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Biswas S, Shalimar. Liver Transplantation for Acute Liver Failure- Indication, Prioritization, Timing, and Referral. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:820-834. [PMID: 37693253 PMCID: PMC10483009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a major success story in gastroenterology, with improvements in critical care and liver transplant resulting in significant improvements in patient outcomes in the current era compared to the dismal survival rates in the pretransplant era. However, the ever-increasing list of transplant candidates and limited organ pool makes judicious patient selection and organ use mandatory to achieve good patient outcomes and prevent organ wastage. Several scoring systems exist to facilitate the identification of patients who need a liver transplant and would therefore need an early referral to a specialized liver unit. The timing of the liver transplant is also crucial as transplanting a patient too early would lead to those who would recover spontaneously receiving an organ (wastage), and a late decision might result in the patient becoming unfit for transplant (delisted) or have an advanced disease which would result in poor post-transplant outcomes. The current article reviews the indications and contraindications of liver transplant in ALF patients, the various prognostic scoring systems, etiology-specific outcomes, prioritization and timing of referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagnik Biswas
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition Unit, All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, India
| | - Shalimar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition Unit, All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, India
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Hunt A, Tasker RC, Deep A. Neurocritical care monitoring of encephalopathic children with acute liver failure: A systematic review. Pediatr Transplant 2019; 23:e13556. [PMID: 31407855 DOI: 10.1111/petr.13556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Research on non-invasive neuromonitoring specific to PALF is limited. This systematic review identifies and synthesis the existing literature on non-invasive approaches to monitoring for neurological sequelae in patients with PALF. A series of literature searches were performed to identify all publications pertaining to five different non-invasive neuromonitoring modalities, in line with PRISMA guidelines. Each modality was selected on the basis of its potential for direct or indirect measurement of cerebral perfusion; studies on electroencephalographic monitoring were therefore not sought. Data were recorded on study design, patient population, comparator groups, and outcomes. A preponderance of observational studies was observed, most with a small sample size. Few incorporated direct comparisons of different modalities; in particular, comparison to invasive intracranial pressure monitoring was largely lacking. The integration of current evidence is considered in the context of the clinically significant distinctions between pediatric and adult ALF, as well as the implications for planning of future investigations to best support the evidence-based clinical care of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Hunt
- University College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Robert C Tasker
- Harvard Medical School, Chair in Neurocritical Care, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Akash Deep
- Paediatric Intensive Care, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a life-threatening condition of heterogeneous etiology. Outcomes are better with early recognition and prompt initiation of etiology-specific therapy, intensive care protocols, and liver transplantation (LT). Prognostic scoring systems include the King's College Criteria and Model for End-stage Liver Disease score. Cerebral edema and intracranial hypertension are reasons for high morbidity and mortality; hypertonic saline is suggested for patients with a high risk for developing intracranial hypertension, and when it does, mannitol is recommended as first-line therapy. Extracorporeal liver support system may serve as a bridge to LT and may increase LT-free survival in select cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chalermrat Bunchorntavakul
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Rajavithi Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Rajavithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, 2 Dulles, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - K Rajender Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, 2 Dulles, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Wendon, J, Cordoba J, Dhawan A, Larsen FS, Manns M, Samuel D, Simpson KJ, Yaron I, Bernardi M. EASL Clinical Practical Guidelines on the management of acute (fulminant) liver failure. J Hepatol 2017; 66:1047-1081. [PMID: 28417882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 495] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The term acute liver failure (ALF) is frequently applied as a generic expression to describe patients presenting with or developing an acute episode of liver dysfunction. In the context of hepatological practice, however, ALF refers to a highly specific and rare syndrome, characterised by an acute abnormality of liver blood tests in an individual without underlying chronic liver disease. The disease process is associated with development of a coagulopathy of liver aetiology, and clinically apparent altered level of consciousness due to hepatic encephalopathy. Several important measures are immediately necessary when the patient presents for medical attention. These, as well as additional clinical procedures will be the subject of these clinical practice guidelines.
