Determinants of Short-term Mortality in Liver Cirrhosis with Acute Kidney Injury: A Prospective Observational Study.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in 20-50% of patients with cirrhosis and is associated with a poor prognosis. The aim of the study is to identify the baseline factors affecting mortality in these patients at 30 and 90 days. Methods: We enrolled 117 patients with cirrhosis and AKI and followed them up prospectively. Results: Distribution of International club of ascites AKI stages was: 26 (22.03%) stage 1, 59 (50%) stage 2, and 33 (28%) stage 3. Mortalities at 30 and 90 days were 27 (22.8%) and 33 (27.9%) respectively. On multivariate analysis, variables affecting mortality at 30 days were serum creatinine level>2 mg% at 48 hours after AKI development (adjusted OR 7.93, P=0.02) and leukocytosis (total leucocyte count>11000/mm3 ) at admission (adjusted OR 6.54, P=0.002). Only leukocytosis at admission was a predictor of 90 days mortality (adjusted OR 4.76, P=0.01). Though not statistically significant, patients not responding to standard medical treatment had 3 times higher mortality at 30 days, while the maximum AKI stages (2 and 3) had eight times higher mortality at 90 days. Conclusion: In cirrhosis, AKI increases short-term mortality. High serum creatinine at 48 hours affects mortality at 30 days, while leukocytosis at baseline predicts mortality at 30 and 90 days. Progression to a higher AKI stage impacts prognosis.

HEPATIC DYSFUNCTION IN MEDICAL INTENSIVE CAREUNIT PATIENTS PREDICTS POOR OUTCOME.

BACKGROUND: A large number of patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) have abnormal liver function tests (LFT). This includes patients with critical illness with or without preexisting liver disease and patients with acute primary liver injury. There are very few studies which have investigated the spectrum of liver disease, clinical profile and outcome in patients admitted to the MICU. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence, etiology, clinical profile, laboratory profile and outcome of hepatic dysfunction in patients admitted to the MICU. To evaluate the utility of model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score on admission as a predictor of adverse short term outcome in patients with hepatic dysfunction admitted in MICU. METHODS: It was a prospective observational study, conducted from December 2017 to December 2018 in a tertiary care hospital. Two hundred and two patients admitted to the MICU with LFTs as per the inclusion criteria were analyzed and their short-term outcome at 7 days was studied in relation to various parameters. RESULTS: LFT abnormalities were present in 202/1126 (17.9%) of the patients admitted to MICU. Critical illness associated liver dysfunction was found in 172 (85.2%) patients, chronic liver disease in 11 (5.4%) patients and acute viral hepatitis in 19 (9.4%) patients. Most common symptom was fever (68.3%) followed by vomiting (48.0%). Among LFT abnormalities, elevated transaminases, raised international normalized ratio and high MELD score on admission correlated with poor short-term outcome. Requirement for inotropes and mechanical ventilation correlated with poor short-term outcome. Mortality did not differ significantly between patients with chronic liver disease, patients with acute viral hepatitis and patients with critical illness associated hepatic dysfunction. Hepatic dysfunction in MICU was associated with poor outcome and a high short-term mortality of 56.4% (114/202). CONCLUSION: Liver function abnormality is common in patients who are admitted to the MICU and its presence is an indicator of poor short-term outcome.

Disfunção hepática em pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva médica prevê desfecho desfavorável / Hepatic dysfunction in medical intensive careunit patients predicts poor outcome

