Risk factors for post-ERCP complications.

BACKGROUND: In the 21st century, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has emerged as a diagnostic and therapeutic method for diseases of the pancreaticobiliary duct system. However, like any other diagnostic and therapeutic method, ERCP carries the risk of unwanted complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively followed patients who underwent ERCP examinations from January 2013 to April 2023. We focused on early post-ERCP complications and their risk factors, prevention, treatment, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 4,814 patients were recorded, of which 175 patients had early post-ERCP complications, including acute pancreatitis, acute cholangitis, perforation, and bleeding. We focused on the statistical significance of risk factors such as BMI, repeated ERCP, bleeding disorders, and repeated pancreatitis or cholangitis. CONCLUSION: Ensuring proper preparation and appropriate indication for ERCP examination can significantly mitigate the risk of post-ERCP complications. Additionally, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of any post-ERCP complications are essential strategies for reducing mortality associated with these conditions (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 32). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: post-ERCP complication, risk factor, BMI, prevention.

Symptoms of functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome among medical students in Slovakia and their relation to diet and exercise.

INTRODUCTION: There is a substantial lack of data regarding the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD) in the region of Central/Eastern Europe. It is a well-described and known fact that environmental, ethnic, dietary, and cultural factors can influence the reporting of symptoms. Therefore, we aim to provide the first data documenting the prevalence of specific disorders of gut-brain interaction in Slovakia. METHODS: This is a multicenter-based study. The study population consists of medical students from three medical faculties in Slovakia, mainly with Slovakian and Scandinavian permanent residency. Data collection was performed by means of anonymous questionnaires consisting of several demographic questions. Two forms of questionnaires were used. One was in paper form, and the second was distributed via email. RESULTS: Altogether, 1061 students participated in this study. Symptoms of IBS were presented in 7.3% of students, and FD in 13%. In the Slovakian group, these were FD 12%, and IBS 7%. The subgroup from Scandinavia shows a prevalence of IBS of 11.7% and FD of 14.0%. A lack of exercise and a vegan diet are related to a higher presence of FD. CONCLUSION: The results of this multicentre study represent the first published data for the presence of symptoms of IBS and FD in Slovakia. Our data also show a significantly higher prevalence of IBS in students from Scandinavia compared with those from Central/Eastern Europe. A higher frequency of physical exercise is associated with a lower presence of symptoms of FD. On the other hand, the symptoms of FD were mostly prevalent in the group adhering to a vegan and vegetarian type diet.

Endoscopic Complications Are More Frequent in Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Treatment via JET-PEG in Parkinson's Disease Patients Compared to Nutritional PEG in Non-Parkinson's Disease Patients.

Background: To date, no studies comparing complication rates between patients with nutritional percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (N-PEG) and Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastro-jejunostomy (JET-PEG) for treatment administration have been published. Our study aimed to compare complication rates and the number of re-endoscopies between N-PEG and JET-PEG patients. Methods: Individuals requiring N-PEG or JET-PEG insertion between 2014 and 2021 were included in this single-center retrospective observational study. Complications were divided into time-related medical and technical complications. Reasons for post-insertion re-endoscopies and their number were also analyzed. Results: Eighty-seven subjects, 47 (54.02%) in JET-PEG group and 40 (45.98%) in the N-PEG group, were included. Early and technical complications were more frequent in JET-PEG vs. N-PEG subjects (70% vs. 10% [p < 0.001], and 54.5% vs. 5.1% [p < 0.001], respectively). The presence of psychiatric disease was associated with a higher number of early complications (p < 0.002). All three types of complications were significantly more frequent in subjects where a healthcare professional did not handle PEG (p < 0.001). Subjects with JET-PEG required a higher number of re-endoscopies compared to the N-PEG group (57.1% vs. 35%, p = 0.05). Conclusions: Complications are significantly more common in individuals with JET-PEG than those with N-PEG, which can be attributed to higher mobility in PD patients.

