Systemic antibiotic therapy prevents bacterial infection in cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Real-world efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients in Japan

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for cirrhotic patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). However, the frequency of bacterial infection in such patients has remarkably decreased over the decades, which has reduced the necessity for prophylaxis. Therefore, here we investigated the real-world adherence and effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis in cirrhotic patients with UGIB in Japan.

METHODS

This population-based study was conducted with a Japanese real-world database of the Health, Clinic, and Education Information Evaluation Institute. We enrolled cirrhotic patients who were hospitalized for UGIB between April 2010 and March 2020. After those who died within 24 h and who had aspiration pneumonia at admission were excluded, 1232 patients were analyzed. Rates of 6-week mortality, in-hospital bacterial infection, 30-day readmission, and length of hospital stay were evaluated.

RESULTS

Prophylactic antibiotics were prescribed in 142 (11.5%) patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that antibiotic prophylaxis was not significantly associated with either 6-week mortality or bacterial infection. After propensity score matching, the rates of 6-week mortality (7.2% vs. 8.4%, P = 0.810), bacterial infection (9.6% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.082), and 30-day unexpected readmission (7.2% vs. 7.8%, P = 1.000) were similar in patients with and without prophylaxis, whereas the median length of hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with prophylaxis (17 days vs. 13 days, P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Under current real-world circumstances in Japan, prophylactic antibiotics were prescribed in only 11.5% of cirrhotic patients with UGIB and were not associated with better clinical outcomes.

Treatment for bleeding oesophageal varices in people with decompensated liver cirrhosis: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Approximately 40% to 95% of people with liver cirrhosis have oesophageal varices. About 15% to 20% of oesophageal varices bleed within about one to three years after diagnosis. Several different treatments are available, including, among others, endoscopic sclerotherapy, variceal band ligation, somatostatin analogues, vasopressin analogues, and balloon tamponade. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the individual and relative benefits and harms of these treatments.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the benefits and harms of different initial treatments for variceal bleeding from oesophageal varices in adults with decompensated liver cirrhosis, through a network meta-analysis; and to generate rankings of the different treatments for acute bleeding oesophageal varices, according to their benefits and harms.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and trials registers until 17 December 2019, to identify randomised clinical trials (RCTs) in people with cirrhosis and acute bleeding from oesophageal varices.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included only RCTs (irrespective of language, blinding, or status) in adults with cirrhosis and acutely bleeding oesophageal varices. We excluded RCTs in which participants had bleeding only from gastric varices, those who failed previous treatment (refractory bleeding), those in whom initial haemostasis was achieved before inclusion into the trial, and those who had previously undergone liver transplantation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We performed a network meta-analysis with OpenBUGS software, using Bayesian methods, and calculated the differences in treatments using odds ratios (OR) and rate ratios with 95% credible intervals (CrI) based on an available-case analysis, according to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence Decision Support Unit guidance. We performed also the direct comparisons from RCTs using the same codes and the same technical details.

MAIN RESULTS

We included a total of 52 RCTs (4580 participants) in the review. Forty-eight trials (4042 participants) were included in one or more comparisons in the review. The trials that provided the information included people with cirrhosis due to varied aetiologies and those with and without a previous history of bleeding. We included outcomes assessed up to six weeks. All trials were at high risk of bias. A total of 19 interventions were compared in the trials (sclerotherapy, somatostatin analogues, vasopressin analogues, sclerotherapy plus somatostatin analogues, variceal band ligation, balloon tamponade, somatostatin analogues plus variceal band ligation, nitrates plus vasopressin analogues, no active intervention, sclerotherapy plus variceal band ligation, balloon tamponade plus sclerotherapy, balloon tamponade plus somatostatin analogues, balloon tamponade plus vasopressin analogues, variceal band ligation plus vasopressin analogues, balloon tamponade plus nitrates plus vasopressin analogues, balloon tamponade plus variceal band ligation, portocaval shunt, sclerotherapy plus transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and sclerotherapy plus vasopressin analogues). We have reported the effect estimates for the primary and secondary outcomes when there was evidence of differences between the interventions against the reference treatment of sclerotherapy, but reported the other results of the primary and secondary outcomes versus the reference treatment of sclerotherapy without the effect estimates when there was no evidence of differences in order to provide a concise summary of the results. Overall, 15.8% of the trial participants who received the reference treatment of sclerotherapy (chosen because this was the commonest treatment compared in the trials) died during the follow-up periods, which ranged from three days to six weeks. Based on moderate-certainty evidence, somatostatin analogues alone had higher mortality than sclerotherapy (OR 1.57, 95% CrI 1.04 to 2.41; network estimate; direct comparison: 4 trials; 353 participants) and vasopressin analogues alone had higher mortality than sclerotherapy (OR 1.70, 95% CrI 1.13 to 2.62; network estimate; direct comparison: 2 trials; 438 participants). None of the trials reported health-related quality of life. Based on low-certainty evidence, a higher proportion of people receiving balloon tamponade plus sclerotherapy had more serious adverse events than those receiving only sclerotherapy (OR 4.23, 95% CrI 1.22 to 17.80; direct estimate; 1 RCT; 60 participants). Based on moderate-certainty evidence, people receiving vasopressin analogues alone and those receiving variceal band ligation had fewer adverse events than those receiving only sclerotherapy (rate ratio 0.59, 95% CrI 0.35 to 0.96; network estimate; direct comparison: 1 RCT; 219 participants; and rate ratio 0.40, 95% CrI 0.21 to 0.74; network estimate; direct comparison: 1 RCT; 77 participants; respectively). Based on low-certainty evidence, the proportion of people who developed symptomatic rebleed was smaller in people who received sclerotherapy plus somatostatin analogues than those receiving only sclerotherapy (OR 0.21, 95% CrI 0.03 to 0.94; direct estimate; 1 RCT; 105 participants). The evidence suggests considerable uncertainty about the effect of the interventions in the remaining comparisons where sclerotherapy was the control intervention.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on moderate-certainty evidence, somatostatin analogues alone and vasopressin analogues alone (with supportive therapy) probably result in increased mortality, compared to endoscopic sclerotherapy. Based on moderate-certainty evidence, vasopressin analogues alone and band ligation alone probably result in fewer adverse events compared to endoscopic sclerotherapy. Based on low-certainty evidence, balloon tamponade plus sclerotherapy may result in large increases in serious adverse events compared to sclerotherapy. Based on low-certainty evidence, sclerotherapy plus somatostatin analogues may result in large decreases in symptomatic rebleed compared to sclerotherapy. In the remaining comparisons, the evidence indicates considerable uncertainty about the effects of the interventions, compared to sclerotherapy.

