Hepatitis: Jafri W

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.

Abbas Z, Jafri W, Shah SH, Khokhar N, Zuberi SJ, Anonymous00279. · No affiliation provided · J Pak Med Assoc. · Pubmed #15129877 No free full text.

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Jafri W, Subhan A. · Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, P.O. Box 3500, Stadium Road, Karachi - 74800, Pakistan. · Trop Gastroenterol. · Pubmed #19323087 No free full text.

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus is one of the most common blood-borne viruses and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It affects 170 million people worldwide and 2.4%-6.5% people in Pakistan. Therapeutic injections by contaminated, re-used syringes, transfusion of unsafe blood and re-use of razors are major factors responsible for the spread of hepatitis C in the general population. Genotype 3 is the most common genotype in Pakistan and is most responsive to interferon and ribavirin combination therapy. HCV is the leading cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in Pakistan. Appropriate steps need to be taken in the country to control factors responsible for the spread of hepatitis C.

Mohamed R, Desmond P, Suh DJ, Amarapurkar D, Gane E, Guangbi Y, Hou JL, Jafri W, Lai CL, Lee CH, Lee SD, Lim SG, Guan R, Phiet PH, Piratvisuth T, Sollano J, Wu JC. · Department of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. · J Gastroenterol Hepatol. · Pubmed #15304110 No free full text.

Abstract: The Asia-Pacific Expert Committee on Hepatitis B Management recently reviewed the impact of hepatitis B in the region and assessed the differences and similarities observed in the practical management of the disease in individual Asia-Pacific countries. Hepatitis B is a major health concern in the Asia-Pacific region, and of all chronically infected carriers worldwide, approximately 75% are found in Asia. The disease poses a considerable burden on healthcare systems, and is likely to remain a cause of substantial morbidity and mortality for several decades. Disease prevention activities, including screening and vaccination programs, have been implemented successfully in some Asia-Pacific countries and similar measures are being established in other parts of the region. The management of hepatitis B in the Asia-Pacific varies throughout the region, with each country confronting different issues related to treatment options, disease monitoring and duration of therapy. The influence of cost, availability of diagnostic equipment, and patient awareness and compliance are of additional concern. Although guidelines such as those developed by the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver have been created to address problems encountered in the management of hepatitis B, many physicians in the region still find it difficult to make satisfactory management decisions because of the treatment choices available. This article examines the different approaches to hepatitis B management in a number of Asia-Pacific countries, and highlights the difficulties that can arise when adhering to treatment guidelines and disease prevention solutions that have proved to be successful in the region.

Khan A, Tanaka Y, Azam Z, Abbas Z, Kurbanov F, Saleem U, Hamid S, Jafri W, Mizokami M. · Department of Clinical Molecular Informative Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kawasumi, Mizuho, Nagoya, Japan. · J Med Virol. · Pubmed #19475617 No free full text.

Abstract: Studies conducted in different populations worldwide revealed an association between HCV genotype 1 and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) than in infection with other HCV genotypes. There are reports which reveal the association of HCV genotype 3a (HCV-3a) with hepatic steatosis and fibrosis but its relation with the development of HCC has not been investigated. In Pakistan, where the incidence of HCC is increasing, 189 patients with chronic liver disease including 82 with HCC were enrolled. HCV genotypes were determined by phylogeny in the NS5B region and the epidemic history of HCV-3a was examined using coalescent theory based methods. HCV-3a was the predominant genotype (81.4%) in the cohort studied, followed by 3b (9.3%), 3k (2.3%), 1a (1.5%), 1c (1.5%), 1b (0.8%), and 2a (0.8%) where 76% of HCC and 86% of non-HCC were infected with HCV-3a. The significant factors associated with HCC were older age (mean +/- SD) 55.8 (+/-9.9) (P < 0.0001), and male gender (P < 0.001). HCV RNA was significantly higher in patients with HCC and chronic hepatitis than in liver cirrhosis (P < 0.0001). Molecular evolutionary analysis revealed a distinct phylogenetic cluster of HCV-3a in Pakistan and an estimation of the effective number of HCV infections indicated the appearance of HCV-3a in this region around 1920s and a rapid exponential growth in the 1950s. This indicates that the epidemic spread of HCV-3a occurred earlier in Pakistan than in other countries in which this genotype has been reported. HCV-3a which spread earlier in Pakistan may be associated with an increasing incidence of HCC.