Periprocedural safety profile of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)-a retrospective analysis of adverse events according to two different classifications.

BACKGROUND: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is nowadays a standard method for treatment of achalasia; nevertheless, it remains an invasive intervention with corresponding risk of adverse events (AEs). The classification and grading of AEs are still a matter of discussion. The aim of our retrospective study was to assess the occurrence of all "undesirable" events and "true" adverse events in patients undergoing POEM and to compare the outcomes when either Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) or American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) lexicon classification applied. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively managed database of all patients who had undergone POEM between December 2012 and August 2018. We assessed the pre-, peri-, and early-postoperative (up to patient's discharge) undesirable events (including those not fulfilling criteria for AEs) and "true" AEs according the definition in either of the classifications. RESULTS: A total of 231 patients have successfully undergone 244 POEM procedures (13 × re-POEM). Twenty-nine procedures (11.9%) passed uneventfully, while in 215 procedures (88.1%), a total of 440 undesirable events occurred. The CDC identified 27 AEs (17 minor, 10 major) occurring in 23/244 (9.4%) procedures. The ASGE lexicon identified identical 27 AEs (21 mild or moderate, 6 severe or fatal) resulting in the severity distribution of AEs being the only difference between the two classifications. Only the absence of previous treatment was found to be a risk factor [p = 0.047, OR with 95% CI: 4.55 (1.02; 20.25)] in the combined logistic regression model. CONCLUSION: Undesirable events are common in patients undergoing POEM but the incidence of true AEs is low according to both classifications. Severe adverse events are infrequent irrespective of the classification applied. CDC may be more appropriate than ASGE lexicon for classifying POEM-related AEs given a surgical nature of this procedure.

The Colon Endoscopic Bubble Scale (CEBuS): a two-phase evaluation study.

BACKGROUND: To date, no scale has been validated to assess bubbles associated with bowel preparation. This study aimed to develop and assess the reliability of a novel scale - the Colon Endoscopic Bubble Scale (CEBuS). METHODS: This was a multicenter, prospective, observational study with two online evaluation phases of 45 randomly distributed still colonoscopy images (15 per scale grade). Observers assessed images twice, 2 weeks apart, using CEBuS (CEBuS-0 - no or minimal bubbles, covering < 5 % of the surface; CEBuS-1 - bubbles covering 5 %-50 %; CEBuS-2 - bubbles covering > 50 %) and reporting the clinical action (do nothing; wash with water; wash with simethicone). RESULTS: CEBuS provided high levels of agreement both in evaluation Phase 1 (4 experts) and Phase 2 (6 experts and 13 non-experts), with almost perfect intraobserver reliability: kappa 0.82 (95 % confidence interval 0.75-0.88) and 0.86 (0.85-0.88); interobserver agreement - intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.83 (0.73-0.89) and 0.90 (0.86-0.94). Previous endoscopic experience had no influence on agreement among experts vs. non-experts: kappa 0.86 (0.80-0.91) vs. 0.87 (0.84-0.89) and ICC 0.91 (0.87-0.94) vs. 0.90 (0.86-0.94), respectively. Interobserver agreement on clinical action was ICC 0.63 (0.43-0.78) in Phase 1 and 0.77 (0.68-0.84) in Phase 2. Absolute agreement on clinical action per scale grade was 85 % (82-88) for CEBuS-0, 21 % (16-26) for CEBuS-1, and 74 % (70-78) for CEBuS-2. CONCLUSION: CEBuS proved to be a reliable instrument to standardize the evaluation of colonic bubbles during colonoscopy. Assessment in daily practice is warranted.

IgG4-Related Sclerosing Cholangitis: Rarely Diagnosed, but not a Rare Disease.

