Journal/Magazine Articles

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/13

This collection contains original research articles, review articles and case reports published in local and international peer reviewed journals by the staff members of the Faculty of Medicine

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 34

INASL-SAASL consensus statements on NAFLD name change to MAFLD
(Elsevier, 2023) Singh, S.P.; Duseja, A.; Mahtab, M.A.; Anirvan, P.; Acharya, S.K.; Akbar, S.M.F.; Butt, A.S.; Dassanayake, A.S.; De, A.; Dhakal, G.P.; Hamid, S.; Madan, K.; Panigrahi, M.K.; Rao, P.N.; Saigal, S.; Satapathy, S.K.; Shalimar; Shrestha, A.; Shukla, A.; Sudhamshu, K.C.; Wijewantha, H.
There is an ongoing debate on the change of terminology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Experts from the Indian National Association for Study of the Liver (INASL) and the South Asian Association for Study of the Liver (SAASL) involved in diagnosing, managing, and preventing NAFLD met in March 2022 to deliberate if the name change from NAFLD to MAFLD is appropriate, as proposed by a group of experts who published a "consensus" statement in 2020. Proponents of name change to MAFLD opined that NAFLD does not reflect current knowledge, and the term MAFLD was suggested as a more appropriate overarching term. However, this "consensus" group which proposed the name change to MAFLD did not represent the views and opinions of gastroenterologists and hepatologists, as well as perceptions of patients across the globe, given the fact that change of nomenclature for any disease entity is bound to have multidimensional impact on all aspects of patient care. This statement is the culmination of the participants' combined efforts who presented recommendations on specific issues concerning the proposed name change. The recommendations were then circulated to all the core group members and updated based on a systematic literature search. Finally, all the members voted on them using the nominal voting technique as per the standard guidelines. The quality of evidence was adapted from the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system.
The long-term quality of life following liver transplantation in a developing country with a free health care system
(The Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2022) Siriwardana, R.C; Gunetilleke, B.; Jayatunge, S.; Weerasooriya, A.; Niriella, M.A.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Ranaweera, S.P.; Tillakaratne, S.B.
INTRODUCTION: Developing countries with limited resources are yet to establish universal liver transplant (LT) services to cater to their population free of charge. In this unique setting, no data are published on the long-term Quality of life (QOL) of LT survivors. OBJECTIVES: Compare the long-term quality of life of post-liver transplant patients with a matching cohort of pretransplant cirrhotic patients and a matching non cirrhotic control group. Methods: Of the 45 liver transplants that were performed there were 24 patients who completed over 6 months of follow-up. Of these, 4 patients died (including one lost to follow-up) after six months. The remaining 20 post-transplant patients were the subjects for QOL assessment. One post-transplant recipient was matched with two pre-transplant cirrhotic patients and non-cirrhotic healthy control group. QOL was evaluated by the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The median age was 54 years (27-67) and 85% (n=17) were male. The median follow up was 24 months (6- 94 months). The median MELD score was 17 (11-22) and 75% (n=15) were due to cryptogenic cirrhosis. Post-operatively three (15%) developed graft rejection, five (25%) had infections and ten (50%) suffered drug related complications. 95% (n= 19) of the population had satisfactory drug compliance. The study population had significantly better QOL compared to control in all eight domains (p<0.05) including physical functioning (76% vs 52.7%), physical health (80% vs 7.9%), emotional problems (93% vs 17.1%), energy (77% vs 47%), emotional wellbeing (80% vs 61.1%), social functioning (86.9% vs 56.9%), pain (82% vs 47.5%) and general health (67.5% vs 37.5%). The study population had similar quality of life compared to the healthy control group with better-perceived emotional well-being. CONCLUSION: Long-term survivors after LT have significantly improved QOL in a setting with limited resources
Identification of patients with type 2 diabetes with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who are at increased risk of progressing to advanced fibrosis: a cross-sectional study
(BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, 2023) Mettananda, C.; Egodage, T.; Dantanarayana, C.; Fernando, R.; Ranaweera, L.; Luke, N.; Ranawaka, C.; Kottahachchi, D.; Pathmeswaran, A.; de Silva, H.J.; Dassanayake, A.S.
