Written informed consent to participate in the study was obtained

Written informed consent to participate in the study was obtained from each patient. Inclusion criteria were age between 25 and 80 years and confirmed diagnosis of cirrhosis. Exclusion criteria were evidence of gastrointestinal

bleeding; portal vein thrombosis; diffuse or multinodular hepatocellular carcinoma not fulfilling Milano criteria; cardiac, renal or respiratory failure; previous surgical or intrahepatic portosystemic shunt; prescription of vasoactive drugs including beta-blockers and/or investigational drugs; bacterial infection or treatment with antibiotics in the preceding 2 weeks; or positive blood or ascitic fluid culture previous to hepatic hemodynamic study or presence of neutrocytic ascites (polymorphonuclear cell count >250 cells/mm3). Bacterial infection was ruled out by clinical history, physical examination, laboratory analysis, and both blood and ascitic fluid cultures performed in blood culture bottles.14 Other associated morbidities were excluded Selleck PD0325901 by clinical history, physical examination, electrocardiogram, and routine biochemical analysis. Per protocol, inclusion in the nonascites group was closed after 20 patients had been included. Patients were maintained on a sodium-restricted diet

and diuretics were withdrawn for 2 days before the hemodynamic study. No large-volume paracentesis was allowed in the preceding selleck kinase inhibitor 5 days. After fasting overnight, patients were transferred to the Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory. Under local anesthesia, 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 an 8-French venous catheter introducer (Axcess; Maxxim

Medical, Athens, TX) was placed in the right jugular vein under ultrasonographic guidance (SonoSite Inc, Bothell, WA) using the Seldinger technique. Under fluoroscopic control, a Swan-Ganz catheter (Edwards Laboratory, Los Angeles, CA) was advanced into the pulmonary artery for measurement of cardiopulmonary pressures and cardiac output (CO) by thermal dilution. A 7F balloon-tipped catheter (Medi-Tech; Boston Scientific Cork, Ltd., Cork, Ireland) was then advanced in to the main right hepatic vein to measure wedged and free hepatic venous pressures as previously described.2, 5, 15 All measurements were performed in triplicate in each study period, and permanent tracings were obtained on a multichannel recorder (Marquette Electronics, Milwaukee, WI). Portal pressure was estimated from the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), the difference between wedged and free hepatic venous pressure. The hepatic vascular resistance (dyne/second/cm−5) was estimated as: HVPG (mm Hg) × 80/hepatic blood flow (HBF) (L/minute).2, 5 Preceded by a priming dose of 5 mg, a solution of indocyanine green (Pulsion Medical Systems, Munich, Germany) was infused intravenously at a constant rate of 0.2 mL/minute. After an equilibration period of at least 40 minutes, four separate sets of simultaneous samples of peripheral and hepatic venous blood were obtained for the measurement of HBF as previously described.

Written informed consent to participate in the study was obtained

Written informed consent to participate in the study was obtained from each patient. Inclusion criteria were age between 25 and 80 years and confirmed diagnosis of cirrhosis. Exclusion criteria were evidence of gastrointestinal

bleeding; portal vein thrombosis; diffuse or multinodular hepatocellular carcinoma not fulfilling Milano criteria; cardiac, renal or respiratory failure; previous surgical or intrahepatic portosystemic shunt; prescription of vasoactive drugs including beta-blockers and/or investigational drugs; bacterial infection or treatment with antibiotics in the preceding 2 weeks; or positive blood or ascitic fluid culture previous to hepatic hemodynamic study or presence of neutrocytic ascites (polymorphonuclear cell count >250 cells/mm3). Bacterial infection was ruled out by clinical history, physical examination, laboratory analysis, and both blood and ascitic fluid cultures performed in blood culture bottles.14 Other associated morbidities were excluded AZD6244 in vivo by clinical history, physical examination, electrocardiogram, and routine biochemical analysis. Per protocol, inclusion in the nonascites group was closed after 20 patients had been included. Patients were maintained on a sodium-restricted diet

and diuretics were withdrawn for 2 days before the hemodynamic study. No large-volume paracentesis was allowed in the preceding DMXAA mw 5 days. After fasting overnight, patients were transferred to the Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory. Under local anesthesia, medchemexpress an 8-French venous catheter introducer (Axcess; Maxxim

