Liver dysfunction in adults with COVID-19 infection: A longitudinal study with transient elastography evaluation.

Background and Aim: Abnormal liver biochemistry (ALB) is common among patients with COVID-19 infection due to various factors. It is uncertain if it persists after the acute infection. We aimed to investigate this. Methods: A multicenter study of adult patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection, with at least a single abnormal liver function test, was conducted. Detailed laboratory and imaging tests, including transabdominal ultrasound and FibroScan, were performed at assessment and at 6-month follow-up after hospital discharge. Results: From an initial cohort of 1246 patients who were hospitalized, 731 (58.7%) had ALB. A total of 174/731 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria with the following characteristics: 48.9% patients had severe COVID-19; 62.1% had chronic liver disease (CLD); and 56.9% had metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). ALB was predominantly of a mixed pattern (67.8%). Among those (55.2%) who had liver injury (aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase >3 times the upper limit of normal, or alkaline phosphatase/γ-glutamyl transferase/bilirubin >2 times the upper limit of normal), a mixed pattern was similarly predominant. Approximately 52.3% had normalization of the liver lunction test in the 6-month period post discharge. Patients with persistent ALB had significantly higher mean body mass index (BMI) and serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL), higher rates of MAFLD and CLD, higher mean liver stiffness measurement and continuous attenuated parameter score on FibroScan, and higher rates of liver injury on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Approximately 47.7% of COVID-19 patients were found to have persistent ALB up to 6 months following the acute infection, and it was associated with raised BMI, elevated serum LDL, increased rates of MAFLD and CLD, and higher rates of liver injury on univariate analysis, but not on multivariate analysis.

Clinical Features of Cytokine Storm Syndrome.

Cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) is a severe life-threatening condition characterized by a clinical phenotype of overwhelming systemic inflammation, hyperferritinemia, hemodynamic instability, and multiple organ failure (MOF), and, if untreated, it can potentially lead to death. The hallmark of CSS is an uncontrolled and dysfunctional immune response involving the continual activation and expansion of lymphocytes and macrophages, which secrete large amounts of cytokines, causing a cytokine storm. Many clinical features of CSS can be explained by the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and IL-18 [1-7]. These cytokines are elevated in most patients with CSS as well as in animal models of CSS [8, 9]. A constellation of symptoms, signs, and laboratory abnormalities occurs that depends on the severity of the syndrome, the underlying predisposing conditions, and the triggering agent.

Case Series: Hyperbilirubinemia under elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in the presence of Gilbert's syndrome.

Liver-related side effects are a known complication of treatment with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) for cystic fibrosis (CF). Gilbert's syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation that reduces activity of the enzyme UDP glucuronosyltransferase 1 polypeptide A1 (UGT1A1), causing elevated levels of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood and duodenal bile. The presence of Gilbert's syndrome and CF might represent additive risk factors for liver-related adverse events during ETI treatment. This case series describes six people with CF (pwCF) in whom previously unknown Gilbert's syndrome was unmasked after initiation of treatment with ETI. Although all patients had some level of hepatic dysfunction and/or elevated levels of bilirubin after initiation of ETI, the clinical course varied. Only one patient had to stop ETI therapy altogether, while the others were able to continue treatment (some at a reduced dosage and others at the full recommended daily dosage). All patients, even those using a lower dosage, experienced clinical benefit during ETI therapy. Gilbert's syndrome is not a contraindication for ETI therapy but may be mistaken for a risk factor for liver-related adverse events in pwCF. This is something that physicians need to be aware of in pwCF who show liver adverse events during ETI therapy.

Dietary patterns and the risk of tuberculosis-drug-induced liver injury: a cohort study.

Background and purpose: Nutrition is associated with tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury (TBLI). How dietary patterns relate to tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury is still unknown. The objective of this study is to explore the relation between dietary patterns and the risk of tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury. Methods: This cohort study was conducted at two hospitals in Shandong Province, China, between 2011 and 2013. A total of 605 tuberculosis patients were included in the final analysis. The blood aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase level was monitored through the 6-month tuberculosis treatment. The semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires were used to survey dietary intake in the second month of the tuberculosis treatment. The China Healthy Diet Index (CHDI), which was previously validated in the Chinese population, was used as an a priori dietary pattern. A posteriori dietary patterns were extracted by principal component analysis (PCA). Results: The CHDI was negatively associated with the risk of liver injury [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) per standard deviation (SD) (95% CI): 0.61 (0.40-0.94)] and liver dysfunction [aOR per SD (95% CI): 0.47 (0.35-0.64)] in the multivariate logistic model. A positive association between "Organ meat, poultry, and vegetable oil" dietary pattern scores (extracted by PCA) and the risk of liver injury [aOR (95% CI): 3.02 (1.42-6.41)] and liver dysfunction [aOR (95% CI): 1.83 (1.09-3.05)] was observed. Conclusion: In conclusion, a high CHDI score was a protective factor for tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury, while the "Organ meat, poultry, and vegetable oil" dietary pattern, which was rich in organ meat, poultry, and vegetable oil and low in vegetables, was an independent risk factor for tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis D virus in Bulgarian outpatients with history of liver dysfunction.

