ω-3 fatty acid-enriched parenteral nutrition shortens hospital stay in acute variceal bleeding cirrhotic patients.

ABSTRACT: Acute variceal bleeding, a crucial complication of liver cirrhosis requires high energy expenditures but gastrointestinal bleeding limits enteral feeding in the acute stage. We investigated the safety and efficacy of ω-3 fatty acid-enriched parenteral nutrition in acute variceal bleeding patients.In this retrospective study, a total of 208 cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding who underwent parenteral nutrition in the absence of enteral nutrition were enrolled. Among the patients, 86 patients received ω-3 fatty-acid-enriched parenteral nutrition. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the duration of hospital stay and the presence of clinical complications of liver cirrhosis.The mean age of the patients enrolled was 54.9 years-old and 185 patients (88.9%) were male. The cause of liver cirrhosis, Child-Pugh score and comorbidities were statistically not different. Patients with ω-3 enriched parenteral nutrition had a significantly lower systolic blood pressure and total bilirubin levels. The difference in the in-hospital mortality (P = .813) or rate of complications (P = .880) was not statistically significant. The duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the patients who underwent ω-3 fatty acid-enriched parenteral nutrition (10.7 ±â€Š7.3 vs 7.9 ±â€Š4.2 days, P = .001).In liver cirrhosis patients with acute variceal bleeding, ω-3 fatty acid-enriched parenteral nutrition significantly decreased the length of hospital stay. Further prospective studies to consolidate these findings are warranted.

Safety and feasibility of early oral nutrition after endoscopic treatment for patients with liver cirrhosis: A historical prospective and comparative effectiveness study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of early oral nutrition (EON) after endoscopic treatment compared with parenteral nutrition (PN) for patients with gastroesophageal variceal bleeding varices as cirrhotic complications. METHODS: This historical prospective study enrolled patients from Qilu Hospital of Shandong University in China with gastroesophageal varices as cirrhotic complications and who were undergoing endoscopic therapy. A total of 197 patients who fasted for 4 h after treatment were prospectively enrolled as the ON group, whereas those who fasted >48 h were retrospectively matched in a ratio of 1:1 as the PN group. The primary end point was variceal rebleeding, whereas the secondary end points were mortality and adverse events during the 42-day follow-up. Hospitalization duration and expenses, levels of inflammatory factors, defecation time, and the satisfaction of patients were evaluated. RESULTS: During the 42-day follow-up, no significant difference was observed in the rate of variceal rebleeding (P = 0.586) and morality (P = 1.000) between the ON and PN groups. However, the average days of hospitalization (P < 0.001) and expenses (P < 0.001) were significantly decreased in the ON group. Furthermore, the serum C-reactive protein level (P = 0.002) and defecation time (P < 0.001) were lower and the satisfaction rate was higher (P < 0.001) for those in the ON group than for those in the PN group. Linear regression analysis showed that the tissue adhesive dosage was related to diet time (P = 0.038; 95% CI, 0.135-4.516). CONCLUSION: EON was proven to be safe and feasible and, hence, was recommended after endoscopic treatment in patients with cirrhosis.

Low-molecular-weight heparin followed by rivaroxaban for acute occlusive portomesenteric vein thrombosis in a cirrhotic patient treated with multiple endoscopic variceal procedures.

Acute portomesenteric vein thrombosis is potentially lethal. In the present paper, a cirrhotic patient with a previous history of esophageal variceal bleeding presented with acute occlusive portomesenteric vein thrombosis, but achieved complete recanalization by low-molecular-weight heparin followed by rivaroxaban. Notably, no bleeding episode occurred during anticoagulation therapy. This case supported early initiation of anticoagulation in such patients.

SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF EUS-GUIDED COIL PLUS CYANOACRYLATE VERSUS CONVENTIONAL CYANOACRYLATE TECHNIQUE IN THE TREATMENT OF GASTRIC VARICES: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

BACKGROUND: One of the most feared complications with the use of cyanoacrylate for treatment of gastric varices is the occurrence of potentially life-threatening systemic embolism. Thus, endoscopists are turning towards new techniques, including endoscopic coiling, as a potentially safer and more effective treatment option. However, no studies have been performed comparing the two techniques. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound guided coil and cyanoacrylate injection versus the conventional technique of injection of cyanoacrylate alone. DESIGN: A pilot randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patients randomized into group I were treated with coil and cyanoacrylate, and those in group II with cyanoacrylate alone. Flow within the varix was evaluated immediately after the treatment session and one month following initial treatment. If thrombosis was confirmed, additional follow-up was performed 4 and 10 months following initial treatment. All patients underwent a thoracic computerized tomography scan after the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients, 16 in each group, were followed for an average of 9.9 months (range 1-26 months). Immediately after the procedure, 6 (37.5%) group-I patients and 8 (50%) group-II patients presented total flow reduction in the treated vessel (P=0.476). After 30 days, 11 (73.3%) group-I patients and 12 (75%) group-II patients were found to have varix thrombosis. In both groups, the majority of patients required only one single session for varix obliteration (73.3% in group I versus 80% in group II). Asymptomatic pulmonary embolism occurred in 4 (25%) group-I patients and 8 (50%) group-II patients (P=0.144). No significant difference between the groups was observed. CONCLUSION: There is no statistical difference between endoscopic ultrasound guided coils plus cyanoacrylate versus conventional cyanoacrylate technique in relation to the incidence of embolism. However, a greater tendency towards embolism was observed in the group treated using the conventional technique. Both techniques have similar efficacy in the obliteration of varices. Given the small sample size of our pilot data, our results are insufficient to prove the clinical benefit of the combined technique, and do not yet justify its use, especially in light of higher cost. Further studies with larger sample size are warranted.

Avaliação clínica e endoscópica em pacientes com sintomas gastroesofágicos / Clinical and endoscopic evaluation in patients with gastroesophageal symptoms

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common esophageal disease in medical practice, and it is suspected according to patients' symptoms. GERD can be classified in erosive esophagitis (EE) according to the presence of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endoscopic findings in patients with symptoms suggestive of GERD comparing epicemiological and risk factors. METHODS: Upper endoscopy reports were examined retrospectively from patients with symptoms of GERD such as heartburn, regurgitation, cough, throat clearing, globus and chest pain. EE was determined based on Los Angeles classification. Comparisons between risk factors in EE and non-EE groups were done with statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 984 endoscopic reports were examined and 676 selected for analysis (281 with EE and 395 with non-EE form). Most were female 381 (56.36%) with a mean age of 44.01±15.40 years. Hiatal hernia was present in 47(6.96%) and smoking in 41(6.07%). Univariate logistic regression showed that male (OR=2.24, CI 95%, 1.63-3.06) and hiatal hernia (OR=4.52, CI 95%, 2.30-8.89) were independent predictors of erosions in the EE group. The presence of hiatal hernia (OR=12.04, CI 95%, 3.57-40.62), smoking (OR=8.46, CI 95%, 3.28-31.32) and aged patients (OR=8.01, CI 95%, 2.42-26.49) were also indicated as a risk factor for severe EE (grades C and D of Los Angeles). CONCLUSION Male gender and hiatal hernia were associated with EE. Aged patients, smoking and hiatal hernia were related to severe EE. It is suggested that the risk factors for EE and non-EE types are different. Cohort studies are necessary to identify the exact mechanisms involved in each disease form.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE) é uma das doenças digestivas mais comuns na prática médica e deve ser suspeitada de acordo com os seus sintomas clínicos, podendo ser classificada em esofagite erosiva (EE) de acordo com os achados de endoscopia. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os achados endoscópicos em pacientes com sintomas sugestivos de DGRE comparando fatores de risco e epidemiológicos. MÉTODOS: Resultados de endoscopias digestiva foram examinados retrospectivamente de pacientes com sintomas relacionados com DRGE como pirose, regurgitação, tosse, pigarro, globus e dor torácica. EE foi determinada de acordo com a classificação de Los Angeles. Comparação de fatores de risco entre os grupos EE e não-EE foram feitos com análise estatística. RESULTADOS: Um total de 984 endoscopias foram examinadas e 676 endoscopias selecionadas para análise (281 com EE e 395 sem EE). A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino 381 (56,36%) com uma idade média de 44,01±15,40 anos. Hérnia hiatal esteve presente em 47 (6,96%) e tabagismo em 41 (6,07%). Regressão logística uni variada mostrou que sexo masculino (OR=2,24 - IC 95%: 1,63-3,06) e hérnia hiatal (OR=4,52 - CI 95%: 2,30-8,89) foram fatores de risco independentes de EE. A presença de hérnia hiatal (OR=12,04 - CI 95%: 3,57-40,62), tabagismo (OR=8,46 - CI 95%: 3,28-31,32) e pacientes idosos (OR=8,01 - CI 95%, 2,42-26,49) foram fatores de risco no grupo de EE grave (classes C e D de Los Angeles). CONCLUSÃO: Sexo masculino e hérnia hiatal foram associados com EE. Idade avançada, tabagismo e hérnia hiatal foram relacionados à forma grave de EE. É sugerido que os fatores de risco de pacientes com e sem EE sejam diferentes. Estudos de coorte são necessários para identificar os mecanismos exatos envolvidos em cada forma da doença.

