AIM: To assess the efficacy of ribavirin monotherapy in patients with biochemical relapse after combination therapy.METHODS: Twenty-four weeks of ribavirin monotherapy was given to biochemical relapsers of end treatme...AIM: To assess the efficacy of ribavirin monotherapy in patients with biochemical relapse after combination therapy.METHODS: Twenty-four weeks of ribavirin monotherapy was given to biochemical relapsers of end treatment biochemical responders within 6 mo after combination therapy, including non-responders with HCV-RNA level ≤0.2 Meq/mL and end treatment virologic responders (ETVRs) with or without reappearance of HCV-RNA.RESULTS: Sixty-two chronic HCV-infected patients completed 24 wk of interferon-α plus ribavirin combination therapy. Fifty patients (80%) achieved end treatment biochemical response including 16 non-responders and 34 of 36 ETVRs. Twenty-six patients (41.9%) were nonresponders. Ribavirin monotherapy was given to 20biochemical relapsers including 12 non-responders with HCV-RNA levels ≤0.2 Meq/mL, four of eight HCV-RNA reappearing ETVRs, and four HCV-RNA negative ETVRs.After 24 wk of ribavirin monotherapy, one of 12 nonresponders, two of four HCV-RNA reappearing ETVRs and all four RNA-negative biochemical relapsers of ETVRs showed sustained virologic response. Two of 12monotherapy treated non-responders showed persistent normalization of liver function test. In total, 50% (31/62)of patients achieved sustained virologic response.CONCLUSION: Resumption of ribavirin monotherapy in ETVRs at signs of viral rebound and recurrent biochemical abnormalities rather than continuation of monotherapy appears to be the key to success of ribavirin monotherapy after interferon-related combination therapy.展开更多
The past two decades have witnessed an explosion of research and clinical application of stem cells, transforming the field of regenerative medicine. Stem cell transplantation has already been performed to treat patie...The past two decades have witnessed an explosion of research and clinical application of stem cells, transforming the field of regenerative medicine. Stem cell transplantation has already been performed to treat patients with cancer,liver diseases, and various types of chronic diseases. Indeed, stem cell-based therapies are effective in many diseases, and provide novel insights into the treatment of end-stage liver disease. Several clinical trials have indicated the efficacy profiles of stem cell transplantation in patients with end-stage liver disease, including liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver tumors. Animal models of acute liver failure have also provided important insights into the safety,mechanisms, and efficacy of stem cell therapies. Nevertheless, excitement due to this promising field must be tempered with careful and calculated research. In particular, studies on the quality, safety, and efficacy of stem cell transplantation are needed to ensure that qualified products are tested in well-designed clinical trials and approved by governments. Therefore, further investigations are required to effectively balance the safety with the innovation of stem cell transplantation research toward the effective treatment of end-stage liver disease.展开更多
All over the world,the management of End-of-life Vehicles(ELV) and Automobile Shredder Residue(ASR) is an increasing issue for the car industry.The setting up of several environmental directives,among others the notio...All over the world,the management of End-of-life Vehicles(ELV) and Automobile Shredder Residue(ASR) is an increasing issue for the car industry.The setting up of several environmental directives,among others the notion of extended producer responsibility,encourage car manufacturers to find alternatives solutions to waste disposal.For 2017,China aims for the recyclability and energy recovery of 95% of total weight of used cars,and in order to reach this rate,the development of some ASR thermal processes could be envisaged.With this research,an overview of ELV management was given and the different solutions about ASR thermal treatment were presented.It is showed that in spite of its big heterogeneity,the high heating value of ASR makes pyrolysis and gasification very interesting,compared to incineration or disposal of in landfills.展开更多
Treatment decisions in autoimmune hepatitis are complicated by the diversity of its clinical presentations,uncertainties about its natural history,evolving opinions regarding treatment end points,varied nature of refr...Treatment decisions in autoimmune hepatitis are complicated by the diversity of its clinical presentations,uncertainties about its natural history,evolving opinions regarding treatment end points,varied nature of refractory disease,and plethora of alternative immu-nosuppressive agents. The goals of this article are to review the difficult treatment decisions and to provide the bases for making sound therapeutic judgments. The English literature on the treatment problems in au-toimmune hepatitis were identifi ed by Medline search up to October 2009 and 32 years of personal experi-ence. Autoimmune hepatitis may have an acute severe presentation,mild in? ammatory activity,lack autoan-tibodies,exhibit atypical histological changes (centri-lobular zone 3 necrosis or bile duct injury),or have variant features reminiscent of another disease (overlap syndrome). Corticosteroid therapy must be instituted early,applied despite the absence of symptoms,or modified in an individualized fashion. Pursuit of normal liver tests and tissue is the ideal treatment end point,but this objective must be tempered against the risk of side effects. Relapse after treatment withdrawal requires long-term maintenance therapy,preferably with azathioprine. Treatment failure or an incomplete response warrants salvage therapy that can include conventional medications in modified dose or empiricaltherapies with calcineurin inhibitors or mycophenolate mofetil. Liver transplantation supersedes empirical drug therapy in decompensated patients. Elderly and pregnant patients warrant treatment modifications. Difficult treatment decisions in autoimmune hepatitis can be simplified by recognizing its diverse manifestations and individualizing treatment,pursuing realistic goals,applying appropriate salvage regimens,and identifying problematic patients early.展开更多
