A Prospective Study of Prevalence and Impact of Sarcopenia on Short-term Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with Liver Cirrhosis.

Background: Sarcopenia is common in chronic advanced liver disease and is associated with poor prognosis. There is paucity of Indian data regarding sarcopenia in chronic advanced liver disease & its impact on prognosis. The aim of this study was to study the prevalence of sarcopenia in Indian patients with chronic advanced liver disease and its impact on morbidity and short-term mortality. Methods: Patients with chronic advanced liver disease were prospectively evaluated for the presence of sarcopenia using computerized tomography (CT) abdomen. The cross-sectional area of the right psoas muscle was measured at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) and the Psoas muscle index (PMI) was calculated. Sarcopenia was defined as PMI <295 mm2/m2 for females and <356 mm2/m2 for males. The normative values of PMI were obtained from patients undergoing CT scan for non-specific abdominal pain who had no confounding factor which could result in sarcopenia. All patients were followed up for 6 months or until death, whichever was earlier. The impact of sarcopenia on mortality and rate of readmission has been assessed at the end of 6 months. Results: Of the 156 patients with chronic advanced liver disease, 74 (47.4%) patients had sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was more commonly seen in males (M: F = 61:13) and in patients with alcohol-related liver disease. There was a linear correlation (negative) between the PMI and severity of liver disease as assessed by Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores (r = -0.591 and -0.465, respectively). Patients with encephalopathy, ascites, and coagulopathy had higher prevalence of sarcopenia. On six months follow-up, sarcopenic patients had higher readmission rates (74.3% vs. 22%; P = 0.0001) and higher mortality (24.3% vs. 3.7%; P = 0.002). MELD score and PMI were independent predictors of mortality. The cut-off value of PMI 305.9 mm2/m2 predicted mortality with a sensitivity of 76.2% and a false positivity of 22.2% (area under curve was 0.805; 95% confidence interval: 0.69-0.91, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Sarcopenia is seen in about half of the patients with chronic advanced liver disease. It is commoner in males, patients with alcoholic liver disease, and those with advanced liver disease. Patients with sarcopenia have worse prognosis, require more frequent hospitalization and it negatively impacts short-term survival.

Public Knowledge, Awareness, and Vaccination Rates for Hepatitis B in India: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a considerable public health concern in India, characterized by a significant number of chronically infected individuals. India falls into the category of an intermediate HBV endemic country, with approximately 40 million people chronically infected. Public awareness and knowledge about HBV are crucial for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and vaccination status of the general public regarding hepatitis B in India. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted with 3,545 participants, excluding healthcare workers and individuals below 18 years old. The survey evaluated knowledge in four domains: cause and spread of the disease (Domain A), organ affected and consequences (Domain B), treatment (Domain C), and vaccination (Domain D). The survey used a scoring scale from -20 to +22 points. Vaccination status was also assessed. RESULTS: The mean knowledge score of the respondents was 6.89 (±5.88). Only 25% of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge (score ≥12), while 31% had fair knowledge (score 6-11), 40% had poor knowledge (score 0-5), and 4% had incorrect knowledge (score <0). Males, individuals aged 18-60 years, respondents with higher education levels, and urban residents had significantly higher mean knowledge scores (p < 0.01). In the domain-specific analysis, 47% of the respondents had good knowledge in Domain B, while 43% of the respondents had good knowledge in Domains C and D. Only 17% of the respondents had good knowledge in Domain A. Overall, 22.7% of the respondents had received all three doses of the HBV vaccine, with higher vaccination rates among males, individuals aged 18-60 years, those with higher education levels, and urban residents. CONCLUSION: The study revealed limited knowledge about HBV among the general public in India. Vaccination rates were also suboptimal. Public health interventions, including educational campaigns and targeted vaccination programs, are needed to improve awareness and vaccination coverage, ultimately reducing the burden of HBV infection.

Pseudoaneurysm of the inferior phrenic artery presenting as an upper gastrointestinal bleed by directly rupturing into the stomach in a patient with chronic pancreatitis.

