Norfloxacin vs ceftriaxone in the prophylaxis of infections in patients with advanced cirrhosis and hemorrhage

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and extraperitoneal infections in patients with cirrhosis

Infections are a frequent complication and a major cause of death among patients with cirrhosis. The important impact of infections in general and especially spontaneous bacterial peritonitis on the course of disease and prognosis of patients with cirrhosis has been recognized for many years. Nevertheless, such importance has recently increased due to the comprehension of infection as one of the most prominent risk factors for patients to develop acute-on-chronic liver failure. Furthermore, the issue of infections in cirrhosis is a focus of increasing attention because of the spreading of multidrug resistant bacteria, which is an emerging concern among physicians assisting patients with cirrhosis. In the present paper, we will review the current epidemiology of infections in patients with cirrhosis and particularly that of infections caused by resistant bacteria, demonstrating the relevance of the subject. Besides, we will discuss the current recommendations on diagnosis and treatment of different kinds of infections, including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and we will highlight the importance of knowing local microbiological profiles and choosing empirical antibiotic therapy wisely. Finally, we will debate the existing evidences regarding the role of volume expansion with albumin in patients with cirrhosis and extraperitoneal infections, and that of antibiotic prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Quality indicators in gastroscopy. Gastroscopy procedure

Within the project "Quality indicators in digestive endoscopy", pioneered by the Spanish Society for Digestive Diseases (SEPD), the objective of this research is to suggest the structure, process, and results procedures and indicators necessary to implement and assess quality in the gastroscopy setting. First, a chart was designed with the steps to be followed during a gastroscopy procedure. Secondly, a team of experts in care quality and/or endoscopy performed a qualitative review of the literature searching for quality indicators for endoscopic procedures, including gastroscopies. Finally, using a paired analysis approach, a selection of the literature obtained was undertaken. For gastroscopy, a total of nine process indicators were identified (one preprocedure, eight intraprocedure). Evidence quality was assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) classification scale.

Antibiotics for prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: systematic review & Bayesian network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Various antibiotic regimens are used for primary and secondary prevention of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). A systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare various antibiotics regimens for primary and secondary prevention of SBP were done.

METHODS

We did a comprehensive literature search using various databases (i.e. MEDLINE via Ovid and PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and others) from inception to 26th October 2019 using various keywords. Only randomised studies which evaluated the role of antibiotics in adult cirrhotic patients with ascites for primary or secondary prophylaxis of SBP were included. The primary outcome was occurrence/recurrence of SBP episode and other outcomes assessed were extra-peritoneal infections and reduction in mortality. We did random-effects network meta-analysis using a Bayesian approach, and calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% credible intervals (CrI); agents were ranked using rank probabilities.

RESULTS

We found total 1701 records in our systematic database search and out of these 17 randomised trials were found eligible for network meta-analysis. For primary prevention of SBP, the odds ratio (95% CrI) for norfloxacin daily was 0.061 (0.0060, 0.33) and for rifaximin daily was 0.037 (0.00085, 0.87) and norfloxacin and rifaximin alternate month was 0.027 (0.00061, 0.61) when compared to placebo or no comparator. For the secondary prevention of SBP, rifaximin daily had odds of 0.022 (0.00011, 0.73).

CONCLUSION

Rifaximin is useful for both primary and secondary prevention of SBP whereas norfloxacin daily and alternate norfloxacin and rifaximin are useful for primary prophylaxis.

British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG)-led multisociety consensus care bundle for the early clinical management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Medical care bundles improve standards of care and patient outcomes. Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) is a common medical emergency which has been consistently associated with suboptimal care. We aimed to develop a multisociety care bundle centred on the early management of AUGIB. Commissioned by the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG), a UK multisociety task force was assembled to produce an evidence-based and consensus-based care bundle detailing key interventions to be performed within 24 hours of presentation with AUGIB. A modified Delphi process was conducted with stakeholder representation from BSG, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, Society for Acute Medicine and the National Blood Transfusion Service of the UK. A formal literature search was conducted and international AUGIB guidelines reviewed. Evidence was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool and statements were formulated and subjected to anonymous electronic voting to achieve consensus. Accepted statements were eligible for incorporation into the final bundle after a separate round of voting. The final version of the care bundle was reviewed by the BSG Clinical Services and Standards Committee and approved by all stakeholder groups. Consensus was reached on 19 statements; these culminated in 14 corresponding care bundle items, contained within 6 management domains: Recognition, Resuscitation, Risk assessment, Rx (Treatment), Refer and Review. A multisociety care bundle for AUGIB has been developed to facilitate timely delivery of evidence-based interventions and drive quality improvement and patient outcomes in AUGIB.

Emergent Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation in Acute Variceal Bleeding

Emergent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation is most commonly employed in the setting of acute variceal hemorrhage. Given a propensity for decompensation, these patients often require a multidisciplinary, multimodal approach involving prompt diagnosis, pharmacologic therapy, and endoscopic intervention. While successful in the majority of cases, failure to medically control initial bleeding can prompt interventional radiology consultation for emergent portal decompression via TIPS creation. This article discusses TIPS creation in emergent, acute variceal hemorrhage, reviewing the natural history of gastroesophageal varices, presentation and diagnosis of acute variceal hemorrhage, pharmacologic therapy, endoscopic approaches, patient selection and risk stratification for TIPS, technical considerations for TIPS creation, adjunctive embolotherapy, and the role of salvage TIPS versus early TIPS in acute variceal hemorrhage.

