The hyperdynamic circulation of chronic liver diseases: from the patient to the molecule

Pulmonary hypertension due to high cardiac output

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is usually associated with a normal or decreased cardiac output (CO). Less commonly, PH can occur in the context of a hyperdynamic circulation, characterized by high CO (>8 L/min) and/or cardiac index ≥4 L/min/m² in the setting of a decreased systemic vascular resistance. PH due to high CO can occur due to multiple conditions and in general remains understudied. In this review article we describe the pathophysiology, etiology, diagnosis, hemodynamic characteristics, and management of PH in the setting of high CO. It is important to recognize this distinct entity as PH tends to improve with treatment of the underlying etiology and PH specific therapies may worsen the hemodynamic state.

Phenolic compounds and extracts from Crotalaria calycina Schrank potentially alleviate pain and inflammation through inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2: An in vivo and molecular dynamics studies

Crotalaria calycina Schrank is a local Bangladeshi plant well-accepted by the tribal population for its medicinal properties. The primary approach of our study was to uncover the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of methanol extract of C. calycina stem in mice model with in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation approach. Phenolic compounds were identified and quantified from the extract through high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) analysis. Writhing assay through injection of acetic acid, licking assay through formalin injection, and finally, hot plate assay was employed to observe the analgesic activity. The carrageenan-induced paw edema model was employed to determine the anti-inflammatory potential of the extract. In silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics were also run to validate the in vivo study results. Eight polyphenolic compounds from the extract were identified and quantified via HPLC-DAD analysis, and (-) epicatechin was most abundantly distributed (87.15 ± 0.24 mg/100 g dry extract). In vivo study revealed that 400 mg/kg dose significantly inhibited (P < 0.01) the writhing response in the writhing assay and demonstrated the highest percent of inhibition of licking (70.67%) in the late part of the licking test. The same extract dose produced the highest (74.71%) percent of maximal effect (% MPE) in the hot plate assay. It demonstrated the highest percent of edema inhibition (68.00%) in the fourth hour of the paw edema assay. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation of (-) epicatechin, caffeic acid, and kaempferol with cyclooxygenase-2 revealed that they have similar interactions to the standard inhibitor celecoxib. These valuable bioactive compounds may induce significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in MECCS. Therefore, based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that C. calycina stem can be a prospect in the medicinal field due to its remarkable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Variability of noninvasive MRI and biological markers in compensated cirrhosis: insights for assessing disease progression

Background

We annually monitored stable compensated cirrhosis (CC) patients to evaluate serial variation in blood serum, liver stiffness, and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) measures to provide reference change values (RCV) and sample size measures for future studies.

Methods

Patients were recruited from a prospectively followed CC cohort, with assessments at baseline and annually over three years. We report on blood markers, transient elastography liver stiffness measures (LSM) and noninvasive mpMRI (volume, T1 mapping, blood flow, perfusion) of the liver, spleen, kidneys, and heart in a stable CC group and a healthy volunteer (HV) group. Coefficient of variation over time (CoV_T) and RCV are reported, along with hazard ratio to assess disease progression. Sample size estimates to power future trials of cirrhosis regression on mpMRI are presented.

Results

Of 60 CC patients enrolled, 28 with stable CC were followed longitudinally and compared to 10 HVs. CoV_T in mpMRI measures was comparable between CC and HV groups. CoV_T of Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score was low (< 5%) compared to Fibrosis-4 index (17.9%) and Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-Platelet-Ratio Index (19.4%). A large CoV_T (20.7%) and RCV (48.3%) were observed for LSM. CoV_T and RCV were low for liver, spleen, and renal T1 values (CoV_T < 5%, RCV < 8%) and volume (CoV_T < 10%, RCV < 16%); haemodynamic measures were high (CoV_T 12–25%, RCV 16–47%).

Conclusions

Evidence of low CoV_T and RCV in multiorgan T1 values. RCV and sample size estimates are provided for future longitudinal multiorgan monitoring in CC patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02037867, Registered: 05/01/2013.

Use of Human Albumin Administration for the Prevention and Treatment of Hyponatremia in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Hyponatremia is a common complication of liver cirrhosis and aggravates patients' outcomes. It may be corrected by human albumin (HA) infusion. Herein, we have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous HA administration for the prevention and treatment of hyponatremia in liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

Literature was searched in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. If possible, a meta-analysis would be conducted. Incidence of hyponatremia, rate of resolution of hyponatremia, and serum sodium level were compared between cirrhotic patients who received and did not receive HA infusion. Odds ratios (ORs) or mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The quality of evidence was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

RESULTS

Initially, 3231 papers were identified. Among them, 30 studies, including 25 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 5 cohort studies, were eligible. Among cirrhotic patients without hyponatremia, the HA infusion group had significantly lower incidence of hyponatremia (OR = 0.55, 95%CI = 0.38-0.80, p = 0.001) and higher serum sodium level (MD = 0.95, 95%CI = 0.47-1.43, p = 0.0001) as compared to the control group. Among cirrhotic patients with hyponatremia, the HA infusion group had a significantly higher rate of resolution of hyponatremia (OR = 1.50, 95%CI = 1.17-1.92, p = 0.001) as compared to the control group. Generally, the quality of available evidence is low.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the current evidence, HA may be considered for preventing the development of hyponatremia in liver cirrhosis, especially in those undergoing LVP, and treating hyponatremia. Well-designed studies are required to clarify the effects of HA infusion on hyponatremia in liver cirrhosis.

Carvedilol reduces the risk of decompensation and mortality in patients with compensated cirrhosis in a competing-risk meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Whether non-selective β-blockers can prevent decompensation of cirrhosis warrants clarification. Carvedilol might be particularly effective since its intrinsic vasodilatory activity may ameliorate hepatic vascular resistance, a major mechanism of portal hypertension in early cirrhosis. We assessed whether carvedilol may prevent decompensation and improve survival in patients with compensated cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH).

METHODS

By systematic review we identified randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) comparing carvedilol vs. control therapy (no-active treatment or endoscopic variceal ligation [EVL]) in patients with cirrhosis and CSPH without previous bleeding. We performed a competing-risk time-to-event meta-analysis using individual patient data (IPD) obtained from principal investigators of RCTs. Only compensated patients were included. Primary outcomes were prevention of decompensation (liver transplantation and death were competing events) and death (liver transplantation was a competing event). Models were adjusted using propensity scores for baseline covariates with the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) approach.

RESULTS

Among 125 full-text studies evaluated, 4 RCTs were eligible. The 4 provided IPD and were included, comprising 352 patients with compensated cirrhosis, 181 treated with carvedilol and 171 controls (79 received EVL and 92 placebo). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Standardized differences were <10% by IPTW. The risk of developing decompensation of cirrhosis was lower with carvedilol than in controls (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 0.506; 95% CI 0.289-0.887; p = 0.017; I2 = 0.0%, Q-statistic-p = 0.880), mainly due to a reduced risk of ascites (SHR 0.491; 95% CI 0.247-0.974; p = 0.042; I2 = 0.0%, Q-statistic-p = 0.384). The risk of death was also lower with carvedilol (SHR 0.417; 95% CI 0.194-0.896; p = 0.025; I2 = 0.0%, Q-statistic-p = 0.989).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term carvedilol therapy reduced decompensation of cirrhosis and significantly improved survival in compensated patients with CSPH. This suggests that screening patients with compensated cirrhosis for CSPH to enable the prompt initiation of carvedilol could improve outcomes.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019144786.