Segurança e eficácia do uso de cianoacrilato + coil guiado por ultrassom endoscópico versus técnica convencional de cianoacrilato no tratamento de varizes gástricas: um ensaio clínico randomizado / Safety and efficacy of eus-guided coil plus cyanoacrylate versus conventional cyanoacrylate technique in the treatment of gastric varices: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: One of the most feared complications with the use of cyanoacrylate for treatment of gastric varices is the occurrence of potentially life-threatening systemic embolism. Thus, endoscopists are turning towards new techniques, including endoscopic coiling, as a potentially safer and more effective treatment option. However, no studies have been performed comparing the two techniques. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound guided coil and cyanoacrylate injection versus the conventional technique of injection of cyanoacrylate alone. DESIGN: A pilot randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patients randomized into group I were treated with coil and cyanoacrylate, and those in group II with cyanoacrylate alone. Flow within the varix was evaluated immediately after the treatment session and one month following initial treatment. If thrombosis was confirmed, additional follow-up was performed 4 and 10 months following initial treatment. All patients underwent a thoracic computerized tomography scan after the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients, 16 in each group, were followed for an average of 9.9 months (range 1-26 months). Immediately after the procedure, 6 (37.5%) group-I patients and 8 (50%) group-II patients presented total flow reduction in the treated vessel (P=0.476). After 30 days, 11 (73.3%) group-I patients and 12 (75%) group-II patients were found to have varix thrombosis. In both groups, the majority of patients required only one single session for varix obliteration (73.3% in group I versus 80% in group II). Asymptomatic pulmonary embolism occurred in 4 (25%) group-I patients and 8 (50%) group-II patients (P=0.144). No significant difference between the groups was observed. CONCLUSION: There is no statistical difference between endoscopic ultrasound guided coils plus cyanoacrylate versus conventional cyanoacrylate technique in relation to the incidence of embolism. However, a greater tendency towards embolism was observed in the group treated using the conventional technique. Both techniques have similar efficacy in the obliteration of varices. Given the small sample size of our pilot data, our results are insufficient to prove the clinical benefit of the combined technique, and do not yet justify its use, especially in light of higher cost. Further studies with larger sample size are warranted.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Uma das complicações mais temidas com o uso de cianoacrilato para tratamento de varizes gástricas é a ocorrência de embolia sistêmica potencialmente fatal. Assim, os endoscopistas estão se aprimorando com novas técnicas, incluindo o uso de coils endoscópico, como uma opção de tratamento potencialmente mais segura e eficaz. No entanto, nenhum estudo foi realizado comparando as duas técnicas. OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem como objetivo comparar a segurança e eficácia da injeção de coil com cianoacrilato guiados por ultrassom endoscópico versus a técnica convencional de injeção de cianoacrilato. DESIGN: Um ensaio piloto controlado aleatoriamente. MÉTODOS: Os pacientes randomizados para o grupo I foram tratados com coil + cianoacrilato e os do grupo II apenas com cianoacrilato. O fluxo dentro da variz foi avaliado imediatamente após a sessão de tratamento e um mês após o tratamento inicial. Se a trombose foi confirmada, o acompanhamento adicional era realizado em 4 e 10 meses após o tratamento inicial. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a uma tomografia computadorizada torácica após o procedimento. RESULTADOS: Um total de 32 pacientes, 16 em cada grupo, foram acompanhados por uma média de 9,9 meses (variação de 1-26 meses). Imediatamente após o procedimento, 6 (37,5%) pacientes do grupo I e 8 (50%) pacientes do grupo II apresentaram redução total do fluxo no vaso tratado (P=0,476). Após 30 dias, 11 (73,3%) pacientes do grupo I e 12 (75%) pacientes do grupo II apresentaram trombose da variz. Em ambos os grupos, a maioria dos pacientes necessitou de apenas uma única sessão para obliteração da variz (73,3% no grupo I versus 80% no grupo II). Embolia pulmonar assintomática ocorreu em 4 (25%) pacientes do grupo I e em 8 (50%) pacientes no grupo II (P=0,144). Nenhuma diferença significativa entre os grupos foi observada. CONCLUSÃO Apesar de não haver diferença estatística entre os dois grupos em relação à incidência de embolia neste estudo piloto, observou-se maior tendência de embolia no grupo tratado pela técnica convencional.

