Prospective controlled trial of selective parenteral and enteral antimicrobial regimen in fulminant liver failure

Rebound Inverts the Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Prevention Effect of Antibiotic Based Decontamination Interventions in ICU Cohorts with Prolonged Length of Stay

Could rebound explain the paradoxical lack of prevention effect against Staphylococcus aureus blood stream infections (BSIs) with antibiotic-based decontamination intervention (BDI) methods among studies of ICU patients within the literature? Two meta-regression models were applied, each versus the group mean length of stay (LOS). Firstly, the prevention effects against S. aureus BSI [and S. aureus VAP] among 136 studies of antibiotic-BDI versus other interventions were analyzed. Secondly, the S. aureus BSI [and S. aureus VAP] incidence in 268 control and intervention cohorts from studies of antibiotic-BDI versus that among 165 observational cohorts as a benchmark was modelled. In model one, the meta-regression line versus group mean LOS crossed the null, with the antibiotic-BDI prevention effect against S. aureus BSI at mean LOS day 7 (OR 0.45; 0.30 to 0.68) inverted at mean LOS day 20 (OR 1.7; 1.1 to 2.6). In model two, the meta-regression line versus group mean LOS crossed the benchmark line, and the predicted S. aureus BSI incidence for antibiotic-BDI groups was 0.47; 0.09-0.84 percentage points below versus 3.0; 0.12-5.9 above the benchmark in studies with 7 versus 20 days mean LOS, respectively. Rebound within the intervention groups attenuated and inverted the prevention effect of antibiotic-BDI against S. aureus VAP and BSI, respectively. This explains the paradoxical findings.

Issues of intensive care and liver transplantation tactics in fulminant liver failure

Fulminant liver failure is usually characterized as severe acute liver injury with encephalopathy and synthetic dysfunction (international normalized ratio [INR] ≥1.5) in a patient without cirrhosis or previous liver disease. Management of patients with acute liver failure includes ensuring that the patient is cared for appropriately, monitoring for worsening liver failure, managing complications, and providing nutritional support. Patients with acute liver failure should be treated at a liver transplant center whenever possible. Serial laboratory tests are used to monitor the course of a patient's liver failure and to monitor for complications. It is necessary to monitor the level of aminotransferases and bilirubin in serum daily. More frequent monitoring (three to four times a day) of blood coagulation parameters, complete blood count, metabolic panels, and arterial blood gases should be performed. For some causes of acute liver failure, such as acetaminophen intoxication, treatment directed at the underlying cause may prevent the need for liver transplantation and reduce mortality. Lactulose has not been shown to improve overall outcomes, and it can lead to intestinal distention, which can lead to technical difficulties during liver transplantation. Early in acute liver failure, signs and symptoms of cerebral edema may be absent or difficult to detect. Complications of cerebral edema include increased intracranial pressure and herniation of the brain stem. General measures to prevent increased intracranial pressure include minimizing stimulation, maintaining an appropriate fluid balance, and elevating the head of the patient's bed. For patients at high risk of developing cerebral edema, we also offer hypertonic saline prophylaxis (3%) with a target serum sodium level of 145 to 155 mEq/L (level 2C). High-risk patients include patients with grade IV encephalopathy, high ammonia levels (>150 µmol/L), or acute renal failure, and patients requiring vasopressor support. Approximately 40 % of patients with acute liver failure recover spontaneously with supportive care. Predictive models have been developed to help identify patients who are unlikely to recover spontaneously, as the decision to undergo liver transplant depends in part on the likelihood of spontaneous recovery of the liver. However, among those who receive a transplant, the one-year survival rate exceeds 80 %, making this treatment the treatment of choice in this difficult patient population.

Case Series of End-Stage Liver Disease Patients with Severe Coccidioidomycosis

Liver disease causes relative compromise of the host immune system through multiple overlapping mechanisms and is an established risk factor for invasive fungal diseases including candidiasis and cryptococcosis. This immunologic derangement also leads to rapid progression of disease with resultant increases in morbidity and mortality. We describe severe coccidioidomycosis cases in the setting of liver dysfunction. Collaborative multi-center epidemiologic studies should be performed to determine the incidence of severe coccidioidomycosis in patients with concurrent liver disease.

Update on the management of acute liver failure

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review describes the current intensive care management of acute liver failure (ALF) and the latest evidence for emerging therapies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Mortality from ALF continues to improve and in some cases, medical therapy can negate the need for liver transplantation because of protocolized management in specialist centres. Liver transplantation remains the cornerstone of management for poor prognosis ALF. The reduced use of blood products in ALF reflects growing evidence of balanced haemostasis in severe liver disease. Prophylactic therapeutic hypothermia is no longer recommended for neuroprotection. In cases not suitable for liver transplantation, high-volume plasma exchange (HVP) has potential benefit, although further research on the optimal timing and dosing is needed. Although sepsis remains an important complication in ALF, the use of prophylactic antimicrobials is being questioned in the era of emerging bacterial resistance.

SUMMARY

ICU management of ALF has improved such that liver transplantation is not required in some cases. HVP has emerged as a potential therapy for patients who may not be good liver transplantation candidates. Nevertheless in suitable patients with poor prognosis liver transplantation remains the optimal therapy.

Significant lung injury and its prognostic significance in acute liver failure: A cohort analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Respiratory failure complicating acute liver failure (ALF) may preclude liver transplantation (LT). We evaluated the association between significant lung injury (SLI) and important clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 947 ALF patients with chest radiograph (CXR) and arterial blood gas (ABG) data enrolled in the US Acute Liver Failure Study Group (US-ALFSG) from January 1998 to December 2016. SLI was defined by moderate hypoxaemia (Berlin classification; PaO₂ /FiO₂  < 200 mm Hg) and abnormalities on CXR. Primary outcomes were 21-day transplant-free survival (TFS) and overall survival.