Universal antibiotic prophylaxis may no longer be necessary for patients with acute variceal bleeding: A retrospective observational study

A few decades ago, antibiotic prophylaxis for patients with acute variceal bleeding was reported beneficial. However, endoscopic and systemic therapy for variceal bleeding has dramatically improved since then, so the necessity of prophylactic antibiotics can be questioned. In this study, we reevaluated the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in acute variceal bleeding, using the most recent data in our hospital.We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 150 patients with acute variceal bleeding who were admitted to Kurashiki Central Hospital between January 2012 and December 2016. We compared the rates of bacterial infection, in-hospital mortality, 5-day rebleeding rate, and 30-day emergency readmission between patients treated or not treated with antibiotic prophylaxis.Forty-six patients (30.7%) received antibiotic prophylaxis; 104 (69.3%) did not. The rates of the outcomes in patients with antibiotic prophylaxis were 6.5% (bacterial infection), 4.3% (in-hospital mortality), 2.2% (5-day rebleeding), and 10.9% (30-day emergency readmission) and were not significantly different form the corresponding figures in those without antibiotic prophylaxis (1.9%, 7.7%, 1.9%, and 10.6%, respectively). Moreover, these rates in our patients, even without antibiotic prophylaxis, were much lower than rates reported in past years, perhaps because of improvements in care of patients with variceal hemorrhage.Antibiotic prophylaxis was not associated with significantly better outcomes of bacterial infection, mortality, rebleeding or readmission rate in patients with acute variceal bleeding. Universal antibiotic prophylaxis for patients with acute variceal bleeding should be reconsidered.

Evidence of Significant Ceftriaxone and Quinolone Resistance in Cirrhotics with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

OBJECTIVES

There are few studies addressing the impact of cephalosporin and quinolone resistance on hospital length of stay and mortality in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). We aim to describe the shifting epidemiology of SBP at our institution and its impact on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study of all cases of SBP from 2005 to 2015 at a transplant center. Cases were identified using hospital billing data. Patient data were confirmed using the electronic medical record. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify factors that were associated with prolonged hospital length of stay and reduced survival. Culture-positive cases (N = 56) were compared to culture-negative cases (N = 104). Subpopulation analysis of the culture-positive cases compared ceftriaxone-resistant (N = 25) to ceftriaxone-susceptible (N = 31) cases.

RESULTS

We identified 160 cases of SBP (56 culture positive and 104 culture negative; 21 nosocomial, 79 hospital associated, and 60 community acquired). Forty-five percent (N = 25 total, 13 hospital associated and 6 nosocomial) of bacterial isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone, with 37.5% (N = 21) being gram positive, including 8 methicillin-resistant staphylococcus and 6 vancomycin-resistant enterococcus. Multivariate analysis identified hospital-associated SBP, age, alcoholic cirrhosis, and MELD-Na score as variables associated with worse survival (P < 0.05), with a trend toward worse survival in culture-positive cases (P = 0.123). Only MELD-Na was associated with prolonged length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of resistant pathogens causing SBP is significant, notably in hospital-associated SBP. Culture-positive SBP may represent a higher risk group compared to culture-negative SBP.

Infections in Cirrhosis

Purpose of review

Patients with cirrhosis are at high risk of developing serious infections. Bacterial infections remain the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. This review is focused on the prevalence of infections in those with cirrhosis, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, pathogenesis of infection-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), current treatment recommendations, and prophylactic strategies in patients with cirrhosis.

Recent findings

Recent epidemiological studies have noted an emerging prevalence of MDR bacterial infections and associated with poor prognosis, and a high rate of treatment failure and mortality. Therefore, new recommendations on empirical antibiotic use based on epidemiological data have been developed in order to improve outcomes.

Summary

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and urinary tract infection (UTI) are the most frequent infections followed by pneumonia, cellulitis, and bacteremia, while pneumonia carries the highest risk of mortality. The incidence of MDR bacterial infections has been increasing, especially in healthcare-associated settings. Second infections that develop during hospitalization, multiple organ failures, and high MELD score are associated with poor survival. Preventive measures, early diagnosis, and adequate treatment of infections are essential key concepts in minimizing morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis.

Trends in Hospitalization, Acute Kidney Injury, and Mortality in Patients With Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

GOALS

The purpose of our study was to evaluate trends of hospitalization, acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).

BACKGROUND

SBP is a frequent bacterial infection in cirrhotic patients leading to increased morbidity and mortality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 4,840,643 patients hospitalized with cirrhosis from 2005 to 2014 were identified using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, of which 115,359 (2.4%) had SBP. We examined annual trends and used multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression analyses to obtain adjusted odds ratios by accounting for hospital level and patient level variables.

RESULTS

We identified a striking increase in hospitalizations for SBP in cirrhotic patients (0.45% to 3.12%) and AKI in SBP patients (25.6% to 46.7%) from 2005 to 2014. Inpatient mortality decreased over the study period in patients with SBP (19.1% to 16.1%) and in patients with SBP plus AKI (40.9% to 27.6%). Patients with SBP had a higher inpatient mortality rate than those without SBP [15.5% vs. 6%, adjusted odd ratio (aOR): 2.02, P<0.001]. AKI was 2-fold more prevalent in cirrhotics with SBP than those without SBP (42.8% vs. 17.2%, aOR: 1.91, P<0.001) and concomitant AKI was associated with a 6-fold mortality increase (aOR: 5.84, P<0.001). Cirrhotic patients with SBP had higher hospitalization costs and longer length of stays than patients without SBP.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a higher hospitalization rate and prevalence of concomitant AKI, mortality in patients with SBP decreased during the study period. SBP is associated with high likelihood of development of AKI, which in turn, increases mortality.

Evaluation and management of variceal bleeding

Acute variceal bleeding is one of the most fatal complications of cirrhosis and is responsible for about one-third of cirrhosis-related deaths. Therefore, every effort should be made to emergently resuscitate the patients, start pharmacotherapy as soon as possible and do endoscopic therapy in a timely manner. Despite the recent advances in treatment, mortality rate is still high. We provide a comprehensive review of evaluation and management of variceal bleeding.

Bacterial infections in acute variceal hemorrhage despite antibiotics-a multicenter study of predictors and clinical impact

Background and aims

Current guidelines recommend antibiotic prophylaxis in all patients presenting with cirrhosis and acute variceal hemorrhage (AVH). We aimed to evaluate the characteristics and clinical impact of "early" infections (developing within 14 days) of AVH in a real-world setting.

Methods

We analyzed retrospective data from a cohort of 371 adult patients with cirrhosis and AVH all of whom had received antibiotic prophylaxis (74% men; mean age 56 years), admitted to tertiary care hospitals in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and Barcelona, Spain. Sensitivity analyses were presented for culture-positive (confirmed) infections.

Results

The mean MELD was 16. Fifty-two percent of patients received quinolones, 45% third-generation cephalosporins and 3% other antibiotics. Fourteen percent (51/371) developed an infection within 14 days of AVH. Seventy-five percent of infections were culture positive and occurred at a mean of six days from AVH. When all infections were considered, respiratory infections were the most common (53%) followed by urinary tract infections (17%) and bacteremia (16%). Resistance patterns differed between countries. Outpatient antibiotic prophylaxis (OR 5.4) and intubation (OR 2.6) were independent predictors of bacterial infection. Bacterial infection (OR 2.6) and the MELD (OR 1.2) were independent predictors of six-week mortality.

