Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for hepatitis B virus among pregnant women attending health facility in Osogbo, Nigeria

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among pregnant women has a high rate of vertical transmission and consequential effects on fetal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care services in Osogbo, Nigeria. Methodology This hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending routine antenatal care clinic between April and June 2021. Systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit 240 pregnant women, their data were collected by face to face interview using a pretested questionnaire, while blood sample was collected aseptically to determine hepatitis B surface antigen by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test kit. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine the association between explanatory variables and outcome variable. Results The mean age and seroprevalence of the study population were 27.50 ± 4.4 years and 5.8% respectively. The significant risk factors for HBV infection were tattooing (aOR = 5.22; 95% CI = 0.52­8.01; p = 0.0000), history of multiple sexual partners (aOR = 2.88; 95% CI = 1.92­12.42; p = 0.0044); and past history of contact with HBV patient (aOR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.21­15.32; p = 0.0310) were significant predictors of HBV infection. Conclusion The seroprevalence of HBV from this study was of intermediate endemicity. We therefore, advocate for continuous health education programs on the mode of HBV transmission, high-risk behaviors and methods of preventions at antenatal care clinics to raise the awareness of mothers and limit the spread of infection.

Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: community based cross-sectional study

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the leading causes of liver diseases which occurs worldwide particularly in developing countries. It is often caused by prenatal transmission from mother to child or household transmission from a close contact during early childhood. It causes different complications like; jaundice, induces premature labor, and prematurity. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, South West Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15th, 2016 to February 15th, 2017. Multistage sampling technique was applied to select study participants. Logistic regression analysis was applied and p-values < 0.05 was used to see the significant association between dependent and independent variables. Results: A total of 330 participants were included in this study yielding 98.8% response rate. The sero-prevalence of HBsAg among women of reproductive age was 28(8.5%). Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 18.73, 95% CI =3.65, 96.21) history of unprotected sex (AOR = 9.39, 95% CI =1.64, 53.77) were found to be significantly associated with sero-prevalence of HBV. Conclusions: The sero-prevalence of HBV infection among women of reproductive age was highly endemic. Hence, behavioral education and communication programs focusing on reduction of risky sexual behaviors should be designed to reduce HBV infection.

Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: Community based cross-sectional study

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the leading causes of liver diseases which occurs worldwide particularly in developing countries. It is often caused by prenatal transmission from mother to child or household transmission from a close contact during early childhood. It causes different complications like; jaundice, induces premature labor, and prematurity. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, South West Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15th, 2016, to February 15th, 2017. Multistage sampling technique was applied to select study participants. Logistic regression analysis was applied and p-values < 0.05 was used to see the significant association between dependent and independent variables. Results: A total of 330 participants were included in this study yielding 98.8% response rate. The Sero-prevalence of hbsag among women of reproductive age was 28(8.5%). Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 18.73, 95% CI = [3.65, 96.21) history of unprotected sex (AOR = 9.39, 95% CI = [1.64, 53.77) were found to be significantly associated with Sero-prevalence of HBV. Conclusions: The Sero-prevalence of HBV infection among women of reproductive age was highly endemic. Hence, behavioral education and communication programs focusing on reduction of risky sexual behaviors should be designed to reduce HBV infection

Detección de anticuerpos anti virus hepatitis E IgG e IgM utilizando un método automatizado: experiencia de un hospital universitario / Detection of anti-virus hepatitis e IgG and IgM antibodies using an automated method: experience of a university hospital

Resumen La determinación de anticuerpos anti virus hepatitis E (anti-VHE) tiene gran variabilidad dependiendo del ensayo utilizado. En 2015, con un método ELISA manual, publicamos una seroprevalencia de anti-VHE IgG de 32,6% en pacientes con estudio de hepatitis. Existen escasas publicaciones de anti-VHE IgM. Recientemente, se desarrolló el primer método automatizado y en el presente estudio comunicamos la experiencia obtenida. Se analizaron los resultados de 272 pacientes con estudio de anti-VHE IgG y/o IgM mediante técnica automatizada ELFA (VIDAS®), entre mayo de 2018 y agosto de 2020. Se encontró 25,8% (68/264) de positividad para anti-VHE IgG y 3,5% (9/259) para anti-VHE IgM. Cuatro muestras tuvieron ambos anticuerpos positivos. La seropositividad de anti-VHE IgG aumentó con la edad. En conclusión, la seroprevalencia de anti-VHE IgG obtenida fue similar a la publicada previamente. Considerando las ventajas de los ensayos IgM e IgG anti-VHE en el sistema VIDAS®, parecen ser nuevas herramientas valiosas en el estudio serológico de VHE.