RESULTS

Of 947 ALF patients, 370 (39%) had evidence of SLI. ALF patients with SLI (ALF-SLI) had significantly worse oxygenation than controls on admission (median PF ratio 120 vs 300 mm Hg, P < .0001) and higher lactate (6.1 vs 4.6 mmol/l, P = .0008). ALF-SLI patients had higher rates of tracheal (19% vs 14%) and bloodstream (17% vs 11%, P < .005 for both) infections and were more likely to receive transfusions (red cells 55% vs 43%; FFP 74% vs 66%; P < .009 for both). ALF-SLI patients were less likely to receive LT (18% vs 25%, P = .02) and had significantly decreased 21-day TFS (34% vs 42%) and overall survival (49% vs 64%, P < .007 for both). After adjusting for significant covariates (INR, bilirubin, acetaminophen aetiology), the development of SLI was independently associated with decreased 21-day TFS (OR 0.71, P = .03) in ALF patients (C-index 0.78). The incorporation of SLI improved discriminatory ability of the King's College Criteria (P = .0061) but not the ALFSG prognostic index (P = .34).

CONCLUSION

Significant lung injury is a common complication in ALF patients that adversely affects patient outcomes.

Predictors of Acute Liver Failure in Patients With Acute Hepatitis A: An Analysis of the 2016-2018 San Diego County Hepatitis A Outbreak

Background

Between 2016 and 2018, San Diego County experienced a hepatitis A outbreak with a historically high mortality rate (3.4%) that highlighted the need for early recognition of those at risk of developing acute liver failure (ALF).

Methods

A retrospective case series of adult hospitalized patients with acute hepatitis A.

Results

One hundred six patients with hepatitis A were studied, of whom 11 (10.4%) developed ALF, of whom 7 (6.6%) died. A history of alcohol abuse, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, and anemia were associated with increased odds of developing ALF. Initial Maddrey’s and Model of End-Stage Liver Disease Sodium (MELD-Na) scores were also associated with the development of ALF. Multivariable analysis showed that a higher initial MELD-Na score (odds ratio [OR], 1.205; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.018–1.427) and a lower initial serum albumin concentration (OR, 9.35; 95% CI, 1.15–76.9) were associated with increased odds of developing ALF. Combining serum albumin and MELD-Na (SAM; C-statistic, 0.8878; 95% CI, 0.756–0.988) yielded a model that was not better than either serum albumin (C-statistic, 0.852; 95% CI, 0.675–0.976) or MELD-Na (C-statistic, 0.891; 95% CI, 0.784–0.968; P = .841). Finally, positive blood cultures were more common among patients with ALF compared with those without ALF (63.6% vs 4.3%; P < .00001).

Conclusions

Hypoalbuminemia was associated with an increased risk of ALF in patients with acute hepatitis A. Positive blood cultures and septic shock as a cause of death were common among patients with ALF. Providers caring for patients with acute hepatitis A should monitor for early signs of sepsis and consider empiric antibiotics, especially in patients presenting with hypoalbuminemia.

Acute liver failure

Acute liver failure is a rare and severe consequence of abrupt hepatocyte injury, and can evolve over days or weeks to a lethal outcome. A variety of insults to liver cells result in a consistent pattern of rapid-onset elevation of aminotransferases, altered mentation, and disturbed coagulation. The absence of existing liver disease distinguishes acute liver failure from decompensated cirrhosis or acute-on-chronic liver failure. Causes of acute liver failure include paracetamol toxicity, hepatic ischaemia, viral and autoimmune hepatitis, and drug-induced liver injury from prescription drugs, and herbal and dietary supplements. Diagnosis requires careful review of medications taken, and serological testing for possible viral exposure. Because of its rarity, acute liver failure has not been studied in large, randomised trials, and most treatment recommendations represent expert opinion. Improvements in management have resulted in lower mortality, although liver transplantation, used in nearly 30% of patients with acute liver failure, still provides a life-saving alternative to medical management.

Acute liver failure in two dogs following ingestion of cheese tree (Glochidion ferdinandi) roots

OBJECTIVE

To describe the management and resolution of acute liver failure (ALF) in two dogs following ingestion of cheese tree (Glochidion ferdinandi) roots.

CASE SUMMARIES

A 2-year-old male entire Bullmastiff and a 5-year-old female neutered German Shepherd dog were presented for acute-onset lethargy and vomiting after chewing on tree roots of a cheese tree. Both dogs developed clinical abnormalities consistent with ALF, including hepatic encephalopathy, marked increase in alanine aminotransferase activity and bilirubin concentration, and prolonged coagulation times. Treatment included administration of intravenous fluids, hepatoprotectants, vitamin K₁ , antibiotics, lactulose, antacids, antiemetics, and multiple fresh frozen plasma transfusions. Follow-up examinations performed 30 days after initial presentation revealed the dogs to be clinically healthy with serum biochemical and coagulation profiles within reference intervals.

NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION

This is the first report describing ALF in two dogs following ingestion of cheese tree (G. ferdinandi) roots. In this clinical setting, despite a poor prognosis, survival and recovery of adequate liver function were possible with medical management.

Management of Acute Liver Failure: A Pediatric Perspective

Purpose of Review

Pediatric acute liver failure is a rare, complex, rapidly progressing, and life-threatening illness. Majority of pediatric acute liver failures have unknown etiology. This review intends to discuss the current literature on the challenging aspects of management of acute liver failure.

Recent Findings

Collaborative multidisciplinary approach for management of patients with pediatric acute liver failure with upfront involvement of transplant hepatologist and critical care specialists can improve outcomes of this fatal disease. Extensive but systematic diagnostic evaluation can help to identify etiology and guide management. Early referral to a transplant center with prompt liver transplant, if indicated, can lead to improved survival in these patients.

Summary

Prompt identification and aggressive management of pediatric acute liver failure and related comorbidities can lead to increased transplant-free survival and improved post-transplant outcomes, thus decreasing mortality and morbidity associated with this potential fatal condition.