ABSTRACT Background: A large number of patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) have abnormal liver function tests (LFT). This includes patients with critical illness with or without preexisting liver disease and patients with acute primary liver injury. There are very few studies which have investigated the spectrum of liver disease, clinical profile and outcome in patients admitted to the MICU. Objective To evaluate the occurrence, etiology, clinical profile, laboratory profile and outcome of hepatic dysfunction in patients admitted to the MICU. To evaluate the utility of model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score on admission as a predictor of adverse short term outcome in patients with hepatic dysfunction admitted in MICU. Methods: It was a prospective observational study, conducted from December 2017 to December 2018 in a tertiary care hospital. Two hundred and two patients admitted to the MICU with LFTs as per the inclusion criteria were analyzed and their short-term outcome at 7 days was studied in relation to various parameters. Results: LFT abnormalities were present in 202/1126 (17.9%) of the patients admitted to MICU. Critical illness associated liver dysfunction was found in 172 (85.2%) patients, chronic liver disease in 11 (5.4%) patients and acute viral hepatitis in 19 (9.4%) patients. Most common symptom was fever (68.3%) followed by vomiting (48.0%). Among LFT abnormalities, elevated transaminases, raised international normalized ratio and high MELD score on admission correlated with poor short-term outcome. Requirement for inotropes and mechanical ventilation correlated with poor short-term outcome. Mortality did not differ significantly between patients with chronic liver disease, patients with acute viral hepatitis and patients with critical illness associated hepatic dysfunction. Hepatic dysfunction in MICU was associated with poor outcome and a high short-term mortality of 56.4% (114/202). Conclusion: Liver function abnormality is common in patients who are admitted to the MICU and its presence is an indicator of poor short-term outcome.

RESUMO Contexto: Um grande número de pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) tem testes de função hepática anormais (TFH). Isso inclui pacientes com doença crítica com ou sem doença hepática pré-existente e pacientes com lesão hepática primária aguda. Há poucos estudos que têm investigado o espectro da doença hepática, perfil clínico e desfecho em pacientes admitidos em UTI. Objetivo Avaliar a ocorrência, etiologia, perfil clínico, perfil laboratorial e desfecho de disfunção hepática em pacientes internados na UTI médica. Avaliar a utilidade do modelo para doença hepática em estágio terminal (MELD). Escore na admissão como preditor de desfecho adverso a curto prazo em pacientes com disfunção hepática admitida em UTI. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional prospectivo, de dezembro de 2017 a dezembro de 2018 em um hospital de atenção terciária. Foram analisados 202 pacientes internados na UTI com TFH conforme os critérios de inclusão e seu desfecho a curto prazo de 7 dias foi estudado em relação a diversos parâmetros. Resultados: Anormalidades dos testes estiveram presentes em 202/1126 (17,9%) dos pacientes internados na UTI. Doença crítica associada à disfunção hepática foi encontrada em 172 (85,2%) pacientes, doença hepática crônica em 11 (5,4%) pacientes e hepatite viral aguda em 19 (9,4%) pacientes. O sintoma mais comum foi a febre (68,3%), seguido de vômito (48,0%) casos. Entre as anormalidades do TFH, transaminases elevadas, INR e escore MELD elevados na admissão correlacionaram-se com desfecho ruim de curto prazo. Exigência de inotrópicos e ventilação mecânica correlacionaram-se com desfecho de curto prazo ruim. A mortalidade não diferiu significativamente entre pacientes com doença hepática crônica, pacientes com hepatite viral aguda e pacientes com doença crítica associada à disfunção hepática. A disfunção hepática em UTI esteve associada a um desfecho ruim e à uma alta mortalidade a curto prazo de 114/202 (56,4%). Conclusão: A anormalidade da função hepática é comum em pacientes que são admitidos nas unidades de tratamento intensivo e sua presença é um indicador de desfecho de curto prazo ruim.

Predictors of Severity and Mortality in Chronic Liver Disease Patients With COVID-19 During the Second Wave of the Pandemic in India.

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in chronic liver disease patients is associated with poor outcomes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the predictors of severity and mortality in this group of patients during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. In addition, we compared cirrhotic patients with COVID-19 with cirrhotic patients from the pre-COVID-19 period. Methodology This was a single-center observational study. We included data from 50 patients with cirrhosis and COVID-19 retrospectively from the discharge/death files. A comparison group of 100 patients with cirrhosis from the pre-COVID period was also analyzed retrospectively. Results The majority of patients had predominantly respiratory symptoms, with fever being the most common symptom (85%). The most common presentation was acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF). The most common form of decompensation was jaundice followed by hepatic encephalopathy. The overall mortality in cirrhotic patients with COVID-19 was double than that in cirrhotic patients from the pre-COVID-19 period. All patients with ACLF succumbed to multiorgan failure. Diabetes was the only comorbidity that was associated with severe infection. Higher creatinine on admission and high D-dimer levels correlated with severity. D-dimer was the only parameter that correlated with severity and mortality on multivariate analysis. None of the comorbidities predicted mortality. Among various composite scores, the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and CURB-65 correlated with mortality. On the area under the receiver operating characteristic analysis, a D-dimer level of >1.1 mg/L was associated with mortality. Conclusions COVID-19 infection in patients with cirrhosis is associated with poor outcomes. D-dimer levels of >1.1 mg/L on admission are a simple parameter to predict mortality. CTP and CURB-65 are composite scores that correlate with mortality in this group of patients.

