Incorporating indocyanin green clearance into the Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD-ICG) improves prognostic accuracy in intermediate to advanced cirrhosis

The Prognostic Value of a Liver Function Test Using Indocyanine Green (ICG) Clearance in Patients with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS)

BACKGROUND

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is common in intensive care units (ICUs) and is associated with high mortality. Although there have been multiple investigations into a multitude of organ dysfunctions, little is known about the role of liver dysfunction. In addition, clinical and laboratory findings of liver dysfunction may occur with a significant delay. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether a liver function test, based on indocyanine green (ICG)-clearance, contains prognostic information for patients in the early phase of MODS.

METHODS

The data of this analysis were based on the MODIFY study, which included 70 critically ill patients of a tertiary medical ICU in the early phase of MODS (≤24 h after diagnosis by an APACHE II score ≥ 20 and a sinus rhythm ≥ 90 beats per minute, with the following subgroups: cardiogenic (cMODS) and septic MODS (sMODS)) over a period of 18 months. ICG clearance was characterized by plasma disappearance rate = PDR (%/min); it was measured non-invasively by using the LiMON system (PULSION Medical Systems, Feldkirchen, Germany). The PDR was determined on the day of study inclusion (baseline) and after 96 h. The primary endpoint of this analysis was 28-day mortality.

RESULTS

ICG clearance was measured in 44 patients of the MODIFY trial cohort, of which 9 patients had cMODS (20%) and 35 patients had sMODS (80%). Mean age: 59.7 ± 16.5 years; 31 patients were men; mean APACHE II score: 33.6 ± 6.3; 28-day mortality was 47.7%. Liver function was reduced in the total cohort as measured by a PDR of 13.4 ± 6.3%/min At baseline, there were no relevant differences between survivors and non-survivors regarding ICG clearance (PDR: 14.6 ± 6.1%/min vs. 12.1 ± 6.5%/min; p = 0.21). However, survivors showed better liver function than non-survivors after 96 h (PDR: 21.9 ± 6.3%/min vs. 9.2 ± 6.3%/min, p < 0.05). Consistent with these findings, survivors but not non-survivors show a significant improvement in the PDR (7.3 ± 6.3%/min vs. -2.9 ± 2.6%/min; p < 0.01) within 96 h. In accordance, receiver-operating characteristic curves (ROCs) at 96 h but not at baseline show a link between the PDR and 28-day mortality (PDR at 96 h: AUC: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76-0.98; p < 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, we found that ICG clearance at baseline did not provide prognostic information in patients in the early stages of MODS despite being reduced in the total cohort. However, improvement of ICG clearance 96 h after ICU admission is associated with reduced 28-day mortality.

MELD 3.0 in Advanced Chronic Liver Disease

The MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) 3.0 score was developed to replace the MELD-Na score that is currently used to prioritize liver allocation for cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation in the United States. The MELD 3.0 calculator includes new inputs from patient sex and serum albumin levels and has new weights for serum sodium, bilirubin, international normalized ratio, and creatinine levels. It is expected that use of MELD 3.0 scores will reduce overall waitlist mortality modestly and improve access for female liver transplant candidates. The utility of MELD 3.0 and PELDcre (pediatric end-stage liver disease, creatinine) scores for risk stratification in cirrhotic patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and other interventions requires further study. This article reviews the background of the MELD score and the rationale to create MELD 3.0 as well as potential implications of using this newer risk stratification tool in clinical practice.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Indocyanine Green Clearance Test for Different Stages of Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis

(1) Background: This study aimed to correlate the indocyanine green clearance (ICG) test with histopathological grades of liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis to assess its diagnostic accuracy in differentiating normal liver parenchyma from liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. (2) Methods: A total of 82 patients who received a histopathological liver examination, imaging, and ICG test within three months were included in this retrospective study. The histopathological level of fibrosis was graded using the Ishak scoring system, and the patients were divided into five categories: no liver fibrosis (NLF), mild liver fibrosis (MLF), advanced liver fibrosis (ALF), severe liver fibrosis (SLF), and liver cirrhosis (LC). The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc pairwise comparison utilizing Mann-Whitney U tests and Bonferroni adjustment was used to analyze differences in the ICG test results between the patient groups. Cross correlation between the individual fibrosis/cirrhosis stages and the score of the ICG test was performed, and the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for each model predicting liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. (3) Results: A significant difference (p ≤ 0.001) between stages of NLF, LF, and LC was found for the ICG parameters (ICG plasma disappearance rate (ICG-PDR) and ICG retention percentage at 15 min (ICG-R15)). The post hoc analysis revealed that NLF significantly differed from SLF (ICG-PDR: p = 0.001; ICG-R15: p = 0.001) and LC (ICG-PDR: p = 0.001; ICG-R15: p = 0.001). ALF also significantly differed from SLF (ICG-PDR: p = 0.033; ICG-R15: p = 0.034) and LC (ICG-PDR: p = 0.014; ICG-R15: p = 0.014). The sensitivity for detection of an initial stage of liver fibrosis compared to no liver fibrosis (Ishak  ≥  1) was 0.40; the corresponding specificity was 0.80. The differentiation of advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis (Ishak ≥ 4) compared to other stages of liver fibrosis was 0.75, with a specificity of 0.81. (4) Conclusions: This study shows that the ICG test, as a non-invasive diagnostic test, is able to differentiate patients with no liver fibrosis from patients with advanced liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. The ICG test seems to be helpful in monitoring patients with liver fibrosis regarding compensation levels, thus potentially enabling physicians to both detect progression from compensated liver fibrosis to advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and to initiate antifibrotic treatment at an earlier stage.

Inclusion of sarcopenia improves the prognostic value of MELD score in patients after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

OBJECTIVE

To explore the predictive value of model for end-stage liver disease (MELD)-Sarcopenia score for survival of cirrhotic patients after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement.

METHODS

289 patients who underwent TIPS between February 2016 and December 2020 were included, they were divided into the sarcopenia group ( n = 138) and non-sarcopenia group ( n = 151) according to whether they were complicated with sarcopenia. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to analyze and compare the prognosis of the above two groups and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify the independent prognostic factors. The performance of different predictive models was compared using C-index.

RESULTS

During the follow-up, Kaplan-Meier analyses indicated that cumulative survival was significantly lower in sarcopenia group than that in non-sarcopenia group [74.6% vs. 92.7%, HR, 0.24 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.12-0.46), Log-rank P < 0.001]. After multivariate Cox analysis, age [HR, 1.040 (95% CI, 1.015-1.065), P = 0.002], sarcopenia [HR, 3.948 (95% CI, 1.989-7.838), P < 0.001], albumin [HR, 0.945 (95% CI, 0.897-0.997), P = 0.037], and MELD score [HR, 1.156 (95% CI, 1.097-1.217), P < 0.001] were identified as the independent risk factors for mortality after TIPS. The C-indexes of MELD-Sarcopenia, Child-Pugh, MELD, MELD-Na, and the Freiburg index of post-TIPS survival (FIPS) scores were 0.782, 0.688, 0.719, 0.734, and 0.770, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia is independently correlated with post-TIPS mortality, and MELD-Sarcopenia score showed the best performance in predicting post-TIPS mortality than the traditional predictive models.

Indications for conversion hepatectomy for initially unresectable colorectal cancer with liver metastasis

PURPOSE

Selected patients with initially unresectable colorectal cancer (CRC) and liver metastases undergo conversion surgery after appropriate chemotherapy. The prognosis of these patients is good, with some even cured of the disease. This retrospective, single-institution study analyzes the clinical importance of patient characteristics on the outcomes of conversion hepatectomy.

