Eight Weeks of Treatment With Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir Is Safe and Efficacious in an Integrated Analysis of Treatment-Naïve Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection.

Background & Aims: The direct-acting antiviral combination glecaprevir/pibrentasvir has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for 8 weeks of treatment in treatment-naïve patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. We performed an integrated analysis of data from trials to evaluate the overall efficacy and safety of 8 weeks of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in treatment-naïve patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis.

Methods: We pooled data from 8 phase 2 or phase 3 trials of treatment-naïve patients with HCV genotype 1 to 6 infections, without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis, who received 8 weeks of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir.

An Alternative Technique in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies: Removal Without a Specimen Bag.

The use of specimen retrieval bags in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies remains a customary practice intended to reduce surgical site infections. The lack of supporting evidence suggests that specimen bags may not be necessary. Thus, we present an alternative approach without the use of disposable instruments to reduce excessive healthcare costs while maintaining comparable surgical outcomes.

A rare and unusual presentation of Epstein-Barr virus-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving colon as the primary site.

Lymphoproliferative malignancies can involve both nodal- and extra-nodal tissues. The most common extranodal site involved is the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and it is secondary to the widespread primary nodal disease. However, about 33% of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma primarily arise from tissues other than lymph nodes, spleen, or bone marrow, for example, GI tract, skin, or the central nervous system and are called primary extranodal lymphomas.

Spinal Metastasis from Merkel Cell Carcinoma in an Elderly Male.

Merkel cell carcinoma is a cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy that has an aggressive nature. Classically, it affects the elderly Caucasian population with a predilection for the sun-exposed areas of the body. Pathogenesis has been linked to ultraviolet radiation, immunosuppression, and the Merkel cell polyomavirus.

A rare case of hypokalemic ventricular tachycardia in a patient with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis.

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a potentially fatal complication of hyperthyroidism, characterized by recurrent muscle paralysis and hypokalemia. We present a case of a 32-year-old apparently healthy male patient, who presented with acute paraparesis associated with hypokalemia (K: 1.6 mmol/L), complicated by ventricular tachycardia (VT).

ECG Gating Is More Precise Than Peripheral Pulse Gating When Quantifying Spinal CSF Pulsations Using Phase Contrast Cine MRI.

Purpose: To compare accuracy of spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsatile flow measurements at cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels using Phase Contrast Cine MRI (PCCMRI) with retrospective electrocardiogram (recg) vs. retrospective peripheral pulse gating (rppg) gating.

Methods: We scanned 10 healthy volunteers, ages 23-46 years, using external recg-gated or rppg-gated 2D PCCCMRI at 3T.

The relationships among spinal CSF flows, spinal cord geometry, and vascular correlations: evidence of intrathecal sources and sinks.

We studied relationships of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) pulsatile flow at cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels using phase-contrast cine MRI (PCCMRI) to determine the following: ) instantaneous and average net flows at cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels, ) stochastic correlations of CSF flow with major arterial supplies and major draining veins, and ) whether adjustments of cord-flow curves-using cord cross-sectional areas, caudal lengths, and caudal volumes-would normalize flow curves from different levels. We scanned 15 healthy volunteers without anesthesia, ages 23-46 yr, using external, retrocardiac-gated, two-dimensional PCCMRI at 3T. Transverse scans of the subarachnoid space, arteries, and veins were acquired and analyzed at cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels.

The Largest American Study Comparing Transient Elastography and the Aminotransferase-to-platelet Ratio Index Score, Two Noninvasive Tests for Liver Fibrosis Staging in HIV/HCV Coinfected Patients.

Objective: Elastography has become the standard of care of diagnostic approaches for liver disease, particularly when dealing with hepatitis C. There areno studies in the inner-city populations of Newark, New Jersey, that describe the comparison of noninvasive markers, such as FibroScan andaminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) scoring.

Methods: Using a chart review method, we used a case-control study method of gathering and analyzing the data, using < or = 0.

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and Its Effects in Human Disease: Emphasizing Its Role in Inflammation, Atherosclerosis and Metabolic Syndrome.

Purpose Of Review: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a perennial shrub with zero calorie content that has been increasing in popularity for its potential use as an adjuvant in the treatment of obesity. The level of evidence supporting general benefits to human health is insufficient. We conducted a review of the literature summarizing the current knowledge and role in human disease.

Amiodarone induced myxedema coma: Two case reports and literature review.