Pattern of liver function test variations in COVID-19 infection & its clinical significance: A study from a dedicated COVID-19 tertiary care centre from India.

Background & objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and other systems disease. Studies describing liver involvement and liver function test (LFT) abnormalities are sparse from our population. This study was undertaken to estimate the LFT abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 in a tertiary care set up in India. Methods: In this retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care centre in Mumbai, India, all consecutive patients with proven COVID-19 by reverse transcriptase-PCR from March 23 to October 31, 2020 were enrolled. Of the 3280 case records profiled, 1474 cases were included in the study. Clinical characteristics, biochemical parameters and outcomes were recorded. Results: Overall 681 (46%) patient had deranged LFTs. Hepatocellular type of injury was most common (93%). Patients with deranged LFTs had more probability of developing severe disease (P<0.001) and mortality (P<0.001). Advanced age (P<0.001), male gender (P<0.001), diabetes mellitus (P<0.001), lower oxygen saturation levels at admission (P<0.001), higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (P<0.001), history of diabetes mellitus and cirrhosiss were associated with deranged LFTs. Acute liver injury was seen in 65 (4.3%) cases on admission and 57 (3.5%) cases during hospital stay. On multivariate analysis for predicting mortality, age >60 yr serum creatinine >2 mg%, PaO2/FiO2 ratio ≤200 and raised AST >50 IU/l (OR: 2.34, CI: 1.59-3.48, P<0.001) were found to be significant. Interpretation & conclusions: In COVID-19, LFT abnormalities were common, and derangement increased as severity progressed. The presence of deranged LFT worsens the clinical outcome and predicts in-hospital mortality.

Screening of Family Members of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients can Detect Undiagnosed Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among Them: Is There a Genetic Link?

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has multifactorial origin. Genetic and environmental factors lead to the biology of this complex disorder. In this study, we screened parents of cases with NAFLD and compared them with parents of cases without NAFLD to see its familial aggregation and the role of patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3). METHOD: It was a cross-sectional study. Parents of probands with NAFLD and without NAFLD were screened with abdominal sonography, anthropometry, blood tests, transient elastography, and PNPLA3 polymorphism. RESULTS: We had enrolled 303 individuals: 51 probands with NAFLD, 50 probands without NAFLD, and their 202 parents. Parents of the NAFLD group had significantly higher metabolic risk factors as compared with parents of the non-NAFLD group. They had a significantly higher rate of fatty liver (P = 0.0001), mean serum aspartate aminotransferase levels (P = 0.011), mean serum alanine aminotransferase levels (P = 0.001),raised fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels, lower mean platelets (P = 0.033) and serum albumin levels (P = 0.005), and higher mean liver stiffness (P = 0.001) on transient elastography.Frequency of PNPLA3 polymorphism within NAFLD group was higher compared to the non-NAFLD group (mutant GG-13.3 vs 3.3%). Similarly, parents of NAFLD group had mutant GG in 15 % versus 5% in parents of non-NAFLD group, (P = 0.105, odds ratio 6), though it was not statistically significant but may be relevant. In this study, offsprings of parents with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis were likely to have GG homozygous allele. A NAFLD16 score based on parent's parameters was calculated to predict the probability of NAFLD occurrence in an overweight obese individual. CONCLUSION: Screening of parents of individuals with NAFLD will help in the identification of undiagnosed NAFLD cases and other metabolic risk factors among them as there is a familial aggregation of NAFLD. One can predict the occurrence of NAFLD in the next generation using the NAFLD16 score.

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleed as first presentation of primary systemic amyloidosis - A case report.

