Nutritional support for liver disease

Role of Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Their Derivative β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate in Liver Cirrhosis

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) supplementation is used to promote protein synthesis in different clinical conditions in which proteolysis is increased. In addition, lower plasma BCAA levels have been related to an increased risk of hepatic encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis. In this article we will review the role of supplementation with BCAAs and BCAA derivative β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) in liver cirrhosis, focusing on nutritional and clinical effects. Evidence shows that BCAA supplementation slightly increases muscle mass and body mass index, with an upward trend in muscular strength and no change in fat mass. Moreover, BCAA supplementation improves symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy, and is indicated as second-line therapy. The evidence is more limited for BCAA derivatives. HMB supplementation appears to increase muscle mass in chronic diseases associated with cachexia, although this effect has not yet been clearly demonstrated in liver cirrhosis studies. To date, HMB supplementation has no clinical indication in liver cirrhosis.

Current Medical Treatment for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease

Alcohol-associated liver disease is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease. It comprises a clinical-histologic spectrum of presentations, from steatosis, steatohepatitis, to different degrees of fibrosis, including cirrhosis and severe necroinflammatory disease, called alcohol-associated hepatitis. In this focused update, we aim to present specific therapeutic interventions and strategies for the management of alcohol-associated liver disease. Current evidence for management in all spectra of manifestations is derived from general chronic liver disease recommendations, but with a higher emphasis on abstinence and nutritional support. Abstinence should comprise the treatment of alcohol use disorder as well as withdrawal syndrome. Nutritional assessment should also consider the presence of sarcopenia and its clinical manifestation, frailty. The degree of compensation of the disease should be evaluated, and complications, actively sought. The most severe acute form of this disease is alcohol-associated hepatitis, which has high mortality and morbidity. Current treatment is based on corticosteroids that act by reducing immune activation and blocking cytotoxicity and inflammation pathways. Other aspects of treatment include preventing and treating hepatorenal syndrome as well as preventing infections although there is no clear evidence as to the benefit of probiotics and antibiotics in prophylaxis. Novel therapies for alcohol-associated hepatitis include metadoxine, interleukin-22 analogs, and interleukin-1-beta antagonists. Finally, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, microbiota transplantation, and gut-liver axis modulation have shown promising results. We also discuss palliative care in advanced alcohol-associated liver disease.

Effects of Branched-Chain Amino Acids on Parameters Evaluating Sarcopenia in Liver Cirrhosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia is a major element of malnutrition in liver cirrhosis (LC) and is present in 30-70% of this population, being associated with a poor overall prognosis due to related complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and portal hypertension. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) supplementation on several parameters used to assess sarcopenia in LC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive systematic electronic search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases using predefined keywords. We included full articles that satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality assessment of included studies was conducted using Cochrane Collaboration's tool and NHLBI quality assessment tools for interventional and observational studies, respectively. The principal summary outcome was the mean difference (MD) in the evaluated parameters. We performed a pre- and post-intervention analysis and comparison between two intervention groups (BCAA vs. controls) of the evaluated parameters when applicable.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies involving 1,225 subjects were included in our qualitative synthesis and five in our quantitative synthesis. At baseline vs. post-intervention assessment, subjects receiving BCAA supplementation were found to have a significant improvement in skeletal muscle index (SMI) (-0.347 [95% CI -0.628-0.067; p-value 0.015]) and mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) (-1.273 [95% CI (-2.251-0.294; p-value 0.011]). However, no improvements were reported in handgrip (-0.616 [95% CI -2.818-1.586; p-value 0.584]) and triceps subcutaneous fat (1.10 [95% CI -0.814-3.014; p-value 0.263]).

CONCLUSION

Following BCAA supplementation, several parameters used to evaluate sarcopenia in LC patients were found to be improved, including SMI and MAMC. Nevertheless, no improvements were seen in handgrip and triceps subcutaneous fat. Results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited methodological quality of the included studies.

Amino Acid Profile in Malnourished Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and Its Modification with Oral Nutritional Supplements: Implications on Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy

Low plasma levels of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) in liver cirrhosis are associated with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). We aimed to identify a metabolic signature of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in malnourished cirrhotic patients and evaluate its modification with oral nutritional supplements (ONS) enriched with ß-Hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB), a derivative of the BCAA leucine. Post hoc analysis was conducted on a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 43 individuals with cirrhosis and malnutrition, who were randomized to receive, for 12 weeks, oral supplementation twice a day with either 220 mL of Ensure^® Plus Advance (HMB group, n = 22) or with 220 mL of Ensure^® Plus High Protein (HP group, n = 21). MHE evaluation was by psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES). Compared to the HP group, an HMB-specific treatment effect led to a larger increase in Val, Leu, Phe, Trp and BCAA fasting plasma levels. Both treatments increased Fischer’s ratio and urea without an increase in Gln or ammonia fasting plasma levels. MHE was associated with a reduced total plasma amino acid concentration, a reduced BCAA and Fischer´s ratio, and an increased Gln/Glu ratio. HMB-enriched ONS increased Fischer´s ratio without varying Gln or ammonia plasma levels in liver cirrhosis and malnutrition, a protective amino acid profile that can help prevent MHE.

Impact of Liver and Pancreas Diseases on Nutritional Status

Liver and pancreatic diseases have significant consequences on nutritional status, with direct effects on clinical outcomes, survival, and quality of life. Maintaining and preserving an adequate nutritional status is crucial and should be one of the goals of patients with liver or pancreatic disease. Thus, the nutritional status of such patients should be systematically assessed at follow-up. Recently, great progress has been made in this direction, and the relevant pathophysiological mechanisms have been better established. While the spectrum of these diseases is wide, and the mechanisms of the onset of malnutrition are numerous and interrelated, clinical and nutritional manifestations are common. The main consequences include an impaired dietary intake, altered macro and micronutrient metabolism, energy metabolism disturbances, an increase in energy expenditure, nutrient malabsorption, sarcopenia, and osteopathy. In this review, we summarize the factors contributing to malnutrition, and the effects on nutritional status and clinical outcomes of liver and pancreatic diseases. We explain the current knowledge on how to assess malnutrition and the efficacy of nutritional interventions in these settings.

Sarcopenia in chronic liver disease: mechanisms and countermeasures

Sarcopenia, a condition of low muscle mass, quality, and strength, is commonly found in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes including reduction in quality of life, increased mortality, and posttransplant complications. In chronic liver disease (CLD), sarcopenia is most commonly defined through the measurement of the skeletal muscle index of the third lumbar spine. A major contributor to sarcopenia in CLD is the imbalance in muscle protein turnover, which likely occurs due to a decrease in muscle protein synthesis and an elevation in muscle protein breakdown. This imbalance is assumed to arise due to several factors including accelerated starvation, hyperammonemia, amino acid deprivation, chronic inflammation, excessive alcohol intake, and physical inactivity. In particular, hyperammonemia is a key mediator of the liver-gut axis and is known to contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and an increase in myostatin expression. Currently, the use of nutritional interventions such as late-evening snacks, branched-chain amino acid supplementation, and physical activity have been proposed to help the management and treatment of sarcopenia. However, little evidence exists to comprehensively support their use in clinical settings. Several new pharmacological strategies, including myostatin inhibition and the nutraceutical Urolithin A, have recently been proposed to treat age-related sarcopenia and may also be of use in CLD. This review highlights the potential molecular mechanisms contributing to sarcopenia in CLD alongside a discussion of existing and potential new treatment strategies.

The effectiveness of enteral nutrition for patients with primary liver cancer: A randomized controlled study protocol

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study is to explore the influence of the enteral nutrition on primary liver cancer patients after receiving hepatectomy.

