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BACKGROUND: As obesity reached epidemic proportions, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) also had a worrisome parallel increase. The non-invasive differentiation of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from uncomplicated NAFLD remains an important challenge in current clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of the occurrence and severity of NAFLD and NASH. METHODS: This is an analytical cross-sectional study which included individuals undergoing bariatric surgery. Participants were histologically classified according to the presence NASH and severity of NAFLD. Demographic, clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical aspects were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Out of 171 individuals, 87.7% were female and the mean age was 38.4±9.3 years. The average BMI was 38±3.0 kg/m2. NAFLD was histologically confirmed in 74.9%; the commonest histopathological abnormalities were macrovesicular steatosis (74.9%) and ballooning (40.4%). Simple steatosis occurred in 30.4%, 44.4% presented with NASH, and 31% had severe NAFLD. NASH associated with higher levels of ALT (0.03), ALP (0.02), and glucose (0.02). Cutoff values were, respectively, 23 U/L, 67 U/L, and 81 mg/dL. Their concomitant use provided an 83.1% specificity for NASH. Severe NAFLD associated with diabetes (p=0.02), higher BMI (p=0.01), AST (p=0.04), ALT (p<0.01), ALP (p=0.01), glucose (p=0.02), and ferritin (p<0.01). BMI over 39.3 kg/m2 and ferritin over 178 ng/mL concomitantly provided a 70.5% accuracy for severe NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: NASH and severe NAFLD associated with higher levels of ALT, ALP, and glucose. Severe NAFLD associated with higher BMI and higher ferritin levels in this group. The concomitant evaluation of these laboratory tests could help ruling out NASH and safely screening severe NAFLD.

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BACKGROUND: Fibrotic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), i.e., the concomitant presence of active inflammation and fibrosis, represents a milestone in the natural history of NAFLD and a critical time point in its progression. The purpose of this study was to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of the non-invasive Fibrotic NASH Index (FNI) in individuals with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, enrolling individuals who underwent bariatric surgery with liver biopsy at a tertiary university hospital. FNI was calculated, and a cutoff value was determined. Its diagnostic accuracy was then calculated through comparison with the gold standard test for this analysis (histopathological examination). RESULTS: Of 128 participants, 83.6% were female, and the average age was 39.8 ± 8.7 years. The mean BMI was 38.7 ± 5.7 kg/m2. NAFLD was histologically confirmed in 76.6%, of which 81.6% had NASH. Histologically confirmed fibrotic NASH was observed in 22.7% of the general study population, 29.6% of individuals with NAFLD, and 36.3% of those with NASH. The mean FNI was 0.18 ± 0.19. An optimal cutoff point of 0.21 was determined, with an overall accuracy of 90.1%, an 82.8% sensitivity, a 90.8% specificity, a 72.6% positive predictive value, and a 94.7% negative predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: FNI provided adequate accuracy in detecting and ruling out fibrotic NASH. Considering the importance of fibrotic NASH within the natural history of NAFLD progression and the fact that this marker uses simple variables, it may be of great importance in high-risk populations, and its external validation and use should be encouraged.

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ABSTRACT Background: Non-invasive markers have been developed to assess the presence and severity of liver abnormalities related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Objective: To analyze the diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive NAFLD markers (NAFLD liver fat score [NLFS], non-invasive non-alcoholic steatohepatitis detection score [NI-NASH-DS] and fibrosis score based on four variables [FIB-4]) in individuals with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. Methods: A descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out enrolling 91 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery at a tertiary-level public university hospital. Non-invasive NAFLD markers were calculated using laboratory tests, clinical and anthropometric variables and diagnostic accuracy tests were calculated comparing them in relation to the gold-standard test for this analysis (histopathological evaluation). Results: A total of 85.7% of the participants were female and mean age was 39.1±9.8 years. The average body mass index was 38.4±3.6 kg/m2. At histopathological examination, 84 (92.3%) patients presented with steatosis, 82 (90.1%) with some type of fibrosis; 21 (23.1%) patients were diagnosed with NASH according to the NAFLD activity score criteria. The overall accuracy of NLFS score was 58.2% for general hepatic steatosis and 61.5% for moderate to severe steatosis. The overall accuracy of FIB-4 was 95.4% for advanced fibrosis. NI-NASH-DS had a 74.7% overall accuracy for NASH. Conclusion: In a population of individuals with obesity, the FIB-4 score had high overall accuracy in assessing the presence of advanced liver fibrosis, whereas the NFLS and NI-NASH-DS had moderate accuracies for the assessment of steatosis and NASH, respectively.

RESUMO Contexto: Marcadores não-invasivos foram desenvolvidos para avaliar a presença e a gravidade de anormalidades hepáticas relacionadas à doença hepática gordurosa não-alcoólica (DHGNA). Objetivo: Analisar a acurácia diagnóstica de marcadores não-invasivos de DHGNA (escore de gordura hepática da DHGNA [NLFS], escore não-invasivo de detecção de esteato-hepatite não-alcoólica [NI-NASH-DS] e escore de fibrose de 4 variáveis [FIB-4]) em indivíduos obesos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo retrospectivo transversal com 91 indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica em um hospital universitário público de nível terciário. Marcadores não-invasivos de DHGNA foram calculados por meio de exames laboratoriais, variáveis clínicas e antropométricas; testes de acurácia diagnóstica foram calculados comparando-os em relação ao exame padrão-ouro para essa análise (avaliação histopatológica). Resultados: Um total de 85,7% dos participantes eram do sexo feminino e a média de idade foi de 39,1±9,8 anos. O índice de massa corporal médio foi de 38,4±3,6 kg/m2. Ao exame histopatológico, 84 (92,3%) pacientes apresentavam esteatose, 82 (90,1%) com algum grau de fibrose; 21 (23,1%) pacientes foram diagnosticados com esteato-hepatite não-alcoólica (EHNA) de acordo com os critérios do escore de atividade da DHGNA. A acurácia global do escore NLFS foi de 58,2% para esteatose hepática e 61,5% para esteatose moderada a grave. A acurácia global do FIB-4 foi de 95,4% para fibrose avançada. NI-NASH-DS apresentou uma acurácia global de 74,7% para EHNA. Conclusão: Em uma população de indivíduos com obesidade, o escore FIB-4 teve alta acurácia global para avaliar a presença de fibrose hepática avançada, enquanto o NFLS e o NI-NASH-DS tiveram acurácias moderadas para avaliar a esteatose e EHNA, respectivamente.