Thromboelastography-guided Blood Product Transfusion in Cirrhosis Patients With Variceal Bleeding: A Randomized Controlled Trial

GOALS

The aim of this study was to assess the use of thromboelastography (TEG)-directed blood product transfusion in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding compared with conventional transfusion for correction of coagulopathy.

BACKGROUND

Coagulopathy is common in patients with cirrhosis. Recommendations for correction of conventional parameters of coagulation-platelets and the international normalized ratio before endoscopy in patients with acute variceal bleeding-need more validation.

STUDY

In this randomized controlled trial, cirrhotic patients with severe coagulopathy and acute variceal bleeding were randomized to either TEG-guided blood product transfusion or conventional transfusion from March 2017 to December 2017. The primary outcome was the difference in the amount of fresh frozen plasma and platelet units transfused between the groups. Secondary outcomes were rebleeding at 5 days and 42 days, and 6-week mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 60 recruited patients, 30 each were randomized to the TEG and conventional transfusion groups. There were no differences in baseline characteristic and endoscopic findings between the 2 groups. Four subjects in the TEG group received blood product transfusions versus all in the conventional transfusion group (13.3% vs. 100%; P<0.001). The control of bleeding on initial endoscopy was similar in the 2 groups. Rebleeding in the TEG and conventional transfusion groups at 5 days was similar [1 (3.3%) vs. 4 (13.3%), P=0.167], whereas it was significantly less in the TEG group at 42 days [3 (10%) vs. 11 (36.7%), P=0.012]. Mortality at 6 weeks was seen in 4 (13.3%) in the TEG group and in 8 (26.7%) patients in the conventional transfusion group (P=0.176).

CONCLUSIONS

TEG-guided strategy was associated with reduced blood product transfusion to correct coagulopathy without compromising hemostasis in cirrhotic patients (Clinical trial ID: CTRI/2017/02/007864).

Precipitants of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: An Opportunity for Preventative Measures to Improve Outcomes

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a feared complication that can develop at any stage of chronic liver disease. The incidence of ACLF is increasing, leading to a significant burden to both the affected individual and health care systems. To date, our understanding of ACLF suggests that it may be initiated by precipitants such as systemic infection, alcohol use, or viral hepatitis. The prevalence of these vary significantly by geography and underlying liver disease, and these precipitants have a varying impact on patient prognosis. Herein, we present a review of our current understanding of the precipitants of ACLF, including gaps in current data and opportunities for meaningful intervention and areas of future research.

Bacterial Infection in Patients with Cirrhosis: Don't Get Bugged to Death

Bacterial infection remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity for patients with cirrhosis, with hospitalization, alterations in the intestinal microbiota, and therapeutic drugs all implicated in its development. Bacterial infections also remain the most common precipitant of acute-on-chronic liver failure, with infection occurring as a direct consequence of the progression of this syndrome. Furthermore, recent epidemiological analyses have demonstrated that infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria are occurring with increasing frequency in patients with cirrhosis. Despite significant advances in the understanding of the pathophysiological processes triggered by an infection in patients with cirrhosis, a demonstrable survival benefit for the sickest patients who require ICU admission has not yet occurred. Early diagnosis of infection and appropriate antimicrobial treatment is essential to ensuring optimal outcomes for these patients. This review provides an evidence-based analysis of both the current strategies for prevention and the recommended management of common bacterial infections in patients with cirrhosis.

Reexamining the data used in the 2012 guidelines of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases for the management of adult patients with ascites due to cirrhosis

Background:

In 2012, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases published practice guidelines for the management of patients with ascites caused by cirrhosis, using data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. We reexamined the strength of these RCTs by calculating the fragility index (FI), a novel metric proposed for evaluating the robustness of RCTs.

Methods:

We screened all RCTs referenced in the guidelines for specific criteria. We calculated the FI and fragility quotient (FQ), and analyzed the correlation between FI and several variables.

Results:

Twenty-one RCTs were included. The median (25^th, 75^th) FI and FQ were 1 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.5-6) and 0.070 (IQR 0.008-0.166), respectively. For studies that reported the number of patients lost to follow up (12 RCTs), the median of patients lost was 2 (IQR 0-6.5). There was no significant correlation between FI and sample size (r_s=0.357), P-value (r_s=-0.299), number lost to follow up (r_s=0.355), Science Citation Index (r_s=0.347), year of publication (r_s=-0.085), blinding (r_pb=-0.18) or number of centers (r_pb=0.10). However, a significant correlation was seen between FI and number needed to treat (r_s=-0.549; P=0.015).

Conclusions:

RCTs in the field of cirrhosis-related ascites are fragile. Of the 21 trials analyzed, 13 had an FI of 3 or below and these trials influenced 13 of the 49 recommendations in the guidelines. We recommend the incorporation of FI and FQ in addition to P-value to better understand the meaning of the results in gastroenterological studies.

