A comparative study of uncomplicated acute non-A-E hepatitis with acute viral hepatitis and acute onset autoimmune hepatitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Non-A-E hepatitis (NAEH) not leading to acute liver failure (ALF) is poorly documented. The objective was to compare clinical and laboratory features of uncomplicated acute NAEH with acute viral (AVH) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and histopathology in NAEH and AIH. METHODS: Cases of hepatocellular jaundice were included. These were grouped into AVH, AIH and NAEH based on clinical, laboratory and, when indicated, liver biopsy findings. NAEH and AIH were followed up at three months. RESULTS: Of 336 patients with hepatocellular jaundice, 15 (5%) were NAEH, 25 (7%) acute AIH and 45 (14%) AVH. Among NAEH patients, seven (46.7%) were males with a mean age of presentation 39 years. Jaundice (100%) was the most common presentation of NAEH. Peak bilirubin was 10.7 mg/dL. Peak aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST, ALT) were 512 and 670 U/L. Five (33.3%) patients had positive anti-nuclear antibody and one had anti-smooth muscle antibody. Mean immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were 1829. On liver biopsy, all had ballooning degeneration, four (26.7%) had mild and three (20%) moderate interface hepatitis, four (26.7%) mild lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, one (6.7%) rosette formation, bridging necrosis in none and stage 1 fibrosis in one. Comparing NAEH with AIH, AIH showed significantly older age at presentation, female predisposition, past history of jaundice, lower ALT, more autoantibodies, higher IgG, higher grade interface hepatitis, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, rosette formation and higher bilirubin, AST at three months. NAEH and viral hepatitis had similar features. CONCLUSION: Etiology of NAEH is unlikely to be autoimmune and is probably viral, unidentified as yet. Uncomplicated NAEH likely has self-limiting course even without specific treatment.

Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver clinical practice guidelines on liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation is a highly complex and challenging field of clinical practice. Although it was originally developed in western countries, it has been further advanced in Asian countries through the use of living donor liver transplantation. This method of transplantation is the only available option in many countries in the Asia-Pacific region due to the lack of deceased organ donation. As a result of this clinical situation, there is a growing need for guidelines that are specific to the Asia-Pacific region. These guidelines provide comprehensive recommendations for evidence-based management throughout the entire process of liver transplantation, covering both deceased and living donor liver transplantation. In addition, the development of these guidelines has been a collaborative effort between medical professionals from various countries in the region. This has allowed for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and experiences, leading to a more comprehensive and effective set of guidelines.

A Rare Cause of Acute on Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF): Bakuchi-Induced Liver Injury.

Psoralea corylifolia Linn (Bakuchi or Babchi), commonly known as purple fleabane, is a popular herb used in Ayurvedic traditional medicine. Its seeds, called Fructus Psoraleae, are traditionally used for treating leprosy, vitiligo, and psoriasis in the absence of empirical evidence. We report the first case of acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) caused by Bakuchi, a well-documented hepatotoxic agent, in a middle-aged female. Her liver function deteriorated progressively which prompted us to go for a liver biopsy which was consistent with diagnosis of herb-induced liver injury after excluding all competing causes. Fortunately, the patient improved gradually after herb withdrawal and supportive care. Patients with underlying chronic liver disease (CLD) should be aware of risks in using untested herbal formulations. This case emphasizes the need for increased surveillance to formulate guidelines regarding the regulation and informed use of herbal supplements in patients with chronic liver disease.

A case of giant colonic lipoma removed endoscopically using a modified hybrid technique.

Colonic lipomas are benign adipose tumors and are mostly asymptomatic. They may cause symptoms when their size becomes more than 2 cm. Giant colonic lipoma (GCL) is a rare finding in endoscopy which presents with or without macroscopic ulceration and may lead to iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). The choice of treatment of symptomatic large colonic lipomas has been controversial. Here we are presenting a case of GCL presenting with occult bleeding causing iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). It was removed endoscopically using a combination of noradrenaline, endoloop ligation, and snare cautery technique (modified hybrid technique). Successful removal of the GCL lead to the resolution of IDA. This case report highlights that even GCL can be removed endoscopically, thus surgery can be prevented. Clinical Significance: GCL is an unusual cause of anemia. Modified hybrid endoscopic removal technique improves safety.

