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Background: Hepatitis A virus is a self-limiting agent of acute viral hepatitis. It is responsible for 0.5% of viral hepatitis-related deaths worldwide. Hepatitis A is endemic in our country and its seroprevalence has been decreasing in recent years. Seroprevalence studies conducted on specific groups do not reflect the general population. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A and to shed light on the need for hepatitis A vaccination. Materials and Methods: Patients who applied to primary health care institutions between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2022 and for whom anti-HAV IgG and anti-HAV IgM tests were requested were included in the study. The data of the information management system of the Provincial Public Health Laboratory were evaluated retrospectively. Results: The number of cases analysed for anti-HAV IgM and anti-HAV IgG levels were 128,387 and 89,532 respectively. The number of anti-HAV IgM and anti-HAV IgG positive cases were 233 (0.18%) and 79,015 (88.25%), respectively. Of the 233 anti-HAV IgM positive cases, 41 (17.6%) were male and 192 (82.4%) were female. The incidence of acute hepatitis A infection in Gaziantep province was 0.18% and was highest in the 25-44 age group. In addition, there was a significant increase in the number of anti-HAV IgM positive cases in June 2021 and May, June, September and October 2022 compared to other months. Conclusions: Although hepatitis A infection has decreased in our country, it still remains a public health problem. The incidence of acute hepatitis A infection in Gaziantep province is 0.18%. This rate is higher than the incidence in our country. In our study, it was determined that acute hepatitis A infection poses a risk in adults. Therefore, seronegative adults should be vaccinated. In our opinion, hepatitis A vaccine should be included in the adult vaccination programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: HBV and HCV infections cause significant morbidity and mortality, especially in cancer patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the HBV, HCV and HIV infection seroprevalence and the relationship between cancer types in patients followed by the Medical Oncology clinic. Material and Method: Patients outside the pediatric age group who were followed up by the Medical Oncology department for malignancy between 2014 and 2021 were included in this study. HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, and anti-HBcIgG levels of the patients were evaluated. Results: 2409 patients were included in the study. Of these patients, 1252 (52%) were male and 1157 (48%) were female. The mean age of all patients was 60.3 years. It was observed that the patients diagnosed with gastric (34%) and esophageal (17%) carcinomas were followed up most. HBsAg 3.7%, anti-HBs 39.4%, isolated anti-HBs 38.7%, total anti-HBcIgG 34.7%, and isolated anti-HBcIgG 25.5% rates were found to be positive. In addition, anti-HCV positivity was found at a rate of 0.07%, and HCV RNA was negative in 87.5% of these patients. While only three (0.01%) of the patients who were tested for anti-HIV were positive, HIV confirmation tests were negative. Conclusion: In this study, although the high rate of testing for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV is an important indicator for hepatitis awareness, the low rate of request for anti-HBcIgG testing is an important defect. In addition, low isolated anti-HBs positivity indicates that more intensive efforts should be made for hepatitis B vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Viral Hepatitis Working Group updated the consensus report on the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in private hosts and special situations. Relevant literature and international guidelines are reviewed, and agreed recommendations are presented at the end of each chapter. In the report, treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection, management of HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection, management of CHB in severe COVID-19 patients, non-transplant immunocompromised patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consensus report on the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) was first published in 2014 by the Viral Hepatitis Study Group of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. The need for updating has arisen due to reestablished stages of the infection course, changes in treatment indications, new biomarkers used in diagnosis and follow-up, and new biomarkers that are not yet in daily use. Therefore, we prepared a new consensus report by reviewing the current literature and international evidence-based guidelines. We hope the updated consensus report will be a valuable resource for CHB, which is still an essential problem in our country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs have increased the effectiveness of treatment in hepatitis C patients. With the developments in the world and DAA drugs coming into use in our country, the consensus report on the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has needed to be updated. It was first published in 2014 and updated in 2017 by the Viral Hepatitis Study Group of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Here, the Study Group has reviewed every aspect of chronic hepatitis C and revised the consensus report with the updated information. At the end of each topic, the agreed recommendations are summarized, considering the drugs reimbursed in our country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are important health problems in our country as well as all over the world. We aimed to investigate the distribution of seropositivity of HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and anti-HIV according to years, genders and age groups in patients who applied to our hospital. Methods: Results of HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and anti-HIV tests performed during 2015-2019 in our hospital were reviewed retrospectively. 