Conclusions

Early bacterial infections develop in 14% of cirrhotic patients with AVH despite antibiotic prophylaxis, and have a negative impact on six-week mortality. Intubation and outpatient antibiotic prophylaxis are associated with increased risk of early bacterial infections. Patients at risk should be followed closely with prompt infection workup and local antibiogram-based expansion of antibiotic therapy in case of clinical decline.

Variceal Bleeding: Prophylaxis, Treatment, and Prevention

Variceal bleeding leads to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with portal hypertension. Mortality can be greater than 50% with the initial bleed and many patients develop recurrent bleeding with equal or greater mortality. Currently cirrhosis is the leading cause of portal hypertension, which is defined as a hepatic vein-portal vein gradient greater than 5 mmHg. Portal hypertension may arise from increased splanchnic blood flow due to systemic vasodilation that occurs in the hyperdynamic circulation of cirrhosis or from increased vascular resistance in intrahepatic and/or portocollateral vessels; by decreasing splanchnic blood flow, portal inflow decreases and so does portal pressure. Pharmacologic therapy consisting of nonselective β-blockers, vasopressin, and octreotide act by decreasing splanchnic blood flow, and long-acting nitrates may cause direct vasodilation of portocollateral vessels and/or decreased splanchnic blood flow. Nonselective β-blockers are the cornerstone of treatment for primary prophylaxis of bleeding, whereas vasopressin and octreotide are used for acute hemorrhaging. Two endoscopic modalities are available for control of acute bleeding and prevention of recurrent bleeding: sclerotherapy and endoscopic variceal ligation. After standard airway control and adequate fluid resuscitation, endoscopy helps localize the area of bleeding, and often in conjunction with vasopressin or octreotide can help control bleeding. Empiric antibiotics (fluoroquinolones or third-generation cephalosporins) should be started prior to endoscopy and early in the course of treatment. Sclerotherapy and band ligation along with nonselective β-blockers can help prevent recurrences of bleeding. For patients with bleeding gastric varices or uncontrollably bleeding esophageal varices, interventional radiologic procedures such as the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) can be used, and depending on the clinical condition and Child's classification of the patient, a surgically created portosystemic shunt may be appropriate treatment. Hopefully with emerging, new techniques and more widespread, prudent use of prophylactic drugs and endoscopy, the mortality and morbidity of variceal bleeding can be reduced.

Use of Antibiotics Among Patients With Cirrhosis and Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Is Associated With Reduced Mortality

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Prophylactic antibiotics are recommended for all patients with cirrhosis hospitalized for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). We evaluated the association between use of antibiotics, outcomes of re-admissions, and mortality in these patients.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of 6451 patients with cirrhosis (mean age, 60.6 y) in the Veterans Affairs health care system hospitalized for UGIB from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2013 (8655 hospitalizations). We collected information on patients' baseline features, hospitalizations, etiology of UGIB, antibiotics given, hospital re-admission within 30 days of discharge, and mortality. We defined timely administration of antibiotics as receipt from 8 hours before admission through 48 hours afterward.

RESULTS

Timely administration of antibiotics occurred during 48.6% of admissions (n = 4210), increasing from 30.6% in 2005 to 58.1% in 2013. Independent predictors of antibiotic receipt included ascites, high model for end-stage liver disease score, esophageal variceal hemorrhage, and administration of octreotide or intravenous proton pump inhibitors. Variables associated with decreased odds of antibiotic provision included black race and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In multivariate analysis, timely administration of antibiotics was associated with a reduced 30-day mortality rate (adjusted odds ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.93; P = .012).

CONCLUSIONS

In a study of patients with cirrhosis and UGIB in the VA health care system, timely administration of antibiotics was associated with a 30% reduction in 30-day mortality. The proportion of patients with cirrhosis and UGIB receiving timely antibiotics nearly doubled from 2005 to 2013, but many patients-particularly those with less-advanced cirrhosis-did not receive this intervention. Targeted efforts are needed to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics among patients with cirrhosis and UGIB.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in cirrhosis: Good and bad

Patients with cirrhosis, particularly those with decompensated cirrhosis, are at increased risk of bacterial infections that may further precipitate other liver decompensations including acute-on-chronic liver failure. Infections constitute the main cause of death in patients with advanced cirrhosis, and strategies to prevent them are essential. The main current strategy is the use of prophylactic antibiotics targeted at specific subpopulations at high risk of infection: prior episode of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and low-protein ascites with associated poor liver function. Antibiotic prophylaxis effectively prevents not only the development of bacterial infections in all these indications but also further decompensation (variceal bleeding, hepatorenal syndrome) and improves survival. However, antibiotic prophylaxis is also associated with a clinically relevant and increasing drawback, the development of infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms. Several strategies have been suggested to balance the risks and benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION

Antibiotic stewardship principles such as the restriction of antibiotic prophylaxis to subpopulations at a very high risk for infection, the avoidance of antibiotic overuse, and early deescalation policies are key to achieve this balance; nonantibiotic prophylactic measures such as probiotics, prokinetics, bile acids, statins, and hematopoietic growth factors could also contribute to ameliorate the development and spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria in cirrhosis. (Hepatology 2016;63:2019-2031).

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for acute variceal gastrointestinal bleeding: Indications, techniques and outcomes

Acute variceal bleeding is a life-threatening condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective therapy. The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure is a minimally invasive image-guided intervention used for secondary prevention of bleeding and as salvage therapy in acute bleeding. Emergency TIPS should be considered early in patients with refractory variceal bleeding once medical treatment and endoscopic sclerotherapy fail, before the clinical condition worsens. Furthermore, admission to specialized centers is mandatory in such a setting and regional protocols are essential to be organized effectively. This procedure involves establishment of a direct pathway between the hepatic veins and the portal veins to decompress the portal venous hypertension that is the source of the patient's bleeding. The procedure is technically challenging, especially in critically ill patients, and has a mortality of 30%-50% in the emergency setting, but has an effectiveness greater than 90% in controlling bleeding from gastro-esophageal varices. This review focuses on the role of TIPS in the setting of variceal bleeding, with emphasis on current indications and techniques for TIPS creation, TIPS clinical outcomes, and the role of adjuvant embolization of varices.

Risk of Bacterial Infection in Patients With Cirrhosis and Acute Variceal Hemorrhage, Based on Child-Pugh Class, and Effects of Antibiotics

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Antibiotics frequently are overused and are associated with serious adverse events in patients with cirrhosis. However, these drugs are recommended for all patients presenting with acute variceal hemorrhage (AVH). We investigated whether patients should be stratified for antibiotic prophylaxis based on Child-Pugh scores, to estimate risks of bacterial infection, rebleeding, and mortality, and whether antibiotics have equal effects on patients of all Child-Pugh classes. We performed a sensitivity analysis using model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, we analyzed data from 381 adult patients with cirrhosis and AVH (70% men; mean age, 56 y), admitted from 2000 through 2009 to 2 tertiary care hospitals in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We excluded patients with bacterial infection on the day of AVH. The association between antibiotic prophylaxis and outcomes was adjusted by liver disease severity and by a propensity score.