LAY SUMMARY

The transition from compensated cirrhosis to decompensated cirrhosis is associated with markedly reduced life expectancy. Therefore, preventing decompensation in patients with compensated cirrhosis would be associated with greatly improved patient outcomes. There has been controversy regarding the use of non-selective β-blockers (portal pressure-lowering medications) in patients with cirrhosis and elevated portal blood pressure (portal hypertension). Herein, using a competing-risk meta-analysis to optimize sample size and properly investigate cirrhosis as a multistate disease and outcomes as time-dependent events, we show that carvedilol (a non-selective β-blocker) is associated with a reduced risk of decompensating events and improved survival in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Liver stiffness-based model predicts hepatic venous pressure gradient in patients with liver disease

BACKGROUND

The aim was to develop a model to predict clinically significant portal hypertension, hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) ≥10 mmHg using pre-operative noninvasive makers.

METHODS

Patients who have been programmed for liver resection/transplantation were enrolled prospectively. Preoperative liver stiffness measurement (LSM), liver function test (LFT), and intraoperative HVPG were assessed. A probability score model to predict HVPG≥10 mmHg called HVPG₁₀ score was developed and validated.

RESULTS

A total of 161 patients [66% men, median age of 63 years] were recruited for the study. Median LSM, and HVPG were 9.5 kPa, and 5 mmHg respectively. HVPG₁₀ score was developed using independent predictors of HVPG≥10 mmHg in the training set were LSM, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and international normalized ratio. Area under receiver operating curve of HVPG₁₀ score in the training and validation sets were 0.91 and 0.93 respectively with a cutoff of 15. In the overall cohort, HVPG₁₀ score≥15 had 83% accuracy, 90% sensitivity, 81% specificity and 96% negative predictive value in predicting HVPG≥10 mmHg.

CONCLUSION

HVPG₁₀ score is an easy-to-use noninvasive continuous scale tool to rule out clinically significant portal hypertension in >95% patients with chronic liver disease.

Fimbristylis aestivalis Vahl: a potential source of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible enzyme that accelerates the biosynthesis of PGs during inflammation and has emerged as an important therapeutic target for anti-inflammatory drugs. Natural compounds may serve as a source of inspiration for pharmaceutical chemists and a foundation for developing innovative COX-2 inhibitors with fewer side effects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the potent COX-2 inhibitor and anti-inflammatory activity of the Fimbristylis aestivalis whole plant extract (FAWE). The plant extract was found dominant with rosmarinic acid followed by catechin hydrate, syringic acid, rutin hydrate, (-) epicatechin, quercetin, myricetin, and catechol. FAWE exhibited considerable dose-dependent analgesic efficacy in all analgesic test models. FAWE also showed promising anti-inflammatory potential in carrageenan-induced inflammations in mice. This result was corroborated by molecular docking, revealing that the aforesaid natural polyphenols adopt the same orientation as celecoxib in the COX-2 active site. On the other hand, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed between the most abundant components (rosmarinic acid, catechin hydrate, and syringic acid) and COX-2. Based on hydrogen bonding, RMSD, RMSF, radius of gyration, PCA, and Gibbs free energy landscape analysis, the results demonstrated that these compounds are very stable in the active site of COX-2, indicating substantial COX-2 inhibitory activity.

Hepatitis C Infection as a Risk Factor for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases: An EpiTer Multicenter Study

Hepatitis C infection is one of the main reasons for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In recent years, more and more is being heard about extrahepatic manifestations of the hepatitis C infection including its possible influence on the development of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. In the given work, the frequency analysis of the incidence of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases among 2898 HCV-infected patients treated in Poland and the assessment of their relevance to the HCV genotype and the progression of liver fibrosis can be found. The prevalence of hypertension in the group of analyzed patients was 39% and was significantly associated with old age (OR = 1.08 (1.07-1.08)) and female sex, as well as the progression of liver fibrosis (OR = 1.54 (1.29-1.85)). Hypertension was found in 47.6% of patients with F4 fibrosis, 42.1% of patients with F3 fibrosis, and 25% of patients with F1 fibrosis. The incidence of cardiovascular disease in the studied group of patients was as follows: all incidents, 131 (4.52%); including ischemic heart disease 104, (3.95%); stroke, 2 (0.07%); atherosclerosis, 21 (0.72%); and aneurysms, 4 (0.14%). The obtained results prove that the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is significantly associated with the advanced age of patients and the progression of liver fibrosis. The relevance of sex and the HCV genotype to the prevalence frequency of cardiovascular diseases in the study group has not been proven. This being the case, no differences in the frequency of their incidence depending on the HCV genotype, including genotype 3, was found. Hepatitis C infection as a non-classical risk factor for cardiovascular disease and hypertension does require further studying.

Hydroxocobalamin for treatment of catecholamine-resistant vasoplegia during liver transplantation: A single-center series of 20 cases

Introduction

Catecholamine-resistant vasoplegia is a potentially devastating complication during liver transplantation. Hydroxocobalamin has emerged as a treatment for vasoplegia associated with cardiac surgery, liver transplantation, and septic shock.

Presentation of case

We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent liver transplantation between October 2015 and May 2020 to evaluate the efficiency of hydroxocobalamin in this setting.

Discussion

A total of 137 patients underwent liver transplantation, of which 20 received hydroxocobalamin for vasoplegia. Administration of hydroxocobalamin increased mean arterial pressure and reduced vasoactive drug requirements.

Conclusion

This case series adds to the previous individual reports describing the use of hydroxocobalamin during liver transplantation suggesting hydroxocobalamin can mitigate refractory hypotension from catecholamine resistant vasoplegia during liver transplantation.

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Hypotension or vasoplegia is commonly encountered in end-stage liver disease.

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Vasoplegia during liver transplant is a common and potentially devastating condition.

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Hydroxocobalamin has been reported to improve catecholamine resistant vasoplegia.

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Hydroxocobalamin is believed to work by scavenging gasotransmitters NO, CO, and H₂S.

Femoral Pulse Pressure Variation Is Not Interchangeable with Radial Pulse Pressure Variation during Living Donor Liver Transplantation

The radial artery is commonly used as the site measuring pulse pressure variation (PPV) during surgery. Accurate measurement of circulating blood volume and timely interventions to maintain optimal circulating blood volume is important to deliver sufficient oxygen to tissues and organs. It has not rather than never studied in patients undergoing liver transplantation whether PPV measured at peripheral sites, such as the radial artery, do represent central PPV for evaluating blood volume. In this retrospective study, 51 liver transplant recipients were enrolled. The two PPVs had been automatically recorded every minute in electrical medical records. A total 1878 pairs of the two PPVs were collected. The interchangeability of PPV measured at the radial and the femoral artery was analyzed by using the Bland−Altman plot, four-quadrant plot, Cohen’s kappa (k), and receiver operating curve. The bias and limits of agreement of the two PPVs were −1.3% and −8.8% to 6.2%, respectively. The percentage error was 75%. The concordance rate was 65%. The Kappa of PPV-radial determining whether PPV-femoral was >13% or ≤13% was 0.64. We found that PPV-radial is not interchangeable with PPV-femoral during liver transplantation. Additionally, PPV-radial failed to reliably track changes of PPV-femoral. Lastly, the clinical decision regarding blood volume status (depletion or not) is significantly different between the two PPVs. Therefore, PPV-femoral may help maintain blood volume circulating to major organs including the newly transplanted liver graft for liver transplant recipients.