Medical, Athens, TX) was placed in the right jugular vein under ultrasonographic guidance (SonoSite Inc, Bothell, WA) using the Seldinger technique. Under fluoroscopic control, a Swan-Ganz catheter (Edwards Laboratory, Los Angeles, CA) was advanced into the pulmonary artery for measurement of cardiopulmonary pressures and cardiac output (CO) by thermal dilution. A 7F balloon-tipped catheter (Medi-Tech; Boston Scientific Cork, Ltd., Cork, Ireland) was then advanced in to the main right hepatic vein to measure wedged and free hepatic venous pressures as previously described.2, 5, 15 All measurements were performed in triplicate in each study period, and permanent tracings were obtained on a multichannel recorder (Marquette Electronics, Milwaukee, WI). Portal pressure was estimated from the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), the difference between wedged and free hepatic venous pressure. The hepatic vascular resistance (dyne/second/cm−5) was estimated as: HVPG (mm Hg) × 80/hepatic blood flow (HBF) (L/minute).2, 5 Preceded by a priming dose of 5 mg, a solution of indocyanine green (Pulsion Medical Systems, Munich, Germany) was infused intravenously at a constant rate of 0.2 mL/minute. After an equilibration period of at least 40 minutes, four separate sets of simultaneous samples of peripheral and hepatic venous blood were obtained for the measurement of HBF as previously described.

Of those, 2,334 had NAFLD After 179 months of follow-up, the ove

Of those, 2,334 had NAFLD. After 179 months of follow-up, the overall mortality was 20% (N=467). Five most common causes of death in NAFLD were cardiovascular-respiratory diseases (41.5%),

solid organ malignancies excluding liver (21.0%), diabetes mellitus 32 (5.3%), and chronic liver diseases (3.17%). NFS was found to be independently associated with mortality: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.361 (p<0.0001). After additional adjustment for age, the association of NFS with overall mortality remained significant (aHR=1.146, p<0.0001). Furthermore, in a series of survival analyses with different thresholds for NFS ranging from -5 to 5, we determined the best possible thresholds for NFS for the association with overall mortality. These survival analyses showed that NFS remained associated with mortality between a score of -1.80 (aHR=1.276, p=0.0498), and 1.25 (aHR=1.607, p=0.0203). The most significant Selleckchem Anti-infection Compound Library association of NFS with mortality was found for a NAFLD Fibrosis score of 0.75 (aHR=1.775, p=0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: The well-established NAFLD Fibrosis Score is associated with overall mortality even after adjustment

for age. The threshold for NFS that would return the outcome with best association with mortality in NAFLD cohort is 0.75 which is close to 0.68 suggested by the authors for ruling-in fibrosis in NAFLD patients. Disclosures: Zobair M. Younossi – Advisory Committees or Review Panels: Merck, Vertex, Tibotec/J and J; Consulting: 上海皓元 Gilead Sciences The following

people have nothing to disclose: Maria Stepanova, Linda Henry, James N. Cooper, Shirley K. Kalwaney, Chapy Venkatesan, Alita Mishra Purpose: The aims of CB-839 solubility dmso this study were to determine the influence of excessive alcohol consumption on hepatocarcinogenesis and the risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to elucidate the utility of non-invasive predictive procedures for liver fibrosis, such as the FIB4-index, in the prediction of HCC in a large population of Japanese fatty liver patients without viral hepatitis. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a public hospital. Study subjects included 6,621 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and 946 patients with alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD; daily alcohol consumption >70 g) diagnosed by ultrasonography. The median follow-up period was 5.9 years. The primary endpoint was onset of HCC. Evaluation was performed using Kaplan-Meier methodology and Cox proportional hazards analysis. Results: In NAFLD patients, there were 19 (0.29%) cases of newly diagnosed HCC, and the cumulative rates of NAFLD-related HCC were 0.05% at year 4, 0.21% at year 8, and 0.63% at year 12. In contrast, in AFLD patients, there were 18 (1.9%) cases diagnosed with HCC, and the cumulative rates of AFLD-related HCC were 0.67%, 1.89%, and 2.6%, respectively. The annual incidence of HCC was 0.05% and 0.22%, respectively.

