Effects of surgical procedures on the occurrence and development of postoperative portal vein thrombosis in patients with cirrhosis complicated by portal hypertension

The etiology of chronic splanchnic vein thrombosis in adults: a two-center analysis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) are rare vascular disorders with both well-recognized and less commonly identified etiologies.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the etiologies of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), thereby enhancing improving early detection and management strategies for these conditions. A retrospective review was undertaken to identify the etiologies of PVT and BCS.

METHODS

A detailed clinical evaluation was performed and all underlying diseases, such as MPD, and related conditions (e.g. surgery) associated with thrombosis were recorded.

RESULTS

The study comprised a total of 73 patients, with 58 diagnosed with PVT and 15 with BCS. Of these patients, 56 (76.7%) had at least one underlying disease. The most prevalent underlying diseases in patients with PVT were cirrhosis (32/58, 55.2%), myeloproliferative disease (3/58, 5.2%), malignancy (4/58, 6.9%), and rheumatological conditions (4/58, 6.9%). For BCS, 11/15 patients (73.3%) had at least one predisposing condition, including cirrhosis in six cases. Congenital causes were identified in 16/58 cases of PVT (27.6%), in 7/15 cases of BCS (46.7%). Thirty-two patients had previously undergone gastrointestinal surgery (PVT 24/58, BCS 8/15); surgery was the sole etiology in 15/73 patients (20.5%). Homocysteinemia was common (PVT 20/58, BCS 5/15). A multitude of rare etiologies were identified, including paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, Crohn's disease, nephrotic syndrome, drug therapies, pregnancy, JAK2 mutation, and elevated factor VIII or fibrinogen.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a wide range of diverse frequent-infrequent etiologies of congenital or acquired splanchnic vein thrombosis in this cohort underscores the necessity for the implementation of appropriate diagnostic strategies in a broad spectrum of at-risk patients.

Nomogram-based prediction of portal vein system thrombosis formation after splenectomy in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration

Objective

Splenectomy is a vital treatment method for hypersplenism with portal hypertension. However, portal venous system thrombosis (PVST) is a serious problem after splenectomy. Therefore, constructing an effective visual risk prediction model is important for preventing, diagnosing, and treating early PVST in hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD) surgical patients.

Methods

Between January 2016 and December 2021, 309 HLD patients were selected. The data were split into a development set (215 cases from January 2016 to December 2019) and a validation set (94 cases from January 2019 to December 2021). Patients' clinical characteristics and laboratory examinations were obtained from electronic medical record system, and PVST was diagnosed using Doppler ultrasound. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to establish the prediction model by variables filtered by LASSO regression, and a nomogram was drawn. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test were used to evaluate the differentiation and calibration of the model. Clinical net benefit was evaluated by using decision curve analysis (DCA). The 36-month survival of PVST was studied as well.

Results

Seven predictive variables were screened out using LASSO regression analysis, including grade, POD14D-dimer (Postoperative day 14 D-dimer), POD7PLT (Postoperative day 7 platelet), PVD (portal vein diameter), PVV (portal vein velocity), PVF (portal vein flow), and SVD (splenic vein diameter). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that all seven predictive variables had predictive values (P < 0.05). According to the prediction variables, the diagnosis model and predictive nomogram of PVST cases were constructed. The AUC under the ROC curve obtained from the prediction model was 0.812 (95% CI: 0.756-0.869) in the development set and 0.839 (95% CI: 0.756-0.921) in the validation set. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test fitted well (P = 0.858 for development set; P = 0.137 for validation set). The nomogram model was found to be clinically useful by DCA. The 36-month survival rate of three sites of PVST was significantly different from that of one (P = 0.047) and two sites (P = 0.023).

Conclusion

The proposed nomogram-based prediction model can predict postoperative PVST. Meanwhile, an earlier intervention should be performed on three sites of PVST.

Research on Portal Venous Hemodynamics and Influencing Factors of Portal Vein System Thrombosis for Wilson’s Disease after Splenectomy

Objective

Splenectomy is one crucial solution for hypersplenism with portal hypertension. However, portal vein system thrombosis (PVST) caused by hemodynamic changes affects the prognosis of patients. We analyze the changes in portal vein hemodynamics following splenectomy for Wilson’s disease combined with portal hypertension and the influencing factors that lead to PVST.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, in which 237 Wilson’s disease patients with hypersplenism underwent splenectomy. The hemodynamic indices of the portal vein were monitored before surgery and on the 1st, 7th, and 14th days around surgery. The patients were divided into PVST and non-PVST groups. The clinical factors were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The Logit P was calculated according to the logistic regression prediction model, and the ROC curve for each independent factor was plotted.