Yasmeen A, Siddiqui AA, Hamid S, Sultana T, Jafri W, Persson MA. · Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. · J Virol Methods. · Pubmed #19406160 No free full text.

Abstract: The diversity and extent of sequence variations between hepatitis C virus (HCV) isolates from Pakistan were studied and the probable effects of these variations were assessed on secondary viral structures. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis was performed on 33 samples, of which 25 were typed as genotype 3 by RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) and 8 remained unresolved. Rooted neighbour-joining (NJ) tree revealed that 28 isolates were HCV type 3a and 5 isolates were typed as 3b. The majority of unresolved samples clustered in a different branch of genotype 3, supported by a bootstrap value of 71%. Another, cluster, cluster I, was found to have a bootstrap value of 81%. Genetic distance values showed significant diversity of isolates in these two clusters compared to the reference sequences. Pair-wise comparison showed the presence of additional restriction sites of HaeIII and RsaI in unresolved isolates. In conclusion, unique sequence variability was observed in the 5'-UTR of HCV type 3 isolates from Pakistan. One of the reasons for this sequence variability is the presence of mutations, which are additional restriction sites in the 5'-UTR. These mutations were also responsible for failure of conventional RFLP to type some of the HCV isolates.

Abbas Z, Jeswani NL, Kakepoto GN, Islam M, Mehdi K, Jafri W. · Medicare Clinics, Department of Paediatrics, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. · Trop Gastroenterol. · Pubmed #19323090 No free full text.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and identify risk factors associated with the spread of hepatitis B and C in the rural areas of the upper Sindh Province, Pakistan. Included in this cross-sectional survey were 873 subjects belonging to 174 families residing in Jarwar, a small town of upper Sindh. A study using a systematic random sampling method was undertaken. One questionnaire per household was filled out and blood samples collected for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody total (HBcAb), and hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV). HBsAg was reactive in 44 (5%), HBcAb in 494 (56.6%) and anti-HCV in 294 (33.7%). In the case control study, independent risk factors for exposure to hepatitis B were male sex, age greater than 16 years, absence of vaccination, previous history of jaundice, and family history of liver disease (adjusted odds ratios 1.4, 2.1, 1.7, 1.8 and 1.8, respectively). Independent risk factors for hepatitis C were age greater than 16 years, previous dental procedures, history of liver disease, lack of vaccination, and 10 or more injections in a year (adjusted odds ratios 3.7, 2.1, 2.4, 1.8 and 2.9, respectively). There was indication of intrafamilial and household clustering: for hepatitis C, parent to child p = 0.001, sibling-to-sibling p = 0.046; for hepatitis B, spouse-to-spouse p = 0.052 and parent to child p = 0.001. In conclusion, there is high exposure to hepatitis B and C in upper Sindh. There is a need to educate people about hepatitis B vaccination and iatrogenic factors responsible for transmission. The study suggests the possibility of intrafamilial spread of these viruses.

Yakoob J, Jafri W, Siddiqui S, Riaz M. · Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. · J Pak Med Assoc. · Pubmed #19288948 No free full text.

Abstract: Infection with dengue viruses produces a spectrum of clinical illness ranging from a nonspecific viral syndrome to severe and fatal haemorrhagic disease. Important risk factors include the strain and serotype of the infecting virus, as well as the age, immune status, and genetic predisposition of the patient. The teaching point in this case study was Dengue fever which occurred concomitantly with Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E virus infection.

Kamani L, Mumtaz K, Ahmed US, Ali AW, Jafri W. · Medicine Department, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. · BMC Gastroenterol. · Pubmed #19091136 links to  free full text

