Ioana Bica - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Ioana Bica

Research paper thumbnail of Should Treatment of Hepatitis C in HIV‐Seropositive and HIV‐Seronegative Patients with Hemophilia Include Induction Doses of Interferon

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Acute Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Incarcerated Injection Drug Users

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2006

Background. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has emphasized the need for interventi... more Background. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has emphasized the need for interventional programs regarding hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection for injection drug users, the group of persons who are at highest risk of acquiring acute infection.

Research paper thumbnail of Delivering Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus Infection to Incarcerated HIV‐Seropositive Patients

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2005

The increase in morbidity and mortality due to end-stage liver disease has fueled recent guidelin... more The increase in morbidity and mortality due to end-stage liver disease has fueled recent guidelines that recommend consideration of treatment for hepatitis C in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Unfortunately, studies indicate that few patients coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are treated for their underlying hepatitis because of ongoing substance abuse, depression, chaotic lifestyles, homelessness, and perceived nonadherence. The structured environment of the prison system enables clinicians to provide complicated therapies for HCV to HIV-infected patients in combination with substance abuse programs. Furthermore, adherence to and adverse effects of therapy can be closely monitored. Offering treatment for HCV infection during incarceration to HIV-seropositive persons is highly efficient and targets underserved minority patients who have limited access to care in the community.

Research paper thumbnail of HEPATIC SCHISTOSOMIASIS

Infectious Disease Clinics of North America, 2000

Schistosomiasis is a major, worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality. Disease from the organism... more Schistosomiasis is a major, worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality. Disease from the organism Schistosoma mansoni results from egg deposition in the liver, intestines, and other organs and is associated with an intense, granulomatous response from the human host. Clinical manifestations range from mild to severe intestinal forms, and hepatosplenic schistosomiasis, which is associated with hepatic fibrosis, portal hypertension, esophageal varices, and splenomegaly. This article presents information about the epidemiology, immunopathogenesis and clinical aspects of the disease, the relationship between hepatic schistosomiasis and viral infections, diagnosis, therapy, and control strategies for schistosomiasis.

Research paper thumbnail of Risk of HAART therapy in hepatitis C

Research paper thumbnail of 595 Acute hepatitis C (HCV) in incarcerated patients with history of intravenous drug use (IDU

Hepatology, 2003

Host-associated factors are involved in the development of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and the effi... more Host-associated factors are involved in the development of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and the efficiency of interferon therapy. Cytokine is important as a host factor, and differences in cytokine production may be related to polymorphisms in the cytokine genes themselves or genes, which regulate cytokine gene transcription. To investigate the influence of genomic background in chronic liver disease, the polymorphisms of TNF and IL-10 gene were studied. (Patients and Methods) We analyzed 60 healthy subjects (control) and 104 HCV patients. The patients were divided into five groups according to fibrosis grade from liver biopsy (F classification) and CT scan. Twenty seven patients had F1, 21 F2,15 F3, and 18 F4, and 23 patients hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fifty patients received interferon or interferon and ribavirin combined therapy. TNF-alpha promoter region at -238, -308, and TNF-beta Ncol polymorphism site were studied. Also, the polymorphisms of IL-10 promoter region at -592, -819, -1082 were studied. Results: 1) The polymorphisms of TNF-alpha promoter region at-238, -308 were no different among the groups. 2) As for the TNF-beta Ncol polymorphism site, the frequency of B1/B1 homozygotes of F1 patients was significantly increased ( F1 29.6%, F2 14.3%, F3 7.1%, F4 5.6%, HCC 8.7%).

Research paper thumbnail of Managing Symptomatic Drug‐Induced Liver Injury in HIV–Hepatitis C Virus–Coinfected Patients: A Role for Interferon

