Portopulmonary hypertension: Results from a 10-year screening algorithm

Association of Cardiopulmonary Hemodynamics and Mortality in Veterans With Liver Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH), associated with increased mortality, can limit treatment options for liver diseases. Data on the continuum of clinical risk related to cardiopulmonary hemodynamics in PoPH are lacking.

METHODS AND RESULTS

As part of the United States national Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking database, we performed a retrospective cohort study of adults with cirrhosis undergoing right heart catheterization between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2022. Pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary arterial pressure [mPAP] >20 mm Hg without PoPH) and PoPH (mPAP >20 mm Hg+pulmonary artery wedge pressure ≤15 mm Hg+pulmonary vascular resistance ≥3 WU) were defined by right heart catheterization hemodynamics. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards using natural splines for hemodynamic variables were used to evaluate the association between cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and mortality following right heart catheterization. A total of 4409 patients were included in the final analysis, predominantly men (96.3%), with a mean age of 68.5 years. Pulmonary hypertension and PoPH were observed in 71.6% and 10.2% of the cohort, respectively. Compared with a reference cardiac index of 2.5 L/min per m2, the hazard for mortality increased progressively with decreasing cardiac index, even after adjustment for mPAP and pulmonary vascular resistance. The minority of patients with PoPH (N=65, 14.5%) were prescribed pulmonary vasodilator therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that pulmonary hypertension and PoPH are prevalent in veterans with chronic liver disease, but low use of targeted PoPH therapy persists. Cardiac function discriminated mortality risk across a wide range of mPAP and pulmonary vascular resistance values and may diagnose and clarify prognosis in this patient population.

Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver clinical practice guidelines on liver transplantation

Liver transplantation is a highly complex and challenging field of clinical practice. Although it was originally developed in western countries, it has been further advanced in Asian countries through the use of living donor liver transplantation. This method of transplantation is the only available option in many countries in the Asia-Pacific region due to the lack of deceased organ donation. As a result of this clinical situation, there is a growing need for guidelines that are specific to the Asia-Pacific region. These guidelines provide comprehensive recommendations for evidence-based management throughout the entire process of liver transplantation, covering both deceased and living donor liver transplantation. In addition, the development of these guidelines has been a collaborative effort between medical professionals from various countries in the region. This has allowed for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and experiences, leading to a more comprehensive and effective set of guidelines.

Pathophysiology of Hepatorenal Syndrome

Hepatorenal syndrome type 1 (HRS-1) is a unique form of acute kidney injury that affects individuals with decompensated cirrhosis with ascites. The primary mechanism leading to reduction of kidney function in HRS-1 is hemodynamic in nature. Cumulative evidence points to a cascade of events that led to a profound reduction in kidney perfusion. A state of increased intrahepatic vascular resistance characteristic of advanced cirrhosis and portal hypertension is accompanied by maladaptive peripheral arterial vasodilation and reduction in systemic vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure. As a result of a fall in effective arterial blood volume, there is a compensatory activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin system, local renal vasoconstriction, loss of renal autoregulation, decrease in renal blood flow, and ultimately a fall in glomerular filtration rate. Systemic release of nitric oxide stimulated by the fibrotic liver, bacterial translocation, and inflammation constitute key components of the pathogenesis. While angiotensin II and noradrenaline remain the critical mediators of renal arterial and arteriolar vasoconstriction, other novel molecules have been recently implicated. Although the above-described mechanistic pathway remains the backbone of the pathogenesis of HRS-1, other noxious elements may be present in advanced cirrhosis and likely contribute to the renal impairment. Direct liver-kidney crosstalk via the hepatorenal sympathetic reflex can further reduce renal blood flow independently of the systemic derangements. Tense ascites may lead to intraabdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. Cardio-hemodynamic processes have also been increasingly recognized. Porto-pulmonary hypertension, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, and abdominal compartment syndrome may lead to renal congestion and complicate the course of HRS-1. In addition, a degree of ischemic or toxic (cholemic) tubular injury may overlap with the underlying circulatory dysfunction and further exacerbate the course of acute kidney injury. Improving our understanding of the pathogenesis of HRS-1 may lead to improvements in therapeutic options for this seriously ill population.

Pulmonary Dysfunction in Patients with Cirrhosis of the Liver: A Study of Pulmonary Function Tests and Arterial Blood Gases

Background and Aim

Respiratory complications in liver cirrhosis can occur due to various mechanisms, such as ascites causing restricted lung expansion and opening of intrapulmonary vascular shunts due to high portal pressures. We aimed to study the effects of the liver dysfunction on the lungs by evaluating arterial blood gas (ABG) and pulmonary function test (PFT) of all study subjects.

Subjects and Methods

A cross-sectional study was done between August 2020 and September 2022. Diagnosed cases of the liver cirrhosis were enrolled in the study after informed consent and were subjected to the following investigations: chest X-ray, oximetry, spirometry, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), two-dimensional echocardiography, and ABG analysis (ABGA). The cases were divided into three groups based on their Child-Pugh staging, and statistical analysis was done on the collected data.

Results

A total of 64 (53 males and 11 females) patients with an average age of 49.82 ± 9.89 years were studied. Alcoholism was the most common cause of cirrhosis in males. Breathlessness (65.6%) and pleural effusion (26.6%) were the most common respiratory symptoms and signs, respectively. Seventeen patients had hepatic hydrothorax, eight patients had hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), and six patients had portopulmonary hypertension. Low pH (17.2%) and oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) (20.3%) were the most common ABGA findings. The pH, PaO2, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC), and DLCO were significantly low in Child Pugh Stage C (P < 0.05). The pH, pO2, HCO3, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, and DLCO were significantly lower in patients with HPS (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Metabolic acidosis and low FEV1/FVC and DLCO were the common findings in study subjects. Pulmonary dysfunction was common in advanced liver cirrhosis. Patients with HPS had worse ABG and PFT parameters than those without HPS.

Liver Transplantation: Contraindication and Ineligibility

Liver transplantation (LT) is a life-saving therapeutic modality for patients with various advanced liver diseases. It is crucial to identify that the patient's illness is sufficiently advanced and unlikely to improve with medical management to justify the need for transplantation. At the same time, it is crucial to identify patients with comorbidities and far advanced disease that would result in an unacceptable outcome after LT. Specific care also is required before deciding on LT in the elderly, acute on chronic liver disease, patients with comorbidities, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Transplantation needs to be timed appropriately to avoid unnecessary LT and ensure that the decision is not left too late to avoid losing the patient without a transplant. Also, important is the decision as to when not to transplant. The current review explores some of these issues of contraindications and ineligibility for LT.

