Caracterización clínica y epidemiológica de los pacientes con hepatitis alcohólica en el Hospital Regional de Talca: estudio retrospectivo de 5 años (2017-2022) / Clinical and epidemiological characterisation of patients with alcoholic hepatitis in the Regional Hospital of Talca - 5-year retrospective study (2017-2022)

Alcoholic Hepatitis (HA) represent to one of the pathological entities in the context of liver damage associated with excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption. Despite its high mortality, making the early diagnosis is still a challenge for physicians. The local information of this pathology is limited, so this work consists of conducting a retrospective study on the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients diagnosed with HA at the Regional Hospital of Talca (HRT); in order to make available to the treating doctors, the greatest amount of data contributing to decision-making for the benefit of patients. Methods: The clinical records of all patients discharged from the HRT with a diagnosis of HA during the period between January 2017 and August 2022 were reviewed. Background information such as: chief complaint, main symptoms, comorbidities, laboratory tests, treatment, evolution and survival, etc., was collected for analysis and to obtain the conclusions presented. Results: A total of 16 patients were studied; 93.75 % were male and 6.24 % female; with a mean age of 52. Of the patients, 87.5 % had a history of DHC. All had alcohol abuse for more than 5 years and 93.75% had active alcoholism. The most frequent laboratory findings included hyperbilirubinaemia (93.75 %), GOT/GPT ratio >2 (50 %) and leukocytosis (56.25 %). Of the total patients studied, 68.75% had a survival of more than 1 year after the event, while 12.5% died during hospitalisation.

Trasplante en la enfermedad hepática por alcohol / Transplantation for alcohol-related liver disease

La enfermedad hepática por alcohol es una de las enfermedades hepáticas más prevalentes en todo el mundo, y una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad. La enfermedad puede progresar desde estadios leves, como el hígado graso alcohólico, hasta condiciones severas que incluyen cirrosis y, en algunos casos, carcinoma hepatocelular. A su vez, la esteatohepatitis alcohólica grave es una presentación aguda de la enfermedad hepática por alcohol asociada con una alta mortalidad. A pesar del tratamiento, entre el 30% y el 50% de los pacientes con hepatitis alcohólica grave finalmente fallecen. En los casos de enfermedad avanzada, el trasplante hepático puede ser la única opción para la supervivencia del paciente. El trasplante por hepatitis alcohólica ha sido un tema controvertido, y algunos países todavía aplican la "regla de los 6 meses", en la que se requiere este tiempo de abstinencia de alcohol antes de la cirugía. Estudios recientes recomiendan el trasplante de hígado en casos de hepatitis alcohólica grave que no responden a las terapias médicas, incluso sin el período de abstinencia requerido, ya que la mayoría de estos pacientes fallecen antes de 6 meses. Se requieren más estudios para apoyar la selección de los pacientes idóneos para trasplante hepático con un periodo de abstinencia menor de 6 meses. La prevención y el tratamiento de la enfermedad hepática alcohólica debe ser integral, con un abordaje multidisciplinario que incluya el manejo de la dependencia al consumo de alcohol, al igual que el manejo farmacológico o quirúrgico, de acuerdo con la necesidad de cada paciente.

Alcoholic liver disease is one of the most prevalent liver diseases worldwide, and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The disease can progress from mild stages, such as alcoholic fatty liver, to severe conditions including cirrhosis, and in some cases hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, severe alcohol steatohepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis can lead to alcoholic hepatitis, which is an acute presentation of alcoholic liver disease associated with high mortality. Despite treatment, between 30% and 50% of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis eventually die. In the case of advanced disease, liver transplantation may be the only option for patient survival. Transplantation for alcoholic hepatitis has been a controversial topic, and some countries still apply the "6-month rule", in which this time of alcohol abstinence is required prior to surgery. Emerging studies are recommending liver transplantation in severe alcoholic hepatitis not responding to medical therapies even without the required abstinence period, since the majority of these patients would die within 6 months. Further studies are needed to help refine the selection of suitable patients who have been abstinent for less than 6 months. Prevention and treatment of alcoholic liver disease must be comprehensive, with a multidisciplinary approach that includes the management of alcohol dependence, as well as pharmacological or surgical options according to the needs of each patient.

