Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in octogenarians: clinical outcome and factors related to mortality.

Aim: To evaluate the aetiology, clinical outcome and factors related to mortality of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) in octogenarians.

Methods: We reviewed the records of all patients over 65 years old who were hospitalised with AUGIB in two hospitals from January 2006 to December of 2006. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (65-80 years old) and Group B (>80 years old).

Prevalence of liver steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a study of associated factors and of relationship with fibrosis.

Objectives: The clinical significance of hepatic steatosis in chronic hepatitis B virus patients is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors for liver steatosis in chronic hepatitis B patients and its relationship with fibrosis.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated liver biopsies from patients with chronic hepatitis B treated in our department.

Serum lipid profile and hepatic steatosis of adult beta-thalassaemia patients with chronic HCV infection.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum lipid profile and to assess the prevalence of hepatic steatosis in adult beta-thalassaemic patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Methods: Thirty-five adult HCV infected, multi-transfused, beta-thalassaemia patients (beta-HCV patients), 63 otherwise normal patients with chronic HCV infection (HCV patients) and 54 beta-thalassaemia patients without chronic viral hepatitis (beta patients) were studied. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, viral markers and liver histology were evaluated.