Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Vertical Transmission in 12-Month-Old Infants Born to HCV-Infected Women and Assessment of Maternal Risk Factors

Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an underappreciated cause of pediatric liver disease, most frequently acquired by vertical transmission (VT). Current guidelines that include the option of screening infants for HCV RNA at 1–2 months are based on data prior to current real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based testing. Previous studies have demonstrated VT rates of 4%–15% and an association with high maternal viral load. We evaluated HCV RNA in infants with HCV VT and assessed maternal risk factors in a prospective cohort in Cairo, Egypt

Impact of treating chronic hepatitis C infection with direct-acting antivirals on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: The debate continues – A mini-review

Hepatitis C virus clearance is expected in more than 95% of patients treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). However, an extensive debate about the impact of DAAs on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently ongoing. This review aimed to explore currently available evidence about the relationship between DAAs and HCC development. The American studies and some European studies clearly showed no relation, while the Japanese and Egyptian studies and the other European studies showed an increased risk of developing HCC after DAA exposure. These conflicting results may be due to geographical and ethnic variations and differences in the design and inclusion criteria among the studies. After reviewing the data from these different studies, it seems that some patients are at increased risk of developing HCC after DAA exposure. Identifying those at increased risk is very important for the management of HCC in light of the potentially major consequences of HCC for the patients’ quality of life and the subsequent major burden imposed on healthcare resources. Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, Hepatitis C virus, Direct-acting antiviral agents, Occurrence, Recurrenc

Fragmented QRS complex, highly sensitive CRP, and fibrinogen in early detection of asymptomatic cardiac involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract Background Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular illnesses. Asymptomatic affection might exist, so early diagnosis can improve the outcome. Aim The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of highly sensitive C-reactive protein, fragmented QRS, and fibrinogen levels in identifying subclinical cardiac involvement in SLE patients, as well as how these variables relate to disease activity. Results Regarding hs-CRP and fibrinogen, there were significant differences between the SLE and control group, with a higher frequency of fQRS in the lupus group. The lupus group was divided into 2 subgroups: 44 patients with fragmented QRS in ECG (83%) and 9 patients with normal QRS (17%) with a higher mean value of hs-CRP and fibrinogen level (58.76 ± 70.15, 18.54 ± 26.79) and low HDL (53.37 ± 10.37) in those with fQRS ( +). The sensitivity and specificity of hs-CRP at a cut of level (3.5 mg/L) for fQRS in SLE patients were 75.5%, and 71.7%, respectively. Regression analysis showed hs-CRP and were significant predictors for fQRS changes in SLE patients. Conclusions A more thorough evaluation of SLE patients with fQRS complexes with hs-CRP and fibrinogen is important with close follow-up for the detection of subclinical cardiac involvement in SLE. Also, SLE activity is linked to fQRS and fibrinogen. Therefore, we advise using them for additional medical care for lupus