Unusually High Incidences of Staphylococcus aureus Infection within Studies of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Prevention Using Topical Antibiotics: Benchmarking the Evidence Base

Selective digestive decontamination (SDD, topical antibiotic regimens applied to the respiratory tract) appears effective for preventing ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, potential contextual effects of SDD on Staphylococcus aureus infections in the ICU remain unclear. The S. aureus ventilator associated pneumonia (S. aureus VAP), VAP overall and S. aureus bacteremia incidences within component (control and intervention) groups within 27 SDD studies were benchmarked against 115 observational groups. Component groups from 66 studies of various interventions other than SDD provided additional points of reference. In 27 SDD study control groups, the mean S. aureus VAP incidence is 9.6% (95% CI; 6.9–13.2) versus a benchmark derived from 115 observational groups being 4.8% (95% CI; 4.2–5.6). In nine SDD study control groups the mean S. aureus bacteremia incidence is 3.8% (95% CI; 2.1–5.7) versus a benchmark derived from 10 observational groups being 2.1% (95% CI; 1.1–4.1). The incidences of S. aureus VAP and S. aureus bacteremia within the control groups of SDD studies are each higher than literature derived benchmarks. Paradoxically, within the SDD intervention groups, the incidences of both S. aureus VAP and VAP overall are more similar to the benchmarks.

EASL Clinical Practical Guidelines on the management of acute (fulminant) liver failure

The term acute liver failure (ALF) is frequently applied as a generic expression to describe patients presenting with or developing an acute episode of liver dysfunction. In the context of hepatological practice, however, ALF refers to a highly specific and rare syndrome, characterised by an acute abnormality of liver blood tests in an individual without underlying chronic liver disease. The disease process is associated with development of a coagulopathy of liver aetiology, and clinically apparent altered level of consciousness due to hepatic encephalopathy. Several important measures are immediately necessary when the patient presents for medical attention. These, as well as additional clinical procedures will be the subject of these clinical practice guidelines.

Intensive Care Management of Pediatric Acute Liver Failure

Pediatric acute liver failure is rare but life-threatening illness that occurs in children without preexisting liver disease. The rarity of the disease, along with its severity and heterogeneity, presents unique clinical challenges to the physicians providing care for pediatric patients with acute liver failure. In this review, practical clinical approaches to the care of critically ill children with acute liver failure are discussed with an organ system-specific approach. The underlying pathophysiological processes, major areas of uncertainty, and approaches to the critical care management of pediatric acute liver failure are also reviewed.

Drug-Induced Acute Liver Failure

Drug-induced acute liver failure (ALF) disproportionately affects women and nonwhites. It is most frequently caused by antimicrobials and to a lesser extent by complementary and alternative medications, antiepileptics, antimetabolites, nonsteroidals, and statins. Most drug-induced liver injury ALF patients have hepatocellular injury pattern. Cerebral edema and intracranial hypertension are the most serious complications of ALF. Other complications include coagulopathy, sepsis, metabolic derangements, and renal, circulatory, and respiratory dysfunction. Although advances in intensive care have improved outcome, ALF has significant mortality without liver transplantation. Liver-assist devices may provide a bridge to transplant or to spontaneous recovery.

Acute Liver Injury and Failure

Acute liver injury and acute liver failure are syndromes characterized by a rapid loss of functional hepatocytes in a patient with no evidence of pre-existing liver disease. A variety of inciting causes have been identified, including toxic, infectious, neoplastic, and drug-induced causes. This article reviews the pathophysiology and clinical approach to the acute liver injury/acute liver failure patient, with a particular emphasis on the diagnostic evaluation and care in the acute setting.

Postoperative Liver Failure

Technical innovations in surgical techniques, anaesthesia, critical care and a spatial understanding of the intra-hepatic anatomy of the liver, have led to an increasing number of liver resections being performed all over the world. However, the number of complications directly attributed to the procedure and leading to inadequate or poor hepatic functional status in the postoperative period remains a matter of concern. There has always been a problem of arriving at a consensus in the definition of the term: postoperative liver failure (PLF). The burgeoning rate of living donor liver transplants, with lives of perfectly healthy donors involved, has mandated a consensual definition, uniform diagnosis and protocol for management of PLF. The absence of a uniform definition has led to poor comparison among various trials. PLF remains a dreaded complication in resection of the liver, with a reported incidence of up to 8 % [1], and mortality rates of up to 30–70 % have been quoted [2]. Several studies have quoted a lower incidence of PLF in eastern countries, but when it occurs the mortality is as high as in the West [3].

Toxicant-Induced Hepatic Injury

The sudden failure of a previously healthy and functioning liver is a dramatic and devastating event. Acute liver failure is the common final pathway of a multitude of conditions and insults, all of which result in massive hepatic necrosis or loss of normal hepatic function. The ensuing multiorgan system failure frequently has a fatal outcome, with mortality rates in most series ranging from approximately 55% to 95% [1]. Acute liver failure (ALF, previously often referred to as fulminant hepatic failure (FHF)) knows no age boundaries, with many cases occurring in those younger than 30 years. Short of excellent intensive care unit (ICU) support and liver transplantation in selected cases, few viable treatment options are available. Over the past few decades, however, survival has been improved by anticipation, recognition, and early treatment of associated complications, as well as the application of prognostic criteria for early identification of patients requiring liver transplantation (along with improvement in the techniques and science of transplantation itself). The etiology of ALF varies from country to country and the incidence change over time. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) has now replaced viral hepatitis as the leading cause of ALF [2]. In a study from London including 310 patients with ALF in the period 1994–2004, 42% of the cases were caused by paracetamol [3], whereas this was only the cause in 2% of 267 patients in Spain from 1992 to 2000 [4]. However, less than 10% of all liver transplants are performed in patients with ALF [5, 6].

