Incidence, risk factors and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) of underlying cirrhosis

Update on Hepatorenal Syndrome: From Pathophysiology to Treatment

Hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI) occurs in the setting of advanced chronic liver disease, portal hypertension, and ascites. HRS-AKI is found in ∼20% of patients presenting to the hospital with AKI, but it may coexist with other causes of AKI and/or with preexisting chronic kidney disease, thereby making the diagnosis challenging. Novel biomarkers such as urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin may be useful. While HRS-AKI is a functional form of AKI related to circulatory and neurohormonal dysfunction, there is increasing recognition of the importance of systemic inflammation and the renal microenvironment. Early diagnosis and initiation of HRS-AKI-specific treatment can improve outcomes. The mainstay of therapy is a vasoconstrictor (terlipressin or norepinephrine) combined with albumin, which achieves resolution of HRS in 40-50% of cases. Liver transplantation is the only option for patients failing to respond to medical therapies.

Association of non-selective β blockers with the development of renal dysfunction in liver cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Non-selective β blockers (NSBBs) may negatively influence renal function through decreasing heart rate and cardiac output. This study aimed to systematically investigate their association.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases were searched to identify all relevant studies evaluating the association of NSBBs with renal dysfunction in cirrhotic patients. Unadjusted and adjusted data were separately extracted. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled. Subgroup meta-analyses were performed according to the proportions of ascites and Child-Pugh class B/C and the mean model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were finally included. Based on unadjusted data, NSBBs significantly increased the risk of developing renal dysfunction (OR = 1.49; p = 0.03), and this association remained significant in subgroup analyses of studies where the proportions of ascites was >70% and Child-Pugh class B/C was 100%. Based on adjusted data with propensity score matching (adjusted OR = 0.61; p = 0.08) and multivariable regression modelling (adjusted HR = 0.86; p = 0.713), NSBBs did not increase the risk of developing renal dysfunction, and this association remained not significant in subgroup analyses of studies where the proportions of ascites was >70% and <70%, the proportion of Child-Pugh class B/C was <100%, and the mean MELD score was <15. The quality of evidence was very low for all meta-analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

NSBBs may not be associated with the development of renal dysfunction in liver cirrhosis. However, more evidence is required to clarify their association in specific populations.

Definitions, Etiologies, and Outcomes of Acute on Chronic Liver Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a major public health concern. We aimed to assess the definitions, etiologic spectrum, organ failure (OF), and outcomes of ACLF globally.

METHODS

Three databases were searched for studies on ACLF from 1990 until September 2022. Information regarding definitions, acute precipitants, underlying chronic liver disease (CLD), OF, and mortality were extracted. Meta-analyses were performed for pooled prevalence rates (95% confidence interval [CI]) using random-effects model for each definition of ACLF.

RESULTS

Of the 11,451 studies identified, 114 articles (142 cohorts encompassing 210,239 patients) met the eligibility criteria. Most studies (53.2%) used the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) definition, followed by Asia-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) (33.3%). Systemic infection was the major acute precipitant, and alcohol use was the major cause of CLD in EASL-defined studies, whereas alcohol was both the major acute precipitant and cause of CLD in APASL-defined studies. Liver failure was the major OF in APASL-based studies, whereas renal failure was predominant in EASL-based studies. Thirty-day mortality varied across definitions: APASL: 38.9%, 95% CI, 31.2%-46.9%; EASL: 47.9%, 95% CI, 42.2%-53.5%; and NACSELD: 52.2%, 95% CI, 51.9%-52.5%. Diagnostic overlap between definitions ranged from 7.7% to 80.2%. Meta-regression suggested that the World Health Organization region influenced 30-day mortality in studies using EASL definition.

CONCLUSIONS

Heterogeneity in the definition of ACLF proposed by different expert societies and regional preferences in its use result in differences in clinical phenotype and outcomes. A uniform definition would enhance the comparability and interpretation of global data.

Development and Validation of a New Prognostic Model for Predicting Survival Outcomes in Patients with Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Early determination of prognosis in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is crucial for optimizing treatment options and liver allocation. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with ACLF and to develop new prognostic models that accurately predict patient outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively selected 1,952 hospitalized patients diagnosed with ACLF between January 2010 and June 2018. This cohort was used to develop new prognostic scores, which were subsequently validated in external groups.

