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Background & Aims: Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) face a multifaceted disease burden which includes impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL) and potential stigmatization. We aimed to assess the burden of liver disease in patients with NAFLD and the relationship between experience of stigma and HRQL. Methods: Members of the Global NASH Council created a survey about disease burden in NAFLD. Participants completed a 35-item questionnaire to assess liver disease burden (LDB) (seven domains), the 36-item CLDQ-NASH (six domains) survey to assess HRQL and reported their experience with stigmatization and discrimination. Results: A total of 2,117 patients with NAFLD from 24 countries completed the LDB survey (48% Middle East and North Africa, 18% Europe, 16% USA, 18% Asia) and 778 competed CLDQ-NASH. Of the study group, 9% reported stigma due to NAFLD and 26% due to obesity. Participants who reported stigmatization due to NAFLD had substantially lower CLDQ-NASH scores (all p

PURPOSEImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is the initial line of management in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but survivals in the real world are not known.MATERIALS AND METHODSA retrospective study of patients with advanced HCC receiving ICIs (as first-line therapy or as later lines of therapy) across 11 Indian institutions was conducted. Patients were divided into either cohort 1 (trial-like receiving ICI as first-line therapy), with a Child Pugh score (CTP) of ≤6, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0/1, and no VP4 (main portal vein thrombosis [MPVT]) or cohort 2 (trial unlike) who did not satisfy at least one of the above criteria. The primary end point was 12-month overall survival (OS).RESULTSBetween January 2017 and January 2022, 133 patient data were analyzed. The presence of MPVT was seen in 33 patients (25%). The ICIs used were atezolizumab-bevacizumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab in 89 (66%), 44 (33%), and one (1%) patients, respectively. With a median follow-up of 13.8 months, the 12-month OS for the entire cohort was 33.4% (95% CI, 23.6 to 43.2). Patients in cohort 1 (n = 31) had a significantly improved OS compared with patients in cohort 2 (n = 102; 12-month OS, 57.9% [95% CI, 38.5 to 77.3] v 24% [95% CI, 13.4 to 34.6]; P = .005). Patients with CTP A as compared with CTP B (9.7 v 4.3 months; P < .001) and an ECOG PS of 0/1 as compared with a PS of ≥2 (8.7 v 7.2 months; P = .04) and without MPVT (9.4 v 4.0; P < .001) had superior survivals.CONCLUSIONPatients with advanced HCC in the real world, trial-like have survivals in consonance with trial data, whereas patients with features excluding them from trials, such as main portal vein thrombosis, poor ECOG PS, and child Pugh B status, have markedly inferior survivals, despite good tolerance to immunotherapy.

Background & Aims: The reported burden of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) infections is highest in patients with cirrhosis from India. We evaluated whether colonisation at multiple barriers predisposes to such infections and poor outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: We prospectively performed swab cultures, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), and genotype testing for MDROs from various sites (rectum, nose, composite-skin, and central-line) in patients with cirrhosis (2020–2021) on admission and follow-up at a tertiary institute. We analysed clinical data, risk factors for MDROs, and patient outcomes. Results: Of 125 patients aged 49 years, 85.6% males, 60.8% with acute-on-chronic liver failure, 99 (79.2%) were identified as ‘colonisers’. MDRO-colonisation at rectum, nose, skin, or central line was observed in 72.7% (88/121), 30.0% (36/120), 14.9% (18/121), and 3.3% (4/121) patients, respectively. Patients were colonised with the following types of bacteria: extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (71/125), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (67/125), MDR-Enterococcus (48/125), MDR-Acinetobacter (21/125), or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (4/125). Multiple precipitants of acute-decompensation (odds ratio [OR]: 3.4, p = 0.042), norfloxacin prophylaxis (OR: 3.9, p = 0.008), and MDRO infection at admission (OR: 8.9, p = 0.041) were the independent predictors of colonisation. Colonisation increased the risk of infection by MDROs at admission (OR: 8.5, p = 0.017) and follow up (OR: 7.5, p

