U.K. guidelines on the management of variceal haemorrhage in cirrhotic patients

Second-look endoscopy-guided therapy under sedation prevents early rebleeding after variceal ligation for acute variceal bleeding

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether second-look endoscopy (SLE)-guided therapy could be used to prevent post-endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) early bleeding.

METHODS

Consecutive cirrhotic patients with large esophageal varices (EV) receiving successful EVL for acute variceal bleeding (AVB) or secondary prophylaxis were enrolled. The patients were randomized into a SLE group and a non-SLE group (NSLE) 10 days after EVL. Additional endoscopic interventions as well as proton pump inhibitors and octreotide administration were applied based on the SLE findings. The post-EVL early rebleeding and mortality rates were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 252 patients were included in the final analysis. Post-EVL early rebleeding (13.5% vs 4.8%, P = 0.016) and bleeding-caused mortality (4.8% vs 0%, P = 0.013) were more frequently observed in the NSLE group than in the SLE group. However, post-EVL early rebleeding and mortality rates were reduced by SLE in patients receiving EVL for AVB only but not in those receiving secondary prophylaxis. Patients with Child-Pugh classification B to C at randomization (hazard ratio [HR] 8.77, P = 0.034), AVB at index EVL (HR 3.62, P = 0.003), discontinuation of non-selective β-blocker after randomization (HR 4.68, P = 0.001) and non-SLE (HR 2.63, P = 0.046) were more likely to have post-EVL early rebleeding. No serious adverse events occurred during SLE.

CONCLUSION

SLE-guided therapy reduces post-EVL early rebleeding and mortality rates in cirrhotic patients with large EV receiving EVL for AVB.

Gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging can accurately predict the severity of esophageal varices and portal vein pressure in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effectiveness of gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting portal hypertension and high-risk esophageal varices (EV) in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.

METHODS

In total, 71 and 30 patients comprising the training and validation groups, respectively, were enrolled in the study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to detect their risk of developing high-risk EV to generate a formula for scoring EV. The relationships between the relative enhancement ratio (RE) of Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MRI and portal vein pressure were explored.

RESULTS

Platelet count, portal vein width and RE were identified as independent predictors of high-risk EV. Based on these parameters, the EV score model were calculated as: -6.483 + 15.612 × portal vein width + 2.251 × RE - 0.176 × platelet count. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.903. At a cut-off value of ≤ -2.74, the negative predictive value was 94.00%, while the positive predictive value was as high as 93.80% when the cut-off was set at > 4.00. Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MRI was effective in predicting portal pressure. Its accuracy was confirmed with the validation set.

CONCLUSIONS

Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MRI was successfully applied to evaluate high-risk EV and portal hypertension. These results represent an accurate, non-invasive model for detecting high-risk EV, based on which we propose a cost-effective algorithm for EV management, eliminating the need to perform an endoscopy in all patients with cirrhosis.

Non-selective beta blocker use is associated with improved short-term survival in patients with cirrhosis referred for liver transplantation

Background

Recent evidence cautions against the use of non-selective beta-blockers (NSBB) in patients with refractory ascites or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis while other data suggests a survival benefit in patients with advanced liver disease. The aim of this study was to describe the use and impact of NSBB in patients with cirrhosis referred for liver transplantation.

Methods

A single-center cohort of patients with cirrhosis, who were referred and evaluated for liver transplantation between January and June 2012 were studied for baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes. Patients were grouped according to the use of NSBB at initial evaluation, with the endpoint of 90-day mortality.

Results

Sixty-five (38%) of 170 consecutive patients evaluated for liver transplantation were taking NSBB. Patients taking NSBB had higher MELD and Child Pugh score. NSBB use was associated with lower 90-day mortality (6% vs. 15%) with a risk adjusted hazard ratio of 0.27 (95%CI .09–0.88, p = .03). Patients taking NSBB developed acute kidney injury (AKI) within 90 days more frequently than patients not taking NSBB (22% vs 11%), p = 0.048). However, this was related to increased stage 1 AKI episodes, all of which resolved. Twelve (27%) of 45 patients with > 90 day follow up discontinued NSBB, most commonly for hypotension and AKI, had increased subsequent MELD and mortality.

Conclusions

NSBB use in patients with cirrhosis undergoing liver transplant evaluation is associated with better short-term survival. Nevertheless, ongoing tolerance of NSBB in this population is dynamic and may select a subset of patients with better hemodynamic reserve.

Endoscopic Variceal Sequential Ligation Does Not Increase Risk of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Cirrhosis Patients

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic variceal sequential ligation (EVSL) is currently endorsed in our hospital, as the preferred endoscopic treatment for prevention of variceal rebleeding and achieving adequate hemostasis. There is currently a lack of consensus surrounding EVSL-induced changes in esophageal motor function and abnormal reflux.

AIMS

To explore alterations in esophageal motor function and risk of abnormal gastroesophageal reflux in liver cirrhosis patients with esophageal varices, after EVSL.

METHODS

Twenty-one liver cirrhosis patients with esophageal varices were studied using manometry and 24-h pH monitoring 1 day prior to and 1 month following EVSL. The EVSL consisted of performing esophageal variceal ligation using a multi-band ligator, which was repeated every 4 weeks until the varices were eradicated.

RESULTS

The amplitude and duration of peristaltic contraction waves and the percentage of abnormal esophageal contraction waveforms were unaltered in both the proximal (P > 0.05) and the distal (P > 0.05) esophagus after EVSL. However, the lower esophageal sphincter pressure was decreased following EVSL (16.1 ± 7.9 mmHg vs 21.1 ± 6.3 mmHg (P < 0.05)). Various quantitative parameters including percentage of total monitoring time with pH < 4.0, total number of reflux episodes, number of reflux episodes > 5 min, and DeMeester scores were not increased in post-EVSL patients. Abnormal reflux monitored by 24-h pH monitoring occurred in ten (47.6%) pre-EVSL patients and 11 (52.4%) post-EVSL patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although EVSL affects esophageal motility by relatively decreasing LES pressure, it does not induce substantial motor abnormalities nor increase risk of abnormal gastroesophageal reflux disease in cirrhosis patients.

Remaining challenges for the noninvasive diagnosis of esophageal varices in liver cirrhosis

Although endoscopy is the recommended method for detecting esophageal varices, noninvasive methods for diagnosing esophageal varices are needed to avoid unnecessary invasive endoscopic examinations. In recent years, many studies have been performed to predict the presence of high-risk varices in noninvasive ways. The most widely used tools for noninvasive screening for esophageal varices are the Baveno VI and expanded Baveno VI criteria. Even these accepted criteria are not 100% accurate and have some limitations. Here, we summarize the current literature on the noninvasive diagnosis of esophageal varices in liver cirrhosis patients and highlight the remaining issues.