RESULTS

The study included 1,386 ACLF patients and identified six independent predictors of 28-day mortality through multivariate analysis (all p < 0.05). The new score, based on a multivariate regression model, demonstrated superior predictive accuracy for both 28-day and 90-day mortalities, with Areas under the ROC curves of 0.863 and 0.853, respectively (all p < 0.05). This score can be used to stratify the risk of mortality among ACLF patients with ACLF, showing a significant difference in survival between patients categorized by the cut-off value (log-rank (Mantel-Cox) χ2 = 487.574 and 606.441, p = 0.000). Additionally, the new model exhibited good robustness in two external cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents a refined prognostic model, the Model for end-stage liver disease-complication score, which accurately predicts short-term mortality in ACLF patients. This model offers a new perspective and tool for improved clinical decision-making and short-term prognostic assessment in ACLF patients.

Incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury in cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 5,202,232 outpatients, inpatients, and ICU-admitted patients

INTRODUCTION

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a commonly seen condition in the natural course of cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pooled incidence and risk factors of AKI in different clinical stages and situations in patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

Search was conducted on 13 December 2023 across MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane databases. Meta-analysis was performed using a generalized linear mixed model.

RESULTS

In total, 73 studies with 5,202,232 patients were finally enrolled in the meta-analysis. AKI commonly occurs among hospitalized cirrhotics experiencing any decompensation event (29%) as well as among stable outpatients (28%) throughout a 1-year follow-up period. On admission, patients with infection or sepsis/septic shock had the highest AKI rate (47%), followed by those with hepatic encephalopathy (41%). Furthermore, the severity of liver disease proved to be a substantial driver for AKI development, while patients at intensive care unit had the greatest AKI incidence (61%).

CONCLUSIONS

Both hospitalized patients and stable outpatients with cirrhosis exhibited an elevated susceptibility to AKI. Patients at intensive care unit and those with severe liver disease, infection, sepsis/septic shock, hepatic encephalopathy, or acute on chronic liver failure upon admission are at higher risk for AKI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, registered 09/12/23, CRD42023487736.

APASL clinical practice guidelines on the management of acute kidney injury in acute-on-chronic liver failure

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a syndrome that is characterized by the rapid development of organ failures predisposing these patients to a high risk of short-term early death. The main causes of organ failure in these patients are bacterial infections and systemic inflammation, both of which can be severe. For the majority of these patients, a prompt liver transplant is still the only effective course of treatment. Kidneys are one of the most frequent extrahepatic organs that are affected in patients with ACLF, since acute kidney injury (AKI) is reported in 22.8-34% of patients with ACLF. Approach and management of kidney injury could improve overall outcomes in these patients. Importantly, patients with ACLF more frequently have stage 3 AKI with a low rate of response to the current treatment modalities. The objective of the present position paper is to critically review and analyze the published data on AKI in ACLF, evolve a consensus, and provide recommendations for early diagnosis, pathophysiology, prevention, and management of AKI in patients with ACLF. In the absence of direct evidence, we propose expert opinions for guidance in managing AKI in this very challenging group of patients and focus on areas of future research. This consensus will be of major importance to all hepatologists, liver transplant surgeons, and intensivists across the globe.

Determination of HMGB1 in hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure patients with acute kidney injury: Early prediction and prognostic implications

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) and is associated with high rates of mortality. We aimed to estimate serum high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1) levels in hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure patients and analyze their clinical value in the development and outcomes of Acute kidney injury. Methods: A total of 251 consecutive patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure were enrolled in this retrospective study. Using the International Club of Ascites staging criteria of Acute kidney injury, 153 patients developed Acute kidney injury. The clinical data of patients were collected and serum levels of high mobility group protein 1 were measured by ELISA. All patients were followed up until death or for a minimum of 3 months. Early prediction and prognostic implications of high mobility group protein 1 in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Patients with Acute Kidney Injury were investigated in different cohorts, including a propensity score-matched ACLF cohort. Results: Among all individuals with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure, the incidence of Acute kidney injury was 61.0% (153/251). The patients who developed stage 2/3 Acute kidney injury showed the highest high mobility group protein 1 levels, followed by those who developed stage 1 Acute kidney injury, and those without Acute kidney injury showed the lowest high mobility group protein 1 levels. Moreover, high mobility group protein 1 levels were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors among hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure patients with Acute kidney injury. Furthermore, analysis of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) indicated that serum high mobility group protein 1 levels (pre-matching: AUC = 0.740; post-matching: AUC = 0.661) may be a potential predictive factor for Acute kidney injury development and that high mobility group protein 1 (AUC = 0.727) might be a reliable biomarker for prognosis in patients with Acute kidney injury. Conclusion: In patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure, Acute kidney injury is universal. Acute kidney injury and its stages negatively influence the 90-day transplant-free mortality rate. Serum high mobility group protein 1 levels can serve as a positive predictor of Acute kidney injury development, and high mobility group protein 1 might also be a prognostic biomarker for Acute kidney injury among hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure patients.

Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting overall survival in cirrhotic patients with acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and severe complication in patients with cirrhosis, and is associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, identifying cirrhotic patients with AKI who are at high risk of mortality is very important and may be helpful for providing timely medical interventions to improve the prognosis of these patients. However, studies focused on investigating the risk factors for the mortality of cirrhotic patients with AKI were scarce.

AIM

To identify risk factors for mortality and establish a nomogram for predicting the prognosis of these patients.

METHODS

Two hundred fifty consecutive patients with cirrhosis and AKI were recruited and randomly divided into training cohort (n = 173) and validation cohort (n = 77). In the training cohort, potential risk factors for death were identified by performing a Cox regression analysis, and a nomogram was established. The predictive performance of the nomogram was internally and externally validated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), constructing a calibration curve and performing decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

The serum sodium level, international normalized ratio, peak serum creatinine level > 1.5 mg/dL, the presence of hepatic encephalopathy and diabetes were potential risk factors for mortality of cirrhotic patients with AKI in the training dataset. A prognostic nomogram incorporating these variables was established for predicting the overall survival of these patients. Compared with Child-Turcotte-Pugh, the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and the MELD-Na scores, the nomogram in predicting 90- and 180-d mortality exhibited better discriminatory power with AUROCs of 0.792 and 0.801 for the training dataset and 0.817 and 0.862 for the validation dataset, respectively. With a nomogram score of 98, patients were divided into low- and high-risk groups, and high-risk patients had a higher mortality rate.

CONCLUSION

A prognostic nomogram displayed good performance for predicting the overall survival of cirrhotic patients with AKI, and will assist clinicians in evaluating the prognosis of these patients.

Risk factors for underlying comorbidities and complications in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) is a severe and life-threatening complication, characterised by multi-organ failure and high short-term mortality. However, there is limited information on the impact of various comorbidities on HBV-ACLF in a large population. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between comorbidities, complications and mortality. In this retrospective observational study, we identified 2166 cases of HBV-ACLF hospitalised from January 2010 to March 2018. Demographic data from the patients, medical history, treatment, laboratory indices, comorbidities and complications were collected. The mortality rate in our study group was 47.37%. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbidity, followed by alcoholic liver disease. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, pneumonia and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) were common in these patients. Diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism are risk factors for death within 90 days, together with gastrointestinal bleeding and HE at admission, HE and hepatorenal syndrome during hospitalisation. Knowledge of risk factors can help identify HBV-ACLF patients with a poor prognosis for HBV-ACLF with comorbidities and complications.

Characteristics of acute kidney injury and its impact on outcome in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure

OBJECTIVE

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and life-threatening complication of liver failure. The purpose of this study is to construct a nomogram and online calculator to predict the development of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (HA-AKI) in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), which may contribute to the prognosis of ACLF.

METHODS

574 ACLF patients were evaluated retrospectively. AKI was defined by criteria proposed by International Club of Ascites (ICA) and divided into community-acquired and hospital-acquired AKI (CA-AKI and HA-AKI). The difference between CA-AKI and HA-AKI, factors associated with development into and recovered from AKI periods. The risk factors were identified and nomograms were developed to predict the morbidity of HA-AKI in patients with ACLF.

RESULTS

Among 574 patients, 217(37.8%) patients had AKI, CA-AKI and HA-AKI were 56 (25.8%) and 161 (74.2%) respectively. The multivariate logistic regression model (KP-AKI) for predicting the occurrence of HA-AKI were age, gastrointestinal bleeding, bacterial infections, albumin, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen and prothrombin time. The AUROC of the KP-AKI in internal and external validations were 0.747 and 0.759, respectively. Among 217 AKI patients, 81(37.3%), 96(44.2%) and 40(18.4%) patients were with ICA-AKI stage progression, regression and fluctuated in-situ, respectively. The 90-day mortality of patients with AKI was 55.3% higher than non-AKI patients 21.6%. The 90-day mortality of patients with progression of AKI was 88.9%, followed by patients with fluctuated in-situ 40% and regression of AKI 33.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram constructed by KP-AKI can be conveniently and accurately in predicting the development of HA-AKI, and AKI can increase the 90-day mortality significantly in ACLF patients. Trial registration Chinese clinical trials registry: ChiCTR1900021539.