Estudios de la naturaleza de la Efectividad y Dirección Funcional de Suplemento Biológicamente Activo en el Tratamiento Integral de la Hepatitis Alcohólica Aguda / Nature Studies of the Effectiveness and Functional Direction of Biologically Active Supplement in Comprehensive Treatment of Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis

The article examines the influence of the Biologically Active Dietary Supplement (BADS) "Oleopren Hepa" as a hepatoprotective effect in the comprehensive treatment of acute alcoholic hepatitis. During the study, the authors obtained evidence of the effectiveness and functional orientation of the BADS. The materials for the research are the data obtained during the examination and treatment of 60 patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis. All examined patients were divided into 2 groups: 1st group (main), which received dietary supplements; the 2nd group (control) who did not receive this supplement. The average age of patients was 38.7 ± 9.3 years. The study was carried out based on the gastroenterological department of the city clinical hospital. As a result of the use of BADS in the comprehensive therapy of patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis, hepatomegaly was significantly reduced, and a decrease in the levels of total bilirubin, AsAt, AlAT, GGTP and cholesterol was observed. Additional intake of a specialized product enhanced the hepatoprotective effect of the main treatment. According to the tested biochemical parameters, the dynamics were better than in the control group. The use of the BADS, in addition to comprehensive therapy, increases the effectiveness of treatment of acute alcoholic hepatitis.

Diferentes sistemas de pontuação na pancreatite alcoólica aguda: qual a seguir? Um dilema em curso / Different scoring systems in acute alcoholic pancreatitis: which one to follow? an ongoing dilema

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis is a common disorder in medical practice. In recent times, management has changed drastically with majority of decisions like intravenous antibiotics, negative suction with Ryle's tube and surgical interventions like necrosectomy etc based on severity of the disease. There are different scores in use to assess severity of disease but the relative efficacy has remained a debatable subject. OBJECTIVE: The present study was thus done to investigate the predictive accuracy of different scoring systems in acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Fifty patients of acute pancreatitis admitted in medicine ward of Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, India, were taken for study after fulfilling eligibility criteria. These patients were investigated at admission and followed up prospectively. The severity of pancreatitis was classified for each of these patients as per Revised Atlanta System of Classification. Commonly used scoring systems pertaining to acute pancreatitis, viz, BISAP, Ranson, APACHE II and modified computed tomography severity index (CTSI) were calculated. Subsequently these scores were then correlated with severity, presence of organ failure, occurrence of local complications and final outcome of the patients. RESULTS: Out of 50 patients, etiology was chronic alcohol intake in all but one with idiopathic pancreatitis. The mean age of the study population was 42.06±13.27 years. 32% of these patients had pancreatic necrosis, 40% had peripancreatic collections. 56% of them had mild acute pancreatitis, 24% had moderately severe acute pancreatitis, while 20% had severe acute pancreatitis. APACHE II had the highest accuracy in predicting severity, organ failure and fatal outcomes. As far as these parameters were concerned, the negative predictive values of BISAP score were also considerable. Modified CTSI score was accurate in predicting local complications but had limited accuracy in other predictions. CONCLUSION: APACHE II emerged as most reliable scoring system followed by BISAP and Ranson in management of the patients with acute pancreatitis. But in constraints of time and resources, even BISAP score with its significant negative predictive values served as a valuable tool for assessing and managing these patients.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A pancreatite aguda é uma desordem comum na prática médica. Nos últimos tempos, sua gestão mudou drasticamente com a maioria das decisões tomadas baseadas na gravidade da doença, como administração de antibióticos intravenosos, sucção negativa com o tubo de Ryle ou intervenções cirúrgicas como necrosectomia, etc. Há diferentes escores em uso para avaliar a gravidade da doença, mas a eficácia relativa manteve-se um assunto discutível. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo foi assim realizado para investigar a acurácia preditiva de diferentes sistemas de pontuação na pancreatite aguda. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 50 pacientes com pancreatite aguda admitidos na enfermaria de medicina de Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Índia, e foram considerados para estudo após o cumprimento dos critérios de elegibilidade. Estes pacientes foram investigados na admissão e seguidos prospectivamente. A severidade da pancreatitie foi classificada para cada um destes pacientes pelo sistema de classificação Atlanta revisado. Os sistemas de pontuação comumente usados pertencentes à pancreatite aguda, ou seja, BISAP, Ranson, APACHE II e CTSI modificado foram calculados. Posteriormente, esses escores foram correlacionados com a severidade, presença de falência de órgãos, ocorrência de complicações locais e desfecho final dos pacientes. RESULTADOS: Dos 50 pacientes, a ingestão crônica de álcool foi a etiologia em todos, exceto em um com pancreatite idiopática. A média de idade da população estudada foi de 42,6±13,27 anos. Destes pacientes, 32% apresentavam necrose pancreática, 40% apresentavam coleções peripancreáticas, 56% apresentavam pancreatite aguda leve, 24% apresentavam pancreatite aguda moderadamente grave, enquanto 20% apresentavam pancreatite aguda grave. O APACHE II teve maior precisão em prever a severidade, a falha do órgão e resultados fatais. No que diz respeito a esses parâmetros, os valores preditivos negativos do escore BISAP também foram consideráveis. A contagem modificada de CTSI foi exata em prever complicações locais, mas teve a exatidão limitada em outras predições. CONCLUSÃO: O APACHE II emergiu como o sistema de pontuação mais confiável seguido por BISAP e Ranson na gestão dos pacientes com pancreatite aguda. Mas em condicionantes do tempo e dos recursos, mesmo a Pontuação do BISAP com seus valores preditivos negativos significativos, serviu como uma ferramenta valiosa para avaliar e administrar esses pacientes.