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract manifestations of amyloid deposition include diarrhea, GI hemorrhage, steatorrhea, or constipation. Here, we report an elderly female presenting with GI hemorrhage due to gastric ulceration and 4-6 polypoidal lesions with intermittent ooze in the duodenum as a first presentation of primary systemic amyloidosis. The bleed was managed with proton-pump inhibitors and hemospray application. She received chemotherapy for multiple myeloma after stabilization. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose amyloidosis causing GI hemorrhage.

Primary pancreatic tuberculosis with a duodenal fistula in an immunocompetent young man.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a common disease in developing countries that can virtually affect any organ in the body. The abdomen is one of the most common sites for extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. Primary Pancreatic tuberculosis (PPTB) is rare and can be clinically elusive. It is commonly encountered in immunodeficient individuals in regions endemic for TB. However, it is extremely rare in immunocompetent individuals with very few case reports in the literature. We describe a case of PPTB in an immunocompetent young man complicated with duodenal fistula. There was complete resolution of symptoms and the fistulous tract with a significant reduction of the size of the lesion on imaging after 6 months of anti-tubercular therapy (ATT).

Effect of moderate aerobic exercises on symptoms of functional dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a commonly encountered entity worldwide and is difficult to treat. Most of the treatment modalities have low-quality evidence for use, except for proton pump inhibitors. Aerobic exercise has been shown to improve the symptoms, but its direct effect on symptoms has never been studied. The objective was to study the effects of moderate aerobic exercise on symptoms of FD and to compare the effect of conventional treatment alone vs. exercise plus conventional treatment. METHODS: Out of 112 patients, 72 were randomly divided into controls (conventional treatment; n=36) and experimental (aerobic exercise for 30 min per session, 5 times a week for 6 weeks with conventional treatment; n=36) groups. Both the groups were assessed on day 1 and at the end of 6 weeks, using Glasgow Dyspepsia Severity Score (GDSS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-42 (DASS-42), and visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: Pre-treatment GDSS, DASS-42, and VAS in the experimental group were significantly different as compared to the post-treatment scores (p=0.00019, p=0.0002, p=0.00019, respectively). Even in the control group, pre- and post-treatment GDSS, DASS-42, and VAS scores were significantly different (p=0.00019, p=0.0002, p=0.00019, respectively). However, on the head-to-head comparison of the 2 groups, scores at the end of 6 weeks were significantly different (p< 0.05), in favor of the experimental group. CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercise as an auxiliary therapy to conventional treatment has better outcomes in the functional well-being of dyspepsia.

Thiopurine-induced Myelosuppression with Severe Sepsis in a Patient with Crohn's Disease: A Case Report.

Thiopurines by their glucocorticoid-sparing property help in maintaining remission for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), when glucocorticoids are reduced and withdrawn. However, due to bone marrow suppression, it cannot be used in various conditions where it is indicated. A 17-year-old patient presented with pancytopenia with neutropenic sepsis and alopecia after 3 weeks of starting azathioprine for her underlying Crohn's disease. Thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT;*2, *3A, *3C) analysis resulted in a wild-type genotype, whereas homozygous Nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT 15 C415T) variant was positive. Azathioprine was stopped immediately, and she was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics that led to some clinical improvements initially, but later on, the patient developed intestinal obstruction along with postoperative complications leading to death. In this report, we highlight a case of serious hematological toxicity associated with azathioprine use in a patient with Crohn's disease with homozygous NUDT 15 variant, thus favoring the implementation of a pharmacogenomic approach before starting azathioprine, particularly in the Asian population. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Debnath P, Nair S, Jain S, Udgirkar S, Contractor Q, Rathi P. Thiopurine-induced Myelosuppression with Severe Sepsis in a Patient with Crohn's Disease: A Case Report. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(2):228-230. PRIOR PRESENTATION OF CASE REPORT AT PROFESSIONAL MEETING: The case was presented in abstract form at the American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting, held at San Antonio, TX, USA 2019. INFORMED CONSENT FOR PUBLICATION OF CASE DETAILS: Obtained from patient's relatives.

