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OBJECTIVE: Data about the association between cirrhosis and osteoporosis are contrasting. Thus, we have performed a meta-analysis of literature studies on this topic. DESIGN: MEDLINE, Cochrane library, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science databases have been searched to retrieve all articles of interest. Data on prevalence of osteoporosis, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover laboratory parameters were compared among cirrhotic patients and control subjects without cirrhosis. PATIENTS: Studies on patients with liver cirrhosis screened for the presence of osteoporosis were included. RESULTS: Six case-control studies (372 cirrhotic patients and 1579 controls) were included. The prevalence of osteoporosis was higher in cirrhotic patients than in controls (34·7% vs 12·8%, OR: 2·52, 95%CI: 1·11, 5·69; P = 0·03, I(2) = 81%; P = 0·005). Accordingly, a reduced lumbar spine BMD (MD: -0·13, 95%CI: -0·24, -0·02; P = 0·02, I(2) = 93%; P < 0·00001) and z-score (MD: -1·06, 95%CI: -1·79, -0·34; P = 0·004, I(2) = 95%; P < 0·00001) were found in cirrhotic patients as compared with controls. In contrast, no significant differences were reported in femoral neck BMD and z-score. Interestingly, bone turnover laboratory parameters widely confirmed these results showing higher levels of ALP and D-Pyr, accompanied by reduced levels of IGF-1, PTH and 25-OH-D in cirrhotic patients as compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high heterogeneity among studies, data showed an increased prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with cirrhosis. This information suggests the need of an accurate screening of bone mineral density in patients with liver cirrhosis to plan an adequate osteoporosis management.
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Densidade Óssea , Osso e Ossos/metabolismo , Cirrose Hepática/epidemiologia , Osteoporose/epidemiologia , Remodelação Óssea , Osso e Ossos/patologia , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Comorbidade , Humanos , Cirrose Hepática/diagnóstico , Osteoporose/diagnóstico , Prevalência , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
AIM: Gas gangrene (GG) is a rare severe infection with a very high mortality rate mainly caused by Clostridium species. It develops suddenly, often as a complication of abdominal surgery or liver transplantation. We report a case of GG of the liver occurred after percutaneous microwave (MW) ablation of an hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) successfully treated with percutaneous Radiofrequency ablation (RFA). CASE PRESENTATION: A 76-year-old female patient was treated with MW ablation for a large HCC in the VIII segment; 2 days later she developed fever, weakness, abdominal swelling and was hospitalized with diagnosis of anaerobic liver abscess. Despite antibiotic therapy, the patient conditions worsened, and she was moved to the intensive care unit (ICU). Percutaneous drainage was attempted, but was unsuccessful. The surgeon and the anesthesiologist excluded any indication of surgical resection. We performed RFA of the GG by 3 cool-tip needles into the infected area. The procedure was well tolerated by the patient, who left the hospital for follow-up. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous RFA could be a valuable therapy of focal GG of the liver in patients refractory to antibiotics and when surgery and OLT are not feasible. A fast and early indication is needed in case of rapid worsening of the patient's conditions.
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Carcinoma Hepatocelular , Gangrena Gasosa , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Micro-Ondas , Ablação por Radiofrequência , Humanos , Idoso , Feminino , Neoplasias Hepáticas/complicações , Neoplasias Hepáticas/cirurgia , Neoplasias Hepáticas/diagnóstico por imagem , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/cirurgia , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/diagnóstico por imagem , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/complicações , Micro-Ondas/uso terapêutico , Ablação por Radiofrequência/métodos , Gangrena Gasosa/diagnóstico por imagem , Gangrena Gasosa/terapia , Terapia de Salvação/métodos , Fígado/diagnóstico por imagem , Fígado/cirurgiaRESUMO
Standard ultrasound (US) finds wide use in renal diseases as a screening procedure, but it is not always able to characterize lesions, especially in differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lesions. In contrast, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is appropriate in differentiating between solid and cystic lesions as well as between tumors and pseudotumors. We show the case of a nephropathic patient who showed a complex, large, growing renal mass, characterized through a CEUS. This seventy-five-year-old diabetic heart patient showed a 6 cm-complex and plurisected cyst on ultrasound of left kidney. Laboratory data showed the presence of stage IIIb chronic renal failure with GFR 30 ml/min, creatinine 2.33 mg/dl, azotemia 88 mg/dl. The patient performed abdominal CT without contrast medium, showing at the level of the left upper pole, a roundish formation with the dimensions of approximately 70x53x50 mm. At the semiannual checkup, the nephrology examination showed a slight rise in creatinine and, therefore, after six months, it was decided to perform a CT scan without contrast medium again. CT showed a slight increase in the size of the mass located at the left kidney (74x56x57 mm). Given the increased size of the left mass, albeit modest, a CEUS was performed to reach a diriment diagnosis. CEUS concluded for complex cystic formation with presence of intraluminal solid-corpuscular material, with thrombotic-hemorrhagic etiology, in progressive phase of organization, classifiable as Bosniak type II cyst. CEUS in the kidneys is a cost-effective and valuable imaging technique; it is accurate in the characterization of indeterminate lesions and complex cysts.