The aim of this research was to define the prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis D virus (anti-HDV Ab) in a group of 26 outpatients with liver dysfunction in northeastern Bulgaria. Serum samples were obtained from April 2022 to December 2023 in the "Status" Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Varna, Bulgaria. We found seroprevalence of anti-HDV Ab in 15.4% (CI: 4.3-34.8%) of the target population. Age and gender had no significant role in HDV seropositivity.

Severe thrombocytopenia caused by cytomegalovirus infection in an immunocompetent adult: A case report.

A 53-year-old otherwise healthy man was referred to our hospital with a fever of unknown origin, headache, and arthralgia. Four days earlier, he had a fever with chills. Treatment with antibiotics and acetaminophen proved ineffective, with the patient subsequently developing headache and joint pain. Blood analysis revealed elevated inflammatory markers, liver impairment, and severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count, 19,000/µL). Subsequent tests revealed elevated levels of anti-cytomegalovirus IgM and IgG. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with severe thrombocytopenia associated with cytomegalovirus infection. Platelet counts increased spontaneously without antiviral therapy. Forty-five days after the initial visit, the symptoms improved, and blood tests revealed resolution of the inflammatory findings, with the platelet count recovering to 155,000/µL. Although the disease may resolve spontaneously, cytomegalovirus infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis in case of severe thrombocytopenia in immunocompetent adults.

Effect of liver transplants with retrograde reperfusion on early postoperative recovery of liver function and its risk factors.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of liver Transplants (LT) with retrograde reperfusion on early postoperative recovery of liver function and its risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 136 liver transplantation (LT) patients at the 900th Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Support Army, covering the period from January 2015 to January 2021. All participants provided informed consent, adhering to medical ethics guidelines. Patients were stratified into two groups based on the liver perfusion technique used: retrograde reperfusion (RTR, n = 108) and initial portal reperfusion (IPR, n = 28). Our study focused on a subset of 23 patients from each group to compare postoperative liver function recovery. The final analysis included 86 RTR and 28 IPR cases after excluding 8 RTR patients who underwent initial hepatic artery reperfusion and 14 who received simultaneous hepatic artery and portal vein reperfusion. Further subdivision within the RTR group identified 19 patients with early hepatic allograft dysfunction (EAD) and 67 without, allowing for an assessment of the influence of preoperative and intraoperative parameters, as well as perfusion methods, on EAD incidence post-LT. RESULTS: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was 329 (211 ~ 548) and 176 (98 ~ 282) U/L on the 3rd and 7th day after RTR, respectively, which was significantly lower than 451 (288 ~ 918) and 251 (147 ~ 430) U/L in the IPR group (Z =-1.979, -2.299, P = 0.048, 0.021). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) on postoperative days 3, 5, and 7 was 252 (193, 522), 105 (79, 163), and 93 (41, 135) U/L in the RTR group, respectively; it was also significantly lower than 328 (251, 724), 179 (129, 306), and 150 (91, 200)U/L in the IPR group (Z=-2.212, -3.221, -2.979; P = 0.027, 0.001, 0.003). Logistic regression analysis showed that MELD score was an independent risk factor for EAD after LT. CONCLUSION: RTR LT is more favorable for patients' early postoperative liver function recovery. For patients undergoing LT for RTR, preoperative MELD score was an independent risk factor for their postoperative development of EAD.

Investigating the Interplay of Toxic Metals and Essential Elements in Liver Disease.

Liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are a growing global health issue. Environmental exposure to toxic metals can harm the liver, increasing the risk of NAFLD. Essential elements are vital for liver health, but imbalances or deficiencies can contribute to the development of NAFLD. Therefore, understanding the interplay between toxic metals and essential elements in liver disease is important. This study aims to assess the individual and combined effects of toxic metals (lead(Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg)), and essential elements (manganese and selenium) on the risk of liver disease. Methods: We assessed the individual and combined effects of Pb, Cd, Hg, manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) on liver disease risk using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2017 and 2018. We performed descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis and then utilized Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) techniques such as univariate, bivariate, and overall effect analysis. BKMR enabled the assessment of non-linear exposure-response functions and interactions between metals and essential elements. Posterior Inclusion Probabilities (PIPs) were calculated to determine the importance of each metal and essential element in contributing to liver disease. Regarding our study results, the regression analysis of liver injury biomarkers ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, total bilirubin, and the FLI-an indicator of NAFLD-with toxic metals and essential elements, adjusting for covariates such as age, sex, BMI, alcohol consumption, ethnicity, income, and smoking status, demonstrated the differential effects of these contaminants on the markers of interest. Our BKMR analysis provided further insights. For instance, the PIP results underscored Pb's consistent importance in contributing to liver disease (PIP = 1.000), followed by Hg (PIP = 0.9512), Cd (PIP = 0.5796), Se (PIP = 0.5572), and Mn (PIP = 0.4248). Our univariate analysis showed a positive trend with Pb, while other exposures were relatively flat. Our analysis of the single-variable effects of toxic metals and essential elements on NAFLD also revealed that Pb significantly affected the risk of NAFLD. Our bivariate analysis found a positive (toxic) trend when Pb was combined with other metals and essential elements. For the overall exposure effect of exposure to all the contaminants together, the estimated risk of NAFLD showed a steady increase from the 60th to the 75th percentile. In conclusion, our study indicates that Pb exposure, when combined with other toxic metals and essential elements, plays a significant role in bringing about adverse liver disease outcomes.

Effects of Bioactive Dietary Components on Changes in Lipid and Liver Parameters in Women after Bariatric Surgery and Procedures.

Excess adipose tissue, as well as its distribution, correlates strongly with disorders of lipid and liver parameters and chronic inflammation. The pathophysiology of metabolic diseases caused by obesity is associated with the dysfunction of visceral adipose tissue. Effective and alternative interventions such as the Bioenteric Intragastric Balloon and bariatric surgeries such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of modifying the recommended standard weight loss diet after bariatric surgery and procedures on reducing chronic inflammation in overweight patients. In the study, bioactive anti-inflammatory dietary components were used supportively. Changes in the concentrations of lipid parameters, liver parameters, antioxidant enzymes, cytokines, and chemokines were demonstrated. The enrichment of the diet, after bariatric surgery, with the addition of n-3 EFAs(Essential Fatty Acids), bioflavonoids, vitamins, and synbiotics resulted in higher weight losses in the patients in the study with a simultaneous reduction in parameters indicating liver dysfunction.

Blood Purification in Hepatic Dysfunction after Liver Transplant or Extensive Hepatectomy: Far from the Best-Case Scenarios.

Background: Hepatic dysfunction (HD) after liver transplantation (LT) or extended hepatic resection (EHR) is associated with graft failure and high short-term mortality. We evaluated the safety and depurative efficacy of CytoSorb® in these settings. The primary endpoint was the change in serum total bilirubin at the end of the treatment compared to the baseline value. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the trend of serum total bilirubin and coagulation parameters up to 72 h after discontinuation of CytoSorb®. The effects of CytoSorb® therapy on the degree of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores as well as the hemodynamic status compared to baseline were also assessed. Methods: Adult patients with a serum total bilirubin level > 10 mg/dL admitted to the Intensive Care Unit were included. Exclusion criteria were hemodynamic instability, postoperative bleeding and platelet count < 20,000/mm3. Results: Seven patients were treated. Serum total bilirubin was significantly reduced at the end of treatment. However, seventy-two hours after the discontinuation of extracorporeal therapy, bilirubin levels returned to baseline levels in four patients. A decrease in platelet count was found during therapy, and platelet transfusion was required in six cases. A significant increase in D-dimer at the end of treatment was detected. HE degree, SOFA and MELD scores remained stable, while a deterioration in hemodynamic status was observed in two cases. Conclusions: Our preliminary findings did not show the possible benefits of CytoSorb® in rebalancing clinical and laboratory parameters in patients with HD after LT or EHR.

Statin-Associated Liver Dysfunction and Muscle Injury: epidemiology, Mechanisms, and Management Strategies.