METHODS

We evaluated 229 consecutive patients with initially unresectable CRC and liver metastasis, who underwent systemic chemotherapy. The patients were assigned to groups depending on conversion hepatectomy.

RESULTS

Conversion hepatectomy was performed in 30 patients (13.1%). The proportion of patients with extrahepatic metastasis was significantly lower in the conversion group than in the unresectable group (30.0 vs. 66.8%; P < 0.01). The rate of left-sided primary colorectal tumors was significantly higher in the conversion group than in the unresectable group (96.7 vs. 65.8%; P < 0.01). Multivariate analyses identified that left-sided tumors, no extrahepatic metastasis, H1 or H2 grade CLM, and treatment with molecular-targeted agents were associated with conversion hepatectomy (odds ratios: 16.314, 4.216, 7.631, and 4.070; P < 0.01). Overall survival was significantly longer in the conversion group than in the unresectable group (MST: 50.0 versus 14.7 months; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Left-sided primary tumors, absence of extrahepatic metastases, H1 or H2 grade, and use of molecular-targeted agents were associated with successful conversion hepatectomy; thus, patients with these characteristics may be candidates for conversion therapy.

Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Retention Test of Left Hemiliver in Decision-Making for Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Right Hepatectomy

Introduction: The aim of this study was to select qualified patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent right hepatectomy (RH) via intraoperative indocyanine green retention test at 15 min (ICG-R15) of the left hemiliver, which prevents severe posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Methods: Twenty HCC patients who were preoperatively planned to undergo RH were enrolled. Intraoperative ICG-R15 of left hemiliver was measured after the right Glissonean pedicle was completely blocked. Patients then underwent RH if intraoperative ICG-R15 was ≤ 10%. Otherwise, patients underwent staged RH (SRH), either associating liver partitioning and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) or portal vein ligation (PVL), followed by stage-2 RH. The comparison group consisted of patients with a ratio of standard left liver volume (SLLV) of > 40% and preoperative ICG-R15 ≤ 10% who underwent RH. The clinical outcomes of these two groups were compared. Results: Of the 20 patients, six underwent stage-1 RH, six underwent ALPPS, five underwent PVL followed by stage-2 RH, and three failed to proceed to stage-2 RH after PVL. No significant differences were found among the 17 patients who underwent stage-1 or stage-2 RH in the study group, the 19 patients in the comparison group, the 11 patients in the stage-2 RH group, and the six patients in the stage-1 RH group in incidences of PHLF, postoperative complications, hospital stay, and HCC recurrence within 1 year after RH. Compared with the stage-1 ALPPS group, the mean operative time and blood loss of the stage-1 PVL group were significantly less (p <0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively). The stage-1 PVL group had a significantly longer waiting-time (43.4 vs. 14.0 days, p = 0.016) than the stage-1 ALPPS group to proceed to stage-2 RH. After stage-2 RH, tumor recurrence within 1 year was 20% (1/5) in patients after PVL and 50% (3/6) after stage-1 ALPPS. Conclusions: Intraoperative ICG-R15 ≤ 10% of left hemiliver was valuable in intraoperative decision-making for patients who were planned to undergo RH. There is a possibility that stage-1 PVL might help to select patients with more favorable biological behavior to undergo stage-2 RH.

Bile acid indices as biomarkers for liver diseases I: Diagnostic markers

BACKGROUND

Hepatobiliary diseases result in the accumulation of toxic bile acids (BA) in the liver, blood, and other tissues which may contribute to an unfavorable prognosis.

AIM

To discover and validate diagnostic biomarkers of cholestatic liver diseases based on the urinary BA profile.

METHODS

We analyzed urine samples by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and compared the urinary BA profile between 300 patients with hepatobiliary diseases vs 103 healthy controls by statistical analysis. The BA profile was characterized using BA indices, which quantifies the composition, metabolism, hydrophilicity, and toxicity of the BA profile. BA indices have much lower inter- and intra-individual variability compared to absolute concentrations of BA. In addition, BA indices demonstrate high area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, and changes of BA indices are associated with the risk of having a liver disease, which demonstrates their use as diagnostic biomarkers for cholestatic liver diseases.

RESULTS

Total and individual BA concentrations were higher in all patients. The percentage of secondary BA (lithocholic acid and deoxycholic acid) was significantly lower, while the percentage of primary BA (chenodeoxycholic acid, cholic acid, and hyocholic acid) was markedly higher in patients compared to controls. In addition, the percentage of taurine-amidation was higher in patients than controls. The increase in the non-12α-OH BA was more profound than 12α-OH BA (cholic acid and deoxycholic acid) causing a decrease in the 12α-OH/ non-12α-OH ratio in patients. This trend was stronger in patients with more advanced liver diseases as reflected by the model for end-stage liver disease score and the presence of hepatic decompensation. The percentage of sulfation was also higher in patients with more severe forms of liver diseases.

CONCLUSION

BA indices have much lower inter- and intra-individual variability compared to absolute BA concentrations and changes of BA indices are associated with the risk of developing liver diseases.

Comparative study of indocyanine green-R15, Child-Pugh score, and model for end-stage liver disease score for prediction of hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

BACKGROUND

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains an enormous challenge in patients who undergo transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) implantation. The preoperative indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICG-R15), as one of the liver function assessment tools, has been developed as a prognostic indicator in patients undergoing surgery, but there are limited data on its role in TIPS.

AIM

To determine whether the ICG-R15 can be used for prediction of post-TIPS HE in decompensated cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension (PHT) and compare the clinical value of ICG-R15, Child-Pugh score (CPS), and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score in predicting post-TIPS HE with PHT.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 195 patients with PHT who underwent elective TIPS at Beijing Shijitan Hospital from January 2018 to June 2019. All patients underwent the ICG-R15 test, CPS evaluation, and MELD scoring 1 wk before TIPS. According to whether they developed HE or not, the patients were divided into two groups: HE group and non-HE group. The prediction of one-year post-TIPS HE by ICG-R15, CPS and MELD score was evaluated by the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs).

RESULTS

A total of 195 patients with portal hypertension were included and 23% (45/195) of the patients developed post-TIPS HE. The ICG-R15 was identified as an independent predictor of post-TIPS HE. The AUCs for the ICG-R15, CPS, and MELD score for predicting post-TIPS HE were 0.664 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.557-0.743, P = 0.0046), 0.596 (95%CI: 0.508-0.679, P = 0.087), and 0.641 (95%CI: 0.554-0.721, P = 0.021), respectively. The non-parametric approach (Delong-Delong & Clarke-Pearson) showed that there was statistical significance in pairwise comparison between AUCs of ICG-R15 and MELD score (P = 0.0229).

CONCLUSION

The ICG-R15 has appreciated clinical value for predicting the occurrence of post-TIPS HE and is a choice for evaluating the prognosis of patients undergoing TIPS.

A Comprehensive Review of Outcome Predictors in Low MELD Patients

Risk scoring for patients with cirrhosis has evolved greatly over the past several decades. However, patients with low Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium scores still suffer from liver-related morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, it is not clear which of these low Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium score patients would benefit from earlier consideration of liver transplantation. This article reviews the literature of risk prediction in patients with cirrhosis, identifies which patients may benefit from earlier interventions, such as transplantation, and proposes directions for future research.

