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Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) experience health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) impairments. We assessed and identified predictors of HRQoL and PROs in CLD patients from Saudi Arabia (SA), Turkey and Egypt. Patients enrolled in Global Liver Registry™ with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) were included. Clinical data and PRO questionnaires (FACIT‐F, CLDQ and WPAI) were compared across countries. Linear regression identified PRO predictors. Of the 4014 included patients, 26.9% had CHB, 26.9% CHC and 46.1% NAFLD/NASH; 19.2% advanced fibrosis. Compared across countries, CHB patients were younger in Egypt (mean age [years] 41.2 ± 11.4 vs. 45.0 ± 10.3 SA, 46.1 ± 12.0 Turkey), most often employed in SA (64.8% vs. 53.2% Turkey) and had the lowest prevalence of obesity in Turkey (26.7% vs. 37.8% SA, 38.5% Egypt). In SA, CHB patients had lowest prevalence of fibrosis and comorbidities (all p <.01). There was a higher frequency of males with NAFLD/NASH in SA (70.0% vs. 49.6% Turkey, and 35.5% Egypt). Among NAFLD/NASH patients, CLDQ‐NAFLD/NASH scores were highest in SA (mean total score: 5.3 ± 1.2 vs. 4.8 ± 1.2 Turkey, 4.1 ± 0.9 Egypt, p <.01). Independent predictors of worse PROs included younger age, female sex, advanced fibrosis, non‐hepatic comorbidities and lack of regular exercise (all p <.05). Clinical presentation and PRO scores of CLD patients vary across SA, Turkey and Egypt. Impairment of HRQoL is associated with demographic factors, lack of regular exercise, advanced fibrosis and non‐hepatic comorbidities. [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]

Chronic hepatitis B infection caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV), influences over two billion people worldwide despite having an effective vaccine. With a total prevalence of 4.57%, there are 3.3 million estimated HBV carriers in Türkiye. Methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) arrange folate metabolism through nucleic acid synthesis and DNA methylation. C677T (rs1801133, p.Ala222Val) and A1298C (rs1801131, p.Glu429Ala) polymorphisms of MTHFR gene have effect of reducing the activity of enzyme. We purposed to investigate the correlation between C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of MTHFR gene with HBV infection in a Turkish population. One hundred eighteen HBV-infected participants and ninety healthy controls were incorporated in this research. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay was applied to discover the genotypes of MTHFR polymorphisms. We demonstrated that T allele and CT + TT genotype frequencies of C677T polymorphism were significantly increased in HBV-infected participants than healthy controls [p = 0.015, OR (95% Cl) = 1.7 (1.11–2.79) and p = 0.020, OR (95% Cl) = 1.9 (1.10–3.42), respectively). No significant associations were noted concerning the A1298C polymorphism (p > 0.05). CC-AA composite genotype was observed to be significantly elevated in healthy controls than HBV-infected participants (32.2% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.001). In addition, the frequency of T-C haplotype was found to be considerably higher in the patient group than control group (15.8% vs 11.8%, p = 0.018). In conclusion, we found that T allele of C677T polymorphism poses a risk factor for HBV infection. We also discovered a protective impact of the CC-AA composite genotype against HBV infection and a risk effect of the T-A haplotype for HBV-infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulins (HBIg) prophylaxis at and after liver transplantation (LT) facilitated excellent long‐term survival of transplant patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Several studies suggested that only short‐term (i.e. 4–8 weeks) HBIg prophylaxis after LT followed by the long‐term administration of HBV polymerase inhibitors prevents HBV recurrence. In hepatitis D virus (HDV)/HBV co‐infected patients, the need for long‐term HBIg prophylaxis on top of HBV polymerase inhibitors is unknown. HDV requires HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) for uptake into hepatocytes to subsequently establish HDV replication. Data on HDV recurrence and its impact on outcomes after LT are limited. In this review, we evaluated the available data on post‐LT recurrence of HBV and/or HDV. Overall, HBIg prophylaxis was effective, but 10–13% of patients became HBsAg positive after LT. Only a single study from Turkey reported HDV recurrence, which was not observed in other LT centres. Since all studies administered continuous HBIg prophylaxis, the post‐LT recurrence rates without HBIg prophylaxis remain