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Serum C-reactive protein is a marker of systemic inflammation, which has been studied to predict mortality and cirrhosis related complication in decompensated cirrhosis of liver. To evaluate the role of serum C- reactive protein as a predictor of early mortality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis of liver. This was a prospective observational study, carried out in the Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka between October 2017 to February 2019. A total of 89 patients with decompensated cirrhosis of liver were included in the study. Baseline serum CRP was measured and patients were longitudinally followed for a period of 30 days. Patients were divided into two groups, survival and non-survival. The groups were compared of CRP level, CTP score, MELD score and cirrhosis related complications. Chi-Square test was used to analyze the categorical variables and Student t-test was used to analyze continuous variables. Receiver-operator characteristic curve was used to detect serum CRP level for prediction of mortality within 30 days. The mean age was found 49.02±13.90 years in survival group and 47.52±11.30 years in non-survival group. Male patients were predominant in both groups. Total WBC count, serum CRP, serum sodium, serum bilirubin, CTP score & MELD score were statistically significant (p

Introduction Patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) have low survival without liver transplantation. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) improves survival in ACLF and erythropoietin (EPO) promotes hepatic regeneration in animal studies. The aim of this study is to determine whether coadministration of G-CSF and EPO improves the outcome in ACLF. Methods The study was conducted in the Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka. Consecutive patients with ACLF were randomly assigned into group A and group B. Group A patients received subcutaneous G-CSF (5 mcg/kg/d) for 6 days and subcutaneous EPO (40 mcg/wk) for 4 weeks and group B patients received only standard medical care (control group). All patients were followed up for 3 months. The primary end point was to see survival at 3 months. Results Patients had comparable baseline characteristics; hepatitis B virus infection was the commonest etiology of ACLF as both acute and chronic events. A higher proportion of patients were male in both groups. The survival was higher in group A than in group B at the end of 3 months (36.4% vs 29.4%; p = 0.457), but this was not statistically significant. Regarding complications, hepatorenal syndrome was higher in group B than in group A (36.7% vs 41.7%). In both the groups, Child-Turcotte-Pugh score and model for end-stage liver disease scores were similar before treatment and improved during follow-up. Conclusion This is one of the early human studies that demonstrate potential hepatic regeneration using EPO in ACLF patients. Further study with a larger cohort will be needed to reproduce the results of the present work. How to cite this article Haque Md N, Al-Mahtab M, Das DC, et al. Effect of Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor and Erythropoietin on Patients with Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2020;10(2):64-67.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disorder characterized by excessive triglyceride accumulation in hepatocytes. NAFLD has a multifactorial etiology and a combination of environmental, genetic and metabolic factors play a role in the development of advanced disease. NAFLD consists of a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the high prevalence and severity of hepatic illness, NAFLD remains underdiagnosed, because of few symptoms, lack of accurate laboratory markers. The accurate diagnosis of NASH remains dependent on specific histological parameters in liver biopsy. Although liver biopsy remains the ‘gold standard’, there are practical limitations, including costs and risks. There is an increasing requirement for simple, less invasive, highly accurate and affordable screening tools. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) has been proposed as a noninvasive and available marker for assessment of NASH. A hospital based observational study was carried out for a period of two years in the Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed by Chi-square test and student’s t-test respectively. Fifty (50) patients were analysed. Twenty five were NASH and twenty five were non- NASH. AST in NASH group were 55.2 ± 30.1 IU/L and in Non-NASH group were 33.6± 20 IU/L. In NASH group significantly higher percentage of raised AST had NASH compared with normal AST (68% vs.32%).There was significant difference in the NAFLD activity score for diagnosing NASH between elevated and normal AST (P value 0.004). Higher AST values correlated with higher specificity. By multivariate analysis AST were found to be significant. Thus Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is a good predictor for diagnosing non- alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Bangladesh Med J. 2019 Jan; 48 (1): 44-49