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Johnson GGRJ, Zeiler FA, Unger B, Hansen G, Karakitsos D, Gillman LM. Estimating the accuracy of optic nerve sheath diameter measurement using a pocket-sized, handheld ultrasound on a simulation model. Crit Ultrasound J 2016; 8:18. [PMID: 27832503 PMCID: PMC5104698 DOI: 10.1186/s13089-016-0053-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasound measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) appears to be a promising, rapid, non-invasive bedside tool for identification of elevated intra-cranial pressure. With improvements in ultrasound technology, machines are becoming smaller; however, it is unclear if these ultra-portable handheld units have the resolution to make these measurements precisely. In this study, we estimate the accuracy of ONSD measurement in a pocket-sized ultrasound unit. METHODS Utilizing a locally developed, previously validated model of the eye, ONSD was measured by two expert observers, three times with two machines and on five models with different optic nerve sheath sizes. A pocket ultrasound (Vscan, GE Healthcare) and a standard portable ultrasound (M-Turbo, SonoSite) were used to measure the models. Data was analyzed by Bland-Altman plot and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS The ICC between raters for the SonoSite was 0.878, and for the Vscan was 0.826. The between-machine agreement ICC was 0.752. Bland-Altman agreement analysis between the two ultrasound methods showed an even spread across the range of sheath sizes, and that the Vscan tended to read on average 0.33 mm higher than the SonoSite for each measurement, with a standard deviation of 0.65 mm. CONCLUSIONS Accurate ONSD measurement may be possible utilizing pocket-sized, handheld ultrasound devices despite their small screen size, lower resolution, and lower probe frequencies. Further study in human subjects is warranted for all newer handheld ultrasound models as they become available on the market.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frederick A Zeiler
- Departments of Surgery, University of Manitoba, GF439, 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1R9, Canada.,Clinician Investigator Program, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Bertram Unger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Critical Care, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Gregory Hansen
- Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Lawrence M Gillman
- Departments of Surgery, University of Manitoba, GF439, 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1R9, Canada.
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Goeres P, Zeiler FA, Unger B, Karakitsos D, Gillman LM. Ultrasound assessment of optic nerve sheath diameter in healthy volunteers. J Crit Care 2016; 31:168-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2015.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Seo H, Kim YK, Shin W, Hwang G. Ultrasonographic Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Is Correlated With Arterial Carbon Dioxide Concentration During Reperfusion in Liver Transplant Recipients. Transplant Proc 2013; 45:2272-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2012.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/30/2012] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Vaquero J. Therapeutic hypothermia in the management of acute liver failure. Neurochem Int 2012; 60:723-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2011.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Revised: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/13/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Acute liver failure (ALF) is a devastating syndrome afflicting previously healthy individuals. Early recognition of the illness is crucial, as aggressive treatment may improve outcomes. Despite significant advances in care, however, the mortality remains high (30-100%). This brief review will focus on the causes and overall management of the complications of ALF. RECENT FINDINGS Our knowledge of the causes of ALF has expanded significantly in the last decade. The mechanism of hepatic encephalopathy and cerebral edema in this setting continues to be elucidated and is discussed here. SUMMARY Improved outcomes can be achieved with the early recognition and aggressive management of ALF.
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Moderate hypothermia with intracranial pressure monitoring as a therapeutic paradigm for the management of acute liver failure: a systematic review. Intensive Care Med 2009; 36:210-3. [PMID: 19847396 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-009-1702-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 10/05/2009] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review the literature and present data on the safety and efficacy of induced moderate hypothermia combined with ICP monitoring in critically ill patients with acute liver failure. DESIGN We conducted a retrospective observational search of MEDLINE database using both OVID and PubMed with the following MeSH terms, "Hypothermia, Induced," "Brain Edema," "Intracranial Hypertension" (ICH), "Liver failure, Acute" and "Liver Failure, Fulminant." We limited our search to case series involving at least three human subjects and all other clinical trials. Baseline ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) as well as the response of these variables to hypothermia were recorded when available. Additional clinical and demographic data were also recorded. RESULTS Five case series were identified. Pre-existing coagulopathy from liver failure was reversed by various modalities in all studies prior to insertion of ICP monitors. Induction of moderate hypothermia combined with ICP monitoring consistently improved ICP, CPP and CBF in four trials; one trial demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of moderate induced hypothermia as part of a protocolized strategy for the management of ICH. CONCLUSIONS Limited data exist concerning the safety and efficacy of moderate hypothermia and ICP monitoring for the treatment of ICH in acute liver failure. The available evidence shows that induction of moderate hypothermia in this clinical setting is feasible and possibly efficacious. Well-designed prospective clinical trials are warranted in this challenging context, given the potential of providing a bridge to liver transplantation or even clinical recovery.