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Meios de Contraste , Ultrassonografia , Humanos , Masculino , Idoso , Nefropatias/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças Renais Císticas/diagnóstico por imagemRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Refractory ascites in liver-cirrhosis is associated with a poor prognosis. We performed a prospective study to investigate whether aggressive nutritional-support could improve outcomes in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: Cirrhotic patients undergoing serial large-volume paracentesis for refractory-ascites were enrolled and randomized into three groups. Group A received post-paracentesis intravenous nutritional-support in addition to a balanced oral diet and a late-evening protein snack, group B received the same oral nutritional-protocol as the first group but without parenteral support, and group C (the control group) received a low-sodium or sodium-free diet. Clinical, anthropometric and laboratory nutritional parameters and biochemical tests of liver and renal function were reported for 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: We enrolled 120 patients, who were randomized into three groups of equal size. Patients on the nutritional-protocol showed better preservation of clinical, anthropometric and laboratory nutritional parameters that were associated with decreased deterioration of liver function compared with patients on the low-sodium or sodium-free diet (group C). Groups A and B had lower morbidity and mortality rates than the control group (C). Mortality rates were significantly better in patients who were treated with parenteral-nutritional-support than for the other two groups. In patients who were on the nutritional-protocol, there was a reduction in the requirement of taps for the treatment of refractory ascites. CONCLUSIONS: Post-paracentesis parenteral-nutritional-support with a balanced oral diet and an evening protein snack appears to be the best care protocol for patients with liver-cirrhosis that has been complicated by refractory-ascites.
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Cirrose Hepática/complicações , Cirrose Hepática/terapia , Estado Nutricional , Idoso , Aminoácidos de Cadeia Ramificada/administração & dosagem , Ascite/etiologia , Ascite/terapia , Dieta Hipossódica , Proteínas Alimentares/administração & dosagem , Ingestão de Energia , Feminino , Seguimentos , Hemorragia Gastrointestinal/etiologia , Encefalopatia Hepática/etiologia , Síndrome Hepatorrenal/etiologia , Humanos , Estimativa de Kaplan-Meier , Cirrose Hepática/dietoterapia , Cirrose Hepática/fisiopatologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Paracentese/efeitos adversos , Nutrição Parenteral , Peritonite/microbiologia , Modelos de Riscos Proporcionais , Estudos Prospectivos , Estatísticas não ParamétricasRESUMO
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex and heterogeneous tumor with multiple genetic aberrations. Several molecular pathways involved in the regulation of proliferation and cell death are implicated in the hepatocarcinogenesis. The major etiological factors for HCC are both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). Continuous oxidative stress, which results from the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by environmental factors or cellular mitochondrial dysfunction, has recently been associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. On the other hand, a distinctive pathological hallmark of HCC is a dramatic down-regulation of oxido-reductive enzymes that constitute the most important free radical scavenger systems represented by catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib represents the most promising target agent that has undergone extensive investigation up to phase III clinical trials in patients with advanced HCC. The combination with other target-based agents could potentiate the clinical benefits obtained by sorafenib alone. In fact, a phase II multicenter study has demonstrated that the combination between sorafenib and octreotide LAR (So.LAR protocol) was active and well tolerated in advanced HCC patients. The detection of molecular factors predictive of response to anti-cancer agents such as sorafenib and the identification of mechanisms of resistance to anti-cancer agents may probably represent the direction to improve the treatment of HCC.
