Francesco Paolo Russo

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This study looked at patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) to understand how often they also have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and how these conditions affect liver health. Among 1,709 patients, 42.3% had MASLD, which was linked to a higher risk of serious liver damage (or fibrosis)—18% of all patients had advanced fibrosis, with the rate rising to 25.4% for those with MASLD. The findings highlight that factors like body mass index, diabetes, and certain blood markers can help identify patients at risk for MASLD and liver fibrosis, which is important for treatment planning. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic hepatitis B, as well as their doctors in managing their care.

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This study looked at how effective noninvasive tests (NITs) are for identifying advanced liver disease in 18,759 adults diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) from 41 countries. They found that 37% of these patients had advanced fibrosis, with the tests performing differently based on age and the presence of obesity or type 2 diabetes. For example, the test called FIB-4 was less accurate in older people compared to younger ones, while another test, LSM, showed more consistent results across different groups. Who this helps: This research helps doctors better assess patients with MASLD, especially older adults and those with obesity or diabetes.

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This study focused on the impact of rare gene variations in the APOB gene on liver diseases, specifically a condition called advanced metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and liver cancer. Researchers found that individuals with these APOB variants were significantly more likely to develop severe liver disease (about 14 times more likely) and had a higher risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer, with risks increasing by 1.82 and 3.53 times, respectively. Understanding these genetic factors can help identify people at a higher risk of severe liver conditions, allowing for earlier intervention and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver disease and their doctors by improving risk assessment and management strategies.

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This research paper looked at how liver function affects the treatment of liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It found that understanding liver health is crucial when deciding on treatments like surgery or chemotherapy, emphasizing tools like the Child-Pugh classification and MELD score to evaluate patients' liver function. This matters because it helps doctors tailor cancer treatments to avoid harming the liver and improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver cancer by improving their treatment options.

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This study looked at how well liver stiffness measurements (LSM) and blood test results predict serious complications in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Researchers analyzed data from 1,793 PBC patients and found that 3.3% experienced liver failure over a median of 22 months. They discovered that the latest liver stiffness measurement was a strong predictor of liver-related issues, even when blood test results were mixed, meaning that doctors can rely more on the most recent LSM for assessing patient risk. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and medical teams caring for patients with primary biliary cholangitis.

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This study looked at how the tumor burden score (TBS) can predict the likelihood of cancer spreading beyond the liver in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who received a specific treatment called transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Among 890 patients, 7.2% had cancer spread shortly after treatment, but this rose to 26.1% during follow-up; those with a higher TBS (above 3.66) were more likely to see cancer spread, with 10.4% facing it first compared to just 3.6% for those with a lower score. Understanding TBS can help doctors identify which patients are at higher risk for the cancer spreading, allowing for better monitoring and treatment plans. Who this helps: This helps doctors in assessing and managing the risk for patients with liver cancer.

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This study looked at liver cancer deaths in the U.S. from 1999 to 2023 and found that a total of 534,526 people died from liver cancer, with 353,968 deaths in men and 180,588 in women. Male deaths from liver cancer peaked around 2013 and started to decline after 2017, while female deaths have continued to increase, with a notable rise in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) among women and younger adults, making up 44% of liver cancer deaths in women by 2023. Understanding these trends is important because it highlights the need for better prevention and screening, particularly for women and younger populations. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially women and younger adults at risk for liver cancer, as well as healthcare providers.

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Researchers in Italy studied the effectiveness of screening hospital patients for hepatitis C (HCV) during 2022 to find more people needing treatment. Out of nearly 11,000 tested patients, 530 (about 4.8%) showed they had been exposed to the virus, and 109 (1%) had an active infection. Notably, 77% of those with active infections were outside the current recommended age range for free testing, indicating that hospitals could play a crucial role in finding additional patients who need care. Who this helps: This helps patients who have hepatitis C but may not be receiving treatment due to current screening guidelines.

