Effectiveness of combined therapy radiofrequency ablation/transarterial chemoembolization versus transarterial chemoembolization/radiofrequency ablation on management of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: One of the most widespread cancer-associated death worldwide is Hepatocellular carcinoma. Concerning hepatic malignant tumor staging system known as Barcelona clinic of liver cancer, a superior curative response could be carried out by combined techniques [radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)] for stage B comparing with TACE alone as palliative monotherapy.

Objectives: To discuss the merging effect of RFA followed by TACE and vice versa on objective response, overall survival, local recurrence and tumor-free survival.

Assessment of the co-incidence between non alcoholic fatty liver disease and carotid atherosclerosis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common cause of abnormal liver biochemistry and cryptogenic cirrhosis. Those with NAFLD have a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis, as shown by increased carotid artery intimal media thickness (CIMT). The aim of this study is to assess the co-incidence and prevalence between NAFLD and carotid atherosclerosis.

Impact of hepatocellular carcinoma on health related quality of life in Egyptian patients: a single centre study.

Among patients with chronic liver disease, impairment in HRQOL has been reported. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major squeal of chronic liver diseases. So, relationship between subjective HRQOL and HCC must be analysed.

Clinical features of avian influenza in Egyptian patients.

The clinical manifestations associated with H5N1 infection in humans range from asymptomatic infection to mild upper respiratory illness, severe pneumonia, and multiple organ failure. The ratio of symptomatic cases to asymptomatic cases is not known, because it is not possible to precisely define the number of asymptomatic cases. A total of 97 cases suffering from avian flu were suspected based on history taking, demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory and radiological investigations.

Assessment of Rose Bengal test in diagnosing Egyptian human brucellosis.

A total of 30 patients suffering from brucellosis were suspected based on history taking, clinical manifestations and positive serum tube agglutination test (at titer > or = 1/160). The followings were done for all cases; complete blood picture (differential leucocytic count) and liver function tests, serodiagnosis of Brucella (serum tube agglutination test (STAT) as well as Rose Bengal test (RBT) and PCR. The study aimed to analyze the diagnostic value of RBT as compared to STAT and PCR for human brucellosis, and to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, the cost and the time consuming of RBT as compared to STAT and PCR.

Assessment of the role of interleukin-6 in diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a promising tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma; HCC. IL-6 may help to identify a subset of HCC patients with low alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, and may serve as complementary tumor marker, however, this has to be clarified. This study assesses the value of measuring serum level of interleukin-6 in patients with chronic liver disease and HCC, and evaluates its sensitivity and specificity in comparison to AFP in early diagnosis of HCC.