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Biomarcadores Tumorais/metabolismo , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Estresse Oxidativo , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/etiologia , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patologia , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/terapia , Humanos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/etiologia , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patologia , Neoplasias Hepáticas/terapiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND AIM: We aimed to validate the non-invasive criteria for the characterization of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In a prospective study, we examined the impact of arterial hypervascularity, as established by the European Association for the Study of the Liver and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommendations for the non-invasive diagnosis of HCC, as a criterion for characterizing macroscopic PVT (EASL/AASLD extension criteria). METHODS: A total of 96 cases of PVT detected using ultrasonography in patients with cirrhosis and HCC were included in the study. When coincidental arterial hypervascularity was detected by contrast perfusional ultrasonography and helical computed tomography, the thrombus was considered malignant according to our EASL/AASLD extension criteria. In all cases, an ultrasound-guided biopsy examination of the thrombus was performed. RESULTS: Coincidental hypervascularity was found in 54 of 96 nodules (56.2%), and all were malignant upon biopsy (100% positive predictive value). Twenty-four (25%) had negative results with both techniques (non-vascular thrombus). Biopsies showed HCC in five non-vascular thrombi (5.3% of all thrombi) and in 13 of 18 thrombi with a hypervascularity result from only one technique. CONCLUSIONS: The EASL/AASLD extension criteria for non-invasive diagnosis of malignant thrombosis were satisfied in 75.2% of malignant thrombi; thus, a biopsy is frequently required in this setting. However, in the presence of coincidental hypervascularity of a thrombus with both techniques, a biopsy is not required (absolute positive predictive value for malignancy). Relying on imaging techniques in thrombi could miss the diagnosis of malignant portal invasion in up to 24.9% of cases.
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Carcinoma Hepatocelular/diagnóstico , Cirrose Hepática/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Hepáticas/diagnóstico , Veia Porta/patologia , Trombose Venosa/diagnóstico , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Biópsia por Agulha Fina , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/complicações , Distribuição de Qui-Quadrado , Meios de Contraste , Feminino , Humanos , Cirrose Hepática/complicações , Neoplasias Hepáticas/complicações , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Invasividade Neoplásica , Veia Porta/diagnóstico por imagem , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Prognóstico , Estudos Prospectivos , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Tomografia Computadorizada Espiral , Ultrassonografia/métodos , Trombose Venosa/etiologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term efficacy of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) for the treatment of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-five patients (88 women, 37 men; age range, 17-76 years; mean age, 53 years) with 127 hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules (volume, 1.2-90 mL; mean, 10.3 mL) were treated with PEI. There were 1-11 PEI sessions per patient (average, 3.9) performed, with injection of 1-14 mL of ethanol per session (total injected ethanol per patient, 3-108 mL; mean, 14.0 mL). Efficacy of the treatment was assessed with color Doppler sonography; scintigraphy; and free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) assays. Follow-up (9-144 months; median, 60 months) was performed with TSH and color Doppler sonography every 2 months for 6 months and every 6 months thereafter. RESULTS: Three (2.4%) of 125 patients refused completion of PEI therapy because of pain. Results are reported in 122 patients with 124 nodules. All 122 patients showed posttreatment normal levels of FT3, FT4, and TSH. A complete cure (absent uptake in the nodule and recovery of normal uptake in the thyroid parenchyma) was obtained in 113 (93%) of 122 patients-115 (92.7%) of 124 treated nodules. Residual hyperfunctioning nodular tissue along with decreased thyroid parenchyma uptake (partial cure) was present in nine patients accounting for nine (7.3%) of 124 nodules. Rates of complete cure after PEI were: overall nodules, 115 (92.7%) of 124; nodules < or = 10 mL, 63 (94.0%) of 67; nodules > 10 to < or = 30 mL, 32 (91.4%) of 35; nodules > 30 to < or = 60 mL, 17 (89.5%) of 19; nodules > 60 mL, three (100%) of three. The overall rate of major complications (transient laryngeal nerve damage, two patients; abscess and hematoma, one patient each) was four (3.2%) of 125 patients. Follow-up examinations showed marked shrinkage of 112 treated nodules ranging from 50% to 90% of the pretreatment volume (mean, 66%) and new growth of hyperfunctioning tissue in four patients at color Doppler sonography and scintigraphy at 12, 18, 18, and 48 months' follow-up, respectively. However, all patients remained euthyroid (low or normal TSH and normal FT3 and FT4) during follow-up. CONCLUSION: PEI of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules seems to be an effective and safe alternative to traditional treatment. It also appears to be effective in patients with hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules larger than 30 mL.
