High-dose tigecycline and colistin for successful treatment of disseminated carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in a liver transplant recipient.

Solid organ transplantation (SOT) is a risk factor for the acquisition of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. This infection is associated with a high mortality rate given the limited armamentarium of antibiotics for multidrug-resistant organisms along with continued immunosuppression to prevent graft rejection. We report a case of carbapenem-resistant K.

Lower than expected hepatitis B virus infection prevalence among first generation Koreans in the U.S.: results of HBV screening in the Southern California Inland Empire.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is prevalent in Asian immigrants in the USA. California's Inland Empire region has a population of approximately four million, including an estimated 19,000 first generation Koreans. Our aim was to screen these adult individuals to establish HBV serological diagnoses, educate, and establish linkage to care.

Use of ImPACT to diagnose minimal hepatic encephalopathy: an accurate, practical, user-friendly internet-based neuropsychological test battery.

Background And Aims: An effective, user-friendly neurocognitive test to diagnose minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is needed. Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) is a brief, validated, Web-based, neuropsychological test battery resulting in four composite scores [Verbal Memory (VrbM), Visual Memory, Visual Motor Speed (VMS), Reaction Time (RT)]. We compared ImPACT to traditional paper-and-pencil tests in patients at risk for MHE versus controls.

A new highly sensitive point of care screen for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis using the leukocyte esterase method.

Background & Aims: Urine reagent strips measuring leukocyte esterase activity have been studied to screen spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) but are insensitive. We calibrated a strip specifically for ascitic fluid to achieve high sensitivity in this diagnosis.

Methods: Experiments were conducted on ascitic fluid from patients with cirrhosis.

Instant diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis using leukocyte esterase reagent strips: Nephur-Test vs. MultistixSG.

Background/aim: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), defined by an ascites neutrophil count >250/mul, is a severe complication of cirrhosis and demands prompt diagnosis. Leukocyte esterase reagent strips can rapidly detect leukocytes in physiological fluids. We compared the performance of two leukocyte esterase reagent strips in the diagnosis of SBP.

Proposal for a histological scoring and grading system for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Aim/background: The spectrum of histopathological features in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been well described. At least two scoring systems have been established. We propose here a system in which numerical scores are obtained using the different features.

Rapid diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis with leukocyte esterase reagent strips in a European and in an American center.

Background: Timely diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) are essential to survival. The purpose of the present paper was to evaluate leukocyte esterase reagent strips (Nephur-Test and MultistixSG10) in the bedside diagnosis of SBP.

Methods: Patients with cirrhotic ascites were prospectively included in France (center 1) and in the USA (center 2).

HFE based re-evaluation of heterozygous hemochromatosis.

Homozygosity for the C282Y mutation in the HFE gene is strongly associated with hereditary hemochromatosis. More than one subject out of 10 in the general population is a heterozygote for the C282Y mutation. In this study, we address whether or not conclusions drawn from HLA-based family studies regarding the expression of heterozygous hemochromatosis are applicable to C282Y heterozygotes.