Abstract The determination of anti-hepatitis E virus antibodies (anti-HEV) has a high variability depending on the assay used. In 2015, with a manual ELISA method, we reported anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence of 32.6% in patients under hepatitis study. There are few reports of anti-HEV IgM. Recently, it was developed the first automated method and in the present study, we report the experience using this new method. Between May 2018 and August 2020, the results of 272 patients with an anti-HEV IgG and/or IgM study were analyzed using the automated ELFA technique (VIDAS®). Seroprevalence was 25.8% (68/264) for anti-HEV IgG and 3.5% (9/259) for anti-HEV IgM. Four samples were positive for both antibodies. Anti-HEV IgG seropositivity increased with age. In conclusion, the seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG obtained was similar to previously reported. Taking into account the advantages of these assays, anti-HEV IgM and IgG assays on VIDAS® system, seem to be valuable new tools in serological study of HEV.

Hepatocarcinoma: diagnóstico y resección con radiofrecuencia quirúrgica / HEPATOCARCINOMA: DIAGNOSIS AND RESECTION WITH SURGICAL RADIO FREQUENCY

Objetivo: Presentar metodología diagnostica y resección atípica, con fines curativos de hepatocarcinoma. Caso clínico: Femenina de 82 años, con múltiples antecedentes entre el que se destaca, hepatitis a virus C de 15 años de evolución, que presenta por estudios complementarios alta sospecha de hepatocarcinoma, se realiza laparotomía exploradora con resección atípica de tumor en segmento 5 y 6 con radiofrecuencia quirúrgica y colecistectomía con colangiografía intraoperatoria. Cursa post operatorio sin complicaciones con alta sanatorial al 8vo dia. Conclusion: Hay que sospechar esta patología en pacientes con antecedentes de hepatopatía viral, plantear screening adecuado para un diagnóstico temprano y la mejor resolución adaptada a cada paciente. Dentro de las opciones terapéuticas encontramos la radiofrecuencia quirúrgica como una buena herramienta, con índice bajo de complicaciones

Objective: To present diagnostic methodology and atypical resection, for curative purposes of hepatocarcinoma. Clinical case: An 82-year-old female, with multiple history factors, among them, hepatitis C virus of 15 years of evolution, which presents high suspicion of hepatocarcinoma due to complementary studies, exploratory laparotomy is performed with atypical resection of tumor in segments 5 and 6 with surgical radiofrequency and cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography. Post-operative course without complications with sanatorial discharge on the 8th day. Conclusion: This pathology must be suspected in patients with history of viral liver disease. We suggest an adequate screening for an early diagnosis and the best resolution adapted to each patient. Among the therapeutic options we find surgical radiofrequency as a good tool, with a low rate of complications

Noninvasive indicators of indications for antiviral therapy in HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection patients with alanine aminotransferase ≤40 U/L / 临床肝胆病杂志

Objective To investigate the noninvasive indicators of indications for antiviral therapy in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤40 U/L under the guidance of liver pathology. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 377 HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection patients with ALT ≤40 U/L who were hospitalized in Affiliated Hospital of Yan’an University, from October 2013 to August 2018 and underwent liver biopsy, among whom the patients with inflammatory activity ＜A2 and fibrosis stage ＜F2 were enrolled as non-antiviral therapy group(n=266), and the patients with inflammatory activity ≥A2 or fibrosis stage ≥F2 were enrolled as antiviral therapy group(n=111). The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups; the t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to screen out the influencing factors for the initiation of antiviral therapy; the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of each indicator in determining the need for antiviral therapy in HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection patients with ALT ≤40 U/L. ResultsOf all 377 patients, 266 (70.6%) did not need antiviral therapy for the time being, and 111 (29.4%) had marked liver damage and thus needed active antiviral therapy. The multivariate analysis showed that liver stiffness measurement (LSM) (odds ratio ［HR］=2.003, 95% confidence interval ［CI］: 1.647-2.437, P＜005), HBsAg (HR=1.563, 95% CI: 1.110-2.200, P＜0.05), HBV DNA (HR=1.519, 95% CI: 1173-1.966, P＜0.05), and albumin (HR=0.939, 95% CI: 0.884-0.998, P＜0.05) were independent influencing factors for the initiation of antiviral therapy. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.749 (95% CI: 0.699-0799) for LSM, 0642 (95% CI: 0.586-0.699) for HBV DNA, and 0.565 (95% CI: 0.507-0.623) for HBsAg, and the combination of LSM, HBV DNA, and HBsAg had a larger AUC of 0.779 (95% CI: 0.732-0.827). ConclusionThe levels of LSM, HBV DNA, and HBsAg have a reference value in determining the initiation of antiviral therapy in HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection patients with ALT≤40 U/L.