A woman in her fifties with cirrhosis of the liver and postural dyspnoea

A woman in her fifties with advanced cirrhosis of the liver was admitted multiple times with recurrent pleural effusion and ascites. She was accepted for liver transplantation, at which time she developed postural dyspnoea and a drop in oxygen saturation.

Is pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with schistosomiasis distinct from pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with portal hypertension?

Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with schistosomiasis (SchPAH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with portal hypertension (PoPAH) are lung diseases that develop in the presence of liver diseases. However, mechanistic pathways by which the underlying liver conditions and other drivers contribute to the development and progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are unclear for both etiologies. In turn, these unknowns limit certainty of strategies to prevent, diagnose, and reverse the resultant PAH. Here we consider specific mechanisms that contribute to SchPAH and PoPAH, identifying those that may be shared and those that appear to be unique to each etiology, in the hope that this exploration will both highlight known causal drivers and identify knowledge gaps appropriate for future research. Overall, the key pathophysiologic differences that we identify between SchPAH and PoPAH suggest that they are not variants of a single condition.

Unrecognized Pulmonary Hypertension in Non-Cardiac Surgical Patients: At-Risk Populations, Preoperative Evaluation, Intraoperative Management and Postoperative Complications

Pulmonary hypertension is a well-established independent risk factor for perioperative complications after elective non-cardiac surgery. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery are routinely evaluated for the presence of pulmonary hypertension in the preoperative period. Better monitoring in the postoperative critical care setting leads to more efficient management of potential complications. Data among patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery are scant. Moreover, the condition may be unidentified at the time of surgery. Also, monitoring after non-cardiac surgery can be very limited in the PACU setting, as opposed to the critical care setting. All these factors can result in a higher postoperative complication rate and poor outcomes.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and progressive disease characterised by remodelling of the pulmonary arteries and progressive narrowing of the pulmonary vasculature. This leads to a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure and, if left untreated, to right ventricular failure and death. A correct diagnosis requires a complete work-up including right heart catheterisation performed in a specialised centre. Although our knowledge of the epidemiology, pathology and pathophysiology of the disease, as well as the development of innovative therapies, has progressed in recent decades, PAH remains a serious clinical condition. Current treatments for the disease target the three specific pathways of endothelial dysfunction that characterise PAH: the endothelin, nitric oxide and prostacyclin pathways. The current treatment algorithm is based on the assessment of severity using a multiparametric risk stratification approach at the time of diagnosis (baseline) and at regular follow-up visits. It recommends the initiation of combination therapy in PAH patients without cardiopulmonary comorbidities. The choice of therapy (dual or triple) depends on the initial severity of the condition. The main treatment goal is to achieve low-risk status. Further escalation of treatment is required if low-risk status is not achieved at subsequent follow-up assessments. In the most severe patients, who are already on maximal medical therapy, lung transplantation may be indicated. Recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease have led to the development of promising emerging therapies targeting dysfunctional pathways beyond endothelial dysfunction, including the TGF-β and PDGF pathways.

Portopulmonary Hypertension: An Updated Review

Portal hypertension may have major consequences on the pulmonary vasculature due to the complex pathophysiological interactions between the liver and lungs. Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH), a subset of group 1 pulmonary hypertension (PH), is a serious pulmonary vascular disease secondary to portal hypertension, and is the fourth most common subtype of pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is most commonly observed in cirrhotic patients; however, patients with noncirrhotic portal hypertension can also develop it. On suspicion of PoPH, the initial evaluation is by a transthoracic echocardiogram in which, if elevated pulmonary pressures are shown, patients should undergo right heart catheterization to confirm the diagnosis. The prognosis is extremely poor in untreated patients; therefore, management includes pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies with the aim of improving pulmonary hemodynamics and moving patients to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). In this article, we review in detail the epidemiology, pathophysiology, process for diagnosis, and most current treatments including OLT and prognosis in patients with PoPH. In addition, we present a diagnostic algorithm that includes the current criteria to properly select patients with PoPH who are candidates for OLT.

Estimation of the effect of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab on pulmonary arterial hypertension using computed tomography in HCC patients

The effect of the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is unknown. Estimation of PAH by using computed tomography (CT) has recently been proposed. Thus, we aimed to estimate the effect of Atez/Bev on PAH using CT. Altogether, 113 patients who received Atez/Bev for HCC were enrolled. Probable PAH was defined as the diameter of the main pulmonary artery (mPA-D) ≥ 33 mm, whereas suspicious PAH was defined as mPA-D ≥ 29 mm or mPA-D/the diameter of the ascending aorta (aAo-D) ≥ 1.0. Before treatment, probable/suspicious PAH were diagnosed in 7 (6.7%)/22 (21.0%) patients, respectively. mPA-D and mPA-D/aAo-D significantly increased after induction of Atez/Bev. The increment of mPA-D was correlated with the occurrence of post-treatment respiratory/heart failure. In analysis of 55 patients who underwent CT at 3 months after the last dose of Atez/Bev, mPA-D and mPA-D/aAo-D significantly decreased. However, in the group with continuous treatment of other molecular-targeted drugs after Atez/Bev, mPA-D and mPA-D/aAo-D showed no significant change. In conclusion, PAH may not be a rare complication in patients with HCC and should be managed carefully because of the possible negative effect of Atez/Bev on PAH.

Association between Body Composition and the Risk of Portopulmonary Hypertension Assessed by Computed Tomography in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of body composition on the risk of portopulmonary hypertension using computed tomography (CT) in patients with liver cirrhosis. We retrospectively included 148 patients with cirrhosis treated at our hospital between March 2012 and December 2020. POPH high-risk was defined as main pulmonary artery diameter (mPA-D) ≥ 29 mm or mPA-D to ascending aorta diameter ratio ≥ 1.0, based on chest CT. Body composition was assessed using CT images of the third lumbar vertebra. The factors associated with POPH high-risk were evaluated using logistic regression and decision tree analyses, respectively. Among the 148 patients, 50% were females, and 31% were found to be high-risk cases on evaluation of chest CT images. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 mg/m² had a significantly higher prevalence of POPH high-risk than those with a BMI < 25 mg/m² (47% vs. 25%, p = 0.019). After adjusting for confounding factors, BMI (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.33), subcutaneous adipose tissue index (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03), and visceral adipose tissue index (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04) were associated with POPH high-risk, respectively. In the decision tree analysis, the strongest classifier of POPH high-risk was BMI, followed by the skeletal muscle index. Body composition may affect the risk of POPH based on chest CT assessment in patients with cirrhosis. Since the present study lacked data on right heart catheterization, further studies are required to confirm the results of our study.

