Conference Papers
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This collection contains abstracts of conference papers, presented at local and international conferences by the staff of the Faculty of Medicine
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Item Identification of type 2 diabetes patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who are at increased risk of significant hepatic fibrosis: a cross-sectional study(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2023) Mettananda, K.C.D.; Egodage, T.; Dantanarayana, C.; Solangarachchi, M.B.; Fernando, R.; Ranaweera, L.; Siriwardhena, S.; Ranawaka, C.K.; Kottahachchi, D.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Dassanayake, A.S.; de Silva, H.J.INTRODUCTION: Annual screening of patients with diabetes for fatty liver, and identifying those with significant hepatic fibrosis using the FIB-4 score and vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) has been recommended to detect patients who may progress to advanced hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis. However, VCTE is not freely available in resource-limited settings. OBJECTIVES: To identify clinical and biochemical predictors of significant liver fibrosis in diabetics with fatty liver. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among all consenting adults with T2DM and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) attending the Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka from November 2021 to November 2022. FIB-4 scores were calculated and patients with a score ≥1.3 underwent VCTE. Risk associations for liver fibrosis were identified by comparing patients with significant fibrosis (LSM ≥8 kPa) with those without significant fibrosis (FIB-4<1.3). RESULTS: A total of 363 persons were investigated. Of these, 243 had a score of FIB-4 <1.3. Of the 120 with a FIB-4 ≥1.3, 76 had LSM ≥8 kPa. Significant fibrosis was individually associated with age (OR 1.01, p<0.0001), duration of diabetes (OR 1.02, p=0.006), family history of liver disease (OR 1.42, p=0.035), waist (OR 1.04, p=0.035), and FIB-4 (OR 2.08, p<0.0001). However, on adjusted analysis, significant fibrosis was only associated with a family history of liver disease (OR 2.69, p=0.044) and FIB-4 (OR 1.43, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with T2DM and fatty liver, advancing age, increased duration of diabetes, a family history of liver disease, waist circumference and a high FIB-4 score increase the risk of significant hepatic fibrosis. Targeted interventions in this group may help prevent progression to advanced hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis.Item Validation of the World Health Organization/ International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) cardiovascular risk predictions in Sri Lankans based on findings from a prospective cohort study(Ceylon College of Physicians, 2020) Thulani, U.B.; Mettananda, K.C.D.; Warnakulasuriya, D.T.D.; Peiris, T.S.G.; Kasturiratne, K.T.A.A.; Ranawaka, U.K.; Chackrewarthy, S.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Kurukulasooriya, S.A.F.; Niriella, M.A.; de Silva, S.T.; Pathmeswaran, A.P.; Kato, N.; de Silva, H.J.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There are no cardiovascular(CV)-risk prediction models specifically for Sri Lankans. Different risk prediction models not validated among Sri Lankans are being used to predict CV-risk of Sri Lankans. We validated the WHO/ISH (SEAR-B) risk prediction charts prospectively in a population-based cohort of Sri Lankans. METHOD: We selected participants between 40-64 years, by stratified random sampling of the Ragama Medical Officer of Health area in 2007 and followed them up for 10-years. Risk predictions for 10-years were calculated using WHO/ISH (SEAR-B) charts with- and without-cholesterol in 2007. We identified all new-onset cardiovascular events(CVE) from 2007-2017 by interviewing participants and perusing medical-records/death-certificates in 2017. We validated the risk predictions against observed CVEs. RESULTS: Baseline cohort consisted of 2517 participants (males 1132 (45%), mean age 53.7 (SD: 6.7 years). We observed 215 (8.6%) CVEs over 10-years. WHO/ISH (SEAR B) charts with and without-cholesterol predicted 9.3% (235/2517) and 4.2% (106/2517) to be of high CV-risk ≥20%), respectively. Risk predictions of both WHO/ISH (SEAR B) charts with- and without-cholesterol were in agreement in 2033/2517 (80.3%). Risk predictions of WHO/ISH (SEAR B) charts with and with