High incidence of major bleeding with off-label use of edoxaban

In clinical practice, edoxaban is sometimes prescribed for off-label use based on the hypothesis that it is as safe and effective as warfarin. However, there is limited safety information on off-label use due to lack of clinical trial. We aimed to analyze the tolerability of off-label use of edoxaban and to identify patient characteristics associated with major bleeding as adverse effects. Patients under edoxaban treatment between January 2017 and December 2017 were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. The incidence of major bleeding with off-label use compared with on-label use was analyzed using by log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were undertaken to detect independent variables with significant odds ratio that associated with major bleeding. After the exclusion criteria were applied, the patients were divided into two groups: off-label group (n = 30) and on-label group (n = 161). Incidence of major bleeding was found to be higher in the off-label group (13.3%) than in the on-label group (3.7%) (p<0.05). Multivariate adjustment showed that the off-label use or portal vein thrombosis and patients with history of major bleeding has significantly higher incidence of major bleeding. We demonstrated that off-label use of edoxaban may be a significant risk factor for major bleeding.

Lipid Profiles as Markers for the Severity of Liver Diseases in Cirrhotic Patients

Background

Liver cirrhosis is a diffuse process in which the anatomical structure and function of the liver are disturbed. Lipid metabolism occurs mainly in the hepatocytes. In liver cirrhosis, it is expected to detect abnormal lipid profile and abnormal neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio due to necro-inflammation and hepatocyte dysfunction. This study aimed to estimate the lipid profile in patients with liver cirrhosis and to assess its relation to the severity of the liver disease based on Child-Pugh Turcotte score and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR).

Methods:

This study included 500 cirrhotic patients. All patients are subjected to history taking, clinical examination, liver and renal function tests, lipid profile, and also abdomino-pelvic ultrasound. Child -Pugh score, fibrosis-4 score (FIB4), and neutrophil and platelet lymphocyte ratio were calculated.

Results:

A total of 500 patients were enrolled in this study; 12 patients were excluded (two patients were on the immunosuppressive drug, three patients had body mass index (BMI) >30, and seven patients took lipid-lowering drugs). Cholesterol level was significantly higher in patients with Child- Score A than B and C. Cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol were significantly higher in Child B than C. A significant negative correlation was found between cholesterol level and each of FIB4 and NLR ratios.

Conclusion:

There was a significant negative correlation between the severity of liver cirrhosis and lipid profiles (except triglyceride), FIB4 and NLR ratio.

Endoscopic anti-reflux therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease has an increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide. A significant proportion of patients have a suboptimal response to proton pump inhibitors or are unwilling to take lifelong medication due to concerns about long-term adverse effects. Endoscopic anti-reflux therapies offer a minimally invasive option for patients unwilling to undergo surgical treatment or take lifelong medication. The best candidates are those with a good response to proton pump inhibitors and without a significant sliding hiatal hernia. Transoral incisionless fundoplication and nonablative radiofrequency are the techniques with the largest body of evidence and that have been tested in several randomized clinical trials. Band-assisted ligation techniques, anti-reflux mucosectomy, anti-reflux mucosal ablation, and new plication devices have yielded promising results in recent noncontrolled studies. Nonetheless, the role of endoscopic procedures remains controversial due to limited long-term and comparative data, and no consensus exists in current clinical guidelines. This review provides an updated summary focused on the patient selection, technical details, clinical success, and safety of current and future endoscopic anti-reflux techniques.

Drugs and liver injury: a not to be overlooked binomial in COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) results predominantly in pulmonary involvement but a direct, virus-induced liver damage may also occur, whose mechanisms are being actively investigated. Accordingly, it appears of utmost importance to monitor liver function and carefully evaluate hepatic safety of the various drugs administered during COVID-19. In this respect, many drugs, biological agents and novel molecules, whose efficacy in COVID-19 is under scrutiny, have also been shown to potentially cause or worsen liver damage. In this article, we review safety data of established as well as promising agents for COVID-19.

Anticoagulation and Vessel Recanalization in Cirrhotic Patients with Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis: A Multidisciplinary "Real Life" Experience

Background and Aim

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a potentially life-threatening complication of liver cirrhosis. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a multi-disciplinary approach and early anticoagulation therapy (AT) on bleeding/thrombotic events, recanalization rates and outcome of cirrhotic patients with SVT.

Methods

This is a single-center, registry-based cohort study. Over 17 years, 149 SVT patients were enrolled and prospectively evaluated. Regarding cirrhotic-SVT, a pre-specified algorithm, guiding initial posology of AT and follow-up visits schedule, was performed. Major bleeding (MB), thrombotic events, functional liver scores and all cause-mortality were investigated. Efficacy of AT was evaluated by radiological imaging.

Results

In cirrhotic-SVT, the incidence rate of MB was 8.4 per 100 patient-year (95% CI, 3.83–15.97), while the incidence rate of thrombosis was 5.6 per 100 patient-year (95% CI, 2.05–12.2). In incidental SVT treated with AT, MB incidence was 6.5 per 100 patient-year (95% CI: 2.8–12.82), while in symptomatic SVT was 2.2 per 100 patient-year (95% CI: 0.25–8.02). All thrombotic recurrences occurred in incidental SVT (7.7 per 100 patient-years; 95% CI, 3.71–14.26). Overall survival was significantly higher in patients who had at least a partial recanalization (p < 0.01) and partial/total recanalization was independently associated with improved MELD score at multivariate analysis (HR 2.62, 95% CI 1.1–6.47, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

In cirrhotic SVT patients, partial or total resolution of thrombosis ameliorates liver function and is associated with higher overall survival. A multidisciplinary approach together with radiological follow-up at pre-fixed time improves patient selection and monitoring.

A network meta-analysis of direct oral anticoagulants for portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines have limited consensus on the approach to portal venous thrombosis (PVT) in cirrhotic patients. While there is rising interest in direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) use for PVT, current evidence is limited by small sample size and lack of comparisons to traditional anticoagulants. Thus, a network meta-analysis was conducted to compare the use of DOACs with traditional anticoagulants.

