Anticoagulation improves survival in patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis: The IMPORTAL competing-risk meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Previous meta-analyses demonstrated the safety and efficacy of anticoagulation in the recanalization of portal vein thrombosis in patients with cirrhosis. Whether this benefit translates into improved survival is unknown. We conducted an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis to assess the effect of anticoagulation on all-cause mortality in patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis.

METHODS

In this IPD meta-analysis, we selected studies comparing anticoagulation vs. no treatment in patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases (until June 2020) (PROSPERO no.: CRD42020140026). IPD were subsequently requested from authors. The primary outcome - the effect of anticoagulation on all-cause mortality - was assessed by a one-step meta-analysis based on a competing-risk model with liver transplantation as the competing event. The model was adjusted for clinically relevant confounders. A multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to determine the effect of anticoagulation on recanalization.

RESULTS

Individual data on 500 patients from five studies were included; 205 (41%) received anticoagulation and 295 did not. Anticoagulation reduced all-cause mortality (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio 0.59; 95% CI 0.49-0.70), independently of thrombosis severity and recanalization. The effect of anticoagulation on all-cause mortality was consistent with a reduction in liver-related mortality. The recanalization rate was higher in the anticoagulation arm (adjusted odds ratio 3.45; 95% CI 2.22-5.36). The non-portal-hypertension-related bleeding rate was significantly greater in the anticoagulation group.

CONCLUSIONS

Anticoagulation reduces all-cause mortality in patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis independently of recanalization, but at the expense of increasing non-portal hypertension-related bleeding.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020140026.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

Anticoagulation is effective in promoting recanalization of portal vein thrombosis in patients with cirrhosis, but whether this benefit translates into improved survival is controversial. Our individual patient data meta-analysis based on a competing-risk model with liver transplantation as the competing event shows that anticoagulation reduces all-cause mortality in patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis independently of recanalization. According to our findings, portal vein thrombosis may identify a group of patients with cirrhosis that benefit from long-term anticoagulation.

The Relation between Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis and Different Cannulation Techniques: The Experience of a High-Volume Center from North-Eastern Romania

BACKGROUND

Despite numerous advances that have aimed to increase the safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) still remains a major issue. We aimed to assess the rate of PEP as well as the relation to the cannulation techniques in our unit, a high-volume center in north-eastern Romania.

METHODS

ERCPs performed in our unit from March to August 2022 were retrospectively included. Data concerning demographic information, presence of difficult cannulation, the technique used for cannulation, as well as immediate complications, were gathered from the electronic database.

RESULTS

233 ERCPs were included. PEP was diagnosed in 23 (9.9%) of cases. Precut sphincterotomy (PS), transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPBS), and a combination of TPBS and PS were performed in 6.4%, 10.3%, and 1.7% of cases, respectively, while an Erlangen precut papillotomy was performed in one case. Both in patients with PS and TPBS the rate of PEP was 20%. When the two techniques were associated, the rate of PEP was 25%. TPBS and PS represented risk factors for PEP (OR 1.211 for a CI of 0.946-1.551, p = 0.041, and OR 1.124 for a CI of 0.928-1.361, p = 0.088, respectively). No PEP-associated deaths were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Both PS and TPBS presented a similar risk of PEP.

Impaired Intestinal Permeability Assessed by Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy-A New Potential Therapeutic Target in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) represent a global phenomenon, with a continuously rising prevalence. The strategies concerning IBD management are progressing from clinical monitorization to a targeted approach, and current therapies strive to reduce microscopic mucosal inflammation and stimulate repair of the epithelial barrier function. Intestinal permeability has recently been receiving increased attention, as evidence suggests that it could be related to disease activity in IBD. However, most investigations do not successfully provide adequate information regarding the morphological integrity of the intestinal barrier. In this review, we discuss the advantages of confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE), which allows in vivo visualization of histological abnormalities and targeted optical biopsies in the setting of IBD. Additionally, CLE has been used to assess vascular permeability and epithelial barrier function that could correlate with prolonged clinical remission, increased resection-free survival, and lower hospitalization rates. Moreover, the dynamic evaluation of the functional characteristics of the intestinal barrier presents an advantage over the endoscopic examination as it has the potential to select patients at risk of relapses. Along with mucosal healing, histological or transmural remission, the recovery of the intestinal barrier function emerges as a possible target that could be included in the future therapeutic strategies for IBD.

Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis: Bold and Brave?

