Journal of hepatology
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Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) has been defined as a clinical triad, including chronic liver disease, gas exchange defects (increased alveolar-arterial PO2 difference irrespective of the presence of arterial hypoxemia), and widespread intrapulmonary vascular dilatations. We determined the incidence and the clinical and pulmonary functional characteristics of HPS in candidates for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and tested their predicted accuracy. ⋯ HPS in cirrhotic patient candidates for OLT shows a high incidence and these patients present with distinctive clinical and functional features compared with non-HPS individuals. The presence of a low DLCO may be of help for the diagnosis of HPS.
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Journal of hepatology · Apr 2001
Frequency and biochemical expression of C282Y/H63D hemochromatosis (HFE) gene mutations in the healthy adult population in Italy.
The actual prevalence of the main hemochromatosis (HFE) mutations in the Italian adult population and their phenotypic expression have not yet been established. This information is key to advocate a mass-screening program. ⋯ This study shows that (i) the predicted prevalence for C282Y homozygosity in Italy is 1:3900; (ii) the C282Y/H63D wild-type population has an increased baseline of iron parameters possibly due to genetic factors not linked to the C282Y/H63D mutations; (iii) since in the latter population the actual tissue iron burden cannot be assessed, phenotypic (TS) screening in Italy is not recommended until the true prevalence of all mutations in the HFE gene and in other hemochromatosis genes will be established.
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Journal of hepatology · Apr 2000
Blood neutrophil functions and cytokine release in severe alcoholic hepatitis: effect of corticosteroids.
Several observations point to an important role of interactions between polymorphonuclear neutrophils and cytokines in severe alcoholic hepatitis. The polymorphonuclear neutrophil activation status and the local and systemic pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine responses were quantified. The effect of corticosteroids, widely used in this setting, was evaluated using these parameters. ⋯ Severe alcoholic hepatitis appears to be associated with polymorphonuclear neutrophil activation and an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines; during steroid therapy a normalization of these parameters was observed.
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Journal of hepatology · Dec 1999
Case ReportsSevere portopulmonary hypertension after liver transplantation in a patient with preexisting hepatopulmonary syndrome.
Portopulmonary hypertension and hepatopulmonary syndrome have been considered mutually exclusive pulmonary vascular disorders in liver disease states. ⋯ This case illustrates the potential occurrence of hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension in the same patient, suggesting that the presence of hepatopulmonary syndrome may not preclude the development of portopulmonary hypertension.