RESULTS

The patients included in the study had mean MELD scores of 16, and 54% received antibiotic prophylaxis. Overall, antibiotic therapy was associated with lower risks of infection (adjusted odds ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-0.74) and mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-1.29). Among patients categorized as Child-Pugh class A given antibiotics, only 2% developed infections and the mortality rate was 0.4%. Among patients categorized as Child-Pugh class B given antibiotics, 6% developed infections, compared with 14% of patients who did not receive antibiotics; antibiotics did not affect mortality. Administration of antibiotics to patients categorized as Child-Pugh class C reduced infections and mortality by approximately 50%, compared with patients who did not receive antibiotics. MELD scores were not as useful as Child-Pugh class in identifying patients at risk for infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a retrospective analysis of patients with cirrhosis and AVH, those categorized as Child-Pugh class A had lower rates of bacterial infection and lower mortality rates in the absence of antibiotic prophylaxis than patients categorized as classes B or C. The recommendation for routine antibiotic prophylaxis for this subgroup requires further evaluation.

Bacterial infections in cirrhosis: a position statement based on the EASL Special Conference 2013

Bacterial infections are very common and represent one of the most important reasons of progression of liver failure, development of liver-related complications, and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. In fact, bacterial infections may be a triggering factor for the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding, hypervolemic hyponatremia, hepatic encephalopathy, kidney failure, and development of acute-on-chronic liver failure. Moreover, infections are a very common cause of repeated hospitalizations, impaired health-related quality of life, and increased healthcare costs in cirrhosis. Bacterial infections develop as a consequence of immune dysfunction that occurs progressively during the course of cirrhosis. In a significant proportion of patients, infections are caused by gram-negative bacteria from intestinal origin, yet gram-positive bacteria are a frequent cause of infection, particularly in hospitalized patients. In recent years, infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria are becoming an important clinical problem in many countries. The reduction of the negative clinical impact of infections in patients with cirrhosis may be achieved by a combination of prophylactic measures, such as administration of antibiotics, to reduce the occurrence of infections in high-risk groups together with early identification and management of infection once it has developed. Investigation on the mechanisms of altered gut microflora, translocation of bacteria, and immune dysfunction may help develop more effective and safe methods of prevention compared to those that are currently available. Moreover, research on biomarkers of early infection may be useful in early diagnosis and treatment of infections. The current manuscript reports an in-depth review and a position statement on bacterial infections in cirrhosis.

The influential roles of antibiotics prophylaxis in cirrhotic patients with peptic ulcer bleeding after initial endoscopic treatments

The influential roles of antibiotic prophylaxis on cirrhotic patients with peptic ulcer bleeding are still not well documented. The purpose of this study is to clarify these influential roles and to identify the risk factors associated with rebleeding, bacterial infection and in-hospital mortality. A cross-sectional, chart review study was conducted on 210 cirrhotic patients with acute peptic ulcer hemorrhage who underwent therapeutic endoscopic procedures. Patients were divided into group A (with prophylactic intravenous ceftriaxone, n = 74) and group B (without antibiotics, n = 136). The outcomes were length of hospital days, prevention of infection, rebleeding rate and in-hospital mortality. Our results showed that more patients suffered from rebleeding and infection in group B than group A (31.6% vs. 5.4%; p<0.001 and 25% vs. 10.8%; p = 0.014 respectively). The risk factors for rebleeding were active alcoholism, unit of blood transfusion, Rockall score, model for end-stage liver disease score and antibiotic prophylaxis. The risk factors for infection were active alcoholism, Child-Pugh C, Rockall score and antibiotic prophylaxis. Rockall score was the predictive factor for in-hospital mortality. In conclusions, antibiotic prophylaxis in cirrhotic patients after endoscopic interventions for acute peptic ulcer hemorrhage reduced infections and rebleeding rate but not in-hospital mortality. Rockall score was the predictive factor of in-hospital mortality.

Management of acute variceal bleeding

Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is the most common cause of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis. Advances in the management of AVB have resulted in decreased mortality. To minimize mortality, a multidisciplinary approach addressing airway safety, prompt judicious volume resuscitation, vasoactive and antimicrobial pharmacotherapy, and early endoscopy to obliterate varices is necessary. Placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been used as rescue therapy for patients failing initial attempts at hemostasis. Patients who have a high likelihood of failing initial attempts at hemostasis may benefit from a more aggressive approach using TIPS earlier in their management.

Role of prophylactic antibiotics in cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding

Bacterial infections are common in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding, occurring in 20% within 48 h. Outcomes including early rebleeding and failure to control bleeding are strongly associated with bacterial infection. However, mortality from variceal bleeding is largely determined by the severity of liver disease. Besides a higher Child-Pugh score, patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are particularly susceptible to infections. Despite several hypotheses that include increased use of instruments, greater risk of aspiration pneumonia and higher bacterial translocation, it remains debatable whether variceal bleeding results in infection or vice versa but studies suggest that antibiotic prophylaxis prior to endoscopy and up to 8 h is useful in reducing bacteremia and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Aerobic gram negative bacilli of enteric origin are most commonly isolated from cultures, but more recently, gram positives and quinolone-resistant organisms are increasingly seen, even though their clinical significance is unclear. Fluoroquinolones (including ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin) used for short term (7 d) have the most robust evidence and are recommended in most expert guidelines. Short term intravenous cephalosporin (especially ceftriaxone), given in a hospital setting with prevalent quinolone-resistant organisms, has been shown in studies to be beneficial, particularly in high risk patients with advanced cirrhosis.

Management of end-stage liver disease

Patients with cirrhosis who experience hepatic decompensation, such as the development of ascites, SBP, variceal hemorrhage, or hepatic encephalopathy, or who develop HCC, are at a higher risk of mortality. Management should be focused on the prevention of recurrence of complications, and these patients should be referred for consideration of liver transplantation.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for the management of acute variceal hemorrhage

Acute variceal hemorrhage, a life-threatening condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective therapy, is defined as visible bleeding from an esophageal or gastric varix at the time of endoscopy, the presence of large esophageal varices with recent stigmata of bleeding, or fresh blood visible in the stomach with no other source of bleeding identified. Transfusion of blood products, pharmacological treatments and early endoscopic therapy are often effective; however, if primary hemostasis cannot be obtained or if uncontrollable early rebleeding occurs, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is recommended as rescue treatment. The TIPS represents a major advance in the treatment of complications of portal hypertension. Acute variceal hemorrhage that is poorly controlled with endoscopic therapy is generally well controlled with TIPS, which has a 90% to 100% success rate. However, TIPS is associated with a mortality of 30% to 50% in such a setting. Emergency TIPS should be considered early in patients with refractory variceal bleeding once medical treatment and endoscopic sclerotherapy failure, before the clinical condition worsens. Furthermore, admission to specialized centers is mandatory in such a setting and regional protocols are essential to be organized effectively. This review article discusses initial management and then focuses on the specific role of TIPS as a primary therapy to control acute variceal hemorrhage, particularly as a rescue therapy following failure of endoscopic approaches.

