Study on HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure risk factors and novel predictive survival model / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To identify the predisposing factors, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of disease progression to establish a novel predictive survival model and evaluate its application value for hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure. Methods: 153 cases of HBV-ACLF were selected according to the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of liver failure (2018 edition) of the Chinese Medical Association Hepatology Branch. Predisposing factors, the basic liver disease stage, therapeutic drugs, clinical characteristics, and factors affecting survival status were analyzed. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to screen prognostic factors and establish a novel predictive survival model. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate predictive value with the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) and the Chronic Liver Failure Consortium Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure score (CLIF-C ACLF). Results: 80.39% (123/153) based on hepatitis B cirrhosis had developed ACLF. HBV-ACLF's main inducing factors were the discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) and the application of hepatotoxic drugs, including Chinese patent medicine/Chinese herbal medicine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-tuberculosis drugs, central nervous system drugs, anti-tumor drugs, etc. 34.64% of cases had an unknown inducement. The most common clinical symptoms at onset were progressive jaundice, poor appetite, and fatigue. The short-term mortality rate was significantly higher in patients complicated with hepatic encephalopathy, upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hepatorenal syndrome, and infection (P < 0.05). Lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, the international normalized ratio, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, hepatic encephalopathy, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding were the independent predictors for the survival status of patients. The LAINeu model was established. The area under the curve for evaluating the survival of HBV-ACLF was 0.886, which was significantly higher than the MELD and CLIF-C ACLF scores (P < 0.05), and the prognosis was worse when the LAINeu score ≥ -3.75. Conclusion: Discontinuation of NAs and the application of hepatotoxic drugs are common predisposing factors for HBV-ACLF. Hepatic decompensation-related complications and infection accelerate the disease's progression. The LAINeu model can predict patient survival conditions more accurately.

Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of end-stage liver disease complicated infection (2021 version) / 中华肝脏病杂志

End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is a life-threatening clinical syndrome with significantly increased mortality when the patients are complicated with infections. For patients with ESLD, infections can induce or aggravate the liver decompensation. In turn, infections are among the most common complication with the disease progression. Experts from Society of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Medical Association firstly formulated "Expert Consensus on Diagnosis and Treatment of End-Stage Liver Disease Complicated with Infection" in July 2018, which is extensively revised based on clinical evidence of recent three years. This consensus summarizes the up-to-date knowledge and experiences across Chinese colleagues, intending to provide principles and wording procedures for clinicians to diagnose and treat ESLD patient complicated with infections.

Atypical crusted scabies in a patient with chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis B and D viruses

Abstract: Crusted scabies is a less common variant of scabies that is highly contagious, difficult to treat and involves infestation by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. The classical clinical presentation includes crusted, scaly and generally non-pruritic lesions usually located on the head, neck, palmar, plantar and periungual region. It was first described in Norway in 1848 in patients with leprosy who presented with crusted lesions. In this study, we report the case of a patient with crusted scabies with florid clinical manifestations and chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B and delta virus infection.

The use of meld score (model for end-stage liver disease) and derivatives in cardiac transplantation / A utilização do escore meld (model for end-stage liver disease) e derivados no transplante cardíaco

ABSTRACT Introduction: Heart transplantation is still the best therapeutic alternative for the treatment of end-stage heart failure. The use of criteria that consider the complications associated with this procedure can guarantee a better evaluation of the recipient and prepare the team for possible unsatisfactory post-transplant results. The use of the MELD score has been expanded to evaluate cirrhotic patients undergoing various procedures, including cardiac transplantation. Objective: To analyze the knowledge on MELD score and its derivatives to the prognosis of patients with end-stage heart failure considered for heart transplantation. Method: Was carried out an integrative review of the publications of the last ten years in Pubmed and Lilacs databases, using the descriptors "heart transplantation", "liver disease" and "prognosis". From the total of 111 articles found, six were selected and composed the sample. Results: The MELD-XI score (eXcluding INR) was the most analyzed in the studies due to the exclusion of INR, since many patients with heart failure use anticoagulants, which may alter their value. MELD and derivatives were associated with unsatisfactory results in cardiac transplantation. Conclusion: The MELD score can be considered as a good predictor for heart transplantation; however, there are still few studies that make this correlation.

