Clinical value of screening serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen [SCCA] for HCC

Hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] is the fifth most common malignancy in the world. In Egypt, HCC was reported to account for about 4.7% of chronic liver disease [CLD] patients. Squamous cell carcinoma antigen [SCCA] has been reported to be strongly expressed in HCC tissue hampering its extensive use in clinical practice. Study the value of serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen [SCCA] for screening of HCC. The study comprised of two groups. Group A included 60 patients with HCC diagnostically confirmed by spiral CT, elevated alfa-fetoprotein [AFP], and/or liver biopsy .Group B CLD patients diagnosed on clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographical investigations; group B suclassified into three categories according to CHILD-PUGH score included 30 patients, matched for sex and age. All groups were subjected to thorough history taking, full clinical examination, and laboratory investigations including liver functions, viral markers, and AFP and SCCA estimation using ELISA technique. This study revealed a highly significant difference between patients with HCC and CLD regarding serum SCCA levels being higher in group A [10.35 +/- 20.677] than group B [1.64 +/- 2.462][p=0.02]. SCCA level was elevated in patients with HCC with normal AFP levels representing its useful role in early detection and follow-up of patients treated for HCC. The cut-off value was established at 2 ng/ml with sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 70%. SCCA could represent a useful tool as a marker for detection of HCC

Relationship between HCV infection and Insulin resistance in non-obese non-diabetic patients

Hepatitis C is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality and represents a major public health problem in Egypt and worldwide. There is growing evidence as regard to the association between hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the mutual link and related virological implication have not been fully clarified. Insulin resistance [IR] plays a primary role in the development of type 2 DM. This is supported by the results of prospective longitudinal studies showing that IR is the best predictor of the development of type 2 DM, preceding its onset by 10-20 years. To assess the correlation between HCV morbidity and Insulin resistance [IR] detected by HOMA test in none diabetic none obese HCV patients. The study participants were subcategorized into two groups,Group [I]: included 867 healthy subjects [negative HCV RNA] as a control group. Group [II]: included 277 patients with chronic HCV as a study group. The 2 groups were subjected to thorough history taking, full clinical examination, Anthropometric study,ultrasonographic examination and laboratory investigations including liver functions, viral markers, and qualitative PCR for HCV RNA ,lipid profile, glucose profile and HOMA test. This study revealed higher insulin resistance in the HCV study group than the control group

Detection of visceral adiposity by ultrasonography and its relation to insulin resistance in HCV patients

Hepatitis C is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality and represents a major public health problem in Egypt and worldwide, Ultrasonography is a simple non-invasive method for detection of visceral fat, which is directly, correlated with insulin resistance [IR] as well as development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. To assess the validity of detection of visceral adipose tissue area with Ultrasonography and its correlation with IR in HCV patients. The study participants were subcategorized into two groups, Group [I]: included 867 healthy subjects with negative [HCV] RNA as a control group. Group [II]: included 277 patients with chronic HCV as a study group. The 2 groups were subjected to thorough history taking, full clinical examination, Anthropometric study,ultrasonographic examination and laboratory investigations including liver functions, viral markers, and qualitative PCR for HCV RNA ,lipid profile and glucose profile. This study revealed that Ultrasonography is a simple, non-invasive, safe method in detection of visceral adiposity, which is correlated significantly with IR in chronic HCV patients