Abstract Patients with preexisting chronic liver disease (CLD) may experience a substantial burden from both coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) infection and pandemic‐related life disruption. We assessed the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on patients with CLD. Patients enrolled in our Global Liver Registry were invited to complete a COVID‐19 survey. As of June 2021, 2500 patients (mean age ± SD, 49 ± 13 years; 53% men) from seven countries completed the survey. Of all survey completers, 9.3% had COVID‐19. Of these patients, 19% were hospitalized, 13% needed oxygen support, but none required mechanical ventilation. Of all patients including those not infected with COVID‐19, 11.3% reported that the pandemic had an impact on their liver disease, with 73% of those reporting delays in follow‐up care. The Life Disruption Event Perception questionnaire confirmed worsening in at least one area (food/nutrition, exercise, social life, vocation/education, financial situation, housing, or health care) in 81% and 69% of patients with and without a history of COVID‐19, respectively (p = 0.0001). On a self‐assessed Likert health score scale (range, 1–10; 10 indicates perfect health), patients with a COVID‐19 history scored lower (mean ± SD, 6.7 ± 2.2 vs. 7.4 ± 2.2, respectively; p

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by the accumulation of excessive intrahepatic fat, is a leading metabolic disorder also considered as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MS). Though more commonly observed in obese individuals and those with metabolic risk factors, it also develops in a considerable number of non-obese individuals as well as participants without having any component of MS. The basic mechanism involved in the development of fatty liver is the imbalance between lipid uptake, synthesis, and metabolism in the liver, normally controlled by several mechanisms to maintain lipid homeostasis. As a complex progressive liver disorder, the NAFLD pathogenesis is multifactorial, and several new pathogenic phenomena were discovered over time. The available literature suggests the role of both genetic and environmental factors and associated metabolic factors; however, the mechanism of progression is not completely understood. In this review, we discuss different pathogenic mechanisms and their interplay to provide an elaborate idea regarding NAFLD development and progression. Better understanding of pathogenic mechanisms will be useful in finding new treatment for patients with NAFLD.

Introduction and Objectives: Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) is a preferred treatment in the most recent EASL and AASLD HBV Guidelines, especially in patients with risk factors for TDF-associated renal and bone effects. In 2 identically-designed double-blind (DB), randomized (2:1), Phase 3 studies (HBeAg-negative patients [N = 425] and HBeAg-positive patients [N = 873]), TAF demonstrated antiviral efficacy non-inferior to that of TDF with superior renal and bone safety. After completing three years of DB treatment, all patients were eligible to receive open-label (OL) TAF through Year eight. Here we present study results for Year five. Materials and Methods: Efficacy was assessed by serial virologic, biochemical, and serologic assessments, while safety data included changes in renal function and changes in hip and spine bone mineral density. Resistance testing and phenotyping were performed annually through Year 5. Results: Of 1298 randomized and treated patients, 1157 (89%; 775 TAF; 382 TDF) entered OL, at year 5, 999 (77%; 675 TAF, 136 TDFTAF OL 3y, 188 TDF-TAF OL 2y) patients remained on treatment. High rates of virologic control were achieved and maintained in patients receiving TAF throughout and for TDF patients who switched to TAF at Weeks 96 or 144. Rates of ALT normalization and serologic responses were also comparable among groups. Eight patients are undergoing phenotypic testing to assess resistance. Adverse events (AEs) leading to discontinuation were low and similar among groups. Renal and bone outcomes were improved following the switch to OL TAF from TDF. Conclusions: After five years of treatment, virologic suppression rates remained high, and TAF was safe and well tolerated, with improved renal and bone safety in patients switching from TDF.

