Increased myocardial contractility identifies patients with decompensated cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation

Cardiac dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis and acute decompensation

The prevalence of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) has been reported as high as 60%-70% in patients with liver cirrhosis and is associated with various negative outcomes. There has been a growing understanding of CCM over recent years. Indeed, the development of imaging techniques has enabled new diagnostic criteria to be proposed by the Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium. However, important unanswered questions remain over pathophysiological mechanisms, optimal diagnostic modalities and potential treatment options. While there has been an increasing volume of literature evaluating CCM, there is a lack of clarity on its implications in acute decompensation, acute-on-chronic liver failure and following interventions such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion and liver transplantation. This review aims to summarise the literature in these challenging domains and suggest where future research should focus. We conclude that systemic inflammation and structural myocardial changes are likely to be crucial in the pathophysiology of the disease, but the relative contribution of different components remains elusive. Furthermore, future studies need to use standardised diagnostic criteria for CCM as well as incorporate newer imaging techniques assessing both myocardial structure and function. Finally, while specific treatments are currently lacking, therapeutics targeting systemic inflammation, microbial dysbiosis and bacterial translocation are promising targets and warrant further research.

The Contemporary Role of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is characterized by elevated cardiac output at rest, an inability to further increase contractility under stress, and diastolic dysfunction. The diagnosis of CCM is crucial as it can lead to complications during liver transplantation. However, its recognition poses challenges with conventional echocardiography techniques. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), particularly global longitudinal strain (GLS), is a novel index that enhances the diagnostic efficacy of echocardiography for both ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. GLS proves more sensitive in identifying early systolic dysfunction and is also influenced by advanced diastolic dysfunction. Consequently, there is an expanding scope for GLS utilization in cirrhotic cases, with newly updated diagnostic criteria for CCM incorporating GLS. Specifically, systolic dysfunction is now defined as either a left ventricular ejection fraction below 50% or an absolute GLS below 18%. However, conflicting data on GLS alterations in liver cirrhosis patients persist, as many individuals with advanced disease and a poor prognosis exhibit a hyperdynamic state with preserved or increased GLS. Consequently, the presence of CCM, according to the updated criteria, does not exhibit a significant association-in the majority of studies-with the severity of liver disease and prognosis. Furthermore, information on other indices measured with STE, such as left atrial and right ventricular strain, is promising but currently limited. This review aims to offer a critical assessment of the existing evidence concerning the application of STE in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Left atrial strain and ventricular global longitudinal strain in cirrhotic patients using the new criteria of Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium

BACKGROUND

The new criteria of Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium (CCC) propose the use of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) for evaluation of systolic function in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate LV-GLS and left atrial (LA) strain in association with the severity of liver disease and to assess the characteristics of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM).

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-five cirrhotic patients were included. Standard echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) were performed, and dual X-ray absorptiometry was used to quantify the total and regional fat mass. CCM was defined, based on the criteria of CCC, as having advanced diastolic dysfunction, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤50% and/or a GLS <18%.

RESULTS

LV-GLS lower or higher than the absolute mean value (22.7%) was not associated with mortality (logrank, p = 0.96). LV-GLS was higher in patients with Model for end stage liver disease (MELD) score ≥15 compared to MELD score <15 (p = 0.004). MELD score was the only factor independently associated with systolic function (LV-GLS <22.7% vs. ≥22.7%) (Odds Ratio:1.141, p = 0.032). Patients with CCM (n = 11) had higher values of estimated volume of visceral adipose tissue compared with patients without CCM (median: 735 vs. 641 cm3 , p = 0.039). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, MELD score [Hazard Ratio (HR):1.26, p < 0.001] and LA reservoir strain (HR:0.96, p = 0.017) were the only factors independently associated with the outcome.

CONCLUSION

In our study, absolute LV-GLS was higher in more severe liver disease, and LA reservoir strain was significantly associated with the outcome in patients with end-stage liver disease.