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Introducción: las enzimas y marcadores del perfil hepático permiten evaluar la funcionalidad y condición del hígado. Sus elevaciones pueden ser silentes y con cierta prevalencia en muchos adultos. Objetivo: determinar las principales alteraciones en el hepatograma en pacientes que acuden a consulta médica de rutina. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal realizado a partir de resultados de laboratorio de historias clínicas de 364 pacientes de todas las edades y ambos sexos pertenecientes a un policlínico del distrito de Villa el Salvador, Perú desde enero de 2021 a julio de 2022. Las variables fueron: edad, sexo, valores de transaminasa glutámico pirúvica (TGP), transaminasa glutámico oxalacética (TGO), bilirrubina directa, indirecta y total, albúmina, globulinas y fosfatasa alcalina (FA). Resultados: en el promedio total de la muestra, la TGP fue alta (51,05 U/L), así como la bilirrubina total (1,50 mg/dL) y la FA (135,84 U/L). La TGP fue alta en hombres (54,92 U/L) y mujeres (48,86 U/L). La TGO fue normal en mujeres y alta en hombres (48,24 U/L). La bilirrubina indirecta fue alta en hombres (1,33 mg/dL). La FA fue más alta en ambos sexos (143,28 U/L en hombres y 126,38 en mujeres). Según grupo etario, los valores de TGO fueron más altos en el grupo de edad igual o mayor a 40 años (49,99 U/L). Los valores de TGP fueron elevados en ambos sexos (55,96 U/L en hombres y 50,90 U/L en mujeres), así como en la bilirrubina total, la que fue más alta en el grupo de edad igual o mayor a 40 años (2,03 mg/dL). La bilirrubina indirecta, albúmina y FA fueron normales en el grupo de edad igual o menor de 39 años, pero fueron elevadas en el grupo de edad igual o mayor a 40 años (1,13 mg/dL, 5,77 gr/dL y 147,95 U/L, respectivamente). Conclusiones: existen alteraciones en el perfil hepático en pacientes asintomáticos en la muestra estudiada. A pesar de no ser elevaciones significativamente grandes, se recomienda identificar y tratar las posibles causas que pudieran desencadenar dichas elevaciones, así como la realización de más estudios similares a nivel nacional para caracterizar el perfil hepático de nuestra población.

Introduction: The enzymes and markers of the liver profile allow us to evaluate the functionality and condition of the liver. Their elevations may be silent and have a certain prevalence in many adults. Objective: To determine the main alterations in the hepatogram in patients who attend routine medical consultation. Methodology: Descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study carried out based on laboratory results from medical records of 364 female and male patients of all ages attending a polyclinic in the district of Villa El Salvador, Peru from January 2021 to July 2022. The variables were: age, sex, values ​​of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), direct, indirect and total bilirubin, albumin, globulins and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Results: In the total average of the sample, ALT was high (51.05 U/L), as well as total bilirubin (1.50 mg/dL) and ALP (135.84 U/L). ALT was high in men (54.92 U/L) and women (48.86 U/L) while AST was normal in women and high in men (48.24 U/L). Indirect bilirubin was high in men (1.33 mg/dL) and ALP was higher in both sexes (143.28 U/L in men and 126.38 in women). According to age group, AST values ​​were highest in the age group equal to or greater than 40 years (49.99 U/L). ALT values ​​were high in both sexes (55.96 U/L in men and 50.90 U/L in women), as well as total bilirubin, which was highest in the age group equal to or greater than 40 years (2.03 mg/dL). Indirect bilirubin, albumin and ALP were normal in the age group equal to or less than 39 years, but were elevated in the age group equal to or greater than 40 years (1.13 mg/dL, 5.77 gr/dL and 147.95 U/L, respectively). Conclusions: There are alterations in the liver profile of asymptomatic patients in the sample studied. Although they are not significantly large elevations, it is recommended to identify and treat the possible causes that could trigger these elevations, as well as carrying out more similar studies at a national level to characterize the liver profile of our population.

