Albúmina en cirrosis: perspectiva inflamatoria / Albumin in cirrhosis: inflammatory perspective

La albúmina sérica humana es la proteína más abundante en el plasma, su estructura molecular le confiere estabilidad, pero también flexibilidad para ligar y transportar un amplio rango de moléculas. Su función oncótica es la propiedad más reconocida que la lleva a introducirse en la terapéutica médica como un expansor de volumen. Sin embargo, en los últimos años se le han adicionado funciones con carácter antioxidante, inmunomodulador y de estabilización endotelial, que hacen presumir que su impacto terapéutico está más allá de sus funciones volumétricas. En los últimos años, específicamente en la cirrosis y la falla hepática aguda sobre crónica, se ha tenido un cambio en el paradigma fisiológico, desde una perspectiva netamente hemodinámica hacia una perspectiva inflamatoria, en donde las funciones oncóticas y no oncóticas de la albúmina están alteradas y tienen un carácter pronóstico en estas entidades. Este conocimiento creciente, desde una perspectiva inflamatoria, hace que se fortalezca el uso terapéutico de la albúmina sérica humana desde las indicaciones tradicionales como prevención de la disfunción circulatoria posparacentesis, prevención y tratamiento de lesión renal aguda, hasta las discusiones para administración a largo plazo en pacientes cirróticos con ascitis.

Human serum albumin is the most abundant protein in plasma, with a molecular structure that provides stability while also allowing flexibility to bind and transport a wide range of molecules. Its oncotic function is the most recognized property, leading to its introduction in medical therapy as a volume expander. However, in recent years, additional functions with antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and endothelial stabilization properties have been identified, suggesting that its therapeutic impact extends beyond its volumetric functions. Specifically, in cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure, there has been a shift in the pathophysiological paradigm from a purely hemodynamic perspective to an inflammatory perspective, where both oncotic and non-oncotic functions of albumin are altered and have prognostic significance in these conditions. This growing understanding from an inflammatory perspective strengthens the therapeutic use of human serum albumin, not only for traditional indications such as the prevention of post-paracentesis circulatory disfunction, prevention and treatment of acute kidney injury, but also for discussions regarding long-term administration in cirrhotic patients with ascites.

An excerpt of Asia-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines on management of ascites in liver disease （2023） / 临床肝胆病杂志

Asia-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver published the guidelines on management of ascites in liver disease in May 2023， which introduces the diagnosis， differential diagnosis， and treatment of ascites， hyponatremia， hepatic hydrothorax， and hepatorenal syndrome in patients with liver cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure. This article summarizes the main recommendations in the guidelines， so as to provide a reference for the treatment of ascites in patients with liver diseases in China.

Catéter peritoneal tunelizado para el manejo de ascitis refractaria en paciente con síndrome nefrótico

Introducción: la ascitis refractaria puede ser una complicación frecuente en el síndrome nefrótico (SN), existen casos reportados del uso de un catéter tunelizado de diálisis peritoneal en pacientes con cirrosis o neoplasias abdominales. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con SN en quién se utilizó un catéter para diálisis peritoneal (DP) para manejo de la ascitis refractaria. Objetivo: mostrar que el catéter peritoneal puede ser considerado como una alternativa para el manejo de la ascitis refractaria en pacientes con síndrome nefrótico. Presentación del caso: paciente varón de 19 años, sin antecedentes patológicos, cursó con edema progresivo y alteración de la función renal. Se evidenció síndrome nefrótico con anasarca y evolucionó con empeoramiento de la función renal ingresando a hemodiálisis de soporte. Se realizó biopsia renal: podocitopatía, glomerulopatía colapsante. Se inició tratamiento con corticoterapia, mejorando la función renal hasta suspender la hemodiálisis, pero presentó ascitis refractaria al tratamiento médico, por lo que se realizó paracentesis evacuatoria en reiteradas ocasiones. Se decidió colocación de catéter peritoneal tunelizado para el manejo de la ascitis refractaria. La ascitis fue disminuyendo progresivamente hasta el retiro del catéter peritoneal. Discusión y conclusión: el uso de catéter tunelizado de diálisis peritoneal es una opción de manejo efectiva en casos de síndrome nefrótico con ascitis refractaria.

