A Phase 3 study demonstrates that sofosbuvir in combination with ribavirin and peginterferon is highly effective for treating genotype-3 HCV-infected patients, particularly those with cirrhosis. The BOSON study shows the optimal duration of treatment for these patients, which could lead to improved outcomes.
A study found that using a pocket-sized ultrasound device (PUD) with physical examination can improve diagnosis accuracy and reduce the number of tests needed. The PUD was found to be comparable in performance to standard ultrasonography, but improved the accuracy of physical examinations, resulting in a 37% reduction in further testing.
The RUBY-1 study evaluates ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir in patients with stage 4 or 5 CKD and HCV GT1 infection, revealing a well-tolerated combination with rapid viral load suppression.
A 12-week oral regimen of once-daily single tablet grazoprevir/elbasvir is effective and well-tolerated in treatment-naive patients infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1, 4 or 6. Preliminary results show that 299 out of 316 patients achieved a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks.
The study demonstrated that ledipasvir-sofosbuvir achieves high sustained virologic response rates in patients with chronic genotype 4 and 5 HCV infection. The treatment was found to be effective in both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients, with similar SVR12 rates across all patient types.
A new study presented at The International Liver Congress 2015 shows that significant weight loss through lifestyle changes can improve histological features of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Over 10% weight loss is necessary to induce complete resolution of steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and portal inflammation.
The HCV-TARGET study shows all-oral direct-acting antiviral therapy is highly effective and well tolerated in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, with SVR rates of 75%, 77% and 81%. Liver function markers also improve during short-term follow-up.
A new study at The International Liver Congress 2015 reveals that sofosbuvir-based regimens are effective and well-tolerated in hepatitis C and HIV co-infected, cirrhotic patients. Sustained virologic response was observed in 98% of patients at 4 weeks and 95% at 12 weeks.
A study published by the European Association for the Study of the Liver found that silymarin, derived from milk thistle, can resolve non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and improve fibrosis in patients. The results suggest a potential new treatment option for this condition.
A new study reveals that chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The study found significant increases in the cost of care and length of time in hospital for patients with HCV infections.
Researchers found that delaying treatment until after a patient's FIB4 level exceeds 3.25 has a clear detrimental effect on treatment effectiveness, increasing morbidity and mortality risks. Early treatment initiation is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes.
Capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, has been found to have beneficial effects on liver damage. In a study, capsaicin reduced the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which are involved in liver fibrosis. The compound partially improved liver damage and inhibited further progression of the injury in mice models.
TG1050 has been shown to reach the clinical goals considered a cure for CHB, including elimination of HBsAg and seroconversion. The study achieved these goals in 30% of TG1050-injected mice, supporting the move to a first-in-man study.
A new study shows that Baclofen has a positive impact on alcohol consumption and liver function in patients with alcohol-induced liver disease. The results demonstrate improved indicators of liver health, reduced physical dependence, and lower standard measures of liver damage.
A new study published at The International Liver Congress reveals that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with the development of coronary artery calcification. In patients without existing CAC, NAFLD significantly accelerated atherosclerosis progression, while in those with existing CAC, it did not affect disease ...
A study has demonstrated that alginate-enriched bread can inhibit fat digestion and circulatory lipids in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The results show a significant reduction of up to 31% in fat digestion, suggesting its potential use as a therapeutic weight management therapy.
Many European countries lack national strategies to manage chronic viral hepatitis disease surveillance, burden assessment, and intervention impact. Governments need support for developing plans, estimating the national burden, and improving surveillance systems.
A new study found a significant decline in hospital mortality rates among patients with cirrhosis and liver failure. The study analyzed over 780,000 hospitalizations and found that inpatient mortality decreased steadily during the period, despite increases in patient age and medical complexity.
Recent studies confirm that NAFLD worsens heart disease and increases serum levels of cardiovascular risk markers. Additionally, a large population sample found a significant association between psychological distress and liver disease mortality. Meanwhile, inpatient mortality for cirrhosis patients has decreased by 41% in the U.S., at...
Researchers analyzed saliva of cirrhosis patients to predict inflammasions and hospitalization, revealing a new target for research. The study found that oral microbiota reflects changes in gut microbiota in cirrhosis with hepatic encephalopathy.