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En 1983 el National Institutes of Health USA (NIH) declaró que el trasplante hepático orto tópico (THO) era una alternativa tera-péutica eficaz para pacientes con enfermedades hepáticas avan-zadas. Desde entonces, se han realizado cerca de 100 000 THO en el mundo, en más de 200 centros distintos. El THO (tanto en hepatopatías crónicas avanzadas como en hepatitis fulminante) tiene por objetivo primordial prolongar la sobrevida de los pa-cientes afectados, logrando una buena calidad de vida posterior al trasplante. Las tasas promedio de sobrevida actuarial de pacientes a 1 y 5 años son de aproximadamente 85% y 80% respectivamente. Los resultados generales del THO dependen de la causa primaria del daño hepático del receptor y del estado clínico del paciente al momento de la operación1. El trasplante hepático como tratamiento permite mejorar la ca-lidad de vida de pacientes con hepatopatías en fase terminal, está considerado en algunos pacientes con hepatopatía crónica avanzada de diferente etiología y en pacientes con insuficiencia hepática aguda grave no reversible con las medidas de trata-miento convencional. Las principales patologías que son motivo de trasplante hepático son: cirrosis hepática de diversa etiología (59% de los pacientes trasplantados), tumores hepáticos (21%), cuadros colestásicos (5%) e insuficiencia hepática aguda grave (3%)2. Por todo lo anteriormente mencionado, la Unidad Técnica de Nutrición del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín ha visto la necesidad de realizar el siguiente protocolo con el fin de estandarizar un adecuado manejo nutricional para la preven-ción, tratamiento y complicaciones de pacientes en estadio cirró-tico terminal que requieran un trasplante hepático.

In 1983 the NIH (National Institutes of Health, USA) declared that orthotopical liver transplantation (ORT) was an effective therapeutic alternative for patients with advanced liver diseases. Since then, nearly 100,000 OLTs have been performed world-wide, in more than 200 different centers. OLT (both in advanced chronic liver disease and in fulminant hepatitis) has the primary objective of prolonging the survival of affected patients, achie-ving a good quality of life after transplantation.The average 1-year and 5-year actuarial patient survival rates are approximately 85% and 80%, respectively. The general re-sults of OLT depend on the primary cause of the recipient's liver damage and the clinical status of the patient at the time of the operation1.Liver transplantation as a treatment improves the quality of life of patients with end-stage liver disease. It is considered in some patients with advanced chronic liver disease of different etiolo-gies and in patients with severe acute liver failure that is not reversible with conventional treatment measures. The main pa-thologies that are the reason for liver transplantation are: liver cirrhosis of various etiologies (59% of transplant patients), liver tumors (21%), cholestatic conditions (5%) and severe acute liver failure (3%)2.For all of the above, the Technical Nutrition Unit of the Carlos Andrade Marin Specialty Hospital has seen the need to carry out the following protocol in order to standardize adequate nu-tritional management for the prevention, treatment and complications of patients in the terminal cirrhotic stage who re-quire a liver transplant.

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BACKGROUND: Histological scores can estimate disease staging, allowing a standardization of the assessment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The prediction of risk of NAFLD progression is relevant to allow the planning of interventions. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the application of the Iowa NAFLD decompensation risk score, the NAFLD activity score (NAS), and steatosis-activity-fibrosis score (SAF) and to assess correlations between these scores. METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study enrolling 76 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery at a tertiary university hospital. Liver biopsy was performed during procedures; histological scores were then assessed. The Iowa score was calculated using age, diabetes, and platelet count. RESULTS: 89.5% were female and mean age was 39.1 ± 9.6 years. Mean BMI was 38.2 ± 3.7 kg/m2. Steatosis (92.1%), hepatocellular ballooning (93.4%), lobular inflammation (93.4%), and fibrosis (97.4%) were the commonest histopathological findings. According to NAS, 22.4% had definite non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). According to SAF, 89.5% had moderate or severe NAFLD. The mean risks of NAFLD decompensation at 5, 10, and 12 years were 0.8%, 2.5%, and 2.9%, respectively. The group whose risk of decompensation was above 10% comprised 2.6% and 5.3% at 10 and 12 years, respectively. The severity assessed by SAF significantly associated with definite NASH diagnosis through NAS (p < 0.001). Iowa score did not correlate with both NAS/SAF scores. CONCLUSION: The Iowa score demonstrated that individuals with obesity present with a significant long-term risk of NAFLD-related events. There were high rates of moderate/severe forms of NAFLD assessed by NAS and SAF scores. There were no significant correlations between Iowa and NAS/SAF scores.

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Introduction: gastrointestinal involvement in COVID-19 occurs in approximately 20% of patients and may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or abnormal liver function tests. In our country, the characteristics of gastrointestinal involvement in COVID-19 patients have not been studied. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal and liver involvement in patients with COVID-19 treated at two hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia. To determine the association between COVID-19 gastrointestinal involvement and length of hospital stay, severity and mortality. Design and methodology: a cross-sectional study carried out at two hospitals in a hospital subnetwork in Bogotá, Colombia from February 2020 to March 2021. Results: a total of 1,176 patients with a positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were included. Gastrointestinal manifestations occurred in 50% (95%CI 47-52%), with the most frequent being diarrhea in 18.4%, odynophagia in 17.6%, anorexia in 14.7% and abdominal pain in 8.8%. An association was found between diarrhea during hospitalization and prolonged hospitalization (OR 1.93 95%CI 1.19-3.13), and between gastrointestinal bleeding on admission and death (OR 3.13, 95%CI 1.1-9.1), among others. Abnormal liver function tests occurred in 46% (95%CI 43-49%) and were more frequent in patients with severe disease and those who died. Conclusions: the prevalence of gastrointestinal manifestations in patients with COVID-19 was 50%. Diarrhea was associated with a longer hospital stay, and gastrointestinal bleeding was associated with respiratory failure and death. Forty-six percent of patients had abnormal liver function tests, with elevated transaminases being the most frequent. Elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) on admission was associated with greater mortality. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2729).

