Update on management of gastric varices.

Gastric varices (GV) have different physiology and clinical characteristics compared to oesophageal varices (OV). There is little information about the management of GV. Most part of the recommendations is extrapolated from studies where the majority of participants had OV. Thus, most recommendations lack of strong evidence. This is a comprehensive review on all aspects of management of GV, i.e., primary, secondary prophylaxis and management of acute bleeding. The papers on which international societies' recommendations are based are scrutinised in this review and areas of research are identified.

Diagnosis and management of hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C virus, a bloodborne virus infection, is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide and was until recently a difficult to treat disease. However, rapid treatment advances can now deliver cure rates of >95% and provide the real possibility of eliminating hepatitis C virus.