Portal hypertension and gastrointestinal bleeding: Diagnosis, prevention and management

Bleeding from esophageal varices is a life threatening complication of portal hypertension. Primary prevention of bleeding in patients at risk for a first bleeding episode is therefore a major goal. Medical prophylaxis consists of non-selective beta-blockers like propranolol or carvedilol. Variceal endoscopic band ligation is equally effective but procedure related morbidity is a drawback of the method. Therapy of acute bleeding is based on three strategies: vasopressor drugs like terlipressin, antibiotics and endoscopic therapy. In refractory bleeding, self-expandable stents offer an option for bridging to definite treatments like transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Treatment of bleeding from gastric varices depends on vasopressor drugs and on injection of varices with cyanoacrylate. Strategies for primary or secondary prevention are based on non-selective beta-blockers but data from large clinical trials is lacking. Therapy of refractory bleeding relies on shunt-procedures like TIPS. Bleeding from ectopic varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy and gastric antral vascular ectasia-syndrome is less common. Possible medical and endoscopic treatment options are discussed.

The outcome of prophylactic intravenous cefazolin and ceftriaxone in cirrhotic patients at different clinical stages of disease after endoscopic interventions for acute variceal hemorrhage

Antibiotic prophylaxis with norfloxacin, intravenous ciprofloxacin, or ceftriaxone has been recommended for cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage but little is known about intravenous cefazolin. This study aimed to compare the outcome of intravenous cefazolin and ceftriaxone as prophylactic antibiotics among cirrhotic patients at different clinical stages, and to identify the associated risk factors. The medical records of 713 patients with acute variceal bleeding who had received endoscopic procedures from were reviewed. Three hundred and eleven patients were entered for age-matched adjustment after strict exclusion criteria. After the adjustment, a total of 102 patients were enrolled and sorted into 2 groups according to the severity of cirrhosis: group A (Child's A patients, n = 51) and group B (Child's B and C patients, n = 51). The outcomes were prevention of infection, time of rebleeding, and death. Our subgroup analysis results failed to show a significant difference in infection prevention between patients who received prophylactic cefazolin and those who received ceftriaxone among Child's A patients (93.1% vs. 90.9%, p = 0.641); however, a trend of significance in favor of ceftriaxone prophylaxis (77.8% vs. 87.5%, p = 0.072) was seen among Child's B and C patients. More rebleeding cases were observed in patients who received cefazolin than in those who received ceftriaxone among Child's B and C patients (66.7% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.011) but not in Child's A patients (32% vs. 40.9%, p = 0.376). The risk factors associated with rebleeding were history of bleeding and use of prophylactic cefazolin among Child's B and C patients. In conclusion, this study suggests that prophylactic intravenous cefazolin may not be inferior to ceftriaxone in preventing infections and reducing rebleeding among Child's A cirrhotic patients after endoscopic interventions for acute variceal bleeding. Prophylactic intravenous ceftriaxone yields better outcome among Child's B and C patients.

Acute febrile illness in cirrhosis – thinking beyond spontaneous bacterial peritonitis!

Summary

The aim of this study was to look at the aetiological factors presenting as acute febrile illness in cirrhotic patients. The study group included all cirrhotic patients admitted as inpatients between January and December 2011 with a history of fever of less than seven days duration. Detailed history, clinical examination and investigations, as required, were noted. The data collected were analysed. A total of 42 patients formed the study group. The male-to-female ratio was 9.5:1. The mean age at presentation was 45.09 years (24 –77 years). The aetiological factors for fever were: spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (20), lower respiratory tract infection (8), urinary tract infection (6), lower limb cellulitis (4), acute cholecystitis (2) and malaria (2). The mean MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) score at presentation was 20.4. Three patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and a mean MELD score of 31 died during the hospital admission. Febrile illness in cirrhosis is attributable to multiple causes. Outcome is dependent on the severity of underlying liver disease.

Management of bacterial infections in cirrhosis

Bacterial infections are very frequent in advanced cirrhosis and become the first cause of death of these patients. Despite numerous experimental data and significant advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of sepsis in cirrhosis, the outcome remains poor. Classical diagnostic parameters such as C-reactive protein and SIRS criteria have less diagnostic capacity in the cirrhotic population, often delaying the diagnosis and the management of bacterial infection. Prompt and appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment of infection and early resuscitation of patients with severe sepsis or septic shock are essential in determining patient's outcome. A strategy of careful restriction of prophylactic antibiotics to the high-risk populations could reduce the spread of multidrug resistant bacteria. This review is focused on the currently recommended diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic strategies for bacterial infections in the cirrhotic population.

Meta-analysis: antibiotic prophylaxis for cirrhotic patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding - an updated Cochrane review

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic prophylaxis seems to decrease the incidence of bacterial infections in patients with cirrhosis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding and is considered standard of care. However, there is no updated information regarding the effects of this intervention.

AIM

To assess the benefits and harms of antibiotic prophylaxis in cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal bleeding by performing a systematic review of randomised trials.

METHODS

We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Science Citation Index EXPANDED until June 2010. We statistically combined data calculating relative risk (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes.

RESULTS

Twelve trials (1241 patients) evaluating antibiotic prophylaxis against placebo or no antibiotic prophylaxis were included. Antibiotic prophylaxis was associated with reduced mortality (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63-0.98), mortality from bacterial infections (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.19-0.97), bacterial infections (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.26-0.47), rebleeding (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38-0.74) and days of hospitalisation (MD -1.91, 95% CI -3.80-0.02). Trials analysing rebleeding rate and hospitalisation length are still scarce, thus, caution should be exerted when interpreting the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with cirrhosis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding significantly reduced bacterial infections, and reduce all-cause mortality, bacterial infection mortality, rebleeding events and hospitalisation length. Novel clinically significant outcomes were included in this meta-analysis. Some benefits are biased and the risks are not yet properly assessed, this encourages future research in this field.

Potential preventability of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic prophylaxis can reduce the incidence of the first episode and recurrent episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in high-risk cirrhotic patients. However, recent data suggest that SBP prophylaxis may be underused. It is unclear how many cases of cirrhosis that develop SBP might actually be prevented with antibiotic prophylaxis.

AIMS

To determine the number of "preventable" cases of SBP and the adherence to standard guidelines for the use of antibiotic prophylaxis.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of our patients diagnosed with SBP was performed. AASLD Guidelines (2004) for SBP prophylaxis include prior SBP, gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, ascitic fluid (AF), protein ≤ 1 g/dl, or serum bilirubin ≥ 2.5 mg/dl. "Preventable (P) SBP" was defined as SBP occurring where prophylaxis was indicated but was not administered. "Non-preventable (NP) SBP" was defined as SBP that occurred despite proper adherence to the guidelines. "Inevitable (I) SBP" were those cases of SBP occurring in the absence of a documented indication for prophylaxis.