Clinical management of acute liver failure: Results of an international multi-center survey

AIM

To assess the practice of caring for acute liver failure (ALF) patients in varying geographic locations and medical centers.

METHODS

Members of the European Acute Liver Failure Consortium completed an 88-item questionnaire detailing management of ALF. Responses from 22 transplantation centers in 11 countries were analyzed, treating between 300 and 500 ALF cases and performing over 100 liver transplants (LT) for ALF annually. The questions pertained to details of the institution and their clinical activity, standards of care, referral and admission, ward- based care versus intensive care unit (ICU) as well as questions regarding liver transplantation - including criteria, limitations, and perceived performance. Clinical data was also collected from 13 centres over a 3 mo period.

RESULTS

The interval between referral and admission of ALF patients to specialized units was usually less than 24 h and once admitted, treatment was provided by a multidisciplinary team. Principles of care of patients with ALF were similar among centers, particularly in relation to recognition of severity and care of the more critically ill. Centers exhibited similarities in thresholds for ICU admission and management of severe hepatic encephalopathy. Over 80% of centers administered n-acetyl-cysteine to ICU patients for non-paracetamol-related ALF. There was significant divergence in the use of prophylactic antibiotics and anti-fungals, lactulose, nutritional support and imaging investigations in admitted patients and in the monitoring and treatment of intra-cranial pressure (ICP). ICP monitoring was employed in 12 centers, with the most common indications being papilledema and renal failure. Most patients listed for transplantation underwent surgery within an average waiting time of 1-2 d. Over a period of 3 mo clinical data from 85 ALF patients was collected. Overall patient survival at 90-d was 76%. Thirty six percent of patients underwent emergency LT, with a 90% post transplant survival to hospital discharge, 42% survived with medical management alone.

CONCLUSION

Alongside similarities in principles of care of ALF patients, major areas of divergence were present in key areas of diagnosis, monitoring, treatment and decision to transplant.

Inapparent Outbreaks of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia An Ecologic Analysis of Prevention and Cohort Studies

Objective:

To compare ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rates and patterns of isolates across studies of antibiotic and non-antibiotic methods for preventing VAP.

Design:

With the use of 42 cohort study groups as the reference standard, the prevalence of VAP was modeled in two linear regressions: one with the control groups and the other with the intervention groups of 96 VAP prevention studies. The proportion of patients admitted with trauma and the VAP diagnostic criteria were used as ecologic correlates. Also, the patterns of pathogenic isolates were available for 117 groups.

Results:

In the first regression model, the VAP rates for the control groups of antibiotic-based prevention studies were at least 18 (CI95, 12 to 24) per 100 patients higher than those in the cohort study groups (P< .001). By contrast, comparisons of cohort study groups with all other control and intervention groups in the first and second regression models yielded differences that were less than 6 per 100 and not significant (P> .05). For control groups with VAP rates greater than 35%, the patterns of VAP isolates, such as the proportion ofStaphylococcus aureus,more closely resembled those in the corresponding intervention groups than in the cohort groups.

Conclusions:

The rates of VAP in the control groups of the antibiotic prevention studies were significantly higher than expected and the patterns of pathogenic isolates were unusual. These observations suggest that inapparent outbreaks of VAP occurred in these studies. The possibility remains that antibiotic-based VAP prevention presents a major cross-infection hazard.

Impact of selective digestive decontamination on respiratory tract Candida among patients with suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia. A meta-analysis

The purpose here is to establish the incidence of respiratory tract colonization with Candida (RT Candida) among ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilation within studies in the literature. Also of interest is its relationship with candidemia and the relative importance of topical antibiotic (TA) use as within studies of selective digestive decontamination (SDD) versus other candidate risk factors towards it. The incidence of RT Candida was extracted from component (control and intervention) groups decanted from studies of various TA and non-TA ICU infection prevention methods with summary estimates derived using random effects. A benchmark RT Candida incidence to provide overarching calibration was derived using (observational) groups from studies without any prevention method under study. A multi-level regression model of group level data was undertaken using generalized estimating equation (GEE) methods. RT Candida data were sourced from 113 studies. The benchmark RT Candida incidence is 1.3; 0.9-1.8 % (mean and 95 % confidence intervals). Membership of a concurrent control group of a study of SDD (p = 0.02), the group-wide presence of candidemia risk factors (p < 0.001), and proportion of trauma admissions (p = 0.004), but neither the year of study publication, nor membership of any other component group, nor the mode of respiratory sampling are predictive of the RT Candida incidence. RT Candida and candidemia incidences are correlated. RT Candida incidence can serve as a basis for benchmarking. Several relationships have been identified. The increased incidence among concurrent control groups of SDD studies cannot be appreciated in any single study examined in isolation.

Hepatic Failure

The progression of liver disease can cause several physiologic derangements that may precipitate hepatic failure and require admission to an intensive care unit. The underlying pathology may be acute, acute-on chronic, or chronic in nature. Liver failure may manifest with a variety of clinical signs and symptoms that need prompt attention. The compromised synthetic and metabolic activity of the failing liver affects all organ systems, from neurologic to integumentary. Supportive care and specific therapies should be instituted in order to improve outcome and minimize time of recovery.

In this chapter we will discuss the definition, clinical manifestations, workup, and management of acute and chronic liver failure and the general principles of treatment of these patients. Management of liver failure secondary to certain common etiologies will also be presented. Finally, liver transplantation and alternative therapies will also be discussed.

Acute liver failure in dogs and cats

OBJECTIVE

To define acute liver failure (ALF), review the human and veterinary literature, and discuss the etiologies and current concepts in diagnostic and treatment options for ALF in veterinary and human medicine.

ETIOLOGY

In veterinary medicine ALF is most commonly caused by hepatotoxin exposure, infectious agents, inflammatory diseases, trauma, and hypoxic injury.

