Hepatitis: United Kingdom

Gilson R, Brook MG. · Centre for Sexual Health And HIV Research, Royal Free and University College Medical School, The Mortimer Market Centre, London WC1E 6AU, UK. · Sex Transm Infect. · Pubmed #17151052 No free full text.

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Hawkins D, Blott M, Clayden P, de Ruiter A, Foster G, Gilling-Smith C, Gosrani B, Lyall H, Mercey D, Newell ML, O'Shea S, Smith R, Sunderland J, Wood C, Taylor G, Anonymous00122. · Chelsea and Westimnster Hospital, London, UK. · HIV Med. · Pubmed #16033339 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

O'Grady J, Taylor C, Brook G. · King's College Hospital, London, UK. · HIV Med. · Pubmed #16011540 No free full text.

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Nelson M, Matthews G, Brook MG, Main J, Anonymous00327, Anonymous00328. · Patrick Clements Clinic, Central Middlesex Hospital, London, UK. · HIV Med. · Pubmed #16011539 No free full text.

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Brook MG, Gilson R, Wilkins E, Anonymous00325, Anonymous00326. · Central Middlesex Hospital, London, UK. · HIV Med. · Pubmed #16011538 No free full text.

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Gazzard B, Anonymous00323. · Chelsea and Westimnster Hospital, London, UK. · HIV Med. · Pubmed #16011536 No free full text.

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Vergani D, Alvarez F, Bianchi FB, Cançado EL, Mackay IR, Manns MP, Nishioka M, Penner E, Anonymous00232. · Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK. · J Hepatol. · Pubmed #15464251 No free full text.

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Nelson MR, Matthews G, Brook MG, Main J, Anonymous00076. · Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK. · HIV Med. · Pubmed #14511248 No free full text.

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Brook MG, Gilson R, Wilkins EL, Anonymous00075. · Central Middlesex Hospital, London, UK. · HIV Med. · Pubmed #14511247 No free full text.

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Gilling-Smith C, Almeida P, Anonymous00076. · Assisted Conception Unit, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH, UK. · Hum Fertil (Camb). · Pubmed #12960441 No free full text.

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Brook MG, Anonymous00156. · · Int J STD AIDS. · Pubmed #11589797 No free full text.

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Booth JC, O'Grady J, Neuberger J, Anonymous00102. · Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Berkshire Hospital, London Road, Reading RG5 5AN, UK. · Gut. · Pubmed #11413125 links to  free full text

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Ramsay ME. · Immunisation Division, PHLS Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, London. · Commun Dis Public Health. · Pubmed #10598382 No free full text.

Abstract: This document updates previous PHLS guidance on the risks and management of occupational exposure to hepatitis C. In line with recent guidance from the UK Health Departments, the PHLS now recommends that all source patients, subject to appropriate consent, should be tested for evidence of hepatitis C infection. A baseline serum should be obtained from the exposed health care worker and stored for at least two years. Health care workers exposed to known infected sources should be followed up at six, 12, and 24 weeks after exposure. Serum taken at six and 12 weeks should be tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and serum taken at 12 and 24 weeks for anti-HCV. Health care workers exposed to a source believed not to be infected do not require active follow up for hepatitis C unless requested or if they develop symptoms or signs of liver disease. Management of personnel exposed to a source whose hepatitis C status is unknown or a source unavailable for testing will depend upon a risk assessment by a designated doctor. Health care workers who are found to be positive for HCV RNA or antibody to hepatitis C should be referred to an appropriate consultant for consideration of early treatment.

Alvarez F, Berg PA, Bianchi FB, Bianchi L, Burroughs AK, Cancado EL, Chapman RW, Cooksley WG, Czaja AJ, Desmet VJ, Donaldson PT, Eddleston AL, Fainboim L, Heathcote J, Homberg JC, Hoofnagle JH, Kakumu S, Krawitt EL, Mackay IR, MacSween RN, Maddrey WC, Manns MP, McFarlane IG, Meyer zum Büschenfelde KH, Zeniya M. · Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK. · J Hepatol. · Pubmed #10580593 No free full text.

