Current vision on diagnosis and comprehensive care in hepatic encephalopathy

The first clinical guidelines on hepatic encephalopathy were published in 2009. Almost 14 years since that first publication, numerous advances in the field of diagnosis, treatment, and special condition care have been made. Therefore, as an initiative of the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología A.C., we present a current view of those aspects. The manuscript described herein was formulated by 24 experts that participated in six working groups, analyzing, discussing, and summarizing the following topics: Definition of hepatic encephalopathy; recommended classifications; epidemiologic panorama, worldwide and in Mexico; diagnostic tools; conditions that merit a differential diagnosis; treatment; and primary and secondary prophylaxis. Likewise, these guidelines emphasize the management of certain special conditions, such as hepatic encephalopathy in acute liver failure and acute-on-chronic liver failure, as well as specific care in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, such as the use of medications and types of sedation, describing those that are permitted or recommended, and those that are not.

Position statement on the use of albumin in liver cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is characterised by a prolonged asymptomatic period in which the inflammation persists, increasing as the disease progresses. Characteristic of this is the increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-oxidant molecules which are determining factors in the development of multiple organ dysfunction. In the early development of cirrhosis, splanchnic arterial vasodilation, activation of vasoconstrictor systems (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone) and the sympathetic nervous system (noradrenaline) bring about bacterial translocation and systemic dissemination via portal circulation of bacterial products, and molecular patterns associated with damage, which exacerbate the systemic inflammation present in the patient with cirrhosis. Albumin is a molecule that undergoes structural and functional changes as liver damage progresses, affecting its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, oncotic and endothelial stabilising properties. Our knowledge of the properties of albumin reveals a molecule with multiple treatment options in patients with cirrhosis, from the compensated then decompensated phases to multiple organ dysfunction. Its recognised uses in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, post-paracentesis circulatory dysfunction, acute kidney injury and hepatorenal syndrome are fully validated, and a treatment option has opened up in decompensated cirrhosis and in acute-on-chronic liver disease.

Risk factors for developing hepatocellular carcinoma in patients treated with direct-acting antivirals

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Chronic hepatitis C is one of the main causes of cirrhosis of the liver. Treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) improves survival. There is controversy as to whether AADs create an increased risk for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the present study was to determine the risk factors for developing HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with DAAs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cohort study was conducted, within the time frame of June 2017 and June 2018, on patients >18 years of age, with chronic hepatitis C, genotypes 1 and 4, with one year of follow-up, to evaluate the presence of HCC.

RESULTS

We analyzed 108 patients, 71 (65%) of whom were women. Mean patient age was 56.24 years (±10.6), 1b was the most frequent genotype (63%), and 49% of the patients received treatment with DAAs (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir plus dasabuvir). Thirty-four (31%) patients were obese. Fifty-three percent (58) had cirrhosis and 82% (89) had Child-Pugh class A liver function. Sustained virologic response at 12 weeks was 100%. Eight (7%) patients developed HCC and 1b was the most frequently associated genotype (87%). The presence of regenerative nodules >10 mm (P < .05), esophageal varices (P < .05), cirrhosis of the liver (P < .05), Child-Pugh B-C (P < .05), and alpha-fetoprotein >20 IU/mL (P = 0.20) one year after treatment were associated with the development of HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors for developing HCC were the presence of cirrhosis of the liver, Child-Pugh class B liver function, esophageal and/or gastric varices, and genotype 1b.

Approach to the patient with cholestasis and jaundice syndrome. Joint AMH, AMG, and AMEG scientific position statement

The term cholestasis refers to bile acid retention, whether within the hepatocyte or in the bile ducts of any caliber. Biochemically, it is defined by a level of alkaline phosphatase that is 1.67-times higher than the upper limit of normal. Cholestatic diseases can be associated with an inflammatory process of the liver that destroys hepatocytes (hepatitis), withjaundice (yellowing of the skin and mucus membranes, associated with elevated serum bilirubin levels), or with both, albeit the three concepts should not be considered synonymous. Cholestatic diseases can be classified as intrahepatic or extrahepatic, depending on their etiology. Knowing the cause of the condition is important for choosing the adequate diagnostic studies and appropriate treatment in each case. A complete medical history, together with a thorough physical examination and basic initial studies, such as liver ultrasound and liver function tests, aid the clinician in deciding which path to follow, when managing the patient with cholestasis. In a joint effort, the Asociación Mexicana de Hepatología (AMH), the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología (AMG) and the Asociación Mexicana de Endoscopia Gastrointestinal (AMEG) developed the first Mexican scientific position statement on said theme.

