Genetic Ancestry, Race, and Severity of Acutely Decompensated Cirrhosis in Latin America.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Genetic ancestry or racial differences in health outcomes exist in diseases associated with systemic inflammation (eg, COVID-19). This study aimed to investigate the association of genetic ancestry and race with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), which is characterized by acute systemic inflammation, multi-organ failure, and high risk of short-term death. METHODS: This prospective cohort study analyzed a comprehensive set of data, including genetic ancestry and race among several others, in 1274 patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis who were nonelectively admitted to 44 hospitals from 7 Latin American countries. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-five patients (31.0%) had ACLF of any grade at enrollment. Patients with ACLF had a higher median percentage of Native American genetic ancestry and lower median percentage of European ancestry than patients without ACLF (22.6% vs 12.9% and 53.4% vs 59.6%, respectively). The median percentage of African genetic ancestry was low among patients with ACLF and among those without ACLF. In terms of race, a higher percentage of patients with ACLF than patients without ACLF were Native American and a lower percentage of patients with ACLF than patients without ACLF were European American or African American. In multivariable analyses that adjusted for differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the odds ratio for ACLF at enrollment was 1.08 (95% CI, 1.03-1.13) with Native American genetic ancestry and 2.57 (95% CI, 1.84-3.58) for Native American race vs European American race CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of Latin American patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis, increasing percentages of Native American ancestry and Native American race were factors independently associated with ACLF at enrollment.

Alteration in liver function tests among patients hospitalized for COVID-19: a multicentric study in Peru.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 affects the liver, causing alteration in liver biochemistry tests such as aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin and albumin. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of alteration in liver functions tests and associated factors for severity among Peruvian COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study was performed in 4 public hospitals in Peru. Patients admitted to hospitalization wards and intensive care units with a diagnosis COVID-19 were enrolled. The evaluation of AST, ALT, ALP, totalbilirubin and albumin was performed. Associations with demographic and medical data were assessed. RESULTS: 1,100 patients were enrolled, of which 81.7% had altered liver function tests. Only 2.8% of the patients had cirrhosis and 2.1% hepatitis B/C virus. AST and ALT were altered at admission in 64.7% and 63.7%, of the patients respectively. Factors associated with liver injury were: being female OR=0.53 (95% CI: 0.39-0.73; p<0.01), dyslipidemia OR=1.72 (95% CI: 1.10-2.70; p=0.01), previous medication OR=1.56 (95% CI: 1.12 -2.16, p<0.01) and fever OR=1.43 (95% CI: 1.03-1.199, p=0.03). Disease severity was associated with levels of AST and ALT (p<0.01). Patients taking self-medication OR=1.56 (95% CI: 1.12-2.16; p<0.01) and paracetamol OR= 1.41 (95% CI:1.01-1.98; p=0.04) had higher risk of liver injury. Meanwhile, corticosteroids OR=0.55 (95% CI: 0.38-0.78; p<0.01) and enoxaparin OR=0.53 (95% CI: 0.35- 0.81; p<0.01) were protective factors. CONCLUSIONS: Peruvian patients with COVID-19 presented high prevalence of alteration in liver function tests, high levels of AST and ALT were related to disease severity.

Alteration in liver function tests among patients hospitalized for COVID-19: a multicentric study in Peru