Acceptability to patients of screening disposable transnasal endoscopy: qualitative interview analysis

OBJECTIVES

Screening in selected high risk populations for Barrett's oesophagus (BO) and oesophageal varices (OVs) has been proposed, but there are obstacles with conventional oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (C-OGD), including patient acceptability. Portable and disposable office-based transnasal endoscopy (TNE) is a feasible and accurate alternative to C-OGD that may have use in primary and secondary care. This article outlines a qualitative analysis of patient experiences of TNE and C-OGD in order to gain an insight into an acceptable delivery of an endoscopic screening service.

DESIGN

Purposeful sampling identified 23 participants who then underwent semi-structured interviews to determine their experiences of both procedures. Thematic analysis was conducted to derive meaning from their lived experiences.

SETTING

A secondary care endoscopy unit, clinic room and interview room.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients referred for BO or OV surveillance and for endoscopy to investigate dyspepsia underwent unsedated TNE using the EG Scan II device followed by C-OGD with or without sedation (patient choice), as part of a clinical trial.

RESULTS

The themes that arose from our analysis were: inclusivity in one's own healthcare, comfort level and convenience, validity of the procedure and application to a screening population and a sense of altruism and reciprocity. Positive aspects of TNE included participant empowerment, reduced discomfort and avoidance of conscious sedation. Participants felt that if TNE screening was of proven efficacy it would be welcomed, though views on use in a community setting were mixed.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients preferred TNE to unsedated C-OGD and the reasons they gave featured strongly in the emerging themes. Preferences between TNE and sedated C-OGD were more subtle, with equivalent comfort scores but merits and drawbacks of both being discussed. This information identifies opportunities and challenges in establishing an endoscopic screening service. Trial registration number ISRCTNregistry identifier: 70595405; Pre-results.

Prognostic value of risk scoring systems for cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding

BACKGROUND

Acute variceal bleeding is one of the deadliest complications of cirrhosis, with a high risk of in-hospital rebleeding and mortality. Some risk scoring systems to predict clinical outcomes in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding have been developed. However, for cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding, data regarding the predictive value of these prognostic scores in predicting in-hospital outcomes are limited and controversial.

AIM

To validate and compare the overall performance of selected prognostic scoring systems for predicting in-hospital outcomes in cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding.

METHODS

From March 2017 to June 2019, cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding were retrospectively enrolled at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. The clinical Rockall score (CRS), AIMS65 score (AIMS65), Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS), modified GBS (mGBS), Canada-United Kingdom-Australia score (CANUKA), Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (CTP), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and MELD-Na were calculated. The overall performance of these prognostic scoring systems was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 330 cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding were enrolled; the rates of in-hospital rebleeding and mortality were 20.3% and 10.6%, respectively. For in-hospital rebleeding, the discriminative ability of the CTP and CRS were clinically acceptable, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) of 0.717 (0.648-0.787) and 0.716 (0.638-0.793), respectively. The other tested scoring systems had poor discriminative ability (AUROCs < 0.7). For in-hospital mortality, the CRS, CTP, AIMS65, MELD-Na and MELD showed excellent discriminative ability (AUROCs > 0.8). The AUROCs of the mGBS, CANUKA and GBS were relatively small, but clinically acceptable (AUROCs > 0.7). Furthermore, the calibration of all scoring systems was good for either in-hospital rebleeding or death.

CONCLUSION

For cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding, in-hospital rebleeding and mortality rates remain high. The CTP and CRS can be used clinically to predict in-hospital rebleeding. The performances of the CRS, CTP, AIMS65, MELD-Na and MELD are excellent at predicting in-hospital mortality.

Establishment and assessment of the hepatic venous pressure gradient using biofluid mechanics (HVPGBFM): protocol for a prospective, randomised, non-controlled, multicentre study

INTRODUCTION

Portal hypertension (PH) is a severe disease with a poor outcome. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), the current gold standard to detect PH, is available only in few hospitals due to its invasiveness and technical difficulty. This study aimed to establish and assess a novel model to calculate HVPG based on biofluid mechanics.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a prospective, randomised, non-controlled, multicentre trial. A total of 248 patients will be recruited in this study, and each patient will undergo CT, blood tests, Doppler ultrasound and HVPG measurement. The study consists of two independent and consecutive cohorts: original cohort (124 patients) and validation cohort (124 patients). The researchers will establish and improve the HVPG using biofluid mechanics (HVPG_BFM)model in the original cohort and assess the model in the validation cohort.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the Scientific Research Projects Approval Determination of Independent Ethics Committee of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (approval number 2017-430 T326). Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03470389.

Incidence and mortality of renal dysfunction in cirrhotic patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common complication in cirrhosis. Renal dysfunction may be crucial for the outcomes of cirrhotic patients with acute GIB. This study aimed to explore the incidence and mortality of renal dysfunction in cirrhotic patients with acute GIB.Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. We pooled the incidence and mortality of renal dysfunction in cirrhotic patients using a random-effect model. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.Results: Seventeen studies were included. The pooled incidence of renal dysfunction was 21% (95%CI = 16%-25%) in cirrhosis with acute GIB. In subgroup analyses, the pooled incidence of renal failure, acute kidney injury (AKI), and renal impairment were 21%, 25%, and 15%, respectively. The pooled mortality was 46% (95%CI = 37%-55%) in cirrhosis with acute GIB and renal dysfunction. In subgroup analyses, the pooled mortality in patients with renal failure, AKI, and renal impairment were 42%, 47%, and 49%, respectively. Renal dysfunction significantly increased the mortality of cirrhosis with acute GIB (OR = 4.92; 95%CI = 3.47-6.96; P < 0.001).Conclusion: Renal dysfunction is a common indicator for poor outcome of cirrhosis with acute GIB. Prevention of renal dysfunction in such patients should be further explored.