INTRODUCTION: Identification of advanced hepatic fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is important as this may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The risk of hepatic fibrosis is especially high among patients with diabetes with NAFLD. Annual screening of patients with diabetes for fatty liver and calculation of Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score and exclusion of significant fibrosis with vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) have been recommended. However, VCTE is expensive and may not be freely available in resource-limited settings. We aim to identify predictors of significant liver fibrosis who are at increased risk of progression to advanced liver fibrosis and to develop a prediction model to prioritise referral of patients with diabetes and NAFLD for VCTE. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This cross-sectional study is conducted among all consenting adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with NAFLD at the Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka. All patients get the FIB-4 score calculated. Those with FIB-4 ≥1.3 undergo VCTE (with FibroScan by Echosens). Risk associations for progression to advanced liver fibrosis/cirrhosis will be identified by comparing patients with significant fibrosis (liver stiffness measure (LSM) ≥8 kPa) and without significant fibrosis (LSM <8 kPa). A model to predict significant liver fibrosis will be developed using logistic regression. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya (P/66/07/2021). Results of the study will be disseminated as scientific publications in reputable journals.
Immediate outcome of microwave ablation for liver tumours in a single cohort of patients in Sri Lanka.
(The College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, 2022) Appuhamy, C.; Ganewatte, E.; Ranaweera, L.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Gunetilleke, M.B.; Tillakaratne, S.; Gunawardena,H.P.; Niriella,M.A.; Siriwardana,R.C.
Introduction and Objectives Microwave ablation (MWA) is an emerging treatment modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other liver tumours. We aimed to assess the immediate success and complications of MWA in a cohort of patients. Method Patients were assessed retrospectively, using an intervieweradministered questionnaire and a follow-up CECT/MRI at, 6-week.Result 55 patients underwent MWA from October 2021-May 2022, at Colombo-North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka, and selected private hospitals( Durdans Hospital, Colombo, Nawaloka Hospital, Colombo, Lanka Hospital, Colombo).The median age was 64 (40-82) years, with a male preponderance (n=45, 81.1%). The indication was HCC in 54 (98.1%) and metastatic tumour in one (1.8%). The median tumour size was 28 (10-80) mm. Segment VII was the commonest site to be involved (n=18, 34.6%). The majority (n=40, 72.7%) was a single lesion. No participant underwent the procedure twice. The mean post-procedural hospital stay was 12 hours (95%CI=11.4-12.5, SD=2.0).In the 6-week follow-up, 2 recurrences (3.6%) and single death (1.8%) with no relation to the procedure, were reported. Another 2 (3.6%) denied the follow-up. Complete ablation was reported in 46 patients (83.7%), comparable to the rates in literature (95-97%), with only 7 patients (12.7%) having residual tumours. No major complications were reported. 9 patients (16.4%) developed 'Post ablation syndrome', not as common as in literature (34%). They presented with abdominal pain (7.3%), vomiting (7.3%), and fever (3.6%).Conclusion MWA is a successful and safe treatment option for primary liver tumours in Sri Lanka, with ablation rates comparable to the western world.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in diabetics: The role of hepatologist
(Jaypee Prothers Medical Publishers, 2022) Khandelwal, R.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Singh, S.P.
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent metabolic diseases worldwide, causing an enormous burden on the economies of both developed and developing nations. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is very closely associated with diabetes, and the two diseases are known to cause an increase in morbidity and mortality. Timely referral of a diabetic with NAFLD to a hepatologist can definitely delay disease progression and the related complications. Despite the magnitude, there are no guidelines that recommend a screening algorithm that must be followed for evaluating NAFLD in at-risk diabetics at the primary care level and their further referral to hepatologists. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease management needs heightened awareness among primary care physicians/endocrinologists and hepatologists, and a collaborative care approach is paramount in these patients. Certain antidiabetic drugs are found to be beneficial in the treatment of NAFLD patients with diabetes, however, none of them are FDA approved.
NAFLD vs MAFLD: South Asian NAFLD patients don't favor name change
(Jaypee Prothers Medical Publishers, 2022) Singh, S.P.; Anirvan, P.; Butt, A.S.; Shrestha, A.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Shaikh, B.A.; Mahtab, M.A.
