High bone fracture risk in a large modern cohort of liver transplant recipients.

Liver transplantation (LT) has historically been associated with a high prevalence of osteoporosis, but most of the available data date back to late 1990s-early 2000s with limited sample size. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of bone fragility fractures and contributing factors in a large modern cohort of liver transplant recipients. Retrospective study of 429 consecutive patients receiving liver transplantation from 1/1/2010 to 31/12/2015. Final cohort included 366 patients. Electronic radiological images (lateral views of spine X-rays or Scout CT abdominal scans) performed within 6 months from LT, were blinded reviewed to screen for morphometric vertebral fractures. Symptomatic clinical fragility fractures were recorded from the medical records. Patients with fragility fractures in the cohort were 155/366 (42.3%), with no significant differences between sexes. Most sustained vertebral fractures (145/155, 93.5%), mild or moderate wedges, with severe fractures more frequently observed in women. Multiple vertebral fractures were common (41.3%). Fracture rates were similar across different etiologies of cirrhosis and independent of diabetes or glucocorticoids exposure. Kidney function was significantly worse in women with fractures. Independently of age, sex, alcohol use, eGFR, and etiology of liver disease, low BMI was significantly associated with an increased risk for fractures (adjusted OR 1.058, 95%CI 1.001-1.118, P = 0.046). Our study shows a considerable fracture burden in a large and modern cohort of liver transplant recipients. Given the very high prevalence of bone fractures, a metabolic bone disease screening should be implemented in patients awaiting liver transplantation.

Beta-Blockers Lower First Decompensation in Patients With Cirrhosis and Enduring Portal Hypertension After Etiological Treatment.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nonselective beta-blockers (NSBBs) can lower the risk of first decompensation in patients with cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) (identified by a hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥10 mm Hg) with active etiology. Our aim was to examine the effect of NSBBs on first decompensation occurrence in patients with cirrhosis and enduring CSPH after etiological treatment. METHODS: Patients with compensated cirrhosis and clinical evidence of CSPH (gastroesophageal varices [GEVs] and/or spontaneous portosystemic collaterals [SPSSs]) after 2 years from etiological treatment. The primary endpoint was first decompensation (occurrence of variceal bleeding, ascites, or hepatic encephalopathy) in patients on NSBBs vs off NSBBs. RESULTS: The final cohort included 406 patients. Baseline characteristics of patients on NSBBs (n = 187) and off NSBBs (n = 219) were comparable, except for signs of portal hypertension that were more pronounced in the on-NSBB group. During a mean follow-up of 32 months, 127 (31%) patients decompensated, with ascites being the most common (77%) decompensating event. Decompensation rates were lower in patients on NSBBs (16% vs 44%; P < .0001). The benefit of NSBBs on decompensation was maintained in patients with small GEVs (17% vs 43%; P < .0001), in those with spontaneous portosystemic shunt only (8% vs 43%; P = .003), and in each different etiology, including hepatitis C virus-cured cirrhosis (9% vs 32%; P < .0001). At Cox regression analysis, hemoglobin, Child-Pugh, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium, diabetes at baseline, and previous bacterial infections were independent predictors of decompensation, while NSBB use had a protective effect (hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.49; P < .0001). NSBB use significantly reduced bacterial infection rates (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.22-0.58; P < .0001). CONCLUSION: NSBBs decrease the risk of first decompensation in patients with cirrhosis and enduring CSPH after etiological treatment.

Tacrolimus-associated neurotoxicity isolated to the brainstem: two illustrative cases and a systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Tacrolimus-associated neurotoxicity (TAN) manifests with wide clinical spectrum, ranging from mild tremors to severe encephalopathy. The isolated involvement of the brainstem is a rarely documented presentation of TAN, and its clinical and diagnostic characteristics are unclear. METHODS: We report two cases of brainstem-isolated TAN (bi-TAN). Moreover, we performed a systematic review of the literature on bi-TAN and extracted data concerning demographics, clinical characteristics, radiological features, and management. The systematic literature search followed PRISMA guidelines and a pre-defined protocol. RESULTS: Eleven patients, including our two, were identified (mean age: 41.3 years, ± 18.8; five males, 45%). Speech disturbance was the most common clinical presentation (45%). The mean latency from Tacrolimus initiation to bi-TAN onset was 26 days (± 30.8). Tacrolimus serum level tested above the reference range in three patients (mean: 26.83 ± 5.48). Brain MRI showed T2-FLAIR hyperintensities; three showed restricted diffusion on ADC maps. Neurological symptoms resolved completely in seven patients (63%) after Tacrolimus withdrawal or dose reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that bi-TAN could represent a brainstem variant of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Recognition of bi-TAN as a potential cause of isolated brainstem lesions is crucial to disentangle the diagnostic work-up and ensure prompt withdrawal or reduction of the offending agent.

Quality of life in liver transplant recipients during the Corona virus disease 19 pandemic: A multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplant recipients require specific clinical and psychosocial attention given their frailty. Main aim of the study was to assess the quality of life after liver transplant during the current pandemic. METHODS: This multicentre study was conducted in clinically stable, liver transplanted patients. Enrollment opened in June and finished in September 2021. Patients completed a survey including lifestyle data, quality of life (Short Form health survey), sport, employment, diet. To examine the correlations, we calculated Pearson coefficients while to compare subgroups, independent samples t-tests and ANOVAs. To detect the predictors of impaired quality of life, we used multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We analysed data from 511 patients observing significant associations between quality of life's physical score and both age and adherence to Mediterranean diet (p < .01). A significant negative correlation was observed between mental score and the sedentary activity (p < .05). Female patients scored significantly lower than males in physical and mental score. At multivariate analysis, females were 1.65 times more likely to report impaired physical score than males. Occupation and physical activity presented significant positive relation with quality of life. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was another relevant predictor. Regarding mental score, female patients were 1.78 times more likely to show impaired mental score in comparison with males. Sedentary activity and adherence to Mediterranean diet were further noteworthy predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Females and subjects with sedentary lifestyle or work inactive seem to show the worst quality of life and both physical activity and Mediterranean diet might be helpful to improve it.