77,562 serum samples were studied for HBsAg, 45,045 for anti-HBs, 73,223 for anti-HCV and 71,061 for anti- HIV of a total of 266,891 samples. The tests were analysed using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (Architect i 1000, Abbott, USA) and electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (Cobas 6000,Roche Diagnostic GmbH, Germany) methods. Data were collected from the database of our hospital. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software ver. 24.0. Chi-Square (χ²) analysis and Fisher's Exact test were used for comparison of categorical variables. The p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: HBsAg, antiHBs, anti-HCV and anti- HIV positivity were 2.3 % (1,808/77,562), 46.6% (20,975/45,045), 0.6% (456/73,223) and 0.05% (35/71,061) respectively. Of the 1,808 patients were positive for HBsAg, 55% were males, 45% were females. Of the 456 anti-HCV positive patients, 63.6% were females and 36.4% were males. When assessed by age groups, HBsAg positivity was found to be the highest in the age group 31-50 (38.1%) and lowest in the age group ≤ 18 (0.6%). Anti-HCV positivity was found to be the highest in the age group ≥65 (32%) and lowest in the age group ≤ 18 (2%). All patients who were found to be anti-HIV positive were male and the highest positivity rate was between the ages of 19-30. Conclusion: Our HBsAg, anti-HBS, anti-HCV and anti-HIV results were found to be similar with the country statistical data. There was significant difference in the seropositivity of HBsAg (p<0,001), anti-HCV (p<0,05) and anti-HIV (p<0,001) during the measurement period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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INTRODUCTION: Employment examinations and periodic examinations have an important place in the screenings of health workers within the context of Occupational Health and Safety measures, which started to be implemented in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331 in the public hospitals that are in the high risk workplace class. In this context, it is important to evaluate the results of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) transmitted via parenteral route and Hepatitis A due to the increased seronegativity in the health screenings of apprentices and trainees. It is aimed to take necessary precautions by performing serological screenings at the time of the employment examinations of apprentices, and trainees, and vaccinate them before they start working. METHODS: In this study, results of screening tests performed for viral hepatitis and HIV in 226 apprentices and trainees before starting their training were evaluated retrospectively. Seronegative Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A cases were included in the vaccination program. RESULTS: As a result of the screening tests, no HBs Ag, HCV and HIV positivity was encountered. From one student HIV confirmation test was requested and followed up. Anti HBs- and Anti HAV IgG-positivities were found to be 85.14%, and 10.17% of the cases, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Viral hepatitis and HIV screening and vaccination in the employment examinations of apprentices and trainees before starting to work in hospitals that were very dangerous workplaces is important in terms of preventing the consequences of work accidents and occupational diseases that may develop within the scope of the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331. It should be ensured that all health screening procedures are performed by an occupational physician, vaccination procedures are applied and protective measures are taken.

Objective: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is one of the most important parameters of platelet size and is a potential marker of platelet reactivity. Clinical and histopathological correlations with MPV have been demonstrated in most diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between hepatic histopathology and platelet count and MPV levels associated with viral hepatitis. Material and Method: In our clinic, we conducted a retrospective case control study based on some histological and clinical parameters of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The patients were divided into two groups, CHB and CHC. These groups were then divided into groups consisting of histological activity index (HAI) and fibrosis scores according to liver biopsy results. Clinical features of chronic viral hepatitis patients including demographic, laboratory and liver biopsy findings were evaluated. Results: In the study, a statistically significant difference was found between the HAI classes in patients with CHB and CHC in terms of MPV and platelet distribution width (PDW)/MPV levels (p <0.001). A statistically significant difference was found between the fibrosis classes in patients with CHB in terms of MPV and PDW/MPV levels (p <0.001). A statistically significant difference was found between the fibrosis classes in patients with CHC in terms of MPV and creatine levels (respectively p =0,032, p =0,042). Conclusion: It can be used as a predictive parameter in patients with MPV, CHB and CHC, which are viewed by a simple method such as complete blood count. Therefore, the examination of the correlation between MPV levels and CHB and CHC with larger prospective studies is necessary to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Screening aimed at hepatitis B reactivation risk is recommended in patients using immunosuppressive drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the results