Sepsis in Patients With Cirrhosis Awaiting Liver Transplantation: New Trends and Management

Bacterial infections are more frequent and severe in patients with advanced liver disease and, therefore, in liver transplant candidates. The increased risk of infection in these patients parallels the severity of the immune dysfunction associated with cirrhosis, which is related to systemic inflammation and progressive immunodeficiency. Other factors contribute to this risk, such as genetic polymorphisms, proton pump inhibitor overuse, the numerous invasive procedures and hospitalizations these patients go through, or the immunosuppressive effects of malnutrition or alcohol abuse. Bacterial infections have a great impact on disease progression and significantly increase mortality rates before and after liver transplantation. Mechanisms leading to organ failure in sepsis are associated not only with the hemodynamic derangement but also with an excessive inflammatory response triggered by infection. Furthermore, prophylactic and empirical antibiotic treatment strategies in patients with cirrhosis are being modified according to the growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the past decade. Also, new criteria have been introduced for the diagnosis of sepsis and septic shock. These new definitions have been validated in patients with cirrhosis and show a better accuracy to predict in-hospital mortality than previous criteria based on systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Accurate prophylaxis and early identification and treatment of bacterial infections are key to reducing the burden of sepsis in patients with cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation.

Gut-liver axis signaling in portal hypertension

Portal hypertension (PHT) in advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) results from increased intrahepatic resistance caused by pathologic changes of liver tissue composition (structural component) and intrahepatic vasoconstriction (functional component). PHT is an important driver of hepatic decompensation such as development of ascites or variceal bleeding. Dysbiosis and an impaired intestinal barrier in ACLD facilitate translocation of bacteria and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that promote disease progression via immune system activation with subsequent induction of proinflammatory and profibrogenic pathways. Congestive portal venous blood flow represents a critical pathophysiological mechanism linking PHT to increased intestinal permeability: The intestinal barrier function is affected by impaired microcirculation, neoangiogenesis, and abnormal vascular and mucosal permeability. The close bidirectional relationship between the gut and the liver has been termed “gut-liver axis”. Treatment strategies targeting the gut-liver axis by modulation of microbiota composition and function, intestinal barrier integrity, as well as amelioration of liver fibrosis and PHT are supposed to exert beneficial effects. The activation of the farnesoid X receptor in the liver and the gut was associated with beneficial effects in animal experiments, however, further studies regarding efficacy and safety of pharmacological FXR modulation in patients with ACLD are needed. In this review, we summarize the clinical impact of PHT on the course of liver disease, discuss the underlying pathophysiological link of PHT to gut-liver axis signaling, and provide insight into molecular mechanisms that may represent novel therapeutic targets.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging-based assessment of terlipressin vs. octreotide on renal function in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding (CHESS1903): study protocol of a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Acute variceal bleeding is one of the critical complications in patients with liver cirrhosis. Severe renal vasoconstriction in consequence of low peripheral vascular resistance triggers the reduction of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and thus induces acute kidney injury (AKI)/hepato-renal syndrome (HRS). Terlipressin and octreotide have been used in the management of cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding. Also, terlipressin has been recommended as the international first-line pharmacological therapy for the treatment of HRS. In addition, the use of renal functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has become increasingly prevalent in research and clinical applications. However, the renal function-protective effect of terlipressin and octreotide and the value of fMRI in monitoring renal function remains unclear in patients with cirrhosis undergoing acute variceal bleeding.

METHODS

This is a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants will be 1:1 assigned randomly into either terlipressin or octreotide groups. Sixty participants with clinically and/or pathologically diagnosed cirrhosis and active gastroesophageal variceal bleeding (GVB) will be recruited in several sites in China. Participants will receive either the treatment of terlipressin or octreotide after assigned into each group. The primary end point for the trial is the renal function. The secondary end points are (I) renal perfusion; (II) renal blood oxygenation; (III) failure to control bleeding; (IV) intra-hospital rebleeding; (V) intra-hospital mortality; (VI) adverse events (AE); (VII) overall survival. Statistical analysis including multivariate Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test, etc. will be conducted.

DISCUSSION

The study will provide new insight into the protection of renal function in the process of the treatment of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04028323.

Sustained impact of nosocomial-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in different stages of decompensated liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Bacterial infections, in particular a spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), are a major threat in patients with liver cirrhosis. Recently, it has been shown that the impact on mortality might be underestimated by established risk-scores. Onset of infection was suggested to define a distinct stage of cirrhosis. However, it remains unclear whether all stages of decompensated cirrhosis are equally affected. Moreover, if there is such a distinct stage, it must be determined whether it is reversible after the infection has resolved. In this study we aimed to further analyze the impact of a current as well as a resolved SBP in different stages of decompensated liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

A number of 579 patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites were included. MELD-score was used to determine the stage of liver disease. Low (<15), intermediate (15-25) and high (>25) MELD-groups were compared. Patients were followed up for 90 days. Primary endpoint was overall mortality. Statistical analyses were performed using the log-rank test, Cox regression and competing risk analysis.

RESULTS

Mortality was significantly higher in patients with nosocomial-acquired SBP (nSBP) compared to patients without SBP (p<0.001;HR = 2.05). However, the most prominent difference in mortality was documented in the intermediate MELD-group (nSBP: p = 0.02;HR = 2.10). Importantly, mortality in nSBP patients remained increased even after the initial nSBP episode had resolved (p<0.01;HR = 1.90). Again, this was only significant in those with intermediate MELD-scores (p = 0.02;HR = 2.28). While a current as well as a resolved nSBP were significantly linked to a higher mortality, neither of them did increase the likelihood for liver transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Development of nSBP is independently associated with increased mortality supporting the concept of a distinct status of cirrhosis. Importantly, the prognosis remains unfavorable even after resolution of nSBP. This could be particularly relevant for patients with intermediate MELD-scores, who have limited chances for a donor liver.