Pseudoaneurysms occurring in patients with chronic pancreatitis are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. These pseudoaneurysms occur more commonly in the splenic, pancreaticoduodenal, and gastroduodenal arteries. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) due to pseudoaneurysms in patients with pancreatitis with pseudocyst usually presents as hemosuccus pancreaticus. However, pseudoaneurysm directly perforating the gastrointestinal tract and presenting as UGIB is a rare complication. We report here the first case of UGIB from the inferior left phrenic artery pseudoaneurysm rupturing directly into the stomach of a patient with chronic pancreatitis.

A Prospective Study of Prevalence and Predictors of Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy and Its Role in Development of Hepatorenal Syndrome.

Background and aims: Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a term used to collectively describe abnormal structural and functional changes in heart of patients with cirrhosis. The present study was undertaken to find the prevalence of CCM in patients with liver cirrhosis and its predictors. We also followed these patients to evaluate the role of CCM in the development of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). Materials & methods: This was a prospective study carried out in department of Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram hospital, New Delhi. A total of 104 patients with liver cirrhosis were included. Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed on basis of clinical, biochemical, and imaging features. CCM was defined based on echocardiography. Dobutamine stress echocardiography and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) were performed in patients who gave consent. HRS was defined as per standard criteria. Patients with CCM were followed for development of HRS. Results: Fifty (48%) patients were diagnosed with CCM. All patients had diastolic dysfunction, and none had systolic dysfunction. Median age of patients with CCM was significantly higher (59 [31-78 y] vs. 52 [24-70 y], P < 0.05). Severity of liver disease (Child Turcotte Pugh score and model for end-stage liver disease score) and portal pressures (HVPG) did not differ in patients with or without CCM. Patients with CCM did not have increased incidence of HRS at the end of 6-month follow-up study. Conclusion: The presence of CCM was not related with the severity of liver dysfunction or portal pressures. Age was a significant determinant of CCM. Diastolic cardiac dysfunction does not influence the occurrence of HRS.

Diagnostic accuracy of transient elastography in diagnosing clinically significant portal hypertension in patients with chronic liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Liver stiffness measurement using transient elastography (TE-LSM) is a promising noninvasive alternative to hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) for diagnosing clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). However, previous studies have yielded conflicting results. We evaluated the correlation between TE-LSM and HVPG and the performance of TE-LSM in diagnosing CSPH (HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg). METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching PubMed and Scopus databases for relevant literature evaluating the clinical usefulness of TE for diagnosing CSPH in patients with chronic liver disease. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies (4337 patients with valid TE and HVPG) met our inclusion criteria. The median correlation coefficient of TE with HVPG was 0.70 (range 0.36-0.86). The weighted mean of optimal cut-off of liver stiffness value for diagnosing CSPH was 22.8 kPa (95% CI 22.7-23.0 kPa). The summary sensitivity and specificity were 79% (95% CI 74-84%) and 88% (95% CI 84-91%), respectively. The area under the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curve was 0.91 (95% CI 0.88-0.93) according to the bivariate model. One limitation of the study was significant heterogeneity in the results of summary sensitivity and specificity (I2 83 and 74%, respectively). The heterogeneity could be explained by the variable liver stiffness cut-offs used in studies. The meta-regression plot revealed that as the optimal cut-off increased, the sensitivity decreased, the specificity increased, and vice versa. CONCLUSIONS: Liver stiffness measurement using TE correlates well with HVPG, and a liver stiffness cut-off value of 22.8 kPa shows a high accuracy for diagnosing CSPH. Thus, use of TE should be integrated into clinical practice for noninvasive diagnosis of CSPH.

