Retos y estrategias en el manejo de la trombosis de la vena porta / Challenges and strategies in the management of portal vein thrombosis

La trombosis de la vena porta (TVP) en pacientes con o sin cirrosis hepática (CH) se define como una obstrucción de la vena porta debido a la formación de un trombo que puede extenderse a las venas mesentéricas superiores y esplénica. Esta es una complicación común de la enfermedad hepática avanzada. Se creía que la TVP se producía predominantemente debido al potencial protrombótico del paciente con CH, ya que se observaba una mayor incidencia de TVP en CH con una puntuación MELD y Child-Pugh más altas, con una prevalencia informada del 10 % al 25%.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with or without hepatic cirrhosis (CH) is defined as an obstruction of the portal vein due to the formation of a thrombus that may extend to the superior mesenteric and splenic veins. This is a common complication of advanced liver disease. It was believed that PVT predominantly occurred due to the prothrombotic potential of the patient with CH, as a higher incidence of PVT was observed in CH with higher MELD and Child-Pugh scores, with a reported prevalence of 10% to 25%.

Classification and Management of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhotic Patients: A Narrative Review.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) poses significant therapeutic challenges due to its complex pathophysiology and diverse clinical presentations. Recent advancements have spurred the development of new therapeutic approaches to enhance treatment efficacy and safety. This review synthesized emerging therapies for PVT based on a comprehensive literature search across major databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, among others, focusing on studies published in the last decade. Anticoagulation therapy, particularly with novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs), emerged as beneficial in personalized treatment regimens. Innovative surgical techniques and improved risk stratification methods were identified as crucial in the perioperative management of PVT. Additionally, advances in cell therapy and medical treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma in the context of PVT were explored. Promising outcomes were observed with modalities such as Yttrium 90 and liver transplantation combined with thrombectomy, particularly in complex PVT cases associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, albeit on a limited scale. The reviewed literature indicates a shift towards individualized treatment approaches for PVT, integrating novel anticoagulants, refined risk assessment tools, and tailored interventional strategies. While these emerging therapies show potential for enhanced efficacy and safety, further research is essential to validate findings across broader patient populations and establish standardized treatment protocols.

Portal Hypertension in Children: Investigating Umbilical Catheterization in the Neonatal Period.

Portal cavernoma is a major cause of extrahepatic portal hypertension (EHPH) in children. It is a serious condition, due to the frequency and severity of digestive hemorrhages secondary to the rupture of esophageal varices (EV). Neonatal umbilical catheterization is a significant risk factor for the development of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and portal hypertension. We report a case of a five-year-old male who presented with upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding on ruptured esophageal varices resulting from a portal cavernoma, complicating neonatal umbilical vein catheterization. This case illustrates the risk of severe vascular complications, particularly portal hypertension that can result from neonatal umbilical vein catheterization.

Percutaneous recanalization of non-cirrhotic extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children: technical considerations in a preliminary cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Portal hypertension resulting from non-cirrhotic extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) in children has been primarily managed with the Meso-Rex bypass, but only a few patients have a viable Rex recessus, required by surgery. This study reports a preliminary series of patients who underwent interventional radiology attempts at portal vein recanalization (PVR), with a focus on technical aspects and safety. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients with severe portal hypertension due to non-cirrhotic EHPVO at a single institution from 2022, who underwent percutaneous attempts at PVR, was performed. Technical and clinical data including fluoroscopy time, radiation exposure, technical and clinical success, complications and follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: Eleven patients (6 males and 5 females; median age 7 years, range 1-14) underwent 15 percutaneous transhepatic (n = 1), transplenic (n = 11), or simultaneous transhepatic/transplenic (n = 3) procedures. Rex recessus was patent in 4/11 (36%). Fluoroscopy resulted in a high median total dose area product (DAP) of 123 Gycm2 (range 17-788 Gycm2) per procedure. PVR was achieved in 5/11 patients (45%), 3/5 with obliterated Rex recessus. Two adverse events of grade 2 and grade 3 occurred without sequelae. After angioplasty, 4/5 patients required stenting to obtain sustained patency, as demonstrated by colour-Doppler ultrasound in all PVR after a median follow-up of 6 months (range 6-14). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary experience suggests that 45% of children with non-cirrhotic EHPVO can restore portal flow even with obliterated Rex recessus. In non-cirrhotic EHPVO, PVR may be an option, if a Meso-Rex bypass is not feasible, although the radiation exposure deserves attention. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Innovative percutaneous procedures may have the potential to be an alternative option to the traditional surgical approach in the management of non-cirrhotic EHPVO and its complications in children not eligible for Meso-Rex bypass surgery. KEY POINTS: Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension in children has been traditionally managed by surgery with Meso-Rex bypass creation. Percutaneous PVR may restore the patency of the native portal system even when the Rex recessus is obliterated and surgery has been excluded. Interventional radiological techniques may offer a minimally invasive solution in complex cases of EHPVO in children when Meso-Rex bypass is not feasible.