Evaluation of subclinical ventricular systolic dysfunction assessed using global longitudinal strain in liver cirrhosis: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) can identify subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis. This systematic review aims to provide evidence of a possible difference in GLS values between patients with cirrhosis and patients without cirrhosis. Studies from inception to August 11, 2021, were screened and included based on the inclusion criteria. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of nonrandomized studies. Meta-analyses were conducted with subsequent sensitivity and subgroup analyses according to age, sex, cirrhosis etiology, and severity. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s funnel plot, Egger’s test, and rank correlation test with subsequent trim-and-fill analysis. The systematic database search yielded 20 eligible studies. Random effect showed a significant reduction of left ventricular (LV) GLS (MD:-1.43;95%; 95%CI,-2.79 to -0.07; p = 0.04; I² = 95% p<0.00001) and right ventricular (RV) GLS (MD:-1.95; 95%CI,-3.86 to -0.05, p = 0.04; I² = 90%, p<0.00001) in the group with cirrhosis. A sensitivity test on subgroup analysis based on the study design showed a -1.78% lower LV-GLS in the group with cirrhosis (I² = 70%, p = 0.0003). Meta-regression analysis showed that the severity of cirrhosis was significantly related to GLS reduction. This research received no specific grants from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020201630). We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement guidelines.

New onset nonischemic cardiomyopathy post liver transplantation

A new onset acute heart failure (HF) with a sudden drop in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) post orthotopic liver transplant (LT) is a rare but a potentially fatal complication. Because in most of the cases there is no evidence of coronary thrombosis, it can be classified as nonischemic cardiomyopathy. More specifically, clinical presentation of this syndrome shares many features with stress-induced or takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The known factors that predispose these patients to acute HF during or shortly after LT include cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, rapid hemodynamic changes during LT surgery, and the large concentrations of catecholamines, either administered or released endogenously during surgery. The hemodynamic changes during surgery, such as the drop in preload during the anhepatic phase (occasionally requiring massive transfusions and vasopressors) and subsequent increase in preload with acidic and hyperkalemic plasma in the reperfusion phase, lead to rapid electrolyte and hemodynamic shifts. In several cases, intraoperative onset of HF, with or without ventricular arrythmia, could be timed to the reperfusion phase (and occasionally in the anhepatic and pre-anhepatic phases). In other cases, the HF syndrome started hours to days post-surgery. Recovery of cardiac function occurred in the majority of patients during the same admission; however, these patients generally need significantly longer hospitalizations and aggressive supportive care (occasionally requiring mechanical ionotropic and ventilatory support). If recover, the patients have a similar 1-year mortality as those LT patients that did not have this complication. Because no reliable risk stratification currently exists, intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography might be the most dependable way of detecting and addressing this syndrome promptly. Given the mechanism of takotsubo cardiomyopathy, beta-blockade and a preferential use of non-catecholaminergic vasopressors may be a reasonable way to manage this syndrome.

Prevalence and prognostic value of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy as defined according to the proposed new classification

Aim of the study

Prevalence and prognostic relevance of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM), as defined according to the new core criteria proposed in 2019, are still unknown. We investigated this relevant issue in a large cohort of cirrhotic patients.

Material and methods

We retrospectively interrogated a data set of 162 collected cirrhotic patients followed up for at least 6 years, who underwent standard Doppler echocardiography and were compared with 46 healthy subjects. Left ventricular (LV) geometry, systo-diastolic function, global longitudinal strain and the main hemodynamic parameters were assessed according to current guidelines. Systolic dysfunction was diagnosed if LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 50% and/or global longitudinal strain (GLS) < 18% or > 22%.

Results

Adequate echocardiographic images permitting speckle tracking analysis were available in 83 patients. No patient presented LVEF ≤ 50%, GLS < 18% or > 22% was evident in 25%, advanced diastolic dysfunction was evident in 10%. Overall the prevalence of CCM was 29%. Patients with and without CCM presented similar clinical, biochemical, hemodynamic and echocardiographic features at baseline and similar incidence of death or type 1 hepatorenal syndrome at follow-up.

Conclusions

According to the new criteria CCM is detected in 29%, mainly due to altered GLS at rest, but without prognostic relevance and therefore useless for the clinical management of cirrhotic patients. We propose to modify the criteria by removing the LVEF assessment and adding also a stress test assessing the cardiac contractile reserve to distinguish patients with a blunted cardiac response, which could present a worst prognosis.