The magnitude and correlates of esophageal Varices among newly diagnosed cirrhotic patients undergoing screening fibre optic endoscope before incident bleeding in North-Western Tanzania; a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Bleeding esophageal varices is a deadly complication of liver cirrhosis. Guidelines recommend an early diagnosis of esophageal varices before incident bleeding by screening all patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Though it has been reported elsewhere that the presence of esophageal varices varies widely among cirrhotic patients this has not been assessed in Tanzania since endoscopy is not readily available for routine use in our setting. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of esophageal varices and assess the utility of clinical parameters in predicting the presence of varices among cirrhotic patients in northwestern Tanzania.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of adult patients with liver cirrhosis was done at Bugando Medical Centre. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and endoscopic data were collected and analyzed using STATA 13. The presence of esophageal varices was detected using endoscopic examination and associated factors were assessed by logistic regression. The predictive value of clinical predictors was also assessed by calculating sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS

A total of 223 patients were enrolled, where 88 (39.5%; 95%CI: 33.0-45.9) had esophageal varices. The varices were independently associated with increased age (OR: 1.02; 95%CI: 1.0-1.04; p = 0.030); increased splenic diameter (OR:1.3; 95%CI:1.2-1.5; p <  0.001), increased portal vein diameter (OR:1.2; 95%CI: 1.07-1.4; p = 0.003), having ascites (OR: 3.0; 95%CI: 1.01-8.7; p = 0.046), and advanced liver disease (OR: 2.9; 95%CI: 1.3-6.7; p = 0.008). PSDR least performed in predicting varices, (AUC: 0.382; 95%CI: 0.304-0.459; cutoff: < 640; Sensitivity: 58.0%; 95%CI: 46.9-68.4; specificity: 57.0%; 95%CI: 48.2-65.5). SPD had better prediction; (AUC: 0.713; 95%CI: 0.646-0.781; cut off: > 15.2 cm; sensitivity: 65.9%; (95% CI: 55-75.7 and specificity:65.2%; 95%CI: 56.5-73.2), followed by PVD, (AUC: 0.6392; 95%CI: 0.566-0.712;cutoff: > 1.45 cm; sensitivity: 62.5%; 95CI: 51.5-72.6; specificity: 61.5%; 95%CI: 52.7-69.7).

CONCLUSION

Esophageal varices were prevalent among cirrhotic patients, most of which were at risk of bleeding. The non-invasive prediction of varices was not strong enough to replace endoscopic diagnosis. However, the predictors in this study can potentially assist in the selection of patients at high risk of having varices and prioritize them for endoscopic screening and appropriate management.

Selective versus non‐selective shunts for the prevention of variceal rebleeding

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:

To assess the benefits and harms of any type of selective shunt versus any type of non‐selective shunt for the prevention of oesophagogastric variceal rebleeding in people with portal hypertension.

Use of blood components in clinical practice

Blood component transfusion is a procedure undertaken by nurses across a range of clinical specialties. An understanding of why blood components are used, and the appropriate use of these components, is essential for all nurses involved in the transfusion process to ensure that transfusions are safe and effective, as well as to reduce the risk of preventable harm to patients. This article outlines guidance on appropriate transfusion in adult patients, focusing on the most commonly used components: red cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and cryoprecipitate. It discusses what these components are and their use in adults, to reduce the risk of inappropriate transfusions. The aim of this article is to develop nurses' knowledge of blood transfusion, to support them in improving clinical practice in this area.

Endoscopic therapy for gastro-oesophageal varices of Caroli's syndrome: a case report

Caroli’s disease (CD) is a very rare congenital disorder that is characterized by non-obstructive, segmental and cystic dilatation of intrahepatic ducts. Most patients with CD are asymptomatic, but some patients may suffer from hepatic fibrosis, liver cirrhosis or/and portal hypertension. In complex CD, cystic dilatations of the intrahepatic bile ducts can be present with congenital hepatic fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, oesophageal varices and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease; a condition known as Caroli’s syndrome. This report describes the case of a 28-year-old woman that had gastro-oesophageal varices that were caused by hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension as part of Caroli’s syndrome. The patient underwent successful treatment with endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with lauromacrogol and endoscopic variceal obturation using tissue adhesive. There were no immediate complications and the patient remained free of complications at 1-year follow-up. There are no current reports in the published literature describing Caroli’s syndrome induced by gastro-oesophageal varices that were treated by a combination of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy and endoscopic variceal obturation. Endoscopic therapy was an effective technique for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal varices in a patient with Caroli’s syndrome awaiting a liver transplant.

Optimal timing of endoscopy in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Endoscopy is the gold standard for evaluating and treating acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). The optimal timing of endoscopy is a very important consideration in the overall management of UGIB, but there is on going uncertainty regarding timing of the procedure, particularly in those with more severe bleeding. This is reflected by inconsistencies between current guidelines. Although evidence suggests endoscopy should be undertaken within 24 h for all admitted patients with UGIB, a small group of patients with severe bleeding or high-risk features may require more urgent endoscopy. The exact timing of the procedure in this high-risk group remains unclear, with recent data suggesting that performing endoscopy too early may be associated with worse outcome. In this article we examine the evidence for optimal timing of endoscopy in patients presenting with UGIB and suggest a clinical approach to this important aspect of patient management.

Prescribing in Chronic Severe Hepatic Impairment

Therapeutic Reviews aim to provide essential independent information for health professionals about drugs used in palliative and hospice care. Additional content is available via www.palliativedrugs.com. The series editors welcome feedback on the articles.

The current knowledge about the therapeutic use of endoscopic sclerotherapy and endoscopic tissue adhesives in variceal bleeding

Introduction: The most recent guidelines vary in their approach to the management of variceal bleeding especially with the use of endoscopic sclerotherapy (ES) and endoscopic tissue adhesive (ETA). This review highlights their clinical use for variceal bleeding from different guidelines perspectives. Areas covered: A comprehensive literature review of three major guidelines including the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) 2017, United Kingdom (UK) guidelines 2015 and Baveno VI Consensus workshop guidelines in 2015 on the use of ES and ETA in variceal bleeding. Expert opinion: While endoscopic band ligation (EBL) completely replaced endoscopic sclerotherapy (ES) for esophageal varices. There is a valuable use of endoscopic sclerotherapy (ES) and endoscopic tissue adhesive (ETA) especially for patients with gastroesophageal varices (GOV2) and isolated gastric varices (IGV2). The current standard of care heading toward portosystemic shunting with Trans-jugular-Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) and balloon retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO). However, recent advancement in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allowing direct injection of sclerosant and tissue adhesive into the varix bringing promising results in achieving hemostasis and lowering the risk of complications. Also, ES and ETA have great clinical value in achieving hemostasis for isolated (ectopic) varices and stomal varices.

Uptake of endoscopic screening for gastroesophageal varices and factors associated with variceal bleeding in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection and compensated cirrhosis, 2005-2016: a national database linkage study

BACKGROUND

Primary measures for preventing morbidity and mortality associated with bleeding gastroesophageal varices in cirrhotic patients include endoscopic screening.

AIM

To identify factors associated with (a) screening and (b) first hospital admission for variceal bleeding among cirrhotic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients attending specialist care in Scotland.

METHODS

The Scottish Hepatitis C Clinical Database was linked to national hospitalisation and deaths records to identify all chronic HCV patients diagnosed with compensated cirrhosis in 2005-2016 (n = 2741). The adjusted odds of being screened by calendar year period were estimated using logistic regression, and the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of a first variceal bleed using Cox regression.