A special case of acute portal vein thrombosis.

Among the risk factors and underlying etiology of acute portal vein thrombosis, viral hepatitis is an extremely rare cause. We report a case of a young healthy 40-year-old male who was diagnosed with acute hepatitis A virus infection and presented with acute portal vein thrombosis. This article describes the possible pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical symptoms, and treatment of acute portal vein thrombosis in this patient. Based on this patient's history and treatment, we encourage testing for hepatitis A serological markers in the emergency department in a population with recent hepatitis A exposure risk factors and concurrent unexplained acute portal thrombosis.

Hypoalbuminemia and Risk of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhosis.

Background and Aims: Hypoalbuminemia, as defined by serum albumin (SA) levels ≤35 g/L, is associated to venous and arterial thrombosis in general population and in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease. It is unknown if SA ≤35 g/L is also associated to portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in cirrhosis. Methods: Cirrhotic patients enrolled in the Portal vein thrombosis Relevance On Liver cirrhosis: Italian Venous thrombotic Events Registry (PRO-LIVER) study (n = 753), were followed-up for 2 years to assess the risk of PVT, that was diagnosed by Doppler ultrasonography. Child-Pugh classes, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, presence of hepatocellular carcinoma and laboratory variables including SA, D-dimer, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured at baseline. Results: SA ≤35 g/L was detected in 52% of patients. A logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that higher Child-Pugh class, hepatocellular carcinoma and thrombocytopenia were significantly associated to SA ≤35 g/L. In a subgroup of patients where data regarding hs-CRP and D-dimer were available, SA ≤35 g/L was inversely associated with hs-CRP and D-dimer. During the follow-up, a total of 61 patients experienced PVT. A Kaplan Meier survival analysis showed SA ≤35 g/L was associated to increased risk of PVT compared to SA >35 g/L (P = .005). A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that male sex, lower platelet count, and SA ≤35 g/L remained associated to PVT after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusion: Cirrhotic patients with SA ≤35 g/L are at higher risk of experiencing PVT compared to those with SA >35 g/L and could be considered as potential candidates to anticoagulant prophylaxis for PVT prevention.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis: Prevalence and management of patent foramen ovale.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an established procedure for the treatment of several complications of portal hypertension (PH), including non-neoplastic portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Selection criteria for TIPS in PVT are not yet well established. Despite anecdotal, cases of thromboembolic events from paradoxical embolism due to the presence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) after TIPS placement have been reported in the literature. Therefore, we aimed at describing our experience in patients with non-neoplastic splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) who underwent TIPS following PFO screening. METHODS: We conducted a single-centre retrospective study, including consecutive patients who underwent TIPS for the complications of cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) and having SVT. RESULTS: Of 100 TIPS placed in patients with SVT, 85 patients were screened for PFO by bubble-contrast transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with PFO being detected in 22 (26%) cases. PFO was more frequently detected in patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) (23% in the PFO group vs. 6% in those without PFO, p = .04) and cavernomatosis (46% in the PFO group vs. 19% in those without PFO, p = .008). Percutaneous closure was effectively performed in 11 (50%) after multidisciplinary evaluation of anatomical and clinical features. No major complications were observed following closure. CONCLUSIONS: PFO screening and treatment may be considered feasible for patients with SVT who undergo TIPS placement.