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ascitic fluid infection (AFI) in cirrhotic patients has a high morbidity and mortality. It has two variants namely, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and culture negative neutrocytic ascites (CNNA). The aim of this study was to determine the outcome in cirrhotic patients with culture positive (SBP) and culture negative neutrocytic ascites. METHODS: We analyzed 675 consecutive hepatitis B and/or C related cirrhosis patients with ascites admitted in our hospital from November 2005 to December 2007. Of these, 187 patients had AFI; clinical and laboratory parameters of these patients including causes of cirrhosis, Child Turcotte Pugh (CTP) score were recorded. RESULTS: Out of 187 patients with AFI, 44 (23.5%) had SBP while 143 (76.4%) had CNNA. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was the most common cause of cirrhosis in 139 (74.3%) patients. Patients with SBP had high CTP score as compared to CNNA (12.52 +/- 1.45 vs. 11.44 +/- 1.66); p < 0.001. Platelets count was low in patients with SBP (101 +/- 53 x 10(9)/L) as compared to CNNA (132 +/- 91 x 10(9)/L), p = 0.005. We found a high creatinine (mg/dl) (1.95 +/- 1.0 vs. 1.44 +/- 0.85), (p = 0.003) and high prothrombin time (PT) in seconds (24.8 +/- 6.6 vs. 22.4 +/- 7.2) (p = 0.04) in SBP as compared to CNNA. More patients with SBP (14/44; 31.8%) had blood culture positivity as compare to CNNA (14/143; 9.8%), p = 0.002. Escherichia. Coli was the commonest organism in blood culture in 15/28 (53.5%) patients. SBP group had a higher mortality (11/44; 25%) as compared to CNNA (12/143; 8.4%), p = 0.003. On multiple logistic regression analysis, creatinine >1.1 mg/dl and positive blood culture were the independent predictors of mortality in patients with SBP. CONCLUSION: Patients with SBP have a higher mortality than CNNA. Independent predictors of mortality in SBP are raised serum creatinine and a positive blood culture.

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.

Subhan A, Abid S, Jafri W. · Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. · J Med Case Reports. · Pubmed #17880732 links to  free full text

Abstract: ABSTRACT: Pregnancy in women with advanced liver disease is rare. In this paper we described the case of a successful pregnancy in a young woman with advanced cirrhosis due to hepatitis B surface antigenemia, hepatitis delta super-infection and Hepatitis C co-infection. A brief review of the medical literature on pregnancy in women with cirrhosis is also presented.

Moatter T, Abbas Z, Shabir S, Jafri W. · Department of Pathology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. · World J Gastroenterol. · Pubmed #17552010 links to  free full text

Abstract: AIM: To assess the clinical presentation and genotypes of delta hepatitis in local population. METHODS: In this prospective study, 39 consecutive patients who were positive for HBsAg and hepatitis D virus (HDV) antibody were included. The patients were divided in two groups on the basis of presence or absence of HDV RNA and a comparative study was done. Genotype of HDV was determined in PCR positive patients. RESULTS: Overall there is male dominance, in which 34 patients out of 39 (87.2%) were male. Twenty (51%) patients were from the adjacent areas of three provinces; Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan indicating the higher prevalence of delta hepatitis in this mid region of Pakistan. Patients of all age groups were affected with delta hepatitis (median 31.5 years, range 12-75). HDV RNA was detectable in 23 patients (59%). All the HDV strains belonged to genotype I. HBV DNA was detectable only in 3 cases who were also HBeAg and HDV RNA positive. Patients with detectable HDV RNA were younger than patients with undetectable RNA; mean age 29.7 +/- 12.8 years vs 36.8 +/- 15.2. There were no statistically significant differences in the clinical presentation and routine biochemical profile of patients with detectable or undetectable HDV RNA. Clinical cirrhosis was present in 19 (49%) patients; 12 with detectable RNA and 7 with undetectable HDV RNA (P = 0.748). Decompensated disease was seen in eight patients; five and three respectively from each group. Four patients with undetectable RNA and two patients with detectable RNA had normal ALT and ultrasound abdomen. CONCLUSION: HDV may infect at any age, usually young adult males. Genotype I is prevalent. With time some of the patients become HDV RNA negative or asymptomatic carrier. Most of the patients have suppressed HBV DNA replication. Significant numbers of patients have cirrhosis.

Hamid S, Ismail FW, Jafri W. · Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. · J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. · Pubmed #17462190 No free full text.

Abstract: Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) virus infections are the most important causes of chronic liver disease, and the biggest health challenges facing the developing world today. Pakistan is in the intermediate HBV and HCV prevalence area. The health care worker (HCW) is at the forefront of this battle to control this epidemic. From physicians, nurses, to the para-medical staff, the HCW constantly places himself in potential danger, by attending to infected patients. This article reviews the literature available so far on the potential risk of transmission of HBV and HCV both to and from the HCW and makes recommendations for the prevention of such transmission in our working environment.