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British Andrology Society. · c/o Dr Eileen A McLaughlin, Chairman, University Division of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, St Michael's Hospital, Bristol, BS2 8EG, UK. · Hum Reprod. · Pubmed #10402397 links to  free full text

Abstract: The British Andrology Society (BAS) guidelines for the screening of semen donors have undergone a recent review, and following consultation with members of the Society and with experts in the allied professions, the following revised guidelines have been issued. Major changes include the introduction of an upper age limit for semen donors (<40 years old) and the general exclusion of men who are seropositive for cytomegalovirus as donors. The BAS recommends the screening of prospective semen donors for chromosomal abnormalities and for cystic fibrosis carrier status. Following the report of cross-contamination of human cells with hepatitis B virus within a liquid nitrogen storage vessel, the BAS recommends that steps be taken to ensure the safe cryopreservation of donor gametes.

Rosenberg WM. · University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK. · Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. · Pubmed #12072592 No free full text.

Abstract: Limited knowledge of the natural history of chronic hepatitis C suggests that patients with mild histological changes on liver biopsy are at low risk of developing liver related morbidity or mortality. Patients with mild disease have been excluded from the large trials of treatment for hepatitis C and consequently guidelines recommend that they are excluded from treatment. However, as the probability of a beneficial response to treatment increases with improvements in antiviral therapy so the threshold for treatment falls. Trials reporting good responses to treatment in patients with mild disease support the case for widening access to treatment. Increasing recognition that chronic hepatitis C infection can lead to impairment of quality of life that is independent of liver histology is likely to result in more patients with mild hepatitis seeking treatment, more clinical trials that include patients with milder stages of liver disease, and greater enthusiasm for their inclusion in treatment guidelines.

Nash KL, Bentley I, Hirschfield GM. · Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Southampton. · BMJ. · Pubmed #19561051 No free full text.

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Scobie L, Takeuchi Y. · Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK. · Curr Opin Organ Transplant. · Pubmed #19469034 No free full text.

Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Potential transmission of zoonotic porcine viruses is a major safety issue in xenotransplantation. This review will first summarize recent studies involving transmission and control of the major concern, porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV). Second, the potential for zoonotic transfer and safety measures required against other viruses of concern will be discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: As studies on PERV genomics continue, distribution of PERV, particularly porcine endogenous retrovirus-C in individual pigs in relation to their ability to transmit PERV in vitro, is becoming clearer. However, further study is required to establish pig lines devoid of problematic copies of PERV. As an extra level of safety, several strategies have been sought, with some success, to reduce PERV infectivity and be used to produce transgenic, PERV-suppressed pigs. Porcine herpesviruses, hepatitis E virus, arenaviruses and an Anellovirus, Torque teno virus, have been highlighted as other viruses of potential risk. SUMMARY: Xenotransplantation is a unique situation in which pathogen monitoring may be required to be more comprehensive than that required for specific pathogen-free sources. With evidence of transmission of novel viruses via allotransplantation, significant attention should be paid to emerging and as yet unknown viruses.

Lo R, Rye K, Austin A, Freeman J. · Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Derby DE22 3NE, UK. · Curr Med Chem. · Pubmed #19355898 No free full text.

Abstract: The economic burden of end stage liver disease is set to increase due to the rising prevalence of cirrhosis secondary to alcohol, viral hepatitis and fatty liver disease. Screening for liver disease has been advocated, as most cases of cirrhosis are preventable with early interventions. Liver function tests (LFTs) are routinely used as a first line investigation to screen for liver diseases but can be normal despite significant underlying liver fibrosis, hepatitis, steatohepatitis or even cirrhosis. Their relationships are far from linear and with little predictive value in some cases. Newer non-invasive modalities are emerging but currently their roles are largely experimental. This review will discuss the role of serum biomarkers and imaging techniques as new modalities to screen for liver disease.

Alswaidi FM, O'Brien SJ. · The University of Manchester, School of Translational Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Health Research Group Stopford Building, Oxford Road, M13 9PT, UK. · J Med Screen. · Pubmed #19349527 No free full text.

