AGA Clinical Practice Update on the Evaluation and Management of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Cirrhosis: Expert Review

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin for predicting acute kidney injury in orthotopic liver transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with poor prognosis. New biomarkers, like neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), are helpful for early warning of AKI. This study aims to investigate the accuracy of NGAL in evaluating the perioperative AKI of liver transplantation. The four databases, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched for relevant studies published from database inception to August 2023. Results were pooled using random-effects models, and heterogeneity was examined. A total of 16 case-control studies with 1271 patients were included. The results showed that both preoperative [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.53; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15, 0.91; P  < 0.001] and postoperative NGAL levels (SMD = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.24, 1.03; P  < 0.001) were higher in the AKI group compared with the non-AKI group. Subgroup analysis by continents showed higher preoperative NGAL levels in AKI patients in the European population (SMD = 1.63; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.27; P  = 0.003), but no differences in Asian, African, North American, and South American. Subgroup analysis by continents revealed higher postoperative NGAL levels in the European (SMD = 1.63; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.27; P  = 0.002) and Asian populations (SMD = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.81; P  = 0.039). Higher postoperative NGAL levels in plasma and urine were observed in AKI patients compared with non-AKI patients [plasma (SMD = 1.29; 95% CI: 0.21, 2.38; P  = 0.011), urine (SMD = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.18, 1.59; P  = 0.035)], while there was no difference in African, North American, South American, and serum NGAL. NGAL level may be an important biomarker for early detection of AKI in the perioperative period of liver transplantation.

The clinical relevance of the new criteria for cirrhotic cardiomyopathy and future directions

Cardiac dysfunction in patients with liver disease has been recognized since the 1950s. Initially attributed to shared risk factors, it is now evident that cardiac dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis can occur in the absence of known cardiac, that is, coronary artery and valvular heart disease, and across all etiologies for cirrhosis. In 1996, this myocardial dysfunction was termed cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM). The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying CCM include impaired beta-adrenergic membrane function and circulating proinflammatory and cardiotoxic substances. In 2005, the first diagnostic criteria for CCM were introduced enabling greater sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosis. Since 2005, advancements in echocardiographic methods and a better understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis necessitated a revision of CCM criteria. Changes in CCM criteria included the removal of blunted contractile or heart rate response on stress testing and the addition of global longitudinal systolic strain. The refinement of criteria for diastolic dysfunction was also incorporated into the new diagnostic approach. Since 2020, the prevalence of the disorder and clinical considerations for pretransplant, peritransplant, and posttransplant patients with cirrhosis have been further evaluated, and CCM was found to adversely impact clinical outcomes during all 3 phases of care. Future research considerations should address the timing of universal echocardiographic screening for patients with cirrhosis, the utility of biomarkers in aiding CCM diagnosis, the impact of CCM on right heart function, and the role of anti-remodeling agents after liver transplant.

Organ dysfunction and failure in liver disease

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a complex syndrome defined by the existence of different organ failures (OFs) in patients with chronic liver disease, mainly cirrhosis. Several definitions have been proposed to define the syndrome, varying in the grade of the subjacent liver disease, the type of precipitants and the organs considered in the definition. Liver, coagulation, brain, kidney, circulatory and pulmonary are the six types of OFs proposed in the different classifications, with different prevalence worldwide. Irrespective of the definition used, patients who develop ACLF present a hyperactive immune system, profound haemodynamic disturbances and several metabolic alterations that finally lead to organ dysfunction. These disturbances are triggered by different factors such as bacterial infections, alcoholic hepatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding or hepatitis B virus flare, among others. Because patients with ACLF present high short-term mortality, a prompt recognition is needed to start treatment of the trigger event and specific organ support. Liver transplantation is also feasible in carefully selected patients and should be evaluated.

Early blood pressure drop predicts renal function deterioration and mortality in ICU patients with liver failure: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between early blood pressure drop and worsening renal function (WRF) in ICU patients with liver failure and to evaluate their clinical outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Intensive Care Medicine.

PATIENTS

Patients admitted to the ICU for the first time during their first hospitalization; diagnosed with liver failure according to the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision codes; and aged ≥18 years were included. Patients with a peak systolic blood pressure (SBP) drop of <0 mmHg were excluded.

INTERVENTION

We analyzed data of ICU patients with liver failure from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV version 2.2 database. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, and chi-square test were employed for analysis. Multivariate linear regression models were used to assess the determinants of blood pressure decline. Cox proportional hazards and generalized additive models were used to evaluate MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: The relationship between blood pressure decline, WRF, and 60-day in-hospital mortality were evaluated, along with subgroup analyses.

RESULTS

Peak SBP drop was independently associated with higher risks of WRF (P < 0.001) and 60-day in-hospital mortality (P < 0.001), even after adjusting for potential confounders, including baseline SBP. The independent risk relationship observed between peak diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure drop, and the occurrence of WRF and 60-day in-hospital mortality was similar.

CONCLUSIONS

In ICU patients with liver failure, a significant early drop in blood pressure was associated with a higher incidence of WRF, increased risk of 60-day in-hospital mortality, and poorer prognoses.

A novel risk-predicted nomogram for acute kidney injury progression in decompensated cirrhosis: a double-center study in Vietnam

OBJECTIVES

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is commonly encountered in patients hospitalized for decompensated cirrhosis and is associated with prolonged hospital stays, increased treatment burden, and even mortality. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of and develop a predictive nomogram for AKI in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, double-center study involved 544 patients hospitalized with decompensated cirrhosis. Acute kidney injury was diagnosed using American Gastroenterological Association's guidelines with one more criterion: an increase in serum creatinine ≥ 0.3 mg/dL within 48 h or an increase in serum creatinine ≥ 50% compared to baseline serum creatinine or when the urine output is reduced below 0.5 mL/kg/h for > 6 h. We used the Bayesian model averaging method find the optimal model for predicting AKI. A predictive nomogram was also developed to enable risk prediction.