METHOD:

This is a prospective randomized controlled research, which will be conducted between April 2021 and April 2022. Approval is obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of Chun’ an County First People's Hospital (A20201108). Patients who meet the following conditions will be included in this experiment: (1).. the patients aged 18 to 70 years; (2).. in line with clinical diagnostic criteria for primary liver cancer; (3).. planned liver resection for primary liver cancer; (4).. liver function status of Child-Pugh A. Patients with the following characteristics are excluded: (1).. a history of other malignancy; (2).. mental disorder; (3).. severe diabetes or poor glycemic control; (4).. serious complications: bleeding and bile leakage; (5).. poor medical condition: renal failure, respiratory or heart failure. Our investigation includes sixty patients who meet our inclusion criteria. The primary endpoints are length of postoperative hospital stay and liver function index. The secondary results involve the first flatus time and the first defecation time.

RESULTS:

Table 1 indicates the postoperative outcomes between treatment group and control group.

CONCLUSION:

Enteral nutrition can improve recovery in the primary liver cancer patients after receiving hepatectomy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

The protocol has been registered in Research Registry (researchregistry6275)

Nutritional Status and Diet Style Affect Cognitive Function in Alcoholic Liver Disease

Malnutrition and cognitive dysfunction are typical features of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and are correlated with the development of complications. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of nutritional state and diet on cognitive function in ALD. A total of 43 patients with compensated alcoholic cirrhosis were enrolled, and a neuropsychological test was assessed according to body mass index (BMI, <22 and ≥22). In the ALD animal study, mice were divided into five groups (n = 9/group; normal liquid, 5% EtOH + regular liquid, 5% EtOH + high-carbohydrate liquid, 5% EtOH + high-fat liquid, and 5% EtOH + high-protein liquid diet) and fed the same calories for eight weeks. To assess cognitive function, we performed T-maze studies weekly before/after alcohol binging. In cognitive function (BMI < 22/≥22), language score of Korea mini-mental state (7.4 ± 1.4/7.9 ± 0.4), Boston naming (11.7 ± 2.7/13.0 ± 1.8), forward digit span (6.7 ± 1.8/7.5 ± 1.6), Korean color word stroop (24.2 ± 26.5/43.6 ± 32.4), and interference score (33.9 ± 31.9/52.3 ± 33.9) revealed significant differences. In the T-maze test, alcohol significantly delayed the time to reach food, and binge drinking provided a temporary recovery in cognition. The alcohol-induced delay was significantly reduced in the high-carbohydrate and high-fat diet groups. Synaptic function exhibited no changes in all groups. Cognitive dysfunction is affected by nutritional status and diet in ALD.

Nutrition in Chronic Liver Disease: Consensus Statement of the Indian National Association for Study of the Liver

Malnutrition and sarcopenia are common in patients with chronic liver disease and are associated with increased risk of decompensation, infections, wait-list mortality and poorer outcomes after liver transplantation. Assessment of nutritional status and management of malnutrition are therefore essential to improve outcomes in patients with chronic liver disease. This consensus statement of the Indian National Association for Study of the Liver provides a comprehensive review of nutrition in chronic liver disease and gives recommendations for nutritional screening and treatment in specific clinical scenarios of malnutrition in cirrhosis in adults as well as children with chronic liver disease and metabolic disorders.

Clinical Efficacy of Perioperative Immunonutrition Containing Omega-3-Fatty Acids in Patients Undergoing Hepatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

The effect of immunonutrition in patients undergoing hepatectomy remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of immunonutrition on postoperative clinical outcomes in patients undergoing hepatectomy.

METHODS

A literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases was performed to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the effect of perioperative immunonutrition in patients undergoing hepatectomy until the end of March 10, 2020. Quality assessment and data extraction of RCTs were conducted independently by 3 reviewers. Mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a fixed-effects or random-effects model. The meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs involving a total of 966 patients were finally included. This meta-analysis showed that immunonutrition significantly reduced the incidences of overall postoperative complications (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34-0.95; p = 0.03), overall postoperative infectious complications (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.37-0.75; p = 0.0003), and incision infection (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.28-0.89; p = 0.02), and it shortened the length of hospital stay (MD = -3.80, 95% CI: -6.59 to -1.02; p = 0.007). There were no significant differences in the incidences of pulmonary infection (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.32-1.12; p = 0.11), urinary tract infection (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.55-3.08; p = 0.55), liver failure (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.23-1.24; p = 0.15), and postoperative mortality (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.26-1.83; p = 0.46).

CONCLUSION

Given its positive impact on postoperative complications and the tendency to shorten the length of hospital stay, perioperative immunonutrition should be encouraged in patients undergoing hepatectomy.

Malnutrition in cirrhosis: More food for thought

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in liver cirrhosis and its presence carries important prognostic implications. The clinical conditions and pathophysiological mechanisms that cause malnutrition in cirrhosis are multiple and interrelated. Anorexia and liver decompensation symptoms lead to poor dietary intake; metabolic changes characterised by elevated energy expenditure, reduced glycogen storage, an accelerated starvation response and protein catabolism result in muscle and fat wasting; and, malabsorption renders the cirrhotic patient unable to fully absorb or utilise food that has been consumed. Malnutrition is therefore a considerable challenge to manage effectively, particularly as liver disease progresses. A high energy, high protein diet is recognised as standard of care, yet patients struggle to follow this recommendation and there is limited evidence to guide malnutrition interventions in cirrhosis and liver transplantation. In this review, we seek to detail the factors which contribute to poor nutritional status in liver disease, and highlight complexities far greater than "poor appetite" or "reduced oral intake" leading to malnutrition. We also discuss management strategies to optimise nutritional status in this patient group, which target the inter-related mechanisms unique to advanced liver disease. Finally, future research requirements are suggested, to develop effective treatments for one of the most common and debilitating complications afflicting cirrhotic patients.

ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical nutrition in liver disease

BACKGROUND

The Practical guideline is based on the current scientific ESPEN guideline on Clinical Nutrition in Liver Disease.

METHODS

It has been shortened and transformed into flow charts for easier use in clinical practice. The guideline is dedicated to all professionals including physicians, dieticians, nutritionists and nurses working with patients with chronic liver disease.

RESULTS

A total of 103 statements and recommendations are presented with short commentaries for the nutritional and metabolic management of patients with (i) acute liver failure, (ii) alcoholic steatohepatitis, (iii) non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, (iv) liver cirrhosis, and (v) liver surgery/transplantation. The disease-related recommendations are preceded by general recommendations on the diagnostics of nutritional status in liver patients and on liver complications associated with medical nutrition.

CONCLUSION

This practical guideline gives guidance to health care providers involved in the management of liver disease to offer optimal nutritional care.

Quality of the Evidence Supporting the Role of Oral Nutritional Supplements in the Management of Malnutrition: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

There is considerable heterogeneity across the findings of systematic reviews of oral nutritional supplement (ONS) interventions, presenting difficulties for healthcare decision-makers and patients alike. It is not known whether heterogeneity arises from differences in patient populations or relates to methodological rigor. This overview aimed to collate and compare findings from systematic reviews of ONSs compared with routine care in adult patients who were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition with any clinical condition and to examine their methodological quality. Three electronic databases were searched to July 2019, supplemented with hand-searching. Data on all outcomes were extracted and review methodological quality assessed using A MeaSurement Tool for Assessment of systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). Twenty-two reviews were included, 11 in groups from mixed clinical backgrounds and 11 in specific clinical conditions. Ninety-one meta-analyses were identified for 12 different outcomes but there was discordance between results. Significant benefits of ONSs were reported in 4 of 4 analyses of energy intake, 7 of 11 analyses of body weight, 7 of 22 analyses of mortality, 10 of 17 analyses of complications (total and infectious), 1 of 3 analyses of muscle strength, 4 of 9 analyses of body composition/nutritional status, 2 of 14 analyses of length of stay, and 2 of 5 analyses of hospital readmissions. Ten reviews were high quality (AMSTAR scores 8-11), 9 moderate (AMSTAR scores 3-8), and 3 poor (AMSTAR scores 0-3). Methodological deficiencies were limitations to searches, poor reporting of heterogeneity, and failure to incorporate quality of evidence into any recommendations. Discordance between reviews was not markedly reduced when only high-quality reviews were considered. Evidence for the effects of ONS in malnourished patients or those who are at risk of malnutrition is uncertain, and discordance in results can arise from differences in clinical background of patients or the etiological basis of malnutrition.