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OBJECTIVES: To evaluate MRI with gadoxetic acid to quantify liver function in cirrhotic patients using the relative enhancement index (REI) compared with Child-Pugh score (CPS), MELD score, and indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate (ICG-PDR) and to establish cutoffs for REI to stratify cirrhotic patients into good and poor liver function groups. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 60 cirrhotic patients and calculated CPS, MELD score, ICG-PDR, and REI for each patient. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess correlation between REI, CPS, MELD, and ICG-PDR. Good and poor liver function groups were created by k-means clustering algorithm using CPS, MELD, and ICG-PDR. ROC curve analysis was performed and optimal cutoff was identified for group differentiation. RESULTS: Good correlations were found between REI and other liver function biomarkers: REI and CPS (rho = - 0.816; p < 0.001); REI and MELD score (rho = - 0.755; p < 0.001); REI and ICG-PDR (rho = 0.745; p < 0.001)]. REI correlation was stronger for patients with Child-Pugh A (rho = 0.642, p = 0.002) and B (rho = 0.798, p < 0.001) than for those with Child-Pugh C (rho = 0.336, p = 0.148). REI is significantly lower in patients with poor liver function (p < 0.001). ROC curve showed an AUC 0.94 to discriminate patients with poor liver function (REI cutoff < 100; 100% sensitivity; 76% specificity). CONCLUSIONS: REI is a valuable non-invasive index for liver function quantification that has good correlations with other liver function biomarkers. REI can be easily calculated and can be used to estimate liver function in clinical practice in the routine evaluation of cirrhotic patients that undergo MR imaging with gadoxetic acid contrast. KEY POINTS: • REI is a valuable non-invasive index for liver function quantification that has good correlations with other liver function biomarkers. • REI can be easily calculated in the routine evaluation of cirrhotic patients that undergo gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI. • The REI enables stratification of cirrhotic patients into good and poor liver function groups and can be used as additional information, together with morphological and focal liver lesion evaluation.

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Vários estudos sugerem a importância da vitamina D ­ 25(OH)D ­ na evolução clínica dos pacientes com malária. Entretanto, a prevalência de deficiência de 25(OH)D na população amazônica é pouco conhecida, havendo também poucos estudos com pacientes diagnosticados com malária. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os níveis séricos de 25(OH)D em pacientes com malária e sua relação com dados epidemiológicos, parasitológico e provas de função hepática. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo transversal analítico com um grupo de pacientes com malária e um grupo controle no município de Itaituba (PA), Brasil, no período de janeiro de 2018 a outubro de 2019. Elaborou-se um protocolo para avaliação dos dados sociodemográficos, parasitológicos e laboratoriais, adotando-se o nível de significância de 5%. A prevalência de deficiência de 25(OH)D foi observada nos pacientes com malária (28,5%) e no grupo controle (24,6%), sem diferença estatística; porém, entre os residentes no garimpo, os níveis séricos foram estatisticamente menores nos pacientes com malária. Os níveis séricos de transaminase glutâmico-pirúvica (TGP) apresentaram correlação inversa com os de 25(OH)D. As provas de função hepática foram significativamente maiores no grupo com malária. Dessa forma, este estudo evidenciou a deficiência de 25(OH)D em Itaituba. Alterações hepáticas pela infecção plasmodial podem ter contribuído para a correlação inversa observada entre os níveis de TGP e 25(OH)D.

Several studies suggest the importance of vitamin D ­ 25(OH)D ­ in the clinical evolution of patients with malaria. However, the prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency in the Amazonian population is little known, and studies with patients diagnosed with malaria are scarce. Thus the objective of this study is to evaluate the serum levels of 25(OH)D in patients with malaria and its relationship with epidemiological and parasitological data and liver function tests. To that end, an analytical cross-sectional study was carried out with a group of patients with malaria and a control group in the municipality of Itaituba (PA), Brazil, from January 2018 to October 2019. A protocol was elaborated for the evaluation of sociodemographic, parasitological, and laboratory data, adopting a significance level of 5%. Results: The prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency was observed in patients with malaria (28.5%) and in the control group (24.6%), with no statistical difference; however, among residents in the mining, serum levels were statistically lower in patients with malaria. The glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) serum levels showed an inverse correlation with 25(OH)D levels. Liver function tests were significantly higher in the malaria group. Thus, this study evidenced 25(OH)D deficiency in Itaituba. Hepatic changes due to plasmodial infection may have contributed to the inverse correlation observed between GPT and 25(OH)D levels.

Diversos estudios sugieren la importancia de la vitamina D ­[25(OH)D]­ en la evolución clínica de pacientes con malaria. Sin embargo, la prevalencia de la deficiencia de 25(OH)D en la población amazónica es poco conocida y existen pocos estudios en pacientes con malaria. Ante esto, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los niveles séricos de 25(OH)D en pacientes con malaria y su relación con datos epidemiológicos, parasitológicos y pruebas de función hepática. Para ello, se realizó un estudio transversal analítico en el grupo de pacientes con malaria y en un grupo control en el municipio de Itaituba (PA), Brasil, de enero de 2018 a octubre de 2019. Se elaboró un protocolo para la evaluación de datos sociodemográficos, parasitológicos y de laboratorio, adoptando un nivel de significancia del 5%. La prevalencia de deficiencia de 25(OH)D se observó en pacientes con malaria (28,5%) y en el grupo control (24,6%), sin diferencia estadística; sin embargo, entre los residentes en la minería, los niveles séricos fueron estadísticamente inferiores en pacientes con malaria. Los niveles séricos de transaminasa glutámico pirúvica (TGP) mostraron una correlación inversa con los niveles de 25(OH)D. Las pruebas de función hepática fueron significativamente más altas en el grupo de malaria. De esta manera, se evidenció deficiencia de 25(OH)D en la población de Itaituba. Los cambios hepáticos debido a la infección plasmodial pueden haber contribuido a la correlación inversa observada entre los niveles de TGP y 25(OH)D.