RESUMO Introdução : O transplante de coração ainda é a melhor alternativa terapêutica para o tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca terminal. A utilização de critérios que considerem as complicações associadas a esse procedimento pode garantir melhor avaliação do receptor e preparar a equipe para possíveis resultados insatisfatórios no pós-transplante. O uso do escore MELD vem sendo expandido para avaliar pacientes cirróticos submetidos a diversos procedimentos, incluindo o transplante cardíaco. Objetivo : Analisar o conhecimento produzido relacionando o escore MELD e os seus derivados com o prognóstico dos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca terminal considerados para o transplante cardíaco. Método : Foi realizada revisão integrativa das publicações dos últimos dez anos nas bases de dados Pubmed e Lilacs, utilizando os descritores "transplante cardíaco", "doença hepática" e "prognóstico". Do total de 111 artigos encontrados, seis foram selecionados e compuseram a amostra. Resultados : O escore MELD-XI (eXcluding INR) foi o mais analisado nos estudos devido à exclusão do INR, já que boa parte dos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca fazem uso de anticoagulantes, podendo alterar o seu valor. O MELD e derivados esteve associado aos resultados insatisfatórios no transplante cardíaco. Conclusão : O escore MELD pode ser considerado como bom preditor para o transplante cardíaco; porém, ainda são poucos os estudos que fazem essa correlação.

Sexual aspects of liver transplant candidates and recipients: evidence available in the literature / Aspectos sexuais de candidatos e receptores de transplante de fígado: evidências disponíveis na literatura / Aspectos sexuales de candidatos y receptores de trasplante de hígado: evidencias disponibles en la literatura

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the evidence available in the literature on the alterations in the sexuality of candidates and recipients of liver transplantation. Method: integrative review of the literature with search for primary studies in the databases MEDLINE (via PUBMED), CINAHL e LILACS, published in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Results: the 16 primary studies included were grouped into three categories: 1) female sexuality (n=5), 2) male sexuality (n=5) and 3) male and female sexuality (n=6). In category 1, the subjects investigated were contraception, pregnancy, sexual dysfunction, presence of gynecological symptoms and sexually transmitted infections. In category 2, the main focus of the studies was erectile dysfunction, sexual desire and satisfaction, and consequences of the immunosuppressive regimen with mycophenolic acid in men. In category 3, the evaluation of sexual function was the main topic. Conclusion: the scientific evidence generated provides support to encourage health professionals to incorporate the topic of sexuality in the routine of care. Knowledge gaps were identified and new studies should be conducted in order to implement interventions to prevent, minimize and/or control changes related to the patient's sexuality.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre as alterações na sexualidade de candidatos e receptores de transplante de fígado. Método: revisão integrativa com busca dos estudos primários nas bases de dados MEDLINE (via PUBMED), CINAHL e LILACS, publicados em inglês, português ou espanhol. Resultados: os 16 estudos primários incluídos foram agrupados em três categorias: 1) sexualidade feminina (n=5), 2) sexualidade masculina (n=5) e 3) sexualidade masculina e feminina (n=6). Na categoria 1, os temas investigados foram contracepção, gravidez, disfunção sexual, presença de sintomas ginecológicos e infecção sexualmente transmissível. Na categoria 2, o foco principal dos estudos foi disfunção erétil, desejo e satisfação sexual e consequências do regime imunossupressor com ácido micofenólico em homens. Na categoria 3, a avaliação da função sexual foi o principal tema abordado. Conclusão: as evidências científicas geradas fornecem subsídios para encorajar os profissionais de saúde na incorporação da temática sexualidade na rotina de atendimento, bem como a identificação de lacunas do conhecimento para a condução de novas pesquisas com o propósito de implementar intervenções para prevenir, minimizar e/ou controlar as alterações relacionadas à sexualidade do paciente.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar las evidencias disponibles en la literatura sobre las alteraciones de la sexualidad de candidatos y receptores de trasplante de hígado. Método: revisión integradora mediante la búsqueda de estudios primarios en MEDLINE (vía PUBMED), CINAHL y LILACS, publicados en inglés, portugués o español. Resultados: los 16 estudios primarios incluidos se agruparon en tres categorías: 1) sexualidad femenina (n=5), 2) sexualidad masculina (n=5) y 3) sexualidad masculina y femenina (n=6). En la categoría 1, los temas investigados fueron contracepción, embarazo, disfunción sexual, presencia de síntomas ginecológicos e infección sexualmente transmisible. En la categoría 2, el foco principal de los estudios fue la disfunción eréctil, el deseo y la satisfacción sexual y las consecuencias del régimen inmunosupresor con ácido micofenólico en los hombres. En la categoría 3, la evaluación de la función sexual fue el principal tema abordado. Conclusión: las evidencias científicas halladas contribuyen para alentar a los profesionales de la salud a incorporar la temática sexualidad en la rutina de atención, así como identificar lagunas de conocimiento en la conducción de nuevas investigaciones con el propósito de efectuar intervenciones para prevenir, minimizar y/o controlar los cambios relacionados con la sexualidad del paciente.