Results

The portal vein velocity, flow, and inner diameter showed a downward trend around surgery, with statistically significant differences between each time point (P < 0.01). The PVST incidence rate was 55.7%. Univariate analysis revealed that the platelet (PLT) levels on the postoperative 3rd and 7th days (P = 0.001; P < 0.001), D-dimer (D-D) on the postoperative 7th and 14th days (P = 0.002; P < 0.001), preoperative portal vein velocity, flow, diameter (P < 0.001), and splenic vein diameter (P < 0.001) were all statistically and significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression revealed a significant increase in PLT on the postoperative 7th day (OR = 1.043, 95% CI, 1.027–1.060, P < 0.001) and D-D on the postoperative 14th day (OR = 1.846, 95% CI, 1.400–2.435, P < 0.001). Preoperative portal and splenic vein diameters (OR = 1.565, 95% CI, 1.213–2.019, P = 0.001; OR = 1.671, 95% CI, 1.305–2.140, P < 0.001) were the risk factors for PVST. However, preoperative portal vein velocity and flow (OR = 0.578, 95% CI, 0.409–0.818, P = 0.002; OR = 0.987, 95% CI, 0.975–0.990, P = 0.046) were protective factors for PVST. Logit P was calculated using a logistic regression prediction model with a cut-off value of −0.32 and an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.952 with 88.61% accuracy.

Conclusions

Splenectomy relieves portal hypertension by reducing the hemodynamics index. PVST is linked to multiple factors, including preoperative portal vein diameter, velocity, flow, and splenic vein diameter, especially PLT on the postoperative 7th day and D-D on the postoperative 14th day. The predictive model is accurate in predicting PVST.

Extensive porto-splenic venous thrombosis postsplenectomy in a sickle cell disease: a rare complication

Hereditary haemoglobinopathies are common disorders in Oman. The most common haematological disorder among Omani population is sickle cell disease (SCD). The spleen is one of the organs that is affected early in the first decade of life in SCD patients. Splenectomy has shown a high success rate in improving the quality of life in SCD patients, through eliminating acute splenic sequestration crises, thus reducing the need for hospital admission and transfusion requirements. One of the rare complications of splenectomy is porto-splenic vein thrombosis. Multiple factors are responsible for this complication including: thermal and mechanical injury during ligation of splenic hilum, sudden increase in the platelet count and large spleen size. We report a rare case of extensive porto-splenic vein thrombosis that responded to early initiation of anticoagulation with resolution of the thrombosis and recanalisation.

[Construction and validation of a nomogram for predicting the risk of portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis]

OBJECTIVE

To construct and validate an individualized nomogram to predict the probability of occurrence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after splenectomy in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected the clinical data from 180 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis undergoing splenectomy with postoperative anticoagulation therapy during the period from January, 2014 to January, 2020 in our hospital. The patients were randomized into modeling group (n= 120) and validation group (n=60), and the former group was further divided into PVT group (n=49) and non-PVT group (n=71) according to the occurrence of PVT occurred within 1 month after splenectomy. The independent risk factors of PVT after splenectomy were screened in the modeling group using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses and were used for construction of the nomogram prediction model. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve (C-index), GiViTI calibration belt and Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and the DCA curve were used to estimate the discrimination power, calibration and clinical efficiency of the prediction model in both the model construction group and validation group.

RESULTS

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that a history of hemorrhage, portal vein diameter, spleen vein diameter, spleen volume, varicose, postoperative platelet change, and postoperative D-dimer differed significantly between PVT group and non-PVT group (P < 0.05), and portal vein diameter, spleen vein diameter, and postoperative platelet change were independent risk factors of PVT after splenectomy (P < 0.05). The prediction model had a good discrimination power with AUROC (C-index) of 0.880 (95% CI: 0.818-0.942) in the modeling group and 0.873 (95% CI: 0.785-0.960) in the validation group. The 80% and 95%CI region of GiViTI calibration belt did not cover the 45-degree diagonal bisector line (P=0.965 and 0.632, respectively), and the P-values of the Hosmer-Lemeshow test were 0.624 and 0.911, respectively, suggesting a high reliability of the predicted probability by the model. DCA curve analysis showed a threshold probability of 30.5%, with a net benefit of 30% in the modeling group and 34% in the validation group, indicating a good clinical efficiency of the model.