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Case description: A 22-year-old female patient received the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (RNAm) against COVID-19; 6 days later, she presented abdominal pain located in the right hypochondrium and epigastrium, associated with emetic episodes. Re-consultation 21 days later due to the same symptoms; three days after the second dose of the vaccine was administered. Clinical findings: Pain on palpation in the right hypochondrium. Laboratories reported hepatocellular lesion and cholestasis, with negative amylase, hepatotropic virus and autoimmune hepatitis tests. Liver and biliary tract ultrasound and cholangioresonance were normal. Treatment and Results: Hyoscine and intravenous fluids as support therapy. She presented improvement in abdominal pain and progressive decrease of transaminases and bilirubin levels until normalization, and was discharged on the fifth day of hospitalization. A drug-associated hepatotoxicity (DILI) diagnosis was considered probable, in this case, secondary to vaccination against COVID-19. Clinical Relevance: The current SARS CoV-2 pandemic has spurred the development of new vaccines, the safety of which remains a concern. There is a likely causal relationship between vaccination and liver involvement in this clinical case, rather than simply a sporadic occurrence.

Descripción del caso: Paciente femenina de 22 años, quien recibió primera dosis de vacuna Pfizer-BioNTech (RNAm) contra COVID-19; presenta 6 días después, dolor abdominal localizado en hipocondrio derecho y epigastrio, asociado a episodios eméticos. Reconsulta a los 21 días por la misma sintomatología; tres días posteriores a la aplicación de la segunda dosis de la vacuna. Hallazgos clínicos: dolor a la palpación en hipocondrio derecho. Los laboratorios reportaron lesión hepatocelular y colestasis, con amilasa, estudios para virus hepatotrópos y hepatitis autoinmune negativos. La ecografía de hígado, vías biliares y colangioresonancia fueron normales. Tratamiento y Resultados: hioscina 20 mg vía oral cada 8 horas y líquidos endovenosos como terapia de soporte. Presentó mejoría del dolor abdominal y descenso progresivo de transaminasas y bilirrubinas, hasta su normalización y se dio egreso al quinto día de hospitalización. Se consideró probable diagnóstico de hepatotoxicidad asociada a medicamentos (DILI), en este caso, secundario a la vacunación contra COVID-19. Relevancia Clínica: La pandemia actual por el virus SARS CoV-2 ha impulsado el desarrollo de nuevas vacunas, cuya seguridad sigue siendo un motivo de preocupación. En este caso clínico, hay una probable relación causal entre la vacunación y el compromiso hepático, en lugar de una simple aparición esporádica.

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ABSTRACT Background Non-invasive markers are useful and practical tools for assessing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but liver biopsy remains the gold-standard method. Liver biopsy can be easily obtained on individuals undergoing bariatric surgery, but there is no ultimate evidence on the relationship between costs, risks and benefits of its systematic performance. Objective To compare the diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive methods with liver biopsy for detection and staging of NAFLD in obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery. Methods This is a cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study which enrolled individuals who underwent bariatric surgery from 2018 through 2019 at a public tertiary university hospital. Ultrasound scan, hepatic steatosis index, Clinical Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Score (C-NASH), hypertension, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and insulin resistance (HAIR), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS) and body mass index, AST/ALT ratio, and diabetes (BARD) were the methods compared with the histopathological examination of wedge liver biopsies collected during surgery. Results Of 104 individuals analyzed, 91 (87.5%) were female. The mean age was 34.9±9.7 years. There was no biopsy-related morbidity. The respective overall accuracies of each marker analyzed were: ultrasound scan (79.81% for steatosis), hepatic steatosis index (79.81% for steatosis), HAIR (40.23% for steatohepatitis), C-NASH (22.99% for steatohepatitis), APRI (94.23% for advanced fibrosis), NFS (94.23% for advanced fibrosis), and BARD (16.35% for advanced fibrosis). Discussion Given the high prevalence of liver disease within this population, even the most accurate markers did not present enough discretionary power to detect and/or rule out the NAFLD aspects they were designed to assess in comparison with liver biopsy, which is safe and easy to obtain in these patients. Conclusion Wedge liver biopsy during bariatric surgery helps to diagnose and stage NAFLD, presents low risks and acceptable costs; given the limitations of non-invasive methods, it is justifiable and should be considered in bariatric routine.

RESUMO Contexto Marcadores não-invasivos são ferramentas úteis e práticas para avaliar a doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA), porém, a biópsia hepática continua sendo o método padrão-ouro. A biópsia pode ser facilmente obtida em indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica, mas não há evidências definitivas acerca da relação entre custos, riscos e benefícios de sua realização sistemática. Objetivo Comparar a acurácia diagnóstica de métodos não-invasivos com a biópsia hepática para detecção e estadiamento da DHGNA em obesos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal, observacional e descritivo que envolveu indivíduos que se submeteram à cirurgia bariátrica de 2018 a 2019 em um hospital universitário público terciário. Ultrassonografia (US), índice de esteatose hepática (HSI), Escore Clínico de Esteato-hepatite Não-Alcoólica (C-NASH), Índice de Hipertensão, alanina aminotransferase (ALT) e resistência à insulina (HAIR), Razão entre aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e plaquetas (APRI), Escore de Fibrose da DHGNA (NFS) e índice de massa corporal (IMC), relação AST/ALT e diabetes (BARD) foram os métodos comparados com o exame histopatológico de biópsias hepáticas em cunha coletadas durante a cirurgia. Resultados De 104 indivíduos analisados, 91 (87,5%) eram do sexo feminino. A média de idade foi de 34,9±9,7 anos. Não houve morbidade relacionada à biópsia. As respectivas acurácias globais de cada marcador analisado foram: US (79,81% para esteatose), HSI (79,81% para esteatose), HAIR (40,23% para esteato-hepatite), C-NASH (22,99% para esteato-hepatite), APRI (94,23% para fibrose avançada), NFS (94,23% para fibrose avançada) e BARD (16,35% para fibrose avançada). Discussão: Considerando a alta prevalência de doença hepática nesta população, mesmo os mais acurados destes marcadores não apresentaram poder discricionário suficiente para detectar e/ou descartar os aspectos da DHGNA que foram desenvolvidos para avaliar em comparação com a biópsia hepática, que é segura e de fácil obtenção nestes pacientes. Conclusão A biópsia hepática em cunha durante a cirurgia bariátrica auxilia no diagnóstico e estadiamento da DHGNA, apresenta baixo risco e custos aceitáveis e, dadas as limitações dos métodos não-invasivos, é justificável e deve ser considerada na rotina bariátrica.

