Oti BV, Pennap GR and Ngari HR
DOI: 10.4172/2573-4563.1000110
Background: Hepatitis B and C viral infections during pregnancy are associated with high risk of maternal complications and mortality. There is high prevalence of vertical transmission causing fetal and neonatal hepatitis which can have serious effects on the neonate, leading to impaired physical and mental health later in life. This study was aimed at evaluating HBsAg and Anti-HCV prevalence of these viruses among pregnant women accessing antenatal care in Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nigeria.
Materials and methods: This prospective cross sectional study took place between May-July 2016. A total of 200 blood samples were collected from pregnant women after informed consent and self-administered questionnaires were completed. Blood samples were analyzed using HBsAg and anti-HCV immunochromatographic screening kits (Fastep Polymed Therapeutics Inc, USA). Chi square test (Smith’s Statistical Package Version 2.80, California, USA) was used for assessing the association of risk factors with the infections.
Results: The overall level of positivity for both viruses in the study population was 14.0%. The prevalence of HBsAg was 8.0% while Anti-HCV was 6.0% and no woman was coinfected with the 2 viruses. The infection rate was highest among those aged 21-30 years old and 31-40 years old for HBV and HCV respectively (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant association between the viral infections and history of blood transfusion (p<0.05). Surgical/ dental procedure was also a predictor for HCV infection (p<0.05) and was not a predictor for HBV infection (p>0.05) in this study. However, educational status, stage of pregnancy, type of marriage, parity and scarification marks did not show any statistically significant association with HBV and HCV infections (p>0.05), although there were arithmetic differences among the studied risk factors (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The study confirms a high prevalence of HBsAg and Anti-HCV among pregnant women in Central Nigeria which is a serious public health problem that cannot be downplayed. Therefore, there is need for establishment of public health measures in order to reduce disease burden and vertical transmission, including routine screening of all pregnant women for these viruses.
DOI: 10.4172/2573-4563.1000111
Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is an endoscopic technique to diagnose and treat variable pancreatic and biliary disorders. Liver cirrhosis increases the incidence of cholelithiasis, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic carcinoma. Post- ERCP bleeding and pancreatitis are the most common complications in those population.
DOI: 10.4172/2573-4563.1000112
Heterotopic or ectopic mucosa is ongenital anomaly elucidated as the inhabitance of tissue outside its habitual locale. This tissue is discerned coincidentally and may be asymptomatic or with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. Two categories of heterotopic tissue predominantly crop up in the gastrointestinal tract, PANCREATIC and GASTRIC. Isolated heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) can arise at all position’s, anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, from the oesophagus to the rectum. The incidence is sporadic but should be deliberated upon in the differential diagnosis of unexplained pain of the abdomen, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract or weight loss. Once heterotopia is identified, suitable treatment can be instituted thereby diminishing the danger of complications. Heterotopic or Ectopic tissue is a congenital anomaly, attributed to abnormal embryologic development, of the existence of tissue apart from the typical location, with no neural, vascular, anatomic relation with the main body of an organ in which it customarily exists. Heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) was initially detailed by Ewell and Jackson in 1939. The congenital anomaly can be emulated by acquired transition (e.g. pyloric epithelial lining) in some organs e.g. lower oesophagus, duodenal bulb and gall bladder. HGM can appear at any location in the gastrointestinal tract, however, it is exceptional in the lower alimentary canal.
Bisello S, Buwenge M, Zamagni A, Deodato F, Macchia G, Arcelli A, Cilla S, Cammelli S, Mattiucci GC, Cellini F and Morganti AG
DOI: 10.4172/2573-4563.1000113
Aim: To present a systematic review on efficacy and toxicity of modern concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) in unresectable biliary tract cancers (BTC).
Methods: A systematic review of literature published within the last ten years (1 January 2007-31 December 2017), based on PRISMA methodology and using PubMed electronic database was conducted. Only articles reporting patients’ outcome in terms of toxicity and/or overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) after CCRT, with or without other treatments, were analyzed. Only studies of patients with diagnosis of unresectable BTC, including intrahepatic, extrahepatic, and gallbladder neoplasm were considered.
Results: Six eligible studies were included reporting data on 195 patients. Median follow-up ranged between 9.4 and 27.7 months (median: 16 months). Four studies were prospective phase II trials and 2 had a retrospective design. Different external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) techniques and chemotherapy (CT) schedules were used while only in one study a brachytherapy boost was delivered. Grade ≥ 3 acute toxicity (hematological or gastrointestinal) ranged between 0.0 and 55.6% (median: 37.0%). One study reported 30.0% gastrointestinal grade ≥ 2 late toxicity. PFS ranged between 6.8 and 10.5 months (median: 7.5 months) in 5 studies. OS ranged between 9.6 and 13.5 months (median: 13 months) in 5 studies.
Conclusion: CCRT remains a reasonable treatment option for locally advanced BTC, providing results comparable with the ones of standard CT, particularly in terms of OS. Considering the progressive advance of modern EBRT techniques, further improvement of these results can be expected. Therefore, clinical trials based on advanced radiotherapy techniques and new integrations of CCRT with systemic treatments are warranted.
