Seroprevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection among blood donors in Serbia: A multicentre study.

Background: The epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have not yet been described in Serbia.

Aims: To determine the prevalence of anti-HCV-positive individuals among first-time blood donors and the risk factors for hepatitis C transmission.

Methods: A multicentre case-control study nested within a prospective cohort study was conducted at 10 main transfusion centres in Serbia in 2013 and 27,160 blood donors who gave blood for the first time were included.

The influence of single and combined IL28B polymorphisms on response to treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Background: Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near IL28B gene were shown to be highly predictive of sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Objectives: This study attempted to demonstrate the role of single and combined IL28B polymorphisms (rs8099917, rs12979860 and rs12980275) and other host and viral factors in predicting response to treatment, in Caucasian patients infected with HCV genotype 1.

Study Design: The IL28B genotypes at 3 SNPs were determined in 106 patients who underwent standard 48-week therapy and out of which 55.

[Influence of depression on the quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis C].

Introduction: Chronic hepatitis C reduces the quality of life in patients causing fatigue, loss of self-confidence, reduced working capacity, development of depression, emotional problems, and cognitive dysfunction.

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify the presence of depression in patients with chronic hepatitis C, predicting factors for its expression, and the impact of depression on the quality of life in these patients.

Methods: During the prospective study, we used the Hamilton depression scale to investigate the presence of depression, generic 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Chronic Liver Diseases Questionnaire (CLDQ) to examine the quality of life in 100 patients with chronic hepatitis C, 30 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 30 patients with chronic liver disease nonviral aetiology and 50 healthy persons.

Characteristics of patients dying from acute viral hepatitis in Serbia.

Background/aims: Acute viral hepatitis is complicated rarely with severe liver failure due to many factors associated with the etiology, patient age, and time of development of hepatic encephalopathy, etc. The aim of this study was to identify some of the clinical and laboratory features associated with a fatal outcome in patients dying from acute viral hepatitis in Serbia.

Methods: Clinical and laboratory data from 47 patients hospitalized from January 1989 December 2006 were reviewed retrospectively.

[Quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis C].

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus often causes chronic liver disease reducing physical, mental and social functions in these patients.

Objective: The aim of this investigation was analysis of the quality of life in chronic hepatitis C patients compared to patients with other chronic liver diseases and healthy population, as well as investigation of the influence of socio-demographic factors on the quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Methods: A generic Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire and Chronic Liver Diseases Questionnaire (CLDQ) were used in this prospective study for the investigation of the quality of life in 160 patients (100 patients with chronic hepatitis C, 30 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 30 patients with non-viral chronic liver diseases) and 50 healthy controls.

Epidemiological characteristics and clinical manifestations of acute non-A-E hepatitis.

Background/aim: Acute non-A, non-B, non-C, non-D, non-E hepatitis (non-A-E AH) is an acute disease of the liver of unknown etiology for which one or more new, so far undetected, hepatotropic viruses may be responsible. The frequency of non-A-E AH ranges from 3.8% to 33.

[Comparison of clinical and laboratory characteristics of viral hepatitis A and E in Montenegro].

Introduction: Hepatitis E has many similarities in with hepatitis A concerning clinical picture, route of transmission and nonexistence of chronicity. Comparison of clinical and laboratory parameters of patients with hepatitis A and E to estimate characteristics of these diseases.

Material And Methods: Total of 54 patients divided into two groups was investigated: 27 had hepatitis A, others had hepatitis E.

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus MHR mutations and their correlation with genotypes and antiviral therapy in chronically infected patients in Serbia.

Understanding the prevalence and diversity of HBsAg variants in a population is fundamental to assay design and planning vaccination programs. It has been shown that mutations within the S gene, caused by selection or natural variation, can lead to false-negative results in assays for HBsAg, or have clinical implications, such as evading anti-HBV immunoglobulin therapy or vaccine-induced immunity. The region of HBsAg where most of these mutations occur is known as the major hydrophilic region (MHR).

Acute hepatitis E in Montenegro: epidemiology, clinical and laboratory features.

Objective: To evaluate the incidence, demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with acute viral hepatitis E in Montenegro.

Material And Methods: A total of 400 patients with acute viral hepatitis from January 1st, 2000 to December 31st, 2007 were enrolled in the study. Serological tests for hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex viruses were performed.

Treatment of subacute hepatitis B with lamivudine: a pilot study in Serbia.

Background/aim: The incidence of acute hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection in adults has increased in recent years in Serbia. Most icteric patients with acute hepatitis B resolve their infection and do not require treatment. Fulminant hepatitis B is a severe form of acute infection complicated by encephalopathy and liver failure.

Reduced quality of life in patients with chronic viral liver disease as assessed by SF12 questionnaire.