Complete hemogram: simple and cost-effective in staging and predicting outcome in acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: An important goal in management of acute pancreatitis (AP) is early prediction and recognition of disease severity. Various predictive scoring systems are in clinical use with their own limitations and there is always a quest for simple, practical, quantifiable, dynamic and readily available markers for predicting disease severity and outcome. Complete hemogram is routinely ordered in all patients with AP. In recent years red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been found to be independent predictors of prognosis in various benign and malignant conditions. This prospective study evaluated complete hemogram based markers in AP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Complete hemogram analysis was done and NLR, LMR, PLR values were calculated. Development of organ failure, the need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and interventions, development of complications (local/systemic) and 100-day mortality were assessed. RESULTS: In this study 160 subjects of AP were included. Complete hemogram analysis was performed within 24 h after admission. C­reactive protein, RDW, NLR, PLR and bedside index of severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) values were higher in severe AP than moderate AP group than mild AP group, while LMR values were decreased in the corresponding severe, moderate and mild AP groups (p < 0.001). The NLR performed best for prediction of ICU admission, organ failure, interventions and mortality with area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) were 0.943, 0.940, 0.902 and 0.910, respectively. CONCLUSION: Hemogram based markers are simple, objective, dynamic and readily available. They can be considered in addition to conventional multifactorial scoring systems for prediction of outcome and prognosis of AP.

A new model to predict response to direct-acting antiviral therapy in decompensated cirrhotics due to hepatitis C virus.

AIM: of the study: Decompensated hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis is a difficult to treat cohort, and there is no gold standard predictor of response to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. We conducted this study to look for factors responsible for improvement in post-therapy status, i.e. attainment of Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class A from B or C, and devise a new model to predict post-therapy response. MATERIAL: and methods: Prospective analysis of data from decompensated HCV cirrhotics was done and association of each parameter with patient outcomes at 36 weeks after treatment was assessed. RESULTS: 34 patients (54.8%) attained CTP class A after treatment. Factors that were independently associated with disease outcome included albumin (odds ratio [OR] = 4.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.43-20.15, p = 0.018), alanine transaminase (ALT) (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1-1.04, p = 0.049), bilirubin (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.2-0.75, p = 0.007) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.0-1.06, p = 0.045). On multivariate analysis, bilirubin was significantly associated with treatment outcome (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.1-0.64, p = 0.006). A composite model was devised using demographic, biochemical, and clinical features, which has sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of 67.86%, 79.41%, 73.08%, 75%, and 73.63% respectively in predicting response to therapy. Only 7.6% of patients with a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score > 15 and none of the patients with CTP class C met the primary end-point of our study. CONCLUSIONS: 55% of our cohort met the primary end-point at 36 weeks. Patients with CTP class C and a MELD score > 15 should be referred for liver transplantation followed by DAA therapy. Our model was good at predicting improvement in post-therapy liver function.

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin determines short-term mortality and type of acute kidney injury in cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Acute kidney injury increases mortality in cirrhotic patients by four fold. This study aimed to determine the usefulness of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) for differential diagnosis for acute kidney injury and for predicting short-term mortality in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: We enrolled 94 patients of decompensated cirrhosis. uNGAL was measured upon hospital admission in all patients. Patients with urinary tract infection and anuria were excluded. Patients were followed for 30 days or until death. RESULTS: Ten (9%) patients had normal kidney function, 9 (11.37%) stable chronic kidney disease, 32 (29.50%) prerenal azotemia, 33 (36.37%) hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), and 10 (13.64%) intrinsic acute kidney injury (iAKI). Prerenal azotemia had lower median uNGAL values compared to HRS and iAKI (95.50 vs 465.00 vs 1217.50, P < 0.001). uNGAL levels were significantly higher in patients who died within 30 days (717.17 ± 494.26 vs 331.65 ± 313.65 ng/mL, P -0.0017). On univariate analysis, serum creatinine (sCr), uNGAL, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score on admission, and length of stay were significant, and on multivariate analysis, uNGAL and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) were significant in predicting mortality. CONCLUSIONS: uNGAL at baseline serves as an early marker in differentiating HRS, prerenal AKI, and iAKI in cirrhotic patients, where sCr values are not useful. Patients with higher uNGAL levels had higher transplant-free mortality at 30 days.