Asociación Mexicana de Hepatología A.C. Clinical guideline on hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a worldwide public health problem. In Mexico, at least three million adults are estimated to have acquired hepatitis B (total hepatitis B core antibody [anti-HBc]-positive), and of those, 300,000 active carriers (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg]-positive) could require treatment. Because HBV is preventable through vaccination, its universal application should be emphasized. HBV infection is a major risk factor for developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Semi-annual liver ultrasound and serum alpha-fetoprotein testing favor early detection of that cancer and should be carried out in all patients with chronic HBV infection, regardless of the presence of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Currently, nucleoside/nucleotide analogues that have a high barrier to resistance are the first-line therapies.

Asociación Mexicana de Hepatología A.C. Clinical guideline on hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a worldwide public health problem. In Mexico, at least three million adults are estimated to have acquired hepatitis B (total hepatitis B core antibody [anti-HBc]-positive), and of those, 300,000 active carriers (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg]-positive) could require treatment. Because HBV is preventable through vaccination, its universal application should be emphasized. HBV infection is a major risk factor for developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Semi-annual liver ultrasound and serum alpha-fetoprotein testing favor early detection of that cancer and should be carried out in all patients with chronic HBV infection, regardless of the presence of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Currently, nucleoside/nucleotide analogues that have a high barrier to resistance are the first-line therapies.

The Mexican consensus on alcoholic hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis is a frequent condition in the Mexican population. It is characterized by acute-on-chronic liver failure, important systemic inflammatory response, and multiple organ failure. The severe variant of the disease implies elevated mortality. Therefore, the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología and the Asociación Mexicana de Hepatología brought together a multidisciplinary team of health professionals to formulate the first Mexican consensus on alcoholic hepatitis, carried out utilizing the Delphi method and resulting in 37 recommendations. Alcohol-related liver disease covers a broad spectrum of pathologies that includes steatosis, steatohepatitis, different grades of fibrosis, and cirrhosis and its complications. Severe alcoholic hepatitis is defined by a modified Maddrey's discriminant function score ≥ 32 or by a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score equal to or above 21. There is currently no specific biomarker for its diagnosis. Leukocytosis with neutrophilia, hyperbilirubinemia (> 3 mg/dL), AST > 50 U/l (< 400 U/l), and an AST/ALT ratio > 1.5-2 can guide the diagnosis. Abstinence from alcohol, together with nutritional support, is the cornerstone of treatment. Steroids are indicated for severe disease and have been effective in reducing the 28-day mortality rate. At present, liver transplantation is the only life-saving option for patients that are nonresponders to steroids. Certain drugs, such as N-acetylcysteine, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and metadoxine, can be adjuvant therapies with a positive impact on patient survival.

Pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy and future treatment options

Understanding of the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy has conditioned new treatment options. Ammonia detoxification in hepatic encephalopathy is regulated by two enzymes: glutaminase or glutamine synthetase. The first produces ammonia and the second detoxifies the ammonia, which is why treatments are aimed at glutaminase inhibition or glutamine synthetase activation. At present, we know that both enzymes are found not only in the liver, but also in the muscle, intestine, kidney, and brain. Therefore, current treatments can be directed at each enzyme at different sites. Awareness of those potential treatment sites makes different options of approach possible in the patient with hepatic encephalopathy, and each approach should be personalized.

The Mexican consensus on the treatment of hepatitis C

The aim of the Mexican Consensus on the Treatment of HepatitisC was to develop clinical practice guidelines applicable to Mexico. The expert opinion of specialists in the following areas was taken into account: gastroenterology, infectious diseases, and hepatology. A search of the medical literature was carried out on the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases through keywords related to hepatitisC treatment. The quality of evidence was subsequently evaluated using the GRADE system and the consensus statements were formulated. The statements were then voted upon, using the modified Delphi system, and reviewed and corrected by a panel of 34 voting participants. Finally, the level of agreement was classified for each statement. The present guidelines provide recommendations with an emphasis on the new direct-acting antivirals, to facilitate their use in clinical practice. Each case must be individualized according to the comorbidities involved and patient management must always be multidisciplinary.