Hepatorenal syndrome in acute-on-chronic liver failure with acute kidney injury: more questions requiring discussion

In cirrhosis with ascites, hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a specific prerenal dysfunction unresponsive to fluid volume expansion. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) comprises a group of clinical syndromes with multiple organ failure and early high mortality. There are differences in the characterization of ACLF between the Eastern and Western medical communities. Patients with ACLF and acute kidney injury (AKI) have more structural injuries, contributing to confusion in diagnosing HRS-AKI. In this review, we discuss progress in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of HRS-AKI, especially in patients with ACLF. Controversy regarding HRS-AKI in ACLF and acute liver failure, hepatic carcinoma, shock, sepsis, and chronic kidney disease is also discussed. Research on the treatment of HRS-AKI with ACLF needs to be more actively pursued to improve disease prognosis.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in liver failure

The multi-organ failure syndrome associated with acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is thought to be mediated by overwhelming systemic inflammation triggered by both microbial and non-microbial factors. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been proven to be an efficacious therapy in autoimmune conditions and altered immunity, with more recent data supporting its use in the management of liver failure. Few therapies have been shown to improve survival in critically ill patients with liver failure who are not expected to survive until liver transplantation (LT), who are ineligible for LT or who have no access to LT. TPE has been shown to reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines, modulate adaptive immunity with the potential to lessen the susceptibility to infections, and reduce the levels of albumin-bound and water-bound toxins in liver failure. In patients with acute liver failure, high volume TPE has been shown to reduce the vasopressor requirement and improve survival, particularly in patients not eligible for LT. Standard volume TPE has also been shown to reduce mortality in certain sub-populations of patients with ACLF. TPE may be most favorably employed as a bridge to LT in patients with ACLF. In this review, we discuss the efficacy and technical considerations of TPE in both acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure.

Terlipressin May Decrease In-Hospital Mortality of Cirrhotic Patients with Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Renal Dysfunction: A Retrospective Multicenter Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) rapidly reduces effective blood volume, thereby precipitating acute kidney injury (AKI). Terlipressin, which can induce splanchnic vasoconstriction and increase renal perfusion, has been recommended for acute GIB and hepatorenal syndrome in liver cirrhosis. Thus, we hypothesized that terlipressin might be beneficial for cirrhotic patients with acute GIB and renal impairment.

METHODS

In this Chinese multi-center study, 1644 cirrhotic patients with acute GIB were retrospectively enrolled. AKI was defined according to the International Club of Ascites (ICA) criteria. Renal dysfunction was defined as serum creatinine (sCr) > 133 μmol/L at admission and/or any time point during hospitalization. Incidence of renal impairment and in-hospital mortality were the primary end-points.

RESULTS

The incidence of any stage ICA-AKI, ICA-AKI stages 1B, 2, and 3, and renal dysfunction in cirrhotic patients with acute GIB was 7.1%, 1.8%, and 5.0%, respectively. The in-hospital mortality was significantly increased by renal dysfunction (14.5% vs. 2.2%, P < 0.001) and ICA-AKI stages 1B, 2, and 3 (11.1% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.011), but not any stage ICA-AKI (5.7% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.083). The in-hospital mortality was significantly decreased by terlipressin in patients with renal dysfunction (3.6% vs. 20.0%, P = 0.044), but not in those with any stage ICA-AKI (4.5% vs. 6.0%, P = 0.799) or ICA-AKI stages 1B, 2, and 3 (0.0% vs. 14.3%, P = 0.326).

CONCLUSION

Renal dysfunction increased the in-hospital mortality of cirrhotic patients with acute GIB. Terlipressin might decrease the in-hospital mortality of cirrhotic patients with acute GIB and renal dysfunction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03846180 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov ).