Of those, 2,334 had NAFLD After 179 months of follow-up, the ove

Of those, 2,334 had NAFLD. After 179 months of follow-up, the overall mortality was 20% (N=467). Five most common causes of death in NAFLD were cardiovascular-respiratory diseases (41.5%),

solid organ malignancies excluding liver (21.0%), diabetes mellitus 32 (5.3%), and chronic liver diseases (3.17%). NFS was found to be independently associated with mortality: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.361 (p<0.0001). After additional adjustment for age, the association of NFS with overall mortality remained significant (aHR=1.146, p<0.0001). Furthermore, in a series of survival analyses with different thresholds for NFS ranging from -5 to 5, we determined the best possible thresholds for NFS for the association with overall mortality. These survival analyses showed that NFS remained associated with mortality between a score of -1.80 (aHR=1.276, p=0.0498), and 1.25 (aHR=1.607, p=0.0203). The most significant find more association of NFS with mortality was found for a NAFLD Fibrosis score of 0.75 (aHR=1.775, p=0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: The well-established NAFLD Fibrosis Score is associated with overall mortality even after adjustment

for age. The threshold for NFS that would return the outcome with best association with mortality in NAFLD cohort is 0.75 which is close to 0.68 suggested by the authors for ruling-in fibrosis in NAFLD patients. Disclosures: Zobair M. Younossi – Advisory Committees or Review Panels: Merck, Vertex, Tibotec/J and J; Consulting: MCE公司 Gilead Sciences The following

people have nothing to disclose: Maria Stepanova, Linda Henry, James N. Cooper, Shirley K. Kalwaney, Chapy Venkatesan, Alita Mishra Purpose: The aims of click here this study were to determine the influence of excessive alcohol consumption on hepatocarcinogenesis and the risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to elucidate the utility of non-invasive predictive procedures for liver fibrosis, such as the FIB4-index, in the prediction of HCC in a large population of Japanese fatty liver patients without viral hepatitis. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a public hospital. Study subjects included 6,621 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and 946 patients with alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD; daily alcohol consumption >70 g) diagnosed by ultrasonography. The median follow-up period was 5.9 years. The primary endpoint was onset of HCC. Evaluation was performed using Kaplan-Meier methodology and Cox proportional hazards analysis. Results: In NAFLD patients, there were 19 (0.29%) cases of newly diagnosed HCC, and the cumulative rates of NAFLD-related HCC were 0.05% at year 4, 0.21% at year 8, and 0.63% at year 12. In contrast, in AFLD patients, there were 18 (1.9%) cases diagnosed with HCC, and the cumulative rates of AFLD-related HCC were 0.67%, 1.89%, and 2.6%, respectively. The annual incidence of HCC was 0.05% and 0.22%, respectively.

As the presented migraine-related burden is considerable, we hope

As the presented migraine-related burden is considerable, we hope that our data will increase the awareness among local decision makers in allocating

resources for treatment and research on headache. “
“Migraine increases C59 wnt clinical trial the risk of stroke, particularly in young and otherwise healthy adults. Being the most frequent neurological condition, migraine prevalence is on a par with that of other common stroke risk factors, such as diabetes or hypertension. Several patterns of association have emerged: (1) migraine and stroke share a common association (eg, vasculopathies, patent foramen ovale, or pulmonary A-V malformations); (2) injury to the arterial wall such as acute arterial dissections can present as migraine aura attacks or stroke; (3) strokes rarely develop during a migraine attack, as described for “migrainous stroke.” Increasing experimental evidence suggests that cerebral hyperexcitability and enhanced susceptibility to spreading depolarization, the electrophysiologic event underlying migraine, may serve as a mechanism underlying the migraine-stroke association. Mice carrying human vascular or neuronal migraine mutations exhibit an enhanced susceptibility to spreading depolarization while being particularly vulnerable to cerebral ischemia. The severe stroke phenotype

in migraine mutant mice can be prevented by suppressing spreading depolarization. If confirmed in the clinical setting, inhibiting spreading depolarization might protect migraineurs at stroke risk as well as decrease attacks of migraine. “
“(Headache 2011;51:713-725) Objective.— To investigate selleck chemical the effect of low-intensity anticoagulation with warfarin on chronic cluster headache refractory to pharmacological management. Background.— Isolated case reports on induction of remission in patients with intractable chronic cluster headache upon institution