RESULTS

About 34% were screened within the period starting 12 months before and ending 12 months after cirrhosis diagnosis. The proportion screened was stable in 2005-2010 at 42%, declining to 37% in 2011-2013 and 26% in 2014-2016. Odds of screening were decreased for age-groups <40 (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48-0.77) and 60+ years (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48-0.94), history of antiviral therapy (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.55-0.89), and cirrhosis diagnosis in 2014-2015, compared with 2008-2010 (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52-0.86). Compared with 2008-2010, there was no evidence for an increased/decreased relative risk of a first variceal bleed in any other period, but viral clearance was associated with a lower risk (HR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall screening uptake following cirrhosis diagnosis was low, and the decline in recent years is of concern. The stable bleeding risk over time may be attributable both to ongoing prevention initiatives and to changing diagnostic procedures creating a patient pool with milder disease in more recent years.

A new algorithm for predicting long-term survival in chronic hepatitis B patients with variceal bleeding after endoscopic therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

A predictive algorithm for survival is urgently needed in clinical practice. This study aimed to establish an algorithm to predict long-term survival in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with hepatic cirrhosis and variceal bleeding after endoscopic therapy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study in which 603 patients who followed-up for three years were randomly assigned into a training cohort and a validation cohort in a 2:1 ratio. A new score model was devised based on the result of Cox regression analysis in the training cohort, and was verified in the validation cohort.

RESULTS

A prediction score model composed of age, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and MELD score was established. The score ranged from 0 to 11. Areas under the ROC curve of the score were 0.821 (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.769-0.873) and 0.827 (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.753-0.900) in the training cohort and validation cohort, respectively. Scores 0-4 and 5-11 identified patients as low-risk and high-risk categories, respectively. The cumulative 3-year survival rate was significantly higher in the low-risk group than in the high-risk group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The new score model can be used to predict long-term survival in CHB patients with hepatic cirrhosis and variceal bleeding after endoscopic therapy.

Liaoning Score for Prediction of Esophageal Varices in Cirrhotic Patients Who Had Never Undergone Endoscopy: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study in Liaoning Province, China

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopy is necessary for assessment of esophageal varices (EVs) in cirrhotic patients, but its use is limited because of the poor compliance of patients and shortage of public health resources at primary hospitals or rural areas, especially in less well developed countries. A multicenter cross-sectional study aimed to establish a novel non-invasive score for prediction of EVs in cirrhotic patients who had never undergone endoscopy.

METHODS

Patients with liver cirrhosis regardless of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) who underwent the first-time upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at 11 hospitals in Liaoning Province, China were considered. Independent predictors for EVs were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis and then combined into an equation. The diagnostic performance with area under curve (AUC) was further evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 363 patients were included, of whom 260 had EVs and 180 presented with AUGIB. In all patients, AUGIB, ascites, and platelets were the independent predictors for EVs. The equation (i.e., Liaoning score) was 0.466 + 1.088 × AUGIB (1 = yes; 0 = no) + 1.147 × ascites (1 = yes; 0 = no) - 0.012 × platelets, which had an AUC of 0.807 (p < 0.0001). In patients with AUGIB, ascites and platelets were the independent predictors for EVs. The equation was as follows: 1.205 + 1.557 × ascites (1 = yes; 0 = no) - 0.008 × platelets, which had an AUC of 0.782 (p < 0.0001). In patients without AUGIB, platelets was the only independent predictor for EVs, which had an AUC of 0.773 (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The Liaoning score is based on easy-to-access regular clinical and laboratory data and has a good diagnostic performance for non-invasive prediction of EVs in cirrhotic patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02593799.

Performance of Baveno VI and Expanded Baveno VI Criteria for Excluding High-Risk Varices in Patients With Chronic Liver Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We aimed to assess the accuracy of Baveno VI criteria for identification of high-risk varices (HRVs) and varices of any size in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD).

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of publications through December 2018 for studies that assessed the accuracy of Baveno VI criteria for screening for varices in patients with cACLD. We used hierarchical models to synthesize evidence. We also conducted a post hoc analysis to assess the accuracy of Εxpanded Baveno VI criteria. We appraised the confidence in estimates using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

We identified 30 studies (8469 participants). Pooled values of Baveno VI criteria for HRVs (26 studies) were a sensitivity of 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95-0.98) and a specificity of 0.32 (95% CI, 0.26-0.39). Pooled sensitivity of Εxpanded Baveno VI criteria for HRVs (12 studies) was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.85-0.93) and specificity was 0.51 (95% CI, 0.45-0.57). In 1000 patients with cACLD, with a prevalence of HRVs of 20%, Baveno VI criteria would prevent endoscopy in 262 patients, but 6 patients with HRVs would be missed. Instead, use of the Εxpanded Baveno VI criteria would result in 428 patients avoiding endoscopy, but 20 patients with HRVs would be missed. The credibility of our findings is moderate or low, mainly owing to the retrospective design of most studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Baveno VI criteria have high diagnostic accuracy as a triage test for screening for HRVs in patients with cACLD. Expanded Baveno VI criteria could reduce the proportion of unnecessary endoscopies further, nevertheless with a higher rate of missed HRVs.

Use of nonselective β blockers after variceal eradication in cirrhotic patients undergoing secondary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding: a critical review of current evidence

Nonselective β blockers (NSBBs) combined with esophageal variceal ligation (EVL) are recommended for secondary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) in cirrhotic patients according to the current practice guidelines and consensus. However, until now, there is a paucity of recommendations regarding the use of NSBBs in cirrhotic patients who achieved variceal eradication. In this review paper, we firstly introduced a case who achieved variceal eradication after additional use of NSBBs for secondary prophylaxis of EVB and then did not require further endoscopic therapy during repeated endoscopic surveillance, and subsequently discuss the importance of NSBBs for secondary prophylaxis of EVB, the effect of NSBBs after variceal eradication, adherence to NSBBs, screening for variceal recurrence, and timing of endoscopic surveillance after variceal eradication.

Identifying optimal candidates for early TIPS among patients with cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding: a multicentre observational study

OBJECTIVES

Early placement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been shown to improve survival in high-risk patients (Child-Pugh B plus active bleeding at endoscopy or Child-Pugh C 10-13) with cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding (AVB). However, early TIPS criteria may overestimate the mortality risk in a significant proportion of patients, and the survival benefit conferred by early TIPS in such patients has been questioned. Alternative criteria have been proposed to refine the criteria used to identify candidates for early TIPS. Nevertheless, the true survival benefit provided (or not) by early TIPS compared with standard treatment in the different risk categories has not been investigated in specifically designed comparative studies.

DESIGN

We collected data on 1425 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and AVB who were admitted to 12 university hospitals in China between December 2010 and June 2016. Of these, 206 patients received early TIPS, and 1219 patients received standard treatment. The Fine and Gray competing risk regression model was used to compare the outcomes between the two groups that were stratified based on the currently available risk stratification systems after adjusting for liver disease severity and other potential confounders.