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Etanol/administração & dosagem , Solventes/administração & dosagem , Nódulo da Glândula Tireoide/tratamento farmacológico , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Injeções Intralesionais , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Hormônios Tireóideos/sangue , Nódulo da Glândula Tireoide/sangue , Nódulo da Glândula Tireoide/diagnóstico , Fatores de Tempo , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Solid pseudopapillary Carcinoma (SPC) is a rare pancreatic Tumor with variable, usually low, malignancy potential. Howewer, several SPC are associated with aggressive behavior, local vascular infiltration, organ invasion, distant metastasis, and can be unresectable. Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) is an emerging non-thermal ablation technique for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma. We report the results of four year disease-free follow-up in a case of locally advanced unresectable SPC treated with IRE. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 24-year female patient with SPC of the pancreas underwent IRE during laparotomy under general anesthesia with intubation. Computed Tomography (CT) showed complete tumor thrombosis of splenic vein, encasement of celiac artery and mesenteric vein. Six insertions of 3-4 electrodes per insertion were performed. One month-CT-control showed shrinkage of the tumor. 6 months-post-treatment imaging showed complete regression of the mass, patent Splenic/mesenteric veins, absence of local recurrence or distant metastasis. Post treatment CTs at 12-18-24-30-36-42-48 months follow-up confirmed absence of local or distant recurrence. DISCUSSION: Surgery is the first choice curative treatment of SPC. Howewer aggressive surgery (duodeno-pancreasectomy) in unresectable cases, may have a high risk of recurrences, morbidities and death, and bring concerns about endocrine and exocrine insufficiency in a young patient. In these cases, IRE could be a safe and effective alternative treatment and could realize, in selected cases, the condition for a radical surgery, and a bridge to R-0 resection. CONCLUSIONS: IRE could represent an effective alternative therapy to surgery in local advanced, unresectable SPC.
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AIM: We evaluated feasibility, safety and efficacy of Electrochemotherapy (ECT) in a prospective series of patients with unresectable Perihilar-Cholangiocarcinoma (PHCCA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five patients with PHCCA underwent ECT. Three patients underwent percutaneous ECT of a single PHCCA nodule. One patient underwent resection of a nodule in the IV segment and intraoperative ECT of a large PHCCA in the VIII segment. Another patient underwent percutaneous ECT of a large PHCCA recurrence after left lobectomy and RF ablation of a synchronous metastasis in the VI segment. ECT was performed under US guidance. Efficacy was evaluated by contrast-enhanced multiple-detector-computed-tomography (MDCT) 4 weeks after treatment. Follow-up entailed MDCT every 6 months thereafter. RESULTS: No major complication occurred. Follow-up ranges from 10 to 30 months. Four weeks post-treatment CT showed complete response in 3 cases. These patients are still alive, and follow-up CT controls demonstrated no local or distant intrahepatic recurrences and no biliary duct dilation in 2 cases and local recurrence at 18 months follow-up control in 1 patient. In the remaining 2 cases, 4-weeks-post-treatment CT showed incomplete response (>90%). In these patients follow-up CT demonstrated local progression of the disease at 6 months. One of them had bilateral external biliary drainages and died because of tumor progression at 16-months-follow-up. The other patient, died at 10 months follow-up for cardiovascular failure not related to the hepatobiliary disease. CONCLUSIONS: ECT is feasible, safe and effective therapy to improve prognosis and quality of life of patients with unresectable PHCCA.
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Neoplasias dos Ductos Biliares/tratamento farmacológico , Colangiocarcinoma/tratamento farmacológico , Eletroquimioterapia , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Primárias Múltiplas/tratamento farmacológico , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Antibióticos Antineoplásicos/administração & dosagem , Neoplasias dos Ductos Biliares/diagnóstico por imagem , Ductos Biliares Intra-Hepáticos , Bleomicina/administração & dosagem , Colangiocarcinoma/diagnóstico por imagem , Eletroquimioterapia/efeitos adversos , Eletroquimioterapia/métodos , Estudos de Viabilidade , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Tomografia Computadorizada Multidetectores , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias Primárias Múltiplas/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias Primárias Múltiplas/cirurgia , Estudos Prospectivos , Resultado do Tratamento , Ultrassonografia de IntervençãoRESUMO
Some studies suggest that patients with cirrhosis have an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Unfortunately, available data on this association are contrasting. It was the objective of this study to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature to evaluate the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with cirrhosis. Studies reporting on VTE risk associated with cirrhosis were systematically searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE databases. Eleven studies (15 data-sets) showed a significantly increased VTE risk in 695,012 cirrhotic patients as compared with 1,494,660 non-cirrhotic controls (OR: 1.703; 95 %CI: 1.333, 2.175; P<0.0001). These results were confirmed when specifically considering the risk of DVT (7 studies, OR: 2.038; 95 %CI: 1.817, 2.285; P<0.0001) and the risk of PE (5 studies, OR: 1.655; 95 %CI: 1.042, 2.630; p=0.033). The increased VTE risk associated with cirrhosis was consistently confirmed when analysing nine studies reporting adjusted risk estimates (OR: 1.493; 95 %CI: 1.266, 1.762; p<0.0001), and after excluding studies specifically enrolling populations exposed to transient risk factors for VTE (OR: 1.689; 95 %CI: 1.321, 2.160; p<0.0001). Meta-regression models suggested that male gender may significantly impact on the risk of VTE associated with cirrhosis. Results of our meta-analysis suggest that cirrhotic subjects may exhibit an increased risk of VTE. This should be considered to plan specific prevention strategies in this clinical setting.
