Levels and initial course of serum alanine aminotransferase can predict outcome of patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome

Epidemiology of liver failure in Asia-Pacific region

The global burden of deaths caused by liver failure is substantial. The Asia-Pacific region is home to more than half of the global population and accounted for 62.6% of global deaths because of liver diseases in 2015. The aetiology of liver failure varies in different countries at different times. Viruses (Hepatitis A, B and E), drugs (herbs and anti-tuberculous drugs), toxins (alcohol use) and autoimmune flares are mainly responsible of majority of liver failure in individuals with normal liver (acute liver failure; ALF); else these may precipitate liver failure in those with chronic liver disease (acute-on-chronic liver failure; ACLF). Concomitant increases in alcohol misuse and metabolic syndrome in recent years are concerning. Ongoing efforts to address liver failure-related morbidity and mortality require accurate contemporary estimates of epidemiology and outcomes. In light of the ever-changing nature of liver disease epidemiology, accurate estimates for the burden of liver failure across the countries are vital for setting clinical, research and policy priorities. In this review, we aimed to describe the current as well as changing epidemiological trends of common liver failure syndromes, ALF and ACLF in the Asia-Pacific region.

Evaluating short-term outcomes of the value of sound touch elastography (STE) following the treatment for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS): a case series study

AIM

To investigate the value of sound touch elastography (STE) in the evaluation of short-term therapeutic effect of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) by measuring liver stiffness (LS), and in addition, to analyse the relationships between liver function, pressure gradient of the hepatic veins, and LS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case series study was conducted at Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from August 2020 to December 2020. Patients diagnosed with BCS were recruited prospectively and grouped according to Child-Pugh grade before endovascular therapy. LS was measured using STE before and after therapy. Comparisons between the LS and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) changes of patients were tested with paired sample t-tests.

RESULTS

A total of 46 patients (23 males and 23 females) were included in this study. According to the Child-Pugh scoring criteria, 24 patients were classified as grade A, 16 as grade B, and 6 as grade C. LS was significantly different between the three groups (F = 127.01, p<0.001). Post-treatment LS was significantly lower than pre-treatment (p<0.001). The mean HVPG before treatment was 13.02 ± 3.82 mmHg and decreased after intervention (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The STE is a potential tool for evaluating short-term therapeutic effect of BCS patients.

Beyond the Liver Function Tests: A Radiologist's Guide to the Liver Blood Tests

Liver blood tests (often also known as liver chemistries, liver tests, or the common misnomer liver function tests) are routinely used in diagnosis and management of hepatobiliary disease. Abnormal liver blood test results are often the first indicator of hepatobiliary disease and a common indication for abdominal imaging with US, CT, or MRI. Most of the disease entities can be categorized into hepatocellular or cholestatic patterns, with characteristic traits on liver blood tests. Each pattern has a specific differential, which can help narrow the differential diagnosis when combined with the clinical history and imaging findings. This article reviews the major liver blood tests as well as a general approach to recognizing common patterns of hepatobiliary disease within these tests (hepatocellular, cholestatic, acute liver failure, isolated hyperbilirubinemia). Examples of hepatobiliary disease with hepatocellular or cholestatic patterns are presented with characteristic test abnormalities and imaging findings. The commonly encountered scenario of chronic hepatitis with possible fibrosis is also reviewed, with discussion of potential further imaging such as elastography. The role of liver blood tests and imaging in evaluating complications of hepatic transplant is also discussed. Overall, integrating liver blood test patterns with imaging findings can help the radiologist accurately diagnose hepatobiliary disease, especially in cases where imaging findings may not allow differentiation between different entities. ^©RSNA, 2021.

