Evaluation of BBIBP-CorV Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in Sri Lanka: a test-negative case control study.

Objectives: There is limited research on real-world effectiveness of BBIBP-CorV Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine. This study evaluated real-world effectiveness of Sinopharm vaccine in Sri Lanka by assessing absolute vaccine efficacy.

Design And Setting: A retrospective test-negative case-control study was conducted at ten large government hospitals across the country.

Splenic Stiffness Measurement Combined With Liver Stiffness Measurement Compared With Baveno VII Criteria in Predicting the Presence of Oesophageal and Gastric Varices in Patients With Compensated Advanced Liver Cell Disease (cALCD).

Introduction: Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) using vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) is being increasingly used as a screening tool to predict varices. Our aim was to test the utility of Baveno VII criteria and other combinations of LSM, platelet count (PC), and splenic stiffness measurement (SSM) to predict the presence of varices in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients with compensated advanced liver cell disease (cALCD).

Methods: Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed Child-Pugh class A cALCD (non-viral, BMI<30) were recruited prospectively.

Autoimmune Hepatitis in a Patient With Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis: A Rare Association.

When a patient with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis develops a concurrent liver disease, it is typically associated with hepatitis C. Here, we report the case of a patient with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and autoimmune hepatitis. A 54-year-old previously healthy woman presented with chronic urticaria.

Prevalence and associated factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among adults in the South Asian Region: a meta-analysis.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest chronic liver disease worldwide. We estimated the prevalence and predefined associated factors for NAFLD among South-Asian adults.

Methods: We searched PubMed and included descriptive, epidemiological studies with satisfactory methodology, reporting the prevalence of NAFLD with ultrasound.

Myocardial infarction in patients with severe beta thalassaemia: a case series.

Background: Cardiac disease remains a dominant if not the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with thalassaemia, particularly in those with thalassaemia major. Myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease however are rarely reported.

Case Presentations: Three older patients with three distinct thalassaemia syndromes presented with acute coronary syndrome.

Incidence and prevalence of alcoholic fatty liver disease: a prospective, community-based study among adult Sri Lankans.

Background: Data on the alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) is limited. Therefore, we investigated alcohol use and AFL patterns among urban, adult Sri Lankans.

Methods: The study population (selected by age-stratified random sampling) was screened in 2007 (35-64 years) and re-evaluated in 2014.

Desidustat in Anemia due to Non-Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease: A Phase 3 Study (DREAM-ND).

Background: Desidustat, an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, is being developed to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) without dialysis dependency.

Methods: In total, 588 patients with a clinical diagnosis of anemia due to CKD without dialysis need and with baseline hemoglobin of 7.0-10.

Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of frontline and non-frontline healthcare workers in Sri Lanka.

Introduction: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of mental health problems during a pandemic. Being stationed at the frontline or not may have implications on their mental health.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess depression, anxiety and stress among HCWs, to explore differences between frontline and non-frontline workers, and to investigate associated factors.

Outcomes of NAFLD and MAFLD: Results from a community-based, prospective cohort study.

Background: The term "metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease" (MAFLD) is suggested alternative for "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" (NAFLD), as it better reflects metabolic dysfunction. No study has compared outcomes of the two diagnostic criteria.

Methods: In an ongoing, community-based, cohort-study in suburban Sri Lanka, participants were randomly selected in 2007.

An unusual case of sepsis due to serovar , an emerging pathogen of non-typhoidal salmonellosis.

serovar is identified as an emerging pathogen, especially in the South and Southeast Asian regions. A 45-year-old male presented with an acute febrile illness, disoriented and confused. Blood culture became positive for serovar .

The clinical utility of accurate NAFLD ultrasound grading: Results from a community-based, prospective cohort study.

Objectives: Despite its widespread use there is no consensus on ultrasound criteria to diagnose fatty liver.

Method: In an ongoing, cohort-study, participants were initially screened in 2007 and reassessed in 2014 by interview, anthropometric measurements, liver ultrasonography, and blood tests. We evaluated utility of increased hepatic echogenicity alone (intermediate) compared to using additional criteria which included signal attenuation and/or vascular blunting along with increase of hepatic echogenicity (moderate-severe), to diagnose fatty liver in NAFLD.

Patterns and predictors of mortality in a semi-urban population-based cohort in Sri Lanka: findings from the Ragama Health Study.

Objective: To describe patterns and predictors of mortality in a semi-urban population in Sri Lanka.

