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Kosuta I, Premkumar M, Reddy KR. Review article: Evaluation and care of the critically ill patient with cirrhosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:1489-1509. [PMID: 38693712 DOI: 10.1111/apt.18016] [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] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increase in prevalence of liver disease globally will lead to a substantial incremental burden on intensive care requirements. While liver transplantation offers a potential life-saving intervention, not all patients are eligible due to limitations such as organ availability, resource constraints, ongoing sepsis or multiple organ failures. Consequently, the focus of critical care of patients with advanced and decompensated cirrhosis turns to liver-centric intensive care protocols, to mitigate the high mortality in such patients. AIM Provide an updated and comprehensive understanding of cirrhosis management in critical care, and which includes emergency care, secondary organ failure management (mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, haemodynamic support and intensive care nutrition), use of innovative liver support systems, infection control, liver transplantation and palliative and end-of life care. METHODS We conducted a structured bibliographic search on PubMed, sourcing articles published up to 31 March 2024, to cover topics addressed. We considered data from observational studies, recommendations of society guidelines, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials, and incorporated our clinical expertise in liver critical care. RESULTS Critical care management of the patient with cirrhosis has evolved over time while mortality remains high despite aggressive management with liver transplantation serving as a crucial but not universally available resource. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of organ support therapies, intensive care protocols, nutrition, palliative care and end-of-life discussions and decisions are an integral part of critical care of the patient with cirrhosis. A multi-disciplinary approach towards critical care management is likely to yield better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Kosuta
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Madhumita Premkumar
- Department of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - K Rajender Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Piano S, Bunchorntavakul C, Marciano S, Rajender Reddy K. Infections in cirrhosis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:S2468-1253(24)00078-5. [PMID: 38754453 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(24)00078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is an immune dysfunction state, and as such, patients with cirrhosis are susceptible to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Because of infection, these patients have a propensity to develop multiorgan failure, which is associated with high mortality. Bacterial infections are the most prevalent type of infection in patients with cirrhosis, with the prevalence of bacterial infections in patients admitted for an acute decompensating event ranging from 24% to 29%. Together with invasive fungal infections, bacterial infections are the most severe. Multidrug-resistant organisms have been evolving at a rapid and alarming rate around the world, which presents enormous challenges. The development of effective measures for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of infections in patients with cirrhosis is challenging, given the rising incidence of infections in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Piano
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University and Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Sebastian Marciano
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Italian Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - K Rajender Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Fricker Z, Jiang G, Patel H, McLaughlin A, Izunza Barba S, Niezen S, Curry M. A randomized study of ceftriaxone for the prevention of infections in hospitalized patients with advanced cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0356. [PMID: 38180983 PMCID: PMC10781126 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections frequently complicate hospital admission among patients with cirrhosis and are associated with adverse outcomes. In specific settings, administration of prophylactic antibiotics has been shown to improve outcomes. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess the feasibility of a randomized study of whether prophylactic ceftriaxone (CTX), administered to hospitalized patients with advanced cirrhosis (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium ≥ 18) without known infection, could reduce the incidence of infection. We also sought to determine whether we could identify patients most likely to benefit through the use of clinical and laboratory parameters. METHODS Hospitalized patients with cirrhosis, with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium ≥ 18 and no known infection after evaluation, were randomly assigned in a double-blinded fashion to receive either CTX 1 gr/day or placebo for up to 7 days. Subjects were monitored for incident infection and other outcomes of interest, including adverse reactions such as the development of C. difficile infection. Biomarkers of interest, including C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, were measured before initiation of treatment. RESULTS Thirty subjects were enrolled and received CTX or placebo (15 subjects each) per protocol. There were no observed statistically significant differences between groups in incidence of infection, mortality, length of stay, or key laboratory parameters, including C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. Adverse events related to treatment were rare and clinically of minor significance. CONCLUSIONS Overall, enrollment of subjects proved feasible, and results from this pilot study, while inadequate for confirmation of the potential efficacy of CTX, provide evidence of study feasibility for future, more definitive clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Fricker