of oral anticoagulant therapy do exist. Nonetheless, evidence from randomized controlled trials on the role of oral anticoagulants in cluster headache is lacking. Methods.— Thirty-four patients with refractory chronic cluster headache were randomized to receive warfarin or placebo for 12 weeks. Warfarin was administered to achieve an international normalized ratio between 1.5 and 1.9. After a washout period of 2 weeks, patients were crossed over from 1 treatment medchemexpress to the other. Status of cluster headache was assessed during both treatment periods. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of remission lasting ≥4 weeks. Results.— Seventeen (50%) patients underwent remission for ≥4 weeks during the warfarin period vs 4 (11.8%) patients during the placebo period (P = .004). This was associated with absolute risk reduction of 0.38 (95% CI = 0.18-0.58), and number needed to treat of 2.6 (95% CI = 1.7-5.5). The Kaplan–Meier curves for occurrence of remission had a hazard ratio of 5.26 (95% CI = 2.13-13.03, P = .0003).

As the presented migraine-related burden is considerable, we hope

As the presented migraine-related burden is considerable, we hope that our data will increase the awareness among local decision makers in allocating

resources for treatment and research on headache. “
“Migraine increases find more the risk of stroke, particularly in young and otherwise healthy adults. Being the most frequent neurological condition, migraine prevalence is on a par with that of other common stroke risk factors, such as diabetes or hypertension. Several patterns of association have emerged: (1) migraine and stroke share a common association (eg, vasculopathies, patent foramen ovale, or pulmonary A-V malformations); (2) injury to the arterial wall such as acute arterial dissections can present as migraine aura attacks or stroke; (3) strokes rarely develop during a migraine attack, as described for “migrainous stroke.” Increasing experimental evidence suggests that cerebral hyperexcitability and enhanced susceptibility to spreading depolarization, the electrophysiologic event underlying migraine, may serve as a mechanism underlying the migraine-stroke association. Mice carrying human vascular or neuronal migraine mutations exhibit an enhanced susceptibility to spreading depolarization while being particularly vulnerable to cerebral ischemia. The severe stroke phenotype

in migraine mutant mice can be prevented by suppressing spreading depolarization. If confirmed in the clinical setting, inhibiting spreading depolarization might protect migraineurs at stroke risk as well as decrease attacks of migraine. “
“(Headache 2011;51:713-725) Objective.— To investigate Nutlin-3a datasheet the effect of low-intensity anticoagulation with warfarin on chronic cluster headache refractory to pharmacological management. Background.— Isolated case reports on induction of remission in patients with intractable chronic cluster headache upon institution

of oral anticoagulant therapy do exist. Nonetheless, evidence from randomized controlled trials on the role of oral anticoagulants in cluster headache is lacking. Methods.— Thirty-four patients with refractory chronic cluster headache were randomized to receive warfarin or placebo for 12 weeks. Warfarin was administered to achieve an international normalized ratio between 1.5 and 1.9. After a washout period of 2 weeks, patients were crossed over from 1 treatment medchemexpress to the other. Status of cluster headache was assessed during both treatment periods. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of remission lasting ≥4 weeks. Results.— Seventeen (50%) patients underwent remission for ≥4 weeks during the warfarin period vs 4 (11.8%) patients during the placebo period (P = .004). This was associated with absolute risk reduction of 0.38 (95% CI = 0.18-0.58), and number needed to treat of 2.6 (95% CI = 1.7-5.5). The Kaplan–Meier curves for occurrence of remission had a hazard ratio of 5.26 (95% CI = 2.13-13.03, P = .0003).

Methods Cell culture experiments were performed in H69 cells De

Methods. Cell culture experiments were performed in H69 cells. Determination of adenosine receptors was assessed by RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Assessment of IL-6 expression was determined by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The role of the A2b receptor as a regulator of IL-6 release in H69 cells was tested by inhibition with the A2b-specific antagonist MRS-1754 and A2b-specific siRNA. The functional role of A2b in liver regeneration was tested by partial hepatectomy performed in A2b −/− and wt mice. Results. At the mRNA level, A2b was the primary adenosine receptor

expressed by H69 cells, and A2b was localized at the plasma membrane level. Since the A2b receptor is uniquely coupled to Gs and Gq proteins, we tested the effects of adenosine on cAMP and GDC-0199 Ca2+ generation.