CONCLUSIONS

The model for predicting the risk of PVT after splenectomy in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis can help in early identification of patients having high risks of PVT.

Hepatic venous pressure gradient-guided laparoscopic splenectomy and pericardial devascularisation versus endoscopic therapy for secondary prophylaxis for variceal rebleeding in portal hypertension (CHESS1803): study protocol of a multicenter randomised controlled trial in China

INTRODUCTION

Gastro-oesophageal variceal bleeding is one of the most common and severe complications with high mortality in cirrhotic patients who developed portal hypertension. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is a globally recommended golden standard for the portal pressure assessment and an HVPG ≥16 mm Hg indicates a higher risk of death and rebleeding. This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of splenectomy and pericardial devascularisation (laparoscopic therapy) plus propranolol and endoscopic therapy plus propranolol for variceal rebleeding in cirrhotic patients with HVPG between 16 and 20 mm Hg.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a multicenter, randomised, controlled clinical trial. Participants will be 1:1 assigned randomly into either laparoscopic or endoscopic groups. Forty participants whose transjugular HVPG lies between 16 and 20 mm Hg with a history of gastro-oesophageal variceal bleeding will be recruited from three sites in China. Participants will receive either endoscopic therapy plus propranolol or laparoscopic therapy plus propranolol. The primary outcome measure will be the occurrence of gastro-oesophageal variceal rebleeding. Secondary outcome measures will include overall survival, occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma, the occurrence of venous thrombosis, the occurrence of adverse events, quality of life and tolerability of treatment. Outcome measures will be evaluated at baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks, 48 weeks and 60 weeks. Multivariate COX regression model will be introduced for analyses of occurrence data and Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test for intergroup comparison.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained from all three participating sites. Primary and secondary outcome data will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and widely disseminated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03783065; Pre-results.

TRIAL STATUS

Recruitment for this study started in December 2018 while the first participant was randomised in January 2019. Recruitment is estimated to stop in October 2019.

Progress in research of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients with digestive system diseases

Hospitalized patients with digestive system diseases are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to a variety of factors such as advanced age, prolonged bed rest, medication and so on. VTE can affect the quality of life of patients, the number of days of hospitalization, and the cost of treatment and even threaten their life. This article gives a brief overview of the pathogenesis, risk factors, assessment tools, and preventive methods for VTE to promote better prevention of this disease.

Long-term efficacy of subtotal splenectomy due to portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients

Background

Portal hypertension (PHT) requires invasive measures to prevent rupture and bleeding of esophagogastric varices; however, the long-term results of subtotal splenectomy plus fixation of the retrosternal omentum majus (SSFROM) have not been reported. Specifically, the advantages and disadvantages of surgery that preserves the spleen and the long-term hematologic effects have not been described.

Study design

Our studies relating to SSFROM commenced in February 1999. As of April 2014 we have performed 256 subtotal splenectomies The records of 65 patients with PHT who underwent SSFROM were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Four patients died within 4 years of surgery, with a 4-year survival rate of 94 %; the 11-year survival rate was 60 %. Eleven patients (17 %) had re-bleeding from esophagogastric varices. The white blood cell and platelet counts were higher 6 and 11 years post-operatively compared with pre-operative values (P < 0.01). Portal venous diameter, portal venous flow volume, splenic artery flow volume, as well as splenic length, thickness, and average cross-sectional areas were shown to be significantly constricted or decreased (P < 0.01). The proportion of serum CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells was increased (P < 0.01), while the serum levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). There was no significant change in the serum levels of IgA, IgM, IgG, and Tuftsin (P > 0.05). DSA demonstrated that 15 cases formed collateral circulations between the portal vein and superior vena cava.

Conclusion

SSFROM provide long-term hemostasis for esophagogastric variceal bleeding in PHT and corrected hypersplenism. SSFROM is an effective treatment for patients with PHT in whom long-term survival is expected.