Fuat Ekiz

Mean platelet volume as a fibrosis marker in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Introduction: Many noninvasive tests have been studied for the diagnosis and determining the liver fibrosis score (LFS). In this study, we aimed to research the correlation of mean platelet volume (MPV) and stage of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Patients and Methods: Fifty‐nine patients with CHB were enrolled retrospectively into the study. Age–sex matched 25 healthy subjects were used as control group. The following data were obtained from computerized patient registry database: HBV‐DNA level, hepatitis B e‐antigen seropositivity, liver enzymes and function tests, white blood cell count, platelet count, hemoglobin, histological activity index, LFS, and MPV. Patients were divided into two groups: patients without significant fibrosis (F0, F1, or F2) (Group 1) and patients with advanced fibrosis (F3, F4) (Group 2). Results: A statistically significant increase in MPV was seen in patients with CHB compared with healthy controls (8.49±0.84 fl vs.7.65±0.42 fl, P<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that the optimum MPV level cut‐off points for CHB was 8.0 fl, with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 68, 76, 86, and 50%, respectively. MPV levels were significantly higher in Group 2 (8.91±0.94 fl, P: 0.009) compared with Group 1 (8.32±0.74 fl). ROC curve analysis suggested that the optimum MPV level cut‐off points for Group 2 was 8.45 fl, with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 77, 59, 45, and 85%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression model, which consisted of HAI, ALT, HBV‐DNA, platelet count, and MPV, was performed. We showed that MPV was independently associated with advanced fibrosis (P: 0.031). Conclusion: We suggest that MPV might help in the assessment of fibrosis in CHB. It should not be considered a stand‐alone test for this use owing to nonspecificity with other diseases. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 25:162–165, 2011.

Mean platelet volume could be possible biomarker in early diagnosis and monitoring of gastric cancer.

Abstract Gastric cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer and the second cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The early diagnosis of gastric cancer is fundamental in decreasing the mortality rates. It has been shown that MPV level is a sign of inflammation in hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The aim of this study is to examine whether MPV would be a useful inflammatory marker for differentiating gastric cancer patients from healthy controls. Thirty-one gastric cancer patients and 31 age-sexes matched healthy subjects included into the study. Patients with hypertension, hematological and renal disease, heart failure, chronic infection, hepatic disorder and other cancer were excluded from the study. MPV level was significantly higher in pre-operative gastric cancer patients compared to healthy subjects (8.31 fL vs. 7.85; p: 0.007). ROC analysis suggested 8.25 fL as the cut-off value for MPV (AUC: 0.717, sensitivity: 61%, specificity: 81%). Surgical tumor resection resulted in a significant decrease in MPV level (8.31 fL vs. 7.55 fL; p: 0.001). No significant difference was found in MPV level between the post-operative group and control subjects. We did not find statistically significant difference between MPV and TNM stages. In conclusion, changes in MPV values may be used as an easily available biomarker for monitoring the healthy patients for GC risk and may prompt physicians to make an early diagnosis of GC.

APRI, the FIB-4 score, and Forn's index have noninvasive diagnostic value for liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential use of serum transforming growth factor-&bgr;1 (TGF-&bgr;1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), fetuin-A, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in the detection of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The value of the noninvasive fibrosis models – that is, the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), the fibrosis index based on the four factors (FIB-4) score, and Forn’s index – was also examined. Materials and methods CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy for the evaluation of fibrosis were included in the study. A total of 73 patients were divided into two groups according to their METAVIR scores (F0–1, no/minimal fibrosis; F2–4, significant fibrosis). Serum levels of TGF-&bgr;1, TIMP-1, fetuin-A, and FGF21 were measured besides APRI, FIB-4, and Forn’s scores. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was measured for each parameter, followed by calculation of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Results APRI, FIB-4, and Forn’s index scores were significantly higher in patients with significant fibrosis (P<0.05). There was no difference between no/minimal fibrosis and significant fibrosis groups in terms of serum levels of TGF&bgr;-1, TIMP-1, fetuin-A, and FGF21 (P>0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for TGF-&bgr;1, TIMP-1, fetuin-A, FGF21, APRI, FIB-4, and Forn’s index were 0.445, 0.483, 0.436, 0.585, 0.662, 0.687, and 0.680, respectively. Conclusion Our results suggest that serum TGF-&bgr;1, TIMP-1, fetuin-A, and FGF21 are not useful for the assessment of the extent of liver fibrosis in CHB in this patient group. However, APRI, FIB-4, and Forn’s index have a better diagnostic value in patients with significant fibrosis than in those with no/minimal fibrosis.