The role of endoscopic ultrasound for portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis

Chronic liver disease is still a major problem because disease progression will ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis. Portal hypertension is the hallmark in advanced liver disease management. By establishing portal vein access, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been utilized in various clinical applications. In comparison to standard upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, EUS-Doppler has been shown to be a better modality for detecting esophageal and gastric varices along with peri-esophageal collateral veins, para-esophageal collateral veins, and perforating veins, and may be used to objectively predict the recurrence of bleeding. EUS-guided portal vein catheterization has also been proposed to overcome the limitations of trans-jugular approaches. The combination of EUS-elastography and azygos vein evaluation can also enhance the diagnostic accuracy of each modality. Another well-known implementation of EUS-guided procedures is in the management of ascites; particularly in paracentesis and ascitic fluid analysis. In addition, the most common clinical application of EUS in the treatment of portal hypertension is through vascular therapy or creation of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts. Major drawbacks of EUS mainly revolve around technical difficulties, the high cost of the procedure, as well as the requirement of more studies in humans to evaluate EUS-guided advanced therapeutic modalities in portal hypertension.

Frailty as Tested by the Clinical Frailty Scale Is a Risk Factor for Hepatorenal Syndrome in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

INTRODUCTION

Frailty is common in patients with cirrhosis and increases the vulnerability to internal and external stressors. This study aimed to investigate the impact of frailty, as defined by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), on the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS-AKI) in hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

We analyzed data of 201 nonelectively hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and without higher-grade chronic kidney disease. Patient characteristics were captured within the first 24 hours of hospital admission, and frailty was assessed using the CFS. Patients were followed for the development of AKI and/or HRS-AKI during the hospital stay.

RESULTS

In the total cohort, median CFS was 3 (interquartile range 3-4), and 34 (16.9%) patients were frail (CFS >4). During the hospital stay, 110 (54.7%) and 49 (24.3%) patients developed AKI or HRS-AKI, respectively. Patients with AKI or HRS-AKI had a significantly higher CFS than patients without kidney injury (P < 0.001 each). In multivariable analyses, a higher CFS was independently associated with the development of AKI (odds ratio [OR] 1.467, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.065-2.021) in the total cohort and HRS-AKI (OR 1.809, 95% CI 1.263-2.591) in the subcohort of patients with a history of ascites. In addition, there was a strong association between frailty (OR 3.717, 95% CI 1.456-9.491) and HRS-AKI.

DISCUSSION

Frailty in patients with cirrhosis is associated with AKI and HRS-AKI. In this context, CFS appears to be a reliable tool to identify patients at high risk for developing AKI or HRS-AKI on hospital admission.

The severity of portal hypertension by a non-invasive assessment: acoustic structure quantification analysis of liver parenchyma

Background

Acoustic structure quantification (ASQ) has been applied to evaluate liver histologic changes by analyzing the speckle pattern seen on B-mode ultrasound. We aimed to assess the severity of portal hypertension (PHT) through hepatic ultrasonography.

Methods

Sixty patients diagnosed with PHT and underwent surgical treatment with portosystemic shunts were enrolled. Portal pressure (PP) was measured intraoperatively. Patients were divided into subgroups according to the severity of gastroesophageal varices and Child–Pugh class. Three difference ratio (C_m²) values on ASQ histogram mode were analyzed for their relationships with PP, degree of gastroesophageal varices and Child–Pugh liver function. Thirty healthy volunteers matched with the patients for gender and age were enrolled as controls. Comparisons among groups and correlation of the parameters with PP were analyzed. Area under the receive operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predicting value of ASQ parameters.

Results

In the patients, the ASQ parameters peak C_m² (C_m²_max), mean C_m² (C_m²_mean) and the highest occurred C_m² value of the obtained red curve (R_maxC_m²) were all greatly increased (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, P = 0.027). Multiple comparisons indicated that, regardless of Child–Pugh class and degree of gastroesophageal varices, the patients had significantly increased C_m²_max and C_m²_mean compared with the controls (all P < 0.0001). No differences among subgroups were observed. C_m²_max was significantly statistically correlated with PP (r = 0.3505, P < 0.01), degree of varices (r = 0.4998, P < 0.0001). Youden’s index for C_m²_max with a cut-off value of 140.3 for predicting the presence of PHT, gastroesophageal varices and liver function equal to or worse than Child–Pugh class B were 0.8, 0.91 and 0.84, respectively.

Conclusions

ASQ analysis of ultrasonographic images may have a role in the evaluation of the severity of PHT by detecting liver histologic changes in the speckle pattern caused by cirrhosis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12880-022-00817-2.

Hepatorenal Syndrome: Pathophysiology

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is defined as a functional renal failure without major histologic changes in individuals with severe liver disease and it is associated with a high mortality rate. Renal hypoperfusion due to marked vasoconstriction as a result of complex circulatory dysfunction has been suggested to be the cornerstone of HRS. Splanchnic and peripheral arterial vasodilation and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy result in effective arterial hypovolemia and compensatory activation of vasoconstrictor mechanisms. The efficacy of current therapeutic strategies targeting this circulatory dysfunction is limited. Increasing evidence suggests a substantial role of systemic inflammation in HRS via either vascular or direct renal effects. Here we summarize the current understanding of HRS pathophysiology.

Physiological roles of hydrogen sulfide in mammalian cells, tissues and organs

H2S belongs to the class of molecules known as gasotransmitters, which also includes nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). Three enzymes are recognized as endogenous sources of H2S in various cells and tissues: cystathionine g-lyase (CSE), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST). The current article reviews the regulation of these enzymes as well as the pathways of their enzymatic and non-enzymatic degradation and elimination. The multiple interactions of H2S with other labile endogenous molecules (e.g. NO) and reactive oxygen species are also outlined. The various biological targets and signaling pathways are discussed, with special reference to H2S and oxidative posttranscriptional modification of proteins, the effect of H2S on channels and intracellular second messenger pathways, the regulation of gene transcription and translation and the regulation of cellular bioenergetics and metabolism. The pharmacological and molecular tools currently available to study H2S physiology are also reviewed, including their utility and limitations. In subsequent sections, the role of H2S in the regulation of various physiological and cellular functions is reviewed. The physiological role of H2S in various cell types and organ systems are overviewed. Finally, the role of H2S in the regulation of various organ functions is discussed as well as the characteristic bell-shaped biphasic effects of H2S. In addition, key pathophysiological aspects, debated areas, and future research and translational areas are identified A wide array of significant roles of H2S in the physiological regulation of all organ functions emerges from this review.

The Impact of Malnutrition on the Hospital and Infectious Outcomes of Patients Admitted With Alcoholic Hepatitis: 2011 to 2017 Analysis of US Hospitals

GOALS

We specifically evaluate the effect of malnutrition on the infection risks of patients admitted with alcoholic hepatitis using a national registry of hospitalized patients in the United States.

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is a common manifestation of alcoholic hepatitis that affects patient outcomes.

STUDY

2011 to 2017 National Inpatient Sample was used to isolated patients with alcoholic hepatitis, stratified using malnutrition (protein-calorie malnutrition, sarcopenia, and weight loss/cachexia) and matched using age, gender, and race with 1:1 nearest neighbor matching method. Endpoints included mortality and infectious endpoints.

RESULTS

After matching, there were 10,520 with malnutrition and 10,520 malnutrition-absent controls. Mortality was higher in the malnutrition cohort [5.02 vs. 2.29%, P<0.001, odds ratio (OR): 2.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.93-2.63], as were sepsis (14.2 vs. 5.46, P<0.001, OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 2.60-3.18), pneumonia (10.9 vs. 4.63%, P<0.001, OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 2.25-2.81), urinary tract infection (14.8 vs. 9.01%, P<0.001, OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.61-1.91), cellulitis (3.17 vs. 2.18%, P<0.001, OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.24-1.74), cholangitis (0.52 vs. 0.20%, P<0.001, OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.59-4.35), and Clostridium difficile infection (1.67 vs. 0.91%, P<0.001, OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.44-2.37). In multivariate models, malnutrition was associated with mortality [P<0.001, adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.61, 95% CI: 1.37-1.90] and infectious endpoints: sepsis (P<0.001, aOR: 2.42, 95% CI: 2.18-2.69), pneumonia (P<0.001, aOR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.96-2.46), urinary tract infection (P<0.001, aOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.53-1.84), cellulitis (P<0.001, aOR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.22-1.74), cholangitis (P=0.002, aOR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.36-3.80), and C. difficile infection (P<0.001, aOR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.46-2.44).

