Altered phenotype and functionality of circulating immune cells characterize adult patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease associated with insulin resistance and its metabolic consequences. Leukocyte mobilization, intrahepatic activation, and an exacerbated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines contribute to the development of NASH. Though alterations in peripheral blood (PB) T cell proportions and functionality remain unidentified, they might play a main role in NASH progression.

Pilot study: Gelafundin (polygeline) 4% plus antibiotics in the treatment of high-risk cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Background: Cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) have elevated rates of renal impairment and mortality. It has been shown that cefotaxime plus albumin infusion decrease renal impairment compared with antibiotic treatment alone, in patients with serum bilirubin >4 mg/dL or creatinine >1 mg/dL.

Aim: To assess clinical outcomes of high-risk cirrhotic patients with SBP who were treated with antibiotics associated with Gelafundin (polygeline) 4%.

Serum creatinine and bilirubin predict renal failure and mortality in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: a retrospective study.

Background: Patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) are at a high risk for renal failure and death despite successful treatment of infection. Intravenous (IV) albumin administration combined with antibiotic treatment has been shown to significantly decrease these risks. Clinical evidence is lacking on which patients are appropriate candidates for albumin treatment.

Prevalence of primary sclerosing cholangitis in patients with ulcerative colitis and the risk of developing malignancies. A large prospective study.

Background/aim: primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is associated with ulcerative colitis (UC) and seems to be a risk factor for colon cancer. However, taking into account that no data are available in South American population, we analyzed the prevalence of PSC in 1,333 patients with UC and the risk for developing colon cancer.

Material: patients with persistent increases of alkaline phosphatase were studied by cholangiography and liver biopsy.

Ciprofloxacin in primary prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Background/aims: Low protein concentration in ascitic fluid has been identified as a risk factor for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Until now, primary prophylaxis has not been recommended in these patients. The aim was to investigate the efficacy of long-term administration of ciprofloxacin to prevent SBP.