Candesartan, rather than losartan, improves motor dysfunction in thioacetamide-induced chronic liver failure in rats

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is more common than the acute syndrome. Losartan, the first angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB), and candesartan, another widely-used ARB, have protected against developing fibrogenesis, but there is no clear data about their curative antifibrotic effects. The current study was designed to examine their effects in an already-established model of hepatic fibrosis and also their effects on the associated motor dysfunction. Low-grade chronic liver failure (CLF) was induced in 3-month old Sprague-Dawley male rats using thioacetamide (TAA, 50 mg·kg−1·day−1) intraperitoneally for 2 weeks. The TAA-CLF rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=8) treated orally for 14 days (mg·kg−1·day−1) as follows: TAA (distilled water), losartan (5 and 10 mg/kg), and candesartan (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg). Rats were tested for rotarod and open-field tests. Serum and hepatic biochemical markers, and hepatic histopathological changes were evaluated by H&E and Masson's staining. The TAA-CLF rats showed significant increases of hepatic malondialdehyde, hepatic expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and serum ammonia, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, TNF-α, and malondialdehyde levels as well as significant decreases of hepatic and serum glutathione levels. All treatments significantly reversed these changes. The histopathological changes were moderate in losartan-5 and candesartan-0.1 groups and mild in losartan-10 and candesartan-0.3 groups. Only candesartan significantly improved TAA-induced motor dysfunction. In conclusion, therapeutic antifibrotic effects of losartan and candesartan in thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats are possibly through angiotensin-II receptor blocking, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Improved motor dysfunction by candesartan could be attributed to better brain penetration and slower "off-rate" from angiotensin-II receptors. Clinical trials are recommended.

Usefulness of Artificial Jump Graft to Portal Vein Thrombosis in Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation

Severe portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is often considered a relative contraindication for living donor liver transplantation due to high associated risks and morbidity. Meanwhile, improvement in operative techniques, resulting in higher success rates has removed PVT from the list of contraindications in deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). In this report, we describe a surgical technique for DDLT using polytetrafluoroethylene graft from the inferior mesenteric vein for portal inflow in patient with portomesenteric thrombosis.