Evaluating the Short-Term Clinical Efficacy of Magnetic Resonance Elastography in Patients with Budd-Chiari Syndrome

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate the clinical relevance of liver stiffness (LS) in evaluating liver function properties in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) with different severities and LS variation before and after endovascular intervention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between December 2016 and March 2019, patients with a diagnosis of BCS were considered for enrollment consecutively in our study. Liver function of these patients was classified according to Child-Pugh grading standard before treatment. Liver function parameters were recorded, including albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, prothrombin time, and total bilirubin. LS was measured with MR elastography (MRE) before and after treatment. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to measure the correlation between LS and liver function-related parameters. Univariate analysis of variance test was used to compare LS and clinical quantitative variables of patients in three different Child-Pugh categories. Paired t test with a significant threshold of p = 0.05 was used to compare LS and pressure gradient of these patients before and after treatment. Correlation analysis between changes in LS and that in pressure gradient was performed by linear regression.

RESULTS

A total of 43 patients (23 males and 20 females) were finally enrolled in this study. The mean LS in the three groups was 5.67 ± 1.15 kPa (Child-Pugh A), 6.31 ± 1.13 kPa (Child-Pugh B), and 8.27 ± 2.22 kPa (Child-Pugh C), respectively. LS showed significant difference for patients with different Child-Pugh grades (F = 9.536, p < 0.001). Prothrombin time and total bilirubin were positively correlated with LS (p < 0.05). After treatment, mean LS in three groups was 4.83 ± 1.06 kPa, 5.12 ± 0.93, and 7.37 ± 1.96, respectively. LS decreased significantly in all three Child-Pugh grades (p < 0.001 from Child-Pugh A, p < 0.001 from Child-Pugh B, p = 0.009 from Child-Pugh C). The mean pressure gradient before intervention was 17.6 ± 4.9 mm Hg, and 8.7 ± 7.2 mm Hg after the treatment (p < 0.001). The changes in LS were correlated to that in pressure gradients (r = 0.439; r² = 0.193; p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

MR elastography for LS measurement has been demonstrated to act as an effective tool to evaluate liver function, and to monitor the BCS patients in follow-up treatments.

A study of the different parameters in acute and chronic Budd–Chiari syndrome

Background

Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare and potentially life-threatening vascular disease of the liver. There are a few studies on the differences between acute and chronic BCS in clinical and laboratory characteristics, as well as the outcomes, so we designed this research to study the different parameters in acute and chronic BCS. Diagnosis of BCS was made using Doppler ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and venography. Patients with BCS were then divided into chronic and acute groups based on both imaging characteristics and disease duration. Finally, the outcomes, clinical features, and laboratory parameters of acute and chronic BCS were compared.

Results

In total, 60 patients were included in this study, of whom 28.3% and 71.7% had acute and chronic BCS, respectively. According to clinical features, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (PR 1.289; 95% CI 1.115–1.489; P = 0.001) and jaundice (PR 1.308; 95% CI 1.148–1.490; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with chronic than acute BCS. According to laboratory parameters, the levels of international normalized ratio (INR) (PR 0.953; 95% CI 0.918–0.989; P = 0.012), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (PR 0.996; 95% CI 0.993–1.000; P = 0.039), and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (PR 1.024; 95% CI 1.012–1.037; P < 0.001) in chronic group were significantly higher than in the acute BCS. The hospital length of stay (LOS) and mortality rate between the two groups did not differ significantly.

Conclusions

This study showed that the spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, jaundice, increased levels of MELD score, INR, and BUN were significantly associated with the chronic group compared with the acute group. The hospital LOS and mortality rate between the two groups did not differ significantly. Further research is recommended to clarify this issue.

Budd-Chiari Syndrome: An Uncommon Cause of Chronic Liver Disease that Cannot Be Missed

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), or hepatic venous outflow obstruction, is a rare cause of liver disease that should not be missed. Variable clinical presentation among patients with BCS necessitates a high index of suspicion to avoid missing this life-threatening diagnosis. BCS is characterized as primary or secondary, depending on etiology of venous obstruction. Most patients with primary BCS have several contributing risk factors leading to a prothrombotic state. A multidisciplinary stepwise approach is integral in treating BCS. Lifelong anticoagulation is recommended. Long-term monitoring of patients for development of cirrhosis, complications of portal hypertension, hepatocellular carcinoma, and progression of underlying diseases is important.

Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver Consensus Statement on Acute Liver Failure (Part 1): Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Presentation and Prognosis

Acute liver failure (ALF) is an infrequent, unpredictable, potentially fatal complication of acute liver injury (ALI) consequent to varied etiologies. Etiologies of ALF as reported in the literature have regional differences, which affects the clinical presentation and natural course. In this part of the consensus article designed to reflect the clinical practices in India, disease burden, epidemiology, clinical presentation, monitoring, and prognostication have been discussed. In India, viral hepatitis is the most frequent cause of ALF, with drug-induced hepatitis due to antituberculosis drugs being the second most frequent cause. The clinical presentation of ALF is characterized by jaundice, coagulopathy, and encephalopathy. It is important to differentiate ALF from other causes of liver failure, including acute on chronic liver failure, subacute liver failure, as well as certain tropical infections which can mimic this presentation. The disease often has a fulminant clinical course with high short-term mortality. Death is usually attributable to cerebral complications, infections, and resultant multiorgan failure. Timely liver transplantation (LT) can change the outcome, and hence, it is vital to provide intensive care to patients until LT can be arranged. It is equally important to assess prognosis to select patients who are suitable for LT. Several prognostic scores have been proposed, and their comparisons show that indigenously developed dynamic scores have an edge over scores described from the Western world. Management of ALF will be described in part 2 of this document.

Current knowledge in pathophysiology and management of Budd-Chiari syndrome and non-cirrhotic non-tumoral splanchnic vein thrombosis

Budd-Chiari syndrome and non-cirrhotic non-tumoral portal vein thrombosis are 2 rare disorders, with several similarities that are categorized under the term splanchnic vein thrombosis. Both disorders are frequently associated with an underlying prothrombotic disorder. They can cause severe portal hypertension and usually affect young patients, negatively influencing life expectancy when the diagnosis and treatment are not performed at an early stage. Yet, they have specific features that require individual consideration. The current review will focus on the available knowledge on pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of both entities.

Correlation analysis of collagen proportionate area in Budd-Chiari syndrome: A preliminary clinicopathological study

BACKGROUND

Collagen proportionate area (CPA) is an important index for assessing the severity of liver fibrosis. Budd-Chiari syndrome can frequently progress to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. CPA might play an important role in the pathological progress of Budd-Chiari syndrome.

AIM

To explore the role of CPA in predicting the outcomes of patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.

METHODS

Nine patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) were included. The median CPA level and correlation of CPA and prognosis of TIPS were determined.

RESULTS

Median CPA was 23.07% (range: 0%-40.20%). Pearson's χ2 test demonstrated a significant correlation of CPA with history of gastrointestinal bleeding (Pearson's coefficient: 0.832, P = 0.005), alanine aminotransferase (Pearson's coefficient: -0.694, P = 0.038), and prothrombin time (Pearson's coefficient: 0.68, P = 0.044). Although CPA was not significantly correlated with shunt dysfunction or hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS, the absolute CPA was relatively larger in patients who developed shunt dysfunction or hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary clinicopathological study found a marginal effect of CPA on the outcomes of Budd-Chiari syndrome patients treated with TIPS.

Image-guided treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome: a giant leap from the past, a small step towards the future

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a relatively rare vascular disease characterized by hepatic outflow tract obstruction, and image-guided endovascular treatment, namely percutaneous angioplasty, stenting, and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), has proven to be effective treatment modalities to alleviate symptoms and markedly improve the prognosis of the disease. Specifically, a step-wise approach is recommended, i.e., angioplasty and stenting are the prioritized choice for patients with membranous obstruction and short-length stenosis, whereas TIPS is the option for patients who fail this treatment. Currently, 5-year survival with the step-wise approach is about 75%, and the most promising way to further improve this value is to identify candidates who are at high risk of failing angioplasty, and perform pre-emptive TIPS in these patients.