of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) retrospectively in patients referred to the infectious diseases clinic before immunosuppressive treatment. Materials and Methods: In our study, 148 patients who were referred to our infectious disease clinic before immunosuppressive therapeutic usage between January 2018-December 2018. Patients files and hospital automation sysytem were analyzed for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs), hepatitis B core protein antibody (Anti -HBc IgG), anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (Anti-HCV) and antihepatitis A virus antibody (anti -HAV) retrospectively. Results: HbsAg positivity rate was 4.1%, Anti-HBs positivity rate was 31.8%, Isolated Anti-HBc IgG positivity rate was 1.4% and Anti-HBs was not detected in two patients. Anti-HCV positivity was detected as 1.4%. Anti-HAV was not examined in 79.7% of the patients, 12.2% was determined to have positive Anti-HAV and 8.1% negative Anti-HAV. Conclusions: Since some screenings are incomplete despite screening performed for the patients, we recommend that physicians who follow patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy should be trained and raise awareness of HBV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although there is no mandatory vaccination schedule for health care workers in Turkey, several vaccines such as seasonal influenza, tetanus, hepatitis B, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), and varicella vaccines are recommended for all healthcare professionals. This study aimed to determine the attitudes and behaviors of health care workers to the recommended vaccines for themselves. Methods: The universe of cross-sectional study was 488 physicians and nurses working at the Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University. The participation rate was 88.6%. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics, their attitudes to vaccines required for themselves and behaviors towards vaccination were questioned by a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, χ², Mann- Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used in data analysis and multiple analyzes were performed. Results: The mean (±SD) of the attitude score was 19.9±2.5. The rate of having seasonal influenza vaccination every year was 4.8%; the ratio of triple dose hepatitis B and tetanus vaccination was 82.9% and 67.4%, respectively. The ratio of two doses of MMR and varicella vaccination was 56.0% and 40.8%, respectively. Being a resident (OR: 9.7, 95% CI: 3.0-31.9, p<0.001) or a nurse (OR: 12.4, 95% CI: .4-34.7, p<0.001) were risk factors for not having seasonal influenza vaccine every year. For not completing the 3-dose hepatitis B vaccine series, the attitude score against vaccination (OR: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.8-0.9, p=0.005) was a protective factor, while being a nurse (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.08, p=0.012) or a faculty member (OR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.4-7.4, p=0.004) was a risk factor. For not completing the 2-dose MMR vaccine series, being a nurse (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.5-3.3, p<0.001) and age (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04-1.09, p<0.001) were risk factors. For not completing 2-dose varicella vaccine series, age (OR: 1.08, 95% GA: 1.05-1.1, p<0.001) and having no individual over 65 years at home (OR: 2.2, 95% GA: 1.06-4.85, p=0.035) were risk factors. Conclusions: Although the health care workers' attitudes to vaccines required for themselves and behaviors towards vaccination are positive, their vaccination rates are not at the desirable levels. More studies to determine the reasons that lead to low vaccination rates of health workers are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is reported that approximately 200 million individuals worldwide are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and about one-fourth of these patients are active acute viral hepatitis B infections. HBV can lead to chronicization after a mean incubation period of 180 days, resulting in cirrhosis and liver cancer. In patients with HBV, the level of some plasma proteins increases or decreases in acute inflammatory response or in some types of tissue damages. In serum protein electrophoresis, albumin forms the largest band, the prealbumin band appears as a pale band just before albumin, and the production or reduction of these proteins may be affected in patients with HBV. The liver is an important storage organ for iron. Hepatic injury and dysfunction may disrupt iron homeostasis. The aim of this study was to determine serum protein electrophoresis and prealbumin levels in patients with active viral hepatitis B and to investigate the diagnostic value of these levels. Materials and Methods: In our study, 47 viral hepatitis B patients (mean age 45 ± 19.49 years) and 52 healthy controls (mean age 46 ± 18.2 years) were included. Clinical and serological markers of acute HBV infection were analyzed by ELISA kits and total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, iron, transferrin, AST, ALT, GGT and ALP levels were analyzed by autoanalyzer spectrophotometric method while ferritin levels were measured by immulite chemiluminescent method. Serum protein electrophoresis was studied manually in the hydrasys device technique. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 15.0 software. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U and Pearson correlation analysis tests were used for data assessment. Results: In our study, serum pealbumin levels were significantly lower in the active HBV patients group (11.07 ± 4.21%) compared to the control group (19.35 ± 7.4%) (p <0.05). Serum transferin levels were also significantly lower in the active HBV patients group compared to the normal healthy group, but serum iron and ferritin levels were significantly higher (p<0.05). Conclusion: The decrease in serum prealbumin levels in active HBV patients during the active phase of the disease is consistent with the changes in other parameters. The half-life of prealbumin synthesized by the liver is very important in terms of reflecting sudden changes in the liver. Albumin reflecting an important function of the liver. It does not reflect sudden changes in acute liver diseases due to its long half-life. It was concluded that serum prealbumin assays are a sensitive marker that rapidly reflects functional changes in liver in active viral hepatitis. Inflammation and damage of the liver of the disease in active HBV patients is thought to decrease serum prealbumin and transferrin levels. Ferritin is an intracellular iron storage protein and a marker for iron stores and may also indicate liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality among patients with cancer who received cytotoxic chemotherapy. To our knowledge, there are not satisfying available data in regard to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity ratios in solid cancer patients. Prevalence and reactivation rates of chronic HBV and HCV infections in gastrointestinal cancer patients were retrospectively investigated. Statistical significant relationship was detected for HBsAg positivity in gastric and esophageal cancers (5.67%) and rectum cancer (5.6%). Statistical significant relationship was not detected for HCV. Screenings for viral hepatitis is required in order to prevent treatment discontinuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a common cause of acute viral hepatitis and may lead to serious clinical conditions such as acute liver failure, especially in adulthood. Evaluation of HAV serologies in the patient group with chronic viral hepatitis and to vaccinate susceptible individuals is recommended by the guidelines. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-HAV IgG in chronic hepatitis B patients who were followed in Bismil State Hospital in Diyarbakır where HBsAg posi-tivity rates are higher than the national average. Methods: A total of 209 chronic hepatitis B patients, 121 (57.9%) males and 88 (42.1%) females who were followed at the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Micobiology Outpatient Clinic between January 1, 2015 and December 31,2016 were included in the study. Macro-ELISA (Architect i2000 SR, Abbott, Abbott Park, IL, USA) test kits were used to test for anti-HAV IgG, and patients' data were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Overall seroprevalence of anti-HAV IgG was 98.6%. Anti-HAV IgG seronegativity was highest in the <20 years of age group as 11.8%, followed by 1.6% in the 20-29 years old age group. Anti-HAV IgG positivity was present in all of the >30 years old age groups. Conclusions: Although anti-HAV IgG positivity is high in adult patients with chronic hepatitis B, HAV screening and vaccination of susceptible individuals should be performed, especially in adolescents and young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Thalassemia and sickle cell anemia patients have frequent transfusions. Hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are tramsmitted infections with blood. The objective of this study is to determine frequency of these infections in our hemoglobinopathy patients. Material and Methods: We investigated 410 hemoglobinopathy patients. Viral serologies were detected with second-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. In 410 patients (116 thalassemia major, 16 thalassemia intermedia, 12 hemoglobin H, 222 sickle cell anemia, 43 sickle-beta thalassemia and 1 Hb SE), there were 258 males and 152 females. Results: The rate of HBV is 1,2%, HCV is 3,2% and HIV is 0%. Our results shows that transfusion transmitted viral infection prevelance is not high compared to the literature. Conclusion: Using sensitive screening tests with periodically and right donor selection are very important for preventing these infections in hemoglobinopathy patients who are under high risk. [Cukurova Med J 2014; 39(4.000): 784-787]

Introduction: Each visit to out patient clinics is an opportunity to detect viral infections, particularly in high risk populations. Serological tests for viral hepatitis and TORCH infections must be evaluated in people planning pregnancy. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to screen some infections in patients scheduled for in vitro fertilization in our hospital. Materials and Methods: Patients, admitted to the In Vitro Fertilization Department of our hospital, were searched retrospectively for serological tests for viral hepatitis, syphilis, rubella, rubeola, and CMV between 01 January 2005 and 01 May 2013. Results: Serological tests were asked for a total one thousand six hundred and sixty-four patients. The mean age of the patients was 39.5 (± 9.6). The positive rates of anti-HAV IgG, HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and anti-HBe were 87.6%, 3.1%, 6.9%, 21%, and 2.1%, respectively. The rate of previous HBV infection was 4.7%. Forty-three (3.1%) patients had positive serology for chronic hepatitis B. The rate of anti-HCV positive patients was 1.9%. Seven of 163 patients had positive HEV serology. Anti-rubella IgG was found positive in three hundred and five of 319 patients, anti-rubeola IgG in 25 of 30 patients, anti-CMV IgG in 354 of 371 patients, VDRL in two of 104 patients, and Treponema pallidum IgG + M inone of 56. Conclusion: People, planning pregnancy, must be checked for viral hepatitis and TORCH infections in countries with moderate endemicity for hepatitis B. Rational serology testing and multidisciplinary approach are necessary to interpret results properly and manage patients.