Researchers created a mouse model showing telomere dysfunction triggers liver damage, including cirrhosis and hepatitis. Telomeres protect genetic data, but their dysfunction leads to disease.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a profile to identify patients most at risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The study analyzed data from 1,126 patients and found that factors such as history of smoking, obesity, jaundice, and cyst size on imaging scans are associated with high risk.
Natural language processing can help track quality of care at individual provider, service line, and health-care systems levels. The Regenstrief Institute's Center for Biomedical Informatics is utilizing natural language processing to improve care and provide information to those who need it.
A new study found that combining traditional assessment tools with data from nurses' assessments significantly improves the ability to predict survival in cirrhosis patients. This may help improve patient outcomes by identifying patients who can benefit from rehabilitation and intensifying their nutritional support.
A new study published in the Journal of Hepatology shows that exercise, regardless of frequency or intensity, benefits obese and overweight adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Both aerobic and resistance training-based exercise regimens reduce liver fat and visceral fat. The improvement was independent of weight loss.
Research links non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with increased intestinal permeability, suggesting a 'gut-liver axis' role in its development. The study found that liver injury may precede changes in gut permeability, potentially worsening liver disease.
Women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of developing cervical dysplasia and cancer, according to a new study. Researchers found that patients with Crohn's disease had a significantly higher risk of cervical neoplasia, especially those diagnosed at a young age or treated with certain medications.
Immediate treatment of HCV-infected patients with moderate or advanced liver scarring is cost-effective, and can also be effective in those with minimal or no scarring. This finding increases the potential for quality of life improvement, particularly when lower treatment costs are assumed.
A Regenstrief study found that natural language processing can accurately track colonoscopy quality, outperforming human review in accuracy and cost. The system analyzed over 90,000 colonoscopies and achieved 95% accuracy in detecting adenomas.
Researchers have found that IL-33 is a critical messenger triggering changes in the stomach's inflammatory response to H. pylori infection, potentially leading to new therapies targeting gastric damage. Elevated IL-33 levels may be associated with chronic infection and metaplasia.
A new study found that Hispanics are more likely to develop alcoholic liver disease at a younger age than Caucasians, and are also more frequently obese and diabetic. Ethnicity is a major factor in the severity of different subtypes of ALD.
Saint Louis University researchers have tested a promising drug candidate that stopped fatty liver disease from progressing to severe liver damage. The drug, SR9238, suppresses lipogenesis and reduces the liver's ability to produce fat.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that chronic narcotic use is more prevalent in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared to children without the disease. The study also identified factors associated with narcotic use, such as psychological impairment and health-care utilization.
New American Gastroenterological Association guidelines provide guidance on managing HBV reactivation in patients undergoing long-term immunosuppressive therapy. The guidelines recommend screening for HBV in patients at moderate or high risk, and consider prophylaxis with anti-hepatitis B therapeutics.
Research suggests that immuosuppressives and anti-cancer drugs can reanimate hepatitis B in previously infected individuals, according to a study published in Hepatology. The study authors emphasize the importance of routine screening for HBV before starting treatment with immunosuppressives or anti-cancer drugs.
A recent position paper from the ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee recommends bariatric surgery for carefully selected young children with severe or morbid obesity and associated medical conditions. The procedure can strongly reduce the risk of adulthood obesity and obesity-related diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed an MRI-based technique to detect and evaluate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children. The new method estimates liver fat content using a standardized biomarker, PDFF, which correlates well with standard liver biopsy analysis.
A new study finds that steroid therapy is associated with a nearly five-fold increase in venous thromboembolism events among IBD patients. Corticosteroid use was linked to a higher rate of venous thromboembolic events, even when combined with biologic therapies.
Researchers investigated 56,000 participants and found daily drinking significantly increases the risk of alcoholic cirrhosis. Recent alcohol consumption, not lifetime consumption, is the strongest predictor of this condition.
Researchers found that cathelicidin protein can prevent intestinal fibrosis and scarring in colitis, potentially sparing patients from repeated surgeries. The study used pre-clinical models of disease and human colonic fibroblasts to demonstrate the anti-fibrotic effects of cathelicidin.