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disorder characterized by excessive triglyceride- accumulation in hepatocytes. NAFLD has a multifactorial etiology and a combination of environmental, genetic and metabolic factors play a role in the development of advanced disease. NAFLD consists of a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the high prevalence and severity of hepatic illness, NAFLD remains under diagnosed, because of few symptoms, lack of accurate laboratory markers. The accurate diagnosis of NASH remains dependent on specific histological parameters in liver biopsy. Although liver biopsy remains the ‘gold standard’, there are practical limitations, including costs and risks. There is an increasing requirement for simple, less invasive, highly accurate and affordable screening tools. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) has been proposed as a noninvasive and available marker for assessment of NASH. A hospital based observational study was carried out for a period of two years in the Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16. Statistical inference were done by estimating distribution, Chi-square test and student’s t-test respectively. Fifty (50) patients were analysed.Twenty five were NASH and twenty five were simple steatosis. ALT in NASH group were 97.0±51.5IU/L and insimple steatosis group were 55.5±28.6 IU/L. In NASH group 64% of raised ALT had NASH . In Non-NASH group 16% of raised ALT had no NASH.There was significant difference in the NAFLD activity score for diagnosing NASH between elevated and normal ALT( P value 0.001). Bangladesh Med J. 2019 May; 48 (2): 1-6

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of conditions ranging from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, advanced fibrosis, and end stage liver disease. Despite the high prevalence and severity of hepatic illness, NAFLD remains underdiagnosed, because of few symptoms, lack of accurate laboratory markers. Objective: To evaluate a biochemical score for diagnosing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Methods: An observational, cross sectional study was carried out for a period of two years in the Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 43 patients of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) attending at department of Hepatology were selected and underwent for biochemical investigations and liver biopsy with NAFLD Activity Score (NAS). Results: A biochemical score (TAAG score) assigned 1 point for each parameter (fasting serum triglyceride >ULN, alanine aminotransferase >ULN, AST/ALT ratio (AAR) ≤1 and gamma-glutamyl transferase >ULN) was evaluated. TAAG score ≥3 was present in 32.5% of study population and 40% of NASH patients. It had a sensitivity of 40%, specificity 26% and AUROC 0.54. Conclusion: Biochemical scoring system comprising traditional biomarkers did not significantly predict NASH. Biopsy is the only way to estimate steatohepatitis and/or fibrosis. Bangladesh J Medicine July 2019; 30(2) : 58-62

Aims and objectives To assess the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy in patients with cirrhosis of the liver (LC) in the context of developing country with limited facilities for cell-based therapy and advanced technologies. Materials and methods A total of 34 patients received granulocyte colony-stimulating factor at a dose of 30 IU, daily for 2 to 11 days to upregulate the numbers of white blood cells and stem cells. Subsequently, stem cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of LC patients in a closed chamber using a harvesting machine. Variable amounts of autologous stem cells were injected to LC patients for once. The patients were followed for 3 months and various factors related to safety and parameters of efficacy were analyzed in this interim report. Results Out of 34 patients available for final analysis, 3 months after the start of stem therapy, 4 patients died within this period. There was no significant alteration in biochemical parameters due to stem cell therapy, and patients also did not develop any features of acute liver failure indicating that short-term safety parameters of stem cell therapy may be acceptable. Stem cell therapy had a dominant effect on ascites of in this cohort. Although 24 of 34 patients had ascites at the start of therapy,ascites were found in 11 patients after one month and only 4 patients had ascites after 3 months. The positive role of stem cell therapy on ascites in LC patients may be attributed, even in part, to increased serum levels of albumin after therapy compared to basal levels (p

Background Although there are thousands of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Bangladesh, almost there is no nationwide recommendations for therapeutic maneuver for HCC patients. As most of the HCC patients of Bangladesh are diagnosed late, patients with advanced HCC with large and multiple HCC nodules represent the usual presentation of HCC. The study is presented here to assess the effects of a combined therapy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and sorafenib in advanced HCC patients. Materials and methods A total of 77 patients with advanced HCC were enrolled in this study. All of them had advanced HCC with variable etiologies and clinical conditions. All patients were treated by TACE and also given systemic sorafenib at the same time. The patients were checked 1 and 3 months after therapy commencement. Results Out of 77 patients, 18 patients died within 1 month and additional 15 patients died within 3 months after therapy commencement. Thus, there remains 44 surviving patients after 3 months. When different parameters of dead patients and survived patients were compared, no specific parameters dictated the factors about overall survival of more than 3 months. Discussion This is the first approach to initiate an invasive and a systemic therapy for treatment of advanced HCC in Bangladesh. Further follow-up of patients and their long-term overall survival may cast some lights about the role of these therapies in Bangladeshi HCC patients. How to cite this article Al Mahtab, M, Rahim MA, Noor-E-Alam SM, et al. Treatment by Transarterial Chemoembolization and Sorafenib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma vs Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Bangladesh: A Real-life Situation. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2019;9(2):63–66.