Atrial fibrillation is frequently diagnosed in patients with liver cirrhosis, especially in those with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or alcoholic etiology. Anticoagulant treatment is recommended for thromboembolic protection in patients with atrial fibrillation. Considering the impaired coagulation balance in liver cirrhosis, predisposing patients to bleed or thrombotic events, the anticoagulant treatment is still a matter of debate. Although patients with liver cirrhosis were excluded from the pivotal studies that confirmed the efficacy and safety of the anticoagulant treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation, data from real-life cohorts demonstrated that the anticoagulant treatment in patients with liver cirrhosis could be safe. This review aimed to evaluate the recent data regarding the safety and efficacy of anticoagulant treatment in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. Direct oral anticoagulants are safer than warfarin in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis. In Child-Pugh class C liver cirrhosis, direct oral anticoagulants are contraindicated. New bleeding and ischemic risk scores should be developed especially for patients with liver cirrhosis, and biomarkers for bleeding complications should be implemented in clinical practice to personalize this treatment in a very difficult population represented by decompensated liver cirrhosis patients.

Changes in Components of Metabolic Syndrome after Antiviral Eradication in Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Chronic hepatitis C infection is a systemic disease that affects over 71 million patients all over the world and it is to be considered nowadays as a new cardiometabolic risk factor. This study aimed to evaluate the weight and metabolic changes after viral eradication in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We conducted a prospective study between October 2017 to December 2021, in a tertiary care center, in which we included 132 patients with HCV or cirrhosis. All patients received treatment with direct antivirals (DAAs) and achieved sustained viral response at 12 weeks (SVR12). During the study, clinical laboratory data and Fibroscan examinations were recorded in all patients. The study group was evaluated at the initiation of antiviral treatment, at SVR12, and within an average follow-up period of 6 months to 12 months after the previous evaluation. Evaluation at SVR12 and the data recorded in the post-SVR surveillance period show a further increase in BMI compared with baseline measurements with a statistically significant difference (27.11 ± 3.22 vs. 27.415 ± 3.03 vs. 28.04 ± 1.11 kg/m², p = 0.012). The same observation was noticed for waist circumference (WC) at post-SVR evaluation (87.6 ± 13.1 vs. 88.4 ± 13.6 cm, p = 0.031). Moreover, the study population registered an increase in the average total cholesterol (TC) values at post-SVR evaluation (177.01 ± 42.2 mg/dL, p = 0.014) compared to baseline. In addition, the serum level of triglycerides had been modified after viral clearance, with a minimal decrease in the mean values of triglycerides (TGD) at SVR-12 assessment (133.48 ± 41.8 mg/dL, p = 0.78), followed by a significant increase to the mean value of 145.4 ± 47.2 mg/dL (p = 0.026) in the third evaluation. Our study highlights that HCV eradication does not improve the lipid profile in the short term, and these patients still have an additional cardiovascular risk factor due to high levels of TC, TGD, and weight gain.

Real World Efficacy and Safety of Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir + Voxilaprevir in Romanian Patients with Genotype 1b HCV Infection Non-reponders to DAAs Therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The sofosbuvir (SOF) / velpatasvir (VEL) / voxilaprevir (VOX) combination has been evaluated in more than 800 patients enrolled in phase II and phase III studies, where it demonstrated excellent safety and efficacy, achieving overall sustained viral response (SVR) rates of more than 95%. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of SOF/VEL/VOX in a real-world study, including patients previously treated for genotype 1b hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection that did not obtain a sustained viral response with previous direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) therapy.

METHODS

In Romania, through a nationwide government-funded program in 2019-2020, 213 patients with chronic hepatitis C non-responders to previous DAAs therapy, received treatment with SOF/VEL/ VOX 400/100/100 mg/day for 12 weeks. We performed a retrospective longitudinal study that included 143 individuals who were treated in Bucharest, Iași, Craiova and Constanța clinics, all with genotype 1b HCV infection. Efficacy was assessed by the percentage of patients achieving SVR 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12). Serious adverse events (SAE) were registered.

RESULTS

Our cohort comprised 53% males with a median age of 60 years (27÷77); 47% were pre-treated with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir+dasabuvir ± ribavirin, 40% with ledipasvir/SOF, 13% with elbasvir/ grazoprevir. 42% of patients associated co-morbidities, 45% had compensated liver cirrhosis, 2% had treated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 1% had hepatitis B virus co-infection. SVR by intention to treat was reported in 139/143 (97.2%) and per protocol in 141/143 (98.6%). No predictive factors for SVR were identified. Rate of liver decompensation in patients with cirrhosis was 6% and was statistically associated in multivariate analysis with Child-Pugh score (p<0.01) and with severe steatosis (p=0.004). Occurrence of new HCC was reported in 3.6% of all patients with cirrhosis and was associated with poor liver function [higher Child-Pugh score (p=0.001) and low albumin levels (p=0.02)]. Serious adverse events related to therapy were reported in 1/143(0.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

SOF/VEL/VOX was highly efficient in our population of patients with a 97.2% SVR. Liver decompensation occurred in 6% of cirrhotic patients at SVR, related to hepatic dysfunction.