The refit model for end-stage liver disease-Na is not a better predictor of mortality than the refit model for end-stage liver disease in patients with cirrhosis and ascites

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The modification of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scoring system (Refit MELD) and the modification of MELD-Na (Refit MELDNa), which optimized the MELD coefficients, were published in 2011. We aimed to validate the superiority of the Refit MELDNa over the Refit MELD for the prediction of 3-month mortality in Korean patients with cirrhosis and ascites. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients admitted with hepatic cirrhosis and ascites to the Konkuk University Hospital between January 2006 and December 2011. The Refit MELD and Refit MELDNa were compared using the predictive value of the 3-month mortality, as assessed by the Child-Pugh score. RESULTS: In total, 530 patients were enrolled, 87 of whom died within 3 months. Alcohol was the most common etiology of their cirrhosis (n=271, 51.1%), and the most common cause of death was variceal bleeding (n=20, 23%). The areas under the receiver operating curve (AUROCs) for the Child-Pugh, Refit MELD, and Refit MELDNa scores were 0.754, 0.791, and 0.764 respectively; the corresponding values when the analysis was performed only in patients with persistent ascites (n=115) were 0.725, 0.804, and 0.796, respectively. The significant difference found among the Child-Pugh, Refit MELD, and Refit MELDNa scores was between the Child-Pugh score and Refit MELD in patients with persistent ascites (P=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Refit MELD and Refit MELDNa exhibited good predictability for 3-month mortality in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. However, Refit MELDNa was not found to be a better predictor than Refit MELD, despite the known relationship between hyponatremia and mortality in cirrhotic patients with ascites.

Improved severe hepatopulmonary syndrome after liver transplantation in an adolescent with end-stage liver disease secondary to biliary atresia

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a serious complication of end-stage liver disease, which is characterized by hypoxia, intrapulmonary vascular dilatation, and liver cirrhosis. Liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative treatment modality for patients with HPS. However, morbidity and mortality after LT, especially in cases of severe HPS, remain high. This case report describes a patient with typical findings of an extracardiac pulmonary arteriovenous shunt on contrast-enhanced transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and clubbing fingers, who had complete correction of HPS by deceased donor LT. The patient was a 16-year-old female who was born with biliary atresia and underwent porto-enterostomy on the 55th day after birth. She had been suffered from progressive liver failure with dyspnea, clubbing fingers, and cyanosis. Preoperative arterial blood gas analysis revealed severe hypoxia (arterial O2 tension of 54.5 mmHg and O2 saturation of 84.2%). Contrast-enhanced TEE revealed an extracardiac right-to-left shunt, which suggested an intrapulmonary arteriovenous shunt. The patient recovered successfully after LT, not only with respect to physical parameters but also for pychosocial activity, including school performance, during the 30-month follow-up period.

Assessment and management of oral health in liver transplant candidates

Liver transplantation has become a standard treatment for end-stage liver disease and the number of recipients has grown rapidly in the last few years. Dental care during pre-transplant workup is important to reduce potential sources of infection in the drug-induced immunosuppression phase of liver transplantation. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to document the prevalence of oral abnormalities in patients on a liver transplant waiting list presenting to an urban dental school clinic, discuss the appropriate dental treatment according their systemic conditions and compare their oral manifestations with those of healthy individuals. Material and Methods: A pilot study was conducted involving 16 end-stage liver disease individuals (study group- SG) attending the Special Care Dentistry Center of the University of São Paulo and 16 control individuals (control group- CG) with no liver diseases, receiving dental care at the Dental School of the University of São Paulo. These individuals were assessed for their dental status (presence of oral disease or abnormalities), coagulation status, and dental treatment indications. Results: The patients from SG exhibited a greater incidence of oral manifestations compared with CG (p=0.0327) and were diagnosed with at least one oral disease or condition that required treatment. Coagulation abnormalities reflecting an increased risk of bleeding were found in 93.75% of the patients. However, no bleeding complications occurred after dental treatment. Conclusions: The patients with chronic liver diseases evaluated in this study exhibited a higher incidence of oral manifestations compared with the control group and had at least one oral disease or abnormality which required dental treatment prior to liver transplantation. Careful oral examination and evaluation of the patient, including laboratory tests, will ensure correct oral preparation and control of oral disease prior to liver transplantation.