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2007

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection are... more Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection are at increased risk for drug-induced liver injury (DILI) compared with patients with HIV infection alone. The mechanism underlying this observation is unknown. We hypothesized that interferon (IFN) would induce biochemical improvement through its anti-inflammatory properties and thereby facilitate the reintroduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in patients with DILI. Patients with symptomatic DILI were referred for evaluation; biopsy of a liver sample was performed for all patients, except 1 with clinical cirrhosis. Twelve patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and symptomatic grade 3/4 hepatotoxicity received treatment with IFN and ribavirin (RBV). Seven of these patients had a history of recurrent DILI. The mean baseline CD4(+) T cell counts and HIV RNA levels were 124 cells/mm(3) and 115,369 copies/mL, respectively. Biopsies of liver samples demonstrated significant necroinflammation (mean grade, 10.3) and fibrosis (mean stage, 2.9). Three patients continued to receive ART when they began treatment with IFN-RBV; 9 reinitiated ART within an average of 12 weeks (range, 4-20 weeks) of HCV treatment initiation. All patients attained marked improvement in aminotransferases and continued to receive ART treatment during a mean follow-up regimen of 26.5 months, with subsequent virologic suppression and immunologic reconstitution (mean CD4(+) cell count increase, 251/mm(3)). However, only 1 patient maintained HCV suppression after completion of treatment with IFN-RBV. In patients with symptomatic DILI, treatment with IFN-ribavirin (RBV) led to decreases in aminotransferase levels, which enabled the reinitiation of ART. The beneficial effects of IFN-based therapy may be modulated through the suppression of proinflammatory cytokines, even in virologic nonresponders. Herein, we propose a novel mechanism for DILI, whereby HCV- and HIV-associated inflammatory mediators induce liver injury synergistically.

Research paper thumbnail of Increasing Mortality Due to End‐Stage Liver Disease in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2001

Featured in New York Times "Searching the Web for Flu Outbreaks" November 28, 2... more Featured in New York Times "Searching the Web for Flu Outbreaks" November 28, 2008 Using Internet Searches for Influenza Surveillance Philip M. Polgreen, Yiling Chen, David M. Pennock, and Forrest D. Nelson One study, published ...

Research paper thumbnail of Reply to Alder and Eisenstein

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Daptomycin‐Resistant, Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2005

We describe a patient who developed daptomycin-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus au... more We describe a patient who developed daptomycin-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) during an episode of presumed septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein. Although daptomycin is an alternative agent for treatment of drug-resistant gram-positive bacterial infections, development of resistance during prolonged use may occur with MRSA bacteremia from a persistent focus.

Research paper thumbnail of Should Treatment of Hepatitis C in HIV‐Seropositive and HIV‐Seronegative Patients with Hemophilia Include Induction Doses of Interferon

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Acute Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Incarcerated Injection Drug Users

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2006

Background. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has emphasized the need for interventi... more Background. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has emphasized the need for interventional programs regarding hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection for injection drug users, the group of persons who are at highest risk of acquiring acute infection.

Research paper thumbnail of Delivering Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus Infection to Incarcerated HIV‐Seropositive Patients

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2005

The increase in morbidity and mortality due to end-stage liver disease has fueled recent guidelin... more The increase in morbidity and mortality due to end-stage liver disease has fueled recent guidelines that recommend consideration of treatment for hepatitis C in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Unfortunately, studies indicate that few patients coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are treated for their underlying hepatitis because of ongoing substance abuse, depression, chaotic lifestyles, homelessness, and perceived nonadherence. The structured environment of the prison system enables clinicians to provide complicated therapies for HCV to HIV-infected patients in combination with substance abuse programs. Furthermore, adherence to and adverse effects of therapy can be closely monitored. Offering treatment for HCV infection during incarceration to HIV-seropositive persons is highly efficient and targets underserved minority patients who have limited access to care in the community.

Research paper thumbnail of HEPATIC SCHISTOSOMIASIS

Infectious Disease Clinics of North America, 2000

Schistosomiasis is a major, worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality. Disease from the organism... more Schistosomiasis is a major, worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality. Disease from the organism Schistosoma mansoni results from egg deposition in the liver, intestines, and other organs and is associated with an intense, granulomatous response from the human host. Clinical manifestations range from mild to severe intestinal forms, and hepatosplenic schistosomiasis, which is associated with hepatic fibrosis, portal hypertension, esophageal varices, and splenomegaly. This article presents information about the epidemiology, immunopathogenesis and clinical aspects of the disease, the relationship between hepatic schistosomiasis and viral infections, diagnosis, therapy, and control strategies for schistosomiasis.