Infection deteriorating hepatitis B virus related acute-on-chronic liver failure: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Infection is common in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), which may worsen the clinical condition and prognosis. However, the characteristics of infection and its influence on prognosis in hepatitis B virus related ACLF (HBV-ACLF) as defined by the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) have not been clarified. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of infection and its influence on mortality in patients with HBV-ACLF defined by EASL in China.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study in patients with HBV-ACLF defined by EASL in a single center from January 2015 to December 2017. These patients were divided into two groups with and without infection. The incidence, sites of infection, isolated strains, and risk factors associated with mortality were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 289 patients were included, among them 185 (64.0%) were diagnosed with an infection. The most common type of infection was pneumonia (55.7%), followed by spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (47.6%) and others. The gram-negative bacteria were the most frequent (58.3%). Patients with one, two, and three or more infection sites had a gradually increasing incidence of sepsis (P < 0.01), septic shock (P < 0.001), and ACLF-3 (P < 0.05). Also, patients with infection isolated one, two, and three or more strains showed a growing incidence of sepsis (P < 0.01) and septic shock (P < 0.001). Patients with infection showed a significantly higher 28-day mortality than those without (P < 0.01), especially in patients with ACLF-3. Infection was identified as an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality in all HBV-ACLF patients. Pneumonia and sepsis were identified as independent predictors of 28-day mortality for patients with infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Infection is associated with severe clinical course and high mortality in HBV-ACLF defined by EASL. The increased number of infection sites or isolated strains was associated with the occurrence of sepsis and septic shock. Pneumonia and sepsis were independent predictors for mortality in HBV-ACLF patients with infection.

Comparison of Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury Between Laparoscopic and Laparotomy Procedures in Elderly Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) has an unfavorable impact on both short-term and long-term outcomes. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the incidence of postoperative AKI between laparoscopic and laparotomy procedures in elderly patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

METHODS

Medical records of elderly (65 y and older) patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery between May 2016 and July 2018 at our tertiary hospital were reviewed. Patients with Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC) stage II and III colorectal cancer, without neoadjuvant treatment, were divided into laparoscopic procedure group and laparotomy group. AKI, determined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria, was compared between the 2 groups, before and after propensity matching. Multivariable analysis was made to identify independent risk factors of AKI.

RESULTS

In all, 285 patients met the study inclusion criteria. Postoperative AKI occurred only in 16 patients from the laparotomy group (n=212). The incidence of AKI was significantly lower in the laparoscopic procedure group (n=73) compared with the laparotomy group (0% vs. 7.5%; P=0.015). Seventy-three patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery were matched with 73 of 212 patients who underwent open surgery, by using propensity score analysis, and the incidence of AKI in the 2 groups was similar (0% vs. 8.3%; P=0.028). Multivariable analysis showed that intraoperative metaraminol dose >1 mg (odds ratio=2.742, P=0.042) is an independent risk factor for postoperative AKI.

CONCLUSION

In elderly patients, the incidence of AKI after colorectal cancer surgery is lower in the laparoscopic procedure group, maybe related to hemodynamic stability and less vasoconstriction.

Prevalence and short-term outcome of acute kidney injury in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure: A meta-analysis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a distinct syndrome to that in patients with cirrhosis, yet is less characterized. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the impact of AKI on outcome of ACLF. We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library for original articles that evaluated the impact of AKI on outcome of ACLF from 2011 to 2019. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for 1-month and 3-month mortality was calculated. The response rate of vasoconstrictor for hepatorenal syndrome (HRS)-AKI was assessed. Eight relevant articles with 3610 patients were included. The prevalence of AKI in ACLF patients was 41% (95% CI 32%-50%). The presence of AKI was significantly associated with 1-month mortality of ACLF (OR 3.98, 95% CI 3.09-5.12; P < .001) and 3-month mortality (OR 4.98, 95% CI 3.59-6.92; P < .001). Additionally, patients with AKI stage ≥2 showed a higher 3-month mortality than stage 1 (OR 3.89, 95% CI 2.60-5.82; P < .001), and those of stage 3 had a higher mortality than stage ≤2 (OR 3.77, 95% CI 2.10-6.77; P < .001). The pooled response rate of vasoconstrictors was 32% (95% CI 26%-37%). This meta-analysis indicated that about 40% of ACLF patients complicated with AKI and the presence of AKI substantially increased the short-term mortality, together with a poor response rate of vasoconstrictors for HRS-AKI.

The Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute on Chronic Liver Failure with Tenofovir Treatment

AIMS

Tenofovir (TDF) is an antiviral drug with potential risk of kidney injury. The study is aimed at comparing the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) between TDF and entecavir (ETV) treatment in hepatitis B virus- (HBV-) related acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF).