Liver transplantation is associated with good clinical outcome in patients with active tuberculosis and acute liver failure due to anti-tubercular treatment.

BACKGROUND: Active tuberculosis (TB) is commonly considered a contraindication for liver transplantation (LT). However, in patients with TB who develop acute liver failure (ALF) due to toxicity induced by anti-tubercular treatment (ATT), LT could be the only opportunity for treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of LT in this scenario. METHODS: We described 2 cases and comprehensively reviewed the literature finding 26 cases of LT performed in patients having a concomitant active TB and liver failure secondary to ATT toxicity. RESULTS: TB was classified as pulmonary in 18/26 (69%), nodal in 3/26 (11%) TB cases, while the remaining 5/26 cases included disseminated, pleural, renal, ovarian, and vertebral TB localization (1 case each). ATT following LT consisted mainly of isoniazid or rifampin (RIF)-sparing regimens and included primarily fluoroquinolones and ethambutol. Rejection episodes and liver toxicity were reported in 19% and 8% of patients respectively. Graft rejection was more frequent among patients treated with RIF-containing regimens (P<.001). Mortality rate was 15% after a median follow up of 12 months. In only one case was death attributed to uncontrolled TB infection. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that LT is an effective therapeutic option for patients with active TB developing ALF following ATT and should be considered for patients failing medical treatment.

Transcatheter embolization for giant splenic artery aneurisms: still an open question.

Transcatheter embolization is the mainstay of the therapy of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) in patients with portal hypertension. It is indicated when the SAA diameter reaches 20 mm. Although endovascular techniques are effective and safe for the treatment of medium-sized SAAs, little is known about their applicability to large-sized SAAs. Herein, we report a case of giant SAA, which was treated with transcatheter coil embolization. The case was not considered suitable for surgery because of the presence of severe portal hypertension. The procedure was complicated by bacterial infection of the coils within the aneurismatic sac, leading to the development of hepatic failure. A liver transplant was then successfully performed despite the presence of a nonresponsive infection.

Sarcoidosis and sarcoid-like reaction associated with pancreatic malignancy: are you able to read a riddle?

CONTEXT: The sarcoidosis is an idiopathic multisystem inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of non-caseating granulomas in the affected organs. The clinical picture includes non-specific systemic symptoms and organ-specific symptoms, but it is frequently asymptomatic. Although not fully understood, a clear association between sarcoidosis and malignancies has been reported. In neoplastic patient, beside classical sarcoidosis, cases of sarcoid-like reaction have been extensively described, a condition characterized by the presence of non-caseating granulomas in the lymph nodes draining the tumor or, less commonly, in the distant lymph nodes; this is considered a benign non progressive condition, potentially regressive following neoplasm eradication. CASE REPORT: We report the first case of sarcoidosis/sarcoid-like reaction associated with neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. CONCLUSION: This clinical case highlights the difficulty and importance of differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy in the management of neoplastic disease, and in view of the evolving clinical picture, if a distinction between sarcoidosis and sarcoid-like reaction is a clinical reality or if they is just represent different stage of the same disease. Therefore, we believe that a follow-up is necessary even in case of sarcoid-like reaction, since no data are reported in the literature on the long-term of this condition once treated the associated tumor.

Clinical effects of rifaximin in patientswith hepatic encephalopathy intolerant or nonresponsive to previous lactulose treatment: An open-label, pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a metabolic-neurophysiologicsyndrome that occurs in patients with advanced hepatic disease. One of the main pathogenic mechanisms is represented by circulating toxins produced by the intestinal metabolism of nitrogenous compounds. The therapeutic approach to HE is mainly based on drugs that eliminate ammonia-producing bacteria. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the nonabsorbable antibiotic rifaximin in patients with HE who were intolerant or nonresponsive to treatment with an oral, nonabsorbable disaccharide (lactulose). METHODS: This uncontrolled, open-label, pilot study was conducted at the University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with histologically proven liver cirrhosis and HE were studied. All patients were intolerant or nonresponsive to previous treatment with lactulose. Rifaximin tablets were administered to patients at a dosage of 400 mg TID for 10 days. The portal systemic encephalopathy (PSE) index was evaluated at enrollment and at the end of the treatment period. Tolerability was assessed using hematology, biochemistry, and urinalysis and by recording adverse effects (AEs). RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (18 men, 8 women; mean [SD] age, 55.8 [8.0] years) were enrolled (intolerants, n = 17; nonresponders, n = 9). All patients completed the study. Significant improvement was shown in most of the 5 components of the PSE index after rifaximin administration in both intolerants and nonresponders. At the end of the 10-day treatment period, the PSE index was significantly reduced in both intolerants and nonresponders. Rifaximin was well tolerated; no clinically relevant AEs were observed during the treatment period. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study of patients with liver cirrhosis and HE who were intolerant or nonresponsive to previous treatment with an oral, nonabsorbable disaccharide suggests that treatment with rifaximin may be considered as an adjuvant or an alternative treatment in reducing HE.