Enhanced recovery after surgery strategy for cirrhosis patients undergoing hepatectomy: experience in a single research center

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme after curative liver resection in cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Methods

One hundred sixty-two patients were enrolled in the study; 80 patients whose data were collected prospectively were assigned to the ERAS group, and 82 patients whose data were collected retrospectively were assigned to the control group. Preoperative clinicopathologic factors, surgical factors, and postoperative outcomes of the 2 groups were compared. Logistic regression was applied to explore potential predictors of hospital stay and morbidity.

Results

The postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complication rate, and recovery of liver function on postoperative day 5 seemed to be better in the ERAS group. The composition of complications was different in the 2 groups; pleural effusion and postoperative ascites were more common in the control group, and indocyanine green retention at 15 minutes, operation time, preoperative alanine aminotransferase, and number of liver segmentectomies were associated with postoperative complications rather than ERAS intervention.

Conclusion

The ERAS programme is safe and effective for HCC patients with chronic liver disease undergoing hepatectomy, but it seems that surgical factors, such as operation type, have a greater impact on morbidity than other factors. Operative characteristics such as the method of blood loss control and the volume of liver resection should be augmented into ERAS protocol of hepatectomy.

Nutritional management of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer based on the concept of rapid rehabilitation

As a common malignant tumor, patients with gastric cancer (GC) are prone to malnutrition during the development and treatment of the disease. Fast track surgery (FTS), as a perioperative medical concept based on evidence-based medicine, plays an important role in nutrition management, including preoperative malnutrition screening and treatment, preoperative nutritional management, postoperative early oral feeding, accelerated promotion of gastrointestinal function recovery, and nutritional support. Based on a series of small sample studies, the safety and importance of FTS in laparoscopic nutrition management of GC are gradually emerging, but clinical implementation is difficult. This article will review the research progress of FTS in the field of laparoscopic nutrition management of GC in the past decade.

Nutritional support in cirrhotic patients with sarcopenia

Sarcopenia has been linked to oncologic and chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis. In fact, sarcopenia is present in 25-70% of patients with liver cirrhosis. Furthermore, sarcopenia is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in many diseases. Currently cirrhotic patients are recommended to adopt a high protein diet (1.5 g/kg/day) with 30-40 kcal/kg/day and several meals throughout the day, being late evening snack intake with at least 50 g of carbohydrates of special importance. Despite the growing interest in the impact of sarcopenia in cirrhotic patients, there are still gaps in knowledge in the appropriate diagnostic criteria for this syndrome, the role of gut microbiota, as well as the most appropriate nutritional therapy.

Nutrition in Cirrhosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review discusses the prevalence of malnutrition in cirrhosis, metabolic functions of the liver and alterations in cirrhosis, malnutrition screening tools, and common macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies encountered in individuals with chronic liver disease and their impact on morbidity and mortality.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several meta-analyses and international society guidelines recommend malnutrition screening and nutrition interventions to improve outcomes in all patients with chronic liver disease given their high risk of malnutrition which is often under recognized. Malnutrition is common in individuals with chronic liver disease and has a significant impact on patient outcomes. Thus, it is critical that validated malnutrition screening tools are used routinely in this patient population in order to identify high-risk patients and implement nutrition and exercise interventions early.

Safety and efficacy of peripheral nutrition fluid (MG-TNA®) in patients undergoing surgery for hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease: Results of a phase 4 trial

Backgrounds/Aims

Essential nutritional support and nutrition therapy for patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases undergoing surgery is critical, as it may improve clinical outcome. How to implement rational fluid therapy and nutritional support after surgery and effectively protect organ function is crucial for postoperative recovery. The aim this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of peripheral nutrition fluid (MG-TNA®) in patients undergoing surgery for hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease.

Methods

All adult patients undergoing surgery for hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease received peripheral nutrition fluid (MG-TNA®) on the second postoperative day for 3 days. During administration of parenteral nutrition, patients were closely monitored for adverse effects (primary endpoint). Secondary endpoints included nutritional parameters such as serum prealbumin, transferrin, and creatine kinase (CK) levels.

Results

Thirty patients completed the study and were included in the full analysis set. There was no evidence of metabolic complications such as hyperglycemia, azotemia, hypertriglyceridemia, metabolic acidosis and hypokalemia. In addition, there were no adverse effects. There was a significant decrease in serum prealbumin and CK on the third postoperative day (p<0.0001). Although not statistically significant, serum transferrin levels tended to decrease (p=0.0519).

Conclusions

Administration of peripheral nutrition fluid (MG-TNA®) during postoperative period in patients undergoing surgery for hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease proved to be safe with improvement of the nutritional state of the patient.

Outcomes and Quality of Life of Systemic Therapy in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide; most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease for which there is no known cure. Tremendous progress has been made over the past decade in the development of new agents for HCC, including small-molecule kinase inhibitors such as sorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, regorafenib, and monoclonal antibodies like ramucirumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab. Ideal use of these agents in clinics has improved the long-term outcome of patients with advanced HCC as well as introduced unique toxicities that can affect quality of life. These toxicities usually are thought to be partially related to cirrhosis, a major risk factor for the development of HCC and a pathophysiological barrier complicating the optimal delivery of antineoplastic therapy. Additionally, side effects of medications together with advanced HCC symptoms not only decrease quality of life, but also cause treatment interruptions and dose reductions that can potentially decrease efficacy. Physicians caring for patients with advanced HCC are called to optimally manage HCC along with cirrhosis in order to prolong life while at the same time preserve the quality of life. In this review, we aimed to summarize outcomes and quality of life with the use of modern systemic treatments in advanced HCC and provide a physician reference for treatment toxicity and cirrhosis management.

Malnutrition Impacts Health-Related Quality of Life in Cirrhosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

To explore the influence of nourishment state measured by various nutrition assessment tools (NATs) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a pretransplant population with cirrhosis.

METHODS

We collected demographic, nutrition assessment, and disease specific data on 81 patients. HRQoL was measured with the Short-Form 36 and divided into 8 subscales. Significant relationships between NATs and HRQoL were examined using independent sample t-tests, χ² analyses, correlations, and multiple and logistic regression adjusted for age and gender.

RESULTS

Study mean age was 54.2 years (SD 10.4 years), and 57% were male. Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) was significantly related to all HRQoL subscales, except bodily pain and mental health. In the adjusted regression models, general health, vitality, and social functioning were all significantly lower in patients with poorer nutrition status measured using SGA (adjusted R² = 11%, β = -0.34, p < 0.01; adjusted R² = 8%, β = -0.27, P < 0.05; and adjusted R² = 12%, β = -0.38, P < 0.01, Q4 respectively). Physical functioning improved as hand grip strength increased (adjusted R² = 20%, β = 0.36, P < 0.01). MELDNa demonstrated a significant negative relationship with role-emotional (adjusted R² = 3%, β = 0.25, P < 0.05), and mid-arm circumference did not demonstrate any significant relationships with HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition assessed by SGA is associated with lower HRQoL in patients with cirrhosis. Future research should identify if nutrition interventions can effectively improve HRQoL in cirrhosis patients.

