Hepatic venous pressure gradient determination in patients with hepatitis C virus-related and alcoholic cirrhosis.

Objectives: Few data exist regarding the degree of portal hypertension in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis, as the majority of studies have included mainly patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. This study was aimed at comparing the severity of portal hypertension in patients with HCV-related or alcoholic cirrhosis.

Methods: In total, 59 cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension (HCV-related in 34 cases and alcoholic in 25) underwent main right hepatic vein catheterization, with determination of the wedged and free hepatic venous pressures, and of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG).

Histological and virological features and follow-up of hepatitis C virus carriers with normal aminotransferase levels: the Italian prospective study of the asymptomatic C carriers (ISACC).

Background/aims: To evaluate demographic characteristics, liver histology and virological features of hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers with normal alanine transaminase (ALT) levels.

Methods: A nationwide prospective study was started in 1997. Four Italian centres have participated in this study.