Researchers have discovered a link between Sox10 protein defects and post-operative GI dysfunction in Hirschsprung's disease patients. The study found that mutations in the Sox10 gene disrupts the balance of cell types in the intestine, leading to impaired GI motility.
Researchers have discovered a new signaling intermediate, leukotriene B4, which is synthesized and released by pancreatic acinar cells. This finding provides a potential target for the development of novel therapies for pancreatitis, a common disorder that complicates many ailments.
A 12-year study found that genetic variants, combined with lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking, can lead to chronic pancreatitis. Researchers identified a specific gene variant that may fail to protect pancreatic cells from injury, increasing the risk of inflammation and scarring.
A new formulation of oral budesonide suspension is safe and effective in treating pediatric patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, according to a recent study. The treatment demonstrated remarkable efficacy in reducing eosinophilic inflammation and improving symptoms.
Many HCV patients are lost in healthcare due to inadequate screening, testing, and treatment. A new study found that up to 70% of those with acute infection have no symptoms until years later.
A study by Mayo Clinic physicians found that high-definition optical lenses during colonoscopies can accurately evaluate polyps' precancerous or benign nature. The assessment was 96-97% accurate, potentially saving patients and healthcare systems substantial costs.
Researchers at Centenary Institute used a super-resolution microscope to study the role of DPP9 in cell movement. They found that inhibiting this enzyme can slow down living cancer cells and prevent tumors from growing or spreading.
A new study has shown that a simeprevir-based therapy is as effective as the standard of care in treating chronic Hepatitis C virus infection, with fewer adverse events. The study found that simeprevir was well-tolerated and could be a viable alternative for patients who cannot access or afford newer treatment options.
A Brigham and Women's Hospital-led team identified a critical TIM-3 partner, CEACAM-1, which determines the protein's behavior. The findings suggest that blocking both CEACAM-1 and TIM-3 could enhance anti-tumor responses in cancer and improve treatments for diseases like HIV.
Medical experts call for radical improvements in UK liver disease treatment and detection, citing a 'postcode lottery' for patients. The commission recommends increasing specialist centers and improving primary care services to address excessive alcohol use and obesity.
Two new treatments for liver diseases are being explored. A probiotic, VSL#3, has been shown to improve liver function and reduce the risk of hospitalization in patients with cirrhosis. Meanwhile, a fatty acid conjugate called Aramchol has been found to significantly reduce liver fat content in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver di...
Researchers at UTHealth will study the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri to prevent and ease NEC in animal models. The study aims to decipher the optimal dose and mechanism of action of the probiotic and its effects on intestinal inflammation.
A position paper by ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee outlines recommendations and a checklist for liver biopsy in infants and children. Liver biopsy is still necessary in follow-up after liver transplantation and for monitoring disease activity.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that a new oral medication combination therapy is safe and beneficial for liver transplant patients, requiring only 12 weeks of treatment. The study showed excellent eradication of the virus with much fewer side effects compared to traditional interferon-based therapies.
The rate of hospitalization due to hepatitis A virus infection has declined significantly in the US, with a decrease from 0.72 to 0.29 per 100,000 cases between 2002 and 2011. Vaccination of adults with chronic liver disease may help prevent HAV infection and hospitalization.
A new study found that both short and long sleep durations are associated with an increased risk of developing ulcerative colitis. The study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, followed over 90% of nurses for biennial questionnaires to examine the association between sleep duration and incident disease.
Researchers found that decaf coffee consumption was linked to lower levels of abnormal liver enzymes in a study of over 27,000 participants. The study suggests that chemical compounds in coffee other than caffeine may help protect the liver.
Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IAFLD) in children is characterized by gradual and often symptomless liver injury, with mortality rates up to 40%. Early enteral feeding and referral to specialized intestinal failure centers are key to prevention and treatment.
Researchers found that taller individuals are less likely to develop esophageal cancer and its precursor, Barrett's esophagus. The study, which included data from 1,000 cases of esophageal cancer and twice as many cases of Barrett's esophagus, consistently demonstrated an inverse association between height and these conditions.
A retrospective single-center study found that restarting infliximab therapy after a drug holiday is safe and effective for IBD patients. The average duration of infliximab holiday was 15 months. Patients who were in remission at the time infliximab was discontinued showed a 78 percent response rate at one year.