Esophageal Mucosal Bridge of Unknown Etiology Causing Dysphagia in an Elderly Female: Endoscopic Management and Literature Review.

Esophageal mucosal bridge is an elastic stretchable structure, connecting across the lumen, extending either obliquely or horizontally, more commonly seen in the mid or lower esophagus. It can be either congenital or secondary (acquired). Acquired ones are secondary to reflux esophagitis, corrosive esophageal injury, drug-induced esophagitis, radiation esophagitis, Crohn's disease, Mallory-Weiss syndrome, malignant tumors, and infections like candidiasis, HSV, CMV, or tuberculosis. We present a case of an elderly female, who presented with progressive dysphagia for 3 months, more commonly to solids without any history of anorexia or weight loss. No history of corrosive ingestion, radiation exposure, or prior history of any surgical or endoscopic intervention was present. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed esophageal mucosal bridge at 20 and 25 cm from incisors and mucosal tag. Endoscopic resection was carried out successfully with hot biopsy forceps and needle knife after prophylactic application of hemoclips at two ends of each bridge, without any adverse event. Esophageal mucosal bridge, though rarely reported, should be kept in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with dysphagia. Endoscopic resection with hot biopsy forceps or needle knife seems to be effective.

Uma ponte mucosa esofágica é uma estrutura elástica que se estende obliquamente ou horizontal mente através do lúmen esofágico, sendo a sua posição mais comum no esófago médio ou distal. Pode ser congénita ou secundária (adquirida). Estas geralmente são secundárias a esofagite de refluxo, lesão corrosiva, medicamentosa, rádica, doença de Crohn, síndroma de Mallory-Weiss, tumores malignos ou por infeções como candidiase, HSV, CMV ou tuberculose. Apresentamos um caso de uma mulher idosa com disfagia progressiva com 3 meses duração, mais para sólidos, sem história de anorexia ou emagrecimento, sem história de ingestáo de caústicos, radioterapia, cirurgia ou qualquer intervenção endoscópica prévia. A endoscopia digestiva alta revelou uma ponte mucosa aos 20 e 25 cm dos incisivos e uma prega mucosa. Procedeu-se a resseção endoscópica com pinça de hot-biopsy e com needle-knife após colocação profilática de hemoclips em ambas as extremidades de cada ponte, com sucesso e sem qualquer efeito adverso. Apesar de raramente reportadas as pontes mucosa esofágicas devem ser consideradas no diagnóstico diferencial de doentes com disfagia. A resseção endoscópica com pinça de hot-biopsy ou needle-knife parece ser eficaz nestes casos.

COMBINED NS5A & NS5B NUCLEOTIDE INHIBITOR THERAPY FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C WITH STAGE 5 CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE ON HEMODIALYSIS.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common hepatotropic viral infection affecting the patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Treatment of chronic HCV infection in stage 4 and 5 CKD includes a combination of elbasvir/grazoprevir and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, which are not available in many countries. OBJECTIVE: Hence, we have conducted this study to look for the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir combination therapy in this difficult to treat population. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, prospective, open-label study in which Stage 5 CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis with HCV infection. Total of 18 patients was included. sofosbuvir with daclatasvir or ledipasvir was used according to genotype for 12 weeks. HCV RNA, genotype, transient elastography (TE) was considered for every patient. HCV RNA was quantified at 4th week, 12th week and 12 weeks post-treatment to look for sustained virologic response (SVR 12). RESULTS: Infection due to genotype 1 was seen in 12 (66.7%) patients followed by genotype 3 in 4 (22.3%) with each patient of genotype 2 and 5. The median value of HCV RNA was 2,35,000 IU/mL. On TE, all had liver stiffness of <9.4 KPa. All patients had HCV RNA of <15 IU/mL at 4th and 12th week of treatment and 12 weeks post-treatment. No significant change in hemoglobin, eGFR and liver stiffness was observed. CONCLUSION: Full dose sofosbuvir i.e. 400 mg, in combination with NS5A inhibitors daclatasvir or ledipasvir is found to be safe and effective in patients with end stage renal disease, who are on maintenance hemodialysis.