Arvind K Mathur and Ho L
DOI: 10.4172/2573-4563.1000114
Meer Ahmad AM, Yadav H, Balabaskaran S, Suresh L and Savithri NV
Background: It is alleged that the incidence of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have sharply increased throughout the world. It is generally argued that increased consumption of a calorie-rich/ high-fat diet, lack of exercise, and sedentary-lifestyles are responsible, besides increasing age, gender, and obesity itself. But, certain authors argue that increased consumption of a carbohydrate-rich diet high in sucrose, fructose, and/or glucose is responsible for the increasing incidence of obesity, T2DM, and MetS. The same proponents also claim that these sugars cause cancers and other chronic diseases through ‘chronic low-grade inflammation’, besides directly. Some yet argue against these claims, causing an on-going raging international controversy, with strong implications for Malaysia.
Objective: The aim is to resolve this controversy through an appropriate literature-review.
Methodology: Literature from both sides, such as journal-articles, systematic-reviews, meta-analyses and booksummaries were reviewed, besides videos of lectures uploaded onto YouTube.
Results: Although here is observed for and against claims that sugar, especially sucrose and fructose, is an addictive, toxic-substance capable of causing chronic-diseases and, being the main cause of obesity, the evidence is overwhelmingly against such claims. Almost all of the studies for appear to have been done on rats and cell-lines, and not of an epidemiological-study nature. Even the nature of the metabolism of sugars claimed as conclusions from these studies is doubted by different studies/articles. The ACGIH categorizes sucrose as not classifiable as human or animal carcinogen. Current existing guidelines on dietary-sugar do not seem to meet criteria for trustworthy recommendations.
Conclusion: The evidence is overwhelmingly against claims that sugar causes chronic diseases, and that sugar is the main cause of obesity. There is a need for more epidemiological-studies.
DOI: 10.37421/2573-4563.2023.7.237
DOI: 10.37421/2573-4563.2023.7.234
DOI: 10.37421/2573-4563.2023.7.236
DOI: 10.37421/2573-4563.2023.7.235
DOI: 10.37421/2573-4563.2023.7.233
DOI: 10.37421/2573-4563.2023.7.232
DOI: 10.37421/2573-4563.2023.7.231
Cholestatic liver conditions encompass a group of disorders characterized by impaired bile flow, leading to a build-up of bile acids and other substances in the liver. Among these conditions, Alagille Syndrome (ALGS) stands out as a rare genetic disorder that affects various organ systems, with the liver being a central target. ALGS, also known as Alagille-Watson Syndrome or arteriohepatic dysplasia, was first described by Dr. Daniel Alagille in 1969. It is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the JAG1 or NOTCH2 genes, affecting multiple organs including the liver, heart, skeleton, and eyes. This paper delves into the clinical characteristics of Alagille Disorder in individuals with cholestatic liver conditions, shedding light on its presentation, diagnosis, and potential therapeutic strategies.
DOI: 10.37421/2573-4563.2023.7.230
The liver, often referred to as the body's metabolic powerhouse, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Responsible for processing nutrients, detoxifying harmful substances, and regulating numerous metabolic functions, the liver is vulnerable to a variety of disorders that can significantly impact its function. Therapeutic diets tailored to address specific liver disorders have emerged as a vital component of managing these conditions and promoting liver health. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the world of therapeutic diets for liver disorders, examining their importance, key considerations, and the impact they have on patients' lives. Liver disorders encompass a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, to more rare genetic disorders like Wilson's disease and hemochromatosis.
DOI: 10.37421/2573-4563.2023.7.229
Paediatric Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) is a rare but serious chronic liver disease that primarily affects children and adolescents. It is characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the liver cells, leading to inflammation and potential long-term damage. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in the diagnosis, management, and long-term success outcomes for Paediatric AIH. This article explores these recent achievements, highlighting the strides made in understanding the disease, improving diagnostic methods, enhancing treatment approaches, and ultimately improving the prognosis for affected children. The diagnosis of Paediatric AIH has evolved with the emergence of advanced laboratory techniques and diagnostic criteria. While the disease remains challenging to diagnose due to its diverse clinical presentation, several recent achievements have improved the accuracy of identification.
DOI: 10.37421/2573-4563.2023.7.228
Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure for individuals with end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, or certain liver-related malignancies. While the primary goal of this procedure is to restore liver function and overall health, liver transplant recipients often encounter various metabolic changes that can have significant implications for their body composition, including the accumulation of fat. Understanding the metabolic processes and factors determining the amount of fat in the bodies of liver transplant recipients is crucial for optimizing their long-term health and well-being. Liver transplantation involves the replacement of a dysfunctional liver with a healthy donor liver. This procedure not only affects the direct functions of the liver but also has far-reaching impacts on the body's metabolism.
Hepatology and Pancreatic Science received 34 citations as per Google Scholar report
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