Introduction: Refractory ascites can be a frequent complication in nephrotic syndrome (NS), there are reported cases of the use of a tunneled peritoneal dialysis catheter in patients with cirrhosis or abdominal neoplasms. The case of a patient with NS is presented in whom used a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter to manage refractory ascites. Purpose: To show that the peritoneal catheter can be considered as an alternative for the management of refractory ascites in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Presentation of the case: A 19-year-old male patient, with no pathological history, presented progressive edema and impaired renal function. Nephrotic syndrome with anasarca was evidenced, and it evolved with worsening renal function, entering supportive hemodialysis. Renal biopsy was performed: podocytopathy, collapsing glomerulopathy. Corticosteroid treatment was started, improving renal function until hemodialysis was discontinued, but he presented ascites refractory to medical treatment, for which evacuatory paracentesis was performed repeatedly. It was decided to place a tunneled peritoneal catheter for the management of refractory ascites. Ascites gradually decreased until the peritoneal catheter was removed. Discussion and conclusion: The use of a tunneled peritoneal dialysis catheter is an effective management option in cases of nephrotic syndrome with refractory ascites.

Severe Manifestation of Peritoneal Tuberculosis: Clinical Case Report

Aim: To describe the clinical manifestation and the diagnostic process of a patient with peritoneal tuberculosis as a clinical challenge in a tertiary referral center in a Latin American country. Case description: A 61-year-old male patient from the urban area of Cali consulted for edema in the lower limbs, ascites, hyporexia, weight loss, cachexia, thrombocytopenia, elevated transaminases, imaging of splenomegaly and pulmonary, hepatic, and peritoneum nodules. Initially, neoplasia was suspected, but the adenosine deaminase report and histopathology were consistent with the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis. Conclusion: Peritoneal tuberculosis represents the sixth cause of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, after lymphatic, pleural, osteoarticular, genitourinary, and meningeal manifestations. Despite having surveillance systems, peritoneal tuberculosis is still considered the most challenging infectious disease to reach a definitive diagnosis. We present a case of disseminated tuberculosis in which invasion of the peritoneum was verified, for which tetraconjugate treatment was started; however, the patient showed an adverse hepatic reaction and died due to multisystem involvement of a pulmonary infectious complication.

Objetivo: describir la presentación clínica y el proceso diagnóstico de un paciente con tuberculosis peritoneal como reto clínico en un centro de alta complejidad de un país latinoamericano. Descripción del caso: un paciente masculino de 61 años procedente del área urbana de Cali consultó por edema en los miembros inferiores, ascitis, hiporexia, pérdida de peso, caquexia, trombocitopenia, elevación de transaminasas, imágenes de esplenomegalia y nódulos pulmonares, hepáticos y en el peritoneo. Inicialmente se sospechó neoplasia, pero el reporte de adenosina desaminasa y la histopatología fueron consistentes con el diagnóstico de tuberculosis peritoneal. Conclusión: la tuberculosis peritoneal representa la sexta causa de tuberculosis extrapulmonar, después de las manifestaciones linfáticas, pleurales, osteoarticulares, genitourinarias y meníngeas. A pesar de contar con sistemas de vigilancia, la tuberculosis peritoneal sigue siendo considerada como la enfermedad infecciosa más desafiante para llegar a un diagnóstico definitivo. Se presenta un caso de tuberculosis diseminada en el que se comprobó invasión del peritoneo, por lo que se inició un tratamiento tetraconjugado; sin embargo, presentó una reacción adversa hepática y falleció producto del compromiso multisistémico de una complicación infecciosa pulmonar.