out-cholesterol were in agreement with observed CVE percentages among all except in high risk females predicted by WHO/ISH (SEAR B) chart with-cholesterol (observed risk 15.3% (95% Cl 12.5 - 18.2%) and predicted risk 2::20%). CONCLUSIONS: WHO/ISH (SEAR B) risk charts provide good 10-year CV-risk predictions for Sri Lankans. The predictions of the two charts, with and without-cholesterol, appear to be in agreement but the chart with-cholesterol seems to be more predictive than the chart without-cholesterol. Risk charts are more predictive in males than in females. The predictive accuracy was best when stratified into two categories; low (<20%) and high (≥20%) risk.Item Incidence and prevalence of stroke and time trends in vascular risk factors among urban/semi-urban Sri Lankans: A population-based cohort study(Ceylon College of Physicians, 2020) Mettananda, K.C.D.; Ranawaka, U.K.; Wickramarathna, K.B.; Kottahachchi, D.C.; Kurukulasuriya, S.A.F.; Matha, M.B.C.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Kasturiratne, K.T.A.A.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; de Silva, H.J.INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Incidence of stroke is declining in developed countries, but is increasing in developing countries. There is no data on incidence of stroke in Sri Lanka, and only limited data on prevalence of stroke. METHODS: We studied a population-based cohort (35-64 years) selected by stratified random sampling from an urban/semi-urban health administrative area (Ragama Health Study) in 2007, and evaluated them again in 2014 with regard to new onset stroke and prevalence of vascular risk factors. Possible stroke patients were independently reviewed by a neurologist and a physician with regard to the diagnosis of stroke. The prevalence of stroke (at baseline) was estimated. Prevalence of vascular risk factors in the population were compared between 2007 and 2014. RESULTS: The baseline cohort in 2007 consisted of 2985 individuals (females 54.5%, mean age 52.4 ± 7.8 years). Of them, 2204 attended follow-up in 2014 (female 57.6%, mean age 59.2±7.6 years). 19 had a history of strokes at enrolment (stroke prevalence 6.37/1000 population) and 24 episodes of strokes occurred over the 7 years (annual incidence of stroke 1.56/1000 population). Risk factor prevalence in 2007 and 2014 were; hypertension 48.7% and 64.3%; hyperlipidaemia 35.5% and 39.3%; diabetes mellitus 28.2% and 35.7%; and obesity 2.6% and 17.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Stroke incidence and prevalence rates of Sri Lanka lie between those of developed and developing countries. Prevalence of vascular risks have increased over time in this urban/semi urban Sri Lankan population.Item One hour fast for liquids prior to endoscopy is safe, effective and results in minimum patient discomfort(American Gastroenterological Association(AGA) Institute, Published by Elsevier Inc., 2006) de Silva, A.P.; Amarasiri, L.; Kottahachchi, D.C.; Sabhapathige, R.D.; Dassanayake, A.S.; de Silva, H.J.INTRODUCTION: Current guidelines for endoscopy advice at least 6-8 hours fasting for solids and at least 4 hours for liquids. This is claimed to ensure safety and a clear endoscopic view. However, prolonged fasting may result in patient discomfort. Also due to practical delays the fasting period for endoscopy may be much longer, thus causing even more discomfort to patients. Several anaesthesia societies now recommend a 2-h pre-operative fast for clear fluids and a 6-h fast for solids in most elective patients. A pilot study done by us showed the time for a clear liquid (tea) or water to empty from the stomach using real-time ultrasonography was one hour. AIMS: To determine whether a one-hour fast prior to endoscopy was safe, effective and resulted in less patient discomfort. METHODS: 63 patients referred for endoscopy, without alarm symptoms or clinically obvious motility problems, were recruited. Patients were given a standard meal 6 hours before endoscopy. They were then randomized to either nil by mouth for 6 hours (group A, n = 31) or allowed to take clear fluids up to one hour prior to endoscopy (group B, n = 32). Just prior to endoscopy patients indicated discomfort due to fasting on a visual analog scale (0-no discomfort to 10-severe discomfort). Investigators were blinded to the period of fasting. Presence of fluid in the gastric fundus was noted, and endoscopic vision was graded as good, average or poor. Patients were followed one week after the procedure for the presence of any