Migrated toothpick causing a hepatic abscess with portal vein thrombosis: A case report and review of literature.

Key Clinical Message: Accidental foreign body ingestion is the most common hidden cause of abdominal pain. A high index of suspicion should be implemented in patients with unresolved abdominal pain. Here we reported a 54-year-old patient with vague abdominal pain who had a successful laparoscopic removal of a toothpick. Abstract: Toothpicks and fish bones are considered one of the most common accidentally ingested foreign bodies. Fortunately, most patients are asymptomatic. About 80%-90% of ingested foreign bodies pass through the gut spontaneously within a week. We present a case of a 54-year-old female with chronic epigastric pain and fever found to have a foreign body (toothpick) that penetrated the stomach and migrated to the liver causing liver abscess with portal vein thrombosis. The patient was managed with laparoscopic removal of the foreign body with an uneventful postoperative course.

Transjugular mesenteric-caval shunt for portal vein cavernous transformation with recurrent variceal bleeding: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the transjugular mesenteric-caval shunt (TMCS) as a treatment for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV) and recurrent variceal bleeding. METHODS: This retrospective case series was conducted with approval from the institutional review board. It involved seven patients diagnosed with CTPV and recurrent variceal bleeding who underwent the TMCS procedure. We analyzed the rate of procedural complications, incidents of rebleeding, stent stenosis, hepatic encephalopathy, and overall survival to assess treatment outcomes. RESULTS: The TMCS was successfully performed in all seven patients without any life-threatening complications. Postoperatively, one patient developed a lung infection and pleural effusion, which resolved with appropriate treatment. Additionally, two patients experienced an increase in total bilirubin levels, but there was no further deterioration in liver function. The median portal pressure gradient significantly decreased from a preoperative value of 27 mmHg (range 20-36 mmHg) to a postoperative value of 6 mmHg (range 4-11 mmHg). A notable improvement was observed in one cirrhotic patient, with liver function progressing from Child-Pugh class B (score 9) to class A (score 6). Over a median follow-up period of 14 months (range 7-18 months), none of the patients encountered rebleeding, stent stenosis, hepatic encephalopathy, or mortality. CONCLUSION: The TMCS appears to be a viable and effective alternative for managing CTPV with recurrent variceal bleeding. Its long-term outcome requires further evaluation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: TMCS provides a promising treatment for patients with life-threatening CTPV complications when occluded portal vein cannot be recanalized and portal vein recanalization TIPS is not an option. KEY POINTS: Performing TIPS in patients with portal vein cavernoma is complex due to the requirement for recanalization of the occluded portal vein. Creating a mesenteric-caval shunt through a transjugular approach is a feasible technique. Establishing a TMCS provides a means to manage life-threatening complications arising from portal vein cavernoma.

GSDMD-Dependent Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Mediate Portal Vein Thrombosis and Associated Fibrosis in Cirrhosis.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a challenging and controversial complication of cirrhosis. Experimental models that reproduce cirrhotic PVT and effective pharmacological therapies are limited. We aimed to investigate the nature course and mechanisms of PVT in cirrhosis. A novel PVT model was developed via two-step total portal vein ligation in healthy and thioacetamide (TAA)-cirrhotic rats. Circulating and liver-infiltrating neutrophils were isolated from individuals with cirrhosis to examine neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and explore their unique characteristics and implications in PVT-associated fibrosis in cirrhosis. We further validated macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) via multiplex immunofluorescence and single-cell sequencing. In the experimental model, cirrhosis promoted PVT development and portal vein intimal thickening. Interestingly, cirrhosis promoted spontaneous resolution of PVT due to instability of thrombus structure, along with pulmonary and intrahepatic clots. NETs-MMT mediate cirrhotic PVT and PVT-associated fibrosis, including fibrotic thrombus remodeling and increased hepatic collagen deposition. Mechanistically, caspase-4-dependent activation of neutrophils and GSDMD mediated the formation of NETs. The extracellular DNA of NETs promoted TGF-ß1/Smad3-driven MMT. Inhibiting GSDMD with disulfiram suppressed cirrhotic PVT and prevented associated fibrosis. The cirrhotic PVT model reflected the following three main characteristics of cirrhotic PVT: spontaneous resolution, immunothrombosis, and intimal fibrosis. Targeting NETs with GSDMD inhibitors may serve as a new therapeutic concept to treat cirrhotic PVT.

