Viral Hepatitis and Acute Liver Failure: Still a Problem.

Although the overall prevalence is on the decline, viral hepatitis still plays a major role in the development of acute liver failure (ALF) worldwide. Hepatitis A, B, D, and E contribute to most fulminant viral courses. These viruses have not gained much attention in recent years yet remain relevant from a clinical perspective as the incidence in certain populations is on the increase. Other viral therapies and immunotherapies are currently being examined as treatments for hepatitis D and hepatitis E. Clinicians should still maintain a high index of suspicion for viral causes in approaching patients with ALF.

Mini-review of kidney disease following hematopoietic stem cell transplant
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Advancements in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have broadened indications for its use and resulted in more long-term survivors. Stem cell transplantation is associated with several well-known toxicities, although renal complications are not well defined. Acute and chronic kidney disease remains a common complication following transplantation itself. Incidence and risk factors for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is less well understood. Recent estimates suggest that nearly 15% of subjects undergoing HCT will develop CKD, a complication that can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), disrupts overall quality of life, and reduces overall survival. Several commonly-reported risk factors include acute kidney injury, graft-versus-host disease, and long-term calcineurin inhibitor use. This review highlights the incidence, timeline, etiology, risk factors, and prognosis of kidney disease in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Investigation of the causes of CKD is needed, as are ways to prevent, mitigate, and treat kidney injury. Renal disease importantly reflects prognosis, with dialysis-requiring patients carrying greater than 80% mortality after 3 years. Although CKD following HCT is common, prospective studies are needed to confirm risk factors and better define the underlying mechanisms in order to promote therapies that prevent this complication.
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Vanishing Bile Duct Syndrome in a Patient with Uterine Cancer and Paraneoplastic Systemic Sclerosis.

Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) is a rare entity of acquired disorders resulting in cholestasis secondary to progressive destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts. The syndrome has been described in the setting of autoimmune disorders, medication toxicities, genetic disorders, infectious etiologies, and in rare cases, neoplastic processes. There are no known case reports of VBDS in the setting of uterine malignancy. We present a case of VBDS in a patient with underlying uterine cancer complicated by paraneoplastic systemic sclerosis.

Esophageal Stricture Resulting from Systemic Chemotherapy for Solid Malignancy.

Although dysphagia in patients treated for malignancy is usually related to reflux esophagitis, infectious esophagitis, malignant infiltration, or as a complication of radiation therapy, acute esophageal stricture resulting from chemotherapy is very rare. Only 2 prior cases have been described in the treatment of an adult patient with malignancy. We present a unique case of isolated chemotherapy-induced esophageal stricture in a patient receiving treatment for metastatic testicular seminoma without prior history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, caustic ingestion, or other risk factors for esophageal stricture formation.