Levofloxacin-Induced Acute Fulminant Hepatic Failure in a Patient with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of possible levofloxacin-induced acute fulminant hepatic failure. CASE SUMMARY: An unconscious 55-year-old woman was hospitalized with the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. The patient had received levofloxacin 500 mg daily for 10 days because of an upper respiratory infection. Her past medical history revealed hepatitis B surface antigen positivity as an asymptomatic hepatitis B virus carrier for 10 years. After hospitalization, treatment included plasmapheresis and supportive care. The patients consciousness improved on the second day of treatment. Other etiologies of fulminant hepatic failure were ruled out, suggesting levofloxacin-induced fulminant hepatic failure. Although the patient received supportive treatment, her condition gradually deteriorated and she died 12 weeks after admission to our hospital. An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse event was possibly related to levofloxacin. DISCUSSION: Levofloxacin is widely used because of its broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. As of August 9, 2005, to our knowledge, only one case of fulminant hepatic failure in relation to levofloxacin has previously been published. We believe that, in our patient, the relationship between levofloxacin and her illness is clear because of the negative results in the etiological studies, the short time between the drugs administration and the development of disease, and the pathologic findings suggestive of drug-induced hepatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of severe hepatic injury associated with levofloxacin when prescribing this drug.

Non-invasive tests in prediction of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B and comparison with post-antiviral treatment results.

BACKGROUND AND AIM The aim of this study was to assess and compare the performance of a series of non-invasive tests to detect fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). PATIENTS AND METHODS Seventy-six patients with CHB, whose blood samples were collected and biopsies were done on the same day, were included in this study. Pre-treatment calculations of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), Forns index, FIB-4, S-index, Shanghai Liver Fibrosis Groups index (SLFG) and Hepascore(®) were done and relations with mild and advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis were assessed. Post-treatment values of APRI, Forns index, FIB-4, S-index with oral antiviral agents were also investigated. RESULTS APRI, S-index, SLFG, FIB-4, Forns index and Hepascore(®) had 0.669, 0.669, 0.739, 0.741, 0.753, 0.780; retrospectively Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) for significant fibrosis. APRI, Forns index, S-index, FIB-4, SLFG, and Hepascore(®) had 0.681, 0.714, 0.715, 0.738, 0.747, 0.777 retrospectively AUROC for advanced fibrosis. APRI, SLFG, FIB-4, Forns index, S-index, and Hepascore(®) had 0.741, 0.742, 0.768, 0.779, 0.792, 0.824 retrospectively AUROC for cirrhosis. APRI, Forns index, FIB-4 and S-index were significantly lower in post-treatment group compared with pre-treatment group (P-values: <0.05, 0.001, 0.003, 0.018; respectively). CONCLUSION Hepascore(®) showed the best performance to predict significant fibrosis. Our study also suggests that the use of non-invasive test to predict fibrosis in patients with CHB may reduce the need for liver biopsy and may help to monitor the efficacy of treatment.

A novel appetite peptide, nesfatin-1 in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract Background and aims. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver pathology worldwide and is strongly associated with obesity and insulin-resistance and food intake. Nesfatin-1 is a new peptide that controls appetite and food intake. The objective of this research was to examine the serum concentrations of nesfatin-1 in NAFLD. Material and methods. Thirty NAFLD patients who had elevated liver enzymes and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were included in this study. NAFLD was diagnosed and graded with the findings of liver ultrasound scan. Nesfatin-1 concentrations were measured using an ELISA method and the relationship between nesfatin-1 and metabolic parameters were investigated. The subjects were divided into two groups according to their body mass index (≥ 30 and < 30) and nesfatin-1 concentrations were examined between both groups. Results. Serum nesfatin-1 concentrations in NAFLD patients were lower than healthy controls (0.26 ± 0.14 ng/ml, 0.38 ± 0.18 ng/ml, respectively, and p = 0.008). We found a negative correlation between nesfatin-1 and fasting glucose and body mass index. In obese subjects, serum nesfatin-1 concentrations were significantly lower when compared with non-obese subjects (0.26 ± 0.12 ng/ml, 0.37 ± 0.19 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.014). In addition, we showed that nesfatin-1 concentrations in subjects with insulin resistance were significantly lower in comparison with insulin-sensitive ones (0.27 ± 0.17 ng/ml, 0.38 ± 0.17 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.015). Conclusion. Our study has shown that nesfatin-1 concentrations were reduced in NAFLD. The results of this study indicate that nesfatin-1 may have a significant role in NAFLD.

Effects of erdosteine on cyclosporine-A–induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a potent immunosuppressive agent used for organ transplantations and various autoimmune disorders. However, hepatotoxicity due to CsA remains one of the major side effects. The use of antioxidants reduces the adverse effects of CsA. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects of erdosteine on CsA-induced liver injury through tissue oxidant/antioxidant parameters and to evaluate light microscopic alterations in rat-liver tissues. Rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups: The control group received sunflower oil (2 mL/kg/day, per orally; p.o.), while the other groups were treated with CsA (25 mg/kg/day, p.o.) or erdosteine (10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) or CsA+erdosteine, respectively. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, tissue malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase enzyme activities were measured. Histological examination was performed. CsA caused a significant deterioration in the hepatic function tests, morphology, and gave rise to severe oxidative stress in the liver. Erdostein significantly improved the functional and histological parameters and attenuated the oxidative stresss induced by CsA. Erdostein protects liver tissue against oxygen free radicals and prevents hepatic dysfunction and morphological abnormalities associated with chronic CsA administration.

