New insight into the role of NT-proBNP in alcoholic liver cirrhosis as a noninvasive marker of esophageal varices.

Aim: To investigate the association between plasma concentrations of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and formation of esophageal varices.

Methods: Thirty-five patients with alcoholic cirrhosis were divided into three groups according to the Child-Pugh classification: grade A (n=11, 32%), B (n=12, 34%), and C (n=12, 34%). System hemodynamic parameters were measured using sphygmomanometry, electrocardiography, and echocardiography.

Epithelial and stromal expression of syndecan-2 in pancreatic carcinoma.

Unlabelled: The aim of the study was to determine the expression and prognostic role of syndecan-2 in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Patients And Methods: Syndecan-2 expression and its relationship with established prognostic features were assessed in a series of 53 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Results: Epithelial expression was observed in 23 (43.

Therapy of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: current status.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, has become a common entity in clinical practice. In most of the patients it presents as simple steatosis with nonprogressive clinical course. However, some patients have progressive form of NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and are at increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease].

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in Western countries. Although no specific studies have been performed, the estimated prevalence of NAFLD in Croatia correlates with the prevalence in other countries, ranging from 20% to 40%. It encompasses a histological spectrum that ranges from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, which can progress to cirrhosis in up to 20% of patients.

[Endoscopic ultrasonography in the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis].

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been considered a gold standard in the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis; however, the incidence of complications is high. In literature reports, the morbidity rate ranges from 5% to 19% and mortality rate from 0.1% to 1.