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Arab JP, Pizarro M, Solis N, Sun H, Thevananther S, Arrese M. Mild hypothermia does not affect liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice. Liver Int 2009; 29:344-8. [PMID: 18662277 PMCID: PMC2859296 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2008.01834.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of mild hypothermia has been suggested to be therapeutically useful in treating acute liver failure. It is not known if hypothermia influences liver regeneration. AIM To assess the effect of hypothermia on liver regeneration in mice. METHODS After partial (70%) hepatectomy (PHx), C57BL6/J mice were randomly assigned to either a hypothermic group or a normothermic group. Controlled mild hypothermia was maintained for up to 3 h after surgery. In addition, assessment of liver mass restitution was examined by studying the induction of key cell cycle proteins (cyclin A, D1 and E) and hepatocyte proliferation [assessment of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein expression] by Western blotting and DNA synthesis by measuring 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation by immunohistochemical techniques 45 h after PHx. RESULTS Partial hepatectomy induced a vigorous proliferative response in the remnant livers of both groups of mice (normothermic and hypothermic groups), as evidenced by the induction of key cyclins, PCNA and incorporation of BrdU after PHx. The liver/body weight ratio and both cyclin and PCNA protein expression as well as BrdU incorporation did not differ between the regenerating livers of hypothermic and normothermic groups. CONCLUSION Mild hypothermia does not influence liver regeneration in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Arab
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Margarita Pizarro
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nancy Solis
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile,CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Marco Arrese, MD, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Marcoleta 367. Postal Code: 833-0024 CHILE. Pone/Fax: 56-2-6397780;
| | - Hongdan Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Texas Children’s Liver Center, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sundararajah Thevananther
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Texas Children’s Liver Center, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marco Arrese
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile,CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Marco Arrese, MD, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Marcoleta 367. Postal Code: 833-0024 CHILE. Pone/Fax: 56-2-6397780;
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Encephalopathy and cerebral edema in the setting of acute liver failure: pathogenesis and management. Neurocrit Care 2008; 9:97-102. [PMID: 18688582 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-008-9123-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral edema is a potential life-threatening complication in patients with acute liver failure who progress to grade III/IV encephalopathy. The incidence is variably reported but appears to be most prevalent in those patients with hyperacute liver failure as opposed to subacute forms of liver failure. In those patients who are deemed at risk of cerebral edema and raised intracranial pressure, insertion of an intra-cranial pressure monitoring device may be considered to optimize treatment and interventions. The pathogenesis of cerebral edema in this setting remains controversial, although recent work suggests a pivotal role for arterial ammonia, whose effects appear to be potentiated by the presence of systemic inflammation. Recent work has also suggested the import of free radical formation occurring at a mitochondrial level as being the potential mediator of cellular dysfunction as opposed to ammonia per se. Treatment of such patients requires a multi-disciplinary approach incorporating both hepatology and critical care. In a significant proportion of such cases, consideration of liver transplantation may be required. Treatment should be focused at optimizing liver function and regenerative capacity and minimizing the inflammatory milieu. Controlled studies are lacking and much of the management has been extrapolated from neurocritical care. Sustained elevation of intracranial pressure may be responsive to mannitol or hypertonic saline bolus, and in those with hyperemia indomethacin has been reported as beneficial in case series. Recently, interest has developed into the use of cooling in the management of patients with acute liver failure and raised intracranial pressure. Animal studies support this treatment option as do case series, although randomized trials are still awaited.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present review describes new trends and ongoing controversies in the anesthetic care of liver transplant recipients. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have improved our knowledge of conditions increasing perioperative risk, such as portopulmonary hypertension and renal failure. Improved surgical and anesthetic management has reduced intraoperative blood loss, as more studies identify an independent association between blood transfusion and poor outcome. New concepts in the coagulopathy of liver failure are emerging, with clear implications for clinical practice, including greater awareness of the risks of intraoperative thromboembolism. Less invasive intraoperative hemodynamic monitoring has been advocated, as has wider use of transoesophageal echocardiography. Early extubation is becoming more routinized. SUMMARY Anesthetic management still varies widely between liver transplant centers with little data to indicate best practice. Future research should focus on fluid replacement, prevention and treatment of coagulopathy, care of the acutely ill patient and the safety and benefits of early extubation.
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Vaquero J, Butterworth RF. Mechanisms of brain edema in acute liver failure and impact of novel therapeutic interventions. Neurol Res 2008; 29:683-90. [PMID: 18173908 DOI: 10.1179/016164107x240099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Continued elucidation of the mechanisms of brain edema in acute liver failure (ALF) has established ammonia and the astrocyte as major players in its pathogenesis. The metabolism of ammonia to glutamine appears to be a requisite, and is followed by an osmotic disturbance in the brain, mitochondrial dysfunction with oxidative/nitrosative stress, and alterations of brain glucose metabolism. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is also altered in ALF and strongly influence the development of brain edema and intracranial hypertension. Additional factors such as systemic inflammation, alterations of the brain extracellular concentration of amino acids and neurotransmitters, and others have been identified and may contribute to the cerebral alterations of ALF. Such pathophysiologic insights are reflected in the various clinical trials of novel therapeutic interventions using ammonia-lowering agents, N-acetylcysteine, hypertonic saline, indomethacin, high-volume plasmapheresis, bio-artificial liver assist devices, albumin dialysis and mild hypothermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Vaquero
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Hôpital Saint-Luc (CHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, H2X3J4, QC., Canada
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Diagnosis and Management of Liver Failure in the Adult. Crit Care Med 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-032304841-5.50078-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Murphy N. The Pathology and Management of Intracranial Hypertension in Acute Liver Failure. Intensive Care Med 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-49518-7_60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres T Blei
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of Hepatology, 303 E Chicago Avenue - Searle 10-574, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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