CONCLUSION

This study shows the presence of malnutrition is an independent risk factor of mortality and local/systemic infections in patients admitted with alcoholic hepatitis.

Study of the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) C(+405)G (rs2010963) single nucleotide polymorphism on the development of esophageal and gastric varices and risk of variceal bleeding in cirrhotic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients (VEGF) C(+405)G IN esophageal and gastric varices

Background

HCV infection is a major worldwide cause of chronic liver diseases. Esophageal and gastric varices are common in cirrhotic patients due to concomitant portal hypertension. Variceal hemorrhage is a major decompensating event with high morbidity and mortality. Endothelial dysfunction, occurring in cirrhosis, facilitates the development of liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension and contributes to increased intrahepatic vascular resistance..VEGF family members are major regulators of blood vessel development and function.

Results

The study was conducted on 90 subjects admitted to Tropical Medicine Department, Alexandria Main University Hospital: 30 cirrhotic patients with endoscopically proven varices (group A), 30 cirrhotic patients without varices (group B), and 30 healthy controls (group C). All patients was subjected to detailed history taking and thorough clinical examination, laboratory investigations, ultrasound abdomen, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and genotyping for VEGF C(+405)G (rs2010963) by 5′ nuclease assay. The VEGF C(+405)G (rs2010963) GG genotype was associated with higher prevalence of esophageal and gastric varices and higher bleeding risk.

Conclusion

VEGF C(+405)G (rs2010963) is an important genetic determinant of esophageal varices, gastric varices, and correlates with variceal bleeding risk. Genetic testing of this SNP would be useful in prediction of esophageal and gastric varices and bleeding risk.

Plasma Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Is a Promising Biomarker of Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

Introduction: Despite intensive research, reliable blood-derived parameters to detect clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) in patients with cirrhosis are lacking. As altered homeostasis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), the central mediator of vasodilatation, is an essential factor in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension, the aim of our study was to evaluate plasma cGMP as potential biomarker of cirrhotic portal hypertension. Methods: Plasma cGMP was analyzed in cirrhotic patients with CSPH (ascites, n = 39; esophageal varices, n = 31), cirrhotic patients without CSPH (n = 21), patients with chronic liver disease without cirrhosis (n = 11) and healthy controls (n = 8). cGMP was evaluated as predictor of CSPH using logistic regression models. Further, the effect of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement on plasma cGMP was investigated in a subgroup of cirrhotic patients (n = 13). Results: Plasma cGMP was significantly elevated in cirrhotic patients with CSPH compared to cirrhotic patients without CSPH [78.1 (67.6-89.2) pmol/ml vs. 39.1 (35.0-45.3) pmol/l, p < 0.001]. Of note, this effect was consistent in the subgroup of patients with esophageal varices detected at screening endoscopy who had no prior manifestations of portal hypertension (p < 0.001). Cirrhotic patients without CSPH displayed no significant elevation of plasma cGMP compared to patients without cirrhosis (p = 0.347) and healthy controls (p = 0.200). Regression analyses confirmed that cGMP was an independent predictor of CSPH (OR 1.042, 95% CI 1.008-1.078, p = 0.016). Interestingly, portal decompression by TIPS implantation did not lead to normalization of plasma cGMP levels (p = 0.101). Conclusions: Plasma cGMP is a promising biomarker of CSPH in patients with cirrhosis, especially with respect to screening for esophageal varices. The lacking normalization of plasma cGMP after portal decompression suggests that elevated plasma cGMP in cirrhotic portal hypertension is mainly a correlate of systemic and splanchnic vasodilatation, as these alterations have been shown to persist after TIPS implantation.

A Prospective Study of Prevalence and Predictors of Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy and Its Role in Development of Hepatorenal Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a term used to collectively describe abnormal structural and functional changes in heart of patients with cirrhosis. The present study was undertaken to find the prevalence of CCM in patients with liver cirrhosis and its predictors. We also followed these patients to evaluate the role of CCM in the development of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS).

MATERIALS & METHODS

This was a prospective study carried out in department of Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram hospital, New Delhi. A total of 104 patients with liver cirrhosis were included. Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed on basis of clinical, biochemical, and imaging features. CCM was defined based on echocardiography. Dobutamine stress echocardiography and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) were performed in patients who gave consent. HRS was defined as per standard criteria. Patients with CCM were followed for development of HRS.

RESULTS

Fifty (48%) patients were diagnosed with CCM. All patients had diastolic dysfunction, and none had systolic dysfunction. Median age of patients with CCM was significantly higher (59 [31-78 y] vs. 52 [24-70 y], P < 0.05). Severity of liver disease (Child Turcotte Pugh score and model for end-stage liver disease score) and portal pressures (HVPG) did not differ in patients with or without CCM. Patients with CCM did not have increased incidence of HRS at the end of 6-month follow-up study.

CONCLUSION

The presence of CCM was not related with the severity of liver dysfunction or portal pressures. Age was a significant determinant of CCM. Diastolic cardiac dysfunction does not influence the occurrence of HRS.

Historical Aspects of Ascites and the Hepatorenal Syndrome

Content available: Author Interview and Audio Recording.

Usefulness of diffusion derived vessel density computed from a simplified IVIM imaging protocol: An experimental study with rat biliary duct blockage induced liver fibrosis

OBJECTIVES

Liver vessel density can be evaluated by DDVD (diffusion derived vessel density): DDVD_(b0b1) = Sb0/ROIarea0 - Sb1/ROIarea1, where Sb0 and Sb1 refer to the liver signal when b is 0 or 1 s/mm². Sb1 and ROIarea1 may be replaced by other b-values. With a rat biliary duct ligation (BDL) model, this study assesses the usefulness of liver DDVD computed from a simplified IVIM imaging protocol using b = 25 and b = 50 to replace b = 1 s/mm², alone and in combination with other IVIM parameters.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rat number was 5, 5, 5, and 3 respectively, for the timepoints of 7, 14, 21, 28 days post-BDL surgery. 12 rats had partial biliary duct recanalization performed after the rats had BDL for 7 days and then again followed-up for a mean of 14 days. Liver diffusion MRIs were acquired at 3.0 T with a b-value distribution of 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 300, 700, 1000 s/mm². DDVD_mean (control rats n = 6) was the mean of DDVD_(b0b25) and DDVD_(b0b50). IVIM fitting started from b = 0 s/mm² with segmented fitting and a threshold b of 50 s/mm² (n = 5 for control rats). Three 3-D spaces were constructed using a combination of the four diffusion parameters.

RESULTS

The control rats and BDL rats (n = 18) had a liver DDVD_mean of 84.0 ± 26.2 and 44.7 ± 14.4 au/pixel (p < 0.001). All 3-D spaces totally separated healthy livers and all fibrotic livers (n = 30, BDL rats and recanalization rats). The mean relative distance between healthy liver cluster and fibrotic liver cluster was 0.331 for PF, D_slow, and D_fast; 0.381 for PF, D_fast, and DDVD_mean; and 0.384 for PF, D_slow, and DDVD_mean.

CONCLUSION

A combination of PF, D_slow, and D_fast allows total separation of healthy livers and fibrotic livers and the integration of DDVD improved the separation.