Predictive Factors for the Prognosis of Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis

Alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) is a disease with multiple complications and is associated with poor prognosis and significant mortality. Identifying risk factors associated with a poor outcome is important to ensure effective treatment and increase life expectancy. We aimed to evaluate the predictive values of complications regarding mortality in ALC. We retrospectively analyzed 1429 patients with ALC hospitalized between January 2019 and April 2022 at the Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Iasi. The electronic medical records were interrogated to obtain information about demographic data, complications, comorbidities, and prognostic scores: MELD-Na (model for end-stage liver disease-sodium) and CTP (Child−Turcotte−Pugh). Based on uni- and multivariate analysis, independent predictors of mortality were identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 56.15 ± 11.49 years with a ratio of 2:1 in favor of males. There were 296 deaths (20.8%), most of them during the first hospitalization (208/14.6%). It was observed during the univariate analysis that complications of the disease negatively affected the survival rate, significant values being related to infections (sepsis; OR = 21.98; p < 0.001; spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) (OR = 11.94; p < 0.001) and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) (OR = 9.35; p < 0.001). The independent predictors, confirmed by multivariate analysis, were the association of variceal bleeding, infections, and hepatic encephalopathy or ascites, each combination being responsible for two out of 10 of the deaths during the first admission. The prognosis of the disease was negatively influenced by the worsening of liver dysfunction and the appearance of complications. The main predictors of mortality were infections, hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, and hepatorenal syndrome. Improving compliance and strict application of specific follow-up and treatment strategies could contribute to a better prognosis of patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

Assessing the Neurotoxicity of a Sub-Optimal Dose of Rotenone in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) and the Possible Neuroactive Potential of Valproic Acid, Combination of Levodopa and Carbidopa, and Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an enigmatic neurodegenerative disorder that is currently the subject of extensive research approaches aiming at deepening the understanding of its etiopathophysiology. Recent data suggest that distinct compounds used either as anticonvulsants or agents usually used as dopaminergic agonists or supplements consisting of live active lactic acid bacteria strains might alleviate and improve PD-related phenotypes. This is why we aimed to elucidate how the administration of rotenone (ROT) disrupts homeostasis and the possible neuroactive potential of valproic acid (VPA), antiparkinsonian agents (levodopa and carbidopa – LEV+CARB), and a mixture of six Lactobacillus and three Bifidobacterium species (PROBIO) might re-establish the optimal internal parameters. ROT causes significant changes in the central nervous system (CNS), notably reduced neurogenesis and angiogenesis, by triggering apoptosis, reflected by the increased expression of PARKIN and PINK1 gene(s), low brain dopamine (DA) levels, and as opposed to LRRK2 and SNCA compared with healthy zebrafish. VPA, LEV/CARB, and PROBIO sustain neurogenesis and angiogenesis, manifesting a neuroprotective role in diminishing the effect of ROT in zebrafish. Interestingly, none of the tested compounds influenced oxidative stress (OS), as reflected by the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymatic activity revealed in non-ROT-exposed zebrafish. Overall, the selected concentrations were enough to trigger particular behavioral patterns as reflected by our parameters of interest (swimming distance (mm), velocity (mm/s), and freezing episodes (s)), but sequential testing is mandatory to decipher whether they exert an inhibitory role following ROT exposure. In this way, we further offer data into how ROT may trigger a PD-related phenotype and the possible beneficial role of VPA, LEV+CARB, and PROBIO in re-establishing homeostasis in Danio rerio.

Screening for Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Using Vibration Controlled Transient Elastography with Controlled Attenuation Parameter

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are frequently associated with extraintestinal manifestations, hepatic injury being of concern in these patients. Current literature reports an increased prevalence of liver steatosis and fibrosis in subjects with IBD and the pathophysiology is yet to be completely understood. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with IBD, as well as to determine the factors that connect these two disorders.

METHODS

From September 2021 to June 2022, 82 consecutive IBD patients were enrolled from a tertiary care center hospital in Iasi. Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography with Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) was used to assess the presence of NAFLD, with a cut-off score for CAP of 248 dB/m. Significant liver fibrosis was considered at a cut-off for liver stiffness measurements (LSM) of 7.2 kPa.

RESULTS

In total, 82 IBD patients (54.8% men, mean age of 49 ± 13 years) were included, 38 (46.3%) of them being diagnosed with NAFLD, with a mean CAP score of 286 ± 35.4 vs. 203 ± 29.7 in patients with IBD only. Age (β = 0.357, p = 0.021), body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.185, p = 0.048), disease duration (β = 0.297, p = 0.041), C-reactive protein (β = 0.321, p = 0.013), fasting plasma glucose (β = 0.269, p = 0.038), and triglycerides (β = 0.273, p = 0.023) were strongly associated with the presence of liver steatosis. The multivariate analysis showed that older age, BMI, and disease duration were strongly associated with significant liver fibrosis in our group.