Effects of high bilirubin level in pregnancy in Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 2: An extremely rare but important clinical entity to recognize.

Crigler-Najjar is a rare genetic autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of enzyme Uridine 5-Diphosphate Glucuronosyl Transferase (UDP-GT). We report the case of a 24-year-old female with two consecutive pregnancies with a high level of total bilirubin level of 15.1 mg/dl and a direct bilirubin level of 0.8 mg/dl during the first pregnancy. As she was diagnosed case of Crigler Najjar type 2, she was on phenobarbitone 60 mg daily. With careful monitoring, she continued with the same dose. We concluded that even with high bilirubin level (15.1 mg/dl) in pregnancy, no adverse effects to the baby and mother were seen.

Upfront tofacitinib in patients with biological-naïve ulcerative colitis - An Indian multicentric experience.

OBJECTIVES: Tofacitinib is a Janus Kinase inhibitor used for treating moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC), mainly after the failure of biological therapy. There is a paucity of data on the outcome of tofacitinib in biological-naïve UC patients. The present study was aimed at analyzing the safety and efficacy of tofacitinib in biological-naïve Indian patients with UC. METHODS: The present study retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients with biological-naïve moderate-to-severe active UC from six tertiary care centers in India receiving tofacitinib from September 2020 to September 2022. Clinical remission or response assessment was based on partial Mayo score (PMS) calculated at baseline and weeks eight, 16 and 24. RESULTS: Total 47 cases (57.4% male, median age: 32 years) were included. After eight weeks of therapy, 33 (70.2%) achieved clinical remission and eight (17.0%) had a primary failure. The baseline serum albumin at treatment initiation was the only independent predictor of remission at eight weeks (Odds ratio: 11.560, 95% CI: 1.478 - 90.404), but not at 16 weeks. By 24 weeks, 59.6% (28/47) of the patients were in remission and 29.8% (14/47) had stopped tofacitinib either due to failure (27.6%) or adverse events (AEs) (2.1%). Among the 47 patients, 10 (21.2%) cases developed AEs during follow-up, including two tuberculosis (4.2%), one cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis (2.1%) and one herpes zoster (2.1%). Four patients with infection required temporary drug discontinuations. One required permanent discontinuation (mania). CONCLUSION: Upfront tofacitinib is effective in biologic-naïve Indian patients with moderate-severe UC. Further randomized studies are required to validate the study findings.

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.

An Audit of Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction: Experience from Tertiary Referral Center.

BACKGROUND: Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is a common cause of portal hypertension in India. AIMS: (1) To evaluate the clinical presentation and the natural history of EHPVO; (2) to describe the risk factors, rebleeding rates and development of portal biliopathy on follow-up; and requirement of surgery in EHPVO at a tertiary care center. METHODS: Data from 318 consecutive patients with EHPVO from June 2012 to October 2020 were analyzed. All patients underwent liver biochemistry, ultrasonography (USG) abdomen, upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, and viral serology. Color Doppler, computed tomography (CT) abdomen and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) were done as indicated. RESULTS: Mean age of presentation was 15.08 years [standard deviation (SD) 12.74; 6 months-60 years; 210 males)]. The presenting features were upper GI bleed (n = 227) (age at first bleed 11 years; 4 months-56 years), left hypochondrium pain or lump (n = 67), and only lower GI bleed (n = 1). Incidentally detected EHPVO on USG was seen in 10.69% (n = 34) patients. Postbleed ascites were seen in 10.69% (n = 34) patients. Six patients had symptomatic portal biliopathy and 14 had hypersplenism. Around 14.77% (n = 47) of patients had a history of being delivered at home, while 3.45% (n = 11) had a history of umbilical sepsis. During follow-up, 35.3% (n = 82) of patients had rebled. On imaging, associated splenic vein (SV) collaterals and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) collaterals were seen in 35.84% (n = 114) and 11.01% (n = 35) patients, respectively. Gallbladder varices were seen in 44.3% (n = 106), while gallstones in 5.66% (n = 18). On endoscopy, 87.42% (n = 278) patients had esophageal varices, 18.86% (n = 60) had isolated fundic varices, and three had ectopic varices. Only two patients had rectal varices and colopathy. Emergency devascularization was required in 3.45% (n = 14) patients for the failure of variceal bleed control, 1.88% (n = 7) underwent splenectomy, and four patients had proximal splenorenal shunt (PSRS) surgery. CONCLUSION: Extrahepatic portal hypertension (EHPVO) is an important cause of portal hypertension (PHT) in our country. The majority of them present with GI bleed; postbleed ascites were seen only in ~10%. Rebleed occurs in one-third of cases. Gallbladder varices were common; portal biliopathy occurred in 10% and were usually asymptomatic.

Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells Using Imaging Flow Cytometry in Liver Disease Patients.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is asymptomatic at an early stage which delays its timely diagnosis and treatment. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), derived from a primary or secondary tumor, may help in the management of HCC. Here, we evaluate and characterize CTCs in liver disease patients. Methods: In total, 65 patients, categorized into liver cirrhosis (LC) (n = 30) and HCC (n = 35), were enrolled. Using ImagestreamX MkII imaging flow cytometer, CTCs were detected and characterized using biomarker expression of EpCAM, CK, AFP, CD45, and DRAQ5 in LC and HCC patients. Results: CTCs were detected in 33/35 (94%) HCC patients and in 28/30 (93%) LC patients. In the HCC group, the number of biomarker-positive CTCs was higher in BCLC stage D when compared with others. EpCAM + CK was the most expressed biomarker on CTCs in LC versus HCC (83.3% vs. 77.14%), followed by AFP (80% vs. 65.71%), EpCAM (30% vs. 28.57%), and CK (16.6% vs. 14.28%). The EpCAM cell area was significantly associated (P value = 0.031) with the CTC-positive status. The combination biomarker expression of CTCs cell area (EpCAM, CK, and AFP) performed well with the area under the curve of 0.92, high sensitivity, and specificity in detecting early-stage and AFP-negative HCC as well as in AFP-negative LC cases. Conclusion: Enumeration and cell area of CTCs may be used as a biomarker for early detection of HCC and guiding treatment.

Electrosurgical unit in GI endoscopy: the proper settings for practice.

INTRODUCTION: Electrosurgical unit (ESU) is integral to the endoscopy unit. The proper knowledge of the Mode with setting is essential for good therapeutic outcomes and the safety of the patients. AREAS COVERED: ESU generates high-frequency electric current, which could perform cutting and coagulation for various therapeutic interventions. We review the proper settings for common endoscopic interventions like hemostasis, polypectomy, sphincterotomy, and advanced procedures like endoscopic ultrasound-guided cysto-gastrostomy, bile duct drainage, and endoscopic Ampullectomy. We review the various waveforms of ESU in practice in endoscopy, including special conditions like patients with pacemakers. EXPERT OPINION: Knowledge of the waveforms' duty cycle and crest factor is necessary. A high-duty cycle and lower crest factor lead to a good cutting effect on the tissue. Endocut is the most commonly used Mode in ESU in endoscopic practices like sphincterotomy and polypectomy. Endocut I mode (effect 1-2, duration 3, interval 3) is used for endoscopic sphincterotomy, while Forced Coag mode (Effect 2, 60 W) controls post-sphincterotomy bleeding. Endocut Q mode (Effect 2-3, duration 1, interval 3) is used for cutting the polyp, while Forced Coag mode (Effect 2, 60 W) is used before cutting for pre-coagulation of the stalk.

Early virus clearance of SARS-CoV-2 among co-infection with malaria.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: India has witnessed significant number of cases of co-infection of malaria or dengue with COVID-19, especially during the monsoon season. It has been speculated that anti-malarial immunity might have a protective role in co-infection. Retrospective analysis of co-infection of vector-borne diseases with COVID-19 was done for comparing their remission with matched controls with COVID-19 by means of epidemiological data. METHODS: Medical case records of patients with co-infection of malaria or dengue with COVID-19 admitted at TNMC and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital from 1 March 2020 to 31 October 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Out of 91 cases of co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 infection with vector-borne diseases, virus clearance (VC) analysis was done for 61 co-infections with malaria. RESULTS: Median duration of VC for co-infection with malaria was 8 days whereas, it was 12 days for controls with COVID-19 (p=0.056). Young patients (≤50 years) with co-infection recovered faster than controls age (p=0.018). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Co-infection with malaria is associated with less severe disease and early recovery in the form of early VC. Genetic and immunological studies are necessary to confirm malaria protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Three-dimensional Bioprinting in Gastroenterology: A Literature Review.

