[FIRST GENERATION PROTEASE INHIBITOR BASED TRIPLE THERAPY FOR HCV GENOTYPE 1--LOOKING BACK WHILE PROCEEDING TO A PROMISING ERA].

Background: For the last decade the backbone of hepatitis C (HCV) treatment was the pan-genotyping dual therapy with pegylated interferon alfa in combination with Ribavirin. This regimen was limited in achieving sustained virological response (SVR) and accompanied by serious adverse events. In 2010 there was overwhelming progress in the treatment options for HCV.

Efficacy and long-term durability of intradermal recombinant hepatitis B virus vaccine among intramuscular vaccine nonresponders: A prospective study in healthcare personnel.

Background: Data on efficacy, safety, and durability of intradermal vaccine administration in persons who have not responded appropriately to intramuscular administration of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine are relatively scarce.

Methods: We designed a prospective case series in an urban tertiary care hospital in Israel. The medical records of 4007 healthcare personnel who had worked in the hospital between 1996 and 2006 were examined and those with an unsatisfactory level (<10 mIU/ml) of hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) following two courses of a three-dose intramuscular HBV vaccine ("nonresponders") were identified.

Hepatitis B and C reactivation with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors: synopsis and interpretation of screening and prophylaxis recommendations.

Information on reactivation of chronic viral hepatitis infection in patients who are candidates for tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (TNFi) is in a constant state of flux. We retrieved the most updated guidelines (in English) of prominent rheumatological and gastroenterological professional socienties for the mangement of chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the context of treatment with TNFi. Subsequently, the major areas of uncertainty and absence of consensus in the guidelines were located and a secondary search for additional studies addressing those areas was performed.

[Guidelines for diagnosis and management of cirrhotic ascites and its complications. The Israeli Association for the Study of the Liver].

Ascites is the most common manifestation of decompensated liver cirrhosis. The life expectancy of cirrhotic patients developing uncomplicated ascites is 50% for 3 years. Refractory ascites, electrolyte imbalance, hepato-renal syndrome and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis may develop.

Sustained virologic response to treatment in 100% of patients recently infected, nosocomially, with HCV genotype 2.

Objective: In 2003, a cluster of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with a common history of a surgical procedure, performed during 2001 to 2003, was identified in a medical center. An epidemiologic investigation linked a physician, infected with HCV genotype 2, as the possible source of infection in 35 patients. The evaluation, therapy, and outcome of this unique cohort are presented.

Hemodynamic changes in visceral organs following closed head trauma in rats.

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) tract dysfunction is well documented following head injury. Our study sought to determine whether head injury causes an immediate impairment of the splanchnic circulation which may contribute to later GI sequelae.

Methods: Three groups of eight rats each received either no closed head trauma (CHT) (group 1) or CHT (groups 2 and 3) immediately following baseline measurements at time 0.

Portal hypertension and blood viscosity.

Previous studies, exploring the effect of blood viscosity on portal pressure in portal hypertensive humans and animal models, have shown conflicting results. In a series of studies, in portal vein constricted rats, we investigated effects of reduced blood viscosity on the hyperdynamic circulation, portal pressure, and vascular geometry. Blood was withdrawn at a rate of 0.

Iatrogenic transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by an anesthesiologist: comparative molecular analysis of the HCV-E1 and HCV-E2 hypervariable regions.

Background: Transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) from infected health care workers to patients rarely occurs. In 2003, a cluster of patients with HCV infection was identified at a medical center in Israel. All patients had a common history of various surgical procedures performed during the period 2001-2003.

Psammomys obesus (sand rat), a new animal model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background/aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly recognized condition that includes a spectrum of clinicopathologic conditions ranging from steatotosis to cirrhosis and liver failure. NAFLD is usually associated with features of the metabolic syndrome. No established therapies can be offered to patients with NAFLD.

Lamivudine treatment for acute severe hepatitis B: a pilot study.

Background: Experience with lamivudine treatment of immunocompetent patients with acute hepatitis B is limited.

Aim Of Study: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of lamivudine for the treatment of acute severe hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in immunocompetent adults.

Patients And Methods: Fifteen patients (10 men, 5 women, mean age 34.

Hepatitis C virus infection in dialysis and chronic liver patients: Viraemia dependent anti-E2-antibody response.

Cryptic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection relates to patients infected chronically with HCV that are seronegative but have HCV-RNA. These patients are not identified by the standard serological tests for HCV, which are based on detection of antibodies to core, NS3 and NS5 antigens. They will, therefore, be wrongly diagnosed as non-infected, and are considered as a potential risk for others.

Late hemodynamic changes following controlled hemorrhage and volume restitution with blood or Haemaccel in anesthetized portal hypertensive rats.