CONCLUSIONS

NAFLD is a multifaced pathology with growing prevalence among IBD patients. Additional studies are needed to completely understand this problem and to create a solid evidence-based framework for more effective preventative and intervention strategies.

The Role of Presepsin and Procalcitonin in Early Diagnosis of Bacterial Infections in Cirrhotic Patients with Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

Background and Objectives: Bacterial infections represent one of the most frequent precipitating events of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in a patient with liver cirrhosis (LC). Early diagnosis and treatment could influence the ACLF reversal rate and decrease the mortality rate in these patients. The study aimed to evaluate the role of presepsin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) in the early diagnosis of bacterial infections in patients with LC and ACLF, defined according to the European Association for the Study of the Liver-Chronic Liver Failure Consortium (EASL-CLIF) criteria. Material and Methods: We performed a prospective observational study including all consecutive cirrhotic patients with ACLF admitted to our tertiary university center. The patients were follow-up until discharge. All patients were screened for infection at admission, and we included patients with community-acquired or healthcare-associated bacterial infections. Results: In this study, we included 153 patients with a median age of 60 years, of whom 65.4% were male. Infections were diagnosed in 71 patients (46.4%). The presepsin, CRP, and PCT levels were higher in patients with infections than in those without infections (p < 0.001, p = 0.023, and p < 0.001, respectively). The ROC analysis results demonstrated that the best cut-offs values for infections diagnosis were for presepsin 2300 pg/mL (sensitivity of 81.7%, specificity of 92.7%, AUROC 0.959, p < 0.001), CRP 5.3 mg/dL (sensitivity of 54.9%, specificity of 69.6%, AUROC 0.648, p = 0.023), and PCT 0.9 ng/mL (sensitivity of 80.3%, specificity of 86.6%, AUROC 0.909, p < 0.001). Presepsin (OR 3.65, 95%CI 1.394−9.588, p = 0.008), PCT (OR 9.79, 95%CI 6.168−25.736, p < 0.001), and MELD score (OR 7.37, 95%CI 1.416−18.430, p = 0.018) were associated with bacterial infections in patients with ACLF. Conclusion: Presepsin level ≥2300 pg/mL and PCT level ≥0.9 ng/mL may be adequate non-invasive tools for the early diagnosis of infections in cirrhotics with ACLF.

The Role of Presepsin in Diagnosing Infections in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy

Infections and sepsis represent severe liver cirrhosis (LC) complications and the precipitating factors of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The early diagnosis and treatment of infections in patients with LC and HE can significantly increase their survival. Presepsin is a serum biomarker evaluated for the early diagnosis of infections and sepsis in the general and cirrhotic populations. This study aimed to evaluate the role of presepsin in the early diagnosis of infections in patients with LC and HE. This prospective observational study included all consecutive cirrhotic patients admitted to our tertiary university center with overt HE. The patients were follow-up until discharge. In this study, we included 365 patients with a median age of 59 years, of whom 61.9% were male. Infections were diagnosed in 134 patients (36.7%). The presepsin level was higher in patients with infections than those without infections (3167 vs. 500, p < 0.001). The ROC analysis results demonstrated that the best cut-off value for presepsin in infections detection was 980 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 80.17%, specificity of 82.5% (AUROC 0.869, CI 95%: 0.819−0.909, p < 0.001, Youden index J of 0.622), a positive predictive value of 40.63%, and a negative predictive value of 96.53%. In conclusion, in patients with LC and overt HE, presepsin levels >980 pg/mL could enhance the suspicion of bacterial infections. Presepsin may be an adequate non-invasive tool for the early diagnosis of infections in patients with LC and overt HE.

Simultaneously Screening for Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis in Romanian Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Using Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography with Controlled Attenuation Parameter