Introduction Noninvasive assessment of esophageal varices (EV) decreases the medical and financial burden related to screening and helps in the management of patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs). In this study, our aim was to assess the utility of the platelet count/spleen diameter index for the noninvasive evaluation of EV. Materials and methods In this cross-sectional observational study, a total of 100 CLD patients underwent screening endoscopy for EV in Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh. Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio was assessed in all patients and its diagnostic implication was calculated. Results Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed that 45 (45.0%) patients had medium EV followed by 27 (27.0%) that had small EV and 19 (19.0%) patients had large EV. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed using platelet count/spleen index, which gave a cut-off value of >905. The validity of platelet count/spleen index evaluation of CLD was: Sensitivity 92.3%, specificity 66.7%, accuracy 90.0%, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 96.6 and 46.2% respectively. True positive was 84 cases, false positive 3 cases, false negative 7 cases, and true negative 6 cases. If we consider cut-off value as 909 in the evaluation of EV in CLD, then true positive was 85 cases, false positive 3 cases, false negative 6 cases, and true negative 6 cases. From this, by calculation, sensitivity was 93.4%, specificity 66.7%, accuracy 91%, PPV 96.6%, and NPV 50%. Conclusion The platelet count/spleen index may be proposed to be a safe and reliable mean of screening of EV in CLD patients; however, case-control study would be required to validate this. How to cite this article: Hossain E, Ahammed F, Saha SK, Foez SA, Rahim MA, Noor-e-Alam SM, Abdullah AS. Screening of Esophageal Varices by Noninvasive Means in Chronic Liver Disease. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2018;8(1):18-22.

Background Research has shown buprenorphine/naloxone to be an effective medication for treating individuals with opioid use disorder. At the same time, treatment discontinuation rates are reportedly high though much of the extant evidence comes from studies of the Medicaid population. Objectives To examine the pattern and determinants of buprenorphine/naloxone treatment discontinuation in a population of commercially insured individuals. Research design We performed a retrospective observational analysis of Massachusetts All Payer Claims Data (MA APCD) covering years 2013 through 2017. We defined treatment discontinuation as a gap of 60 consecutive days without a prescription for buprenorphine/naloxone within a time frame of 24 months from the initiation of treatment. A mixed-effect Cox proportional hazard model examined the associated risk of discontinuing treatment with baseline predictors. Subjects A total of 5134 individuals who were commercially insured during the study period. Measures Buprenorphine/naloxone treatment discontinuation. Results Overall 75% of individuals had discontinued treatment within two years of initiating treatment, and median time to discontinuation was 300 days. Patients aged between 18 and 24 years (HR = 1.436, 95%, CI = 1.240–1.663) and receiving treatment from prescribers with high panel-size (HR = 1.278, 95% CI = 1.112–1.468) had higher risk of discontinuing treatment. On the contrary, patients receiving treatment from multiple prescribers had lower associated risk of treatment discontinuation. Conclusions A substantial percentage of patients discontinue treatment well before they can typically meet criteria for sustained remission. Further investigations should assess the clinical outcomes following premature discontinuation and identify strategies for retaining patients in treatment.

BackgroundHepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) reflects the portal pressure in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension. The aim of the study was to assess the relation of HVPG to variceal size, Child—Pugh status, and variceal bleeding.Materials and methodsA total of 96 patients with cirrhosis of liver were enrolled prospectively and each patient's HVPG level was measured via the transfemoral route. Clinical and biochemical evaluation and upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy were done in each subject. Severity of cirrhosis was assessed by Child's status.ResultsThe mean HVPG was higher in patients with Child's B and C (14.10 ± 7.56 and 13.64 ± 7.17 mm Hg respectively) compared with those of Child's A (10.15 ± 5.63 mm Hg). The levels of HVPG differed significantly between Child's classes A and B (p = 0.011) and Child's A and C (p = 0.041). The mean HVPG was also higher in bleeders compared with nonbleeders with large varices (17.7 ± 5.5vs14.9 ± 4.7 mmHg respectively; p = 0.006).ConclusionHepatic venous pressure gradient seems to be important to assess the severity of liver cirrhosis.How to cite this articleAl Mahtab M, Noor E Alam SM, Rahim MA, Alam MA, Khondaker FA, Moben AL, Mohsena M, Akbar SMF. Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient Measurement in Bangladeshi Cirrhotic Patients: A Correlation with Child's Status, Variceal Size, and Bleeding. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(2):142-145.