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Cirrose Hepática/epidemiologia , Tromboembolia Venosa/epidemiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Cirrose Hepática/diagnóstico , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Razão de Chances , Prevalência , Prognóstico , Medição de Risco , Fatores de Risco , Fatores Sexuais , Fatores de Tempo , Tromboembolia Venosa/diagnósticoRESUMO
AIM: To treated with electrochemotherapy (ECT) a prospective case series of patients with liver cirrhosis and Vp3-Vp4- portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in order to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of this new non thermal ablative technique in those patients. METHODS: Six patients (5 males and 1 female), aged 61-85 years (mean age, 70 years), four in Child-Pugh A and two in Child-Pugh B class, entered our study series. All patients were studied with three-phase computed tomography (CT), contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of the thrombus before ECT. All patients underwent ECT treatment (Cliniporator Vitae®, IGEA SpA, Carpi, Modena, Italy) of Vp3-Vp4 PVTT in a single session. At the end of the procedure a post-treatment biopsy of the thrombus was performed. Scheduled follow-up in all patients entailed: CEUS within 24 h after treatment; triphasic contrast-enhanced CT and CEUS at 3 mo after treatment and every six months thereafter. RESULTS: Post-treatment CEUS showed complete absence of enhancement of the treated thrombus in all cases. Post-treatment biopsy showed apoptosis and necrosis of tumor cells in all cases. The follow-up ranged from 9 to 20 mo (median, 14 mo). In 2 patients, the follow-up CT and CEUS demonstrated complete patency of the treated portal vein. Other 3 patients showed a persistent avascular non-tumoral shrinked thrombus at CEUS and CT during follow-up. No local recurrence was observed at follow-up CT and CEUS in 5/6 patients. One patient was lost to follow-up because of death from gastrointestinal hemorrage 5 wk after ECT. CONCLUSION: In patients with cirrhosis, ECT seems effective and safe for curative treatment of Vp3-Vp4 PVTT from HCC.
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Carcinoma Hepatocelular/tratamento farmacológico , Eletroquimioterapia/métodos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/tratamento farmacológico , Trombose Venosa/tratamento farmacológico , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/complicações , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/secundário , Estudos de Viabilidade , Feminino , Humanos , Cirrose Hepática/complicações , Neoplasias Hepáticas/complicações , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Veia Porta , Estudos Prospectivos , Resultado do Tratamento , Trombose Venosa/complicaçõesRESUMO
Some studies suggest that patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Unfortunately, available data on this association are contrasting. A systematic review and meta-analysis of literature studies was performed to evaluate the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with HCV. Studies reporting on VTE risk associated with HCV were systematically searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE databases. Six studies (10 data-sets) showed a significantly increased VTE risk in 100,364 HCV patients as compared with 8,471,176 uninfected controls (odds ratio [OR]: 1.900; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.406, 2.570; p<0.0001). These results were confirmed when specifically considering the risk of DVT (6 studies, OR: 1.918; 95 %CI: 1.351, 2.723; p<0.0001), whereas a trend towards an increased risk of PE was documented in HCV patients (4 studies, OR: 1.811; 95 %CI: 0.895, 3.663; p=0.099). The increased VTE risk associated with HCV infection was consistently confirmed when analysing four studies reporting adjusted risk estimates (OR: 1.876; 95 %CI: 1.326, 2.654; P<0.0001), and after excluding studies specifically enrolling populations exposed to transient risk factors for VTE (4 studies, OR: 1.493; 95 %CI: 1.167, 1.910; p=0.001). Meta-regression models suggested that age and male gender may significantly impact on the risk of VTE associated with HCV-positivity. Results of our meta-analysis suggest that HCV-infected subjects may exhibit an increased risk of VTE. However, further high quality studies are needed to extend and confirm our findings.