Clinical, serological, histopathological and treatment profile of autoimmune hepatitis in the elderly.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), despite being uncommon, is on the rise in the elderly population. However, no study from India has described the natural history and treatment outcome of AIH in the elderly. The aim was to study the characteristics of AIH in the elderly population and compare them with the younger population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of AIH based on the revised International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) criteria were recruited from January 2011 to June 2018. Patients were defined as elderly when ≥ 60 years and young when < 60 years of age. Clinical, serological, histological characteristics and treatment outcome with follow-up until 12 months were analyzed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Out of 155 patients, 33 (21.29%) were elderly. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) as the presentation was more common in elderly as compared to young AIH patients (39.4% vs. 13.9%, p = 0.0024). Serum alanine aminotransferases and serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in elderly patients as compared to the younger group (p < 0.05). On histology cirrhosis was significantly more common in the elderly group (75.7% vs. 56.6%, p = 0.045). Response to treatment at the end of 12 months was similar in both groups. Due to co-morbidities immunosuppressant could not be started in 18.2% of elderly and 6.5% of younger patients (p = 0.065). CONCLUSIONS: AIH is an important differential diagnosis among the elderly population presenting with ACLF and cirrhosis. When given appropriate immunosuppressants they have a similar outcome as compared to the youngest population.

Splanchnic Venous Thrombosis in Acute Pancreatitis: Does Anticoagulation Affect Outcome?

BACKGROUND: Splanchnic venous system thrombosis is a well recognized local vascular complication of acute pancreatitis (AP). It may involve thrombosis of splenic vein (SplV), portal vein (PV) and superior mesenteric vein (SMV), either separately or in combinations, and often detected incidentally, indeed some cases present with upper gastrointestinal bleed, bowel ischemia and hepatic decompensation. Incidence is variable depending on study subjects and diagnostic modalities. Pathogenesis is multifactorial centered on local and systemic inflammation. Management involves treatment of underlying AP and its complications. Universal use of anticoagulation may lead to increased risk of bleeding due to frequent need of interventions (radiologic/endoscopic/surgical). Literature on anticoagulation in setting of AP is sparse and at present there is no consensus guideline on it. Current article details our experience on splanchnic venous thrombosis (SVT) in AP in a well defined cohort of patients at a tertiary care center. METHODS: Hospitalized patients with AP from January 2018 to December 2018 were included in the study. Detailed information on demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiologic features, and indication of anticoagulation use were collected prospectively during the index admission. Outcome variables were analyzed at the end of 6 months. RESULTS: Twenty four out of 105 (22.85%) patients with AP develop SVT. Etiology of AP was alcohol use in 21/24 (87.5%) subjects. Most common vessel involved was isolated SplV in 11/24 (45.8%) patients followed by SplV along with PV and SMV 9/24 (37.50%, P < 0.001). Bowel ischemia 4/12 (33.3%), hepatic decompensation 3/12 (25%), triple vessel involvement 4/12 (33.3%) and pulmonary embolism 1/12 (8.3%) were reasons for anticoagulation. There was no statistical difference with respect to development of varices, collateral formation, recanalization, bleeding and mortality with use of anticoagulation (P > 0.05 with respect to all above variables). CONCLUSIONS: SVT is commonly seen in alcohol-induced AP. Anticoagulation does not affect outcomes of SVT. Subset of patients may benefit with anticoagulation.

Combined ns5a & ns5b nucleotide inhibitor therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis c with stage 5 chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis / Terapia inibidora de nucleotídeo NS5A& NS5B combinada para pacientes com hepatite C crônica com doença renal crônica em estágio 5, em hemodiálise

