The epidemiological and clinical features of NCPF have more similarity to IPH than has previously been documented. The development of spontaneous shunts tends to protect these patients from variceal bleeding.

No abstract

SUMMARY. Morbidity and mortality attributable to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are increasing in many countries as the infected population ages. Models were developed for 15 countries to quantify and characterize the viremic population, as well as estimate the number of new infections and HCV related deaths from 2013 to 2030. Expert consensus was used to determine current treatment levels and outcomes in each country. In most countries, viremic prevalence has already peaked. In every country studied, prevalence begins to decline before 2030, when current treatment levels were held constant. In contrast, cases of advanced liver disease and liver related deaths will continue to increase through 2030 in most countries. The current treatment paradigm is inadequate if large reductions in HCV related morbidity and mortality are to be achieved.

Jaundice is not an unusual accompaniment of malaria. It can occur due to intravascular hemolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and, rarely, 'malarial hepatitis'. Although the primary schizogony of the malarial parasite always leads to the rupture of the infected hepatocyte, alteration of the hepatic functions is uncommonly recorded due to this event. Histologically, the hepatitis or the actual inflammation in the liver has never been demonstrated. Nonetheless, the term 'malarial hepatitis' (MH) has been used in the literature to describe the occurrence of hepatocellular jaundice in patients with Plasmodium falciparum infection. The authors' own data and review of the literature indicate that it is not an uncommon entity. In endemic areas, jaundice is seen in approximately 2.5% of patients with falciparum malaria. It also appears to be a heterogeneous syndrome and one can recognize two clinical subsets. In one group there was an acute, virulent presentation with coma, renal failure and in some cases even hemorrhagic manifestations. It is only in this setting that jaundice signified a 'severe' disease as noted by the World Health Organization action program. This presentation is often confused with acute viral hepatitis and acute hepatic failure in non-endemic areas, but can be clinically differentiated.

Globally, approximately 240 people have been infected worldwide with hepatitis B Virus (HBV). India has approximately HBV carrier rate of 3.0% with a high prevalence rate in the tribal population. With a population of more than 1.25 billion, India has more than 37 million HBV carriers and contributes a large proportion of this HBV burden. While horizontal transmission in childhood appears to be a major route of transmission, the role of vertical transmission is probably underestimated. Blood transfusion and unsafe therapeutic injections continue to be important modes of transmission of HBV. There is a need for large field studies to better understand HBV epidemiology and identify high prevalence areas, and public health measures to prevent disease transmission and decrease the burden of the disease. ( J CLIN EXP HEPATOL 2014;4:312-319)