RESULTS

Overall, early TIPS was associated with an 80% relative risk reduction (RRR) in mortality at 6 weeks (adjusted HR=0.20; 95% CI: 0.10 to 044; p<0.001) and 51% RRR at 1 year (adjusted HR=0.49, 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.73; p<0.001) compared with standard treatment. In stratification analyses, the RRRs in mortality did not significantly differ among the risk categories. However, the absolute risk reductions (ARRs) of mortality were more pronounced in high-risk patients. The ARRs at 6 weeks were -2.1%, -10.2% and -32.4% in Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) ≤11, 12-18 and ≥19 patients and were -1.5%, -9.1% and -23.2% in Child-Pugh A, B and C patients, respectively (interaction tests, p<0.001 for both criteria). The ARRs for mortality at 1 year were -1.7%, -5.4% and -32.7% in MELD ≤11, 12-18 and ≥19 patients, respectively, and -3.6%, -5.2% and -20.3% in Child-Pugh A, B and C patients, respectively (interaction tests, p<0.001 for both criteria). After adjusting for liver disease severity and other potential confounders, a survival benefit was observed in MELD ≥19 or Child-Pugh C patients but not in MELD ≤11 or Child-Pugh A patients. In MELD 12-18 patients, a survival benefit was observed within 6 weeks but not at 1 year. In Child-Pugh B patients, a survival benefit was observed in those with active bleeding but not those without active bleeding. However, the evaluation of active bleeding was associated with a high interobserver variability. Furthermore, early TIPS was associated with a significantly reduced incidence of failure to control bleeding or rebleeding and new or worsening ascites, without increasing the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Early TIPS was associated with improved survival in patients with MELD ≥19 or Child-Pugh C cirrhosis but not in patients with MELD ≤11 or Child-Pugh A cirrhosis. For MELD 12-18 or Child-Pugh B patients, future studies addressing optimal selection criteria for early TIPS remain highly warranted.

Is there still a role for the surgeon in the management of gastrointestinal bleeding ?

Modern investigation of gastrointestinal bleeds allows for reliable source identification in most cases. Current treatment algorithms utilise therapeutic endoscopy or interventional radiology and surgery now plays a limited role in the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeds. Approximately 2-4% of patients admitted with GI bleeds, however, require surgery to control their haemorrhage.

Early TIPS with covered stents versus standard treatment for acute variceal bleeding in patients with advanced cirrhosis: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The survival benefit of early placement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) in patients with cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding is controversial. We aimed to assess whether early TIPS improves survival in patients with advanced cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding.

METHODS

We did an investigator-initiated, open-label, randomised controlled trial at an academic hospital in China. Consecutive patients with advanced cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class B or C) and acute variceal bleeding who had been treated with vasoactive drugs plus endoscopic therapy were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive either early TIPS (done within 72 h after initial endoscopy [early TIPS group]) or standard treatment (vasoactive drugs continued to day 5, followed by propranolol plus endoscopic band ligation for the prevention of rebleeding, with TIPS as rescue therapy when needed [control group]). Randomisation was done by web-based randomisation system using a Pocock and Simon's minimisation method with Child-Pugh class (B vs C) and presence or absence of active bleeding as adjustment factors. The primary outcome was transplantation-free survival, analysed in the intention-to-treat population, excluding individuals subsequently found to be ineligible for enrolment. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01370161, and is completed.

FINDINGS

From June 26, 2011, to Sept 30, 2017, 373 patients were screened and 132 patients were randomly assigned to the early TIPS group (n=86) or to the control group (n=46). After exclusion of three individuals subsequently found to be ineligible for enrolment (two patients in the early TIPS group with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension or hepatocellular carcinoma, and one patient in the control group due to non-cirrhotic portal hypertension), 84 patients in the early TIPS group and 45 patients in the control group were included in the intention-to-treat population. 15 (18%) patients in the early TIPS group and 15 (33%) in the control group died; two (2%) patients in the early TIPS group and one (2%) in the control group underwent liver transplantation. Transplantation-free survival was higher in the early TIPS group than in the control group (hazard ratio 0·50, 95% CI 0·25-0·98; p=0·04). Transplantation-free survival at 6 weeks was 99% (95% CI 97-100) in the early TIPS group compared with 84% (75-96; absolute risk difference 15% [95% CI 5-48]; p=0·02) and at 1 year was 86% (79-94) in the early TIPS group versus 73% (62-88) in the control group (absolute risk difference 13% [95% CI 2-28]; p=0·046). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of hepatic hydrothorax (two [2%] of 84 patients in the early TIPS group vs one [2%] of 45 in the control group; p=0·96), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (one [1%] vs three [7%]; p=0·12), hepatic encephalopathy (29 [35%] vs 16 [36%]; p=1·00), hepatorenal syndrome (four [5%] vs six [13%]; p=0·10), and hepatocellular carcinoma (four [5%] vs one [2%]; p=0·68). There was no significant difference in the number of patients who experienced other serious adverse events (ten [12%] vs 11 [24%]; p=0·07) or non-serious adverse events (21 [25%] vs 19 [42%]; p=0·05) between groups.

INTERPRETATION

Early TIPS with covered stents improved transplantation-free survival in selected patients with advanced cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding and should therefore be preferred to the current standard of care.

FUNDING

National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Technology R&D Program, Optimized Overall Project of Shaanxi Province, Boost Program of Xijing Hospital.

Hepatorenal Syndrome

Hepatorenal syndrome is a severe complication of end-stage cirrhosis characterized by increased splanchnic blood flow, hyperdynamic state, a state of decreased central volume, activation of vasoconstrictor systems, and extreme kidney vasoconstriction leading to decreased GFR. The contribution of systemic inflammation, a key feature of cirrhosis, in the development of hepatorenal syndrome has been highlighted in recent years. The mechanisms by which systemic inflammation precipitates kidney circulatory changes during hepatorenal syndrome need to be clarified. Early diagnosis is central in the management and recent changes in the definition of hepatorenal syndrome help identify patients at an earlier stage. Vasoconstrictive agents (terlipressin in particular) and albumin are the first-line treatment option. Several controlled studies proved that terlipressin is effective at reversing hepatorenal syndrome and may improve short-term survival. Not all patients are responders, and even in responders, early mortality rates are very high in the absence of liver transplantation. Liver transplantation is the only curative treatment of hepatorenal syndrome. In the long term, patients transplanted with hepatorenal syndrome tend to have lower GFR compared with patients without hepatorenal syndrome. Differentiating hepatorenal syndrome from acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is often a challenging yet important step because vasoconstrictors are not justified for the treatment of ATN. Hepatorenal syndrome and ATN may be considered as a continuum rather than distinct entities. Emerging biomarkers may help differentiate these two conditions and provide prognostic information on kidney recovery after liver transplantation, and potentially affect the decision for simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation.