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis, a biliary manifestation of an IgG4-related disease, belongs to the spectrum of sclerosing cholangiopathies which result in biliary stenosis. It presents with signs of cholestasis and during differential diagnosis it should be distinguished from cholangiocarcinoma or from other forms of sclerosing cholangitis (primary and secondary sclerosing cholangitis). Despite increasing information and recently established diagnostic criteria, IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis remains underdiagnosed in routine clinical practice. The diagnosis is based on a combination of the clinical picture, laboratory parameters, histological findings, and a cholangiogram. Increased serum IgG4 levels are nonspecific but are indeed a part of the diagnostic criteria proposed by the Japan Biliary Association and the HISORt criteria for IgG4-SC. High serum IgG4 retains clinical utility depending on the magnitude of elevation. Approximately 90% of patients have concomitant autoimmune pancreatitis, while 10% present with isolated biliary involvement only. About 26% of patients have other organ involvement, such as IgG4-related dacryoadenitis/sialadenitis, IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis, or IgG4-related renal lesions. A full-blown histological finding characterized by IgG4-enriched lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, obliterative phlebitis, and storiform fibrosis is difficult to capture in practice because of its subepithelial localization. However, the histological yield is increased by immunohistochemistry, with evidence of IgG4-positive plasma cells. Based on a cholangiogram, IgG-4 related sclerosing cholangitis is classified into four subtypes according to the localization of stenoses. The first-line treatment is corticosteroids. The aim of the initial treatment is to induce clinical and laboratory remission and cholangiogram normalization. Even though 30% of patients have a recurrent course, in the literature data, there is no consensus on chronic immunosuppressive maintenance therapy. The disease has a good prognosis when diagnosed early.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Roma Settlements: A Comparison with the General Population in Slovakia.

Hepatitis E infection is one of the most frequent causes of acute hepatitis in the world. Currently five human genotypes with different geographical distributions and distinct epidemiologic patterns are identified. In Slovakia, only rare cases of hepatitis E have been reported in past years. Because the most important risk factors associated with HEV infection include consumption of contaminated pork meat and poor hygienic standards, the aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of anti-HEV total antibodies and the main risk factors for HEV in the population living in separated and segregated Roma settlements (n = 195), which represent places with increased risk of infection in Slovakia and to compare it with the prevalence in the general population (n = 69). Of 264 respondents included in the study, 47 (17.8%) showed positivity for anti-HEV antibodies, 42 of whom were Roma (21.5%, n = 195) and 5 (7.2%, n = 69) non-Roma. The population living in Roma settlements lives in poorer conditions and are at higher risk of HEV in comparison to the general population. However, differences in living conditions within the settlements do not contributed to lower risk of HEV antibody prevalence between Roma living in settlements.

Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii in the Roma and Non-Roma Inhabitants of Slovakia: A Cross-Sectional Seroprevalence Study.

The lifestyle, health and social status of the Roma are generally below the standards characteristic for the non-Roma population. This study aimed to find out the seropositivity to Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in the population of Roma living in segregated settlements and to compare it with the prevalence of antibodies in the non-Roma population from the catchment area of eastern Slovakia. The seroprevalence of antibodies to T. gondii was significantly higher in the Roma group (45.0%) than in non-Roma inhabitants (24.1%). A statistically significant difference was also recorded between the two non-Roma groups in the study, 30.4% of those from the catchment area and 19.7% from the non-catchment area were seropositive. Univariate logistic regression confirmed poverty and higher age to be significant risk factors influencing the seropositivity to T. gondii. Of the clinical symptoms analyzed in the study, only muscle and back pain were associated with seropositivity to T. gondii. The close contact of Roma with an environment contaminated by different infectious agents and the insufficient hygiene, lower level of education, poverty, lack of water and household equipment and high number of domestic animals increase the risk of infectious diseases in the Roma settlements and subsequently the spread of communicable diseases at the national or even international level.

