Home exercise, branched-chain amino acids, and probiotics improve frailty in cirrhosis: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a predictive factor of hospitalization, falls, and mortality in patients with cirrhosis, regardless of the degree of liver failure. The aim was to analyze whether a multifactorial intervention consisting of home-based exercise, branched-chain amino acids, and a multistrain probiotic can improve frailty in these patients. METHODS: Outpatients with cirrhosis were classified according to the Liver Frailty Index (LFI). Prefrail and frail patients were randomized into 2 groups. The intervention group was assigned to a multifactorial intervention consisting of exercise at home, branched-chain amino acid supplements, and a multistrain probiotic for 12 months. The control group received standard care. All patients were prospectively followed up every 3 months for 1 year to determine LFI, incidence of falls, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and mortality. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included: 17 patients were assigned to the intervention group and 15 to the control group. In the intervention group, the baseline LFI decreased at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months (p = 0.019 for overall change with respect to the control group). The change in LFI (ΔLFI) at 12 months was -0.71 ± 0.24 in the intervention group and -0.09 ± 0.32 in the control group (p<0.001). During follow-up, patients in the intervention group had a lower 1-year probability of falls (6% vs. 47%, p = 0.03) and emergency room visits (10% vs. 44%, p = 0.04) than patients in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: A long-term multifactorial intervention that included exercise at home, branched-chain amino acids, and a multistrain probiotic improved frailty in outpatients with cirrhosis and was associated with a decrease in the incidence of clinical events such as falls and emergency room visits.

Influence of further decompensation on survival across clinical stages of decompensated cirrhosis: The role of portal hypertension and HVPG changes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Decompensated-cirrhosis encompasses several stages with different prognosis, such as bleeding, ascites and bleeding-plus-ascites. Development of further-decompensation worsens survival, while non-selective ß-blockers (NSBBs) can modify the risk. However, how this applies to each stage is uncertain. We aimed to investigate, in each stage of decompensated-cirrhosis, the influence of further-decompensation on mortality and whether changes in portal-pressure (HVPG) under NSBBs influence these outcomes. METHODS: Patients with variceal bleeding were consecutively included differentiating those with bleeding-alone from those who also had ascites. Patients with ascites and high-risk varices referred for primary-prophylaxis were also investigated. A baseline haemodynamic study was performed and was repeated after 1-3-months under NSBBs. Outcomes were investigated by competing-risk. RESULTS: Totally 103 patients had bleeding-alone, 186 bleeding-plus-ascites and 187 ascites-alone. Mean follow-up was 32-months (IQR, 12-60). Patients with bleeding-plus-ascites had higher HVPG and were more hyperdynamic than patients with ascites-alone and these than those with bleeding-alone. At each stage, the mortality risk was more than twice in patients developing further-decompensation vs. those without (p < .001). In each stage, HVPG-decrease under NSBBs showed better discrimination to predict further-decompensation than the baseline MELD, Child-Pugh or HVPG, by time-dependent ROC-curves (c-statistic >70%). At each stage, patients without HVPG-decreases, either ≥10% or ≥20% from the baseline, had higher risk of further-decompensation (sHR from 2.43 to 6.73, p < .01) and worse survival. CONCLUSIONS: In each stage of decompensated cirrhosis, mortality risk significantly and very markedly increase with further-decompensation. HVPG-non-response to NSBBs may adequately stratify the risk of further decompensation and death, in each stage. This suggests potential benefit with pre-emptive therapies in HVPG-non-responders at each-stage.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and type of infections in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis: a retrospective study.

Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cirrhosis, especially those caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence and type of infection in these patients may have been influenced by the restrictive measures implemented. We aimed to compare the infections in patients with cirrhosis hospitalized before the COVID-19 pandemic versus those hospitalized during the pandemic. We retrospectively compared infections in patients with cirrhosis hospitalized in the hepatology unit during the pre-pandemic period (3/2019-2/2020) with infections in patients hospitalized during the pandemic (3/2020-2/2021). Baseline characteristics, type of infections, type of bacteria, antimicrobial resistance and mortality were evaluated. There were 251 hospitalizations in 170 patients during the pre-pandemic period and 169 hospitalizations in 114 patients during the pandemic period. One or more infections were identified in 40.6% of hospitalizations during the pre-pandemic period and 43.8% of hospitalizations during the pandemic, P = 0.52. We found 131 infections in the pre-pandemic period and 75 infections during the pandemic. The percentage of nosocomial infections decreased in the pandemic period (25.3% vs. 37.4% in the pre-pandemic period, P = 0.06). We found a non-significant trend to a higher incidence of infections by multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO) in the pandemic period than in the pre-pandemic period (6.5% vs. 4%). The incidence of infections was similar in both periods. However, during the pandemic, we observed a trend to a lower incidence of nosocomial infections with a higher incidence of MDRO infections.