late complications. RESULTS: Discomfort was significantly lower in group B than group A (median visual analog score 0.3 vs. 5.1; p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon two-sample test). Endoscopic vision was good in all 31 patients in group A and 30 in group B, and average in 2 patients in group B. None were graded as poor. Fluid in the gastric fundus was noted in 7 patients in group A and 10 in group B. There were no complications in either group. CONCLUSIONS: A one-hour fast for clear liquids seems safe and effective and has minimum discomfort for the patient. However, a larger study should be done before the current endoscopic guidelines are revised.Item Is a six hour fast after a rice meal sufficient before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy?(American Gastroenterological Association(AGA) Institute, Published by Elsevier Inc., 2009) de Silva, A.P.; Niriella, M.A.; Perera, N.J.A.H.D.; Aryasingha, J.S.; Kalubowila, U.P.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Manchanayake, M.M.J.H.; Devanarayana, N.M.; de Silva, H.J.OBJECTIVE: Rice is the staple diet in many Asian countries. Current endoscopic guidelines advice a 6 h fast for solids and a 4 h fast for liquids before the procedure. However, these guidelines focus on a Western type diet. The aim of the study was to determine if a 6 h fast for rice is sufficient prior to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: After informed consent, 212 patients referred for UGIE, who had no alarm symptoms, were randomized into two groups in preparation for UGIE. Fasting 6 h after a rice meal (R6) or fasting 10 h after a rice meal (R10). All meals contained lentils and an egg, and were isocaloric. Endoscopic vision was graded as poor, average, or good. RESULTS: In the R10 group (n = 107) vision was poor in 2 (1.9%), average in 7 (6.5%), and good in 98 (91.6%). While in the R6 group (n = 105) vision was poor in 30 (28.6%), average in 19 (18.1%), good in 56 (53.3%). The observed difference of percentages among the two groups for endoscopic vision was significant (M-H Chi-Square for trend = 25.67; df = 1; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Fasting for 6 h after a rice based meal seems inadequate for UGIE. Fasting for 10 h significantly improves endoscopic vision. Current guidelines need to be re-evaluated for populations where rice is the staple diet.Item Sub clinical intestinal mucosal inflammation in diarrhea predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in a tropical setting(American Gastroenterological Association(AGA) Institute, Published by Elsevier Inc., 2010) de Silva, A.P.; Manamperi, A.; Hewavisenthi, S.J.de S.; Ariyasinghe, M.P.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Jewell, D.P.; de Silva, H.J.BACKGROUND: There is evidence for potential roles for gut flora and the host immune response in the pathophysiology of IBS, and especially, for low grade colonic mucosal inflammation in the pathophysiology of post-infectious IBS. AIM: To investigate for evidence of sub-clinical intestinal mucosal inflammation in diarrhea- predominant IBS (IBS-D) in a tropical setting. METHODS: In a prospective study over one year, we investigated 49 patients with IBS-D [median age 34 years (range 18-59; M:F 36:13], based on Rome III criteria. None had alarm symptoms: unintentional significant loss of weight, bleeding per rectum or malaena. None were on NSAIDS or proton pump inhibitors. All patients had normal ESR, CRP, TSH and stools reports. 14 individuals with a family history of colon cancer [median age 46.5 years (range 23-56); median 46.5, M:F 6:8] were selected as controls. Stools of patients and controls were tested for calprotectin. During colonoscopy, serial biopsies were obtained from the ileum, caecum, ascending, transverse and descending colon, and rectum. In addition to histology, tissue expression of IL-8 and IL-10 were assessed in biopsy specimens using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: Colono-ileoscopy was macroscopically normal and faecal calprotectin was undetectable in cases and controls. Microscopic colitis not otherwise specified(MNOS) was seen in 10/49 cases and 1/14 controls (p=0.43, Fisher's Exact test). Histology was normal in others. A history suggestive of an episode of infectious diarrhea (ID) was seen in 16/49 cases and 0/14 controls (p=0.013). There was no significant association between ID and the presence of MNOS. Tissue expression of IL-8 was significantly higher and IL-10 significantly lower in cases