DIAGNOSIS

A patient may be deemed to be in ALF when there is a progression of acute liver injury with no known previous hepatic disease, the development of hepatic encephalopathy of any grade that occurs within 8 weeks after the onset of hyperbilirubinemia (defined as plasma bilirubin >50 μM/L [>2.9 mg/dL]), and the presence of a coagulopathy. Diagnostic testing to more specifically characterize liver dysfunction or pathology is usually required.

THERAPY

Supportive care to aid the failing liver and compensate for the lost functions of the liver remains the cornerstone of care of patients with ALF. Advanced therapeutic options such as extracorporeal liver assist devices and transplantation are currently available in human medicine.

PROGNOSIS

The prognosis for ALF depends upon the etiology, the degree of liver damage, and the response to therapy. In veterinary medicine, the prognosis is generally poor.

Surveillance for infectious complications in pediatric acute liver failure - a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively evaluate infectious complications (IC) in pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) by employing surveillance cultures.

METHODS

From 2011 to 2013, children with PALF in a tertiary care centre received a standard protocolised management. Prophylactic parenteral antibiotics were used without antifungals. Surveillance cultures of blood, urine, ascites and tracheal aspirates were sent. Biochemical and clinical parameters and outcomes were compared between children with and without IC.

RESULTS

Of the 29 children with PALF admitted during the study period (median age 36 mo, range 12-90 mo), 13.8 % had blood stream infections (BSI) at admission. Organisms were isolated in 8.8 % (12/136) of the blood cultures, 13.7 % (11/80) of the urine cultures, 30.8 % (8/26) of the tracheal aspirates and 7.1 % (1/14) of the ascitic fluid cultures. Gram negative bacteriae (n = 17) were the commonest, followed by fungi (n = 13) and gram positive bacteriae (n = 2). Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida nonalbicans group were the commonest bacteria and fungi respectively. After admission, fungal BSI and urinary tract infections were diagnosed at a median time of 4 d (range 3-8 d) and 3.5 d (range 3-6 d) respectively. ICs were not associated with other complications and increased mortality but with longer hospital and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study BSI was a common finding at admission in PALF. Inspite of prophylactic antibiotics, break through gram negative bacterial and fungal ICs were common. Empirical treatment of IC should include broad spectrum antibiotics. Fungal IC occurred beyond 48 h. Prophylactic antifungals at admission may be considered to decrease their frequency. IC prolongs PICU and hospital stay.

Topical antibiotics as a major contextual hazard toward bacteremia within selective digestive decontamination studies: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Among methods for preventing pneumonia and possibly also bacteremia in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, Selective Digestive Decontamination (SDD) appears most effective within randomized concurrent controlled trials (RCCT's) although more recent trials have been cluster randomized. However, of the SDD components, whether protocolized parenteral antibiotic prophylaxis (PPAP) is required, and whether the topical antibiotic actually presents a contextual hazard, remain unresolved. The objective here is to compare the bacteremia rates and patterns of isolates in SDD-RCCT's versus the broader evidence base.

METHODS

Bacteremia incidence proportion data were extracted from component (control and intervention) groups decanted from studies investigating antibiotic (SDD) or non-antibiotic methods of VAP prevention and summarized using random effects meta-analysis of study and group level data. A reference category of groups derived from purely observational studies without any prevention method under study provided a benchmark incidence.

RESULTS

Within SDD RCCTs, the mean bacteremia incidence among concurrent component groups not exposed to PPAP (27 control; 17.1%; 13.1-22.1% and 12 intervention groups; 16.2%; 9.1-27.3%) is double that of the benchmark bacteremia incidence derived from 39 benchmark groups (8.3; 6.8-10.2%) and also 20 control groups from studies of non-antibiotic methods (7.1%; 4.8 - 10.5). There is a selective increase in coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) but not in Pseudomonas aeruginosa among bacteremia isolates within control groups of SDD-RCCT's versus benchmark groups with data available.

CONCLUSIONS

The topical antibiotic component of SDD presents a major contextual hazard toward bacteremia against which the PPAP component partially mitigates.

Intensive care unit management of patients with liver failure

Acute liver failure (ALF) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) usually mandate management within an intensive care unit (ICU). Even though the conditions bear some similarities, precipitating causes, and systemic complications management practices differ. Although early identification of ALF and ACLF, improvements in ICU management, and the widespread availability of liver transplantation have improved mortality, optimal management practices have not been defined. This article summarizes current ICU management practices and identifies areas of management that require further study.

Effects of antimicrobial prophylaxis and blood stream infections in patients with acute liver failure: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We investigated whether antimicrobial prophylaxis alters the incidence of bloodstream infection in patients with acute liver failure (ALF), and whether bloodstream infections affect overall mortality within 21 days after development of ALF.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 1551 patients with ALF enrolled by the US Acute Liver Failure Study Group from January 1998 through November 2009. We analyzed data on infections in the first 7 days after admission and the effects of prophylaxis with antimicrobial drugs on the development of bloodstream infections and 21-day mortality.

RESULTS

In our study population, 600 patients (39%) received antimicrobial prophylaxis and 226 patients (14.6%) developed at least 1 bloodstream infection. Exposure to antimicrobial drugs did not affect the proportion of patients who developed bloodstream infections (12.8% in patients with prophylaxis vs 15.7% in nonprophylaxed patients; P = .12), but a greater percentage of patients who received prophylaxis received liver transplants (28% vs 22%; P = .01). After adjusting for confounding factors, overall mortality within 21 days was associated independently with age (odds ratio [OR], 1.014), Model for End-stage Liver Disease score at admission (OR, 1.078), and vasopressor administration at admission (OR, 2.499). Low grade of coma (OR, 0.47) and liver transplantation (OR, 0.101) reduced mortality. Although bloodstream infection was associated significantly with 21-day mortality (P = .004), an interaction between bloodstream infection and etiology was detected: blood stream infection affected mortality to a greater extent in nonacetaminophen ALF patients (OR, 2.03) than in acetaminophen ALF patients (OR, 1.14).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a large, observational study, antimicrobial prophylaxis does not reduce the incidence of bloodstream infection or mortality within 21 days of ALF. However, bloodstream infections were associated with increased 21-day mortality in patients with ALF-to a greater extent in patients without than with acetaminophen-associated ALF. Our findings do not support the routine use of antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients with ALF.