Implicaciones de la microbiota intestinal en las enfermedades crónicas del hígado / Implications of the intestinal microbiota in the chronic liver diseases

RESUMEN La microbiota se refiere al conjunto de todos los de microorganismos que se localizan de manera normal en distintos sitios de los cuerpos de los seres vivos pluricelulares, tales como el cuerpo humano. Las modificaciones del eje intestino-hígado se ha convertido en la actualidad en un grave problema científico al haberse encontrado en diversas investigaciones, que esta microbiota está relacionada con el daño hepático con independencia de la causa de la lesión hepática. Se realizó una revisión sistemática sobre las implicaciones demamicrobiota intestinal en las enfermedades hepáticas. Se realizó una revisión de artículos científicos publicados entre 2012 y 2018 en diversas bases de datos en línea. Se presenta el conocimiento existente hasta el momento sobre la microbiota intestinal en pacientes portadores de enfermedades hepáticas, con hincapié en las hepatitis C y la cirrosis hepática. La composición de microbiota de intestino estuvo asociada con el perfil inflamatorio y marcadores de fibrosis hepática, las que mejoraron con el tratamiento de antivirales de acción directa aunque las medidas de permeabilidad intestinal e inflamación permanecían inalteradas. Se reporta mejoría de los pacientes portadores de hepatitis viral tipo C, con antivirales de acción directa la cual estuvo asociada con modificaciones de la microbiota intestinal, que se correlacionó con mejoría en la fibrosis e inflamación hepática, los avances en este campo abren nuevas perspectivas en la biomedicina (AU).

SUMMARY Microbiota refers to the whole of microorganisms located in a normal way in different places of the bodies of pluricelular living beings, like the human body. The modifications of the axis intestine-liver have become a serious scientific problem, because in different researches researchers have found that this microbiota is related to hepatic damage depending on the cause of this hepatic lesion. To carry out a systematic review on the implication of intestinal macrobiota in liver diseases. The scientific articles published in the period 2012-2018 in different databases on line were reviewed. A total of 26 bibliographic sources were used, original articles and reviews. The authors present knowledge existent up to the moment on intestinal microbiota in patients who have liver diseases, making emphasis on hepatitis C and hepatic cirrhosis. The composition of the intestine microbiota was associated to an inflammatory and markers of hepatic fibrosis that improved with the treatment of direct action antivirals although the measures of intestinal permeability and inflammation remained inalterably. It is reported an improvement of patients carriers of viral hepatitis type C with the use direct action retrovirals, what was linked to modifications in the intestinal microbiota, and correlated to an improvement of fibrosis and liver inflammation; the advances obtained in this field open new perspectives in biomedicine (AU).

Infección por el virus de la hepatitis delta / Hepatitis delta virus infection

El virus de la hepatitis delta (VHD) es un virus satélite del virus de la hepatitis B (VHB), dado que requiere el antígeno de superficie del VHB (HBsAg) para la producción de partículas virales infecciosas. Se han caracterizado ocho genotipos del VHD, con una distribución geográfica relacionada con la prevalencia de la infección por VHB. Se estima que aproximadamente el 5% de los pacientes con infección crónica por VHB también están infectados con VHD. Se han descrito dos tipos de infección: la coinfección simultánea por VHB y VHD, y la superinfección con VHD en un paciente previamente infectado por VHB, esta última asociada a una mayor morbilidad y mortalidad por falla hepática aguda. La infección se diagnostica en nuestro medio con la determinación de IgM contra el VHD, acompañada idealmente de la carga viral. Aunque el tratamiento de elección es la terapia con interferón alfa pegilado, en el momento se están evaluando otros medicamentos antivirales en ensayos clínicos, con resultados alentadores, teniendo en cuenta el efecto observado en la carga viral del VHD y/o del VHB en los pacientes. La presente revisión tiene como objetivo incluir temas como la biología del virus, la epidemiología, las características clínicas, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento en la infección por VHD.