RESULTS

A total of 259 patients with cirrhosis underwent paracentesis; 29 had confirmed SBP. Eighteen of the 29 patients (62%) had "P-SBP", one (3%) had "NP-SBP", and ten (34%) had "I-SBP". In the P-SBP cases, the overlooked indications for prophylaxis were GI hemorrhage (n, %) (8, 44%), serum bilirubin ≥ 2.5 mg/dl (6, 33%), prior SBP (2, 11%) and AF protein ≤ 1 g/dl (2, 11%). Of the P-SBP, 78% were community-acquired; 22% were nosocomial. In-hospital mortality in the P-SBP was 16% (n = 3). Only one-third of patients who survived SBP received long-term outpatient prophylaxis after discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Many cases of SBP could be prevented by adhering to the AASLD guidelines. GI hemorrhage is the most frequently overlooked indication for SBP prophylaxis. Studies identifying the reasons for non-adherence to guidelines and developing interventions to increase utilization are warranted.

The effects of cefazolin on cirrhotic patients with acute variceal hemorrhage after endoscopic interventions

BACKGROUND

The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) guidelines recommend that antibiotic prophylaxis should be instituted in any patient with cirrhosis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and that oral norfloxacin, intravenous ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone are preferable. However, the antimicrobial spectrum of the first generation of cephalosporins (cefazolin) covers a wide range of bacteria species, including community-acquired strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, but their efficacy as prophylactic antibiotics in cirrhotic patients with acute hemorrhage was seldom warranted in the literature. This study aimed to explore the effects of cefazolin on the outcome of cirrhotic patients with acute variceal hemorrhage after endoscopic interventions.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, retrospective chart review study was conducted on cirrhotic patients with acute variceal hemorrhage who underwent endoscopic procedures in a medical center. Cirrhotic patients who did not receive antibiotics were classified as group A (n = 63) while patients who received intravenous cefazolin 1 g q8 h for 2-7 days were classified as group B (n = 50). The end points were the prevention of infection, length of hospital stay, time of rebleeding, and death.

RESULTS

A total of 113 patients were studied (male/female: 82/31; age: 56.8 ± 13.5 years). The incidence of infection (including proven infections) and bacteremia were significantly lower in group B patients (38.1% vs. 16.0%, P = 0.010; 17.5% vs. 4.0%, P = 0.026; 9.5% vs. 0%, P = 0.033, respectively). The no prophylactic antibiotics treatment was the independent risk factor. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to the source of bleeding, type of endoscopic intervention, length of hospital stay, and mortality. Actuarial probability of remaining free of early rebleeding (<7 days) was P = 0.105 by log-rank test for all cirrhosis patients and P = 0.085 for Child-Pugh class A patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of cefazolin in cirrhotic patients after endoscopic interventions for acute variceal hemorrhage reduced infections. A trend of actuarial probability of remaining free of early rebleeding (<7 days) was observed, especially in Child-Pugh class A patients. This study may be hampered by the small sample size and more large-scale studies are mandatory.

[Ascites, hepatorenal syndrome and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with portal hypertension]

Ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and variceal hemorrhage are three major complications of portal hypertension. The diagnostic evaluation of ascites involves an assessment of its etiology by determining the serum-ascites albumin gradient and the exclusion of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Ascites is primarily related to an inability to excrete an adequate amount of sodium into urine, leading to a positive sodium balance. Sodium restriction and diuretic therapy are keys of ascites control. But, with the case of refractory ascites, large volume paracentesis and transjugular portosystemic shunts are required. In hepatorenal syndrome, splanchnic vasodilatation with reduction in effective arterial volume causes intense renal vasoconstriction. Splanchnic and/or peripheral vasoconstrictors with albumin infusion, and renal replacement therapy are only bridging therapy. Liver transplantation is the only definitive modality of improving the long term prognosis.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for cirrhotic patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND

Bacterial infections are a frequent complication in patients with cirrhosis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Antibiotic prophylaxis seems to decrease the incidence of bacterial infections. Oral antibiotics, active against enteric bacteria, have been commonly used as antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with cirrhosis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2002.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of antibiotic prophylaxis in cirrhotic patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index EXPANDED until June 2010. In addition, we handsearched the references of all identified studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised clinical trials comparing different types of antibiotic prophylaxis with no intervention, placebo, or another antibiotic to prevent bacterial infections in cirrhotic patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three authors independently assessed trial quality, risk of bias, and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information. Association measures were relative risk (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

Twelve trials (1241 patients) evaluated antibiotic prophylaxis compared with placebo or no antibiotic prophylaxis. All trials were at risk of bias. Antibiotic prophylaxis compared with no intervention or placebo was associated with beneficial effects on mortality (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.98), mortality from bacterial infections (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.97), bacterial infections (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.49), rebleeding (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.74), days of hospitalisation (MD -1.91, 95% CI -3.80 to -0.02), bacteraemia (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.40), pneumonia (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.75), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.57), and urinary tract infections (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.41). No serious adverse events were reported. The trials showed no significant heterogeneity of effects. Another five trials (650 patients) compared different antibiotic regimens. Data could not be combined as each trial used different antibiotic regimen. None of the examined antibiotic regimen was superior to the control regimen regarding mortality or bacterial infections.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic antibiotic use in patients with cirrhosis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding significantly reduced bacterial infections, and seems to have reduced all-cause mortality, bacterial infection mortality, rebleeding events, and hospitalisation length. These benefits were observed independently of the type of antibiotic used; thus, no specific antibiotic can be preferred. Therefore, antibiotic selection should be made considering local conditions such as bacterial resistance profile and treatment cost.

Acute esophageal variceal bleeding: Current strategies and new perspectives

Management of acute variceal bleeding has greatly improved over recent years. Available data indicates that general management of the bleeding cirrhotic patient by an experienced multidisciplinary team plays a major role in the final outcome of this complication. It is currently recommended to combine pharmacological and endoscopic therapies for the initial treatment of the acute bleeding. Vasoactive drugs (preferable somatostatin or terlipressin) should be started as soon as a variceal bleeding is suspected (ideally during transfer to hospital) and maintained afterwards for 2-5 d. After stabilizing the patient with cautious fluid and blood support, an emergency diagnostic endoscopy should be done and, as soon as a skilled endoscopist is available, an endoscopic variceal treatment (ligation as first choice, sclerotherapy if endoscopic variceal ligation not feasible) should be performed. Antibiotic prophylaxis must be regarded as an integral part of the treatment of acute variceal bleeding and should be started at admission and maintained for at least 7 d. In case of failure to control the acute bleeding, rescue therapies should be immediately started. Shunt therapies (especially transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) are very effective at controlling treatment failures after an acute variceal bleeding. Therapeutic developments and increasing knowledge in the prognosis of this complication may allow optimization of the management strategy by adapting the different treatments to the expected risk of complications for each patient in the near future. Theoretically, this approach would allow the initiation of early aggressive treatments in high-risk patients and spare low-risk individuals unnecessary procedures. Current research efforts will hopefully clarify this hypothesis and help to further improve the outcomes of the severe complication of cirrhosis.