Mean platelet volume in the diagnosis and prognosis of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

Introduction: Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral tick-borne zoonosis, which is a severe illness, causing hemorrhages in humans. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is used as a surrogate marker of platelet function and has been shown to be a sign of inflammation. The objective of the present study is to examine the association between MPV and CCHF. We also aimed to investigate the association between MPV and coagulopathy markers in the mortality rates and prognosis of patients with CCHF. Patients and Methods: Ninety-three patients with CCHF were enrolled retrospectively into the study and 15 of them were excluded according to the exclusion criteria. Twenty-five healthy individuals were included as a control group which was age and gender matched with CCHF patients. We compared the levels of MPV between the patient and the control groups. We also compared the coagulopathy markers of fatal CCHF patients (n = 9) with nonfatal cases (n = 69). Results: Platelet counts were significantly lower in the CCHF group. Levels of international normalized ratio (INR), prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were significantly higher in CCHF group (P < .001, <.001, <.001, respectively). A statistically significant increase in MPV was observed in patients with CCHF compared with healthy controls (8.63 ± 1.23 fL vs 7.65 ± 0.42 fL, P < .001). Receiver–operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that the optimum MPV level cutoff points for patients with CCHF was 8.15 fL, with a sensitivity and specificity of 65% and 88%, respectively. The MPV levels were not significantly different between group 2 (nonsurvivor) and group 1 (survivor). However, platelet count, d-dimer, INR, PT, and aPTT were also positively correlated with the mortality rates (P = .008, <.001, <.001, <.001, and <.001, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression model showed an independent correlation between MPV and mortality rate (P < .001). Conclusion: In conclusion, MPV may be a beneficial marker in the diagnosis of CCHF, especially in cases with thrombocytopenia, the MPV levels are high. We also conclude that MPV may independently predict the prognosis of patients with CCHF.

Unusual cause of acute gastrointestinal bleeding: gastric pyogenic granuloma.

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a benign, polypoid type of lobular capillary hemangioma that presents as a polypoid red mass. The lesion is found most commonly on the skin and in the oral cavity. It is extremely rare in the alimentary tract, other than in the oral cavity. Here, we report a case of PG identified in the stomach associated with acute bleeding. A 64-year-old man was admitted to our emergency room with a complaint of hematemesis and melena. Physical examination revealed no remarkable abnormalities other than conjunctival paleness.At the time of admission his laboratory findings were as follows: hemoglobin 10 g/dL, hematocrit 28.5%. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a pedunculated reddish lesion approximately 8 mm in diameter with an irregular surface in the cardia of the stomach. Blood was leaking from the surface of the lesion (Fig. 1). The lesion was resected using a polypectomy snare. Histological examination of the resected specimen revealed many capillaries of various sizes, lined with plump endothelial cells, accompanied by acute and chronic inflammatory infiltrates. The endothelial cells proved to be immunohistochemically positive for CD34 (Fig. 2).The histological features were consistent with those of a PG. No bleeding was noted following endoscopic resection of the lesion. Anemia was resolved by treating with iron. PG is an acquired benign tumor arising from the blood vessels of the skin or mucosa, polypoid form of capillary hemangioma.To date, a few cases of PG of the digestive tract have been reported, particularly in the colon, ileum, and esophagus. Only two cases have been described in the stomach. To our knowledge, this is the second case report of gastric PG presenting with acute gastrointestinal bleeding. In conclusion, PG should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute gastrointestinal bleeding.

Adding Pineapple Juice to a Polyethylene Glycol-Based Bowel Cleansing Regime Improved the Quality of Colon Cleaning

Background/Aims: An unsuccessful colonoscopy procedure is often related to inadequate bowel cleansing. It is difficult for patients to finish the whole 4 liters of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage (PEG-EL) because of its salty taste and the large quantity. Pineapple juice has been shown to be an effective agent in the dissolution of undigested food in the stomach. This study assessed the effectiveness of both 2 and 4 liters of PEG-EL in precolonoscopic bowel cleansing and the quality of colonoscopic cleaning by adding 1 liter of pineapple juice to a reduced-volume PEG-based regime. Methods: The patients were chosen from those undergoing a colonoscopic procedure. A total of 126 patients were randomized into 3 groups receiving 3 different PEG-EL (Golytely®) regimes, i.e. 4 liters of PEG-EL (group 1, n = 44), 2 liters of PEG-EL (group 2, n = 39) or 2 liters of PEG-EL with 1 liter of pineapple juice (Dimes® 100%; group 3, n = 43). Results: Both the 4- and 2-liter PEG-EL regimes resulted in similar bowel cleansing scores in all parts of the colonic segments. However, adding 1 liter of pineapple juice to the reduced-volume PEG-EL regime improved the quality of the cleansing on the right side of the colon and in the transverse colon. Adequate bowel cleansing was achieved in 68.1% of the patients in group 1, 63.9% in group 2 and 80% in group 3 (the lowest score in one of the segments). On the other hand, the tolerability of the regimes was similar in all 3 groups (p = 0.509). Conclusions: Reduced PEG-EL (2 rather than 4 liters) may be sufficient for precolonoscopic bowel cleansing in the Turkish population. Administration of pineapple juice in the reduced-dose preparation regime may improve the quality of the bowel cleaning.