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This study looked at a tool called thrombomodulin-modified thrombin generation (TM-TG) to see if it could help predict bleeding risks in patients with liver cirrhosis. Researchers followed 231 patients with varying conditions of cirrhosis for about 414 days, and found that 11 patients had bleeding during procedures, all of whom had a specific TM-TG level below 350 nmol/L·min. The results showed that lower TM-TG levels could help identify patients at risk for major bleeding, which is important for safety during medical procedures. Who this helps: This research helps doctors better assess bleeding risks in patients with advanced liver disease.

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This study looked at how well tests for misfolded alpha-synuclein, a protein linked to Parkinson's disease, work in samples taken from the stomach, duodenum (part of the small intestine), and skin of patients at different stages of the disease. The findings showed that skin biopsies had a high accuracy of 87.7%, while gastric biopsies were 80.0% accurate, and duodenal biopsies were less accurate at 67.4%. This matters because it helps doctors understand how widespread Parkinson's disease is in the body and could improve diagnosis, especially in patients with more advanced stages of the disease. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing better diagnostic tools for assessing Parkinson's disease.

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This study looked at the long-term health outcomes of over 2,300 patients with a type of liver disease who were cured of hepatitis C (HCV). Researchers found that after an average of six years, 3.6% of these patients experienced severe liver failure, while 7.8% developed cancer in the liver. The findings highlight that patients remain at risk for serious complications even years after treatment, but doctors can use specific non-invasive tests to better predict which patients are at higher risk. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients with chronic liver disease who have undergone HCV treatment.

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This study looked at hospitalized patients with cirrhosis but without liver cancer to understand how often they develop symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition where blood clots form in the veins. Out of 687 patients studied, 34 (4.9%) experienced VTE during their hospital stay. The researchers identified several risk factors, including male gender, acute kidney injury, bacterial infections, and reduced mobility, and created a new prediction model called CiThroModel that better identifies patients at risk of VTE compared to existing models. Who this helps: This helps doctors identify at-risk patients and improve their treatment during hospitalization.

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This study examined how the blood clotting and dissolving processes work in patients with liver damage known as cirrhosis. Researchers found that these patients have a lower ability to dissolve blood clots, and as the severity of liver disease increases, their capacity to generate a key protein needed for clot breakdown decreases. The study included 101 patients and 20 healthy individuals, revealing that cirrhosis patients experience a troubling imbalance that makes them more likely to form clots, despite having some normal clotting functions. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with liver disease, helping doctors better understand their risks for blood clots.

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This research studied patients with chronic hepatitis B who received liver transplants over 30 years at a hospital in Italy. It found that 1-year and 5-year survival rates after transplantation were 87.6% and 82.6%, respectively, and that using certain antiviral medications significantly reduced patient mortality. The results indicate that hepatitis B has remained a major reason for liver transplants, with improved outcomes thanks to better treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients with hepatitis B needing liver transplants.

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This paper discusses the practice of combining liver transplantation with other organ transplants, like heart or kidney transplants, for patients with multiple organ failures. It reports that when patients are carefully selected, they can have better survival rates, although the complex procedures carry significant risks and ethical challenges, particularly around how to fairly allocate organs. The authors stress the need for standardized protocols and better teamwork among healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes and ensure fair access to transplants. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing multi-organ transplants and the doctors managing their care.

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This study looked at patients with advanced liver disease who were cured of hepatitis C and examined how many of them improved their liver condition, a process called recompensation. Out of over 2,500 patients, 133 (or about 36.6%) achieved this recompensation after treatment, which significantly reduced their risk of dying from liver-related issues and developing blood clots in the portal vein, though their risk of liver cancer remained high. This is important because it shows that curing hepatitis C can improve survival and reduce other complications, even if it doesn’t lower the risk of liver cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with hepatitis C and liver disease.