METHODS

Medline and Embase were searched for articles about anticoagulation use in cirrhotic patients with nontumorous PVT for articles on DOACs, warfarin, low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or antithrombin III. A network analysis was conducted using risk ratios (RR) with surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). A single-arm meta-analysis was used to summarize the outcomes of DOAC treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 10 articles were included in the study. 79.5% (CI 38.8-95.9) of DOACs patients achieved complete or partial recanalization and 9.80% (CI 4.50-20.0) experienced a bleeding event. DOACs were superior to LMWH (RR 2.299, CI 1.037-5.093, p = 0.040), warfarin (RR 1.762, CI 1.017-3.053, p = 0.043) and no treatment (RR 3.489, CI 1.394-8.733, p = 0.008) in complete recanalization. For partial recanalization, while DOACs were not superior to any treatment, they had the highest probability in achieving partial recanalization in SUCRA analysis. Bleeding risk and mortality were similar compared to other treatments.

CONCLUSION

The network analysis supports the use of DOACs in cirrhotic patients, with significant rates of complete recanalization compared to other treatments without increasing bleeding risk. DOACs can potentially be considered for nontumorous PVT in cirrhosis.

Evolution of Nonmalignant Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Cirrhosis: A Pictorial Review

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication in liver cirrhosis, especially in advanced cirrhosis. It may be related to a higher risk of liver-related events and liver function deterioration. Imaging examinations can not only provide an accurate diagnosis of PVT, such as the extent of thrombus involvement and the degree of lumen occupied, but also identify the nature of thrombus (i.e., benign/malignant and acute/chronic). Evolution of PVT, mainly including development, recanalization, progression, stability, and recurrence, could also be assessed based on the imaging examinations. This article briefly reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis, classification, and evolution of PVT with an emphasis on their computed tomography imaging features.

Safety, Efficacy, and Long-Term Outcomes of Anticoagulation in Cirrhotic Portal Vein Thrombosis

BACKGROUND

The role of anticoagulation (AC) in the management of cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) remains unclear.

AIMS

We conducted a retrospective study of cirrhotic patients diagnosed with PVT from 1/1/2000 through 2/1/2019, comparing those who received AC to those who did not.

METHODS

Outcomes included rate of complete radiographic resolution (CRR) of PVT, recanalization of occlusive PVT (RCO), PVT extension, major bleeding, and overall survival (OS). The log-rank test was used to compare Kaplan-Meier distributions of time-to-event outcomes. Multivariable Cox-proportional-hazards modeling was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

A total of 214 patients were followed for a median 27 months (IQR 12-48). Eighty-six patients (39%) received AC. AC was associated with significantly greater CRR (48% vs. 27%, p = 0.0007), (multivariable HR for CRR with AC; 2.49 (1.54-4.04, p = 0.0002)). AC was also associated with significantly greater RCO (69% vs. 28%, p = 0.0013), (multivariable HR for RCO with AC; 4.86 (1.91-12.37, p = 0.0009)). Rates of major bleeding were similar with and without AC (20% vs. 17%, p = 0.5207), multivariable HR for major bleeding with AC; 1.29 (0.68-2.46, p = 0.4423)). OS rates in the AC and no-AC groups were 83% and 70%, respectively (p = 0.1362), (HR for death with AC; 0.69 (0.38-1.28, p = 0.2441)). Among 75 patients who had CRR, 10 (13%) experienced recurrent PVT during follow-up (none were receiving AC at the time of recurrence).

CONCLUSIONS

AC appears safe and effective for the treatment of cirrhotic PVT; however, prospective studies to confirm these findings and evaluate additional outcomes are needed.

Drug-induced liver injury and COVID-19: A review for clinical practice

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) consists of a systemic disease that can present many complications. The infection presents broad clinical symptoms and a high rate of transmissibility. In addition to severe acute respiratory syndrome, the patients manifest complications beyond the respiratory system. The frequency of liver damage in COVID-19 patients ranges from 14.8% to 53% of patients. One should pay attention to drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in patients with COVID-19, especially considering the off-label use of drugs in prophylactic and therapeutic regimens applied on large scales. This review aims to present relevant information on the medication used so far in COVID-19 patients and its possible hepatotoxicity. We reviewed liver damage in patients with COVID-19 on PubMed and Virtual Health Library to investigate DILI cases. Four studies were selected, involving the medicines remdesivir, tocilizumab and a pharmacovigilance analysis study. The hepatotoxicity profile of drugs presented in the literature considers use in accordance to usual posology standards for treatment. However, drugs currently used in the management of COVID-19 follow different dosages and posology than those tested by the pharmaceutical industry. The deficiency of uniformity and standardization in the assessment of hepatotoxicity cases hinders the publication of information and the possibility of comparing information among healthcare professionals. It is suggested that severe liver injury in COVID-19 patients should be reported in pharmacovigilance institutions, and physicians should pay attention to any considerable abnormal liver test elevation as it can demonstrate unknown drug hepatotoxicity. Liver disorders in COVID-19 patients and the use of several concomitant off-label medications - with a potential risk of further damaging the liver - should at least be a warning sign for rapid identification and early intervention, thus preventing liver damage from contributing to severe impairment in patients.

[The Effect of Anticoagulant in Patients with Cirrhosis Associated with Acute Portal Vein Thrombosis]

The treatment of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) has been controversial, and it is generally case- and institution-dependent. The occurrence of acute or extensive PVT is critical and requires urgent treatment because it is usually accompanied by symptoms, particularly when total occlusion occurs, causing acute decompensation of liver disease. Even in severe cases, drug selection and treatment duration are determined based on each institution's experience. Therefore, consistent guidelines for the treatment of patients with LC with PVT are required. Recently, a patient with acute occlusive PVT with LC who showed signs of acute decompensation was treated by administering low molecular weight heparin as anticoagulant therapy. After anticoagulant treatment, the portal vein was almost completely recanalized, and the deteriorated liver function improved. In addition, the patient recovered well and showed no recurrence of PVT for more than a year. Thus, the most recent knowledge regarding the treatment of nonmalignant PVT in LC was reviewed along with a case report.

Dabigatran Reversal With Idarucizumab in 2 Patients With Portal Vein Thrombosis Undergoing Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

There are limited data to guide the use of anticoagulation in cirrhotic patients prior to liver transplantation especially when using direct oral anticoagulants. In this article, we present 2 cases. The first is a 42-year-old male with cirrhosis complicated by portal vein thrombosis (PVT) treated with dabigatran who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation without complication. The second case is a 65-year-old man with alcoholic cirrhosis complicated by PVT treated with dabigatran who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation and required reoperation for surgical bleeding. Both patients were treated with dabigatran's reversal agent idarucizumab prior to incision. In this case series, we discuss the treatment of cirrhotic patients with various anticoagulants, considerations for anticoagulant selection and reversal prior to liver transplant, and questions for future investigation.