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Hepatite C/complicações , Tromboembolia Venosa/etiologia , Fatores Etários , Humanos , Razão de Chances , Fatores de Risco , Fatores SexuaisRESUMO
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Some studies suggest that patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and cerebrovascular disease. Unfortunately, available data on this association are widely variable. We have performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature to evaluate the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CCD) associated with HCV. METHODS: Studies reporting on CCD risk associated with HCV were systematically searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE databases. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies (34 data-sets) showed a significantly increased CCD risk in 297,613 HCV patients as compared with 557,814 uninfected controls (OR: 1.428; 95% CI: 1.214, 1.681). These results were confirmed when separately considering the risk of CAD (20 studies, OR: 1.382; 95% CI: 1.103, 1.732) and of cerebrovascular disease (13 studies, OR: 1.485; 95% CI: 1.079, 2.044). Similar results were confirmed when analyzing 21 studies reporting adjusted risk estimates (OR: 1.448; 95% CI: 1.218, 1.722) and when, after excluding studies defining CAD as positive angiographic or electrocardiographic evidence, we specifically included the 17 studies reporting on acute CCD-related events (OR: 1.357; 95% CI: 1.103, 1.670). Moreover, 4 studies evaluating CCD-related deaths showed a higher risk in HCV patients than controls (OR: 1.772; 95% CI: 1.448, 2.168; P<0.0001). Meta-regression models suggested a direct association between prevalence of cirrhosis and difference in CCD risk between HCV patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Results of our large meta-analysis suggest that HCV-infected subjects experience an increased risk of CCD. This should be considered to plan specific cardiovascular prevention strategies in this clinical setting.
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Transtornos Cerebrovasculares/epidemiologia , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/epidemiologia , Hepatite C/epidemiologia , Transtornos Cerebrovasculares/diagnóstico , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/diagnóstico , Hepatite C/diagnóstico , Humanos , Estudos Prospectivos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) may occur in liver cirrhosis patients. Malignant PVT is a common complication in cirrhotic patients with concomitant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and, in some cases, it may be even the initial sign of an undetected HCC. Detection of malignant PVT in a patient with liver cirrhosis heavily affects the therapeutic strategy. Gray-scale ultrasound (US) is widely unreliable for differentiating benign and malignant thrombi. Although effective for this differential diagnosis, fine-needle biopsy remains an invasive technique. Sensitivity of color-doppler US in detection of malignant thrombi is highly dependent on the size of the thrombus. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MRI) can be useful to assess the nature of portal thrombus, while limited data are currently available about the role of positron emission tomography (PET) and PET-CT. In contrast with CT, MRI, PET, and PET-CT, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a fast, effective, well tolerated and cheap technique, that can be performed even in the same session in which the thrombus has been detected. CEUS can be performed bedside and can be available also in transplanted patients. Moreover, CT and MRI only yield a snapshot analysis during contrast diffusion, while CEUS allows for a continuous real-time imaging of the microcirculation that lasts several minutes, so that the whole arterial phase and the late parenchymal phase of the contrast diffusion can be analyzed continuously by real-time US scanning. Continuous real-time monitoring of contrast diffusion entails an easy detection of thrombus maximum enhancement. Moreover, continuous quantitative analyses of enhancement (wash in - wash out studies) by CEUS during contrast diffusion is nowadays available in most CEUS machines, thus giving a more sophisticated and accurate evaluation of the contrast distribution and an increased confidence in diagnosis in difficult cases. In conclusion, CEUS is a very reliable technique with a high intrinsic sensitivity for portal vein patency assessment. More expensive and sophisticated techniques (i.e., CT, MRI, PET, and PET-CT) should only be indicated in undetermined cases at CEUS.