Budd-chiari syndrome causing acute liver failure: A multicenter case series

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare disease resulting from obstruction of the hepatic venous outflow tract that typically presents with abdominal pain, jaundice, and ascites without frank liver failure. However, BCS may also evolve more rapidly to acute liver failure (ALF). In this study, we describe the clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of ALF due to BCS and compare our results with those in the published literature. Twenty of the 2344 patients enrolled in the Acute Liver Failure Study Group (ALFSG) registry since 1998 presented with a clinical diagnosis of BCS. An additional 19 patients of ALF-BCS in the English language literature were reviewed and compared with the ALFSG cases. Most ALF-BCS patients were white (84%) and female (84%) in their fourth decade. A hypercoagulable state was noted in 63% of patients. BCS was diagnosed by Doppler ultrasonography or abdominal computed tomography in all patients. Liver biopsies (n = 6) all had evidence of severe pericentral necrosis. Treatments used included most commonly anticoagulation (71%), but also transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS; 37%) and orthotopic liver transplantation (37%). In-hospital mortality was approximately 60%. In conclusion, BCS is a rare cause of ALF and mandates prompt diagnosis and management for successful outcomes. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, prompt anticoagulation is recommended in conjunction with evaluation for malignancy or thrombophilic disorder. Mortality may have improved in recent years with use of TIPS and/or orthotopic liver transplantation compared with prior published reports. Liver Transplantation 23 135-142 2017 AASLD.

The Significance of Serum CA-125 Elevation in Chinese Patients with Primary Budd-Chiari Syndrome: A Multicenter Study

Objective. To investigate the serum level of CA-125 and its corresponding clinical significance in Chinese patients with primary BCS. Methods. Serum CA-125 was measured in 243 patients with primary BCS receiving interventional treatment in the participating hospitals and in 120 healthy volunteers. The correlation between serum CA-125 levels and ascites volume, liver function, and prognosis was analyzed. Results. Serum CA-125 was significantly elevated in BCS patients compared to healthy volunteers (P < 0.001). Higher levels of CA-125 were found in BCS patients with abnormal hepatic function and low serum albumin levels and in patients with high volume of ascites compared to patients without these abnormalities. Serum CA-125 levels significantly correlated with ascites volume, serum level of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, and Rotterdam BCS scores. The follow-up study indicated that the survival rate and asymptomatic survival rate after interventional treatment were lower in BCS patients with serum CA-125 > 175 U/mL (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Serum CA-125 was significantly higher in patients with primary BCS and had a positive correlation with the volume of ascites, severity of liver damage, and poor prognosis. Thus the serum CA-125 levels may be used to estimate the severity and prognosis of BCS in Chinese patients.

Survival and prognostic indicators of Budd-Chiari syndrome: a systematic review of 79 studies

This paper aimed to systematically review the survival of Budd-Chiari syndrome and to identify the most robust prognostic predictors. Overall, 79 studies were included. According to the treatment modalities, the median 1-, 5- and 10-year survival rate was 93, 83 and 73% after interventional radiological treatment; 81, 75 and 72.5% after surgery other than liver transplantation; 82.5, 70.2 and 66.5% after liver transplantation and 68.1, 44.4% and unavailable after medical therapy alone. According to the publication years, the median 1-, 5- and 10-year survival rate was 68.6, 44.4% and unavailable before 1990; 75.1, 69.5 and 57% during the year 1991-1995; 77, 69.6 and 65.6% during the year 1996-2000; 86.5, 74 and 63.5% during the year 2001-2005 and 90, 82.5 and 72% after 2006. Bilirubin, creatinine and ascites were more frequently identified as significant prognostic factors in univariate analyses. But their statistical significance was less frequently achieved in multivariate analyses.

Two-year outcomes in initial survivors with acute liver failure: results from a prospective, multicentre study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The long-term clinical outcomes in initial survivors with acute liver failure (ALF) are not well known. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the 2-year clinical outcomes among initial survivors and liver transplant (LT) recipients that were alive 3 weeks after enrolment in the Acute Liver Failure Study Group (ALFSG).