Endoscopic approaches to gastroesophageal reflux disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting adults. A substantial proportion of patients continue to have symptoms despite medical therapy, and there has been increased demand for minimally invasive GERD therapy. We will examine currently available techniques and outcomes data on endoscopic approaches to the treatment of GERD.

RECENT FINDINGS

In the last 2 years, research has given rise to more robust understanding of not only the pathophysiology of GERD but also how to better manage the various phenotypes. We are learning the ideal patient to benefit from endoscopic GERD therapy. In this review, we describe the four major endoluminal techniques for treating GERD and summarize current data.

SUMMARY

Endoscopic therapies are well positioned to fill the 'therapy gap' between medical therapy and more invasive surgical procedures.

When and how to use direct oral anticoagulants in patients with advanced chronic liver disease?

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) emerged as effective and safe alternatives to traditional anticoagulants for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolic disease and the prevention of stroke in non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) have a higher risk of thromboembolism and bleeding than patients with normal liver function. Therefore, anticoagulation and, in particular, direct oral anticoagulants play a central role. Portal vein thrombosis is a relatively frequent complication in patients with ACLD, but its treatment remains challenging. DOACs have been introduced in clinical practice and demonstrated similar efficacy and safety profiles compared with vitamin K antagonist and heparins. However, further data about the use of DOACs in patients suffering from ACLD are needed. This review summarizes current knowledge in terms of anticoagulation in patients with ACLD and focuses on the available data about the use of DOACs in this population.

COVID-19 infection and liver injury: Clinical features, biomarkers, potential mechanisms, treatment, and management challenges

It is hypothesized that liver impairment caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection might play a central role in severe clinical presentations. Liver injury is closely associated with severe disease and, even with antiviral drugs, have a poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients. In addition to the common hepatobiliary disorders caused by COVID-19, patients with pre-existing liver diseases demand special considerations during the current pandemic. Thus, it is vital that upon clinical presentation, patients with concurrent pre-existing liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction and COVID-19 be managed properly to prevent liver failure. Careful monitoring and early detection of liver damage through biomarkers after hospitalization for COVID-19 is underscored in all cases, particularly in those with pre-existing metabolic liver injury. The purpose of this study was to determine most recent evidence regarding causality, potential risk factors, and challenges, therapeutic options, and management of COVID-19 infection in vulnerable patients with pre-existing liver injury. This review aims to highlight the current frontier of COVID-19 infection and liver injury and the direction of liver injury in these patients.

Usage of Direct Acting Oral Anticoagulants in Cirrhotic and Non-Cirrhotic Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Systematic Review

Thrombosis of the portal vein (PVT) is generally seen in the setting of liver cirrhosis and to a lesser extent in the absence of cirrhosis. There is no clear guidance in relation to approaching treatment with anticoagulation in this condition. The professional societies and guidelines recommend treatment with traditional anticoagulation like low-molecular-weight heparin and vitamin-K antagonists in patients presenting with acute portal vein thrombosis. There is no clarity in relation to treatment in the setting of chronic PVT and in patients with cirrhosis. Also, the role of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) that are becoming a preferred choice for anticoagulation for various other indications is not clear in the case of PVT. There are a very few studies in the medical literature that have investigated the role of DOACs in patients with PVT in different settings. Thus, we performed a systematic review of the literature to study the use of DOACs in PVT in patients with and without cirrhosis. The results of the available studies show that DOACS appears to be a promising choice for the treatment of patients with PVT. The availability of more data in the future along with better availability of the approved reversal agents for various DOACs is expected to make DOACS a preferred choice for the clinicians to treat patients with PVT.

Current knowledge and management of portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an increasingly recognised complication of cirrhosis whose incidence increases in parallel with the severity of cirrhosis. Several risk factors have been associated with the occurrence and progression of PVT. Although the negative effect of complete PVT on the surgical outcome of liver transplant recipients is clear, its impact on cirrhosis progression remains uncertain. Treatment options include anticoagulants and interventional thrombolytic therapies, which are chosen almost on a case-by-case basis depending on the characteristics of the patient and the thrombus. In this manuscript, we review current knowledge regarding the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis and classification, natural history, clinical consequences and treatment of non-neoplastic PVT in cirrhosis.

The hemostatic and thrombotic complications of liver disease

Hepatic cirrhosis leads to numerous hematologic derangements resulting in a complex and tenuously rebalanced hemostatic milieu. The utility of common hematologic tests including the INR and aPTT in assessing hemostatic and thrombotic risk in patients with cirrhosis is limited, and consensus on transfusion thresholds and proper management of thrombotic complications continues to evolve. This review summarizes the pathophysiology of key derangements of hemostasis including those of platelets, von Willebrand factor, pro- and anticoagulation factors, and fibrin. Additionally, the pathogenesis, consequences, optimal management, and prevention of major thrombotic and bleeding complications in cirrhosis arte discussed.

Anticoagulation and Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt for the Management of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhosis: A Prospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Current guidelines recommend anticoagulation as the mainstay of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) treatment in cirrhosis. However, because of the heterogeneity of PVT, anticoagulation alone does not always achieve satisfactory results. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate an individualized management algorithm using a wait-and-see strategy (i.e., no treatment), anticoagulation, and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to treat PVT in cirrhosis.

METHODS

Between February 2014 and June 2018, 396 consecutive patients with cirrhosis with nonmalignant PVT were prospectively included in a tertiary care center, of which 48 patients (12.1%) were untreated, 63 patients (15.9%) underwent anticoagulation, 88 patients (22.2%) underwent TIPS, and 197 patients (49.8%) received TIPS plus post-TIPS anticoagulation. The decision of treatment option mainly depends on the stage of liver disease (symptomatic portal hypertension or not) and degree and extension of thrombus.

RESULTS

During a median 31.7 months of follow-up period, 312 patients (81.3%) achieved partial (n = 25) or complete (n = 287) recanalization, with 9 (3.1%) having rethrombosis, 64 patients (16.2%) developed major bleeding (anticoagulation-related bleeding in 7 [1.8%]), 88 patients (22.2%) developed overt hepatic encephalopathy, and 100 patients (25.3%) died. In multivariate competing risk regression models, TIPS and anticoagulation were associated with a higher probability of recanalization. Long-term anticoagulation using enoxaparin or rivaroxaban rather than warfarin was associated with a decreased risk of rethrombosis and an improved survival, without increasing the risk of bleeding. However, the presence of complete superior mesenteric vein thrombosis was associated with a lower recanalization rate, increased risk of major bleeding, and poor prognosis.

DISCUSSION

In patients with cirrhosis with PVT, the individualized treatment algorithm achieves a high-probability recanalization, with low rates of portal hypertensive complications and adverse events.

Rates of Bleeding and Discontinuation of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Studies of the effects of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with cirrhosis have been limited by their small sample size, inclusion of patients with well-compensated cirrhosis, short follow-up times, inadequate validation of cirrhosis diagnoses, and non-standard definitions of bleeding. We aimed to systematically determine the characteristics, indications, and outcomes of patients with cirrhosis of all severity classes who received DOACs.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of 138 patients with confirmed cirrhosis (93 with Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores of B or C) at a single center who started DOAC therapy (58,984 person-days; median, 181 days per patient) from September 2011 through April 2019. We collected data on clinical characteristics, indications for DOAC use, and outcomes. Standardized and validated definitions for bleeding complications were used.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (21%) stopped therapy due to a diagnosis of or perceived bleeding. The most common bleeding events were non-variceal upper and lower intestinal bleeding. No pretreatment laboratory parameters were associated with bleeding while patients received treatment, including platelet count (P = .50), international normalized ratio (P = .34), creatinine (P = .27), and model for end-stage liver disease score (P = .22). Frequency of bleeding events related to DOAC did not differ significantly among patients of different Child-Turcotte-Pugh classes (P = .81), DOAC indications (P = .60), or DOAC dosages (P = .10). Higher proportions of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (P = .01) had major bleeding while receiving.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis have significant bleeding and rates of discontinuation of DOACs when they take them long term. Pretreatment laboratory parameters, DOAC dose, and Child-Turcotte-Pugh class were not associated with bleeding; hepatocellular carcinoma was associated with major bleeding.

Study of hepatitis B virus infection, reactivation among patients with chronic hepatitis C infection treated by direct antiviral agents (DAAs)

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) may reactivate when treating chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with direct-acting antivirals (DAA). We aimed to investigate the risk of HBV infection and reactivation during DAA therapy by performing a prospective observational study carried on 200 patients positive for chronic HCV who were candidates for treatment by DAA therapy according to the Egyptian guidelines from February 2019 to December 2019; the patients identified to carry HBsAg at baseline or with positive HBc Abs were further assessed for other HBV markers: hepatitis B e antigen at baseline, and serum HBV DNA quantitative measurement at baseline, week 4 of treatment, end of treatment. On the other hand, recent infection by HBV among those patients was observed.

Results

Of all participants, 49% were males and 51% were females, aged above 18 years. There is a highly statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.05) between HCV RNA PCR (at the beginning, at the end of 4 weeks, and at the end of 12 weeks) in studied patients. There was a highly statistically significant difference found between the liver function tests at the beginning, at the end of 4 weeks, and at the end of 12 weeks of treatment where it shows improvement except for serum albumin. At beginning of the study, there were 34 patients who are co-infected with HCV and HBV with quantitative PCR test for HBV DNA ≥ 20 IU/ml. After 1 month of DAA therapy, reactivation was detected in 6 cases (4 occult cases show reverse seroconversion (became HBs Ag positive), and 2 co-infected cases show increased HBV DNA > 1000 IU/L above the baseline level). In addition, 3 new cases acquired recent infection with the positivity of HBc IgM and detectable levels of HBV DNA. After 3 months of study, reactivation was detected in one patient with co-infection (where increased HBV DNA > 1000 IU/L above the baseline level), and 5 new cases acquired recent infection late in the study.

Conclusion

Screening for HBV infection prior to DAA therapy is required to detect recent infection of reactivation of previous infection during or after DAA therapy.

Gastritis, Gastric Polyps and Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is still an important disease causing many deaths worldwide, although there has been a marked reduction in prevalence during the last few decades. The decline in gastric cancer prevalence is due to a reduction in Helicobacter pylori infection which has occurred for at least 50 years. The most probable mechanism for the carcinogenic effect of H. pylori is hypergastrinemia since H. pylori infected individuals do not have increased risk of gastric cancer before the development of oxyntic atrophy. When atrophy has developed, the carcinogenic process continues independent of H. pylori. Autoimmune gastritis also induces oxyntic atrophy leading to marked hypergastrinemia and development of ECL cell neoplasia as well as adenocarcinoma. Similarly, long-term treatment with efficient inhibitors of acid secretion like the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) predisposes to ECL cell neoplasia of a different degree of malignancy. Contrasting the colon where most cancers develop from polyps, most polyps in the stomach have a low malignant potential. Nevertheless, gastric polyps may also give rise to cancer and have some risk factors and mechanisms in common with gastric cancer. In this overview the most common gastric polyps, i.e., hyperplastic polyps, adenomatous polyps and fundic gland polyps will be discussed with respect to etiology and particularly use of PPIs and relation to gastric carcinogenesis.

Treatment of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis

Although patients with cirrhosis are known to be in a state of “rebalance” in that pro- and anticoagulant factors increase the risk for both bleeding and thrombosis, the prevalence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with cirrhosis can be up to 26%. Therefore, physicians should consider anticoagulation for the prevention and management of PVT in patients with cirrhosis who are at high risk of PVT. Vitamin K antagonist or low molecular weight heparin is suggested as the standard treatment for PVT in cirrhosis. With the advent of new direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs), there is a paradigm shift of switching to DOACs for the treatment of PVT in patients with cirrhosis. However, the safety and efficacy of DOACs in the treatment of PVT was not well-known in patients with cirrhosis. Therefore, this review focused on the current knowledge about the efficacy, safety concerns, and hepatic metabolism of DOACs in patients with cirrhosis and PVT.

Direct oral anticoagulant use in special populations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The pivotal phase III trials demonstrating efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) or nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) excluded patients with important and common comorbidities, including obesity, advanced chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, cancer and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Despite the lack of large prospective randomized control trials in these patient populations, the use of DOACs has led to a wealth of efficacy and safety data within these groups.

RECENT FINDINGS

Retrospective studies, meta-analyses, national databases and pharmacokinetic data have shed light on the efficacy and safety of DOACs in these patient populations. Although DOACs should be avoided in those with high-risk triple positive antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, advanced cirrhosis, advanced kidney disease and intact gastrointestinal cancers, and used with caution in genitourinary cancers, their use extends beyond the inclusion criteria of the initial randomized control trials.

