Development of diagnostic criteria and a prognostic score for hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

Decreased vitamin D-binding protein level portends poor outcome in acute-on-chronic liver failure caused by hepatitis B virus

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a catastrophic illness. Few studies investigated the prognostic value of vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related ACLF (HBV-ACLF) resulted in conflicting results.

METHODS

Two prospective HBV-ACLF cohorts (n=287 and n=119) were enrolled to assess and validate the prognostic performance of VDBP.

RESULTS

VDBP levels in the non-survivors were significantly lower than in the survivors (P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression demonstrated that VDBP was an independent prognostic factor for HBV-ACLF. The VDBP level at admission gradually decreased as the number of failed organs increased (P<0.001), and it was closely related to coagulation failure. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of the Child-Pugh-VDBP and chronic liver failuresequential organ failure assessment (CLIF-SOFA)-VDBP scores were significantly higher than those of Child-Pugh (P<0.001) and CLIF-SOFA (P=0.0013). The AUCs of model for end-stage liver disease (MELD)-VDBP were significantly higher than those of MELD (P= 0.0384) only in the case of cirrhotic HBV-ACLF patients. Similar results were validated using an external multicenter HBV-ACLF cohort. By longitudinal observation, the VDBP levels gradually increased in survivors (P=0.026) and gradually decreased in non-survivors (P<0.001). Additionally, the VDBP levels were found to be significantly decreased in the deterioration group (P=0.012) and tended to be decreased in the fluctuation group (P=0.055). In contrast, they showed a significant increase in the improvement group (P=0.036).

CONCLUSION

The VDBP was a promising prognostic biomarker for HBV-ACLF. Sequential measurement of circulating VDBP shows value for the monitoring of ACLF progression.

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio represents a systemic inflammation marker and reflects the relationship with 90-day mortality in non-cirrhotic chronic severe hepatitis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between systemic inflammatory response and short-term mortality in patients with non-cirrhotic chronic severe hepatitis (CSH) by using several indicators of inflammation including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), neutrophil (NEU), white blood cell (WBC), platelet-to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR).

METHODS

Data were collected from two prospectively enrolled CATCH-LIFE noncirrhotic cohorts. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the association between systemic inflammatory biomarkers and 90-day liver transplant (LT)-free mortality. A generalized additive model (GAM) was used to illustrate the quantitative curve relationship between NLR and 90-day LT-free mortality. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the 90-year LT-free survival.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CSH was 20.5% (226/1103). The 28-day and 90-day LT-free mortality rates were 17.7% and 26.1%, respectively, for patients with non-cirrhotic CSH. Patients with no infection accounted for 75.0% of all CSH patients, and NLR was independently associated with 90-day LT-free mortality. NLR of 2.9 might be related to disease deterioration in CSH patients without infection.

CONCLUSIONS

NLR may be an independent risk factor for 90-day LT-free mortality in patients with non-cirrhotic chronic liver disease. A NLR of 2.9 as the cut-off value can be used to predict disease aggravation in CSH patients without infection.

Bacterial Infections Confer a Risk of Progression to Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in Patients with HBV-Related Compensated Cirrhosis During Severe Hepatitis Flares

INTRODUCTION

The aims of this study were to investigate the risk factors for bacterial infections (BIs) and the association of BIs with the progression to acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related compensated liver cirrhosis and severe hepatitis flares.

METHODS

A total of 237 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline biochemical characteristics were compared between patients with and without the occurrence of BIs and progression to ACLF. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for ACLF before and after 1:1 propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Forty-eight (20.3%) patients progressed to ACLF after admission. Additionally, 136 (57.4%) patients progressed to hepatic decompensation (HD) and 52 (21.9%) patients had BIs before the development of ACLF. Patients with BIs had significantly higher incidences of HD (84.6%) and ACLF (46.2%) than those without BIs (49.7% and 13.0%, respectively; P < 0.01). CTP score (OR 1.660, 95% CI 1.267-2.175) and MELD-Na score (OR 1.082, 95% CI 1.010-1.160) were independent risk factors for BIs. BIs (OR 4.037, 95% CI 1.808-9.061), CLIF-SOFA score (OR 2.007, 95% CI 1.497-2.691), and the MELD-Na score (OR 1.167, 95% CI 1.073-1.260) were independent risk factors for the progression to ACLF. BIs (OR 4.730, 95% CI 1.520-14.718) were also an independent risk factor for the progression to ACLF after propensity score matching.

CONCLUSION

High CTP and MELD-Na scores are risk factors for BIs, and BIs are risk factors for the progression to ACLF in patients with HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis and severe hepatitis flares.

Serum Interleukins as Potential Prognostic Biomarkers in HBV-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) is relatively common in China and has complex pathogenesis, difficult clinical treatment, and poor prognosis. Immune status is an important factor affecting ACLF prognosis. Interleukins are a family of secreted lymphocyte factors that interact with a host of cell types including immune cells. These signaling molecules play important roles in transmitting information; regulating immune cells; mediating the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of T and B cells; and modulating inflammatory responses. Many studies have investigated the correlation between interleukin expression and the prognosis of HBV-ACLF. This review focuses on the potential use of interleukins as prognostic biomarkers in HBV-ACLF. References were mainly identified through PubMed and CNKI search, including relevant studies published until December 2021. We have summarized reports of several promising diagnostic interleukin biomarkers that predict susceptibility to HBV-ACLF. The use of biomarkers to understand early prognosis can help devise different therapeutic measures and improve patient survival. Ongoing research on prognostic biomarkers of HBV-ACLF is promising, and future preclinical and clinical studies are warranted.

Prognostic value of decline in model for end-stage liver disease score and hepatic encephalopathy in hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic liver failure patients treated with plasma exchange

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic value of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) for short-term prognosis of Hepatitis B virus-related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (HBV-ACLF) patients treated with plasma exchange (PE).

METHODS

A total of 108 patients with HBV-ACLF treated with PE were retrospectively enrolled between January 2014 to December 2020. Based on survival at 28 days, patients were divided into survival (N = 87) and death groups (N = 21). Clinical data and laboratory indicators were analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with the survival group, the death group was associated with higher ACLF grade and incidence of HE. The levels of total bilirubin, prothrombin time, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, MELD score, and Chinese Group on the Study of Severe Hepatitis B-ACLF II (COSSH II) score were significantly higher in the death group than in the survival group (p < .05). Grade 1 ACLF and the MELD score after PE treatment at one week were independent risk factors for 28-day liver transplantation-free mortality (OR = 0.062, 95%CI: 0.005-0.768; OR = 1.328, 95%CI: 1.153-1.531). A MELD score at one week of at least 25.5 was associated with a poor short-term prognosis. Of note, HE was a strong independent risk factor for a decline in MELD score at one week. (OR = 11.815, 95%CI: 3.187-43.796, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

We found patients with HE at admission and MELD score of at least 25.5 at one week after PE treatment had a poor short-term prognosis and should prompt preparation for liver transplantation. Trial Registration: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (CT.gov identifier: NCT04231565). Registered 13 May 2020.

1,5-Anhydroglucitol Predicts Mortality in Patients with HBV-Related Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5AG) activity has been reported in chronic liver disease. Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) patients have a high mortality. We aimed to discover the relationship between serum 1,5AG and the prognosis of HBV-ACLF.

METHODS

Serum 1,5AG levels were determined in 333 patients with HBV-ACLF, 300 without diabetes were allocated to derivation (n=206) and validation cohorts (n=94), and 33 were recruited to evaluate 1,5AG in those with diabetes. Forty patients with chronic hepatitis B, 40 with liver cirrhosis, and 40 healthy people were controls in the validation cohort.

RESULTS

In the derivation and validation cohorts, serum 1,5AG levels were significantly lower in nonsurvivors than in survivors. The AUC of 1,5AG for 28-day mortality was 0.811. In patients with diabetes, serum 1,5AG levels were also significantly lower in nonsurvivors than in survivors. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, serum 1,5AG levels were independently associated with 28-day mortality. A novel predictive model (ACTIG) based on 1,5AG, age, TB, cholesterol, and INR was derived to predict mortality. In ACTIG, the AUC for 28-day mortality was 0.914, which was superior to some prognostic score models. ACTIG was also comparable to those prognostic score models in predicting 6-month mortality. In mice with D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced liver failure, 1,5AG levels were significantly reduced in serum and significantly increased in urine and liver tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum 1,5AG levels are a promising predictor of short-term mortality in HBV-ACLF patients. The 1,5AG distribution changed in mice with D-galactosamine/ lipopolysaccharide-induced liver failure.

Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Strategies to Treat Acute Liver Failure: Current Status and Future Directions

Liver disease has long been a heavy health and economic burden worldwide. Once the disease is out of control and progresses to end-stage or acute organ failure, orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the only therapeutic alternative, and it requires appropriate donors and aggressive administration of immunosuppressive drugs. Therefore, hepatocyte transplantation (HT) and bioartificial livers (BALs) have been proposed as effective treatments for acute liver failure (ALF) in clinics. Although human primary hepatocytes (PHs) are an ideal cell source to support these methods, the large demand and superior viability of PH is needed, which restrains its wide usage. Thus, a finding alternative to meet the quantity and quality of hepatocytes is urgent. In this context, human pluripotent stem cells (PSC), which have unlimited proliferative and differential potential, derived hepatocytes are a promising renewable cell source. Recent studies of the differentiation of PSC into hepatocytes has provided evidence that supports their clinical application. In this review, we discuss the recent status and future directions of the potential use of PSC-derived hepatocytes in treating ALF. We also discuss opportunities and challenges of how to promote such strategies in the common applications in clinical treatments.

Design for a Multicentre Prospective Cohort for the Assessment of Platelet Function in Patients with Hepatitis-B-Virus-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

BACKGROUND

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has high short-term mortality and lacks sufficient medical therapy. Available algorithms are unable to precisely predict short-term outcomes or safely stratify patients with ACLF as emergent liver transplantation candidates. Therefore, a personalized prognostic tool is urgently needed.

PURPOSE

Platelet function and its clinical significance in ACLF patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have not been investigated. This study aimed to assess changes in platelet function using thromboelastography (TEG) and platelet mapping (TEG-PM) in HBV-related ACLF patients.

METHODS

Chronic liver disease patients with acute decompensation or acute hepatic injury were recruited. The derivation cohort enrolled HBV-related patients at Nanfang Hospital. HBV-related and non-HBV-related patients were both enrolled in internal and external validation cohorts at seven university hospitals. TEG and TEG-PM were performed at baseline in the derivation cohort and baseline, day 7, and day 14 in the validation cohorts. The primary outcome was all-cause 28-day mortality. Status check and new-onset complications were recorded during the 3-month follow-up, but status check will extend to 5 years.

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE PLANS

In this study, 586 participants were enrolled, including 100 in derivation cohort, 133 in internal validation cohort, and 353 in external validation cohort. Biomaterials, including plasma, serum, urine, and some explanted liver tissues, were collected from these patients. A 3-month follow-up with survival status was completed. The baseline characteristics indicated that 51% of the patients had adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-hyporesponsive circulating platelets. The prognostic potential of platelet function will be explored in the derivation cohort (HBV-related ACLF patients) and further substantiated in the validation cohorts (HBV-related and non-HBV-related ACLF patients). Biosamples are currently used to explore the underlying mechanisms related to ADP-hyporesponsive platelets. The ongoing proteomic and metabolic analyses will provide new insights into the pathogenesis of extrahepatic organ failures in ACLF patients.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of autoimmune liver disease in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and acute decompensation in China

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune liver disease (AILD) has been considered a relatively uncommon disease in China, epidemiological data for AILD in patients with cirrhosis and acute decompensation (AD) is sparse.

AIM

To investigate the prevalence, outcome and risk factors for AILD in cirrhotic patients complicated with AD in China.

METHODS

We collected data from patients with cirrhosis and AD from two prospective, multicenter cohorts in hepatitis B virus endemic areas. Patients were regularly followed up at the end of 28-d, 90-d and 365-d, or until death or liver transplantation (LT). The primary outcome in this study was 90-d LT-free mortality. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) was assessed on admission and during 28-d hospitalization, according to the diagnostic criteria of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL). Risk factors for death were analyzed with logistic regression model.

RESULTS

In patients with cirrhosis and AD, the overall prevalence of AILD was 9.3% (242/2597). Prevalence of ACLF was significantly lower in AILD cases (14%) than those with all etiology groups with cirrhosis and AD (22.8%) (P < 0.001). Among 242 enrolled AILD patients, the prevalence rates of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and PBC-AIH overlap syndrome (PBC/AIH) were 50.8%, 28.5% and 12.0%, respectively. In ACLF patients, the proportions of PBC, AIH and PBC/AIH were 41.2%, 29.4% and 20.6%. 28-d and 90-d mortality were 43.8% and 80.0% in AILD-related ACLF. The etiology of AILD had no significant impact on 28-d, 90-d or 365-d LT-free mortality in patients with cirrhosis and AD in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Total bilirubin (TB), hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were independent risk factors for 90-d LT-free mortality in multivariate analysis. The development of ACLF during hospitalization only independently correlated to TB and international normalized ratio.

CONCLUSION

AILD was not rare in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and AD in China, among which PBC was the most common etiology. 90-d LT-free mortality were independently associated with TB, HE and BUN.

Liver transplantation in patients with liver failure: Twenty years of experience from China

Liver transplantation (LT) is the only effective method of treating end-stage liver disease, such as various types of liver failure. China has the largest number of patients with hepatitis B virus-related disease, which is also the main cause of liver failure. From the first LT performed in 1977, and especially over the past two decades, LT has experienced rapid development as a result of continuous research and innovation in China. China performs the second-highest number of LTs every year worldwide, and the quality of LT continues to improve. Starting January 1, 2015, all donor's livers have been from deceased donors and familial donors. Thus, China entered into a new era of LT. However, LT is still a challenging procedure in China. In this review, we introduced the brief history of LT in China, the epidemiology, aetiology and clinical outcomes of LT for liver failure in China and summarized the experience of LT from Chinese LT surgeons and scholars. The future perspectives of LT were also discussed, and it is expected that China's LT research could be further integrated elsewhere in the world.

Epidemiology of liver failure in Asia-Pacific region

The global burden of deaths caused by liver failure is substantial. The Asia-Pacific region is home to more than half of the global population and accounted for 62.6% of global deaths because of liver diseases in 2015. The aetiology of liver failure varies in different countries at different times. Viruses (Hepatitis A, B and E), drugs (herbs and anti-tuberculous drugs), toxins (alcohol use) and autoimmune flares are mainly responsible of majority of liver failure in individuals with normal liver (acute liver failure; ALF); else these may precipitate liver failure in those with chronic liver disease (acute-on-chronic liver failure; ACLF). Concomitant increases in alcohol misuse and metabolic syndrome in recent years are concerning. Ongoing efforts to address liver failure-related morbidity and mortality require accurate contemporary estimates of epidemiology and outcomes. In light of the ever-changing nature of liver disease epidemiology, accurate estimates for the burden of liver failure across the countries are vital for setting clinical, research and policy priorities. In this review, we aimed to describe the current as well as changing epidemiological trends of common liver failure syndromes, ALF and ACLF in the Asia-Pacific region.

Evaluation of LiangXue JieDu Therapy in Combination With Western Medicine for Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure: A Systematic Review and meta-Analysis

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of LiangXue JieDu (LXJD) therapy in combination with Western medicine (WM) for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).

Methods: Articles on randomized controlled trials of LXJD therapy for ACLF were obtained from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, Wanfang, and China Biology Medicine databases, with the search range from database inception to March 2022. We evaluated the quality of data from these articles using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Evaluation indicators were total effective rate, mortality rate, complications, liver and coagulation function, and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score. We then calculated the risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous variables and mean difference (MD) for continuous variables with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: The meta-analysis included 18 studies with moderate quality and totaling 1,609 patients. Compared with WM alone, LXJD therapy plus WM improved total effective rate [RR = 1.34, 95% CI: (1.24, 1.45)], while reducing mortality rate [RR = 0.54, 95% CI: (0.42, 0.70)] and complications [RR = 0.43, 95% CI: (0.26, 0.71)]. The combined treatment also improved prothrombin activity [MD = 1.30, 95% CI: (1.02, 1.59)], prothrombin time [MD = −0.90, 95% CI: (−1.40, −0.39)], international normalized ratio [MD = −0.59, 95% CI: (−0.93, −0.25)], alanine aminotransferase [MD = −0.92, 95% CI: (−1.30, −0.55)], aspartate aminotransferase [MD = −0.57, 95% CI: (−0.93, −0.21)], total bilirubin [MD = −1.07, 95% CI: (−1.38, −0.76)], and TCM syndrome score [MD = −1.70; 95% CI: (−2.03, −1.37)].

Conclusions: This study suggests that LXJD therapy plus WM can significantly improves ACLF clinical symptoms and short-term outcomes. However, more high-quality trials are required to confirm the efficacy of LXJD therapy.

Plasma-Derived Exosomal SncRNA as a Promising Diagnostic Biomarker for Early Detection of HBV-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

Objectives

The small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) including microRNAs and the noncanonical sncRNAs [i.e., tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) and rRNA-derived small RNAs (rsRNAs)] are a vital class of gene regulators in response to a variety of diseases. We focus on an sncRNA signature enriched in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) to develop a plasma exosome-based noninvasive biomarker for human ACLF.