METHODS

Outcomes in adult ALFSG patients that were enrolled between 1998 and 2010 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Two-year patient survival was significantly higher in the 262 LT recipients (92.4%) compared to the 306 acetaminophen (APAP) spontaneous survivors (SS) (89.5%) and 200 non-APAP SS (75.5%) (P < 0.0001). The causes of death were similar in the three groups but the time to death was significantly longer in the LT recipients (P < 0.0001). Independent predictors of 2-year mortality in the APAP group were a high serum phosphate level and patient age (c-statistic = 0.65 (0.54, 0.76)), patient age and days from jaundice to ALF onset in the non-APAP group (c-statistic = 0.69 (0.60, 0.78)), and patient age, days from jaundice, and higher coma grade in the LT recipients (c-statistic = 0.74 (0.61, 0.87)). The LT recipients were significantly more likely to be employed and have a higher educational level (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Two-year outcomes in initial survivors of ALF are generally good but non-APAP patients have a significantly lower survival which may relate to pre-existing medical comorbidities. Spontaneous survivors with APAP overdose experience substantial morbidity during follow-up from ongoing psychiatric and substance abuse issues.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for Budd-Chiari syndrome: techniques, indications and results on 51 Chinese patients from a single centre

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In Western countries, transjugular intrahepatic portosytemic shunt (TIPS) is widely applied for the treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). However, the outcome of Chinese BCS patients treated with TIPS is extremely limited. Furthermore, the timing of conversion from percutaneous recanalization to TIPS remains uncertain.

METHODS

All consecutive BCS patients treated with TIPS between December 2004 and June 2012 were included. Patients were classified as the early and converted TIPS groups. Indications, TIPS-related complications, post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy, shunt dysfunction and death were reported.

RESULTS

Of 51 patients included, 39 underwent percutaneous recanalization for 1024 days (0-4574) before TIPS. Early TIPS group (n = 19) has a shorter history of BCS and a lower proportion of prior percutaneous recanalization than converted TIPS group (n = 32). Main indications were diffuse obstruction of three HVs (n = 12), liver failure (n = 2), liver function deterioration (n = 8), refractory ascites (n = 10) and variceal bleeding (n = 19). Procedure-related intraperitoneal bleeding was reversible in three patients. The cumulative 1-year rate of being free of first episode of post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy and shunt dysfunction was 78.38 and 61.69% respectively. The cumulative 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 83.82, 81.20 and 76.93% respectively. BCS-TIPS score, but not Child-Pugh, MELD, Clichy or Rotterdam score, could predict the survival. Age, total bilirubin and inferior vena cava thrombosis were also significantly associated with overall survival. Survival was similar between early and converted TIPS groups.

CONCLUSIONS

TIPS can achieve an excellent survival in Chinese patients in whom percutaneous recanalization is ineffective or inappropriate. BCS-TIPS score could effectively predict these patients' survival.

Abnormal plasma microparticles impair vasoconstrictor responses in patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Circulating membrane-shed microparticles (MPs) participate in regulation of vascular tone. We investigated the cellular origins of MPs in plasma from patients with cirrhosis and assessed the contribution of MPs to arterial vasodilation, a mechanism that contributes to portal hypertension.

METHODS

We analyzed MPs from blood samples of 91 patients with cirrhosis and 30 healthy individuals (controls) using flow cytometry; their effects on the vascular response to vasoconstrictors were examined in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