Predictors of portal vein thrombosis after simultaneous hepatectomy and splenectomy: A single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Although postoperative portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a frequent complication of splenectomy, few studies have examined PVT after simultaneous hepatectomy and splenectomy (HS). The aim of this study was to clarify the risk factors for and characteristics of PVT after HS. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 102 patients, including 76 with liver cirrhosis (LC) and 26 without, who underwent HS between April 2004 and April 2021. The incidence and location of postoperative PVT detected on contrast-enhanced CT 1 week after surgery were analyzed. In addition, pre- and intraoperative parameters were compared between patients with postoperative PVT and those without in order to determine risk factors for PVT after HS. RESULTS: Among the 102 patients, 29 (28.4 %), including 32.9 % with LC and 15.4 % without LC, developed PVT after surgery. Among the 29 patients with PVT, 21 (72.4 %), 4 (13.8 %), and 4 (13.8 %) developed thrombus in the intrahepatic portal vein only, extrahepatic portal vein only, and both the extra- and intrahepatic portal veins, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that preoperative splenic vein dilatation was an independent risk factor for PVT after HS (odds ratio: 1.53, 95 % confidence interval: 1.156-2.026, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that splenic vein dilatation is an independent risk factor for PVT after simultaneous HS, and that PVT after HS occurs more frequently in the intrahepatic portal vein. After HS for cases with dilated splenic veins, we should pay particular attention to the PVT development in the intrahepatic portal vein regardless of the type of liver resection.

Management of extensive portal vein thrombosis via thrombolysis and thrombectomy without underlying liver disease: A case report.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare condition, particularly in non-cirrhotic patients. Anticoagulation remains the mainstay of the treatment. Extensive PVT can lead to variceal bleeding, ascites, bowel ischemia, and hypersplenism. The role of thrombolysis and thrombectomy in these patients remains unclear. However, there is evidence that local thrombolysis and thrombectomy should be considered in those who remain symptomatic on anticoagulation and are at risk of complications with acute PVT.

Case report: Management of liver cancer complicated by gastric varices rupture and bleeding: transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt utilizing the mesenteric venous pathway.

To avoid recurrent variceal bleeding, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in conjunction with variceal embolization is considered to be an effective strategy. However, due to changes in conditions and variations in the patient's state, individuals undergoing TIPS may face challenges and limitations during procedures. The transjugular technique and combined transsplenic portal venous recanalization (PVR) with TIPS were not effective in this case due to a blocked portal vein and a previous splenectomy. With an abdominal incision, we successfully punctured the mesenteric venous system and navigated the occluded segment of the portal vein through the mesenteric approach. TIPS was then performed under balloon guidance. This study aims to explore the management of risks and complications during surgical operations and propose multiple preoperative surgical techniques to improve the success rate of the procedure.

Portal vein arterialization in 25 liver transplant recipients: A Latin American single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein arterialization (PVA) has been used in liver transplantation (LT) to maximize oxygen delivery when arterial circulation is compromised or has been used as an alternative reperfusion technique for complex portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The effect of PVA on portal perfusion and primary graft dysfunction (PGD) has not been assessed. AIM: To examine the outcomes of patients who required PVA in correlation with their LT procedure. METHODS: All patients receiving PVA and LT at the Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota between 2011 and 2022 were analyzed. To account for the time-sensitive effects of graft perfusion, patients were classified into two groups: prereperfusion (pre-PVA), if the arterioportal anastomosis was performed before graft revascularization, and postreperfusion (post-PVA), if PVA was performed afterward. The pre-PVA rationale contemplated poor portal hemodynamics, severe vascular steal, or PVT. Post-PVA was considered if graft hypoperfusion became evident. Conservative interventions were attempted before PVA. RESULTS: A total of 25 cases were identified: 15 before and 10 after graft reperfusion. Pre-PVA patients were more affected by diabetes, decompensated cirrhosis, impaired portal vein (PV) hemodynamics, and PVT. PGD was less common after pre-PVA (20.0% vs 60.0%) (P = 0.041). Those who developed PGD had a smaller increase in PV velocity (25.00 cm/s vs 73.42 cm/s) (P = 0.036) and flow (1.31 L/min vs 3.34 L/min) (P = 0.136) after arterialization. Nine patients required PVA closure (median time: 62 d). Pre-PVA and non-PGD cases had better survival rates than their counterparts (56.09 months vs 22.77 months and 54.15 months vs 31.91 months, respectively). CONCLUSION: This is the largest report presenting PVA in LT. Results suggest that pre-PVA provides better graft perfusion than post-PVA. Graft hyperperfusion could play a protective role against PGD.