A multistrain probiotic increases the serum glutamine/glutamate ratio in patients with cirrhosis: a metabolomic analysis.

To explore the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of a probiotic in cirrhotic patients, we analyzed the blood metabolome using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy in 32 patients with cirrhosis and cognitive dysfunction or falls. Patients were randomized to receive a multistrain probiotic or placebo for 12 weeks. Among the 54 metabolites identified, the only significant changes in the probiotic group were an increase in glutamine, a decrease in glutamate, and an increase in the glutamine/glutamate ratio. In the placebo group, glutamate increased and the glutamine/glutamate ratio decreased. Our results suggest the multistrain probiotic could influence glutamine/glutamate metabolism, increasing the capacity of ammonia detoxification.

Phase angle by electrical bioimpedance is a predictive factor of hospitalisation, falls and mortality in patients with cirrhosis.

The phase angle is a versatile measurement to assess body composition, frailty and prognosis in patients with chronic diseases. In cirrhosis, patients often present alterations in body composition that are related to adverse outcomes. The phase angle could be useful to evaluate prognosis in these patients, but data are scarce. The aim was to analyse the prognostic value of the phase angle to predict clinically relevant events such as hospitalisation, falls, and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Outpatients with cirrhosis were consecutively included and the phase angle was determined by electrical bioimpedance. Patients were prospectively followed to determine the incidence of hospitalisations, falls, and mortality. One hundred patients were included. Patients with phase angle ≤ 4.6° (n = 31) showed a higher probability of hospitalisation (35% vs 11%, p = 0.003), falls (41% vs 11%, p = 0.001) and mortality (26% vs 3%, p = 0.001) at 2-year follow-up than patients with PA > 4.6° (n = 69). In the multivariable analysis, the phase angle and MELD-Na were independent predictive factors of hospitalisation and mortality. Phase angle was the only predictive factor for falls. In conclusion, the phase angle showed to be a predictive marker for hospitalisation, falls, and mortality in outpatients with cirrhosis.

Frailty in outpatients with cirrhosis: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Frailty is increasingly recognized as a major prognostic factor in cirrhosis in addition to conventional liver insufficiency scores. The aim was to compare the prevalence and characteristics of frailty between patients with cirrhosis and controls, and to analyse its prognostic value. METHODS: We included outpatients with cirrhosis and age- and gender-matched non-cirrhotic controls. Frailty was defined according to the Fried frailty criteria. In patients with cirrhosis, we analysed the ability of the degree of frailty to predict a composite endpoint, consisting of hospitalization, admission to a long-term care centre, falls or death. RESULTS: We included 135 patients with cirrhosis and 135 controls. The prevalence of frailty was higher among patients with cirrhosis: 35 (25.9%) frail, 74 (54.8%) pre-frail and 26 (19.2%) robust vs 14 (10.4%) frail, 67 (49.6%) pre-frail and 54 (40%) robust (P < .001) in controls. This difference was mainly as a result of decreased muscle strength in patients with cirrhosis. During follow-up, frail patients with cirrhosis showed a higher probability of composite endpoint, hospitalization and falls than pre-frail and robust cirrhotic patients but mortality was similar. MELD-Na score and frailty were independent predictive factors for hospitalization, frailty for falls, and MELD-Na score and albumin for survival. Vitamin D deficiency and increased cystatin C were associated with frailty. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty was more frequent in outpatients with cirrhosis than in controls, mainly because of a decrease in muscle strength, and it could be a predictive factor for hospitalization and falls in these patients.