RESULTS

The overall AKI prevalence was 26.7% (95% Confidence interval [CI] 25.7-27.7). The optimal model for predicting AKI included diuretic therapy (odds ratio [OR]: 5.55; 95%CI 3.31-9.33), infection (OR: 2.06; 95%CI 1.31-3.22), ascites (OR: 3.20; 95%CT: 1.67-6.13), Child-Pugh group C (OR: 2.91; 95%CI 1.84-4.62), serum potassium (OR per 1 mmol/L increase: 1.62; 95%CI 1.25-2.1) and serum chloride (OR per 1 mmol/L decrease: 1.03; 95%CI 1.01-1.06). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.8, with a 95%CI ranging from 0.75 to 0.84.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute kidney injury was relatively common among patients hospitalized for decompensated cirrhosis. A novel nomogram-including diuretic therapy, infection, ascites, Child-Pugh group C, serum potassium and, serum chloride, was helpful for the selective screening of AKI in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Nephrology: Beyond Kidney Ultrasound

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has increasingly become an integral part of clinical practice, particularly in nephrology, where its use extends beyond renal assessment to include multi-organ evaluations. Despite challenges such as limited ultrasound training and equipment access, especially in low- and middle-income countries, the adoption of POCUS is steadily rising. This narrative review explores the growing role of multi-organ POCUS in nephrology, with applications ranging from the assessment of congestion phenotypes, cardiorenal syndrome, and hemodynamic acute kidney injury (AKI) to the evaluation of arteriovenous fistulas and electrolyte disorders. In nephrology, POCUS enhances clinical decision making by enabling rapid, bedside evaluations of fluid status, cardiac function, and arteriovenous access. Studies have demonstrated its utility in diagnosing and managing complications such as heart failure, cirrhosis, and volume overload in end-stage renal disease. Additionally, POCUS has proven valuable in assessing hemodynamic alterations that contribute to AKI, particularly in patients with heart failure, cirrhosis, and systemic congestion. This review highlights how integrating ultrasound techniques, including lung ultrasound, venous Doppler, and focused cardiac ultrasound, can guide fluid management and improve patient outcomes. With advancements in ultrasound technology, particularly affordable handheld devices, and the expansion of targeted training programs, the potential for POCUS to become a global standard tool in nephrology continues to grow, enabling improved care in diverse clinical settings.

Risk factors for postoperative morbidity after ventral hernia repair in patients with liver cirrhosis. A single tertiary center cohort

<b>Introduction:</b> Ventral hernias are common among patients with liver cirrhosis.<b>Aim:</b> The aim of our work was to evaluate potential risk factors for major postoperative morbidity after ventral hernia repair in cirrhotic patients.<b>Material and methods:</b> A retrospective cohort study was performed in 45 consecutive cirrhotic patients that underwent ventral hernia repair between 2005 and 2022. Major morbidity was defined as Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIa at 30 days postoperatively. Uni- and multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for major postoperative complications.<b>Results:</b> In our cohort, we observed an overall postoperative 30-day morbidity rate of 53.33% (n = 24), with 40% (n = 18) of cases classified as Clavien-Dindo IIIa or above. Elevated serum creatinine level preoperatively was identified as a statistically significant risk factor, both in the uni- as well as the multivariate analysis for major morbidity (OR = 31.08; 95%CI [29.51-32.65]; P = 0.028).<b>Conclusions:</b> Increased creatinine levels were found to be a significant modifiable factor for major morbidity after ventral hernia repair in cases with cirrhosis. This finding underlines the impact of preoperative medical management of cirrhotic patients on postoperative outcome in this patient population.

Association between serum magnesium concentrations and the risk of developing acute kidney injury in patients with cirrhosis: a retrospective cohort study based on the MIMIC-IV database

BACKGROUND

In various disease contexts, magnesium abnormalities are associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence. However, this association remains unclear and has not been systematically investigated in patients with cirrhosis. Hence, we aimed to elucidate the association between admission serum magnesium levels and AKI incidence in intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using MIMIC-IV2.2 data, focusing on critically ill patients with cirrhosis. We employed univariable and multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analyses to robustly address our research objectives. To further substantiate the findings, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also conducted.

RESULTS

Among the 3,228 enrolled ICU-admitted cirrhotic patients, 34.4% were female, and the overall AKI incidence was 68.6% (2,213/3,228). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed an independent relationship between elevated serum magnesium levels and increased AKI risk (OR = 1.55 [95% CI = 1.15-2.09], p = 0.004). Compared with individuals with serum magnesium levels < 1.6 mg/dL, individuals with serum magnesium levels in Q2 (1.6-2.6 mg/dL) and Q3 (≥2.6 mg/dL) had adjusted ORs for AKI of 1.89 (95% CI = 1.34-2.65, p < 0.001) and 2.19 (95% CI = 1.27-3.75, p = 0.005), respectively. The restricted cubic spline analysis revealed that AKI risk increased linearly with increasing serum magnesium levels. Subgroup analysis revealed that the association between serum magnesium levels and AKI incidence was remarkably stable in subgroup analysis (all Pinteraction >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

High serum magnesium concentrations were significantly associated with an increased AKI risk in ICU-admitted patients with cirrhosis. Further randomized trials are needed to confirm this association.

Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury Resolution and Associated Clinical Outcomes Among Hospitalized Patients with Cirrhosis

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the common complications of liver cirrhosis. It occurs in nearly 20% of patients with cirrhosis who are hospitalized. Prior literature demonstrated that the AKI occurrence in patients with cirrhosis is independently associated with higher mortality. However, there are data assessing predictors and outcomes of AKI resolution in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to identify clinical predictors of AKI resolution among inpatients with cirrhosis that are easily obtained and to evaluate the clinical outcomes of those patients. Methods: The current study is a retrospective cohort of patients with cirrhosis who were hospitalized and had AKI between 2012 and 2020 at a tertiary referral center. Patients included in this study were identified using the International Classification of Diseases 9 codes and then they were manually verified by two independent chart reviewers. AKI was classified according to the AKI Network (AKIN) serum creatinine (Cr) criteria, with AKIN resolution defined as AKIN stage 1 or lower at the time of discharge, while unresolved AKIN was defined as AKIN stage 2 or 3 at the time of discharge. For univariate analysis, Fisher's exact and the two-sample T-test were utilized. For multivariable analysis, stepwise logistic regression was performed to evaluate variables associated with AKIN resolution. Survival curves were estimated and compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and Log-Rank Test. A p-value cutoff of 0.05 was used for statistical significance. Results: Between 2012 and 2020, there were 140 patients who were included (59% males). The majority of patients had viral hepatitis (54%) as the cirrhosis etiology with 80% of them having hepatitis C virus. Most patients had fluid-responsive AKI (49%), and stage 1 AKIN (69%). In terms of outcomes, the majority of patients (117 patients; 84%) had AKIN resolution at the time of discharge. In the multivariable analysis, after adjusting for clinical meaningful variables, our study shows that higher albumin value at the time of admission (adjusted Odds Ratio "aOR" = 3.28; p = 0.01) and non-metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (non-MASLD) cirrhosis (aOR = 9.43; p < 0.01) were variables associated with higher odds of AKIN resolution at the time of discharge. Conversely, we show that a higher Cr value at the time of admission was associated with lower odds of AKIN resolution at the time of discharge (aOR = 0.31; p < 0.01). When evaluating mortality, patients with unresolved AKIN at the time of discharge had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (p < 0.01) compared to those with resolved AKIN. Survival curve analyses using the Kaplan-Meier method indicated that patients with resolved AKIN experienced higher 90-day survival rates (p < 0.01). Additionally, those with resolved AKIN demonstrated greater transplant-free survival compared to patients with unresolved AKIN at both the 1-year (p = 0.04) and 3-year (p < 0.01) follow-ups. Conclusions: When evaluating clinical predictors of AKIN resolution in admitted patients with cirrhosis, our study showed that a higher admission albumin value and non-MASLD etiology of cirrhosis were associated with higher odds of AKIN resolution at the time of discharge. Conversely, a higher admission Cr value was associated with lower odds of AKIN resolution at the time of discharge. We also demonstrate that AKIN resolution during index admission was associated with improved short- and long-term transplant-free survival (up to 3 years). Our findings warrant external validation in larger cohorts to further evaluate the impact of inpatient AKI resolution on cirrhosis outcomes. Our findings can help clinicians predict AKIN outcomes and encourage more aggressive management of AKI, especially in high-risk patients, which can improve mortality.

Impact of Renal Replacement Therapy on Outcomes of Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Acute Liver Failure: A Cohort Study

Despite the promising role of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in acute liver failure (ALF), high-risk patients need liver transplantation and remain at risk for death due to cerebral complications. The objective of this study was to report outcomes of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for ALF with perioperative RRT. This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Out of 1167 LDLTs, 24 patients had ALF and met the King's College criteria for transplantation. They were categorized into no-RRT (n = 13) and RRT (n = 11) groups. We looked at 1-year posttransplant survival in these patients. The median serum ammonia level at the time of transplant in the no-RRT and RRT groups was 259.5 mcg/dL (222.7-398) and 70.6 mcg/dL (58.1-92.6) (p = 0.005). In the RRT group, serum ammonia level < 100 mcg/dL was achieved in all patients. Seven (53.8%) patients in the no-RRT group and 11/11 (100%) in the RRT group were extubated and regained full consciousness after LDLT (p = 0.013). The 90-day mortality was 6/13 (46.1%) and 2/11 (18.1%) (p = 0.211). There was no brainstem herniation-related mortality in the RRT group, that is, 5/13 (38.4%) and 0/11 (0%) (p = 0.030). The 1-year posttransplant survival was also significantly higher in the RRT group (p = 0.031). The use of RRT lowers serum ammonia levels and might reduce posttransplant mortality due to brainstem herniation.

Targeting SIRT2 in Aging-Associated Fibrosis Pathophysiology

Aging is a complex biological process that involves multi-level structural and physiological changes. Aging is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. The accumulation of senescent cells changes the tissue microenvironment and is closely associated with the occurrence and development of tissue and organ fibrosis. Fibrosis is the result of dysregulated tissue repair response in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. Recent studies have clearly indicated that SIRT2 is involved in regulating the progression of fibrosis, making it a potential target for anti-fibrotic drugs. SIRT2 is a NAD+ dependent histone deacetylase, shuttling between nucleus and cytoplasm, and is highly expressed in liver, kidney and heart, playing an important role in the occurrence and development of aging and fibrosis. Therefore, we summarized the role of SIRT2 in liver, kidney and cardiac fibrosis during aging.

T1 mapping combined with arterial spin labeling MRI to identify renal injury in patients with liver cirrhosis

Purpose

We investigated the capability and imaging criteria of T1 mapping and arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI to identify renal injury in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods

We recruited 27 patients with cirrhosis and normal renal function (cirrhosis-NR), 10 with cirrhosis and renal dysfunction (cirrhosis-RD) and 23 normal controls (NCs). All participants were examined via renal T1 mapping and ASL imaging. Renal blood flow (RBF) derived from ASL was measured from the renal cortex, and T1 values were measured from the renal parenchyma (cortex and medulla). MRI parameters were compared between groups. Diagnostic performances for detecting renal impairment were statistically analyzed.