LTSI Consensus Guidelines: Preoperative Pulmonary Evaluation in Adult Liver Transplant Recipients

The relationship between chronic liver disease and respiratory symptoms and hypoxia is well recognized. Over the last century, three pulmonary complications specific to chronic liver disease (CLD) have been characterized: hepatopulmonary syndrome, portopulmonary hypertension, and hepatic hydrothorax. Apart from that coexisting pulmonary disease like chronic obstructive lung disease and interstitial lung disease also complicate the outcomes after liver transplantation (LT). Assessment for evaluation of underlying pulmonary disorders is essential to improve outcomes in patients with CLD, posted for LT. This consensus guideline of the Liver Transplant Society of India (LTSI) provides a comprehensive review of pulmonary issues in CLD, related and unrelated to underlying liver disease and gives recommendations for pulmonary screening in specific clinical scenarios in adults with chronic liver disease planned for LT. This document also aims to standardize the strategies for preoperative evaluation of these pulmonary issues in this subset of patients. Proposed recommendations were based on selected single case reports, small series, registries, databases, and expert opinion. The paucity of randomized, controlled trials in either of these disorders was noted. Additionally, this review will highlight the lacunae in our current evaluation strategy, challenges faced, and will provide direction to potentially useful futuristic preoperative evaluation strategies.

Current clinical understanding and effectiveness of portopulmonary hypertension treatment

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) is a rare subtype of Group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with a poor prognosis. According to the most up-to-date definition, PoPH is characterized by a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) of &gt;20 mmHg at rest, a pulmonary artery wedge pressure of ≤15 mmHg, and a pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) of &gt;2 Wood units with portal hypertension. Like PAH, PoPH is underpinned by an imbalance in vasoactive substances. Therefore, current guidelines recommend PAH-specific therapies for PoPH treatment; however, descriptions of the actual treatment approaches are inconsistent. Given the small patient population, PoPH is often studied in combination with idiopathic PAH; however, recent evidence suggests important differences between PoPH and idiopathic PAH in terms of hemodynamic parameters, treatment approaches, survival, socioeconomic status, and healthcare utilization. Therefore, large, multi-center registry studies are needed to examine PoPH in isolation while obtaining statistically meaningful results. PoPH has conventionally been excluded from clinical drug trials because of concerns over hepatotoxicity. Nevertheless, newer-generation endothelin receptor antagonists have shown great promise in the treatment of PoPH, reducing PVR, PAP, and World Health Organization functional class without causing hepatotoxicity. The role of liver transplantation as a treatment option for PoPH has also been controversial; however, recent evidence shows that this procedure may be beneficial in this patient population. In the future, given the shortage of liver donors, predictors of a favorable response to liver transplantation should be determined to select the most eligible patients. Collectively, advances in these three areas could help to standardize PoPH treatment in the clinic.

Risk factors for portopulmonary hypertension in patients with cirrhosis: a prospective, multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG) measurement by echocardiography is recommended as the most objective examination to detect portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH). This study aimed to identify factors associated with a high TRPG in patients with cirrhosis and develop a scoring model for identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from echocardiography investigations.

RESULTS

A total of 486 patients who underwent echocardiography were randomly allocated to the derivation and validation sets at a ratio of 2:1. Of the patients, 51 (10.5%) had TRPG ≥ 35 mmHg. The median brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was 39.5 pg/mL. Shortness of breath (SOB) was reported by 91 (18.7%) patients. In the derivation set, multivariate analysis identified female gender, shortness of breath, and BNP ≥ 48.9 pg/mL as independent factors for TRPG ≥ 35 mmHg. The risk score for predicting TRPG ≥ 35 mmHg was calculated as follows: - 3.596 + 1.250 × gender (female: 1, male: 0) + 1.093 × SOB (presence: 1, absence: 0) + 0.953 × BNP (≥ 48.9 pg/mL: 1, < 48.9 pg/mL: 0). The risk score yielded sensitivity of 66.7%, specificity of 75.3%, positive predictive value of 25.5%, negative predict value of 94.3%, and predictive accuracy of 74.4% for predicting TRPG ≥ 35 mmHg. These results were almost similar in the validation set, indicating the reproducibility and validity of the risk score.

CONCLUSIONS

This study clarified the characteristics of patients with suspected PoPH and developed a scoring model for identifying patients at high risk of PoPH, which may be used in selecting patients that may benefit from echocardiography.

Portopulmonary Hypertension

PoPH is a well-recognized complication of portal hypertension with or without cirrhosis and is classified as a subset of PAH. Identification of PoPH is crucial as it has a major impact on prognosis and liver transplant candidacy. Echocardiogram is the initial screening tool of choice and the patient should proceed to RHC for confirmation. PAH-directed therapy is the treatment of choice, allowing the patient to achieve a hemodynamic threshold to undergo a liver transplant safely.

Association between Cardiovascular Disease and Liver Disease, from a Clinically Pragmatic Perspective as a Cardiologist

Cardiovascular diseases and liver diseases are closely related. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has the same risk factors as those for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and may also be a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease on its own. Heart failure causes liver fibrosis, and liver fibrosis results in worsened cardiac preload and congestion. Although some previous reports regard the association between cardiovascular diseases and liver disease, the management strategy for liver disease in patients with cardiovascular diseases is not still established. This review summarized the association between cardiovascular diseases and liver disease. In patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the degree of liver fibrosis progresses with worsening cardiovascular prognosis. In patients with heart failure, liver fibrosis could be a prognostic marker. Liver stiffness assessed with shear wave elastography, the fibrosis-4 index, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score is associated with both liver fibrosis in patients with liver diseases and worse prognosis in patients with heart failure. With the current population ageing, the importance of management for cardiovascular diseases and liver disease has been increasing. However, whether management and interventions for liver disease improve the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases has not been fully understood. Future investigations are needed.