Abstract: This literature review is a comprehensive summary of premarital (prenuptial) screening programmes for the most prevalent hereditary haemoglobinopathies, namely thalassaemia and sickle cell disease, and the important infections HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and hepatitis viruses B and C (HBV and HCV). It describes the background to premarital screening programmes and their value in countries where these diseases are endemic. The use of premarital screening worldwide is critically evaluated, including recent experiences in Saudi Arabia, followed by discussion of the outcomes of such programmes. Despite its many benefits, premarital testing is not acceptable in some communities for various legal and religious reasons, and other educational and cultural factors may prevent some married couples following the advice given by counsellors. The success of these programmes therefore depends on adequate religious support, government policy, education and counselling. In contrast to premarital screening for haemoglobinopathies, premarital screening for HIV and the hepatitis viruses is still highly controversial, both in terms of ethics and cost-effectiveness. In wealthy countries, premarital hepatitis and HIV testing could become mandatory if at-risk, high-prevalence populations are clearly identified and all ethical issues are adequately addressed.

Gomaa AI, Khan SA, Leen EL, Waked I, Taylor-Robinson SD. · Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Division of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, South Wharf Road, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom. · World J Gastroenterol. · Pubmed #19294759 links to  free full text

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the commonest cancers worldwide, particularly in parts of the developing world, and is increasing in incidence. This article reviews the current modalities employed for the diagnosis of HCC, including serum markers, radiological techniques and histological evaluation, and summarises international guidelines for the diagnostic approach to HCC.

Hübscher SG. · Department of Pathology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. · Semin Liver Dis. · Pubmed #19235661 No free full text.

Abstract: This article focuses on the main patterns of damage that are seen in liver allograft biopsies. As with the interpretation of liver biopsies from the native liver, clinicopathological correlation is very important. The therapeutic implications of the biopsy report should also be considered, in particular whether changes in immunosuppression are indicated. For some conditions, such as liver allograft rejection, histology remains the gold standard for diagnosis. In other cases, a likely cause of graft dysfunction may already have been identified by other methods, but liver biopsy still provides useful additional information (e.g., assessing disease severity in hepatitis C infection) and may identify an additional or alternative cause for graft dysfunction (e.g., coexistent metabolic fatty liver disease). In cases where there is a dual pathology, liver biopsy may also help to identify the predominant cause of graft damage.

Allain JP, Stramer SL, Carneiro-Proietti AB, Martins ML, Lopes da Silva SN, Ribeiro M, Proietti FA, Reesink HW. · Dept. of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. · Biologicals. · Pubmed #19231236 No free full text.

Abstract: A spectrum of blood-borne infectious agents is transmitted through transfusion of infected blood donated by apparently healthy and asymptomatic blood donors. The diversity of infectious agents includes hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV-1/2), human T-cell lymphotropic viruses (HTLV-I/II), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Parvovirus B19, West Nile Virus (WNV), Dengue virus, trypanosomiasis, malaria, and variant CJD. Several strategies are implemented to reduce the risk of transmitting these infectious agents by donor exclusion for clinical history of risk factors, screening for the serological markers of infections, and nucleic acid testing (NAT) by viral gene amplification for direct and sensitive detection of the known infectious agents. Consequently, transfusions are safer now than ever before and we have learnt how to mitigate risks of emerging infectious diseases such as West Nile, Chikungunya, and Dengue viruses.

Shankar A, Alexander G. · Department of Hepatology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. · Br J Hosp Med (Lond). · Pubmed #19229150 No free full text.

Abstract: Hepatitis C is an important problem that often requires liver transplantation. However, outcomes have not improved in line with liver transplants for other indications. This article explores the issues surrounding this difficult area of transplant hepatology.

Wong CS, Behrens RH. · National Travel Health Network and Centre, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, London. · Br J Nurs. · Pubmed #19186364 No free full text.

Abstract: International travel has become more accessible and affordable, and travel, particularly to tropical and malaria regions, has increased by up to 8% annually. This change in travel has surprisingly not resulted in an increase in imported diseases. Surveillance reports of hepatitis A and enteric fever have not increased and a significant and sustained fall in malaria over the decade has been described. Nurses in primary care are the predominant providers of pre-travel health services and they have an important and influential role in preventing travel-associated illness. This is the second article in a 3-part series on the spectrum of health issues associated with travel. Part one discussed pre-travel health advice, including risk assessment and educating travellers. This article explores the highest risk group of traveller, those visiting friends and relatives (VFRs). The article highlights the specific disease risks for VFRs and how these may be influenced by their health beliefs. The article explores ways in which nurses can optimize the travel health consultation to ensure that the specific needs ofVFRs are met and that they receive accurate and achievable advice.