Validation of a new prognostic model to predict short and medium-term survival in patients with liver cirrhosis

Background

MELD score and MELD score derivates are used to objectify and grade the risk of liver-related death in patients with liver cirrhosis. We recently proposed a new predictive model that combines serum creatinine levels and maximum liver function capacity (LiMAx®), namely the CreLiMAx risk score. In this validation study we have aimed to reproduce its diagnostic accuracy in patients with end-stage liver disease.

Methods

Liver function of 113 patients with liver cirrhosis was prospectively investigated. Primary end-point of the study was liver-related death within 12 months of follow-up.

Results

Alcoholic liver disease was the main cause of liver disease (n = 51; 45%). Within 12 months of follow-up 11 patients (9.7%) underwent liver transplantation and 17 (15.1%) died (13 deaths were related to liver disease, two not). Measures of diagnostic accuracy were comparable for MELD, MELD-Na and the CreLiMAx risk score as to power in predicting short and medium-term mortality risk in the overall cohort: AUROCS for liver related risk of death were for MELD [6 months 0.89 (95% CI 0.80–0.98) p < 0.001; 12 months 0.89 (95% CI 0.81–0.96) p < 0.001]; MELD-Na [6 months 0.93 (95% CI 0.85–1.00) p < 0.001 and 12 months 0.89 (95% CI 0.80–0.98) p < 0.001]; CPS 6 months 0.91 (95% CI 0.85–0.97) p < 0.01 and 12 months 0.88 (95% CI 0.80–0.96) p < 0.001] and CreLiMAx score [6 months 0.80 (95% CI 0.67–0.96) p < 0.01 and 12 months 0.79 (95% CI 0.64–0.94) p = 0.001]. In a subgroup analysis of patients with Child-Pugh Class B cirrhosis, the CreLiMAx risk score remained the only parameter significantly differing in non-survivors and survivors. Furthermore, in these patients the proposed score had a good predictive performance.

Conclusion

The CreLiMAx risk score appears to be a competitive and valid tool for estimating not only short- but also medium-term survival of patients with end-stage liver disease. Particularly in patients with Child-Pugh Class B cirrhosis the new score showed a good ability to identify patients not at risk of death.

The indocyanine green retention test as a noninvasive marker for esophageal varices in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The indocyanine green 15-minute retention (ICG-r15) test was considered as a noninvasive marker of esophageal varices (EV) in cirrhotic patients. However, the performance of ICG-r15 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has rarely been assessed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the value of ICG-r15 as a noninvasive marker of EV in patients with HCC.

METHODS

From October 2007 to December 2018, the study retrospectively enrolled 137 HCC patients with compensated hepatic function who received ICG-r15 tests and endoscopy screening for EV. The predictive value of the ICG-r15 test and other noninvasive markers was also evaluated for the diagnosis of EV, including the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase ratio, platelet count/spleen diameter ratio, AST/platelet ratio index, Lok index, FIB-4, and Park index.

RESULTS

In the study cohort, 30 (21.9%) patients had EV. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for determining EV by ICG-r15 was 0.784 (95% CI: 0.686-0.881, -2 ln (L): 77.889, Akaike information criterion: 79.889), and it had the best predictive value compared with other noninvasive markers. The cutoff value of ICG-r15 to identify EV was 31.0%, and it had 40.0% sensitivity and 98.1% specificity. The cutoff value to exclude EV was 9.5% with 86.7% sensitivity and 50.5% specificity. In the multivariate analysis, ICG-r15 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.062, 1.014-1.114; p = 0.015) and the Park index (OR: 1.535, 1.091-2.159; p = 0.014) were independently related to the presence of EV.

CONCLUSION

ICG-r15 is a practical noninvasive marker with cutoff values of 9.5% for excluding EV and 31.0% for identifying EV in patients with HCC.

Radiomics model based on preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for predicting liver failure

BACKGROUND

Postoperative liver failure is the most severe complication in cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after major hepatectomy. Current available clinical indexes predicting postoperative residual liver function are not sufficiently accurate.

AIM

To determine a radiomics model based on preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for predicting liver failure in cirrhotic patients with HCC after major hepatectomy.

METHODS

For this retrospective study, a radiomics-based model was developed based on preoperative hepatobiliary phase gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance images in 101 patients with HCC between June 2012 and June 2018. Sixty-one radiomic features were extracted from hepatobiliary phase images and selected by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method to construct a radiomics signature. A clinical prediction model, and radiomics-based model incorporating significant clinical indexes and radiomics signature were built using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The integrated radiomics-based model was presented as a radiomics nomogram. The performances of clinical prediction model, radiomics signature, and radiomics-based model for predicting post-operative liver failure were determined using receiver operating characteristics curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analyses.

RESULTS

Five radiomics features from hepatobiliary phase images were selected to construct the radiomics signature. The clinical prediction model, radiomics signature, and radiomics-based model incorporating indocyanine green clearance rate at 15 min and radiomics signature showed favorable performance for predicting postoperative liver failure (area under the curve: 0.809-0.894). The radiomics-based model achieved the highest performance for predicting liver failure (area under the curve: 0.894; 95%CI: 0.823-0.964). The integrated discrimination improvement analysis showed a significant improvement in the accuracy of liver failure prediction when radiomics signature was added to the clinical prediction model (integrated discrimination improvement = 0.117, P = 0.002). The calibration curve and an insignificant Hosmer-Lemeshow test statistic (P = 0.841) demonstrated good calibration of the radiomics-based model. The decision curve analysis showed that patients would benefit more from a radiomics-based prediction model than from a clinical prediction model and radiomics signature alone.

CONCLUSION

A radiomics-based model of preoperative gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI can be used to predict liver failure in cirrhotic patients with HCC after major hepatectomy.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy following surgery for esophageal cancer with gastric tube reconstruction: a case report and literature review

Background

Synchronous and asynchronous multiple cancers have become more pervasive in recent years despite advances in medical technologies. However, there have been only six cases (including the present case) that underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreas head cancer following surgery for esophageal cancer. PD for treating pancreas head cancer is extremely challenging; thus, the confirmation of vessel variation and selection of surgical procedures are vital.

Case presentation

The patient was a 78-year-old Japanese male who was synchronously diagnosed with esophageal and cecal cancer 7 years previously at our hospital. He was admitted with densely stained and jaundiced urine and presented no remarkable family medical history. Following various examinations, surgery was performed due to the diagnosis of distal cholangiocarcinoma (pancreatic head cancer). Since the tumor was located far from the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) and no significant lymph node metastases could be found, subtotal stomach-preserving PD was performed instead of the resection of GDA with the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) for gastric tube blood flow preservation. The common hepatic artery (CHA) and GDA were confirmed, and RGEA diverged from GDA was identified. Subsequently, their respective tapings were preserved. The right gastric artery (RGA) was identified, taped, and preserved considering the gastric tube blood flow. The inflow area of the right gastroepiploic vein (RGEV) through gastric colic vein trunk in the superior mesenteric vein was exposed and preserved as the outflow of gastric tube blood flow. PD was completed without any complications on the shade of the gastric tube.

Conclusions

This case report describes successfully preserved gastric blood flow without the resection of GDA, RGEA, RGEV, or RGA. To preserve the gastric tube, GDA inflow, RGEA, RGA, and RGEV outflow should be preserved if possible. When performing PD after tube reconstruction, it is essential to confirm the relative positions of the blood vessel, blood flow, and tumor through three-dimensional computed tomography angiography before surgery and to consider the balance between the invasiveness and optimal curability of the surgery.

The value of indocyanine green clearance assessment to predict postoperative liver dysfunction in patients undergoing liver resection

Postoperative liver dysfunction remains a major concern following hepatic resection. In order to identify patients who are at risk of developing liver dysfunction, indocyanine green (ICG) clearance has been proposed to predict postoperative liver function. All patients who underwent liver resection at the Medical University Vienna, Austria between 2006 and 2015 with preoperative ICG clearance testing (PDR, R15) were analyzed in this study. Postoperative liver dysfunction was analyzed as defined by the International Study Group of Liver Surgery. Overall, 698 patients (male: 394 (56.4%); female: 304 (43.6%)) with a mean age of 61.3 years (SD: 12.9) were included in this study, including 313 minor liver resections (44.8%) and 385 major liver resections (55.2%). One hundred and seven patients developed postoperative liver dysfunction after liver resection (15.3%). Factors associated with liver dysfunction were: male sex (p = 0.043), major liver resection (p < 0.0001), and preoperative ICG clearance (PDR (p = 0.002) and R15 (p < 0.0001)). Notably ICG clearance was significantly associated with liver dysfunction in minor and major liver resections respectively and remained a predictor upon multivariable analysis. An optimal cut-off for preoperative ICG clearance to accurately predict liver dysfunction was PDR < 19.5%/min and R15 > 5.6%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study analyzing the predictive value of preoperative ICG clearance assessment in patients undergoing liver resection. ICG clearance is useful to identify patients at risk of postoperative liver dysfunction.

Minimally invasive assessment of hepatic function in children with indocyanine green elimination: a validation study

Objectives: Pediatric liver disease (PLD) covers a variety of etiologies and severities, from mild temporary illness to diseases with fatal outcomes. There is a demand for minimally invasive and reliable measures for assessment of the severity of PLD. Indocyanine green (ICG) elimination kinetics to estimate hepatic function has been used in adults for decades, however, due to invasiveness, the use in PLD is still limited. The aim of the present study was to evaluate minimally invasive estimation of ICG elimination by pulse spectrophotometry (ICGLi), in comparison with traditional spectrophotometry using serial blood samples (ICGbs). Methods: One hundred children aged 0-18 years were included in the study. ICG elimination kinetics was measured with ICGLi and ICGbs, and results compared by failure rates, mean difference, limits of agreement, Bland Altman plots and linear regression analysis. Plasma disappearance rates (PDRLi and PDRbs) were used for comparison. Results: One hundred and twelve simultaneous measurements in 87 patients were performed successfully. Mean difference for PDR (%/min) was 3.58 (95% CI 2.69; 4.47). Limits of agreement were -5.06; 12.22. A linear correlation between the two methods with a regression coefficient of 0.83 (SE 0.02 95% CI 0.80; 0.87) was found. For conversion we computed the following equation; PDRbs = 0.83 × PDRLi. Conclusions: The present study shows that ICG PDR can be obtained by a minimally invasive method and thus replace measures by serial blood samples in children with liver disease of different etiologies and severities. However, a systematic relative difference between the two methods exists. Our proposed correction factor needs to be validated in larger cohorts.

Assessment of Regional Perfusion and Organ Function: Less and Non-invasive Techniques

Sufficient organ perfusion essentially depends on preserved macro- and micro-circulation. The last two decades brought substantial progress in the development of less and non-invasive monitoring of macro-hemodynamics. However, several recent studies suggest a frequent incoherence of macro- and micro-circulation. Therefore, this review reports on interactions of macro- and micro-circulation as well as on specific regional and micro-circulation. Regarding global micro-circulation the last two decades brought advances in a more systematic approach of clinical examination including capillary refill time, a graded assessment of mottling of the skin and accurate measurement of body surface temperatures. As a kind of link between macro- and microcirculation, a number of biochemical markers can easily be obtained. Among those are central-venous oxygen saturation (S_cvO₂), plasma lactate and the difference between central-venous and arterial CO₂ (cv-a-pCO₂-gap). These inexpensive markers have become part of clinical routine and guideline recommendations. While their potential to replace parameters of macro-circulation such as cardiac output (CO) is limited, they facilitate the interpretation of the adequacy of CO and other macro-circulatory markers. Furthermore, they give additional hints on micro-circulatory impairment. In addition, a number of more sophisticated technical approaches to quantify and visualize micro-circulation including video-microscopy, laser flowmetry, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and partial oxygen pressure measurement have been introduced within the last 20 years. These technologies have been extensively used for scientific purposes. Moreover, they have been successfully used for educational purposes and to visualize micro-circulatory disturbances during sepsis and other causes of shock. Despite several studies demonstrating the association of these techniques and parameters with outcome, their practical application still is limited. However, future improvements in automated and “online” diagnosis will help to make these technologies more applicable in clinical routine. This approach is promising with regard to several studies which demonstrated the potential to guide therapy in different types of shock. Finally several organs have specific patterns of circulation related to their special anatomy (liver) or their auto-regulatory capacities (brain, kidney). Therefore, this review also discusses specific issues of monitoring liver, brain, and kidney circulation and function.

Post hepatectomy liver failure - A comprehensive review of current concepts and controversies

Post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) comprises of a conundrum of symptoms and signs following major hepatic resections. The pathophysiology essentially revolves around disruption of the normal hepatocyte regeneration and disturbed liver homeostasis. Prompt identification of the pre-operative predictors of PHLF in the form of biochemical parameters and imaging features are of paramount importance for any hepatic surgeon and forms the cornerstone of its management. Treatment revolves around a goal-directed resuscitation of the systemic organ failure. Auxiliary support systems such as liver dialysis devices and stem cell therapy are still under investigational trials for treatment of the same. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the last resort in most cases not responding to other measures.

Resection for hepatocellular cancer: overpassing old barriers

Several recent studies have shown that the selection limits commonly used for patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) potentially requiring a liver resection (LR) are too restrictive. The present review aims at investigating the studies showing that LR is no longer a treatment suitable only for highly selected patients, but also for patients selectively presenting one-to-more negative factors. Several specific variables have been investigated, none of them showing to be an absolute contraindication for LR: age; single vs. multiple diseases; the dimension of the nodule; hyperbilirubinemia; clinically relevant portal hypertension; Child-Pugh status; macrovascular invasion. As a consequence, LR for the treatment of HCC-on-cirrhosis is a safe and effective procedure not only in "ideal cases", but also for selected patients presenting risk factors. The presence of only one of these factors does not represent an absolute contraindication for LR. On the opposite, the contemporaneous presence of risk factors should contraindicate the procedure. Further studies investigating the "borderline" cases are required, mainly looking at the possible decisive role of laparoscopy in this setting.

Predictors of post-hepatectomy liver failure in patients undergoing extensive liver resections for hepatocellular carcinoma

Backgrounds/Aims

To determine the prevalence of post-hepatectomy liver failure/insufficiency (PHLF/I) in patients undergoing extensive hepatic resections for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to assess the predictive value of preoperative factors for post-hepatectomy liver failure or insufficiency (PHLF/I).

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent liver resections for HCC between 2001 and 2013 was conducted. Preoperative parameters were assessed and analyzed for their predictive value of PHLF/I. Definitions used included the 50–50, International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC) criteria.

Results

Among the 848 patients who underwent liver resections for HCC between 2001 and 2013, 157 underwent right hepatectomy (RH) and extended right hepatectomy (ERH). The prevalence of PHLF/I was 7%, 41% and 28% based on the 50–50, ISGLS and MSKCC criteria, respectively. There were no significant differences in PHLF/I between RH and ERH. Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and bilirubin were the strongest independent predictors of PHLF/I based on the 50–50 and ISGLS/MSKCC criteria, respectively. Predictive models were developed for each of the criteria with multiple logistic regression.