Portopulmonary Hypertension: Management and Liver Transplantation Evaluation

Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) affects 5% to 6% of patients with advanced liver disease and accounts for 5% to 15% of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) cases. Compared with idiopathic PAH, POPH is associated with significantly worse survival. Recent studies have improved our understanding of the role of both PAH therapy and liver transplantation (LT) in the management of POPH and their impact on overall prognosis. We performed a review of the published literature to summarize the available evidence and guidelines regarding the diagnosis and management of POPH. POPH is defined by the presence of precapillary PH in the context of portal hypertension. POPH is associated with increased perioperative risk at the time of LT, which can be stratified by mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. Screening with echocardiography is recommended in all LT candidates to facilitate detection and treatment of POPH. Despite a paucity of evidence, POPH is treated similarly to idiopathic PAH with PAH therapy. These therapies are associated with improved pulmonary hemodynamics and facilitation of safe LT. LT can result in improvement or resolution of POPH in half of patients and has been associated with improved survival in highly selected patients. The prognosis in POPH is poor and is impacted by the severity of both PH and liver disease. Management with a combination of PAH therapy and LT in selected patients has been associated with improved pulmonary hemodynamics and survival.

Current Therapy and Liver Transplantation for Portopulmonary Hypertension in Japan

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) and hepatopulmonary syndrome are severe pulmonary complications associated with liver cirrhosis (LC) and portal hypertension. Three key pathways, involving endothelin, nitric oxide, and prostacyclin, have been identified in the development and progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). To obtain a good effect with PAH-specific drugs in PoPH patients, it is important to diagnose PoPH at an early stage and promptly initiate therapy. The majority of therapeutic drugs are contraindicated for Child-Pugh grade C LC, and their effects decrease in the severe PAH stage. Among many LC patients, the measurement of serum brain natriuretic peptide levels might be useful for detecting PoPH. Previously, liver transplantation (LT) for PoPH was contraindicated; however, the indications for LT are changing and now take into account how well the PoPH is controlled by therapeutic drugs. In Japan, new registration criteria for deceased-donor LT have been established for PoPH patients. PoPH patients with a mean pulmonary arterial pressure <35 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance <400 dyn/s/cm−5 are indicated for LT, regardless of whether they are using therapeutic drugs. Combined with PAH-specific drugs, LT may lead to excellent long-term outcomes in PoPH patients. We aimed to review current therapies for PoPH, including LT.

Temporal Trends in Portopulmonary Hypertension Model for End-stage Liver Disease Exceptions and Outcomes

Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) exception criteria for portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) were created to prioritize patients for liver transplant before POPH progression. Little is known about trends in POPH exception frequency, disease severity, pulmonary hypertension treatment patterns, or outcomes since the POPH MELD exception began.

Pulmonary vascular disease and exercise hemodynamics in chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) and hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) are severe pulmonary vascular complications of chronic liver disease and strongly associated with morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of these complications is relatively high in patients evaluated for liver transplantation, however it is virtually unknown in patients with stable chronic liver disease.

METHODS

We assessed the pulmonary hypertension (PH) and HPS prevalence in a prospective registry study of our liver out-patient clinic in a tertiary center. Between 2011 and 2016, consecutive patients with cirrhosis or non-cirrhotic portal hypertension were prospectively enrolled after written informed consent. We excluded patients with acute decompensation of liver disease and other causes of PH like severe chronic heart or lung diseases and chronic thromboembolic PH. HPS was diagnosed using contrast enhanced echocardiography and blood gas analysis. Patients were screened for PH using an algorithm implementing severity of dyspnea, echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and exercise echocardiography employing a threshold of systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP) = 50 mmHg at peak exercise. If the algorithm indicated an increased PH risk, patients were invited for invasive investigations by means of right heart and hepatic vein catheter. We defined POPH as resting mPAP≥21 mmHg and PVR>3WU and PAWP<15 mmHg, mild PH as resting mPAP = 21-24 mmHg, and exercise PH as mPAP>30 mmHg and TPR >3 WU at peak exercise.

RESULTS

Two-hundred-five patients were enrolled (male 75%; cirrhosis 96%; median age 57 yrs). Sixty-seven patients (33%) fulfilled HPS criteria but only two (1.0%) for severe (PaO2:50-60 mmHg) or very severe HPS (PaO2<50 mmHg). In 18/77 patients (23%) undergoing exercise echocardiography, SPAP at peak exercise exceeded 50 mmHg. Finally, n = 3 (1.5%) patients were invasively diagnosed with POPH, n = 4 (2.9%) with mild PH and n = 2 with exercise PH.

CONCLUSION

In chronic liver disease, excluding acute decompensation and other causes of PH, POPH and severe HPS are rare findings while mild to moderate HPS and mild PH or exercise PH are more frequent.

Simple algorithm to narrow down the candidates to receive echocardiography in patients with chronic liver disease for suspected pulmonary hypertension

Aims

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) is a subtype of pulmonary arterial hypertension related to portal hypertension. The definitive diagnosis of PoPH is made by invasive right heart catheterization. Alternatively, pulmonary arterial hypertension may be recognized noninvasively from the tricuspid regurgitant pressure gradient (TRPG), measured by echocardiography. In this study, we aimed to establish a simple algorithm to identify chronic liver disease patients with a high TRPG value in order to narrow down the candidates to receive echocardiography.

Methods and Results

TRPG was measured by echocardiography in 152 patients with chronic liver disease. Factors predictive of TRPG >30 mmHg were investigated. There were 28 (18%) cases with TRPG >30 mmHg. Independent factors associated with a high TRPG were the presence of shortness of breath, high serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and low serum albumin. Child–Pugh class or the presence of ascites, varices, or encephalopathy was not associated with TRPG. There was a correlation between the serum BNP and TRPG, and the optimal cutoff value of BNP by the Youden index was 122 pg/mL, and by 100% sensitivity was 50 pg/mL. A combination of these factors identified patients with a high probability of TRPG >30 mmHg (n = 12, positive predictive value [PPV] of 83%), no probability (n = 80, PPV 0%), and intermediate probability (n = 60, PPV 25–34%). This algorithm has reduced the number of patients needing echocardiography by 53%.

Conclusions

A simple algorithm using the presence of shortness of breath, serum BNP, and albumin levels can narrow down the candidates to receive echocardiography.

The Edge of Unknown: Postoperative Critical Care in Liver Transplantation

Perioperative care of patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) is very complex. Metabolic derangements, hypothermia, coagulopathy and thromboses, severe infections, and graft dysfunction can affect outcomes. In this manuscript, we discuss several perioperative problems that can be encountered in LT recipients. The authors present the most up-to-date information regarding predicting and treating hemodynamic instability, coagulation monitoring and management, postoperative ventilation strategies and early extubation, management of infections, and ESLD-related pulmonary complications. In addition, early post-transplant allograft dysfunction will be discussed.