The safety and probable therapeutic effect of routine use of antibiotics and simultaneously treating bleeding gastric varices by using endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection and concomitant esophageal varices with banding ligation: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal varices are the most common type of gastric varices. Although endoscopic injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate is the current treatment of choice for acute gastric variceal bleeding, whether the concomitant esophageal varices should be ligated simultaneously with the first treatment session is currently not known.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and probable therapeutic effect of simultaneous cyanoacrylate injection for bleeding gastric varices obliteration (GVO) and endoscopic band ligation (EBL) for concomitant esophageal varices in combination with routine antibiotics (simultaneous group), and to compare our results with historical results in which the patients underwent GVO first and then EBL for concomitant esophageal varices (separate group).

DESIGN

A single-center pilot study.

SETTING

A tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Patients with liver cirrhosis and gastroesophageal varices, who presented with acute gastric varices bleeding.

INTERVENTIONS

Simultaneous treatment in the form of GVO and EBL for concomitant esophageal varices in combination with routine antibiotics.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

Rebleeding and mortality within the first year of index bleeding.

RESULTS

Twenty patients in the simultaneous group and 67 patients in the separate group were included in the study. The 2 groups had similar baseline characteristics. The hemostasis of active bleeding was 100% in both groups (7/7 vs 20/20). The 1-year rebleeding rate was 10% (2/20) in the simultaneous group and 37.31% (25/67) in the separate group (P = .041). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed higher probability of remaining free of rebleeding in the simultaneous group (88.5% vs 61.1%; P = .044). Multivariate analysis indicated that treatment method (separate group) and high model for end-stage liver disease score (> or = 13) were independent risk factors of rebleeding in 1 year. The treatment failure, complications, 1-year mortality, and survival were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous endoscopic treatment for gastric varices bleeding and concomitant esophageal varices is a safe and effective procedure in combination with antibiotic prophylaxis for patients with cirrhosis. The 1-year mortality rate was similar between the 2 groups. The results need further validation.

Independent factors associated with recurrent bleeding in cirrhotic patients with esophageal variceal hemorrhage

BACKGROUND, PURPOSE, AND METHODS: Cirrhotic patients with acute esophageal variceal (EV) hemorrhage are characterized by high mortality and rebleeding rates. This study was conducted to investigate the independent indicators of recurrent hemorrhage in cirrhotic patients within 6 weeks after cessation of initial EV bleeding. Ninety-seven consecutive cirrhotic patients with EV bleeding, but without evidence of infection, who were admitted to our hospital between December 2005 and February 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these patients, 14 patients with recurrent hemorrhage and 83 without rebleeding within 6 weeks were enrolled as the rebleeding group and non-rebleeding group, respectively.

RESULTS

The incidence of infection and number of EV ligations were significantly higher in the rebleeding group than in the non-rebleeding group (P=0.043 and 0.042, respectively). Other parameters, such as age, gender, etiology and severity of liver cirrhosis, ascites, spleen diameter, laboratory data, hepatocellular carcinoma, portal vein thrombosis, peptic ulcer disease, blood pressure, requirements of blood transfusion and differential vasoactive mediations, had no significant influence on the incidence of rebleeding. The ratio of mortality (7/14 vs. 3/83) was significantly higher in the rebleeding group (P=0.0002), and these cases were caused by rebleeding and sepsis. The frequency of rebleeding and mortality mostly occurred within the first 2 weeks after admission.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that early recurrent hemorrhage after initial EV bleeding in cirrhotic patients is significantly associated with higher incidence of bacterial infection and more numbers of EV ligations due to extensive surface area of mucosal injury and post-banding ulcers. Prevention of rebleeding and infection plays a major role in reducing the rate of mortality in cirrhotic patients with EV bleeding.

Oral antibiotic prophylaxis reduces spontaneous bacterial peritonitis occurrence and improves short-term survival in cirrhosis: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious complication of advanced liver disease resulting in high mortality rates. Although studies that assessed the use of oral antibiotics in advanced liver disease demonstrated a clear benefit in reducing the risk of recurrent peritonitis, it is unclear whether mortality rates are similarly affected by this practice. The goal of this study was to determine whether oral antibiotic therapy provides a survival benefit for patients with advanced cirrhosis and ascites. Through subgroup analysis, we also evaluated the effect of prophylactic oral antibiotic therapy on the prevention of SBP and the incidence of all infections (including SBP) when compared with non-treated or placebo controls.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE (1966 to May 2008), bibliographies of retrieved trials, and reports presented at major scientific meetings. Eligible studies included prospective, randomized controlled trials comparing high-risk cirrhotic patients receiving oral antibiotic prophylaxis for SBP with groups receiving placebo or no intervention. Dichotomous outcomes were reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Eight studies with a total of 647 patients were identified and included in this analysis. The combined analysis showed an overall mortality benefit (RR=0.65; 95% CI, 0.48-0.88) for treatment groups. The overall mortality rate was 16% (52/324) for treated patients and 25% (81/323) for the control group. Groups treated with prophylactic antibiotics also demonstrated a lower incidence of all infections (including SBP) of 6.2% as compared with the control groups with a rate of 22.2% (RR=0.32; P<0.00001; 95% CI, 0.20-0.51). Subgroup analysis showed a survival benefit at 3 months (RR=0.28; P=0.005; 95% CI, 0.12-0.68).

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic prophylaxis improved short-term survival in treated patients when compared with untreated control groups and reduced the overall risk of infections, including SBP, during follow-up. In summary, antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered for high-risk cirrhotic patients with ascites.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Since its initial description in 1964, research has transformed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) from a feared disease (with reported mortality of 90%) to a treatable complication of decompensated cirrhosis, albeit with steady prevalence and a high recurrence rate. Bacterial translocation, the key mechanism in the pathogenesis of SBP, is only possible because of the concurrent failure of defensive mechanisms in cirrhosis. Variants of SBP should be treated. Leucocyte esterase reagent strips have managed to shorten the ‘tap-to-shot’ time, while future studies should look into their combined use with ascitic fluid pH. Third generation cephalosporins are the antibiotic of choice because they have a number of advantages. Renal dysfunction has been shown to be an independent predictor of mortality in patients with SBP. Albumin is felt to reduce the risk of renal impairment by improving effective intravascular volume, and by helping to bind pro-inflammatory molecules. Following a single episode of SBP, patients should have long-term antibiotic prophylaxis and be considered for liver transplantation.

Long-term prognosis of cirrhotics with an upper gastrointestinal bleeding episode: does infection play a role?

BACKGROUND AND AIM

We evaluated the effect of infection on the short- and long-term outcome of cirrhotic patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), in a series of patients not submitted to antibiotic prophylaxis.

METHODS

The cirrhotic patients hospitalized for UGIB were prospectively followed up until the last visit, death, or transplantation. A standard screening protocol was used for bacterial infection at admission.