Conclusions

MELD score, bilirubin, alpha-fetoprotein and platelet count showed significant predictive value for PHLF/I (all p<0.05). A composite score based on these factors serves as guideline for physicians to better select patients undergoing extensive resections to minimize PHLF.

The role of imaging in prediction of post-hepatectomy liver failure

Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is not only a leading cause of mortality but also a leading cause of life-threatening complications in patients undergoing liver resection. The ability to accurately detect the emergence of PHLF represents a crucially important step. Currently, PHLF can be predicted by a comprehensive evaluation of biological, clinical, and anatomical parameters. With the development of new technologies, imaging methods including elastography, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-enhanced MRI play a more significant role in the pre-operative prediction and assessment of PHLF. In this review, we summarize the mainstream studies, with the aim of evaluating the role of imaging and improving the clinical value of existing scoring systems for predicting PHLF.

Large-volume paracentesis effects plasma disappearance rate of indo-cyanine green in critically ill patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and intraabdominal hypertension

BACKGROUND

Ascites is a major complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis. Intraabdominal hypertension and structural alterations of parenchyma involve decisive changes in hepatosplanchnic blood flow. Clearance of indo-cyanine green (ICG) is mainly dependent on hepatic perfusion and hepatocellular function. As a consequence, plasma disappearance rate of ICG (ICG-PDR) is rated as a useful dynamic parameter of liver function. This study primarily evaluates the impact of large-volume paracentesis (LVP) on ICG-PDR in critically ill patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Additionally, it describes influences on intraabdominal pressure (IAP), abdominal perfusion pressure (APP), hepatic blood flow, hemodynamic and respiratory function.

METHODS

We analyzed LVP in 22 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. ICG-PDR was assessed by using noninvasive LiMON technology (Pulsion® Medical Systems; Maquet Getinge Group), and hepatic blood flow was analyzed by color-coded duplex sonography.

RESULTS

Paracentesis of a median volume of 3450 mL ascites evoked significant increases of ICG-PDR from 3.6 (2.8-4.6) to 5.1 (3.9-6.2)%/min (p < 0.001). Concomitantly, we observed a raise in "ICG-Clearance" from 99 (73.5-124.5) to 104 (91-143.5) mL/min/m2 (p = 0.005), while circulating blood volume index was unchanged [2412 (1983-3025) before paracentesis vs. 2409 (1997-2805) mL/m2, p = 0.734]. Sonography revealed a significant impact of paracentesis on hepatic blood flow: Hepatic artery resistance index dropped from 0.74 (0.68-0.75) to 0.68 (0.65-0.71) (p < 0.001) and maximum flow velocity in hepatic vein increased from 24 (17-30) to 30 (22-36) cm/s (p < 0.001). Consistent with previous studies, paracentesis caused significant decreases in IAP from 19.0 (15.0-20.3) to 11.0 (8.8-12.3) mmHg (p < 0.001) and central venous pressure from 22.5 (17.8-29.0) to 17.5 (12.8-24.0) mmHg (p < 0.001) with inverse increases in APP from 63.0 (56.8-69.5) to 71.0 (65.5-78.5) mmHg (p < 0.001). Changes in ICG-PDR were concomitant with changes in IAP (r = - 0.602) and APP (r = 0.576). Moreover, we found a substantial improvement in respiratory function. By contrast, hemodynamic parameters assessed by transpulmonary thermodilution, serum bilirubin and international normalized ratio did not change after paracentesis.

CONCLUSION

Critically ill patients with decompensated cirrhosis and elevated IAP showed dramatically impaired ICG-PDR. Paracentesis evoked an improvement in ICG-PDR in parallel with a decreased IAP and an increased APP, while conventional parameters of liver function did not change. This effect on ICG-PDR is mainly referable to a relief of intraabdominal hypertension and changes in hepatosplanchnic blood flow.

Non-invasive in vivo Imaging Grading of Liver Fibrosis

Liver fibrosis (LF), a common consequence of chronic liver diseases with various etiologies, is characterized by excessive accumulation of macromolecules, including collagen, glycoproteins and proteoglycans, in the liver. LF can result in hepatic dysfunction, cirrhosis, portal hypertension and, in some cases, hepatocellular carcinoma. As the current gold standard for diagnosing LF, liver biopsy, however, is invasive and prone to sampling errors and procedure-related complications. Therefore, developing noninvasive, precise and reproducible imaging tests for diagnosing and staging LF is of great significance. Conventional ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can depict morphological alterations of advanced LF, but have relatively limited capability characterizing early-stage LF. In order to optimize the diagnostic performances of noninvasive imaging techniques for LF across its entire spectrum of severity, a number of novel methods, including US elastography, CT perfusion imaging and various MR imaging-based techniques, have been established and introduced to clinical practice. In this review, we intended to summarize current noninvasive imaging techniques for LF, with special emphasis on the possible roles, advantages and limitations of the new emerging imaging modalities.

Noninvasive Assessment of Portal Hypertension in Advanced Chronic Liver Disease: An Update

The assessment of portal hypertension is a relevant step in the evaluation of newly diagnosed advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). The current gold standard includes the invasive evaluation of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and endoscopy. However, noninvasive or minimally invasive techniques to assess portal hypertension have been proposed and well established. In the present manuscript, we review clinical studies on the use of noninvasive or minimally invasive techniques to assess portal hypertension in ACLD patients.

Assessment of Liver Function Using Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Gd-EOB-DTPA: Experimental Study in Rat Hepatectomy Model

Objectives

To determine whether the pharmacokinetic parameters of Gd-EOB-DTPA can identify the difference in liver function in a rat hepatectomy model.

Methods

A total of 56 eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following groups: control group without hepatectomy (n = 16), 70% hepatectomy group (n = 14), and 90% hepatectomy group (n = 26). On postoperative day 2, Gd-EOB-DTPA (0.1 mmol/kg) was injected intravenously and serial blood samples were obtained. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a noncompartmental method. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc pairwise group comparisons.

Results

After excluding 6 rats that died unexpectedly, blood samples were obtained from 16, 14, and 20 rats in the control group, 70% hepatectomy group, and 90% hepatectomy group. There was a significant increase in area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to the time of the last measurable concentration between the 70% and 90% hepatectomy group (P < 0.001). The volume of distribution at steady state was significantly decreased between the control and 70% hepatectomy group (P < 0.001). The clearance was significantly different in all pairwise group comparisons (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The vascular clearance of Gd-EOB-DTPA can identify the difference in liver function in a rat hepatectomy model.

2D shear wave elastography combined with MELD improved prognostic accuracy in patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate accuracy of two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D SWE) and develop and validate a new prognostic score in predicting prognosis of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) patients.

METHODS

From 1 October 2013 to 30 September 2015, we consecutively enrolled 290 patients, sequentially collected data (including 2D SWE, ultrasound parameters, laboratory data and prognostic scores) and recorded patients' outcome (recovering/steady or worsening) during a 90-day follow-up period. We evaluated ability of 2D SWE to predict outcomes of acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACLF-HBV) patients. We developed a new score (MELD-SWE, combining MELD and SWE values) for predicting mortality risk of ACLF-HBV in 179 patients in a derivation group, and validated in 111 patients.