Características clínicas, diagnóstico e tratamento de mulher com síndrome de Meigs: relato de caso e revisão narrativa / Clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of a woman with Meigs syndrome: case report and narrative review

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o caso de mulher com síndrome de Meigs e apresentar a revisão narrativa sobre o tema. Paciente do sexo feminino, 30 anos, nulípara, encaminhada ao hospital por massa anexial e história prévia de drenagem de derrame pleural. Evoluiu com instabilidade hemodinâmica por derrame pleural hipertensivo à direita, sendo submetida a drenagem torácica, com citologia do líquido negativa. Após, foi submetida a laparotomia: realizada salpingo-ooforectomia esquerda. A congelação e a análise histopatológica diagnosticaram fibroma ovariano. A citologia ascítica foi negativa. CA-125 elevado, presença de derrames cavitários e exame de imagem suspeito podem mimetizar um cenário de neoplasia maligna de ovário em estágio avançado. Entretanto, na síndrome de Meigs clássica, o tratamento é cirúrgico, sendo o diagnóstico obtido por meio da análise histopatológica do tumor ovariano. O manejo da síndrome de Meigs clássica é cirúrgico e, após a remoção do tumor, o derrame pleural e a ascite desaparecem.

To describe a case of Meigs syndrome and present a narrative review of the condition. Female patient, 30 years old, nulliparous, referred to the hospital due to an adnexal mass and a previous drainage of pleural effusion. She developed hemodynamic instability due to a hypertensive right pleural effusion being submitted to chest drainage, with negative cytology of the fluid. She underwent laparotomy: Left salpingo-oophorectomy was performed and frozen section and histopathological analysis diagnosed an ovarian fibroma. Ascites cytology was negative. Elevated CA-125, presence of cavitary effusions, suspicious imaging exam can mimic a scenario of ovarian cancer at an advanced stage. However, in classical Meigs syndrome, treatment is surgical, and the diagnosis is obtained through histopathological analysis of the ovarian tumor. Classical Meigs syndrome' management is surgical. After tumor removal, pleural effusion and ascites resolve.

Recurrent Ascites: Uroperitoneum as an Overlooked Etiology

Ascites is a frequently encountered condition with diverse underlying causes. Among these, uroperitoneum is a rare etiology characterized by a non-specific clinical presentation, making it challenging to diagnose. A thorough approach and a high level of clinical suspicion are essential for accurate diagnosis. The measurement of creatinine levels in peritoneal fluid, serum, and the gradient between them plays a crucial role in achieving a correct diagnosis. In this case report, we present a patient with recurrent ascites and fluctuating elevation of azotemia, who was diagnosed with uroperitoneum through a meticulous diagnostic process. Following surgical intervention, the patient exhibited satisfactory clinical improvement without experiencing further recurrences.

La ascitis es una condición frecuente con una etiología variable; dentro de esta, el uroperitoneo es una causa infrecuente con un cuadro clínico inespecífico y de difícil diagnóstico que requiere una aproximación minuciosa y una alta sospecha clínica para un adecuado enfoque. Para su correcto diagnóstico, juega un papel fundamental la medición de creatinina en el líquido peritoneal, en el suero y su gradiente. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con ascitis recurrente y elevación fluctuante de azoados que fue diagnosticado con uroperitoneo luego de una aproximación juiciosa. La evolución fue apropiada luego de la intervención quirúrgica sin nuevas recurrencias.

PERIOPERATIVE CONCERNS OF VENTRICULOATRIAL SHUNT-A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF 40 CASES.

Background: Ventriculo -peritoneal [VP] shunt is the most commonly used cerebrospinal ?uid (CSF) diversion procedure for the management of hydrocephalus. However, when the absorption of CSF from the peritoneum is defective, it results in abdominal distension with CSF ascites. In such cases, an alternate diversion procedure - the ventriculo-atrial [VA] shunt – may be performed. However, this procedure is also associated with several perioperative problems like arrhythmias, air embolism and infection. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 40 cases on the perioperative concerns of VA shunt procedures, performed in our institute, was done. Indication of the shunt, preoperative status & work -up, intraoperative adverse events & management and immediate post-operative complications were assessed. Out of the 40 patients, there were 25 male Results: s and 15 females and there were a total of 12 paediatric patients. Blocked shunt, abdominal infection and CSF ascites were common indications for VA shunt. All patients received general endotracheal anaesthesia with preoperative hypovolemia correction. Intraoperative tachycardia and arrhythmia were noted. Various Conclusion : preoperative concerns like distended abdomen and compromised respiration increase risk of VA shunt procedures. A better understanding of the underlying disease pathology and anticipation of related complications along with cautious and meticulous management can help prevent most of the complications of VA shunt procedure and thereby improve outcome