Results

Cortical T1 (cT1) and medullary T1 (mT1) were significantly lower in the NCs than in the cirrhosis-NR group. The cortical RBF showed no significant changes between the NCs and cirrhosis-NR group but was markedly decreased in the cirrhosis-RD group. The areas under the curve (AUCs) for discriminating cirrhosis-NR from NCs were 0.883 and 0.826 by cT1 and mT1, respectively. Cortical RBF identified cirrhosis-RD with AUC of 0.978, and correlated with serum creatinine (r = -0.334) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = 0.483). A classification and regression tree based on cortical RBF and cT1 achieved 85% accuracy in detecting renal impairment in the cirrhosis.

Conclusion

Renal T1 values might be sensitive predictors of early renal impairment in patients with cirrhosis-NR. RBF enabled quantifying renal perfusion impairment in patients with cirrhosis-RD. The diagnostic algorithm based on cortical RBF and T1 values allowed detecting renal injury during cirrhosis.

Position paper on perioperative management and surgical risk in the patient with cirrhosis

INTRODUCTION

Management of the patient with cirrhosis of the liver that requires surgical treatment has been relatively unexplored. In Mexico, there is currently no formal stance or expert recommendations to guide clinical decision-making in this context.

AIMS

The present position paper reviews the existing evidence on risks, prognoses, precautions, special care, and specific management or procedures for patients with cirrhosis that require surgical interventions or invasive procedures. Our aim is to provide recommendations by an expert panel, based on the best published evidence, and consequently ensure timely, quality, efficient, and low-risk care for this specific group of patients.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven recommendations were developed that address preoperative considerations, intraoperative settings, and postoperative follow-up and care.

CONCLUSIONS

The assessment and care of patients with cirrhosis that require major surgical or invasive procedures should be overseen by a multidisciplinary team that includes the anesthesiologist, hepatologist, gastroenterologist, and clinical nutritionist. With respect to decompensated patients, a nephrology specialist may be required, given that kidney function is also a parameter involved in the prognosis of these patients.

Sound waves and solutions: Point-of-care ultrasonography for acute kidney injury in cirrhosis

This article delves into the intricate challenges of acute kidney injury (AKI) in cirrhosis, a condition fraught with high morbidity and mortality. The complexities arise from distinguishing between various causes of AKI, particularly hemodynamic AKI, in cirrhotic patients, who experience hemodynamic changes due to portal hypertension. The term "hepatocardiorenal syndrome" is introduced to encapsulate the intricate interplay among the liver, heart, and kidneys. The narrative emphasizes the often-overlooked aspect of cardiac function in AKI assessments in cirrhosis, unveiling the prevalence of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy marked by impaired diastolic function. The conventional empiric approach involving volume expansion and vasopressors for hepatorenal syndrome is critically analyzed, highlighting potential risks and variable patient responses. We advocate for a nuanced algorithm for AKI evaluation in cirrhosis, prominently featuring point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS). POCUS applications encompass assessing fluid tolerance, detecting venous congestion, and evaluating cardiac function.

Applying Metabolomics and Aptamer-based Proteomics to Determine Pathophysiologic Differences in Decompensated Cirrhosis Patients Hospitalized with Acute Kidney Injury

A case-control study of 97 patients hospitalized at our institution. We performed aptamer-based proteomics and metabolomics on serum biospecimens obtained within 72 hours of admission. We compared the proteome and metabolome by the AKI phenotype (i.e., HRS-AKI, ATN) and by AKI recovery (decrease in sCr within 0.3 mg/dL of baseline) using ANCOVA analyses adjusting for demographics and clinical characteristics. We completed Random Forest (RF) analyses to identify metabolites and proteins associated with AKI phenotype and recovery. Lasso regression models were developed to highlight metabolites and proteins could improve diagnostic accuracy. Results: ANCOVA analyses showed no metabolomic or proteomic differences by AKI phenotype while identifying differences by AKI recovery status. Our RF and Lasso analyses showed that metabolomics can improve the diagnostic accuracy of both AKI diagnosis and recovery, and aptamer-based proteomics can enhance the diagnostic accuracy of AKI recovery. Discussion: Our analyses provide novel insight into pathophysiologic pathways, highlighting the metabolomic and proteomic similarities between patients with cirrhosis with HRS-AKI and ATN while also identifying differences between those with and without AKI recovery.

Review article: Recent advances in ascites and acute kidney injury management in cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Better understanding of disease pathophysiology has led to advances in managing ascites and its associated complications including hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney Injury (HRS-AKI), especially medicinal and interventional advances.

AIM

To review the latest changes in the management of ascites and HRS-AKI.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in Pubmed, using the keywords cirrhosis, ascites, renal dysfunction, acute kidney injury, hepatorenal syndrome, beta-blockers, albumin, TIPS and vasoconstrictors, including only publications in English.

RESULTS

The medicinal advances include earlier treatment of clinically significant portal hypertension to delay the onset of ascites and the use of human albumin solution to attenuate systemic inflammation thus improving the haemodynamic changes associated with cirrhosis. Furthermore, new classes of drugs such as sodium glucose co-transporter 2 are being investigated for use in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. For HRS-AKI management, newer pharmacological agents such as vasopressin partial agonists and relaxin are being studied. Interventional advances include the refinement of TIPS technique and patient selection to improve outcomes in patients with refractory ascites. The development of the alfa pump system and the study of outcomes associated with the use of long-term palliative abdominal drain will also serve to improve the quality of life in patients with refractory ascites.

CONCLUSIONS

New treatment strategies emerged from better understanding of the pathophysiology of ascites and HRS-AKI have shown improved prognosis in these patients. The future will see many of these approaches confirmed in large multi-centre clinical trials with the aim to benefit the patients with ascites and HRS-AKI.

Evaluation of terlipressin-related patient outcomes in hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury using point-of-care echocardiography

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Treatment of hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI), with terlipressin and albumin, provides survival benefits, but may be associated with cardiopulmonary complications. We analyzed the predictors of terlipressin response and mortality using point-of-care echocardiography (POC-Echo) and cardiac and renal biomarkers.

