Medicine
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This repository contains the published and unpublished research of the Faculty of Medicine by the staff members of the faculty
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Item The association between steatosis and liver damage in transfusion-dependent beta thalassaemia patients(Wiley-Blackwell, 2023) Padeniya, P.; Ediriweera, D.; de Silva, A.P.; Niriella, M.; Premawardhena, A.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health problem. Iron is the leading cause of liver damage in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (TDT), and data on the contribution of NAFLD to liver damage in TDT is lacking. Forty-five heavily transfused TDT patients who did not have biochemical or ultrasonic evidence of liver cirrhosis were evaluated for effects of iron overload, including the presence of diabetes mellitus, hypogonadism, serum ferritin, R2-MRI-liver, and liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Liver fibrosis and steatosis were estimated using transient elastography (TE). Nine (20%) patients had significant steatosis (S1), and their body mass index (BMI) and liver fibrosis scores were higher than in patients without significant steatosis (S0) (p = 0.03 and p = 0.004, respectively). On regression analysis, the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score (i.e., degree of liver steatosis) was associated only with increasing BMI. The TE score (i.e., degree of liver fibrosis) was associated with increasing age, CAP score, male gender, and presence of diabetes. Neither liver steatosis nor fibrosis showed significant association with the liver iron concentration or iron-related organ damage (hypogonadism). In this cohort of TDT patients, steatosis of the liver, which is associated with increasing BMI, appeared to increase the risk of liver fibrosis.Item Chronic nausea and vomiting: a diagnostic approach(Future Drugs Ltd., 2022) Niriella, M.A.; Jayasena, H.; Withanage, M.; Devanarayana, N.M.; de Silva, A.P.INTRODUCTION: Chronic nausea and vomiting (CNV) are commonly encountered symptoms in medical practice. CNV is the presenting symptom in a variety of gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal disorders. However, in a significant percentage of patients without an obvious underlying cause, CNV poses a significant diagnostic challenge to the evaluating physician. AREAS COVERED: A comprehensive clinical history and physical examination form the foundation for further diagnostic work-up. In the present review, we discuss the diagnostic approach to CNV, highlighting the epidemiology, pathophysiology, causes, and modes of evaluation of this condition. Specific investigations, carefully guided by clinical assessment and tailored for each patient, would be more beneficial in diagnosing CNV than empirically performing a blanket of investigations. EXPERT OPINION: Whilst CNV remains a historically challenging diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma, research into this topic is limited. Hence, there is a growing call for more research into diagnostic modalities for CNV. With scientific advancement and further research, it is hoped that easy-to-use, cheap, noninvasive novel diagnostic modalities for CNV will be available soon.Item Emerging IBD demographics, phenotype and treatment in South Asia, South-East Asia and Middle East: preliminary findings from the IBD-Emerging Nations' Consortium(Blackwell Scientific Publications, 2022) Banerjee, R.; Pal, P.; Hilmi, I.; Ghoshal, U.C.; Desai, D.C.; Rahman, M.M.; Dutta, U.; Mohiuddin, S.A.; Al Mohannadi, M.; Philip, M.; Ramesh, G.N.; Niriella, M.A.; de Silva, A.P.; de Silva, H.J.; Pisespongsa, P.; Limsrivilai, J.; Aniwan, S.; Nawarathne, M.; Fernandopulle, N.; Aye, T.T.; Ni, N.; Al Awadhi, S.; Joshi, N.; Ngoc, P.T.V.; Kieu, T.V.; Nguyen, A.D.; Abdullah, M.; Ali, E.; Zeid, A.; Sollano, J.D.; Saberi, B.; Omar, M.; Mohsin, M.N.; Aftab, H.; Wai, T.M.; Shastri, Y.M.; Chaudhuri, S.; Ahmed, F.; Bhatia, S.J.; Travis, S.P.L.Abstract Background and aims Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is emerging in the newly industrialized countries of South Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East, yet epidemiological data are scarce. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of IBD demographics, disease phenotype and treatment across 38 centers in 15 countries of South Asia, South-East Asia and Middle East. Intergroup comparisons included gross national income (GNI) per capita. Results: Among 10,400 patients, ulcerative colitis (UC) was twice as common as Crohn's disease (CD), with a male predominance (UC 6678, CD 3495, IBD-Unclassified 227, 58% male). Peak age of onset was in the third decade, with a low proportion of elderly onset IBD (5% age >60). Familial IBD was rare (5%). The extent of UC was predominantly distal (proctitis/left sided 67%), with most being treated with mesalamine (94%), steroids (54%), or immunomodulators (31%). Ileocolic CD (43%) was commonest, with low rates of perianal disease (8%) and only 6% smokers. Diagnostic delay for CD was common (median 12 months; IQR 5-30). Treatment of CD included mesalamine, steroids and immunomodulator (61%, 51% and 56% respectively), but a fifth received empirical anti-tubercular therapy. Treatment with biologics was uncommon (4% UC,13% CD) which increased in countries with higher GNI per capita. Surgery rates were 0.1 (UC) and 2 (CD)/100 patient/years. Conclusions: The IBD-ENC cohort provides insight into IBD in South-East Asia and the Middle East, but is not yet population-based. UC is twice as common as CD, familial disease uncommon and rates of surgery are low. Biologic use correlates with per capita GNI.Item The Health Effects of the Combined Use of Protein, Multivitamins and Electrolyte Dietary Supplements on Sri Lankan Athletes: A Pilot Study(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2020) Fernando, P.N.J.; Pigera, S.; Rashani, S.A.N.; Niriella, M.A.; Jayawickreme, S.; de Silva, A.P.INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The combine use of protein, multivitamins and electrolyte dietary supplements daily; multiple supplement (MS), is a common practice among Sri Lankan Athletes. The aim of this study was to determine the relative risk for developing adverse health effects from multiple supplements use. METHOD: A Retrospective Cohort, pilot study was conducted with 45 healthy athletes (23 males and 22 females), age between 22-31. Participants were composed of non-supplement users (n=19) and MS users for 2-5 months’ time (n=25). Their lipid, kidney, liver profiles, full blood count, fasting blood glucose, serum testosterone, urine full report and urine protein/creatinine were tested. Food frequency questionnaire was also filled from each athlete. RESULTS: Increase in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was significantly higher among multiple supplements users than non-users (P<0.05). Relative risk in increasing total cholesterol between 200-240 mg/dL was 8.7, increasing LDL cholesterol between 160-171 mg/dL was 2.9 and being overweight was 1.3, in MS users compared to non-users. Relative Risk in increasing total cholesterol was 2.9 in female and 7.1 in male while increasing LDL cholesterol was 2.3 in female and 4 in male. There were no statistically significant changes in the other parameters studied. CONCLUSION: Combined use of MS between 2-5 months, has a negative effect on the lipid profile of athletes. More pronounced in male. The clinical implication of this finding needs further study.Item The clinical utility of accurate NAFLD ultrasound grading: Results from a community-based, prospective cohort study(Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd, 2021) Niriella, M.A.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Kasturiratne, A.; Gunasekara, D.; de Silva, S.T.; Dassanayake, A.S.; de Silva, A.P.; Kato, N.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; de Silva, H.J.OBJECTIVES: Despite its widespread use there is no consensus on ultrasound criteria to diagnose fatty liver. METHOD: In an ongoing, cohort-study, participants were initially screened in 2007 and reassessed in 2014 by interview, anthropometric measurements, liver ultrasonography, and blood tests. We evaluated utility of increased hepatic echogenicity alone (intermediate) compared to using additional criteria which included signal attenuation and/or vascular blunting along with increase of hepatic echogenicity (moderate-severe), to diagnose fatty liver in NAFLD. We made a comparison of the two radiologically defined groups, in order to choose a classification method for NAFLD, which may better predict baseline adverse metabolic traits (MT), and adverse metabolic and cardiovascular events (CVE) after 7-year of follow-up. RESULTS: Of 2985 recruited in 2007, 940 (31.5 %) had moderate-severe NAFLD, 595 (19.9 %) intermediate NAFLD, and 957 (32.1 %) were controls (no fatty liver). 2148 (71.9 %) attended follow-up in 2014; they included 708 who had moderate-severe NAFLD, 446 intermediate NAFLD and 674 controls, at baseline (in 2007). At baseline, adverse anthropometric indices and MTs were significantly higher in both moderate-severe NAFLD and intermediate NAFLD compared to controls, except for low HDL. They were commoner in moderate-severe NAFLD than in intermediate NAFLD. After seven years, the odds of developing new-onset metabolic traits and CVEs were significantly higher compared to controls only in moderate-severe NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: Only moderate-severe NAFLD predicted risk of incident adverse MTs and CVEs. However, both moderate-severe and intermediate NAFLD were associated with higher prevalence of adverse anthropometric and metabolic traits, thereby identifying individuals who need medical intervention even among those with milder degrees of fatty liver. We therefore recommend using increased hepatic echogenicity, and not only the more stringent criteria (which include signal attenuation and/or vascular blunting), for the diagnosis of fatty liver in individuals with NAFLD. KEYWORDS: Cardiovascular events; Fatty liver; NAFLD; Outcomes; Ultrasonography; Ultrasound criteria.Item Clinical research during the COVID-19 pandemic: Gastroenterology researchers' perspective(BMJ Publishing Group, 2020) Niriella, M.A.; de Silva, A.P.; de Silva, H.A.; de Silva, H.J.No Abstract availableItem Masks in COVID-19: let's unmask the evidence(Taylor & Francis, 2021) de Silva, A.P.; Niriella, M.A.; de Silva, H.J.INTRODUCTION: One of the main issues in the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been the lack of uniformity of recommendations for the usage of face masks. AREAS COVERED : While Asian countries started using masks early during the epidemic, most Western countries were slow to do so. To avoid such situations, clear guidelines, need to be established, not only regarding the