Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
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J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Mar 2009
ReviewTreatment of chronic hepatitis C in Asia: when East meets West.
The issue of best treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is in constant flux, not only in Western countries but also in Asia. Currently, pegylated-interferon plus ribavirin is the standard of care. Studies from Asia provide evidence to support the same broad treatment strategies for Asian patients as recommended in Western countries. ⋯ In Japan, Middle East, Vietnam and Taiwan, several HCV hyper-endemic areas have been reported with an anti-HCV prevalence rate of 12% to as high as 58%. In addition to the well-known endemic status of HBV infection in most countries of the Asia-Pacific region, HCV infection presents another critical scenario of public health issue in this region, as outlined in Guidelines by the Asia-Pacific Association for Study of the Liver (APASL). Given the lack of an effective vaccine, optimal treatment of chronic HCV infection is now perceived as a 'must' in terms of public health strategies, as well as of the clinical setting for individual patients.
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J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Mar 2009
Multicenter StudyDevelopment and evaluation of the quality of life instrument in chronic liver disease patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy.
The objective was to develop a valid and reliable health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment tool to measure the functional and health status of patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (mHE). ⋯ The instrument is short, easy to administer and is of good validity and reliability in patients with mHE.
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J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Feb 2009
Comparative StudyExpression of adiponectin and its receptors in livers of morbidly obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Obesity is one of the risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and a common disease that comprises simple steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and can eventually lead to liver cirrhosis. Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived protein that has anti-obesity, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties, and is considered to possess a hepatoprotective function. Its role in the development and progression of NAFLD in morbidly obese patients is unknown. In this study, we examined the expression levels of adiponectin and its receptors in liver biopsies of morbidly obese patients and then determined whether there was an association with the disease severity. ⋯ These findings indicate that decreased liver adiponectin expression may play a role in the development and progression of NAFLD, from simple steatosis to NASH, in morbidly obese patients.
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J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Feb 2009
Multicenter StudyMulti-center survey regarding the management of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy for endoscopic procedures in Japan.
A guideline on the management of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy for endoscopic procedures has been established from Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society in 2005. However, it is unknown whether consensus on the management of these conditions is obtained among endoscopists in daily practice owing to the guideline. ⋯ There is still a wide variation and confusion among endoscopists after establishment of our national guideline. A robust national guideline with clearer description based on the scientific evidence is needed.