APPROACH

Between December 2021 and January 2023, patients with HRS-AKI were assessed with POC-Echo and lung ultrasound within 6 hours of admission, at the time of starting terlipressin (48 h), and at 72 hours. Volume expansion was done with 20% albumin, followed by terlipressin infusion. Clinical data, POC-Echo data, and serum biomarkers were prospectively collected. Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) was defined per 2020 criteria.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty patients were enrolled (84% men, 59% alcohol-associated disease, mean MELD-Na 25±SD 5.6). A median daily dose of infused terlipressin was 4.3 (interquartile range: 3.9-4.6) mg/day; mean duration 6.4 ± SD 1.9 days; the complete response was in 62% and partial response in 11%. Overall mortality was 14% and 16% at 30 and 90 days, respectively. Cutoffs for prediction of terlipressin nonresponse were cardiac variables [ratio of early mitral inflow velocity and mitral annular early diastolic tissue doppler velocity > 12.5 (indicating increased left filling pressures, C-statistic: 0.774), tissue doppler mitral velocity < 7 cm/s (indicating impaired relaxation; C-statistic: 0.791), > 20.5% reduction in cardiac index at 72 hours (C-statistic: 0.885); p < 0.001] and pretreatment biomarkers (CysC > 2.2 mg/l, C-statistic: 0.640 and N-terminal proBNP > 350 pg/mL, C-statistic: 0.655; p <0.050). About 6% of all patients with HRS-AKI and 26% of patients with CCM had pulmonary edema. The presence of CCM (adjusted HR 1.9; CI: 1.8-4.5, p = 0.009) and terlipressin nonresponse (adjusted HR 5.2; CI: 2.2-12.2, p <0.001) were predictors of mortality independent of age, sex, obesity, DM-2, etiology, and baseline creatinine.

CONCLUSIONS

CCM and reduction in cardiac index, reliably predict terlipressin nonresponse. CCM is independently associated with poor survival in HRS-AKI.

Decreased need for RRT in liver transplant recipients after pretransplant treatment of hepatorenal syndrome-type 1 with terlipressin

Hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI), a serious complication of decompensated cirrhosis, has limited therapeutic options and significant morbidity and mortality. Terlipressin improves renal function in some patients with HRS-1, while liver transplantation (LT) is a curative treatment for advanced chronic liver disease. Renal failure post-LT requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) is a major risk factor for graft and patient survival. A post hoc analysis with a 12-month follow-up of LT recipients from a placebo-controlled trial of terlipressin (CONFIRM; NCT02770716) was conducted to evaluate the need for RRT and overall survival. Patients with HRS-1 were treated with terlipressin plus albumin or placebo plus albumin for up to 14 days. RRT was defined as any type of procedure that replaced kidney function. Outcomes compared between groups included the incidence of HRS-1 reversal, the need for RRT (pretransplant and posttransplant), and overall survival. Of the 300 patients in CONFIRM (terlipressin n = 199; placebo, n = 101), 70 (23%) underwent LT alone (terlipressin, n = 43; placebo, n = 27) and 5 had simultaneous liver-kidney transplant (terlipressin, n = 3, placebo, n = 2). The rate of HRS reversal was significantly higher in the terlipressin group compared with the placebo group (37%, n = 16 vs. 15%, n = 4; p = 0.033). The pretransplant need for RRT was significantly lower among those who received terlipressin ( p = 0.007). The posttransplant need for RRT, at 12 months, was significantly lower among those patients who received terlipressin and were alive at Day 365, compared to placebo ( p = 0.009). Pretransplant treatment with terlipressin plus albumin in patients with HRS-1 decreased the need for RRT pretransplant and posttransplant.

Prognostic significance of acute kidney injury stage 1B in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis: A US nationwide study

Understanding the prognostic significance of acute kidney injury (AKI) stage 1B [serum creatinine (sCr) ≥1.5 mg/dL] compared with stage 1A (sCr < 1.5 mg/dL) in a US population is important as it can impact initial management decisions for AKI in hospitalized cirrhosis patients. Therefore, we aimed to define outcomes associated with stage 1B in a nationwide US cohort of hospitalized cirrhosis patients with AKI. Hospitalized cirrhosis patients with AKI in the Cerner-Health-Facts database from January 2009 to September 2017 (n = 6250) were assessed for AKI stage 1 (≥1.5-2-fold increase in sCr from baseline) and were followed for 90 days for outcomes. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality; secondary outcomes were in-hospital AKI progression and AKI recovery. Competing-risk multivariable analysis was performed to determine the independent association between stage 1B, 90-day mortality (liver transplant as a competing risk), and AKI recovery (death/liver transplant as a competing risk). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent association between stage 1B and AKI progression. In all, 4654 patients with stage 1 were analyzed: 1A (44.3%) and 1B (55.7%). Stage 1B patients had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of 90-day mortality compared with stage 1A patients, 27.2% versus 19.7% ( p < 0.001). In multivariable competing-risk analysis, patients with stage 1B (vs. 1A) had a higher risk for mortality at 90 days [sHR 1.52 (95% CI 1.20-1.92), p = 0.001] and decreased probability for AKI recovery [sHR 0.76 (95% CI 0.69-0.83), p < 0.001]. Furthermore, in multivariable logistic regression analysis, AKI stage 1B (vs. 1A) was independently associated with AKI progression, OR 1.42 (95% CI 1.14-1.72) ( p < 0.001). AKI stage 1B patients have a significantly higher risk for 90-day mortality, AKI progression, and reduced probability of AKI recovery compared with AKI stage 1A patients. These results could guide initial management decisions for AKI in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis.