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite virus of hepatitis B virus (HBV), as it requires the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) for the production of infectious viral particles. Eight HDV genotypes have been characterized with a geographic distribution associated with the prevalence of HBV infection. It is estimated that approximately 5% of patients with chronic HBV infection are also infected with HDV. Two types of infection have been described: coinfection, by simultaneously contracting HBV and HDV infection, and superinfection, by contracting HDV when chronically infected with HBV, the latter associated with increased morbidity and mortality from acute liver failure. Anti-HDV IgM is used to diagnose the infection, ideally together with the detection of HDV-RNA. Although the treatment of choice is pegylated interferon alpha, other antiviral drugs are currently being evaluated in clinical trials, with encouraging results, in terms of their effect on HDV and/or HBV viral load in patients. This review aims to include topics such as virus biology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment in HDV infection.

Prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in patients of chronic kidney disease

Background: Patients of CKD are highly exposed to HBV and HCV because of multiple blood transfusions and exposure to contaminated equipments. Infections by HBV and HCV are significant cause of morbidity in CKD patients by causing liver damage and membranoproliferative GN. Present study was done to observe the prevalence of HBV and HCV in patients of CKD and to compare the prevalence of these infections in patients who were on maintenance haemodialysis and who were not on maintenance hemodialysis.Methods: This study had been conducted on 140 patients. Patients were diagnosed as having CKD on basis of Cockcroft-gault equation as per KDOQI guidelines. Stage 3, 4 or 5 patients were included for the study whereas patients with stage 1 or 2 were excluded. These 140 cases were divided into 2 groups, Group I included 70 cases who were on maintenance hemodialysis and Group II included 70 patients who were not on maintenance hemodialysis. The prevalence of HBV and HCV in the two groups was observed. Diagnosis of HBV was made by detection of HBsAg (one step immunoassay) and diagnosis of HCV was made by detection of antibodies to Hepatitis C(enzyme linked immunoassay). Prevalence data of NCDC was used for comparison with general population.Results: In Group I, 15 (21%) patients were positive for HCV and 9 (12.9%) were positive for HBV which is significantly higher compared to Group II patients in which 6 (8.6%) and 2 (2.9%) were positive respectively. Overall out of 140 patients,21(15%) were positive for HCV and 11(7.9%) were positive for HBV, which is significantly higher compared to data of NCDC for general population in which prevalence of HCV and HBV is 1% and 4% respectivelyConclusions: Prevalence of HBV and HCV was significantly higher in patients of CKD than the general population, which was further higher in patients who were on maintenance hemodialysis and have received multiple blood transfusions, emphasizing the need to implement the methods to limit the spread of HBV and HCV.

Seroprevalence Of Transfusion Transmissible Infections Among Blood Donors In A Tertiary Care Centre: Eight Years Study

Background:Transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) are one of the major adverse effects of blood transfusion. Serological testing can reduce, but not eliminate the occurrences of TTIs. Study of TTIs amongst blood donors could help to find safe blood for the patients.Aims:This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of markers of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Syphilis and Malaria among Voluntary Blood Donors and Replacement Blood Donors in a tertiary care centre.Materials and Methods: Aretrospective study was conducted at The State of the art Model blood bank, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College (JNMMC) and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. This study included all the blood donors both from in-hospital donations and outdoor camps donations (including Voluntary and Replacement donors) from January 2011 to December 2018. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was done for screening of HBV, HCVand HIV; Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test was done for syphilis and Card Test for Malaria Antigen.Results:Atotal of 1,08,577 donors were screened over a period of eight years. The seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis and malaria was found to be 0.12%, 0.77%, 0.04%, 0.22% and 0.03% respectively. Overall seroprevalence of reactive TTIs was 1.19%, which was maximum in the year 2013 (2.28%) after that there was a gradual decrease in the prevalence rate of TTIs in blood donors over the years. Infections were more common among Replacement Donors as compared to Voluntary Donors. Conclusion: The increase in public awareness regarding Voluntary blood donation, meticulous donor screening, counselling and use of highly sensitive tests can help in reducing the risk of TTIs. Prevalence of HIVinfection is decreasing in the blood donors. The HBVinfection still remains a menace to be tackled. HCV, Syphilis and malaria maintain a low rate of positivity. Methods to ensure a safe blood supply should be encouraged.