Prevalence of Prodromal Parkinson's Disease as Defined by MDS Research Criteria among Elderly Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal symptoms are a well-recognized and common premotor feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). Moreover, multiple studies have assessed the value of colonic α-synuclein as a potential marker of prodromal PD. Recently, the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society (MDS) defined research criteria for prodromal PD. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to test the MDS research criteria in patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopies as potential candidates for inclusion in prospective trials evaluating colonic biopsies as a potential biomarker of prodromal PD. METHODS: We evaluated elderly patients without manifest parkinsonism undergoing diagnostic colonoscopies. During the study we assessed all risks and prodromal markers of the MDS research criteria, excluding radiotracer imaging and genetic testing. RESULTS: The mean age of the 100 enrolled patients was 61.6±9.7 years; 42 were men. The most common prodromal marker in our cohort was constipation (40%), followed by MDS-UPDRS part III scores of >6 points, excluding action tremor items (39%) and hyposmia (37%). Substantia nigra hyperechogenicity was identified in 9%, and polysomnography confirmed REM sleep behavior disorder in 2% of the patients. Five of the 100 enrolled patients (5%) fulfilled the criteria for probable prodromal PD, while another 3 patients met the 50% probability threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest, that the prevalence of prodromal PD in patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopies may be higher compared to the general elderly population, although this should be confirmed in further studies including also matched controls not undergoing colonoscopy. The real prevalence of prodromal PD in this cohort will have to be confirmed in longitudinal follow-up. Patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopies may be good candidates for multistep screening and inclusion in prospective trials.

Redefining the alanine aminotransferase upper limit of normal improves the prediction of metabolic syndrome risk.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have recently proposed the lowering of upper limit of normal (ULN) for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) to improve the diagnostic sensitivity for viral hepatitides and metabolic syndrome (MS). We have tried to validate some of the proposed ULNs in the diagnosis of MS. METHODS: We used data from the HepaMeta Study conducted in 2011 in Slovakia, which explored the prevalence of MS in eastern Slovakia. Patients were tested for the criteria of MS and ALT. Different, previously published, ALT cutoffs were then used to calculate odds' ratios, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MS and its components. RESULTS: Manufacturers' recommended ULN used in our institution (0.8 µkat/l, 47 U/l for men and 0.6 µkat/l, 35 U/l for women) failed to predict any significant risk of MS. Lowered cutoff (72% of the original ULN) identified the patients with the highest age-adjusted probability of MS (odds ratio 3.194, 95% confidence interval 1.398-7.295). ALT was significantly associated with elevated levels of triacylglycerols, hyperglycemia, and obesity. CONCLUSION: In patients with MS, one must consider liver involvement if the patient has ALT levels in the upper third of the reference range. There is the need for discussion about the feasibility of lower ALT ULN in clinical practice.

Predictors of hepatorenal syndrome in alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Alcoholic liver disease is a major cause of liver cirrhosis and the hepatorenal syndrome is a serious complication. Risk factors for hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) in alcoholic liver cirrhosis are not entirely explored. AIM: To assess the risk factors for hepatorenal syndrome in alcoholic liver cirrhosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with alcoholic liver disease were followed for two months, development of renal failure, classified either as HRS or renal failure not fulfilling criteria of HRS, was the main outcome. RESULTS: Of 171 patients, 14 (8.2%) developed HRS and 13 (7.6%), renal failure not fulfilling the HRS criteria. A significant difference was found between patients with and without HRS in serum sodium (131.1±3.8 vs. 135.7±5.2; P = 0.003), creatinine, (94.1±26.8 vs. 80.3±20.2; P < 0.001), albumin (23.5±4.9 vs. 29.9±5.8; P < 0.001), INR (1.76±0.45 vs. 1.44±0.41; P < 0.001), bilirubin (252.3±179.4 vs. 91.2±101.0; P < 0.001), MELD (23±6 vs 15±5; P < 0.001) and MELD-Na score (27±5 vs. 18±6; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis adjusted for sex and age showed that sodium together with creatinine are the strongest HRS predictors, followed by bilirubin with respective odds´ ratios (95% CI) of 1.041 (1.012-1.072) for creatinine, 0.870 (0.766-0.988) for serum sodium and 1.005 (1.001-1.010) for serum bilirubin. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of sodium, creatinine and bilirubin are important predictors of the hepatorenal syndrome.