Background: Chronic hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that lasts at least 6 months. Knowledge of aetiology and pattern of development of complications of chronic liver disease will help in designing optimal and cost effective control measures of the disease. Methods: The present study was performed to find out the aetiological factors in patients of chronic liver disease. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Patients attending Hepatology Green Unit, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka in 2014 with chronic hepatitis were included. Results: Total 3250 patients were studied, 2310(71.08%) males and 940(28.92 %) females. Most of the patients 1547 (47.6%) belong to age group of 18 to 30 years followed by 922 (28.37%) who were between the age group of 31-40 years. Majority of patients 2012(61.91%) had HBV infection, 1095(33.69%) had nonalcoholic steatohepatitis ( NASH), 81(2.49%) had HCV infection, 7(0.22%) had alcohol abuse, 28(0.86%) had Wilson’s disease, 19(0.58%) had autoimmune hepatitis and no aetiological factors were recorded in 8(0.25%) patients. However in case of females 52.55 % (494/940) due to NASH, while 40.21 % (378/940) due to HBV. Conclusion: HBV infection is the major risk factor for chronic liver disease and NASH challenges HBV in our patients.Bangladesh J Medicine Jan 2017; 28(1) : 24-27

In case of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the ratio of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level to platelet count index has been proposed as a non-invasive and readily available tool for the assessment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The study was conducted on 50 non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patient (25 non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and 25 simple steatosis). The mean (± SD) serum AST level in the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis group was 55.2 ± 30.1 IU/L whereas in simple steatosis group it was 33.6 ± 20.0 IU/L. The mean platelet count in the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis group was 303.1 ± 68.7 x 109 /L whereas in the simple steatosis group it was 327.8 ± 66.8 x 109/L. The mean AST platelet ratio index (APRI) score in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis group was 0.5 ± 0.3 and in the simple steatosis group it was 0.3 ± 0.2. In conclusion, the APRI was significantly higher in the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis group than the simple steatosis group.

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) has largely been hypothesized as central in multifactorial pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study was aimed to explore the association of IR with NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).Methods: We enrolled 219 patients of NAFLD with sonographic evidence of fatty changes in liver excluding patients with alcohol intake and other causes of fatty change during June 2012 to July 2014.Liver biopsy was done for 110 patients with elevated ALT of >30 U/L for male and >18 U/L for female. We have measured IR by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).Results: Age of the study population was 40.6 ± 10.0 years, male and female was 83 (37.9%) and 136 (62.1%), ALT was 42.0 (16-861) U/L, AST was 32 (16-608) U/L and GGT was 39 (10-243) U/L. According to Asian criteria 54 (25.9%) were non-obese, 139 (64.1%) had metabolic syndrome, 163 (74.8%) were hypertriglyceridemic, 200 (91.3%) had low HDL and 170 (77.4%) had high waist. Hypertensive and diabetic were 58 (26.7%) and 57 (26.1%) respectively. IR was 1.9±1.3 with the range of 0.4 to 9.3 and only 87 (39.7%) were above normal. Of the 110 biopsied, 65 (59.1%) had NASH. Normal and raised IR was associated with 32 (50.8%) and 33 (70.2%) NASH respectively (p < 0.05). Correlation between IR and steatosis, ballooning and fibrosis was not significant except lobular inflammation. IR was similar in NASH (2.2 ±1.6) and non NASH (1.9±1.6).Conclusion: Large proportion of NAFLD patients had normal IR. IR had inconsistent association with histological activity.Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2016; 4 (2): 86-91