SUMMARY

DOACs have revolutionized anticoagulant management and have become the cornerstone for VTE treatment and stroke prevention in NVAF. The decision to use DOACs must be individualized. Patient preference, underlying comorbidities and informed consent must always be considered when selecting the most appropriate anticoagulant.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants in the treatment of portal vein thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants vs. warfarin for portal vein thrombosis treatment.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective study. Adult patients initiated on a direct oral anticoagulant or warfarin for treatment of a new portal vein thrombosis were included. The primary failure outcome was the absolute difference in recurrent thromboembolic events 90 days following initiation of a direct oral anticoagulant vs. warfarin. The primary safety outcome was the absolute difference in bleeding events 90 days following initiation of a direct oral anticoagulant vs. warfarin. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact, and Student's t-tests were utilized as appropriate.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were included. Thirteen (39.4%) patients received direct oral anticoagulants, and 20 (60.6%) received warfarin. None of the patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants experienced a primary failure event compared to four receiving warfarin (P < 0.001). None of the patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants experienced a primary safety event vs. one receiving warfarin (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Direct oral anticoagulants appear to be effective and safe in the treatment of portal vein thrombosis and in preventing recurrent thromboembolic events. Future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm direct oral anticoagulants' efficacy in portal vein thrombosis.

Safety and Efficacy of Anticoagulation in Patients with Cirrhosis: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Portal vein thrombosis is a serious adverse event that occurs during liver cirrhosis. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of anticoagulant therapy and prophylactic anticoagulant therapy in cirrhosis patients with (/without) portal vein thrombosis.

METHODS

Eligible comparative studies were identified by searching the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using fixed-effects models. Recanalization and thrombus progression were defined as the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included adverse events and death mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 3479 patients were included in this analysis. Compared with the control group, the recanalization rate in the anticoagulant therapy group was increased (P < 0.00001) in patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis without increasing adverse events. Multiple use of enoxaparin in small doses is safer than single large doses (P=0.004). Direct oral anticoagulants are more effective (P < 0.00001) and safer than traditional anticoagulants. Prophylactic anticoagulant therapy can effectively prevent portal vein thrombosis formation (P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

Anticoagulation therapy can treat or prevent portal vein thrombosis in patients with liver cirrhosis and is a relatively safe treatment.

Treatment of portal vein thrombosis: an updated narrative review

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is the most frequent among the splanchnic vein thrombosis, accounting for 90% of cases. More than half of PVT are provoked by liver cirrhosis, solid cancer or myeloproliferative neoplasms. The remaining cases are non-malignant non-cirrhotic PVT and include either unprovoked events or thrombosis secondary to other less common risk factors (e.g. abdominal surgery, intrabdominal inflammations/infections, or hormonal stimuli). Anticoagulant therapy in patients with acute symptomatic PVT should be started early after diagnosis, if no active bleeding, to obtain greater vessel recanalization and reduce the occurrence of portal-hypertension related complications. Gastroesophageal varices do not represent a contraindication to anticoagulant treatment, as long as adequate measures have been undertaken for the prophylaxis of gastroesophageal bleeding. Different treatment options (unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin, vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants [DOACs]) can be considered. In this narrative review we will discuss the treatment of PVT in the three most common scenarios (cirrhosis-associated, cancer-associated and non-malignant non-cirrhotic PVT). We will also discuss the role of the DOACs and summarise recent guidelines on this topic.

Consensus for management of portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis (2020, Shanghai)

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common and severe complication of liver cirrhosis. So far, there have been few consensuses or practice guidelines on the management of PVT in liver cirrhosis. In this expert consensus, we systematically review the epidemiology, risk factors, imaging examinations, diagnosis, assessment of disease severity, and treatment strategy of PVT in liver cirrhosis, based on the most recent evidence and expert opinions, to further standardize the diagnosis and treatment of the disease in clinical practice.

Splanchnic vein thrombosis: Clinical manifestations, risk factors, management, and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Clinical manifestations and optimal management strategies in patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) are not well characterized.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including all newly diagnosed SVT evaluated between January 2007 and December 2018. Efficacy outcome was thrombosis resolution, and safety outcomes included death and occurrence of bleeding.

RESULTS

We included 155 patients with a mean age of 56.2 (18-87). Local risk factors were present in 118 (76.1%) patients and 30 (19.4%) had only systemic/thrombophilia. Local risk factors included abdominal cancers (31%), surgery (20.6%) and liver cirrhosis (19.4%). Thrombophilia screening was conducted in approximately 50% of patients. Factor V Leiden or Prothrombin G20210A mutations were observed in 7.1% of patients whereas 14.4% were JAK2V617F mutation positive. Most common manifestations at onset were abdominal pain (56.1%), whereas 44.6% were incidentally found. Portal vein thrombosis was observed more in primary cases (91.9% vs. 69.5%, p = 0.012). Anticoagulation was used in 93.5% cases. Indefinite anticoagulation was used more frequently in primary SVT (62.2% vs. 41.5%, p = 0.045). Thrombosis resolution and bleeding complications among primary (without local risk factors) and secondary (with local risk factors) SVT were observed in 48.5%, 65%, 8.1%, and 11.9%, respectively with no difference when comparing patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants or warfarin and/or low molecular weight heparin (58% vs. 62%, p = 0.326, 9% vs. 12%, p = 0.518).

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort anticoagulation resulted in partial or complete thrombosis resolution in a significant proportion of patients with an acceptable bleeding risk regardless local risk factors or type of anticoagulant.

Safety of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with mild to moderate cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate major bleeding in cirrhosis with use of traditional anticoagulation or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), using a standardized definition. Anticoagulation in patients with cirrhosis is often a clinical conundrum for providers as the necessary balance between thrombotic and bleeding risk is complicated by end organ damage. Recent meta-analyses have sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with liver disease. These recent analyses are limited by various bleeding definitions, broad inclusion criteria, and few indications for anticoagulation. We sought to conduct a meta-analysis using a validated definition for major bleeding and compare rates between traditional anticoagulation and DOACs in patients with cirrhosis. Articles were eligible for inclusion if the international society on thrombosis and hemostasis (ISTH) definition of a major bleed was the primary safety outcome. Additionally, only articles including patients with cirrhosis and receiving treatment with anticoagulation for an indication for stroke prevention or venous thromboembolism were eligible. Eligible articles needed a DOAC comparator group against traditional anticoagulant medication. Seven studies met inclusion criteria and compiled data for 683 patients in the meta-analysis. Pooled trial analysis demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the primary outcome of ISTH major bleeding (OR 0.55, 95%CI 0.28-1.07, I² 0%). Individual secondary outcomes of all bleeding, intracerebral hemorrhage, or gastrointestinal bleeding also demonstrated no significant difference between DOACs and traditional anticoagulation. Use of DOACs in patients with mild to moderate cirrhosis carries similar risk to use of traditional anticoagulation.