Successful treatment of repeated hematemesis secondary to postsclerotherapy esophageal ulcer in a cirrhotic patient: A case report.

Esophageal variceal bleeding is a common lethal complication of cirrhosis. Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) is one of the major endoscopic approaches for treating esophageal variceal bleeding. However, complications may occur after EIS, which mainly include retrosternal discomfort/pain, dysphagia, re-bleeding, esophageal ulcer, esophageal strictures, and esophageal perforation, etc. In this article, we reported a 36-year-old male who developed esophageal ulcer related bleeding after EIS. Currently, there is no consensus on the treatment strategy for esophageal ulcer-related bleeding after EIS. In the present case, the following treatment strategy may be effective for ulcer related bleeding. The first step is to inhibit gastric acid secretion and reduce portal pressure by intravenous infusion of esomeprazole and somatostatin, respectively. The second is local hemostasis by oral norepinephrine and lyophilizing thrombin powder. The third is to protect digestive tract mucosa by oral Kangfuxin Ye and aluminum phosphate.

Conocimientos vigentes en torno a la hemorragia digestiva alta varicosa / Current knowledge of variceal upper digestive bleeding

Las hemorragias que ocurren en el tubo digestivo y en particular las de origen varicoso, constituyen una urgencia médico quirúrgica; a pesar de los avances científico tecnológicos actuales, su pronóstico continúa reservado. Esta revisión, se realizó con el propósito de profundizar en diversos aspectos cognoscitivos vigentes sobre la hemorragia digestiva varicosa. Se llevó a cabo una revisión documental mediante búsqueda temática digital de artículos nacionales y foráneos, publicados en español e inglés durante la presente centuria, concernientes a la hemorragia digestiva varicosa. Existe diversidad de criterios en torno al diagnóstico y tratamiento del sangrado digestivo alto varicoso. Se evidencia la necesidad de una unidad de atención a estos pacientes en los hospitales, la disponibilidad de endoscopia digestiva superior a tiempo completo y de un equipo multidisciplinario para brindar una terapia integradora. El acto operatorio programado solo debe ejecutarse en la clase Child-Pugh ideal, pero como las intervenciones suelen ser urgentes en estadio B o C, se elevan las probabilidades de complicaciones y muerte. Las várices esofagogástricas, a pesar de considerarse una causa infrecuente de hemorragia digestiva alta, tiene por lo general un desenlace tórpido en quienes la presentan, de manera que el diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuados constituyen un verdadero desafío para cualquier servicio quirúrgico(AU)