The Answer to "When to Clip" After Colorectal Endoscopic Mucosal Resection Based on a Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Delayed bleeding (DB) is the most common major complication of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Two randomized clinical trials recently demonstrated that clip closure after EMR of large nonpedunculated colorectal polyps (LNPCPs) reduces the risk of DB. We analyzed the cost-effectiveness of this prophylactic measure. METHODS: EMRs of LNCPCPs were consecutively registered in the ongoing prospective multicenter database of the Spanish EMR Group from May 2013 until July 2017. Patients were classified according to the Spanish Endoscopy Society EMR group (GSEED-RE2) DB risk score. Cost-effectiveness analysis was performed for both Spanish and US economic contexts. The average incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) thresholds were set at 54,000 € or $100,000 per quality-adjusted life year, respectively. RESULTS: We registered 2,263 EMRs in 2,130 patients. Applying their respective DB relative risk reductions after clip closure (51% and 59%), the DB rate decreased from 4.5% to 2.2% in the total cohort and from 13.7% to 5.7% in the high risk of the DB GSEED-RE2 subgroup. The ICERs for the universal clipping strategy in Spain and the United States, 469,706 € and $1,258,641, respectively, were not cost effective. By contrast, selective clipping in the high-risk of DB GSEED-RE2 subgroup was cost saving, with a negative ICER of -2,194 € in the Spanish context and cost effective with an ICER of $87,796 in the United States. DISCUSSION: Clip closure after EMR of large colorectal lesions is cost effective in patients with a high risk of bleeding. The GSEED-RE2 DB risk score may be a useful tool to identify that high-risk population.

Short-term hemodynamic effects of ß-blockers influence survival of patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Whether the effect of ß-blockers on arterial pressure and/or cardiac function may offset the benefit of reducing portal pressure in advanced cirrhosis is controversial. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the systemic and splanchnic hemodynamic effects of ß-blockers in decompensated vs. compensated cirrhosis and to investigate the influence of systemic hemodynamic changes on survival times in decompensated cirrhosis. METHODS: Patients with cirrhosis and high-risk esophageal varices, without previous bleeding, were consecutively included and grouped according to the presence or absence of decompensation (ascites with or without overt encephalopathy). Systemic and hepatic hemodynamic measurements were performed before starting ß-blockers and again after 1 to 3 months of treatment (short-term). RESULTS: Four hundred and three patients were included (190 decompensated and 213 compensated). At baseline, decompensated patients had higher portal pressure than compensated patients and were more hyperdynamic, with higher cardiac output (CO) and lower arterial pressure. Under ß-blockers, decompensated patients had lower portal pressure decrease (10 ± 18% vs. 15 ± 12%; p <0.05) and had greater reductions in heart rate (p <0.001) and CO (17 ± 15% vs. 10 ± 21%; p <0.01). Among patients with decompensated cirrhosis, those who died had a greater decrease in CO with ß-blockers than survivors (21 ± 14% vs. 15 ± 16%; p <0.05) and CO under ß-blockers independently predicted death by competing-risk regression analysis, with good diagnostic accuracy (C-index 0.74; 95% CI 0.66-0.83). Death risk was higher in decompensated patients with CO <5 L/min vs. CO ≥5 L/min (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.44; 95% CI 0.25-0.77; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with high-risk varices treated to prevent first bleeding, the systemic hemodynamic response to ß-blockers is greater and the portal pressure decrease is smaller in those with decompensated cirrhosis. The short-term effect of ß-blockers on CO might adversely influence survival in decompensated cirrhosis. LAY SUMMARY: ß-blockers are often used to reduce the risk of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis. However, it is not known whether the effect of ß-blockers on arterial pressure and/or cardiac function may offset the benefit of reducing portal pressure. Herein, we show that in patients with decompensated cirrhosis the potentially detrimental systemic effects of ß-blockers are greater than in compensated patients, while the beneficial pressure lowering effects are reduced. The short-term effect of ß-blockers on cardiac output may adversely influence survival in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Clip Closure After Resection of Large Colorectal Lesions With Substantial Risk of Bleeding.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: It is not clear whether closure of mucosal defects with clips after colonic endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) prevents delayed bleeding, although it seems to have no protective effects when risk is low. We performed a randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of complete clip closure of large (≥2 cm) nonpedunculated colorectal lesions after EMR in patients with an estimated average or high risk of delayed bleeding. METHODS: We performed a single-blind trial at 11 hospitals in Spain from May 2016 through June 2018, including 235 consecutive patients who underwent EMR for large nonpedunculated colorectal lesions with an average or high risk of delayed bleeding (based on Spanish Endoscopy Society Endoscopic Resection Group score). Participants were randomly assigned to groups that received closure of the scar with 11-mm through-the-scope clips (treated, n = 119) or no clip (control, n = 116). The primary outcome was proportion of patients in each group with delayed bleeding, defined as evident hematochezia that required medical intervention within 15 days after colonoscopy. RESULTS: In the clip group, complete closure was achieved in 68 (57%) cases, with partial closure in 33 (28%) cases and failure to close in 18 (15%) cases. Delayed bleeding occurred in 14 (12.1%) patients in the control group and in 6 (5%) patients in the clip group (absolute risk difference, reduction of 7% in the clip group; 95% confidence interval, -14.7% to 0.3%). After completion of the clip closure, there was only 1 (1.5%) case of delayed bleeding (absolute risk difference, reduction of 10.6%; 95% confidence interval, -4.3% to 17.9%). CONCLUSIONS: In a randomized trial of patients with large nonpedunculated colorectal lesions undergoing EMR, we found that clip closure of mucosal defects in patients with a risk of bleeding can be a challenge, but also reduces delayed bleeding. Prevention of delayed bleeding required complete clip closure. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02765022.