Interações entre exercício físico, álcool e fígado / Interactions between physical exercise, alcohol and liver

A ingesta crônica de álcool causa danos tóxicos diretos e indiretos e as principais alterações são causadas pelo seu próprio metabolismo. O etanol aumenta o estresse oxidativo principalmente no fígado, reduz a relação NAD+/NADH, aumenta a produção de acetaldeído e altera a função mitocondrial. Essas alterações são frequentemente associadas com o aumento de produtos da peroxidação lipídica, essenciais ao desenvolvimento da doença hepática alcóolica (DHA). Os exercícios físicos moderados parecem não influenciar significativamente as características morfológicas do tecido hepático ou a função hepática. Em exercícios pesados e prolongados, observam-se estresse oxidativo, alterações histológicas, prejuízo da farmacocinética e níveis alterados de enzimas hepáticas. Cessado o exercício alguns dias, parece havervrecuperação da função hepática normal. As alterações hepáticas com o exercício agudo parecem ser transitórias e possivelmente contribuem para a homeostase. A atividade física parece ter alguma influência direta na patologia hepática, além da simples modificação dos níveis de gordura no fígado e parece que a intensidade da atividade física é importante para prevenir a progressão da doença. Entender os mecanismos subjacentes da doença hepática auxiliaria na descoberta de intervenções para reduzir a progressão dessa doença de uma condição benigna, como a esteatose, para formas graves como esteatohepatite, fibrose e cirrose. Portanto, exercícios podem ser uma terapia útil para melhorar a performance e a capacidade funcional em indivíduos com doença hepática, porém não está claro na literatura se o exercício físico pode restaurar a saúde hepática e nem qual seria a quantidade e o tipo de exercício necessários. (AU)

Chronic alcohol intake causes direct and indirect toxic damage and major changes are caused by their own metabolism. Ethanol increases oxidative stress primarily in the liver, reduces NAD + / NADH ratio, increases the production of acetaldehyde and alters mitochondrial function. These changes are often associated with increased lipid peroxidation products that are essentiais to the development of alcoholic liver disease (ADH). The moderate intensity exercise does not seem to significantly influence the morphological characteristics of liver tissue or liver function. In heavy and prolonged exercise, oxidative stress, histological changes, impaired pharmacokinetics and altered levels of liver enzymes are noted. Liver function seems to improve a few days after the end of exercise. Hepatic changes with acute exercise appear to be transient and possibly contribute to homeostasis. Physical activity seems to have any direct influence on the liver pathology in addition to the simple modification of the levels of fat in the liver and it seems that the intensity of physical activity is important to prevent disease progression. Understanding the mechanisms underlying hepatic disease, this could help find interventions to slow the progression of liver disease of a benign condition, such as steatosis to severe forms, such as steatohepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis. Therefore, exercise can be a useful therapy to improve the performance and functional capacity in patients with liver disease, but it is not clear in the literature that the exercise can restore liver health and even what the quantity and type of needed exercise. (AU)