unknown. In a German study, the clinical course and histopathological aspects of liver injury (inflammation, fibrosis and steatosis) were similar in post‐LT patients on continuous HBIg and those who stopped HBIg after a median of 72 months. Discontinuation of HBIg in stable patients after LT for HBV/HDV co‐infection did not lead to impaired overall survival or a higher recurrence rate in this long‐term follow‐up. In summary, discontinuation of HBIg after liver transplantation for HBV/HDV liver disease seems safe, but randomized controlled studies are needed before it can be generally recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection represents the most serious form of chronic hepatitis. Turkey is among the countries with high HDV and intermediate hepatitis B virus prevalence. In Turkey, hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine series was included in the routine vaccination program in 1998. There have been regional differences in prevalence of HBV and HDV. Although a decline in HDV prevalence is estimated, there are uncertainties about the epidemic patterns of it. HDV prevalence was studied in varying groups and geographic regions. In this study, we aimed to analyse hepatitis D epidemiology in all groups and geographic regions in recent 35 years. During the study period of 35 years, 111 publications were noted. The analysis was done on the basis of three periods: 1999 and before (Period 1), 2000–2009 (Period 2), and 2010 and after (Period 3). The groups studied included inactive carrier state, chronic hepatitis B, all HBsAg‐positive individuals and special groups. Among inactive HBV carriers, HDV prevalence did not change significantly over three decades. Among patients with chronic hepatitis, studies reported decreasing (from Period 1 to Period 2) and then increasing (from Period 2 to period 3) HDV prevalence. The studies including all HBsAg‐positive patients reported decreasing (from Period 1 to Period 2) and then increasing (from Period 2 to period 3) HDV prevalence. Cumulative data of these 3 groups were taken to reveal HDV prevalence in HBV‐infected patients, and it showed decreasing (from Period 1 to Period 2) and then increasing (from Period 2 to period 3) HDV prevalence. Cumulative data of these 3 groups analysed according to the geographic regions of the country showed that Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions still have a high burden of HDV. The study showed that although HDV prevalence decreased from 8.3% in Period 1 to 4.8% in Period 2, it tended to increase 5.5% in Period 3. HDV infection is still a healthcare problem in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a viral infection that can result in life-threatening conditions, such as hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Tenofovir, which is used for the treatment of CHB, is a nucleotide analog that inhibits HBV-DNApolymerase and has two formulations: disoproxil and alafenamide. In contrast to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) penetrates the whole hepatocyte without being eliminated due to its longer plasma half-life and greater plasma stability. As a result, side effects such as proximal renal tubulopathy and loss of bone density are less common in the treatment of TAF and have similar efficacy to TDF. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of TAF using real-life data. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was carried out in secondary or tertiary healthcare centers in southern Turkey. A total of 480 patients aged 18 years and older were administered TAF for an appropriate indication by the infectious diseases and gastroenterology clinics of the healthcare centers participating in this study. The data collected at t = 0, t = 3, and t = 6 months of treatment were analyzed. The chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, Wilcoxon, Cochran's Q, and McNemar's tests were used. Results: The mean age of the patients was 47.40 ± 14.5, and 327 of them (68.1%) were male. A total of 78.l% of the 480 patients who underwent the TAF treatment had previous antiviral therapy experience (TDF, n = 340; 70.8 %), and 2l.9% were treatment-naive. The most common reasons for the initiation of TAF treatment were the use of drugs affecting bone mineral density (BMD) (42.9%) and osteoporosis (22.3%). Patients who had taken TDF experienced a significant improvement in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), hip and spine T-scores, and phosphorus levels from t = 0 months to t = 6 months after switching to TAF (P < 0.05). For this group, no statistically significant difference was observed concerning LDL and cholesterol levels from t = 0 months to t = 6 months. Side effects were reported