Hepatitis C virus infection among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is an important public health concern worldwide. Evidence on available treatments given shows a greater variability for safety and efficacy, thus we performed this large analysis to present the pooled findings. PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched to identify observational studies of both interferon-based conventional treatment (CT) and recently approved direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), published before November 2020. Meta-analysis of effectiveness outcome (sustained virological response [SVR12]) and safety data (adverse events and discontinuation rate) was performed using a random-effect model. Subgroup analysis based on ± ribavirin with both treatments was performed to assess its relevance in clinical practice. Chi-square and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity between the studies. Twenty-five and 9 observational records reporting on treatment with DAAs (n = 943) and CT (n = 125), respectively, are analyzed. The overall pooled estimate of SVR12 rate was found as 95.3%, (range: 92.6%–97%) with DAAs in comparison to 46.4% (range: 33.7%–59.6%) with CT. The pooled prevalence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in CT was higher as 47.8% than in DAAs as 23.8%, consequently showing a high discontinuation rate of 31.7% in CT as compared to 6.5% with DAAs. Subgroup analyses of both DAAs and interferon-based treatment ± ribavirin showed decreased effectiveness and increased ADR rates on adding ribavirin. The effectiveness of DDAs was found significantly higher than CT with a better safety profile in KTRs. Ribavirin did not provide any additional benefits while given in combination with either of the treatments available.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has hampered health care delivery globally. We evaluated the feasibility, outcomes, and safety of telehepatology in delivering quality care amid the pandemic. A telemedicine setup using smartphones by hepatologists was organized at our tertiary‐care center after pilot testing. Consecutive patients availing telehepatology services were recruited between March and July 2020. An adapted model for assessment of telemedicine was used after validity and reliability testing, to evaluate services 7‐21 days after index teleconsultation. Of the 1,419 registrations, 1,281 (90.3%) consultations were completed. From 245 randomly surveyed patients, 210 (85.7%) responded (age [years, interquartile range]: 46 [35‐56]; 32.3% females). Seventy percent of patients belonged to the middle or lower socio‐economic class, whereas 61% were from rural areas. Modes of teleconsultation were audio (54.3%) or hybrid video call (45.7%). Teleconsultation alone was deemed suitable in 88.6% of patients. Diagnosis and compliance rates were 94% and 82.4%, respectively. Patients’ convenience rate, satisfaction rate, improvement rate, success rate, and net promoter scores were 99.0%, 85.2%, 49.5%, 46.2% and 70, respectively. Physical and mental quality of life improved in 67.1% and 82.8% of patients, respectively, following index teleconsultation. Person‐hours and money spent by patients were significantly lower with teleconsultation (P

Objective: The present study aims to determine the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among liver disorder patients being treated in tertiary care hospital in north India and exploration of factors affecting HRQoL. Methodology: The HRQoL was assessed among 230 patients visiting either the outpatient department (OPD) or those admitted in high dependency unit (HDU) or liver intensive care unit (ICU) using direct measuring tools such as Euro QoL five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) and EQ visual analog scale. Multivariate regression was used to explore the factors influencing HRQoL. Results: Mean EQ-5D scores among chronic hepatitis and compensated cirrhosis patients were 0.639 ± 0.062 and 0.562 ± 0.048, respectively. Among those who were admitted in the ICU or HDU, mean EQ-5D score was 0.295 ± 0.031. At discharge, this score improved significantly to 0.445 ± 0.055 (P < 0.001). The multivariate results implied that HRQoL was significantly better among patients with lower literacy level (P = 0.018) and those treated in OPD settings (P < 0.001). Conclusion: HRQoL is impaired among patients suffering from liver disorders specifically those admitted in ICU. Further, there is a need to generate more evidence to explore the impact of determinants and treatment-associated costs on the HRQoL.

Background: Recent evidence suggests an interconnection between chronic periodontal disease and systemic diseases. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and inflammatory periodontal disease among north Indian population. Settings and Design: Tertiary health care center, cross-sectional case-control observational study. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 cases, i.e., patients with NAFLD and 40 healthy volunteers were included over a period of 8 months and their periodontal status was compared. The status of their hepatic health was ascertained by anthropometric, imaging, and biochemical evaluation including ultrasound examination of abdomen and transient elastography. Statistical Data Analysis: Paired t-test, multivariate logistic regression analysis using IBM SPSS STATISTICS (version 22.0, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). Results: The study revealed that only 11.9% and 20% of participants had periodontitis, in healthy controls and hepatic disease patients, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed in clinical parameters of periodontal status, except for malocclusion. Comparative analysis of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and cytokeratin-18 revealed differences in mean scores, though statistically nonsignificant. Only aspartate transaminase, number of missing teeth, and bleeding on probing (BOP) were observed with higher odds ratios for hepatic disease patients. Spearman correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between TNF-α and BOP, for cases. Conclusion: Patients with hepatic disease showed a higher prevalence of periodontal disease, worse oral hygiene and periodontal health status compared to healthy individuals.

A holistic approach is required for managing patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Lifestyle interventions and medical management of metabolic risk factors currently form the cornerstone of NAFLD management. A target weight loss of approximately 7%–10% in overweight/obese patients is recommended with the help of dietary calorie restriction and exercise. None the less, attaining and sustaining the target weight loss is a major challenge with lifestyle interventions. Exercise alone has also been shown to be beneficial even in the absence of weight loss and may be the modality of choice in patients with lean NAFLD. Currently, pioglitazone and Vitamin E are recommended by most of the scientific societies in patients with biopsy proven, noncirrhotic nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Recently, saroglitazar has been approved by the drug controller general of India for management of NAFLD with comorbidities or NASH with F1-F3 fibrosis. Although not recommended as a primary modality to treat NAFLD per se, bariatric surgery is an alluring option in otherwise eligible obese patients without cirrhosis. A lot of research is being carried out in the field of NASH pharmacotherapy and many new drugs are in the pipeline.

