Hepatitis: Hamid SS

Anonymous00371, McCaughan GW, Omata M, Amarapurkar D, Bowden S, Chow WC, Chutaputti A, Dore G, Gane E, Guan R, Hamid SS, Hardikar W, Hui CK, Jafri W, Jia JD, Lai MY, Wei L, Leung N, Piratvisuth T, Sarin S, Sollano J, Tateishi R. · Centenary Research Institute, AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. · J Gastroenterol Hepatol. · Pubmed #17444847 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Ismail FW, Hamid SS. · No affiliation provided · J Pak Med Assoc. · Pubmed #15129865 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Mumtaz K, Hamid SS, Moatter T, Abid S, Shah HA, Jafri W. · Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, The Aga Khan University & Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan. · Saudi Med J. · Pubmed #18998024 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Mumtaz K, Hamid SS, Adil S, Afaq A, Islam M, Abid S, Shah HA, Jafri W. · Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. · J Gastroenterol Hepatol. · Pubmed #16174065 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The global epidemiology of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection is changing. This study was performed to determine the epidemiology and clinical impact of hepatitis delta in Pakistan. METHODS: Countrywide data was collected from 1994 to 2001. A total of 8721 patients were tested for hepatitis delta antibody. A subset of 97 hepatitis delta antibody reactive inpatients with chronic liver disease were compared to 97 patients admitted with liver disease due to hepatitis B alone. RESULTS: Of the 8721 patients tested, 1444 (16.6%) were reactive for hepatitis delta antibody. Most were males (87.4%, P < 0.001) and younger (mean age 31 years, P < 0.001) compared to HDV non-reactive patients. Prevalence of delta infection was highest in the rural (range 25-60%) compared to the urban population (range 6.5-11%). Analysis of the inpatient data showed that delta infected patients had significantly less severe clinical liver disease and a trend towards lesser development of hepatocellular carcinoma compared to delta negative patients. CONCLUSIONS: (i) HDV infection is present in 16.6% of hepatitis B infected patients in Pakistan, most commonly in younger males living in rural areas; and (ii) delta virus infected patients have less severe clinical liver disease compared to delta negative, hepatitis B patients.

Abbas Z, Hamid SS, Tabassum S, Jafri W. · Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. · J Pak Med Assoc. · Pubmed #15623184 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) with or without ribavirin is an approved therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C. However, a sustained response is achieved in less than 40% of all treated cases. Retreatment of relapsers or non-responders usually fails. Thymosin alpha 1 (Ta-1) is a polypeptide with immunomodulatory properties that has been suggested to increase response rates in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The aim of present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel triple regimen which includes Ta-1 for relapsers and non-responders to the combination of TA-1 and ribavirin. METHODS: In the present study, 11 patients who relapsed (n=5) or did not respond (n=6) to previous INF-alpha-based therapy were retreated with combination Ta-1, INF-alpha and ribavirin for 12 months, and followed up for a further six months. RESULTS: Four out of five relapsers had a sustained response. One of the non-responders cleared the HCV RNA during the post-treatment follow-up. Minor adverse effects were observed during treatment with this combination therapy and no dose reduction or discontinuations were needed. CONCLUSION: This data suggests that thymosin alpha 1 may add to the efficacy of INF-alpha plus ribavirin in the retreatment of relapsers or non-responders to previous INF-alpha-based hepatitis C therapy.

Hamid SS, Atiq M, Shehzad F, Yasmeen A, Nissa T, Salam A, Siddiqui A, Jafri W. · Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. · Hepatology. · Pubmed #12143058 No free full text.

Abstract: Infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) can cause severe illness in adult patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) caused by hepatitis C. In endemic areas such as South Asia, however, most adult patients already have been exposed to HAV but could still be susceptible to hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. We document that HEV superinfection in 4 of our CLD patients caused severe liver decompensation. We then determined the seroprevalence of HAV and HEV in 233 patients with stable CLD, with the goal of defining the need for protection against these viruses in these patients. Overall, 41 (17.5%) of 233 CLD patients were HEV antibody immunoglobulin G (IgG)-positive, and 228 of 233 (97.8%) were HAV IgG-positive. As controls, we tested 90 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteer blood donors for HAV and HEV antibodies IgG. There was no difference in the percentage of CLD patients and blood donors positive for HEV antibody IgG (17.7% vs. 17.5%) or for HAV IgG (97.8% vs. 94%). No differences were observed in the severity of liver disease between previously HEV-exposed and -nonexposed patients. In conclusion, superinfection with HEV in patients with underlying CLD can cause severe hepatic decompensation leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The large majority of adult CLD patients in endemic countries are vulnerable to infection with HEV, but are protected against hepatitis A, and are ideal candidates for an HEV vaccine.

Hamid SS, Farooqui B, Rizvi Q, Sultana T, Siddiqui AA. · Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. · Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. · Pubmed #9927271 No free full text.

Abstract: The rate of transmission and management of needlestick injuries from hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients to healthcare workers is still a matter of debate. We used a stringent protocol using monthly transaminase levels and polymerase chain reaction for HCV RNA to monitor 53 healthcare workers prospectively for up to 6 months following needle injuries from HCV-positive patients. Evidence of transmission of HCV was found in only 2 workers (4%) with mild asymptomatic infection, one of which resolved spontaneously. Based on our experience, we now use a less-intensive follow-up protocol. Further investigation is required to determine the most cost-effective method to monitor individuals who suffer a needlestick injury from an HCV-positive patient.