[New targets for the prevention and treatment of cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis].

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is divided into cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic PVTs. The incidence rate of PVT varies greatly among different clinical stages of cirrhosis, with an overall incidence rate of about 13.92%, and the prevalence of cirrhotic PVT following splenectomy is as high as 60%. The pathogenesis of cirrhotic PVT is still unclear. However, the activation of Janus kinase/signal transduction and activator transcription signaling pathways, the rise in the expression of von Willebrand factor, and the gut microbiota along with its metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide play an important role in the injury of vascular endothelial cells and the formation of PVT in cirrhosis. Therefore, these could be a new target for cirrhotic PVT prevention and treatment.

Analysis of factors related to recanalization of portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis, yet there are fewer studies about predictors of PVT recanalization. We aimed to further explore the predictors of recanalization in cirrhotic PVT to facilitate accurate prediction of patients' clinical status and timely initiation of appropriate treatment and interventions. To further investigate the benefits and risks of anticoagulant therapy in cirrhotic PVT patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients with cirrhotic PVT in our hospital between January 2016 and December 2022, The primary endpoint was to analyze predictors of PVT recanalization by COX regression. Others included bleeding rate, liver function, and mortality. RESULTS: This study included a total of 82 patients, with 30 in the recanalization group and 52 in the non-recanalization group. Anticoagulation therapy was the only independent protective factor for portal vein thrombosis recanalization and the independent risk factors included massive ascites, history of splenectomy, Child-Pugh B/C class, and main trunk width of the portal vein. Anticoagulation therapy was associated with a significantly higher rate of PVT recanalization (75.9% vs. 20%, log-rank P < 0.001) and a lower rate of PVT progression (6.9% vs. 54.7%, log-rank P = 0.002). There was no significant difference between different anticoagulation regimens for PVT recanalization. Anticoagulation therapy did not increase the incidence of bleeding complications(P = 0.407). At the end of the study follow-up, Child-Pugh classification, MELD score, and albumin level were better in the anticoagulation group than in the non-anticoagulation group. There was no significant difference in 2-year survival between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Anticoagulation, massive ascites, history of splenectomy, Child-Pugh B/C class, and main portal vein width were associated with portal vein thrombosis recanalization. Anticoagulation may increase the rate of PVT recanalization and decrease the rate of PVT progression without increasing the rate of bleeding. Anticoagulation may be beneficial in improving liver function in patients with PVT in cirrhosis.

Final Results from the First European Real-World Experience on Lusutrombopag Treatment in Cirrhotic Patients with Severe Thrombocytopenia: Insights from the REAl-World Lusutrombopag Treatment in ITalY Study.