Echocardiography in the Liver Transplant Patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study is to review current echocardiographic modalities utilized in the assessment of the preoperative liver transplant candidate with an emphasis on newer techniques. We sought to assess if newer methods imparted additional diagnostic or prognostic accuracy compared to prior methods based on existing studies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Standard dobutamine stress echocardiography offers important information regarding operative risk and post-operative survival in liver transplant candidates; however, technologies such as speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and evaluation of diastolic function have emerged as useful tools as well. 2D-STE and diastolic echocardiography offer additional parameters such as global longitudinal strain and measures of diastolic dysfunction that can better predict peri-operative and post-operative complications in liver transplant candidates. If able, practitioners should utilize these methods routinely in their assessment of liver transplant candidates.

Controlled underdilation using novel VIATORR® controlled expansion stents improves survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt implantation

Background & Aims

Smaller 8-mm diameter transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) appear to be more beneficial than larger 10-mm TIPS stent-grafts, but lack the ability for secondary dilation in cases of clinical ineffectiveness. Underdilated VIATORR® TIPS stent grafts (VTS) expand passively, whereas novel VIATORR Controlled Expansion (VCX) stent grafts do not. This study evaluated the impact on survival of underdilated VCX compared with VTS in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Methods

This was a prospective case-control study including patients with cirrhosis receiving TIPS using 10-mm VCX underdilated to 8 mm. Patients with cirrhosis receiving 10-mm VTS underdilated to 8 mm were matched for age, sex, indication for TIPS, and liver function.

Results

A total of 114 patients (47 VCX, 47 VTS, and 20 fully dilated VCX/VTS) were included. After TIPS implantation, underdilated VCX diameter was 8.0 (7.8-9.2) mm at a median time of 359 (87-450) days, compared with VTS at 9.9 (9.7-10.0) mm (p <0.001). The portosystemic pressure gradient immediately after TIPS procedure and after 7 days did not change significantly in VCX [mean 9.4 (± 0.8) vs. 10.4 (± 0.7) mmHg, p = 0.115). Hospital readmission rates for hepatic encephalopathy were 23% (n = 11) vs 51% (n = 24) for VCX and VTS (p <0.001), respectively. Patients with VCX had significantly lower rates of large-volume paracentesis (n = 5 [11%] vs. n = 10 [21%], p = 0.017) and heart failure (n = 1 [2%] vs. n = 7 [15%], p = 0.015). One-year mortality for underdilated VCX and VTS was 15% (n = 7) and 30% (n = 14) and, for fully dilated VCX/VTS, was 45% (n = 9) (log-rank p = 0.008), respectively.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that VCX stent grafts underdilated to 8 mm do not passively expand to nominal diameter and suggests reduced hospital readmissions because of hepatic encephalopathy, uncontrolled ascites, and heart failure, and improved 1-year survival compared with underdilated VTS.

Lay summary

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) improves survival in selected patients with liver cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding or refractory ascites. Smaller 8-mm diameter TIPS stent grafts appear to improve patient outcome compared with larger 10-mm diameter stent grafts. Novel VIATORR® Controlled Expansion (VCX) stent grafts facilitate safe and stable underdilation to 8 mm of large 10-mm diameter stent grafts with improved patient outcome (survival, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites and heart failure) compared with legacy VIATORR TIPS stent graft (VTS). Thus, the use of underdilated VCX could preserve heart function.

Clinical Trials Registration

The study is registered at Clinicaltrials.govNCT03628807.

Speckle Tracking Analysis Reveals Altered Left Atrial and Ventricular Myocardial Deformation in Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease

Background: Cardiac function can be influenced by liver cirrhosis and should be thoroughly evaluated before liver transplantation. We investigated left ventricular (LV) and, for the first time, left atrial (LA) strain and strain rate in end-stage liver cirrhosis patients of different etiologies. Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study evaluated left heart function in 80 cirrhosis patients and 30 controls using standardized echocardiographic techniques and speckle tracking technology (STE) analysis. Serum markers of liver function were used for correlation analysis. Results: While conventional parameters demonstrated no alteration in systolic function, speckle tracking analysis showed a significant increase in LV longitudinal strain throughout all cardiac layers, with significant correlation to model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. LA reservoir and conduit strain as well as LA strain rate in all phases were significantly reduced in end-stage liver disease (ESLD) patients compared to control. STE for the evaluation of LA phasic function seemed to be more sensitive than volumetric methods. Kaplan-Meier curves showed a trend towards reduced post-transplant survival in patients with a reduced LA reservoir and conduit strain. Conclusion: STE analysis detected increased LV and decreased LA deformation in cirrhosis patients, thus proving to be highly sensitive to cardiac changes and useful for more precise cardiac evaluation.