Observation on efficacy of artificial liver plasma bilirubin adsorption for treatment of patients with severe hepatitis B / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of artificial liver plasma bilirubin adsorption for treatment of patients with severe viral hepatitis B (HBV). Methods A retrospective study was conducted, the 120 patients with severe HBV B and their historical data of having undergone treatment of artificial liver plasma bilirubin adsorption admitted to Department of Respiration of Mianyang Central Hospital from August 2015 to August 2017 were collected, and there were 68 cases in the cirrhotic group and 52 cases in the non-cirrhotic group. The indexes of liver function and coagulation function before and after the treatment of artificial liver plasma bilirubin adsorption were collected; the differences of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamine transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), globulin (Glo), prothrombin time (PT), prothrombin activity (PTA), total bilirubin (TBil) and indirect bilirubin (IBil), total bile acid (TBA), etc were compared between cirrhotic group and the severe hepatitis B non-cirrhotic group. Results The levels of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH after artificial liver plasma bilirubin adsorption therapy were lower than those before the treatment [ALT (U/L): 138.8±26.2 vs. 993.4±185.2, AST (U/L): 121.7±119.9 vs. 798.7±226.8, ALP (U/L): 129.7±8.1 vs. 178.9±14.1, LDH (μmol·L-1·s-1·L-1): 4.50±0.32 vs. 8.15 ±1.75, all P < 0.05], PTA was higher than that before the treatment [(43.2±25.6)% vs. (30.0±16.1)%, P < 0.05]. After the treatment, the decline rate of ALP, TBil, and TBA of non-cirrhotic group was higher than those in cirrhotic group (ALP: 34.20% vs. 17.80%, TBil: 39.10% vs. 18.10%, TBA:30.70% vs. 5.00%, P < 0.05), the elevation rate of PTA in non-cirrhotic group was also higher than that in cirrhotic group (52.50% vs. 25.10%, P < 0.05). Conclusion Artificial liver plasma bilirubin adsorption therapy is effective for treatment of patients with severe HBV B, particularly the effect being good on the early severe viral HBV B non-cirrhotic group.

Early diagnosis and treatment of chronic active Epstein-Barr virus hepatitis / 中国实用内科杂志

Non-hepatotropic viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) has high infection rate in the population with biological characteristics of infective-latent-activation. EBV-related diseases including infectious mononucleosis(IM), chronic active EBV infection(CAEBV), EBV-related tumors and other diseases are complex and diverse, and all these can lead to varying degrees of liver damage.CAEBV can induce hepatitis(chronic active Epstein-Barr virus hepatitis, CAEBVH) or even liver failure. The prognosis of the disease is poor and the mortality rate is high. Early identification, diagnosis, and multidisciplinary collaborative treatment of CAEBVH are key to improving the prognosis of patients. This article will review the diagnosis and treatment progress of CAEBVH, and provide references for clinicians to diagnose and treat CAEBVH.

Hepatitis C ¿cuándo tratar? / Hepatitis C: when to treat?

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is a disease of low endemicity in Chile, but with high personal and health costs due to its associated complications. A radical change during the last decades in the treatment of this disease has been the appearance of direct action antivirals that changed the history of the disease, reducing the progression to liver cirrhosis, complications, need for liver transplantation or death. This review describes the general indications for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection, contraindications and the different special scenarios.

La infección crónica por virus hepatitis C es una enfermedad de baja endemicidad en Chile, pero que ocasiona altos costos personales y sanitarios por sus complicaciones asociadas. Un cambio radical durante las últimas décadas en el tratamiento de esta enfermedad ha sido la aparición de los antivirales de acción directa que han cambiado la historia de la enfermedad, reduciendo la progresión a cirrosis hepática, complicaciones, necesidad de trasplante hepático o muerte. En esta revisión se describirán las indicaciones generales de tratamiento de la infección por virus hepatitis C, contraindicaciones y los diferentes escenarios especiales presentes en la práctica clínica.

