Hepatitis: Modi AA

Modi AA, Hoofnagle JH. · No affiliation provided · Hepatology. · Pubmed #17879364 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Modi AA, Liang TJ. · The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. · Oral Dis. · Pubmed #18173443 No free full text.

Abstract: Hepatitis C is a major cause of chronic liver disease. It has been recognized as a global health problem because of the progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer. Chronic hepatitis C is usually asymptomatic but can cause considerable liver damage before its recognition. This review discusses the natural history, clinical features, diagnosis, therapy, treatment responses and the side effects associated with the treatment of hepatitis C.

Modi AA, Wright EC, Seeff LB. · The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, The National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. · Antivir Ther. · Pubmed #17591018 No free full text.

Abstract: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been used for centuries in China and Japan to treat various illnesses, including viral hepatitis. Several therapeutic approaches constitute CAM, the most relevant for this review being the use of herbals. However, profound disagreements exist between conventional and alternative medicine practitioners regarding their value. Western medical advocates cite deep concerns about the purity of most herbals because of lack of standardized production, the paucity of pharmacokinetic data, the fact that few well-designed randomized, controlled trials of these products have been performed and the evidence that some herbals have been responsible for severe adverse effects. Nevertheless, many in the public, even in western countries, turn to the use of herbals, believing that they must be safe and effective because they are 'natural' and have been used for centuries, and because of dissatisfaction with conventional medicine. Accordingly, their use in western countries and the costs incurred have increased each year. While there is evidence that some herbals have physiological effects, there still is insufficient evidence to recommend their use. This paper reviews the classification, epidemiology and philosophy of CAM, and the reasons advanced for herbal use to treat viral hepatitis. The criteria necessary to develop a potential pharmacological agent are presented, as well as the requirements for conducting a scientifically valid treatment trial of herbals. Five herbals used in the past to treat viral hepatitis are reviewed and evaluated for the quality of their studies and mention is made of herbals known to have adverse effects.

Modi AA, Feld JJ. · Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1800, USA. · AIDS Rev. · Pubmed #17474311 No free full text.

Abstract: With increasing access to antiretroviral therapy across sub-Saharan Africa, progress is finally being made in combating the devastating HIV epidemic. As HIV-infected individuals live longer, the effects of coinfection with chronic hepatitis B and C will likely become an increasingly relevant issue. Indeed, HIV adversely affects the natural history of HBV and HCV, both of which are endemic across the African continent, Issues ranging from appropriate diagnostic testing to prevention and treatment are affected by HIV coinfection, particularly in resource-limited settings. In addition, some of the more complex problems such as occult infection, immune reconstitution, and antiretroviral hepatotoxicity are becoming increasingly important considerations. In this review, we present the available data on coinfection in Africa with a major emphasis on prevalence, routes of transmission, prevention and treatment strategies.