Development and Validation of a Novel Model for Outcomes in Patients with Cirrhosis and Acute Variceal Bleeding

BACKGROUND

Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) in patients with cirrhosis is associated with high mortality, ranging from 12 to 20% at 6 weeks. The existing prognostic models for AVB lack precision and require further validation.

AIM

In this prospective study, we aimed to develop and validate a new prognostic model for AVB, and compared it with the existing models.

METHODS

We included 285 patients from March 2017 to November 2017 in the derivation cohort and 238 patients from December 2017 to June 2018 in the validation cohort. Two prognostic models were developed from derivation cohort by logistic regression analysis. Discrimination was assessed using area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC).

RESULTS

The 6-week mortality was 22.1% in derivation cohort and 22.3% in validation cohort, P = 0.866. Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) [odds ratio (OR) 1.106] and encephalopathy (E) (OR 4.658) in one analysis and Child-Pugh score (OR 1.379) and serum creatinine (OR 1.474) in another analysis were significantly associated with 6-week mortality. MELD-E model (AUROC 0.792) was superior to Child-creatinine model (AUROC) in terms of discrimination. The MELD-E model had highest AUROC; as compared to other models-MELD score (AUROC 0.751, P = 0.036), Child-Pugh score (AUROC 0.737, P = 0.037), D'Amico model (AUROC 0.716, P = 0.014) and Augustin model (AUROC 0.739, P = 0.018) in derivation cohort. In validation cohort, the discriminatory performance of MELD-E model (AUROC 0.805) was higher as compared to other models including MELD score (AUROC 0.771, P = 0.048), Child-Pugh score (AUROC 0.746, P = 0.011), Augustin model (AUROC 0.753, P = 0.039) and D'Amico model (AUROC 0.736, P = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

In cirrhotic patients with AVB, the novel MELD-Encephalopathy model predicts 6 weeks mortality with higher accuracy than the existing prognostic models.

Recognition of Antibiotic Resistance in Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Caused by Escherichia coli in Liver Cirrhotic Patients in Civil Hospital Karachi

Introduction

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is the most common life-threatening infection in patients with ascites due to liver cirrhosis. The infection is most commonly caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli, commonly referred to as E. coli. Over the past few years, the incidence of antimicrobial resistance against E. coli has risen drastically, leading to increased morbidity and mortality.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the pattern of resistance using variations of antibiotics against E. coli, to prevent its empirical usage and initiate an appropriate target antibiotic therapy. The data were collected from May 2017 to October 2017 and included a total of 184 patients. The patients had previously been diagnosed with chronic liver disease and had presented with E. coli-induced SBP in the medicine wards at Civil Hospital, Karachi, which is the largest tertiary care hospital in the city. All participants underwent diagnostic paracentesis, and the ascitic fluid samples were sent to labs for culture and sensitivity to antibiotics.

Results

The sample population consisted of 184 participants, of which two-thirds (63.6%; n=117/184) of the population consisted of males. The mean age of the participants was 47.6±10.7 years. More than half of the patients had hepatitis C (54.9%; n=101/184) while the remaining were diagnosed with hepatitis B (45.1%; n=83/184). The ascitic fluid showed varying percentages of resistance for drugs, with no resistance to imipenem and meropenem while ciprofloxacin showed the highest resistance in eradicating the bacterium, E. coli. Additionally, a statistical correlation was tested between drug resistance and factors like age, gender, duration of liver disease, and duration of ascites. Ciprofloxacin and tetracycline showed a positive correlation between the resistance of these drugs and the age, gender, and duration of chronic liver disease in the participants while trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and piperacillin/tazobactam showed a positive association with the duration of ascites.

Conclusion

A rapid diligent intervention of cirrhotic patients with complicated ascites is crucial to alleviate patient mortality. Due to the rising bacterial resistance, primarily, epidemiological patterns should be assessed and analyzed in our regional hospitals, and then, antibiotics should be prescribed meticulously.

Acute kidney injury spectrum in patients with chronic liver disease: Where do we stand?

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis and is of the utmost clinical and prognostic relevance. Patients with cirrhosis, especially decompensated cirrhosis, are more prone to develop AKI than those without cirrhosis. The hepatorenal syndrome type of AKI (HRS–AKI), a spectrum of disorders in prerenal chronic liver disease, and acute tubular necrosis (ATN) are the two most common causes of AKI in patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Differentiating these conditions is essential due to the differences in treatment. Prerenal AKI, a more benign disorder, responds well to plasma volume expansion, while ATN requires more specific renal support and is associated with substantial mortality. HRS–AKI is a facet of these two conditions, which are characterized by a dysregulation of the immune response. Recently, there has been progress in better defining this clinical entity, and studies have begun to address optimal care. The present review synopsizes the current diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology, and treatment modalities of HRS–AKI and as well as AKI in other chronic liver diseases (non-HRS–AKI) so that early recognition of HRS–AKI and the appropriate management can be established.

Preventative care in cholestatic liver disease: Pearls for the specialist and subspecialist

Cholestatic liver diseases (CLDs) encompass a variety of disorders of abnormal bile formation and/or flow. CLDs often lead to progressive hepatic insult and injury and following the development of cirrhosis and associated complications. Many such complications are clinically silent until they manifest with severe sequelae, including but not limited to life-altering symptoms, metabolic disturbances, cirrhosis, and hepatobiliary diseases as well as other malignancies. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are the most common CLDs, and both relate to mutual as well as unique complications. This review provides an overview of PSC and PBC, with a focus on preventive measures aimed to reduce the incidence and severity of disease-related complications.