Enhanced Recovery in Liver Transplantation: A Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programmes after surgery are effective in reducing length of stay, functional recovery and complication rates in liver surgery (LS) with the indirect advantage of reducing hospitalisation costs. Preoperative comorbidities, challenging surgical procedures and complex post-operative management are the points that liver transplantation (LT) shares with LS. Nevertheless, there is little evidence regarding the feasibility and safety of ERAS programmes in LT.

METHODS

We designed a pilot, small-scale, feasibility study to assess the impact on hospital stay, protocol compliance and safety of an ERAS programme tailored for LT. The ERAS arm was compared with a 1:2 match paired control arm with similar characteristics. All patients with MELD <25 were included. A dedicated LT-tailored protocol was derived from publications on ERAS liver surgery.

RESULTS

Ten patients were included in the Fast-Trans arm. It was observed a 47% reduction of the total LOS, as compared to the control arm: 9.5 (9.0-10.5) days versus 18.0 (14.3-24.3) days, respectively, p <0.001. The protocol achieved 72.9% compliance. No differences were observed in terms of post-operative complications or readmission rates after discharge between the two arms. Overall, it was observed a reduction of length of stay in ICU and surgical ward in the Fast-Trans arm compared with the control arm.

CONCLUSION

Considered the main points in common between LS and LT, this small-scale study suggests that the application of an ERAS programme tailored to the LT setting is feasible. Further testing will be appropriate to generalise these findings.

EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on nutrition in chronic liver disease

A frequent complication in liver cirrhosis is malnutrition, which is associated with the progression of liver failure, and with a higher rate of complications including infections, hepatic encephalopathy and ascites. In recent years, the rising prevalence of obesity has led to an increase in the number of cirrhosis cases related to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Malnutrition, obesity and sarcopenic obesity may worsen the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis and lower their survival. Nutritional monitoring and intervention is therefore crucial in chronic liver disease. These Clinical Practice Guidelines review the present knowledge in the field of nutrition in chronic liver disease and promote further research on this topic. Screening, assessment and principles of nutritional management are examined, with recommendations provided in specific settings such as hepatic encephalopathy, cirrhotic patients with bone disease, patients undergoing liver surgery or transplantation and critically ill cirrhotic patients.

Nutritional support in chronic liver disease and cirrhotics

The liver is a major organ and an essential component in maintaining an appropriate nutritional status in healthy individuals through metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. In individuals with chronic liver disease (CLD), along with a number of other essential functions that the liver serves, its role in nutrition maintenance is severely impaired. Common causes of CLD include hepatitis C, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic liver disease. Amongst this population, the most common manifestation of impaired nutritional maintenance is protein-calorie malnutrition. Aside from inherent abnormalities in metabolism, such as malabsorption and maldigestion, CLD can be associated with anorexia as well as increased metabolic requirements, all of which contribute to a state of malnutrition. Given the systemic implications and impact on prognosis of malnutrition, proper nutritional assessment is essential and can be achieved through a thorough history and physical, as well as biochemical investigations and anthropometry as needed. Following an appropriate assessment of a patient’s nutritional status, an approach to management can be decided upon and is based on the extent of malnutrition which directly reflects the severity of disease. Management options can be grossly separated into enteral and parenteral nutrition. The former is usually sufficient in the form of oral supplements in less severe cases of malnutrition, but as the CLD worsens, parenteral nutrition becomes necessary. With appropriate assessment and early intervention, many of the complications of CLD can be avoided, and ultimately better outcomes can be achieved.

A specific amino acid formula prevents alcoholic liver disease in rodents

Chronic alcohol consumption promotes mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, defective protein metabolism, and fat accumulation in hepatocytes (liver steatosis). Inadequate amino acid metabolism is worsened by protein malnutrition, frequently present in alcohol-consuming patients, with reduced circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Here we asked whether dietary supplementation with a specific amino acid mixture, enriched in BCAAs (BCAAem) and able to promote mitochondrial function in muscle of middle-aged rodents, would prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and liver steatosis in Wistar rats fed on a Lieber-DeCarli ethanol (EtOH)-containing liquid diet. Supplementation of BCAAem, unlike a mixture based on the amino acid profile of casein, abrogated the EtOH-induced fat accumulation, mitochondrial impairment, and oxidative stress in liver. These effects of BCAAem were accompanied by normalization of leucine, arginine, and tryptophan levels, which were reduced in liver of EtOH-consuming rats. Moreover, although the EtOH exposure of HepG2 cells reduced mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial transcription factors, and respiratory chain proteins, the BCAAem but not casein-derived amino acid supplementation halted this mitochondrial toxicity. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) expression, as well as endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) and mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, were downregulated in the EtOH-exposed HepG2 cells. BCAAem reverted these molecular defects and the mitochondrial dysfunction, suggesting that the mitochondrial integrity obtained with the amino acid supplementation could be mediated through a Sirt1-eNOS-mTOR pathway. Thus a dietary activation of the mitochondrial biogenesis and function by a specific amino acid supplement protects against the EtOH toxicity and preserves the liver integrity in mammals. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Dietary supplementation of a specific amino acid formula prevents both fat accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes of alcohol-consuming rats. These effects are accompanied also by increased expression of anti-reactive oxygen species genes. The amino acid-protective effects likely reflect activation of sirtuin 1-endothelial nitric oxide synthase-mammalian target of rapamycin pathway able to regulate the cellular energy balance of hepatocytes exposed to chronic, alcoholic damage.

Frailty in Patients With Cirrhosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review gives an overview of the evolving concept of physical frailty in patients with cirrhosis. As well as summarizing the available metrics that have been used to diagnose it, this review also examines the major recent trials that have investigated frailty in patients with cirrhosis. The complex relationship between sarcopenia and frailty is explored, and strategies to optimize frailty, such as including pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, are discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Though there is heterogeneity between studies on how physical frailty in cirrhosis has been assessed, it is nonetheless becoming increasingly apparent that frailty in cirrhosis contributes to poor outcomes. A growing body of evidence strongly supports that frailty, as an entity distinct from comorbidity or measurable by laboratory-based liver disease severity, contributes to pre-transplant mortality and unplanned hospital admissions. If taken into account, frailty may improve pre-transplant mortality risk prediction. Physical frailty in cirrhosis may be objectively assessed by a number of validated metrics though at present, we lack a uniform consensus on the most appropriate tool. Early identification of frailty may allow optimization of the patient with the potential to avoiding adverse outcomes. Further studies are awaited validating and exploring optimal approaches to diagnosing and reversing frailty.