Non-selective beta-blockers impair global circulatory homeostasis and renal function in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The safety of non-selective β-blockers (NSBBs) has been questioned in refractory ascites (RA). We studied the effects of NSBBs on cardiac systolic function, systemic hemodynamics, and renal perfusion pressure (RPP) and function in patients with diuretic-responsive ascites (DRA) and RA.

METHODS

We performed a prospective pre-post repeated-measures study in cirrhotic patients, 18 with DRA and 20 with RA on NSBBs for variceal bleeding prophylaxis. Systolic function (by ejection intraventricular pressure difference [EIVPD]), hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), cardiopulmonary pressures, RPP, and sympathetic activation were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks of propranolol.

RESULTS

EIVPD was elevated at baseline (RA 4.5 [2.8-5.7] and DRA 4.2 [3.1-5.7] mmHg; normal 2.4-3.6 mmHg) and directly related to the severity of vasodilation and sympathetic activation. NSBBs led to similar reductions in heart rate and HVPG in both groups. NSBBs reduced EIPVD in RA but not in DRA (-20% vs. -2%, p <0.01). In RA, the NSBB-induced reduction in EIPVD correlated with the severity of vasodilation and with higher plasma nitric oxide, norepinephrine and IL-6 (r >0.40, all p <0.05). NSBBs reduced RPP in both groups, but impaired renal function only in patients with RA. Reduced EIPVD correlated with decreases in RPP and estimated glomerular filtration rate (r >0.40, all p <0.01). After NSBB treatment, RPP dropped below the threshold of renal flow autoregulation in 11 of the 20 (55%) patients with RA, including the 4 fulfilling the criteria for HRS-AKI.

CONCLUSION

Renal perfusion and function depend critically on systolic function and sympathetic hyperactivation in RA. NSBBs blunt the sympathetic overdrive, hamper cardiac output, lower RPP below the critical threshold and impair renal function. β-blockade should be used cautiously or even avoided in patients with RA.

LAY SUMMARY

We have identified the mechanisms by which non-selective beta-blockers could impair survival in patients with refractory ascites. We show that peripheral vasodilation and sympathetic activation lead to increased left ventricle systolic function in patients with cirrhosis and ascites, which acts as an adaptive mechanism to maintain renal perfusion. When ascites becomes refractory, this compensatory cardiac response to vasodilation is critically dependent on sympathetic hyperactivation and is hardly able to maintain renal perfusion. In this setting, β-blockade blunts the sympathetic overdrive of cardiac function, hampers cardiac output, lowers renal perfusion pressure below the critical threshold and impairs renal function.

Cardiodynamic state is associated with systemic inflammation and fatal acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is characterized by high short-term mortality and systemic inflammation (SI). Recently, different cardiodynamic states were shown to independently predict outcomes in cirrhosis. The relationship between cardiodynamic states, SI, and portal hypertension and their impact on ACLF development remains unclear. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the interplay of cardiodynamic state and SI on fatal ACLF development in cirrhosis.

RESULTS

At inclusion, hemodynamic measures including cardiac index (CI) and hepatic venous pressure gradient of 208 patients were measured. Patients were followed prospectively for fatal ACLF development (primary endpoint). SI was assessed by proinflammatory markers such as interleukins (ILs) 6 and 8 and soluble IL-33 receptor (sIL-33R). Patients were divided according to CI (<3.2; 3.2-4.2; >4.2 L/min/m² ) in hypo- (n = 84), normo- (n = 69) and hyperdynamic group (n = 55). After a median follow-up of 3 years, the highest risk of fatal ACLF was seen in hyperdynamic (35%) and hypodynamic patients (25%) compared with normodynamic (14%) (P = .011). Hyperdynamic patients showed the highest rate of SI. The detectable level of IL-6 was an independent predictor of fatal ACLF development.

CONCLUSIONS

Cirrhotic patients with hyperdynamic and hypodynamic circulation have a higher risk of fatal ACLF. Therefore, the cardiodynamic state is strongly associated with SI, which is an independent predictor of development of fatal ACLF.