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This study looked at a new way to help patients with severe liver disease get access to liver transplants and receive ongoing care after surgery. The program connected hospitals in Trento and Padua from 2020 to 2023, allowing 27 patients to be referred for transplants, with 22% actually receiving a transplant. Meanwhile, 70% of stable liver transplant recipients who returned for follow-up care at their local hospital had medical issues, but most were managed well there, showing that this system is effective for ongoing patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver disease and liver transplant recipients.

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This study examined how complications and death rates in people with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis changed over a decade in northeastern Italy, including before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that the risk of developing serious complications like fluid buildup in the abdomen and liver failure decreased by 14% from 2013 to 2020, particularly among those with hepatitis C—a virus causing liver disease. However, deaths related to alcohol consumption remained stable or even increased during the pandemic, indicating ongoing challenges for patients with alcohol-related liver issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic liver diseases, especially those with hepatitis C, and highlights the need for better care for those with alcohol-related conditions.

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This study looked at how a sustained virological response (SVR) to treatment affects patients with severe liver damage from Hepatitis C. Researchers found that 91.2% of the 914 patients achieved SVR, and those who did had a lower risk of serious liver-related problems—47.5% experienced these issues compared to 58.6% of those who did not achieve SVR. This information is important because it shows that treating Hepatitis C can lead to better health outcomes for patients with less severe liver damage. Who this helps: This helps patients with Hepatitis C who have decompensated cirrhosis.

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This study looked at how well non-invasive tests (NITs) can detect liver damage in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) from different parts of the world. Researchers analyzed data from 17,792 MASLD patients and found that about 13% had severe liver damage (cirrhosis). The best-performing tests were the Agile-3+ and Agile-4 scores, especially effective in predicting serious liver conditions, with the accuracy of Agile-4 reaching up to 96% in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Who this helps: This benefits patients with MASLD by providing more accurate ways to assess their liver health.

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This study examined the establishment of a Clinical Pharmacy Ambulatory (CPA) in a large hospital in Italy over two years. The program helped over 2,200 patients, improved medication history tracking by 12%, and generated 670 therapeutic recommendations that were accepted by doctors more than 70% of the time. This is important because it shows that pharmacist-led services can enhance medication management and teamwork among healthcare providers, which can lead to better patient care. Who this helps: Patients and doctors benefit from improved medication management and better healthcare collaboration.

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This study looked at advanced liver fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Among nearly 18,000 patients, 35% had advanced fibrosis, and factors like older age, type 2 diabetes (which increased from 28% in patients with no fibrosis to 70% in those with severe fibrosis), and obesity predicted this condition. Importantly, the study found that advanced fibrosis is linked to a higher risk of death and liver-related health issues, with a five-year mortality rate of 8.3% for those with cirrhosis. Who this helps: This research helps patients with MASLD and healthcare providers by highlighting critical risk factors and the importance of monitoring liver health.

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This study looked at the ongoing issues in liver transplantation, focusing on the need to increase organ donors and improve the long-term health of transplant patients. It highlighted that more awareness and willingness to donate organs is essential, as well as better understanding of the outcomes after surgery. The authors emphasized that refining how doctors evaluate donor organs and enhancing monitoring methods for patients after surgery could lead to better survival rates. Who this helps: This helps patients needing liver transplants and healthcare professionals involved in organ donation and transplantation.

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This study looked at how to prevent the recurrence of hepatitis B (HBV) in patients who received a liver transplant for liver disease caused by HBV, focusing specifically on those with liver cancer. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,200 liver transplant recipients in Italy between 2010 and 2021 and found that using a combination of treatments (lifelong hepatitis B immunoglobulin plus nucleos(t)ide analogues) effectively reduced HBV recurrence to only 2.1% for patients without cancer and 3.1% for those with cancer. Importantly, while HBV recurrence was low and did not affect survival for non-cancer patients, it was linked to a higher risk of cancer recurrence in patients who had liver cancer, with a rate of 10.8%. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing liver transplantation, especially those dealing with HBV and liver cancer.