RESULTS

In total, 205 patients were included in the study. Antibiotics were administered in 79 (38.5%) patients and an infection was documented in 64 (31.4%) patients. In total, 130 (63.4%) patients died after a mean (SD) follow up of 23.8 (30.9) months. Six-week mortality was higher in the infected patients (P < 0.0001). The mortality of patients who were alive 6 weeks after admission was not different between the infected and non-infected patients. Antibiotic use or bacterial infection, the Child-Pugh score, hepatocellular carcinoma, and creatinine were the independent predictors of 6-week mortality. Age and the Child-Pugh score were the only predictors of mortality of the patients who had survived for more than 6 weeks after acute bleeding. In total, 51 (24.9%) patients rebled, 37 (18.1%) within 5 days of admission. Rebleeding was more frequent (41.8% vs 14.3%, P < 0.0001) in infected patients, mostly due to differences in early rebleeding (31.6% vs 9.5%, P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Bacterial infection is associated with failure to control UGIB and early mortality in cirrhotic patients, but does not seem to affect the outcome of patients who overcome the bleeding episode.

Enterococcus: not an innocent bystander in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Clinicians sometimes experience treatment failure in the initial empirical antibiotics treatment using cephalosporins in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Enterococcus, which is intrinsically resistant to cephalosporins, may be one of the causes of treatment failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical importance and the clinical characteristics of spontaneous enterococcal peritonitis (SEP). This was a retrospective cohort study of 359 patients with SBP treated in a single tertiary care center in South Korea from January 2000 through December 2004. We evaluated the clinical manifestation and the treatment results of SBP patients with enterococci identified from ascites culture. During the observation period, 13 of 359 patients (3.6%) diagnosed with culture-positive SBP had enterococcal peritonitis. For the initial empirical treatment, third-generation cephalosporins were administered to the 13 patients, ten of whom (76.9%) did not improve in the first 48 h. An in vitro antibiotic sensitivity test showed that the identified enterococci were susceptible to ampicillin plus gentamycin in eight patients (61.5%) and there was no vancomycin-resistant enterococcus. Although antibiotics were changed to antienterococcal antibiotics in 11 patients, only five patients improved. As a result, eight of the 13 patients (61.5%) with enterococcal SBP died during the observation period, and the one-month mortality was significantly higher from enterococcal SBP than from nonenterococcal SBP (P = 0.038). We conclude that enterococcal SBP has poor prognosis and it is reasonable to use antienterococcal antibiotics when enterococcus is identified from ascites culture of patients with liver cirrhosis.

Emerging drugs for complications of end-stage liver disease

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of end-stage liver disease is rising rapidly and constitutes a major healthcare burden currently. Many cases are diagnosed at a later stage when liver transplantation is the only effective treatment option. There is thus an urgent need for novel treatments to reverse the earlier stages of cirrhosis as well as to treat the many associated life-threatening complications.

OBJECTIVES

To review the current drugs available for treating the complications of advanced liver disease. To address novel treatment strategies that are in development, with particular reference to the rapidly developing area of antifibrotic therapy. To assess how the obstacles that have so far impeded the development of effective new drugs for end-stage liver disease may be overcome in the future.

METHODS

The literature was reviewed to define current therapies and therapies in clinical trials. We used the current models of the molecular basis of liver fibrogenesis to determine potential new therapeutic targets for antifibrotic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Insights into the pathogenesis of liver injury and fibrosis have opened up new avenues for therapy and there are now candidates and targets with real potential for the development of a new generation of antifibrotic therapies.

Infection et rupture de varice œsophagienne au cours de la cirrhose

Endotoxemia and bacterial infection are frequent in patients with cirrhosis. They alter systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics, worsen coagulation disorders, impair liver function and thus may induce variceal bleeding. In variceal bleeding, bacterial infection favours failure to control bleeding, early rebleeding, and death. In patients with cirrhosis and variceal bleeding, antibiotic-prophylaxis decreases bacterial infection and the incidence of early rebleeding, and, more important, significantly decreases the death rate in these patients.

Prevention and treatment of infections in patients with cirrhosis

Patients with cirrhosis have altered immune defenses and are considered immunocompromised individuals. Changes in gut motility, mucosal defense and microflora allow for translocation of enteric bacteria into mesenteric lymph nodes and the blood stream. Additionally, the cirrhotic liver is ineffective at clearing bacteria and associated endotoxins from the blood thus allowing for seeding of the sterile peritoneal fluid. Thus, hospitalised cirrhotic patients, particularly those with gastrointestinal hemorrhage, are at high risk of developing bacterial infections, the most common being spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and the fact that half of the cases are community acquired, all hospitalised cirrhotic patients should have a diagnostic paracentesis to exclude infection. Those admitted with gastrointestinal bleed and a negative paracentesis require short-term prophylaxis with norfloxacin. A third generation cephalosporin is the treatment of choice for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and, once the acute infection is resolved, secondary prophylaxis with oral norfloxacin is warranted. Patients who develop renal dysfunction at the time of active infection have the highest mortality and require adjunctive albumin therapy. This article reviews the pathogenesis of SBP, the evidence behind the antibiotics used, the rationale for adjunctive albumin therapy in the setting of acute renal failure, and the role of prophylactic antibiotics in specific high-risk populations.

The use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt in the management of acute oesophageal variceal haemorrhage

Variceal haemorrhage is a common and serious complication of portal hypertension. Endoscopic therapy is successful in the majority in controlling bleeding but in those who continue to bleed transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt is highly effective in achieving haemostasis, although the evidence base that this is associated with improved survival is limited. This review discusses initial management and then the particular role of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt. A management algorithm is proposed. The timing of intervention is emphasized and the importance of admission to specialized centres. Regional protocols are probably essential for the latter to be organized effectively.

Norfloxacin vs ceftriaxone in the prophylaxis of infections in patients with advanced cirrhosis and hemorrhage

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Oral norfloxacin is the standard of therapy in the prophylaxis of bacterial infections in cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage. However, during the last years, the epidemiology of bacterial infections in cirrhosis has changed, with a higher incidence of infections caused by quinolone-resistant bacteria. This randomized controlled trial was aimed to compare oral norfloxacin vs intravenous ceftriaxone in the prophylaxis of bacterial infection in cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.

METHODS

One hundred eleven patients with advanced cirrhosis (at least 2 of the following: ascites, severe malnutrition, encephalopathy, or bilirubin >3 mg/dL) and gastrointestinal hemorrhage were randomly treated with oral norfloxacin (400 mg twice daily; n = 57) or intravenous ceftriaxone (1 g/day; n = 54) for 7 days. The end point of the trial was the prevention of bacterial infections within 10 days after inclusion.

RESULTS

Clinical data were comparable between groups. The probability of developing proved or possible infections, proved infections, and spontaneous bacteremia or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was significantly higher in patients receiving norfloxacin (33% vs 11%, P = .003; 26% vs 11%, P = .03; and 12% vs 2%, P = .03, respectively). The type of antibiotic used (norfloxacin), transfusion requirements at inclusion, and failure to control bleeding were independent predictors of infection. Seven gram-negative bacilli were isolated in the norfloxacin group, and 6 were quinolone resistant. Non-enterococcal streptococci were only isolated in the norfloxacin group. No difference in hospital mortality was observed between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous ceftriaxone is more effective than oral norfloxacin in the prophylaxis of bacterial infections in patients with advanced cirrhosis and hemorrhage.