Infections in Cirrhosis

Purpose of review

Patients with cirrhosis are at high risk of developing serious infections. Bacterial infections remain the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. This review is focused on the prevalence of infections in those with cirrhosis, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, pathogenesis of infection-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), current treatment recommendations, and prophylactic strategies in patients with cirrhosis.

Recent findings

Recent epidemiological studies have noted an emerging prevalence of MDR bacterial infections and associated with poor prognosis, and a high rate of treatment failure and mortality. Therefore, new recommendations on empirical antibiotic use based on epidemiological data have been developed in order to improve outcomes.

Summary

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and urinary tract infection (UTI) are the most frequent infections followed by pneumonia, cellulitis, and bacteremia, while pneumonia carries the highest risk of mortality. The incidence of MDR bacterial infections has been increasing, especially in healthcare-associated settings. Second infections that develop during hospitalization, multiple organ failures, and high MELD score are associated with poor survival. Preventive measures, early diagnosis, and adequate treatment of infections are essential key concepts in minimizing morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis.

[Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis]

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is defined as bacterial infections that occur in patients with cirrhosis and ascites without any significant intraperitoneal infection, accounting for approximately 10-30% of bacterial infections in hospitalized patients. SBP develops in patients with liver cirrhosis because bacterial translocations are increased by changes in the intestinal bacteria and mucosal barriers. In addition, the decreased host immune response cannot remove the bacteria and their products. The most common cause of SBP is Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species, and infections by Gram-positive bacteria are increasing. SBP is diagnosed by the presence of >250 polymorphonuclear leukocyte/mm³ in ascites after paracentesis. If SBP is diagnosed, empirical antibiotic therapy should be started immediately. Empirical antibiotic treatment should distinguish between community acquired infections and nosocomial infections. Cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal bleeding or low ascitic protein concentrations should consider primary prevention and those who recover from SBP should consider secondary prevention. This review describes the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of SBP.

Management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common medical emergency, with a reported mortality of 2-10%. Patients identified as being at very low risk of either needing an intervention or death can be managed as outpatients. For all other patients, intravenous fluids as needed for resuscitation and red cell transfusion at a hemoglobin threshold of 70-80 g/L are recommended. After resuscitation is initiated, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and the prokinetic agent erythromycin may be administered, with antibiotics and vasoactive drugs recommended in patients who have cirrhosis. Endoscopy should be undertaken within 24 hours, with earlier endoscopy considered after resuscitation in patients at high risk, such as those with hemodynamic instability. Endoscopic treatment is used for variceal bleeding (for example, ligation for esophageal varices and tissue glue for gastric varices) and for high risk non-variceal bleeding (for example, injection, thermal probes, or clips for lesions with active bleeding or non-bleeding visible vessel). Patients who require endoscopic therapy for ulcer bleeding should receive high dose proton pump inhibitors after endoscopy, whereas those who have variceal bleeding should continue taking antibiotics and vasoactive drugs. Recurrent ulcer bleeding is treated with repeat endoscopic therapy, with subsequent bleeding managed by interventional radiology or surgery. Recurrent variceal bleeding is generally treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. In patients who require antithrombotic agents, outcomes appear to be better when these drugs are reintroduced early.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with cirrhosis: incidence, outcomes, and treatment strategies

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is the most frequent bacterial infection in patients with cirrhosis. The reported incidence varies between 7% and 30% in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and ascites, representing one of their main complications. Outcomes in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis are poor since acute kidney injury, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and death occur in as much as 54%, 60%, and 40% of the patients, respectively, at midterm. Early antibiotic treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is crucial. However, the landscape of microbiological resistance is continuously changing, with an increasing spread of multidrug-resistant organisms that make its current management more challenging. Thus, the selection of the empirical antibiotic treatment should be guided by the severity and location where the infection was acquired, the risk factors for multidrug-resistant organisms, and the available information on the local expected bacteriology. The use of albumin as a complementary therapy for selected high-risk patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is recommended in addition to antibiotics. Even though antibiotic prophylaxis has proven to be effective to prevent spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, a careful selection of high-risk candidates is crucial to avoid antibiotic overuse. In this article we review the pathogenesis, risk factors, and prognosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, as well as the current evidence regarding its treatment and prophylaxis.

Infectious endocarditis in the case of cirrhosis: where do we stand?

Bacterial infections are common in the case of cirrhosis and represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The most frequent infections are spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia, but few data on infectious endocarditis are available. Infectious endocarditis is a rare event, and diagnosis can be made at all stages of Child-Pugh classification. In the case of cirrhosis, the clinical features and bacterial ecology are similar to that of the general population (two males/one female, preferential location on the aortic and mitral valves, history of heart disease, majority of Gram-positive bacteria), but in-hospital mortality is higher. The Child-Pugh score and a history of decompensation have been identified as independent predictive factors for in-hospital mortality and a Child-Pugh score more than C10 was associated with a higher risk of death. Less frequent use of aminoglycosides, rifampin, and cardiac surgery has been described in cirrhotic patients, probably because of potential toxicity. Nevertheless, as they are a cornerstone of therapy, prospective studies on the impact of these therapeutics are warranted to improve outcome in this population of patients.

