Introduction: The Baveno VI consensus recommended the use of noninvasive predictors to identify patients at high risk of esophageal varices (EV) in whom endoscopic evaluation is most needed. Kallistatin is a protein molecule synthesized by the liver, and its level declines with the deterioration of liver functions. We aim to explore the role of kallistatin as a predictor of esophageal varices. Methods: This case-control study included 70 cirrhotic patients (35 patients with EV and 35 patients without EV). The laboratory investigations and upper GI endoscopy were performed, and the serum kallistatin level was measured in all patients.Results: The mean level of serum kallistatin was significantly lower in patients with varices (12.2 ± 5.6 vs 16.9 ± 4.8 µg/ml, p = 0.009). It also shows a significant decline in patients with large varices. Kallistatin can predict the presence of EV and large EV at cut off values of 15.8 and 8.9 µg/ml, respectively, with sensitivity and specificity of 71.4% and 54.3% for EV and 50% and 94.8% for large EV. Discussion: Kallistatin is a promising marker that can be used to predict the presence of esophageal varices especially when they are large and risky.

No abstract

No abstract

Background and study aim: HGV is a type of hepatitis viruses discovered in 1995. HGV is transmitted through parenteral route and seldom seen alone. The clinical course is usually subclinical anicteric and spontaneous clearance of virus particles is common after two years with appearance of anti-HGV antibodies. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of HGV infection problem and the impact of HGV infection on the affected patients. Patients and methods: 64 patients were included in this study, 22 hemodialysis patients, 22 chronic hepatitis patients as well as 20 healthy control subjects. RT PCR was done for HGV RNA to all subjects as well as routine laboratory investigations and anti HCV Ab and HBsAg. Results: HGV was positive in 5% of healthy controls, 50% of hemodialysis patients, and 36.4% in chronic hepatitis patients. The prevalence of HGV monoinfection was 9.1% in all patients and prevalence of HGV co-infection with HCV and/or HBV was 36.4%. There were no significant differences between HGV positive and negative subjects as regard age, gender distribution, clinical or laboratory measures. Conclusion: HGV has high prevalence among hemodialysis and chronic hepatitis patients. HGV infection doesn't have an impact on patients clinical or laboratory parameters.

Background: Cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) predisposes patients to iron deficiency due to compensatory secondary erythrocytosis. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of iron deficiency among infants and children having cyanotic and non-cyanotic congenital heart disease. Patients and methods: This was a case-control study enrolled 30 children with congenital heart disease whether cyanotic or non-cyanotic at the