[Diagnosis and Management of Esophageal and Gastric Variceal Bleeding: Focused on 2019 KASL Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis]

Varices are a frequent complication of liver cirrhosis and a major cause of mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis complications have a poor prognosis and require careful management. Portal hypertension is the most common complication of liver cirrhosis, which is the key determinant for varices development. Increased intrahepatic vascular resistance to portal flow leads to the development of portal hypertension. Collateral vessels develop at the communication site between the systemic and portal circulation with the progression of portal hypertension. Varices are the representative collaterals, develop gradually with the progression of portal hypertension and may eventually rupture. Variceal bleeding is a major consequence of portal hypertension and causes the death of cirrhotic patients. The present paper reviews the latest knowledge regarding the diagnosis and management of esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding.

Chemical, biological and protein-receptor binding profiling of Bauhinia scandens L. stems provide new insights into the management of pain, inflammation, pyrexia and thrombosis

Bauhinia scandens L. (Family, Fabaceae) is a medicinal plant used for conventional and societal medication in Ayurveda. The present study has been conducted to screen the chemical, pharmacological and biochemical potentiality of the methanol extracts of B. scandens stems (MEBS) along with its related fractions including carbon tetrachloride (CTBS), di-chloromethane (DMBS) and n-butanol (BTBS). UPLC-QTOF-MS has been implemented to analyze the chemical compounds of the methanol extracts of Bauhinia scandens stems. Additionally, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects were performed by following the acetic acid-induced writhing test and formalin-mediated paw licking test in the mice model. The antipyretic investigation was performed by Brewer Yeast induced pyrexia method. The clot lysis method was implemented to screen the thrombolytic activity in human serum. Besides, the in silico study was performed for the five selected chemical compounds of Bauhinia scandens, found by UPLC-QTOF-MS By using Discover Studio 2020, UCSF Chimera, PyRx autodock vina and online tools. The MEBS and its fractions exhibited remarkable inhibition in dose dependant manner in the antinociceptive and antiinflammatory investigations. The antipyretic results of MEBS and DMBS were close to the standard drug indomethacin. Investigation of the thrombolytic effect of MEBS, CTBS, DMBS, and BTBS revealed notable clot-lytic potentials. Besides, the phenolic compounds of the plant extracts revealed strong binding affinity to the COX-1, COX-2, mPGES-1 and plasminogen activator enzymes. To recapitulate, based on the research work, Bauhinia scandens L. stem and its phytochemicals can be considered as prospective wellsprings for novel drug development and discovery by future researchers.

Outcomes and potential surrogate markers for future clinical trials of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis has emerged as a major public health problem, and the burden of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis is projected to increase by 64%-156% by 2030. The threat is aggravated by the fact that are currently no approved drugs for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In this paper, we review the main challenges to drug development in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis, and describe the opportunities brought by the advances in the understanding of the clinical and pathophysiological nuances of cirrhosis. The design of therapeutic regimens for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis will vary according to the specific cirrhosis substage (compensated vs decompensated), and the specific mechanistic basis of therapy, targeted either at improving aetiology-specific pathways and/or at more general aetiology-agnostic processes. The understanding of the probabilistic expectations for the whole range of potential outcomes, rooted at different mechanistic drivers at each specific substage, will be essential in order to choose adequate estimands and therapeutic strategies for clinical trials and individual patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis. Finally, we provide a summary of the main pitfalls and uncertainties in the design of clinical trials for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis and discuss potential biomarkers for use in trials and practice for these patients.

Portal Hypertension and Ascites: Patient-and Population-centered Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF)

Portal hypertension and ascites are two crucial events in the natural history of liver cirrhosis, whose appearance marks a downward shift in the prognosis of the disease. Over the years, several international and national societies have issued clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of portal hypertension and ascites. The present document addresses the needs of an updated guidance on the clinical management of these conditions. Accordingly, the AISF Governing Board appointed a multi-disciplinary committee of experts for drafting an update of the most recent EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines. The aim of this work was to adapt the EASL recommendations to national regulations and resources, local circumstances and settings, infrastructure, and cost/benefit strategies to avoid duplication of efforts and optimize resource utilization. The committee defined the objectives, the key issues and retrieved the relevant evidence by performing a systematic review of the literature. Finally, the committee members (chosen on the basis of their specific expertise) identified the guidelines' key questions and developed them following the PICO format (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes). For each of the PICO questions, the systematic review of the literature was made on the most important scientific databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Embase).

Nomogram for predicting pathologic complete response after transarterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

The pathologic responses to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are heterogeneous and result in disparate outcomes. The study aimed to establish and validate an effective nomogram for predicting pathologic complete response (PCR) after TACE.

Methods

We analyzed the clinicopathologic characteristics of HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy following TACE. Variables with statistical significance in a multivariate logistic regression analysis were incorporated in the nomogram.

Results

We detected PCR in 64 (50.4%) patients in the training cohort and 18 (37.5%) patients in the validation cohort. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression revealed that hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA load (P=0.031), α-fetoprotein (AFP, P=0.040), maximum tumor diameter (P=0.003), preoperative TACE session (P=0.026), and modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) complete response (P=0.030) were identified as significant predictors of PCR. Incorporating these 5 factors, a nomogram was developed which attained concordance indexes of 0.80 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72–0.87] and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.68–0.95) for predicting PCR in the training and validation cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions

The easy-to-use nomogram achieved a good post-TACE prediction of PCR in HCC patients. Using the model, patients who would benefit most from TACE could be identified, and the subsequent appropriate procedures could be guided accordingly.

Splenic Rhythms and Postprandial Dynamics in Physiology, Portal Hypertension, and Functional Hyposplenism: A Review

BACKGROUND

Before the discovery of immunological and haematological functions of the spleen, it had for centuries been considered to be a digestive organ of variable size with a role in the portal vein system and nutritional metabolism. In the 19th and 20th centuries, volume changes in the spleen related to nutrition were studied using plethysmographic measurements. Rhythmical and regulatory functions of the spleen were demonstrated in the haemodynamics of the splanchnic region and were described as a "hepatolienal pendulum," a "Windkessel function," or a "pressure compensation." These studies were mainly published in German-speaking countries and have not, as far as is known, been discussed in the English-speaking world so far.

SUMMARY

This review explores the historical development of the rhythmical regulatory function of the spleen in the splanchnic region. Older studies and results are followed up in the modern literature, wherever possible, up to the present. The clinical relevance is illustrated with portal hypertension (with congestive or hyperdynamic splenomegaly), coeliac disease, and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (with functional hyposplenism). Key Message: The spleen's rhythmical regulatory function in nutrition is based on an autonomous rhythm comprising cycles of contractions and dilations of the spleen of around 1 min. These cycles can be influenced by sympathetically mediated single contractions with a release of pooled blood or by portal vein congestion. After food ingestion, the spleen responds either with contraction according to a vasomotor reaction or postprandial congestion with significant increases in volume. The spleen's rhythmical function is lost in the clinical picture of portal hypertension or in coeliac disease and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. In the aforementioned gastrointestinal diseases, we recommend taking more account of the haemodynamics between the spleen, liver, and intestine. New innovative techniques for recording splenograms are required which, besides elastographic measurements of spleen stiffness, could offer an important tool for early detection, diagnosis, and therapeutic evaluation.