RESULTS

2D SWE values were higher in worsening patients than recovering/steady ones (p < 0.001). Accuracy of 2D SWE in predicting outcomes of ACLF-HBV was comparable to that of the MELD score (p = 0.441). MELD-SWE showed a significantly higher prognostic value than MELD in both derivation (AUROC, 0.80 vs. 0.76, p = 0.040) and validation (AUROC, 0.87 vs. 0.82, p = 0.018) group.

CONCLUSIONS

The MELD-SWE score, combining MELD and SWE values, was superior to MELD alone for outcoming prediction in patients with ACLF-HBV.

KEY POINTS

• 2D SWE is a simple prognostic evaluation tool in patients with ACLF-HBV. • MELD-SWE was created in this study: 1.3×MELD + 0.3×2D SWE (kPa). • MELD-SWE score was superior to MELD alone for outcoming prediction in ACLF-HBV. • In this study, 46.8 was the optimal cut-off value of MELD-SWE score.

Update on Liver Failure Following Hepatic Resection: Strategies for Prediction and Avoidance of Post-operative Liver Insufficiency

Liver resection is increasingly used for a variety of benign and malignant conditions. Despite advances in preoperative selection, surgical technique and perioperative management, posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is still a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following liver resection. Given the devastating physiological consequences of PHLF and the lack of effective treatment options, identifying risk factors and preventative strategies for PHLF is paramount. In the past, a major limitation to conducting high quality research on risk factors and prevention strategies for PHLF has been the absence of a standardized definition. In this article, we describe relevant definitions for PHLF, discuss risk factors and prediction models, and review advances in liver assessment tools and PHLF prevention strategies.

The combination of indocyanine green clearance test and model for end-stage liver disease score predicts early graft outcome after liver transplantation

Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) and early postoperative complications are two important clinical endpoints when evaluating clinical outcomes of liver transplantation (LT). We developed and validated two ICGR15-MELD models in 87 liver transplant recipients for predicting EAD and early postoperative complications after LT by incorporating the quantitative liver function tests (ICGR15) into the MELD score. Eighty seven consecutive patients who underwent LT were collected and divided into a training cohort (n = 61) and an internal validation cohort (n = 26). For predicting EAD after LT, the area under curve (AUC) for ICGR15-MELD score was 0.876, with a sensitivity of 92.0% and a specificity of 75.0%, which is better than MELD score or ICGR15 alone. The recipients with a ICGR15-MELD score ≥0.243 have a higher incidence of EAD than those with a ICGR15-MELD score <0.243 (P <0.001). For predicting early postoperative complications, the AUC of ICGR15-MELD score was 0.832, with a sensitivity of 90.9% and a specificity of 71.0%. Those recipients with an ICGR15-MELD score ≥0.098 have a higher incidence of early postoperative complications than those with an ICGR15-MELD score <0.098 (P < 0.001). Finally, application of the two ICGR15-MELD models in the validation cohort still gave good accuracy (AUC, 0.835 and 0.826, respectively) in predicting EAD and early postoperative complications after LT. The combination of quantitative liver function tests (ICGR15) and the preoperative MELD score is a reliable and effective predictor of EAD and early postoperative complications after LT, which is better than MELD score or ICGR15 alone.

Perioperative Non-Invasive Indocyanine Green-Clearance Testing to Predict Postoperative Outcome after Liver Resection

Background

Postoperative liver dysfunction may lead to morbidity and mortality after liver resection. Preoperative liver function assessment is critical to identify preexisting liver dysfunction in patients prior to resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive potential of perioperative indocyanine green (ICG)-clearance testing to prevent postoperative liver dysfunction and morbidity using standardized outcome parameters in a routine Western-clinical-setting.

Study Design

137 patients undergoing partial hepatectomy between 2011 and 2013, at the general hospital of Vienna, were included. ICG-clearance was recorded one day prior to surgery as well as on the first and fifth postoperative day. Postoperative liver dysfunction was defined according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery and evaluation of morbidity was based on the Dindo-Clavien classification. Statistical analyses were based on non-parametric tests.

Results

Preoperative reduced ICG—plasma disappearance rate (PDR) as well as increased ICG—retention rate at 15 min (R15) were able to significantly predict postoperative liver dysfunction (Area under the curve = PDR: 0.716, P = 0.018; R15: 0.719, P = 0.016). Furthermore, PDR <17%/min. or R15 >8%, were able to accurately predict postoperative complications prior to surgery. In addition to this, ICG-clearance on postoperative day 1 comparably predicted postoperative liver dysfunction (Area under the curve = PDR: 0.895; R15: 0.893; both P <0.001), specifically, PDR <10%/min or R15 >20% on postoperative day 1 predicted poor postoperative outcome.

Conclusion

PDR and R15 may represent useful parameters to distinguish preoperative high and low risk patients in a Western collective as well as on postoperative day 1, to identify patients who require closer monitoring for potential complications.

Liver surgery for metastatic colorectal cancer: the surgical oncologist perspective

Neoadjuvant/conversion chemotherapy has emerged as an indispensable tool to achieve resectability of initially unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer and improves oncological outcomes. In parallel, surgical strategy has adopted a more aggressive treatment approach to achieve complete tumor clearance. However, chemotherapy affects liver function and combined with extensive liver resection, morbidity has increased, thereby compromising oncological outcome. There is an imperative need for careful patient selection to optimize patient management. In this review, we discuss available evidence and indications for neoadjuvant treatment in the management of colorectal cancer liver metastases, on preoperative patient selection and identification of high-risk patients, potential treatment strategies to promote postoperative liver regeneration to avoid postoperative morbidity and potentially deleterious side effects of these therapies on tumor growth.

Relationship between indocyanine green retention test, decompensation and survival in patients with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis and portal hypertension

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Indocyanine green retention test (ICG-r15) is a non-invasive marker of functional hepatic reserve. Among patients with compensated cirrhosis, ICG-r15 correlates to the degree of portal hypertension (PH); however, its prognostic relationship with the occurrence of decompensation events still requires clarification.

METHODS

ICG-r15 was prospectively measured in 154 patients with compensated cirrhosis. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Child-Pugh B-C, MELD>15, bilirubin > 2 mg/dl, INR > 1.5 or portal vein thrombosis were excluded. All patients underwent laboratory tests, upper endoscopy and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). Decompensation, development of HCC, liver transplant and death were recorded and analysed through competing-risk analysis.

RESULTS

The study group was composed of 134 patients who were followed for a median of 39 months. During follow-up, 46 patients (34.3%) developed liver decompensation. Hepatocellular carcinoma occurred in 18 patients and two patients died from non-liver-related causes. The 1-, 2- and 3-year cumulative incidences of decompensation were 9.7%, 28.4% and 33.4% respectively. Patients with ICG-r15 < 10% did not experience any decompensation events during follow-up, while the 3-year cumulative incidence of decompensation of patients with ICG-r15 between 10% and 22.9% was 29.2% and that of patients with ICG-r15 ≥ 23% was 70.0% (P < 0.001). ICG-r15 gave the lowest pseudo-log-likelihood value, in comparison to oesophageal varices present, MELD, low platelet count and HVPG.

CONCLUSIONS

ICG-r15 appears to be strictly related to liver decompensation, longitudinally confirming the preliminary findings of its correlation with PH among patients with compensated cirrhosis, and can be used for patient prognostication.