Intensive Care Therapy for Patients with Advanced Liver Diseases

Decompensated cirrhosis is characterized by high hospitalization rates and costs, frequent readmissions, and poor short-term survival. Patients admitted to the hospital with acute variceal bleeding and/or hepatic encephalopathy and/or renal dysfunction are at serious risk for developing infection and/or sepsis; in turn, this renders them highly susceptible to the development of multi-system organ failure. The lack of standardized intensive care unit management protocols in patients with cirrhosis along with only few data reports from longitudinal clinical trials makes it difficult for hepatologists and critical care specialists to provide uniform evidence for clinical practice that could safely consolidate favorable outcomes such as lower hospitalization rates and/or mortality. Based on a rigorous online search of the scientific literature as well as a longtime clinical experience of the authors in the field of hepatology and critical care medicine, this work represents a focused effort to elucidate the specific bio-morbidity of advanced liver diseases in relation to the aforementioned challenges in clinical management. Further meta-analyses and/or systematic reviews are needed to enable clinicians to develop more effective strategies to bridge patients with decompensated liver disease to recompensation or liver transplantation.

Management of Infectious Complications Associated with Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

Introduction

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with a high susceptibility to infections leading to complications and poor prognosis. The sensitized immune system overwhelmingly responds to invading bacteria leading to organ damage. After resolution of infection or prolonged disease duration, the phagocytic system becomes irresponsive with a reduced bacterial clearance capacity promoting secondary infection.

Methods

This review focuses on the best management strategies for patients with ACLF and infections. Using the following terms, an extensive literature research on the Medline database was performed: 'acute-on-chronic liver failure', 'infection', 'ACLF', 'bacteria', 'multi-resistance'.

Results

Analysis of the literature confirmed that delayed diagnosis and treatment of infections in patients with ACLF results in a poor prognosis. Patients with ACLF should be considered as having a potential infection and should undergo a complete screening for sepsis. Once biochemical analysis indicates a potential infection, such as abnormal levels of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, antibiotic treatment should be initiated immediately without microbiological culture results. For community-acquired infections third-generation cephalosporins are still the first choice, whereas in the nosocomial setting antibiotics with broader spectrum, such as piperacillin/combactam or carbapenems ± glycopeptides, are preferred. The patient should be re-assessed 48 h after treatment initiation in order to tailor the treatment. Non-response is suspicious, likely due to bacterial resistance or fungal infection, which should be considered when choosing further treatment strategies. Albumin substitution to prevent hepatorenal syndrome and to improve patients' outcome is mandatory in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy is suitable to prevent infections in high-risk patients.

Conclusion

The screening for infections and its treatment is an essential part of managing patients with ACLF. In order to improve patients' prognosis, antibiotic treatment should be initiated once an infection is suspected. However, preventive strategies are already established and should be applied according to the guidelines.

Endoscopic Management of Nonvariceal, Nonulcer Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Nonvariceal, nonulcer upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH) is a less common cause for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. However, nonvariceal, nonulcer UGIH is an important entity to identify and treat appropriately to prevent bleeding-related morbidity and mortality. Over the past 40 years, there has been a revolution in gastrointestinal endoscopy and a similar revolution in the management of UGIH. The aim of this article is to focus on the endoscopic management of nonvariceal, nonulcer UGIH, with a focus on the newer diagnostic and treatment modalities currently available.

Multiple bacterial infections increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE

Patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) are at increased risk for bacterial infections. It is not fully understood how exposure to infections induces further development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This study estimated risks of infection associated with HE among patients with LC.

METHODS

A nested case-control study of 14,428 adult patients with LC was performed using the population-based Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 in Taiwan. Cases were cirrhotic patients who developed HE during follow-up. Controls were matched to each case by age at LC diagnosis (±2 years), sex, Charlson Comorbid index score, year of LC, and follow-up time with a 1:1 ratio. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine and compare the odds of developing HE based on exposure to various risk factors, including site of infection, cirrhosis-related complications, Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, and peptic ulcer bleeding. Patient survival was evaluated using the time-dependent Cox regression model.

RESULTS

Cirrhotic patients with HE (n = 714) and without HE (n = 714) were matched to compare risks. Infections and more frequent yearly infections were significantly associated with increased risk of HE. Independent predictors of HE included spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (aOR, 5.13; 95% CI, 3.03-8.69), sepsis (aOR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.82--3.53), and biliary tract infection (aOR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.2-3.46), controlling for confounders.

CONCLUSION

Frequent infections are associated with increased risk of HE in cirrhotic patients. More frequent exposure to infection increases the risk of HE and mortality rates. Appropriate prevention of infection and the use of antibiotics for cirrhotic patients at risk for HE are needed.

Wilson disease: symptomatic liver therapy

Wilson disease leads to symptomatic impairment of liver function or liver cirrhosis. Strict adherence to decoppering agents is essential in these patients. Secondary prevention of additional hepatic damage by avoidance of other toxic substances (e.g., alcohol, drugs) and sufficient calorie intake is recommended. Routine examinations in cirrhotic patients include screening for signs of portal hypertension (esophagus varices), development of ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Where varices are present, primary or secondary preventive interventions may include treatment with nonselective beta-blockers or variceal ligation, similar to the approach in patients with liver cirrhosis due to other etiologies. For patients presenting with ascites, diuretics are the treatment of choice. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis can be diagnosed by paracentesis and should be treated with antibiotics. Liver cirrhosis can also lead to accumulation of neurotoxins causing hepatic encephalopathy. It is characterized by unspecific neuropsychiatric impairment and is treated with laxatives and nonresorbable antibiotics. The best prophylaxis is regular defecation. Patients with liver cirrhosis are susceptible for bacterial infections of any cause and sepsis is one of the leading causes of death in these patients. In advanced stages of cirrhosis renal function impairment is a common feature. The hepatorenal syndrome shows a high mortality. Where Wilson disease patients have decompensated liver cirrhosis, liver transplantation should be evaluated.