Background And Aim: In portal hypertensive rats, hemorrhage and acute volume restitution with Haemaccel induced increased cardiac output and portal venous inflow. In the present study, the late hemodynamic effects of this procedure were explored.

Methods: Portal hypertension was induced by portal vein constriction.

Hepatitis C virus infection in renal failure patients in the absence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies.

The magnitude and clinical significance of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in dialysis patients is controversial and underestimated. This study was conducted in order to evaluate the correlation between HCV replication and antibody response to HCV in dialysis patients. HCV infection in dialysis patients was evaluated over a period of 3 years and compared to HCV infection in Liver Clinic patients.

Splanchnic and systemic hemodynamic effects of sustained euglycemic hyperinsulinemia in rats.

Insulin, in addition to its metabolic function, was found to induce skeletal muscle vasodilatation after acute administration. The vasoactive effects of sustained euglycemic hyperinsulinemia, especially in the splanchnic circulation, are less well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the systemic and splanchnic hemodynamic effects of sustained euglycemic hyperinsulinemia.

Salivary HCV-antibodies; a follow-up cohort study of liver disease patients.

We have recently shown in Liver Clinic patients that saliva instead of serum may be used for anti-HCV detection. As compared to blood withdrawing, saliva is easier to obtain, non invasive, especially for infants. In the present study, sequential determination of serum and salivary anti-HCV was performed in the same cohort for 36 months.

Systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics following hemorrhage and volume restitution with Haemaccel in portal hypertensive rats: the effect of propranolol.

Background And Aims: Recently, we found in a portal hypertensive rat model that hemorrhage and volume restitution with Haemaccel, a low viscosity plasma expander, induced an increase in cardiac output and portal venous inflow. The present study was conducted to evaluate whether pretreatment with propranolol will attenuate these hyperdynamic changes.

Methods: Portal hypertension was induced by portal vein constriction.

Blood viscosity, hemodynamics and vascular hindrance in a rat model of acute controlled bleeding and volume restitution with blood or Haemaccel.

Background: Hemorrhage and volume restitution with commercially available solutions is followed by reduced blood viscosity. Consequent hemodynamic changes may arise not only from the reduced viscosity itself but also from changes in vascular geometry induced by autoregulation processes. Vascular hindrance reflects the contribution of vascular geometry to flow.

[Rational use of albumin].

The use of albumin has been a matter of debate since its introduction in the 1940's. Albumin is not only expensive but may also be harmful when administered inappropriately. Until recently our use of albumin was controlled by a number of authorized physicians who signed all albumin prescriptions.

The effects of hypothyroidism on liver status of cirrhotic patients.

We have shown, in animal models as well as in retrospective human study, that some degree of decreased thyroid function is beneficial for subjects with liver damage of various etiologies. Therefore, we herein present the results of a cohort population study. Between 1991 and 1994, 18 patients (12 women and 6 men; mean age, 59 +/- 24 years) with both biopsy-proven active cirrhosis (5 hepatitis C virus, 4 hepatitis B virus, 1 immunocompromised host, 2 primary biliary cirrhosis, 1 alcoholic, and 5 cryptogenic; Child's-Pugh criteria: A-8, B-8, C-2) and primary or induced (by either drug or surgery) thyroxine-treated hypothyroidism were prospectively followed.

Fulminant non--A-G viral hepatitis leading to liver transplantation.

Background: All hepatotropic viruses are known to cause fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). However, in 30% to 40% of patients with FHF, the precise cause remains unknown. We aimed to better define this subgroup.

Acute hemodynamic changes following hemorrhage and volume restitution, using a low viscosity plasma expander, in anesthetized portal hypertensive rats.

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to examine, in a portal hypertensive rat model, the hemodynamic changes following hemorrhage and volume restitution with blood and Haemaccel (a low viscosity, volume expander).

Methods: Portal hypertension was induced by portal vein constriction. Under ketamine anesthesia, blood was withdrawn at a constant rate of 0.

Autoimmune hepatitis in a genetically susceptible patient: is it triggered by acute viral hepatitis A?

The pathogenic mechanisms for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are not completely known. Susceptibility to AIH is associated with the human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class II: DR3 and DR4. Nevertheless, AIH does not have a strong genetic predisposition, suggesting that other factors are involved.

Altered thyroid status modulates portal pressure in normal rats.

Background & Aims: Disturbances in thyroid function in humans and experimental animal models have been associated with alterations in liver function and portal circulation. We have previously shown that hypothyroidism can significantly reduce portal pressure in portal vein ligated rats as well as inhibit the development of cirrhosis and fulminant hepatic failure following toxic liver injury. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of increased and decreased thyroid function on portal pressure in rats with normal liver histology and portal circulation.