Effect of a Multistrain Probiotic on Cognitive Function and Risk of Falls in Patients With Cirrhosis: A Randomized Trial.

Probiotics can modulate gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, and immune response and could therefore improve cognitive dysfunction and help avoid potential consequences, such as falls, in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multistrain probiotic on cognitive function, risk of falls, and inflammatory response in patients with cirrhosis. Consecutive outpatients with cirrhosis and cognitive dysfunction (defined by a Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score [PHES] < -4) and/or falls in the previous year were randomized to receive either a sachet of a high-concentration multistrain probiotic containing 450 billion bacteria twice daily for 12 weeks or placebo. We evaluated the changes in cognitive function (PHES); risk of falls (Timed Up and Go [TUG] test, gait speed, and incidence of falls); systemic inflammatory response; neutrophil oxidative burst; intestinal barrier integrity (serum fatty acid-binding protein 6 [FABP-6] and 2 [FABP-2] and zonulin and urinary claudin-3); bacterial translocation (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein [LBP]); and fecal microbiota. Thirty-six patients were included. Patients treated with the probiotic (n = 18) showed an improvement in the PHES (P = 0.006), TUG time (P = 0.015) and gait speed (P = 0.02), and a trend toward a lower incidence of falls during follow-up (0% compared with 22.2% in the placebo group [n = 18]; P = 0.10). In the probiotic group, we observed a decrease in C-reactive protein (P = 0.01), tumor necrosis factor alpha (P = 0.01), FABP-6 (P = 0.009), and claudin-3 (P = 0.002), and an increase in poststimulation neutrophil oxidative burst (P = 0.002). Conclusion: The multistrain probiotic improved cognitive function, risk of falls, and inflammatory response in patients with cirrhosis and cognitive dysfunction and/or previous falls.

Sequential Changes in the Mesenteric Lymph Node Microbiome and Immune Response during Cirrhosis Induction in Rats.

Whether the interaction between the gut microbiota and the immune response influences the evolution of cirrhosis is poorly understood. We aimed to investigate modifications of the microbiome and the immune response during the progression of cirrhosis. Rats were treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to induce cirrhosis. We then assessed microbiome load and composition in stool, ileocecal contents (ICCs), mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), blood, and ascitic fluids (AFs) at 6, 8, and 10 weeks or ascites production and measured cytokine production in MLNs and blood. The microbiome of MLN, blood, and AF showed a distinct composition compared to that of stool and ICCs. Betaproteobacteria (Sutterella) were found associated with the appearance of a decompensated state of cirrhosis. Microbial load increased and showed a positive correlation with the relative abundance of pathobionts in the MLN of decompensated rats. Among several genera, Escherichia and "Candidatus Arthromitus" positively correlated with elevated levels of systemic proinflammatory cytokines. "Candidatus Arthromitus," a segmented filamentous bacteria, was detected in ICC, MLN, and AF samples, suggesting a possible translocation from the gut to the AF through the lymphatic system, whereas Escherichia was detected in ICC, MLN, AF, and blood, suggesting a possible translocation from the gut to the AF through the bloodstream. In the present study, we demonstrate that microbiome changes in distinct intestinal sites are associated with microbial shifts in the MLNs as well as an increase in cytokine production, providing further evidence of the role the gut-liver-immunity axis plays in the progression of cirrhosis. IMPORTANCE Cirrhosis severity in patients was previously shown to be associated with progressive changes in the fecal microbiome in a longitudinal setting. Recent evidence shows that bacterial translocation from the gut to the extraintestinal sites could play a major role in poor disease outcome and patient survival. However, the underlying mechanisms involving the microbiota in the disease progression are not well understood. Here, using an animal model of cirrhosis in a longitudinal and multibody sites setting, we showed the presence of a distinct composition of the microbiome in mesenteric lymph nodes, blood, and ascitic fluid compared to that in feces and ileocecal content, suggesting compartmentalization of the gut microbiome. We also demonstrate that microbiome changes in intestinal sites are associated with shifts in specific microbial groups in the mesenteric lymph nodes as well as an increase in systemic cytokine production, linking inflammation to decompensated cirrhosis in the gut-liver-immunity axis.