Introduction: COVID-19 affects the liver, causing alteration in liver biochemistry tests such as aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin and albumin. Objective: To determine the prevalence of alteration in liver functions tests and associated factors for severity among Peruvian COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods: A descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study was performed in 4 public hospitals in Peru. Patients admitted to hospitalization wards and intensive care units with a diagnosis COVID-19 were enrolled. The evaluation of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin and albumin was performed. Associations with demographic and medical data were assessed. Results: 1,100 patients were enrolled, of which 81.7% had altered liver function tests. Only 2.8% of the patients had cirrhosis and 2.1% hepatitis B/C virus. AST and ALT were altered at admission in 64.7% and 63.7%, of the patients respectively. Factors associated with liver injury were: being female OR=0.53 (95% CI: 0.39-0.73; p<0.01), dyslipidemia OR=1.72 (95% CI: 1.10-2.70; p=0.01), previous medication OR=1.56 (95% CI: 1.12 -2.16, p<0.01) and fever OR=1.43 (95% CI: 1.03-1.199, p=0.03). Disease severity was associated with levels of AST and ALT (p<0.01). Patients taking self-medication OR=1.56 (95% CI: 1.12-2.16; p<0.01) and paracetamol OR= 1.41 (95% CI:1.01-1.98; p=0.04) had higher risk of liver injury. Meanwhile, corticosteroids OR=0.55 (95% CI: 0.38-0.78; p<0.01) and enoxaparin OR=0.53 (95% CI: 0.35- 0.81; p<0.01) were protective factors. Conclusions: Peruvian patients with COVID-19 presented high prevalence of alteration in liver function tests, high levels of AST and ALT were related to disease severity.

Introducción: La COVID-19 afecta al hígado, provocando alteración en las pruebas de función hepática como aspartato aminotransferasa (AST), alanina aminotransferasa (ALT), fosfatasa alcalina (FA), bilirrubina total y albúmina. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de alteración en las pruebas de función hepática y su asociación con la severidad en pacientes peruanos con COVID-19. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal en 4 hospitales públicos del Perú. Se incluyeron pacientes admitidos en hospitalización y unidades de cuidados intensivos con diagnóstico de COVID-19. Se realizó la evaluación de AST, ALT, FA, bilirrubina total y albúmina. Se evaluaron las asociaciones con datos demográficos y médicos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1,100 pacientes, de los cuales el 81,7% presentaba alteraciones en las pruebas de función hepática. Solo el 2,8% de los pacientes tenía cirrosis y el 2,1% infección por virus de la hepatitis B / C. Se encontraron niveles alterados de AST y ALT al ingreso en el 64,7% y 63,7% de los pacientes, respectivamente. Los factores asociados con alteración en pruebas de función hepáticas fueron: ser mujer OR = 0,53 (IC 95%: 0,39-0,73; p <0,01), dislipidemia OR=1,72 (IC 95%: 1,10-2,70; p=0,01), uso de medicación previa OR = 1,56 (IC del 95%: 1,12 -2,16, p <0,01) y fiebre OR = 1,43 (IC del 95%: 1,03-1,199, p = 0,03). La gravedad de la enfermedad se asoció con los niveles de AST y ALT (p <0,01). Los pacientes que se automedicaban OR = 1,56 (IC 95%: 1,12-2,16; p <0,01) y tomaban paracetamol OR = 1,41 (IC 95%: 1,01-1,98; p =0,04) tenían mayor riesgo de injuria hepática. Mientras tanto, los corticosteroides OR=0,55 (IC del 95%: 0,38-0,78; p <0,01) y la enoxaparina OR=0,53 (IC del 95%: 0,35-0,81; p <0,01) fueron factores protectores. Conclusiones: los pacientes peruanos con COVID-19 presentaron alta prevalencia de alteración en las pruebas de función hepática, niveles elevados de AST y ALT se relacionaron con la gravedad de la enfermedad.

Vasoactive Agents for the Management of Acute Variceal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Vasoactive agents with endoscopic therapy are used to treat acute variceal bleeding (AVB). There are two main groups of vasoactive agents: terlipressin and vasopressin (T-V), and octreotide and somatostatin (O-S). However, the benefit/harm balance is unclear. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of T-V versus O-S for the management of AVB. METHODS: We performed a systematic search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, Scopus, and CENTRAL. Our main outcomes were mortality and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were bleeding control, rebleeding, blood transfusion, hospital stay. We evaluated the certainty of evidence using GRADE methodology. RESULTS: We included 21 RCTs. The risk of mortality (RR: 1.01; 95%CI: 0.83-1.22), bleeding control (RR: 0.96; 95%CI: 0.91-1.02; I 2 =53%), early rebleeding (RR: 0.91; 95%CI: 0.66-1.24: I 2 =0%), late rebleeding (RR: 0.94; 95 CI: 0.56-1.60; I 2 =0%), blood transfusion (MD: 0.04; 95%CI: -0.31-0.39; I 2 =68%) and hospital stay (MD: -1.06; 95%CI: -2.80-0.69; I 2 =0%) were similar between T-V and O-S groups. Only 15 studies reported adverse events, which were significantly higher in the T-V compared to the O-S group (RR 2.39; 95%CI: 1.58-3.63; I 2 =57%). The certainty of evidence was moderate for the main outcomes, and low or very low for others. CONCLUSIONS: In cirrhotic patients with AVB, those treated with T-V had similar mortality risk compared to O-S. However, the use of T-V showed an increased risk of adverse events compared to O-S.