Background & Aim: Quality of life may be reduced in patients with chronic liver diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of chronic viral liver disease on health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Patients And Methods: Quality of life was prospectively investigated in 227 patients with chronic viral liver disease and 75 controls.

Liver enlargement associated with opportunistic infections in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Background And Aim: Liver disease is commonly present in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The aim was to determine the frequency of liver enlargement and its association with opportunistic infections in patients with HIV infection.

Patients And Methods: A total of 400 HIV-infected patients were investigated.

Older age at the time of liver biopsy is the important risk factor for advanced fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Background/aims: Progression of chronic hepatitis C depends on the host and viral characteristics, duration of infection, co-infection with other viruses, etc. In this study, some of demographic, epidemiological and viral data as risk factors for a degree of liver fibrosis were evaluated.

Methodology: A total of 144 patients was investigated (89 males, ages from 16-65 years) classified into two groups, with fibrosis scores 0-3 and 4-6, using the Ishak scoring system.

[The role of interferon in the treatment of acute hepatitis C].

Introduction: Progression from acute to chronic HCV infection occurs in 50% to 84% of cases. Even the latest approach--combination therapy with pegilated interferon alfa 2-a or 2b and ribavirin--eliminates the virus in only 54% to 56% of cases with chronic infection. The aim of this study is to determine whether treatment during the acute phase prevents the development of chronic infection.

Hepatitis C virus genotypes in Serbia and Montenegro: the prevalence and clinical significance.

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in Serbia and Montenegro and their influence on some clinical characteristics in patients with chronic HCV infection.

Methods: A total of 164 patients was investigated. Complete history, route of infection, assessment of alcohol consumption, an abdominal ultrasound, standard biochemical tests and liver biopsy were done.

[The role of lamivudine in the treatment of HBe antigen negative liver cirrhosis].

Introduction: Lamivudine is effective in suppressing hepatitis B virus replication and hepatic necroinflammatory activity. Patients with HBV-related chronic liver disease often present with hepatic decompensation and are not eligible for interferon therapy. The effectiveness of antiviral therapy in preventing disease progression in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis is unknown.

[Chronic hepatitis C virus infection: is there a correlation between HCV genotypes and the level of viremia?].

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA status and HCV genotypes have become extremely important for exact diagnosis, prognosis, duration of treatment and monitoring of antiviral therapy of chronic HCV infection.

Material And Methods: For the purpose of precise and objective assessment of virologic analyses, such as the determination of the number of virus copies and virus genotypes, 110 patients with chronic HCV infection were tested Genotyping of HCV isolates and HCV RNA quantification were performed by using the PCR method. Genotype 1b infection was verified in 49.

Histopathology of chronic hepatitis C in relation to virus genotype.

Background/aim: The natural history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is variable and the factors determining the course of the illness are unclear. There are geographical variations in the distribution of different HCV genotypes, and some of them are related to the specific infection routes. Regarding our country, the dominant genotype is genotype 1b.

[The importance of aminotransferases and platelets count in non-invasive evaluation stages of chronic hepatitis C].

143 patients with chronic hepatitis C were investigated. The following two parameters were determined: the asparate to alanine aminotransferase ratio and the asparate aminotransferase to platelets count index. A liver biopsy was performed for every patient and stages of liver fibrosis were evaluated.

Treatment of anicteric acute hepatitis C with peginterferon alpha-2a plus ribavirin.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most frequent cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma in the world. Acute hepatitis C is the most commonly asymptomatic liver disease with the development of chronic HCV infection in the majority of infected patients. Studies of the natural history of HCV infection suggest that only 15-30% of patients with acute infection recover spontaneously.

[Current treatment of chronic hepatitis C].

Chronic hepatitis C is defined as a long-term disease of the liver that can progress to liver cirrhosis with severe consequences. Use of antiviral therapy prevents these consequences and is advised in relation to whom is considered to be definitely appropriate. Current treatment of adults includes combined regimen of pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin and has an advantage over monotherapy.

[Elevated aminotransferse levels--diagnostic approach].

Introduction: Aminotransferase levels are a sensitive indicator of liver cell injury and is frequently used to identify patients with liver diseases such as hepatitis. Both aminotransferases are normally present in serum at low levels, usually less than 30 U per liter. Although these enzymes are present in tissues throughout the body, they are most often elevated in patients with liver diseases and may reflect liver injury.

[Autoantibodies characteristic for autoimmune hepatitis found in chronic hepatitis C].

In the patients with chronic hepatitis C (HHC) there have been found different autoantibodies, some typical for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) type 1, like: antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in 15-60%, anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA) in 34-60%, or AIH type 2: anti liver/kidney microsomes 1 autoantibodies (LKM 1) in 0-6%. Also, antimitochondrial autoantibodies (AMA), which defines PBC, is discovered in 0.7-1.