Opportunistic infection in patients with acute liver failure

BACKGROUND

Treatment with systemic corticosteroids is often used for acute liver failure (ALF), but this has increased the number of profoundly immunocompromised patients and cases of opportunistic infection.

METHODS

Between January 2007 and December 2012, all patients (n = 51) referred to the Chiba University Hospital for treatment of ALF were studied. Patients with prothrombin activity of 40 % or less of the standardized values were defined as having ALF. Patient age, sex, cause of ALF, alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin levels, prothrombin activity and total amount of corticosteroid were analyzed to determine the factors associated with the occurrence of opportunistic infection.

RESULTS

Opportunistic infections occurred in 21.6 % (n = 11) of ALF patients. Thirty-five patients underwent systemic corticosteroid therapy, and 31.4 % of those patients showed opportunistic infections. Cytomegalovirus (n = 9, 81.8 %) and Pneumocystis jiroveci (n = 6, 54.5 %) were the microorganisms frequently suspected as the causes of opportunistic infection. In 7 (63.6 %) of the 11 cases of opportunistic infection, 2 or more species of microorganism were detected. Seven patients (63.6 %) with opportunistic infection were cured by treatment. Cox regression analysis for the patients who underwent systemic corticosteroid therapy steroid treatment revealed that age over 52 years (compared to younger patients: odds ratio = 9.62, 95 % confidence interval = 1.22-76.9) was only the predictive factor for the occurrence of opportunistic infection.

CONCLUSION

Opportunistic infections are not rare in ALF patients, and the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of these infections are critical during ALF treatment.

Acute liver failure

Untreated acute liver failure (ALF) has a poor outcome and so rapid diagnosis and management is vital if the patient is to survive. ALF has such profound and widespread physiological consequences that whenever possible, patients with ALF should be managed in an intensive care unit. Management is to support the physiology and treat the underlying cause. Advice should be sought from a centre capable of performing liver transplantation. Should recovery seem unlikely, liver transplantation is a viable treatment option in some cases.

[Severe toxic acute liver failure: etiology and treatment]

Many substances, drugs or not, can be responsible for acute hepatitis. Nevertheless, toxic etiology, except when that is obvious like in acetaminophen overdose, is a diagnosis of elimination. Major causes, in particular viral etiologies, must be ruled out. Acetaminophen, antibiotics, antiepileptics and antituberculous drugs are the first causes of drug-induced liver injury. Severity assessment of the acute hepatitis is critical. Acute liver failure (ALF) is defined by the factor V, respectively more than 50% for the mild ALF and less than 50% for the severe ALF. Neurological examination must be extensive to the search for encephalopathy signs. According to the French classification, fulminant hepatitis is defined by the presence of an encephalopathy in the two first weeks and subfulminant between the second and 12th week after the advent of the jaundice. During acetaminophen overdose, with or without hepatitis or ALF, intravenous N-acetylcysteine must be administered as soon as possible. In the non-acetaminophen related ALF, N-acetylcysteine improves transplantation-free survival. Referral and assessment in a liver transplantation unit should be discussed as soon as possible.

Fulminant viral hepatitis

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a condition wherein the previously healthy liver rapidly deteriorates, resulting in jaundice, encephalopathy, and coagulopathy. There are approximately 2000 cases per year of ALF in the United States. Viral causes (fulminant viral hepatitis [FVH]) are the predominant cause of ALF in developing countries. Given the ease of spread of viral hepatitis and the high morbidity and mortality associated with ALF, a systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of FVH is required. In this review, the authors describe the viral causes of ALF and review the intensive care unit management of patients with FVH.

Acute Liver Failure following Hepatic Resection: Incidence, Presentation, Prevention and Management in ICU

The incidence of liver failure following liver resection has been reported to be between 8–32%, depending on the number of segments resected, the health of the patient and the incidence of hepatic ischaemic/reperfusion injury. This article outlines the evidence surrounding classification, prevention and management of this condition.

Selective decontamination of the digestive tract: the mechanism of action is control of gut overgrowth

PURPOSE

Gut overgrowth is the pathophysiological event in the critically ill requiring intensive care. In relation to the risk of developing a clinically important outcome, gut overgrowth is defined as ≥10(5) potential pathogens including 'abnormal' aerobic Gram-negative bacilli (AGNB), 'normal' bacteria and yeasts, per mL of digestive tract secretion. Surveillance samples of throat and gut are the only samples to detect overgrowth. Gut overgrowth is the crucial event which precedes both primary and secondary endogenous infection, and a risk factor for the development of de novo resistance. Selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) is an antimicrobial prophylaxis designed to control overgrowth.

METHODS

There have been 65 randomised controlled trials of SDD in 15,000 patients over 25 years and 11 meta-analyses, which are reviewed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

These trials demonstrate that the full SDD regimen using parenteral and enteral antimicrobials reduces lower airway infection by 72 %, blood stream infection by 37 %, and mortality by 29 %. Resistance is also controlled. Parenteral cefotaxime which reaches high salivary and biliary concentrations eradicates overgrowth of 'normal' bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus in the throat. Enteral polyenes control 'normal' Candida species. Enteral polymyxin and tobramycin, eradicate, or prevent gut overgrowth of 'abnormal' AGNB. Enteral vancomycin controls overgrowth of 'abnormal' methicillin-resistant S. aureus. SDD controls overgrowth by achieving high antimicrobial concentrations effective against 'normal' and 'abnormal' potential pathogens rather than by selectivity.

