Circulating soluble-CD30 (sCD30) in patients with HCV-related chronic hepatitis and in patients with alcoholic liver disease.

Background/aims: Serum sCD30 (soluble CD30) is a marker of cells producing Th2-type (T-helper-2-type) cytokines. High levels of sCD30 have been found in the active phase of HBV infection. The Th2-type cytokine profile has been documented in alcoholic liver diseases, which have particularly high IgE and IgA serum levels.

Hepatitis C virus infection in spouses: sexual transmission or common exposure to the same risk factors?

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) between spouses occurs through sexual contact or through other types of exposure.

Methods: We consecutively enrolled 311 chronic HCV carriers and their spouses. The spouses underwent HCV blood testing.

Rate of incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with compensated viral cirrhosis.

Background: Cirrhosis of viral etiology due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The current study evaluated the rate of incidence of HCC in patients with compensated cirrhosis of viral etiology.

Methods: Two hundred fifty-nine cirrhotic patients (66 hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] positive, 166 HCV positive, and 27 HBsAg/HCV positive) were longitudinally examined every 6 months by serum alpha-fetoprotein test and liver ultrasonography.

Interferon treatment in hepatitis B surface antigen-positive hepatitis B e antibody-positive chronic hepatitis B: role of hepatitis B core antibody IgM titre in patient selection and treatment monitoring.

Chronic hepatitis B infection with the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative variant is associated with a severe clinical course and a low response rate to interferon (IFN). In an attempt to improve the chances of sustained response to interferon we designed a pilot study, using titres of IgM antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb IgM) to guide treatment initiation. Eighteen adults who were HBeAg-negative with biopsy-proven chronic active hepatitis (seven with cirrhosis) entered the study.

Risk factors in community-acquired chronic hepatitis C virus infection: a case-control study in Italy.

Aims/methods: A case-control study was carried out in Italy to assess the risk factors associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Five hundred consecutive chronic anti-hepatitis C virus positive cases and 500 sex and exactly age-matched anti-hepatitis C virus negative/HBsAg negative controls entered the study. Information was collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire.