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Pun CK, Huang HC, Chang CC, Hsu SJ, Huang YH, Hou MC, Lee FY. Hepatic encephalopathy: From novel pathogenesis mechanism to emerging treatments. J Chin Med Assoc 2024; 87:245-251. [PMID: 38109364 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000001041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the major complications of liver disease and significantly affects the quality of life (QOL) of patients. HE is common and frequently relapses in cirrhotic patients. The management of HE is supportive, and precipitating conditions should be eliminated. Most drugs used to treat HE are conventional and include nonabsorbable disaccharides such as lactulose, and antibiotics such as rifaximin. However, their therapeutic efficacy is still suboptimal, and novel therapeutic agents are urgently needed. In addition, the optimal management and diagnosis of minimal HE/covert HE are under debate. In this review, we focus on novel pathogenetic mechanisms such as central nervous system clearance, and emerging therapeutic targets of HE, such as fecal material transplantation. We also discuss different classifications and etiologies of HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chon Kit Pun
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Therapeutic and Research Center of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hui-Chun Huang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Therapeutic and Research Center of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ching-Chih Chang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Holistic and Multidisciplinary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shao-Jung Hsu
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Therapeutic and Research Center of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Therapeutic and Research Center of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fa-Yauh Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Therapeutic and Research Center of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Angerville B, Jurdana MA, Martinetti MP, Sarba R, Nguyen-Khac É, Naassila M, Dervaux A. Alcohol-related cognitive impairments in patients with and without cirrhosis. Alcohol Alcohol 2024; 59:agae008. [PMID: 38366913 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agae008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS up to 80% of patients with alcohol use disorder display cognitive impairments. Some studies have suggested that alcohol-related cognitive impairments could be worsened by hepatic damage. The primary objective of this study was to compare mean scores on the Brief Evaluation of Alcohol-Related Neurocognitive Impairments measure between alcohol use disorder patients with (CIR+) or without cirrhosis (CIR-). METHODS we conducted a prospective case-control study in a hepatology department of a university hospital. All patients were assessed using the Evaluation of Alcohol-Related Neuropsychological Impairments test. RESULTS a total of 82 patients (50 CIR+, 32 CIR-) were included in this study. CIR- patients were significantly younger than CIR+ patients (respectively, 45.5 ± 6.8 vs 60.1 ± 9.0; P < .0001). After adjusting for age and educational level, the mean Evaluation of Alcohol-Related Neuropsychological Impairments total scores in the CIR+ group were significantly lower than in the group of CIR- patients (14.1 ± 0.7 vs 7.8 ± 0.4, respectively, P < .0001). The mean subscores on delayed verbal memory, alphabetical ordination, alternating verbal fluency, visuospatial abilities, and ataxia subtests were also significantly lower in the CIR+ than in the CIR- group (respectively, 1.9 ± 0.2 vs 2.8 ± 0.2; 1.8 ± 0.2 vs 2.7 ± 0.2; 2.2 ± 0.2 vs 3.6 ± 0.2; 0.7 ± 0.2 vs 1.6 ± 0.2; 0.7 ± 0.2 vs 3.1 ± 0.2; P < .0001 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS in the present study, alcohol use disorder patients with cirrhosis presented more severe cognitive impairments than those without cirrhosis. Longitudinal studies are needed to investigate how cirrhosis can influence cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Angerville
- Filière universitaire d'addictologie, EPS Barthélémy Durand, Étampes, 91150, France
- Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, INSERM UMR 1247, Groupe de Recherche sur l'Alcool & les Pharmacodépendances, Amiens, 80000, France
| | - Marie-Alix Jurdana
- Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, INSERM UMR 1247, Groupe de Recherche sur l'Alcool & les Pharmacodépendances, Amiens, 80000, France
| | | | - Ruxandra Sarba
- Département d'Hépato-Gastroenterologie, CHU d'Amiens, Amiens, 80000, France
| | - Éric Nguyen-Khac
- Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, INSERM UMR 1247, Groupe de Recherche sur l'Alcool & les Pharmacodépendances, Amiens, 80000, France
- Département d'Hépato-Gastroenterologie, CHU d'Amiens, Amiens, 80000, France
| | - Mickael Naassila
- Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, INSERM UMR 1247, Groupe de Recherche sur l'Alcool & les Pharmacodépendances, Amiens, 80000, France
| | - Alain Dervaux
- Filière universitaire d'addictologie, EPS Barthélémy Durand, Étampes, 91150, France
- Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, INSERM UMR 1247, Groupe de Recherche sur l'Alcool & les Pharmacodépendances, Amiens, 80000, France
- Laboratoire de recherche PSYCHOMADD, Université paris Saclay, Villejuif, 94800, France
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Casanova-Ferrer F, Gallego JJ, Fiorillo A, Urios A, Ríos MP, León JL, Ballester MP, Escudero-García D, Kosenko E, Belloch V, Montoliu C. Improved cognition after rifaximin treatment is associated with changes in intra- and inter-brain network functional connectivity. J Transl Med 2024; 22:49. [PMID: 38217008 PMCID: PMC10787503 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04844-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rifaximin is a non-reabsorbable antibiotic which acts at gut level, and improves cognition and inflammatory parameters in minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) patients, but not all patients show the same level of response. This study aims to assess brain activity, both within and between brain networks, following rifaximin treatment, considering the differences between response groups as well. METHODS Twenty-two healthy controls and 53 patients with cirrhosis (22 without and 31 with MHE, diagnosed by Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score, PHES) performed psychometric, attention and coordination tests, and blood inflammatory parameters were measured. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) acquisitions were performed on controls and MHE patients. Eighteen MHE patients underwent a rifaximin treatment for 6 months, after which all measures were repeated. fMRI images were analysed and changes after treatment were assessed. RESULTS After rifaximin treatment, 13 patients improved their PHES score (Responder patients) while 5 did not (Non-responder patients). No significant decrease in blood ammonia was observed after rifaximin treatment, but there was a decrease in plasma inflammatory cytokines in responder patients. A global effect of rifaximin was detected on the sensorimotor and fronto-parietal networks. Responder patients showed a relative increase of thalamic network connectivity in comparison to non-responder patients. Before treatment, responder and non-responder patients showed connectivity differences in basal ganglia network. The connection of the sensorimotor and thalamic networks between them and with other networks suffered changes after treatment. These connections between networks mostly decreased after treatment. All changes and differences showed a significant level of correlation with the performance of psychometric tests and the blood levels of inflammatory biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS There was an improvement of the communication between executive, motor and attention-related brain areas, and their functional independence following rifaximin treatment. Patients who respond also show a less deteriorated connection involved in these functions before treatment. Results suggest that the improved inflammatory state of MHE patients, following rifaximin treatment would favour the observed changes in brain function and enhanced cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franc Casanova-Ferrer
- Fundacion de Investigación Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan-José Gallego
- Fundacion de Investigación Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alessandra Fiorillo
- Fundacion de Investigación Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Urios
- Fundacion de Investigación Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - María-Pilar Ríos
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Luis León
- Universitats Neurorradiology Unit, Ascires Biomedical Group, Valencia, Spain
| | - María-Pilar Ballester
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Desamparados Escudero-García
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Kosenko
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Vicente Belloch
- Universitats Neurorradiology Unit, Ascires Biomedical Group, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Fundacion de Investigación Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Av Blasco Ibáñez, 15, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
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Dong QY, Lin JH, Wu Y, Cao YB, Zhou MX, Chen HJ. White matter microstructural disruption in minimal hepatic encephalopathy: a neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) study. Neuroradiology 2023; 65:1589-1604. [PMID: 37486421 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-023-03201-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the ability of neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) for detecting white matter (WM) microstructural abnormalities in minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). METHODS Diffusion-weighted images, enabling the estimation of NODDI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters, were acquired from 20 healthy controls (HC), 22 cirrhotic patients without MHE (NHE), and 15 cirrhotic patients with MHE. Tract-based spatial statistics were used to determine differences in DTI (including fractional anisotropy [FA] and mean/axial/radial diffusivity [MD/AD/RD]) and NODDI parameters (including neurite density index [NDI], orientation dispersion index [ODI], and isotropic volume fraction [ISO]). Voxel-wise analyses of correlations between diffusion parameters and neurocognitive performance determined by Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) were completed. RESULTS MHE patients had extensive NDI reduction and rare ODI reduction, primarily involving the genu and body of corpus callosum and the bilateral frontal lobe, corona radiata, external capsule, anterior limb of internal capsule, temporal lobe, posterior thalamic radiation, and brainstem. The extent of NDI and ODI reduction expanded from NHE to MHE. In both MHE and NHE groups, the extent of NDI change was quite larger than that of FA change. No significant intergroup difference in ISO/MD/AD/RD was observed. Tissue specificity afforded by NODDI revealed the underpinning of FA reduction in MHE. The NDI in left frontal lobe was significantly correlated with PHES. CONCLUSION MHE is characterized by diffuse WM microstructural impairment (especially neurite density reduction). NODDI can improve the detection of WM microstructural impairments in MHE and provides more precise information about MHE-related pathology than DTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Yi Dong
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Jia-Hui Lin
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Ye Wu
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China
| | - Yun-Bin Cao
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Min-Xiong Zhou
- College of Medical Imaging, Shang Hai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Hua-Jun Chen
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
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Leone P, Arenas YM, Balzano T, Mincheva G, Martinez-Garcia M, Montoliu C, Llansola M, Felipo V. Patients who died with steatohepatitis or liver cirrhosis show neuroinflammation and neuronal loss in hippocampus. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:3032-3046. [PMID: 37340928 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinflammation in the cerebral cortex of patients who died with liver cirrhosis and neuroinflammation, and neuronal death in the cerebellum of patients who died with steatohepatitis or cirrhosis, were reported. Hippocampal neuroinflammation could contribute to cognitive decline in patients with liver disease, but this has yet to be studied. The study aims were to assess if hippocampus from patients who died with steatohepatitis or cirrhosis showed: (i) glial activation, (ii) altered cytokine content, (iii) immune cell infiltration, (iv) neuronal apoptosis and (v) neuronal loss. METHODS Post-mortem hippocampus was obtained from 6 controls, 19 patients with steatohepatitis (SH) and 4 patients with liver cirrhosis. SH patients were divided into SH1 (n = 9), SH2 (n = 6) and SH3 (n = 4) groups depending on disease severity. Glial activation, IL-1β and TNFα content, CD4 lymphocyte and monocyte infiltration, neuronal apoptosis and neuronal loss were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Patients who died in SH1 showed astrocyte activation, whereas those who died in SH2 also showed microglial activation, CD4 lymphocyte and monocyte infiltration, neuronal apoptosis and neuronal loss. These changes remained in patients in SH3, who also showed increased IL-1β and TNFα. Patients who died of liver cirrhosis did not show CD4 lymphocyte infiltration, neuronal apoptosis or increase in TNFα, but still showed glial activation, increased IL-1β and neuronal loss. CONCLUSIONS Patients with steatohepatitis showed glial activation, immune cell infiltration, apoptosis and neuronal loss. Glial activation and neuronal loss remained in cirrhotic patients. This may explain the irreversibility of some cognitive alterations in hepatic encephalopathy. Cognitive reserve may contribute to different grades of cognitive impairment despite similar neuronal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Leone
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yaiza M Arenas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Tiziano Balzano
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
- Centro Integral de Neurociencias, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Sur CINAC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gergana Mincheva
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mar Martinez-Garcia
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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Testino G, Bottaro LC, Andorno E, Bandini F, Balbinot P, Beltramini S, Bottino S, Caltabellotta M, Caputo F, Caviglia E, Curone P, DI Biagio A, Gagliano C, Gandolfo N, Pestarino L, Rollero A, Romairone E, Sampietro L, Torre E, Zuccarelli S, Pellicano R. Hepatic encephalophaty: management and diagnostic therapeutic assistance path of Ligurian Local Health Company 3 (ASL3). Minerva Med 2023; 114:698-718. [PMID: 36952221 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4806.22.08408-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalophaty (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome with a prevalence in the cirrhotic population ranging from 20 to 80%. HE is a cause of inappropriate hospitalization, caregiver burdening and increased social costs. There is need to create dedicated care pathways to better manage patients and support family caregivers. The data used for the preparation of this diagnostic therapeutic assistance path (DTAP) are based on a detailed analysis of the scientific literature published before June 30, 2022 (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar). Furthermore, in the process of developing this work, we consulted in particular the guidelines/ position papers of International Society for Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nitrogen Metabolism (ISHEN), Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF), European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), Italian Society on Alcohol (Società Italiana di Alcologia [SIA]) and other relevant papers. DTAP was created based on the most recent recommendations of the international scientific literature. The present DTAP highlight the need for a multidisciplinary activity integrated with territorial medicine in close connection with caregivers. This guarantees improved therapeutic adherence, hospital readmission reduction, improved quality of life for patients and caregivers and a significant reduction in costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Testino
- Addiction and Hepatology Unit/Alcohological Regional Centre and Study Centre "Self Help, Community Program and Caregiver Training" ASL3, Genoa, Italy -
| | | | - Enzo Andorno
- Liver Transplantation Unit, San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Balbinot
- Addiction and Hepatology Unit/Alcohological Regional Centre and Study Centre "Self Help, Community Program and Caregiver Training" ASL3, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Fabio Caputo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for the Study and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Intestinal Diseases (IBD) and Gastroenterological Manifestations of Rare Diseases, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for the Study and Treatment of Alcohol-Related Diseases, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Santissima Annunziata Hospital, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonio DI Biagio
- Department of Health Sciences, Infectious Diseases Clinic, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Enrico Torre
- Unit of Endocrinology, Metabolic Diseases and Diabetology, ASL3 Liguria, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Rinaldo Pellicano
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Molinette Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
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Hamzaoui L, Mahmoudi M, Mohamed G, Elloumi H, Laabidi A, Boubaker J, Boudabbous M, Tahri N, Jemni I, Safer L, Jomni T, Douggui H, Trad D, Gargouri D, Ayadi S, Debbeche R, Belhouchet S, Marouani R, Cheikh I, Abdelli MN. EncephalApp Stroop Test for covert hepatic encephalopathy screening in Tunisian cirrhotic patients. F1000Res 2023; 11:686. [PMID: 37767072 PMCID: PMC10521086 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.121781.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) is underdiagnosed and is difficult to detect. The EncephalApp Stroop test is validated for its screening. The aim of the study was to define Tunisian norms for the test based on healthy controls norms and to estimate the prevalence of CHE in cirrhotic Tunisian patients. Methods: A prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted. Ambulatory or hospitalized cirrhotic patients aged 40 years and over were recruited at 11 centers. Healthy subjects aged 40 years and over were recruited at 8 centers. We used a translated Arabic version of the streamlined EncephalApp Stroop test. The task has two components: "Off" and "On" state depending on the discordance or concordance of the stimuli. Results: 142 patients were included. The mean age was 57.26 years [40-86]. 40 (28.17%) of cirrhotic patients who were included were diagnosed as having a minimal hepatic encephalopathy or CHE. Among the ineligible patients, 22 had overt hepatic encephalopathy. If we consider these patients, the overall prevalence rate of CHE was around 24.39% in cirrhotic patients. It was more frequent in women (34.21% vs 25.96%), and in patients whose level of school education is between 6 and 13 years. Its prevalence does not appear to be affected by gender, MELD score, etiology of cirrhosis and age group of patients, as these variables were independent with respective p according to the chi-square test 0.413; 0.736; 0.663 and 0.1. The stroop times (On / Off and On + Off) correlated significantly with each other, are associated significantly and positively with age (respective Pearson coefficients: 0.578; 0.567 and 0.6). The more the age increases, the more the stroop response times increases (p > 10 -3). Conclusions: EncephalApp Stroop test was an efficient screening tool for CHE in Tunisian cirrhotic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamine Hamzaoui
- Gastroenterology, Mohamed Taher Maamouri Hospital, Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Nabeul, Tunisia
| | - Moufida Mahmoudi
- Gastroenterology, Mohamed Taher Maamouri Hospital, Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Nabeul, Tunisia
| | - Ghanem Mohamed
- Gastroenterology, Military Hospital of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hanene Elloumi
- Gastroenterology, Habib Bougatfa Hospital, Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | - Asma Laabidi
- Gastroenterology, La Rabta Hospital A, Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Jalel Boubaker
- Gastroenterology, La Rabta Hospital A, Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mona Boudabbous
- Gastroenterology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Nabil Tahri
- Gastroenterology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Imen Jemni
- Gastroenterology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Leila Safer
- Gastroenterology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Taieb Jomni
- Gastroenterology, La Marsa Internal Security Forces Hospital, Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hedi Douggui
- Gastroenterology, La Marsa Internal Security Forces Hospital, Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dorra Trad
- Gastroenterology, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dalila Gargouri
- Gastroenterology, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Shema Ayadi
- Gastroenterology, Hospital Charles Nicolle, Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Radhouane Debbeche
- Gastroenterology, Hospital Charles Nicolle, Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Ridha Marouani
- Gastroenterology, Kasserine Hospital, Kasserine, Tunisia
| | - Imed Cheikh
- Gastroenterology, Habib Bougatfa Hospital, Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Nabil Abdelli
- Gastroenterology, Military Hospital of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
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8
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Thanapirom K, Wongwandee M, Suksawatamnuay S, Thaimai P, Siripon N, Makhasen W, Treeprasertsuk S, Komolmit P. Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score for the Diagnosis of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy in Thai Cirrhotic Patients. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020519. [PMID: 36675448 PMCID: PMC9864758 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) is the gold standard for diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). Screening for MHE is frequently overlooked in clinical practice due to time constraints. Furthermore, the simplified animal naming test (S-ANT1) is a new simple tool for evaluating MHE in cirrhotic patients. The purpose of this study was to standardize the PHES in a healthy Thai population, assess the prevalence of MHE, and validate the S-ANT1 in detecting MHE in patients with cirrhosis. The study included 194 healthy controls and 203 cirrhotic patients without overt HE. Psychometric tests and the S-ANT1 were administered to all participants. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze factors related to PHES results, and formulas were developed to predict the results for each PHES subtest. In healthy controls, age and education were predictors of all five subtests. The PHES of the control group was −0.26 ± 2.28 points, and the threshold for detecting MHE was set at ≤ −5 points. The cirrhotic group had PHES values of −2.6 ± 3.1 points. Moreover, MHE was found to be present in 26.6% of cirrhotic patients. S-ANT1 had a moderate positive correlation with PHES (r = 0.44, p < 0.001). S-ANT1 < 22 named animals detected MHE with a sensitivity of 71.2%, specificity of 65%, and area under the receiver operating curve of 0.68 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, Thai PHES normative data have been developed to detect MHE in cirrhotic patients who do not have overt HE. The optimal cutoff for detecting MHE in Thai cirrhotic patients was PHES ≤ −5 points and S-ANT1 < 22 named.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kessarin Thanapirom
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Monton Wongwandee
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand
| | - Sirinporn Suksawatamnuay
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Panarat Thaimai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Napaporn Siripon
- Excellence Center in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Wanwisar Makhasen
- Excellence Center in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sombat Treeprasertsuk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Piyawat Komolmit
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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9
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Buckholz AP, Rosenblatt R. Remote monitoring of cognition in cirrhosis and encephalopathy: future opportunity and challenge. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 38:1737-1747. [PMID: 36507937 PMCID: PMC9743123 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01134-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) is a critically important complication of chronic liver disease and portal hypertension, but especially in early covert stages remains underdiagnosed and a common cause of hospitalization and morbidity. Defined by often subtle neuropsychiatric changes, significant cognitive deficits have been extensively described. While traditional methods of assessment remain underutilized in practice and subject to significant confounding with other diseases, mobile technology has emerged as a potential future tool to provide simple and dynamic cognitive assessments. This review discusses the proliferation of cognitive assessment tools, describing possible applications in encephalopathy and the challenges such an implementation may face. There are significant potential advantages to assessing cognition in real time in order to aid early detection and intervention and provide a more realistic measurement of real-world function. Despite this, there are issues with reliability, privacy, applicability and more which must be addressed prior to wide proliferation and acceptance for clinical use. Regardless, the rapid uptake of mobile technology in healthcare is likely to have significant implications for the future management of encephalopathy and liver disease at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam P Buckholz
- NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical College Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Russell Rosenblatt
- NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical College Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
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10
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Casanova-Ferrer F, García-Cena CE, Gallego JJ, Fiorillo A, Urios A, Calvo-Córdoba A, Ballester MP, Ríos MP, Durbán L, Hidalgo MR, García F, Felipo V, Montoliu C. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is associated to alterations in eye movements. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16837. [PMID: 36207472 PMCID: PMC9547018 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21230-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is diagnosed using PHES battery, but other tests are more sensitive, and a simple tool for early MHE detection is required. Assessment of saccadic eye movements is useful for early detection of cognitive alterations in different pathologies. We characterized the alterations in saccadic eye movements in MHE patients, its relationship with cognitive alterations and its utility for MHE diagnosis. One-hundred and eighteen cirrhotic patients (86 without and 32 with MHE) and 35 controls performed PHES and Stroop test and an eye movements test battery by OSCANN system: visual saccades, antisaccades, memory-guided saccades, fixation test and smooth pursuit. We analyzed 177 parameters of eye movements, assessed their diagnostic capacity for MHE, and correlated with cognitive alterations. MHE patients showed alterations in 56 of the 177 variables of eye movements compared to NMHE patients. MHE patients showed longer latencies and worse performance in most eye movements tests, which correlated with mental processing speed and attention impairments. The best correlations found were for antisaccades and memory-guided saccades, and some parameters in these tests could be useful for discriminating MHE and NMHE patients. Eye movements analysis could be a new, rapid, reliable, objective, and reproducible tool for early diagnose MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franc Casanova-Ferrer
- Fundación de Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cecilia E García-Cena
- Centre for Automation and Robotics, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan-Jose Gallego
- Fundación de Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alessandra Fiorillo
- Fundación de Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Urios
- Fundación de Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alberto Calvo-Córdoba
- Centre for Automation and Robotics, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria-Pilar Ballester
- Fundación de Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010, Valencia, Spain.,Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Pilar Ríos
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucía Durbán
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta R Hidalgo
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Unit, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco García
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Unit, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Fundación de Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010, Valencia, Spain. .,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia/INCLIVA-Health Research Institute, Avda. Blasco Ibañez, 17, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
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11
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Mincheva G, Gimenez-Garzo C, Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Martinez-Garcia M, Doverskog M, Blackburn TP, Hällgren A, Bäckström T, Llansola M, Felipo V. Golexanolone, a GABA A receptor modulating steroid antagonist, restores motor coordination and cognitive function in hyperammonemic rats by dual effects on peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:1861-1874. [PMID: 35880480 PMCID: PMC9532914 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Hyperammonemic rats show peripheral inflammation, increased GABAergic neurotransmission and neuroinflammation in cerebellum and hippocampus which induce motor incoordination and cognitive impairment. Neuroinflammation enhances GABAergic neurotransmission in cerebellum by enhancing the TNFR1‐glutaminase‐GAT3 and TNFR1‐CCL2‐TrkB‐KCC2 pathways. Golexanolone reduces GABAA receptors potentiation by allopregnanolone. This work aimed to assess if treatment of hyperammonemic rats with golexanolone reduces peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation and restores cognitive and motor function and to analyze underlying mechanisms. Methods Rats were treated with golexanolone and effects on peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation, TNFR1‐glutaminase‐GAT3 and TNFR1‐CCL2‐TrkB‐KCC2 pathways, and cognitive and motor function were analyzed. Results Hyperammonemic rats show increased TNFα and reduced IL‐10 in plasma, microglia and astrocytes activation in cerebellum and hippocampus, and impaired motor coordination and spatial and short‐term memories. Treating hyperammonemic rats with golexanolone reversed changes in peripheral inflammation, microglia and astrocytes activation and restored motor coordination and spatial and short‐term memory. This was associated with reversal of the hyperammonemia‐enhanced activation in cerebellum of the TNFR1‐glutaminase‐GAT3 and TNFR1‐CCL2‐TrkB‐KCC2 pathways. Conclusion Reducing GABAA receptors activation with golexanolone reduces peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation and improves cognitive and motor function in hyperammonemic rats. The effects identified would also occur in patients with hepatic encephalopathy and, likely, in other pathologies associated with neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergana Mincheva