[Management of patients with dyspepsia]. / Manazment pacientov s horným typom dyspepsie.

Dyspepsia is a common clinical problem with an extensive differential diagnosis and a heterogeneous pathophysiology. Dyspepsia affects up to 40 % of the general population and significantly reduces quality of life. According to the Rome III criteria, dyspepsia is defined as one or more of the following symptoms: epigastric pain and/or burning (classified as epigastric pain syndrome), postprandial fullness and/or early satiation (classified as postprandial distress syndrome). Initial evaluation should focus on the identification and treatment of potential causes of symptoms such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, and medication side effects but also on recognizing those at risk for more serious conditions such as gastric cancer. An empiric PPI trial or "test and treat" strategy for Helicobacter pylori are the initial approaches to a patient with dyspepsia, followed by endoscopy if initial management fails. Once an organic cause for symptoms is excluded, a diagnosis of functional dyspepsia is made. This article will review the definition, etiology, and general approach to the evaluation and management of the patient with dyspepsia including the role of proton-pump inhibitors, treatment of Helicobacter pylori, and endoscopy.

Association between metabolic syndrome and hepatitis B virus infection in the Roma population in eastern Slovakia: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The simultaneous presence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in the high-risk Roma community constitutes a high risk for liver cirrhosis and potentially hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aims to explore the relationship between MS and CHB. METHODS: Data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta Study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 among Roma living in rural communities were used. Participants were tested for the presence of MS, and lipid levels--total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B100, and CHB HBsAg and anti-HBc IgG were also monitored. Viral load was measured in HBsAg-positive patients. RESULTS: A total of 452 patients were screened; MS was diagnosed in 29.6% of patients, and 12.5% had CHB. Anti-HBc IgG antibodies were present in 52.8% of patients. CHB patients had lower levels of total cholesterol (5.45 +/-1.21 vs. 4.71 +/- 1.23 mmol/l; p = 0.035), LDL cholesterol (median 2.2 mmol/l, interquartile range 0.88 mmol/l vs. 2.5 mmol/l, interquartile range 0.9 mmol/l; p = 0.01) and apolipoprotein B100 (median 0.66 mmol/l, interquartile range 0.26 mmol/l vs. 0.74 mmol/l, interquartile range 0.29 mmol/l; p = 0.025). Patients diagnosed with MS had a higher HBV DNA load than patients without MS (1,728.2 +/- 14.33 IU/ml vs. 12,779.1 +/- 20.9 IU/ml; p = 0.037). CHB patients with TC and apolipoprotein B100 within the reference range had a lower hepatitis B DNA (HBV DNA) load than patients with high or low values of TC or apolipoprotein B100. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of chronic hepatitis B and simultaneous presence of MS was high among Roma. HBsAg-positive patients had lower levels of total and LDL cholesterol along with decreased apolipoprotein B100. The viral load of chronic hepatitis B patients with MS was higher than in patients without MS.

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase level associated with metabolic syndrome and proinflammatory parameters in the young Roma population in eastern Slovakia: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is present approximately in half of all patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is the liver manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MS). This study aimed to explore the relationship between GGT and MS or proinflammatory parameters. METHODS: Data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 among Roma living in rural communities were used. Participants (n = 446) were divided into 2 groups; those with elevated GGT and those with normal GGT levels. MS was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria; presence of central obesity and low density lipoproteins (LDL) or high density lipoproteins (HDL), high triglycerides, hypertension, glucose intolerance or type 2 diabetes. Participants were tested for the presence of MS and its components, and biochemical tests for lipid levels (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, TG) and inflammatory parameters (high sensitivity C-reactive protein--hs-CRP and ferritin) were performed. RESULTS: Of 446 Roma participants, only 29 (6.5%) had GGT levels above the normal value. After exclusion of patients with viral hepatitis and alcohol abuse, patients with elevated GGT suffered from MS more often (p < 0.001), and patients with more MS components had a higher risk of elevated GGT. We found a significant association between GGT and the individual MS components, except HDL (waist circumference > or = 94 cm in men or 80 cm in women: p < 0.01; BMI > 30: p < 0.001; fasting glucose > or = 5.6 mmol/l: p < 0.001; arterial hypertension: p < 0.05, and TAG > or = 1.7 mmol/l: p < 0.001). Patients with elevated GGT levels had also significantly higher hs-CRP (hs-CRP > 2 mg/l: p < 0.001; hs-CRP > 3 mg/l: p < 0.001) and ferritin (ferritin > 300 mg/l: p < 0.01) levels. CONCLUSION: Patients with MS have more significantly elevated levels of GGT. There is a significant association of GGT with individual MS components, except HDL and inflammatory parameters (hs-CRP, ferritin).