Direct oral anticoagulants and advanced liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are recommended for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or for treatment of deep vein thrombosis, although some concerns about safety and efficacy were raised on the use of these drugs in patients with advanced liver disease (ALD). We want to investigate the association of DOACs use with the bleeding and ischaemic risk.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a systematic review and metanalysis of clinical studies retrieved from PubMed (via MEDLINE) and Cochrane (CENTRAL) databases addressing the impact of DOACs therapy on bleeding events including intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), gastrointestinal and major bleeding. Secondary end points were all-cause death, ischaemic stroke/systemic embolism (IS/SE) and recurrence/progression of vein thrombosis (rDVT).

RESULTS

12 studies were included in the meta-analysis: a total of 43 532 patients with ALD or cirrhosis, of whom 27 574 (63.3%) were on treatment with DOACs and 15 958 were in warfarin/low molecular weight heparin. DOACs reduced the incidence of major bleeding by 61% (pooled Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.39, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.21-0.70), ICH by 52% (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.40-0.59), while no difference in the reduction of any and gastrointestinal bleeding were observed. DOACs reduced also rDVT by 82% (HR 0.18, 95%CI 0.06-0.57), but did not reduce death and IS/SE. No difference was shown according to oesophageal varices and Child Pugh score in the meta-regression analysis between warfarin/heparin and DOACs performed on each outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

DOACs are associated with a lower incidence of bleeding and may be an attractive therapeutic option in patients with cirrhosis.

Advances in diagnosis and treatment of portal venous thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is one of the common complications of liver cirrhosis, which can further increase portal vein pressure and aggravate liver function decompensation. However, due to the insidious onset and atypical symptoms, the importance of PVT has been neglected in clinical work for quite a long time. With the development of clinical diagnostic technology, the detection rate of PVT has increased year by year. At present, the well-established treatment methods for PVT include anticoagulant therapy, interventional therapy, and surgical treatment. However, the optimal choice for PVT treatment remains unclear. In this paper, we briefly review the recent progress in the diagnosis and treatment of PVT in order to provide a theoretical reference for the refined clinical management of patients with PVT.

Advances in the Management of Acute Venous Thromboembolism and New Therapeutic Agents

Important advances in the understanding and management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) have enhanced our ability to diagnose, prevent, and treat VTE. In this narrative review, we discuss how recent advances in the understanding and management of VTE are changing practice, highlight ongoing unmet needs in VTE management, and outline how novel therapeutic targets with little or no influence on hemostasis may help address these unmet needs.

Risk of intracranial hemorrhage with direct oral anticoagulants: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) between direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and other antithrombotic drugs in detail across all diseases.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Heterogeneity was examined using the I² statistic. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-five RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), dabigatran reduced the risk of ICH by 60% (RR 0.40; 95% CI 0.28-0.57), apixaban by 57% (RR 0.43; 95% CI 0.31-0.58), edoxaban by 56% (RR 0.44; 95% CI 0.29-0.67) and rivaroxaban by 41% (RR 0.59; 95%CI 0.44-0.80). Compared with low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs), apixaban, edoxaban and rivaroxaban had a similar risk of ICH. Compared with aspirin, dabigatran and apixaban had a similar risk of ICH, while rivaroxaban posed an increased risk of ICH (RR 2.12; 95% CI 1.31-3.44). For secondary prevention stroke, DOACs reduced the risk of ICH by 46% compared with warfarin (RR 0.54; 95% CI [0.42-0.70]) and had a similar risk of ICH compared with aspirin.

CONCLUSION

All DOACs had a lower risk of ICH than VKAs. In terms of the risk of ICH, DOACs were overall as safe as LMWHs, and apixaban and dabigatran were as safe as aspirin, but rivaroxaban was not. For secondary prevention stroke, the risk of ICH with DOACs was overall lower than warfarin and similar to aspirin, but it should be noted that compared with aspirin, rivaroxaban may increase the risk of ICH. This is the first pair-wise meta-analysis that compares the risk of ICH between DOACs and other antithrombotic drugs in detail across all diseases, which may have certain significance for patients with high risk of ICH to choose antithrombotic drugs in clinical practice.

Anticoagulant Treatment for Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis in Liver Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

 Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a common complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anticoagulant therapy for SVT in cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

 In this systematic review and meta-analysis, studies reporting on SVT recanalization and progression, recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), major bleeding, and overall mortality were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrial.gov up to December 2019. Pooled proportions and risk ratios (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

 A total of 1,475 patients were included in 26 studies (23 observational and 3 randomized controlled trials). In patients receiving anticoagulant therapy, SVT recanalization occurred in 68% (95% CI, 62-74; 571/842 patients; 22 studies), SVT progression in 6% (95% CI, 4-9; 25/748 patients; 22 studies), recurrent VTE in 10% (95% CI, 4-22; 48/399 patients; 7 studies), major bleeding in 6% (95% CI, 4-10; 58/785 patients; 18 studies), and overall mortality in 9% (95% CI, 6-14; 68/787 patients; 17 studies). Anticoagulant treatment was associated with higher SVT recanalization (RR 3.19; 95% CI, 1.42-7.17), lower thrombosis progression (RR 0.28; 95% CI, 0.15-0.52), major bleeding (RR 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28-0.97), and overall mortality (RR 0.42; 95% CI, 0.24-0.73) compared with no treatment.

CONCLUSION

 Anticoagulant therapy seems to improve vein recanalization and to reduce SVT progression, major bleeding, and overall mortality in cirrhotic patients with SVT. The incidence of recurrent VTE during anticoagulation remains substantial.

Direct oral anticoagulants for unusual-site venous thromboembolism

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are currently the preferred oral anticoagulant treatment for most of the patients with deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities and/or pulmonary embolism. DOACs have several advantages over vitamin K antagonists, such as availability of fixed dosages, fewer drug interactions, faster onset of action, shorter half-life, and lower risk of major and intracranial bleeding. Although the evidence on the use of DOACs in patients with unusual-site venous thromboembolism (VTE) is limited to a few, small randomized controlled trials, these drugs are increasingly used in clinical practice, and several observational cohort studies have been published recently. This narrative review will describe the latest evidence for the use of the DOACs in patients with thrombosis in atypical locations (splanchnic, cerebral, upper extremity, ovarian, and renal vein thrombosis) and will provide some practical advice for their use in patients with unusual-site VTE.