compared to controls (target/standard cDNA ratio, median (range) IL-8: 1.25 (0.75-2) Vs 0.85 (0.63-1.3), p<0.0001, Mann-Whitney U test; IL-10: 0.33 (0-0.63) Vs 0.55 (0.5-0.7), p<0.0001). There was a significant inverse correlation between IL-8 and IL-10 expression (Pearson Correlation, (-) 0.509; p<0.01). In patients with IBS-D, cytokine abnormalities were not significantly different in those with or without a history of ID or the presence or absence of MNOS. CONCLUSION: There is evidence for subclinical intestinal mucosal inflammation in patients with IBS-D in a tropical setting, whether or not a history of ID or MNOS was present or absent.Item Is Acanthosis Nigricans a useful clinical screening test for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) in resource poor settings(Elsevier, 2009) Niriella, M.A.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Kalubowila, K.V.U.; de Silva, A.P.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; Kato, N.; Makaya, M.; de Silva, H.J.BACKGROUND: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is an easily detectable papillomatosis and hyperkeratosis of the skin associated with insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is widely accepted as the underlying cause of Non- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Ultrasonography is the currently accepted tool to screen for NAFLD in the community, but is expensive and needs expertise. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether AN would be an useful screening test for NAFLD in an adult Sri Lankan population. METHODS: This study was part of a community based investigation −Ragama Health Study (RHS). The study population consisted of 35−64 year old adults, selected using stratified random sampling. Consenting adults were screened by a structured interview, clinical examination, liver ultrasound and collection of 10 ml venous blood. NAFLD was diagnosed based on established ultrasound criteria for fatty liver, safe alcohol consumption and absence of serum markers for Hepatitis B and C. AN was identified by the presence of dark, thick, velvety skin in the neck, body folds and creases. Results: 3012 subjects participated in the study. AN was present significantly more frequently among NAFLD patients than normal individuals in both males (37.9% vs. 4.8%, p <0.001) and females (39.8% vs. 5.8%,p<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of AN for NAFLD was 37.9%, 95.2%, 78.0% for males and 39.8%, 94.2%, and 81.3% for females respectively. CONCLUSION: AN is significantly more common in NAFLD than normal individuals. Although AN has a high specificity, it is not an useful test to screen for NAFLD in the community.Item Factors affecting the clinical outcome of transarteriai chemo treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma in Sri Lankan patients(Sri lanka Medical Association, 2015) Jayatunge, D.S.P.; Siriwardana, H.D.R.C.; Niriella, M.A.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Liyanage, C.A.H.; Gunetilleke, M.B.; Upasena, A.; Sirigampola, C.; de Silva, A.P.; de Silva, H.J.INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Transarterial-chemo-embolization (TACE) is used for palliation of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We studied the tolerability of TACE in a cohort of patients with NASH and alcoholic cirrhosis related HCC. METHOD: Of 290 patients with HCC (July 2011 -December 2014), 84 underwent TACE. They were monitored for post-TACE complications: postembolization fever (PEF), nausea and vomiting (NV), abdominal pain, infection, acute hepatic decompensation (AHD) and acute kidney injury (AK1). RESULTS: 84 patients [90.5% males, 89.2% cirrhotics, 89.2% nodular HCC, median age 63(34-84) years] underwent 111 TACE sessions. All were Child class A [69.4% sessions (n=77)] or B; ascites and portal vein invasion was present in 18 (16.2%) and 15 (13.6%), respectively. 