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in relation to metabolic syndrome in the Roma population compared with the non-Roma population in the eastern part of Slovakia.

BACKGROUND: Obesity-induced metabolic syndrome is a multiple risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and type 2 diabetes, and ethnic minorities seem to have unfavourable medical risk factors in general more frequently than majority populations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in relation to metabolic syndrome in the Roma population compared with the non-Roma population residing in the eastern part of Slovakia. RESULTS: 123 Roma and 79 non-Roma patients with metabolic syndrome were evaluated. Men between 40-55 years of age had 4.76-times higher odds and women 5.26-times higher odds for metabolic sydrome compared with the younger population. We found statistically significant higher waist circumference in the Roma subpopulation and higher body mass index as well, although in selected population with metabolic syndrome. HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in both Roma men and women, and LDL cholesterol was not significant in men and women with metabolic syndrome. Triglycerides levels were significantly higher in non-Roma women only. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) values were not in correlation with age but were associated with the increasing number of fulfilled criteria for metabolic syndrome in both subgroups (Roma, non-Roma), independently of gender. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed higher prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome and other CV risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome among younger Roma population, which may be associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality among elderly Roma compared with non-Roma.

High hepatitis B and low hepatitis C prevalence in Roma population in eastern Slovakia.

BACKGROUND: Viral hepatitis B and C prevalence in the Roma population of eastern Slovakia is largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and associated risk factors of chronic viral hepatitis B and C among Roma living in segregated communities in eastern Slovakia. METHODS: Data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 among Roma living in rural communities were used. Participants were tested for the presence of HBsAg, anti-HBc IgG and anti-HCV. The risk factors were assessed mainly via a structured questionnaire/interview. RESULTS: Altogether 452 Roma were screened, and 11 were excluded due to missing data. A total of 441 patients were included (mean age 34.7 +/- 9.14 years; 35.2% men). 12.5% of participants were HBsAg positive, 40.4% anti-HBc IgG positive while negative for HBsAg and 47.2% of participants were negative for all serological markers of hepatitis B. Hepatitis C prevalence was very low (0.7%), while 2 out of 3 anti-HCV positive participants were coinfected with hepatitis B. Risk factors for hepatitis B infection were male sex, higher age, tattoo, and previous imprisonment. No difference was found in intravenous drug use, blood transfusions and sexual behaviour. CONCLUSION: More than half of the Roma residing in eastern Slovakia have been infected at one point in life with the hepatitis B virus, and 12.5% are HBsAg positive. Hepatitis C prevalence is very low, which is probably due to very low intravenous drug use.

Clinical and biochemical determinants of metabolic syndrome among Roma and non-Roma subjects in the eastern part of Slovakia.