Enfermedad hepática por alcohol / Alcoholic liver disease

Excessive alcohol consumption is an important cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. We have to bealert to chronic alcohol usage or abuse. Simple tests (AUDIT, CAGE) can be applied quickly on outpatientcare. We highlight advances in understanding the immune and molecular mechanisms; there is disruptionof the intestinal barrier with bacterial translocation, as well as endotoxins which activate the liver’s innateimmunity, causing apoptosis, necrosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Alcoholic hepatitis is most common inpatients between 40 and 60 years of age, preferably male with jaundice, fever, ascites, hepatomegaly. Thediagnosis is confirmed with a history of alcoholic consumption, mild to moderate AST and ALT values,a AST/ALT ratio > 2, hyperbilirrubinemia and prolonged prothrombin time. There are scores to evaluatethe severity and the need of corticoid therapy, such as modified Maddrey discriminating function andMELD score. Lille score assesses the response to treatment in the seventh day. The risks and benefits ofliver biopsy should be evaluated individually. The cornerstone of treatment remains alcohol abstinence.Nutritional management must be carefully monitored. Proteins requirements are standardized based onweight. The use of corticoids with 40 mg of prednisolone each day is the most widely accepted therapy,indicated on patients with MMDF higher than 32 or MELD score higher than 21. If Lille score is higherthan 0.45 at the seven day under corticoid therapy, treatment must be interrupted. The use of pentoxifyllinewould only be effective for prevention of hepatorenal syndrome...

El consumo excesivo de alcohol es una causa importante de morbimortalidad prevenible. Debemos estaratentos en detectar a pacientes con dependencia o abuso crónico de alcohol. Test sencillos (AUDIT, CAGE)pueden aplicarse rápidamente en consulta ambulatoria. Destacamos avances en el conocimiento moleculare inmunológico, existe disrupción de la barrera intestinal con translocación bacteriana y endotoxinas conactivación del sistema inmune innato del hígado, produciendo apoptosis celular, necrosis e inflamación yfibrosis. La hepatitis alcohólica se presenta principalmente en pacientes entre 40 y 60 años, preferentementeen varones con ictericia, fiebre, ascitis, hepatomegalia. El diagnóstico se confirma con antecedentes deingesta alcohólica, GOT y GPT elevadas en forma leve o moderada, relación GOT/GPT mayor de 2, hiperbilirrubinemiay tiempo de protrombina prolongado. Existen scores para evaluar la gravedad y necesidad demanejo con corticoides como función discriminante de Maddrey modificada y MELD. El puntaje de Lilleevalúa respuesta del tratamiento al séptimo día. El riesgo/beneficio de la biopsia hepática se evalúa caso acaso. La piedra angular del tratamiento sigue siendo la abstinencia. Manejo nutricional debe ser riguroso.Requerimientos proteicos están estandarizados por peso. La terapia con corticoides (prednisolona 40 mg/día) es la más ampliamente aceptada, con indicación en pacientes con FDMm mayor a 32 o MELD mayora 21. Si el puntaje de Lille es mayor de 0,45 a los 7 días con corticoides, deben suspenderse. Pentoxifilinasólo tendría efecto en prevenir el desarrollo de síndrome hepatorrenal (SHR). Hay nuevas terapias enevaluación, como el uso de G-CSF...

Hepatitis alcohólica: revisión con énfasis en trasplante hepático y alternativas de tratamiento médico / Alcoholic Hepatitis: A review with emphasis on liver transplantation and alternative medical treatment

La hepatitis alcohólica es un síndrome clínico caracterizado por ictericia, ascitis y eventualmente falla hepática aguda secundarios al consumo de alcohol; la prevalencia de la enfermedad va en aumento como consecuencia del incremento de la exposición a factores de riesgo y la mayoría de los pacientes son asintomáticos hasta que se presenta un importante compromiso de la función hepática, lo que dificulta el diagnóstico temprano y se traduce en alta morbimortalidad. El trasplante hepático se postula como una opción de tratamiento válida para pacientes seleccionados, con grandes perspectivas a futuro, sin embargo su realización aún es controvertida; por otro lado, existen opciones de tratamiento médico como los esteroides, la pentoxifilina y la n-acetilcisteína, cuyo impacto en la morbimortalidad es respaldada por la medicina basada en la evidencia. Con esta revisión se pretende abordar los conceptos actuales del tratamiento médico y quirúrgico de la hepatitis alcohólica.