The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus guidelines in emergency colorectal surgery

AIM

There is a requirement for an expansive and up to date review of the management of emergency colorectal conditions seen in adults. The primary objective is to provide detailed evidence-based guidelines for the target audience of general and colorectal surgeons who are responsible for an adult population and who practise in Great Britain and Ireland.

METHODS

Surgeons who are elected members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland Emergency Surgery Subcommittee were invited to contribute various sections to the guidelines. They were directed to produce a pathology-based document using literature searches that were systematic, comprehensible, transparent and reproducible. Levels of evidence were graded. Each author was asked to provide a set of recommendations which were evidence-based and unambiguous. These recommendations were submitted to the whole guideline group and scored. They were then refined and submitted to a second vote. Only those that achieved >80% consensus at level 5 (strongly agree) or level 4 (agree) after two votes were included in the guidelines.

RESULTS

All aspects of care (excluding abdominal trauma) for emergency colorectal conditions have been included along with 122 recommendations for management.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines provide an up to date and evidence-based summary of the current surgical knowledge in the management of emergency colorectal conditions and should serve as practical text for clinicians managing colorectal conditions in the emergency setting.

Portal vein surgical treatment on non-tumoral portal vein thrombosis in liver transplantation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Non-tumoral portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is associated with higher morbidity and mortality in liver transplantation (LT). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of PVT in LT outcomes and analyze the types of surgical techniques used for dealing with PVT during LT. A systematic review was conducted in Cochrane, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases, selecting articles from January 1990 to December 2019. The MESH-terms used were ("Portal Vein"[Mesh] AND "Thrombosis"[Mesh] NOT "Neoplasms"[Mesh]) AND ("Liver Transplantation"[Mesh]). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) recommendation was used, and meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager Version 5.3 software. A total of 1,638 articles were initially found: 488 in PubMed, 289 in Cochrane Library, and 861 in EMBASE, from which 27 were eventually selected for the meta-analysis. Surgery time of LT in patients with PVT was longer than in patients without LT (p<0.0001). Intraoperative red blood cell (p<0.00001), fresh frozen plasma (p=0.01), and platelets (p=0.03) transfusions during LT were higher in patients with PVT. One-year (odds ratio [OR] 1.17; p=0.002) and 5-year (OR 1.12; p=0.01) patient survival after LT was worse in the PVT group. Total occlusive PVT presented higher mortality (OR 3.70; p=0.00009) and rethrombosis rates (OR 3.47 [1.18-10.21]; p=0.02). PVT Yerdel III/IV classification exhibited worse 1-year [2.04 (1.21-3.42); p=0.007] and 5-year [0.98 (0.59-1.62); p=0.93] patient survival. Thrombectomy with primary anastomosis was associated with better outcomes. LT in patients with non-tumoral PVT demands more surgical time, needs more intraoperative transfusion, and presents worse 1- and 5-year patient survival. Total occlusive PVT and Yerdel III/IV PVT classification were associated with higher mortality. (PROSPERO, registration number: CRD42020132915).

Anticoagulation Favors Thrombus Recanalization and Survival in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Vein Thrombosis: Results of a Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Benefit and risk of anticoagulation in cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) remain controversial, especially in those with asymptomatic PVT and in non-liver transplant candidates. Furthermore, the predictors of portal vein recanalization and bleeding events after anticoagulation are critical for making clinical decisions, but still unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the outcomes of anticoagulation for PVT in liver cirrhosis and explore the predictors of portal vein recanalization and bleeding events after anticoagulation.

METHODS

All studies regarding anticoagulation for PVT in liver cirrhosis were searched via PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Thrombotic outcomes, bleeding events, and survival were compared between anticoagulation and non-anticoagulation groups. Predictors of portal vein recanalization and bleeding events were pooled. Risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Thirty-three studies including 1696 cirrhotic patients with PVT were included. Anticoagulation significantly increased portal vein recanalization (RR = 2.61; 95% CI 1.99-3.43; P < 0.00001) and overall survival (RR = 1.11; 95% CI 1.03-1.21; P = 0.01) and decreased thrombus progression (RR = 0.26; 95% CI 0.14-0.49; P < 0.0001). Anticoagulation did not significantly influence overall bleeding (RR = 0.78; 95% CI 0.47-1.30; P = 0.34). Early initiation of anticoagulation (RR = 1.58; 95% CI 1.21-2.07; P = 0.0007) significantly increased portal vein recanalization. Child-Pugh class B and C (RR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.62-0.95; P = 0.02) and higher MELD score (MD = - 1.48; 95% CI - 2.20-0.76; P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with decreased portal vein recanalization. No predictor significantly associated with bleeding events was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Early initiation of anticoagulation should be supported in liver cirrhosis with PVT. Predictors of portal vein recanalization should be taken into consideration to identify those who may not benefit from anticoagulation.

REGISTRATION

The work was registered in PROSPERO with registration no. CRD42020157142.

Outcomes of long-term anticoagulant treatment for the secondary prophylaxis of splanchnic venous thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening disease usually related to different underlying clinical conditions. The risk of SVT recurrences is high over time in patients with an underlying permanent prothrombotic condition. Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) represent the mainstay of treatment for SVT. Data about the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are reported in the literature for the treatment of acute SVT, but less is known about their application for the secondary prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of long-term DOACs therapy in patients at high-risk of thrombosis, compared to VKA.

METHODS

This is a retrospective single-centre study including 70 patients with SVT on long-term anticoagulant treatment with VKA followed-up at our Units between January 2017 and December 2019. All the patients were at high thrombotic risk defined as the presence of a permanent prothrombotic condition requiring long-term anticoagulation. During follow-up, 28 patients were shifted to DOACs and their clinical outcomes were compared to those of the patients who continued VKA therapy. All the arterial and venous thrombotic events of the splanchnic and extra-splanchnic districts as well as the haemorrhagic adverse events occurring during follow-up were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the seventy patients enrolled in the study, 36 patients (51.4%) had a single-segment involvement thrombosis (28.5% of portal vein, 7.1% of superior mesenteric vein, 4.3% of splenic vein, 11.5% of hepatic veins) and 34 patients (48.6%) had multi-segment involvement at the time of diagnosis. 42 patients (60%) continued VKA therapy and 28 (40%) were switched to DOACs. Median follow-up was 6 years (range 2-8) during VKA and 1.9 years (range 1-5.2) during DOACs. The incidence of thrombotic events was similar between patients on VKA and those on DOACs. Patients on VKA developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and of the patients on DOACs 1 developed NSTEMI and 1 DVT. No major haemorrhagic events occurred. Minor bleedings occurred in 26% of patients on VKA and in none of the DOACs patients (P: 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight that DOACs could represent an effective and safe alternative to the VKA for secondary prophylaxis in SVT patients at high risk of thrombosis.