Amiodarone is a benzofuran derivative that contains 37% iodine by weight and is structurally similar to the thyroid hormones. Amiodarone has a complex effect on the thyroid gland, ranging from abnormalities of thyroid function tests to overt thyroid dysfunction, with either thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism. Myxedema coma secondary to amiodarone use has been rarely reported in the literature.

Efficacy and Safety of Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir in Patients Coinfected With Hepatitis C Virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1: The EXPEDITION-2 Study.

Background: Once-daily glecaprevir coformulated with pibrentasvir (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) demonstrated high rates of sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1-6 infection. This phase 3 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in patients with chronic HCV genotype 1-6 and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) coinfection, including patients with compensated cirrhosis.

Methods: EXPEDITION-2 was a phase 3, multicenter, open-label study evaluating glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (300 mg/120 mg) in HCV genotype 1-6/HIV-1-coinfected adults without and with compensated cirrhosis for 8 and 12 weeks, respectively.

Successful resolution with apixaban of a massive left atrial appendage thrombus due to nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation: A case report and review.

A 32-year-old woman with a past medical history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, long QT syndrome, and implantation of an automatic iimplantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) following cardiac arrest presented with disabling symptoms of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation due to recurrent AICD shocks. Before curative ablation, transesophageal echocardiography was performed to assess for existing thrombi. This is a rare case of successful resolution with apixaban of a massive left atrial appendage thrombus due to non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation that was successfully treated with apixaban.

A Case of Chronic Cough and Pneumonia Secondary to a Foreign Body.

Foreign body aspiration occurs when a solid or semisolid object becomes lodged in the larynx or trachea. It can be a life-threatening emergency, especially if it is large enough to occlude the airway. However, small aspirated objects may go unnoticed until symptoms occur.

Challenge and Yield of Enrolling Racially and Ethnically Diverse Patient Populations in Low Event Rate Clinical Trials.

Background And Purpose: We report patient enrollment and retention by race and ethnicity in the CREST (Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Versus Stent Trial) and assess potential effect modification by race/ethnicity. In addition, we discuss the challenge of detecting differences in study outcomes when subgroups are small and the event rate is low.

Methods: We compared 2502 patients by race, ethnicity, baseline characteristics, and primary outcome (any periprocedural stroke, death, or myocardial infarction and subsequent ipsilateral stroke up to 10 years).

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy and the Severity Risk of Lower Intestinal Bleeding.

Background: Dual antiplatelet (Plt) therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel is recommended for up to 1 year following acute coronary syndrome. Many of these cardiac patients are also on anithrombotic therapy like warfarin. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is the main adverse event of this treatment.

The Role of Red Cell Distribution Width as a Predictor of Mortality for Critically Ill Patients in an Inner-city Hospital.

Background: Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of the variation in the red blood cell volume that is usually recorded as a part of the standard complete blood cell count. Recent studies have demonstrated the prognostic value of RDW in many different clinical settings. The objective of this research study is to investigate the independent association of RDW with 30-day mortality in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients.

Audio-computer-assisted survey interview and patient navigation to increase chronic viral hepatitis diagnosis and linkage to care in urban health clinics.

Intravenous drug use and sexual practices account for 60% of hepatitis C (HCV) and B (HBV) infection. Disclosing these activities can be embarrassing and reduce risk reporting, blood testing and diagnosis. In diagnosed patients, linkage to care remains a challenge.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Associated with Anaplasmosis.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a hyperinflammatory syndrome characterized by unregulated macrophage and T-lymphocyte activation resulting in cytokine overproduction and subsequent histiocytic phagocytosis. Variant infections, particularly viruses have been postulated as the inciting factor for this potentially fatal disease. Herein, we will report a case of HLH associated with anaplasmosis.

Association between Level of Tumor Markers and Development of VTE in Patients with Pancreatic, Colorectal and Ovarian Ca: Retrospective Case- Control Study in Two Community Hospitals.

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increased in patients with cancer. However, the role of tumor markers as potential indicators of increased risk of VTE is still undetermined. In this retrospective observational case control study, levels of the tumor markers CEA, CA 19-9 and CA 125 in patients with colorectal, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer respectively, who were admitted to two community hospitals between January 2001 and December 2011, were compared between patients who were VTE positive and those who were VTE negative.

Amiodarone-induced loculated pleural effusion without pulmonary parenchymal involvement: A case report and literature review.

Amiodarone is an extremely effective antiarrhythmic drug that is known to cause many adverse effects such as pulmonary, thyroid, and liver toxicities. Of these, pulmonary toxicity is most serious. Pulmonary toxicity can present as interstitial pneumonitis, organizing pneumonia, pulmonary nodules and masses, and very rarely pleural effusions.