Hepatitis: Ostrowski M

Missiha SB, Ostrowski M, Heathcote EJ. · Division of Gastroenterology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. · Gastroenterology. · Pubmed #18471548 No free full text.

Abstract: The hepatic complications of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) usually occur only after progression to cirrhosis has taken place. Progression to cirrhosis, however, is extremely variable and depends on a broad set of host and viral factors that modify the rate at which fibrosis develops in a given individual. Despite their inherent limitations, studies of the natural history of CHC have identified several nonmodifiable factors associated with disease progression. These include age at acquisition of infection, sex, and race. More recent reports suggest important roles for host genetic polymorphisms and viral factors. Of greater immediate relevance to patients and their clinicians are the potentially modifiable factors, which include excessive alcohol consumption; smoking (tobacco and marijuana); insulin resistance; and coinfection with hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus type 1, or schistosomiasis. Unfortunately, to date, there are no reliable predictive models that can accurately estimate the risk of CHC disease progression.

Sieńko J, Wiśniewska M, Ciechanowski K, Rózański J, Domański L, Myslak M, Kamiński M, Sulikowski T, Pabisiak K, Romanowski M, Mizerski A, Tejchman K, Nowacki M, Ostrowski M, Bohatyrewicz R. · Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University, ul. Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 20-111 Szczecin, Poland. · Transplant Proc. · Pubmed #16504685 No free full text.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Infections are one of the most common complications after organ transplantation. Viral infections such as hepatitis type B (HBV) and C (HCV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are among the most serious ones. A high frequency of HBV and HCV infections has been recognized in kidney recipients. Viral infections play a special role in graft recipients because of clinical symptoms influencing graft function and recipient survival. Immunosuppressive treatment to decrease immunological reactions after organ transplantation may increase the risk of viral infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the presence of HBs antigen and HCV and CMV antibodies on patient and graft survivals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred one enrolled kidney transplantation patients (96 women and 105 men) were treated with the same immunosuppressive regimen. Age, sex, and viral state (HBs antigen, anti-HCV and anti-CMV antibodies) were evaluated in every patient. Statistical analysis was performed with the Gompertz model, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard tests. RESULTS: The presence of HBs antigen was detected in 161 patients (20.4%), HCV antibodies in 61 recipients (30.3%); and CMV antibodies in 12 patients (5.9%). Eighty-seven recipients (43.4%) were seronegative. Average recipient age was 38.5 years. CONCLUSION: Time of graft function was independent of the presence of HBs antigen or HCV or CMV antibodies.