Subserous Eosinophilic Colitis: A Case Report in a Private Hospital in Lima, Peru

Eosinophilic colitis is a rare gastrointestinal disease that belongs to the group of so-called primary eosinophilic diseases of the digestive tract. There are three types: mucosa, transmural (muscular), and subserous. We present the case of a 23-year-old male patient with a clinical picture of abdominal pain, nausea, chronic diarrhea, and ascites. Parasitic and other secondary etiologies were ruled out. Upper digestive endoscopy was not helpful. Colonoscopy revealed characteristics of inflammation in the distal ileum and ascending colon, the histological findings of which were consistent with eosinophilic colitis. The study of ascitic fluid was suggestive of eosinophilic ascites. The patient received induction treatment with prednisone 40 mg daily orally; remission was achieved after two weeks, and maintenance therapy based on prednisone was continued with the progressive withdrawal of the dose. Control of the disease was successful.

La colitis eosinofílica es una patología gastrointestinal infrecuente que pertenece al grupo de las denominadas enfermedades primarias eosinofílicas del tracto digestivo. Existen 3 tipos: mucosa, transmural (muscular) y subserosa. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón, de 23 años de edad, con un cuadro clínico de dolor abdominal, náuseas, diarrea crónica y presentación de ascitis. Se descartan etiologías parasitarias y otras secundarias. La endoscopia digestiva alta no fue contribuidora. Mediante una colonoscopia se observaron características de inflamación en el íleon distal y el colon ascendente, cuyos hallazgos histológicos son compatibles con colitis eosinofílica. El estudio de líquido ascítico es sugestivo de ascitis eosinofílica. El paciente recibió tratamiento de inducción con prednisona a 40 mg diarios por vía oral, se logró la remisión a las 2 semanas y se continuó con terapia de mantenimiento a base de prednisona con retiro progresivo de la dosis. Se logró el control de la enfermedad de manera exitosa.

AI Cytomorphology Combined with DNA-image Cytometry for Identifying Benign and Malignant Pleural Effusion and Ascites / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of artificial intelligence (AI) cytology combined with DNA-image cytometry (DNA-ICM) auxiliary diagnostic system for the identification of benign and malignant pleural effusion and ascites. Methods Liquid-based cytology technology (LCT), DNA-ICM, AI, and AI combined with DNA-ICM were used to identify benign and malignant pleural effusion and ascites specimens in 360 cases, and their sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, Kappa value, Youden index and AUC were statistically analyzed. Results The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of AI combined with DNA-ICM in detecting benign and malignant pleural effusion and ascites were 95.23%, 94.12%, and 94.44%, respectively, which were higher than those of the three other separate detection methods (all P < 0.05). The kappa values of LCT, DNA-ICM, and AI were 0.646, 0.642, and 0.586; their Youden index values were 0.693, 0.687, and 0.676, and their AUC values were 0.846, 0.843, and 0.838, respectively. The Kappa value of AI combined with DNA-ICM was 0.869, the Youden index was 0.893, and AUC was 0.947, which were all higher than those of the three detection methods alone. Conclusion Among the three separate detection methods, LCT has the highest reliability, authenticity, and diagnostic value, and it can be used as a common method for the clinical identification of benign and malignant pleural effusion and ascites. The diagnostic performance of AI combined with DNA-ICM auxiliary diagnosis system in identifying benign and malignant pleural effusion and ascites is better than those of the three separate detection methods and can be used as a reliable method for the clinical identification of benign and malignant pleural effusion and ascites.

