Long-Term Prognostic Significance of Persisting Histological Activity Despite Biochemical Remission in Autoimmune Hepatitis.

Objectives: Biochemical remission is widely considered a satisfactory treatment end point in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The significance of persisting histological activity despite biochemical remission is unknown. We aimed to assess the frequency and prognostic significance of persisting histological inflammation in patients with AIH who had achieved biochemical remission with treatment.

Change in awareness of gluten-related disorders among chefs and the general public in the UK: a 10-year follow-up study.

Background And Objectives: In view of the increasing popularity of a gluten-free diet, we sought to determine whether there has been a change in awareness of gluten-related disorders (GRD) among the general public and chefs.

Materials And Methods: A face-to-face questionnaire on coeliac disease (CD) and gluten sensitivity (GS) was performed on the general public and chefs based in Sheffield, UK. The assessment was first carried out in 2003 and repeated in 2013.

Khat (Catha Edulis) as a possible cause of autoimmune hepatitis.

Aim: To investigate the potential role of khat in triggering auto immune hepatitis.

Methods: Patients with a history of khat use and acute hepatitis were identified using the computer database in the hepatology department at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. They were then assessed for probability of having autoimmune hepatitis using the revised autoimmune hepatitis scoring criteria.

Refractory bleeding from portal hypertensive gastropathy: a further novel role for thalidomide therapy?

Bleeding from portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) can pose a therapeutic challenge. Thalidomide, which selectively inhibits tumour necrosis factor-alpha production by enhancing messenger RNA degradation, has been shown to reduce portal venous pressure in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Thalidomide is also a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis.

Chefs' knowledge of coeliac disease (compared to the public): a questionnaire survey from the United Kingdom.

Background: For patients with coeliac disease (CD), compliance with a gluten-free diet, when eating food not prepared at home may be difficult.

Aims: We assessed whether there are differences in the eating habits of coeliac patients when compared to the general public. In addition, we compared chefs' knowledge with the public's knowledge about CD.