Methods

In this work, sncRNAs related to HBV-ACLF were identified by small RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in plasma exosomes collected from 3 normal subjects, 4 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with flare, and 6 HBV-ACLF patients in the discovery cohort. Thereafter, the differentially expressed sncRNAs were further verified in a validation cohort (n = 313) using the newly developed molecular signature incorporating different mi/ts/rsRNAs (named as MTR-RNAs) through qRT-PCR assays. Subsequently, using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression (LR) model analysis, we developed an MTR-RNA classifier for early detection of ACLF.

Results

The identified sncRNAs (hsa-miR-23b-3p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-339-5p, tsRNA-20, tsRNA-46, and rsRNA-249) were specifically differentially expressed in plasma exosomes of HBV-ACLF. The MTR-RNA signature (AUC = 0.787) containing the above sncRNAs distinguished HBV-ACLF cases among normal subjects with 71.67% specificity and 74.29% sensitivity, CHB patients with flare (AUC = 0.694, 85.71% sensitivity/59.5% specificity), and patients with CHB/cirrhosis (AUC = 0.785, 57.14% sensitivity/94.59% specificity). Notably, it revealed 100% specificity/94.80% sensitivity in detecting patients or normal people.

Conclusions

Our as-constructed plasma-derived exosomal sncRNA signature can serve as a reliable biomarker for ACLF detection and also be adopted to be the pre−triage biomarker for selecting cases that can gain benefits from adjuvant treatment.

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation Increased the Risk of Developing Hepatic Failure and Mortality in Cirrhosis With Acute Exacerbation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a serious condition and has been extensively described in chemotherapeutic immunosuppressive population. However, little is known about HBV reactivation in immunocompetent patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). In this study, we evaluated the prevalence and the clinical significance of HBV reactivation in CHB patients with acute exacerbations.

METHOD

Patients were screened from two prospective multicenter observational cohorts (CATCH-LIFE cohort). A total of 1,020 CHB patients with previous antiviral treatment history were included to assess the prevalence, risk factors, clinical characteristics of HBV reactivation, and its influence on the progression of chronic liver disease.

RESULTS

The prevalence of HBV reactivation was 51.9% in CHB patients with acute exacerbations who had antiviral treatment history in our study. Among the 529 patients with HBV reactivation, 70.9% of them were triggered by discontinued antiviral treatment and 5.9% by nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs) resistance. The prevalence of antiviral treatment disruption and NUCs resistance in patients with HBV reactivation is much higher than that in the patients without (70.9% vs. 0.2%, and 5.9% vs. 0, respectively, both p < 0.001). Stratified and interaction analysis showed that HBV reactivation was correlated with high short-term mortality in cirrhosis subgroup (HR = 2.1, p < 0.001). Cirrhotic patients with HBV reactivation had a significantly higher proportion of developing hepatic failure (45.0% vs. 20.3%, p < 0.001), acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF; 31.4% vs. 21.8%, p = 0.005), and short-term death (14.0% vs. 5.9% for 28-day, and 23.3% vs. 12.4% for 90-day, both p < 0.001) than those without. HBV reactivation is an independent risk factor of 90-day mortality for cirrhosis patients (OR = 1.70, p = 0.005), as well as hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and bacterial infection.

CONCLUSION

This study clearly demonstrated that there was a high prevalence of HBV reactivation in CHB patients, which was mainly triggered by discontinued antiviral treatment. The HBV reactivation strongly increased the risk of developing hepatic failure, ACLF and short-term death in HBV-related cirrhotic patients, which may suggest that HBV reactivation would be a new challenge in achieving the WHO target of 65% reduction in mortality from hepatitis B by 2030.

The impact of serum thyroid-stimulation hormone levels on the outcome of hepatitis B virus related acute-on-chronic liver failure: an observational study

Background

Thyroid dysfunction has been reported in severe liver diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of serum thyroid-stimulation hormone (TSH) levels on the prognosis of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 1,862 patients with HBV-related ACLF. Risk factors associated with 30-day and 90-day survival, hazard ratios (HRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for TSH were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. The Area Under the ROC curve (AUROC) analysis was carried out, and the cut-off values were calculated. After grouping by the cut-off value, survival was compared between the groups using the log-rank test. This study data is from the “Survival Cohort Study (SCS)”, which has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03992898).

Results

Multivariate analysis indicated that an elevated TSH level was a highly significant predictor for 30-day survival (HR = 0.743, 95% CI: 0.629–0.878, P < 0.001) and 90-day survival (HR = 0.807, 95% CI: 0.717–0.909, P < 0.001). The AUROC of TSH level for 30-day and 90-day mortality were 0.655 and 0.620, respectively, with the same best cut-off values of 0.261 µIU/mL. Log-rank test showed that the group with higher TSH level had higher 30-day (78.5%, 95% CI: 76.1%-80.9% vs. 56.9%, 95% CI: 53.4%-60.4%; P < 0.001) and 90-day survival rate (61.5%, 95% CI: 58.6%-64.4% vs. 42.8%, 95% CI: 39.3%-46.3%; P < 0.001). Similar findings were observed in subgroups analysis. After adjusting for age and other risk factors, the higher level of TSH remained associated with 30-day survival (HR = 0.602, 95% CI: 0.502–0.721, P < 0.001) and 90-day survival (HR = 0.704, 95% CI, 0.609–0.814, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Serum TSH level significantly correlate with HBV-related ACLF patients’ survival and may be of value for predicting 30-day and 90-day survival of patients with HBV-related ACLF.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-022-02406-7.

Low T3 syndrome is associated with poor prognosis in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) is a critical disease with high mortality risk. Low triiodothyronine syndrome (LT3S) is associated with various severe acute and chronic diseases. We investigated the relationship between LT3S and poor prognosis in patients with HBV-ACLF.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 198 patients with HBV-ACLF were enrolled between January 2018 and March 2019. We screened for independent risk factors for 28-day mortality using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between LT3S and the poor prognostic parameters of HBV-ACLF.

RESULTS

LT3S was an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality in HBV-ACLF patients (odds ratio: 4.035, 95% confidence interval 1.117-14.579; p = 0.033). The death group had a lower serum FT3 level (Z-value = 2639.000, p < 0.001). Serum FT3 levels were negatively correlated with age, C-reactive protein, international normalized ratio, and neutrophil count but positively correlated with lymphocyte count. A negative correlation between FT3 and various prognostic scores was observed, indicating that a low FT3 level was closely related to a poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

LT3S was an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality and was correlated with poor prognosis in patients with HBV-ACLF.

Identification of key genes and infiltrating immune cells among acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure and HBV-associated acute liver failure

BACKGROUND

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a life-threatening complication that is relatively uncommon. ALF causes severe hepatocyte damage and necrosis, which can lead to liver dysfunction and even multi-organ failure. A growing body of evidence suggests that immune cell infiltration and some abnormally expressed genes are associated with ALF development. However, in ALF, they have yet to be thoroughly investigated.

METHODS

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to obtain microarray datasets such as GSE74000, GSE120652, GSE38941, and GSE14668, which were then examined via GEO2R to determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with ALF. Metascape was employed to annotate the underlined genes using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. The mechanism of IGF1 in 2 different kinds of ALF including acetaminophen-induced ALF and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced ALF was studied using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Next, immune cell infiltration was investigated and differentiated in ALF using CIBERSORT.

RESULTS

Six genes (HAO2, IGF1, PLA2G7, SC5D, GNE, SLC1A1) were found to be abnormally expressed in the 2 distinct types of ALF i.e., acetaminophen-induced ALF and HBV-induced ALF. IGF1 was identified as a hub gene in ALF and was found to be associated with several developmental cascades including immune responses, inflammatory responses, and intracellular calcium homeostasis. Additionally, the number of CD4 naive T cells, CD8 T cells, and follicular helper T cells was increased in acetaminophen-induced ALF, whereas the number of activated NK cells, resting NK cells, and plasma cells was increased in HBV-induced ALF.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study determined a potential molecular target, namely IGF1, in acetaminophen-induced ALF and HBV-induced ALF, which may provide novel insights into the pathophysiology and management of ALF. Concurrently, the putative immunological pathways have been found.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in 2022: have novel treatment paradigms already arrived?