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common finding among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Between NAFLD and T2DM exist a bidirectional relationship. Patients with T2DM are at high risk for NAFLD, and evidence suggests that T2DM is linked to progressive NAFLD and poor liver outcomes. NAFLD promotes the development of T2DM and leads to a substantial increase in the risk of T2DM complications. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of liver steatosis and fibrosis in patients with T2DM from north-eastern Romania by using Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE) with Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP), which is a non-invasive method and can assess simultaneously liver steatosis and fibrosis. In total, 424 consecutive patients with T2DM were enrolled and evaluated using VCTE with CAP from January 2020 to January 2022. Clinical and laboratory data were recorded in all patients. For the CAP score, we used the following cut-offs: mild steatosis (S1)—274 dB/m, moderate steatosis (S2)—290 dB/m, and severe steatosis (S3)—302 dB/m. For liver fibrosis, to differentiate between fibrosis stages, the cut-off values were F ≥ 8.2 kPa for significant fibrosis (F2), F ≥ 9.7 kPa for advanced fibrosis (F3), and F ≥ 13.6 kPa for cirrhosis (F4). In total, 380 diabetic patients (72.6%) had liver steatosis (51.3% females, the mean age of 55.22 ± 10.88 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 29.12 ± 5.64 kg/m2). Among them, 26 (8.4%) patients had moderate liver steatosis (S2) and 242 (78.5%) patients had severe hepatic steatosis (S3). According to VCTE measurements, 176 (57.14%) patients had liver fibrosis, 36 (11.7%) of them had advanced fibrosis (F3), and 42 (13.6%) diabetic patients had cirrhosis (F4). Univariate analyses showed that severe steatosis was significantly associated with ferritin (β = 0.223, p = 0.022), total cholesterol (β = 0.159, p = 0.031), and HDL-cholesterol (β = −0.120, p = 0.006). In multivariate analyses, BMI (β = 0.349, p < 0.001), fasting plasma glucose (β = 0.211, p = 0.006), and triglycerides (β = 0.132, p = 0.044) were predictors of S3. Patients with T2DM have a high prevalence of severe steatosis and advanced fibrosis which can lead to the development and progression of complications with high morbidity and mortality rates. Hence, it is necessary to implement screening strategies to prevent advanced liver disease in patients with T2DM.

Ischemic Heart Disease and Liver Cirrhosis: Adding Insult to Injury

The link between heart and liver cirrhosis was recognized decades ago, although much data regarding atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease are still missing. Ischemic heart disease or coronary artery disease (CAD) and liver cirrhosis could be associated with characteristic epidemiological and pathophysiological features. This connection determines increased rates of morbidity and all-cause mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis. In the era of a metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pandemic, primary prevention and early diagnosis of coronary artery disease could improve the prognosis of liver cirrhosis patients. This review outlines a summary of the literature regarding prevalence, risk assessment and medical and interventional treatment options in this particular population. A collaborative heart–liver team-based approach is imperative for critical management decisions for patients with CAD and liver cirrhosis.

Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Normal Weight and Obese Individuals with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has had, over the past few decades, a progressively growing prevalence among the general population all over the world, in parallel with metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidemia, and obesity. However, NAFLD is also detected in 10−13% of subjects with a body mass index (BMI) ≤ 25 kg/m² (lean-NAFLD), whose major risk factors remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to characterize the clinical features and associated risk factors of lean-NAFLD in comparison with obese-NAFLD patients. Consecutive patients diagnosed with NAFLD by vibration-controlled transient elastography and controlled attenuation parameter were prospectively enrolled. Biological and clinical data obtained from the participants were stratified according to their BMI in two groups: lean-NAFLD and obese-NAFLD. In total, 331 patients (56.8% males) were included in the final analysis. Most of the subjects were obese-NAFLD (n = 258, 77.9%) and had a higher prevalence of T2DM, dyslipidemia, and components of the metabolic syndrome, together with abnormal biological parameters. Regarding liver stiffness measurements, the proportion of subjects with at least significant fibrosis (≥F2) was approximately twofold higher among obese-NAFLD (43.81%) in comparison with lean-NAFLD patients (23.29%). Moreover, obese individuals had a higher risk for liver fibrosis (OR = 2.6, 95%, CI 1.5−4.42, p < 0.001) than lean individuals. Although associated metabolic conditions and at least significant liver fibrosis were present in approximately one-quarter of the patients, these were more frequent among obese-NAFLD patients. Therefore, individualized screening strategies for NAFLD should be established according to BMI.

Romanian Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of GERD-induced Respiratory Manifestations

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition present in daily practice with a wide range of clinical phenotypes. In this line, respiratory conditions may be associated with GERD. The Romanian Societies of Gastroenterology and Neurogastroenterology, in association with the Romanian Society of Pneumology, aimed to create a guideline regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory conditions associated with GERD.

METHODS

Delphi methodology was used and eleven common working groups of experts were created. The experts reviewed the literature according to GRADE criteria and formulated 34 statements and recommendations. Consensus (>80% agreement) was reached for some of the statements after all participants voted.

RESULTS

All the statements and the literature review are presented in the paper, together with their correspondent grade of evidence and the voting results. Based on >80% voting agreement, a number of 22 recommendations were postulated regarding the diagnosis and treatment of GERD-induced respiratory symptoms. The experts considered that GERD may cause bronchial asthma and chronic cough in an important number of patients through micro-aspiration and vagal-mediated tracheobronchial reflex. GERD should be suspected in patients with asthma with suboptimal controlled or after exclusion of other causes, also in nocturnal refractory cough which needs gastroenterological investigations to confirm the diagnosis. Therapeutic test with double dose proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for 3 months is also useful. GERD induced respiratory conditions are difficult to treat; however,proton pump inhibitors and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication are endorsed for therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This guideline could be useful for the multidisciplinary management of GERD with respiratory symptoms in current practice.