Portal hypertension in cirrhosis: Pathophysiological mechanisms and therapy

Portal hypertension, defined as increased pressure in the portal vein, develops as a consequence of increased intrahepatic vascular resistance due to the dysregulation of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), frequently arising from chronic liver diseases. Extrahepatic haemodynamic changes contribute to the aggravation of portal hypertension. The pathogenic complexity of portal hypertension and the unsuccessful translation of preclinical studies have impeded the development of effective therapeutics for patients with cirrhosis, while counteracting hepatic and extrahepatic mechanisms also pose a major obstacle to effective treatment. In this review article, we will discuss the following topics: i) cellular and molecular mechanisms of portal hypertension, focusing on dysregulation of LSECs, HSCs and hepatic microvascular thrombosis, as well as changes in the extrahepatic vasculature, since these are the major contributors to portal hypertension; ii) translational/clinical advances in our knowledge of portal hypertension; and iii) future directions.

Liver Transplantation in Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure

Liver transplantation (LT) has revolutionized outcomes for cirrhotic patients. Current liver allocation policies dictate patients with highest short-term mortality receive the highest priority, thus, several patients become increasingly ill on the waitlist. Given cirrhosis is a progressive disease, it can be complicated by the occurrence of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), a syndrome defined by an acute deterioration of liver function associated with extrahepatic organ failures requiring intensive care support and a high short-term mortality. Successfully bridging to transplant includes accurate prognostication and prioritization of ACLF patients awaiting LT, optimizing intensive care support pre-LT, and tailoring immunosuppressive and anti-infective therapies post-LT. Furthermore, predicting futility (too sick to undergo LT) in ACLF is challenging. In this review, we summarize the role of LT in ACLF specifically highlighting (a) current prognostic scores in ACLF, (b) critical care management of the ACLF patient awaiting LT, (c) donor issues to consider in transplant in ACLF, and (d) exploring of recent post-LT outcomes in ACLF and potential opportunities to improve outcomes including current care gaps and unmet research needs.

Acute kidney injury and hepatorenal syndrome in cirrhosis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in cirrhosis, including hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), is a common and serious complication in cirrhotic patients, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. AKI is separated into two categories, non-HRS AKI and HRS-AKI. The most recent definition and diagnostic criteria of AKI in cirrhosis and HRS have helped diagnose and prognosticate the disease. The pathophysiology behind non-HRS-AKI and HRS is more complicated than once theorized and involves more processes than just splanchnic vasodilation. The common biomarkers clinicians use to assess kidney injury have significant limitations in cirrhosis patients; novel biomarkers being studied have shown promise but require further studies in clinical settings and animal models. The overall management of non-HRS AKI and HRS-AKI requires a systematic approach. Although pharmacological treatments have shown mortality benefit, the ideal HRS treatment option is liver transplantation with or without simultaneous kidney transplantation. Further research is required to optimize pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to treatment. This article reviews the current guidelines and recommendations of AKI in cirrhosis.

New clinical and pathophysiological perspectives defining the trajectory of cirrhosis

Traditionally, the complications of cirrhosis, namely variceal bleeding, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, were thought to result predominantly from circulatory dysfunction and altered organ perfusion arising as a result of portal hypertension. Over the past 20 years, large, international prospective studies have indicated the importance of systemic inflammation and organ immunopathology as additional determinants of organ dysfunction in cirrhosis, which not only manifests in the liver, brain, circulation and the kidneys, but also the immune system, gut, muscles, adrenal glands, reproductive organs, heart and lungs. This review provides an overview of the traditional and emerging concepts around the initiation and maintenance of organ dysfunction in cirrhosis and proposes a new paradigm based upon a better understanding of acute decompensation of cirrhosis. The interaction between the traditional concepts and the emerging perspectives remains a matter of great interest and the basis for future research.

Pathophysiology of decompensated cirrhosis: Portal hypertension, circulatory dysfunction, inflammation, metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction

Patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis have a dismal prognosis and frequently progress to acute-on-chronic liver failure, which is characterised by hepatic and extrahepatic organ failure(s). The pathomechanisms involved in decompensation and disease progression are still not well understood, and as specific disease-modifying treatments do not exist, research to identify novel therapeutic targets is of the utmost importance. This review amalgamates the latest knowledge on disease mechanisms that lead to tissue injury and extrahepatic organ failure - such as systemic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and metabolic changes - and marries these with the classical paradigms of acute decompensation to form a single paradigm. With this detailed breakdown of pathomechanisms, we identify areas for future research. Novel disease-modifying strategies that break the vicious cycle are urgently required to improve patient outcomes.

Diagnostic accuracy of the attenuation value in abdominal contrast enhanced dynamic multi-detector-row computed tomography for esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis

Purpose

To investigate whether the attenuation value obtained by subtracting the CT value obtained from abdominal dynamic contrast enhanced (ADCE)-MDCT imaging of the equilibrium phase from the value obtained from that of the portal phase in hepatic parenchyma is useful in distinguishing normal liver from liver cirrhosis (LC) and to predict the development of esophageal varices (EVs) in patients with LC.

Materials and methods

We assigned 72 outpatients to group A (n = 45; normal liver) and group B (n = 27; LC), who underwent ADCE-MDCT. The attenuation value and CT value of the hepatic parenchymal portal and equilibrium phase were compared, and the correlation between attenuation value and biomarkers (ALB, T-bil, PLT, FIB-4, APRI, and AAR) was investigated. Furthermore, we investigated differences in the attenuation value, FIB-4, APRI, and AAR between the two subgroups of group B [without EVs (group a) and with EVs (group b)]. We performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of the attenuation value, FIB-4, APRI, and, AAR for subgroup a vs b and evaluated the diagnostic accuracy.

Results

Significant differences were observed between groups A and B in all items. The attenuation value correlated with ALB, T-bil, PLT, FIB-4, and APRI. Only attenuation value showed a significant difference between groups a and b. The best cut-off attenuation value, FIB-4, APRI, and AAR for predicting EVs, according to ROC analysis was 13.4 HU, 6.8, 1.9, and 1.5.

Conclusions

Attenuation value can be useful to quantitatively classify normal liver and LC and to predict EVs in patients with LC.

Monitoring Renal Function and Therapy of Hepatorenal Syndrome Patients with Cirrhosis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in patients with cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis can develop AKI due to different causes. Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a unique cause of AKI occurring in patients with advanced cirrhosis and is associated with high short-term mortality. The differential diagnosis between different causes of AKI may be challenging. In this regard, new urine biomarkers may be helpful. Liver transplantation is the definitive treatment of patients with HRS-AKI. Vasoconstrictors and albumin represent the first-line pharmacologic treatment of HRS-AKI. This review summarizes current knowledge for the diagnosis and management of HRS in cirrhosis.

Management of portal hypertension based on portal hemodynamics

Portal hypertension is most commonly caused by chronic liver disease. As liver damage progresses, portal pressure gradually elevates and hemodynamics of the portal system gradually change. In normal liver, venous returns from visceral organs join the portal trunk and flow into the liver (hepatopetal blood flow). As portal pressure increases due to liver damage, congestion of some veins of the visceral organ occurs (blood flow to and from). Finally, the direction of some veins (the left gastric vein in particular) of the visceral organ change (hepatofugal blood flow) and develop as collateral veins (portosystemic shunt) to reduce portal pressure. Therefore, esophagogastric varices serve as drainage veins for the portal venous system to reduce the portal pressure. In chronic liver disease, as intrahepatic vascular resistance is increased (backward flow theory) and collateral veins develop, adequate portal hypertension is required to maintain portal flow into the liver through an increase of blood flow into the portal venous system (forward flow theory). Splanchnic and systemic arterial vasodilatations increase the blood flow into the portal venous system (hyperdynamic state) and lead to portal hypertension and collateral formation. Hyperdynamic state, especially around the spleen, is detected in patients with portal hypertension. The spleen is a regulatory organ that maintains portal flow into the liver. In this review, surgical treatment, interventional radiology, endoscopic treatment, and pharmacotherapy for portal hypertension (esophagogastric varices in particular) are described based on the portal hemodynamics using schema.