Adverse Events and Acute Chronic Liver Failure in Patients With Cirrhosis Undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Multicenter Matched-Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Data on the outcome of adverse events (AEs) and the risk of developing acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) after ERCP in patients with cirrhosis are unknown. We examined the incidence and risk factors of post-ERCP AEs in patients with cirrhosis and the appearance of ACLF after ERCP. METHODS: In this multicenter, retrospective, matched-cohort study, we evaluated ERCPs performed from January 2002 to 2015. A group of patients with cirrhosis with non-ERCP interventions and one without interventions was also analyzed for the development of ACLF. RESULTS: A total of 441 ERCPs were analyzed; 158 in patients with cirrhosis (cases) and 283 in patients without cirrhosis (controls). The overall rate of AEs after all ERCPs was significantly higher in cases compared to controls (17% vs 9.5, p = 0.02). Cholangitis developed more in cases compared to controls (6.3% vs 1.8%; p = 0.01). In a subanalysis of those with sphincterotomy, the rate of bleeding was higher in those with cirrhosis (9.4% vs 3.4%; p = 0.03). Logistic regression identified cirrhosis (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.36-4.53; p = 0.003) and sphincterotomy (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.23-5.72; p = 0.01) as risk factors of AEs. A total of 18/158 (11.4%) cases developed ACLF after ERCP. ACLF occurred in 7/27 cases with post-ERCP AEs and in 11/131 without post-ERCP AEs (25.9% vs 8.3%; p = 0.01). A total of 3.2% (13/406) patients without interventions developed ACLF compared to 17.5% (102/580) who developed ACLF after non-ERCP interventions. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis at ERCP had a higher risk of developing ACLF (17% vs 6.8%; p = 0.04). Patients with a MELD score ≥ 15 were 3.1 times more likely (95% CI: 1.14-8.6; p = 0.027) to develop ACLF after ERCP. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of AEs after ERCP is higher in patients with cirrhosis compared to the non-cirrhotic population. The incidence of ACLF is higher in those with AEs after ERCP compared to those without AEs, especially cholangitis. The development of ACLF is common after ERCP and other invasive procedures. ACLF can be precipitated by numerous factors which include preceding events before the procedure, including manipulation of the bile duct, and AEs after an ERCP.

Ascitic fluid regulates the local innate immune response of patients with cirrhosis.

Ascitic neutrophils from cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) exhibit an impaired oxidative burst that could facilitate bacterial infection. However, the influence of the cell-free ascitic fluid of these patients on neutrophil function has not been investigated. To analyze this influence, we determined the ascitic levels of cytokines, resistin, and lactoferrin and their association with neutrophil function, disease severity score, and SBP resolution. We analyzed NETosis induction by microscopy and oxidative burst by the flow cytometry of healthy neutrophils cultured in ascitic fluid from cirrhotic patients with sterile ascites (SA) and with SBP before and after antibiotic treatment. Resistin, IL-6, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-1ß, and lactoferrin levels were measured in ascitic fluids and supernatants of cultured neutrophils and PBMCs by ELISA. Upon stimulation, healthy neutrophils cultured in SBP ascitic fluid produced lower NETosis and oxidative burst than those cultured in SA. Ascitic resistin levels were negatively correlated with NETosis, oxidative burst, and ascitic glucose levels; and positively correlated with the model for end-stage liver disease score. After an E. coli or TNF-α stimulus, neutrophils were the major resistin producers. Resistin indirectly reduced the oxidative burst of neutrophils and directly reduced the inflammatory phenotype of monocytes and TNF-α production. Bacterial-induced resistin production can down-regulate the inflammatory response of macrophages and neutrophil function in ascitic fluid. Consequently, this down-regulation may jeopardize the elimination of bacteria that translocate to ascitic fluid in patients with cirrhosis.