Predictors of Re-bleeding and Mortality Among Patients with Refractory Variceal Bleeding Undergoing Salvage Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)

BACKGROUND

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has proven clinical efficacy as rescue therapy for cirrhotic patients with acute portal hypertensive bleeding who fail endoscopic treatment.

AIMS

To investigate predictive factors of 6-week and 1-year mortality in patients undergoing salvage TIPS for refractory portal hypertensive bleeding.

METHODS

A total of 144 consecutive patients were retrospectively evaluated. Three logistic regression multivariate models were estimated to individualize prognostic factors for 6-week and 12-month mortality. Log-rank test was used to evaluate survival according to Child-Pugh classes and Bureau's criteria.

RESULTS

Mean age 51 ± 10 years, 66% male, mean MELD 18.5 ± 8.3, Child-Pugh A/B/C 8%/38%/54%. TIPS failure occurred in 23(16%) patients and was associated with pre-TIPS portal pressure gradient and pre-TIPS intensive care unit stay. Six-week and 12-month mortality was 36% and 42%, respectively. Pre-TIPS intensive care unit stay, MELD, and Child-Pugh score were independently associated with mortality at 6 weeks. Independent predictors of mortality at 12 months were pre-TIPS intensive care unit stay and Child-Pugh score.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of patients undergoing salvage TIPS, MELD and Child-Pugh scores were predictive of short- and long-term mortality, respectively. Pre-TIPS intensive care unit stay was independently associated with TIPS failure and mortality at 6 weeks and 12 months. Salvage TIPS is futile in patients with Child-Pugh score of 14-15.

American Association for the Surgery of Trauma emergency general surgery guidelines gap analysis

BACKGROUND

Emergency general surgery (EGS) has been rapidly adopted as one of the major components of acute care surgery. Although heterogenous, the most common disease states that comprise EGS often have published guidelines containing recommendations for their diagnosis and management. Not all diseases included within EGS however have published guidelines and existing guidelines may have important gaps in their recommendations. We present a thorough assessment of the existing guidelines for the most common EGS diseases and highlight gaps that will require additional literature review or new research to fill.

METHODS

Literature searches for existing comprehensive guidelines were performed. These guidelines were summarized based on level of supporting evidence and further subcategorized based on American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade of disease. Using these summaries, gaps in the exiting recommendations were then generated and refined through review by at least two authors.

RESULTS

The initial gap analysis focused on diverticulitis, acute pancreatitis, small bowel obstruction and acute cholecystitis. Despite extensive research into each of these disease processes, critical questions regarding diagnosis and management remain to be answered. Gaps were the result of either low quality research or a complete lack of research. The use of the AAST grade of disease established a framework for evaluating these guidelines and grouping the recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite extensive prior research, EGS diseases have multiple areas where additional research would likely result in improved patient care. Consensus on the most important areas for additional research can be obtained through analysis of gaps in existing guidelines. This gap analysis has the potential to inform efforts around developing a research agenda for EGS.

Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of carvedilol versus variceal band ligation in primary prevention of variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis (CALIBRE trial)

INTRODUCTION

Liver cirrhosis is the fifth largest cause of adult deaths, and a major complication, variceal bleeding is associated with a 1-year mortality of 40%. There is uncertainty on the first-line therapy for prevention of variceal bleeding owing to a lack of adequately powered trials comparing non-selective beta blockers, in particular carvedilol, with variceal band ligation.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

CALIBRE is a multicentre, pragmatic, randomised controlled, open-label trial with an internal pilot. The two interventions are carvedilol 12.5 mg od or variceal band ligation (VBL). Patients with liver cirrhosis and medium to large oesophageal varices that have never bled are eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome is any variceal bleeding within 1 year of randomisation. Secondary endpoints include time to variceal bleed, mortality, transplant-free survival, adverse events, complications of cirrhosis, health-related quality of life, use of healthcare resources, patient preference and use of alternative or crossover therapies. The sample size is 2630 patients over a 4-year recruitment period, across 66 hospitals in the UK.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by a National Health Service (NHS) Research Ethics Committee (REC) (reference number 18/NE/0296). The results of this trial will be submitted for publication in a peer reviewed journal. Participants will be informed via a link to a preview of the publication. A lay summary will also be provided via email or posted to participants prior to publication (ISRCTN reference number: 73887615).

Clinical efficacy of octreotide acetate combined with thrombin in the treatment of liver cirrhosis complicated with gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Clinical efficacy of octreotide acetate combined with thrombin in the treatment of liver cirrhosis complicated with gastrointestinal hemorrhage was investigated. A retrospective analysis of 157 patients with liver cirrhosis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage admitted to Weifang People's Hospital from March 2012 to September 2014 was performed. Among them, 74 patients treated with octreotide acetate were enrolled into the octreotide group, and 83 patients treated with octreotide acetate combined with thrombin were enrolled into the combination group. Comparison between the two groups was made in terms of the average hemostasis time, the hospitalization time, the amount of blood transfusion during hospitalization, the efficacy of hemostasis and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. The mean hemostasis time of the octreotide group was higher than that of the combination group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05); the hospitalization time of the octreotide group was significantly longer than that of the combination group (P<0.05); the blood transfusion volume of patients in the octreotide group was significantly higher than that of the combination group (P<0.05); the overall effective rate of the combination group after treatment was higher than the overall effective rate of the octreotide group (89.19%) (P<0.05). The VAS scores of the combination group at 24 and 72 h after treatment were lower than those of the octreotide group (P<0.05); the VAS scores of both the octreotide and the combination group at 24 and 72 h after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (P<0.05). In conclusion, the combination of octreotide acetate and thrombin is worthy of clinical promotion as it could reduce the average hemostasis time, the bleeding volume, and the hospitalization time of patients with liver cirrhosis combined with gastrointestinal hemorrhage, with better efficacy than the use of octreotide acetate alone.

[Esophageal variceal bleeding: management and tips on transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt]

BACKGROUND

Esophageal variceal bleeding is a life-threatening complication in patients with liver cirrhosis, which is pathophysiologically explained by the presence of portal hypertension. The incidence of such bleeding greatly depends on the severity of the underlying liver disease.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to present the current treatment concepts for acute esophageal variceal bleeding, the management in acute situations and the indications for treatment of the causal portal hypertension with a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).

