Relationship between the Level of Serum Golgi Protein 73 and the Risk of Short-term Death in Patients with ALD-ACLF.

Background and Aims: As a hepatocellular carcinoma biomarker, serum Golgi protein 73 (GP73) is reportedly related to inflammation. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is characterized by severe systemic inflammation. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between the GP73 level and short-term mortality in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease-related ACLF (ALD-ACLF). Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved 126 Chinese adults with ALD-ACLF. Baseline serum GP73 level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were followed-up for 90 d and outcomes were assessed. Data were analyzed using multivariate Cox regression and piecewise linear regression analyses. The predictive value of GP73 and classic models for the short-term prognosis of participants were evaluated and compared using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: The serum GP73 level was independently associated with an increased mortality risk in patients with ALD-ACLF. Compared with the lowest tertile, the highest serum GP73 level predisposed patients with ALD-ACLF to a higher mortality risk in the fully adjusted model [at 28 days: hazard ratio (HR): 4.29 (0.99-18.54), p=0.0511; at 90 days: HR: 3.52 (1.15-10.79), p=0.0276]. Further analysis revealed a positive linear association. GP73 significantly improved the accuracy of the Child-Turcotte-Pugh score, model for end-stage liver disease score, and model for end-stage liver disease-sodium score in predicting short-time prognosis of patients with ALD-ACLF. Conclusions: The serum GP73 level is a significant predictor of the subsequent risk of death in patients with ALD-ACLF. GP73 improved the predictive value of classic prognostic scores.

World Gastroenterology Organisation classification and a new type-based prognostic model for hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure.

BACKGROUND: The acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) classification, proposed by the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO), attempts to cover all ACLF patients diagnosed in the East and West. This study aimed to explore and establish a prognostic model based on this classification. METHODS: A total of 1159 hepatitis B virus-ACLF patients, enrolled with 90-day follow-up data, were divided into three groups (type A, B, and C) according to WGO ACLF classification and analyzed. A model of ACLF prognosis based on type (MAPT) was developed in a derivation cohort (n = 566); its reproducibility was tested in a validation cohort (n = 593). RESULTS: A significant difference in 90-day mortality among the three groups was observed (31.1%, type A; 40.9%, type B; 61.4%, type C, P < 0.001). ACLF type was determined to be an independent risk factor of 90-day mortality in HBV-ACLF patients. An MAPT, inclusive of type and five other variables, was built and validated; it was found to be superior to the Chronic Liver Failure (CLIF) Consortium ACLF score, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, CLIF-Sequential Organ Failure, and Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores in predicting 90-day mortality, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.802 (95% CI [0.763-0.836]), sensitivity of 71.77%, and specificity of 75.82%. CONCLUSIONS: The MAPT model showed excellent predictive value for 90-day mortality in HBV-ACLF and can likely expand the clinical application of WGO ACLF classification.

Characteristics and outcome of nosocomial bloodstream infection in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure.

AIM: Patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) have a high risk of developing infections while hospitalized. Nosocomial bloodstream infection (BSI) is not uncommon, particular in patients who receive invasive operation, which may have negative impact on prognosis. In this study, we aim to investigate the characteristics and short-term outcome of nosocomial BSI in patients with ACLF. METHODS: Sixty-three patients with ACLF and nosocomial BSI from January 2014 to December 2015 were retrospectively studied. Clinical characteristics and distribution of bacteria at the time of BSI onset and short-term mortality were collected. RESULTS: The most common etiology of ACLF was hepatitis B virus infection. Eighty-one percent of ACLF patients had other types of infections at BSI onset. Gram-negative bacteria (77.8%) were the main pathogens, among which Escherichia coli was responsible for 46.9%. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the main Gram-positive bacteria. The most prevalent multidrug resistance (MDR) bacteria was extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli. The overall 28-day mortality rate was 42.9%. Multivariate analysis found that model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and number of organ failures were predictors of 28-day mortality. The area under the receiver operating characteristic of the numbers of organ failures to predict 28-day mortality was higher than MELD score (0.833 vs. 0.784, 0.4099), but without significant difference. CONCLUSION: Gram-negative bacteria were the most prevalent pathogens and ESBL-producing bacteria were responsible for most of the MDR bacteria in patients with ACLF and nosocomial BSI. Higher MELD score and multiorgan failure were associated with worse outcomes.