[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.

[Clinical dilemma: an unusual case of ascites].

Cirrhotic portal hypertension is the major cause of ascites. Ascites is the most common expression of decompensated liver disease. However, other etiologies may occur and may pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

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.

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.