Introduction: ACLF is characterized by acute deterioration of liver function in patients with chronic liver disease. HBV is one of the most important causes of both acute insult and underlying chronic liver disease in ACLF. Reactivation of HBV is one of the common causes of ACLF in our region. ACLF requires multiple organ support and is associated with high short and medium term mortality. This is the reason why early, rapid reduction of HBV DNA is essential in treating ACLF-B. Methods: Consecutive patients of ACLF-B due to spontaneous reactivation of HBV (ALT> 5xULN or >2 x baseline and HBV DNA >20,000 IU/ml) were randomized into tenofovir group (300mg/day) and telbivudine group (600mg/day) along with standard medical treatment. Clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated at baseline, day-7, day-14, day-30 and day-90. HBV DNA was evaluated at baseline and after three months of therapy. Primary end point was survival or death at three months. Secondary end point was improvement of liver function assessed by Child-Turcotte Pugh score and MELD score at three months. Results: 30 patients were enrolled in the study and 15 of them received tenofovir and 15 patients received telbivudine. Most of the baseline parameters showed no difference except serum AST and serum creatinine level that showed statistically significant difference between two groups. After antiviral therapy both groups showed significant clinical improvement along with CTP and MELD scores. However statistically significant improvement between tenofovir and telbivudine groups was only seen with MELD score. Survival rate was 80% in tenofovir group and 60% in telbivudine group, but this was not statistically significant. Low serum albumin at baseline was predictor of mortality. Conclusion: In patients of ACLF-B, antiviral therapy with both tenofovir and telbivudine improve liver function, but there is no statistically significant difference in survival between tenofovir and telbivudine.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare the safety and efficacy of tenofovir versus entecavir for treatment of naive acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) (ACLF-B). Methods: Thirty-two patients aged 14-65 years were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis of ACLF was confirmed by clinical condition, biochemical analysis, and virological data. The causes of both chronic liver damages and acute insult in all patients were HBV. They were expressing HBV DNA in the sera, positive for IgM anti-HBc, had increased levels of serum bilirubin, compromised prothrombin time; and more than 50% patients had encephalopathy. The standard dose of tenofovir and entecavir was given. Results: The antiviral effects of tenofovir and entecavir were evident as most patients became negative for HBV DNA in the sera after 90 days of therapy. Also, the levels of serum bilirubin, CTP (Child-Turcotte-Pugh) and MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) score exhibited significant improvement due to antiviral therapy. Although the improvement of liver functions, and liver damages were detected in patients receiving both tenofovir and entecavir, the survival of the patients was significantly higher in those receiving tenofovir compared to entecavir-treated patients. Conclusion: This prospective study with limited number patients provides a challenge to assess the real potential of tenofovir over entecavir as therapeutic option for ACLF-B by conducting a multicenter clinical trial enrolling patient of different races and background.

Background: Metastasis is frequently occurred among the gastric carcinoma patients. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to detect the age and sex difference of stomach cancer patients attended at a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried in the department of Radiology and Imaging of Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka during the period of July 2009 to June 2011. Clinically suspected gastric carcinoma patients were evaluated by ultrasonography of upper abdomen and or Ba-meal x-ray evaluation. The sonographic findings were noted. All these patients were properly follow up and collect the endoscopic biopsy and or surgical resection biopsy reports. Result: A total number of 60 patients were evaluated with the age ranged between 31-80 years. There were 39(65%) men and 21(35%) women. Among the 27 patients confirmed as gastric carcinoma by histopathological examination, the age ranged between 31-80 years with the highest number of patients in the age group 61-70 years. Out of the 27 patients confirmed as gastric carcinoma by histopathological examination, there were 18(66.7%) men and 9(33.3%) women. Conclusion: Gastric carcinoma is most commonly found in male in the older age group. Journal of Science Foundation 2016;14(2):49-51