Changes in Liver Steatosis Using Controlled Attenuation Parameter among Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection Treated with Direct-Acting Antivirals Therapy Who Achieved Sustained Virological Response

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection induces hepatic steatosis due to viral and host factors. However, information regarding the effects of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) therapy on liver steatosis and fibrosis is limited. Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) with a controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) represents a non-invasive method, which has been used in the last few years for the detection of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis before and at a sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12). The aim of this study was to assess the modifications of liver steatosis and fibrosis in HCV-infected patients who achieved SVR12. Consecutive patients with chronic HCV infection that were treated with DAAs in a tertiary gastroenterology center from Romania were included. Demographics, laboratory data, and VCTE evaluation were recorded in all patients. Patients with previous hepatic decompensation and those who did not achieve SVR were excluded. Two hundred and eighty patients (67.1% females) who achieved SVR12 were included. Regarding the changes in biological parameters, including liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), reduced to normal levels at SVR12 compared to the baseline (28.72 ± 24.71 U/L vs. 40.72 ± 27.34 U/L for ALT, p < 0.013 and 27.21 ± 11.15 U/L vs. 33.35 ± 23.37 U/L for AST, p = 0.029). On the contrary, the levels of triglycerides increased significantly from the baseline to SVR12 (124.03 ± 113.49 mg/dL to 153.78 ± 94.53, p = 0.004). Regarding hepatic steatosis by CAP evaluation, at SVR12, 186 (66.4%) of the individuals had a CAP score of ≥248 dB/m, an increase of 4.6% from the baseline. After viral eradication with DAAs, we observed an increase in hepatic steatosis. Hence, a long-term follow-up is mandatory to identify HCV-infected patients with hepatic steatosis post-SVR and the risk factors for more severe outcomes.

Anticoagulant treatment in cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis - how wide can we open the window?

Hemobilia which is firstly described in 1948 is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. Since its main clinic takes time to occur and may cause mortality, early diagnosis and management have a great importance. Almost for 3 years, the world has been facing with an unknown viral infection called COVID-19 whose clinic changes from asymptomatic respiratory infection to symptoms associated with multiple system involvement. The clinical presentation of Covid-19 infection varies tremendously depending on the severity of the illness. In this report, we present the first two cases of severe COVID-19 induced hemobilia. 

The Prevalence of Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis Assessed by Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography and Controlled Attenuation Parameter in Apparently Healthy Romanian Medical Students

Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE) with Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) is used as a non-invasive method for evaluating liver steatosis and fibrosis simultaneously. In this prospective study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of liver steatosis and fibrosis, as well as the associated risk factors in Romanian medical students by VCTE and CAP score. We used a cut-off CAP score of ≥248 dB/m for the diagnosis of mild steatosis (S1), ≥268 dB/m for moderate steatosis (S2), and ≥280 dB/m to identify severe steatosis (S3). For liver fibrosis, the cut-off values were: ≤5.5 kPa, indicating no fibrosis (F0), 5.6 kPa for mild fibrosis (F1), 7.2 kPa for significant fibrosis (F2), 9.5 kPa for advanced fibrosis (F3), and 12.5 kPa for cirrhosis (F4). In total, 426 Romanian medical students (67.8% females, mean age of 22.22 ± 1.7 years) were evaluated. Among them, 352 (82.6%) had no steatosis (S0), 32 (7.5%) had mild steatosis (S1), 13 (3.1%) had a moderate degree of steatosis (S2), and 29 (6.8%) had severe steatosis (S3). Based on liver stiffness measurements (LSM), 277 (65%) medical students did not have any fibrosis (F0), 136 (31.9%) had mild fibrosis (F1), 10 (2.4%) participants were identified with significant fibrosis (F2), 3 (0.7%) with advanced fibrosis (F3), and none with cirrhosis (F4). In conclusion, the prevalence of liver steatosis and fibrosis is low among Romanian medical students.

Did the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 pandemic cause an endemic Clostridium difficile infection?

BACKGROUND

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has increased in prevalence during the last years. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively influenced patient outcomes. The majority of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected patients received antibiotics during hospitalization.

AIM

To analyze the factors that influenced CDI development after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

METHODS

Between March 2020 to December 2020, we performed a prospective observational study including 447 patients diagnosed with CDI who were admitted to our tertiary referral university hospital. The diagnosis of CDI was based on the presence of diarrhea (≥ 3 watery stools within 24 h) associated with Clostridium difficile toxins A or B. We excluded patients with other etiology of acute diarrhea.