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Carcinoma Hepatocelular/etiologia , Meios de Contraste/administração & dosagem , Cirrose Hepática/complicações , Neoplasias Hepáticas/etiologia , Células Neoplásicas Circulantes/patologia , Veia Porta/diagnóstico por imagem , Ultrassonografia Doppler em Cores , Trombose Venosa/diagnóstico por imagem , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patologia , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Humanos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Tomografia por Emissão de Pósitrons , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Trombose Venosa/etiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Anti-phospholipid antibodies positivity is associated with several clinical conditions, including infectious diseases. AIMS: We performed a meta-analysis evaluating the association of hepatitis B and C with anti-phospholipid antibody positivity and with anti-phospholipid antibody-related thrombotic complications. METHODS: Studies evaluating the association of viral hepatitis with anti-cardiolipin, anti-ß2 glycoprotein-I and lupus anticoagulant antibodies and anti-phospholipid antibody-related thrombotic events were systematically searched. RESULTS: 20 studies (2319 cases, 1901 controls) were included. The analyses showed that viral hepatitis is associated with the presence of anti-cardiolipin and anti-ß2 glycoprotein-I antibodies. The association with anticardiolipin antibodies was confirmed in both hepatitis B (OR 11.22, 95% CI: 6.68-18.84) and hepatitis C (OR 11.26, 95% CI: 6.82-18.59). Similarly, compared to controls, anti-ß2 glycoprotein-I antibodies were found more frequently in hepatitis B (OR 14.07, 95% CI: 3.06-64.66) and hepatitis C (OR 5.64, 95% CI: 1.69-18.77). Moreover, 11 studies (257 cases, 1079 controls) showed a higher prevalence of venous and/or arterial thrombosis in patients with hepatitis and anti-cardiolipin antibody positivity compared hepatitis alone (OR 3.29, 95% CI: 1.79-6.07). This result was consistently confirmed in hepatitis C (OR 3.64, 95% CI: 1.78-7.46) but not in hepatitis B. CONCLUSIONS: Viral hepatitis is significantly associated with anti-phospholipid antibody positivity and with anti-phospholipid antibody-related thrombotic complications.
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Anticorpos Antifosfolipídeos/sangue , Hepatite B/imunologia , Hepatite C/imunologia , Trombose/imunologia , Biomarcadores/sangue , Hepatite B/sangue , Hepatite B/complicações , Hepatite C/sangue , Hepatite C/complicações , Humanos , Análise de Regressão , Trombose/virologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several studies reported an association between autoimmune liver diseases (AiLD) and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) positivity. We performed a meta-analysis of studies evaluating the association of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) with aPL positivity and with aPL-related thrombotic events. METHODS: Studies evaluating the association of AiLD with aPL (anticardiolipin [aCL], anti-ß2 glycoprotein-I [anti-ß2GPI], lupus anticoagulant [LA] antibodies) and with aPL-related thrombotic complications were systematically searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE databases. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies (750 patients with AiLD and 1,244 healthy controls) were included in the analysis on the prevalence of aPL and showed that AiLD are significantly associated with the presence of aCL and anti-ß2GPI. The association with aCL positivity was consistently confirmed in PBC (OR: 13.93, 95%CI: 4.69-41.38), AIH (OR: 23.50, 95%CI: 4.28-129.13), and PSC (OR: 18.21, 95%CI: 7.05-47.08). Similarly, anti-ß2GPI were found more frequently in PBC (OR: 25.10, 95%CI: 4.77-132.11), AIH (OR: 48.57, 95%CI: 11.07-213.09), and PSC (OR: 36.30, 95%CI: 6.55-201.31). These findings are confirmed when separately analyzing IgM, IgG, and IgA directed against phospholipids. Two of the 10 included articles and 1 further study (67 cases and 75 controls) showed a trend - not achieving statistical significance - towards a higher prevalence of thrombotic complications in AIH patients with aPL as compared to those with only AIH (OR: 1.67, 95%CI: 0.46-6.05). CONCLUSION: PBC, AIH, and PSC are significantly associated with aPL positivity. The association with aPL-related thrombotic complications should be further studied.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Antifosfolipídeos/imunologia , Síndrome Antifosfolipídica/imunologia , Autoimunidade , Colangite Esclerosante/imunologia , Hepatite Autoimune/imunologia , Cirrose Hepática Biliar/imunologia , Anticorpos Antifosfolipídeos/sangue , Síndrome Antifosfolipídica/sangue , Síndrome Antifosfolipídica/diagnóstico , Distribuição de Qui-Quadrado , Colangite Esclerosante/sangue , Colangite Esclerosante/diagnóstico , Hepatite Autoimune/sangue , Hepatite Autoimune/diagnóstico , Humanos , Cirrose Hepática Biliar/sangue , Cirrose Hepática Biliar/diagnóstico , Razão de Chances , Prognóstico , Fatores de Risco , Trombose/imunologiaRESUMO