Hepatorenal Syndrome With Acute Kidney Injury: Diagnosis and Medical Management

OBJECTIVES

To review the current definitions and diagnostic criteria for acute kidney injury (AKI) and type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) now termed HRS-AKI and discuss the challenges in deciding the most appropriate medication regimens to treat patients with HRS-AKI.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed (inception to April 2023) with bibliographies of retrieved articles searched for additional articles; organizational websites for clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating albumin and vasoconstrictors for HRS-AKI.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A major change in the most recent revision of definitions and diagnostic criteria for HRS-AKI is the elimination of the set cutoff serum creatinine values for AKI. This change should be considered when comparing studies of HRS-AKI over time. Albumin has been administered to both vasoconstrictor treatment and placebo groups in all recent RCTs; however, there has never been a large RCT evaluating a no-albumin group. Most prospective trials comparing a midodrine/octreotide combination or norepinephrine to placebo or terlipressin have enrolled less than 100 patients limiting any conclusions regarding clinically important outcomes. Terlipressin with albumin has shown mixed results for complete HRS-AKI reversal with no reductions in crude mortality but adverse effect concerns involving ischemic and pulmonary events.

RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

Type 1 hepatorenal syndrome with acute kidney injury is a potentially life-threatening syndrome with diagnostic and treatment challenges. Albumin plus a vasoconstrictor has become the routine HRS-AKI treatment even though there has not been a large RCT evaluating a no-albumin group. Terlipressin is the vasoconstrictor of choice for HRS-AKI in current CPGs, but it has adverse effect concerns and, until recently, was not available in the United States.

CONCLUSIONS

In conjunction with changes in the definitions and diagnostic criteria for HRS-AKI, debate continues regarding the optimal therapy for HRS-AKI, particularly considering recent trials demonstrating ischemic and pulmonary adverse events with terlipressin used in combination with albumin.

Development and validation of prognostic nomogram for cirrhotic patients with acute kidney injury upon ICU admission

This study aims to develop and validate a prognostic nomogram that accurately predicts the short-term survival rate of cirrhotic patients with acute kidney damage (AKI) upon ICU admission. For this purpose, we examined the admission data of 3060 cirrhosis patients with AKI from 2008 to 2019 in the MIMIC-IV database. All included patients were randomly assigned to derivation and validation cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. The derivation cohort used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model to identify independent predictors of AKI. A prognostic nomogram was constructed via multivariate logistic regression analysis in the derivation cohort and subsequently verified in the validation cohort. Nomogram's discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility were evaluated using the C-index, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA). A total of 2138 patients were enrolled in the derivation cohort, with a median follow-up period of 15 days, a median survival time of 41 days, and a death rate of 568 patients (26.6%). The cumulative survival rates at 15 and 30 days were 75.8% and 57.5%, respectively. The results of the multivariate analysis indicated that advanced AKI stage, use of vasoactive drugs, advanced age, lower levels of ALB, lower mean sBp, longer INR, and longer PT were all independent risk factors that significantly influenced the all-cause mortality of cirrhosis patients with AKI (all p < 0.01). The C-indices for the derivation and the validation cohorts were 0.821 (95% CI 0.800-0.842) and 0.831 (95% CI 0.810-0.852), respectively. The model's calibration plot demonstrated high consistency between predicted and actual probabilities. Furthermore, the DCA showed that the nomogram was clinically valuable. Therefore, the developed and internally validated prognostic nomogram exhibited favorable discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility in forecasting the 15-day and 30-day survival rates of cirrhosis patients with AKI upon admission to the ICU.

Portal hypertension and emergency care

OBJECTIVE

Aim: To evaluate the peculiarities of the course of complications and the provision of care for portal hypertension associated with the development of diureticresistant ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, and variceal bleeding.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and Methods: This research is based on a review of the literature in PubMed, CrossRef, Google Scholar sources on complicated portal hypertension. Such complications of portal hypertension as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, ascites, hepatorenal sуndrome, variceal bleeding caused by sinistral portal hypertension are considered. The effectiveness of interventional treatment methods and laparoscopic surgical interventions has been demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: Diagnosis and treatment of patients with complicated portal hypertension requires a multidisciplinary approach, which is due to the diverse pathophysiological process of portal hypertension. The possibilities of providing emergency care to this category of patients depend on the level of medical training of the staff, the possibilities of medical and technical support in the provision of interventional care, the ineffectiveness of which necessitates surgical treatment using minimally invasive technologies.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on the Use of Vasoactive Drugs and Intravenous Albumin in Cirrhosis: Expert Review

DESCRIPTION

Cirrhosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide. It consists of compensated, decompensated, and further decompensated stages; median survival is more than 15 years, 2 years, and 9 months for each stage, respectively. With each stage, there is progressive worsening of portal hypertension and the vasodilatory-hyperdynamic circulatory state, resulting in a progressive decrease in effective arterial blood volume and renal perfusion. Vasoconstrictors reduce portal pressure via splanchnic vasoconstriction and are used in the management of variceal hemorrhage. Intravenous (IV) albumin increases effective arterial blood volume and is used in the prevention of acute kidney injury (AKI) and death after large-volume paracentesis and in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). The combination of vasoconstrictors and albumin is used in the reversal of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS-AKI), the most lethal complication of cirrhosis. Because a potent vasoconstrictor, terlipressin, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and because recent trials have explored use of IV albumin in other settings, it was considered that a best practice update would be relevant regarding the use of vasoactive drugs and IV albumin in the following 3 specific scenarios: variceal hemorrhage, ascites and SBP, and HRS.