We found that adenosine upregulated cAMP and generated Ca2+i signals. Adenosine upregulated IL-6 mRNA and IL-6 protein released by H69 cells, and this was blocked by MRS-1754 and A2b-specific siRNA. Interestingly, IL-6 upregulation was blocked by inhibition of Ca2+i but not cAMP. In response to partial hepatectomy, A2b knockout mice exhibited blunted and delayed regeneration without change in survival. Conclusions. This study provides evidence of a novel pathway in which extracellular adenosine induces intracellular cAMP and Ca2+ signals, of which the latter stimulates IL-6 upreguation. Adenosine-sensitive upregulation of IL-6 is important but not necessary in the injury response to partial hepatectomy. Disclosures: The following people have nothing to disclose: BAY 80-6946 cost Elise G. Lavoie, Jessica R. Goree, Michel Fausther, Jonathan A. Dranoff Background: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease that is characterized by cholestasis and inflammation of cholangiocytes, resulting in bile duct strictures, which affects the entire biliary epithelium. MDR2−/− mice are used as a model of human PSC; however, the full characterization of

the biliary epithelium in this model is undefined. During cholestatic injury induced by bile duct ligation (BDL), 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 there is an upregulation of histamine (HA) secretion, histidine decar-boxylase (HDC) expression and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and expression in cholangiocytes. We have shown that miR-125b expression is downregulated in BDL mice and BDL-induced liver injury is regulated by the miR-125b/HDC/HA/VEGF axis. Our study aims to (i) characterize biliary proliferation/damage in MDR2−/− mice at various ages; and (ii) determine if the miR-125b/HDC/HA/VEGF axis mediates biliary proliferation/damage in MDR2−/− mice. Methods: MDR2−/− and matching wild type (WT) were sacrificed from 1 to 36 weeks of age. We collected serum, cholangiocytes and liver blocks. By immunohistochemistry (IHC), we measured intrahepatic bile duct mass (IBDM) using CK-19 and proliferation by PCNA in liver sections.

Methods Cell culture experiments were performed in H69 cells De

Methods. Cell culture experiments were performed in H69 cells. Determination of adenosine receptors was assessed by RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Assessment of IL-6 expression was determined by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The role of the A2b receptor as a regulator of IL-6 release in H69 cells was tested by inhibition with the A2b-specific antagonist MRS-1754 and A2b-specific siRNA. The functional role of A2b in liver regeneration was tested by partial hepatectomy performed in A2b −/− and wt mice. Results. At the mRNA level, A2b was the primary adenosine receptor

expressed by H69 cells, and A2b was localized at the plasma membrane level. Since the A2b receptor is uniquely coupled to Gs and Gq proteins, we tested the effects of adenosine on cAMP and BAY 80-6946 in vivo Ca2+ generation.

We found that adenosine upregulated cAMP and generated Ca2+i signals. Adenosine upregulated IL-6 mRNA and IL-6 protein released by H69 cells, and this was blocked by MRS-1754 and A2b-specific siRNA. Interestingly, IL-6 upregulation was blocked by inhibition of Ca2+i but not cAMP. In response to partial hepatectomy, A2b knockout mice exhibited blunted and delayed regeneration without change in survival. Conclusions. This study provides evidence of a novel pathway in which extracellular adenosine induces intracellular cAMP and Ca2+ signals, of which the latter stimulates IL-6 upreguation. Adenosine-sensitive upregulation of IL-6 is important but not necessary in the injury response to partial hepatectomy. Disclosures: The following people have nothing to disclose: see more Elise G. Lavoie, Jessica R. Goree, Michel Fausther, Jonathan A. Dranoff Background: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease that is characterized by cholestasis and inflammation of cholangiocytes, resulting in bile duct strictures, which affects the entire biliary epithelium. MDR2−/− mice are used as a model of human PSC; however, the full characterization of

the biliary epithelium in this model is undefined. During cholestatic injury induced by bile duct ligation (BDL), MCE there is an upregulation of histamine (HA) secretion, histidine decar-boxylase (HDC) expression and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and expression in cholangiocytes. We have shown that miR-125b expression is downregulated in BDL mice and BDL-induced liver injury is regulated by the miR-125b/HDC/HA/VEGF axis. Our study aims to (i) characterize biliary proliferation/damage in MDR2−/− mice at various ages; and (ii) determine if the miR-125b/HDC/HA/VEGF axis mediates biliary proliferation/damage in MDR2−/− mice. Methods: MDR2−/− and matching wild type (WT) were sacrificed from 1 to 36 weeks of age. We collected serum, cholangiocytes and liver blocks. By immunohistochemistry (IHC), we measured intrahepatic bile duct mass (IBDM) using CK-19 and proliferation by PCNA in liver sections.