Context: Liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a dreadful complex disease generally occurring from chronic hepatitis B (HBV-CH) due to its latency, which leads to liver cirrhosis and ultimately liver cancer. To prevent cancer at root level, diagnosis of HBV-CH is highly necessary which based on clinical presentation, serum biochemistry, and viral markers. Aim: The aim of the present study was to detect and identify phosphorylated proteins in HBV-CH patients' sera, among chronic hepatitis B-induced liver cirrhosis (HBV-LC) and HCC by developing antibody against this targeted phosphoprotein by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This candidate phosphoprotein in patients' sera can be a noninvasive biomarker of HBV-CH. Setting and Design: Our experimental approach was to detect phosphoproteins in HBV-CH, HBV-LC, and HCC, their quantification by ELISA and Western blot. Identification of highly expressed targeted phosphoproteins was done by two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis followed by MALDI-ToF-MS analysis. Antibody is to be developed against synthesized peptide of targeted phosphoprotein of HBV-CH to use by ELISA. This will be a non-invasive approach to identify candidate phosphoprotein as biomarker of HBV-CH. Methodology: Our experimental approach consisted of three steps: (1) detection of serum phosphoproteins by Pro-Q diamond dye in HBV-CH, HBV-LC and HCC patients' groups as well as control subjects; (2) quantification of serum phosphoproteins using different phospho-specific monoclonal antibodies viz., antiphosphoserine (pSer), antiphosphothreonine (pThr), and antiphosphotyrosine (pTyr) antibodies by ELISA and Western blot; (3)identification of differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins in HBV-CH, HBV-LC and HCC by 2D electrophoresis (2DE) followed by in gel trypsin digestion and subsequently by MALDI-ToF-MS analysis. Statistical Analysis Used: Student's t-test and ANOVA was applied for statistical analysis. Results: There were four phosphoprotein bands namely at 25, 50, 70, 75 kDa in HBV-CH, HBV-LC, HCC and control subjects detected by ProQ diamond dye. Besides there appeared one more band at 60 kDa in HCC. The phosphorylation level at serine and threonine residues was highest in HCC patient groups among HBV-CH, HBV-LC and control groups whereas no phosphorylation level of tyrosine was observed among liver disease patient and control groups. Serum phosphorylated proteins were detected and quantified by Western blot. The results were corroborated to those obtained by ELISA. The differential expression of seven phosphoprotein spots was detected in HBV-CH, HBV-LC, HCC patients and control subjects by 2DE and were identified by MALDI-ToF-MS analysis. Conclusion: Thus circulating phosphoproteins could represent important disease biomarkers because of their differential expression in liver diseases.

Abstract Background and Aim Innate immune disarray is a key component in the development and progression of acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) and predisposition to infections. We evaluated the neutrophil dysfunction and its impact on outcomes in patients with ACLF. Methods Forty patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis (10 each of grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 ACLF) and 10 healthy controls were prospectively evaluated for neutrophil immunophenotype (NP), neutrophil phagocytic capacity (NPC), and oxidative burst (OB) in both resting and stimulated conditions. The patients were followed up for 90 days or until death or transplant, whichever was earlier. Results NP was normal (in %) and NPC (in mean fluorescence intensity [MFI]) was better in controls compared to patients with ACLF (83.74 ± 12.38 vs 63.84 ± 22.98; P = 0.007 and 98.33 ± 130.60 vs 18.73 ± 17.88, P = 0.001, respectively). Resting OB was higher in patients with ACLF compared to controls (97 ± 4.9% vs 91 ± 9%; P = 0.034), but it failed to increase further after stimulation, suggesting an immune exhaustion. NP was normal (in %) and NPC (in MFI) was better in 90‐day survivors compared to nonsurvivors (78 ± 11.9 vs 62.2 ± 24.11, P = 0.02 and 33.3 ± 22.7 vs 16.36 ± 13.3; P = 0.004, respectively). Phenotypically normal neutrophils >71.7% had 78.6% sensitivity and 65.4% specificity with an area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55–0.90); P = 0.017, and NPC >17.32. MFI had 71.4% sensitivity and 69.6% specificity with an AUROC of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.54–0.86), P = 0.035, in predicting 90‐day survival. Conclusion Neutrophils have impaired bactericidal function in patients with ACLF compared to healthy adults. Neutrophil phenotype and phagocytic capacity may be used to predict 90‐day survival in patients with ACLF.