METHODS

Treatment-naive patients with HBV-related ACLF were included. Propensity score matching was used to balance the baseline characteristics between ETV and TDF groups. The risk of AKI and the efficacy of TDF and ETV were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 95 cases with HBV-related ACLF were included in this study, with 74.74% of male and a mean age of 47.01 ± 14.71 years. The antiviral therapy was initiated within 2 days after admission, with 39 cases on the TDF group and 56 on the ETV group. Patients in the TDF group had higher AST, hemoglobin, and serum sodium levels and lower MELD-Na score. After propensity matching, 39 cases of TDF and 39 of ETV were included in the final analysis. No difference was found in the changes of creatinine and cystatin C from baseline to 4 weeks after treatment between ETV and TDF groups. AKI was developed in 1 (2.56%) patient in the ETV group and 2 (5.13%) in the TDF group within one month (P = 0.556). Survival analysis revealed no significant difference in the 6-month mortality between the two groups (P = 0.813). Cox analysis showed that the type of antiviral drug or the development of AKI was not an independent risk factor for the outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to ETV, TDF did not increase the risk of AKI nor the mortality in patients with HBV-related ACLF in the short time.

Precipitants of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: An Opportunity for Preventative Measures to Improve Outcomes

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a feared complication that can develop at any stage of chronic liver disease. The incidence of ACLF is increasing, leading to a significant burden to both the affected individual and health care systems. To date, our understanding of ACLF suggests that it may be initiated by precipitants such as systemic infection, alcohol use, or viral hepatitis. The prevalence of these vary significantly by geography and underlying liver disease, and these precipitants have a varying impact on patient prognosis. Herein, we present a review of our current understanding of the precipitants of ACLF, including gaps in current data and opportunities for meaningful intervention and areas of future research.

Intermittent high-flux albumin dialysis with continuous venovenous hemodialysis for acute-on-chronic liver failure and acute kidney injury

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) requiring intensive medical care and associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) has a mortality rate as high as 90% due to the lack of effective therapies. In this study, we assessed the effects of intermittent high-flux single-pass albumin dialysis (SPAD) coupled with continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) on 28-day and 90-day survival and an array of clinical and laboratory parameters in patients with severe ACLF and renal insufficiency. Sixteen patients were studied. The diagnosis of ACLF and AKI was made in accordance with current EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines, including the recommendations of the International Club of Ascites. All patients received SPAD/CVVHD treatments as the blood purification therapy to support liver, kidneys, and other organs. Five patients were transplanted and 11 were not listed for transplantation because of active alcoholism. Data at the initiation of SPAD/CVVHD were compared with early morning data after the termination of the extracorporeal treatment phase. All patients had ACLF and renal insufficiency with 13/16 additionally fulfilling the AKI criteria. A total of 37 SPAD/CVVHD treatments were performed [2.3 ± 1.4]. The baseline MELD-Na score was 37.6 ± 6.6 and decreased to 33.4 ± 8.7 after SPAD/CVVHD (P < 0.001). In parallel, the CLIF-C ACLF grade and OF score, estimated at 28- and 90-day mortality, AKI stage, hepatic encephalopathy grade, and liver function tests were lowered (P = 0.001-0.032). The 28- and 90-day survivals were 56.2% overall and 53.8% in AKI. Survival in patients not transplanted (n = 11) was 45.4%. In patients with severe ACLF and AKI, the renal replacement therapy coupled with high-performance albumin dialysis improved estimated 28- and 90-day survival and several key clinical and laboratory parameters. It is postulated that these results may be further improved with earlier intervention and more SPAD treatments per patient. High-performance albumin dialysis improves survival and key clinical and laboratory parameters in severe ACLF and AKI.

Evaluation of the criteria of hepatorenal syndrome type of acute kidney injury in patients with cirrhosis admitted to ICU

INTRODUCTION

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and devastating complication in patients with cirrhosis. In 2015, the International Club of Ascites (ICA) proposed the definition of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) type of AKI (HRS-AKI) in patients with cirrhosis. This study aims to evaluate the criteria of HRS-AKI in patients with cirrhosis admitted to ICU with regard to the prognosis.