Surveillance of drug safety is an important aspect in the routine medical care. Adverse events caused by real-world drug utilization has become one of the leading causes of death and an urgent issue in the field of toxicology. Cardiovascular disease is now the leading cause of fatal diseases in most countries, especially in the elderly population who often suffer from multiple diseases and need long-term multidrug therapy. Among which, statins have been widely used to lower bad cholesterol and regress coronary plaque mainly in patients with hyperlipidemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). Although the real-world benefits of statins are significant, different degrees and types of adverse drug reactions (ADR) such as liver dysfunction and muscle injury, have a great impact on the original treatment regimens as well as the quality of life. This review describes the epidemiology, mechanisms, early identification and post-intervention of statin-associated liver dysfunction and muscle injury based on the updated clinical evidence. It provides systematic and comprehensive guidance and necessary supplement for the clinical safety of statin use in cardiovascular diseases.

The Interplay between Perioperative Oxidative Stress and Hepatic Dysfunction after Human Liver Resection: A Prospective Observational Pilot Study.

Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains the major contributor to death after liver resection. Oxidative stress is associated with postoperative complications, but its impact on liver function is unclear. This first in-human, prospective, single-center, observational pilot study evaluated perioperative oxidative stress and PHLF according to the ISGLS (International Study Group for Liver Surgery). Serum 8-isoprostane, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), total antioxidative capacity, vitamins A and E, and intraoperative, sequential hepatic tissue 4-HNE and UCP2 (uncoupling protein 2) immunohistochemistry (IHC) were assessed. The interaction with known risk factors for PHLF and the predictive potential of oxidative stress markers were analyzed. Overall, 52 patients were included (69.2% major liver resection). Thirteen patients (25%) experienced PHLF, a major factor for 90-day mortality (23% vs. 0%; p = 0.013). Post-resection, pro-oxidative 8-isoprostane significantly increased (p = 0.038), while 4-HNE declined immediately (p < 0.001). Antioxidative markers showed patterns of consumption starting post-resection (p < 0.001). Liver tissue oxidative stress increased stepwise from biopsies taken after laparotomy to post-resection in situ liver and resection specimens (all p < 0.001). Cholangiocarcinoma patients demonstrated significantly higher serum and tissue oxidative stress levels at various timepoints, with consistently higher preoperative values in advanced tumor stages. Combining intraoperative, post-resection 4-HNE serum levels and in situ IHC early predicted PHLF with an AUC of 0.855 (63.6% vs. 0%; p < 0.001). This was also associated with grade B/C PHLF (36.4% vs. 0%; p = 0.021) and 90-day mortality (18.2% vs. 0%; p = 0.036). In conclusion, distinct patterns of perioperative oxidative stress levels occur in patients with liver dysfunction. Combining intraoperative serum and liver tissue markers predicts subsequent PHLF. Cholangiocarcinoma patients demonstrated pronounced systemic and hepatic oxidative stress, with increasing levels in advanced tumor stages, thus representing a worthwhile target for future exploratory and therapeutic studies.

Mild liver dysfunction in Klinefelter syndrome is associated with abdominal obesity and elevated lipids but not testosterone treatment.

CONTEXT: Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is associated with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, which contributes to characteristic phenotypical manifestations including metabolic alterations. Extensive research has demonstrated important associations between androgens and liver function. OBJECTIVES: Investigation of the association between metabolic parameters, sex hormones and liver function in males with KS, both treated (T-KS) and untreated (U-KS) and healthy control males. METHODS: A total of 65 KS males were recruited, of which 32 received testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Also, 69 healthy controls were recruited. We used alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase and PP (prothrombin-proconvertin time ratio) as the main liver markers. Multivariable regression was performed within the three groups. All statistics were calculated using STATA. Principal component analysis was utilized to demonstrate the interconnected patterns among all measured biomarkers, and to elucidate how the different groups were linked to these patterns. RESULTS: Higher levels of main liver markers were observed in U-KS compared to controls, with no significant differences between U-KS and T-KS. T-KS had lower abdominal fat, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol than U-KS. Using multivariable models, variation in ALAT in U-KS was explained by HOMA2%S; in T-KS by BMI and SHBG; and in controls by hip circumference and estradiol. We found no multivariable models explaining variation in PP in U-KS; in T-KS, PP was explained by BMI and LDL cholesterol, and in controls by total cholesterol. Using principal component analysis U-KS was positively associated to D1 (an obese profile, which also included ALAT) and controls negatively associated with D1 (non-obese profile). CONCLUSION: KS males have mild liver dysfunction reflected by a significant increase in the main liver markers and decrease in albumin. The presented data underscore a primary role of metabolic conditions including obesity, insulin resistance and unfavourable lipid profile, in the elevated liver function markers seen in males with KS. Whether TRT can improve liver function in KS warrants further studies. Our findings, highlight that an evaluation of the liver function should be part of the clinical care in males with KS.