Sarcopenia in Alcoholic Liver Disease: Clinical and Molecular Advances

Despite advances in treatment of alcohol use disorders that focus on increasing abstinence and reducing recidivism, alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is projected to be the major cause of cirrhosis and its complications. Malnutrition is recognized as the most frequent complication in ALD, and despite the high clinical significance, there are no effective therapies to reverse malnutrition in ALD. Malnutrition is a relatively imprecise term, and sarcopenia or skeletal muscle loss, the major component of malnutrition, is primarily responsible for the adverse clinical consequences in patients with liver disease. It is, therefore, critical to define the specific abnormality (sarcopenia) rather than malnutrition in ALD, so that therapies targeting sarcopenia can be developed. Skeletal muscle mass is maintained by a balance between protein synthesis and proteolysis. Both direct effects of ethanol (EtOH) and its metabolites on the skeletal muscle and the consequences of liver disease result in disturbed proteostasis (protein homeostasis) and consequent sarcopenia. Once cirrhosis develops in patients with ALD, abstinence is unlikely to be effective in completely reversing sarcopenia, as other contributors including hyperammonemia, hormonal, and cytokine abnormalities aggravate sarcopenia and maintain a state of anabolic resistance initiated by EtOH. Cirrhosis is also a state of accelerated starvation, with increased gluconeogenesis that requires amino acid diversion from signaling and substrate functions. Novel therapeutic options are being recognized that are likely to supplant the current "deficiency replacement" approach and instead focus on specific molecular perturbations, given the increasing availability of small molecules that can target specific signaling components. Myostatin antagonists, leucine supplementation, and mitochondrial protective agents are currently in various stages of evaluation in preclinical studies to prevent and reverse sarcopenia, in cirrhosis in general, and ALD, specifically. Translation of these data to human studies and clinical application requires priority for allocation of resources.

Nutrition support in hospitalised adults at nutritional risk

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of disease-related malnutrition in Western European hospitals is estimated to be about 30%. There is no consensus whether poor nutritional status causes poorer clinical outcome or if it is merely associated with it. The intention with all forms of nutrition support is to increase uptake of essential nutrients and improve clinical outcome. Previous reviews have shown conflicting results with regard to the effects of nutrition support.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of nutrition support versus no intervention, treatment as usual, or placebo in hospitalised adults at nutritional risk.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (Ovid SP), Embase (Ovid SP), LILACS (BIREME), and Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science). We also searched the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (www.who.int/ictrp); ClinicalTrials.gov; Turning Research Into Practice (TRIP); Google Scholar; and BIOSIS, as well as relevant bibliographies of review articles and personal files. All searches are current to February 2016.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We include randomised clinical trials, irrespective of publication type, publication date, and language, comparing nutrition support versus control in hospitalised adults at nutritional risk. We exclude trials assessing non-standard nutrition support.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane and the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group. We used trial domains to assess the risks of systematic error (bias). We conducted Trial Sequential Analyses to control for the risks of random errors. We considered a P value of 0.025 or less as statistically significant. We used GRADE methodology. Our primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, and health-related quality of life.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 244 randomised clinical trials with 28,619 participants that met our inclusion criteria. We considered all trials to be at high risk of bias. Two trials accounted for one-third of all included participants. The included participants were heterogenous with regard to disease (20 different medical specialties). The experimental interventions were parenteral nutrition (86 trials); enteral nutrition (tube-feeding) (80 trials); oral nutrition support (55 trials); mixed experimental intervention (12 trials); general nutrition support (9 trials); and fortified food (2 trials). The control interventions were treatment as usual (122 trials); no intervention (107 trials); and placebo (15 trials). In 204/244 trials, the intervention lasted three days or more.We found no evidence of a difference between nutrition support and control for short-term mortality (end of intervention). The absolute risk was 8.3% across the control groups compared with 7.8% (7.1% to 8.5%) in the intervention groups, based on the risk ratio (RR) of 0.94 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86 to 1.03, P = 0.16, 21,758 participants, 114 trials, low quality of evidence). We found no evidence of a difference between nutrition support and control for long-term mortality (maximum follow-up). The absolute risk was 13.2% in the control group compared with 12.2% (11.6% to 13%) following nutritional interventions based on a RR of 0.93 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.99, P = 0.03, 23,170 participants, 127 trials, low quality of evidence). Trial Sequential Analysis showed we only had enough information to assess a risk ratio reduction of approximately 10% or more. A risk ratio reduction of 10% or more could be rejected.We found no evidence of a difference between nutrition support and control for short-term serious adverse events. The absolute risk was 9.9% in the control groups versus 9.2% (8.5% to 10%), with nutrition based on the RR of 0.93 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.01, P = 0.07, 22,087 participants, 123 trials, low quality of evidence). At long-term follow-up, the reduction in the risk of serious adverse events was 1.5%, from 15.2% in control groups to 13.8% (12.9% to 14.7%) following nutritional support (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.97, P = 0.004, 23,413 participants, 137 trials, low quality of evidence). However, the Trial Sequential Analysis showed we only had enough information to assess a risk ratio reduction of approximately 10% or more. A risk ratio reduction of 10% or more could be rejected.Trial Sequential Analysis of enteral nutrition alone showed that enteral nutrition might reduce serious adverse events at maximum follow-up in people with different diseases. We could find no beneficial effect of oral nutrition support or parenteral nutrition support on all-cause mortality and serious adverse events in any subgroup.Only 16 trials assessed health-related quality of life. We performed a meta-analysis of two trials reporting EuroQoL utility score at long-term follow-up and found very low quality of evidence for effects of nutritional support on quality of life (mean difference (MD) -0.01, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.01; 3961 participants, two trials). Trial Sequential Analyses showed that we did not have enough information to confirm or reject clinically relevant intervention effects on quality of life.Nutrition support may increase weight at short-term follow-up (MD 1.32 kg, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.00, 5445 participants, 68 trials, very low quality of evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is low-quality evidence for the effects of nutrition support on mortality and serious adverse events. Based on the results of our review, it does not appear to lead to a risk ratio reduction of approximately 10% or more in either all-cause mortality or serious adverse events at short-term and long-term follow-up.There is very low-quality evidence for an increase in weight with nutrition support at the end of treatment in hospitalised adults determined to be at nutritional risk. The effects of nutrition support on all remaining outcomes are unclear.Despite the clinically heterogenous population and the high risk of bias of all included trials, our analyses showed limited signs of statistical heterogeneity. Further trials may be warranted, assessing enteral nutrition (tube-feeding) for different patient groups. Future trials ought to be conducted with low risks of systematic errors and low risks of random errors, and they also ought to assess health-related quality of life.

Branched-chain amino acids for people with hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND

Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain dysfunction with neurological and psychiatric changes associated with liver insufficiency or portal-systemic shunting. The severity ranges from minor symptoms to coma. A Cochrane systematic review including 11 randomised clinical trials on branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) versus control interventions has evaluated if BCAA may benefit people with hepatic encephalopathy.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of BCAA versus any control intervention for people with hepatic encephalopathy.

SEARCH METHODS

We identified trials through manual and electronic searches in The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science, and LILACS (May 2017).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised clinical trials, irrespective of the bias control, language, or publication status.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The authors independently extracted data based on published reports and collected data from the primary investigators. We changed our primary outcomes in this update of the review to include mortality (all cause), hepatic encephalopathy (number of people without improved manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy), and adverse events. The analyses included random-effects and fixed-effect meta-analyses. We performed subgroup, sensitivity, regression, and trial sequential analyses to evaluate sources of heterogeneity (including intervention, and participant and trial characteristics), bias (using The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group method), small-study effects, and the robustness of the results after adjusting for sparse data and multiplicity. We graded the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We found 16 randomised clinical trials including 827 participants with hepatic encephalopathy classed as overt (12 trials) or minimal (four trials). Eight trials assessed oral BCAA supplements and seven trials assessed intravenous BCAA. The control groups received placebo/no intervention (two trials), diets (10 trials), lactulose (two trials), or neomycin (two trials). In 15 trials, all participants had cirrhosis. We classed seven trials as low risk of bias and nine trials as high risk of bias (mainly due to lack of blinding or for-profit funding). In a random-effects meta-analysis of mortality, we found no difference between BCAA and controls (risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 1.11; 760 participants; 15 trials; moderate quality of evidence). We found no evidence of small-study effects. Sensitivity analyses of trials with a low risk of bias found no beneficial or detrimental effect of BCAA on mortality. Trial sequential analysis showed that the required information size was not reached, suggesting that additional evidence was needed. BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.88; 827 participants; 16 trials; high quality of evidence). We found no small-study effects and confirmed the beneficial effect of BCAA in a sensitivity analysis that only included trials with a low risk of bias (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96). The trial sequential analysis showed that firm evidence was reached. In a fixed-effect meta-analysis, we found that BCAA increased the risk of nausea and vomiting (RR 5.56; 2.93 to 10.55; moderate quality of evidence). We found no beneficial or detrimental effects of BCAA on nausea or vomiting in a random-effects meta-analysis or on quality of life or nutritional parameters. We did not identify predictors of the intervention effect in the subgroup, sensitivity, or meta-regression analyses. In sensitivity analyses that excluded trials with a lactulose or neomycin control, BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.92). Additional sensitivity analyses found no difference between BCAA and lactulose or neomycin (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.30).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In this updated review, we included five additional trials. The analyses showed that BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy. We found no effect on mortality, quality of life, or nutritional parameters, but we need additional trials to evaluate these outcomes. Likewise, we need additional randomised clinical trials to determine the effect of BCAA compared with interventions such as non-absorbable disaccharides, rifaximin, or other antibiotics.