RESULTS

In patients with liver cirrhosis or any other disease causing portal hypertension, a staging examination by esophagogastroduodenoscopy is first carried out for determination of the stage of the varices and the resulting necessary treatment. In addition, determination of the portal pressure gradient is useful. In patients with varices a medicinal or endoscopic bleeding prophylaxis should subsequently additionally be initiated. After an acute variceal bleeding event, under clearly defined prerequisites an evaluation for TIPS implantation should be considered. This is the only effective treatment for reducing portal hypertension.

CONCLUSION

With appropriate indications implantation of a TIPS is an effective strategy to lower portal hypertension and therefore prevent recurrent variceal bleeding. The resulting improvement of the portal hemodynamics leads to an improvement in kidney function; however, it also leads to deterioration of liver function with subsequent development or deterioration of a previously existing hepatic encephalopathy.

The treatment of achalasia patients with esophageal varices: an international study

Background

Treatment options for achalasia include endoscopic and surgical techniques that carry the risk of esophageal bleeding and perforation. The rare coexistence of esophageal varices has only been anecdotally described and treatment is presumed to carry additional risk.

Methods

Experience from physicians/surgeons treating this rare combination of disorders was sought through the International Manometry Working Group.

Results

Fourteen patients with achalasia and varices from seven international centers were collected (mean age 61 ± 9 years). Five patients were treated with botulinum toxin injections (BTI), four had dilation, three received peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), one had POEM then dilation, and one patient underwent BTI followed by Heller's myotomy. Variceal eradication preceded achalasia treatment in three patients. All patients experienced a significant symptomatic improvement (median Eckardt score 7 vs 1; p < 0.0001) at 6 months follow-up, with treatment outcomes resembling those of 20 non-cirrhotic achalasia patients who underwent similar therapy. No patients had recorded complications of bleeding or perforation.

Conclusion

This study shows an excellent short-term symptomatic response in patients with esophageal achalasia and varices and demonstrates that the therapeutic outcomes and complications, other than transient encephalopathy in both patients who had a portosystemic shunt, did not differ to disease-matched patients without varices.

Emerging non-invasive approaches for diagnosis and monitoring of portal hypertension

Clinically significant portal hypertension is associated with an increased risk of developing gastro-oesophageal varices and hepatic decompensation. Hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement and oesophagogastroduodenoscopy are the gold-standard methods for assessing clinically significant portal hypertension (hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥10 mm Hg) and gastro-oesophageal varices, respectively. However, invasiveness, cost, and feasibility limit their widespread use, especially if repeated and serial evaluations are required to assess the efficacy of pharmacotherapy. Although new techniques for non-invasive portal pressure measurement have been pursued for many decades, only recently have new tools been assessed and validated for larger clinical application. This Review focuses on the recent advances in non-invasive approaches for the diagnosis and serial monitoring of portal hypertension and varices for clinical practice.

Update on management of gastric varices

Gastric varices (GV) have different physiology and clinical characteristics compared to oesophageal varices (OV). There is little information about the management of GV. Most part of the recommendations is extrapolated from studies where the majority of participants had OV. Thus, most recommendations lack of strong evidence. This is a comprehensive review on all aspects of management of GV, i.e., primary, secondary prophylaxis and management of acute bleeding. The papers on which international societies' recommendations are based are scrutinised in this review and areas of research are identified.

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.

Recent development of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

Gastric varices (GVs) are a major complication of portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis. The mortality rate associated with the bleeding from GVs is not low. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) was first introduced by Kanagawa et al. as a treatment for isolated GVs in 1994. It has been performed most frequently in Asia, especially in Japan. Ethanolamine oleate was the original sclerosant used in the therapy. Since the late 2000s, BRTO using sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam or polidocanol foam as a sclerosant has been performed in many countries other than Japan. Then, early in the 2010s, modified BRTO techniques including vascular plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration and coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration were developed as an alternative treatment for GVs. This article provides a historical overview of BRTO using various sclerosants and modified BRTO techniques, such as plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration and coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration.

Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in acute-on-chronic liver failure: prevalence, characteristics, and impact on prognosis

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGH) is a life-threatening complication in patients with cirrhosis; however, data regarding the role of UGH in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) are limited.

METHODS

A prospective, observational cohort study was performed from February 2014 to Mach 2015.

RESULTS

UGH was identified in 170 of 492 cirrhotic patients with acute decompensation (AD) at the time of admission. Logistic regression analysis showed that fecal occult blood test positivity was an independent risk factor for UGH in patients with or without ACLF [OR(95%CI): 8.31(4.89-14.10), p < 0.001; and 6.29 (1.48-26.76), p = 0.031]. Other independent risk factors were a history of gastrointestinal bleeding [OR(95% CI): 13.43 (7.17-25.15), p < 0.001], older age [OR(95% CI): 0.98(0.96-0.99), p = 0.003], greater INR level [OR(95% CI): 0.48(0.28-0.81), p = 0.007] in patients without ACLF. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model analysis indicated that UGH did not increase mortality at different times in cirrhotic patients with acute decompensation.

CONCLUSIONS

UGH is a frequent complication in cirrhotic patients with AD, even those with ACLF. Positive fecal occult blood tests and previous GI bleeding were shown to be associated with the risk of UGH. UGH did not significantly increase the risk of mortality in cirrhotic patients with AD or ACLF.

Banana may be forbidden after endoscopic variceal ligation: a case report

Acute variceal hemorrhage (AVH) is a devastating complication of liver cirrhosis. Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is a useful endoscopic treatment for AVH with few complications. However, the issue regarding management of early re-bleeding after EVL still needs to be concerned. Furthermore, the dietary principle after EVL is unclear. There is no consensus regarding what food should be eaten after EVL. In this paper, we reported a patient who ate a banana after an EVL and then developed early re-bleeding episodes.

Prothrombin Complex Concentrates for Coagulopathy in Liver Disease: Single-Center, Clinical Experience in 105 Patients

Patients with liver disease frequently develop coagulopathy, and fresh frozen plasma is traditionally used for correction of coagulopathy to manage and prevent bleeding. Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) offer an attractive alternative because they are more readily available and avoid large-volume transfusion. This retrospective, single-center study reviewed clinical use of PCC in patients with acute/chronic liver disease. A total of 105 patients with 194 episodes of PCC administration were reviewed. Data pertaining to indication, dosing, effectiveness, and safety were collected. The effect of PCC on coagulation was analyzed in patients for whom coagulation results were available 7 hours before and after PCC. Data on thromboembolic events and mortality within 4 weeks of PCC administration were captured. Most patients (77%) had chronic liver disease; the remainder had acute liver failure. Indications for PCC were preprocedure prophylaxis and treatment for active/recent bleeding in 48% and 52% of 194 treatment episodes, respectively. The median dose of PCC administered was 22 IU/kg (interquartile range, 16-29 IU/kg). Before PCC administration, 45% of patients had an international normalized ratio (INR) greater than 2.0, and 36% had fibrinogen levels of at least 1.5 g/L. PCC produced statistically significant reductions in prothrombin time and INR (coadministration with fibrinogen or cryoprecipitate: 3.1 versus 1.9; P < 0.001; no coadministration: 2.3 versus 1.8; P < 0.001). Three patients with multiple risk factors developed thrombotic events (hepatic artery thrombosis, incidental bilateral pulmonary embolism, nonocclusive portal vein thrombosis); there were no cardiovascular or cerebrovascular adverse events. Overall, 46 patients died of causes unrelated to PCC treatment. Conclusion: In patients with liver disease, PCC therapy was effective in improving coagulation test results without an excess of thrombotic events. Further assessment of PCC as hemostatic therapy in this setting is required.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt prevents rebleeding in cirrhotic patients having cavernous transformation of the portal vein without improving their survival