Role of Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with functional dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is implicated in the pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia (FD). There is conflicting data regarding the benefit of H. pylori eradication for symptom relief in FD. AIMS: To study the benefit of eradicating H. pylori in patients with FD as compared to standard medical treatment (SMT). Secondary aims were to find efficacy of H. pylori eradication therapy, recurrence of H. pylori after eradication, and predictors of efficacy. METHODS: Consecutive adult patients of FD (ROME IV) with H. pylori infection presenting in the outpatient department of our hospital were enrolled. Patients with Global Overall Symptom (GOS) scale > 2 and H. pylori infection were included. Patients were randomized into two groups: group 1 received H. pylori eradication therapy and group 2 received SMT. Treatment success was defined as symptom relief (GOS score < 2 and reduction by at least 2 points at 6 months) and H. pylori eradication was defined as stool antigen negative at 4 weeks. RESULTS: Of 329 participants with FD, 253 were H. pylori positive (rapid urease test and stool antigen test) (76.89%). After exclusions, 202 were randomized into two groups of 101 each. Thirty-two patients in group 1 and 31 in group 2 had treatment success (31.7% vs. 30.7%, p=1.000). The efficacy of H. pylori eradication therapy was 74.46% (70/94). H. pylori reinfection rate was 26.02% (19/73). CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori eradication therapy does not provide additional benefit in symptom relief in patients with FD as compared with SMT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04697641 (retrospectively registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov in January 2021).

Air cholangiogram: a new technique for biliary imaging during ERCP.

BACKGROUND: Palliation of patients with malignant hilar stenosis by stent insertion is fraught with risk of cholangitis because of contrast injection in the undrained segment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of unilateral metal stenting in type II and III malignant hilar biliary obstruction by using air as a contrast medium. DESIGN: Prospective, uncontrolled, single center pilot study. SETTING: Tertiary care referral center. PATIENTS: Cohort of 17 patients with malignant hilar obstruction. INTERVENTION: A single metallic stent was inserted in type II and III malignant hilar obstruction by using air as a contrast medium. Patients were evaluated weekly up to 1 month after stent placement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Successful implantation, successful drainage, early complications, procedure-related mortality, 30-day mortality. RESULT: Successful stent placement and drainage was achieved in 100% of the patients (17 of 17). No patient developed cholangitis or died within 30 days of the procedure. LIMITATIONS: Small cohort of patients. CONCLUSION: Air cholangiography provides a safe and effective roadmap for unilateral metallic stenting in type II and III malignant hilar biliary obstruction.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pelvic abscess without fluoroscopy guidance.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Few case series are reported on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pelvic abscesses under fluoroscopy guidance. We hypothesized that EUS-guided drainage of pelvic abscesses without fluoroscopy is an effective alternative to surgery in patients whose abscesses are not amenable to percutaneous drainage techniques. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of EUS-guided trans-rectal/transcolonic drainage of pelvic abscess without fluoroscopy. METHODS: Fourteen consecutive patients with pelvic abscesses not amenable to percutaneous drainage underwent EUS-guided drainage over a period of 22 months. Main outcome measures were the resolution of the pelvic abscess on repeat imaging and improved clinical symptoms. RESULTS: Fourteen consecutive patients were enrolled. EUS-guided aspiration was performed in three patients. In two patients, dilatation and aspiration was performed, while trans-rectal stent was placed in nine patients. All patients became afebrile within 72 h. Stent was removed in all patients, after confirming the resolution of the abscess on repeat computed tomography after 7 days. One patient in whom only aspiration was done had recurrence of fever and abscess on the seventh day and was treated by surgical drainage. A follow-up EUS done in 13 of the patients after 3 months revealed no recurrence, and all patients were asymptomatic at 6 months. The procedure was uneventful in all patients. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage without fluoroscopy is a safe and effective modality of treatment for pelvic abscesses not amenable to radiologically guided drainage, thus reducing the need for surgical intervention.

Influence of Lactitol and Psyllium on Bowel Function in Constipated Indian Volunteers: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Psyllium and lactitol have been reported to increase fecal volume, moisture content and bowel movement frequency (BMF). However, the benefits of their combined use on constipation has not been examined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 4-week intervention with lactitol and/or psyllium on bowel function in constipated volunteers. Adults (N = 172) who were diagnosed with functional constipation per Rome III criteria were randomized to four treatment groups: 10 g lactitol, 3.5 g psyllium, a combination of 10 g lactitol and 3.5 g psyllium, or placebo. The primary endpoint was change in BMF from Day 0 to 28 as compared to placebo. Secondary endpoints were assessed by inventories, including stool consistency, patient assessment of constipation symptoms and quality of life, relief of constipation, 24-h food recall, physical activity, product satisfaction and adverse events (AE). BMF increased by 3.0 BMs with lactitol, by 2.9 with psyllium, and by 3.1 with the combination, but was not different from placebo (3.7 BMs). Other clinical endpoints were similar between treatments. No serious AEs were reported. In conclusion, this study showed a similar effect on relief of constipation in all treatment groups. The treatments that were administered to the volunteers were well tolerated.