Structured approach to treat patients with acute liver failure: A hepatic emergency

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a condition of acute hepatic emergency where rapid deterioration of hepatocyte function leads to hepatic encephalopathy, coagulopathy, cerebral edema (CE), infection and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome resulting in a high mortality rate. Urgent liver transplantation is the standard of care for most of these patients in Western countries. However, in India, access to liver transplantation is severely limited and, hence, the management is largely based on intensive medical care. With earlier recognition of disease, better understanding of pathophysiology and improved intensive care, ALF patients have shown a significant improvement in spontaneous survival. An evidence base for practice for supportive care is still lacking; however, intensive organ support as well as control of infection and CE are likely to be key to the successful outcome in this acute and potentially reversible condition without any sequel. A structured approach to decision making about intensive care is important in each case. Unlike in Western countries where acetamenophen is the most common cause of ALF, the role of a specific agent, such as N-acetylcysteine, is limited in India. Ammonia-lowering therapy is still in an evolving phase. The current review highlights the important medical management issues in patients with ALF in general as well as the management of major complications associated with ALF. We performed a MEDLINE search using combinations of the key words such as acute liver failure, intensive treatment of acute liver failure and fulminant hepatic failure. We reviewed the relevant publications with regard to intensive care of patients with ALF.

Selective digestive tract decontamination in critically ill patients

INTRODUCTION

Selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) has been proposed to prevent endogenous and exogenous infections and to reduce mortality in critically ill patients. Although the efficacy of SDD has been confirmed by randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, SDD has been the subject of intense controversy, based mainly on an insufficient evidence of efficacy and on concerns about resistance.

AREAS COVERED

This article reviews the philosophy, the current evidence on the efficacy of SDD and the issue of emergence of resistance. All SDD RCTs were searched using Embase and Medline, with no restriction of language, gender or age. Personal archives were also explored, including abstracts from major scientific meetings; references in papers and published meta-analyses on SDD were crosschecked. Up-to-date evidence of the impact of SDD on carriage, infections and mortality is presented, and the efficacy of SDD in selected patient groups was investigated, along with the problem of the emergence of resistance.

EXPERT OPINION

SDD significantly reduces the number of infections of the lower respiratory tract and bloodstream, multiple organ failure and mortality. It also controls resistance, particularly when the full protocol of parenteral and enteral antimicrobials is used.

[Acute liver failure. How much diagnostic work-up and therapy does my patient need?]

Acute liver failure is a multisystem disease with predominantly sudden and severe hepatic injury and hepatic encephalopathy caused by apoptotic or necrotic hepatocyte damage. The clinical challenge in patients with acute liver failure is to promptly identify those with poor prognosis and refer them for emergency liver transplantation. This review article highlights the main aspects of decision making in the setting of acute liver failure, summarizes new aspects of its critical care management and gives an overview of sclerosing cholangitis in the critically ill patient, an under-recognized disease entity that can progress to acute liver failure.

Neurological complications of acute liver failure: pathophysiological basis of current management and emerging therapies

One of the major causes of mortality in patients with acute liver failure (ALF) is the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) which is associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). High ammonia levels, increased cerebral blood flow and increased inflammatory response have been identified as major contributors to the development of HE and the related brain swelling. The general principles of the management of patients with ALF are straightforward. They include identifying the insult causing hepatic injury, providing organ systems support to optimize the patient's physical condition, anticipation and prevention of development of complications. Increasing insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of ALF are contributing to better therapies. For instance, the evident role of cerebral hyperemia in the pathogenesis of increased ICP has led to a re-evaluation of established therapies such as hyperventilation, N-acetylcysteine, thiopentone sodium and propofol. The role of systemic inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of increased ICP has also gained importance supporting the concept that antibiotics given prophylactically reduce the risk of developing sepsis during the course of illness. Moderate hypothermia has also been established as a therapy able to reduce ICP in patients with uncontrolled intracranial hypertension and to prevent increases in ICP during orthopic liver transplantation. Ornithine phenylacetate, a new drug in the treatment of liver failure, and liver replacement therapies are still being investigated both experimentally and clinically. Despite many advances in the understanding of the pathophysiological basis and the management of intracranial hypertension in ALF, more clinical trials should be conducted to determine the best therapeutic management for this difficult clinical event.

Acute liver failure: current practice and recent advances

ALF is an important cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Advances in the management of ICH and SIRS, and cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and renal support have improved the outlook of such patients. Early transfer to a liver transplant center is essential. Routine use of NAC is recommended for patients with early hepatic encephalopathy, irrespective of the etiology. The role of hypothermia remains to be determined. Liver transplantation plays a critical role, particularly for those with advanced encephalopathy. Several detoxification and BAL support systems have been developed to serve as a bridge to transplantation or to spontaneous recovery. However, such systems lack sufficient reliability and efficacy to be applied routinely in clinical practice. Hepatocyte and stem cell transplantation may provide valuable adjunctive therapy in the future.

Prediction, prevention and management of postresection liver failure

Background

Postresection liver failure (PLF) is the major cause of death following liver resection. However, there is no unified definition, the pathophysiology is understood poorly and there are few controlled trials to optimize its management. The aim of this review article is to present strategies to predict, prevent and manage PLF.

Methods

The Web of Science, MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies using the terms ‘liver resection’, ‘partial hepatectomy’, ‘liver dysfunction’ and ‘liver failure’ for relevant studies from the 15 years preceding May 2011. Key papers published more than 15 years ago were included if more recent data were not available. Papers published in languages other than English were excluded.

Results

The incidence of PLF ranges from 0 to 13 per cent. The absence of a unified definition prevents direct comparison between studies. The major risk factors are the extent of resection and the presence of underlying parenchymal disease. Small-for-size syndrome, sepsis and ischaemia–reperfusion injury are key mechanisms in the pathophysiology of PLF. Jaundice is the most sensitive predictor of outcome. An evidence-based approach to the prevention and management of PLF is presented.