by 5.7% of patients in the third month and 7.l% in the sixth month, with the most common side effect being hair loss (l%). Conclusions: TAF was found to be an effective and safe alternative to TDF with lower incidences of its long-term effects, such as nephrotoxicity and decreased bone density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Currently, several molecular assays are available to detect and quantify HBV DNA in clinical samples. We aimed to characterize and compare the clinical performance of newly designed NeuMoDx PCR to the existing artus PCR. Methodology: The plasma HBV DNA levels of 96 clinical and 5 external quality control samples were measured by NeuMoDx and artus assays simultaneously in Kocaeli University, Turkey. The linearity, agreement and the correlation between two assays were determined by Deming regression analysis, Bland-Altman plotting, the chi-square and the relative absolute error statistical analyzes. For all statistical analyzes, the XLSTAT statistical program was used. Results: The mean (standard deviation; SD) age was 45.07 ± 12.29. HBsAg S/Co median (range) was 4,273.4 ± 1,138.1 and ALT U/L median (range) was 27 ± 16. The mean (SD) of HBV DNA was 1.46+E6 ± 1.0+E4 for NeuMoDx and 1.54+E5 ± 4.7 + E4 for artus assays. The Deming regression indicates a linear correlation (95% confidence). The chi-square test indicates strong correlation (p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis confirms that the measurement difference is acceptable. The relative absolute error analysis for artus showed relatively less and more consistent error rate. With 5 external quality check samples, the statistical significance was low (p = 0.566). Conclusions: The NeuMoDx HBV assay showed an excellent analytical performance by providing a rapid, high throughput technology in a random-access testing system in clinical samples and may be a new solution for viral load quantification in the management of HBV infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Turkey is an intermediate hepatitis B virus (HBV) endemic country. However, prevalence among Turkish migrants in Belgium is unknown, especially in those born in Belgium with a foreign-born parent, i.e. second-generation migrants (SGM). Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of HBV infection and associated risk factors in Turkish first-generation migrants (FGM), i.e. foreign-born, and SGM. Methods: Between September 2017 and May 2019, free outreach testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc), and antibodies against HBsAg was offered to Turkish migrants in Middle-Limburg, Belgium. Face-to-face questionnaire assessed HBV risk factors. HBsAg positive patients were referred and followed up. Turkish SGM were stratified into birth cohort born before and after 1987, since those born after 1987 should be covered by the universal infant vaccination program. Results: A total of 1,081/1,113 (97.1%) Turkish did go for HBV testing. Twenty-six (2.4%) were HBsAg positive; 11/26 were unaware of their status and 10/11 were successfully referred. HBsAg prevalence was 3.0% in FGM and 1.5% in SGM, p =.070. Only one out of seven HBsAg positive SGM was born after 1987. In the multiple generalized estimating equations model, the most important risk factors for anti-HBc positivity were male gender (p =.021), older age (p <.001), FGM (p <.001), low educational level of the mother (p =.003), HBV infected mother (p =.008), HBV infected siblings (p =.002), HBV infected other family member (p =.004), gynaecological examination in Turkey or unsafe male circumcision (p =.032) and dental treatment in Turkey (p =.049). Conclusion: Outreach testing was well-accepted and referral to specialist care was generally successful. National HBV screening should be implemented in the Turkish FGM population and might be considered in SGM not covered by primary prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Chronic antigenic stimulation is frequently blamed in the pathogenesis of extranodal marginal zone lymphomas including splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL). Chronic hepatitis C is frequently observed in SMZL patients in some geographical regions. However, these reports are largely from North America and Europe, and data from other countries are insufficient. In this multicenter study we aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of SMZL patients in Turkey, including viral hepatitis status and treatment details. Materials and Methods: Data were gathered from participating centers from different regions of Turkey using IBM SPSS Statistics 23 for Windows. Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBs antibody, anti-HB core antigen antibody (anti-HBcAg), HB viral load, anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody, HCV viral load results were analyzed. Results: One hundred and four patients were reported. Hepatitis C virus positivity was observed in only one patient. However, hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity was observed in 11.2% and HBsAg and/or anti-HB core antigen antibody (anti-HBcAg) positivities were seen in 34.2% of the patients. The median age was 60 years (range=35-87). Median follow-up duration was 21.2 months (range=00.2-212; 23.2 months for surviving patients). Median overall survival was not reached. Estimated 3-year and 10-year survival rates were 84.8% and 68.9%, respectively. Older age, no splenectomy during follow-up, platelet count of <90x103/µL, lower albumin, higher lactate dehydrogenase, higher β2-microglobulin, and HBsAg positivity were associated with increased risk of death. Only albumin remained significant in multivariable analysis. Conclusion: These results indicate that hepatitis B virus may be a possible risk factor for SMZL in our population. It may also be an indirect prognostic factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an increasing cause of liver transplantation (LT) worldwide, especially in Europe and North America. In this study, we aimed to investigate the changing pattern of etiologic causes of LT in our center for the past 15 years. A cohort of 967 consecutive adult patients with history of LT between 2004 and 2018 in our center was reviewed regarding etiologies for LT. All patients who had a transplant during this time frame were divided into 3 time periods as follows: 2004 to 2009, 2010 to 2013, and 2014 to 2018. All explanted liver samples were sent to pathology for establishment of a definitive etiologic cause. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was the leading cause of LT in the overall cohort (37%), followed by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (11%), and alcoholic liver disease (9.5%). NASH accounted for 7.5% of the cases. While HBV decreased from 44% in 2004 to 2009 to 36% in 2014 to 2018, NASH increased from 1.1% to 9.4% in overall transplants during the same period, accounting for one-third of the etiologies for LT following HBV and HCV. There might be a global changing figure regarding etiology for LT in Turkey, especially NASH, which is the fastest growing cause of LT. However, this topic needs to be evaluated in large cohort series from collaborative multicenter studies from Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has a high mutation rate due to its unusual replication strategy leading to the production of a large number of virions with single and double mutations. The mutations, in turn, are associated with the development of drug resistance to nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs) in patients before and during NUCs therapy. Objectives: The current study aimed at investigating the molecular characterization of HBV in Turkish patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplificationanddirect sequencing procedures were used to analyze mutations. The detected drug resistance mutations were divided into the nucleos(t)ide analogs primary, partial, and compensatory resistance groups. The amino acid substitutions of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were categorized into antiviral drug - associated potential vaccine - escape mutations (ADAPVEMs) and typical HBsAg amino acid substitutions, which included hepatitis B hyperimmunoglobulin (HBIg) - selected escape mutation, vaccine escape mutation, hepatitis B misdiagnosis, and immune - selected amino acid substitutions. Results: The number of patients included in the study was 528 out of which 271 (51.3%) were treatment - naive and 351 (66.3%) were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) - negative. Moreover, 325 (61.6%) were males with a mean age of 38 years (range: 18 - 69). Primary, partial, and compensatory resistance to NUCs was reported in 174 (32.9%) patients. Six different ADAPVEM motifs were determined in both treatment - naive and treatment - experienced patients, namely, sF161L/rtI169X, sE164D/rtV173L, sL172L/rtA181T, sL173F/rtA181V, sS195M/rtM204V, and sS196L/rtM204I. The prevalence of ADAPVEMs and typical HBsAg escape mutations was 5.3% (n = 28) and 34.8% (n = 184), respectively. Conclusions: The analysis of drug resistance should constitute a fundamental part of the follow - up period of patients with CHB undergone treatment with NUCs. The surveillance of development of drug resistance mutations, while receiving treatment for hepatitis B is of paramount importance to monitor and control the emerging resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in