BACKGROUND: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a clustering of cardiovascular risk. The high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among populations of lower socioeconomic status is a cause of concern and calls for an effective public health response. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the Roma population compared with the non-Roma population in the eastern part of Slovakia and to determine the parameter which has the strongest association with metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: 123 Roma and 79 non-Roma patients with metabolic syndrome were evaluated. In the subgroup of Roma men, we found that waist circumference conferred the highest chance of MS (more than 12-times), followed by triglycerides (TG) (3.670-times). In the subgroup of non-Roma men, we found that waist circumference conferred the highest chance of MS (more than 16-times), followed by high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (4.348-times increased risk per one unit decrease in HDL). In the subgroup of Roma women as well as non-Roma women, we found that serum TG conferred the highest chance of MS, followed by waist circumference for Roma women. Comparing non-classical risk factors for MS we found that only age (with OR 1.977) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (OR 1.887) were significant and independent predictors of MS in Roma men. Among Roma women apolipoprotein B100 was also found to be an independent predictor of MS, besides age and hsCRP. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is strongly associated with hypertriglyceridemic waist, besides other risk factors, a marker of the atherogenic metabolic triad among younger Roma population, which may be the reason for the increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality in elderly Roma compared with non-Roma. In light of these results, better prevention of CV events for Roma minority settlements in Slovakia should be provided.

Hepatitis B virus infection in patients with metabolic syndrome: a complicated relationship. Results of a population based study.

BACKGROUND: The presence of hepatitis B infection (HBI) and metabolic syndrome (MS) at the same time constitutes a high risk for liver cirrhosis and potentially hepatocellular carcinoma. AIM: In this study we aim to explore the relationship between MS and HBI. METHODS: We used data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in 2011 in Slovakia. Patients were tested for presence of MS, while lipid levels (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, TG, apolipoprotein B100 and HBI (HBsAg and antiHBcIgG)) were also monitored. Viral load was measured in HBsAg positive patients. RESULTS: Altogether 855 patients were screened, MS was diagnosed in 25.1% of patients and 7.9% of patients presented with HBI. AntiHBcIgG antibodies were present in 34.6% patients. HBI patients had lower levels of total and LDL cholesterol along with a decreased apolipoprotein B100 (4.54 ± 0.84 vs. 5.0 ± 0.99 mmol/l, P=0.001; 2.29 ± 0.58 vs. 2.6 ± 0.68 mmol/l, P=0.001 and 0.71 ± 0.21 vs. 0.77 ± 0.23 mmol/l, P=0.013 respectively). Patients diagnosed with MS had higher HBV DNA load than patients without MS - 1300.2 (95% CI 506.06-3440.41) vs. 7661.3 (95% CI 2008.17-29,228.06) IU/ml; P=0.011. HBI patients with TC and apolipoprotein B100 in the reference range had lower HBV DNA load than patients with high or low values of TC or apolipoprotein B100. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis B patients had lower levels of total and LDL cholesterol along with a decreased apolipoprotein B100. Viral load of chronic hepatitis B patients with MS was higher than that in patients without MS.

Serum cholesterol is a significant and independent mortality predictor in liver cirrhosis patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Accurate assessment of cirrhotic patient's prognosis is essential for decisions regarding the course of treatment. Therefore we aimed to confirm and quantify the predictive value of serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides in liver cirrhosis patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational cohort study on consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis (n = 191). Relevant clinical and laboratory variables were obtained from patients' charts and patients were followed for two months. Mortality was the main outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients died in the follow-up period. Significant difference was observed in the level of total serum cholesterol between surviving and deceased patients (2.27 ± 1.02 mmol/L vs. 2.97 ± 1.00 mmol/L, P < 0.0001 respectively). Cholesterol was confirmed as a significant predictor of mortality in univariate logistic regression analysis, and independent predictor beside bilirubin, creatinine and MELD score in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Addition of serum cholesterol level to a prognostic model based on total bilirubin, creatinine and INR increased its accuracy by 4%. Adding cholesterol to the MELD score improved prediction accuracy by 3%. There was no significant difference in serum levels of triglycerides between surviving and deceased patients. CONCLUSION: Serum cholesterol is a routinely measured parameter, which has independent prognostic value in patients with liver cirrhosis.