Hepatitis
The latest information on cirrhosis, interferon, ribavirin, vaccines, and more, drawn from across our primary care and specialty care areas. Sign up now for monthly e-mail alerts on new content.
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Viramidine vs. Ribavirin for Hepatitis C Infection
- November 6, 2009
- Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
- Gastroenterology
The ribavirin prodrug viramidine failed to demonstrate noninferiority to ribavirin in achieving sustained virologic response rates.
- Reviewing:
- Benhamou Y et al. Hepatology 2009 Sep; 50:717
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Hepatitis E Outbreak Among Cruise Ship Passengers
- November 4, 2009
- Mary E. Wilson, MD
- Infectious Diseases
Overall, 4% of passengers returning from a 3-month world cruise tested positive for recent HEV infection; one third of these individuals had symptomatic hepatitis.
- Reviewing:
- Said B et al. Emerg Infect Dis 2009 Nov; 15:1738
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Mycobacterial Infections After Mesotherapy
- October 21, 2009
- Neil M. Ampel, MD
- Infectious Diseases
Rapidly growing mycobacteria were isolated in 12 of 16 patients who developed cutaneous abscesses after mesotherapy injections; antibiotics did not hasten improvement.
- Reviewing:
- Regnier S et al. Clin Infect Dis 2009 Nov 1; 49:1358
CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE WATCH
Hepatitis B Guidelines, Updated
- September 30, 2009
- Rajesh T. Gandhi, MD
- Infectious Diseases
This revised document provides useful information about the prevention, diagnosis, and management of HBV infection.
- Reviewing:
- Lok ASF and McMahon BJ. Hepatology 2009 Sep; 50:661
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Testing for and Prevalence of HCV Infection in HIV-Infected Patients
- September 28, 2009
- Sonia Nagy Chimienti, MD
- HIV/AIDS Clinical Care
During a 12-year observational study among HIV-infected patients, the prevalence of HCV coinfection decreased from 37% to 20%.
- Reviewing:
- Spradling PR et al. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2009 Sep 4
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Seroclearance
- September 25, 2009
- Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
- Gastroenterology
After achieving HBsAg seroclearance, HBV patients are at risk for HCC.
- Reviewing:
- Tong MJ et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009 Aug; 7:889
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Stopping Lamivudine Therapy in Hepatitis B–Infected Patients
- September 18, 2009
- Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
- Gastroenterology
A small study tempers enthusiasm for discontinuing oral therapy in patients who achieve seroconversion.
- Reviewing:
- Fung J et al. Am J Gastroenterol 2009 Aug; 104:1940
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Consensus Interferon After Nonresponse to Standard HCV Therapy
- August 28, 2009
- Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
- Gastroenterology
Patients without cirrhosis who demonstrated some sensitivity to pegylated interferon achieved the best response to interferon alfacon-1 plus ribavirin.
- Reviewing:
- Bacon BR et al. Hepatology 2009 Jun; 49:1838
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Predicting Response to Hepatitis B Virus Therapy
- August 7, 2009
- Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
- Gastroenterology
Hepatitis B virus surface antigen levels during and after pegylated interferon alfa-2a therapy might be predictors of sustained virologic response. CME
- Reviewing:
- Moucari R et al. Hepatology 2009 Apr; 49:1151
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Peginterferon Regimens for Treating HCV Infection: Alfa-2a vs. Alfa-2b
- August 5, 2009
- Rajesh T. Gandhi, MD
- Infectious Diseases
Efficacy and tolerability were similar between regimens. CME
- Reviewing:
- McHutchison JG et al. N Engl J Med 2009 Aug 6; 361:580