Angiogenesis in the progression from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and hepatocelluar carcinoma

Introduction: Persistent inflammation and hypoxia are strong stimulus for pathological angiogenesis and vascular remodeling, and are also the most important elements resulting in liver fibrosis. Sustained inflammatory process stimulates fibrosis to the end-point of cirrhosis and sinusoidal portal hypertension is an important feature of cirrhosis. Neovascularization plays a pivotal role in collateral circulation formation of portal vein, mesenteric congestion, and high perfusion. Imbalance of hepatic artery and portal vein blood flow leads to the increase of hepatic artery inflow, which is beneficial to the formation of nodules. Angiogenesis contributes to progression from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and anti-angiogenesis therapy can improve liver fibrosis, reduce portal pressure, and prolong overall survival of patients with HCC. Areas covers: This paper will try to address the difference of the morphological characteristics and mechanisms of neovascularization in the process from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and HCC and further compare the different efficacy of anti-angiogenesis therapy in these three stages. Expert opinion: More in-depth understanding of the role of angiogenesis factors and the relationship between angiogenesis and other aspects of the pathogenesis and transformation may be the key to enabling future progress in the treatment of patients with liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC.

Systemic Artery Vasoconstrictor Therapy in Fontan Patients with High Cardiac Output-Heart Failure: A Single-Center Experience

Failed Fontan Patients with high cardiac output (CO) heart failure (HF) might have vasodilatory syndrome and markedly high mortality rates. The aim of this study was to review the clinical effects of vasoconstrictor therapy (VCT) for failed Fontan hemodynamics. We retrospectively reviewed 10 consecutive patients with Fontan failure (median age, 33 years) and high CO-HF who had received VCT. The hemodynamics were characterized by high central venous pressure (CVP: median, 16 mm Hg), low systolic blood pressure (median, 83 mm Hg), low systemic vascular resistance (median, 8.8 U·m²), high cardiac index (median, 4.6 L/min/m²), and low arterial oxygen saturation (median, 89%). VCT included intravenous noradrenaline infusion for five unstable patients, oral midodrine administration for nine stable patients, and both for four patients. After VCT introduction with a median interval of 1.7 months, the median systolic blood pressure (102 mm Hg, p = 0.004), arterial oxygen saturation (90%, p = 0.03), and systemic vascular resistance (12.1 U·m², p = 0.13) increased without significant changes in CVP or cardiac index. After a median follow-up of 21 months, the number of readmissions per year decreased from 4 (1-11) to 1 (0-9) (p = 0.25), and there were no VCT-related complications; however, five patients (50%) developed hepatic encephalopathy, and six patients (60%) eventually died. VCT was safely introduced and could prevent the rapidly deteriorating Fontan hemodynamics. VCT could be an effective therapeutic strategy for failed Fontan patients with high CO-HF.

Guidelines on the management of ascites in cirrhosis

The British Society of Gastroenterology in collaboration with British Association for the Study of the Liver has prepared this document. The aim of this guideline is to review and summarise the evidence that guides clinical diagnosis and management of ascites in patients with cirrhosis. Substantial advances have been made in this area since the publication of the last guideline in 2007. These guidelines are based on a comprehensive literature search and comprise systematic reviews in the key areas, including the diagnostic tests, diuretic use, therapeutic paracentesis, use of albumin, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and beta-blockers in patients with ascites. Where recent systematic reviews and meta-analysis are available, these have been updated with additional studies. In addition, the results of prospective and retrospective studies, evidence obtained from expert committee reports and, in some instances, reports from case series have been included. Where possible, judgement has been made on the quality of information used to generate the guidelines and the specific recommendations have been made according to the 'Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)' system. These guidelines are intended to inform practising clinicians, and it is expected that these guidelines will be revised in 3 years' time.

Use of Intravenous Hydroxocobalamin for Vasoplegic Syndrome in Simultaneous Liver-Kidney Transplant: A Case Report

Vasoplegic syndrome can occur after reperfusion in liver transplantation. Generally, vasopressor infusions along with volume resuscitation are used to combat this process. There are case reports of the use of hydroxocobalamin to improve vasoplegia in liver transplant and cardiac surgery. In this case report, we describe a patient who received hydroxocobalamin for a simultaneous liver-kidney transplant. Use of this medication facilitated a prompt decrease of very high-dose vasopressor infusions and allowed completion of the kidney transplantation portion of this case. To our knowledge, use in combined liver-kidney transplant has not been described. In light of the dearth of medications to improve vasoplegia outside of vasopressor infusions, the use of hydroxocobalamin as a therapeutic intervention may gain importance.

Cirrhotic portal hypertension: From pathophysiology to novel therapeutics

Portal hypertension and bleeding from gastroesophageal varices is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Portal hypertension is initiated by increased intrahepatic vascular resistance and a hyperdynamic circulatory state. The latter is characterized by a high cardiac output, increased total blood volume and splanchnic vasodilatation, resulting in increased mesenteric blood flow. Pharmacological manipulation of cirrhotic portal hypertension targets both the splanchnic and hepatic vascular beds. Drugs such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II type receptor 1 blockers, which target the components of the classical renin angiotensin system (RAS), are expected to reduce intrahepatic vascular tone by reducing extracellular matrix deposition and vasoactivity of contractile cells and thereby improve portal hypertension. However, these drugs have been shown to produce significant off-target effects such as systemic hypotension and renal failure. Therefore, the current pharmacological mainstay in clinical practice to prevent variceal bleeding and improving patient survival by reducing portal pressure is non-selective -blockers (NSBBs). These NSBBs work by reducing cardiac output and splanchnic vasodilatation but most patients do not achieve an optimal therapeutic response and a significant proportion of patients are unable to tolerate these drugs. Although statins, used alone or in combination with NSBBs, have been shown to improve portal pressure and overall mortality in cirrhotic patients, further randomized clinical trials are warranted involving larger patient populations with clear clinical end points. On the other hand, recent findings from studies that have investigated the potential use of the blockers of the components of the alternate RAS provided compelling evidence that could lead to the development of drugs targeting the splanchnic vascular bed to inhibit splanchnic vasodilatation in portal hypertension. This review outlines the mechanisms related to the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and attempts to provide an update on currently available therapeutic approaches in the management of portal hypertension with special emphasis on how the alternate RAS could be manipulated in our search for development of safe, specific and effective novel therapies to treat portal hypertension in cirrhosis.

Short-term hemodynamic effects of β-blockers influence survival of patients with decompensated cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Whether the effect of β-blockers on arterial pressure and/or cardiac function may offset the benefit of reducing portal pressure in advanced cirrhosis is controversial. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the systemic and splanchnic hemodynamic effects of β-blockers in decompensated vs. compensated cirrhosis and to investigate the influence of systemic hemodynamic changes on survival times in decompensated cirrhosis.

METHODS

Patients with cirrhosis and high-risk esophageal varices, without previous bleeding, were consecutively included and grouped according to the presence or absence of decompensation (ascites with or without overt encephalopathy). Systemic and hepatic hemodynamic measurements were performed before starting β-blockers and again after 1 to 3 months of treatment (short-term).

