Volume 6, Issue 2

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) leads to the development of liver fibrosis in most of the cases. However, the mechanism of BCS-related liver fibrosis is unclear, and it may be largely different from that induced by chronic viral hepatitis. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) and its specific marker CD248/endosialin are known to play an important regulatory role in the development of liver fibrosis. Additionally, hypoxia microenvironment and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) are involved in the regulation of CD248/endosialin. Therefore, we hypothesize that hypoxia microenvironment which develops due to BCS can regulate the expression of CD248/endosialin in HSC via HIF signaling pathway, which then affects the function of HSC and development of liver fibrosis. To confirm the hypothesis, two major investigations are necessary: (1) in the BCS animal model and clinical studies, the relationship between the severity of liver fibrosis and the expression of HIF and CD248/endosialin in HSC will be explored; and (2) in the in vitro cell system, the effect of hypoxic microenvironment, HIF-1α or HIF-2α, on the expression of CD248/endosialin in HSC will be explored. It will be important to elucidate whether HIF signaling pathway regulates the expression of CD248/endosialin, thereby inducing the development of BCS-related liver fibrosis.

Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) of the esophagus is an uncommon type of esophageal cancer that contains both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma elements. Data on this biologically unique type of cancer are limited and mainly stem from case reports and small case series. We performed an audit of the available literature and synthesized a review on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, histopathology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of ASCs. Adenosquamous carcinoma of the esophagus is a rare type of esophageal cancer. Histological examination is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of ASC and patients usually receive multimodal treatment. Patient outcomes are not well defined and further research could help us better understand the pathophysiology and unique needs of patients with this rare malignancy.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life threatening condition characterized by severe hypoxemia due to pulmonary gas exchange failure and was first recognized in 1960s.Since its first description, it has undergone intensive research in the past few decades to understand its pathogenesis and therapies. Despite this, the recommended therapies to decrease mortality in ARDS remain limited and include low-tidal volume mechanical ventilation, prone ventilation and recently, the ECMO rescue therapy in extreme cases. This review article will summarize the key features of ARDS with a brief overview of the therapeutic options in the management of ARDS.

Background and Objectives Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) among which dyspepsia is frequently observed. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and associations of dyspepsia in ESRD patients using the Leeds questionnaire. Methods All ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis were consecutively enrolled in the study. Leeds questionnaire was used to interrogate the patients for the assessment of dyspepsia. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for age, body mass index (BMI), disease duration and number of hemodialysis sessions. Independent t-test and Chi square tests were used for statistical analysis. Results Total number of patients was 200, out which 118 (59.3%) were male. The mean age was of 41.4 years. According to the Leeds questionnaire, dyspepsia was present in 62 (63.9%) patients. Younger patients (age 20–40 years) more frequently had dyspeptic symptoms (61.5% patients), retrosternal pain (156 patients, 78.0%), regurgitation (127 patients, 63.5%), dysphagia (67 patients, 33.5%), and nausea (142 patients, 71.0%). Patients presented with intermittent pattern of symptoms in 179 (89.5%) cases, while continuous symptoms in 6 (3.0%). Dyspepsia was associated with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels > 25 U/L ( P = 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels > 28U/L ( P = 0.000) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels > 34 U/L ( P = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, urea, creatinine, and presenting symptoms of dysphagia and belching showed significant statistical association with dyspepsia. Conclusion Dyspepsia is a common problem affecting patients with end stage renal disease and is associated with raised serum AST, ALT and GGT in such patients.

Background and Objectives Hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing rates among U.S. birth-cohort patients have been studied extensively, limited data exists to differentiate birth-cohort screening from risk- or liver disease-based testing. This study aims to identify factors associated with HCV antibody (HCV-Ab) testing in a group of insured birth cohort patients, to determine true birth cohort testing rates, and to determine whether an electronic medical record (EMR)-driven Best Practice Alert (BPA) would improve birth cohort testing rates. Methods All birth-cohort outpatients between 2010 and 2015 were identified. HCV-Ab test results, clinical, and demographic variables were extracted from the EMR, and factors associated with testing were analyzed by logistic regression. True birth-cohort HCV screening rates were determined by detailed chart review for all outpatient visits during one calendar month. An automated Best Practice Alert was used to identify unscreened patients at the point of care, and to prompt HCV testing. Screening rates before and after system-wide implementation of the BPA were compared. Results The historic HCV-Ab testing rate was 11.2% (11,976/106,753). Younger age, female gender, and African American, Asian, or Hispanic ethnicity, and medical comorbidities such as chronic hemodialysis, HIV infection, and rheumatologic and psychiatric comorbidities were associated with higher testing rates. However, during the one-month sampling period, true age cohort-based testing was performed in only 69/10,089 patients (0.68%). Following the system-wide implementation of the HCV BPA, testing rates increased from 0.68% to 10.76% ( P <0.0001). Conclusions We documented low HCV-Ab testing rates in our baby boomers population. HCV testing was typically performed in the presence of known risk factors or established liver disease. The implementation of an EMR-based HCV BPA resulted in a marked increase in testing rates. Our study highlights current HCV screening gaps, and the utility of the EMR to improve screening rates and population health.