Seroprevalencia de virus hepatitis E en donantes de sangre en un hospital universitario en Chile / Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence in blood donors in a university hospital in Chile

Resumen En Chile, existen escasos estudios de seroprevalencia de anticuerpos IgG anti virus hepatitis E (VHE) en bancos de sangre, entre 4 y 8%. El desarrollo de nuevas técnicas con mayor sensibilidad y especificidad, dan cuenta de un aumento de la seroprevalencia de VHE en diversos países, siendo desconocido el estado actual en Chile. En el presente estudio, determinamos la seroprevalencia de IgG anti VHE en donantes de sangre del Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, con técnicas de ELISA de última generación. De un total de 186 muestras, recolectadas el año 2014, 56 (30,1%) resultaron positivas, sin diferencias de género, pero con un incremento significativo con la edad (p < 0,001). Estos resultados muestran un aumento en la seroprevalencia de VHE en donantes de sangre realizados con inmunoensayos de mayor sensibilidad.

In Chile, there are few studies about seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against hepatitis E virus (HEV) in blood banks, between 4 and 8%. The development of new techniques with greater sensitivity and specificity, account for an increase in the seroprevalence of HEV in various countries, the current status in Chile being unknown. In the present study, we determined the seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG in blood donors of the Clinical Hospital University of Chile, with last generation ELISA techniques. Out of a total of 186 samples, collected in 2014, 56 (30.1%) were positive, without gender differences, but with a significant increase with age (p < 0.001). These results show an increase in the seroprevalence of HEV in blood donors performed with immunoassays of greater sensitivity.

Efficacy and safety of Kuhuang injection in treating viral hepatitis： systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials / 中国中药杂志

To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Kuhuang injection in treating viral hepatitis. Eight electronic databases and clinic trials were searched to collect randomized controlled trials for the effect of Kuhuang injection in the treatment of viral hepatitis. According to the Cochrane Handbook 5.1, two independent reviewers screened out the literatures, extracted data and assessed the quality of thestudies included. RevMan5.3 software was used for the data analysis. A total of 32 articles were included, involving 3 188 patients, including male 1 951 cases (61.2%), female 859 cases (26.9%), and 378 cases of unknown sex (11.9%). All the clinical studies showed a low quality. Due to the complication of diseases and difficulty in intervention measures, most trails were classified by the condition of diseases, and then a descriptive analysis was made. The results showed that the test group was better than the control group in total efficiency of treating severe icteric viral hepatitis, and the test group was advantageous over the control group in jaundice removal and liver function recovery rate in treating icteric hepatitis. In the Meta-analysis on the RCTs for icteric viral hepatitis, the total efficiency of Kuhuang injection + comprehensive treatment group was higher than that of the comprehensive treatment group （RR=1.35, 95%CI=[1.10,1.66], P=0.61）. In addition, when Kuhuang injection was dripped too fast, patients had such adverse reactionsas dizziness, palpitation, nausea, vomiting and skin rash, which could be relieved at a lower dripping speed.Based on the existing evidences, Kuhuang injection had a certain effect in treating viral hepatitis. Most clinic trails did not include viral hepatitis etiology, clinical classification and diversified intervention measures, which resulted in a high clinical heterogeneity and poor comparability between trails. Besides, most trials had a low methodological quality, which affected the authenticity of the results. Therefore, more high-quality, multi-center, large-sample, randomized double-blind controlled trialsarerequired to prove the evidences.

Nuevas perspectivas en el tratamiento farmacológico de la Hepatitis C / New perspectives in the pharmacological treatment of Hepatitis C

Introducción: La infección por el virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) es una de las principales causas de enfermedad hepática a nivel mundial. Alrededor de 60-80 por ciento de los infectados sufren una infección crónica pudiendo desarrollar otras patologías hepáticas como cirrosis y hepatocarcinoma. El tratamiento contra el VHC ha experimentado un enorme avance en la última década, cuya culminación ha llegado con la aparición de los Agentes Antivirales Directos (AAD) que han conseguido obtener tasas de curación superiores a 90 por ciento. Objetivo: Describir los diferentes mecanismos de acción de los AAD, además de contrastar los principales ensayos clínicos que están actualmente en desarrollo, hacer recomendaciones acerca de las opciones de tratamiento disponibles y perfilar los cambios que van a tener lugar en el tratamiento farmacológico de la Hepatitis C. Material y Métodos: Se realizaron varias búsquedas sistemáticas en la base de datos Pubmed, en los artículos expuestos en el Congreso The liver meeting en noviembre de 2014 de la AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases), así como en la guía de la EASL (European Association for the Study of the Liver). Desarrollo: La llegada de nuevos fármacos con nuevas estrategias terapéuticas están incrementando la complejidad de la terapia, por ello es necesario conocer estos nuevos fármacos y sus posibles combinaciones. Conclusiones: Los excelentes resultados de la terapia con AAD han producido un intenso cambio en las recomendaciones terapéuticas, al permitir terapias de menor duración, mejor toleradas y de mayor seguridad(AU)