Alcoholic hepatitis is a clinical syndrome characterized by jaundice, ascites and acute liver failure secondary to alcohol consumption. The prevalence of the disease is increasing as a result of increased exposure to risk factors. Most patients are asymptomatic until significant compromise of liver function presents. This hinders early diagnosis and results in high morbidity and mortality rates. Liver transplantation is a valid treatment option for selected patients, with great prospects for the future, but it is still controversial. On the other hand, there are medical treatment options such as steroids, pentoxifylline and N-acetylcysteine, whose impact on morbidity and mortality is supported by evidence-based medicine. This review addresses current concepts of medical and surgical treatment of alcoholic hepatitis.

Hepatitis alcohólica / Alcoholic hepatitis

La hepatitis alcohólica es una forma aguda de daño hepático que se presenta en personas que consumen cantidades significativas de alcohol durante un periodo largo de tiempo. El espectro clínico puede ir desde estados asintomáticos hasta falla hepática aguda, por lo cual es de difícil diagnóstico. El esquema terapéutico tiene múltiples alternativas como soporte médico, tratamiento farmacológico o ambos, y trasplante hepático, sin embargo, el pilar fundamental es la abstinencia al alcohol.

Alcoholic hepatitis is an acute form of liver injury that occurs in people who consume large amounts of alcohol over prolonged period. The clinical spectrum can range from asymptomatic states to acute liver failure; therefore, it is difficult to diagnose. The therapy has multiple alternatives as medical support, pharmacological treatment, or both, and liver transplantation, but the mainstay is alcohol abstinence.

Hepatitis alcohólica severa no respondedor a a glucocorticoides: reporte de un caso / Alcoholic hepatitis not responding to corticosteroids: a case report

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hepatitis alcohólica corresponde a un daño inflamatorio agudo sobre un hígado progresivamente dañado por la ingesta excesiva y prolongada de alcohol. Puede presentar ictericia, manifestaciones de alcoholismo crónico e insuficiencia hepática progresiva. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Varón de 60años con antecedentes de daño hepático crónico secundario a alcoholismo activo, que presentó cuadro de dos semanas de ictericia progresiva, prurito y bradipsiquia, asociado a leucocitosis, hiperbilirrubinemia, y elevación discreta de transaminasas, con predominio de GOT sobre GPT. Hemocultivos, urocultivo y serologías para virus hepatotropos fueron negativos. La ecografía abdominal mostró signos de hepatopatía crónica, sin dilatación de vía biliar. Con una función discriminante de Maddrey de 106 puntos se inició pentoxifilina, evolucionando tórpidamente. Se agregó prednisona durante siete días; se obtiene una puntuación de Lille de 0,99 (no respondedor), suspendiendo los corticoides. Progresó la insuficiencia hepática, con posterior insuficiencia renal aguda, acidosis metabólica, trastornos hidroelectrolíticos y fallecimiento al mes de evolución. DISCUSIÓN: La hepatitis alcohólica posee alta mortalidad. Existen múltiples escalas pronósticas. Los corticoides están indicados en casos severos, sin embargo hasta un 40 por ciento se catalogan como no respondedores. Se requieren nuevos tratamientos para mejorar la supervivencia de estos pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Alcoholic hepatitis constitutes an acute inflammatory episode due to prolonged alcohol abuse on a previously damaged liver. Clinical features include jaundice, signs of chronic alcoholism and progressive liver failure. CASE REPORT: A 60-yearold male with a history of cirrhosis due to ongoing excessive intake of alcohol presented a two week history of progressive jaundice, pruritus, and bradypsychia. Laboratory tests showed leukocytosis, hyperbilirubinemia and a mild elevation of liver enzymes (GOT over GPT). Blood and urine cultures as well as serological markers for viral hepatitis were negative. Abdominal ultrasound showed signs of chronic liver disease, with no bile duct dilatation. A modified Maddrey’s discriminant function of 106 was determinant on starting therapy with pentoxifyline. However, patient’s status deteriorated. Prednisone was added to the treatment but seven days later, the patient was categorized as a non-responder (Lille score of 0.99), so the glucocorticoids were suspended. The patient’s liver failure progressed, after which renal failure, metabolic acidosis and electrolytic abnormalities developed; that led to his death after one month from admission. DISCUSSION: Alcoholic hepatitis requires prompt diagnosis and treatment, due to its high death rate. There are various prognostic scales available, one of which is the modified Maddrey’s discriminant function. The fundamental therapeutic measure is the use of intravenous glucocorticoids; yet up to 40 percent of patients qualify as non-responders.