Intraoperative Troponin Elevation in Liver Transplantation Is Independently Associated With Mortality: A Prospective Observational Study

Intraoperative factors implicated in postoperative mortality after liver transplantation (LT) are poorly understood. Because LT is a particularly demanding procedure, we hypothesized that intraoperative myocardial injury may be frequent and independently associated with early postoperative outcomes. We aimed to determine the association between intraoperative high-sensitivity troponin (hsTn) elevation during LT and 30-day postoperative mortality. A total of 203 adult patients undergoing LT were prospectively included in the cohort and followed during 1 year. Advanced hemodynamic parameters and serial high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) measurements were assessed at 6 intraoperative time points. The optimal hsTnT cutoff level for intraoperative troponin elevation (ITE) was identified. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to the presence of ITE. Independent impact of ITE on survival was assessed through survival curves and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Intraoperative cardiac function was compared between groups. Troponin levels increased early during surgery in the ITE group. Troponin values at abdominal closure were associated with 30-day mortality (area under the receiver operating caracteristic curve, [AUROC], 0.73; P = 0.005). Patients with ITE showing values of hsTnT ≥61 ng/L at abdominal closure presented higher 30-day mortality (29.6% versus 3.4%; P < 0.001). ITE was independently associated with 30-day mortality (hazard ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-13.8; P = 0.04) and with worse overall intraoperative cardiac function. The hsTnT upper reference limit showed no discriminant capacity during LT. Intraoperative myocardial injury identified by hsTn elevation is frequently observed during LT, and it is associated with myocardial dysfunction and short-term mortality. Determinations of hsTn may serve as a valuable intraoperative monitoring tool during LT.

Redefining Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy for the Modern Era

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is cardiac dysfunction in patients with end-stage liver disease in the absence of prior heart disease. First defined in 2005 during the World Congress of Gastroenterology, CCM criteria consisted of echocardiographic parameters to identify subclinical cardiac dysfunction in the absence of overt structural abnormalities. Significant advancements in cardiovascular imaging over the past 14 years, including the integration of myocardial deformation imaging into routine clinical practice to identify subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction, have rendered the 2005 CCM criteria obsolete. Therefore, new criteria based on contemporary cardiovascular imaging parameters are needed. In this guidance document, assembled by a group of multidisciplinary experts in the field, new core criteria based on contemporary cardiovascular imaging parameters are proposed for the assessment of CCM. This document provides a critical assessment of the diagnosis of CCM and ongoing assessment aimed at improving clinical outcomes, particularly surrounding liver transplantation. Key points and practice-based recommendations for the diagnosis of CCM are provided to offer guidance for clinicians and identify gaps in knowledge for future investigations.

Cardiac dysfunction in cirrhosis: a 2-yr longitudinal follow-up study using advanced cardiac imaging

The temporal relationship between cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, progression of liver disease, and survival remains unknown. Our aim was to investigate the development of structural and functional cardiac changes over time with the progression of cirrhosis and outcome. Sixty-three cirrhotic outpatients (Child class: A = 9, B = 46, C = 8) and 14 healthy controls were included in this 2-yr longitudinal study. Advanced cardiac characteristics such as cardiac MRI with extracellular volume (ECV) quantification, speckle tracking echocardiography, and biomarkers were assessed at 0/6/12/18/24 mo. Patients were followed-up for a median of 30 mo with registration of acute decompensations (ADs), liver transplantations (LTs), and deaths. Patients who progressed, underwent LT or died had more pronounced cardiac dysfunction, structural myocardial changes, and left atrial enlargement. Conversely, limited cardiac deterioration was seen in patients who remained stable or improved in cirrhosis. During follow-up 25 patients developed AD, 4 underwent LT, and 20 died. Mean arterial pressure was the only cardiovascular parameter associated with death in a univariate analysis (P = 0.037), and the main predictors were model for end-stage liver disease and age. However, last-visit myocardial ECV was independently associated with the combined end point of LT/death (P = 0.001), and in patients with AD a low cardiac index was independently associated with death (P = 0.01). Cardiac function seems to deteriorate with the progression of cirrhosis and affects prognosis, especially in patients with AD. Conversely, patients with stable cirrhosis have limited progression in cardiac dysfunction over a 2-yr period with modest impact on survival. The results encourage careful cardiac monitoring in advanced cirrhosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY For the first time, we have performed advanced cardiac imaging to investigate the development of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy over 2 years. We show that cardiac dysfunction deteriorates with progression of cirrhosis and may affect the prognosis in patients developing acute decompensation. Especially, structural myocardial abnormalities, left atrial enlargement, and a hypodynamic cardiac state seem of importance. Conversely, limited cardiac progression is seen in stable cirrhosis. These findings provide new insight into our understanding of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.