Fatty liver is a common cause of chronic liver disease in developed as well as developing countries.We have designed this study to estimate the prevalence and predictors for non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We have included 493 patients with sonographic evidence of fatty change in liver and 177 of them had done liver biopsy for histopathological study. Other causes of liver disease and alcohol consumption were excluded. Metabolic syndrome and biochemical and anthropometric evaluation was done. Females were predominating 250 (57.0 %). Centrally obese 422 (96.2 %) was more than over all obesity330 (75.1%). NASH was absent in 10 (5.6%) cases and diagnostic of NASH was 75 Journal of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons Vol. 32, No. 2, April 2014 (42.4 %).Presence of diabetes could significantly (p = 0.001) predicted NASH. Age, sex, BMI, waist circumference, Serum HDL,triglyceride, insulin resistance index, hypertension, metabolic syndrome could not predict NASH. Serum GGT level was significantly (p = 0.05) higher in NASHwith a sensitivity of 45 % and specificity of 68 % only. Serum ALT and AST level could not detect NASH. Females were predominant sufferer of NAFLD in Bangladesh. Prevalence of NASH was much higher42.4%. Diabetes was the main predictor of NASH. GGT was the only biochemical indicator of NASH. We recommend liver biopsy in NAFLD with diabetes and raised GGT.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2014; 32: 71-77

How to cite this article Noor-E-Alam M, Alam S, Alam AKMK, Al Mahtab M, Rahman S. Biochemical Scoring System for diagnosing Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2016;6(2):202-204.

Mobilization of bone marrow-derived stem cells by granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) supports hepatic regeneration and may augment clinical improvement in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). The aim of this study is to assess the impact of G-CSF on complications and transplant-free survival in patients with ACLF. Thirty-two patients with ACLF defined by Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) criteria were openly randomized to control (group A) or intervention (group B) receiving G-CSF (5 μg/kg/day, for 6 consecutive days) in addition to standard medical therapy with antiviral drugs. The patients were followed for 90 days. Simultaneous use of G-CSF and antiviral drugs in hepatitis B virus (HBV) ACLF significantly improved survival over antiviral drugs alone. Incidence of hepatorenal syndrome and hyponatremia were reduced due to use of G-CSF. Baseline parameters of the two groups of patients were comparable. Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), disease severity scores improved in patients treated with G-CSF, with significant difference only for the CTP score at 90 days follow-up. In addition, mean white blood cell (WBC) count at day 15 was significantly higher in G-CSF group in absence of infection compared with control group. G-CSF therapy improved survival and clinical recovery in HBV-ACLF. G-CSF therapy also prevented renal failure and hyponatremia. We strongly recommend use of G-CSF therapy in addition to standard medical therapy.

Bangladesh is one of the countries facing huge burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatocellular carcinoma is the third commonest cancer in the country and it is just behind to cancer of the lung and cancer of the stomach. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is responsible for 66% of HCC in Bangladesh. Presumptive prevalence of HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) may be as high as 5.4 and 0.84%, respectively, in Bangladesh, and liver diseases occupied 8 to 12% of admission in medicine wards of Public Medical College. In this mini review, I would like to highlight the impact of HBV and HCV in the development of HCC and the management of HCC from a Bangladesh perspective. How to cite this article: Noor-E-Alam SM. Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Bangladesh Perspective. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2018;8(1):52-53.

Background: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and advanced fibrosis are the spectrum of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that may progress to cirrhosis.Objective: We aimed to determine the detecting capacity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) for NASH and significant fibrosis.Methods: Demographic and laboratory data of 502 sonologically diagnosed NAFLD patients were retrospectively analysed. Area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) was performed for NASH and fibrosis score ≥2 (significant fibrosis) with ALT, AST and GGT of 233 biopsied patients.Results: Of 502 patients ALT, AST and GGT was elevated in 252 (50.1 %), 184 (36.7%) and 138 (27.4%) respectively. There was no difference in histological activity and fibrosis score between normal and elevated ALT and AST. Forty two (40.2%) NASH and 23(20.2%) significant fibrosis had normal ALT level. GGT was differed in NASH and Non NASH (p< .005) and between significant fibrosis (p< .01) and insignificant fbrosis. To detect NASH AUROC curve ofGGT was 67.5%, whereas of ALT and AST was 55.2% and 55.7%. For significant fibrosis AUROC curve of ALT, AST and GGT was 44, 50 and 68.4 % respectively. GGT level of39.5 U/L could detect NASH with a 63% sensitivity and 65% specificity irrespective of sex. GGT 40.5U/L had 60% sensitivity and 59 % specificity to detect significant fibrosis. For fibrosis ≥2 AUROC curve was 75.4% in male.Conclusion: No optimal ALT and AST level could detect NASH and fibrosis. GGT level of 40 U/L had a better detecting capacity for NASH and fibrosis especially in male.