Aim: There have been vociferous attempts to change the name of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) to Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). Of the many arguments put forth in support of this, an important one is the presumed demand by patient groups insisting on the change. However, this claim does not have credible evidence to support it. Therefore, we decided to conduct a survey among South Asian NAFLD patients to understand their perspectives with regard to the change in nomenclature. Materials and methods: The study was conducted at multiple centers across South Asia from January 2021 to June 2021. Patients were surveyed using an 8-question survey questionnaire and responses were categorized by multiple-choice format. Results: Of 218 patients surveyed, 80.3% of the patients were not aware of the entity "NAFLD" before they were first diagnosed. Although 74.3% of patients admitted to being questioned about alcohol intake at the time of the first diagnosis, 75.9% of female patients were not questioned regarding this. After being labelled NAFLD, 92.1% of patients were never questioned again about alcohol intake. While 86.3% of patients found the term "NAFLD" consoling, 83% did not feel that "Non" in NAFLD trivialized their problem. In addition, only 6.9% of patients were scared of developing cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: The term "NAFLD" destigmatizes patients of the taboo associated with alcohol use. It was found to be consoling to most patients and they did not feel it trivialized their problem. A change of name without considering patients' perspectives and peculiarities specific to different populations will have enormous ramifications for both patients and physicians. Clinical significance: Our survey clearly shows that patients are happy with the term "NAFLD" and it effectively destigmatizes them from the taboo of alcohol. This would lead to higher compliance with management and greater patient participation in future studies and trials.
Alcohol use and alcoholic fatty liver disease: a prospective, communitybased study among adults in an urban community in Sri Lanka
(The Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2022) Niriella, M.A.; Kasturiratne, A.; Beddage, T.; de Silva, S.T.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; Kato, N.; de Silva, H.J.
Background: Data on alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) is limited. Therefore, we investigated alcohol use and AFL in a cohort of adults in an urban community in Sri Lanka. Methods: The study population (selected by age-stratified random sampling) was screened in 2007 (35-64 years) and re-evaluated in 2014. They were assessed by structured interviews, anthropometric measurements, liver-ultrasound, and biochemical and serological tests. AFL was diagnosed on ultrasound criteria, ‘unsafe’ alcohol consumption (Asian standards: males>14 units, females >7 units per week) and absence of hepatitis B/C markers. Controls were unsafe alcohol consumers who had no fatty liver on ultrasound. Results: 2985/3012 (99%) had complete data for analysis. 272/2985 (9.1%) were unsafe-drinkers in 2007 [males-270; mean-age-51.9, SD-8.0 years]. 86/272 (31.6%) had AFL [males-85; mean-age-50.2, SD-8.6 years]. Male gender [p<0.001], increased waist circumference (WC) [OR 4.9, p<0.01], BMI>23kg/m2 [OR 3.5, p<0.01] and raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT) [OR 2.8, p<0.01] were independently associated with AFL. 173/272 (63.6%) unsafe alcohol consumers from 2007 were re-evaluated in 2014. 134/173 had either had AFL or had changed to ‘safe’ or no alcohol consumption. 21/39 (53.8%) [males-21 (100%), meanage- 57.9, SD-7.9 years] who remained ‘unsafe’ alcohol users who had no fatty liver in 2007 developed AFL after 7-years (annual incidence 7.7%). On bivariate analysis, only male gender was associated with new-onset AFL. Of the 42 who had AFL at baseline but changed their drinking status from unsafe to safe or no alcohol, 6 had resolution of fatty liver in 2014. Conclusion: In this community-based study among adults from an urban community, unsafe alcohol use was found in 9.1%. Among unsafe alcohol users, the prevalence of AFL was 31.6% and the annual incidence of AFL was 7.7%. New-onset AFL was independently associated with male gender.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in diabetes: When to refer to the hepatologist?
(Baishideng Publishing Group, 2021) Khandelwal, R.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Conjeevaram, H.S.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. A strong relationship exists between NAFLD and diabetes mellitus. There is growing evidence of a mechanistically complex and strong association between the two diseases. Current data also shows that one disease actually leads to worsening of the other and vice versa. Understanding of the various pathophysiological mechanisms involved, natural history and spectrum of these two diseases is essential not only for early diagnosis and management but also for prevention of severe disease forms. Despite the tremendous progress made in recent times in acquiring knowledge about these highly prevalent diseases, the guidelines and recommendations for screening and management of diabetics with NAFLD remain ambiguous. An interdisciplinary approach is required to not only raise awareness of the prevalence of NAFLD in diabetics but also for better patient management. This can help attenuate the development of significant complications, such as cirrhosis, decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma in these patients, thereby halting NAFLD in its tracks. This review focuses on the pivotal role of primary care physicians and endocrinologists in identification of NAFLD in diabetics in early stages and the role of proactive screening for prompt referral to hepatologist.