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is one of the most upcoming research areas which apply 3D printing technology in medical and surgical applications. The basic concept of 3D bioprinting is to design tissue scaffolds to replace diseased or injured tissues. Gastroenterology is one of the medical fields in which 3D bioprinting is being rigorously researched. Although attempts are made to design 3D-geometrical constructs, the overall performance is currently hindered by limitations, including material viability and toxicity affecting the clinical outcome. However, further research at the current pace should overcome these limitations, helping open a new horizon in gastroenterology. In this review, we cover all the aspects of 3D bioprinting in gastroenterology with a holistic perspective on its current limitations and future perspectives in clinical applications.

A Case of Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis Triggered by COVID-19 Infection.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition. One of the theories for its etiopathogenesis is gastrointestinal infections. Although COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal involvement is also common. We have reported a case of a 28-year-old male who presented with bloody diarrhea, diagnosed with acute severe ulcerative colitis, triggered by COVID-19 infection after known triggers were excluded.

Efficacy of endoscopic over-the-scope clip fixation for preventing migration of self-expandable metal stents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Over-the-scope clips (OTSC), both conventional and Stentfix, are believed to anchor the self-expanding metal (SEMS) and prevent migration. We aimed to systematically study the efficacy of endoscopic OTSC fixation of SEMS in prevention of migration. METHODS: We searched electronic databases from inception to November 11, 2022 to identify studies reporting outcomes of OTSC fixation of metal stents. The primary outcome was to calculate the pooled migration rates following OTSC anchorage of SEMS and to compare it with controls (SEMS without any fixation). The secondary outcomes include technical and clinical success of OTSC anchorage of SEMS. Random effect models were used to determine pooled rates of migration and technical as well as clinical success rates of OTSC anchorage of metal stents. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies were included. The pooled rate of migration following OTSC anchorage of SEMS was 0.10 (95%CI, 0.04-0.20, I2 = 43%). The pooled rate of migration following OTSC anchorage of esophageal SEMS was 0.08 (95%CI, 0.04-0.15, I2 = 0%). The pooled risk ratio of SEMS migration following OTSC Stentfix was lower as compared to no fixation of SEMS [RR = 0.24 (95%CI,0.13- 0.43, I2 = 0)]. The pooled technical success rate of OTSC fixation following SEMS was 0.98 (95%CI, 0.81-1.00, I2 = 0%). The pooled clinical success rate of OTSC fixation following SEMS was 0.79 (95%CI, 0.64-0.88, I2 = 56%). All studies had valid and reliable methods to diagnose migration, technical and clinical success. CONCLUSIONS: The use of OTSC clips (conventional or Stentfix) for anchorage had a lower risk of migration of metal stents than no fixation. Future studies should look into prospective multicenter studies on their use to prevent the migration of SEMS.

Spectrum of viral hepatitis in hospitalized children in western India.

Viral hepatitis is a major public health problem affecting children globally. Clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic illness to hepatitis, and liver failure. Data on clinical features and laboratory parameters were collected and analysed on 300 children, aged 1-12 years, admitted with confirmed viral hepatitis. A small majority (52%) were boys. The mean age of presentation was 6.9 ± 2.8 years with the commonest symptoms being anorexia or vomiting (in 98%), fever (in 89%) and jaundice (in 71.3%). Tender hepatomegaly was seen in 31.7%. Almost all (97.6%) had hepatitis A, though mixed infection (A & E) was seen in 1.7%. Only 8% had serum bilirubin levels >200 µmol/L. Significantly elevated (>20 µkat/L) levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were seen in 19% and 25.3% of cases respectively. Coagulopathy (PT >15 s) was present in 11.0% cases. HAV remains the most common cause of viral hepatitis in children in our environment. Public awareness and universal vaccination should be the focus to prevent morbidity and mortality due to these pathogens.