Conclusion

PLF is the major cause of morbidity and mortality after liver resection. There is a need for a unified definition and improved strategies to treat it.

Intensive therapy of the patient with liver disease

Liver disease is a subject of increasing importance in the UK, with a steadily rising incidence. It is an important cause of death in young adults, and the initial presentation of liver disease is frequently complicated by critical illness.

Critical care management of patients before liver transplantation

The critical care management of patients before liver transplantation is aimed at optimizing hepatic and extrahepatic organ function before the transplant operation, with a goal to favorably influence perioperative and postoperative graft and patient outcomes. Critical illness in liver disease can present in the context of acute liver failure or acute on chronic liver failure. The differing pathophysiologic processes underlying these 2 types of liver failure necessitate specific approaches to their intensive care management. In their extreme presentations, both types of liver failure present as multiorgan system failure; and therefore, the critical care management of these entities requires a systematic multiorgan system approach to address hepatic and extrahepatic organ dysfunction. This review provides a multiorgan system-based description of critical care management of acute liver failure and acute on chronic liver failure before liver transplantation.

Akutes Leberversagen

Als akutes Leberversagen (ALV) wird der Ausfall der Leberfunktion bei Patienten ohne vorbestehende chronische Lebererkrankung bezeichnet. Die häufigsten Ursachen für ein akutes Leberversagen in Deutschland sind Medikamententoxizität und virale Hepatitiden. Die Regenerationskapazität der Leber und die Gesamtprognose sind abhängig von der zugrunde liegenden Ätiologie. Durch die Transplantationschirurgie und durch die Verbesserung der supportiven intensivmedizinischen Therapie konnte das Überleben bei ALV in den letzten 2 Jahrzehnten signifikant verbessert werden. Die Freisetzung von inflammatorischen Zytokinen aus nekrotischen Leberzellen führt zu einem Krankheitsbild, ähnlich dem SIRS oder der Sepsis, mit katastrophalen Auswirkungen auf das Immunsystem und die Hämodynamik. Im Mittelpunkt der supportiven Therapie bei ALV stehen die Kreislaufstabilisierung, die Infektionskontrolle und die Prävention und Behandlung der zerebralen Hypertonie.

Innate immune dysfunction in acute and chronic liver disease

Liver cirrhosis is a common disease causing great public-health concern because of the frequent complications requiring hospital care. Acute liver failure is also prone to several complications but is rare. One of the main complications for both acute and chronic liver diseases is infection, which regularly causes decompensation of cirrhosis, possibly leading to organ failure and death. This review focuses on innate immune function in cirrhosis, acute-on-chronic liver failure and acute liver failure. The known defects of Kupffer cells, neutrophils and monocytes are discussed, together with the pathophysiological importance of gut permeability, portal hypertension and intrinsic cellular defects, and the role of endotoxin, albumin, lipoproteins and toll-like receptors. Based on these different pathomechanisms, the available information on therapeutic strategies is presented. Antibiotic and probiotic treatment, nutritional support, artificial liver support, and experimental strategies such as inhibition of toll-like receptors and use of albumin and colony-stimulating factors are highlighted.

Review article: the current management of acute liver failure

BACKGROUND

Acute liver failure is a devastating clinical syndrome with a persistently high mortality rate despite critical care advances. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a life-saving treatment in selected cases, but effective use of this limited resource requires accurate prognostication because of surgical risks and the requirement for subsequent life-long immunosuppression.

AIM

To review the aetiology of acute liver failure, discuss the evidence behind critical care management strategies and examine potential treatment alternatives to OLT.

METHODS

Literature review using Ovid, PubMed and recent conference abstracts.

RESULTS

Paracetamol remains the most common aetiology of acute liver failure in developed countries, whereas acute viral aetiologies predominate elsewhere. Cerebral oedema is a major cause of death, and its prevention and prompt recognition are vital components of critical care support, which strives to provide multiorgan support and 'buy time' to permit either organ regeneration or psychological and physical assessment prior to acquisition of a donor organ. Artificial liver support systems do not improve mortality in acute liver failure, whilst most other interventions have limited evidence bases to support their use.

CONCLUSION

Acute liver failure remains a truly challenging condition to manage, and requires early recognition and transfer of patients to specialist centres providing intensive, multidisciplinary input and, in some cases, OLT.

Opportunistic infection in the patients with acute liver failure: a report of three cases with one fatality

We report three cases of severe opportunistic infection in patients with acute liver failure (ALF). These cases included a 56-year-old man infected with Cryptococcus neoformans, cytomegarovirus (CMV), Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigates, as well as a 62-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman infected with pneumocystis pneumonia, CMV and Aspergillus fumigatus. One patient died as a result of the infection rather than liver failure. We stress the importance of opportunistic infection as a consideration in the use of immunosuppressive agents for the treatment of ALF.

Management of acute liver failure

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a syndrome of diverse etiology, in which patients without previously recognized liver disease sustain a liver injury that results in rapid loss of hepatic function. Depending on the etiology and severity of the insult, some patients undergo rapid hepatic regeneration and spontaneously recover. However, nearly 60% of patients with ALF in the US require and undergo orthotopic liver transplantation or die. Management decisions made by clinicians who initially assess individuals with ALF can drastically affect these patients' outcomes. Even with optimal early management, however, many patients with ALF develop a cascade of complications often presaged by the systemic inflammatory response syndrome, which involves failure of nearly every organ system. We highlight advances in the intensive care management of patients with ALF that have contributed to a marked improvement in their overall survival over the past 20 years. These advances include therapies that limit the extent of liver injury and maximize the likelihood of spontaneous recovery and approaches to enable prevention, recognition and early treatment of complications that lead to multi-organ-system failure, the most common cause of death. Finally, we summarize the role of orthotopic liver transplantation in salvage of the most severely affected patients.