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Abstract Introduction: Estimating and monitoring changes in liver function tests is necessary to prevent the occurrence of chronic liver disease in HIV patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Objective: To determine the variation liver profile test levels in HIV patients undergoing HAART. Materials and methods: Retrospective longitudinal study conducted in 100 HIV patients treated at the Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue, Lima, Peru, between 2015 and 2017. Patients in all stages of clinical infection under HAART and with liver function panel results for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and total protein (TP) were included. Three follow-up liver function tests (every 3 months) were performed while undergoing HAART and participants were categorized as having normal or elevated levels for all liver markers. Differences between the samples analyzed were determined using the paired-samples T test, with a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of p<0.05. Results: Participants' mean age was 33±9.56 years and 67% were male. Mean serum AST, ALT and ALP values decreased between the first and the third measurement (p=0.021, p=0.076 and p=0.002, respectively). No significant differences in GGT and TP levels were observed between the three measurements, nor between patients with normal and elevated AST, ALT, ALP and TP values, but significant differences were observed for GGT (p=0.010). Conclusions: Variations in liver marker levels were observed in all participants, with a decreasing trend in AST, ALT and ALP between the early and late stages of HAART, implying that this therapy could play a role in liver tissue damage.

Resumen Introducción. Para prevenir el desarrollo de enfermedad hepática crónica en pacientes con VIH, durante la terapia antirretroviral de gran actividad (TARGA) se deben estimar y monitorear cambios en el perfil hepático. Objetivo. Determinar la variación de las concentraciones del perfil hepático en pacientes con VIH durante la TARGA. Materiales y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo longitudinal realizado en 100 pacientes con VIH atendidos en el Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue, Lima, Perú, entre 2015 y 2017. Se incluyeron pacientes en todos los estadios de infección clínica que estuvieran recibiendo TARGA y en los que se contara con resultados del perfil hepático para alanina aminotransferasa (ALT), aspartato aminotransferasa (AST), fosfatasa alcalina (FA), gammaglutamiltranspeptidasa (GGT) y proteínas totales (PT). Se realizaron tres análisis de control de la función hepática durante la TARGA (1 cada 3 meses) y los participantes se agruparon en niveles normales y elevados para todos los marcadores hepáticos. Las diferencias entre las muestras analizadas fueron determinadas mediante la prueba t-Student para muestras relacionadas, con un intervalo de confianza de 95% y un nivel de significancia de p<0.05. Resultados. La edad promedio fue de 33±9.56 años y el 67% fueron varones. Los valores séricos promedio de AST, ALT y FA disminuyeron entre la primera y la tercera medición (p=0.021, p=0.076 y p=0.002, respectivamente). No se observaron diferencias significativas en los niveles de GGT y PT entre las tres mediciones, ni entre los pacientes con valores normales y elevados para AST, ALT, FA y PT, pero sí para GGT (p=0.010). Conclusiones. Se observaron variaciones en los niveles de los marcadores hepáticos de todos los participantes, con una tendencia a la reducción en AST, ALT y FA entre las etapas iniciales y finales de la terapia, lo que implica que la TARGA podría ejercer un rol en el daño tisular hepático.

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Case description: A 22-year-old female patient received the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (RNAm) against COVID-19; 6 days later, she presented abdominal pain located in the right hypochondrium and epigastrium, associated with emetic episodes. Re-consultation 21 days later due to the same symptoms; three days after the second dose of the vaccine was administered. Clinical findings: Pain on palpation in the right hypochondrium. Laboratories reported hepatocellular lesion and cholestasis, with negative amylase, hepatotropic virus and autoimmune hepatitis tests. Liver and biliary tract ultrasound and cholangioresonance were normal. Treatment and Results: Hyoscine and intravenous fluids as support therapy. She presented improvement in abdominal pain and progressive decrease of transaminases and bilirubin levels until normalization, and was discharged on the fifth day of hospitalization. A drug-associated hepatotoxicity (DILI) diagnosis was considered probable, in this case, secondary to vaccination against COVID-19. Clinical Relevance: The current SARS CoV-2 pandemic has spurred the development of new vaccines, the safety of which remains a concern. There is a likely causal relationship between vaccination and liver involvement in this clinical case, rather than simply a sporadic occurrence.