Introduction ‘Hepatology’, as an independent discipline of medical science, has recently been established in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to formulate the distribution of pattern of liver diseases in this country. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, data regarding patients of liver diseases from the seven different administrative divisions of Bangladesh between January 2012 and 2013 were compiled. Results The study included 59,227 patients (age ranged 15-95 years). Majority of the patients were males (67.9%). Although all patients appeared at the department of hepatology, 13.2% were diagnosed with liver diseases, but a vast majority of patients (77.35%) were suffering from nonulcer dyspepsia or irritable bowel syndrome. Patients with liver diseases were mostly suffering from chronic liver diseases (CLDs) (37 -69%). Complication of CLD, like hepatic encephalopathy, was less frequent in regions with better healthcare system. Nonviral infections, like liver abscess and biliary ascarisis, were not uncommon. Acute hepatitis was another very common entity and contributed to approximately 20% cases. Conclusion This study provides insight about heterogeneous distribution pattern of liver diseases in different regions of Bangladesh. How to cite this article: Rahman S, Ahmed MF, Alam MJ, Debnath CR, Hoque MI, Hussain MM, Shamsul Kabir AKM, Karim MF, Khondokar FA, Mahtab MA, Masud MG, Mollick MKU, Moben AL, Noor-E-Alam SM, Podder PK, Raha AK, Rahim MA, Rashid MHO, Zaki KMJ, Akbar SMF. Distribution of Liver Disease in Bangladesh: A Cross-country Study. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2014;4(1):25-30.

A 35-year-old man was admitted to hospital with severe anemia. Two years back, he had presented with bleeding esophageal varices and subsequently diagnosed as a case of chronic liver disease with portal hypertension. He was then treated with esophageal band ligation. He tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen with HBV DNA levels of 4 × 106 copies/ml by PCR. His repeat endoscopy showed grade 1 esophageal varices with no evidence of recent or active bleeding. On further investigation, his bone marrow showed dimorphic erythroid hyperplasia with ring sideroblasts and diagnosis of sideroblastic anemia was made. Although rarely, it was suggested that as cirrhosis is a chronic process, it may cause nutritional deficiency, which in turn may lead to the development of anemia. How to cite this article Al-Mahtab M, Rahim A, Noor-e-Alam SM, Khandokar FA, LutfulMubin A, Rahman S. A Case Report of Decompensated Cirrhosis of Liver with Sideroblastic Anemia. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2015;5(1):55-56.

AIM: To explore the prevalence and risk factors for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. METHODS: We have included 493 patients with sonographic evidence of a fatty change, and 177 of these individuals were evaluated and confirmed after liver biopsy. The exclusion criteria consisted of significant alcohol abuse (< 20 g daily), evidence of hepatitis B and C, evidence of drug-induced fatty liver disease and other specific liver diseases such as hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease or autoimmune liver disease. The patients were assessed for metabolic syndrome, and biochemical, anthropometric and histopathological evaluations were carried out. The degree of disease activity in the NAFLD patients was evaluated using the NAFLD Activity Score. The data were analyzed by SPSS, version 16.0. RESULTS: Females predominated among the study participants (250, 57.0%), and the mean age was 40.8 ± 10.2 years. The numbers of overweight, obese Ⅰ and obese Ⅱ patients were 58 (13.2%), 237 (53.9%) and 93 (21.2%), respectively. However, there were 422 (96.2%) centrally obese patients. NASH was absent in 10 (5.6%) cases, borderline in 92 (52.6%) cases and present in 75 (42.4%) cases. The presence of diabetes could significantly ( P = 0.001) differentiate NASH from simple steatosis. The following parameters did not influence the development of NASH: age, sex, basal met abolic index, waist circumference, serum high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, insulin resistance index, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. The serum gammaglutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) level was significantly higher (P = 0.05, 51.7 ± 32.8 and 40.4 ± 22.6 U/L) in the NASH patients, with a sensitivity of 45% and a specificity of only 68%. The serum alanine aminotrans ferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were not able to predict NASH. CONCLUSION: Females were the predominant sufferers of NAFLD in Bangladesh. The prevalence of NASH was high. Diabetes was found to be the main culprit in developing NASH. GGT was the only biochemical marker of NASH. We recommend liver biopsy in NAFLD patients who have diabetes and elevated GGT.