Pathophysiology and Management of Alcoholic Liver Disease: Update 2016

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and acute and chronic liver failure and as such causes significant morbidity and mortality. While alcohol consumption is slightly decreasing in several European countries, it is rising in others and remains high in many countries around the world. The pathophysiology of ALD is still incompletely understood but relates largely to the direct toxic effects of alcohol and its main intermediate, acetaldehyde. Recently, novel putative mechanisms have been identified in systematic scans covering the entire human genome and raise new hypotheses on previously unknown pathways. The latter also identify host genetic risk factors for significant liver injury, which may help design prognostic risk scores. The diagnosis of ALD is relatively easy with a panel of well-evaluated tests and only rarely requires a liver biopsy. Treatment of ALD is difficult and grounded in abstinence as the pivotal therapeutic goal; once cirrhosis is established, treatment largely resembles that of other etiologies of advanced liver damage. Liver transplantation is a sound option for carefully selected patients with cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis because relapse rates are low and prognosis is comparable to other etiologies. Still, many countries are restrictive in allocating donor livers for ALD patients. Overall, few therapeutic options exist for severe ALD. However, there is good evidence of benefit for only corticosteroids in severe alcoholic hepatitis, while most other efforts are of limited efficacy. Considering the immense burden of ALD worldwide, efforts of medical professionals and industry partners to develop targeted therapies in ALF has been disappointingly low.

Nutritional risk screening 2002 and ASA score predict mortality after elective liver resection for malignancy

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether Nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS 2002) at hospital admission may predict postoperative mortality and complications within 90 days after elective liver resection for malignancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of a prospective database was performed. Two-hundred and three patients with elective liver resection for malignancy between 9 November 2007 and 27 May 2014 were included. Clinical data, NRS 2002, surgical procedures and histology were recorded. The primary endpoint was 90-day mortality. Complications were registered within 90 days postoperatively according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

The 90-day mortality was 5.9% and the overall complication rate was 59.1%. Multivariate analysis identified NRS 2002 score ≥ 4 (odds ratio (OR) = 9.24; p = 0.005) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥ 3 (OR = 6.20; p = 0.009) as predictors of 90-day mortality. The 90-day mortality was 27.6% (8/29) for patients with both risk factors (NRS 2002 score ≥ 4 and ASA score ≥ 3) vs. 2.3% (4/174) for patients without or with only one risk factor (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study NRS 2002 score ≥ 4 and ASA score ≥ 3 were predictors of 90-day mortality after elective liver resection for malignancy.

Malnutrition and Nutritional Support in Alcoholic Liver Disease: a Review

Malnutrition is associated with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and related complications such as hepatic encephalopathy and increased rate of infections. Avoidance of prolonged fasting and overly restrictive diets is important to avoid poor nutrition. Adequate intake of calories, protein, and micronutrients via frequent small meals and evening supplements and/or enteral and parenteral nutrition when indicated has been associated with reduced mortality and morbidity in patients with ALD. Modification of protein/fat sources and composition in addition to probiotic supplementation are promising interventions for decreased progression of ALD and its complications.

Sarcopenia from mechanism to diagnosis and treatment in liver disease

Sarcopenia or loss of skeletal muscle mass is the major component of malnutrition and is a frequent complication in cirrhosis that adversely affects clinical outcomes. These include survival, quality of life, development of other complications and post liver transplantation survival. Radiological image analysis is currently utilized to diagnose sarcopenia in cirrhosis. Nutrient supplementation and physical activity are used to counter sarcopenia but have not been consistently effective because the underlying molecular and metabolic abnormalities persist or are not influenced by these treatments. Even though alterations in food intake, hypermetabolism, alterations in amino acid profiles, endotoxemia, accelerated starvation and decreased mobility may all contribute to sarcopenia in cirrhosis, hyperammonemia has recently gained attention as a possible mediator of the liver-muscle axis. Increased muscle ammonia causes: cataplerosis of α-ketoglutarate, increased transport of leucine in exchange for glutamine, impaired signaling by leucine, increased expression of myostatin (a transforming growth factor beta superfamily member) and an increased phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α. In addition, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased reactive oxygen species that decrease protein synthesis and increased autophagy mediated proteolysis, also play a role. These molecular and metabolic alterations may contribute to the anabolic resistance and inadequate response to nutrient supplementation in cirrhosis. Central and skeletal muscle fatigue contributes to impaired exercise capacity and responses. Use of proteins with low ammoniagenic potential, leucine enriched amino acid supplementation, long-term ammonia lowering strategies and a combination of resistance and endurance exercise to increase muscle mass and function may target the molecular abnormalities in the muscle. Strategies targeting endotoxemia and the gut microbiome need further evaluation.

Challenges of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy, resulting as the third cause of death by cancer each year. The management of patients with HCC is complex, as both the tumour stage and any underlying liver disease must be considered conjointly. Although surveillance by imaging, clinical and biochemical parameters is routinely performed, a lot of patients suffering from cirrhosis have an advanced stage HCC at the first diagnosis. Advanced stage HCC includes heterogeneous groups of patients with different clinical condition and radiological features and sorafenib is the only approved treatment according to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer. Since the introduction of sorafenib in clinical practice, several phase III clinical trials have failed to demonstrate any superiority over sorafenib in the frontline setting. Loco-regional therapies have also been tested as first line treatment, but their role in advanced HCC is still matter of debate. No single agent or combination therapies have been shown to impact outcomes after sorafenib failure. Therefore this review will focus on the range of experimental therapeutics for patients with advanced HCC and highlights the successes and failures of these treatments as well as areas for future development. Specifics such as dose limiting toxicity and safety profile in patients with liver dysfunction related to the underlying chronic liver disease should be considered when developing therapies in HCC. Finally, robust validated and reproducible surrogate end-points as well as predictive biomarkers should be defined in future randomized trials.

Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis: Therapy

Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) causes great morbidity and mortality in the United States and throughout the world. Advances in therapy have proven difficult. In part, this reflects challenges in diagnosis, including the distinction between AH and acute-on-chronic liver failure. Liver biopsy is the best method to clarify the cause in circumstances whereby conflicting clinical data confound the diagnosis. All treatment of AH begins with abstinence from alcohol. All patients with AH should be given sufficient nutrition. Prednisolone has become the principal agent for treating patients with severe AH.