Descripción del caso: Paciente femenina de 22 años, quien recibió primera dosis de vacuna Pfizer-BioNTech (RNAm) contra COVID-19; presenta 6 días después, dolor abdominal localizado en hipocondrio derecho y epigastrio, asociado a episodios eméticos. Reconsulta a los 21 días por la misma sintomatología; tres días posteriores a la aplicación de la segunda dosis de la vacuna. Hallazgos clínicos: dolor a la palpación en hipocondrio derecho. Los laboratorios reportaron lesión hepatocelular y colestasis, con amilasa, estudios para virus hepatotrópos y hepatitis autoinmune negativos. La ecografía de hígado, vías biliares y colangioresonancia fueron normales. Tratamiento y Resultados: hioscina 20 mg vía oral cada 8 horas y líquidos endovenosos como terapia de soporte. Presentó mejoría del dolor abdominal y descenso progresivo de transaminasas y bilirrubinas, hasta su normalización y se dio egreso al quinto día de hospitalización. Se consideró probable diagnóstico de hepatotoxicidad asociada a medicamentos (DILI), en este caso, secundario a la vacunación contra COVID-19. Relevancia Clínica: La pandemia actual por el virus SARS CoV-2 ha impulsado el desarrollo de nuevas vacunas, cuya seguridad sigue siendo un motivo de preocupación. En este caso clínico, hay una probable relación causal entre la vacunación y el compromiso hepático, en lugar de una simple aparición esporádica.

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Resumen Introducción: En marzo de 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) decretó la pandemia de la enfermedad por coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19), que consiste en la infección por coronavirus del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave de tipo 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Este virus utiliza la enzima convertidora de angiotensina II (ECA-II) como receptor celular humano, que está presente en el tejido pulmonar, cardíaco, gastrointestinal, hepático, renal y vascular, lo que configura un potencial de afectación multisistémica por parte del patógeno. El hígado puede resultar dañado tanto por la liberación excesiva de citocinas inflamatorias en COVID-19 como por la adopción de fármacos con potencial hepatotóxico en el tratamiento de sus síntomas. Objetivo: analizar la relación entre los cambios en la función hepática causados por el SARS-CoV-2 y su impacto en el pronóstico del paciente. Métodos: el presente estudio consiste en una revisión sistemática, realizada a partir de estudios seleccionados de las bases de datos PMC, LILACS y SciELO. Después de aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se definieron 30 artículos para componer la base de datos de este estudio. Resultados: La enzima aspartato-aminotransferasa (AST) estaba aumentando en mayor prevalencia, con un total de 4695 casos, mientras que la alanina-aminotransferasa (ALT) estaba elevada en 3226 casos. Se observa que los pacientes que presentaban síntomas digestivos tenían más probabilidades de presentar daño hepatocelular y, en consecuencia, alteraciones enzimáticas. Además, la mortalidad ocurrió en el 28,9 % de los casos de pacientes con función hepática alterada, mientras que, en aquellos con función normal, esta tasa fue del 9 %. Conclusión: es evidente que existe una relación entre la afectación hepática por COVID-19 y su mortalidad. Sin embargo, todavía existe una limitación en la cantidad y, principalmente, en la homogeneidad de los estudios que realizaron dicha valoración.

Abstract Introduction: In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19, a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, a global pandemic. This virus uses human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as its receptor for entry. ACE2 is found in pulmonary, cardiac, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal and vascular tissues, thus posing a potential risk for multisystemic involvement. The excessive release of inflammatory cytokines in COVID-19, as well as the use of medicines with hepatotoxic potential for the treatment of its symptoms, can damage the liver. Objective: To analyze the relationship between changes in liver function tests caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and their impact on patient prognosis. Methodology: This is a systematic review of studies selected from the PMC, LILACS and SciELO databases. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 articles were included in the final sample for analysis. Results: Elevated AST (aspartate aminotransferase) enzyme levels were reported most frequently and were found in 4 695 cases, while ALT (alanine aminotransferase) elevation was described in 3 226 cases. It was observed that patients with digestive symptoms were more likely to present hepatocellular damage and, consequently, enzymatic alterations. Furthermore, 28.9 % of individuals with impaired liver function died, compared to 9 % of patients with normal function. Conclusion: It is evident that there is a relationship between liver involvement in COVID-19 and mortality. However, there is still a limitation in the number and, more importantly, the homogeneity of the research that performed this assessment.

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Previous studies have suggested that sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may improve hepatic function; however, the evidence is scarce. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on hepatic parameters. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials examining the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on hepatic parameters. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model and sensitivity analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that SGLT2 inhibitors therapy significantly lowered alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (WMD: -4.79 U/L, 95 % CI: -6.10, -3.47, I2 = 62 %, p < 0.00001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (WMD: -2.49 U/L, 95 % CI: -3.30, -1.68, I2 = 54 %, p < 0.00001), alkaline phosphatase (AP) (WMD: -1.13 U/L, 95 % CI: -2.03, -0.22, I2 = 23 %, p = 0.02), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (WMD: -7.77 U/L, 95 % CI: -9.33, -6.21, I2 = 5 %, p < 0.00001). Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors showed a significant increase in bilirubin levels (WMD: 0.64 U/L, 95 % CI: 0.27, 1.00, I2 = 53 %, p < 0.0006. Finally, no significant changes were found on albumin levels (WMD: 0.13 U/L, 95 % CI: -0.06, 0.32, I2 = 53 %, p < 0.0006) after SGLT2 inhibitors treatment. In conclusion, our results suggest that treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors exerts a beneficial effect on liver function tests through decreased ALT, AST, AP, and GGT concentrations.

