Non-invasive aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index correlates well with invasive hepatic venous pressure gradient in cirrhosis.

Background: Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is the best recommended tool to measure portal pressure, but is invasive. HVPG helps in prognosticating cirrhosis and predict its complications. Aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) is a simple non-invasive marker of hepatic fibrosis.

All ileo-cecal ulcers are not Crohn's: Changing perspectives of symptomatic ileocecal ulcers.

Aim: To investigated clinical, endoscopic and histopathological parameters of the patients presenting with ileocecal ulcers on colonoscopy.

Methods: Consecutive symptomatic patients undergoing colonoscopy, and diagnosed to have ulcerations in the ileocecal (I/C) region, were enrolled. Biopsy was obtained and their clinical presentation and outcome were recorded.

Hemodynamic Response to Carvedilol is Maintained for Long Periods and Leads to Better Clinical Outcome in Cirrhosis: A Prospective Study.

Background: Non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs), e.g. propranolol, are recommended for prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in cirrhosis.

Adrenal insufficiency predicts early mortality in patients with cirrhosis.

Background: Adrenal insufficiency (AI), also known as hepato-adrenal syndrome, is a well-known entity in cirrhotic patients. However, factors associated with AI and its effect on survival are still not clear. We determined the prevalence of AI in patients with cirrhosis who had no hemodynamic instability or any acute deterioration, and studied its influence on short-term survival.

Low eosinophil count predicts in-hospital mortality in cirrhosis with systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

Background: Absolute eosinophil count (AEC) and procalcitonin (PCT) level may have a prognostic value in critically ill patients. However, their role in cirrhotic patients has never been studied. We evaluated the role of AEC and PCT, obtained at admission, in predicting in-hospital mortality in cirrhotic patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).