Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus infection in the rural northeastern United States.

Introduction And Objectives: The majority of studies regarding hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevention, screening, and treatment have been conducted in urban populations, and it is unlikely that their findings are broadly generalizable to nonurban populations. This study aimed to measure the prevalence and risk factors of HCV infection in the rural northeastern United States (US) to provide further clinical guidance for HCV screening.

Materials And Methods: This was a retrospective review of all patients older than 18 years evaluated at an integrated healthcare system, serving northern Pennsylvania and southern and central New York, who received first-time HCV screening from January 2014 to December 2019.

Scoring Systems that Predict Mortality at Admission in End-stage Liver Disease.

Background: Various scoring systems have been developed to assess the severity and survival in end-stage liver disease.

Aim Of The Study: Prospective study to compare and analyze the efficacy of scoring systems in predicting mortality in ESLD patients who present with cirrhosis specific complications to the emergency room.

Materials And Methods: This prospective, single point study was conducted over a two year period from September 2014 to August 2016 among 162 ESLD patients seeking admission to the emergency unit of Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai.

Clinical Utility of an Increase in Magnetic Resonance Elastography in Predicting Fibrosis Progression in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Background And Aims: Cross-sectional studies have shown that magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is accurate in the noninvasive detection of advanced fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, there are limited data on the longitudinal association between an increase in liver stiffness on MRE and fibrosis progression in NAFLD. Therefore, using a well-characterized prospective cohort of patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD, we aimed to examine the longitudinal association between a 15% increase in liver stiffness on MRE and fibrosis progression in NAFLD.

Liver Stiffness Severity is Associated With Increased Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Accurately assessing CVD risk in NAFLD patients is critical to improving clinical outcomes. Use of liver stiffness measurements to noninvasively assess for liver fibrosis is broadening, and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is the most accurate modality in NAFLD.

MRI Assessment of Treatment Response in HIV-associated NAFLD: A Randomized Trial of a Stearoyl-Coenzyme-A-Desaturase-1 Inhibitor (ARRIVE Trial).

Aramchol, an oral stearoyl-coenzyme-A-desaturase-1 inhibitor, has been shown to reduce hepatic fat content in patients with primary nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, its effect in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated NAFLD is unknown. The aramchol for HIV-associated NAFLD and lipodystrophy (ARRIVE) trial was a double-blind, randomized, investigator-initiated, placebo-controlled trial to test the efficacy of 12 weeks of treatment with aramchol versus placebo in HIV-associated NAFLD. Fifty patients with HIV-associated NAFLD, defined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-proton density fat fraction (PDFF) ≥5%, were randomized to receive either aramchol 600 mg daily (n = 25) or placebo (n = 25) for 12 weeks.

Seasonal dengue surge: Providers⬨tm) perceptions about the impact of dengue on patient volume, staffing and use of point of care testing in Indian emergency departments.

Background: Global health emergencies, such as from diseases like dengue fever, can lead to rapid surges in visits to emergency departments. The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of dengue on factors that could impact emergency department flow, including patient volume and staffing, on Indian emergency departments.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of Indian emergency providers.

Viral hepatitis screening in transgender patients undergoing gender identity hormonal therapy.

Background And Aim: Viral hepatitis is a global health issue and can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Guidelines for viral hepatitis screening in the transgender population do not exist. Transgender patients may be at higher risk for contracting viral hepatitis due to socioeconomic and behavioral factors.

Pemetrexed-Associated Eyelid Edema: Effective Treatment by Excision of Lymphedematous Eyelid Tissue.

Pemetrexed is an antimetabolite agent that inhibits multiple folate-requiring enzymes and is used in the treatment of mesothelioma and non-small-cell lung cancer. One of its toxicities is isolated cutaneous swelling affecting the eyelids and/or orbit. The pathologic assessment or its management has not been addressed to date.

Treatment of consecutive exotropia: unilateral lateral rectus recession combined with medial rectus advancement or resection.

Purpose: Consecutive exotropia presents a difficult clinical problem, especially when previously recessed medial recti are to be strengthened. Surgical options include advancement, typically with a small resection, and resection alone.

Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed records of all patients who underwent a second two-muscle surgery on a single eye for consecutive exotropia.