Association between sustained virological response and clinical outcomes in patients with hepatitis C infection and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Sustained viral response (SVR) improves survival for patients with hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative treatment; however, the benefit of SVR in those with active HCC with a significant competing risk of mortality is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association between SVR and outcomes in patients with active HCC.

Methods: The authors performed a multicenter, retrospective cohort study including consecutive adults with HCV cirrhosis and treatment-naive HCC diagnosed between 2014 and 2018.

Impact of COVID-19 on gastroenterology fellowship training: a multicenter analysis of endoscopy volumes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on gastroenterology training programs. We aimed to objectively evaluate procedural training volume and impact of COVID-19 on gastroenterology fellowship programs in the United States. This was a retrospective, multicenter study.

Donor IFNL4 Genotype Is Associated with Early Post-Transplant Fibrosis in Recipients with Hepatitis C.

Background And Aims: Early post-transplant hepatic fibrosis is associated with poor outcomes and may be influenced by donor/recipient genetic factors. The rs368234815 IFNL4 polymorphism is related to the previously described IL28B polymorphism, which predicts etiology-independent hepatic fibrosis. The aim of this study was to identify the impact of donor and/or recipient IFNL4 genotype on early fibrosis among patients transplanted for hepatitis C (HCV).

An unusual case of fever of unknown origin.

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection is a common complication of the later stages of AIDS. Extrapulmonary infection with MAC in HIV-negative patients is considered uncommon. We report a case of a young female who presented with fever of unknown origin on multiple occasions and failed to be diagnosed with MAC by acid-fast stain initially.

Comparative effectiveness of biliary brush cytology and intraductal biopsy for detection of malignant biliary strictures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Evaluation of indeterminate biliary strictures typically involves collection and analysis of tissue or cells. Brush cytology and intraductal biopsies that are routinely performed during ERCP to assess malignant-appearing biliary strictures are limited by relatively low sensitivity.

Objective: To study the comparative effectiveness of brushings for cytology and intraductal biopsies in the etiology of biliary strictures.

Precut sphincterotomy: efficacy for ductal access and the risk of adverse events.

Background: Successful ductal access is achieved in 90% of patients who undergo ERCP. Precut sphincterotomy has been advocated when routine cannulation is not possible.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of precut sphincterotomy for ductal access and the risk of adverse events including post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) associated with it.

Early precut sphincterotomy and the risk of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography related complications: An updated meta-analysis.

Aim: To study the cannulation and complication rates of early pre-cut sphincterotomy vs persistent attempts at cannulation by standard approach.

Methods: Systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies published up to February 2013. The main outcome measurements were cannulation rates and post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complications.