METHODS

This expert review was commissioned and approved by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee and the AGA Governing Board to provide timely guidance on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership. It underwent internal peer review through standard procedures of Gastroenterology. These Best Practice Advice statements were drawn from a review of the published literature and from expert opinion. Some of the statements are unchanged from published guidelines because of lack of new evidence in the literature. Because systematic reviews were not performed, these Best Practice Advice statements do not carry formal ratings regarding the quality and evidence or strength of the presented considerations. Best Practice Advice Statements BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: Vasoactive drugs should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis of variceal hemorrhage is suspected or confirmed, preferably before diagnostic and/or therapeutic endoscopy. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: After initial endoscopic hemostasis, vasoactive drugs should be continued for 2-5 days to prevent early rebleeding. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: Octreotide is the vasoactive drug of choice in the management of variceal hemorrhage based on its safety profile. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: IV albumin should be administered at the time of large-volume (>5 L) paracentesis. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: IV albumin may be considered in patients with SBP. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: Albumin should not be used in patients (hospitalized or not) with cirrhosis and uncomplicated ascites. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: Vasoconstrictors should not be used in the management of uncomplicated ascites, after large-volume paracentesis or in patients with SBP. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 8: IV albumin is the volume expander of choice in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and ascites presenting with AKI. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 9: Vasoactive drugs (eg, terlipressin, norepinephrine, and combination of octreotide and midodrine) should be used in the treatment of HRS-AKI, but not in other forms of AKI in cirrhosis. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 10: Terlipressin is the vasoactive drug of choice in the treatment of HRS-AKI and use of concurrent albumin can be considered when accounting for patient's volume status. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 11: Terlipressin treatment does not require intensive care unit monitoring and can be administered intravenously through a peripheral line. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 12: Terlipressin use is contraindicated in patients with hypoxemia and in patients with ongoing coronary, peripheral, or mesenteric ischemia, and should be used with caution in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure grade 3. The benefits may not outweigh the risks in patients with serum creatinine >5 mg/dL and in patients listed for transplantation with a Model for End-stage Liver Disease ≥35.

Hepatorenal Syndrome-Novel Insights into Diagnostics and Treatment

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a disorder associated with cirrhosis and renal impairment, with portal hypertension as its major underlying cause. Moreover, HRS is the third most common cause of acute kidney injury, thus creating a major public health concern. This review summarizes the available information on the pathophysiological implications of HRS. We discuss pathogenesis associated with HRS. Mechanisms such as dysfunction of the circulatory system, bacterial infection, inflammation, impaired renal autoregulation, circulatory, and others, which have been identified as critical pathways for development of HRS, have become easier to diagnose in recent years. Additionally, relatively recently, renal dysfunction biomarkers have been found indicating renal injury, which are involved in the pathophysiology of HRS. This review also summarizes the available information on the management of HRS, focusing on vasoconstrictive drugs, renal replacement therapy, and liver transplant together with currently being investigated novel therapies. Analyzing new discoveries for the underlying causes of this condition assists the general research to improve understanding of the mechanism of pathophysiology and thus prevention of HRS.

A Comprehensive Review of the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Liver Failure

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare and specific form of severe hepatic dysfunction characterized by coagulopathy and hepatic encephalopathy in a patient with no known liver disease. ALF carries a high morbidity and mortality. Careful attention should be given to hemodynamics and metabolic parameters along with the active surveillance of infections. Timely transfer and supportive management are important in an intensive care unit in a liver transplant center. Identifying patients who will and will not improve with medical management and may need emergent liver transplantation is critical. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update on the etiology, diagnosis, and management of ALF.

Development of a nomogram for the prediction of acute kidney injury after liver transplantation: a model based on clinical parameters and postoperative cystatin C level

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common after liver transplantation (LT). We developed a nomogram model to predict post-LT AKI.

METHODS

A total of 120 patients were eligible for inclusion in the study. Clinical information was extracted from the institutional electronic medical record system. Blood samples were collected prior to surgery and immediately after surgery. Univariable and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify independent risk factors. Finally, a nomogram was developed based on the final multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

In total, 58 (48.3%) patients developed AKI. Multivariable logistic regression revealed four independent risk factors for post-LT AKI: operation duration [odds ratio (OR) = 1.728, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.121-2.663, p = 0.013], intraoperative hypotension (OR = 3.235, 95% CI = 1.316-7.952, p = 0.011), postoperative cystatin C level (OR = 1.002, 95% CI = 1.001-1.004, p = 0.005) and shock (OR = 4.002, 95% CI = 0.893-17.945, p = 0.070). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate model discrimination. The area under the curve value was 0.815 (95% CI = 0.737-0.894).

CONCLUSION

The model based on combinations of clinical parameters and postoperative cystatin C levels had a higher predictive performance for post-LT AKI than the model based on clinical parameters or postoperative cystatin C level alone. Additionally, we developed an easy-to-use nomogram based on the final model, which could aid in the early detection of AKI and improve the prognosis of patients after LT.

Effect of different infusion approaches on safety and efficacy of terlipressin: Current controversies

Terlipressin, a synthetic analog of vasopressin, has been widely used to treat acute variceal bleeding, hepatorenal syndrome, and other complications of cirrhosis. However, among different infusion approaches of terlipressin, its safety and efficacy are also heterogeneous. Previous studies have demonstrated that continuous infusion of terlipressin is more effective with a lower incidence of adverse events than intermittent intravenous infusion. This paper aims to review the relevant literature and summarize the data regarding the safety and effectiveness of different infusion approaches of terlipressin to guide clinical practice.

Intensive care management of acute-on-chronic liver failure

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a clinical syndrome defined by an acute deterioration of the liver function associated with extrahepatic organ failures requiring intensive care support and associated with a high short-term mortality. ACLF has emerged as a major cause of mortality in patients with cirrhosis and chronic liver disease. ACLF has a unique pathophysiology in which systemic inflammation plays a key role; this provides the basis of novel therapies, several of which are now in clinical trials. Intensive care unit (ICU) therapy parallels that applied in the general ICU population in some organ failures but has peculiar differential characteristics in others. Critical care management strategies and the option of liver transplantation (LT) should be balanced with futility considerations in those with a poor prognosis. Nowadays, LT is the only life-saving treatment that can radically improve the long-term prognosis of patients with ACLF. This narrative review will provide insights on the current understanding of ACLF with emphasis on intensive care management.