Image-guided locoregional therapies have an important role in the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent advances in the ablative as well as endovascular therapies have expanded the role of interventional radiologists in the treatment of HCC. Following image-guided therapy, an accurate response assessment is vital. Knowledge regarding normal postprocedure changes and subtle signs of residual or recurrent disease is important. In this review, we discuss various response evaluation criteria currently employed for HCC. We also discuss the postprocedure imaging features suggestive of residual disease or recurrence and imaging biomarkers for response assessment.

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) which mainly consist of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases account for 38 million deaths out of the 56 million deaths globally and 54% of healthy life years lost in 2012. Risk scores predict the risk of the disease efficiently, and an important strategy to prevent or delay the occurrence of chronic diseases is the early identification of those with undiagnosed NCDs. Methods: Two different population-based studies will be used for the development of the score and its validation. Secondary data from WHO STEPS Survey Haryana of 5250 individuals will be used to develop the predictive score and will be validated using STEPS Punjab data. Risk predictors will be used as the independent factors in the multivariate logistic regression and the dependent variable will be the disease. The regression coefficient will be used to assign each variable category a score. Risk score will be derived from receiver operating characteristic curve and the optimal cut-off will be determined using Youden's Index. Measures of overall predictive accuracy, discrimination and calibration will be used to assess predictive performance. Discussion: The present study is an attempt to develop a composite risk score for major NCDs so that effective preventive and control measures can be initiated once the risk is known. The developed tool will help in risk assessment and the successful implementation of NCD programs.

Background: The prevalence of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) is 8-10% as compared to 3·6% in the general population in Punjab, India. We assessed the real-world efficacy and safety of free-of-charge generic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), sofosbuvir with an NS5A inhibitor (ledipasvir, daclatasvir or velpatasvir)±ribavirin in the microelimination of CHC in PWID in a public health setting. Methods: An integrated care team at 25 sites provided algorithm based DAAs treatment to PWID supervised by telemedicine clinics between 18th June 2016 and 31st July 2019. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR-12); the secondary endpoints were treatment completion, adherence, safety, and adverse events. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01110447. Findings: We enrolled 3477 PWID (87·2% men; mean age 33·6±12·5 years; 83·8% rural; 6·8% compensated cirrhosis). While 2280 (65·5%) patients completed treatment, 1978 patients completed 12 weeks of follow up for SVR-12. SVR-12 was achieved in 91·1% of patients per protocol, 49.5% as per intention to treat (ITT) and 90·1% in a modified ITT analysis. Of 546 (15·7%) patients with treatment interruptions, 99 (19·7%) could be traced to test for SVR-12 with a cure rate of 77·8%. There were no major adverse events or consequent treatment discontinuation. Interpretation: Integrated care of PWID with CHC with DAAs is safe and effective. Measures for reducing treatment interruptions will further improve outcomes. Funding: The Government of the state of Punjab, India under the Mukh Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund (MMPHCRF) project, funds the project.

Monitoring of clinical trials is important to ensure adherence to protocol, to safeguard the rights of research participants and to achieve compliance with principles of good clinical practice. Recent regulatory changes in India require Ethics Committees to keep an oversight of ongoing clinical trials including on-site monitoring. In this article, we share the experience of on-site monitoring of clinical trials by the Ethics Committee of a tertiary care, academic and research centre in India. We found a large number of shortcomings in the areas of informed consent, adverse events, insurance and reimbursement, which would not have been detected by off-site document review. Interestingly, many shortcomings were also not detected by on-site monitoring arranged by clinical trial sponsors. We therefore conclude that on-site monitoring of ongoing clinical trials is a highly important activity for Indian Ethics Committees.