Portopulmonary Hypertension: A Review of the Current Literature

Portopulmonary hypertension is defined as the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in the setting of portal hypertension with or without liver cirrhosis. Portal hypertension-associated haemodynamic changes, including hyperdynamic state, portosystemic shunts and splanchnic vasodilation, induce significant alterations in pulmonary vascular bed and play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of the disease. If left untreated, portopulmonary hypertension results in progressive right heart failure, with a poor prognosis. Although Doppler echocardiography is the best initial screening tool for symptomatic patients and liver transplantation candidates, right heart catheterisation remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of the disease. Severe portopulmonary hypertension exerts a prohibitive risk to liver transplantation by conferring an elevated perioperative mortality risk. It is important for haemodynamic parameters to correspond with non-severe portopulmonary hypertension before patients can proceed with the liver transplantation. Small uncontrolled studies and a recent randomised controlled trial have reported promising results with vasodilatory therapies in clinical and haemodynamic improvement of patients, allowing a proportion of patients to undergo liver transplantation. In this review, the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic approach and management of portopulmonary hypertension are discussed. We also highlight fields of ongoing investigation pertinent to risk stratification and optimal patient selection to maximise long-term benefit from currently available treatments.

Prevalence and Clinical Features of Portopulmonary Hypertension in Patients With Hepatic Cirrhosis: An Echocardiographic Study

Objective

The present study was conducted to delineate the prevalence and clinical features of portopulmonary hypertension in patients with hepatic cirrhosis. Possible associations between echocardiographic variables and portopulmonary hypertension were also explored.

Methods

A prospective, observational study was conducted between September 2017 and August 2018. Differences in demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and echocardiographic findings in cirrhosis patients with and without portopulmonary hypertension were compared.

Results

The prevalence of portopulmonary hypertension in patients with hepatic cirrhosis was found to be 9.3%. Hemoglobin was significantly lower among patients with portopulmonary hypertension compared to those without portopulmonary hypertension (5.50±0.68 g/dl vs. 7.26±1.43 g/dl, p=0.001). All patients with portopulmonary hypertension displayed right atrial (major: p=0.0001 and minor: p=0.001) and right ventricular (basal, p=0.0001; longitudinal, p=0.0001) dilation. Several variables such as right ventricular systolic pressure (p=0.0001), pulmonary artery diameter (major: p=0.0001; right: p=0.0001; and left: p=0.007), pulmonary vascular resistance (p=0.0001), tricuspid regurgitation (p=0.0001), pulmonary regurgitation peak pressure gradient (p=0.0001), pulmonary regurgitation end diastolic gradient (p=0.0001), left atrial dimension (major axis: p=0.002), left atrial volume (p=0.04), left ventricular outflow tract (p=0.001), inferior vena cava diameter (p=0.001), and inferior vena cava collapsibility (p=0.001) were higher in patients with portopulmonary hypertension compared to patients without portopulmonary hypertension.

Conclusions

The present study revealed a 9.3% prevalence of portopulmonary hypertension among patients with hepatic cirrhosis. Patients with portopulmonary hypertension displayed significantly lower haemoglobin levels, right and left ventricular dilation, and higher values of several echocardiographic variables as compared to those without portopulmonary hypertension.

Portopulmonary hypertension: a patient with shortness of breath

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) is a poorly understood complication of liver disease which affects about 10% of patients with pulmonary hypertension. This case report outlines the difficulties in diagnosing and managing a patient with advanced disease, and the impact of these delays on the patient.PoPH has a significant risk of mortality with a 2-year survival rate of 67%. There are also few treatment options available and those which do exist are associated with multiple contraindications and risks. Patients with PoPH commonly present with dyspnoea, pulmonary hypertension and portal hypertension. The presence of coexisting chronic liver disease is also sometimes present. Traditional management for heart failure can temporarily alleviate symptoms but there is no proven long-term benefit. As a result, an understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnostics and management is crucial to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.

Portopulmonary hypertension and the risk of high right ventricular systolic pressure in liver transplant candidates

Aim

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) is a rare and serious complication of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension that can interfere with liver transplantation (LT). We evaluated the prevalence of PoPH and the clinical features of right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), which is equivalent to pulmonary artery systolic pressure, in LT candidates.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective study. A total of 157 Japanese patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis or portal hypertension (76 men, median age = 52 years [range: 18–68 years]) were enrolled. The relationships between RVSP and clinical parameters, and the prevalence of PoPH in LT candidates, were evaluated.

Results

The cardiological parameters were as follows: brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), 39.1 (4.0–780.5) pg/mL; RVSP, 31.2 (16.0–122.4) mmHg; ejection fraction, 58% (28–72%); and mean peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity, 2.3 (1.5–5.3) m/s. The RVSP was significantly higher in females (p = 0.02) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients (p = 0.01), and was weakly correlated with the BNP level (r = 0.40, p = 0.01). For RVSPs of < 36 and ≥ 36 mmHg, the 5-year survival rates were 36.1% versus 34.1%, and 85.4% versus 85.3%, in non-LT and LT cases, respectively (p = 0.47 and 0.69, respectively). Among six patients with an RVSP ≥ 50 mmHg, three (1.9%) were diagnosed with PoPH and treated with vasodilators.

Conclusions

PoPH was observed in 3 cases (1.9%) in 157 LT candidates. In patients with suspected mild pulmonary hypertension (RVSP, 36 - 50 mmHg), LT was successfully performed.

Evaluation of Predisposing Metabolic Risk Factors for Portopulmonary Hypertension in Patients with NASH Cirrhosis

PURPOSE

Metabolic parameters are important for the development of portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) during nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-associated cirrhosis. This study evaluated patients with NASH-associated cirrhosis to determine metabolic risk factors for portopulmonary hypertension.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data on 171 patients (120 men and 51 women) with NASH-associated cirrhosis who were seen in Florence Nightingale Hospital's gastroenterology Clinic from 2009 to 2018 was obtained from the Hospital database. A pulmonary artery systolic pressure >35 mmHg was defined as PH (pulmonary hypertension) according to standard transthoracic echocardiography. Portal hypertension was diagnosed from clinical symptoms and dilated portal veins shown by abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography (CT). Pulmonary patients with portal hypertension were diagnosed with portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH).