However, as was noted in this review, while many studies have rep

However, as was noted in this review, while many studies have reported lower rates of mortality from ischaemic heart disease in patients with haemophilia, this has not always been the case (Table 2) [1,6–10]. In a large US study, CV deaths were more common in patients with haemophilia vs. the general age-matched population. We need to better understand Lapatinib purchase the overall effects of factor replacement on CV risk as worldwide the level of factor usage is increasing. This is reinforced by results from a general population (>15,000 subjects in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities

cohort) study in which von Willebrand factor and factor VIIIc were associated with an increased risk of cardiac death as compared with the risk of a non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) [11]. Thus, there is a possibility that excessive prophylaxis and administration of higher amounts of factors may increase CV risk in the haemophiliac population. Moreover, there is preliminary evidence showing that patients with haemophilia have equivalent levels of coronary stenosis as non-haemophilic controls suggesting that the level of CV risk is

similar in the different populations [12]. Metabolic syndrome, which is generally attributed to poor lifestyle including lack of exercise, is an important risk factor for CV disease and it is characterized by abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and a trend towards poor glycaemic control/diabetes.

MCE公司 Hypertension remains one of the most common CV risk factors and whilst the data in haemophilia are conflicting, there CDK and cancer have been reports of higher diastolic blood pressure and greater use of antihypertensive drugs in haemophiliac patients [13,14]. Linked to this may be the increased levels of acute and chronic renal failure reported in patients with haemophilia and these were linked to HIV and haemophilia-related factors such as the development of inhibitors and kidney bleeds [15]. Another potential CV risk factor for haemophiliacs is the higher level of HIV infection in this population, as these patients are generally treated with multiple medications including protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors. The Data Collection on Adverse events of Anti-HIV Drugs (DAD) study group demonstrated that high exposure to protease inhibitors was associated with a fourfold increased risk of MI compared with persons not taking a protease inhibitor [16]. This effect may partly be explained by the adverse dyslipidaemic effects of the protease inhibitors. A particular problem arises if a haemophiliac patient requires cardiac catheterization as this raises a number of issues such as: 1  Factor replacement to normalize the coagulation defect (amount, route, etc.).

However, as was noted in this review, while many studies have rep

However, as was noted in this review, while many studies have reported lower rates of mortality from ischaemic heart disease in patients with haemophilia, this has not always been the case (Table 2) [1,6–10]. In a large US study, CV deaths were more common in patients with haemophilia vs. the general age-matched population. We need to better understand ITF2357 the overall effects of factor replacement on CV risk as worldwide the level of factor usage is increasing. This is reinforced by results from a general population (>15,000 subjects in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities

cohort) study in which von Willebrand factor and factor VIIIc were associated with an increased risk of cardiac death as compared with the risk of a non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) [11]. Thus, there is a possibility that excessive prophylaxis and administration of higher amounts of factors may increase CV risk in the haemophiliac population. Moreover, there is preliminary evidence showing that patients with haemophilia have equivalent levels of coronary stenosis as non-haemophilic controls suggesting that the level of CV risk is

similar in the different populations [12]. Metabolic syndrome, which is generally attributed to poor lifestyle including lack of exercise, is an important risk factor for CV disease and it is characterized by abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and a trend towards poor glycaemic control/diabetes.

MCE公司 Hypertension remains one of the most common CV risk factors and whilst the data in haemophilia are conflicting, there PD98059 have been reports of higher diastolic blood pressure and greater use of antihypertensive drugs in haemophiliac patients [13,14]. Linked to this may be the increased levels of acute and chronic renal failure reported in patients with haemophilia and these were linked to HIV and haemophilia-related factors such as the development of inhibitors and kidney bleeds [15]. Another potential CV risk factor for haemophiliacs is the higher level of HIV infection in this population, as these patients are generally treated with multiple medications including protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors. The Data Collection on Adverse events of Anti-HIV Drugs (DAD) study group demonstrated that high exposure to protease inhibitors was associated with a fourfold increased risk of MI compared with persons not taking a protease inhibitor [16]. This effect may partly be explained by the adverse dyslipidaemic effects of the protease inhibitors. A particular problem arises if a haemophiliac patient requires cardiac catheterization as this raises a number of issues such as: 1  Factor replacement to normalize the coagulation defect (amount, route, etc.).