Abscess formation during the course of acute brucellosis is a rare event. A case of subphrenic abscess, the first to our knowledge, is described. A 49 years-old male patient with fever and a mild increase in ALT and gamma-GT was referred to our Institution. Routine blood exams tested negative and antibodies against Brucella spp. Were also negative. CT examination of abdomen was normal. After 8 days, US examination showed a liquid area under the right diaphragma and US-guided puncture revealed an abscess; pus culture showed the presence of Brucella melitensis. Seven days later theWright reaction became positive. After percutaneous catheter drainage of the abscess, fever disappeared and US follow-up showed reconstitution of subphrenic space. Our study confirm that sonography is a valid method to demonstrate abdominal abscess and that US-guided percutaneous puncture and drainage are useful tools in diagnosis and treatment of fluid abdominal collections
Assuntos
Brucelose/complicações , Drenagem , Abscesso Subfrênico/complicações , Abscesso Subfrênico/terapia , Doença Aguda , Drenagem/métodos , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Abscesso Subfrênico/diagnóstico por imagem , UltrassonografiaRESUMO
To test whether Helicobacter species play a role in the enhancement of liver necro-inflammation and fibrosis and in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we sought DNA sequences of Helicobacter species in liver specimens from patients with viral-related chronic hepatitis, HCC or metastatic liver carcinoma. We enrolled 28 consecutive patients with ultrasound evidence of hepatic nodule(s) on their first liver biopsy: 21 had histological evidence of HCC (Group I) and 7 of metastatic liver carcinoma (Group II). In the same period we observed 27 consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis on their first liver biopsy (Group III). Helicobacter sequences were sought by PCR using primers for the 16S rDNA of Helicobacter spp, designed to amplify a 400 base-pair fragment, and detected by 2% agarose gel and hybridization with a specific biotinylated probe. We used, as positive controls for the DNA extraction from liver tissue, hepatic biopsy sections in which HBV infection was confirmed by HBcAg positivity and in which we amplified HBV-DNA by specific primers; positive controls for the amplification of Helicobacter spp were obtained from gastric biopsy sections in which Helicobacter pylori infection was confirmed by biochemical and histochemical tests. HBV-DNA was found in all five HBcAg positive liver biopsies. Helicobacter spp 16S rDNA was detected in all five biopsy specimens of gastric mucosa and in none of liver specimens from patients in any group. Our data suggest that Helicobacter species were not involved in the pathogenesis of virus-related HCC, chronic hepatitis or liver carcinoma metastasis.
Assuntos
Infecções por Helicobacter/complicações , Helicobacter/patogenicidade , Hepatite B Crônica/microbiologia , Hepatite/microbiologia , Fígado/microbiologia , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Carcinoma/microbiologia , Carcinoma/secundário , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/microbiologia , DNA Bacteriano/isolamento & purificação , DNA Ribossômico/isolamento & purificação , Feminino , Mucosa Gástrica/microbiologia , Helicobacter/genética , Helicobacter/isolamento & purificação , Antígenos de Superfície da Hepatite B/análise , Hepatite B Crônica/complicações , Hepatite C Crônica/microbiologia , Humanos , Fígado/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias Hepáticas/microbiologia , Neoplasias Hepáticas/secundário , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Prospectivos , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , UltrassonografiaRESUMO
The treatment of cirrhotic patients with spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial and largely dependent on general conditions of the patients and compensation of the underlying cirrhosis. We retrospectively reviewed clinical, imaging and surgical records of 24 consecutive cirrhotic patients (17 males, 7 females; age range 52-88 years) with hemoperitoneum from spontaneous rupture of HCC observed from June 2004 to January 2010 at our Institution. When indicated, patients were referred to surgery or trans-arterial embolization (TAE). Advanced decompensated patients were conservatively treated and clinically followed up. Spontaneous rupture of HCC was assessed by aspiration of bloody ascites at paracentesis in all cases. The presence of large blood-clots over HCC and liver surface at US and/or CT was considered a specific sign of ruptured HCC in 14 cases. In two out of four patients who underwent TAE active bleeding from tumor surface could be demonstrated. In 2 cases, the active hemorrhage from the HCC surface could be assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Four out of 24 patients underwent surgery. Three out of four of these patients died within 2 weeks, 8 months, and 20 months after operation, respectively. The remaining patient is still alive at 52 months follow-up. Four patients underwent TAE and died at 1, 2, 6 and 10 months after treatment, because of recurrent peritoneal bleeding and/or liver failure. Sixteen patients with ruptured HCC in the advanced Child C cirrhosis were treated conservatively with blood derivative transfusion and with procoagulant drugs. All patients, but one died within 2-18 days. One patient survived the acute hemorrhage from ruptured HCC and died of liver failure after 3 months. We concluded that spontaneous rupture of HCC is usually a fatal event in patients with poor liver function, even after successful TAE. In compensated patients, timely surgical treatment can result in long term and even tumor-free survival of the patient.