INTRODUCTION

Acute-on-chronic failure (ACLF) is a recognized syndrome in patients with chronic liver disease and is characterized by acute decompensation, organ failure(s), and a high short-term mortality. ACLF is often triggered by ongoing alcohol consumption, gastrointestinal bleeding and/or infections, and is pathophysiologically characterized by uncontrolled systemic inflammation coupled with paradoxical immunoparesis. Patients with ACLF require prompt and early recognition. Management requires extensive utilization of clinical resources often including escalation to intensive care.

AREAS COVERED

Currently, there are no specific targeted treatments for established ACLF, and management revolves around treating underlying precipitants and providing organ support. In this article, we review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of ACLF and summarize recent advances in management strategies of this syndrome, focusing specifically on novel emerging therapies.

EXPERT COMMENTARY

ACLF is a challenging condition with rapid clinical course, high short-term mortality and varying clinical phenotypes. Management of ACLF is broadly focused on supportive care often in an intensive care setting with liver transplantation proving to be an increasingly relevant and effective rescue therapy. This disease has clear pathogenesis and epidemiological burden, thus distinguishing it from decompensated cirrhosis; there is clear clinical need for the development of specific and nuanced therapies to treat this condition.

The impact of hepatotoxic drugs on the outcome of patients with acute deterioration of hepatitis B virus-related chronic disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hepatotoxic drugs can worsen outcomes in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), whereas this negative effect in acute deterioration of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related CLD (HBV-CLD) is rarely reported. We aimed to assess the impact of hepatotoxic drugs on the outcome of patients with acute deterioration of HBV-CLD.

METHODS

This retrospective study included consecutive patients admitted to three medical centers in eastern China from 2015 to 2020 for HBV-related severe liver injury (HBV-SLI) or acute decompensation of cirrhosis (HBV-AD). The prevalence of hepatotoxic drugs and their impact on organ failure, the development of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), and 90-day survival were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 335 patients with HBV flare (median age, 44 years; 85.7% male; 38.2% HBV-SLI and 61.8% HBV-AD) were included. Of them, 72 (21.5%) received hepatotoxic drugs, with herbs (44.4%) being the most common form. Patients in the drugs group had a significantly higher prevalence of all types of organ failure except respiratory failure. The multivariate logistic model showed that hepatotoxic drugs raised the risk of developing ACLF by 7.66-fold. ACLF occurrence was the strongest risk factor for 90-day mortality with a hazard ratio of 5.54 in the Cox regression analysis. In contrast, the hepatitis B envelope antigen status and HBV DNA levels had weak associations with the development of organ failure and ACLF.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatotoxic drugs are closely associated with the development of organ failure and ACLF, and contribute to reduced 90-day survival rates among patients with acute deterioration of HBV-CLD.

Relationship between the Level of Serum Golgi Protein 73 and the Risk of Short-term Death in Patients with ALD-ACLF

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

As a hepatocellular carcinoma biomarker, serum Golgi protein 73 (GP73) is reportedly related to inflammation. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is characterized by severe systemic inflammation. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between the GP73 level and short-term mortality in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease-related ACLF (ALD-ACLF).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study involved 126 Chinese adults with ALD-ACLF. Baseline serum GP73 level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were followed-up for 90 d and outcomes were assessed. Data were analyzed using multivariate Cox regression and piecewise linear regression analyses. The predictive value of GP73 and classic models for the short-term prognosis of participants were evaluated and compared using receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

The serum GP73 level was independently associated with an increased mortality risk in patients with ALD-ACLF. Compared with the lowest tertile, the highest serum GP73 level predisposed patients with ALD-ACLF to a higher mortality risk in the fully adjusted model [at 28 days: hazard ratio (HR): 4.29 (0.99-18.54), p=0.0511; at 90 days: HR: 3.52 (1.15-10.79), p=0.0276]. Further analysis revealed a positive linear association. GP73 significantly improved the accuracy of the Child-Turcotte-Pugh score, model for end-stage liver disease score, and model for end-stage liver disease-sodium score in predicting short-time prognosis of patients with ALD-ACLF.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum GP73 level is a significant predictor of the subsequent risk of death in patients with ALD-ACLF. GP73 improved the predictive value of classic prognostic scores.

Correlation between dynamic changes in free triiodothyronine levels and 90-day prognosis in patients with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND

Patients with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) have a high 90-day mortality rate, so early prognostic evaluation is important.

AIM

We aimed to explore the correlation between dynamic changes in free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels and 90-day prognosis of patients with HBV-ACLF.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study investigated 122 inpatients with HBV-ACLF. Patients were divided into three groups based on the dynamic change in FT3 level, as follows: continuous normal FT3; continuous decreased FT3; and FT3 U-shaped change groups, and patients were divided into survival group and non-survival group according to whether they were alive or not. The correlation between the change in FT3 level and 90-day prognosis was explored. Three factors that affected the prognosis most significantly were used to form an FT3 correlation formula to compare the difference in predicting prognosis between the formula score and the conventional score.

RESULTS

There were 98 patients with decreased FT3 level (80.33%), and the lowest FT3 level was at 8.52 ± 6.38 days after admission, which lasted for 16 days. There were no significant differences in FT3 levels at admission and at the lowest point between the survival and non-survival groups. Cox regression analysis showed that the FT3 level, FT3 change type, and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) grading were important factors related to prognosis. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the FT3 correlation formula score was 0.892, which was significantly higher than that of the CTP, MELD, MELD-Na, CLIF-SOFA, CLIF-C OF, and AARC scores (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The FT3 level and its dynamic change type together with the HE grading can facilitate prediction of 90-day prognosis for patients with HBV-ACLF.

Increased suicidal erythrocyte death in patients with hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

Anemia is a common complication of hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HB-ACLF). Eryptosis, a suicidal erythrocyte death characterized by phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization and red blood cell-derived microparticle (RMP) generation, decreases erythrocyte lifespan. Herein, we investigated whether enhanced eryptosis is involved in the anemia pathophysiology associated with HB-ACLF. PS exposure, cell volume, cytosolic Ca²⁺, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were determined using flow cytometry. RMPs were extracted using a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based method. We found that hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) were significantly lower in patients with HB-ACLF than in healthy controls (HC), patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and patients with cirrhosis. The direct antiglobulin test positive rate was 75.9% in patients with HB-ACLF while its intensity was associated with anemia. The ratio of abnormal erythrocytes was higher in patients with HB-ACLF than in HC, CHB, and cirrhosis. The percentage of PS-exposed erythrocytes was higher in patients with HB-ACLF (2.07 ± 0.11%) compared with HC (0.37 ± 0.05%), CHB (0.38 ± 0.03%), and cirrhosis (0.38 ± 0.04%). The cytosolic Ca²⁺ and ROS abundance were also higher in patients with HB-ACLF compared with HC, patients with CHB, and patients with cirrhosis, and were inversely correlated with the anemia in patients with HB-ACLF. PS exposure of erythrocytes collected from HC was significantly pronounced following incubation in plasma from patients with HB-ACLF compared with incubation in plasma from HC. The protein concentration and RMPs size significantly increased in patients with HB-ACLF compared with HC. Thus, the anemia in patients with HB-ACLF is associated with increased eryptosis, which is partially triggered by increased cytosolic Ca²⁺ and oxidative stress.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Acute chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a critical syndrome characterized by multiple organ failures and high short-term mortality. A common complication of HB-ACLF is anemia, however, the mechanism of anemia in HB-ACLF remains to be elucidated. We confirm that the accelerated eryptosis is involved in the pathophysiology of anemia associated with HB-ACLF, which progressively aggravates the clinical outcome. Our study illustrates the mechanism regarding the anemia pathogenesis of HB-ACLF, which may be utilized further toward therapeutic ends.

The Effect of Artificial Liver Support System on Prognosis of HBV-Derived Hepatorenal Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) could occur when patients get decompensated liver cirrhosis. Meanwhile, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection raises the risk of mortality of the end-stage liver diseases. As the artificial liver support system (ALSS) has been applied in liver failure, whether ALSS could benefit HBV-derived HRS remains uncertain. We retrospectively enlisted eligible HRS patients and compared the baseline characteristics and prognosis between HBV-derived HRS and non-HBV-derived HRS. Furthermore, propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox regression analyses were used to assess the beneficial effect of ALSS on HBV-derived HRS. In addition, a stratified analysis was carried out according to the degree of acute kidney injury (AKI) and the number of organ failures to observe in which populations ALSS can obtain the most excellent therapeutic effect. 669 patients were diagnosed as HRS, including 298 HBV negative and 371 HBV positive. Baseline characteristics were different between patients with HBV positive and HBV negative. HBV-derived HRS has higher 28-day mortality, though without a statistical difference. After PSM, 50 patients treated with ALSS and 150 patients treated with standard medical treatment (SMT) constituted a new cohort for the following analysis. We found that ALSS could significantly benefit HRS patients (P = 0.025). Moreover, the median survival time of patients treated with ALSS was longer than those treated with SMT. INR, neutrophil percentage, and treatment with ALSS were independent predictive factors for short-term mortality in HBV-derived HRS. The stratified analysis showed that ALSS could reduce the 28-day mortality of patients with HBV-derived HRS, especially those in AKI stage 3 and with organ failure ≥ 2. Additionally, serum bilirubin was significantly lower after ALSS, and the alteration of INR and creatinine were independent predictive elements for the mortality of HBV-derived HRS. HBV-derived HRS is more severe than non-HBV-derived HRS and has a worse prognosis. ALSS could reduce the short-term mortality of patients with HBV-derived HRS, especially those in AKI stage 3 and with organ failure ≥ 2. INR and the change of creatinine and INR could predict the prognosis of HBV-derived HRS. ChiCTR2200060123.