In this case report, the efficacy of 12-month alendronate and cholecalciferol combination therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis in two male patients with chronic viral hepatitis aged above 60 years who were on antiviral treatment was evaluated. The patients were diagnosed with osteoporosis via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry while receiving 245 mg tenofovir disoproxil fumarate once daily and started on alendronate and cholecalciferol combination (70 mg/2800 IU). Baseline T-scores of the two patients were -2.6 and -4.9, respectively. Baseline bone mineral density (BMD) and 25(OH)D (ng/ml) values were compared with post-treatment values. Regarding the first case, following treatment, lumbar, femoral neck and total hip BMD values were improved by 1.9%, 5.2% and 13.8%, respectively. In the second case, L1-L4 lumbar, femoral neck and total hip BMD values were improved by 23.2%, 25.9% and 14.8%, respectively. However, when pre- and posttreatment 25(OH)D levels were compared, a decrease was observed in both patients. In conclusion, 12-month treatment with alendronate and cholecalciferol combination improved BMD values, in patients with chronic viral hepatitis who were on antiviral therapy. Considering that tenofovir therapy effects vitamin D metabolism independently in these patients, it is necessary to control 25(OH)D levels in a regular basis and to support the patient with adequate vitamin D supplementation, in order to optimize serum vitamin D levels and prevent from vitamin D insufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In recent years, the presence of precore/core region mutations were uncovered by the examination of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that is isolated from patient samples with anti-HBe seroconversion without viral replication loss. In this study, the frequency of precore/core mutations were investigated on serum samples obtained from chronic hepatitis B patients. Methods: From a total of 100 samples 69 anti-HBe and HBV DNA positive, and 31 HBeAg and HBV DNA positive samples were analyzed in the study to determine the imitations with the INNO-LIPA method at the Serology laboratory. Statistical analyses were bone with, SPSS vll.5 and chi-square and variance analysis (ANOVA) tests were conducted. Results: The precore mutations were detected in 68, while the core promoter mutations were present in 57 samples. Mutations were detected at the precore region in 11 out of 31 HBeAg positive (35%), and 57 out of 69 anti-HBe positive samples (83%). Likewise, the core promoter region was affected in 10 of 31 HBeAg (32%), and 47 out of 69 anti-HBe positive samples (68%). Both precore and core promoter imitations were substantially higher in the anti-HBe positive group (p<0.05). Conclusion: As a result, since precore/core mutations were prevalent in samples obtained from the study group, it is our opinion that careful attention must be paid to such mutations during the diagnosis and treatment phases of chronic hepatitis B patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: HBV and HCV are hepatotropic viruses which may complicate pregnancy. Transmission to fetus or new born from the mother is an important way to spread of these viruses. In this study we aimed to investigate the seroprevalance of Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antibody (antiHBs) and Hepatitis C Virus Antibody (antiHCV) in pregnants. Methods: Pregnant women who admitted to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Hospital, Clinics of Obstetrics and Gynecology between 01.01.2008 and 31.12.2012, were retrospectively investigated for HBsAg, antiHBs and antiHCV seropositivity. Results: The HBsAg seroprevalance of 5.7% was determined with a significant decrease from 2008 to 2012. The antiHCV seroprevalance of 0.4% was noted with no significant changes between years. The antiHBs seroprevalance of 29.7% was determined with a significant increase from 2008 to 2012. Additionally, there was a significant increase in antiHBs seropozitivity in <20 age group. Conclusion: Pregnants should be tested for HbsAg and antiHCV in routin controls. Thus, it can be possible to prevent the newborn and the pregnant from HBV infection and complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: Measles, rubella, mumps and viral hepatitis is still a considerable health problem around the world. The risk of contamination of health care workers is higher related to occupational causes. The aim of the study was to research the measles, rubella, mumps and hepatitis B seroprevalence among the female students of Medical Faculty and to apply the vaccines whom need the vaccination. METHOD: This descriptive study was conducted among female students attending Meram Medical Faculty of Selçuk University. Age and sociodemographic characteristics of 351 female students who participated in the study were recorded on the prepared forms. Serum specific IgG levels for measles, rubella, mumps, HBsAg and