Toll-like receptor 4 polymorphisms and bacterial infections in patients with cirrhosis and ascites.

AIM: To assess the relationship between the presence of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) polymorphisms and bacterial infections in cirrhotic patients with ascites. METHODS: We prospectively included consecutive patients with cirrhosis and ascites hospitalized during a 6-year period. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or any other immunodeficiency, patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (beyond Milan's criteria) or any other condition determining poor short-term prognosis, and patients with a permanent urinary catheter were excluded. The presence of D299G and/or T399I TLR4 polymorphisms was determined by sequencing and related to the incidence and probability of bacterial infections, other complications of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and mortality during follow-up. A multivariate analysis to identify predictive variables of mortality in the whole series was performed. RESULTS: We included 258 patients: 28 (10.8%) were carriers of D299G and/or T399I TLR4 polymorphisms (polymorphism group) and 230 patients were not (wild-type group). The probability of developing any bacterial infection at one-year follow-up was 78% in the polymorphism group and 69% in the wild-type group (P = 0.54). The one-year probability of presenting infections caused by gram-negative bacilli (51% vs 44%, P = 0.68), infections caused by gram-positive cocci (49% vs 40%, P = 0.53), and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (29% vs 34%, respectively, P = 0.99) did not differ between the two groups. The one-year probability of transplant-free survival was 55% in the polymorphism group and 66% in the wild-type group (P = 0.15). Multivariate analysis confirmed that age, Child-Pugh score, active alcohol intake, previous hepatic encephalopathy, hepatocellular carcinoma and serum creatinine were associated with a higher risk of death during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Genetic polymorphisms D299G and/or T399I of TLR4 do not seem to play a relevant role in the predisposition of cirrhotic patients with ascites to bacterial infections.

Fermented milk containing Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei CNCM I-1518 reduces bacterial translocation in rats treated with carbon tetrachloride.

Probiotics can prevent pathological bacterial translocation by modulating intestinal microbiota and improving the gut barrier. The aim was to evaluate the effect of a fermented milk containing Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei CNCM I-1518 on bacterial translocation in rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced cirrhosis. Sprague-Dawley rats treated with CCl4 were randomized into a probiotic group that received fermented milk containing Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei CNCM I-1518 in drinking water or a water group that received water only. Laparotomy was performed one week after ascites development. We evaluated bacterial translocation, intestinal microbiota, the intestinal barrier and cytokines in mesenteric lymph nodes and serum. Bacterial translocation decreased and gut dysbiosis improved in the probiotic group compared to the water group. The ileal ß-defensin-1 concentration was higher and ileal malondialdehyde levels were lower in the probiotic group than in water group. There were no differences between groups in serum cytokines but TNF-α levels in mesenteric lymph nodes were lower in the probiotic group than in the water group. Fermented milk containing Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei CNCM I-1518 decreases bacterial translocation, gut dysbiosis and ileal oxidative damage and increases ileal ß-defensin-1 expression in rats treated with CCl4, suggesting an improvement in the intestinal barrier integrity.

Optimal timing for a second ERCP after failure of initial biliary cannulation following precut sphincterotomy: an analysis of experience at two tertiary centers.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Precut sphincterotomy increases the success of deep biliary cannulation, but the method fails at the initial ERCP in 5-12% of cases. Although other invasive strategies are often used to access the bile duct, a second ERCP may be effective and safe. We evaluated the efficacy, safety, and factors related to a second ERCP after failed cannulation using a precut sphincterotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed all patients that underwent an ERCP with native papilla from 2006 to 2014 at two tertiary institutions. Efficacy was based on the cannulation rate of the second ERCP, and safety was assessed in terms of adverse events. RESULTS: We identified 112 patients with failed cannulation after precut, and a second ERCP was performed in 72 (64.3%). Median time between procedures was 7 days (IQR 5-11). Deep cannulation was achieved in 54 cases (75%). The only factor associated with cannulation failure was an ERCP within 4 days after the initial precut (cannulation success 44.4 vs. 79.4% after 4 days, p = 0.026). Adverse events were recorded after the first ERCP in 13 of 112 patients (11.8%): delayed bleeding in four, pancreatitis in five, and perforation in four. After the second ERCP, three of 72 patients (4.2%) presented adverse events: two delayed bleeding and one pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: A second ERCP after failure of initial biliary cannulation following precut appears to be safe and effective. A second ERCP should be delayed at least 4 days if feasible.