Evaluation and management of variceal bleeding

Acute variceal bleeding is one of the most fatal complications of cirrhosis and is responsible for about one-third of cirrhosis-related deaths. Therefore, every effort should be made to emergently resuscitate the patients, start pharmacotherapy as soon as possible and do endoscopic therapy in a timely manner. Despite the recent advances in treatment, mortality rate is still high. We provide a comprehensive review of evaluation and management of variceal bleeding.

Emergency Management of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis - A Clinical Review

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) has a high mortality rate; early antimicrobial therapy is essential for improving patient outcomes. Given that cirrhotic patients are often coagulopathic, the perceived risk of bleeding may prevent providers from performing a paracentesis and ruling out this potentially deadly disease. We examine the pathophysiology and risk factors for SBP, and current guidelines for its diagnosis and treatment. We then review the time-sensitive nature of performing a paracentesis, and the current controversies and contraindications for performing this procedure in patients at risk for SBP. Cirrhotic patients with ascites and clinical suspicion for SBP-abdominal pain or tenderness, fever or altered mental status-should have a diagnostic paracentesis. Although most patients with cirrhosis and liver dysfunction will have prolonged prothrombin time, paracentesis is not contraindicated. Limited data support platelet administration prior to paracentesis if <40,000-50,000/μL. Timely antimicrobial therapy includes a third-generation cephalosporin for community-acquired infection; nosocomial infections should be treated empirically with a carbapenem or with piperacillin-tazobactam, or based on local susceptibility testing. Patients with gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage should receive ceftriaxone prophylactically for GI hemorrhage. SBP has a high mortality rate. Early diagnosis and antimicrobial therapy are essential for improving patient outcomes. Cirrhotic patients with ascites with clinical suspicion for SBP, abdominal pain or tenderness, altered mental status or fever should have a diagnostic paracentesis performed prior to admission unless platelets <40,000-50,000/μL.

Management of bacterial infection in the liver transplant candidate

Bacterial infection (BI) is a common cause of impairment of liver function in patients with cirrhosis, especially in the liver transplant candidates. These patients share an immunocompromised state and increased susceptibility to develop community and hospital-acquired infections. The changing epidemiology of BI, with an increase of multidrug resistant strains, especially in healthcare-associated settings, represents a critical issue both in the waiting list and in the post-operative management. This review focused on the role played by BI in patients awaiting liver transplantation, evaluating the risk of drop-out from the waiting list, the possibility to undergo liver transplantation after recovery from infection or during a controlled infection.

Spontaneous bacterial and fungal peritonitis in patients with liver cirrhosis: A literature review

Spontaneous bacterial (SBP) and spontaneous fungal peritonitis (SFP) can be a life-threatening infection in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and ascites. One of the possible mechanisms of developing SBP is bacterial translocation. Although the number of polymorphonuclear cells in the culture of ascitic fluid is diagnostic for SBP, secondary bacterial peritonitis is necessary to exclude. The severity of underlying liver dysfunction is predictive of developing SBP; moreover, renal impairment and infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) organism are associated with a fatal prognosis of SBP. SBP is treated by antimicrobials, but initial empirical treatment may not succeed because of the presence of MDR organisms, particularly in nosocomial infections. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for patients with LC at a high risk of developing SBP, gastrointestinal bleeding, or a previous episode of SBP, but the increase in the risk of developing an infection caused by MDR organisms is a serious concern globally. Less is known about SFP in patients with LC, but the severity of underlying liver dysfunction may increase the hospital mortality. SFP mortality has been reported to be higher than that of SBP partially because the difficulty of early differentiation between SFP and SBP induces delayed antifungal therapy for SFP.

Infections complicating cirrhosis

Patients with cirrhosis have a high risk of bacterial infections. Bacterial infections induce systemic inflammation that may lead to organ failure and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) resulting in a high risk of short term mortality. The early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections is essential to improve the patient's prognosis. However, in recent years, the spread of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections has reduced the efficacy of commonly used antibiotics such as third generation cephalosporins. In patients at high risk of MDR bacteria, such as those with nosocomial infections, the early administration of broad spectrum antibiotics has been shown to improve the prognosis. However, early de-escalation of antibiotics is recommended to reduce a further increase in antibiotic resistance. Strategies to prevent acute kidney injury and other organ failures should be implemented. Although prophylaxis of bacterial infections with antibiotics improves the prognosis in selected patients, their use should be limited to patients at high risk of developing infections. In this article, we review the pathogenesis and management of bacterial infections in patients with cirrhosis.

A Multicenter Evaluation of Adherence to 4 Major Elements of the Baveno Guidelines and Outcomes for Patients With Acute Variceal Hemorrhage

GOALS

To determine the rate of and outcomes associated with guideline adherence in the care of acute variceal hemorrhage (AVH).

BACKGROUND

Four major elements of high-quality care for AVH defined by the Baveno consensus (VI) include timely endoscopy (≤12 h), antibiotics, and somatostatin analogs before endoscopy and band ligation as primary therapy for esophageal varices.