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carla Gimenez-Garzo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Mar Martinez-Garcia
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Torbjörn Bäckström
- Umecrine Cognition AB, Solna, Sweden.,Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Clinical Sciences at Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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12
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Häussinger D, Dhiman RK, Felipo V, Görg B, Jalan R, Kircheis G, Merli M, Montagnese S, Romero-Gomez M, Schnitzler A, Taylor-Robinson SD, Vilstrup H. Hepatic encephalopathy. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2022; 8:43. [PMID: 35739133 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-022-00366-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a prognostically relevant neuropsychiatric syndrome that occurs in the course of acute or chronic liver disease. Besides ascites and variceal bleeding, it is the most serious complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis. Ammonia and inflammation are major triggers for the appearance of HE, which in patients with liver cirrhosis involves pathophysiologically low-grade cerebral oedema with oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation and disturbances of oscillatory networks in the brain. Severity classification and diagnostic approaches regarding mild forms of HE are still a matter of debate. Current medical treatment predominantly involves lactulose and rifaximin following rigorous treatment of so-called known HE precipitating factors. New treatments based on an improved pathophysiological understanding are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Häussinger
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Radha K Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, (Uttar Pradesh), India
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Principe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Boris Görg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group ILDH, Division of Medicine, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, UK.,European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerald Kircheis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Diabetology and Hepatology, University Hospital Brandenburg an der Havel, Brandenburg Medical School, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Manuela Merli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Universita' degli Studi di Roma - Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Manuel Romero-Gomez
- UCM Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (HUVR/CSIC/US), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Alfons Schnitzler
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Simon D Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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13
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Giménez-Garzó C, Fiorillo A, Ballester-Ferré MP, Gallego JJ, Casanova-Ferrer F, Urios A, Benlloch S, Martí-Aguado D, San-Miguel T, Tosca J, Ríos MP, Montón C, Durbán L, Escudero-García D, Aparicio L, Felipo V, Montoliu C. A New Score Unveils a High Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2806. [PMID: 34202269 PMCID: PMC8268962 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may show mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The neurological functions affected remain unclear. The aims were to: (1) Characterize the neuropsychological alterations in NAFLD patients; (2) assess the prevalence of impairment of neurological functions evaluated; (3) develop a new score for sensitive and rapid MCI detection in NAFLD; (4) assess differences in MCI features between patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); and (5) compare neuropsychological alterations in NAFLD patients with cirrhotic patients with MCI. Fifty-nine NAFLD patients and 53 controls performed psychometric tests assessing different neurological functions: PHES (Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score) battery, d2, Stroop, Oral SDMT (Symbol Digit Modalities Test), Digit Span, number-letter test, and bimanual and visual-motor coordination tests. NAFLD patients show impairment in attention, mental concentration, psychomotor speed, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory mental control, and working memory. We developed a new, rapid, and sensitive score based on the most affected parameters in NAFLD patients, unveiling that 32% of NAFLD show MCI. Prevalence was similar in NAFL (36%) or NASH (27%) patients, but lower in NAFLD than in cirrhosis (65%). MCI prevalence is significant in NAFLD patients. Psychometric testing is warranted in these patients to unveil MCI and take appropriate measures to reverse and prevent its progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Giménez-Garzó
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (A.U.)
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
| | - Alessandra Fiorillo
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
| | - María-Pilar Ballester-Ferré
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan-José Gallego
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
| | - Franc Casanova-Ferrer
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
| | - Amparo Urios
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (A.U.)
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
| | - Salvador Benlloch
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015 Valencia, Spain; (S.B.); (M.-P.R.); (L.D.)
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Martí-Aguado
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Teresa San-Miguel
- Departamento de Patología, Universidad Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Joan Tosca
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - María-Pilar Ríos
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015 Valencia, Spain; (S.B.); (M.-P.R.); (L.D.)
| | - Cristina Montón
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucía Durbán
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015 Valencia, Spain; (S.B.); (M.-P.R.); (L.D.)
| | - Desamparados Escudero-García
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Luis Aparicio
- Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología, Universidad Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (A.U.)
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
- Departamento de Patología, Universidad Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
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14
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Rega D, Aiko M, Peñaranda N, Urios A, Gallego JJ, Giménez-Garzó C, Casanova F, Fiorillo A, Cabrera-Pastor A, San-Miguel T, Ipiens C, Escudero-García D, Tosca J, Montón C, Ballester MP, Ballester J, Aparicio L, Ríos MP, Durbán L, Mir A, Kosenko E, Cases P, Felipo V, Montoliu C. Patients with Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy Show Altered Thermal Sensitivity and Autonomic Function. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020239. [PMID: 33440769 PMCID: PMC7826803 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cirrhotic patients may experience alterations in the peripheral nervous system and in somatosensory perception. Impairment of the somatosensory system could contribute to cognitive and motor alterations characteristic of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), which affects up to 40% of cirrhotic patients. We assessed the relationship between MHE and alterations in thermal, vibration, and/or heat pain sensitivity in 58 cirrhotic patients (38 without and 20 with MHE according to Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score) and 39 controls. All participants underwent attention and coordination tests, a nerve conduction study, autonomic function testing, and evaluation of sensory thresholds (vibration, cooling, and heat pain detection) by electromyography and quantitative sensory testing. The detection thresholds for cold and heat pain on the foot were higher in patients with, than those without MHE. This hyposensitivity was correlated with attention deficits. Reaction times in the foot were longer in patients with, than without MHE. Patients with normal sural nerve amplitude showed altered thermal sensitivity and autonomic function, with stronger alterations in patients with, than in those without MHE. MHE patients show a general decrease in cognitive and sensory abilities. Small fibers of the autonomic nervous system and thermal sensitivity are altered early on in MHE, before large sensory fibers. Quantitative sensory testing could be used as a marker of MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Rega
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
| | - Mika Aiko
- Servicio de Neurofisiología, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.); (N.P.); (C.I.); (P.C.)
| | - Nicolás Peñaranda
- Servicio de Neurofisiología, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.); (N.P.); (C.I.); (P.C.)
| | - Amparo Urios
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
| | - Juan-José Gallego
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
| | - Carla Giménez-Garzó
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología. Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (V.F.)
| | - Franc Casanova
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
| | - Alessandra Fiorillo
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
| | - Andrea Cabrera-Pastor
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
| | - Teresa San-Miguel
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Cristina Ipiens
- Servicio de Neurofisiología, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.); (N.P.); (C.I.); (P.C.)
| | - Desamparados Escudero-García
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (D.E.-G.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (J.B.)
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Joan Tosca
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (D.E.-G.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (J.B.)
| | - Cristina Montón
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (D.E.-G.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (J.B.)
| | - María-Pilar Ballester
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (D.E.-G.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (J.B.)
| | - José Ballester
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (D.E.-G.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (J.B.)
| | - Luis Aparicio
- Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología, Universidad Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - María-Pilar Ríos
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015 Valencia, Spain; (M.-P.R.); (L.D.)
| | - Lucía Durbán
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015 Valencia, Spain; (M.-P.R.); (L.D.)
| | - Amparo Mir
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Elena Kosenko
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Paula Cases
- Servicio de Neurofisiología, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.); (N.P.); (C.I.); (P.C.)
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología. Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (V.F.)
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-963-864-381
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Jo G, Kim YM, Jun DW, Jeong E. Pitch Processing Can Indicate Cognitive Alterations in Chronic Liver Disease: An fNIRS Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:535775. [PMID: 33132872 PMCID: PMC7578697 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.535775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early detection and evaluation of cognitive alteration in chronic liver disease is important for predicting the subsequent development of hepatic encephalopathy. While visuomotor tasks have been rigorously employed for cognitive evaluation in chronic liver disease, there is a paucity of auditory processing task. Here we focused on auditory perception and examined behavioral and haemodynamic responses to a melodic contour identification task (CIT) to compare cognitive abilities in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD, N = 30) and healthy controls (N = 25). Further, we used support vector machines to examine the optimal combination of channels of functional near-infrared spectroscopy that can classify cognitive alterations in CLD. Behavioral findings showed that CIT performance was significantly worse in the patient group and CIT significantly correlated with neurocognitive evaluation (i.e., number connection test, digit span test). The findings indicated that CIT can measure auditory cognitive capacity and its difference existing between patient group and healthy controls. Additionally, optimal subsets classified the 16-dimensional haemodynamic data with 78.35% classification accuracy, yielding markers of cognitive alterations in the prefrontal regions (CH6, CH7, CH10, CH13, CH14, and CH16). The results confirmed the potential use of behavioral as well as haemodynamic responses to music perception as an alternative or supplementary method for evaluating cognitive alterations in chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geonsang Jo
- Daehong Communications Inc, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young-Min Kim
- Graduate School of Technology and Innovation Management, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
- College of Interdisciplinary Industrial Studies, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dae Won Jun
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Dae Won Jun
| | - Eunju Jeong
- College of Interdisciplinary Industrial Studies, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Music and Science for Clinical Practice, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
- Eunju Jeong
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San Martín-Valenzuela C, Borras-Barrachina A, Gallego JJ, Urios A, Mestre-Salvador V, Correa-Ghisays P, Ballester MP, Escudero-García D, Tosca J, Montón C, Ríos MP, Kosenko E, Felipo V, Tabares-Seisdedos R, Selva-Vera G, Montoliu C. Motor and Cognitive Performance in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis with Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2154. [PMID: 32650464 PMCID: PMC7408738 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9072154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is associated with mild cognitive impairment and frailty. This study aims to identify cognitive and motor differences in cirrhotic patients with and without MHE, and the correlations between motor signs and cognitive performance. Gait, balance, hand strength and motor speed performance were evaluated in 66 cirrhotic patients (38 without and 28 with MHE, according to the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES). Cognitive performance was measured with the Mini-Mental State Examination, Verbal Fluency Test, Aprendizaje Verbal España-Complutense Test (TAVEC), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III, Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating Scale and Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST). MHE patients performed worse than patients without MHE in cognitive and autonomous functioning, learning and long-term memory, and verbal fluency. The same pattern was found in gait, center of pressure movement, variability of hand strength performance and hand motor speed. In MHE patients, high correlations were found between balance and FAST test, gait velocity and verbal skills, hand strength variability and anxiety and depression, and motor speed and FAST and TAVEC. MHE patients showed worse motor and cognitive performance than patients without MHE. MHE patients could have impaired movement control expressed as bradykinesia, and this reduced motor performance could correlate with cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanza San Martín-Valenzuela
- Unit of Personal Autonomy, Dependency and Mental Disorder Assessment, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (C.S.M.-V.); (A.B.-B.); (V.M.-S.); (R.T.-S.)
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Aroa Borras-Barrachina
- Unit of Personal Autonomy, Dependency and Mental Disorder Assessment, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (C.S.M.-V.); (A.B.-B.); (V.M.-S.); (R.T.-S.)
| | - Juan-José Gallego
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (J.-J.G.); (A.U.); (M.-P.B.)
| | - Amparo Urios
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (J.-J.G.); (A.U.); (M.-P.B.)
| | - Víctor Mestre-Salvador
- Unit of Personal Autonomy, Dependency and Mental Disorder Assessment, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (C.S.M.-V.); (A.B.-B.); (V.M.-S.); (R.T.-S.)
| | - Patricia Correa-Ghisays
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - María-Pilar Ballester
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (J.-J.G.); (A.U.); (M.-P.B.)
- Digestive Medicine Unit, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (D.E.-G.); (J.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Desamparados Escudero-García
- Digestive Medicine Unit, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (D.E.-G.); (J.T.); (C.M.)
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Joan Tosca
- Digestive Medicine Unit, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (D.E.-G.); (J.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Cristina Montón
- Digestive Medicine Unit, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (D.E.-G.); (J.T.); (C.M.)
| | - María-Pilar Ríos
- Digestive Service, Arnau de Vilanova Hospital, 46015 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Elena Kosenko
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, 46012 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Rafael Tabares-Seisdedos
- Unit of Personal Autonomy, Dependency and Mental Disorder Assessment, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (C.S.M.-V.); (A.B.-B.); (V.M.-S.); (R.T.-S.)
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Gabriel Selva-Vera
- Unit of Personal Autonomy, Dependency and Mental Disorder Assessment, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (C.S.M.-V.); (A.B.-B.); (V.M.-S.); (R.T.-S.)
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Unit of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (J.-J.G.); (A.U.); (M.-P.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Hepatic encephalopathy 2018: A clinical practice guideline by the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF). Dig Liver Dis 2019; 51:190-205. [PMID: 30606696 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2018.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common, worrisome and sometimes difficult to manage complication of end-stage liver disease. HE is often recurrent, requiring multiple hospital admissions. It can have serious implications in terms of a patient's ability to perform complex tasks (for example driving), their earning capacity, their social and family roles. This guideline reviews current knowledge on HE definition, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment, both by general principles and by way of a summary of available drugs and treatment strategies. The quality of the published, pertinent evidence is graded, and practical recommendations are made. Where possible, these are placed within the Italian health service context, with reference to local diagnosis and management experience.
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Abdelrahman ME, Mahmoud SZ, Ali AM, El-Khateeb HAAT, Mohamed GA. Screening for minimal hepatic encephalopathy among asymptomatic drivers with chronic liver disease. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2018. [DOI: 10.4103/ejim.ejim_1_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Taoro-Gonzalez L, Arenas YM, Cabrera-Pastor A, Felipo V. Hyperammonemia alters membrane expression of GluA1 and GluA2 subunits of AMPA receptors in hippocampus by enhancing activation of the IL-1 receptor: underlying mechanisms. J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:36. [PMID: 29422059 PMCID: PMC5806265 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1082-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hyperammonemic rats reproduce the cognitive alterations of patients with hepatic encephalopathy, including altered spatial memory, attributed to altered membrane expression of AMPA receptor subunits in hippocampus. Neuroinflammation mediates these cognitive alterations. We hypothesized that hyperammonemia-induced increase in IL-1β in hippocampus would be responsible for the altered GluA1 and GluA2 membrane expression. The aims of this work were to (1) assess if increased IL-1β levels and activation of its receptor are responsible for the changes in GluA1 and/or GluA2 membrane expression in hyperammonemia and (2) identify the mechanisms by which activation of IL-1 receptor leads to altered membrane expression of GluA1 and GluA2. Methods We analyzed in hippocampal slices from control and hyperammonemic rat membrane expression of AMPA receptors using the BS3 cross-linker and phosphorylation of the GluA1 and GluA2 subunits using phosphor-specific antibodies. The IL-1 receptor was blocked with IL-Ra, and the signal transduction pathways involved in modulation of membrane expression of GluA1 and GluA2 were analyzed using inhibitors of key steps. Results Hyperammonemia reduces GluA1 and increases GluA2 membrane expression and reduces phosphorylation of GluA1 at Ser831 and of GluA2 at Ser880. Hyperammonemia increases IL-1β, enhancing activation of IL-1 receptor. This leads to activation of Src. The changes in membrane expression of GluA1 and GluA2 are reversed by blocking the IL-1 receptor with IL-1Ra or by inhibiting Src with PP2. After Src activation, the pathways for GluA2 and GluA1 diverge. Src increases phosphorylation of GluN2B at Tyr14721 and membrane expression of GluN2B in hyperammonemic rats, leading to activation of MAP kinase p38, which binds to and reduces phosphorylation at Thr560 and activity of PKCζ, resulting in reduced phosphorylation at Ser880 and enhanced membrane expression of GluA2. Increased Src activity in hyperammonemic rats also activates PKCδ which enhances phosphorylation of GluN2B at Ser1303, reducing membrane expression of CaMKII and phosphorylation at Ser831 and membrane expression of GluA1. Conclusions This work identifies two pathways by which neuroinflammation alters glutamatergic neurotransmission in hippocampus. The steps of the pathways identified could be targets to normalize neurotransmission in hyperammonemia and other pathologies associated with increased IL-1β by acting, for example, on p38 or PKCδ. Graphical abstract IL-1β alters membrane expression of GluA1 and GluA2 AMPA receptor subunits by two difrerent mechanisms in the hippocampus of hyperammonemic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Taoro-Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigacion Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo Yufera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Yaiza M Arenas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigacion Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo Yufera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrea Cabrera-Pastor
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigacion Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo Yufera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigacion Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo Yufera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
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20
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Burroughs TK, Wade JB, Ellwood MS, Fagan A, Heuman DM, Fuchs M, Bajaj JS. Effect of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Cognitive Function and Covert Hepatic Encephalopathy Diagnosis in Cirrhotic Veterans. Dig Dis Sci 2018; 63:481-485. [PMID: 29313245 PMCID: PMC5797488 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-017-4894-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often associated with substance abuse, which in turn can lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhotic patients are prone to cognitive impairment, which is typically due to covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE), but can also be affected by PTSD. The aim was to define the impact of PTSD on cognitive performance and the diagnosis of CHE in cirrhotic patients. METHODS Outpatient veterans with cirrhosis underwent two separate modalities for CHE cognitive testing [Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Scale (PHES) and Inhibitory Control Test (ICT)]. ICT tests for inhibitory control and response inhibition, while PHES tests for attention and psychomotor speed. Comparisons were made between patients with/without PTSD. Multivariable logistic regression with CHE on PHES and CHE on ICT as dependent variables including prior OHE, demographics, PTSD and psychotropic medications was performed. RESULTS Of 402 patients with cirrhosis, 88 had evidence of PTSD. Fifty-five of these were on psychoactive medications, 15 were undergoing psychotherapy, while no specific PTSD-related therapy was found in 28 patients. Cirrhotic patients with/without PTSD were statistically similar on demographics and cirrhosis severity, but cirrhotic subjects with PTSD had a higher frequency of alcoholic cirrhosis etiology and psychotropic drug use. PTSD cirrhosis had higher ICT lure and switching errors (NCT-B response), but on regression, there was no significant impact of PTSD on CHE diagnosis using either the ICT or PHES. CONCLUSIONS Veterans with cirrhosis and PTSD have a higher frequency of psychotropic drug use and alcoholic cirrhosis etiology. CHE diagnosis using PHES or ICT is not affected by concomitant PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas K. Burroughs
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - James B. Wade
- Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Michael S. Ellwood
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Andrew Fagan
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Douglas M Heuman
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Michael Fuchs
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Jasmohan S. Bajaj
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
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21
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Yang ZT, Chen HJ, Chen QF, Lin H. Disrupted Brain Intrinsic Networks and Executive Dysfunction in Cirrhotic Patients without Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy. Front Neurol 2018; 9:14. [PMID: 29422882 PMCID: PMC5788959 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Patients with cirrhosis often exhibit cognitive deficits, particularly executive dysfunction, which is considered a predictor of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE). We examined brain intrinsic networks associated with executive function to investigate the neural basis of this cognitive deficiency in cirrhosis. Methods Resting-state functional MRI data were acquired from 20 cirrhotic patients and 18 healthy controls. Seed-based correlation analysis was used to identify the three well-known networks associated with executive function, including executive control (ECN), default mode (DMN), and salience (SN) networks. Functional connectivity (FC) within each network was compared between groups and correlated with patient executive performance (assessed by the Stroop task). Results Patients showed decreased FC between the ECN seed (right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) and several regions (including right middle/inferior frontal gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus, bilateral inferior/superior parietal lobules, bilateral middle/inferior temporal gyrus, and right medial frontal gyrus), between the DMN seed [posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)] and several regions (including bilateral medial frontal gyrus, bilateral anterior cingulate cortex, bilateral superior frontal gyrus, bilateral precuneus/PCC, left supramarginal gyrus, and left middle temporal gyrus), and between the SN seed (right anterior insula) and right supramarginal gyrus. FC strength in the ECN and SN was negatively correlated with patient performance during the Stroop task. Conclusion Disrupted functional integration in the core brain cognitive networks, which is reflected by reductions in FC, occurs before OHE bouts and may play an important role in the neural mechanism of executive dysfunction associated with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe-Ting Yang
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hua-Jun Chen
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiu-Feng Chen
- College of Computer and Information Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hailong Lin
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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Jiao Y, Wang XH, Chen R, Tang TY, Zhu XQ, Teng GJ. Predictive models of minimal hepatic encephalopathy for cirrhotic patients based on large-scale brain intrinsic connectivity networks. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11512. [PMID: 28912425 PMCID: PMC5599725 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11196-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to find the most representative connectivity patterns for minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) using large-scale intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs) and machine learning methods. Resting-state fMRI was administered to 33 cirrhotic patients with MHE and 43 cirrhotic patients without MHE (NMHE). The connectivity maps of 20 ICNs for each participant were obtained by dual regression. A Bayesian machine learning technique, called Graphical Model-based Multivariate Analysis, was applied to determine ICN regions that characterized group differences. The most representative ICNs were evaluated by the performance of three machine learning methods (support vector machines (SVMs), multilayer perceptrons (MLP), and C4.5). The clinical significance of these potential biomarkers was further tested. The temporal lobe network (TLN), and subcortical network (SCN), and sensorimotor network (SMN) were selected as representative ICNs. The distinct functional integration patterns of the representative ICNs were significantly correlated with behavior criteria and Child-Pugh scores. Our findings suggest the representative ICNs based on GAMMA can distinguish MHE from NMHE and provide supplementary information to current MHE diagnostic criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Jiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xun-Heng Wang
- College of Life Information Science and Instrument Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Rong Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Tian-Yu Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xi-Qi Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.,Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Gao-Jun Teng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Goh ET, Andersen ML, Morgan MY, Gluud LL. Flumazenil versus placebo or no intervention for people with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 8:CD002798. [PMID: 28796283 PMCID: PMC6483298 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd002798.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy is a common complication of cirrhosis which results in poor brain functioning. The spectrum of changes associated with hepatic encephalopathy ranges from the clinically 'indiscernible' or minimal hepatic encephalopathy to the clinically 'obvious' or overt hepatic encephalopathy. Flumazenil is a synthetic benzodiazepine antagonist with high affinity for the central benzodiazepine recognition site. Flumazenil may benefit people with hepatic encephalopathy through an indirect negative allosteric modulatory effect on gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor function. The previous version of this review, which included 13 randomised clinical trials, found no effect of flumazenil on all-cause mortality, based on an analysis of 10 randomised clinical trials, but found a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy, based on an analysis of eight randomised clinical trials. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of flumazenil versus placebo or no intervention for people with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. SEARCH METHODS We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, and LILACS; meeting and conference proceedings; and bibliographies in May 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials regardless of publication status, blinding, or language in the analyses of benefits and harms, and observational studies in the assessment of harms. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors extracted data independently. We undertook meta-analyses and presented results using risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and I2 values as a marker of heterogeneity. We assessed bias control using the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group domains; determined the quality of the evidence using GRADE; evaluated the risk of small-study effects in regression analyses; and conducted trial sequential, subgroup, and sensitivity analyses. MAIN RESULTS We identified 14 eligible randomised clinical trials with 867 participants, the majority of whom had an acute episode of overt hepatic encephalopathy. In addition, we identified one ongoing randomised clinical trial. We were unable to gather outcome data from two randomised clinical trials with 25 participants. Thus, our analyses include 842 participants from 12 randomised clinical trials comparing flumazenil versus placebo. We classified one randomised clinical trial at low risk of bias in the overall assessment and the remaining randomised clinical trials at high risk of bias. The duration of follow-up ranged from a few minutes to two weeks, but it was less than one day in the majority of the trials.In total, 32/433 (7.4%) participants allocated to flumazenil versus 38/409 (9.3%) participants allocated to placebo died (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.16; 11 randomised clinical trials; low quality evidence). The Trial Sequential Analysis and the one randomised clinical trial assessed as low risk of bias (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.53) found no beneficial or harmful effects of flumazenil on all-cause mortality. The methods used to evaluate hepatic encephalopathy included several different clinical scales, electrophysiological variables, and psychometric tests. Flumazenil was associated with a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy when including all randomised clinical trials (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.80; 824 participants; nine randomised clinical trials; low quality evidence), or just the trial at low risk of bias (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.84; 527 participants). The Trial Sequential Analysis supported a beneficial effect of flumazenil on hepatic encephalopathy. The randomised clinical trials included little information about causes of death and little information on non-fatal serious adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found low quality evidence suggesting a short-term beneficial effect of flumazenil on hepatic encephalopathy in people with cirrhosis, but no evidence of an effect on all-cause mortality. Additional evidence from large, high quality randomised clinical trials is needed to evaluate the potential benefits and harms of flumazenil in people with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ee Teng Goh
- Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College LondonUCL Institute for Liver & Digestive HealthRowland Hill StreetHampsteadLondonUKNW3 2PF
| | - Mette L Andersen
- RigshospitaletDepartment of HepatologyBlegdamsvej 9Dept. 2121CopenhagenDenmark2100
| | - Marsha Y Morgan
- Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College LondonUCL Institute for Liver & Digestive HealthRowland Hill StreetHampsteadLondonUKNW3 2PF
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Copenhagen University Hospital HvidovreGastrounit, Medical DivisionKettegaards AlleHvidovreDenmark2650
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Goh ET, Andersen ML, Morgan MY, Gluud LL. Flumazenil versus placebo or no intervention for people with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 7:CD002798. [PMID: 28745801 PMCID: PMC6483159 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd002798.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy is a common complication of cirrhosis which results in poor brain functioning. The spectrum of changes associated with hepatic encephalopathy ranges from the clinically 'indiscernible' or minimal hepatic encephalopathy to the clinically 'obvious' or overt hepatic encephalopathy. Flumazenil is a synthetic benzodiazepine antagonist with high affinity for the central benzodiazepine recognition site. Flumazenil may benefit people with hepatic encephalopathy through an indirect negative allosteric modulatory effect on gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor function. The previous version of this review, which included 13 randomised clinical trials, found no effect of flumazenil on all-cause mortality, based on an analysis of 10 randomised clinical trials, but found a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy, based on an analysis of eight randomised clinical trials. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of flumazenil versus placebo or no intervention for people with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. SEARCH METHODS We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, and LILACS; meeting and conference proceedings; and bibliographies in May 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials regardless of publication status, blinding, or language in the analyses of benefits and harms, and observational studies in the assessment of harms. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors extracted data independently. We undertook meta-analyses and presented results using risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and I2 values as a marker of heterogeneity. We assessed bias control using the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group domains; determined the quality of the evidence using GRADE; evaluated the risk of small-study effects in regression analyses; and conducted trial sequential, subgroup, and sensitivity analyses. MAIN RESULTS We identified 14 eligible randomised clinical trials with 867 participants, the majority of whom had an acute episode of overt hepatic encephalopathy. In addition, we identified one ongoing randomised clinical trial. We were unable to gather outcome data from 2 randomised clinical trials with 25 participants. Thus, our analyses include 842 participants from 12 randomised clinical trials comparing flumazenil versus placebo. We classified one randomised clinical trial at low risk of bias in the overall assessment and the remaining randomised clinical trials at high risk of bias. The duration of follow-up ranged from a few minutes to two weeks, but it was less than one day in the majority of the trials.In total, 32/433 (7.4%) participants allocated to flumazenil versus 38/409 (9.3%) participants allocated to placebo died (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.16; 11 randomised clinical trials; low quality evidence). The Trial Sequential Analysis and the one randomised clinical trial assessed as low risk of bias (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.53) found no beneficial or harmful effects of flumazenil on all-cause mortality. The methods used to evaluate hepatic encephalopathy included several different clinical scales, electrophysiological variables, and psychometric tests. Flumazenil was associated with a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy when including all randomised clinical trials (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.80; 824 participants; 9 randomised clinical trials; low quality evidence), or just the trial at low risk of bias (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.84; 527 participants). The Trial Sequential Analysis supported a beneficial effect of flumazenil on hepatic encephalopathy. The randomised clinical trials included little information about causes of death and little information on non-fatal serious adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found low quality evidence suggesting a short-term beneficial effect of flumazenil on hepatic encephalopathy in people with cirrhosis, but no evidence of an effect on all-cause mortality. Additional evidence from large, high quality randomised clinical trials is needed to evaluate the potential benefits and harms of flumazenil in people with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ee Teng Goh
- Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College LondonUCL Institute for Liver & Digestive HealthRowland Hill StreetHampsteadLondonUKNW3 2PF
| | - Mette L Andersen
- RigshospitaletDepartment of HepatologyBlegdamsvej 9Dept. 2121CopenhagenDenmark2100
| | - Marsha Y Morgan
- Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College LondonUCL Institute for Liver & Digestive HealthRowland Hill StreetHampsteadLondonUKNW3 2PF
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Copenhagen University Hospital HvidovreGastrounit, Medical DivisionKettegaards AlleHvidovreDenmark2650
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Performance characterization of a novel electronic number connection test to detect minimal hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 29:456-463. [PMID: 28092641 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent complication of cirrhosis, characterized by cognitive deficits that negatively impact patients' quality of life. The mild, minimal hepatic encephalopathy (mHE) can only be detected by psychometric tests and early mHE detection can prevent more severe complications or even survival times. Here, we aimed to investigate the feasibility and validity of the novel-developed electronic number connection test (eNCT), which is designed as a fast and easy-to-perform mHE patient self-test. METHODS The eNCT design was inspired by the paper-pencil number connection test version A, showing 25 numbers on the screen (1-25), in a random order. The time required to tap on all digits in the correct order was measured. A total of 238 individuals (112 patients with liver cirrhosis) were enrolled in this study and eNCT times were compared with well-established paper-pencil tests. The Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score test battery was used to detect mHE and cut-off values for mHE detection by the eNCT were defined. RESULTS Overall, cirrhotic patients showed significantly slower test completion times compared with control participants. The eNCT performance was inversely correlated with Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score test performance in cirrhotic patients, independent of the HE status. Thirty cirrhotic patients fulfilled the mHE criteria and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed high sensitivity (>82%) and specificity (>85%) for mHE detection. Finally, the eNCT showed excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.94). CONCLUSION The novel eNCT is a reliable HE self-test to monitor cognitive function and detect cognitive impairment in cirrhotic patients.
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Giménez-Garzó C, Garcés JJ, Urios A, Mangas-Losada A, García-García R, González-López O, Giner-Durán R, Escudero-García D, Serra MA, Soria E, Felipo V, Montoliu C. The PHES battery does not detect all cirrhotic patients with early neurological deficits, which are different in different patients. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171211. [PMID: 28146589 PMCID: PMC5287470 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims The psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) is the “gold standard” for minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) diagnosis. Some reports suggest that some cirrhotic patients “without” MHE according to PHES show neurological deficits and other reports that neurological alterations are not homogeneous in all cirrhotic patients. This work aimed to assess whether: 1) a relevant proportion of cirrhotic patients show neurological deficits not detected by PHES; 2) cirrhotic patients with mild neurological deficits are a homogeneous population or may be classified in sub-groups according to specific deficits. Methods Cirrhotic patients “without” (n = 56) or “with” MHE (n = 41) according to PHES and controls (n = 52) performed psychometric tests assessing attention, concentration, mental processing speed, working memory and bimanual and visuomotor coordination. Heterogeneity of neurological alterations was analysed using Hierarchical Clustering Analysis. Results PHES classified as “with” MHE 42% of patients. Around 40% of patients “without” MHE according to PHES fail two psychometric tests. Oral SDMT, d2, bimanual and visuo-motor coordination tests are failed by 54, 51, 51 and 43% of patients, respectively. The earliest neurological alterations are different for different patients. Hierarchical clustering analysis shows that patients “without” MHE according to PHES may be classified in clusters according to the tests failed. In some patients coordination impairment appear before cognitive impairment while in others concentration and attention deficits appear before. Conclusions PHES is not sensitive enough to detect early neurological alterations in a relevant proportion of cirrhotic patients. Oral SDMT, d2 and bimanual and visuo-motor coordination tests are more sensitive. The earliest neurological alterations are different in different cirrhotic patients. These data also have relevant clinical implications. Patients classified as “without MHE” by PHES belonging to clusters 3 and 4 in our study have a high risk of suffering clinical complications, including overt HE and must be diagnosed and clinically followed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Giménez-Garzó
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan José Garcés
- IDAL, Intelligent Data Analysis Laboratory, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Urios
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alba Mangas-Losada
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Raquel García-García
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Desamparados Escudero-García
- Unidad de Digestivo, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Serra
- Unidad de Digestivo, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Emilio Soria
- IDAL, Intelligent Data Analysis Laboratory, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Subasinghe SKCE, Nandamuni Y, Ranasinghe S, Niriella MA, Miththinda JKND, Dassanayake A, de Silva AP, de Silva HJ. Association between road accidents and low-grade hepatic encephalopathy among Sri Lankan drivers with cirrhosis: a prospective case control study. BMC Res Notes 2016; 9:303. [PMID: 27296988 PMCID: PMC4907045 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-016-2106-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Low-grade hepatic encephalopathy (LGHE) comprises minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and grade 1 hepatic encephalopathy. LGHE has no or minimal recognizable symptoms but has mild cognitive and psychomotor deficits. Studies in Western countries have demonstrated increased road accidents (RA) among patients with MHE. Our objective was to investigate the association between Sri Lankan LGHE phenotype and RA. Study design and methods A prospective, case–control study was conducted in the University Medical Unit, North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama Sri Lanka. Patients with cirrhosis of any aetiology, without OHE, who had been driving during previous 1 month were included. A similar number of age matched, healthy control drivers were also enrolled. Both groups were subjected to five pencil-paper based psychometric tests used to detect LGHE in cirrhotics. Self-reported RA during the previous 1 month were recorded: categorized as ‘major’ when resulted in hospitalization of the involved, ‘minor’ when there were injuries, but not serious enough for hospitalization of the involved and ‘other’ when limited to damages to vehicle or environment without injuries. Results Among 55 drivers with cirrhosis and LGHE [males, median age 53 years (range 30–60)], 7 (12.7 %) reported RA compared to 6 (10.9 %) among 55 controls [males; median age 51 years (range 30–60)]. There were no ‘major’ accidents in either group. 2/55 (3.6 %) cases and 2/55 (3.6 %) controls reported ‘minor’ accidents. Conclusion There was no increased frequency of RA among Sri Lankan drivers with LGHE compared to healthy controls. This is with the limitation of the study based only on self reported RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K C E Subasinghe
- Professorial Medical Unit, North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Y Nandamuni
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Thalagolla Road, PO Box 6, Ragama, GQ 11010, Sri Lanka
| | - S Ranasinghe
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Thalagolla Road, PO Box 6, Ragama, GQ 11010, Sri Lanka
| | - M A Niriella
- Professorial Medical Unit, North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka. .,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Thalagolla Road, PO Box 6, Ragama, GQ 11010, Sri Lanka.
| | - J K N D Miththinda
- Professorial Medical Unit, North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - A Dassanayake
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - A P de Silva
- Professorial Medical Unit, North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Thalagolla Road, PO Box 6, Ragama, GQ 11010, Sri Lanka
| | - H J de Silva
- Professorial Medical Unit, North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Thalagolla Road, PO Box 6, Ragama, GQ 11010, Sri Lanka
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Hernández-Rabaza V, Cabrera-Pastor A, Taoro-González L, Malaguarnera M, Agustí A, Llansola M, Felipo V. Hyperammonemia induces glial activation, neuroinflammation and alters neurotransmitter receptors in hippocampus, impairing spatial learning: reversal by sulforaphane. J Neuroinflammation 2016; 13:41. [PMID: 26883214 PMCID: PMC4754839 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0505-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with liver cirrhosis and minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) show mild cognitive impairment and spatial learning dysfunction. Hyperammonemia acts synergistically with inflammation to induce cognitive impairment in MHE. Hyperammonemia-induced neuroinflammation in hippocampus could contribute to spatial learning impairment in MHE. Two main aims of this work were: (1) to assess whether chronic hyperammonemia increases inflammatory factors in the hippocampus and if this is associated with microglia and/or astrocytes activation and (2) to assess whether hyperammonemia-induced neuroinflammation in the hippocampus is associated with altered membrane expression of glutamate and GABA receptors and spatial learning impairment. There are no specific treatments for cognitive alterations in patients with MHE. A third aim was to assess whether treatment with sulforaphane enhances endogenous the anti-inflammatory system, reduces neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of hyperammonemic rats, and restores spatial learning and if normalization of receptor membrane expression is associated with learning improvement. Methods We analyzed the following in control and hyperammonemic rats, treated or not with sulforaphane: (1) microglia and astrocytes activation by immunohistochemistry, (2) markers of pro-inflammatory (M1) (IL-1β, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (M2) microglia (Arg1, YM-1) by Western blot, (3) membrane expression of GABA, AMPA, and NMDA receptors using the BS3 cross-linker, and (4) spatial learning using the radial maze. Results The results reported show that hyperammonemia induces astrocytes and microglia activation in the hippocampus, increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. This is associated with altered membrane expression of AMPA, NMDA, and GABA receptors which would be responsible for altered neurotransmission and impairment of spatial learning in the radial maze. Treatment with sulforaphane promotes microglia differentiation from pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype and reduces activation of astrocytes in hyperammonemic rats. This reduces neuroinflammation, normalizes membrane expression of glutamate and GABA receptors, and restores spatial learning in hyperammonemic rats. Conclusions Hyperammonemia-induced neuroinflammation impairs glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission by altering membrane expression of glutamate and GABA receptors, resulting in impaired spatial learning. Sulforaphane reverses all these effects. Treatment with sulforaphane could be useful to improve cognitive function in cirrhotic patients with minimal or clinical hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Cabrera-Pastor
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucas Taoro-González
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Michele Malaguarnera
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Agustí
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Llansola
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain.
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Bajaj JS, Heuman DM, Sterling RK, Sanyal AJ, Siddiqui M, Matherly S, Luketic V, Stravitz RT, Fuchs M, Thacker LR, Gilles H, White MB, Unser A, Hovermale J, Gavis E, Noble NA, Wade JB. Validation of EncephalApp, Smartphone-Based Stroop Test, for the Diagnosis of Covert Hepatic Encephalopathy. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 13:1828-1835.e1. [PMID: 24846278 PMCID: PMC4234700 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 04/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Detection of covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) is difficult, but point-of-care testing could increase rates of diagnosis. We aimed to validate the ability of the smartphone app EncephalApp, a streamlined version of Stroop App, to detect CHE. We evaluated face validity, test-retest reliability, and external validity. METHODS Patients with cirrhosis (n = 167; 38% with overt HE [OHE]; mean age, 55 years; mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, 12) and controls (n = 114) were each given a paper and pencil cognitive battery (standard) along with EncephalApp. EncephalApp has Off and On states; results measured were OffTime, OnTime, OffTime+OnTime, and number of runs required to complete 5 off and on runs. Thirty-six patients with cirrhosis underwent driving simulation tests, and EncephalApp results were correlated with results. Test-retest reliability was analyzed in a subgroup of patients. The test was performed before and after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement, and before and after correction for hyponatremia, to determine external validity. RESULTS All patients with cirrhosis performed worse on paper and pencil and EncephalApp tests than controls. Patients with cirrhosis and OHE performed worse than those without OHE. Age-dependent EncephalApp cutoffs (younger or older than 45 years) were set. An OffTime+OnTime value of >190 seconds identified all patients with CHE with an area under the receiver operator characteristic value of 0.91; the area under the receiver operator characteristic value was 0.88 for diagnosis of CHE in those without OHE. EncephalApp times correlated with crashes and illegal turns in driving simulation tests. Test-retest reliability was high (intraclass coefficient, 0.83) among 30 patients retested 1-3 months apart. OffTime+OnTime increased significantly (206 vs 255 seconds, P = .007) among 10 patients retested 33 ± 7 days after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement. OffTime+OnTime decreased significantly (242 vs 225 seconds, P = .03) in 7 patients tested before and after correction for hyponatremia (126 ± 3 to 132 ± 4 meq/L, P = .01) 10 ± 5 days apart. CONCLUSIONS A smartphone app called EncephalApp has good face validity, test-retest reliability, and external validity for the diagnosis of CHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia.
| | - Douglas M Heuman
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Richard K Sterling
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Muhammad Siddiqui
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Scott Matherly
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Velimir Luketic
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - R Todd Stravitz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Michael Fuchs
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Leroy R Thacker
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - HoChong Gilles
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Melanie B White
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Ariel Unser
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - James Hovermale
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Edith Gavis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Nicole A Noble
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - James B Wade
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
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Méndez-López M, Méndez M, Arias J, Arias JL. Effects of a high protein diet on cognition and brain metabolism in cirrhotic rats. Physiol Behav 2015; 149:220-8. [PMID: 26048304 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurological complication observed in patients with liver disease. Patients who suffer from HE present neuropsychiatric, neuromuscular and behavioral symptoms. Animal models proposed to study HE resulting from cirrhosis mimic the clinical characteristics of cirrhosis and portal hypertension, and require the administration of hepatotoxins such as thioacetamide (TAA). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a high protein diet on motor function, anxiety and memory processes in a model of cirrhosis induced by TAA administration. In addition, we used cytochrome c-oxidase (COx) histochemistry to assess the metabolic activity of the limbic system regions. Male rats were distributed into groups: control, animals with cirrhosis, Control rats receiving a high protein diet, and animals with cirrhosis receiving a high protein diet. Results showed preserved motor function and normal anxiety levels in all the groups. The animals with cirrhosis showed an impairment in active avoidance behavior and spatial memory, regardless of the diet they received. However, the animals with cirrhosis and a high protein diet showed longer escape latencies on the spatial memory task. The model of cirrhosis presented an under-activation of the dentate gyrus and CA3 hippocampal subfields and the medial part of the medial mammillary nucleus. The results suggest that a high protein intake worsens spatial memory deficits shown by the TAA-induced model of cirrhosis. However, high protein ingestion has no influence on the COx hypoactivity associated with the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Méndez-López
- Department of Psychology, University of Zaragoza, Campus Ciudad Escolar s/n., 44003 Teruel, Spain.
| | - M Méndez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo s/n., 33003 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - J Arias
- Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n., 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - J L Arias
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo s/n., 33003 Oviedo, Spain.
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Chen HJ, Wang Y, Yang M, Zhu XQ, Teng GJ. Aberrant interhemispheric functional coordination in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis and minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Metab Brain Dis 2014; 29:617-23. [PMID: 24553880 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-014-9505-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant brain functional connectivity has been considered as the important mechanism underlying minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE); however, little is known about the change in interhemispheric connection in MHE patients. Twenty patients with HBV-related cirrhosis and MHE and 15 healthy controls were included in this study and underwent the resting-state fMRI scanning and diffusion tensor imaging. The functional connectivity between symmetric interhemispheric voxels was computed by a technique called voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC), in which the time series for each voxel in one hemisphere was correlated with that of its homotopic voxel. Diffusion tensor imaging was conducted to measure the mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values in corpus callosum (CC). Compared with controls, MHE patients showed decreased regional VMHC in medial frontal gyrus, superior frontal gryus, anterior cingulate gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, postcentral gyrus, lingual gyrus, and middle occipital gyrus. MHE patients had significant decreased FA value in CC genu and CC splenium and increased MD value in CC genu. Pearson correlation analyses showed that the VMHC in anterior cingulate gyrus/medial frontal gyrus was correlated with FA/MD values of CC genu. These findings may suggest aberrant interhemispheric coordination in MHE and may provide new insight into the disease-related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Jun Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
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Chen HJ, Wang Y, Zhu XQ, Li PC, Teng GJ. Classification of cirrhotic patients with or without minimal hepatic encephalopathy and healthy subjects using resting-state attention-related network analysis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89684. [PMID: 24647353 PMCID: PMC3960105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Attention deficit is an early and key characteristic of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and has been used as indicator for MHE detection. The aim of this study is to classify the cirrhotic patients with or without MHE (NMHE) and healthy controls (HC) using the resting-state attention-related brain network analysis. Methods and Findings Resting-state fMRI was administrated to 20 MHE patients, 21 NMHE patients, and 17 HCs. Three attention-related networks, including dorsal attention network (DAN), ventral attention network (VAN), and default mode network (DMN), were obtained by independent component analysis. One-way analysis of covariance was performed to determine the regions of interest (ROIs) showing significant functional connectivity (FC) change. With FC strength of ROIs as indicators, Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) was conducted to differentiate MHE from HC or NMHE. Across three groups, significant FC differences were found within DAN (left superior/inferior parietal lobule and right inferior parietal lobule), VAN (right superior parietal lobule), and DMN (bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus and precuneus, and left inferior parietal lobule). With FC strength of ROIs from three networks as indicators, LDA yielded 94.6% classification accuracy between MHE and HC (100% sensitivity and 88.2% specificity) and 85.4% classification accuracy between MHE and NMHE (90.0% sensitivity and 81.0% specificity). Conclusions Our results suggest that the resting-state attention-related brain network analysis can be useful in classification of subjects with MHE, NMHE, and HC and may provide a new insight into MHE detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Jun Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi-Qi Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pei-Cheng Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gao-Jun Teng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail:
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Torres DS, Abrantes J, Brandão‐Mello CE. Cognitive assessment of patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy in Brazil. Metab Brain Dis 2013; 28:473-83. [PMID: 23625323 PMCID: PMC3734603 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-013-9405-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is a syndrome caused by liver cirrhosis and accompanied by a broad spectrum of cognitive symptoms. The objective of the present study was to describe the prevalence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients and to compare their cognitive performance with controls using standardized tests. Patients receiving medication or experiencing comorbidities associated with cognitive disorders were excluded. The final cohort was compared with a control-matched group using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), as well as Simple Drawing, Clock Drawing, Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Random Letter, Stroop, Trail-Making Test (TMT) A and B, Boston Naming, Category Verbal Fluency, Digit Span, Constructional Praxis, Processing Speed, and Similarities Tests. The results indicated no differences in the prevalence of cognitive complaints spontaneously reported by 29 patients with cirrhosis versus 22 healthy controls. The most affected tests included: MMSE (26.3 ± 2 vs. 28.1 ± 1.8 points; p = 0.004), learning (35.4 ± 9 vs. 41 ± 9.1 points; p = 0.041), retroactive interference (0.67 ± 0.22 vs. 0.84 ± 0.16 points; p = 0.004), and recognition (8.7 ± 2.6 vs. 11.2 ± 4.1 points; p = 0.024) in RAVLT, TMT-A (63.2 ± 29.3 vs. 47.6 ± 16.5 s; p = 0.029) and TMT-B (197.9 ± 88.1 vs. 146.8 ± 76.5 s; p = 0.03). No differences were observed with respect to age, gender, and education. In conclusion, MMSE proved to be a useful tool for detecting global cognitive impairment experienced by cirrhosis patients. Moreover, the most impaired cognitive functions were verbal episodic memory and information processing speed. These findings suggest that minimal hepatic encephalopathy represents a disorder that affects the medial temporal system and, possibly, the prefrontal cortex, and this requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. S. Torres
- Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
- Serviço de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia do Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle (Hepatology Outpatient Clinic of the Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital), Rua Mariz e Barros, 775, Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil 20270‐004
| | - J. Abrantes
- Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
- Serviço de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia do Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle (Hepatology Outpatient Clinic of the Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital), Rua Mariz e Barros, 775, Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil 20270‐004
| | - C. E. Brandão‐Mello
- Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
- Serviço de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia do Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle (Hepatology Outpatient Clinic of the Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital), Rua Mariz e Barros, 775, Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil 20270‐004
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Butz M, May ES, Häussinger D, Schnitzler A. The slowed brain: Cortical oscillatory activity in hepatic encephalopathy. Arch Biochem Biophys 2013; 536:197-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Häussinger D, Sies H. Hepatic encephalopathy: clinical aspects and pathogenetic concept. Arch Biochem Biophys 2013; 536:97-100. [PMID: 23643660 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2013.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Zhang LJ, Qi R, Zhong J, Ni L, Zheng G, Xu J, Lu GM. Disrupted functional connectivity of the anterior cingulate cortex in cirrhotic patients without overt hepatic encephalopathy: a resting state fMRI study. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53206. [PMID: 23308163 PMCID: PMC3538769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To evaluate the changes of functional connectivity of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in patients with cirrhosis without overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) using resting state functional MRI. Methodology/Principal Findings Participants included 67 cirrhotic patients (27 minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and 40 cirrhotic patients without MHE (non-HE)), and 40 age- and gender- matched healthy controls. rsfMRI were performed on 3 Telsa scanners. The pregenual ACC resting-state networks (RSNs) were characterized by using a standard seed-based whole-brain correlation method and compared between cirrhotic patients and healthy controls. Pearson correlation analysis was performed between the ACC RSNs and venous blood ammonia levels, neuropsychological tests (number connection test type A [NCT-A] and digit symbol test [DST]) scores in cirrhotic patients. All thresholds were set at P<0.05, with false discovery rate corrected. Compared with controls, non-HE and MHE patients showed significantly decreased functional connectivity in the bilateral ACC, bilateral middle frontal cortex (MFC), bilateral middle cingulate cortex (MCC), bilateral superior temporal gyri (STG)/middle temporal gyri (MTG), bilateral thalami, bilateral putamen and bilateral insula, and increased functional connectivity of bilateral precuneus and left temporo-occipital lobe and bilateral lingual gyri. Compared with non-HE patients, MHE showed the decreased functional connectivity of right MCC, bilateral STG/MTG and right putamen. This indicates decreased ACC functional connectivity predominated with the increasing severity of HE. NCT-A scores negatively correlated with ACC functional connectivity in the bilateral MCC, right temporal lobe, and DST scores positively correlated with functional connectivity in the bilateral ACC and the right putamen. No correlation was found between venous blood ammonia levels and functional connectivity in ACC in cirrhotic patients. Conclusions/Significance Disrupted functional connectivity in ACC was found in cirrhotic patients which further deteriorated with the increasing severity of HE and correlated cognitive dysfunction in cirrhotic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Jiang Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rongfeng Qi
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianhui Zhong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ling Ni
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gang Zheng
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (JX); (GML)
| | - Guang Ming Lu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (JX); (GML)
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Iwasa M, Mifuji-Moroka R, Kuroda M, Moroka H, Fujita N, Kobayashi Y, Adachi Y, Gabazza EC, Matsuda H, Takei Y. Regional reduction in gray and white matter volume in brains of cirrhotic patients: voxel-based analysis of MRI. Metab Brain Dis 2012; 27:551-7. [PMID: 22618586 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-012-9314-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatic encephalopathy is a characteristically reversible neuropsychiatric disorder that occurs mainly in patients with liver cirrhosis. The brain regions critically involved in the pathophysiology of cirrhosis are not clear. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with voxel-based morphometry (VBM) is a valuable tool for evaluating structural brain changes in many neurodegenerative diseases. We performed an MRI scan on 18 patients with liver cirrhosis and 16 age-matched healthy controls. We evaluated brain regional structural changes, regional differences and the relationship of these changes with the blood levels of ammonia and the results of neuropsychological tests in patients with cirrhosis. The VBM showed reduction in the volume of gray matter in the cerebellum and occipital lobe and in the volume of white matter in the cingulate, parietal, temporal, occipital lobe and precentral area in cirrhotic patients compared with controls. There were significant correlations between the volume of these regions with the plasma levels of ammonia and the results of neuropsychological tests. Voxel-based analysis of MRI revealed evidence for structural abnormalities of brain in patients with cirrhosis. Abnormal function in the above regions may account for the ammonia-mediated changes and neuropsychological deficits in hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoh Iwasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
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Ni L, Qi R, Zhang LJ, Zhong J, Zheng G, Zhang Z, Zhong Y, Xu Q, Liao W, Jiao Q, Wu X, Fan X, Lu GM. Altered regional homogeneity in the development of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: a resting-state functional MRI study. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42016. [PMID: 22848692 PMCID: PMC3404989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about how spontaneous brain activity progresses from non-hepatic encephalopathy (non-HE) to minimal HE (MHE). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the evolution pattern of spontaneous brain activities in cirrhotic patients using resting-state fMRI with a regional homogeneity (ReHo) method. Methodology/Principal Findings Resting-state fMRI data were acquired in 47 cirrhotic patients (minimal HE [MHE], n = 20, and non-HE, n = 27) and 25 age-and sex-matched healthy controls. The Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (KCC) was used to measure the regional homogeneity. The regional homogeneity maps were compared with ANOVA tests among MHE, non-HE, and healthy control groups and t-tests between each pair in a voxel-wise way. Correlation analyses were performed to explore the relationships between regional ReHo values and Child-Pugh scores, number connection test type A (NCT-A), digit symbol test (DST) scores, venous blood ammonia levels. Compared with healthy controls, both MHE and non-HE patients showed decreased ReHo in the bilateral frontal, parietal and temporal lobes and increased ReHo in the bilateral caudate. Compared with the non-HE, MHE patients showed decreased ReHo in the bilateral precuneus, cuneus and supplementary motor area (SMA). The NCT-A of cirrhotic patients negatively correlated with ReHo values in the precuneus, cuneus and lingual gyrus. DST scores positively correlated with ReHo values in the cuneus, precuneus and lingual gyrus, and negatively correlated with ReHo values in the bilateral caudate (P<0.05, AlphaSim corrected). Conclusions/Significance Diffused abnormal homogeneity of baseline brain activity was nonspecific for MHE, and only the progressively decreased ReHo in the SMA and the cuneus, especially for the latter, might be associated with the development of MHE. The ReHo analysis may be potentially valuable for detecting the development from non-HE to MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ni
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rongfeng Qi
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Long Jiang Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (LJZ); (GML)
| | - Jianhui Zhong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gang Zheng
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Zhong
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Liao
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing Jiao
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingjiang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinxin Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guang Ming Lu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (LJZ); (GML)
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Kahlbrock N, Butz M, May ES, Brenner M, Kircheis G, Häussinger D, Schnitzler A. Lowered frequency and impaired modulation of gamma band oscillations in a bimodal attention task are associated with reduced critical flicker frequency. Neuroimage 2012; 61:216-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.02.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Montoliu C, Gonzalez-Escamilla G, Atienza M, Urios A, Gonzalez O, Wassel A, Aliaga R, Giner-Duran R, Serra MA, Rodrigo JM, Belloch V, Felipo V, Cantero JL. Focal cortical damage parallels cognitive impairment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Neuroimage 2012; 61:1165-75. [PMID: 22465844 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2011] [Revised: 03/11/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Little attention has been paid to cortical integrity in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), although cognitive functions affected in early stages of liver disease are mainly allocated in different neocortical structures. Here we used cortical surface-based analysis techniques to investigate if patterns of cortical thinning accompany the mildest form of HE. To aim this goal, cortical thickness obtained from high-resolution 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was measured in patients with no MHE (NMHE), MHE, and healthy controls. Further correlation analyses were performed to examine whether scores in the critical flicker frequency (CFF) test, and blood ammonia levels accounted for the loss of cortical integrity in different stages of liver disease. Finally, we assessed group differences in volume of different subcortical regions and their potential relationships with CFF scores/blood ammonia levels. Results showed a focal thinning of the superior temporal cortex and precuneus in MHE patients when compared with NMHE and controls. Relationships between blood ammonia levels and cortical thickness of the calcarine sulcus accounted for impaired visual judgment in patients with MHE when compared to NMHE. Regression analyses between cortical thickness and CFF predicted differences between controls and the two groups of HE patients, but failed to discriminate between patients with NMHE and MHE. Taking together, these findings provide the first report of cortical thinning in MHE patients, and they yield novel insights into the neurobiological basis of cognitive impairment associated with early stages of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmina Montoliu
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Spain
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Neuropsychological functioning in patients with alcohol-related liver disease before and after liver transplantation. Transplantation 2012; 92:1371-7. [PMID: 22075529 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e3182375881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive dysfunction is common in both end-stage liver disease and chronic alcohol misuse. The impact of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on neuropsychological function is poorly documented. This prospective study examined changes in cognitive function pre- and post-OLT in patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). METHODS Comprehensive neuropsychological assessment was conducted with 92 abstinent patients with ALD scheduled for OLT. Forty-two patients were available for reassessment 12 months post-OLT. RESULTS Posttransplantation, cognitive performance on all measures fell within normal limits. Greatest improvement occurred in visuomotor speed, complex visual attention processes, and the ability to solve visually presented problems. Performance on memory assessment tasks also improved posttransplantation. Applying a more robust assessment of change (Reliable Change Index), approximately half improved reliably on overall cognitive function. One quarter improved in memory performance. With the exception of the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient scales, discriminant analysis was unable to successfully predict which patients reliably improved. CONCLUSIONS Overall improvement in cognitive function occurs after liver transplantation in ALD. It was not possible to identify which patient characteristics were associated with reliable change.