Role of EUS-FNA for gallbladder mass lesions with biliary obstruction: a large single-center experience.

Background and study aims Although endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is an established modality for pathological sampling of pancreatic and biliary lesions, limited data are available on the diagnostic value of EUS-FNA for evaluation of gallbladder mass lesions, a common cause of obstructive jaundice. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of EUS-FNA for diagnosis of gallbladder mass lesions presenting with biliary obstruction. Patients and methods This study was a retrospective analysis of data from patients who had undergone EUS-FNA for gallbladder mass lesions. FNA was performed on either a gallbladder mass, metastatic node or liver lesions. Outcome measures were diagnostic yield of EUS FNA and adverse events. Results From April 2011 to August 2018, 101 patients with gallbladder mass lesions with biliary obstruction underwent EUS-FNA. The final diagnosis was malignancy in 98, benign disease in one, and two patients were lost to follow-up. EUS-FNA confirmed the diagnosis in 89 of 98 patients with malignancy (sensitivity 90.81 %); was false negative in nine of 98 cases with malignancy; and was truly negative in the solitary patient with benign disease (specificity 100 %). Positive predictive value, negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were 100 %, 10 %, and 90.90 %, respectively. Two patients had self-limiting pain. Conclusion EUS-FNA is a sensitive tool for evaluation of gallbladder mass lesions presenting with obstructive jaundice. However, because of low NPV, lesions in which FNA is negative should be further evaluated.

All ileo-cecal ulcers are not Crohn's: Changing perspectives of symptomatic ileocecal ulcers.

AIM: To investigated clinical, endoscopic and histopathological parameters of the patients presenting with ileocecal ulcers on colonoscopy. METHODS: Consecutive symptomatic patients undergoing colonoscopy, and diagnosed to have ulcerations in the ileocecal (I/C) region, were enrolled. Biopsy was obtained and their clinical presentation and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Out of 1632 colonoscopies, 104 patients had ulcerations in the I/C region and were included in the study. Their median age was 44.5 years and 59% were males. The predominant presentation was lower GI bleed (55, 53%), pain abdomen ± diarrhea (36, 35%), fever (32, 31%), and diarrhea alone (9, 9%). On colonoscopy, terminal ileum was entered in 96 (92%) cases. The distribution of ulcers was as follows: Ileum alone 40% (38/96), cecum alone 33% (32/96), and both ileum plus cecum 27% (26/96). The ulcers were multiple in 98% and in 34% there were additional ulcers elsewhere in colon. Based on clinical presentation and investigations, the etiology of ulcers was classified into infective causes (43%) and non-infective causes (57%). Fourteen patients (13%) were diagnosed to have Crohn's disease (CD). CONCLUSION: Non-specific ileocecal ulcers are most common ulcers seen in ileo-cecal region. And if all infections are clubbed together then infection is the most common (> 40%) cause of ulcerations of the I/C region. Cecal involvement and fever are important clues to infective cause. On the contrary CD account for only 13% cases as a cause of ileo-cecalulcers. So all symptomatic patients with I/C ulcers on colonoscopy are not Crohn's.

Self-expanding plastic stent for esophageal leaks and fistulae.