Prevalencia de alteraciones gastrointestinales en adultos con inmunodeficiencia común variable en el Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda

Antecedentes: la incidencia de la inmunodeficiencia común variable (IDCV) es de 1 por cada 15,000 a 117,000 casos, sin predominio de género. La incidencia de manifestaciones gastrointestinales en estos pacientes es de 20 a 60% y pueden ser la primera y única manifestación clínica de IDCV. En México existe escasa información en relación con el tipo y frecuencia de alteraciones gastrointestinales que padecen los pacientes adultos con IDCV.Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de alteraciones gastrointestinales en pacientes adultos con inmunodeficiencia común variable.Material y método: estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal en el que participaron pacientes con inmunodeficiencia común variable de la Clínica de Inmunodeficiencias del Servicio de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica del Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI. A todos los pacientes se les aplicó un cuestionario de síntomas gastrointestinales y se les realizaron estudios de laboratorio, gabinete, endoscopia y prueba de aliento para determinar sobrepoblación bacteriana.Resultados: evaluamos 17 pacientes, 8 hombres y 9 mujeres, con edad promedio de 36 años y diagnóstico definitivo de inmunodeficiencia común variable de acuerdo con criterios internacionales. El 59% refirió dolor abdominal, 53% distensión abdominal y 17.6% estreñimiento. El 47% tenía diarrea crónica, en dos de ellos (11.8%) acompañada  de pujo rectal. Las enfermedades gastrointestinales de esta población fueron: 18% diarrea crónica, enfermedad celiaca y sobrepoblación bacteriana, 24% trastorno funcional digestivo, 12% estreñimiento, 6% dispepsia. Sólo un paciente (6%) no tenía síntomas gastrointestinales.Conclusión: la prevalencia de las enfermedades gastrointestinales en pacientes adultos con inmunodeficiencia común variable fue de 94%, sin predominio de género. Debido a la frecuencia de manifestaciones gastrointestinales, es importante realizar protocolos de estudio al respecto para iniciar de manera temprana su diagnóstico y tratamiento.

[Prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders in adults with common variable immunodeficiency at Specialty Hospital Dr. Bernardo Sepulveda]

BACKGROUND

The common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) shows a variable incidence, from 1:15,000 to 1:117,000, without gender predominance. The incidence of gastrointestinal manifestations in these patients ranges from 20-60%, and these may be the first and only clinical manifestation of CVID, while other patients develop gastrointestinal complications during the course of it. In Mexico there is little information regarding the type and frequency of gastrointestinal disorders presented by adult patients with CVID.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal manifestations in adult patients with CVID.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A descriptive, cross-sectional and observational study was made including patients with CVID attending Primary Immunodeficiency Clinic of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, Specialties Hospital, National Medical Center SXXI, Mexico City. All patients underwent gastrointestinal symptoms questionnaire, laboratory, cabinet, endoscopy and breath test for bacterial overgrowth.

RESULTS

We evaluated 17 patients, 8 men and 9 women with an average age of 36 years with a definitive diagnosis of CVID according to international criteria; 59% had abdominal pain, 53% abdominal distension; only 3 patients (17.6%) reported constipation; 47% had chronic diarrhea, of which only 2 (11.8%) had rectal pushing. The diagnoses of gastrointestinal manifestations of this population were: 18% chronic diarrhea, celiac disease and bacterial overgrowth, 24% gastrointestinal functional disorder, 12% constipation and 6% dyspepsia. One patient (6%) had no gastrointestinal symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases in adult patients with common variable immunodeficiency was 94%. There was no gender predominance. It is therefore important that patients with CVID will conduct a study protocol that includes a complete medical history considering gastrointestinal symptoms and signs, in order to determine timely diagnosis and therapeutic approach.

The molecular adsorbent recirculating system as a liver support system: summary of Mexican experience

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the molecular absorbent recirculating system (MARS) on patients with acute liver failure (ALF) and liver failure with cirrhosis (AoCLF) as well as in cholestatic patients with intractable pruritus in a Mexican population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From August 2003 to December 2011, MARS was used in 38 patients with ALF, 15 patients with AoCLF, and 17 cholestatic patients with intractable pruritus. The patients were examined using a standard liver function test and for vital signs, presence of ascites and encephalopathy before and after each treatment. The therapeutic response, patient status, follow-up status, and need for liver transplantation were determined.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine MARS procedures were performed. MARS was used for ALF in 54.3% of patients, AoCLF in 24.2%, and cholestatic disease in 21.5%. There were significant improvements in serum bilirubin (p = 0.000), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.000), alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.030), gamma-glytamyl transpeptidase (p = 0.044), alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.006), and encephalopathy grade (p = 0.000). Thirty-eight ALF patients were listed for emergency liver transplantation and treated with MARS; 20 of these patients died on a waiting list, 18 survived. only four underwent liver transplantation and 14 (37%) recovered without transplantation after the MARS procedure.

CONCLUSION

MARS is a safe and effective procedure, especially for ALF patients. Our results suggest that MARS therapy can contribute to native liver recovery in ALF patients.