The hemorrhages that occur in the digestive tract and in particular those of variceal origin, constitute a surgical medical emergency; despite current scientific and technological advances, its prognosis remains reserved. This review was carried out with the purpose of delving into various current cognitive aspects of variceal digestive hemorrhage. A documentary review was carried out by digital thematic search of national and foreign articles, published in Spanish and English during the present century, concerning variceal digestive hemorrhage. There is diversity of criteria regarding the diagnosis and treatment of high variceal digestive bleeding. The need for a care unit for these patients in hospitals, the availability of full-time upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and a multidisciplinary team to provide an integrative therapy is evident. The scheduled operative act should only be performed in the ideal Child-Pugh class, but because interventions are usually urgent in stage B or C, the chances of complications and death are increased. Esophagogastric varices, despite being considered an infrequent cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, usually have a torpid outcome in those who present it, so that adequate diagnosis and treatment are a real challenge for any surgical service(AU)

Conocimientos vigentes en torno a la hemorragia digestiva alta varicosa / Current knowledge of variceal upper digestive bleeding

Las hemorragias que ocurren en el tubo digestivo y en particular las de origen varicoso, constituyen una urgencia médico quirúrgica; a pesar de los avances científico tecnológicos actuales, su pronóstico continúa reservado. Esta revisión, se realizó con el propósito de profundizar en diversos aspectos cognoscitivos vigentes sobre la hemorragia digestiva varicosa. Se llevó a cabo una revisión documental mediante búsqueda temática digital de artículos nacionales y foráneos, publicados en español e inglés durante la presente centuria, concernientes a la hemorragia digestiva varicosa. Existe diversidad de criterios en torno al diagnóstico y tratamiento del sangrado digestivo alto varicoso. Se evidencia la necesidad de una unidad de atención a estos pacientes en los hospitales, la disponibilidad de endoscopia digestiva superior a tiempo completo y de un equipo multidisciplinario para brindar una terapia integradora. El acto operatorio programado solo debe ejecutarse en la clase Child-Pugh ideal, pero como las intervenciones suelen ser urgentes en estadio B o C, se elevan las probabilidades de complicaciones y muerte. Las várices esofagogástricas, a pesar de considerarse una causa infrecuente de hemorragia digestiva alta, tiene por lo general un desenlace tórpido en quienes la presentan, de manera que el diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuados constituyen un verdadero desafío para cualquier servicio quirúrgico(AU)

The hemorrhages that occur in the digestive tract and in particular those of variceal origin, constitute a surgical medical emergency; despite current scientific and technological advances, its prognosis remains reserved. This review was carried out with the purpose of delving into various current cognitive aspects of variceal digestive hemorrhage. A documentary review was carried out by digital thematic search of national and foreign articles, published in Spanish and English during the present century, concerning variceal digestive hemorrhage. There is diversity of criteria regarding the diagnosis and treatment of high variceal digestive bleeding. The need for a care unit for these patients in hospitals, the availability of full-time upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and a multidisciplinary team to provide an integrative therapy is evident. The scheduled operative act should only be performed in the ideal Child-Pugh class, but because interventions are usually urgent in stage B or C, the chances of complications and death are increased. Esophagogastric varices, despite being considered an infrequent cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, usually have a torpid outcome in those who present it, so that adequate diagnosis and treatment are a real challenge for any surgical service(AU)