POEMS Syndrome with Peripheral Edema and Ascites as the Main Manifestations:Report of One Case / 中国医学科学院学报

POEMS syndrome is a rare disease caused by monoclonal plasma cell proliferative disorder.The typical signs include peripheral neuropathy,organ enlargement,endocrine disease,M proteinemia,and skin changes.In clinical practice,the atypical,complex,and changeable clinical manifestations of this syndrome can easily lead to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.A case of POEMS syndrome with peripheral edema and ascites as the main manifestations is reported in this paper.

Cytopathological characterization of ascites for the diagnosis of serous ovarian carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To investigate the cytomorphological and immunocytochemical features of tumor cells in the ascites of ovarian plasmacytoma (SOC). Methods: Specimens of serous cavity effusions were collected from 61 tumor patients admitted to the Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2015 to July 2021, including ascites from 32 SOC, 10 gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas, 5 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, 6 lung adenocarcinomas, 4 benign mesothelial hyperplasia and 1 malignant mesothelioma patients, pleural effusions from 2 malignant mesothelioma patients and pericardial effusion from 1 malignant mesothelioma. Serous cavity effusion samples of all patients were collected, conventional smears were made through centrifugation, and cell paraffin blocks were made through centrifugation of remaining effusion samples. Conventional HE staining and immunocytochemical staining were applied to observe and summarize cytomorphological characteristics and immunocytochemical characteristics. The levels of serum tumor markers carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) were detected. Results: Of the 32 SOC patients, 5 had low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC) and 27 had high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). 29 (90.6%) SOC patients had elevated serum CA125, but the difference was not statistically significant between them and patients with non-ovarian primary lesions included in the study (P>0.05); The serum CEA was positive in 9 patients with gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma and 5 patients with lung adenocarcinoma, and the positive rate was higher than that in SOC patients (P<0.001); The serum CA19-9 was positive in 5 patients with gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma and 5 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and the positive rate was higher than that in SOC patients (P<0.05). The serum CA125, CEA and CA19-9 were within the normal range in 4 patients with benign mesothelial hyperplasia. LGSOC tumor cells were less heterogeneous and aggregated into small clusters or papillary pattern, and psammoma bodies could be observed in some LGSOC cases. The background cells were fewer and lymphocytes were predominant; the papillary structure was more obvious after making cell wax blocks. HGSOC tumor cells were highly heterogeneous, with significantly enlarged nuclei and varying sizes, which could be more than 3-fold different, and nucleoli and nuclear schizophrenia could be observed in some cases; tumor cells were mostly clustered into nested clusters, papillae and prune shapes; there were more background cells, mainly histiocytes. Immunocytochemical staining showed that AE1/AE3, CK7, PAX-8, CA125, and WT1 were diffusely positively expressed in 32 SOC cases. P53 was focally positive in all 5 LGSOCs, diffusely positive in 23 HGSOCs, and negative in the other 4 HGSOCs. Most of adenocarcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract and lung had a history of surgery, and tumor cells of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tend to form small cell nests. Immunocytochemistry can assist in the differential diagnosis of mesothelial-derived lesions with characteristic "open window" phenomenon. Conclusion: Combining the clinical manifestations of the patient, the morphological characteristics of the cells in the smear and cell block of the ascites can provide important clues for the diagnosis of SOC, and the immunocytochemical tests can further improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Quiste mesentérico gigante, un hallazgo incidental: reporte de caso / Giant mesenteric cyst, an incidental finding: case report / Cisto mesentérico gigante, um achado incidental: relatório de caso

Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 58 años de edad, sin antecedentes de importancia para la presencia de hepatopatía, quien presentó distensión abdominal progresiva que no respondió al manejo a base de diuréticos, diagnosticado incidentalmente a través de estudios de imagen con un quiste mesentérico gigante, el cual constituye un tumor raro, con pocos reportes de caso en la literatura, según lo referido es más frecuente en el sexo femenino, su etiología aun es desconocida, su diagnóstico generalmente se realiza a través de estudios de imagen y el tratamiento consiste en la escisión quirúrgica completa ya que su drenaje constituye un medio ineficaz por el alto riesgo de recurrencia.