Turkey and to study related factors. Methods: This multicenter study was carried out between January 01 and April 15, 2015 in Turkey in 57 centers. Adults were enrolled and studied in three groups. Group 1: Inactive HBsAg carriers, Group 2: CHB patients receiving antiviral therapy, Group 3: CHB patients who were neither receiving antiviral therapy nor were inactive HBsAg carriers. Study data was collected by face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire, Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Hepatitis B Quality of Life (HBQOL). Values equivalent to p < 0.05 in analyses were accepted as statistically significant. Results: Four thousand two hundred fifty-seven patients with CHB were included in the study. Two thousand five hundred fifty-nine (60.1 %) of the patients were males. Groups 1, 2 and 3, consisted of 1529 (35.9 %), 1721 (40.4 %) and 1007 (23.7 %) patients, respectively. The highest value of HRQOL was found in inactive HBsAg carriers. We found that total HBQOL score increased when antiviral treatment was used. However, HRQOL of CHB patients varied according to their socio-demographic properties. Regarding total HBQOL score, a higher significant level of HRQOL was determined in inactive HBV patients when matched controls with the associated factors were provided. Conclusions: The HRQOL score of CHB patients was higher than expected and it can be worsen when the disease becomes active. Use of an antiviral therapy can contribute to increasing HRQOL of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: All international guidelines suggested that Tenofovir and Entecavir are the primary drugs at the first line therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, in Turkey these medications reimbursed at the second line therapy according to the Healthcare Implementation Notification. The aim of this study is to compare the cost effectiveness of oral antiviral treatment strategies in CHB for Turkey using lamuvidine, telbuvidine, entecavir, and tenofovir as medications. Methods: The analysis was conducted using Markov models. The analysis scenarios based on first line treatment options with Lamuvidine, Telbuvidine, Entecavir, and Tenofovir as the medications. In the analysis, inadequate response or resistance after receiving 12 months of the treatment with Entecavir and Telbivudine were compared to the results found from switching from Entecavir to Tenofovir or from switching from Telbuvidine to Tenofovir. In additional, inadequate response or resistance after receiving 6 months of the treatment for Lamivudine was compared to the results found from switching from Lamivudine to Tenofovir. The study population included men and women, who were 40 years of age. The patients` compliance was estimated 100 % for all of the therapy options. The model duration was constructed to evaluate, treatment strategy duration of 40 years. The cost of medications, examinations/ follow-ups and complications were included in the model. Years of Potential Life Lost was used as the health outcome. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio analysis has been conducted. Results and discussion: While the minimum years of life lost was found as 0.22 with tenofovir treatment in 5 years, treatment cost was calculated as 12,169 TL. These values were detected as 0.56 years and 7727 TL, 0.37 years and 12,770 TL, respectively for lamuvidine and telbuvidine treatments. The maximum years of life lost and treatment cost was with lamuvidine treatment were detected as 1.60 years and 18,813 TL and, secondly 0.89 years and 24,007 TL for lamuvidine-tenofovir treatment during 10 years. The minimum years of life lost and cost are 0.54 year and 35,821 TL for tenofovir treatment during 10 years. The minimum years of life lost and cost were determined as 1.21 years and 52,839 TL for tenofovir treatment strategy during 20 years. During 30 years period, tenofovir treatment was found to have the minimum years of life lost (1.73 years) and minimum cost (84,149 TL). When the results of 40 years period were analyzed, years of life lost and costs are 2.06 years and 119,604 TL, 2.13 years and 162,115 TL, 2.13 years and 161,642 TL, 6.52 years and 147,245 TL, 3.20 years and 132,157 TL, 4.10 years and 151,059 TL and 3.05 years and 138,182 TL for tenofovir, entecavir, entecavir-tenofovir, lamuvidine, lamuvidine-tenofovir, telbivudine and telbivudine-tenofovir. Conclusions: In the model presented in this study, in cost effectiveness analysis about CHB treatments, Tenofovir was found to be one of the cost effective methods in comparison with other treatment strategies different time intervals. Beyond this achievement Tenofovir has shown to reduce cumulative