BACKGROUND: Self-expanding plastic stents (SEPS) have emerged as a good alternative to surgery in esophageal leaks and fistulae. There is scarce published literature regarding its efficacy in these conditions. We present our experience with SEPS in treatment of esophageal leaks and fistulae. METHODS: Consecutive patients admitted in a tertiary referral center who underwent SEPS placement for esophageal leak or fistula between February 2012 and February 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients underwent prior assessment with upper gastrointestinal endoscopic and thoracic contrast-enhanced computed tomography assessment. SEPS (25-mm flares, 21-mm diameter) were placed under fluoroscopic guidance. A silk thread tied to upper end was routed through nostril and fixed to prevent stent migration. Nasojejunal tube was inserted in all patients. Intercostal drain was inserted in the case of hydro/pyopneumothorax. RESULTS: Twelve patients [eight male, median age 45.3 years (19 to 65 years)] were included. Etiologies were spontaneous leaks due to Boerhaave syndrome (n = 2), corrosive fistulae (n = 2), tubercular fistulae (n = 4), invasive Candida esophagitis-induced fistula (n = 1), iatrogenic leaks (n = 2; one achalasia dilatation, one obesity surgery), and pancreaticoesophageal fistula due to ruptured pancreatic pseudocyst (n = 1). Stent placement was successful in all patients with no immediate postprocedure complications. Successful healing was seen in nine patients (75 %). Stents were removed after a median time of 83.5 days (13-190 days). Stent migration was seen in four patients (33.3 %), and in two of them, it was retrieved and redeployed; none had early migration (<72 h). Reasons for SEPS failure in our cohort were failure of effective sepsis control in two patients and poor wound healing seen in one patient having multiple tubercular fistulae. CONCLUSION: SEPS is a safe, well-tolerated treatment with good success rate (75 %) in treatment of esophageal leaks and fistulae.

Prospective study of profile of hepatic osteodystrophy in patients with non-choleastatic liver cirrhosis and impact of bisphosphonate supplementation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with liver cirrhosis are more prone to develop reduced bone mineral density (BMD), i.e. hepatic osteodystrophy (HOD). There are few data on the prevalence of HOD in the Indian population and its treatment. We aimed to determine the prevalence of HOD, factors associated with it and the impact of bisphosphonates on BMD in patients with liver cirrhosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis admitted at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, between August 2012 and July 2013 were enrolled. Patients with chronic kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism and those on steroids were excluded. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Osteopenia and osteoporosis were defined according to WHO criteria. Ibandronic acid 150 mg per day orally for six months was given to patients with osteoporosis and DEXA scan repeated. RESULTS: A total of 215 patients (males 179, 83%) with a mean age of 50.9 ± 11 years were enrolled in this study. Prevalence of HOD was found to be 66% (142/215). On multivariate analysis BMI, TLC, total serum bilirubin and transient elastography values were found to be independently associated with HOD. All the patients with osteoporosis (n = 47) were treated with ibandronic acid as per protocol. Treated patients had significant improvement in DEXA scans after six months as compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: HOD was seen in two-thirds of patients with liver cirrhosis. Higher liver stiffness as determined by transient elastography is significantly associated with HOD. Severity scores of liver disease (CTP and MELD) and etiology of liver cirrhosis did not determine HOD. Ibandronic acid is a safe drug that showed significant improvement in BMD in patients with liver disease along with osteoporosis.

Pancreatic calculus impacted at Ampulla of Vater causing severe cholangitis and septic shock.

Patients with chronic pancreatitis may have varied complications including common bile duct stenosis, cholangitis, pseudocyst or fistula formation and secondary biliary cirrhosis. Common bile duct obstruction due to disimpaction of a pancreatic calculus into the ampulla of Vater leading to severe cholangitis and septic shock is a rare phenomenon. We are reporting such a case here.