Single-Cell RNA Transcriptomics Reveals the State of Hepatic Lymphatic Endothelial Cells in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is an acutely decompensated cirrhosis syndrome with high short-term mortality. Very little is known about the relationship between the lymphatic system and ACLF. We explored the role of hepatic lymphatic vessels (LVs) and lymphatic endothelial cells (LyECs) in ACLF using human liver samples with the help of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology. Here, ACLF exhibited more severe liver injury and inflammation than cirrhosis, as indicated by significant increases in plasma levels of alanine/aspartate aminotransferases and total bilirubin. Compared with cirrhosis cases, the number of intrahepatic LVs was decreased significantly in ACLF patients. ScRNA-seq revealed that many monocyte/macrophages infiltrated into the liver of ACLF cases. Meanwhile, scRNA-seq revealed a group of apoptotic and dysfunctional LyECs, which were the result of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) released from infiltrating monocyte/macrophages. In vitro, SPP1 increased the proportion of dead LyECs significantly and impaired the ability of tube formation of LyECs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In conclusion, ACLF is associated with less LV and LyEC dysfunction, at least in part mediated by SPP1 released from infiltrating monocyte/macrophages. Hepatic LVs and LyECs can be a novel therapeutic strategy for ACLF.

Metabolic Risk Factors Are Associated with the Disease Severity and Prognosis of Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute on Chronic Liver Failure

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Metabolic risk factors could accelerate hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related mortality; however, their impacts on disease severity in HBV-related acute on chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) patients remain unexplored. In this study, we assessed the effects of metabolic risk factors on the outcome of HBV-ACLF patients.

METHODS

This study retrospectively enrolled antiviral therapy naïve HBV-ACLF patients from a single center in China. Patients were evaluated according to Child-Turcotte-Pugh score, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, 30-day, 90-day mortality and survival rate to estimate the prognosis of HBV-ACLF. The impacts of different metabolic risk factors were further analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 233 patients, including 158 (67.8%) with metabolic risk factors and 75 (32.2%) without metabolic risk factors, were finally analyzed. Patients with metabolic risk factors had significantly higher MELD score (22.6±6.1 vs 19.8±3.8, p<0.001), 90-day mortality rate (56.3% vs 38.7%, p=0.017), and shorter median survival time (58 days vs 75 days: hazard ratio, 1.553; 95% confidence interval, 1.061 to 2.274; p=0.036) than patients without them. Moreover, metabolic risk factors were independently associated with patients' 90-day mortality (hazard ratio, 1.621; 95% confidence interval, 1.016 to 2.585; p=0.043). Prediabetes/diabetes and hypertension were related to higher rates of infection and worse renal function in HBV-ACLF patients.

CONCLUSIONS

HBV-ACLF patients with metabolic risk factors, especially prediabetes/diabetes or hypertension, could have more severe disease and lower survival rates. In addition, the existence of metabolic disorder is an independent risk factor for HBV-ACLF patients' 90-day mortality.

Factors Prognostic of Survival in Liver Transplant Recipients with Hepatitis B Virus Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

OBJECTIVES

Factors prognostic of survival in liver transplant (LT) recipients with hepatitis B virus related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) remain unclear. This study evaluated risk factors for survival in LT recipients with HBV-ACLF and determined the scoring system optimal for assessing patient prognosis.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 323 HBV-ACLF related patients undergoing LT, including 112, 146, and 65 patients with HBV-ACLF grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and factors associated with survival were analysed by multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. Pretransplant prognostic scoring systems were compared by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

The one-year survival rate was significantly lower in HBV-ACLF grade 3 (80.0%) than in grades 1 (93.8%) and 2 (91.8%) recipients (p=0.0063). Cox multivariate analysis showed that age >53 years (hazard ratio (HR) 3.731; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.640-8.407), WBC count >8.6 × 10⁹/L (HR 4.544; 95% CI 1.140-18.107), HBV-ACLF 3 (HR 2.729; 95% CI 1.050-7.096), and cold ischaemia time >8.5 hours (HR 2.867; 95% CI, 1.38-5.921) were independently prognostic of 1-year survival. Comparisons of pretransplant scoring systems showed that chronic liver failure-consortium ACLF score (CLIF-C ACLFs) was superior to COSSH-ACLF, MELD-Na, and MELD scores in predicting 1-year OS in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Age >53 years, WBC counts >8.6 × 10⁹/L, HBV-ACLF grade 3, and cold ischaemia time >8.5 hours are independently prognostic of OS in LT recipients with HBV-ACLF. CLIF-C ACLFs is superior to other scoring methods in predicting 1-year OS in these patients.

Development of a FT3-related prognostic model for patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

This study aimed to develop a prediction model for the prognosis of patients with Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF). 122 patients were divided into survival group and death group according to 90-day prognosis after diagnosis. Risk factors affecting the prognosis were identified by the logistic regression analysis and then were used to establish an FT3-related prediction model. Age, proportion of liver cirrhosis, AST, TBil, INR, Cr, Na, WBC, and several scores (CTP, MELD, MELD-Na, CLIF-SOFA, CLIF-OF, and AARC scores) of the death group were significantly higher than that of the survival group on admission. FT3 and Na were protective factors for the prognosis of patients; Age, TBil, INR, HE grading, and Cr were risk factors. FT3 levels were (2.79 ± 0.34) (95%CI 2.73-2.87) pmol/L for the survival group and (2.20 ± 0.20) (95%CI 2.11-2.29) pmol/L for the death group. The level of FT3 in survival group was significantly higher than that of the death group in patients regardless of gender, initial liver disease, and liver failure stages (P < 0.05). The ROC curve for FT3-related prognostic model score was 0.923 (95%CI 0.809-0.947), significantly higher than that of the CTP, MELD, MELD-Na, CLIF-SOFA, CLIF-C OF, and AARC scores (P < 0.001). The FT3-related prediction model has good predictive value for 90-day prognosis.

Ultrastructural changes of donor livers in liver transplantation indicate hepatocytes injury

The use of electron microscopy (EM) can provide details about cells and tissue down to the nanometer level. We aim to observe ultrastructural changes in the donor liver by EM and analyze the relationship with prognosis. Data from 89 liver transplant recipients were collected and analyzed for recovery of graft function. The results revealed significantly higher organelle injury scores in the primary liver graft nonfunction (PNF) group. High-score group had higher peak alanine aminotransferases, peak aspartate aminotransferases, and peak international normalized ratio (p = .041, .006 and .036, respectively). Warm ischemia time, score of rough endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus was larger in low-score group (p = .007, .006, and .025, respectively). Patients in high-score group had a significantly short survival time (60.0% vs. 92.9%, p = .0039). No significant difference was found in the analysis of 3-year survival rate (60% vs. 84.5%, p = .07). EM is one of feasible and effective strategy for evaluating the quality of donor liver and the patient's prognosis. Ultrastructural changes under EM indicate hepatocytes injury and a high score indicates a worse outcome in early period but does not affect long-term survival.

DIC Score Combined With CLIF-C OF Score Is More Effective in Predicting Prognosis in Patients With Hepatitis B Virus Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

Coagulation and fibrinolysis disorders are major prognostic factors in hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) patients. Here, we aimed to clarify the role of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) scores in predicting HBV-ACLF patient prognosis. We assessed the DIC score from HBV-ACLF patients at Huashan Hospital in Shanghai, China from June 2013 to May 2021 and evaluated it in relation to short-term mortality, clinical course, and infection. A novel prognostic scoring model was proposed based on DIC scores. A total of 163 transplant-free HBV-ACLF patients were enrolled. DIC scores were higher in non-survivors than survivors (6 vs. 4, P = 0.000) and were independently associated with short-term mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 1.397, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.040–1.875, P = 0.026]. DIC scores were associated with ACLF grade, clinical course, and infection. Moreover, they were correlated with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores (r = 0.521, P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating curve (auROC) of CLIF-C OF-DICs [a novel prognostic score based on age, DIC score, and Chronic liver failure-consortium organ function score (CLIF-C OFs)] for 90-day mortality was 0.936, which was higher than six other generic prognostic scoring models. These results were confirmed in a validation cohort (n = 82). In conclusion, elevated DIC score is associated with poor prognosis in HBV-ACLF patients, and can be used jointly with CLIF-C OFs to improve the accuracy of prognosis prediction.