treatment cost in first line CHB treatment when compared with regard to 40 year cumulative treatment cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins, the secondary metabolites produced by species of naturally occurring Aspergilli, are commonly found in food such as cereals, dried fruits and juice, wine, beer and spices. They are hepatotoxic and are well known human carcinogens based on evidence from human studies. Aflatoxins are an environmental risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC). Chronic hepatitis B-infected patients are at increased risk of cirrhosis, hepatic failure and liver cancer. This study was designed to determine the serum aflatoxin B1 ( AFB1), aflatoxin B2 ( AFB2), aflatoxin G1 ( AFG1) and aflatoxin G2 ( AFG2) concentrations using high-pressure liquid chromatography ( HPLC) in hepatitis B-infected patients with or without cirrhosis and liver cancer, alongside healthy controls in Balıkesir, Turkey. The mean AFB1 and total AF levels in patients without liver cancer and cirrhosis were significantly higher than healthy controls. The mean AFB1 and total AF levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B and HCC were significantly higher than infected patients with or without cirrhosis. These results suggest that patients with chronic hepatitis B who are exposed to AFs are at increased risk for developing HCC, which might be prevented by reducing consumption of contaminated foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Chronic hepatitis B infection has to be treated effectively due to its major complications. The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the therapy alternatives' treatment costs for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negative patients with 10-year projection analysis according to current reimbursement guideline in Turkey. Materials and Methods: All testing that should be done before the treatment and during follow-up was determined according to the guideline. Medicinal costs were calculated according to 2014 prices. Cost calculation was performed on 100 hypothetical HBeAg negative, 35 years old patients whose alanine aminotransferase value was >2 X upper limit of the normal laboratory level by taking into consideration the risks of resistance seen during the treatment. Switching to tenofovir scenario was concocted when resistance to lamivudine and telbivudine was developed. In pegylated-interferon non-responders, alternative scenarios have been edited and evaluated. Results: The total cost of patients whose treatment was started with pegylated-interferon and switched to lamivudine and tenofovir due to non-response was found 2,662,504 TL. Treatment cost of patients whose therapy was passed to tenofovir after initiation with lamivudine or telbivudine was 2,444,175 TL and 3,061,869 TL, respectively. From the beginning of treatment in patients taking entecavir or tenofovir, the 10-year cost of treatment was 3,924,960 TL and 3,884,040 TL, respectively. Conclusion: As a result, when assessing the cost of the treatment of chronic hepatitis B not only medicine box costs, but also drug resistance and laboratory testing costs, should be considered. In our country, on the basis of 10 years cost; pegylated-interferon and lamivudine therapy has been found advantageous in patients with low viral load, and tenofovir has been found advantageous in patients with high viral load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Mannose‑binding lectin (MBL) is a member of innate immune system that activates complement system through lectin pathway. MBL deficiency is associated with susceptibility to infectious diseases. In this study, the relation between MBL gene polymorphism and chronic hepatitis B infection in children is evaluated. Patients and Methods: The study included 67 children with chronic hepatitis B and 99 healthy controls. The hepatitis B patients were divided into immuntolerant, chronic inactive, and treatment groups according to their laboratory findings. MBL gene codon 52, 54, and 57 polymorphisms were studied with polymerase chain reaction in all patients and controls. The associations of MBL gene polymorphism with clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic findings were evaluated. Results: Homozygous codon 54 polymorphism of MBL was found significantly higher in chronic hepatitis B patients than controls. Rate of the polymorphism was similar in all groups and, responsive and nonresponsive patients in the treatment group. Conclusions: The hepatitis B patients who are homozygous for codon 54 of MBL are prone to develop chronic infection. Longitudinal studies with larger groups are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neopterin (NP) is