Abbas Z, Jafri W, Rasool S, Abid S, Hameed I. · Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan. · Singapore Med J. · Pubmed #17245519 links to  free full text

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is a rapidly progressive and fatal disease that mostly occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus and immunocompromised status. Antifungal therapy with surgical debridement is the standard of care. Patients with cirrhosis of liver are more prone to develop different infections. Many of these also show glucose intolerance or frank diabetes mellitus. Little is known about the clinical presentation and outcome of mucormycosis in patients with cirrhosis. Treatment is difficult due to underlying coagulopathy and hepatic dysfunction. METHODS: Medical records of the past five years were searched for the cirrhotic patients admitted with associated diagnosis of mucormycosis or fungal infection. Six patients with mucormycosis were identified. RESULTS: Out of six patients, five were male. Age range was 15-57 years. Cause of cirrhosis was hepatitis C in four patients, hepatitis B in one patient and autoimmune hepatitis in one patient. Two patients had hepatocellular carcinoma. Four patients had diabetes mellitus, of which one patient was also on steroids for the autoimmune liver disease. Four patients had spontaneous bacterial peritonitis at the time of admission. All six patients presented with rhino-orbitocerebral mucormycosis with nasal discharge and upper motor neuron signs. Diagnosis of mucormycosis was made by culture of biopsy and scrapings taken from the palate and nasal sinuses. These patients received amphotericin B. Four patients died while in the hospital, while two patients died within next few days after discharge. CONCLUSION: Mucormycosis in cirrhosis is not very common and has a poor prognosis. Patients with advanced cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus are at risk of developing infection.

Jafri W, Jafri N, Yakoob J, Islam M, Tirmizi SF, Jafar T, Akhtar S, Hamid S, Shah HA, Nizami SQ. · Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. · BMC Infect Dis. · Pubmed #16792819 links to  free full text

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) can lead to chronic liver disease and hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC). This cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence and identified risk factors associated with Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HCV antibody (anti-HCV) sero-positivity among children 1 to 15 years of age. METHODS: The study targeted the low to middle socioeconomic population that comprises 80% to 85% of the population. Consent was obtained from parents of the eligible children before administering questionnaire and collected a blood sample for anti-HCV and HBsAg serology. RESULTS: 3533 children were screened for HBsAg and anti-HCV. 1826 (52 %) were males. 65 (1.8 %) were positive for HBsAg, male to female ratio 38:27; mean age 10 +/- 4 years. 55 (1.6 %) were positive for anti-HCV with a mean age 9 +/- 4 years. 3 (0.11%) boys were positive for both HBsAg and anti-HCV. The overall infection rate was 3.3 % in the studied population. Hepatitis BsAg was more prevalent in subjects who received therapeutic injections 45 (69.2%) positive [Odd Ratio OR = 2.2; 95% Confidence interval CI: 1.3-3.6] inspite of using new needle and syringe 44 (67.7%) positive [OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.3-3.7] and vaccination in the government healthcare facilities 46 (70.7 %) positive with [OR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.4-6.4]. These factors were not significant in anti-HCV positive cases. CONCLUSION: There is a need to educate general population regarding HBV and HCV infection and risks associated with inappropriate therapeutic injections. Hepatitis B vaccine should be administered to all newborns regardless of maternal HBsAg status.

Abbas Z, Moatter T, Hussainy A, Jafri W. · Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. · World J Gastroenterol. · Pubmed #16425360 links to  free full text