Research paper thumbnail of Risk of HAART therapy in hepatitis C

Research paper thumbnail of 595 Acute hepatitis C (HCV) in incarcerated patients with history of intravenous drug use (IDU

Hepatology, 2003

Host-associated factors are involved in the development of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and the effi... more Host-associated factors are involved in the development of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and the efficiency of interferon therapy. Cytokine is important as a host factor, and differences in cytokine production may be related to polymorphisms in the cytokine genes themselves or genes, which regulate cytokine gene transcription. To investigate the influence of genomic background in chronic liver disease, the polymorphisms of TNF and IL-10 gene were studied. (Patients and Methods) We analyzed 60 healthy subjects (control) and 104 HCV patients. The patients were divided into five groups according to fibrosis grade from liver biopsy (F classification) and CT scan. Twenty seven patients had F1, 21 F2,15 F3, and 18 F4, and 23 patients hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fifty patients received interferon or interferon and ribavirin combined therapy. TNF-alpha promoter region at -238, -308, and TNF-beta Ncol polymorphism site were studied. Also, the polymorphisms of IL-10 promoter region at -592, -819, -1082 were studied. Results: 1) The polymorphisms of TNF-alpha promoter region at-238, -308 were no different among the groups. 2) As for the TNF-beta Ncol polymorphism site, the frequency of B1/B1 homozygotes of F1 patients was significantly increased ( F1 29.6%, F2 14.3%, F3 7.1%, F4 5.6%, HCC 8.7%).

Research paper thumbnail of Managing Symptomatic Drug‐Induced Liver Injury in HIV–Hepatitis C Virus–Coinfected Patients: A Role for Interferon

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2007

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection are... more Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection are at increased risk for drug-induced liver injury (DILI) compared with patients with HIV infection alone. The mechanism underlying this observation is unknown. We hypothesized that interferon (IFN) would induce biochemical improvement through its anti-inflammatory properties and thereby facilitate the reintroduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in patients with DILI. Patients with symptomatic DILI were referred for evaluation; biopsy of a liver sample was performed for all patients, except 1 with clinical cirrhosis. Twelve patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and symptomatic grade 3/4 hepatotoxicity received treatment with IFN and ribavirin (RBV). Seven of these patients had a history of recurrent DILI. The mean baseline CD4(+) T cell counts and HIV RNA levels were 124 cells/mm(3) and 115,369 copies/mL, respectively. Biopsies of liver samples demonstrated significant necroinflammation (mean grade, 10.3) and fibrosis (mean stage, 2.9). Three patients continued to receive ART when they began treatment with IFN-RBV; 9 reinitiated ART within an average of 12 weeks (range, 4-20 weeks) of HCV treatment initiation. All patients attained marked improvement in aminotransferases and continued to receive ART treatment during a mean follow-up regimen of 26.5 months, with subsequent virologic suppression and immunologic reconstitution (mean CD4(+) cell count increase, 251/mm(3)). However, only 1 patient maintained HCV suppression after completion of treatment with IFN-RBV. In patients with symptomatic DILI, treatment with IFN-ribavirin (RBV) led to decreases in aminotransferase levels, which enabled the reinitiation of ART. The beneficial effects of IFN-based therapy may be modulated through the suppression of proinflammatory cytokines, even in virologic nonresponders. Herein, we propose a novel mechanism for DILI, whereby HCV- and HIV-associated inflammatory mediators induce liver injury synergistically.

Research paper thumbnail of Increasing Mortality Due to End‐Stage Liver Disease in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2001

Featured in New York Times "Searching the Web for Flu Outbreaks" November 28, 2... more Featured in New York Times "Searching the Web for Flu Outbreaks" November 28, 2008 Using Internet Searches for Influenza Surveillance Philip M. Polgreen, Yiling Chen, David M. Pennock, and Forrest D. Nelson One study, published ...

Research paper thumbnail of Reply to Alder and Eisenstein

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Daptomycin‐Resistant, Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2005

We describe a patient who developed daptomycin-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus au... more We describe a patient who developed daptomycin-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) during an episode of presumed septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein. Although daptomycin is an alternative agent for treatment of drug-resistant gram-positive bacterial infections, development of resistance during prolonged use may occur with MRSA bacteremia from a persistent focus.