Nontumoral Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Challenging Consequence of Liver Cirrhosis

Nontumoral portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an increasingly recognized complication in patients with cirrhosis. Substantial evidence shows that portal flow stasis, complex thrombophilic disorders, and exogenous factors leading to endothelial dysfunction have emerged as key factors in the pathogenesis of PVT. The contribution of PVT to hepatic decompensation and mortality in cirrhosis is debatable; however, the presence of an advanced PVT increases operative complexity and decreases survival after transplantation. The therapeutic decision for PVT is often determined by the duration and extent of thrombosis, the presence of symptoms, and liver transplant eligibility. Evidence from several cohorts has demonstrated that anticoagulation treatment with vitamin K antagonist or low molecular weight heparin can achieve recanalization of the portal vein, which is associated with a reduction in portal hypertension-related events and improved survival in cirrhotic patients with PVT. Consequently, interest in direct oral anticoagulants for PVT is increasing, but clinical data in cirrhosis are limited. Although the most feared consequence of anticoagulation is bleeding, most studies indicate that anticoagulation therapy for PVT in cirrhosis appears relatively safe. Interestingly, the data showed that transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt represents an effective adjunctive therapy for PVT in cirrhotic patients with symptomatic portal hypertension if anticoagulation is ineffective. Insufficient evidence regarding the optimal timing, modality, and duration of therapy makes nontumoral PVT a challenging consequence of cirrhosis. In this review, we summarize the current literature and provide a potential algorithm for the management of PVT in patients with cirrhosis.

Association of Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis on Survival: 15-Year Institutional Experience With 1561 Cases

Background Previous studies regarding survival in patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) are limited. This study measured overall survival in a large cohort of SVTs through linkage to population-based data. Methods and Results Using a previously derived text-search algorithm, we screened the reports of all abdominal ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography studies at The Ottawa Hospital over 14 years. Screen-positive reports were manually reviewed by at least 2 authors to identify definite SVT cases by consensus. Images of uncertain studies were independently reviewed by 2 radiologists. One thousand five hundred sixty-one adults with SVT (annual incidence ranging from 2.8 to 5.9 cases/10 000 patients) were linked with population-based data sets to measure the presence of concomitant cancer and survival status. Thrombosis involved multiple veins in 314 patients (20.1%), most commonly the portal vein (n=1410, 90.3%). Compared with an age-sex-year matched population, patients with SVT had significantly reduced survival in particular with local cancer (adjusted relative excess risk for recent cases 12.0 [95% CI, 9.8-14.6] and for remote cases 9.7 [7.7-12.2]), distant cancer (relative excess risk for recent cases 5.7 [4.5-7.3] and for remote cases 5.4 [4.4-6.6]), cirrhosis (relative excess risk 8.2 [5.3-12.7]), and previous venous thromboembolism (relative excess risk 3.8 [2.4-6.0]). One hundred fifty (23.9%) of patients >65 years of age were anticoagulated within 1 month of diagnosis. Conclusions SVT is more common than expected. Most patients have cancer and the portal vein is by far the most common vein involved. Compared with the general population, patients with SVT had significantly reduced survival, particularly in patients with concomitant cancer, cirrhosis, and previous venous thromboembolic disease. Most elderly patients did not receive anticoagulant therapy.

Clinical feasibility of a new antireflux ablation therapy on gastroesophageal reflux disease (with video)

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS

New mucosal resective and ablative endoscopic procedures based on gastric cardiac remodeling to prevent reflux have appeared. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a new ablative technique named antireflux ablation therapy (ARAT) for control of GERD in patients without hiatal hernia.

METHODS

Patients with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory GERD without hiatal hernia underwent ARAT between January 2016 and October 2019. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL), upper endoscopy, 24-hour pH monitoring, and PPI use were documented at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after ARAT.

RESULTS

One hundred eight patients were included (61 men [56.5%]; median age, 36.5 years; range, 18-78 years). ARAT was performed on all patients. At the 36-month evaluation, 84 patients had completed the protocol. Median ARAT time was 35.5 minutes (range, 22-51 minutes), and median circumference ablation was 300° (range, 270°-320°). No major adverse events occurred, and 14 of 108 patients (12.9%) presented with stenosis that was responsive to balloon dilation (<5 sessions). At the 3-month evaluation, the acid exposure time (AET), DeMeester score, and GERD-HRQL score had decreased from 18.8% to 2.8% (P = .001), 42.5 to 9.1 (P = .001), and 36.5 to 10 (P = .02), respectively, and these values were maintained up to 36 months. Success (AET <4%) was achieved in 89% and 72.2% at 3 and 36 months, respectively. Related factors at 36 months were as follows: pre-ARAT Hill type II (odds ratio [OR], 3.212; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.431-5.951; P = .033), post-ARAT 3-month Hill type I (OR, 4.101; 95% CI, 1.812-9.121; P = .042), and AET <4% at 3 months (OR, 5.512; 95% CI, 1.451-7.621; P = .021).

CONCLUSIONS

ARAT is a feasible, safe, and effective therapy for early and mid-term treatment of GERD in patients without a sliding hiatal hernia. However, longer follow-up evaluations and randomized comparative studies are needed to clarify its real role. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03548298.).

Venous thrombosis of the liver: current and emerging concepts in management

Venous thrombosis within the hepatic vasculature is associated with a distinct array of risk factors, characteristics, and potential complication. As such, it entails unique management considerations and strategies relative to the more common categories of venous thromboembolic disease. Although broadly divided into thrombosis of the afferent vasculature (the portal venous system) and efferent vasculature (the hepatic venous system), presentations and management strategies within these groupings are heterogeneous. Management decisions are influenced by a variety of factors including the chronicity, extent, and etiology of thrombosis. In this review we examine both portal vein thrombosis and hepatic vein thrombosis (and the associated Budd-Chiari Syndrome). We consider those factors which most impact presentation and most influence treatment. In so doing, we see how the particulars of specific cases introduce nuance into clinical decisions. At the same time we attempt to organize our understanding of such cases to help facilitate a more systematic approach. Critically, we must recognize that although increasing evidence is emerging to help guide our management strategies, the available data remain limited and largely retrospective. Indeed, current paradigms are based largely on observational experiences and expert consensus. As new and more rigorous studies emerge, treatment strategies are likely to be continually refined, and paradigm shifts are sure to occur.