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Felipo V, Ordoño JF, Urios A, El Mlili N, Giménez-Garzó C, Aguado C, González-Lopez O, Giner-Duran R, Serra MA, Wassel A, Rodrigo JM, Salazar J, Montoliu C. Patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy show impaired mismatch negativity correlating with reduced performance in attention tests. Hepatology 2012; 55:530-9. [PMID: 21953369 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Attention deficit is an early event in the cognitive impairment of patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). The underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Mismatch negativity (MMN) is an auditory event-related potential that reflects an attentional trigger. Patients with schizophrenia show impaired attention and cognitive function, which are reflected in altered MMN. We hypothesized that patients with MHE, similarly to those with schizophrenia, should show MMN alterations related with attention deficits. The aims of this work were to assess whether (1) MMN is altered in cirrhotic patients with MHE, compared to those without MHE, (2) MMN changes in parallel with performance in attention tests and/or MHE in a longitudinal study, and (3) MMN predicts performance in attention tests and/or in the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES). We performed MMN analysis as well as attention and coordination tests in 34 control subjects and in 37 patients with liver cirrhosis without MHE and 23 with MHE. Patients with MHE show reduced performance in selective and sustained attention tests and in visuomotor and bimanual coordination tests. The MMN wave area was reduced in patients with MHE, but not in those without MHE. In the longitudinal study, MMN area improved in parallel with performance in attention tests and PHES in 4 patients and worsened in parallel in another 4. Logistic regression analyses showed that MMN area predicts performance in attention tests and in PHES, but not in other tests or critical flicker frequency. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that MMN area predicts attention deficits in the number connection tests A and B, Stroop tasks, and MHE, with sensitivities of 75%-90% and specificities of 76%-83%. CONCLUSION MMN area is useful to diagnose attention deficits and MHE in patients with liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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Bajaj JS, Stein AC, Dubinsky RM. What is driving the legal interest in hepatic encephalopathy? Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2011; 9:97-8. [PMID: 21070873 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2010.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2010] [Accepted: 10/19/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Angel MJ, Chen R, Bryan Young G. Metabolic encephalopathies. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2010; 90:115-66. [PMID: 18631820 DOI: 10.1016/s0072-9752(07)01707-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Angel
- University of Toronto, Division of Neurology, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Amodio P, Ridola L, Schiff S, Montagnese S, Pasquale C, Nardelli S, Pentassuglio I, Trezza M, Marzano C, Flaiban C, Angeli P, Cona G, Bisiacchi P, Gatta A, Riggio O. Improving the inhibitory control task to detect minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Gastroenterology 2010; 139:510-8, 518.e1-2. [PMID: 20470775 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2010.04.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2009] [Revised: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Quantification of the number of noninhibited responses (lures) in the inhibitory control task (ICT) has been proposed for the diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). We assessed the efficacy of ICT compared with recommended diagnostic standards. METHODS We studied patients with cirrhosis and healthy individuals (controls) who underwent the ICT at 2 centers (center A: n=51 patients and 41 controls, center B: n=24 patients and 14 controls). Subjects were evaluated for MHE by psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES). Patients from center B also were assessed for MHE by critical flicker frequency and spectral electroencephalogram analyses. RESULTS Patients with cirrhosis had higher ICT lures (23.2+/-12.8 vs 12.9+/-5.8, respectively, P<.01) and lower ICT target accuracy (0.88+/-0.17 vs 0.96+/-0.03, respectively, P<.01) compared with controls. However, lures were comparable (25.2+/-12.5 vs 21.4+/-13.9, respectively, P=.32) among patients with/without altered PHES (center A). There was a reverse, U-shaped relationship between ICT lure and target accuracy; a variable adjusting lures was devised based on target accuracy (weighted lures at center B). This variable differed between patients with and without MHE. The variable weighted lures was then validated from data collected at center A by receiver operator characteristic curve analysis; it discriminated between patients with and without PHES alterations (area under the curve=0.71+/-0.07). However, target accuracy alone was as effective as a stand-alone variable (area under the curve=0.81+/-0.06). CONCLUSIONS The ICT is not useful for the diagnosis of MHE, unless adjusted by target accuracy. Testing inhibition (lures) does not seem to be superior to testing attention (target accuracy) for the detection of MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Amodio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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Zhang LJ, Lu GM, Yin JZ, Qi J. Metabolic changes of anterior cingulate cortex in patients with hepatic cirrhosis: A magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. Hepatol Res 2010; 40:777-85. [PMID: 20649817 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2010.00681.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
AIM The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays an important role in cognitive functions. The purpose of this study is to compare metabolite concentrations in the ACC of cirrhotic patients with normal controls, and to correlate metabolite changes with Child-Pugh class and with severity of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). METHODS Fifty-two cirrhotic patients and 30 healthy volunteers were included in this study. All subjects performed the number connection test type A (NCT-A) and digital symbol test (DST) before multiple resonance (MR) examinations. Single-voxel proton MR spectroscopy (MRS) data in the ACC were acquired on a 1.5-T scanner. The ratios of all metabolites to creatine and phosphocreatine (Cr) were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the difference between control and cirrhotic patients, with respect to metabolite ratios. The correlation between metabolite ratios and Child-Pugh scale, severity of HE, venous ammonia and neuropsychiatric test results was analyzed. RESULTS The ratios of choline (Cho)/Cr and myo-inositol (mIns)/Cr were significantly lower, and the ratio of glutamine- glutamate (Glx)/Cr was significantly higher in cirrhotic patients than those in controls (P < 0.001). mIns/Cr correlated negatively with Child-Pugh scale (r = -0.496, P < 0.001) and HE degree (r = -0.313, P < 0.05). Venous ammonia had a significant correlation with Cho/Cr (r = -0.329, P < 0.05) and mIns/Cr (r = -0.347, P < 0.05). No statistical correlation between metabolite ratios and neuropsychological tests was found for cirrhotic patients, but mIns/Cr did have a statistical correlation with NCT-A (r = -0.270, P < 0.05) and DST (r = 0.463, P < 0.001) when all subjects were included in the analysis. CONCLUSION Significant metabolite changes were seen in the ACC in cirrhotic patients. Of the metabolites examined, the mIns/Cr level in the ACC was most closely associated with the severity of HE and hepatic functional reserve reflected by Child-Pugh scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Jiang Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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Miotto EC, Campanholo KR, Machado MA, Benute GG, Lucia MC, Fráguas Jr R, Bacchella T, Machado MC. Cognitive performance and mood in patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation and their relation to the model for end-stage liver disease. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2010; 68:62-6. [DOI: 10.1590/s0004-282x2010000100014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2009] [Accepted: 09/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the links between depression and cognitive functioning in patients with Hepatitis C and other chronic liver diseases with and without the use of alcohol on the waiting list for liver transplantation and their associations with the MELD classification. METHOD: 40 patients were evaluated on a waiting list for liver transplant by a battery of neuropsychological tests, depression scales and interview at the Liver Transplant Service, of the Hospital das Clínicas University of São Paulo Medical School. RESULTS: After splitting the sample according to the education, the results showed statistical significance in the comparisons between groups of MELD > 15 and <15 in the following functions: estimated IQ, visual-spatial delayed recall and recognition as part of episodic memory and short term memory. CONCLUSION: These findings, usually found in hepatic encephalopathy, corroborated with the literature and emphasized the need to investigate in more detail the cognitive functions of these patients in order to facilitate the adoption of different conducts.
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Bajaj JS, Wade JB, Sanyal AJ. Spectrum of neurocognitive impairment in cirrhosis: Implications for the assessment of hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatology 2009; 50:2014-21. [PMID: 19787808 DOI: 10.1002/hep.23216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, USA.
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Bajaj JS, Saeian K, Schubert CM, Hafeezullah M, Franco J, Varma RR, Gibson DP, Hoffmann RG, Stravitz RT, Heuman DM, Sterling RK, Shiffman M, Topaz A, Boyett S, Bell D, Sanyal AJ. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is associated with motor vehicle crashes: the reality beyond the driving test. Hepatology 2009; 50:1175-83. [PMID: 19670416 PMCID: PMC2757520 DOI: 10.1002/hep.23128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) have impaired driving skills, but association of MHE with motor vehicle crashes is unclear. Standard psychometric tests (SPT) or inhibitory control test (ICT) can be used to diagnose MHE. The aim was to determine the association of MHE with crashes and traffic violations over the preceding year and on 1-year follow-up. Patients with cirrhosis were diagnosed with MHE by ICT (MHEICT) and SPT (MHESPT). Self and department-of-transportation (DOT)-reports were used to determine crashes and violations over the preceding year. Agreement between self and DOT-reports was analyzed. Patients then underwent 1-year follow-up for crash/violation occurrence. Crashes in those with/without MHEICT and MHESPT were compared. 167 patients with cirrhosis had DOT-reports, of which 120 also had self-reports. A significantly higher proportion of MHEICT patients with cirrhosis experienced crashes in the preceding year compared to those without MHE by self-report (17% vs 0.0%, P = 0.0004) and DOT-reports (17% vs 3%, P = 0.004, relative risk: 5.77). SPT did not differentiate between those with/without crashes. A significantly higher proportion of patients with crashes had MHEICT compared to MHESPT, both self-reported (100% vs 50%, P = 0.03) and DOT-reported (89% vs 44%, P = 0.01). There was excellent agreement between self and DOT-reports for crashes and violations (Kappa 0.90 and 0.80). 109 patients were followed prospectively. MHEICT patients had a significantly higher future crashes/violations compared to those without (22% vs 7%, P = 0.03) but MHESPT did not. MHEICT (Odds ratio: 4.51) and prior year crash/violation (Odds ratio: 2.96) were significantly associated with future crash/violation occurrence. CONCLUSION Patients with cirrhosis and MHEICT have a significantly higher crash rate over the preceding year and on prospective follow-up compared to patients without MHE. ICT, but not SPT performance is significantly associated with prior and future crashes and violations. There was an excellent agreement between self- and DOT-reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23221, USA.
| | - Kia Saeian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Christine M Schubert
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Muhammad Hafeezullah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Jose Franco
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Rajiv R Varma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Douglas P Gibson
- Division of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | | | - R Todd Stravitz
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Douglas M Heuman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Richard K Sterling
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Mitchell Shiffman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Allyne Topaz
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Sherry Boyett
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Debulon Bell
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
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Bragagnolo Jr. MA, Teodoro V, Lucchesi LM, Ribeiro TCDR, Tufik S, Kondo M. Detecção de encefalopatia hepática mínima através de testes neuropsicológicos e neurofisiológicos e o papel da amônia no seu diagnóstico. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2009; 46:43-9. [DOI: 10.1590/s0004-28032009000100013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2006] [Accepted: 12/24/2008] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXTO: A encefalopatia hepática mínima vem sendo sistematicamente investigada em pacientes com cirrose hepática. Entretanto, existem controvérsias quanto aos melhores métodos, bem como o papel da amônia para seu diagnóstico. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a frequência de encefalopatia hepática mínima diagnosticada através de testes neuropsicológicos e neurofisiológicos em cirróticos, bem como os possíveis fatores de risco para esta condição, incluindo o papel da concentração arterial de amônia em seu diagnóstico. MÉTODOS: Indivíduos com cirrose hepática foram avaliados através do teste de conexão numérica partes A e B (TCN-A e TCN-B) e potencial evocado relacionado a eventos (P300). O diagnóstico de encefalopatia hepática mínima foi feito quando da presença de anormalidade no P300 e em, pelo menos, um dos testes neuropsicológicos. As concentrações arteriais de amônia, a escolaridade e a gravidade da cirrose hepática também foram avaliadas em todos. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 48 pacientes cirróticos, com média de idade 50 ± 8 anos, sendo 79% do sexo masculino. As principais causas foram a alcoólica e a viral. O P300 foi anormal em 75% dos casos e o TCN-A e TCN-B anormais em 58% e 65% dos casos, respectivamente. Os resultados do TCN-B foram influenciados pela escolaridade. A frequência de encefalopatia hepática mínima foi de 50%. A concentração arterial de amônia não foi significantemente maior em pacientes com diagnóstico de encefalopatia hepática mínima (195 ± 152 mmol/L versus 148 ± 146 mmol/L; P>0,05). Não houve diferença significante entre os grupos com e sem encefalopatia hepática mínima quanto às demais variáveis estudadas. CONCLUSÃO:A encefalopatia hepática mínima é condição frequente em pacientes com cirrose hepática. A concentração arterial de amônia não parece ter papel importante no seu diagnóstico.
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