Alcoholic hepatitis(AH)is an acute hepatic inflammation associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Current evidence suggests that the pathogenesis is the end result of the complex interplay between ethanol me...Alcoholic hepatitis(AH)is an acute hepatic inflammation associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Current evidence suggests that the pathogenesis is the end result of the complex interplay between ethanol metabolism,inflammation and innate immunity.Several clinical scoring systems have been derived to predict the clinical outcomes of patients with AH;such as Child-Turcotte-Pugh score,the Maddrey discriminant function,the Lille Model,the model for end stage liver disease scores,and the Glasgow alcoholic hepatitis score.At present,Corticosteroids or pentoxifylline are the current pharmacologic treatment options;though the outcomes from the therapies are poor.Liver trans-plantation as the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis remains controversial,and in an era of organ shortage current guidelines do not recommend transplantation as the treatment option.Because of the limitations in the therapeutic options,it is no doubt that there is a critical need for the newer and more effective pharmacological agents to treat AH.展开更多
目的了解开展安宁缓和医疗(hospice and palliative care,HPC)对生命末期老年病人医疗状况的影响。方法连续查阅2014~2021年我院老年医学科死亡病人的病历,记录一般情况、心肺复苏意愿、生命支持手段的应用及临终前抢救措施。根据开展HP...目的了解开展安宁缓和医疗(hospice and palliative care,HPC)对生命末期老年病人医疗状况的影响。方法连续查阅2014~2021年我院老年医学科死亡病人的病历,记录一般情况、心肺复苏意愿、生命支持手段的应用及临终前抢救措施。根据开展HPC教育及临床工作的时间(以2018年1月为界点),将病例分为2014~2017年、2018~2021年2组进行纵向研究;并对2018~2021年开展HPC期间的病人进行亚组分析。结果共纳入254例死亡病人:2014~2017年死亡131例,2018~2021年死亡123例。2组年龄、性别、入院时躯体功能状况、1年内住院次数、住院时间、死亡原因构成差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。2组口服药物数量、多重用药比例、呼吸机使用率、使用白蛋白情况差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。2组选择临终前不行心肺复苏及心外按压的比例差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),电除颤、简易呼吸器、血管活性药物、呼吸兴奋剂使用率差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。2020~2021年与2018~2019年相比,生命末期老年病人多重用药率(37.3%比51.4%,P<0.05)、临终前血管活性药物使用率(49.0%比77.8%,P<0.05)、呼吸兴奋剂使用率(15.7%比50.0%,P<0.05)进一步下降。结论对于老年生命末期病人,开展HPC能够减少部分生命支持手段的使用,降低临终前无效医疗的应用。展开更多
基金Supported by the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Medical Research Program CMRPG-2044 and CMRP-800-VI
文摘AIM: To assess the efficacy of ribavirin monotherapy in patients with biochemical relapse after combination therapy.METHODS: Twenty-four weeks of ribavirin monotherapy was given to biochemical relapsers of end treatment biochemical responders within 6 mo after combination therapy, including non-responders with HCV-RNA level ≤0.2 Meq/mL and end treatment virologic responders (ETVRs) with or without reappearance of HCV-RNA.RESULTS: Sixty-two chronic HCV-infected patients completed 24 wk of interferon-α plus ribavirin combination therapy. Fifty patients (80%) achieved end treatment biochemical response including 16 non-responders and 34 of 36 ETVRs. Twenty-six patients (41.9%) were nonresponders. Ribavirin monotherapy was given to 20biochemical relapsers including 12 non-responders with HCV-RNA levels ≤0.2 Meq/mL, four of eight HCV-RNA reappearing ETVRs, and four HCV-RNA negative ETVRs.After 24 wk of ribavirin monotherapy, one of 12 nonresponders, two of four HCV-RNA reappearing ETVRs and all four RNA-negative biochemical relapsers of ETVRs showed sustained virologic response. Two of 12monotherapy treated non-responders showed persistent normalization of liver function test. In total, 50% (31/62)of patients achieved sustained virologic response.CONCLUSION: Resumption of ribavirin monotherapy in ETVRs at signs of viral rebound and recurrent biochemical abnormalities rather than continuation of monotherapy appears to be the key to success of ribavirin monotherapy after interferon-related combination therapy.
文摘The past two decades have witnessed an explosion of research and clinical application of stem cells, transforming the field of regenerative medicine. Stem cell transplantation has already been performed to treat patients with cancer,liver diseases, and various types of chronic diseases. Indeed, stem cell-based therapies are effective in many diseases, and provide novel insights into the treatment of end-stage liver disease. Several clinical trials have indicated the efficacy profiles of stem cell transplantation in patients with end-stage liver disease, including liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver tumors. Animal models of acute liver failure have also provided important insights into the safety,mechanisms, and efficacy of stem cell therapies. Nevertheless, excitement due to this promising field must be tempered with careful and calculated research. In particular, studies on the quality, safety, and efficacy of stem cell transplantation are needed to ensure that qualified products are tested in well-designed clinical trials and approved by governments. Therefore, further investigations are required to effectively balance the safety with the innovation of stem cell transplantation research toward the effective treatment of end-stage liver disease.