Cause and management of muscle wasting in chronic liver disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Sarcopenia or loss of skeletal muscle mass is the major component of malnutrition and occurs in the majority of patients with liver disease. Lower muscle contractile function also contributes to the adverse consequences of sarcopenia. There are no effective therapies to prevent or reverse sarcopenia in liver disease. This review will discuss the advances in diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment options for sarcopenia in liver disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Sarcopenia increases mortality and risk of development of other complications of cirrhosis, and worsens postliver transplant outcomes while quality of life is decreased. Unlike other complications of cirrhosis that reverse after liver transplantation, sarcopenia may not improve and actually worsens. Impaired skeletal muscle protein synthesis and increased proteolysis via autophagy contribute to sarcopenia. Hyperammonemia is the best-studied mediator of the liver-muscle axis. Molecular studies show increased expression of myostatin whereas metabolic studies show impaired mitochondrial function and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates because of cataplerosis of α-ketoglutarate. Impaired skeletal muscle pyruvate and fatty acid oxidation during hyperammonemia suggest amino acids are diverted to acetyl CoA and potentially aggravate hyperammonemia. Nutritional supplementation is of limited or no benefit and suggests that cirrhosis is a state of anabolic resistance. Exercise may be beneficial but whether it overcomes anabolic resistance is not known.

SUMMARY

The high clinical significance of sarcopenia is well established. Current approaches to nutritional supplementation have not been effective in reversing sarcopenia because of anabolic resistance. Myostatin antagonists, specific amino acid supplementation, mitochondrial protection, and combination endurance-resistance exercise are potential future therapeutic options.

Nutrition therapy: Integral part of liver transplant care

Managing malnutrition before liver transplantation (LTx) while on the waiting list and, excessive weight gain/metabolic disturbances in post-surgery are still a challenge in LTx care. The aim of this review is to support an interdisciplinary nutrition approach of these patients. Cirrhotic patients are frequently malnourished before LTx and this is associated with a poor prognosis. Although the relation between nutritional status versus survival, successful operation and recovery after LTx is well established, prevalence of malnutrition before the operation is still very high. Emerging research has also demonstrated that sarcopenia pre and post-transplant is highly prevalent, despite the weight gain in the postoperative period. The diagnosis of the nutritional status is the first step to address the adequate nutritional therapy. Nutritional recommendations and therapy to manage the nutritional status of LTx patients are discussed in this review, regarding counseling on adequate diets and findings of the latest research on using certain immunonutrients in these patients (branched chain amino-acids, pre and probiotics). Nutrition associated complications observed after transplantation is also described. They are commonly related to the adverse effects of immunosuppressive drugs, leading to hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia and weight gain. Excessive weight gain and post-transplant metabolic disorders have long been described in post-LTx and should be addressed in order to reduce associated morbidity and mortality.

Systematic review of peri-operative nutritional support for patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is prevalent among peri-operative patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery and is an important prognostic factor. Both hepatobiliary disease and surgical trauma significantly affects body's metabolism and environment. Therefore, it is very important for patients with liver diseases undergoing hepatobiliary surgery to receive essential nutritional support during peri-operative period.

METHODS

We summarized our clinical experience and reviewed of related literature to find the way for implementing the appropriate nutritional strategy.

RESULTS

We found after comprehensively evaluating nutrition status, function of liver and gastrointestinal tract, nutritional strategy would be selected correctly. In severe malnutrition, initiation of enteral nutrition (EN) and/or parenteral nutrition (PN) with essential or special formulae is often recommended. Especially nasojejunal feeding is indicated that early application can improve nutritional status and liver function, reduce complications and prolong survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The reasonable peri-operative nutritional support therapy can improve the effect of surgical treatment and promote the patients' recovery.

Branched-chain amino acids for people with hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND

Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain dysfunction with neurological and psychiatric changes associated with liver insufficiency or portal-systemic shunting. The severity ranges from minor symptoms to coma. A Cochrane systematic review including 11 randomised clinical trials on branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) versus control interventions has evaluated if BCAA may benefit people with hepatic encephalopathy.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of BCAA versus any control intervention for people with hepatic encephalopathy.

SEARCH METHODS

We identified trials through manual and electronic searches in The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index (August 2015).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised clinical trials, irrespective of the bias control, language, or publication status.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The authors independently extracted data based on published reports and collected data from the primary investigators. We changed our primary outcomes in this update of the review to include mortality (all cause), hepatic encephalopathy (number of people without improved manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy), and adverse events. The analyses included random-effects and fixed-effect meta-analyses. We performed subgroup, sensitivity, regression, and trial sequential analyses to evaluate sources of heterogeneity (including intervention, and participant and trial characteristics), bias (using The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group method), small-study effects, and the robustness of the results after adjusting for sparse data and multiplicity. We graded the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We found 16 randomised clinical trials including 827 participants with hepatic encephalopathy classed as overt (12 trials) or minimal (four trials). Eight trials assessed oral BCAA supplements and seven trials assessed intravenous BCAA. The control groups received placebo/no intervention (two trials), diets (10 trials), lactulose (two trials), or neomycin (two trials). In 15 trials, all participants had cirrhosis. We classed seven trials as low risk of bias and nine trials as high risk of bias (mainly due to lack of blinding or for-profit funding). In a random-effects meta-analysis of mortality, we found no difference between BCAA and controls (risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 1.11; 760 participants; 15 trials; moderate quality of evidence). We found no evidence of small-study effects. Sensitivity analyses of trials with a low risk of bias found no beneficial or detrimental effect of BCAA on mortality. Trial sequential analysis showed that the required information size was not reached, suggesting that additional evidence was needed. BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.88; 827 participants; 16 trials; high quality of evidence). We found no small-study effects and confirmed the beneficial effect of BCAA in a sensitivity analysis that only included trials with a low risk of bias (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96). The trial sequential analysis showed that firm evidence was reached. In a fixed-effect meta-analysis, we found that BCAA increased the risk of nausea and vomiting (RR 5.56; 2.93 to 10.55; moderate quality of evidence). We found no beneficial or detrimental effects of BCAA on nausea or vomiting in a random-effects meta-analysis or on quality of life or nutritional parameters. We did not identify predictors of the intervention effect in the subgroup, sensitivity, or meta-regression analyses. In sensitivity analyses that excluded trials with a lactulose or neomycin control, BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.92). Additional sensitivity analyses found no difference between BCAA and lactulose or neomycin (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.30).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In this updated review, we included five additional trials. The analyses showed that BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy. We found no effect on mortality, quality of life, or nutritional parameters, but we need additional trials to evaluate these outcomes. Likewise, we need additional randomised clinical trials to determine the effect of BCAA compared with interventions such as non-absorbable disaccharides, rifaximin, or other antibiotics.

The Role of Sarcopenia and Frailty in Hepatic Encephalopathy Management

Normal regulation of total body and circulating ammonia requires a delicate interplay in ammonia formation and breakdown between several organ systems. In the setting of cirrhosis and portal hypertension, the decreased hepatic clearance of ammonia leads to significant dependence on skeletal muscle for ammonia detoxification; however, cirrhosis is also associated with muscle depletion and decreased functional muscle mass. Thus, patients with diminished muscle mass and sarcopenia may have a decreased ability to compensate for hepatic insufficiency and a higher likelihood of developing physiologically significant hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy.

Effect of compound azintamide enteric-coated tablet combined with compound nutrients (Noveliver) on serum albumin and pre-albumin levels in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis

AIM: To observe the effect of compound azintamide enteric-coated tablet combined with compound nutrients (Noveliver) on serum albumin (ALB) and pre-albumin (PA) levels in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.