A randomized trial to assess whether portal pressure guided therapy to prevent variceal rebleeding improves survival in cirrhosis.

Monitoring the hemodynamic response of portal pressure (PP) to drug therapy accurately stratifies the risk of variceal rebleeding (VRB). We assessed whether guiding therapy with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) monitoring may improve survival by preventing VRB. Patients with cirrhosis with controlled variceal bleeding were randomized to an HVPG-guided therapy group (N = 84) or to a control group (N = 86). In both groups, HVPG and acute ß-blocker response were evaluated at baseline and HVPG measurements were repeated at 2-4 weeks to determine chronic response. In the HVPG-guided group, acute responders were treated with nadolol and acute nonresponders with nadolol+nitrates. Chronic nonresponders received nadolol+prazosin and had a third HVPG study. Ligation sessions were repeated until response was achieved. The control group was treated with nadolol+nitrates+ligation. Between-group baseline characteristics were similar. During long-term follow-up (median of 24 months), mortality was lower in the HVPG-guided therapy group than in the control group (29% vs. 43%; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.35-0.99). Rebleeding occurred in 19% versus 31% of patients, respectively (HR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.29-0.98), and further decompensation of cirrhosis occurred in 52% versus 72% (HR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.46-0.99). The survival probability was higher with HVPG-guided therapy than in controls, both in acute (HR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.32-1.08) and chronic nonresponders (HR = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.23-0.99). HVPG-guided patients had a greater reduction of HVPG and a lower final value than controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: HVPG monitoring, by stratifying risk and targeting therapy, improves the survival achieved with currently recommended treatment to prevent VRB using ß-blockers and ligation. HVPG-guided therapy achieved a greater reduction in PP, which may have contributed to reduce the risk of rebleeding and of further decompensation of cirrhosis, thus contributing to a better survival. (Hepatology 2017;65:1693-1707).

IL-6, IL-10 and TNFα do not improve early detection of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography acute pancreatitis: a prospective cohort study.

The most reliable indicators for post-ERCP acute pancreatitis are elevated amylase levels and abdominal pain 24 hours after ERCP. As ERCP is often performed on an outpatient basis, earlier diagnosis is important. We aimed to identify early predictors of post-ERCP pancreatitis. We prospectively analyzed IL-6, IL-10, TNFα, CRP, amylase and lipase before and 4 hours after ERCP, and studied their association with abdominal pain. We included 510 patients. Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 36 patients (7.1%). IL-6, IL-10, TNFα and CRP were not associated with post-ERCP pancreatitis. Levels of amylase and lipase were higher in patients with pancreatitis (522 U/L and 1808 U/L vs. 78 U/L and 61 U/L, respectively; p < 0.001). A cut-off of 218 U/L for amylase (x2.2 ULN) and 355 U/L for lipase (x6 ULN) had a negative predictive value of 99.2% and 99.5%, respectively. Amylase and lipase present a good correlation (Pearson coefficient 0.912). Among 342 (67.1%) patients without abdominal pain at 4 hours, post-ERCP pancreatitis was diagnosed in 8 (2.3%). Only 4 of these patients presented amylase or lipase > 3 ULN. Amylase and lipase were the only markers of post-ERCP pancreatitis 4 hours after the procedure.

Alteration of the serum microbiome composition in cirrhotic patients with ascites.

The progression of cirrhosis is associated with alterations in the composition of the gut microbiome. To assess microbial translocation, we compared the serum microbial composition of patients with and without ascites and characterized the ascitic fluid microbiome using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing data. A complex and specific microbial community was detected in the serum and ascitic fluid of patients with cirrhosis but barely detectable in the serum of healthy controls. The serum microbiome of patients with ascites presented higher levels of lipopolysaccharide binding protein, a marker of microbial translocation, associated with higher diversity and relative abundance of Clostridiales and an unknown genus belonging to the Cyanobacteria phylum compared to patients without ascites. The composition of the fecal microbiome was also more altered in patients with than without ascites, confirming previous studies on fecal microbiome. We propose that alteration of the serum and fecal microbiome composition be considered indicators of cirrhosis progression.