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation Associated With Therapeutic Interventions

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation associated with various therapeutic interventions is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with current or resolved HBV infection. Because no curative treatment for HBV infection is yet available, there are many individuals at risk for HBV reactivation in the general population. Populations at risk for HBV reactivation include patients who are currently infected with HBV or who have been exposed to HBV in the past. HBV reactivation and its potential consequences is a concern when these populations are exposed to anti-cancer chemotherapy, immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapies for the management of various malignancies, rheumatologic diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, or solid-organ or hematologic stem cell transplantation. Accordingly, it has become important to understand the basics of HBV reactivation and the mechanisms by which certain therapies are more susceptible to HBV reactivation. This review aims to raise the awareness of HBV reactivation and to understand the mechanisms and the risks of HBV reactivation in various clinical settings.

Higher Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration is Associated with Worse Prognosis of Hepatorenal Syndrome: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a severe complication of decompensated cirrhosis with high mortality. However, few prognostic factors have been identified and studies are urgently needed to facilitate precise treatment.

METHODS

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis and acute kidney injury were enrolled from four general hospitals between January 2010 and March 2020. Demographic and laboratory data were compared between surviving and non-surviving patients and also among different levels of HRS severity. COX regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) on survival of patients with HRS.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 1287 patients enrolled, 325 patients were analyzed. MCHC was significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors, and in patients with more serious disease, defined as failure of organ systems. The hazard ratio (HR) of mortality was 1.17, 1.18 and 1.11, when adjusted by the crude model, model 1 and model 2, respectively. When MCHC was converted to a categorical variable based on the quartile of MCHC, the HR for the highest quartile of MCHC was 2.11 (95% CI: 1.45-3.06, P <0.05) compared to the lowest quartile of MCHC in the crude model, and when adjusted for age and sex (model 1), the HR was 2.20 (95% CI: 1.52-3.20, P <0.05). In model 2, which was adjusted for complex characteristics, the HR was 1.77 (95% CI: 1.17-2.68, P <0.05). The results of Kaplan-Meier curves were consistent with those from Cox regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher MCHC was associated with worse prognosis in HRS.

The Relationship between FT3 Level and Severity of HBV-ACLF

We aimed to explore the relationship between free triiodothyronine (FT3) level and severity of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF). A total of 122 patients with HBV-ACLF who were hospitalized in Beijing You'an Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from September 2018 to February 2020 were included in this study. The FT3 level and the number of organs involved in patients with different stages of liver failure were analyzed. The patients were divided into four groups, Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, according to FT3 level. Correlation analysis was used to compare the correlation between FT3 level and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, chronic liver failure-sequential organ failure assessment (CLIF-SOFA) score, CLIF-consortium organ failure (CLIF-COF) score, and Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) Research Consortium (AARC) score. Multiple linear regression, logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to analyze the effect of FT3 on MELD score. The FT3 level was the lowest in patients with advanced HBV-ACLF, but the highest in patients with early-stage HBV-ACLF (P < 0.01). The more organs involved, the lower the level of FT3 (P < 0.01). The MELD score of Q4 group was the lowest, whereas that of Q1 group was the highest (P < 0.01). Pearson correlation coefficients of FT3 with MELD score, CLIF-SOFA score, CLIF-COF score and AARC score were -0.477, -0.359, -0.347, and -0.391, respectively (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the partial regression coefficients of FT3, natural log total bilirubin in milligrams per decaliter {ln[TBIL (mg/dL)]}, natural log creatinine in milligrams per decaliter {ln[CR (mg/dL)]}, and natural log international normalized ratio {ln[INR]} were -0.215, 0.346, 0.231, and 0.667, respectively (P < 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) values of FT3, ln[TBIL (mg/dL)], ln[CR (mg/dL)], and ln[INR] were 0.141 (0.082-0.244), 5.426 (2.697-9.059), 4.535 (2.432-8.455), and 8.642 (6.679-10.267) in the MELD ≥ 30 group compared with MELD < 30 group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, their area under the ROC curve (AUROC) values were 0.739 (0.686-0.792), 0.748 (0.696-0.800), 0.632 (0.562-0.702), and 0.933 (0.903-0.963), respectively (P < 0.001). FT3 level is correlated with the severity of HBV-ACLF, which may be one of the factors to judge the severity of this disease.

PBMC transcriptomics identifies immune-metabolism disorder during the development of HBV-ACLF

OBJECTIVE

Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) pathophysiology remains unclear. This study aims to characterise the molecular basis of HBV-ACLF using transcriptomics.

METHODS

Four hundred subjects with HBV-ACLF, acute-on-chronic hepatic dysfunction (ACHD), liver cirrhosis (LC) or chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and normal controls (NC) from a prospective multicentre cohort were studied, and 65 subjects (ACLF, 20; ACHD, 10; LC, 10; CHB, 10; NC, 15) among them underwent mRNA sequencing using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

RESULTS

The functional synergy analysis focusing on seven bioprocesses related to the PBMC response and the top 500 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that viral processes were associated with all disease stages. Immune dysregulation, as the most prominent change and disorder triggered by HBV exacerbation, drove CHB or LC to ACHD and ACLF. Metabolic disruption was significant in ACHD and severe in ACLF. The analysis of 62 overlapping DEGs further linked the HBV-based immune-metabolism disorder to ACLF progression. The signatures of interferon-related, neutrophil-related and monocyte-related pathways related to the innate immune response were significantly upregulated. Signatures linked to the adaptive immune response were downregulated. Disruptions of lipid and fatty acid metabolism were observed during ACLF development. External validation of four DEGs underlying the aforementioned molecular mechanism in patients and experimental rats confirmed their specificity and potential as biomarkers for HBV-ACLF pathogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights immune-metabolism disorder triggered by HBV exacerbation as a potential mechanism of HBV-ACLF and may indicate a novel diagnostic and treatment target to reduce HBV-ACLF-related mortality.

aMAP Score as a Predictor for Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with HBV-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

Background and Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic liver failure induced by hepatotropic viral insult is associated with worse prognosis than that induced by non-virus insult

BACKGROUND

The manifestations and prognoses of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) with different precipitating events remain heterogeneous. We aimed to investigate the characteristics and prognosis of patients with hepatotropic viral insult (HVI)-induced hepatitis B-related ACLF (HBV-ACLF).

METHODS

452 patients with confirmed diagnosis of ACLF were screened in three medical centers in China, and 203 HBV-ACLF patients with definite acute precipitating events were retrospectively analyzed. According to the precipitating events, HBV-ACLF patients induced by HBV reactivation and super-infection with HAV were classified as the hepatotropic viral insult group and those induced by other factors, as the non-virus insult (NVI) group. The clinical characteristics, predictive scoring model, and prognosis of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

Hepatitis B virus reactivation accounted for the largest proportion (39.9%) among all precipitating events. Exacerbation time frame of the HVI group was significantly longer than that of the NVI group (20 days vs. 10 days, P < 0.001). Comparison of intergroup prognosis showed that there was no significant difference in the 28 day mortality (20.9 vs. 13.7%, P = 0.125), while the 90 day and 1 year mortality in the HVI group were higher than those in the NVI group (36.3 vs. 24.4%, P = 0.014; 39.5% vs. 27.5%, P = 0.020, respectively). In the HVI group, the lactic acid-free APASL-ACLF Research Consortium (AARC) had better predictive value for 90 day mortality (0.741).

CONCLUSIONS

The 90 day and 1 year survival rate was lower in HBV-ACLF patients induced by HVI than by NVI. The lactate-free AARC score was a better predictor of short- and long-term prognosis in patients with HVI-induced HBV-ACLF.

Development and validation of the nomogram based on INR and eGFR for estimation of mortality in patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF) is a critical clinical syndrome with a high short-term mortality evolved from chronic hepatitis B (CHB)-related liver disease. Prediction of mortality risk and early intervention can improve the prognosis of patients. This study aimed to develop and validate the nomogram for short-time mortality estimation in ACHBLF patients defined according to Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL).

METHODS

A study of 105 ACHBLF patients with 90-day follow up was performed to develop the nomogram. Patients were randomly assigned to derivation cohort (n = 75) and validation cohort (n = 35) according to 7:3. Concordance index (C-index), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the nomogram. We also compared the nomogram with APASL ACLF research consortium (AARC) score, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, MELD with serum sodium (MELD-Na) score and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score. The nomogram was validated using an external cohort including 40 patients.

