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
Sofosbuvir Works for Patients Who Cannot Take PeginterferonFree
- May 24, 2013
- Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
- Gastroenterology
Two phase III studies confirm the efficacy of a sofosbuvir and ribavirin therapy in patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection for whom peginterferon is not an option.
- Reviewing:
- Jacobson IM et al. N Engl J Med 2013 May 16; 368:1867
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Predictors of Poor Outcomes in Autoimmune Hepatitis
- May 17, 2013
- Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
- Gastroenterology
Liver-related death or need for liver transplantation was associated with age at presentation, incomplete treatment response, and low albumin, but not advanced fibrosis.
- Reviewing:
- Ngu JH et al. Hepatology 2013 May 1
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
A Global View of HCV Infection and Barriers to Treatment
- May 10, 2013
- Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
- Gastroenterology
Even with new treatments on the horizon for HCV infection, worldwide issues of access, cost, and gaps in physician knowledge must be addressed.
- Reviewing:
- Mohd Hanafiah K et al. Hepatology 2013 Apr; 57:1333
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Sofosbuvir-Based Therapy for HCV Infection: The Results Are In
- April 23, 2013
- Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
- Gastroenterology
The evidence shows superior efficacy and tolerability of sofosbuvir-based regimens versus those currently available, particularly in patients with HCV genotype 1.
- Reviewing:
- Lawitz E et al. N Engl J Med 2013 Apr 23
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Does HBV Suppression with Entecavir Affect Clinical Outcomes?Free
- April 19, 2013
- Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
- Gastroenterology
Evidence from an ongoing prospective cohort study indicates yes, but only in patients with cirrhosis, and only when virologic response is strong.
- Reviewing:
- Zoutendijk R et al. Gut 2013 May; 62:760
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Sofosbuvir plus Peginterferon and Ribavirin for Chronic HCV InfectionFree
- April 12, 2013
- Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
- Gastroenterology
In phase II trials, a 12-week regimen resulted in high virologic response 24 weeks after treatment, no sofosbuvir-specific adverse effects, and no virologic breakthrough. CME
- Reviewing:
- Lawitz E et al. Lancet Infect Dis 2013 Mar 15
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Where Are We with Pentoxifylline for Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis?
- April 12, 2013
- Atif Zaman, MD,
- Gastroenterology
A pooled analysis of available trial data showed a 53% reduction in mortality from hepatorenal syndrome, but no reduction in overall mortality, compared with placebo.
- Reviewing:
- Parker R et al. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2013 May; 37:845
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Targeting Host Cell MicroRNA: An Exciting New Approach to HCV Treatment
- April 3, 2013
- Rajesh T. Gandhi, MD
- Infectious Diseases
A drug that sequesters a liver-cell microRNA decreases HCV RNA — in some cases, to undetectable levels.
- Reviewing:
- Janssen HLA et al. N Engl J Med 2013 Mar 27
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Transient Elastography Might Replace Liver Biopsy in HCV Management
- March 28, 2013
- Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
- Gastroenterology
This non-invasive procedure had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 89% in identifying patients with cirrhosis at a cutoff point of 13.1 kPa. CME
- Reviewing:
- Gara N et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013 Mar; 11:303
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Hepatitis C Virus Seldom Is Transmitted Sexually
- March 19, 2013
- Abigail Zuger, MD
- General Medicine
This study should reassure monogamous heterosexual couples who are discordant for the virus.
- Reviewing:
- Terrault NA et al. Hepatology 2013 Mar; 57:881