RESULTS

Four hundred and three patients were included (190 decompensated and 213 compensated). At baseline, decompensated patients had higher portal pressure than compensated patients and were more hyperdynamic, with higher cardiac output (CO) and lower arterial pressure. Under β-blockers, decompensated patients had lower portal pressure decrease (10 ± 18% vs. 15 ± 12%; p <0.05) and had greater reductions in heart rate (p <0.001) and CO (17 ± 15% vs. 10 ± 21%; p <0.01). Among patients with decompensated cirrhosis, those who died had a greater decrease in CO with β-blockers than survivors (21 ± 14% vs. 15 ± 16%; p <0.05) and CO under β-blockers independently predicted death by competing-risk regression analysis, with good diagnostic accuracy (C-index 0.74; 95% CI 0.66-0.83). Death risk was higher in decompensated patients with CO <5 L/min vs. CO ≥5 L/min (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.44; 95% CI 0.25-0.77; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with high-risk varices treated to prevent first bleeding, the systemic hemodynamic response to β-blockers is greater and the portal pressure decrease is smaller in those with decompensated cirrhosis. The short-term effect of β-blockers on CO might adversely influence survival in decompensated cirrhosis.

LAY SUMMARY

β-blockers are often used to reduce the risk of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis. However, it is not known whether the effect of β-blockers on arterial pressure and/or cardiac function may offset the benefit of reducing portal pressure. Herein, we show that in patients with decompensated cirrhosis the potentially detrimental systemic effects of β-blockers are greater than in compensated patients, while the beneficial pressure lowering effects are reduced. The short-term effect of β-blockers on cardiac output may adversely influence survival in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Can We Add the History of the Nonoperative Therapy of Varices to Other Success Chapters of Modern Medicine?

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Perioperative Evaluation and Management of Patients With Cirrhosis: Risk Assessment, Surgical Outcomes, and Future Directions

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with cirrhosis are at increased risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. We provide a narrative review of the available data regarding perioperative morbidity and mortality, risk assessment, and management of patients with cirrhosis undergoing non-hepatic surgical procedures.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature from 1998-2018 and identified 87 studies reporting perioperative outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. We extracted elements of study design and perioperative mortality by surgical procedure, Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score reported in these 87 studies to support our narrative review.

RESULTS

Overall, perioperative mortality is 2-10 times higher in patients with cirrhosis compared to patients without cirrhosis, depending on the severity of liver dysfunction. For elective procedures, patients with compensated cirrhosis (CTP class A, or MELD <10) have minimal increase in operative mortality. CTP class C patients (or MELD >15) are at high risk for mortality; liver transplantation or alternatives to surgery should be considered. Very little data exist to guide perioperative management of patients with cirrhosis, so most recommendations are based on case series and expert opinion. Existing risk calculators are inadequate.

CONCLUSIONS

Severity of liver dysfunction, medical comorbidities and the type and complexity of surgery, including whether it is elective versus emergent, are all determinants of perioperative mortality and morbidity in patients with cirrhosis. There are major limitations to the existing clinical research on risk assessment and perioperative management that warrant further investigation.

Diagnostic accuracy of spleen stiffness to evaluate portal hypertension and esophageal varices in chronic liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

To systematically review studies on the diagnostic accuracy of spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) for the detection of clinical significant portal hypertension (CSPH), severe portal hypertension (SPH), esophageal varices (EV), and high-risk esophageal varices (HREV) in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD).

Methods

Through a systematic search, we identified 32 studies reporting the accuracy of SSM for the diagnosis of portal hypertension (PH) and/or EV in adults with CLD. A bivariate random-effects model was performed to estimate pooled sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR). The clinical utility of SSM was evaluated by Fagan plot.

Results

A total of 32 studies assessing 3952 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivities of SSM were 0.85 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69–0.93) for CSPH; 0.84 (95% CI, 0.75–0.90) for SPH; 0.90 (95% CI, 0.83–0.94) for any EV; and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.77–0.93) for HREV. The pooled specificities of SSM were 0.86 (95% CI, 0.74–0.93) for CSPH; 0.84 (95% CI, 0.72–0.91) for SPH; 0.73 (95% CI, 0.66–0.79) for EV; and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.53–0.77) for HREV. Summary PPV and NPV of SSM for detecting HREV were 0.54 (95% CI, 0.47–0.62) and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.81–0.95), respectively.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggests that SSM could be used as a helpful surveillance tool in management of CLD patients and was quite useful for ruling out the presence of HREV thereby avoiding unnecessary endoscopy.

Key Points

• SSM could be used to rule out the presence of HREV in patients with CLD thereby avoiding unnecessary endoscopy.

• SSM has significant diagnostic value for CSPH and SPH with high sensitivity and specificity in patients with CLD.

• SSM could be used as a helpful surveillance tool for clinicians managing CLD patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00330-020-07223-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Oxidative Stress in Chronic Liver Disease and Portal Hypertension: Potential of DHA as Nutraceutical

Chronic liver disease constitutes a growing public health issue worldwide, with no safe and effective enough treatment clinical scenarios. The present review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD), focusing on the major contributors of its pathophysiology: inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis and portal hypertension. We present the benefits of supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid triglycerides (TG-DHA) in other health areas as demonstrated experimentally, and explore its potential as a novel nutraceutical approach for the treatment of ACLD and portal hypertension based on published pre-clinical data.

Preoperative Evaluation and Anesthetic Management of Patients With Liver Cirrhosis Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Preoperative evaluation and anesthetic management of patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing cardiac surgery remain a clinical challenge because of its high risk for perioperative complications. This narrative review article summarizes the pathophysiology and anesthetic implication of liver cirrhosis on each organ system. It will help physicians to evaluate surgical candidates, to optimize intraoperative management, and to anticipate complications in liver cirrhosis patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Morbidity typically results from bleeding, sepsis, multisystem organ failure, or hepatic insufficiency. These complications occur as a result of the presence of coagulopathy, poor nutritional status, immune dysfunction, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, and renal and pulmonary dysfunction that occur with liver cirrhosis. Therefore, liver cirrhosis should not be seen as a single disease, but one that manifests with multiorgan dysfunction. Cardiac surgery in patients with liver cirrhosis increases the risk of perioperative complications, and it presents a particular challenge to the anesthesiologist in that nearly every aspect of normally functioning physiology may be jeopardized in a unique way. Accurately classifying the extent of liver disease, preoperative optimization, and surgical risk communication with the patient are crucial. In addition, all teams involved in the surgery should communicate openly and coordinate in order to ensure optimal care. To reduce perioperative complications, consider using off-pump cardiopulmonary bypass techniques and optimal perfusion modalities to mimic current physiologic conditions.

NUTRIC and Modified NUTRIC are Accurate Predictors of Outcome in End-Stage Liver Disease: A Validation in Critically Ill Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Malnutrition in critically ill patients with cirrhosis is a frequent but often overlooked complication with high prognostic relevance. The Nutrition Risk in Critically ill (NUTRIC) score and its modified variant (mNUTRIC) were established to assess the nutrition risk of intensive care unit patients. Considering the high mortality of cirrhosis in critically ill patients, this study aims to evaluate the discriminative ability of NUTRIC and mNUTRIC to predict outcome. We performed a retro-prospective evaluation in 150 Caucasian cirrhotic patients admitted to our ICU. Comparative prognostic analyses between NUTRIC and mNUTRIC were assessed in 114 patients. On ICU admission, a large proportion of 65% were classified as high NUTRIC (6-10) and 75% were categorized as high mNUTRIC (5-9). High nutritional risk was linked to disease severity and poor outcome. NUTRIC was moderately superior to mNUTRIC in prediction of 28-day mortality (area under curve 0.806 vs. 0.788) as well as 3-month mortality (area under curve 0.839 vs. 0.819). We found a significant association of NUTRIC and mNUTRIC with MELD, CHILD, renal function, interleukin 6 and albumin, but not with body mass index. NUTRIC and mNUTRIC are characterized by high prognostic accuracy in critically ill patients with cirrhosis. NUTRIC revealed a moderate advantage in prognostic ability compared to mNUTRIC.