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This study looked at how treating Hepatitis C affects patients with advanced liver cancer who are receiving a specific combination therapy (Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab). Researchers found that patients who treated their Hepatitis C at the same time or before starting cancer treatment (Group A) lived longer—about 42.8 months—compared to those still infected (Group C), who lived about 19.7 months. Successful Hepatitis C treatment not only helped extend their survival but also reduced complications related to liver disease. Who this helps: This research is beneficial for patients with Hepatitis C and advanced liver cancer, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a new way to detect and predict outcomes for patients with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC) by analyzing small pieces of DNA found in their blood. Researchers examined DNA from 60 patients and found that 21.7% of those with HCC showed signs of aggressive cancer behavior, which was related to poorer survival rates—patients with detectable DNA in their blood lived around 17 months on average, while those without it lived about 24 months. This research is important because it highlights a non-invasive method to better identify patients who are at higher risk and may need more urgent treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver cancer and their doctors by providing better tools for urgent care decisions.

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This study looked at patients in Italy who had both hepatitis D virus (HDV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and were on the liver transplant waiting list from 2011 to 2020. Among 1,731 patients, those with both infections had a better chance of surviving five years after transplant (83.2%) than those with only HBV (71.6%). This is important because it shows that patients with both viruses can have positive outcomes and might not need as complicated treatment plans after their transplants. Who this helps: This benefits patients with hepatitis D and B, as well as healthcare providers managing their care.

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This study looked at how different regions around the world allocate livers for transplantation, particularly focusing on special cases known as MELD exceptions for patients with certain liver cancers. It found that there are significant differences in how countries manage these exceptions and that understanding these variations can help improve liver transplant policies and outcomes. This matters because better allocation systems can lead to more successful transplants and save more lives. Who this helps: Patients in need of liver transplants and healthcare providers involved in liver transplantation.

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This study looked at the number of people in Italy with chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) and Delta virus (CHD) in 2024, using information from healthcare records and surveys. They found that about 112,000 adults have chronic Hepatitis B and around 9,360 have chronic Delta virus. This information is important for health officials as it helps them make informed decisions about healthcare policies and resources to manage these infections. Who this helps: Patients with Hepatitis B and Delta virus, as well as healthcare providers and policymakers.

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This study looked at the differences between men and women who have hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infections, which can cause severe liver issues. Researchers analyzed data from 513 patients and found that 73.4% of men and 77.8% of women had cirrhosis, a serious liver condition. However, younger women, especially those from non-Italian backgrounds, were more likely to develop cirrhosis compared to younger men; 80.9% of younger females had cirrhosis, compared to only 16.1% of younger males. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers by providing insights for better treatment for both men and women with HDV.

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This study looked at how well children who have had liver or kidney transplants respond to COVID-19 vaccinations compared to adults who have had similar transplants. Researchers found that children had much higher levels of antibodies against the virus both 7 weeks (average of 114,220) and 32 weeks (average of 46,113) after vaccination, compared to adults (averages of 8,757 and 8,207, respectively). This is important because it shows that the vaccine is effective in protecting children with organ transplants, which may help reduce fears about vaccinating these vulnerable patients. Who this helps: This helps pediatric organ transplant recipients and their families.

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This study looked at a blood factor called Factor XI (FXI) in patients with cirrhosis to see if it could predict issues like blood clots, bleeding, and liver failure. Researchers examined 183 patients and found that FXI levels were lower in those with more severe liver disease, but low FXI did not lead to bleeding or worsen liver conditions. Instead, bleeding was tied to factors like platelet count, while liver failure was linked to low albumin and platelet counts. Who this helps: This information helps doctors treat patients with cirrhosis by clarifying the role of FXI in their condition.

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This study looked at how social and economic factors affect liver transplantation for both children and adults. It found that children from low-income communities are less likely to get referred for a transplant and face worse outcomes after surgery, while adults in disadvantaged areas have a higher chance of not starting the transplant process at all. For instance, children from deprived backgrounds are 32% more likely to have transplant failures and Black recipients face a 21% higher risk of dying after surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits patients waiting for liver transplants, particularly those from low-income and minority backgrounds.