RESULTS

Among the total 447 (12.5%) patients with CDI, most were male (54.3%) and mean age was 59.7 ± 10.8 years. Seventy-six (17.0%) had history of COVID-19, most being elderly (COVID-19: 62.6 ± 14.6 years vs non-COVID-19: 56.8 ± 17.6 years, P = 0.007), with history of alcohol consumption (43.4% vs 29.4%, P = 0.017), previous hospitalizations (81.6% vs 54.9%, P < 0.001) and antibiotic treatments (60.5% vs 35.5%, P < 0.001), requiring higher doses of vancomycin and prone to recurrent disease (25.0% vs 13.1%, P = 0.011). Age over 60 years [odds ratio (OR): 2.591, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.452-4.624, P = 0.001], urban residence (OR: 2.330, 95%CI: 1.286-4.221, P = 0.005), previous antibiotic treatments (OR: 1.909, 95%CI: 1.083-3.365, P = 0.025), previous hospitalizations (OR: 2.509, 95%CI: 1.263-4.986, P = 0.009) and alcohol consumption (OR: 2.550, 95%CI: 1.459-4.459, P = 0.001) were risk factors of CDI in COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

CDI risk is unrelated to history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, previous COVID-19 may necessitate higher doses of vancomycin for CDI.

L3 Skeletal Muscle Index Dynamics in Patients with HCV-Related Compensated Cirrhosis Following Sustained Virological Response after Direct Acting Antiviral Treatment

Background and Objectives: Sarcopenia is commonly associated with liver cirrhosis and predicts clinical outcome. Our aim was to identify the changes in skeletal muscle index (SMI) on computed tomography (CT) examination, as a quantitative marker of sarcopenia, in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis after direct acting antivirals (DAAs) treatment and to assess predictive factors for the evolution of SMI. Materials and Methods: This is a single center retrospective study in patients with HCV-related compensated cirrhosis who obtained sustained virological response (SVR) after DAAs. CT examinations were performed in 52 patients before and within 5-24 months after treatment. The total muscle area (TMA) of abdominal muscle at the level of third lumbar vertebra (L3) was measured at baseline and after SVR. The L3-SMI was calculated from TMA divided by body height squared (cm²/m²). We assessed changes in L3-SMI after SVR according to baseline body mass index (BMI) and laboratory data. Predictive factors were assessed by linear regression model. Results: Patients with L3-SMI above the gender-specific cut-off value at baseline had higher values of serum creatinine (median 0.73) compared to patients with low L3-SMI (median 0.68, p = 0.031). After SVR, 14 patients showed increase of L3-SMI, and 38 patients had a decrease of L3-SMI. BMI in the decreased L3-SMI group was significantly lower (median 26.17) than those without decreased L3-SMI (median 28.84, p = 0.021). ALT values in the decreased L3-SMI group (median 66.5) were significantly lower than those without a decrease in L3-SMI (median 88, p = 0.045). Conclusions: Low creatinine serum level correlates with sarcopenia. SMI was partially influenced by the viral clearance. Lower BMI and ALT serum levels at baseline were predictive for no benefit in terms of muscle mass dynamics. Understanding all the mechanisms involved in sarcopenia and identifying the most vulnerable patients could ensure optimal adapted care strategies.

Risk Factors for Extraintestinal Manifestations in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases - Data from the Romanian National Registry

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Identifying the risk factors for extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) may optimize the therapeutic decision. We aimed to assess the prevalence of EIMs in IBD patients in Romania and to determine the risk factors.

METHODS

We analyzed 2,626 patients registered in the Romanian IBD Prospect National Registry. We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study to assess the point prevalence of EIMs, calculating global prevalence and analyzing the different types of EIMs and their respective frequencies were carried out. Demographic and clinical risk factors were researched as possible predictors for EIMs development, based on the results of the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The overall point prevalence of EIMs was 16.3%. A significantly higher frequency of EIMs in Crohn's disease (CD) was noted in comparison to ulcerative colitis (UC) and IBD unclassified (IBDU) (23.2% vs 11.3% and 16.3%, respectively, p<0.001). The most frequent type of EIM was peripheral arthropathy (8.3%), significantly associated with CD (p<0.001). Univariate analysis highlighted the significant independent common predictive risk factors for EIMs, in both CD and UC patients: female gender, patient's urban area of origin, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and high level of C-reactive protein (CRP), while significant independent IBD phenotype-related risk factors were ileocolonic location and concomitant involvement of upper gastrointestinal tract for CD, non-smoker status and both moderate and severe disease activity for UC (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis determined that female CD patients with moderate or severe disease activity, with other than isolated ileal disease, and female UC patients with moderate or severe extensive colitis are the most likely to develop EIMs.

CONCLUSIONS

IBD patients are experiencing EIMs in a large proportion, with higher rates for CD. As EIMs negatively affect patient outcomes, foreseeing the risk by identifying independent and associated predictive factors could be a first step to optimal work-up and treatment.

