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He Q, Mao C, Chen Z, Zeng Y, Deng Y, Hu R. Efficacy of L-ornithine L-aspartate for minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arab J Gastroenterol 2024; 25:84-92. [PMID: 38403493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is an early stage of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and is highly prevalent. The efficacy of L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA) for the treatment of HE is well known but its role in MHE remains uncertain. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the efficacy of LOLA for the treatment of MHE in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Ovid databases were searched. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of LOLA with placebo or no intervention for the treatment of MHE in patients with cirrhosis were included from inception to January 2023. The primary outcomes were reversal of MHE and development of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE). RESULTS Overall, six RCTs comprising 292 patients were included. Compared with placebo or no intervention, LOLA was more effective in reversing MHE (RR = 2.264, 95 % CI = 1.528, 3.352, P = 0.000, I2 = 0.0 %) and preventing progression of OHE (RR = 0.220, 95 % CI = 0.076, 0.637, P = 0.005, I2 = 0.0 %). Based on subgroup analyses, oral LOLA treatment appeared more likely to reverse MHE (RR = 2.648, 95 % CI = 1.593, 4.402, P = 0.000, I2 = 0.0 %), intravenous LOLA treatment yielded a similar probability of reversing MHE (RR = 1.669, 95 % CI = 0.904, 3.084, P = 0.102, I2 = 0.0 %). LOLA did not show a superior possibility in reducing mortality (RR = 0.422, 95 % CI = 0.064, 2.768, P = 0.368, I2 = 0.0 %) and ammonia levels (SMD = 0.044, 95 % CI = -0.290, 0.379, P = 0.795, I2 = 0.0 %) compared with placebo or no intervention. CONCLUSIONS LOLA has significant beneficial effects on reversal of MHE and prevention of OHE in patients with cirrhosis compared with placebo or no intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiufeng He
- Department of Hepatology, Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, N0.377, Jing Ming Road, Jin Jiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuangjie Mao
- Department of Hepatology, Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, N0.377, Jing Ming Road, Jin Jiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhili Chen
- Department of Hepatology, Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, N0.377, Jing Ming Road, Jin Jiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yilan Zeng
- Department of Hepatology, Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, N0.377, Jing Ming Road, Jin Jiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Deng
- Department of Hepatology, Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, N0.377, Jing Ming Road, Jin Jiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Hepatology, Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, N0.377, Jing Ming Road, Jin Jiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Sharma BC, Maharshi S, Sachdeva S, Mahajan B, Sharma A, Bara S, Srivastava S, Kumar A, Dalal A, Sonika U. Nutritional therapy for persistent cognitive impairment after resolution of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 38:1917-1925. [PMID: 37354045 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) reflects cognitive impairment in patients with liver cirrhosis and is associated with poor prognosis. We assessed the effects of nutritional therapy on cognitive functions, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), anthropometry, endotoxins, and inflammatory markers in cirrhotic patients with MHE. METHODS In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, cirrhotic patients with MHE were randomized to nutritional therapy (group I: 30-35 kcal/kg/day and 1.0-1.5 g of protein/kg/day) and no nutritional therapy (group II: diet as patients were taking before) for 6 months. MHE was diagnosed based on psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES). Anthropometry, ammonia, endotoxins, inflammatory markers, myostatin, and HRQOL were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. Primary endpoints were improvement or worsening in MHE and HRQOL. RESULTS A total of 150 patients were randomized to group I (n = 75, age 46.3 ± 12.5 years, 58 men) and group II (n = 75, age 45.2 ± 9.3 years, 56 men). Baseline PHES (-8.16 ± 1.42 vs -8.24 ± 1.43; P = 0.54) was comparable in both groups. Reversal of MHE was higher in group I (73.2% vs 21.4%; P = 0.001) than group II. Improvement in PHES (Δ PHES 4.0 ± 0.60 vs -4.18 ± 0.40; P = 0.001), HRQOL (Δ Sickness Impact Profile 3.24 ± 3.63 vs 0.54 ± 3.58; P = 0.001), anthropometry, ammonia, endotoxins, cytokines, and myostatin levels was also significantly higher in group I than group II. Overt hepatic encephalopathy developed in 6 patients in group I and 13 in group II (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Nutritional therapy is effective in treatment of MHE and associated with improvement in nutritional status, HRQOL, ammonia, endotoxins, inflammatory markers, and myostatin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sanjeev Sachdeva
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Bhawna Mahajan
- Department of Biochemistry, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashok Sharma
- Department of Radiology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sushma Bara
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashok Dalal
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ujjwal Sonika
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Swansson WD, Anderson BM, Yeoh SW, Lewis DJ. Management of minimal and overt hepatic encephalopathy with branched-chain amino acids: a review of the evidence. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:812-821. [PMID: 37395232 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a challenging complication of liver disease that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation in the management of HE is a debated topic. This narrative review aims to provide an up-to-date review of the topic and includes studies featuring patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. A review of the literature was performed using the online databases MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies between 2002 and December 2022. Keywords 'branched-chain amino acids', 'liver cirrhosis' and 'hepatic encephalopathy' were used. Studies were assessed for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of 1045 citations, 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. The main outcomes reported for HE was changed in minimal HE (MHE) (n = 4) and/or incidence of overt HE (OHE) (n = 7). Two of the 4 studies reporting on MHE had improvement in psychometric testing in the BCAA group, but there was no change in the incidence of OHE in any of the 7 papers in the BCAA group. There were few adverse effects of BCAA supplementation. This review found weak evidence for BCAA supplementation for MHE, and no evidence for BCAAs for OHE. However, given the relative paucity and methodological heterogeneity of the current research, there is scope for future studies to examine the effects of varying timing, dosage, and frequency of BCAAs on outcomes such as HE. Importantly, research is also needed to examine BCAAs in conjunction with standard therapies for HE such as rifaximin and/or lactulose.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sern Wei Yeoh