Management of Superior Vena Cava Occlusion Causing Bleeding "Downhill" Esophageal Varices.

The health care system in Peru treats 15,000 dialysis patients annually. Approximately 45% of patients receive therapy using catheters. The incidence of catheter-induced superior vena cava (SVC) occlusion is increasing along with its associated significant morbidity and vascular access dysfunction. One of the unusual manifestations of this complication is bleeding "downhill" esophageal varices caused by reversal of blood flow through esophageal veins around the obstruction to the right atrium. Herein is presented the case of an 18-year-old woman on hemodialysis complicated by SVC occlusion and bleeding esophageal varices who underwent successful endovascular recanalization of the SVC. Bleeding from "downhill" esophageal varices should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dialysis patients exposed to central venous catheters. Aggressive endovascular treatment of SVC occlusion is recommended to preserve upper extremity access function and prevent bleeding from this complication.

[Clinical and biochemical characteristics in patients with histology compatible with steatothepatitis in National Hospital Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Peru, from 2010 to 2012]. / Características clínicas y bioquímicas en pacientes con histología compatible con esteatohepatitis del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Perú en el 2010-2012.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the clinical and biochemical characteristics of patients with histopathological findings compatible with steatohepatitis of HNAL patients between 2010-2012. Determine the frequency of alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, presence of metabolic syndrome and other factors associated to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, its main indications for liver biopsy and biochemical characteristics according to the severity of the histological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated all histological slides of liver biopsies of the period between 2010-2012, of which, those with the diagnosis of steatohepatitis were selected. Their medical records were then reviewed. RESULTS: 32 patients met inclusion criteria. 28 were female and 4 male, the average age was 49±12 years. Two patients had a history of chronic alcohol consumption, representing the group of alcoholic steatohepatitis. The more frequent clinical finding in patients with NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), was obesity (37%). 50% of patients had AST/ALT ratio <1. CONCLUSIONS: Among population studied, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis was more common than alcoholic steatohepatitis, being obesity the most associated factor.

Características clínicas y bioquímicas en pacientes con histología compatible con esteatohepatitis del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Perú en el 2010-2012 / Clinical and biochemical characteristics in patients with histology compatible with steatothepatitis in National Hospital Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Peru, from 2010 to 2012

Describir las características clínicas y bioquímicas en pacientes con histología compatible con esteatohepatitis del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza en el periodo 2010-2012. La frecuencia de esteatohepatitis alcohólica y no alcohólica, la presencia de síndrome metabólico y otros factores asociados a esteatohepatitis no alcohólica, sus principales indicaciones de biopsia hepática, y las características bioquímicas de acuerdo a la severidad del cuadro histológico. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluaron todas las biopsias hepáticas del período 2010-2012, se seleccionaron las muestras con diagnóstico de esteatohepatitis. Luego se revisaron sus respectivas historias clínicas. Resultados: 32 pacientes con esteatohepatitis cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, 28 fueron de sexo femenino y 4 masculino, cuya edad fue 49+/-12 años, 30 (94%) presentaba esteatohepatitis no alcohólica. Dos pacientes presentaban el antecedente de consumo crónico de alcohol, representando al grupo de esteatohepatitis alcohólica. La característica clínica más frecuente en pacientes con esteatohepatitis no alcohólica, fue obesidad en 11 (37%) pacientes. La relación de AST/ALT <1 estuvo presente en 15 (50%) pacientes. Conclusiones. En esta población la esteatohepatitis no alcohólica es mucho más frecuente que la alcohólica y la obesidad estuvo más relacionada con la presencia de esteatohepatitis no alcohólica...