Routine endoscopic ultrasound in moderate and indeterminate risk patients of suspected choledocholithiasis to avoid unwarranted ERCP: A prospective randomized blinded study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is the most sensitive test for diagnosis of common bile duct stones and it may avoid unnecessary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether EUS done initially would avoid unnecessary ERCP in patients with moderate or indeterminate risk for occurrence of choledocholithiasis. METHODS: Patients with biliary colic or acute biliary pancreatitis, who were referred for suspected choledocholithiasis on the basis of alterations in liver function tests were prospectively included over 12 months period in blinded randomized fashion. Endoscopic ultrasonography was performed for all patients. Patients were randomized to two groups. ERCP was done in all patients in group A irrespective of the EUS findings, while in the group B, ERCP was done only in those patients in whom EUS was suggested the presence of common bile duct stone or sludge. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were randomized into each group. EUS diagnosed common bile duct stones in 24 out of 50 patients (48 %) in group A, and ERCP identified common bile duct stones in 23 of those 24 patients. Twenty-eight out of 50 patients had common bile duct stones/sludge in group B, which were removed by subsequent ERCP. However, ERCP could be avoided in 22 cases (44 %) of group B and none of these patients had biliary symptoms up to 6 months of follow up. CONCLUSION: In patients with moderate or indeterminate risk for choledocholithiasis, prior EUS done for confirmation of choledocholithiasis avoids unnecessary ERCP in almost half of the cases.

Gastroscopic-assisted laparoscopic cystogastrostomy in the management of pseudocysts of the pancreas.

Once pancreatic pseudocysts become persistent, unresolving, and symptomatic, surgical drainage is mandatory. Between January 1998 and December 2001, we performed five laparoscopic cystogastrostomies for such pseudocysts with the simultaneous use of the gastroendoscope. The mean cyst diameter was 20 cm (range, 18.5-24). In the first four cases, the anterior wall of the stomach was entered through two 10-mm balloon cannulae under gastroscopic guidance. By introducing the laparoscope through one port and a harmonic scalpel through the other, a wide cystogastrostomy was performed. In the fifth case, a modification of the above technique was carried out. A single 10-mm cannula was used to enter the stomach and, with the use of a side-viewing gastroduodenoscope as the camera source, the harmonic scalpel was used to create the cystogastrostomy. The punctures in the wall of the stomach were repaired with endosutures. The gallbladder was removed in all cases. The mean operating time was 110 minutes (range, 92-128) for the combined procedure. There were no postoperative complications, and the mean hospital stay was 4 days. Postoperative follow-up with ultrasonography over a period of 1 year in each case revealed complete resolution of the cyst. Laparoscopic cystogastrostomy using harmonic scalpel under gastroscopic control is an effective and rapid method of surgically managing such lesions.

Low eosinophil count predicts in-hospital mortality in cirrhosis with systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Absolute eosinophil count (AEC) and procalcitonin (PCT) level may have a prognostic value in critically ill patients. However, their role in cirrhotic patients has never been studied. We evaluated the role of AEC and PCT, obtained at admission, in predicting in-hospital mortality in cirrhotic patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In consecutive cirrhotic patients with SIRS (with or without sepsis), the levels of AEC and PCT were estimated at admission. Their outcome was correlated with these baseline parameters. RESULTS: One hundred patients were enrolled [median age 52 (range 17-78) years, 84% men]. The etiology of cirrhosis was alcohol (47%), cryptogenic (35%), viral (13%), and others (5%). Their median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores were 24 (range 6-40) and 11 (range 5-15), respectively. Infection was present in 59 patients and the rest of the 41 patients had SIRS without infection. There was a significant difference between the median levels of AEC and PCT between patients who had infection and those who did not have infection (P<0.01). Sixty-three patients recovered from SIRS and were discharged, 33 patients died, and four patients received orthotopic liver transplantation during the same admission. Baseline AEC and PCT levels were significantly different between patients who recovered and died. On multivariate analysis, baseline AEC values could independently predict in-hospital mortality, in addition to MELD and serum sodium. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of AEC for predicting mortality was 0.785, and the best cutoff of AEC, obtained by Youden's index, was 104 cells/cumm, indicating that patients with baseline AEC values less than 104 cells/cumm had higher in-hospital mortality (sensitivity 78%, specificity 70%, positive predictive value 60%, negative predictive value 85%, and accuracy 73%). CONCLUSION: In critically ill cirrhotic patients with SIRS, a baseline AEC value of less than 104 cells/cumm accurately predicts in-hospital mortality. The prediction of mortality by AEC is independent of the MELD score and serum sodium.