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analysis followed by stepwise logistic regression analysis. Cirrhosis is a frequent and severe event in the course of Among the patients enrolled, 21.4% had biopsy-proven cirrhochronic hepatitis C, but it is unclear why some patients desis. Prevalence of cirrhosis markedly varied according to the velop cirrhosis after a given period whereas others do not.route of transmission of HCV. It was significantly more freWe studied a large cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis quent in blood recipients (23.4%) than in drug users (7.0%). C to determine the role of the route of transmission of hepatiAlthough the occurrence of cirrhosis was dependent on distis C virus (HCV) in the onset of cirrhosis. Six thousand six ease duration, it remained more frequent in blood recipients hundred sixty-four patients were enrolled in a nationwide than in drug users for a given duration. Apart from the route survey of chronic hepatitis C in France. We first randomly of transmission, excessive alcohol intake was also associated defined a representative sample of 30 hospitals with medical with a higher risk of cirrhosis (34.9% vs. 18.2%; P õ .001), units managing patients with HCV infection. All patients with and so was HBV infection (24.6% vs. 21.1%; P õ .05). These chronic hepatitis C were enrolled if hepatitis C was diagnosed factors acted independently of the route of transmission. Heor treated in these units in 1991, 1992, or 1993. A questionpatocellular carcinoma was observed in 3.6% of all patients naire was filled in from the patients' charts and covered demoand in 17.8% of cirrhotic patients, and its occurrence was graphic data, risk factors for HCV infection, clinical and hisstrongly and mainly related to the presence of cirrhosis. In tological data, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human conclusion, cirrhosis occurred in about 20% of the HCV-inimmunodeficiency virus status, and alcohol intake. Descripfected patients in this study and was more frequent in blood tive statistics were prepared, and factors potentially related recipients than in drug users, independently of disease durato the onset of cirrhosis were identified by means of univariate tion. Expected changes in the epidemiology of HCV infection might modify the risk of developing cirrhosis and, thereafter, cancer. (HEPATOLOGY 1997;26:485-490.)

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SUMMARYBackground: Tegaserod reduces the symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome, and anti-nociceptive effects have been demonstrated in animals. Its effect on the rectal sensitivity in humans has not been delineated clearly. Aim: To evaluate the action of tegaserod on rectal sensitivity in response to distension by means of a reflexological technique based on electrophysiological recordings of the RIII nociceptive reflex. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, performed in 20 healthy women, quantified the effects of slow or rapid rectal distensions on the