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common hepatotropic viral infection affecting the patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Treatment of chronic HCV infection in stage 4 and 5 CKD includes a combination of elbasvir/grazoprevir and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, which are not available in many countries. OBJECTIVE: Hence, we have conducted this study to look for the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir combination therapy in this difficult to treat population. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, prospective, open-label study in which Stage 5 CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis with HCV infection. Total of 18 patients was included. sofosbuvir with daclatasvir or ledipasvir was used according to genotype for 12 weeks. HCV RNA, genotype, transient elastography (TE) was considered for every patient. HCV RNA was quantified at 4th week, 12th week and 12 weeks post-treatment to look for sustained virologic response (SVR 12). RESULTS: Infection due to genotype 1 was seen in 12 (66.7%) patients followed by genotype 3 in 4 (22.3%) with each patient of genotype 2 and 5. The median value of HCV RNA was 2,35,000 IU/mL. On TE, all had liver stiffness of <9.4 KPa. All patients had HCV RNA of <15 IU/mL at 4th and 12th week of treatment and 12 weeks post-treatment. No significant change in hemoglobin, eGFR and liver stiffness was observed. CONCLUSION: Full dose sofosbuvir i.e. 400 mg, in combination with NS5A inhibitors daclatasvir or ledipasvir is found to be safe and effective in patients with end stage renal disease, who are on maintenance hemodialysis.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C (HCV) é a infecção viral hepática mais comum que afeta pacientes em hemodiálise de manutenção. O tratamento da infecção crônica por HCV no estágio 4 e 5 da doença renal crônica inclui uma combinação de elbasvir/grazoprevir e glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, que não estão disponíveis em muitos países. OBJETIVO: Portanto, realizamos este estudo para procurar a segurança e eficácia da terapia combinada de sofosbuvir nesta população de difícil tratamento. MÉTODOS: Realizamos um estudo de centro único, prospectivo e aberto, no qual pacientes com doença renal crônica em estágio 5 em hemodiálise de manutenção com infecção por HCV. Um total de 18 pacientes foi incluído. Sofosbuvir com daclatasvir ou ledipasvir foi usado de acordo com o genótipo por 12 semanas. O HCV RNA, genótipo, elastografia transitória foi considerado para cada paciente. O HCV RNA foi quantificado na 4ª semana, 12ª semana e 12 semanas após o tratamento para procurar uma resposta virológica sustentada. RESULTADOS: A infecção por genótipo 1 foi observada em 12 (66,7%) pacientes, seguido pelo genótipo 3 em 4 (22,3%), em um paciente do genótipo 2 e em outro, 5. O valor mediano do HCV RNA foi de 2.35.000 IU/mL. Na elastografia transitória, todos tinham rigidez hepática de <9.4 KPa. Todos os pacientes tinham RNA HCV <15 IU/mL na 4ª e 12ª semana de tratamento e 12 semanas após o tratamento. Não foi observada nenhuma alteração significativa na hemoglobina, eGFR e rigidez hepática. CONCLUSÃO: A dose completa sofosbuvir ou seja, 400 mg, em combinação com inibidores NS5A daclatasvir ou ledipasvir foi considerada segura e eficaz em pacientes com doença renal em estágio final, que estão em manutenção hemodiálise.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided-fine-needle aspiration/fine-needle biopsy in diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathy - A boon.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy (MLA) is a great diagnostic challenge considering the myriad of causes. In recent years, the role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been greatly extended in evaluation of MLA due to its safety, reliability, and accuracy. The present study details the role of EUS-guided-fine-needle aspiration/fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNA/FNB) in MLA of unknown origin. METHODS: Seventy-two patients (34 men) with MLA of unknown etiology were studied. Mediastinum was evaluated with linear echoendoscope and FNA/FNB was performed with 22-G needle and sent for cytology, histopathological, and mycobacterial growth indicator tube/GeneXpert evaluation. EUS-FNA/FNB diagnosis was based on cytology reporting by pathologists. Patients tolerated the procedure, and insertion of needle into the lesion was always successful without any complications. RESULTS: EUS-FNA/FNB established a tissue diagnosis in 66/72 patients in first sitting, while six patients underwent repeat procedure. EUS-FNA diagnoses (after second sitting) were tuberculous lymphadenitis in 45/72 (62.5%), metastatic lymph nodes 12/72 (16.7%), reactive lymphadenopathy 6/72 (8.3%), sarcoidosis 4/72 (5.6%), and lymphoma 2/72 (2.8%), while it was nondiagnostic in 3/72 (4.1%) patients. Final diagnosis was based on combined clinical presentation, EUS-FNA/FNB result and clinicoradiological response to treatment on long-term follow-up of 6 months. CONCLUSION: EUS echo features along with EUS-FNA/FNB can diagnose MLA and surgical biopsy can be avoided.