Comparison of 2D Shear Wave Elastography and Transient Elastography in Non-Invasive Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis in Hepatitis C Virus-Related Chronic Liver Disease.

Transient Elastography (TE) is widely regarded as the most reliable non-invasive method for evaluating liver fibrosis. Recently, new techniques such as 2D Shear Wave Elastography (2D-SWE) have been developed. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between TE and 2D-SWE in patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease and to redefine the cut-off values of 2D-SWE for predicting different stages of fibrosis based on our results.

A holistic evaluation of patients with chronic Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection enrolled in the Italian PITER-B and delta cohort.

Background And Aims: We aimed to characterize the epidemiologic and comorbidities profiles of patients with chronic Hepatitis D (CHD) followed in clinical practice in Italy and explored their interferon (IFN) eligibility.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of the PITER cohort consisting of consecutive HBsAg-positive patients from 59 centers over the period 2019-2023. Multivariable analysis was performed by logistic regression model.

Use of etonogestrel subcutaneous implant in Sardinia, Italy: women's compliance and satisfaction.

Purpose Of The Article: The main aim of the study was to analyze the population of women who used etonogestrel implant, the reason that led them to this type of contraception, and the degree of compliance with it. Materials and methods: We carried out a retrospective study on women who had etonogestrel subcutaneous implant placed (n°47) over a 6-year period (2015-2021). We submitted the women a series of questions by telephone questionnaire (range 10-72 months after placements, mean 40 months) that investigated the comorbidities and side effects related to etonogestrel implant.

Pulmonary Involvement in Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis: A Systematic Review.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a non-malignant disease, characterized by the production of wart-like growths in the respiratory tract, affecting both young people and adults (juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, JORRP, and adult-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, AORRP, respectively). Infection caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is known as the main factor involved in RRP development. Complications of RRP may rarely occur, including lung involvement and malignant transformation.

Quick diagnostic approach for HIV/STDs among migrants: results from a monocentric Italian cohort.

Introduction: Migration has a direct influence on sexual health. Differences both in sexual networks and the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) between racial or ethnic minorities and the native population have been described in the literature.

Methodology: We collected data on medical history, physical examination, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/STDs tests.

Analysis of Patients' Characteristics and Treatment Profile of People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) with and without a Co-Diagnosis of Viral Hepatitis C: A Real-World Retrospective Italian Analysis.

Purpose: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads from contact with blood of an infected person. HCV infections are common among people who use drugs (PWUDs), when sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment for injected drugs. The advent of pangenotypic direct-antiviral agents (DAA) in 2017 transformed the treatment landscape for HCV, but PWUDs remain a complex and hard-to-treat population with high risk of HCV reinfection.

Impact of Early SARS-CoV-2 Antiviral Therapy on Disease Progression.

Since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several treatments have been proposed to prevent the progression of the disease. Currently, three antiviral (molnupiravir, nirmaltrevir/r, remdesivir) and two monoclonal antibodies (casirivimab/imdevimab and sotrovimab) are available in Italy. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the presence of risk factors associated with disease progression.

Is the 4C Score Still a Valid Item to Predict In-Hospital Mortality in People with SARS-CoV-2 Infections in the Omicron Variant Era?

Since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several scores have been proposed to identify infected individuals at a higher risk of progression and death. The most famous is the 4C score. However, it was developed in early 2020.

Safety and efficacy of molnupiravir in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients: A real-life experience.

Since the start of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, several treatments have been proposed to cure coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and prevent it. Molnupiravir is a ribonucleoside prodrug of N-hydroxycytidine with an in vitro and in vivo activity against SARS-CoV-2. We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included all people treated with molnupiravir between January 10, 2022, and March 31, 2022, at the University Hospital of Sassari.

Infections in lung transplanted patients: A review.

Lung transplantation can improve the survival of patients with severe chronic pulmonary disorders. However, the short- and long-term risk of infections can increase morbidity and mortality rates. A non-systematic review was performed to provide the most updated information on pathogen, host, and environment-related factors associated with the occurrence of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections as well as the most appropriate therapeutic options.

Effectiveness of Vitamin D Supplements among Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: Results from a Monocentric Matched-Cohort Study.

Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of Vitamin D3 (VitD3) among patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the difference in survival rates between patients receiving and not VitD3. The secondary endpoints were to evaluate clinical outcomes, such as needing non-invasive ventilation (NIV), ICU transfer, and laboratory findings (inflammatory parameters).

Early treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin reduces mortality rate in SARS-CoV-2 patients.

Background: Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, millions of people have been infected and died. Different therapeutic approaches have been recommended, but only a few have shown clinical advantages. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) has been recommended to prevent COVID-19-related thrombo-embolic events.

Joint replacement for avascular necrosis in people living with HIV.

Recently, the interest on multifocal avascular necrosis (AVN) among people living with HIV (PLWH) is rising. PLWH have an incidence of symptomatic AVN significantly higher than the general population. The chronic viral infection may induce a direct damage via necrotizing vasculitis, on the other hand the highly active antiretroviral therapy represents a probable risk factor as it can indirectly lead to multifocal necrosis.

Emerging Clinical Features of COVID-19 Related Pancreatitis: Case Reports and Review of the Literature.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 is fundamentally a respiratory pathogen with a wide spectrum of symptoms. The COVID-19 related pancreatitis is less considered than other clinical features. The purpose is to describe two cases of pancreatitis associated with COVID-19.

Mood Reactive Disorders among COVID-19 Inpatients: Experience from a Monocentric Cohort.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the presence and severity of depressive symptoms among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inpatients and any possible changes after their discharge.

Subject And Methods: We collected data of patients admitted to the Infectious Disease Unit in Sassari, Italy, for COVID-19, from March 8 to May 8, 2020. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was performed 1 week after admission (T0) and 1 week after discharge (T1).

Hepatitis C Treatment Outcomes in Persons With HIV and Decompensated Cirrhosis Using a Collaborative Multidisciplinary HIV-Centered Approach.

Fifty-four consecutive persons with HIV co-infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and liver decompensation were treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAA). The HCV treatment was delivered using a multidisciplinary HIV-coinfection model of care integrating sub-specialty services in 3 countries. Of those treated, 91% (95% confidence interval, 80.

Genetic Determinants in a Critical Domain of NS5A Correlate with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Patients Infected with HCV Genotype 1b.

HCV is an important cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCV NS5A domain-1 interacts with cellular proteins inducing pro-oncogenic pathways. Thus, we explore genetic variations in NS5A domain-1 and their association with HCC, by analyzing 188 NS5A sequences from HCV genotype-1b infected DAA-naïve cirrhotic patients: 34 with HCC and 154 without HCC.

The PaO2/FiO2 ratio on admission is independently associated with prolonged hospitalization in COVID-19 patients.

Introduction: The early identification of factors that predict the length of hospital stay (HS) in patients affected by coronavirus desease (COVID-19) might assist therapeutic decisions and patient flow management.

Methodology: We collected, at the time of admission, routine clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters of hypoxia, lung damage, inflammation, and organ dysfunction in a consecutive series of 50 COVID-19 patients admitted to the Respiratory Disease and Infectious Disease Units of the University Hospital of Sassari (North-Sardinia, Italy) and alive on discharge.

Results: Prolonged HS (PHS, >21 days) patients had significantly lower PaO2/FiO2 ratio and lymphocytes, and significantly higher Chest CT severity score, C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) when compared to non-PHS patients.