METHODS: A total of 35 inpatients with decompensated liver cirrhosis were enrolled in this trial, including 20 patients treated with compound azintamide enteric-coated tablet combined with compound nutrients (Noveliver) plus routine medical treatment, and 15 patients receiving routine medical treatment only as controls. The efficacy of compound azintamide enteric-coated tablet combined with compound nutrients (Noveliver) was monitored during a 12-week follow-up period.

RESULTS: After treatment with compound azintamide enteric-coated tablet combined with compound nutrients (Noveliver), serum PA and ALB levels increased gradually. PA levels at 4 wk after treatment were 110.3 mg/L ± 14.6 mg/L vs 100.8 mg/L ± 7.5 mg/L (P < 0.05) in the treatment group and control group. ALB levels at 8 wk after treatment and 31.9 g/L ± 2.5 g/L vs 29.8 g/L ± 2.1 g/L (P < 0.05) in the treatment group and control group. The efficacy continued to 12 wk after treatment.

CONCLUSION: Compound azintamide enteric-coated tablet combined with compound nutrients (Noveliver) improves the nutritional status of patients with decompensated cirrhosis, increases serum ALB and PA levels, and reduces the incidence and severity of ascites.

Branched-chain amino acids for people with hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND

Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain dysfunction with neurological and psychiatric changes associated with liver insufficiency or portal-systemic shunting. The severity ranges from minor symptoms to coma. A Cochrane systematic review including 11 randomised clinical trials on branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) versus control interventions has evaluated if BCAA may benefit people with hepatic encephalopathy.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of BCAA versus any control intervention for people with hepatic encephalopathy.

SEARCH METHODS

We identified trials through manual and electronic searches in The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index on 2 October 2014.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised clinical trials, irrespective of the bias control, language, or publication status.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The authors independently extracted data based on published reports and collected data from the primary investigators. We changed our primary outcomes in this update of the review to include mortality (all cause), hepatic encephalopathy (number of people without improved manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy), and adverse events. The analyses included random-effects and fixed-effect meta-analyses. We performed subgroup, sensitivity, regression, and trial sequential analyses to evaluate sources of heterogeneity (including intervention, and participant and trial characteristics), bias (using The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group method), small-study effects, and the robustness of the results after adjusting for sparse data and multiplicity. We graded the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We found 16 randomised clinical trials including 827 participants with hepatic encephalopathy classed as overt (12 trials) or minimal (four trials). Eight trials assessed oral BCAA supplements and seven trials assessed intravenous BCAA. The control groups received placebo/no intervention (two trials), diets (10 trials), lactulose (two trials), or neomycin (two trials). In 15 trials, all participants had cirrhosis. Based on the combined Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group score, we classed seven trials as low risk of bias and nine trials as high risk of bias (mainly due to lack of blinding or for-profit funding). In a random-effects meta-analysis of mortality, we found no difference between BCAA and controls (risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 1.11; 760 participants; 15 trials; moderate quality of evidence). We found no evidence of small-study effects. Sensitivity analyses of trials with a low risk of bias found no beneficial or detrimental effect of BCAA on mortality. Trial sequential analysis showed that the required information size was not reached, suggesting that additional evidence was needed. BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.88; 827 participants; 16 trials; high quality of evidence). We found no small-study effects and confirmed the beneficial effect of BCAA in a sensitivity analysis that only included trials with a low risk of bias (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96). The trial sequential analysis showed that firm evidence was reached. In a fixed-effect meta-analysis, we found that BCAA increased the risk of nausea and vomiting (RR 5.56; 2.93 to 10.55; moderate quality of evidence). We found no beneficial or detrimental effects of BCAA on nausea or vomiting in a random-effects meta-analysis or on quality of life or nutritional parameters. We did not identify predictors of the intervention effect in the subgroup, sensitivity, or meta-regression analyses. In sensitivity analyses that excluded trials with a lactulose or neomycin control, BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.92). Additional sensitivity analyses found no difference between BCAA and lactulose or neomycin (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.30).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In this updated review, we included five additional trials. The analyses showed that BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy. We found no effect on mortality, quality of life, or nutritional parameters, but we need additional trials to evaluate these outcomes. Likewise, we need additional randomised clinical trials to determine the effect of BCAA compared with interventions such as non-absorbable disaccharides, rifaximin, or other antibiotics.

Probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 and acidophilus R0052) reduce the expression of toll-like receptor 4 in mice with alcoholic liver disease

OBJECTIVE

The role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR 4) in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has been widely established. We evaluated the biological effects of probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 and acidophilus R0052), KRG (Korea red ginseng), and urushiol (Rhus verniciflua Stokes) on ALD, including their effects on normal and high-fat diet in mice.

METHODS

One hundred C57BL/6 mice were classified into normal (N) and high-fat diet (H) groups. Each group was divided into 5 sub-groups: control, alcohol, alcohol+probiotics, alcohol+KRG, and alcohol+urushiol. A liver function test, histology, electron-microscopy, interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, and IL-10, and TLR 4 were evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

In the N group, probiotics, KRG, and urushiol significantly reduced levels of TNF-α (12.3±5.1, 13.4±3.9, and 12.1±4.3 vs. 27.9±15.2 pg/mL) and IL-1β (108.4±39.4, 75.0±51.0, and 101.1±26.8 vs. 162.4±37.5 pg/mL), which were increased by alcohol. Alcohol-induced TLR 4 expression was reduced by probiotics and urushiol (0.7±0.2, and 0.8±0.1 vs. 1.0±0.3, p<0.001). In the H group, IL-10 was significantly increased by probiotics and KRG, compared with alcohol (25.3±15.6 and 20.4±6.2 vs. 7.6±5.6 pg/mL) and TLR 4 expression was reduced by probiotics (0.8±0.2 vs. 1.0±0.3, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Alcohol-induced TLR 4 expression was down-regulated by probiotics in the normal and high-fat diet groups. Probiotics, KRG, and urushiol might be effective in the treatment of ALD by regulating the gut-liver axis.

The Indian National Association for Study of the Liver (INASL) Consensus on Prevention, Diagnosis and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in India: The Puri Recommendations

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of morbidity, mortality and healthcare expenditure in patients with chronic liver disease. There are no consensus guidelines on diagnosis and management of HCC in India. The Indian National Association for Study of the Liver (INASL) set up a Task-Force on HCC in 2011, with a mandate to develop consensus guidelines for diagnosis and management of HCC, relevant to disease patterns and clinical practices in India. The Task-Force first identified various contentious issues on various aspects of HCC and these issues were allotted to individual members of the Task-Force who reviewed them in detail. The Task-Force used the Oxford Center for Evidence Based Medicine-Levels of Evidence of 2009 for developing an evidence-based approach. A 2-day round table discussion was held on 9th and 10th February, 2013 at Puri, Odisha, to discuss, debate, and finalize the consensus statements. The members of the Task-Force reviewed and discussed the existing literature at this meeting and formulated the INASL consensus statements for each of the issues. We present here the INASL consensus guidelines (The Puri Recommendations) on prevention, diagnosis and management of HCC in India.

Role of supportive care for terminal stage hepatocellular carcinoma

Patients with end stage or terminal HCC are those presenting with tumors leading to a very poor Performance Status (ECOG 3-4) or Child-Pugh C patients with tumors beyond the transplantation threshold. Among HCC patients, 15-20% present with end stage or terminal stage HCC. Their median survival is less than 3-4 months. The management of end stage or terminal HCC is only symptomatic and no definitive tumor directed treatment is indicated. Patients with end stage or terminal HCC should receive palliative support including management of pain, nutrition and psychological support. In general, they should not be considered for participating in clinical trials. This review focuses on palliative care of terminal stage HCC.