Background and aims: Management of severe thrombocytopenia poses significant challenges in patients with chronic liver disease. Here, we aimed to evaluate the first real-world European post-marketing cohort of cirrhotic patients treated with lusutrombopag, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, verifying the efficacy and safety of the drug. Methods: In the REAl-world Lusutrombopag treatment in ITalY (REALITY) study, we collected data from consecutive cirrhotic patients treated with lusutrombopag in 19 Italian hepatology centers, mostly joined to the "Club Epatologi Ospedalieri" (CLEO). Primary and secondary efficacy endpoints were the ability of lusutrombopag to avoid platelet transfusions and to raise the platelet count to ≥50,000/µL, respectively. Treatment-associated adverse events were also collected. Results: A total of 66 patients and 73 cycles of treatment were included in the study, since 5 patients received multiple doses of lusutrombopag over time for different invasive procedures. Fourteen patients (19%) had a history of portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Lusutrombopag determined a significant increase in platelet count [from 37,000 (33,000-44,000/µL) to 58,000 (49,000-82,000), p < 0.001]. The primary endpoint was met in 84% of patients and the secondary endpoint in 74% of patients. Baseline platelet count was the only independent factor associated with response in multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR for any 1000 uL of 1.13, CI95% 1.04-1.26, p 0.01), with a good discrimination power (AUROC: 0.78). Notably, a baseline platelet count ≤ 29,000/µL was identified as the threshold for identifying patients unlikely to respond to the drug (sensitivity of 91%). Finally, de novo PVT was observed in four patients (5%), none of whom had undergone repeated treatment, and no other safety or hemorrhagic events were recorded in the entire population analyzed. Conclusions: In this first European real-world series, lusutrombopag demonstrated efficacy and safety consistent with the results of registrational studies. According to our results, patients with baseline platelet counts ≤29,000/µL are unlikely to respond to the drug.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Portal Cavernoma in Adult Patients with Portal Vein Thrombosis.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) represents a restriction or occlusion of the portal vein by a blood clot, which can appear in liver cirrhosis, inherited or acquired thrombophilia, malignancies, abdominal infection, abdominal inflammation, and injury to the portal vein; it can evolve to local venous extension, recanalization, or portal cavernoma (PC). This research represents an observational study of patients admitted with a diagnosis of PVT between January 2018 and December 2022. We assessed the rate of and risk factors for PC. In total, 189 patients with PVT were included; the rate of PC was 14.8%. In univariate and multivariate analysis, the main risk factors for the presence of PC were etiology (thrombophilia, myeloproliferative disorders, local inflammatory diseases, and idiopathic causes), prior PVT, and complete versus incomplete or single-branch portal obstruction. In patients with superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis, distal obstruction was more prone to PC than proximal obstruction. The main predictive factors were etiology, prior PVT, complete PVT obstruction, and no prior non-selective beta-blocker (NSBB) use; in patients with SMV thrombosis, the distal extension was more significantly associated with the risk of PC. We propose a composite score for the prediction of PC which includes etiology, prior diagnosis of PVT, prior NSBB use, complete versus incomplete PVT, and distal versus proximal SMV thrombosis, with good accuracy (AUC 0.822) and an estimated sensitivity of 76.92% and specificity of 82.39% at a cut-off value of 4.

Group A Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome With Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Rare Presentation in Newborns.

Invasive disease due to group A Streptococcus infection results in a large spectrum of clinical manifestations. In the neonatal period, the occurrence is rare and potentially serious. We present a case of a term male newborn on the 9th day of life who was admitted to the emergency room with moaning and poor feeding. The patient was hemodynamically unstable needing mechanical ventilation and inotropic support. Mother and father had clinical symptoms of pharyngitis. Blood samples revealed high serum C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, hyponatremia, hepatic cytolysis, and cholestasis. He started on IV ampicillin, gentamicin, and cefotaxime. Due to an abdominal distension, an ultrasound was done showing a heterogenous hepatic lobe. A color Doppler scan completed the study revealing a left hepatic thrombosis. Enoxaparin was started. The newborn's blood culture and mother's milk were positive for the same strain of group A Streptococcus. Intravenous immunoglobulin and clindamycin were added to the treatment. On day 5 of treatment, inotropic support was ceased and extubation took place on day 6. Neonatologists should be aware of rare complications of group A Streptococcus infection such as thrombotic events.

[Pay attention to the diagnosis and treatment of "easily neglected" complications in liver cirrhosis].

Managing cirrhosis complications is an important measure for improving patients' clinical outcomes. Therefore, in order to provide a complete disease assessment and comprehensive treatment, improve quality of life, and improve the prognosis for patients with cirrhosis, it is necessary to pay attention to complications such as thrombocytopenia and portal vein thrombosis in addition to common or severe complications such as ascites, esophagogastric variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatorenal syndrome. The relevant concept that an effective albumin concentration is more helpful in predicting the cirrhosis outcome is gradually being accepted; however, the detection method still needs further standardization and commercialization.