Renal damage in Hepatorenal Syndrome: A still unsolved issue

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of cirrhosis, burdened by high morbidity and mortality rates and progression to chronic kidney disease. Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a peculiar type of functional AKI observed in cirrhotic patients with ascites. HRS diagnosis is still clinical, once pre-renal azotemia and intrinsic kidney damage have been excluded by applying well-established and internationally adopted criteria. HRS is considered reversible because of the absence of intrinsic renal damage. However, HRS reversibility has been questioned, due to the lack of response to treatment with vasoconstrictors plus albumin in a relevant percentage of patients and to the persistence of renal dysfunction in HRS patients who underwent liver transplantation (LT). Indeed, LT is the only ultimate treatment, as it solves both liver failure and portal hypertension. Thus, the presence of renal damage in HRS can be hypothesized. In this scenario, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), one of the most promising biomarkers, may help in characterizing the type of renal injury, distinguishing between HRS and acute tubular necrosis. This review gathers the available evidence in favor and against the presence of structural lesions in HRS in terms of either renal histology and urinary biomarkers with a particular focus on NGAL. The ability to properly characterize which component of renal dysfunction prevails - functional rather than structural - entails a relevant clinical impact for the treatment of these patients, both in terms of medical therapy and liver vs. combined liver-kidney transplantation.

Quantifying days at home in patients with cirrhosis: A national cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Days at home (DAH) is a patient-centric metric developed by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, capturing annual health care use, including and beyond hospitalizations and mortality. We quantified DAH and assessed factors associated with DAH differences among patients with cirrhosis.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Using a national claims database (Optum) between 2014 and 2018, we calculated DAH (365 minus mortality, inpatient, observation, postacute, and emergency department days). Among 20,776,597 patients, 63,477 had cirrhosis (median age, 66, 52% males, and 63% non-Hispanic White). Age-adjusted mean DAH for cirrhosis was 335.1 days (95% CI: 335.0 to 335.2) vs 360.1 (95% CI: 360.1 to 360.1) without cirrhosis. In mixed-effects linear regression, adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics, patients with decompensated cirrhosis spent 15.2 days (95% CI: 14.4 to 15.8) in postacute, emergency, and observation settings and 13.8 days (95% CI: 13.5 to 14.0) hospitalized. Hepatic encephalopathy (-29.2 d, 95% CI: -30.4 to -28.0), ascites (-34.6 d, 95% CI: -35.3 to -33.9), and combined ascites and hepatic encephalopathy (-63.8 d, 95% CI: -65.0 to -62.6) were associated with decreased DAH. Variceal bleeding was not associated with a change in DAH (-0.2 d, 95% CI: -1.6 to +1.1). Among hospitalized patients, during the 365 days after index hospitalization, patients with cirrhosis had fewer age-adjusted DAH (272.8 d, 95% CI: 271.5 to 274.1) than congestive heart failure (288.0 d, 95% CI: 287.7 to 288.3) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (296.6 d, 95% CI: 296.3 to 297.0).

CONCLUSIONS

In this national study, we found that patients with cirrhosis spend as many, if not more, cumulative days receiving postacute, emergency, and observational care, as hospitalized care. Ultimately, up to 2 months of DAH are lost annually with the onset of liver decompensation. DAH may be a useful metric for patients and health systems alike.

Effects of melatonin against acute kidney injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Melatonin is a hormone synthesized by the pineal gland, and has antioxidative effects in reducing acute kidney injury (AKI). In the past three years, an increasing number of studies have evaluated whether melatonin has a protective effect on AKI. The study systematically reviewed and assessed the efficacy and safety of melatonin in preventing AKI.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases on February 15, 2023. Eligible records were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The odds ratio and Hedges' gwith the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were selected to evaluate the effects of melatonin on AKI. We pooled extracted data using a fixed- or random-effects model based on a heterogeneity test.

RESULTS

There were five studies (one cohort study and four randomized controlled trials) included in the meta-analysis. Although the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) may be significantly improved by melatonin, the incidence of AKI was not significantly decreased in the melatonin group compared with the control group in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the present results do not support a direct effect of melatonin use on the reduction of AKI. More well-designed clinical studies with larger sample size are required in the future.

Recent advances in pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of hepatorenal syndrome: A review

Hepatorenal syndrome with acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI) is a form of rapidly progressive kidney dysfunction in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and/or acute severe liver injury such as acute liver failure. Current data suggest that HRS-AKI occurs secondary to circulatory dysfunction characterized by marked splanchnic vasodilation, leading to reduction of effective arterial blood volume and glomerular filtration rate. Thus, volume expansion and splanchnic vasoconstriction constitute the mainstay of medical therapy. However, a significant proportion of patients do not respond to medical management. These patients often require renal replacement therapy and may be eligible for liver or combined liver-kidney transplantation. Although there have been advances in the management of patients with HRS-AKI including novel biomarkers and medications, better-calibrated studies, more widely available biomarkers, and improved prognostic models are sorely needed to further improve diagnosis and treatment of HRS-AKI.

Kidney disease in patients with chronic liver disease: Does sex matter?

Kidney disease in patients with liver disease is serious and increases mortality. Up to 50% of patients hospitalized experience an episode of acute kidney injury. In general, men with liver disease are thought to be at increased risk of kidney disease. However, this association should be considered with caution because most studies use creatinine-based inclusion criteria, which is negatively biased against women. In this review, we synthesize data on sex differences in kidney disease in patients with chronic liver disease in the clinical setting and discuss potential physiologic underpinnings.

Cirrhosis, a Global and Challenging Disease

Cirrhosis is the result of sustained liver damage leading to the diffusion of hepatic fibrosis, wherein the normal hepatic architecture is replaced by abnormally organized nodules separated by fibrous septa that connect the different vascular structures of the hepatic lobule [...].