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
(Public Library of Science, 2021) Thulani, U.B.; Mettananda, K.C.D.; Warnakulasuriya, D.T.D.; Peiris, T.S.G.; Kasturiratne, K.T.A.A.; Ranawaka, U.K.; Chakrewarthy, S.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Kurukulasooriya, S.A.F.; Niriella, M.A.; de Silva, S.T.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Kato, N.; de Silva, H.J.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There are no cardiovascular (CV) risk prediction models for Sri Lankans. Different risk prediction models not validated for 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 40-64 year-old participants from the Ragama Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area in 2007 by stratified random sampling and followed them up for 10 years. Ten-year risk predictions of a fatal/non-fatal cardiovascular event (CVE) in 2007 were calculated using WHO/ISH (SEAR-B) charts with and without cholesterol. The CVEs that occurred from 2007-2017 were ascertained. Risk predictions in 2007 were validated against observed CVEs in 2017. RESULTS: Of 2517 participants, the mean age was 53.7 year (SD: 6.7) and 1132 (45%) were males. Using WHO/ISH chart with cholesterol, the percentages of subjects with a 10-year CV risk <10%, 10-19%, 20%-29%, 30-39%, ≥40% were 80.7%, 9.9%, 3.8%, 2.5% and 3.1%, respectively. 142 non-fatal and 73 fatal CVEs were observed during follow-up. Among the cohort, 9.4% were predicted of having a CV risk ≥20% and 8.6% CVEs were observed in the risk category. CVEs were within the predictions of WHO/ISH charts with and without cholesterol in both high (≥20%) and low(<20%) risk males, but only in low(<20%) risk females. The predictions of WHO/ISH charts, with-and without-cholesterol were in agreement in 81% of subjects (ĸ = 0.429; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: WHO/ISH (SEAR B) risk prediction charts with-and without-cholesterol may be used in Sri Lanka. Risk charts are more predictive in males than in females and for lower-risk categories. The predictions when stratifying into 2 categories, low risk (<20%) and high risk (≥20%), are more appropriate in clinical practice.
Outcomes of NAFLD and MAFLD: Results from a community-based, prospective cohort study
(Public Library of Science, 2021) Niriella, M.A.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Kasturiratne, A.; de Silva, S.T.; Dassanayake, A.S.; de Silva, A.P.; Kato, N.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; de Silva, H.J.
BACKGROUND: The term "metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease" (MAFLD) is suggested alternative for "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" (NAFLD), as it better reflects metabolic dysfunction. No study has compared outcomes of the two diagnostic criteria. METHODS: In an ongoing, community-based, cohort-study in suburban Sri Lanka, participants were randomly selected in 2007. They were reassessed in 2014 to evaluate new-onset metabolic traits (MTs) and cardiovascular-events (CVEs). Baseline characteristics, MTs and CVEs after 7-years were compared in NAFLD and MAFLD and vs. controls. Similarly, we compared these parameters in those excluded by the NAFLD definition but captured by the MAFLD definition and vice versa, and vs. controls. FINDINGS: Of 2985 recruited in 2007, 940 (31.5%) had NAFLD, 990 (33.1%) had MAFLD and 362 (12.1%) were controls. When compared to NAFLD, MAFLD captured an additional 2.9% and lost 1.3% individuals. At baseline, anthropometric and metabolic traits were similar in NAFLD and MAFLD. At follow-up in 7-years, the risk of having new-onset MTs and fatal/non-fatal CVEs were similar in the groups, but were significantly higher compared to controls. Those excluded by the NAFLD definition but captured by the MAFLD definition showed higher baseline MTs compared to those excluded by the MAFLD definition but captured by the NAFLD definition, and had substantially higher risk for having new-onset MTs and CVEs compared to controls. INTERPRETATION: Although NAFLD and MAFLD had similar MTs at baseline, and similar outcomes after 7-years, those who were excluded by the NAFLD definition but captured by the MAFLD definition seem at higher risk of adverse outcomes than those excluded by the MAFLD definition but captured by the NAFLD definition. Although the increase in the index population was small, redefining NAFLD as MAFLD seemed to improve clinical utility.

Journal/Magazine Articles

Browse

Filters

Settings

Sort By

Results per page

Search Results