Etiology of liver cirrhosis in Brazil: chronic alcoholism and hepatitis viruses in liver cirrhosis diagnosed in the state of Espfrito Santo

OBJECTIVES: To report the etiology of liver cirrhosis cases diagnosed at the University Hospital in Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil. METHODS: The medical charts of patients with liver cirrhosis who presented to the University Hospital in Vitoria were reviewed. Chronic alcoholism and the presence of hepatitis B or C infections (HBV and HCV, respectively) were pursued in all cases. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 1,516 cases (male:female ratio 3.5:1, aged 53.2±12.6 years). The following main etiological factors were observed: chronic alcoholism alone (39.7%), chronic alcoholism in association with HBV or HCV (16.1 %), HCV alone (14.5%) and in association with alcoholism (8.6%) (total, 23.1 %), and HBV alone (13.1%) and in association with alcoholism (7.5%, total 20.6%). The remaining etiologies included cryptogenic cases (9.8%) and other causes (6.0%). The mean patient age was lower and the male-to-female ratio was higher in the cirrhosis cases that were associated with alcoholism or HBV compared with other causes. Intravenous drug abuse and a history of surgery or blood transfusion were significantly associated with HCV infection. Hepatocellular carcinoma was present at the time of diagnosis in 15.4% of cases. Chronic alcoholism associated with HCV infection was significantly associated (p<0.001) with reduced age (at the time of cirrhosis diagnosis) and increased prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (p = 0.052). CONCLUSION: Alcoholism, HCV and HBV are the main factors associated with liver cirrhosis in the state of Espirito Santo. Chronic alcoholism associated with HCV infection reduced the age of patients at the time of liver cirrhosis diagnosis.

Risk factors for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in cryptogenic cirrhosis / Fatores de risco para esteatohepatite não-alcoólica na cirrose criptogênica

CONTEXT: In about 10% of patients with chronic liver disease, it is not possible to identify an etiologic factor. These cases are called cryptogenic cirrhosis. Currently, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is being considered as a possible etiologic factor for a significant segment of patients that presents with cryptogenic cirrhosis. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of risk factors for NASH in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis, in order to verify if there is a causal relationship between them. METHOD: Cross-sectional study, with evaluation of the demographic and laboratorial data of patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis. They were compared with data obtained from a group with NASH and a group with alcoholic and/or hepatitis C (HCV) cirrhosis. RESULTS: Forty seven patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis were evaluated, 47 with NASH and 196 with HCV and/or alcoholic cirrhosis. The mean age of patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis was 52 years, while in those with NASH it was 46.4 years (P = 0,041). The group with cryptogenic cirrhosis had 23 female and 24 male patients. Of the patients who presented with NASH, 68.1% were female. Of the patients who presented with alcoholic/HCV cirrhosis, 64.8% were male. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups. In cryptogenic cirrhosis patients, the following prevalences could be observed: impaired fasting glycemia - 68.2%; obesity - 27.5%; total hypercholesterolemia - 27.9%; low HDL levels - 58.1% (women - 81%; men - 36.4%); hypertriglyceridemia - 16.3%. The results seen in cryptogenic cirrhosis patients showed statistical similarity with the results of the NASH group regarding fasting glycemia (62.8%) and male HDL levels (53.8%). The comparison with the alcoholic/HCV cirrhosis group showed statistical differences regarding fasting glycemia (45.2%), hypercholesterolemia (13.3%) and female HDL levels (50.8%). CONCLUSIONS: It is not possible to establish a causal relationship between cryptogenic cirrhosis and NASH. Only data related to fasting glycemia and HDL levels in male patients showed statistical similarities between both groups of patients.