Myocardial contractile dispersion: A new marker for the severity of cirrhosis?

Introduction: Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) develops in about half of all cirrhotic patients, affecting the long-term morbidity and mortality. Although some studies have shown an increased QT-interval in cirrhotic patients, no evidences of myocardial contractile and QT dispersion (QTd) changes are available. This study aimed to compare myocardial contractile dispersion (MCd), using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), as well as QTd between cirrhotic patients and healthy individuals, investigating their associations with cirrhosis severity.

Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with confirmed liver cirrhosis and healthy individuals. Participants with structural heart disease, heart ventricular pacing, electrolyte abnormalities, using drugs affecting QT interval were excluded. All individuals underwent 2D echocardiography, and TDI by vivid E9 echo machine. MCd and QTd were considered as main outcomes. Chi-square, independent-sample t test, and Pearson correlation test, were used for statistical analyses by SPPS version 17.0. P value <0:05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Sixty participants (40 male/20 female) with a mean age of 40.1 ± 7.1 years in two groups of cirrhotic patients (n=30) and healthy individuals (n=30) were studied. Both groups were statistically similar in terms of age (P = 0.31) and gender (P = 0.39). MCd and QTd of cirrhotic patients were significantly higher than healthy individuals (MCd: 41.0 ± 26.8 versus 27.6±18.1; P = 0.028; and QTd: 37.0 ± 22.1 versus 25.3 ± 8.9; P = 0.010). Cirrhotic patients with MELD score <15 had a lower MCd in comparison to score ≥15 (29.2 ± 13.8 versus 50.0 ± 31.1, P = 0.034).

Conclusion: Cirrhosis was associated with increased MCd, assessed by TDI. Also, MCd and QTd were associated with a higher MELD score. According to the results, it seems that MCd and QTd might be useful predictor of ventricular arrhythmia and negative prognostic factor in cirrhotic patients.

Abdominal Organ Transplantation: Noteworthy Literature in 2018

A PubMed search revealed 1382 articles on pancreatic transplantation, 781 on intestinal transplantation, more than 7200 on kidney transplantation, and more than 5500 on liver transplantation published between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018. After narrowing the list down to human studies, 436 pancreatic, 302 intestinal, 1920 liver, and more than 2000 kidney transplantation studies were screened for inclusion in this review.

Sensation seeking to marijuana use: Exploring the mediating roles of risk appraisal and social norms

While studies have shown a robust association between sensation seeking (SS) and adolescent marijuana use, comparatively little is known about the mechanisms that potentially account for this association. The current study tests a theoretical model linking SS to marijuana use through risk appraisal and normative influences (i.e., perceived behavior and attitudes of others). Utilizing a nationally representative, cross-sectional sample of high school seniors (N = 2117), the current study finds risk appraisal and normative influences mediate the relationship between SS and marijuana use. Furthermore, perceptions of risk appear to be strongly influenced by proximal peer norms. These results indicate risk appraisal and normative processes may be key explanatory mechanisms in the association between SS and adolescent marijuana use. Theoretical and policy implications for this model are discussed.

Left Ventricular Longitudinal Contractility Predicts Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Development and Mortality After Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt

Acute deterioration of liver cirrhosis (e.g., infections, acute-on-chronic liver failure [ACLF]) requires an increase in cardiac contractility. The insufficiency to respond to these situations could be deleterious. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) has been shown to reflect left cardiac contractility in cirrhosis better than other parameters and might bear prognostic value. Therefore, this retrospective study investigated the role of LV-GLS in the outcome after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and the development of ACLF. We included 114 patients (48 female patients) from the Noninvasive Evaluation Program for TIPS and Their Follow-Up Network (NEPTUN) cohort. This number provided sufficient quality and structured follow-up with the possibility of calculating major scores (Child, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease [MELD], Chronic Liver Failure Consortium acute decompensation [CLIF-C AD] scores) and recording of the events (development of decompensation episode and ACLF). We analyzed the association of LV-GLS with overall mortality and development of ACLF in patients with TIPS. LV-GLS was independently associated with overall mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.123; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.010-1.250) together with aspartate aminotransferase (HR, 1.009; 95% CI, 1.004-1.014) and CLIF-C AD score (HR, 1.080; 95% CI, 1.018-1.137). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis for LV-GLS for overall survival showed higher area under the curve (AUC) than MELD and CLIF-C AD scores (AUC, 0.688 versus 0.646 and 0.573, respectively). The best AUROC-determined LV-GLS cutoff was -16.6% to identify patients with a significantly worse outcome after TIPS at 3 months, 6 months, and overall. LV-GLS was independently associated with development of ACLF (HR, 1.613; 95% CI, 1.025-2.540) together with a MELD score above 15 (HR, 2.222; 95% CI, 1.400-3.528). Conclusion: LV-GLS is useful for identifying patients at risk of developing ACLF and a worse outcome after TIPS. Although validation is required, this tool might help to stratify risk in patients receiving TIPS.

Doppler myocardial performance index combined with plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels as a marker of cardiac function in patients with decompensated cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

In chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis ranks as the 14th highest death cause worldwide, developing into decompensated cirrhosis. A potential and feasible technique in assessing cardiac function is urgent. This study explores if the Doppler myocardial performance (Tei) index combined with the plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels can assess cardiac function in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

METHODS

A total of 140 individuals were selected in the study and were classified into 3 groups: control group (n = 40, healthy individuals), compensated cirrhosis group (n = 50), and decompensated cirrhosis group (n = 50). Plasma BNP levels, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), and albumin (ALB) were identified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlation of Tei index between left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) as well as plasma BNP levels with cardiac function was assessed using a Pearson test analysis. All patients were subjected to this experiment for 1 year to analyze the relationship between Tei index and plasma BNP levels in prognosis of decompensated cirrhosis patients.

RESULTS

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis showed significantly elevated levels of ALT, AST, and TBIL level in contrary to a reduced ALB level. Cirrhosis patients also showed a significantly reduced ejection fraction (ET) index, but an increase in isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), Tei index, and plasma BNP levels in comparison to healthy individuals. ICT, IRT, Tei index, and plasma BNP levels were elevated in decompensated cirrhotic patients as opposed to compensated cirrhotic patients. These results indicate a positive correlation of both Tei index and plasma BNP levels with cirrhosis and its progression. Tei index and plasma BNP levels are positively associated with Child-Pugh classification and negatively correlated with both cardiac function and prognosis in patients suffering from decompensated cirrhosis.

CONCLUSION

The study provided evidence supporting the correlation of Tei index and plasma BNP levels in decompensated cirrhotic patients with cardiac function, highlighting a potential value for evaluation.

Noteworthy Literature published in 2017 for Abdominal Organ Transplantation

In 2017, we identified more than 400 peer reviewed publications on the topic of pancreas transplantation, more than 500 on intestinal transplantation, more than 4000 on renal transplantation, and more than 4700 on liver transplantation. This annual review highlights the most pertinent literature for anesthesiologists and critical care physicians caring for patients undergoing abdominal organ transplantation. We explore a wide range of topics, including risk for and prediction of perioperative complications, recommendations on perioperative management, economic analyses, and education of the trainees in abdominal transplantation anesthesia and critical care.

Cardiovascular dysfunction and liver transplantation

Cardiovascular complications have emerged as the leading cause of death after liver transplantation, particularly among those with advanced liver cirrhosis. Therefore, a thorough and accurate cardiovascular evaluation with clear comprehension of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is recommended for optimal anesthetic management. However, cirrhotic patients manifest cardiac dysfunction concomitant with pronounced systemic hemodynamic changes, characterized by hyperdynamic circulation such as increased cardiac output, high heart rate, and decreased systemic vascular resistance. These unique features mask significant manifestations of cardiac dysfunction at rest, which makes it difficult to accurately evaluate cardiovascular status. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge of heart and liver interactions, focusing on the usefulness and limitations of cardiac evaluation tools for identifying high-risk patients.