RESULTS

The 28-day and 90-day mortality of 105 patients were respectively 49.52% and 55.24%. Albumin (ALB), international normalized ratio (INR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were independent predictors for 28-day mortality; INR and eGFR were independent predictors for 90-day mortality. C-index of Nomogram-1 for 28-day mortality and Nomogram-2 for 90-day mortality were respectively 0.82 and 0.81. Calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test (Nomogram-1, 0.323; Nomogram-2, 0.231) showed optimal agreement between observed and predicted death. Areas under receiver operator characteristic curve(AUROC) of Nomogram-1(0.772) and Nomogram-2(0.771) were larger compared with AARC, MELD, MELD-Na and ALBI score. The results were well estimated in the external validation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted the predictive value of eGFR, and the nomogram based on INR and eGFR could effectively estimate individualized risk for short-term mortality of ACHBLF patients defined according to APASL.

Efficacy and safety of combination treatment of double plasma molecular adsorption system and low volume plasma exchange for patients with hepatitis B virus related acute-on-chronic liver failure: a multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is still a common type of liver failure in China. Therefore, we conduct this multicentre, non-blinded, randomised controlled clinical trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of combination treatment of double plasma molecular adsorption system (DPMAS) and low volume plasma exchange (PE) for patients with HBV related ACLF.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A total of 200 patients with HBV related ACLF in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, will be recruited into this trial. Eligible patients will undergo randomisation at a 1:1 ratio to two arms: the control group and the trial group. Patients in control group will receive comprehensive internal medical treatment. Patients in trial group will receive treatment of DPMAS and sequential low volume PE for three times, and comprehensive internal medical treatment. Clinical safety will be assessed by the analysis of adverse events (AEs) and laboratory tests. The primary efficacy outcome will be the incidence of unfavored events including death, liver transplantation and treatment abandonment. The secondary efficacy outcome will be the model for end-stage liver disease score variation. All evaluations will be performed at baseline, and 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48 weeks after enrolment. All AEs will be reported as soon as they are noted during the entire study procedure.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (approval no. (2020)02-173-01). The results and conclusions of this clinical trial will be published at academic conferences or in journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04597164.

Lower testosterone levels predict increasing severity and worse outcomes of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure in males

Background

Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) is a serious liver disease with pathogenesis remaining unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between testosterone levels, stage (early, middle, or late, categorized according to clinical manifestation), severity scores, and clinical outcomes of HBV-ACLF.

Methods

This single-center observational study involved 160 male patients with HBV-ACLF, 151 chronic hepatitis B patients without liver failure (CHB) and 106 healthy controls (HC). Morning blood samples were collected and androgen levels analyzed by chemi-bioluminescent immunoassay. Time to death or liver transplantation within 90 days comprised the primary composite outcome.

Results

Serum levels of total testosterone (TT), free testosterone index (FTI), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and cortisol were significantly lower among HBV-ACLF than CHB and HC, while androstenedione was higher. Low TT, sex hormone binding globulin and FTI were associated with increased stage (of HBV-ACLF, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy) and severity scores (Model for End-stage Liver Disease and Chinese Group on the Study of Severe Hepatitis B-ACLF scores). Low TT (< 142.39 ng/dL) was a risk factor for both the composite outcome and for death alone within 90 days. Multivariate analysis revealed TT to be an independent predictor for the composite outcome (hazard ratio 2.57, 95% CI 1.09–6.02; P = 0.030).

Conclusion

Low serum testosterone is common among male patients with HBV-ACLF and predictive of increased severity and worse outcome of the disease and may play an important role in the progression of HBV-ACLF.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy Does Not Affect Prognosis of Cirrhosis Patients With Acute Decompensation and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: A Single-Center Prospective Study

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy on complications and prognosis in cirrhosis patients with and without acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).

Materials and Methods: Cirrhosis patients with acute decompensation (AD) (n = 489) admitted in our center were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study. According to treatment received, patients were identified as users or nonusers of PPI. Clinical and laboratory data, complications during hospitalization, and overall survival were recorded in all the patients.

Results: Of the 489 patients, 299 (61.1%) patients received PPI therapy. The logistic regression analysis showed that age, albumin, history of previous hepatic encephalopathy (HE), and the chronic liver failure-sequential organ failure assessment (CLIF-SOFA) score were independent risk factors for HE in patients with decompensated cirrhosis [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03–1.12, p = 0.001; OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04–1.24, p = 0.006; OR = 242.52, 95% CI: 40.17–1464.11, p < 0.001; and OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 2.11–3.96, p < 0.001, respectively]. Previous severe liver injury and previous bacterial infections were independent risk factors for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (OR = 3.43, 95% CI: 1.16–10.17, p = 0.026 and OR = 6.47, 95% CI: 2.29–18.29, p < 0.001, respectively). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that the type and dose of the PPI used were not related to 28-day and 90-day mortality in cirrhosis patients with AD or ACLF.

Conclusion: PPI use does not appear to increase mortality or the risk of HE and SBP in the hospitalized cirrhosis patients with and without ACLF.

Transcriptomics reveals immune-metabolism disorder in acute-on-chronic liver failure in rats

Liver tissue transcriptomics of liver cirrhosis (LC)–based acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) rats reveal immune-metabolism disorder as the core mechanism underlying ACLF development and prognosis.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is clinical syndrome with high mortality rate. This study aimed to perform detailed transcriptomic analysis in liver cirrhosis–based ACLF rats to elucidate ACLF pathogenesis. ACLF was induced by combined porcine serum with D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide. Gene expression profile of liver tissues from ACLF rats was generated by transcriptome sequencing to reveal the molecular mechanism. ACLF rats successfully developed with typical characteristics. Total of 2,354/3,576 differentially expressed genes were identified when ACLF was compared to liver cirrhosis and normal control, separately. The functional synergy analysis revealed prominent immune dysregulation at ACLF stage, whereas metabolic disruption was significantly down-regulated. Relative proportions of innate immune–related cells showed significant elevation of monocytes and macrophages, whereas adaptive immune–related cells were reduced. The seven differentially expressed genes underlying the ACLF molecular mechanisms were externally validated, among them THBS1, IL-10, and NR4A3 expressions were confirmed in rats, patient transcriptomics, and liver biopsies, verifying their potential value in the ACLF pathogenesis. This study indicates immune-metabolism disorder in ACLF rats, which may provide clinicians new targets for improving intervention strategies.

The periscreen strip is an accurate and rapid method to diagnose spontaneous bacterial peritonitis among patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND

Leukocyte esterase reagent strips may help diagnose spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), but their effective application among patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) remains unknown.

AIM

This study aimed to assess the performance of periscreen strips in the rapid diagnosis of SBP among patients with ACLF.

METHODS

Periscreen strips were used to test 261 ascites samples taken from 251 inpatients with ACLF between January 2014 and June 2019. The colors of the reagent strip were divided into four colorimetric graduations ('negative', 'trace', 'small', and 'large'), among which 'trace' is used as the SBP detection threshold. The polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) of ascites ≥250/mm3 was used as the gold standard for SBP diagnosis.

RESULTS

SBP was detected in 92 (35.2%) ascite samples. The ascites PMN count of 'negative' (32.5/mm3) was lower than those of 'trace' (248.2/mm3), 'small' (379.0/mm3), and 'large' (7426.0/mm3) (P < 0.001). The colorimetric graduations of the strips were positively correlated with ascites PMN count (r = 0.867, P < 0.001). Periscreen strips had 100% sensitivity, 91.1% specificity, 86.0% positive predictive value, 100% negative predictive value, 11.3 positive likelihood ratios, and 0 negative likelihood ratios. For patients with negative results judged by the gold standard, ascites white blood cells count [odds ratio (OR) = 1.007) and ascites PMN count (OR = 1.028) were independent predictors of false-positive cases.

CONCLUSION

Liver failure did not affect the diagnostic performance of periscreen strips. Therefore, these strips can efficiently and rapidly diagnose SBP among patients with ACLF.

HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure with underlying chronic hepatitis has superior survival compared to cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is divided into three types according to the underlying liver disease: non-cirrhosis (type A), compensated cirrhosis (type B) and decompensated cirrhosis (type C). However, whether the underlying chronic liver diseases impact the ACLF prognosis is not clear. The present study aimed to compare the characteristics and outcomes of type A and type B hepatitis B virus (HBV)-ACLF patients.