文摘All over the world,the management of End-of-life Vehicles(ELV) and Automobile Shredder Residue(ASR) is an increasing issue for the car industry.The setting up of several environmental directives,among others the notion of extended producer responsibility,encourage car manufacturers to find alternatives solutions to waste disposal.For 2017,China aims for the recyclability and energy recovery of 95% of total weight of used cars,and in order to reach this rate,the development of some ASR thermal processes could be envisaged.With this research,an overview of ELV management was given and the different solutions about ASR thermal treatment were presented.It is showed that in spite of its big heterogeneity,the high heating value of ASR makes pyrolysis and gasification very interesting,compared to incineration or disposal of in landfills.
文摘Treatment decisions in autoimmune hepatitis are complicated by the diversity of its clinical presentations,uncertainties about its natural history,evolving opinions regarding treatment end points,varied nature of refractory disease,and plethora of alternative immu-nosuppressive agents. The goals of this article are to review the difficult treatment decisions and to provide the bases for making sound therapeutic judgments. The English literature on the treatment problems in au-toimmune hepatitis were identifi ed by Medline search up to October 2009 and 32 years of personal experi-ence. Autoimmune hepatitis may have an acute severe presentation,mild in? ammatory activity,lack autoan-tibodies,exhibit atypical histological changes (centri-lobular zone 3 necrosis or bile duct injury),or have variant features reminiscent of another disease (overlap syndrome). Corticosteroid therapy must be instituted early,applied despite the absence of symptoms,or modified in an individualized fashion. Pursuit of normal liver tests and tissue is the ideal treatment end point,but this objective must be tempered against the risk of side effects. Relapse after treatment withdrawal requires long-term maintenance therapy,preferably with azathioprine. Treatment failure or an incomplete response warrants salvage therapy that can include conventional medications in modified dose or empiricaltherapies with calcineurin inhibitors or mycophenolate mofetil. Liver transplantation supersedes empirical drug therapy in decompensated patients. Elderly and pregnant patients warrant treatment modifications. Difficult treatment decisions in autoimmune hepatitis can be simplified by recognizing its diverse manifestations and individualizing treatment,pursuing realistic goals,applying appropriate salvage regimens,and identifying problematic patients early.
基金Supported by K08 AA016570 from the NIH/NIAAA,1I01-CX000361-01 from the Veterans Affairs Research and Admin-istration,Indiana University Research Support Fund GrantW81XWH-12-1-0497 from United States Department of Defense(all to Liangpunsakul S)
文摘Alcoholic hepatitis(AH)is an acute hepatic inflammation associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Current evidence suggests that the pathogenesis is the end result of the complex interplay between ethanol metabolism,inflammation and innate immunity.Several clinical scoring systems have been derived to predict the clinical outcomes of patients with AH;such as Child-Turcotte-Pugh score,the Maddrey discriminant function,the Lille Model,the model for end stage liver disease scores,and the Glasgow alcoholic hepatitis score.At present,Corticosteroids or pentoxifylline are the current pharmacologic treatment options;though the outcomes from the therapies are poor.Liver trans-plantation as the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis remains controversial,and in an era of organ shortage current guidelines do not recommend transplantation as the treatment option.Because of the limitations in the therapeutic options,it is no doubt that there is a critical need for the newer and more effective pharmacological agents to treat AH.
文摘目的了解开展安宁缓和医疗(hospice and palliative care,HPC)对生命末期老年病人医疗状况的影响。方法连续查阅2014~2021年我院老年医学科死亡病人的病历,记录一般情况、心肺复苏意愿、生命支持手段的应用及临终前抢救措施。根据开展HPC教育及临床工作的时间(以2018年1月为界点),将病例分为2014~2017年、2018~2021年2组进行纵向研究;并对2018~2021年开展HPC期间的病人进行亚组分析。结果共纳入254例死亡病人:2014~2017年死亡131例,2018~2021年死亡123例。2组年龄、性别、入院时躯体功能状况、1年内住院次数、住院时间、死亡原因构成差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。2组口服药物数量、多重用药比例、呼吸机使用率、使用白蛋白情况差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。2组选择临终前不行心肺复苏及心外按压的比例差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),电除颤、简易呼吸器、血管活性药物、呼吸兴奋剂使用率差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。2020~2021年与2018~2019年相比,生命末期老年病人多重用药率(37.3%比51.4%,P<0.05)、临终前血管活性药物使用率(49.0%比77.8%,P<0.05)、呼吸兴奋剂使用率(15.7%比50.0%,P<0.05)进一步下降。结论对于老年生命末期病人,开展HPC能够减少部分生命支持手段的使用,降低临终前无效医疗的应用。