Drug induced liver injury is a common cause of acute liver failure (ALF). While most of these cases are due to dose dependent hepa-totoxicity with acetaminophen, idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is responsible for about 15% cases of ALF. Antibiotics are the most common cause of idiosyncratic DILI as well as DILI induced ALF. Etodolac is a selective cycloxygenase- 2 (COX -2) inhibitor non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory in musculoskeletal diseases. Severe liver impairment is extremely rare. Till date, only 3 cases of ALF related to etodolac have been reported in the literature. Here we report two cases with a unique presentation of ALF occurring due to DILI caused by etodolac, as diagnosed by Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM).

BACKGROUND AND AIM:Due to a dysregulated immune response, patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) have increased risk of infection and multi organ failure in comparison to compensated cirrhosis. The comparative data on the presence of 'immune paresis' in patients with ACLF and decompensated cirrhosis without ACLF is not available. Aim of the present study was to compare the immunological parameters in patients with decompensated cirrhosis with and without ACLF. METHODOLOGY:In a prospective study, 76 patients with decompensated cirrhosis with (n = 38) and without (n = 38) ACLF and 10 healthy controls (HC) were evaluated for monocytic human leukocyte antigen-antigen D Related (HLA-DR) expression, mean density of HLA-DR expressed on the surface of these cells, neutrophil oxidative burst (NOB) capacity and serum levels of cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL10, IL-12, and TNF-α). RESULTS:Patients of decompensated cirrhosis with and without ACLF demonstrated significantly lower mean percentage of monocytes expressing HLA-DR and quantitative increase in the NOB after stimulation with PMA when compared to HC. However there was no difference in mean percentage of monocytes with HLA-DR expression (43.61±26.56% vs. 43.10±20.98%) (p = 0.91), mean density of HLA-DR expression on the surface (30.34±29.32 vs. 41.71±52.13) (p = 0.42) and quantitative increase in NOB after stimulation with PMA (16.55±11.91 vs. 17.24±16.18) (p = 0.47) amongst patients with decompensated cirrhosis with and without ACLF. Patients with ACLF had significantly higher pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in comparison to patients with decompensated cirrhosis without ACLF. CONCLUSION:Patients with decompensated cirrhosis demonstrate a component of immune-paresis, however there is similar impairment in HLA-DR expression and NOB capacity in patients with and without ACLF. Both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines are increased in patients with ACLF in comparison to patients with decompensated cirrhosis without ACLF.

Background. There is sparse literature on the association of adipose tissue with liver histology in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Aim. To study the correlation of visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and total adipose tissue (TAT) with liver histology in Indian patients with NAFLD.Material and methods. A single slice CT scan at the level of L4-L5 vertebrae was done to assess the abdominal VAT and SAT volumes in 21 patients with histological diagnosis of NAFLD. Adult treatment panel III criteria with modified abnormal waist were used to define metabolic syndrome (MS). Histological grading was done according to the NAFLD activity score (NAS).Results. Twenty-one patients with NAFLD [13 males, median age: 35 years, median BMI: 25.97 kg/m2] were included prospectively. Even though overweight/obese patients had severe liver disease, there was no difference in the volume of VAT adjusted for BMI between 6 (28.5%) lean and 15 (71.5%) overweight/obese patients. Patients with NASH and borderline NASH were older, obese with higher VAT and SAT volumes than no-NASH group. SAT volume (SATV) correlated significantly with hepatic steatosis but none of the adipose tissue volumes had any correlation with other histological variables. Both SATV and TAT volume (TATV) correlated significantly with severity of liver disease as determined by NAS score whereas presence of MS or insulin resistance had no correlation with histological severity.Conclusion. Both subcutaneous and total adipose tissue volume are related to the disease severity as determined by NAFLD activity score in Indian patients with NAFLD.

Primary hepatic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) of the liver is a rare entity. We present here two cases of primary hepatic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) of the null-cell type. Both the cases had jaundice with “B” symptoms and hepatomegaly. The serum billirubin and liver enzymes were raised in both cases. The liver showed sinusoidal infiltration by atypical lymphoid cells with marked nuclear pleomorphism, dispersed chromatin and prominent nucleoli in both the cases. These cells were positive for CD30, negative for CD3, CD20 and EMA, and diagnosed as ALCL of the null-cell type. We hereby report these cases with the review of literature on primary hepatic ALCL with their possible etio-pathogenesis & diagnostic clues which may help in timely diagnosis & management in such cases.