CONTEXTO: Em aproximadamente 10% dos pacientes com doença hepática crônica não é possível identificar um fator etiológico, sendo então rotulados como tendo cirrose criptogênica. Atualmente a esteatohepatite não-alcoólica (EHNA) tem sido considerada como provável etiologia em parcela significativa desses pacientes. OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de fatores de risco para EHNA em pacientes com cirrose criptogênica com o intuito de verificar uma possível relação causal entre as duas doenças. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal em que foi avaliado o registro de dados demográficos e laboratoriais de pacientes com cirrose criptogênica com a finalidade de compará-los com aqueles obtidos de um grupo de pacientes com EHNA e de um grupo controle composto de cirróticos por hepatite C (HCV) e/ou álcool. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 47 pacientes com cirrose criptogênica, 47 com EHNA e 196 com cirrose por HCV e/ou álcool. A média de idade dos pacientes com cirrose criptogênica foi 52 anos, enquanto a daqueles com EHNA foi 46,4 anos (P = 0,041). No grupo com cirosse criptogênica havia 23 mulheres e 24 homens. Naqueles com EHNA predominou o gênero feminino (68,1%) e nos cirróticos por HCV e/ou álcool predominou o gênero masculino (64,8%), sem diferença estatística entre os grupos. Naqueles com cirrose criptogênica, a prevalência de glicemia de jejum alterada foi 68,2%; obesidade, 27,5%; hipercolesterolemia total, 27,9%; baixos níveis de HDL, 58,1% (81% nas mulheres e 36,4% nos homens); e hipertrigliceridemia, 16,3%. A comparação com dados observados nos pacientes com EHNA mostra semelhança estatística entre o perfil glicêmico (62,8%) e níveis de HDL nos homens (53,8%). A comparação com os cirróticos relacionados ao HCV e/ou álcool mostra diferença estatística no perfil glicêmico (45,2%), colesterol total (13,3%) e HDL nas mulheres (50,8%). CONCLUSÃO: Não foi possível estabelecer uma relação causal entre a EHNA e a cirrose criptogênica. Apenas o perfil glicêmico e os níveis de HDL colesterol nos pacientes masculinos apresentaram semelhanças estatísticas entre os dois grupos de doentes.

Hepatite aguda: como avaliar? / Acute hepatitis: how to evaluate?

Hepatite aguda define lesão hepática com inflamação do fígado com padrão histológico bem definido. Esses pacientes apresentam sintomas inespecíficos, como mal-estar, náuseas, vômitos e anorexia, com ou sem icterícia. Na maioria dos pacientes com elevação predominante de transaminases uma história clínica cuidadosa e um pequeno número de exames laboratoriais podem identificar a etiologia e definir tratamento específico subsequente, incluindo especialmente a investigação de hepatites virais, hepatotoxicidade induzida por drogas, hepatite autoimune e hepatite aguda alcoólica.

The acute hepatitis defines liver injury with inflammation of the liver histological pattern well defined. Such patients present with nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia, with or without jaundice. In most patients with the amino-transferase-predominant picture, careful history and examination and a small number of laboratory tests can identify the etiology and define subsequent management including in particular the investigation of viral hepatitis, drug-induced hepatoxicity, autoimmune hepatitis and acute alcoholic liver disease.

Alcohol y enfermedades: artículo de revisión / Alcohol and diseases: review article

Se realiza una revisión sobre el alcoholismo y se resumen las principales enfermedades que es capaz de originar porque constituye uno de los principales problemas de salud en el mundo, nuestro país no constituye una excepción, precedido solamente por las neoplasias y los procesos cardiovasculares. Esta enfermedad ocasiona graves trastornos al alcohólico y a su entorno familiar y social. Se tratan aspectos bioquímicos de su metabolismo, trastornos asociados al déficit nutricional, afecciones metabólicas, hepatopatía alcohólica, pancreatitis alcohólica, miopatía alcohólica, síndrome de supresión alcohólica.

It is done a review about alcoholism and are summarized the main diseases that is able to origin, because it constitutes one of main health problems around the world, our country is not an exception, only preceded for the neoplasm and cardiovascular proccesses. This disease provoques serious disorders to the alcoholic person and to his/her familiar and social environment. There are treated biochemical aspects of its metabolism, disorders which are associated to nutricional deficit, metabolic conditions, alcoholic hepatopathy, alcoholic pancreatitis, alcoholic myopathie, syndrome of alcoholic suppression.

Hepatitis aguda alcohólica asociada a pancreatitis aguda grave / Acute alcoholic hepatitis and severe acute pancreatitis

Alcohol is a common cause of hepatic and pancreatic damage. Despite the widespread alcohol consumption simultaneous presentation of acute alcoholic hepatitis and pancreatitis is uncomnon. We describe a case of a patient with alcoholic hepatitis in association acute pancreatitis, who developed multiorgan failure and died. The association of liver and pancreatic disease in clinical practice is discussed.