Placement of a flow diverter-like stent together with coil embolisation for treatment of pancreatic pseudoaneurysm involving the origin of the gastroduodenal artery.

A pancreatic pseudoaneurysm can occur following an attack of pancreatitis. This occurs due to erosion of the pancreatic or peripancreatic artery by the pancreatic enzyme-rich pancreatic secretion pseudocyst. If left untreated, it may cause massive and even fatal haemorrhage. Interventional radiology with coil embolisation of the pseudoaneurysm is the standard of care in such cases. We describe a patient who developed a pseudoaneurysm involving the origin of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA). This was successfully managed by coil embolisation of the pseudoaneurysm along with placement of a flow diverter-like stent in the common hepatic artery across the origin of the GDA leading to exclusion of the diseased segment.

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.

Normal Values of High-resolution Anorectal Manometry of Healthy Indians.

Background/Aims: High-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) measures anal sphincter function and anorectal co-ordination. This study aims to provide normal data for HRAM and evaluate the effect of gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) on anorectal functions in healthy Indian subjects. Methods: HRAM was performed on 93 healthy volunteers using a 20-channel, water-perfused catheter. We evaluated anorectal pressures, rectal sensation, and balloon expulsion time. Measurements were recorded during rest, squeeze, and simulated defecation (push). Results: Median anal resting pressure (88 mmHg vs 94 mmHg, P = NS), anal squeeze pressure (165 mmHg vs 147 mmHg, P = NS) were not significantly different between males and females. Rectal pressure (70 mmHg vs 54 mmHg, P = 0.024) and anal pressure (82 mmHg vs 63 mmHg, P = 0.008) during simulated evacuation without rectal distention, were higher in males. The threshold for the first sensation was lower in females (40 mL vs 30 mL, P = 0.021) but desire to defecate (105 mL vs 90 mL, P = NS) and maximum tolerable volume (160 mL vs 140 mL, P = NS) were not significantly different in males and females. Anal residual pressure (median mmHg 83 vs 71 mmHg, P = 0.025) was higher in subjects < 40 years of age. Maximum anal squeeze pressure (185 mmHg vs 165 mmHg, P = 0.024) and maximum rectal pressure (75 mmHg vs 62 mmHg, P = 0.032) during push higher in BMI < 23 kg/m2. Conclusions: The present study provides normal data for the Indian population that can be used for comparison and further work. Age, gender, and BMI affect anorectal parameters in HRAM and should be considered while reporting.

Spontaneous Ascitic Fluid Infection: Are we Experiencing an Epidemiological shift in Causative Organisms?

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous ascitic fluid infection (SAI) is common in cirrhotic patients leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Third-generation cephalosporins are currently recommended as first-line therapy. This is a retrospective observational study that aims to determine bacterial etiology, susceptibility patterns of SAI, and its correlation with model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on 274 consecutive cases admitted in Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India. Cases of cirrhosis (irrespective of etiology) with ascites between the ages of 18-85 years were included in this study. Ascitic fluid of every patient was aspirated under all aseptic measures and was sent for biochemical, culture, and cytological analysis. RESULTS: Of the 274 patients studied, 34 (12.4%) patients were diagnosed to have SAI. Culture-negative neutrocytic ascites (CNNA) was present in 27 patients, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) was present in six patients, and monomicrobial bacteriascites was seen in one patient. Mean age of patients enrolled was 56.05 ± 2.47 years. Eighty-two percent were males and 18% were females. Alcohol (45.45%) was the leading cause of cirrhosis followed by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) related cirrhosis (26.47.7%) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) related cirrhosis (11.46%) and cryptogenic cirrhosis (8.82%). Average MELD-Na score was 25 and the CTP class C was most common. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most commonly isolated organism followed by Escherichia coli. The various factors that predispose to development of SBP include low ascitic fluid protein concentration, a high level of serum bilirubin, deranged serum creatinine, high Child-Pugh score, and high MELD-Na score. CONCLUSION: Ascitic fluid analysis remains the single most important test for identifying and assessing a course of SBP. Early diagnosis and treatment will reduce the mortality rate in these patients.

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.