METHODS

A total of 349 cirrhotic patients consecutively admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) from 2010 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic parameters and clinical variables were collected with case report forms. The occurrence of AKI was determined according to ICA-AKI criteria. The phenotypes of AKI comprised pre-renal azotemia (PRA), acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and HRS. In our study, patients with PRA or ATN were classified to the non-HRS-AKI group.

RESULTS

The incidence of AKI was 73.0%, comprising PRA (18.6%), ATN (16.3%) and HRS (38.1%). The overall hospital mortality was 64.5%. Patients with AKI had a significantly higher in-hospital (76.1%) and 180-d (86.7%) mortality. AKI type was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality by a multivariate logistic regression. The in-hospital and 180-d mortality rates were of no significant difference among patients with HRS-AKI stages 1-3.

CONCLUSIONS

AKI is common in patients with cirrhosis admitted to ICU, associated with significant in-hospital mortality. HRS-AKI was the most common and severe type of AKI in patients with cirrhosis admitted to ICU. The current staging system may not be applicable for HRS-AKI in patients with cirrhosis admitted to ICU.

Profile, risk factors and outcome of acute kidney injury in paediatric acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND & AIMS

There are no studies on acute kidney injury in paediatric acute-on-chronic liver failure. This study was planned with aim to describe the clinical presentation and outcome of acute kidney injury among paediatric acute-on-chronic liver failure patients.

METHODS

Data of all children 1-18 years of age presenting with acute chronic liver failure (Asia pacific association for the study of the liver definition) was reviewed. Acute kidney injury was defined as per Kidney Diseases-Improving Global Outcomes guidelines. Poor outcome was defined as death or need for liver transplant within 3 months of development of acute kidney injury.

RESULTS

A total of 84 children with acute-on-chronic liver failure were presented to us in the study period. Acute kidney injury developed in 22.6% of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure. The median duration from acute-on-chronic liver failure to development of acute kidney injury was 4 weeks (Range: 2-10 weeks). The causes of acute kidney injury were hepatorenal syndrome (31.6%), sepsis (31.6%), nephrotoxic drugs (21%), dehydration (10.5%) and bile pigment related acute tubular necrosis in one patient. On univariate analysis, higher baseline bilirubin, higher international normalized ratio, higher paediatric end stage liver disease, presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and presence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis had significant association with presence of acute kidney injury. On logistic regression analysis, presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (adjusted OR: 8.659, 95% CI: 2.18-34.37, P = .002) and higher baseline bilirubin (adjusted OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.008-1.135, P = .025) were independently associated with presence of acute kidney injury. Of the patients with acute kidney injury, 5(26.3%) survived with native liver, 10(52.6%) died and 4 (21.1%) underwent liver transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Acute kidney injury developed in 22.6% of children with acute-on-chronic liver failure. Bilirubin more than 17.7 mg/dL and presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome were high risk factors for acute kidney injury. Development of acute kidney injury in a child with acute-on-chronic liver failure suggests poor outcome and need for early intervention.

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF); however, few studies concerning the risk factors and recovery patterns of renal function have been published.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 150 patients with HBV-ACLF was performed. The occurrence, risk factors and functional recovery of AKI among patients with HBV-ACLF were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 90 patients (60%) with HBV-ACLF developed AKI. Patients with AKI had higher creatine kinase (P = 0.004), total bilirubin (P = 0.039), HBV viral load (P = 0.044), serum creatine (P < 0.001) and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (P < 0.001) values and a higher proportion of hepatic encephalopathy (P = 0.032) and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) (P = 0.042) than patients without AKI. Logistic regression analysis illustrated that SBP (odds ratio = 6.214, P = 0.012) and MELD score (odds ratio = 1.097, P = 0.006) were risk factors for the development of AKI. A subgroup analysis of recovery patterns in renal function showed that patients with a severe AKI stage had worse outcomes (P = 0.007). The proportion of patients who experienced a complete recovery was higher in survivors than in the overall AKI populations (P = 0.004). Follow-up studies showed that the no-AKI group had a higher transplant-free survival rate than the AKI group at day 90 (80.0% versus 26.7%, respectively, P < 0.001). The survival rate among patients with AKI Stage 1 was higher than that of patients with AKI Stage 2 and patients with AKI Stage 3 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

AKI is common in patients with HBV-ACLF. The SBP and MELD score have some prognosis value for patients with AKI. AKI and its stages affect the 90-day transplant-free mortality rate. It is important to focus on exploring the early recognition of AKI and early intervention of those risk factors in individuals with HBV-ACLF.