Design: A prospective population-based cohort study.

Setting: Ragama Medical Officer of Health area in the Gampaha district, Sri Lanka.

Severe Hyponatremia-Induced Stress Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Takotsubo or stress cardiomyopathy is a non ischemic disease affecting the myocardium, which presents with typical features of myocardial ischemia. Although the presentation with acute central chest pain and shortness of breath mimics acute myocardial ischemia, there is an absence of actual disruption of cardiac blood supply via the coronaries due to acute plaque rupture or vascular spasm. The underlying pathophysiology of this clinical entity remains largely unclear, but a definite association with physical or emotional stress has been well established, hence the term "stress cardiomyopathy.

Should male doctors in Sri Lanka wear a necktie to be recognized and respected?

Introduction: European cultural norms have influenced physicians' attire in Sri Lanka. The necktie is one such item of clothing which is worn to be recognized and respected as professionals. This study was carried out to assess the perceptions of doctors and patients towards male doctors wearing neckties while providing patient care.

Non-resolution of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among urban, adult Sri Lankans in the general population: A prospective, cohort follow-up study.

Background: There are few studies investigating the natural course of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the community. We assessed resolution of NAFLD in a general population cohort of urban Sri Lankans adults.

Methods: Participants were selected by age-stratified random sampling from electoral lists.

Marriage patterns in Sri Lanka and the prevalence of parental consanguinity in patients with β-thalassaemia: a cross-sectional descriptive analysis.

Consanguineous marriages potentially play an important role in the transmission of β-thalassaemia in many communities. This study aimed to determine the rate and socio-demographic associations of consanguineous marriages and to assess the influence on the prevalence of β-thalassaemia in Sri Lanka. Three marriage registrars from each district of Sri Lanka were randomly selected to prospectively collect data on all couples who registered their marriage during a 6-month period starting 1st July 2009.

Metabolic syndrome, but not non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, increases 10-year mortality: A prospective, community-cohort study.

Background: Data on outcomes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from South Asia are lacking. We compared mortality, among those with- and without-NAFLD, after 10-years follow-up among urban, adult Sri Lankans.

Method: Participants (aged 35-64 years), selected by age-stratified random sampling, were screened by structured-interview in 2007.

Incidence and risk factors for metabolic syndrome among urban, adult Sri Lankans: a prospective, 7-year community cohort, follow-up study.

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of abdominal obesity, diabetes and prediabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, that confers an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There is limited data on incidence of MetS from South Asia. This study investigated incidence and risk factors for new onset MetS in an urban adult Sri Lankan population.

A nationwide survey of hospital-based thalassemia patients and standards of care and a preliminary assessment of the national prevention program in Sri Lanka.

Objectives: Our aim was to describe the numbers and distribution of patients with different types of thalassemia and to assess the standards of care in all thalassemia treatment centers throughout Sri Lanka and the success of the ongoing prevention programme.

Methods: This cross-sectional island-wide survey was conducted by two trained medical graduates, who visited each thalassemia center to collect data from every patient, using a standardized form. Data was collected through review of patient registers and clinical records.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its associations among adolescents in an urban, Sri Lankan community.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common problem across the world. We aimed to determine the prevalence of NAFLD and its associations in Sri Lankan adolescents living in an urban Sri Lankan community.

Method: The study population consisted of the birth cohort of the year 2000, residing in the Ragama Medical Officer of Health area.

Incidence and risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A 7-year follow-up study among urban, adult Sri Lankans.

Background: This study investigated incidence and risk factors for NAFLD among an adult cohort with 7-year follow-up.

Methods: The study population (age-stratified random sampling, Ragama MOH area) was screened initially in 2007 (aged 35-64 years) and re-evaluated in 2014 (aged 42-71 years). On both occasions assessed by structured interview, anthropometric measurements, liver ultrasound, biochemical and serological tests.

Frequency, pattern and short-term outcome of chronic renal dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis: a prospective study using HRS and ADQI-IAC criteria.

Background: Diagnostic criteria of hepatorenal syndrome type 2 (HRS2) fail to detect milder degrees of chronic renal dysfunction (CRD) in cirrhosis and exclude patients with pre-existing kidney disease. Definitions addressing this have been proposed by Working Party of the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative and International Ascites Club (ADQI-IAC).

Aims: We studied the frequency, pattern and short-term outcome of CRD in patients with cirrhosis, using both HRS2 and ADQI-IAC criteria.