Introduction: The infection by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most common causes of liver's disease worldwide. Approximately between 60-80% of infected people, infection becomes chronic, and can lead in the long-term to the development of other liver's diseases such as cirrhosis and the hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment of HCV has progressed enormously in the last decade, concluding with the development of Direct-acting Antiviral Agents (DAA), which has achieved cure rates over 90 percent. Objective: To know the different available treatments options as well as which will be available in a near future. Materials and methods: Several systematic searches were made in the PubMed database; in the articles from the liver meeting congress of AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases) in November 2014 and in the EASL (European Association for the Study of Liver) guide. Development: The arrivals of new drugs with new therapeutic strategies have made this therapy more complex, and for that reason it is necessary to have knowledge of these drugs and their possible combinations. Conclusions: The excellent results of the therapy with AAD have made a huge change in therapeutic recommendations, making possible shorter therapies, better tolerated by patients and safer for health(AU)

Vacunación frente al virus de la hepatitis B en una unidad de hemodiálisis: comparativa entre 2 pautas de administración / Vaccination against hepatitis B virus in a hemodyalisis unit: comparative analysis between two different schemes

INTRODUCCIÓN: La vacunación frente al virus de la hepatitis B (VHB) es más efectiva en prediálisis pero en ocasiones el paciente llega a diálisis de forma no programada sin realizar vacunación completa previa. Pretendemos determinar el grado de respuesta a inmunización frente a VHB con diferentes esquemas en hemodiálisis. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudiamos 30 pacientes en hemodiálisis administrando 2 esquemas de vacunación frente a VHB. Un grupo realiza el esquema de 3 dosis (0, 1, 6 meses) (PAUTA 3) y otro de 4 dosis (0, 1, 2, 6 meses) (PAUTA 4). RESULTADOS: El 56.7% hizo pauta 3 con respuesta del 26.7% y el 43.3% hizo pauta 4 con 23.3% de respuesta, sin diferencias significativas entre ambas (p=0.6). La tasa de AcHBs postvacunacional fue significativamente mayor con pauta 4 (p<0.05) así como en las tasas de anticuerpos mantenidas al año; a los 2 años las tasas de anticuerpos no fueron significativamente diferentes entre ambas pautas. En el resto de análisis estadístico, la vacunación realizada en pacientes con más tiempo en diálisis tuvo mayor respuesta con pauta 4 (p<0.05) aunque con respecto a los niveles de anticuerpos no hubo diferencias en los que respondieron con cada pauta. CONCLUSIONES: No existen diferencias en la respuesta inmunológica a vacunación frente VHB en hemodiálisis entre esquemas de 3 y 4 dosis. Hay mayor respuesta con el esquema de 4 dosis en la vacunación en pacientes con mayor tiempo en diálisis. Por ello, aconsejamos realizar la inmunoprofilaxis con el esquema de 3 dosis en pacientes incidentes en hemodiálisis que no han sido vacunados anteriormente

INTRODUCTION: Vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) is more effective in pre-dialysis, but sometimes the patient has to start treatment in an unscheduled way, without full immunization coverage. We try to establish the immune response rate against HBV in hemodialysis with different vaccination schemes. METHODS: We studied 30 patients in hemodialysis program with 2 different vaccination schemes against HBV. One group performed a 3-doses scheme (0, 1 and 6 months) (PATTERN 3) and the other group performed a 4-doses scheme (0, 1, 2 and 6 months) (PATTERN 4). RESULTS: 56.7% performed pattern 3, with immune response of 26.7%. 43.3% performed pattern 4, with immune response of 23.3%, without significant differences between them (p=0.06). Anti-hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs) rate after vaccination was significantly higher with pattern 4 (p<0.05) as well as the antibodies counts maintained within 1 year. After 2 years, anti-HBs rates were not significantly different between both patterns. In other statical analysis, vaccination carried out in patients who have been for a long time in hemodialysis treatment, was more responsive with pattern 4 (p<0.05) although anti-HBs levels were similar in patients that had response with each pattern. CONCLUSIONS: There are no differences in immune response between 3-doses scheme and 4-doses scheme in HBV vaccination for hemodialysis patients. There is greater response with 4-doses scheme in hemodialysis patients who have not been vaccinated previously