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This study looked at 134 patients waiting for liver transplants to see how their mental and emotional health, measured using a tool called SIPAT, affects their recovery after the surgery. It found that patients with high SIPAT scores, indicating poorer psychosocial health, were more likely to have severe liver problems and to struggle with following their medication plan after the transplant. Specifically, patients with liver disease due to alcohol were more affected, leading to a greater chance of organ rejection and other issues after the surgery. Who this helps: Patients with severe liver disease, especially those with an alcohol-related diagnosis, will benefit from support that addresses their mental health needs before transplantation.

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This research studied the use of liver donations from HBsAg-positive donors, who are infected with hepatitis B, to increase the number of available organs for transplantation. Out of 135 participating liver transplant centers, 40% reported that using these donors was allowed, and only about 31% had actually used them, despite high waitlist mortality in some regions. This finding highlights that HBsAg-positive donors are not being fully utilized, which could help address the severe shortage of liver organs, especially in areas where hepatitis B is common. Who this helps: This helps patients waiting for liver transplants.

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This study looked at tissue samples from the intestines of people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) to better understand how the immune system is involved in the disease. The research included 44 participants, with 20 in advanced stages of PD, 6 in early stages, and 18 healthy individuals as comparisons. It found that immune cell activity, especially certain types of T- and B-cells, was higher in patients with PD, suggesting their involvement in the disease process which worsens as PD progresses. This research highlights the gut's potential role as a target for new treatments, especially early on. Who this helps: This helps patients with Parkinson's Disease and researchers seeking new treatment options.

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This study looked at frailty and muscle loss in 105 patients with liver disease who were waiting for a liver transplant, including some with cancer. They found that 36.5% of patients without cancer were frail, and frail patients had a higher rate of severe liver disease and a notably increased risk of dying while waiting for a transplant (17% of them died in about 9 months). This matters because understanding frailty can help identify patients at greater risk and improve care for those awaiting a transplant. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver disease and their doctors by highlighting the importance of assessing frailty.

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This study looked at how well certain scores can predict graft loss (the failure of the transplanted liver) and death in patients who develop recurrent primary biliary cholangitis (rPBC) after receiving a liver transplant. Out of 332 patients followed for an average of 8.7 years, 16% experienced graft loss and 31% died. The researchers found that specific factors, such as disease activity and certain risk scores, were associated with worse outcomes, highlighting the need for effective treatment of rPBC as soon as it occurs. Who this helps: This benefits patients who have undergone liver transplants and healthcare providers working to manage their care.

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This study looked at how changes in liver stiffness measurements (LSM) relate to serious health issues in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a liver disease. The researchers followed 3,078 patients over several years and found that 59% showed an increase in liver stiffness. They discovered that an increase in LSM raised the risk of serious complications from 21.9 to over 25 per 1,000 patients annually, while a decrease in LSM lowered the risk significantly. Who this helps: This helps patients with primary biliary cholangitis and their doctors track disease progression more effectively.

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This study looked at patients needing liver transplants in Italy, comparing those with a condition called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) to those without it. Out of nearly 13,200 patients, the number with MASLD waiting for a transplant rose significantly, from 9.5% in 2012 to 11.8% in 2022, and they faced a higher risk of dying while waiting (1.62 times more than those without MASLD). This research highlights the importance of recognizing and prioritizing patients with MASLD on waiting lists to help improve their chances of survival and success after transplant. Who this helps: Patients with MASLD who are waiting for a liver transplant.

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This study examined patients with chronic Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection in Italy, focusing on their health profiles and whether they could qualify for certain treatments. Out of 5,492 patients tested, 422 (10.2%) were found to be positive for HDV, with many of these patients being younger and having existing liver conditions like cirrhosis or cancer. The findings highlight that a significant number of patients have other health issues that could limit their treatment options, particularly affecting 53% of them. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic Hepatitis D and their doctors by providing insights into treatment eligibility and the prevalence of other health problems.