Factors associated with steatosis in liver biopsies of individuals with chronic hepatitis C infection in southern Brazil.

Background And Study Aims: Infection by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with various metabolic disorders that are collectively referred to as dysmetabolic syndrome associated with HCV. Hepatic steatosis is a common finding in chronic HCV infection and has been reported in 30-70% of patients. Here, we determine the prevalence of steatosis in patients with HCV, identify the characteristics associated with the presence of steatosis in liver biopsies and assess the association between steatosis and the severity of liver disease.

Clinical and laboratorial features of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in southern Brazil.

Context And Objective: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a severe complication that occurs in 8-27% of hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites, with high mortality rates. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics associated with SBP.

Design And Setting: Cross-sectional study, conducted in a public university.

Autoantibody profile in individuals with chronic hepatitis C.

Introduction: Autoantibodies are often produced during infection with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), but it remains controversial whether they influence the biochemical profile and histological features of this disease. Therefore, this current study sought to describe these autoantibodies and evaluate their impact on the clinical and histological presentation of hepatitis C.

Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study assessed patients with HCV (RNA+) from October 2011 to July 2012.