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gordon Jiang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Het Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Annabel McLaughlin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sofia Izunza Barba
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sebastian Niezen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Curry
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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O'Brien A, Crocombe D. Reply: Antibiotic prophylaxis in palliative patients with cirrhosis: Stewardship or gatekeeping? Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0312. [PMID: 37994443 PMCID: PMC10666975 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dominic Crocombe
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
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Mendez-Sanchez N, Coronel-Castillo CE, Cordova-Gallardo J, Qi X. Antibiotics in Chronic Liver Disease and Their Effects on Gut Microbiota. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1475. [PMID: 37887176 PMCID: PMC10603944 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12101475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Impairments in liver function lead to different complications. As chronic liver disease progresses (CLD), hypoalbuminemia and alterations in bile acid compositions lead to changes in gut microbiota and, therefore, in the host-microbiome interaction, leading to a proinflammatory state. Alterations in gut microbiota composition and permeability, known as gut dysbiosis, have important implications in CLD; alterations in the gut-liver axis are a consequence of liver disease, but also a cause of CLD. Furthermore, gut dysbiosis plays an important role in the progression of liver cirrhosis and decompensation, particularly with complications such as hepatic encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. In relation to this, antibiotics play an important role in treating CLD. While certain antibiotics have specific indications, others have been subjected to continued study to determine whether or not they have a modulatory effect on gut microbiota. In contrast, the rational use of antibiotics is important, not only because of their disrupting effects on gut microbiota, but also in the context of multidrug-resistant organisms. The aim of this review is to illustrate the role of gut microbiota alterations in CLD, the use and impact of antibiotics in liver cirrhosis, and their harmful and beneficial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahum Mendez-Sanchez
- Unit Liver Research, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Mexico City 14050, Mexico
- Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | | | - Jacqueline Cordova-Gallardo
- Department of Hepatology, Service of Surgery and Obesity Clinic, General Hospital “Dr. Manuel Gea González”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Xingshun Qi
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110840, China
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Crocombe D, O’Brien A. Antimicrobial prophylaxis in decompensated cirrhosis: friend or foe? Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0228. [PMID: 37655979 PMCID: PMC10476838 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
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Forrest E, Bernal W. The Role of Prophylactic Antibiotics for Patients With Severe Alcohol-Related Hepatitis. JAMA 2023; 329:1552-1553. [PMID: 37159045 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.1729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ewan Forrest
- Department of Gastroenterology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - William Bernal
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, University of London, London, England
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Dirchwolf M, Gomez Perdiguero G, Grech IM, Marciano S. Challenges and recommendations when selecting empirical antibiotics in patients with cirrhosis. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:377-385. [PMID: 37034233 PMCID: PMC10075007 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i3.377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
There is abundant evidence that bacterial infections are severe complications in patients with cirrhosis, being the most frequent trigger of acute-on-chronic liver failure and causing death in one of every four patients during hospitalization. For these reasons, early diagnosis and effective treatment of infections are mandatory to improve patient outcomes. However, treating physicians are challenged in daily practice since diagnosing bacterial infections is not always straightforward. This situation might lead to delayed antibiotic initiation or prescription of ineffective regimens, which are associated with poor outcomes. On the other hand, prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics to all patients suspected of bacterial infections might favor bacterial resistance development. This is a significant concern given the alarming number of infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms worldwide. Therefore, it is paramount to know the local epidemiology to propose tailored guidelines for empirical antibiotic selection in patients with cirrhosis in whom bacterial infections are suspected or confirmed. In this article, we will revise current knowledge in this area and highlight the importance of surveillance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melisa Dirchwolf
- Liver Unit, Hospital Privado de Rosario, Rosario 2000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | | | - Ingrid Mc Grech
- Liver Unit, Hospital Privado de Rosario, Rosario 2000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Sebastian Marciano
- Liver Unit and Department of Research, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1181, Argentina
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