anti HBs levels were measured in the serum patterns of the participants. Statistical analyses were perfor¬med using SPSS version 13.0. RESULTS: The mean age of the students was 20.5 years (min=16.0, max=29.0). Measles, rubella, and mumps seropositivity were 91.6%, 97.2% and 93.5% respectively. Of the students, 0.7% (n=2) had HBs Ag seropositivity, 42.4% (n=149) had antiHBs seronegativity. The rates of the measles, rubella, and mumps seropositivity were very high among the female students. Sixty two female students (17.7%) required the measles mumps rubella vaccine (MMR). One hundred forty nine female students who have antiHBs seronegativity needed hepatitis B vaccination. CONCLUSION: In order to eradicate measles, mumps, rubella it is necessary that use of MMR vaccine should be expanded nationwide rapidly by the Ministry of Health; the regulation should be revised to include the children born before 2005. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to evaluate surgical outcomes of cirrhotic patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones in our clinic. Patients and Methods: From 2003-2009, 18 cirrhotic patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones in our clinic. Investigated variables included age, gender, etiology of cirrhosis, Child-Pugh score, MELD score, ASA score, associated medical conditions, biliary pathology, preoperative laboratory parameters, operating time, conversion, use of drain, postoperative complications, reoperation and length of hospital stay. Results: Thirteen patients (72.2%) were female and 5 (27.8%) were male. The median age was 61 years (range 34-80 years). Cirrhosis etiology was viral hepatitis in 5 patients, alcohol in 1, cryptogenic in 1, cardiogenic in 1, and in the ten remaining patients, liver cirrhosis could be identified only after intraoperative findings. Seventeen patients were classified as Child-Pugh A and one patient as Child- Pugh B. The median MELD score was 8 (range 6-16) and the median ASA score was 2 (range 1-3). The average operative time was 44 minutes (range 15-100 minutes). One patient required conversion to open surgery (5.6%). Drains were used in 11 patients (61.1%). Postoperative bleeding complications occurred in two patients (11.1%). One patient was reoperated on for bleeding (5.6%). The median hospital stay was 2 days (range 1-7 days). The median follow-up period was 52 months (range 6-87 months). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed with acceptable morbidity in compensated cirrhotic patients. However, these operations should be carried out in an experienced center for hepato-biliary surgery to obtain the best surgical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Oxidative stress is described as an instability between production of free radicals from cells and antioxidant defence of the body. The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative level (TOL) with the severity of the disease and reliability of these parameters in the follow up of response to treatment in cases with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH). Methods: Between January 2004-March 2006, 73 cases with CVH were included in the study. The ages of the patients ranged from 15 to 70 years. Diagnosis of CVH was confirmed by clinical serological, and biochemical markers. The cases were divided into two groups: Group 1 as HBsAg-positive or anti-HCV-positive but HBV DNA or HCV RNA-negative and Group 2 as proven CVH. TAC, lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), and TOL of the sera were studied according to Erel method, and statistically evaluated by χ2 test in all the cases. Results: TAC, LOOH and TOL were found statistically significantly different between two groups. Average values of TAC were 1.8±0.5 mmol Trolox-Eqv./L and 1.0±0.15 mmol Trolox-Eqv./L in Group 1 and Group 2 ( p=0.0001) respectively. Average values of LOOH were 5.3±2.8 μmol H2O2 in Group 1 and 10.6±10.1 μmol H2O2 in Group 2 (p=0.002). Average values of TOL were 10.2±5.9 μmol H2O2 Eqv./L in Group 1 and 18.5±16.6 μmol H2O2 Eqv./L in Group 2 (p=0.004). Conclusions: TAC was found higher, and TOL and LOOH were found lower in Group 1 than Group 2. The evaluation of plasma TAC, TOS ve LOOH levels may be important activation markers for the follow up of CVH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: Hepatitis B virus infection and its sequelae are major global health problems Hepatitis B is an infectious disease occurring worldwide which can be transferred by some professions, including hairdressers and manicurist-pedicurists. It is estimated that 300 - 400 million people worldwide are Hepatitis B virus carriers. This study was designed to determine the knowledge and practices of hairdressers and manicurists-pedicurists who work in women hairdressers in Istanbul towards Hepatitis B. METHODS: This study was planned as a descriptive research. The population of this study was consisted of hairdressers and manicurist-pedicurists (76 salon) who were members