The value of ultrasound in the diagnosis of viral hepatitis complicated with bile duct injury / 中国医学装备

Objective: To investigate rules and affect factors in virus hepatitis complicated with biliary system damage. Methods: To observe 158 patients with various clinical types of viral hepatitis, gallbladder filling degree of gallbladder wall thickness, the gallbladder bile in the gallbladder situation, through sound situation by ultrasound, and the patients with intrahepatic, extrahepatic bile duct wall thickness were measured, the clarity of cavity were observed. Results:The 158 cases of patients with biliary ultrasonic testing results showed the gallbladder wall thickening, rough bilateral syndrome, sound transparent difference, stones, gallbladder enlargement or smaller, like solid. Severe hepatitis, biliary system in patients and liver cirrhosis was significantly higher than that of the abnormal in patients with acute hepatitis and chronic hepatitis (x2=17.96, x2=16.27; P<0.05). Conclusion: Viral hepatitis complicated with biliary system damage is related to clinical type, course of disease, liver function damage. Observe the change of ultrasonic dynamic biliary system, liver function testing timely, and provide the basis for guiding clinical treatment, to judge the severity and chronicity of hepatitis prediction.

Research Progress on the Relationship between miRNAs and Common Liver Diseases / 浙江中医药大学学报

[Obiective] To summarize the research development of the relationship between the occurrence and development of common liver diseases and miRNAs by reading and analysing the literature published in recent 10 years. [Method] By literature retrieval, we consult the literature about miRNA and the clinical research of relevant liver diseases since 2003 and summarize the regulatory mechanism of miRNAs in liver diseases. [Result] miRNAs regulate the expression of target genes at the post-transcriptional level, and they are involved in many important biological processes. In recent years, we can find that miRNAs take part in the regulation of many liver disease-related genes, and the expression level in hepatocellular carcinoma, viral hepatitis, liver fibro-sis, cirrhosis, alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver change in different levels. Part of the regulatory mechanism of miRNAs has been clearly identified, suggesting that miRNAs wil be used as new therapeutic targets for liver diseases. [Conclusion] The regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in liver diseases make a big difference for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. These findings provide some novel thoughts about the detection, study and treat-ment about relevant liver diseases. However, many questions are stil vague and unknown, such as the net of its expression and regulation, its biological functions, and the relationship with liver diseases, and al of them are needed to get further attention.

Clinical Characteristics of Primary Epstein Barr Virus Hepatitis with Elevation of Alkaline Phosphatase and gamma-Glutamyltransferase in Children

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of the primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) hepatitis with elevation of both serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) levels in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed by reviewing of the medical records of 36 patients who were diagnosed with primary EBV hepatitis. The patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with elevated serum ALP and gamma-GT levels (group 1) and patients without (group 2). RESULTS: The classic features of infectious mononucleosis (fever, pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis, and cervical lymphadenitis) were seen in 20 (57.1%) of group 1 patients and 18 (50.0%) of group 2 patients. Hepatitis with elevated serum ALP and gamma-GT levels were present in 14 (38.9%) of the all patients. Of these patients, Jaundice occurred in only 2 (5.6%). The mean levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as well as the number of patients with ALT greater than 400 IU/L were significantly different between the groups (177 IU/L vs. 94 IU/L, 418 IU/L vs. 115 IU/L, and 50.0% vs. 13.6%; p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.026, respectively). The mean duration of elevated serum ALT levels was 17.5 days in group 1 and 9.0 days in group 2 (p=0.013). All patients recovered fully without any chronic or serious complications. CONCLUSION: Primary EBV hepatitis with predominant biochemical abnormalities of the elevation of ALP and gamma-GT is frequent and mostly anicteric. This may represent a benign disease, but a delay in recovery of liver function as well.