Predictive factors of short term outcome after liver transplantation: A review

Liver transplantation represents a fundamental therapeutic solution to end-stage liver disease. The need for liver allografts has extended the set of criteria for organ acceptability, increasing the risk of adverse outcomes. Little is known about the early postoperative parameters that can be used as valid predictive indices for early graft function, retransplantation or surgical reintervention, secondary complications, long intensive care unit stay or death. In this review, we present state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the early post-transplantation tests and scores that can be applied during the first postoperative week to predict liver allograft function and patient outcome, thereby guiding the therapeutic and surgical decisions of the medical staff. Post-transplant clinical and biochemical assessment of patients through laboratory tests (platelet count, transaminase and bilirubin levels, INR, factor V, lactates, and Insulin Growth Factor 1) and scores (model for end-stage liver disease, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation, sequential organ failure assessment and model of early allograft function) have been reported to have good performance, but they only allow late evaluation of patient status and graft function, requiring days to be quantified. The indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate has long been used as a liver function assessment technique and has produced interesting, although not univocal, results when performed between the 1^th and the 5^th day after transplantation. The liver maximal function capacity test is a promising method of metabolic liver activity assessment, but its use is limited by economic cost and extrahepatic factors. To date, a consensual definition of early allograft dysfunction and the integration and validation of the above-mentioned techniques, through the development of numerically consistent multicentric prospective randomised trials, are necessary. The medical and surgical management of transplanted patients could be greatly improved by using clinically reliable tools to predict early graft function.

Comparison of the ability of the PDD-ICG clearance test, CTP, MELD, and MELD-Na to predict short-term and medium-term mortality in patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE

Various methods, including the indocyanine green (ICG) clearance test, the Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (CTP), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), and MELD combined with serum sodium concentration (MELD-Na), have been used widely in liver function evaluation in patients with end-stage liver disease. In this study, we compared the ability of these methods to predict mortality in patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis.

METHODS

A total of 98 patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis were included in this study and followed up for 12 months. The ICG-derived measurements (ICG-PDR, ICG-R15, EHBF), CTP, MELD, and MELD-Na were obtained within 2 days after patients' admission and patients' survival at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was recorded. Receiver operating curve was used to evaluate the ability of these methods to predict mortality in these patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis.

RESULTS

At 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, the cumulative number of deaths and liver transplant recipients was 12 (12.2%), 17 (17.3%), 21 (21.4%) and 25 (25.5%), respectively. The ICG-derived measurements, CTP, MELD, and MELD-Na of nonsurvivors were significantly different compared with that in survivors. All methods yielded viable values in predicting short-term and medium-term prognosis for patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis, with most area under the curve exceeding 0.8. Moreover, the ICG-derived measurements showed a significant correlation with that of CTP, MELD, and MELD-Na.

CONCLUSION

All four methods, ICG clearance test, CTP, MELD, and MELD-Na, provided reliable prediction of mortality in patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis for both short-term and medium-term prognosis.

Indocyanine green kinetics to assess liver function: Ready for a clinical dynamic assessment in major liver surgery?

Indocyanine green (ICG) kinetics (PDR/R15) used to quantitatively assess hepatic function in the perioperative period of major resective surgery and liver transplantation have been the object of an extensive, updated and critical review. New, non invasive bedside monitors (pulse dye densitometry technology) make this opportunity widely available in clinical practice. After having reviewed basic concepts of hepatic clearance, we analysed the most common indications ICG kinetic parameters have nowadays in clinical practice, focusing in particular on the diagnostic and prognostic role of PDR and R15 in the perioperative period of major liver surgery and liver transplantation. As recently pointed out, even if of extreme interest, ICG clearance parameters have still some limitations, to be considered when using these tests.

Use of gadoxetate disodium for functional MRI based on its unique molecular mechanism

Gadolinium ethoxybenzyl dimeglumine (gadoxetate) is a recently developed hepatocyte-specific MRI contrast medium. Gadoxetate demonstrates unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, because its uptake in hepatocytes occurs via the organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) transporter expressed at the sinusoidal membrane, and its biliary excretion via the multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) at the canalicular membrane. Based on these characteristics, gadoxetate-enhanced MRI can provide functional information on hepatobiliary diseases, including liver function estimation, biliary drainage evaluation and characterization of hepatocarcinogenesis. In addition, understanding its mode of action can provide an opportunity to use gadoxetate for cellular and molecular imaging. Radiologists and imaging scientists should be familiar with the basic mechanism of gadoxetate and OATP/MRP transporters.

Portable device for the analysis of liver function: a boon to liver surgery and critical care

Liver biology, liver disease and its management present a myriad of challenges to clinicians. Difficulties arise in determining liver functional capacity, which must be effectively measured in a quantitative reproducible manner. Measurement of indocyanine green (ICG) clearance, an exceptional tool that has been used for decades to assess liver function, has traditionally been cumbersome to perform. New technology now allows for rapid and noninvasive determination of ICG clearance making it clinically accessible. This adds ICG clearance measurement to the armamentarium of physiologic monitors that could be routinely used in the evaluation of patients undergoing liver surgery or in the intensive care setting.

Prognostic impact of ICG-PDR in patients with hypoxic hepatitis

Background

Hepatic impairment is found in up to 20 % in critically ill patients. Hypoxic/ischemic hepatitis (HH) is a diffuse hepatic damage associated with high morbidity and mortality. Indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate (ICG-PDR) is an effective tool assessing liver function in acute and chronic hepatic diseases. Aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of ICG-PDR in comparison to established parameters for risk stratification.

Methods

Patients with HH were included in this prospective observational study and compared to cirrhosis, acute liver failure (ALF) and patients without underlying liver disease. ICG-PDR, measured non-invasively by finger pulse densitometry, was assessed on admission and in patients with HH serially and results were compared between groups. Diagnostic test accuracy of ICG-PDR predicting 28-day mortality was analyzed by receiver operating characteristics (ROC).

Results

ICG-PDR on admission was significantly lower in patients with liver diseases than in patients without hepatic impairment (median 5.7 %/min, IQR 3.8–7.9 vs. 20.7 %/min, IQR 14.1–25.4 %/min; p < 0.001). ICG-PDR predicted 28-day mortality independently of SOFA score and serum lactate in patients with underlying liver disease (HR 1.27, 95 % CI 1.10–1.45, p < 0.001). In patients with HH, ICG-PDR was identified as best predictor of 28-day mortality which performed significantly better than SOFA, lactate, INR and AST over course of time (p < 0.05). Best cut-off for identification of 28-day survivors was ICG-PDR ≥9.0 %/min 48 h after admission.

Conclusions

ICG-PDR is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with liver disease. Diagnostic test accuracy of ICG-PDR was superior to standard liver function parameters and established scoring systems in patients with HH.

Defining Post Hepatectomy Liver Insufficiency: Where do We stand?

BACKGROUND

Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a major source of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing liver resection. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent literature available on PHLF including its definition, predictive factors, preoperative risk assessment, severity grading, preventative measures, and management strategies.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was carried out with the search engines PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Database using the keywords related to "liver failure", "posthepatectomy", and "hepatic resection".

RESULTS

Liver resection is a curative treatment of liver tumors. However, it leads to concurrent death and regeneration of the remaining hepatocytes. Factors related to the patient, liver parenchyma and the extent of surgery can inhibit regeneration leading to PHLF.

CONCLUSION

Given its resistance to treatment and the high postoperative mortality associated with PHLF, great effort has been put in to both accurately identify patients at high risk and to develop strategies that can help prevent its occurrence.

