fibrosis (Metavir F2-4) in low-replicative (HBV DNA <20,000 IU/mL) chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients.

Methods: The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of HBeAg-negative, low-replicative (n = 213) and high-replicative (HBV DNA ≥20,000 IU/mL, n = 153) patients was assessed.

Results: Overall, 113 patients (30.

Efficacy and Safety of Simeprevir or Daclatasvir in Combination With Sofosbuvir for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Genotype 4 Infection.

Introduction: The combination of sofosbuvir (SOF) with simeprevir (SMV) or daclatasvir (DCV) is very effective in treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, particularly genotype (GT) 1. However, the data on GT4 are very limited. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of SOF in combination with either SMV or DCV in GT4-infected patients.

Takayasu's arteritis and liver transplantation: Association and implications.

We present a 37-year-old lady who had liver transplantation for hepatitis B cirrhosis and was on immune suppressive treatment consisting of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and tacrolimus. She presented with undue fatigue and recurring pain in both arms. The diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis was made, supported by angiographic findings of significant stenosis of the left subclavian and both renal arteries.

Predictors of significant fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients with low viremia.

Background And Aim: The data on the prevalence and predictors of significant fibrosis (≥F2, METAVIR) in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients with low viremia are limited. We aimed to assess both the prevalence predictors of ≥F2 fibrosis in hepatitis B envelope antigen-negative patients with HBV DNA <20,000 IU/mL.

Methods: Hepatitis B envelope antigen-negative patients (n=213) with mean HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL (n=97) and HBV DNA 2000 to 20,000 IU/mL (n=116) were included and all had liver biopsy.

Efficacy of peginterferon α-2a and predictors of response in HBeAg-negative, genotype D-naive patients.

Background: Peginterferon (PEG-IFN) α-2a has been shown to induce a sustained virologic response (SVR) in 20-30% of "hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)"-negative patients.

Aim: To determine the safety and efficacy of PEG-IFN α-2a in HBeAg-negative, genotype D-naive patients and to analyze the predictors of response.

Methods: This prospective, multicenter, open-label, nonrandomized trial was conducted at four hospitals.

Accuracy of international guidelines for identifying significant fibrosis in hepatitis B e antigen--negative patients with chronic hepatitis.

Background & Aims: Differing threshold levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are recommended by international guidelines for commencement of antiviral therapy. These guidelines advocate therapy for patients with significant fibrosis (METAVIR score ≥F2); we assessed the accuracy of these guideline-defined thresholds in identifying patients with ≥F2 fibrosis.

Methods: We applied the European (European Association for the Study of the Liver [EASL] 2012), Asian-Pacific (Asian-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver [APASL] 2012), American (American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases [AASLD] 2009), and United States Panel Algorithm (USPA 2008) criteria to 366 consecutive hepatitis B e antigen-negative patients with liver biopsy samples: EASL, ALT >laboratory-defined upper limit of normal (ULN) and HBV DNA ≥2000 IU/mL (n = 171); APASL, ALT >2-fold laboratory-defined ULN and HBV DNA ≥2000 IU/mL (n = 87); AASLD, ALT >2-fold the updated ULN (0.