METHODS

According to the European Association for the Study of Liver-Chronic Liver Failure (EASL-CLIF) diagnostic criteria, 86 type A HBV-ACLF and 71 type B HBV-ACLF were prospectively enrolled. The demography and laboratory data, organ failures, ACLF grades and prognosis were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to analyze the prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The 28-day and 90-day mortality rates of type A and type B ACLF were 20.9 vs. 60.6% and 34.9 vs. 73.2%, respectively (both P < 0.001). Patients with type A ACLF were younger, had higher viral load and higher levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, platelet count, serum albumin and sodium, international normalized ratio and alpha-fetoprotein, lower rate of ascites, lower Child-Pugh scores and CLIF sequential organ failure assessment scores, higher rate of coagulation failure. Type B ACLF had more renal and cerebral failure. Cirrhosis was one of the independent prognostic factors [hazard ratio, 2.4 (95% CI, 1.451-3.818) P < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

ACLF developing on noncirrhotic chronic hepatitis B had more serious liver inflammation but fewer extrahepatic organ failures and better outcome than ACLF developing from compensated HBV cirrhosis.

Evaluation of prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure or severe liver injury from chronic HBV infection

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with bacterial infection and poor outcome. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is used to assess bacterial infection and immune dysfunction in numerous diseases. We aimed to evaluate NLR as a prognostic biomarker and to explore its combination with accepted prognostic models in ACLF patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with ACLF or severe liver injury from chronic HBV infection admitted to three tertiary academic hospitals in China from 2013 to 2019. Baseline NLR was correlated with ACLF grade, bacterial infection, survival and accepted ACLF scores.

RESULTS

Baseline NLR values were significantly increased in nonsurvivors and patients with bacterial infection at or after admission and were unaffected by cirrhotic status in 412 transplant-free patients included in three cohorts. Compared with accepted scores, NLR showed moderate accuracy in predicting 28-day mortality and high accuracy in predicting 90-day mortality. Three levels of mortality risk were graded on the basis of NLR values (<3.10, 3.10-4.79 and >4.79), and NLR >4.79 was associated with 53.2-60.0% 28-day and 75.0-80.0% 90-day mortality in these cohorts. Multivariate analyses indicated that NLR retained statistical significance independently of CLIF consortium organ failure score (CLIF-C OFs). NLR-based CLIF-C ACLF score was primarily developed and showed excellent performance in predicting 28/90-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

NLR is a dependable biomarker for bacterial infection assessment and short-term mortality prediction in ACLF patients and can be used jointly with CLIF-C OFs to improve the accuracy of mortality prediction in patients with the disease. NLR-based CLIF-C ACLF model needs further validation.

Increased INR Values Predict Accelerating Deterioration and High Short-Term Mortality Among Patients Hospitalized With Cirrhosis or Advanced Fibrosis

Background and Objective: An increase in the international normalized ratio (INR) is associated with increased mortality in patients with cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases, while little is known about the quantitative relationship. This study aimed to investigate the quantitative relationship between the INR and short-term prognosis among patients hospitalized with cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis and to evaluate the role of the INR as a risk factor for short-term liver transplant (LT)-free mortality in these patients. Patients and Methods: This study prospectively analyzed multicenter cohorts established by the Chinese Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (CATCH-LIFE) study. Cox regression was used to describe the relationship between the INR and independent risk factors for short-term LT-free mortality. Forest plots were used in the subgroup analysis. Generalized additive models (GAMs) and splines were used to illustrate the quantitative curve relationship between the INR and the outcome and inflection point on the curve. Results: A total of 2,567 patients with cirrhosis and 924 patients with advanced fibrosis were included in the study. The 90-day LT-free mortality of patients with cirrhosis and advanced fibrosis was 16.7% (428/2,567) and 7.5% (69/924), respectively. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, the increase in the INR was independently associated with the risk of 90-day LT-free mortality both in patients with cirrhosis (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04-1.07, p < 0.001) and in patients with advanced fibrosis (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06-1.12, p < 0.001). An INR of 1.6/1.7 was found to be the starting point of coagulation dysfunction with a rapid increase in mortality in patients with cirrhosis or in patients with advanced fibrosis, respectively. A 28-day LT-free mortality of 15% was associated with an INR value of 2.1 in both cirrhosis and advanced fibrosis patients. Conclusions: This study was the first to quantitatively describe the relationship between the INR and short-term LT-free mortality in patients with cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis. The starting points of INR indicating the rapid increase in mortality and the unified cutoff value of coagulation failure in cirrhosis and advanced fibrosis, will help clinicians accurately recognize early disease deterioration.

Plasma Exchange-Based Non-bioartificial Liver Support System Improves the Short-Term Outcomes of Patients With Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

Background and aims: Hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) is a complicated syndrome with extremely high short-term mortality. Whether plasma exchange (PE) improves HBV-ACLF outcomes remains controversial. Here, PE-based non-bioartificial liver support system (NB-ALSS) effects on short-term HBV-ACLF patient outcomes were investigated. Materials and methods: HBV-ACLF patients from Chinese Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure (CATCH-LIFE) cohort receiving standard medical therapy (SMT) alone or PE-based NB-ALSS in addition to SMT were allocated to SMT and SMT+PE groups, respectively; propensity score matching (PSM) was used to eliminate confounding bias. Short-term (28/90-day and 1-year) survival rates were calculated (Kaplan-Meier). Results: In total, 524 patients with HBV-ACLF were enrolled in this study; 358 received SMT alone (SMT group), and the remaining 166 received PE-based NB-ALSS in addition to SMT (SMT+PE group). PSM generated 166 pairs of cases. In the SMT+PE group, 28-day, 90-day, and 1-year survival rates were 11.90, 8.00, and 10.90%, respectively, higher than those in the SMT group. Subgroup analysis revealed that PE-based NB-ALSS had the best efficacy in patients with ACLF grade 2 or MELD scores of 30-40 (MELD grade 3). In MELD grade 3 patients who received SMT+PE, 28-day, 90-day, and 1-year survival rates were improved by 18.60, 14.20, and 20.10%, respectively. According to multivariate Cox regression analysis, PE-based NB-ALSS was the only independent protective factor for HBV-ACLF patient prognosis at 28 days, 90 days, and 1 year (28 days, HR = 0.516, p = 0.001; 90 days, HR = 0.663, p = 0.010; 1 year, HR = 0.610, p = 0.051). For those who received SMT+PE therapy, PE-based NB-ALSS therapy frequency was the only independent protective factor for short-term prognosis (28-day, HR = 0.597, p = 0.001; 90-day, HR = 0.772, p = 0.018). Conclusions: This multicenter prospective study showed that the addition of PE-based NB-ALSS to SMT improves short-term (28/90 days and 1-year) outcomes in patients with HBV-ACLF, especially in MELD grade 3 patients. Optimization of PE-based NB-ALSS may improve prognosis or even save lives among HBV-ACLF patients.

Development and validation of a new prognostic score for hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Early determination of the prognosis of patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) is important to guide clinical management and decrease mortality. The aim of this study was to develop a new simplified prognostic score to accurately predict outcomes in patients with HBV-ACLF.

METHODS

Prospective clinical data from 2,409 hospitalized patients with acute deterioration of HBV-related chronic liver disease were used to develop a new prognostic score that was validated in an external group.

RESULTS

A total of 954 enrolled patients with HBV-ACLF were diagnosed based on the Chinese Group on the Study of Severe Hepatitis B-ACLF (COSSH-ACLF) criteria. Six predictive factors were significantly related to 28-day mortality and constituted a new prognostic score (=1.649×ln(international normalized ratio)+0.457×hepatic encephalopathy score+0.425×ln(neutrophil)+0.396×ln(total bilirubin)+0.576×ln(serum urea)+0.033×age). The C-indices of the new score for 28-/90-day mortality (0.826/0.809) were significantly higher than those of 4 other scores (COSSH-ACLF, 0.793/0.784; CLIF-C ACLF, 0.792/0.770; MELD, 0.731/0.727; MELD-Na, 0.730/0.726; all p <0.05). The prediction error rates of the new score for 28-day mortality were significantly lower than those of the 4 other scores: COSSH-ACLF (15.9%), CLIF-C ACLF (16.3%), MELD (35.3%) and MELD-Na (35.6%). The probability density function evaluation and risk stratification of the new score also showed the highest predictive values for mortality. These results were then validated in an external cohort.

CONCLUSION

A new prognostic score based on 6 predictors, without an assessment of organ failure, can accurately predict short-term mortality in patients with HBV-ACLF and might be used to guide clinical management.

LAY SUMMARY

Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) is a complex syndrome that is associated with a high short-term mortality rate. We developed a simplified prognostic score for patients suffering from this condition based on a prospective multicentre cohort. This new score had better predictive ability than 4 other commonly used scores.