El alcohol es un factor etiológico común de daño hepático y pancreático. A pesar de su extenso consumo la presentación simultánea de hepatitis y pancreatitis aguda alcohólica es excepcional. Se presenta un caso de esta situación, que evolucionó hacia la falla orgánica múltiple con desenlace fatal. Se discute la asociación de daño hepático y pancreático agudo en la práctica Clínica.

Uso bem-sucedido do corticóide na hepatite alcoólica grave / Sucessful use of steroids in severe alcoholic hepatitis

Abuso e dependência alcoólica são os mais sérios problemas médicos do mundo industrializado. Cerca de 10% a 35% dos alcoólatras cursam com hepatite crônica ativa, síndrome inflamatória que traduz necrose hepática em diferentes graus de intensidade, dependentes da quantidade de álcool ingerido diariamente ao longo dos anos. Alguns revelam-se pouco sintomáticos ou assintomáticos. Forma mais grave da doença expressa-se pelo aparecimento de icterícia, ascite, sinais de coagulopatia e até encefalopatia. Esses doentes cursam ainda com dor em hipocôndrio direito, hepatomegalia, febre e leucocitose. A mortalidade nesse caso é alta, todos evoluindo com neutrofilia, metabolismo alterado dos carboidratos, lipídeos e minerais. Nesses casos graves, a literatura mundial preconiza, dentre outras terapias, o uso de corticóides com o objetivode suprimir a inflamação tecidual, diminuir a formação de colágeno, bloquear os mecanismos de perpetuação imunológica da doença, melhorar o apetite e estimular a síntese de albumina. Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar um caso de hepatite alcoólica aguda grave que evoluiu com sucesso após o tratamento com corticóide e revisar esse tema tão atual e problemático em nosso país.

Doença hepática alcoólica / Alcoholic hepatic disease

O alcoolismo corresponde a um distúrbio altamente prevalente, que é apontado como fator etiológico e(ou) fator de risco importante de vários tipos de patologias orgânicas graves. Tais características o tornam um problema de saúde pública, incitando a necessidade de atitudes eficazes por parte dos profissionais de saúde em relação ao seu diagnóstico e à prevenção. Infelizmente, inquéritos demonstram que o Brasil está na categoria de grande consumidor de bebidas alcoólicas, traduzindo o fácil acesso ao consumo e o incentivo exaustivo por parte da mídia. Com base nessas considerações, o objetivo do presente estudo é discutir os aspectos mais relevantes dessa patologia enfatizando o diagnóstico e a abordagem terapêutica.

Evaluación de meta-análisis: utilidad de corticoides en el tratamiento de la hepatitis alcohólica grave / Evidence based medicine in hepatology II: critical analysis of meta-analysis: effectiveness of corticosteroids therapy in severe alcoholic hepatitis

El siguiente artículo continúa la serie de publicaciones sobre toma de decisiones clínicas terapéuticas en hepatología, usando como herramienta la Medicina Basada en Evidencia. Se evaluará la utilidad de los corticoides en reducir la mortalidad en pacientes con hepatitis alcohólica grave. Usando una pregunta clínica basada en un modelo de búsqueda preestablecido, se encontraron 4 artículos. Uno de ellos es extensamente analizado, incluyendo una evaluación de su validez interna (pregunta clínica, criterios de inclusión, fuentes de información, validez de los estudios incluidos, reproducibilidad de la evaluación, y heterogeneidad), el análisis de sus resultados y una discusión sobre su aplicabilidad. La metodología del estudio analizado está limitada por la ausencia de una pregunta clínica explícita, y porque la evaluación de sus estudios no fue reproducible. Los resultados muestran que los corticoides reducen la mortalidad con un OR = 0,643 (IC 95 por ciento = 0,429-0,935) comparado con placebo o no tratamiento. La ausencia de análisis de efectos adversos, y la ausencia de una definición clara de los criterios de gravedad de la hepatitis alcohólica limitan su aplicabilidad. Los tres meta-análisis restantes fueron brevemente analizados. Dos de ellos muestran que los corticoides reducen en forma significativa la mortalidad, y sólo uno de ellos no encontró diferencias significativas al ser comparado con placebo. Ninguno hizo análisis de efectos adversos, ni de otros outcomes de importancia. Concluimos que la evidencia disponible apoya el uso de corticoides en pacientes con hepatitis alcohólica grave, si bien la calidad metodológica de la evidencia no es óptima.