Safety and Efficacy of Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate and Lipiodol Foam in Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO) for Large Porto-Systemic Shunts.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy sodium tetradecyl sulfate and lipiodol foam (STS foam) in BRTO for large (caliber ≥15 mm) porto-systemic shunt and gastric fundal varices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a retrospective record-based study of patients who underwent BRTO using STS foam at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, for gastric variceal bleed or refractory hepatic encephalopathy (HE) who had large porto-systemic shunt (diameter ≥15 mm) with or without associated gastric varices. Clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated before and after the procedure. All patients were followed for minimum of 12 months. RESULTS: Records of 22 patients were analyzed. Technical success was achieved in 22 of 22 sessions. Complete obliteration of shunt with clinical improvement was seen in 20 of 22 cases. Patients with gastric varices had no residual gastric varices on follow-up endoscopy. There were significant reduction in CTP scores and improvement in HE grades following BRTO. Post-procedure complication was encountered in 6 patients (5 minor and 1 major), and 7 patients showed worsening of esophageal varices and underwent endoscopic variceal ligation. One patient had succumbed to septicemia at a follow-up of 34 months. CONCLUSION: Our experience suggests STS foam is a safe and effective agent for patients with large shunt undergoing BRTO.

Clinical application of fast-track surgery with Chinese medicine treatment in the devascularization operation for cirrhotic portal hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of fast-track surgery combined with Chinese medicine treatment in devascularization operation for cirrhotic esophageal varices. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with cirrhotic esophageal varices were selected from January 2009 to June 2013, and randomly assigned to a conventional group and a fast-track group (fast-track surgery combined with Chinese medicine treatment) using a randomized digital table, 36 cases in each group. Operation and anesthesia recovery time, postoperative hospitalization and quality of life were recorded and compared between groups during the perioperative period. RESULTS: Compared with the conventional group, the fast-track group had longer operation time (253.6±46.4 min vs. 220.6±51.0 min) and anesthesia recovery time (50.5±15.9 min vs. 23.5±9.6 min; P<0.01); less bleeding (311.3±46.8 mL vs. 356.2±57.5 mL; P<0.01) and less transfusion (1932.3±106.9 mL vs. 2045.6±115.4 mL; P<0.01); as well as faster recovery of gastrointestinal function, shorter postoperative hospitalization and higher quality of life. There were no serious postoperative complications and no further bleeding occurred. CONCLUSION: Fast-track surgery combined with Chinese medicine treatment is a safe and feasible approach to accelerate the recovery of patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension in perioperative period of devascularization operation.

Two randomized controlled studies comparing the nutritional benefits of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) granules and a BCAA-enriched nutrient mixture for patients with esophageal varices after endoscopic treatment.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) granules and BCAA-enriched nutrient mixtures for patients with liver cirrhosis is often reported. However, no randomized controlled studies have investigated the usefulness of these supplements in the nutritional intervention of cirrhotic patients receiving endoscopic treatment for esophageal varices. METHODS: Patients without BCAA before endoscopic treatment were divided into study 1, and those who received BCAA were divided into study 2. In study 1, 44 eligible patients were divided into a control group (n = 13), a general liquid nutrient (snack) group (n = 15), and a BCAA-enriched nutrient mixture (BCAA-EN) group (n = 16). In study 2, 48 eligible patients were divided into a BCAA group (n = 24) and a BCAA-EN group (n = 24). The nutritional status including non-protein respiratory quotient (NPRQ) levels, weight gain, and albumin were evaluated on days 0, 7, and 50. RESULTS: In study 1, the BCAA-EN group showed significant improvement in NPRQ levels on day 7 as compared with the snack group. In study 2, the BCAA-EN group showed significant improvement in NPRQ levels on day 7 and in weight levels on day 50 relative to the BCAA group, while the BCAA group showed improved serum albumin levels on day 7 compared to the BCAA-EN group. CONCLUSIONS: The BCAA-enriched nutrient mixture maintained NPRQ and weight in cirrhotic patients. Our findings suggest that supplements including both BCAA and a nutritional energy supplement would be beneficial for cirrhotic patients undergoing endoscopic treatment for esophageal varices.