a pteridine derivative that is secreted as a response to gamma interferon stimulation. The purpose in this study was to investigate the relationship between the NP levels and the disease and determining the efficacy of an interferon (IFN) therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and C (CHC). The study was conducted on 49 cases with CHB, 30 cases with CHC and 72 healthy individuals. Serum samples were taken from the patients receiving treatment at the beginning and at the end of the treatment and only once from the healthy individuals in the control group. The NP levels were found significantly higher in the patients with CHB and CHC than those in the control group. When the pre and post-treatment serum NP levels of the patients who received an interferon therapy were compared, the post-treatment NP levels of the patients who responded to the treatment were significantly higher. When a comparison was made before and after treatment, a decrease was seen in the NP levels in most of the infections due to decreased activation of the immune system. However, when the disease was treated with an IFN therapy, which is a treatment stimulating the immune system, the post-treatment NP level remained high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the characteristics of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and summarize the treatment modalities. Methods By September 30, 2011 the data of 7871 HBsAg (+) patients were complied and analysed according to demographic and medical records (age, sex, laboratory tests, treatment with antiviral agents) in thirty centres of Turkey. Results Of the 7871 patients 3078 (39.1%) were females; mean (standard deviation) age was 35 (14) years, 3180 (40.4%) were HBsAg positive (+) after admission to a hospital, 1488 (18.9%) after blood donation and 967 (11.9%) were found during routine screening. The HBV prevalence among relatives of HBsAg (+) patients was 1764 (22.4%), and most frequently infected family members were siblings and mothers, 4961 (63.0%) and 2149 (27.3%), respectively). Anti-HDV was negative in 7407 94.1% of patients. Three-fourths of the patients 6383 (81.1%) were HBeAg negative (-). Mean (SD) ALT was 85.8 (266.4) U/L. Majority of patients, 5588 (71.0%) were chronic hepatitis-B patients under treatment, while 2283 (29.0%) were asymptomatic carriers without treatment and only 165 (2.1%) of patients were cirrhotic and 6612 (84.0%) of those were compensated. One-third of the patients 2983 (37.9%) were under a combined treatment, while others were under monotherapy. Lamivudine, entecavir and adefovir were the most frequently used oral therapies, used for 2583 (32.8%), 11.6% and 787 (10.0%) of patients, respectively), while 2975 (37.8%) of patients were under interferon treatment. Conclusion Hepatitis B is still a problem in our country. First task of the physicians and our state should be to prevent the development and spread of the disease with education and vaccination programs, safe blood transfusions, and control of barbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have addressed the indirect costs of chronic hepatitis B and C, and none has assessed the real costs of these conditions, including indirect costs caused by loss of work, in Turkey. Aims: This study therefore analysed the costs of treatment, follow-up, and complications of chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections to the community. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: This study analysed patients with chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C treated at Pamukkale University Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Clinic, Denizli, Turkey between June 2009 and June 2010. Costs of antiviral treatment and follow-up were calculated from patients' medical records, and indirect costs were analysed from questionnaires completed by patients. Results: Data were analysed for 284 patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Indirect, hospital, treatment and total expenses were significantly higher for patients with chronic hepatitis B than for inactive hepatitis B virus carriers and patients with chronic hepatitis C. Hospital and total expenses of patients with complications were significantly higher than for patients with chronic hepatitis C. Hospital and total expenses were significantly higher for patients with than for individuals without cirrhosis. Indirect, hospital, treatment and total costs of patients were significantly higher for patients receiving combination therapy than monotherapy. Conclusion: Reducing the costs to society of chronic hepatitis requires the development of protection and screening programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aspartate aminotransferases (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI) may serve as a noninvasive marker to assess liver fibrosis. Objectives: To assess the diagnostic ability of the APRI for prediction of fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), chronic hepatitis C (CHC), and non-alcoholic fatty liver dis­ease (NAFLD). Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included 207 patients with CHB, 108 with CHC, and 140 patients with NAFLD. The APRI was calculated as (AST level/upper normal limit for AST)/platelet counts (109/L) × 100. The stage of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis was graded using the METAVIR scale. The Kleiner system for grading fibrosis was used in patients with NAFLD. Results: Bivariate correlation analyses showed that the APRI was significantly associated with fibrosis scores in patients with CHC (p = 0.2634, p = 0.0059) and NAFLD (p = 0.2273, p = 0.0069), but not in those with CHB (p = 0.1005, p = 0.1495). Receiver operating char­acteristic (ROC) curves were used for assessing the ability of the APRI as a predictor of the absence or presence of liver fibrosis (fibrosis score of 0 vs fibrosis scores of 1-4). In patients with CHC, the APRI showed a sensitivity of 72.7% and a specificity of 62.4% for detection of fibrosis (p<0.01). In the NAFLD group, the APRI showed a sensitivity of 60.0% and specificity of 73.3% for detection of fibrosis (p<0.01). In patients with CHB, the APRI showed a sensitivity of 55.0% and a specificity of 75.4% for fibrosis (p=NS). Conclusions: The APRI shows an acceptable accuracy for the assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with CHC and NAFLD, but not in those with CHB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is among the most common causes of chronic liver disease in children. The aim of this study was to document prospectively our experiences related to lamivudine and high-dose interferon-alpha2a combination in naïve, e antigen positive, chronic hepatitis B virus infection treatment in children. Thirty-three children diagnosed as naïve, immunoactive chronic hepatitis B were treated with lamivudine (3 mg/kg/day) and interferon-alpha2a (10 MU/m2, thrice weekly). Initially, lamivudine was initiated three months before interferon-alpha for induction, and after June 2002, both drugs were started simultaneously. After interferon-alpha was stopped, lamivudine alone was continued for six months. HBeAg seroconversion with the normalization of serum ALT was achieved at the end of treatment and at the end of follow-up for 20/33 patients. Initial mean alanine aminotransferase, 142.9 IU/L, decreased to a mean value of 31.4. End-treatment response and sustained response rates were 66.7% (14/21) and 50% (6/12), respectively, in patients that underwent lamivudine induction before interferon-alpha and in patients that began to receive the two drugs simultaneously (p=0.4). Flu-like syndrome and anorexia were the most common complaints. As our conclusions, we propose that interferon-alpha2a plus lamivudine combination therapy is highly successful and safe in children suffering from chronic hepatitis B. Lamivudine induction before interferon does not seem to be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the prevalence and clinical impact of transfusion-transmitted virus (TTV) DNA in patients with chronic liver diseases in the Southeast Anatolia region of Turkey where hepatitis B and C viral infections are endemic.Subjects and Methods: Patients diagnosed with chronic liver disease by clinical, biochemical and histologic means were enrolled in the study. Serum samples of 60 patients (19 males, 41 females) with chronic liver diseases, and of 45 healthy volunteer blood donors as a control group were collected. The chronic liver disease group consisted of 11 patients with hepatitis B, 44 with hepatitis C and 5 with chronic liver disease of unknown etiology. Presence of TTV DNA was investigated by the polymerase chain reaction. Using a scoring system histological grading of inflammation and staging of fibrosis were performed only in the chronic hepatitis C group.Results: TTV DNA was detected in 47 (78%) patients with chronic liver disease and 5 (11%) volunteers in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Ten of the 11 (91%) patients with hepatitis B, 32 of 44 (73%) of those with hepatitis C-related chronic liver disease, and 5 of 5 (100%) of the patients with cryptogenic liver disease were positive for TTV DNA.Conclusion: TTV is highly prevalent in patients with chronic liver diseases in Southeast Anatolia, Turkey but no pathogenic effect attributable to TTV infection was detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]