STUDY

We retrospectively evaluated 239 consecutive admissions of 211 patients with AVH admitted to 2 centers in Massachusetts from 2010 to 2015. The primary outcome was 6-week mortality; secondary outcomes included treatment failure (shock, hemoglobin drop by 3 g/dL, hematemesis, death ≤5 d), length of stay, and 30-day readmission.

RESULTS

Guideline adherence was variable: endoscopy ≤12 hours (79.9%), antibiotics (84.9%), band ligation (78.7%), and somatostatin analogs (90.8%). However, only 150 (62.8%) received care that was adherent to all indicated criteria. The 6-week mortality rate was 22.6%. Treatment failure occurred in 50 (21.0%) admissions. Among the 198 patients who survived to discharge, 41 (20.7%) were readmitted within 30 days. Octreotide before endoscopy was associated with a reduction in 30-day readmission (18.4% vs. 42.1%; P=0.03), whereas banding of esophageal varices was associated with a reduced risk of treatment failure (15.0% vs. 50.0%; P≤0.001). However, adherence to quality metrics did not significantly reduce the risk of death within 6 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to quality metrics may not reduce the risk of mortality but could improve secondary outcomes of AVH. Variation in practice should be addressed through quality improvement interventions.

Prevention and management of gastroesophageal varices

Bleeding from gastroesophageal varices is a serious complication in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Although there has been significance improvement in the prognosis of variceal bleeding with advancement in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for its management, mortality rate still remains high. Therefore, appropriate prevention and rapid, effective management of bleeding from gastroesophageal varices is very important. Recently, various studies about management of gastoesophageal varices, including prevention of development and aggravation of varices, prevention of first variceal bleeding, management of acute variceal bleeding, and prevention of variceal rebleeding, have been published. The present article reviews published articles and practice guidelines to present the most optimal management of patients with gastroesophageal varices.

Sepsis in alcohol-related liver disease

Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) remains the most important cause of death due to alcohol. Infections, particularly bacterial infections, are one of the most frequent and severe complications of advanced ALDs, such as alcoholic cirrhosis and severe alcoholic hepatitis (sAH). The specific mechanisms responsible for this altered host defence are yet to be deciphered. The aim of the present study is to review the current knowledge of infectious complications in ALD and its pathophysiological mechanisms, distinguishing the role of alcohol consumption and the contribution of different forms of ALD. To date, corticosteroids are the only treatment with proven efficacy in sAH, but their impact on the occurrence of infections remains controversial. The combination of an altered host defence and corticosteroid treatment in sAH has been suggested as a cause of opportunistic fungal and viral infections. A high level of suspicion with systematic screening and prompt, adequate treatment are warranted to improve outcomes in these patients. Prophylactic or preemptive strategies in this high-risk population might be a preferable option, because of the high short-term mortality rate despite adequate therapies. However, these strategies should be assessed in well-designed trials before clinical implementation.

Bacterial infections and hepatic encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis-prophylaxis and treatment

Infections are common among patients with liver cirrhosis. They occur more often in cirrhotic patient groups than in the general population and result in higher mortality. One reason for this phenomenon is bacterial translocation from the intestinal lumen that occurs as a consequence of intestinal bacterial overgrowth, increased permeability and decreased motility. The most common infections in cirrhotic patients are spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and urinary tract infections, followed by pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections. Intestinal bacterial overgrowth is also responsible for hyperammonemia, which leads to hepatic encephalopathy. All of these complications make this group of patients at high risk for mortality. The role of antibiotics in liver cirrhosis is to treat and in some cases to prevent the development of infectious complications. Based on our current knowledge, antibiotic prophylaxis should be administered to patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage, low ascitic fluid protein concentration combined with liver or renal failure, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis as a secondary prophylaxis, as well as after hepatic encephalopathy episodes (also as a secondary prophylaxis). In some cases, the use of non-antibiotic prophylaxis can also be considered. Current knowledge of the treatment of infections allows the choice of a preferred antibiotic for empiric therapy depending on the infection location and whether the source of the disease is nosocomial or community-acquired.

Characteristics of infection and its impact on short-term outcome in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure

Bacterial infections are an important cause of mortality in liver failure. However, the type of infection, predictors of infection, and their impact on outcomes in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) are limited.A total of 389 patients with ACLF were admitted in this retrospective, corhort study. Once admitted, clinical data including first infection site, type (community-acquired, healthcare-associated, or nosocomial), and second infection occurrence during hospitalization were collected. The outcome was mortality within 90 days. Multivariable logistic regression models were preformed to predict second infection development and 90-day mortality. Survival probability curves were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method.Among 389 patients, 316 (81.2%) patients had infection. The 90-day mortality of patients with and without infection was 52.2% and 16.4%, respectively (P <.001). The most common first infection was healthcare associated (51.3%), followed by nosocomial (30.1%) and community-acquired infections (18.7%). Respiratory tract infection, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and urinary tract infection were most prevalent. Gram-positive organism was more frequently seen than gram-negative organisms. Of note, fungi accounted for 15.9% of the total infection cases. During hospitalization, 26.6% patients developed second infections. The 90-day mortality of patients developed or did not develop a second infection were 67.9% and 46.6%, respectively (P <.001). Independent predictors of 90-day mortality in infected patients with ACLF were age, white blood cell (WBC) count, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), and second infection.Infections (regardless of first or second infection) can increase the 90-day mortality significantly in patients with ACLF. And age, WBC count, MELD score, HE, and the presence of second infection are independent risk factors affecting 90-day mortality in patients with ACLF showing infection.