of Istanbul Hairdressing Association in district of Istanbul. Convenience sample of the study included 124 workers in hairdressers who volunteered to participate in this research. The data of the study were collected by face to face interviews with a 47-item questionnaire about hairdresser's knowledge and practices towards Hepatitis B. Subjects who voluntarily participated in the study were interviewed in their office by the researcher. RESULTS: Sixty-three percent of the participants were male, 54.1% were married, 38.7% had five-year education, and approximately half of them had courses about their job. Half of the participants had regular health controls, 6.6% were porter and 60.7 % was not vaccinated against Hepatitis B. CONCLUSION: Hairdressers and manicurists-pedicurists who work in women hairdressers in Istanbul don't have adequate knowledge and practices towards Hepatitis-B and other blood transmitted diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocelluler carcinoma is common especially in Asia and Far East where the incidence of viral hepatitis is very high. Treatment of HCC includes the treatment of underlying chronic liver disease caused by viral hepatitis and the tumor itself. Although, surgical resection is the curative treatment procedure for the disease, presence of cirrhosis hinders the resection at about 90% of patients. Besides, owing to diffuse and multiple lesions, most of the patients are not suitable for the curative resection. Liver transplantation can cure both the underlying chronic liver disease and the HCC. Liver transplantation are performed according to expanded criteria and successful results have been obtained at our center. Local and ablative treatments are put on to the agenda in patients whom are not suitable for surgical intervention. Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE), percutaneous alcohol injections (PAI) and radiofrequency ablation (RF) are the most common procedures that are effective in small solitary lesions. Systemic chemotherapies are used in the case of extrahepatic dissemination or in patients with unresectable disease. Cisplatin, doxorubicin, etoposite and 5-flourouracil have been used both as a single agent and in combinations but the response rates are limited between 8 to 18%. In this group of patients although the higher response rate was achieved with the combination of cisplatin, interferon-α-2b, doxorubicin and 5-flourouracil (PIAF), no survival advantage was obtained when compared with doxorubicin. This combination has not been accepted as a standard because of its severe morbidity. Recently sorefenib, a Raf kinase intibitor, was shown to be effective in HCC. Owing to survival advantage in a phase III trial when comparing to placebo, sorefenib seems to be proming agent in HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic complications of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation contribute substantially to the overall success of the procedure and represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Early hepatic complications consist of the sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, drug toxicities, infections, and acute graft-versus-host disease, while late hepatic complications consist of chronic graft-versus host disease, chronic viral hepatitis, and iron overload states. Successful management of the hepatic complications of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is dependent on several factors. These include the recognition and elimination of any pre-transplant risk factors for these problems and the development of strategies to evaluate and prevent them in both the early and later post-transplant periods. The aims of the present review are 1) to identify the early and late hepatic complications of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, in the chronological order in which they occur, 2) to characterize the diagnostic procedures used to identify them, and finally 3) to present the current therapeutic approaches used to manage these problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B infections seldom occur simultaneously owing to the fact that their transmission routes and common ages are different. Therefore, acute hepatit A infection can develop as a superinfection than a co-infection in chronic hepatitis B and C patients. In this article, a case of acute viral hepatitis in which hepatitis A virus and hepatitis B virus acute serological markers were positive is presented. This thirty-three years old male patient applied with jaundice, dark urine, anorexia, malaise, clay-colored stool. There was no pathologic sign except from jaundice in the physical examination. Liver enzymes were elevated 60 times of normal, prothrombin time was prolonged (16.4 sec) and total bilirubin was 15 mg/dl. HBs Ag, anti-HA V IgM, anti-HBc IgM and anti-HBc lgG were positive. During follow-up total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and prothrombin time drew back to normal range in