RESULTS

A total of 171 patients with NASH-associated cirrhosis were included in this study. Of these, 43 patients had PoPH. These patients had increased TSH (p=0.004), bilirubin (p=0.023) and triglyceride (p=0.048) levels, higher MELD scores (p=0.018) and decreased hemoglobin (p=0.05). MELD score and hemoglobin, total bilirubin, TSH, and triglyceride levels were all included in a multivariate logistic regression model and TSH levels were independently associated with increased risk of PoPH.

CONCLUSION

Increased TSH is an independent risk factor for PoPH.

The Different Effects of Direct Bilirubin on Portopulmonary Hypertension and Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

BACKGROUND

To observe different roles of direct bilirubin (Dbil) on portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH).

METHODS

Thirty incident patients with POPH and 180 with IPAH (matched by the WHO functional classification in a 1 : 6 ratio) between March 2010 and December 2020 were included. The receiver operating curve and Kaplan-Meier method were applied to estimate the ability to distinguish between the two and survival, respectively. Univariate and forward multiple stepwise regression analyses were performed to access the relationship between pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and clinical indices.

RESULTS

Compared to IPAH, the POPH group had better hemodynamics including PVR (7.08 ± 3.95 vs. 14.89 ± 7.11, P < 0.001) and higher total bilirubin (Tbil) and Dbil. Tbil and Dbil had a negative correlation with PVR in the POPH group (r = -0.394, P=0.031; r = -0.364, P=0.048, respectively) but positive correlation in the IPAH group (r = 0.218, P=0.003; r = 0.178, P=0.018, respectively). Increased neutrophil counts (r = 0.394, P=0.031) and elevated NT-proBNP (r = 0.433, P < 0.001) would help predict the elevation of PVR in POPH and IPAH groups independent of Dbil, respectively. Dbil could distinguish POPH from IPAH (AUC = 0.799, P=0.009), and the ability was elevated when taking aspartate aminotransferase together (AUC = 0.835, P < 0.001). The overall survival was better in POPH than in IPAH (7 dead cases of POPH and 96 of IPAH, P=0.002). Survival was better in POPH than in IPAH in the group of Dbil ≥7 μmol/L (P=0.001) but showed no significant difference between POPH and IPAH in the group of Dbil <7 μmol/L (P=0.192).

CONCLUSIONS

The POPH group had a better hemodynamic profile than IPAH. Dbil was associated oppositely with the elevation of PVR in POPH and IPAH. Patients with POPH had better survival than those with IPAH in the total cohort and in the group of Dbil ≥7 μmol/L, but limited dead cases of POPH should be noted.

Transcatheter interventions for valvular heart diseases in liver cirrhosis patients

There is an increasing prevalence of patients who have both liver cirrhosis (LC) and severe valvular heart disease. This combination typically poses prohibitive risk for liver transplantation. LC related malnourishment, hypoalbuminemia and hyperdynamic circulation places patients with severe LC at higher rates for significant bleeding and/or thrombosis, as well as infectious and renal complications, after either surgical or transcatheter valvular interventions. Although there remains scarce comparative evidence, the preponderance of data suggest that percutaneous strategies are preferred over surgical ones. A multidisciplinary team is ideal for identifying those patients with LC who would benefit from transcatheter valvular heart interventions.

Association between the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score and severity of portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH): A data-mining analysis

INTRODUCTION

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) is a severe complication of chronic liver disease. We aimed to investigate the etiology of chronic liver disease and the factors associated with the severity of PoPH.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Echocardiography was undergone in 833 patients with chronic liver disease during 2005-2019 and 13 patients (1.6%) were diagnosed with PoPH in this observational study. At the diagnosis of PoPH, liver function was evaluated by albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score. Severe PoPH was defined as (1) mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) ≥50 mmHg or (2) mPAP: 35-49 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance ≥400 dyne/s/cm⁵ . Factors associated with severe PoPH were evaluated by decision-tree analysis.

RESULTS

In patients with PoPH, the leading etiology of chronic liver disease was hepatitis C virus (HCV) (46.2% [sustained virological response (SVR): 23.1% and non-SVR: 15.4%]). Severe PoPH was observed in 53.8% of patients and the 5-year survival rate was 48.1%. There was a significant correlation of mPAP with ALBI score (r = 0.6456, p = 0.0171). In the decision-tree and random forest analyses, the most impacted classifier for severe PoPH was the ALBI score. In patients with ALBI score ≥-1.45, all patients showed severe PoPH, while the prevalence of severe PoPH was 25.0% in patients with ALBI score <-1.45.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that HCV including SVR was the major etiology of chronic liver disease in patients with PoPH. Moreover, we revealed that the ALBI score was the most impacted factor associated with severe PoPH. Thus, ALBI score may be useful for the estimation of pulmonary vascular resistance.

Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of complications in patients with portal hypertension

This review focuses on ultrasonography (US) to diagnose patients with complications in portal hypertension. Clinicians first use US to evaluate patients with suspected portal hypertension, because US is quick, simple, and radiation free. US is necessary for grading and performing paracentesis for ascites. Doppler US-based detection of reverse splanchnic vein flow or the presence of a spontaneous portosystemic shunt is highly specific in patients with cirrhosis. Since it is important to estimate spleen size in patients with portal hypertension, spleen size is usually measured by US. Spleen volume can be more accurately measured with 3D-US. Estimation of viable residual splenic volume after partial splenic embolization should be limited to cases with total splenic volume less than 1000 ml. Portal vein thrombosis is often detected during the US examination performed when symptoms first appear or during the follow-up. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography is an excellent noninvasive screening test in patients with pulmonary portal hypertension who can undergo it. By measuring the maximum and minimum diastolic blood flow velocities in the renal arteries using renal color Doppler US, the pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) can be calculated. The PI and RI in cirrhotic patients were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects and patients with chronic hepatitis, and showed a significant positive correlation with the Child-Pugh Score. In conclusion, US is an essential tool for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with portal hypertension.