We present the case of a 58-year-old man, with no history of significant hepatopathy, who presented progressive abdominal distension that did not respond to diuretics, diagnosed incidentally through imaging studies with a giant mesenteric cyst, which is a rare tumor, Its etiology is still unknown, its diagnosis is generally made through imaging studies and the treatment consists of complete surgical excision since its drainage is an ineffective means due to the high risk of recurrence.

Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 58 anos, sem historial de hepatopatia significativa, que apresentava uma distensão abdominal progressiva que não respondia a uma gestão baseada em diuréticos, diagnosticada incidentalmente através de estudos de imagem com um cisto mesentérico gigante, que é um tumor raro, A sua etiologia é ainda desconhecida, o seu diagnóstico é geralmente feito através de estudos de imagem e o tratamento consiste na excisão cirúrgica completa, uma vez que a drenagem é um meio ineficaz devido ao elevado risco de recidiva.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in decompensated cirrhotic patients in a tertiary hospital in southern Brazil

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of cirrhotic patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal observational study was carried out evaluating 38 cirrhotic patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. The outcomes were evaluated in an outpatient follow-up period of 3 months. The assumed significance level was 5%. RESULTS: The indications for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt were refractory ascites in 21 (55.3%), variceal hemorrhage in 13 (34.2%), and hydrothorax in 4 (10.5%) patients. There was development of hepatic encephalopathy in 10 (35.7%) patients after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. From the 21 patients with refractory ascites, resolution was observed in 1 (3.1%) patient, and in 16 (50.0%) patients, there was ascites control. Regarding transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt after variceal bleeding, 10 (76.9%) patients remained without new bleeding or hospitalizations in the follow-up period. The global survival in the follow-up period in patients with and without hepatic encephalopathy was 60 vs. 82%, respectively (p=0.032). CONCLUSION: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt can be considered in decompensated cirrhotic patients; however, the development of hepatic encephalopathy which can shorten survival should be focused.

Chylothorax and chylous ascites due to juvenile paracoccidioidomycosis: a case report

ABSTRACT Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic fungal infection caused by Paracoccidioides species. Chylothorax is a rare complication of PCM. A 16-year-old adolescent presented daily fever, lymphadenomegaly, sweating, weight loss, ventilatory-dependent pain, and dysphagia, which confirmed PCM. During treatment, the patient developed chylothorax and chylous ascites. Chronic inflammatory and fibrotic lymphadenopathy may obstruct lymphatic vessels, resulting in the extravasation of lymph into the abdomen or pleural cavities. Chylothorax is one of several complications of PCM and can lead to respiratory insufficiency, even in patients undergoing antifungal therapy.

Analysis of distribution characteristics and drug resistance of pathogens isolated from ascites of patients in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, 2015-2021 / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To investigate the distribution and drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria separated from ascites of patients in Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from 2015 to 2021, and to provide a basis for rational clinical antimicrobial agents. Methods　Bacterial culture, bacterial identification and drug sensitivity analysis were performed on 1 058 non-duplicate ascites culture specimens from January 2015 to December 2021. The clinica1 and microbiologica1 data were ana1yzed by WHONET 5.6 and SAS 9.4 Results　Of the 1 058 specimens, 586 (55.39%) were positive for pathogenic bacteria, with a total of 781 strains isolated. There was no significant trend of increase or decrease in the positivity rate over different years. Male children (63.99%) were more prevalent than female children. Appendicitis (59.22%) was the most common disease and Escherichia coli was the most common causative bacteria. Among neonates (≤28 d), the bacteria with the highest detection rate were Klebsiella pneumoniae (23.50%) and Enterococcus faecium (23.50%), while among children (>28 d), the highest detection rate was Escherichia coli (35.98%). Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 64.79% of the 781 strains, mainly Escherichia coli (38.28%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.58%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.89%); Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 29.45%, mainly Enterococcus faecium (8.58%), Streptococcus constellatus (2.69%), and Enterococcus avium (2.43%); fungi accounted for 1.66% and anaerobic bacteria accounted for 4.10%. The resistance rates of Escherichia coli to cefoperazone/sulbactam, piperacillin/tazobactam, imipenem and meropenem were 6.02%, 4.35%, 4.35%, and 3.68%, respectively. The resistance rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae to these drugs were 59.70%, 59.70%, 50.75% and 53.73% respectively. Linezolid-resistant strains of Enterococcus faecium were found. Conclusion　Appendicitis is the most common abdominal infection in children, and the distribution of ascites pathogens varies with ages and diseases. The pathogenic bacteria are mainly Gram-negative bacteria, and the drug resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae was more serious. It is particularly important to use antibiotics correctly and rationally to reduce the emergence of drug resistant bacteria.