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne
- Department of Gastroenterology, Northern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Diana J Lewis
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne
- Department of Gastroenterology, Northern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Thornburg B. Hepatic Encephalopathy following Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement. Semin Intervent Radiol 2023; 40:262-268. [PMID: 37484451 PMCID: PMC10359131 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complex condition that arises as a complication of chronic liver disease and portosystemic shunting. Its pathophysiology involves several factors, including impaired ammonia metabolism, portosystemic shunting, sarcopenia, and systemic inflammation. The symptoms of HE can vary significantly, with manifestations ranging from subclinical signs to a comatose state. The West Haven classification system is most commonly used to grade the severity of HE. There is a broad differential for the presenting symptomatology of HE and other causes of altered mental status must be excluded during the workup. HE is a well-known complication of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement. Even though newer stent designs help reduce the risk of HE with smaller diameter shunts, it is essential that patients are counseled regarding this potential risk prior to the procedure. Once a diagnosis of HE has been confirmed, the mainstay of therapy is lactulose and rifaximin. In cases where a patient has received a TIPS placement and continues to experience refractory HE despite medical therapy, it may be necessary to consider shunt reduction or closure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartley Thornburg
- Department of Radiology, Section of Interventional Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
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Desai AP, Gandhi D, Xu C, Ghabril M, Nephew L, Patidar KR, Campbell NL, Chalasani N, Boustani M, Orman ES. Confusion assessment method accurately screens for hepatic encephalopathy and predicts short-term mortality in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:1749-1758. [PMID: 36529762 PMCID: PMC10935593 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01149-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a subtype of delirium, is common in cirrhosis and associated with poor outcomes. Yet, objective bedside screening tools for HE are lacking. We examined the relationship between an established screening tool for delirium, Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) and short-term outcomes while comparing its performance with previously established measures of cognitive function such as West Haven criteria (WHC). Prospectively enrolled adults with cirrhosis who completed the CAM-ICU from 6/2014-6/2018 were followed for 90 days. Blinded provider-assigned West Haven Criteria (WHC) and other measures of cognitive function were collected. Logistic regression was used to test associations between CAM-ICU status and outcomes. Mortality prediction by CAM-ICU status was assessed using Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristics curves (AUROC). Of 469 participants, 11% were CAM-ICU( +), 55% were male and 94% were White. Most patients were Childs-Pugh class C (59%). CAM-ICU had excellent agreement with WHC (Kappa = 0.79). CAM-ICU( +) participants had similar demographic features to those CAM-ICU(-), but had higher MELD (25 vs. 19, p < 0.0001), were more often admitted to the ICU (28% vs. 7%, p < 0.0001), and were more likely to be admitted for HE and infection. CAM-ICU( +) participants had higher mortality (inpatient:37% vs. 3%, 30-day:51% vs. 11%, 90-day:63% vs. 23%, p < 0.001). CAM-ICU status predicted mortality with AUROC of 0.85, 0.82 and 0.77 for inpatient, 30-day and 90-day mortality, respectively. CAM-ICU easily screens for delirium/HE, has excellent agreement with WHC, and identifies a hospitalized cirrhosis cohort with high short-term mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archita P Desai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Devika Gandhi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Chenjia Xu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Marwan Ghabril
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Lauren Nephew
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Kavish R Patidar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Noll L Campbell
- Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana University Center for Aging Research at the Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Naga Chalasani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Malaz Boustani
- Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana University Center for Aging Research at the Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Eric S Orman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
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Hu L, Luo M, Huang H, Wu L, Ouyang W, Tong J, Le Y. Perioperative probiotics attenuates postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 14:1037904. [PMID: 36688164 PMCID: PMC9849892 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1037904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication in elderly patients following surgery. The preventive and/or treatment strategies for the incidence remain limited. Objective This study aimed to investigate the preventive effect of perioperative probiotic treatment on POCD in elderly patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty. Methods After obtaining ethical approval and written informed consent, 106 patients (age ≥60 years) were recruited, who scheduled elective hip or knee arthroplasty, from 16 March 2021 to 25 February 2022 for this randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. They were randomly assigned with a 1:1 ratio to receive either probiotics or placebo treatment (four capsules, twice/day) from hospital admission until discharge. Cognitive function was assessed with a battery of 11 neuropsychological tests on the admission day and the seventh day after surgery, respectively. Results A total of 96 of 106 patients completed the study, and their data were finally analyzed. POCD occurred in 12 (26.7%) of 45 patients in the probiotic group and 29 (56.9%) of 51 patients in the placebo group (relative risk [RR], 0.47 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27 to 0.81]; P = 0.003). Among them, mild POCD occurred in 11 (24.4%) in the probiotic group and 24 (47.1%) in the placebo group (RR, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.29 to 0.94]; P = 0.022). No significant difference in severe POCD incidence was found between the two groups (P = 0.209). Compared with the placebo group, the verbal memory domain cognitive function was mainly improved in the probiotic group. Conclusion Probiotics may be used perioperatively to prevent POCD development and improve verbal memory performance in elderly patients receiving hip or knee arthroplasty. Clinical trial registration www.chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR2100045620.