Current use and perspective of indocyanine green clearance in liver diseases

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a water-soluble anionic compound that binds to plasma proteins after intravenous administration. It is selectively taken up at the first pass by hepatocytes and excreted unchanged into the bile. With the development of ICG elimination measurement by spectrophotometry, the ICG retention test has become a safe, rapid, reproducible, inexpensive and noninvasive tool for the assessment of liver function. Clinical evidence suggests that the ICG retention test can enable the establishment of tailored management strategies by providing prognostic information. In particular, this method has been evaluated as a prognostic marker in patients with advanced cirrhosis or awaiting liver transplantation. In addition, it is used as a marker of portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients, as a prognostic factor in intensive care units and for the assessment of liver function in patients undergoing liver surgery. Since recent technology enables ICG-PDR to be measured noninvasively at the bedside, this parameter is an attractive addition to liver function and regional haemodynamic monitoring. However, the current state-of-the-art as concerns this technology remains at a low level of evidence and thorough assessment is required.

Liver and spleen stiffness and other noninvasive methods to assess portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients: a review of the literature

Portal hypertension (PH) is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease. PH measurement is crucial to stage and predict the clinical outcome of liver cirrhosis. Measurement of hepatic vein pressure gradient is considered the gold standard for assessment of the degree of PH; however, it is an invasive method and has not been used widely. Thus, noninvasive methods have been proposed recently. We critically evaluated serum markers, abdominal ultrasonography, and particularly liver and spleen stiffness measurement, which represent the more promising methods to stage PH degree and to assess the presence/absence of esophageal varices (EV). A literature search was carried out on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus for articles and abstracts. The search terms used included 'liver cirrhosis', 'portal hypertension', 'liver stiffness', 'spleen stiffness', 'ultrasonography', and 'portal hypertension serum biomarker'. The articles cited were selected on the basis of their relevance to the objective of the review. The results of available studies indicate that individually, these methods have a mild accuracy in predicting the presence of EV, and thus they cannot substitute endoscopy to predict EV. When these tests were used in combination, their accuracy increased. In addition to the PH staging, several serum markers and spleen stiffness measurement can predict the clinical outcome of liver cirrhosis with a good accuracy, comparable to that of hepatic vein pressure gradient. In the future, noninvasive methods could be used to select patients requiring further investigations to identify the best tailored clinical management.

Sustained low-efficiency dialysis with regional citrate anticoagulation in medical intensive care unit patients with liver failure: A prospective study

PURPOSE

Patients with liver failure requiring dialysis are at increased risk for citrate accumulation during sustained low-efficiency dialysis (SLED). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibilty of citrate SLED in critical ill patients with liver failure and investigate predictive parameters regarding citrate accumulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective study in 24 medical intensive care unit patients with liver failure and a total of 43 SLED runs (maximum of 3 runs per patient) using citrate anticoagulation. Liver function was characterized before SLED using not only laboratory parameters but also determination of the plasma disappearance rate of indocyanine green. In addition, blood gas parameters as well total calcium and citrate in serum were measured at baseline and defined time points during SLED.

RESULTS

Accumulation of citrate could be observed in all SLED runs, which were nearly normalized until the end of SLED and 24 hours after SLED, respectively. However, the critical threshold of total calcium/ionized calcium on ratio of greater than 2.5 was exceeded in only 1 patient. Equalization of initial metabolic acidosis was possible without major disturbances of acid base and electrolyte status. Liver function parameters showed poor predicitve capabilities regarding citrate accumulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite substantial accumulation of citrate in serum, SLED is save and feasible in patients with liver failure using a citrate anticoagulation. Careful monitoring of electrolytes and acid base status is mandatory to ensure patient safety.

High Levels of Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase and Indocyanine Green Retention Rate at 15 min as Preoperative Predictors of Tumor Recurrence in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma

This study investigated the preoperative independent risk factors associated with survival and recurrence for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent hepatic resection. In total, 384 consecutive patients who underwent curative hepatic resection for single primary HCC were studied. Predictive factors associated with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were assessed using a univariate log-rank test and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) > 100 U/L was identified as a preoperative independent risk factor affecting 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival whereas GGT > 50 U/L and indocyanine green retention 15 min (ICG-R15) > 10% were identified as preoperative independent risk factors affecting 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS. The 384 patients studied had a 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS rate of 72.8%, 43.3%, and 27%, respectively. Patients with GGT > 50 U/L had a 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS rate of 64.5%, 36.0%, and 21.7%. These patients had lower survival rates than did patients with GGT ≤ 50 U/L (P < 0.05). Patients with GGT > 50 U/L and ICG-R15 > 10% had a 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS rate of 62.4%, 29.5%, and 14.1%, respectively. These patients had lower survival rates than did patients in the other 2 groups with different levels of GGT and ICG (P < 0.05, respectively). The same was also true for patients with a tumor < 5 cm in size. Combined information in the form of high levels of GGT and ICG-R15 is a preoperative predictor that warrants full attention when evaluating tumor recurrence postoperatively.

[Monitoring of liver function in the critically ill]

Liver failure and hepatic dysfunction represent diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for the intensivist. Besides acute liver failure, hypoxic hepatitis, sepsis and (secondary) sclerosing cholangitis may lead to massive liver dysfunction with subsequent multiorgan dysfunction syndrome that limits survival. Among classical laboratory parameters (so-called static liver parameters) liver function tests may help with the diagnosis to allow early treatment or prevention of liver dysfunction. The aim of this article is to present the current aspects of liver function monitoring and to provide guidelines to the intensivist for diagnosing liver dysfunction in the intensive care setting.

Hypothyroidism Enhanced Portal Hypertension in a Patient with Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis, Resulting in the Development of Ascites

A man diagnosed with alcoholic liver cirrhosis complained of abdominal distention due to massive ascites. The ascites did not resolve with diuretic agents. The serum-ascites albumin gradient value of 1.9 g/dL and the total protein level in the ascites of 3.1 g/dL indicated the ascites to have been caused by portal hypertension. Hypothyroidism was detected, and the patient received supplementation with levothyroxine. The ascites dramatically decreased after supplementation with levothyroxine. We herein conclude that the ascites in the present case had thus been strongly influenced by portal hypertension, which was induced by liver dysfunction associated with liver cirrhosis and hypothyroidism.

Assessing liver function in patients with HBV-related HCC: a comparison of T₁ mapping on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging with DWI

OBJECTIVES

To compare the potential of T1 mapping on gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for assessing liver function in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

One hundred consecutive patients with known HBV-related HCCs were included. T1 relaxation time and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the liver were measured, and the reduction rate of T1 relaxation time (∆%) was calculated. T1 relaxation time measurements were compared with ADC values according to the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score.

RESULTS

Hepatobiliary phase (HBP) and ∆% of T1 relaxation time measurements showed significant correlations with MELD score (rho = 0.571, p < 0.0001; rho = -0.573, p < 0.0001, respectively). HBP and ∆% of T1 relaxation time were significantly different between good (MELD ≤8) and poor liver function (MELD ≥9) (p < 0.0001 for both). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of T1 relaxation time for HBP (AUC 0.84) and ∆% (AUC 0.82) were significantly better than for ADC (AUC 0.53; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

T1 mapping on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI showed promise for evaluating liver function in patients with HBV-related HCC, while DWI was not reliable. HBP T1 relaxation time measurement was equally accurate as ∆% measurement.

KEY POINTS

• T 1 mapping on Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI was accurate for assessing liver function. • HBP T 1 relaxation time measurement was as accurate as ∆% T 1 • T 1 mapping on Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI was more accurate than DWI-ADC measurement.