The Risk of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Cirrhotic Patients Receiving Norfloxacin for Secondary Prophylaxis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis-A Real Life Cohort

Background and Objectives: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a life-threatening complication of liver cirrhosis. Antibiotic prophylaxis is effective but can lead to an increased incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of CDI and the risk factors in cirrhotic patients with a previous episode of SBP receiving norfloxacin as secondary prophylaxis. Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective, cohort study including patients with liver cirrhosis and SBP, successfully treated over a 2-year period in a tertiary university hospital. All the patients received secondary prophylaxis for SBP with norfloxacin 400 mg/day. Results: There were 122 patients with liver cirrhosis and SBP included (mean age 57.5 ± 10.8 years, 65.5% males). Alcoholic cirrhosis was the major etiology accounting for 63.1% of cases. The mean MELD score was 19.7 ± 6.1. Twenty-three (18.8%) of all patients developed CDI during follow-up, corresponding to an incidence of 24.8 cases per 10,000 person-years. The multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that alcoholic LC etiology (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.104-2.441, p = 0.029) and Child-Pugh C class (HR 2.50, 95% CI 1.257-3.850, p = 0.034) were independent risk factors for CDI development during norfloxacin secondary prophylaxis. The development of CDI did not influence the mortality rates in cirrhotic patients with SBP receiving norfloxacin. Conclusions: Cirrhotic patients with SBP and Child-Pugh C class and alcoholic liver cirrhosis had a higher risk of developing Clostridioides difficile infection during norfloxacin secondary prophylaxis. In patients with alcoholic Child-Pugh C class liver cirrhosis, alternative prophylaxis should be evaluated as SBP secondary prophylaxis.

An update on direct antiviral agents for the treatment of hepatitis C

Introduction: The development of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has completely transformed the management of this disease. The advantages of using DAA therapies include high efficacy (sustained virological response (SVR) rate >95%) with minimal side effects, good tolerability, easy drug administration (once daily oral dosing), and short duration of treatment (8-12 weeks). This transformative nature of DAA therapy underpins the goal of the World Health Organization to eliminate HCV infection as a public health threat by 2030.Areas covered: This review seeks to address the current status of DAA therapies, including recent developments, current limitations, and future challenges.Expert opinion: The current DAA regimens, with their high effectiveness and safety profiles, have changed patient perception of HCV infection from a disease that requires complex evaluation and long-term monitoring to a disease that can be cured after one visit to the general practitioner. Despite the remarkably high success rate of DAAs, few patients (4-5%) fail to obtain SVR even after treatment. Five years ahead, the landscape of HCV treatment will undoubtedly continue to evolve, and more pan-genotypic treatment options will be available to all patients.

Long-term Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy in Compensated Liver Cirrhosis Induced by Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Background: Considering the excellent safety profile and the high efficacy rates, great benefits were expected with the availability of the new direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Following the publication of two articles in 2016 on the high incidence rates of hepatocelullar carcinoma (HCC) following DAAs, several papers revealed contradictory results, thereby casting shadows on the role of DAAs in hepatocarcinogenesis. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors of HCC in patients with HCV genotype 1b infection and compensated cirrhosis with the sustained virological response (SVR) following DAAs. Methods: This multicentric prospective study encompassed 479 patients with HCV genotype 1b compensated cirrhosis treated with paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir and dasabuvir (PrOD) +/- ribavirin (RBV) for 12 weeks in two tertiary centers in Northeastern Romania. The patients were prospectively followed up in the Institute of Gastroenterology Iasi, Romania, from November 2015 to December 2020. Results: During the follow-up period (mean 60.11 ± 3.87 months), 23 patients (4.8%) developed HCC. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative incidence rates of HCC were 1.1, 1.9, and 2.6%, respectively. At the time of the diagnosis, 15 patients (65%) had a single tumor, 12 patients (52.2%) were within the Milan criteria, and nine persons (39%) had Barcelona liver cancer stage 0-A. In this regard, the mean AFP level was 35.3 ± 93.1 ng/mL. A multivariate analysis, age above 65 years, and a cutoff point of AFP ≥ 10 ng/mL at the end of treatment were independent factors associated with HCC. A majority of the patients (n = 11, 47.8%) received curative treatment by surgical resection. In this study, histopathological examination identified a moderately differentiated tumor (G2) in 5 patients, five patients had a poorly differentiated tumor (G3), and only one patient had a well-differentiated tumor (G1). Conclusions: Our study revealed no evidence of the high incidence rate of HCC after the long-term follow-up of patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis and SVR following DAA treatment. However, the cumulative 5-year risk remained above the cutoff point, and this makes the HCC screening cost-effective. The HCC occurrence appears to be associated with aging and a moderately increased AFP level at EOT (≥ 10 ng/mL).