Describe the clinical and biochemical characteristics of patients with histopathological findings compatible with steatohepatitis of HNAL patients between 2010-2012. Determine the frequency of alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, presence of metabolic syndrome and other factors associated to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, its main indications for liver biopsy and biochemical characteristics according to the severity of the histological findings. Materials and methods: We evaluated all histological slides of liver biopsies of the period between 2010-2012, of which, those with the diagnosis of steatohepatitis were selected. Their medical records were then reviewed. Results: 32 patients met inclusion criteria. 28 were female and 4 male, the average age was 49+/-12 years. Two patients had a history of chronic alcohol consumption, representing the group of alcoholic steatohepatitis. The more frequent clinical finding in patients with NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), was obesity (37%). 50% of patients had AST/ALT ratio <1. Conclusions: Among population studied, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis was more common than alcoholic steatohepatitis, being obesity the most associated factor...

[Significance of the "isolated anti-HBc" serological pattern determinated by the serological response to the vaccination against Hepatitis B]. / Significado del patrón serológico "anti-HBc aislado" determinado por la respuesta serológica a la vacunación contra Hepatitis B.

Frequently Blood Bank donors are found to have a presence of Total Anti-Bc in the serum in the absence of the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (Anti-Bs) antibody. This study was designed to determine the serological response to the vaccination against the Hepatitis B virus, and evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine in such cases, taking into consideration that the protective antibody titers for Hepatitis B are measured in levels above 10 mUl/ml.Thirty-one patients with the HBsAg negative/Anti-Bs negative/Antil-Bc positive serological patterns received three doses of the recombinant DNA vaccine (Hepavax Gene 20 microg), in a 0, 1, 2 months vaccination schedule. Anti-HBs levels were taken 30 days after the application of the last dose. After the 3 doses of the vaccine, the Anti-HBs levels were > 100 mUl/ml in 89% of the cases, > 500 in 50% and > 1000 in 14.3% of the vaccinated patients. Only 3 patients (9.7%) did not show serological response 30 days after the application of the last dose of the vaccine. In conclusion, 90% of the patients administered the HBsAg negative/Anti-HBs negative/Anti-HBc positive serological patterns, obtained Anti-HBs levels considered protectors ( > 10 mUl/m).

Significado del patrón serológico Anti-HBc Aislado determinado por la respuesta serológica a la vacunación contra Hepatitis B / Significance of the Isolated Anti-HBc serological pattern determined by the serological response to the vaccination against Hepatitis B

Con frecuencia se encuentran donantes de Banco de sangre con presencia en suero del anti-HBc total, en ausencia del Antígeno de superficie (HBsAg) y el anticuerpo contra el antígeno de superficie (Anti-HBs). Se diseñó el presente estudio para determinar la respuesta serológica a la vacunación contra el virus de la hepatitis B y evaluar la efectividad de la vacuna en dichos casos, considerando que los títulos protectores en Hepatitis B se miden en niveles superiores a 10 mUl/ml. Se incluyeron 31 pacientes con el patrón serológico HBsAg(-)/Anti-HBs(-)Anti-HBc(+). Se les administró 3 dosis de la vacuna ADN recombinante (Hepavax Gene 20 ug), siguiendo el esquema 0,1,2 meses. Se midieron los niveles de Anti-HBs 30 días después de la aplicación de la última dosis. Luego de las 3 dosis de vacuna los niveles de Anti-HBs fueron > 100 mUl/ml en el 89 por ciento, >500 en el 50 por ciento y >1000 en el 14,3 por ciento de los pacientes vacunados. Sólo 3 pacientes (9.7 por ciento) no presentaron respuesta serológica 30 días después de la aplicación de la última dosis de vacuna. En conclusión, se obtuvieron niveles de Anti-HBs, considerados protectores (>10 mUl/ml), en el 90 por ciento de pacientes con el patrón serológico HBsAg (-) Anti-HBs (-) Anti-HBc (+).