Circulating levels of leuko-endothelial (CD31(+)/41(-)), pan-leukocyte (CD11a(+)), lymphocyte (CD4(+)), and erythrocyte (CD235a(+)) MPs were higher in patients with cirrhosis than in controls. Plasma of patients with cirrhosis contained hepatocyte-derived MPs (cytokeratin-18(+)), whereas plasma from controls did not. The severity of cirrhosis and systemic inflammation were major determinants of the levels of leuko-endothelial and hepatocyte MPs. MPs from patients with advanced cirrhosis significantly impaired contraction of vessels in response to phenylephrine, whereas MPs from healthy controls or from patients of Child-Pugh class A did not. This effect depended on cyclooxygenase type 1 and required phosphatidylserine on the surface of MPs. Intravenous injection of MPs from patients with cirrhosis into BALB/C mice decreased mean arterial blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Cirrhosis is associated with increases in circulating subpopulations of MPs, likely resulting from systemic inflammation and liver cell damage. The overall pool of circulating MPs from patients with advanced cirrhosis impairs vasoconstrictor responses and decreases blood pressure, contributing to the arterial vasodilation associated with portal hypertension.

Management of hepatic vascular diseases

Primary damage to hepatic vessels is rare. (i) Hepatic arterial disorders, related mostly to iatrogenic injury and occasionally to systemic diseases, lead to ischemic cholangiopathy. (ii) Hepatic vein or inferior vena cava thrombosis, causing primary Budd-Chiari syndrome, is related typically to a combination of underlying prothrombotic conditions, particularly myeloproliferative neoplasms, factor V Leiden, and oral contraceptive use. The outcome of Budd-Chiari syndrome has markedly improved with anticoagulation therapy and, when needed, angioplasty, stenting, TIPS, or liver transplantation. (iii) Extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis is related to local causes (advanced cirrhosis, surgery, malignant or inflammatory conditions), or general prothrombotic conditions (mostly myeloproliferative neoplasms or factor II gene mutation), often in combination. Anticoagulation at the early stage prevents thrombus extension and, in 40% of the cases, allows for recanalization. At the late stage, gastrointestinal bleeding related to portal hypertension can be prevented in the same way as in cirrhosis. (iv) Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (or venoocclusive disease), caused by agents toxic to bone marrow progenitors and to sinusoidal endothelial cells, induces portal hypertension and liver dysfunction. Decreasing the intensity of myeloablative regimens reduces the incidence of sinusoidal toxicity. (v) Obstruction of intrahepatic portal veins (obliterative portal venopathy) can be associated with autoimmune diseases, prothrombotic conditions, or HIV infection. The disease can eventually be complicated with end-stage liver disease. Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction is common. Anticoagulation should be considered. (vi) Nodular regenerative hyperplasia is induced by the uneven perfusion due to obstructed sinusoids, or portal or hepatic venules. It causes pure portal hypertension.

Bleeding in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Anticoagulation therapy is recommended for patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). This study aimed to assess the incidence, severity, and risk factors of major bleeding in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) receiving anticoagulation therapy.

METHODS

We evaluated 94 consecutive BCS patients. Major bleeding required hospitalization, and/or transfusion of ≥ 2 red blood cell units, and/or was located intracranially, and/or retroperitoneally, and/or was fatal.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 43 months, 47 patients had 92 major bleeding episodes (22.8 per 100 patient-years). Forty episodes were related to invasive therapy for BCS. The origin of the 52 other episodes was gastrointestinal in 26 (including 15 related to portal hypertension) and genital in 10; 26 were spontaneous and 26 provoked. Excess anticoagulation was identified in 13 (27%) out of 49 documented episodes. Bleeding was managed by interrupting or reducing anticoagulation in 34 episodes, surgery in 18, endoscopy in 12, and radiological intervention in 8. The presence of esophageal varices was an independent predictor of bleeding unrelated to invasive therapy for BCS. Bleeding contributed to death in five patients and caused neurological complications in two. These poor outcomes were associated with more severe liver disease at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Major bleeding is common in BCS patients receiving anticoagulation therapy. Invasive procedures and portal hypertension are major factors, while excess anticoagulation plays a secondary role. Baseline BCS severity is the main determinant of prognosis at bleeding. Reducing anticoagulation intensity during invasive therapy and reinforced prophylaxis for portal hypertension could improve the benefit-risk ratio of anticoagulation.