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“OBJECTIVES: The sero-prevalence of co-infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis D virus (HDV) is well known in many European countries, starting from 6.8% in Germany to more than 27% in some Turkish areas. To gain a better description of this infection in Switzerland, and to characterise those affected, a questionnaire was sent to all Swiss gastroenterologists, hepatologists and infectologists.
METHODS: A questionnaire was received by 349 physicians which asked them to report on all HBV- and HDV-infected patients seen at their units/offices.
RESULTS: A total of 101 HDV-positive patients seen by 78 specialists
were analysed. The physicians were in charge of 1’699 patients with chronic hepatitis B, giving a 5.9% prevalence of Rapamycin chemical structure HDV infection in HBV-positive patients. A predominance of males (75%) from Switzerland (39%), and of African origin (21%) Savolitinib was recorded. Most had been contaminated
by intravenous drug use (62%), followed by vertical transmission (15%), sexual contact (13%) or transfusion with blood or blood products (2%). The majority (74%) had a very low (< 10(3) UI/ml) HBV viral load and 75% were HBeAg-negative. A total of 76% percent of those who had a liver biopsy had significant fibrosis (>= F2), and only 21% had received standard therapy (interferon or pegylated interferon-a). Overall, 10% recovered spontaneously (anti-HBs-positive).
CONCLUSION: With a prevalence of 5.9% of hepatitis D in HBsAg-positive patients, Switzerland seems less affected than most other European countries, however, BVD-523 order it is possible that this infection is under-diagnosed. Intravenous drug use was the main risk factor. Associated advanced liver disease was also very common.”
“Study Design. Review of published literature.
Objective. To review the available
medical literature reporting results after minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) and evaluate functional and radiographic outcomes with those following open TLIF and open posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedures.
Summary of Background Data. Minimally invasive spine techniques aim to reduce approach-related surgical morbidity without compromising operative and clinical outcomes. MIS TLIF is increasingly being used for the management of various lumbar degenerative diseases. Despite the limited number of well-designed clinical studies, the available published data suggest potential advantages over its open posterior-approach lumbar interbody fusion counterparts. Such benefits include less intraoperative blood loss, less need for blood transfusions, shorter hospital course, and less postoperative pain.
Methods.