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INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has now become a worldwide health problem, and its dramatic increase is due to the prevalence of diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. The aim of our study was to publish the current prevalence of hepatic steatosis in a Mexican population undergoing routine medical check-up, as well as to analyze its relation to BMI, liver function tests, and lipid profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on patients that underwent medical check-up within the time frame of January 2011 and December 2015 at the Hospital San Javier. Patients included in the study were those with somatometry measurements (BMI), lipid profile, liver function tests, and abdominal ultrasound with a multi-frequency convex transducer. RESULTS: We found that 65% of the patients presented with overweight or obesity and there was a 49.19% prevalence of hepatic steatosis in the study population. That prevalence was more frequent in men and hepatic steatosis was strongly linked to an increase in triglycerides, AST, and GGT and a decrease in HDL. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing the technical aspects of the study was an important aid to having better correlation with and standardization of the accepted definitions, given that ultrasound is an adequate screening technique for an open population. Our results clearly showed a direct relation between hepatic steatosis and alterations in BMI, triglycerides, HDL, ALT, and GGT.

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Introducción: la colestasis intrahepática del embarazo es una afección de espectro clínico-analítico variable de alto riesgo para el feto. Objetivo: identificar la expresividad clínica, bioquímica y los resultados perinatales en pacientes con colestasis intrahepática del embarazo. Método: estudio observacional descriptivo prospectivo, de marzo de 2012 a febrero de 2014 en el Hospital Vladimir Ilich Lenin, de Holguín, Cuba. De 68 pacientes ingresadas con sospecha de afección hepatobiliar, 43 con colestasis del embarazo clasificaron bajo criterios de selección muestral. Los datos procedieron del interrogatorio, examen físico e historias clínicas. Se emplearon los estadígrafos U de Mann-Whitney y Test de Fisher. La clínica se especificó como de mayor o menor severidad y el desenlace perinatal, favorable o desfavorable. Resultados: 58,1% fueron recién nacidos pretérmino; 25,6% con bajo peso al nacer y 23,3% con bajo Apgar. La alaninoaminotransferasa y aspartatoaminotransferasa fueron los analitos con mayor aumento promedio, con 3,2 y 2,2 veces por encima del límite superior normal, respectivamente. Las cifras de alaninoaminotransferasa, aspartatoaminotransferasa, la bilirrubina y el tiempo de protrombina fueron significativamente mayores en el grupo con mayor severidad del cuadro clínico para un 37,2% de la muestra de bilirrubina y triglicéridos, en el grupo con desenlace perinatal desfavorable en un 74,4%. Se produjo una asociación significativa (p = 0,003) entre la severidad de cuadro clínico y el desenlace perinatal. Conclusiones: los resultados de este estudio abren las puertas a futuras investigaciones de diseño más riguroso, con vistas a identificar predictores clínicos y bioquímicos, de peor pronóstico fetal en nuestro medio.

Introduction: intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, a condition with variable clinical and analytic expressions, involves risk for the fetus. Objective: to identify the clinical, biochemical expression and perinatal outcome in patients with cholestasis intrahepatic of pregnancy. Method: descriptive observational prospective investigation from March 2012 to February 2014, at Vladimir Ilich Lenin Hospital, in Holguín. A group of 43 patients with intrahepatic colestasis of pregnancy, out of 68 admitted patients with hepatobiliary conditions with selection criteria, were included. Interrogatory, physical examination and clinical records were data sources. Mann-Whitney U and Fisher statistical tests were applied. Clinical manifestations were classified into milled or severe, and perinatal outcome in favorable or unfavorable. Results: the 58.1% were preterm newborns; 25.6% had low birth weight and 23.3% had a low Apgar score. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were the most increased laboratory tests with 3.2 y 2.2 times over the upper limit of normal, each. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin and prothrombin time values were significantly higher in the most symptomatic group with 37.2%. Bilirubin and triglycerides were significantly higher in the group with unfavorable perinatal outcome with 74.4%. There was a significant association (p = 0.003) between the severity of clinical manifestations and perinatal outcome. Conclusions: present study results favor future research development and rigorous clinical and biochemical predictors designs for worst fetal prognosis, in our clinical settings.

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ABSTRACT Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a severe liver disease uniquely occurring during pregnancy. In this study we aimed to identify novel biomarker for the diagnosis of ICP in Chinese population. 50 healthy pregnant women, 50 mild ICP patients and 48 severe ICP patients were enrolled for this study. Liver function tests, including serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and cholyglycine, were performed in all participants. After an overnight fast serum levels of total bile acids (TBA), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were measured, and their correlation with liver function tests were analyzed. The observed increase in serum TBA in ICP patients was not statistically significant which made it unreliable for diagnosis of ICP in Chinese population. On the other hand, both MMP-2 and MMP-9 serum levels exhibited a progressive and significant elevation in mild and severe ICP patients compared with healthy pregnant women, which also positively correlated with liver function tests. Serum levels of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 could be reliably used as laboratory abnormalities for accurate diagnosis and sensitive grading of ICP in Chinese population.

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Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a severe liver disease uniquely occurring during pregnancy. In this study we aimed to identify novel biomarker for the diagnosis of ICP in Chinese population. 50 healthy pregnant women, 50 mild ICP patients and 48 severe ICP patients were enrolled for this study. Liver function tests, including serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and cholyglycine, were performed in all participants. After an overnight fast serum levels of total bile acids (TBA), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were measured, and their correlation with liver function tests were analyzed. The observed increase in serum TBA in ICP patients was not statistically significant which made it unreliable for diagnosis of ICP in Chinese population. On the other hand, both MMP-2 and MMP-9 serum levels exhibited a progressive and significant elevation in mild and severe ICP patients compared with healthy pregnant women, which also positively correlated with liver function tests. Serum levels of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 could be reliably used as laboratory abnormalities for accurate diagnosis and sensitive grading of ICP in Chinese population.

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