the first month, and so did AST, ALT, ALP, GGT levels in the second month. Romatoid factor and anti-nuclear antibody were found negative related to false positivity about anti HAV IgM. Consequently, in our case which have acute hepatitis A virus and hepatitis B virus serological markers were positive, did not differ from other hepatitis A or B cases in clinical and biochemical aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaç: Talasemi ve orak hücreli anemi hastaları sık transfüzyon almaktadır. Hepatit B (HBV), hepatit C (HCV) ve insan immün yetmezlik virüsü (HIV) kanla geçmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı hemoglobinopati hastalarımızda bu enfeksiyonların sıklığını belirlemektir. Materyal ve Metod: Dört yüz on hemoglobinopati hastasını inceledik.Viral serolojiler "ikinci jenerasyon enzim bağlantılı immün absorban tahlil" metoduyla incelendi. Dört yüz on hastanın (116 talasemi major, 16 talasemi intermedia, 12 hemoglobin H, 222 orak hücreli anemi, 43 orak-beta talasemi ve 1 Hb E) 258"i erkek, 152"si kadındı. Bulgular: HBV sıklığı %1,2, HCV %3,2 ve HIV %0 bulundu. Sonuçlarımız göstermektedir ki transfüzyon ilişkili viral enfeksiyon sıklığı literatüre kıyasla daha yüksek değildir. Sonuç: Peryodik olarak duyarlı tarama testlerinin kullanılması ve doğru verici seçimi yüksek risk altındaki hemoglobinopati hastalarının bu enfeksiyolarda korunmasında çok önemlidir.

Objective: During interferon-alpha treatment of mainly chronic viral hepatitis C (HCV), the incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis increases. However, in some studies, autoimmune thyroiditis could be found together with viral hepatitis independently from interferon-alpha treatment. In our study, we investigated the concomitance of Hashimoto thyroiditis with hepatitis B (HBV) and/or HCV infections. Methods: A total of 259 newly diagnosed patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, comprising 228 woman and 31 men, were included in our study. The simultaneously analyzed thyroid auto-antibodies and viral hepatitis markers were scanned retrospectively from our LIS (Laboratory Information System) archive. Results: Our data have shown only 1 patient was an HBV carrier without active hepatitis; 28 patients were observed to be immunized with HBV, and all patients were found to be HCV (-). Conclusion: We did not find any concomitance of active viral hepatitis in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Many studies have shown that environmental factors trigger thyroid autoimmunity in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Investigation of the genetic predisposition of our patients could clarify the role of viral hepatitis in the etiology of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute hepatitis A is a rarely seen infection during pregnancy. In terms of clinical and laboratory findings, it can be interfere with acute fatty liver disease which can be quite mortal during pregnancy. Since liver function tests are elevated in both conditions, hepatitis A infection should also be kept in mind in differential diagnosis. We present a 30 year-old pregnant woman with 35 weeks of gestation who presented to our clinic with a suspection of acute fatty liver disease but finally diagnosed as acute hepatitis A infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adverse effects of Pegylated interferon used in the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis are quite frequent. Pegylated interferon alpha-2b was started to a 44-years old male patient with chronic hepatitis B at the dose of 1.5 mcg/kg/week subcutaneously. After the first dose of the treatment; incoherent speaking, confusion, sensation, and orientation disorder occurred in the patient. The delirium was understood to develop in the patient due to pegylated interferon alpha-2b after consultation of the neurology clinic. Haloperidol 2.5 mg three times daily was started for the treatment of delirium. After the first dose of haloperidol, the delirium condition was recovered. Severe neuropsychiatric adverse effects may occur due to interferon treatment. Thus, the first dose of interferon treatment should be given to patients by monitoring in hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interferons are natural glicoprotein structured citokins used in mainly chronic viral hepatitis, solid tumors and hematological malignancies, they are used in wide range of other indications. Various sistemic and ocular adverse effects occus during interferon treatment. However, adverse effetcs are mild but sometimes serious even fatal. In this paper, we introduce two cases who are on interferon α and ribavirin treatment with choronic hepatitis-c indication, but those who have developed single sided blindness during this treatment and resulted in optic neuropathy at follow up examinations. After stoping of interferon alpha treatment, clinical symptomps regressed but optic atrophy developed in both cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]