Abstract: AIM: To investigate the association between cytokine gene polymorphism and disease status in chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 by liver biopsy, ALT, HCV RNA levels and response to treatment. METHODS: Patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 were analyzed for single nucleotide polymorphisms of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-1 beta, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific oligonucleotide primers. Liver biopsies were assessed by modified histological activity index (HAI) scoring system using a scale of 0-18 for grading the necro-inflammatory activity and 0-6 for staging the fibrosis. HCV RNA levels were determined by bDNA assay. The patients were treated with interferon alpha and ribavirin for 6 mo. Sustained virological response was assessed 6 mo after the completion of the treatment. RESULTS: Out of the 40 patients analyzed, 26 were males. Mean age was 40.5+/-12.5 years (range 18-65 years). The frequencies of different dimorphic polymorphisms based on single nucleotide substitution were as follows: IL-10-1082 G/A 85%, A/A 12.5%, G/G 2.5%; IL-10-819 A/C 87.5%, C/C 10%, A/A 2.5%; IL-10-592 C/A 72.5%, C/C 27.5%; IL-1 C 90%, U 10%; IFN-874 T/A 50%, T/T 27.5%, A/A 22.5%; TNF-308 A/G 95%, G/G 5%; TGF-10 T/C 52.5%, C/C 35%, T/T 12.5%. The mean grades of necro-inflammatory activity of different genotypes of IL-10 at promoter site -1082 were A/A = 3.6, A/G = 5.0, and G/G = 10.0 and the difference was significant (P = 0.029). The difference in the stage of disease at a scale of 0-6 was A/A 0.8, A/G 2.3, and G/G 4.0 (P = 0.079). The difference in the HAI seemed to be related to the presence of allele -1082G. For IL-10 -819 genotypes, mean scores of fibrosis were A/A = 6.0, A/C = 2.2, and C/C = 1.0 (P = 0.020) though the inflammatory activity was not much different. No significant differences in HAI were noted among polymorphisms of other cytokines. Moreover, ALT and HCV RNA levels were not significantly different among different cytokine polymorphisms. There was a significant correlation of HAI and HCV RNA levels with the duration of disease. TGFbeta -10 genotype CC patients had a better end of treatment response than those with other genotypes (P = 0.020). Sustained virological response to the treatment was not influenced by the cytokine polymorphism. No effect of other factors like viral load, degree of fibrosis, gender, steatosis, was observed on sustained virological response in this population infected with genotype 3. CONCLUSION: There is no significant correlation between cytokine polymorphisms and HAI except for the polymorphisms of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, which may influence hepatic inflammatory activity and fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 3. Sustained virological response in this genotype does not seem to be influenced by cytokine gene polymorphisms.

Mumtaz K, Jafri W, Jafri N, Fancy T, Smego RA. · No affiliation provided · Ceylon Med J. · Pubmed #16252583 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.

Yakoob J, Jafri W, Abid S, Jafri N, Islam M, Hamid S, Shah HA, Hussainy AS. · Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Agha Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. · World J Gastroenterol. · Pubmed #14562403 links to  free full text

Abstract: AIM: Candida esophagitis is a frequent infection in immunocompromised patients. This study was designed to determine its characteristics in non- human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infected patients attending a teaching hospital. METHODS: Clinical records of all patients coded by international classification of diseases 9th revision with clinical modifications' (ICD-9-CM), with candida esophagitis diagnosed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and histopathology over a period of 5 years were studied. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (27 males, 24 females, range 21-77 years old and mean age 52.9 years) fulfilled the criteria (0.34% of the EGD). The common predisposing factors were carcinoma (OR 3.87, CI 1.00-14.99) and diabetes mellitus (OR 4.39, CI 1.34-14.42). The frequent clinical symptoms were retrosternal discomfort, dysphagia and epigastric abdominal pain with endoscopic appearance of scattered mucosal plaques. Another endoscopic lesion was associated with candida esophagitis in 15% patients. CONCLUSION: Carcinomas, diabetes mellitus, corticosteroid and antibiotic therapy are major risk factors for candida esophagitis in Pakistan. It is an easily managed complication that responds to treatment with nystatin.

Yakoob J, Jafri W, Hussainy AS. · Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. · Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. · Pubmed #12840684 No free full text.

Abstract: Candida oesophagitis is an acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining illness. We report a 28-year-old woman who presented with Candida oesophagitis with underlying chronic hepatitis C. The patient presented with anorexia and weakness and was noted to have raised serum transaminases. Upper-gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed Candida oesophagitis involving the whole oesophagus. Oesophageal biopsy demonstrated changes consistent with Candida oesophagitis. Serology was positive for hepatitis C antibodies, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genotyped hepatitis C virus (HCV) as genotype 3. Liver biopsy revealed chronic hepatitis with moderately active portal inflammation. A human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test was non-reactive for types 1 and 2. The development of Candida oesophagitis in a patient with chronic HCV infection demands prompt consideration of general debility and immunosuppression as effects of HCV that led to an occurrence of opportunistic infection. Evaluation of this case provides insight into various mechanisms of immune suppression associated with HCV infection.

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.

Abbas Z, Shazi L, Jafri W. · No affiliation provided · J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. · Pubmed #16827971 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.