Hepatopulmonary Syndrome and Portopulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary Vascular Complications of Liver Disease

Pulmonary vascular disease is a frequent complication of chronic liver disease and portal hypertension, affecting up to 30% of patients. There are two distinct pulmonary vascular complications of liver disease: hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) and portopulmonary hypertension (POPH). HPS affects 25% of patients with chronic liver disease and is characterized by intrapulmonary vasodilatation and abnormal arterial oxygenation. HPS negatively impacts quality of life and is associated with a 2-fold increased risk of death compared to controls with liver disease without HPS. Angiogenesis, endothelin-1 mediated endothelial dysfunction, monocyte influx, and alveolar type 2 cell dysfunction seem to play important roles in disease pathogenesis but there are currently no effective medical therapies. Fortunately, HPS resolves following liver transplant (LT) with improvements in hypoxemia. POPH is a subtype of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) characterized by an elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance in the setting of normal left-sided filling pressures. POPH affects 5% to 6% of patients with chronic liver disease. Although the pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and estrogen signaling have been identified as key pathways involved in disease pathogenesis. POPH is typically treated with PAH targeted therapy and may also improve with liver transplantation in selected patients. This article highlights what is currently known regarding the diagnosis, management, pathobiology, and outcomes of HPS and POPH. Ongoing research is needed to improve understanding of the pathophysiology and outcomes of these distinct and often misunderstood pulmonary vascular complications of liver disease. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1-22, 2021.

Update on the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

In the last decades, important advances have been made in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a severe, progressive, incurable, and potentially fatal disease. For an adequate therapy, correct hemodynamic diagnosis and etiology classification are fundamental. Many etiologies - rheumatic disease, portal hypertension, congenital heart diseases, schistosomiasis - require specific measures, in addition to drug therapy for PAH. The specific therapy for PAH is based on medications that act on three pathophysiological pathways - prostacyclin, endothelin, and nitric oxide pathways. These drugs have multiple presentations (oral, intravenous, subcutaneous, and inhaled) and have changed the history of PAH. This review presents an overview of drug therapy strategies and different forms and peculiarities of PAH.

The Prognostic Role of Right Ventricular Stroke Work Index during Liver Transplantation

Right heart-associated hemodynamic parameters including intraoperative pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were reported to be associated with patient survival after liver transplantation. We investigated whether intraoperative stroke work indexes of both ventricles could have a better prognostic value than PVR. We reviewed 683 cases at a tertiary care academic medical center. We collected intraoperative variables of baseline central venous pressure, baseline right ventricle end-diastolic volume, mixed venous oxygen saturation, intraoperative PVR and right and left ventricular stroke work indexes. Time-weighted means or area under the curve of intraoperative right and left ventricular stroke work indexes were calculated as exposure variables. One-year all-cause mortality or graft failure was our primary outcome. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between exposure variables and one-year all-cause mortality or graft failure. Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis of our primary outcome was performed for different time-weighted mean ventricular stroke work index groups. Cubic spline curve analysis was performed to evaluate the linear relationship between our exposure variables and primary outcome. Time-weighted mean right ventricular stroke work index was significantly associated with one-year all-cause mortality or graft failure (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–1.36, p < 0.001). However, there was no significant association between time-weighted mean left ventricular stroke work index, time-weighted mean PVR, PVR at the end of surgery and one-year mortality. Area under the curve of right ventricular stroke work index was also significantly associated with one-year mortality or graft failure (hazard ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.15–1.37, p < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis showed a significant difference in the survival between different mean right ventricular stroke work index groups (Log-rank test: p = 0.002). Cubic spline function curve showed the gradual increase in the risk of mortality with a positive slope with time-weighted mean right ventricular stroke work index. In conclusion, intraoperative elevated right ventricular stroke work index was significantly associated with poor patient or graft survival after liver transplantation. Intraoperative right ventricular stroke work index could be an intraoperative hemodynamic goal and prognostic marker for mortality after liver transplantation.

Causes and Circumstances of Death in Portopulmonary Hypertension

The causes and circumstances surrounding death are poorly studied in patients with portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH). We sought to determine the specific reasons for dying and characteristics surrounding this process in patients with PoPH.

Portopulmonary hypertension: prognosis and management in the current treatment era - results from the REHAP registry

BACKGROUND

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) is a rare condition with poorer survival compared to idiopathic/familial pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH/FPAH).

AIMS

To compare the characteristics, survival, prognostic factors and management of PoPH and IPAH/FPAH patients and to assess the impact of treatment on survival of PoPH patients.

METHODS

Analysis of data of prevalent and incident PoPH patients enrolled in the Spanish registry of PAH (REHAP) from January 1998 to December 2017 and comparison with IPAH/FPAH patients. Variables analysed: patient and disease (PAH and liver) characteristics, first-line PAH-targeted therapy, causes of death, prognostic factors and survival (according to aetiology and treatment in PoPH patients).

RESULTS

Compared to IPAH/FPAH patients (n = 678), patients with PoPH (n = 237) were predominantly men, older and had better functional class and higher prevalence of ascites. Haemodynamics were better. Biomarkers for heart failure were worse. Age- and sex-adjusted 5-year survival rate from diagnosis was 49.3% for PoPH patients and 68.7% for IPAH patients (P < 0.001). Treated PoPH had better survival than non-treated. PAH- and liver-related causes accounted for 30.2% and 24.7% of deaths in PoPH patients. PoPH patients were less likely to receive first-line PAH-targeted therapy and this was associated with greater mortality. Increasing age, worse exercise capacity and ascites were independent prognostic factors of poorer survival; first-line oral monotherapy was associated with improved survival. Eight (3.4%) PoPH patients underwent liver transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

PoPH patients are undertreated and show poorer survival than IPAH/FPAH patients. First-line treatment with PAH-targeted therapy was associated with better survival. Presence of ascites was a predictor of mortality.

Clinical impact of mild to moderate pulmonary hypertension in living-donor liver transplantation

Severe pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is a contraindication to liver transplantation (LT); however, the prognostic implication of mild to moderate PHT in living-donor LT (LDLT) is unknown. The study cohort retrospectively included 1307 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent LDLT. PHT was defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) of ≥25 mmHg, measured intraoperatively just before surgery. The primary endpoint was graft failure within 1 year after LDLT, including retransplantation or death from any cause. The secondary endpoints were in-hospital adverse events. In the overall cohort, the median Model for End-stage Liver Disease-Sodium (MELD-Na) score was 19, and 100 patients (7.7%) showed PHT. During 1-year follow-up, graft failure occurred in 94 patients (7.2%). Patients with PHT had lower 1-year graft survival (86% vs. 93.4%, P = 0.005) and survival rates (87% vs. 93.6%, P = 0.011). Mean PAP was associated with a high risk of in-hospital adverse events and 1-year graft failure. Adding the mean PAP to the clinical risk model improved the risk prediction. In conclusion, mild to moderate PHT was associated with higher risks of 1-year graft failure and in-hospital events, including mortality after LDLT in patients with liver cirrhosis. Intraoperative mean PAP can help predict the early clinical outcomes after LDLT.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Portopulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Portal Hypertension: A Case-Control Study

Background and Aims

There are few studies on the prevalence and clinical characteristics of portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) in patients with portal hypertension. In addition, invasive right heart catheterization further limits the clinical diagnosis of POPH patients.