Current status and advances in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in treatment of refractory ascites due to portal hypertension / 临床肝胆病杂志

Refractory ascites is one of the common complications of portal hypertension in decompensated liver cirrhosis and is characterized by extremely poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is recommended by several international and national guidelines as one of the treatment methods after failure of large volume paracentesis combined protein infusion therapy. TIPS can effectively control the recurrence of ascites, but it can increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy, and there are still controversies over whether it can prolong survival time. With a deeper understanding of TIPS, the maturity of surgical techniques, and the update of stent materials, it is urgent to reevaluate the position of TIPS in the treatment of refractory ascites due to portal hypertension. This article reviews the current status and advances in TIPS for the treatment of refractory ascites due to portal hypertension.

Research advances in acute pancreatitis-associated ascites fluid / 临床肝胆病杂志

Acute pancreatitis-associated ascites fluid (PAAF) is a common complication in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and is closely associated with the severity of AP, the development of local and systemic complications, and prognosis. PAAF may originate from the leakage of abdominal blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and pancreatic duct. Recent studies have found that early removal of PAAF by abdominal paracentesis drainage can help to reduce systemic inflammation and alleviate pancreatitis-associated organ injury, thereby improving the conditions of patients with severe AP and reducing mortality. However, it is still not completely clear how PAAF aggravates systemic inflammatory response, participates in pancreatic injury and damage of distal organs, and leads to the aggravation of disease conditions in patients with AP. Therefore, this article gives an overview of PAAF and summarizes related studies in recent years, so as to provide directions for exploring the pathophysiological process and treatment of AP.

Effect of intravenous albumin in patients with liver cirrhosis and nephrotic syndrome / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the outcomes of intravenous injection of human albumin (HA) in patients with both liver cirrhosis and nephrotic syndrome. 【Methods】 We retrospectively studied 101 liver cirrhosis patients with ascites and nephrotic syndrome treated in our hospital from January 2018 to November 2021. All the patients received oral diuretic and intravenous albumin therapy. Their baseline characteristics were collected and the changes in serum albumin and creatinine levels before and after treatment were evaluated. The patients with elevated albumin levels after treatment greater than the median value (1.8 g/L) were defined as response group. The rest of the patients were classified as the non-response group. And Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relevant influencing factors for treatment response. 【Results】 All the patients’ symptoms of abdominal distension related to moderate to great ascites were clinically lessened at the end of treatment, and no case of acute kidney injury occurred during the treatment. Of them, 32 patients had repeated hospitalizations within six months after discharge. The serum albumin level was significantly increased after treatment [(26.5±5.9) g/L vs. (29.9±4.9) g/L, P<0.001] and there was no significant difference in serum creatinine before and after treatment [(111.9±118.4)μmol/L vs. (108.5±87.9)μmol/L, P=0.816]. Fifty-three patients were defined as treatment response group. The differences in characteristics including age, sex, etiology of cirrhosis, and proteinuria were not statistically significant. However, the serum creatinine level was significantly lower in the response group than in the non-response group [(84.1±51.2)μmol/L vs. (142.7±158.4)μmol/L, P=0.017\]. A similar trend of difference was observed with respect to urea nitrogen level \[(8.7±5.1)mmol/L vs. (11.8±9.1)mmol/L, P=0.039\]. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that the serum creatinine level was a risk factor for non-response to treatment (hazard ratio=1.025, 95% CI: 1.010-1.049, P=0.037). In addition, the correlation analysis showed that the baseline albumin levels were negatively correlated with hospital stay time (r=-0.340, P=0.001), daily HA usage (r=-0.546, P<0.001), and baseline proteinuria levels (r=-0.654, P<0.001), respectively. 【Conclusion】 Intravenous injection of HA in cirrhotic patients with nephrotic syndrome was safe and effective for the treatment of ascites. Kidney function affects serum albumin levels and response to treatment.