Pharmacokinetic, Pharmacodynamic, and Safety Profiles of Proline Henagliflozin in Chinese Subjects with Varying Degrees of Liver Dysfunction.

Proline henagliflozin, a novel selective inhibitor of sodium glucose cotransporter 2, is a treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. We designed a parallel-group, open-label, and multicenter study to evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and safety profiles of henagliflozin in Chinese subjects with varying degrees of liver dysfunction. Thirty-two subjects were enrolled and divided into four groups based on liver function (normal liver function, mild, moderate, or severe liver dysfunction). The area under the plasma concentration from time zero to infinity of henagliflozin in subjects with mild liver dysfunction, moderate liver dysfunction, and severe liver dysfunction compared with normal liver function was increased by 137%, 197%, and 204%, respectively. The maximum plasma concentration was also increased by 123%, 129%, and 139%, respectively. PK parameters of three metabolites varied to different degrees in the liver dysfunction groups than in the normal liver function group. The mean accumulative excretion amounts and fraction of dose excreted in urine expressed as a percentage were all increased with the decrease of liver function. The PD parameters were significantly higher in liver dysfunction groups than those in the normal liver function group. However, the urine creatinine (UCr) was not significantly different among the groups. No notable adverse events or adverse drug reactions were observed. Due to the higher exposures in subjects with liver dysfunction, the benefit: risk ratio should be individually assessed because the long-term safety profile and efficacy have not been specifically studied in this population.

Congestive Hepatopathy Diagnosed by Venous Excess Ultrasound Score.

Accurate and rapid detection of venous organ congestion, especially congestive hepatopathy, is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. The Venous Excess Ultrasound Score is an emerging point-of-care ultrasound examination that can grade severity of venous organ congestion using spectral Doppler evaluation of the hepatic, portal, and intrarenal veins, but its utility in congestive hepatopathy is unknown. We report a case of acute liver injury where Venous Excess Ultrasound Score supported a diagnosis of congestive hepatopathy and guided management, leading to a favorable outcome.

Molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of dengue infections.

Dengue is the most rapidly emerging climate-sensitive infection, and morbidity/mortality and disease incidence are rising markedly, leading to healthcare systems being overwhelmed. There are currently no specific treatments for dengue or prognostic markers to identify those who will progress to severe disease. Owing to an increase in the burden of illness and a change in epidemiology, many patients experience severe disease. Our limited understanding of the complex mechanisms of disease pathogenesis has significantly hampered the development of safe and effective treatments, vaccines, and biomarkers. We discuss the molecular mechanisms of dengue pathogenesis, the gaps in our knowledge, and recent advances, as well as the most crucial questions to be answered to enable the development of therapeutics, biomarkers, and vaccines.

A systematic evaluation of population pharmacokinetic models for polymyxin B in patients with liver and/or kidney dysfunction.

Polymyxin B (PMB) is considered a last-line treatment for multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacterial infections. Model-informed precision dosing with population pharmacokinetics (PopPK) models could help to individualize PMB dosing regimens and improve therapy. However, the external prediction ability of the established PopPK models has not been fully elaborated. This study aimed to systemically evaluate eleven PMB PopPK models from ten published literature based on a new independent population, which was divided into four different populations, patients with liver dysfunction, kidney dysfunction, liver and kidney dysfunction, and normal liver and kidney function. The whole data set consisted of 146 patients with 391 PMB concentrations. The prediction- and simulation-based diagnostics and Bayesian forecasting were conducted to evaluate model predictability. In the overall evaluation process, none of the models exhibited satisfactory predictive ability in both prediction- and simulation-based diagnostic simultaneously. However, the evaluation of the models in the subgroup of patients with normal liver and kidney function revealed improved predictive performance compared to those with liver and/or kidney dysfunction. Bayesian forecasting demonstrated enhanced predictability with the incorporation of two to three prior observations. The external evaluation highlighted a lack of consistency between the prediction results of published models and the external validation dataset. Nonetheless, Bayesian forecasting holds promise in improving the predictive performance of the models, and feedback from therapeutic drug monitoring is crucial in optimizing individual dosing regimens.