Methods

From January 2018 to December 2019, 1004 patients with portal hypertension were treated in the Department of Hepatology, the First Hospital of Jilin University. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 188 patients with portal hypertension were finally included. We collected complete clinical data, laboratory examinations, and imaging examinations. Patients were divided into a POPH group and a non-POPH group based on echocardiographic results. We calculated the prevalence of POPH in patients with portal hypertension. The differences in clinical characteristics of the two groups of patients were compared.

Results

The prevalence of POPH in patients with portal hypertension was 2.8%. Among the 188 patients with portal hypertension with fingertip oxygen saturation < 95% at rest, 28 patients had POPH (12 males and 16 females), with an average age of 63 ± 8, and 160 patients did not have POPH (110 males, 50 women), with an average age of 59 ± 11. The proportion of women in the POPH group (P < 0.01) and patients without liver cancer (P = 0.044) was high. Compared to patients without POPH, patients with POPH had lower hemoglobin (related to the severity of anemia, P < 0.01), higher creatinine (P < 0.05), and lower partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide (P < 0.05). Patients with POPH had a higher incidence of atrial enlargement, ventricular enlargement, mitral valve regurgitation, tricuspid regurgitation, pulmonary artery widening, pericardial effusion, and aortic regurgitation than those without POPH. The risk of POPH did not increase with the aggravation of the Child-Pugh classification.

Conclusion

The prevalence of POPH in patients with portal hypertension is 2.8%. The proportion of women and nonliver cancer in POPH patients was higher than that in non-POPH patients. In addition, the POPH group had higher creatinine and lower hemoglobin, and echocardiography showed that POPH patients had more cardiac structural changes. In patients with portal hypertension, the risk in patients with POPH has nothing to do with the Child-Pugh classification and MELD score.

The clinical characteristics, treatment, and survival of portopulmonary hypertension in Japan

Background

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) refers to the simultaneous presentation of pulmonary arterial and portal hypertension. However, few reports have included the characteristics and treatments for patients with PoPH of Asian population; thus, we investigated the clinical characteristics, treatment, and survival of these patients in a Japanese cohort.

Methods

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been included in the National Research Project on Intractable Disease in Japan; therefore, we extracted data of patients with PoPH from the forms of newly registered cases of the project from 2012 to 2013 (for 2 years), and updated cases of the project in 2013 (Study 1, n = 36 newly registered forms, n = 46 updated forms). Additionally, for Study 2, we performed a retrospective, observational cohort study at Chiba University Hospital (n = 11). We compared the characteristics between patients with PoPH and those with idiopathic/heritable PAH (I/H-PAH).

Results

Both studies showed higher cardiac outputs (COs) and cardiac indexes (CIs), lower pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and less treated with combination therapy in patients with PoPH than those with I/H-PAH. In Study 2, the overall and disease-specific survival between PoPH and I/H-PAH were similar. Conversely, many patients (45%) had to change their PAH-specific medicine because of adverse effects.

Conclusion

As seen in western countries, Japanese patients with PoPH showed higher COs and CIs, better exercise tolerance, and lower PVRs than patients with I/H-PAH. Further studies are needed to improve PoPH treatments.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Pulmonary Artery Hypertension and Esophageal Varices Bleeding in Transplantation Candidates

Introduction: Esophageal varices bleeding (EVB) in liver cirrhosis is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. We aimed to study the relationship between systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) and EV grade and EVB.

Methods: A total of 229 patients, 183 male and 46 female, who were determined to have EV in the upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and who had a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) were included in this study.

Results: The frequency of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) and EVB was determined to be 16% and 45%, respectively, in our study, and 20% of those who had bleeding had PHT; 70.3% of the cases with PHT were determined to have grade III varices while this rate was lower at 52.9% in cirrhosis without PHT. A significant correlation was determined between Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, Child-Turcotte-Pugh score, platelet, albumin, and sPAP in those without a history of bleeding (p<0.05).

Conclusion: An increase in the rate of grade III varices has been noted along with the prevalence of PHT in patients with portal hypertension. It has been determined that the increase in PAP is associated with an increase in the MELD score, which is closely associated with mortality and morbidity. Therefore, this positive relationship between the MELD score and PHT may lead to an increase in the frequency of advanced-stage EV.

Keeping Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease Alive While Awaiting Transplant: Management of Complications of Portal Hypertension

Complications of portal hypertension such as gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage, ascites, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, as well as pulmonary complications, are often responsible for diminished quality of life, excess morbidity and mortality, increased health care resource use and expenditure, and dropout from the liver transplant (LT) waiting list. Therefore, the care of LT candidates on the waiting list must be centered on anticipation and prompt intervention for these complications.

A Case of Hypopituitarism Complicated by Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Severe Pulmonary Hypertension

BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which is caused by increased pulmonary artery pressure, results in right-heart failure and presents with shortness of breath, chest pain, and syncope. PAH has idiopathic, heritable, and drug/toxin causes and is accompanied by other conditions, including connective tissue disease, congenital heart disease, and portal hypertension. Rarely, portal hypertension causes a type of PAH called portopulmonary hypertension (POPH). Portal hypertension can be triggered by liver cirrhosis, which can result from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a metabolic syndrome caused by hypopituitarism. Although an association between hypopituitarism and POPH has been suggested, few reports have described this relationship. CASE REPORT A 43-year-old woman with hypopituitarism received hormone replacement therapy after partial hypothalamic resection at age 4 years. At age 32 years, she developed liver cirrhosis from NASH due to adult growth hormone (GH) deficiency. Despite restarting GH replacement therapy, she refused the required GH doses for economic reasons. She was hospitalized with abdominal pain and dyspnea and was found to have severe POPH. She received PAH-specific therapies, including endothelin receptor antagonist and prostacyclin analog. Pulmonary hypertension improved on day 3 of hospitalization while the cardiac index increased gradually. On day 12, her respiratory status rapidly worsened and percutaneous cardiopulmonary support was applied. On day 18, she died of multiple organ failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation despite intensive care management. CONCLUSIONS Severe PAH, particularly POPH, remains incurable despite the use of PAH-specific therapies and intensive care management. For hypopituitarism patients, careful observation, including of the cardiopulmonary system, can improve the prognosis after completing hormone replacement therapy.