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) and endoscopic variceal ligations (EVL) plus propranolol in decreasing rebleeding and improving survival rates in cirrhotic patients with cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV).

METHODS

Cirrhotic patients with CTPV and a history of variceal bleeding who were treated for recurrent variceal bleeding between June 2010 and July 2016 were identified and classified based on the treatment they received (TIPS or EVL plus propranolol). Their characteristics and clinical data were recorded. The rebleeding and long-term survival rates between the two groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients were included, of whom 25 were treated with TIPS and 26 with EVL plus propranolol. The mean duration of follow up was 21 months (range 1-47 months) in the former group and 27 months (range 6-73 months) in the latter group. The recurrent variceal bleeding-free rate increased remarkably in the TIPS group compared with the EVL + propranolol group (P = 0.047). Three (14.3%) patients died in the TIPS group, and one (3.8%) in the EVL plus propranolol group (P = 0.305). Hepatic encephalopathy occurred in 14.3% (3/21) of the patients in the TIPS group and in 3.8% (1/26) in the EVL + propranolol group (P = 0.202).

CONCLUSION

TIPS appeared to be more effective in preventing rebleeding in cirrhotic patients with CTPV compared with EVL plus propranolol, without improving survival.

The Use of Vasoconstrictors in Acute Variceal Bleeding: How Long Is Enough?

Vasoconstrictors are often used as the first line therapy for acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage. They might also be used for a few days after endoscopic therapy to prevent early rebleeding. International guidelines recommend the use of vasoconstrictor therapy when acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage is suspected and continuation of the therapy until 3 to 5 days after endoscopic treatment. However, the duration of use of vasoconstrictors after endoscopic therapy is not clear. This review shows that if variceal bleeding is successfully controlled by endoscopic variceal ligation, the combination of vasoconstrictors can be reduced to less than 1 day.

Update on the management of gastrointestinal varices

Cirrhosis of liver is a major problem in the western world. Portal hypertension is a complication of cirrhosis and can lead to a myriad of pathology of which include the development of porto-systemic collaterals. Gastrointestinal varices are dilated submucosal veins, which often develop at sites near the formation of gastroesophageal collateral circulation. The incidence of varices is on the rise due to alcohol and obesity. The most significant complication of portal hypertension is life-threatening bleeding from gastrointestinal varices, which is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. In addition, this can cause a significant burden on the health care facility. Gastrointestinal varices can happen in esophagus, stomach or ectopic varices. There has been considerable progress made in the understanding of the natural history, pathophysiology and etiology of portal hypertension. Despite the development of endoscopic and medical treatments, early mortality due to variceal bleeding remains high due to significant illness of the patient. Recurrent variceal bleed is common and in some cases, there is refractory variceal bleed. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the management of gastrointestinal varices with an emphasis on endoscopic interventions, strategies to handle refractory variceal bleed and newer endoscopic treatment modalities. Early treatment and improved endoscopic techniques can help in improving morbidity and mortality.

Multimodal therapy and twenty years of valid management of a patient with chronic hepatitis B in a less developed Western Region in China---case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

For patients with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis in less developed western regions in China, due to constraints of local economic conditions, the choice of treatment measures is often limited. However if patients recieved valid management and effective treatment, they were able to maintain their health and benign prognosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

This study narrates the long-term treatment and careful follow-up of a patient with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis in a less developed western region in China, and analyzes the prognosis of the disease and countermeasures.

CONCLUSIONS

This would partly reflect the development of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B and multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment for cirrhosis-related complications in remote region with limited resources in the past 20 years.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a guide for nurses

This article outlines latest evidence-based care for patients with acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. It aims to help gastroenterology and general medical ward nurses plan nursing interventions and understand the diagnostic treatment options available. Acute upper GI bleeding can present as variceal or non-variceal bleeding and has a high death rate. Endoscopy is used for diagnosis and to provide therapy, prior to which the patient should be adequately resuscitated and assessed. Various therapies can be initiated at endoscopy, depending on the source of bleeding. If bleeding continues in spite of these therapies, further interventions such as the Sengstaken tube, oesophageal stents, radiological or surgical treatments may be required. After endoscopy, it is important to have a plan for ongoing treatment. Patients may require acid suppression treatment or eradication of Helicobacter pylori as part of their treatment plan. They may in additional require correction of their haemoglobin levels and follow-up endoscopy. It is essential that nurses caring for such patients are aware of the current UK guidance and help patients to adhere to agreed treatment plans.

The Effect of Puncture Sites of Portal Vein in TIPS with ePTFE-Covered Stents on Postoperative Long-Term Clinical Efficacy

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of puncture sites of the portal vein in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) on long-term clinical efficacy.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed, including consecutive 171 patients who underwent TIPS with ePTFE-covered stents. All patients were divided into 3 groups according to the puncture site of the portal vein: intrahepatic bifurcation of the portal vein (group A, n = 88), right branch of the portal vein (group B, n = 48), and left branch of the portal vein (group C, n = 35). The Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess the effect of different puncture sites on primary patency, the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), and survival.

Results

The primary restenosis rate was 29.8% (51/171). The total HE rate was 31.6% (54/171). The cumulative death rate was 19.3% (33/171). The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that group C versus group A, group C versus group B, and group A versus group B were significantly different on the primary restenosis rate, respectively (χ ² = 11.49, P = 0.001; χ ² = 4.54, P = 0.033; and χ ² = 4.12, P = 0.046), and group C is better than the other two groups. What is more, group C versus group A and group C versus group B were significantly different on the incidence of HE, respectively (χ ² = 8.07, P = 0.004; χ ² = 9.44, P = 0.002), and group C is better than the other two groups. There was no significant difference on survival.

Conclusion

Choosing the left branch of the portal vein as the puncture site to create the shunt in TIPS with ePTFE-covered stents may decrease the incident of primary restenosis and HE significantly.