use of masks but also the type of mask to suit different situations. In this article, we will examine the types of masks and review the recommendations for their use based on the available evidence for each type of mask. EXPERT OPINION: We explore future needs in research-related mask use in COVID-19 pandemic, improvements to be made in mask design, adopting guidelines for the use of masks and the psycho-social aspects of widespread and prolonged mask use. Keywords: COVID-19; masks; pandemic; prevention; respiratory protection; spread.Item Low-dose melatonin for sleep disturbances in early-stage cirrhosis: A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial(John Wiley & Sons Australia Ltd, 2020) de Silva, A.P.; Niriella, M.A.; Ediriweera, D.S.; de Alwis, J.P.N.; Liyanage, I.K.; Ettickan, U.; Liyanapathirana, K.V.; Undugodage, C.; de Silva, H.A.; de Silva, H.J.BACKGROUND AND AIM: Melatonin is used to treat sleep disturbances (SDs). The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of low-dose melatonin for SDs in early-stage cirrhosis. METHODS: In a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial, patients with early-stage (Child-Turcotte-Pugh [CTP] class A or B) cirrhosis with SDs, without hepatic encephalopathy, were randomized to placebo or 3 mg of melatonin for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, the patients were given a washout period of 1 week and crossed over to melatonin or placebo for a further 2 weeks. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were used to measure sleep quality and daytime sleepiness, respectively. Analysis of results was based on intention to treat, and linear mixed-effect models were used to evaluate the effect of melatonin. Analysis was conducted using R-programming language 3.5.1. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were recruited (mean age: 61.9 ± 8.7 years, males: 46 [64.8%], and CTP Class A = 52 [73.2%] and Class B = 19 [26.8%]). Sixty patients completed the study (mean age: 61.7 ± 8.8 years, males: 40 [66.6%], and CTP Class A = 45 [75.0%] and Class-B = 15 [25.0%]). Two patients dropped out due to adverse events. Nine patients were lost to follow up. Patients given melatonin had a significantly lower PSQI and ESS compared to both pretreatment (P < 0.001) and postplacebo scores (P < 0.001). Incidence of adverse events was similar (two each of abdominal pain, one each of headache, one each of dizziness) in both groups. CONCLUSION: Melatonin seems safe and effective for use in patients with SDs in early-stage cirrhosis in the short term. However, larger and longer-term studies to assess efficacy and safety are required before its clinical use can be recommended. KEYWORDS: cirrhosis; clinical trial; melatonin; sleep disturbances; treatment.Item Identification of dengue patients with high risk of severe disease, using early clinical and laboratory features, in a resource-limited setting(Springer-Verlag., 2020) Niriella, M.A.; Liyanage, I.K.; Udeshika, A.; Liyanapathirana, K.V.; de Silva, A.P.; de Silva, H.J.ABSTRACT: Only a minority of dengue infections lead to plasma leakage (critical phase [CP]). Early identification of the risk for CP is helpful for triage of patients. This study aimed to identify early clinical predictors of CP that will aid in patient triage during early illness. A retrospective, case-record-based analysis was performed on all microbiologically confirmed (NS1-antigen- or dengue-IgM-antibody-positive), dengue patients (n = 697), admitted to our unit from 01.01.2017 to 30.06.2017. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify clinical and laboratory parameters that predicted CP. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression with backward elimination (p < 0.05) was used to identify independent risk factors for CP. CP developed in 226 (32.4%) patients. Mortality was 1.0%. Predictors for CP (p < 0.05) within the first three days included age category 41-50 years (OR = 1.96), females (OR = 2.09), diabetes (OR = 1.30), persistent vomiting (OR = 2.18), platelet count < 120,000/mm-3 (OR = 1.91) and AST > 60 IU/L (OR = 3.72). On multivariate analysis, other variables except diabetes remained significant. Elevated transaminase levels remained the strongest independent predictor of CP (OR 2.83). The absence of all five risk factors excluded CP (negative predictive value: 97.2%). Age 41-50 years, female gender, persistent vomiting, thrombocytopenia, and elevated transaminases were early predictors of CP in dengue fever. The absence of these can be used to identify patients who may not require hospital admission. Elevated transaminase was the strongest predictor of CP during early illness.Item COVID-19 and gastroenterology: clinical insights and recommendations for gastroenterology care providers(Universitetsforlager/Informa Healthcare, 2020) Niriella, M.A.; de Silva, A.P.; Liyanage, K.I.; Sarin, S.K.; de Silva, H.J.ABSTRACT: While the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, we are beginning to understand the role the gastrointestinal tract plays in the disease and the impact of the infection on the care of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases. We review the data and understanding around the virus related to the digestive tract, impact of the pandemic on delivery of GI services and daily gastroenterology clinical practice, and the effects on patients with pre-existing GI diseases. KEYWORDS: COVID-19; gastroenterology; hepatology; pandemic.