Background & Aim: Imaging modalities have a role in the diagnosis of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging in assessing hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.Methods: Chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging was done in 10 biopsy proven patients (7 females, mean age 41 ± 9.2 years) with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Objective measurements of signal intensity (SI) were done and a ratio was calculated (SI out-of-phase liver/ SI out-of-phase kidney)/ (SI in-phase liver/ SI in-phase kidney). A lower ratio indicated a higher signal drop and hence higher fat content. The ratio was correlated with hepatic steatosis on histology (< 33% and > 33%). Patients were classified as having histological NASH or no NASH and MRI was assessed in diagnosing hepatic fi-brosis as seen on liver histology.Results: Six patients had > 33% hepatic steatosis on histology. Five patients (50%) had evidence of histological NASH. MRI was not helpful in differentiating patients with and without his-tological NASH. One patient amongst NASH patients did not have fibrosis, one had stage 1, 2 had stage 2 and one had stage 4 fibrosis. SI ratio ranged between 0.350.69 in 6 patients with steatosis > 33% and was in the range of 0.69-1.20 in four patients with steatosis < 33% on histology. Fibrotic changes seen in 4 patients on biopsy were not detected on MRI.Conclusion: Chemical shift MRI provides objective data on fat infiltration in patients with NAFLD without giving information about hepatic fibrosis.

Background: Insulin resistance plays an important role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Pharmacological treatment of patients with NAFLD is still evolving. Insulin sensitizing drugs like metformin may be effective in these patients. Twenty five adult patients with NAFLD who did not achieve normalization of alanine transaminases (ALT) after 6 months of lifestyle interventions and UDCA were treated with metformin 500mg tid for 6 months. Insulin resistance was determined by HOMA-IR. Liver function tests were done monthly and patients were defined having no response, partial response or complete biochemical response depending on the change in ALT. Results were compared with 25 patients with NAFLD from the same cohort treated only with lifestyle interventions (disease controls). Results: Thirteen (52%) patients had class III (n = 5) or class IV (n = 8) disease amounting to histological NASH. Of these 13 patients none had severe inflammation and none had stage 4 fibrosis (cirrhosis). All 25 patients with NAFLD had insulin resistance in comparison to healthy controls. In comparison to disease controls (127.5 ± 41.8 vs. 118 ± 21.6 p = NS), all patients treated with metformin had partial biochemical response (mean ALT 122.2 ± 26.8 vs 74.3 ± 4.2 p < 0.01) and 14 (56%) of them achieved complete normalization of ALT. Conclusions: Metformin is effective to achieve biochemical response in patients with NAFLD who do not respond to lifestyle interventions and UDCA.

Leiomyosarcoma of the gallbladder is a rare entity, constituting about 1.4 per 1000 gallbladder malignancies. Literature review shows female preponderance in sixth decade of life, due to unknown reasons. We report one such rare case of a 50-year-old female admitted with pain in right upper abdomen. On examination, mass was felt in right hypochondrium. The ultrasound abdomen showed mass with loss of interface with liver and cholelithiasis. CECT abdomen showed polypoidal gallbladder malignancy with ill-defined interface with liver. She was operated upon with diagnosis of carcinoma gallbladder; extended cholecystectomy was done. Histopathological examination revealed spindle-cell proliferation and possibility of malignant tumor of mesenchymal origin was kept. This was later confirmed on immunohistochemistry.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a spectrum ranging from simple hepatic steatosis to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis can have clinical presentation almost similar to those with decompensated cirrhosis. Scoring with models like Maddrey discriminant function, a model for end-stage liver disease, Glasgow alcoholic hepatitis score, and Lille model are helpful in prognosticating patients with ALD. One of the first therapeutic goals in ALD is to induce alcohol withdrawal with psychotherapy or drugs. Most studies have shown that nutritional therapy improves liver function and histology in patients with ALD. The rationale for using glucocorticoids is to block cytotoxic and inflammatory pathways in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis. Pentoxifylline, a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) suppressor, and infliximab, an anti-TNFα mouse/human chimeric antibody, has been extensively studied in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Liver transplantation remains the definitive therapy for decompensated cirrhosis/alcoholic hepatitis despite the issues of recidivism, poor compliance with postoperative care, and being a self-inflicted disease.

Portal vein aneurysms are uncommon incidental imaging findings. They usually do not require any treatment unless symptomatic. Contrast enhanced CT is the imaging modality of choice for depicting its morphology and extension.

Objective The aims of this study are to compare the multiphasic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) characteristics of infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with nodular HCC and to assess the conspicuity of infiltrative HCC on different phases of CECT.