Expert consensus on Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis and treatment of ascites due to cirrhosis （2023） / 临床肝胆病杂志

@#Ascites of cirrhosis is one of the most common complications in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Branch of Gastrointestinal Diseases， China Association of Chinese Medicine Published Expert consensus on Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis and treatment of ascites due to cirrhosis in 2012 and 2017. With the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine research on cirrhosis ascites， it is necessary to update the expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment. This consensus combines the research of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine in the diagnosis， treatment and prevention of ascites in cirrhosis， highlights the clinical practicability and reflects the latest research progress.

Clinical efficacy and outcome analysis of early abdominal paracentesis drainage for treating patients with severe acute pancreatitis / 中华胰腺病杂志

Objective:To analyse the clinical efficacy and outcome of early abdominal paracentesis drainage (APD) in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).Methods:The clinical data of 107 SAP patients with massive abdominal fluid in Shanghai General People Hospital from May 2017 to December 2021 were collected and analyzed. Patients were divided into APD group ( n=56) and NO-APD group ( n=51) according to whether they underwent APD or not within 3 days after admission. The APD group was then divided into abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) subgroup ( n=29) and NO-ACS subgroup ( n=27) according to whether ACS had occurred or not at the time of puncture. Patients' general data, the duration of systemic inflammatory response (SIRS), length of ICU stay, the trends of intra-abdominal pressure and inflammatory indicators (white blood cell count and the content of C-reactive protein) within 1-3 days after admission, incidence of infection complication, step-up therapy, discharge or death were recorded. Results:The intra-abdominal pressure were 18.6±5.6mmHg , 13.7±4.2mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kpa) in APD group and NO-APD group, respectively. The intra-abdominal pressure of APD group was significantly higher than that of NO-APD group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.000). Compared with NO-APD group, the duration of SIRS was significantly shortened in APD group [3(2, 4) days vs 4(3, 6) days, P=0.029]. On day 1, 2 and 3 after admission, the intra-abdominal pressure was 18.6±5.6 mmHg, 16.4±4.7 mmHg and 13.5±3.9 mmHg in APD group, and was 13.7±4.2 mmHg, 12.3±3.6 mmHg and 11.0±2.6 mmHg in NO-APD group, respectively. The intra-abdominal pressure of the APD group dropped faster than the NO-APD group ( P=0.004). The white blood cell count was (14.8±4.8), (10.5±4.5) and (9.0±3.8)×10 9/L in APD group, and was (14.2±5.4), (12.3±7.3), (11.7±5.3)×10 9/L in NO-APD group, respectively. Compared with the NO-APD group, the decrease rate of white blood cell count was faster in APD group ( P=0.006). The C-reactive protein content was (153.6±47.1), (150.4±10.5) and (108.8±49.4)mg/L in APD group, and were (174.8±31.1), (191.6±29.4) and (186.8±45.5)mg/L in NO-APD group . The content of C-reactive protein in APD group decreased significantly, while that in NO-APD group did not decrease. There was a significant difference between the two groups ( P=0.009). In the subgroup comparisons, the duration of SIRS in the ACS subgroup was significant longer than that in the NO-ACS subgroup [4(3, 5) days vs 2(1, 3)days, P=0.000]. Compared between the two groups and two subgroups respectively, there were no statistically significant differences on length of ICU stay, infection complication rate, advanced treatment rate and mortality. Conclusions:For SAP patients with abdominal fluid, APD in the early stage could shorten the duration of SIRS, decrease intra-abdominal pressure rapidly, improve inflammatory indicators, but could not improve the clinical outcome.