42 (38.2%) TACE procedures resulted in complications [PEF 28 (25.2 %), NV 4 (3.6%), abdominal pain 9 (8.1%), infection 7 (6.3%), AHD 13 (11.7%), AKl 3 (2.7%)]. There were no immediate post-TACE deaths. On univariate analysis elevated serum bilirubin (p=0.046) and low serum albumin (p=0.035) predicted PEF while low serum albumin (p=0.021) and low platelet counts (p=0.041) predicted AHD. In the multivariate model, factors with p<0.200 on univariate analysis and factors derived from the previous literature were considered covariates. Female gender (p=0.029, OR=1.412), ascites (p=0.030, OR = 1.212), elevated serum bilirubin (p=0.007, OR= 4.357) and large tumour size (p=O.Q36, OR=3.603) were independent risk factors for PEF. Tumour diameter >5cm (p=0.049, OR=2.410) and elevated serum bilirubin (p=0.036, OR=1.517) predicted AHD. CONCLUSION: In NASH and alcoholic cirrhosis related HCC patients pre-procedure serum bilirubin, ascites, tumour size and female gender predicted PEF post-TACE, Tumours>5cm with elevated bilirubin predicted AHD post-TACE.Item Epidemiology of non- alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in an urban Sri Lankan population(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2008) Dassanayake, A.S.; Rajindrajith, S.; Kasturiratne, A.; Kalubowila, U.; de Silva, A.P.; Mizoue, T.; Makaya, M.; de Silva, H.J.BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing in the Asia-Pacific region. NAFLD can progress from simple steatosis, through steatohepatitis to advanced hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatoma. Its prevalence in Sri Lanka is not known. Objective: To investigate community prevalence and risk factors associated with NAFLD among adults in an urban Sri Lankan population. DESIGN, SETTING AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 2985 randomly selected subjects, 35-65 years old, resident in the Ragama Medical Officer of Health area. NAFLD was diagnosed on ultrasound criteria (presence of 2 out of 3: increased hepatic echogenicity compared to spleen or kidney, blurring of hepatic vasculature, deep attenuation of ultrasound signal), and when alcohol intake was <14 units/week for males and <7 units/week for females. Anthropometric and blood pressure (BP) measurements were made; fasting blood glucose, lipid profile and serum alanine transaminase (ALT) were estimated (normal cutoff values were based on revised ATP III criteria of metabolic syndrome for Asians). RESULTS: 974(35%) individuals had NAFLD [mean age 52.8 years (SD 7.3), 605 (62.1%) females]. On multivariate analysis, central obesity (BMI>25kg/m2 and/or waist circumference >90cm for males, >80cm females), elevated fasting plasma glucose (>100mg/dl), elevated diastolic BP (>85mmHg), elevated plasma triglycerides (>150mg/dl), elevated ALT (>twice the upper limit of normal), and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (<40mg/dl for men, <50mg/dl for women) were significantly associated with NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of NAFLD among adults in this urban Sri Lankan community is as high as in western populations. NAFLD is associated with factors that constitute the metabolic syndrome.Item Microscopic colitis not otherwise specified (NOS) in patients with diarrhoea predominant IBS in a tropical setting(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2008) de Silva, A.P.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Hewavisenthi, J.; Liyanage, D.L.M.N.; Dissanayake, T.G.I.; Duminda, H.K.K.T.; de Silva, H.J.BACKGROUND: Coionoscopy is not recommended in IBS unless there are alarm symptoms. However, studies have shown that microscopic colitis and low grade inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can mimic IBS. Microscopic colitis not otherwise specified (MNOS) is a distinct but poorly studied entity, especially in the tropics. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the presence of colonic and ileal inflammation in patients with diarrhea predominant IBS (IBS-D) in a tropicai setting. DESIGN, SETTING AND METHODS: In a prospective study over one year, we recruited 42 consecutive patients with IBS (diagnosed using Rome II criteria) and no alarm symptoms (mean age 36.1 yrs, M:F=29:13) and 13 controls {mean age 42.3 yrs, M:F=5:8). Serial colonic and ileal biopsies were obtained. RESULTS: Coionoscopy was macroscopically normal in all cases and controls. 23 (54.8%) cases had MNOS, 2(4.76%) ileal inflammation only, and 17(40.48%) had normal histology. Histology was normal in 11(84.62%) controls, and 2(15.38%) had MNOS. MNOS was significantly commoner in cases than controls (P=0.02, chi-square test). MNOS was commonest in the right side of the colon (n=20, 80%). 14(60.8%) patients with MNOS had a history suggestive of post infective IBS, compared to 7(36.8%) patients without MNOS (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: MNOS is common in patients with IBS-D in a tropical setting. Post infectious IBS seems commoner in patients with MNOS than those without MNOS, although this did not reach statistical significance. Coionoscopy with ileoscopy and serial biopsies are useful to detect mucosal inflammation in IBS-D.