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Manli Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huifan Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanping Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen Ouyang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianbin Tong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuan Le
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Yuan Le
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Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy Affects Daily Life of Cirrhotic Patients: A Viewpoint on Clinical Consequences and Therapeutic Opportunities. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11237246. [PMID: 36498820 PMCID: PMC9736966 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a frequent complication of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and can affect up to 80% of patients with liver cirrhosis. It is characterized by the lack of obvious clinical signs and the presence of alterations detectable using psychometric or electrophysiological testing focused on attention, working memory, psychomotor speed and visuospatial ability. Ideally, each patient should be tested for this condition because, despite the absence of symptoms, it has severe repercussions on daily life activities. It may be responsible for an inability to drive, sleep disturbances, risk of falls and inability to work. Some studies have highlighted its prognostically unfavorable role on mortality and risk of "overt" HE (OHE). Finally, MHE severely affects the lives of patients and caregivers, altering their quality of life and their socioeconomic status. Several treatments have been proposed for MHE treatment, including non-absorbable disaccharides, poorly absorbable antibiotics, such as rifaximin, probiotics and branched-chain amino acids, with promising results. For this reason, early diagnosis and intervention with appropriate measures is essential, with the aim of improving both performance on psychometric tests, as well as clinical aspects related to this condition.
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Luo M, Hu FR, Wang PD, Yao L, Hu SJ, Bai FH. EncephalApp stroop test versus electronic number connection test-A for screening minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis: a comparative study. Scand J Gastroenterol 2022; 57:1066-1069. [PMID: 35348416 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2022.2055975] [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] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a common neuropsychiatric complication of liver cirrhosis. Both EncephalApp Stroop test (EncephalApp) and electronic number connection test-A (eNCT-A) are novel computerised psychometric tests for MHE screening. We aimed to compare the efficiency, convenience, accessibility, and acceptability of EncephalApp with that of eNCT-A for MHE screening in cirrhotic patients. METHODS Ninety-five patients with hepatitis B-induced liver cirrhosis were included and respectively tested by the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES), EncephalApp, and eNCT-A. Using PHES as the gold standard for MHE diagnosis, the efficiency of EncephalApp and eNCT-A for MHE screening were respectively analysed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the areas under the ROC curve (AUROC) were compared. The convenience, accessibility, and acceptability of PHES, EncephalApp and eNCT-A were respectively evaluated by the 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS Fifty-two (55%) of included cirrhotic patients were diagnosed with MHE. The EncephalApp had a sensitivity of 84.6%, a specificity of 74.4%, and an AUROC of 0.836. Meanwhile, the eNCT-A had a sensitivity of 78.8%, a specificity of 83.7%, and an AUROC of 0.845. No significant difference in AUROC was detected between the EncephalApp and eNCT-A (p = .453). Compared with the EncephalApp, the eNCT-A presented better convenience and higher acceptability in cirrhotic patients undergoing MHE screening (p = .019 and p < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS As with the EncephalApp, the eNCT-A will be a potential home monitoring and point-of-care tool for cirrhotic patients at high risk of MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, PR China
| | - Fang-Rui Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, PR China
| | - Peng-Da Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, PR China
| | - Li Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, PR China
| | - Sheng-Juan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, PR China
| | - Fei-Hu Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, PR China
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Igna R, Gîrleanu I, Cojocariu C, Muzîca C, Huiban L, Sfarti C, Cuciureanu T, Chiriac S, Sîngeap AM, Petrea OC, Stafie R, Zenovia S, Năstasă R, Stratina E, Rotaru A, Stanciu C, Trifan A, Blaj M. The Role of Presepsin in Diagnosing Infections in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092077. [PMID: 36140479 PMCID: PMC9497501 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections and sepsis represent severe liver cirrhosis (LC) complications and the precipitating factors of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The early diagnosis and treatment of infections in patients with LC and HE can significantly increase their survival. Presepsin is a serum biomarker evaluated for the early diagnosis of infections and sepsis in the general and cirrhotic populations. This study aimed to evaluate the role of presepsin in the early diagnosis of infections in patients with LC and HE. This prospective observational study included all consecutive cirrhotic patients admitted to our tertiary university center with overt HE. The patients were follow-up until discharge. In this study, we included 365 patients with a median age of 59 years, of whom 61.9% were male. Infections were diagnosed in 134 patients (36.7%). The presepsin level was higher in patients with infections than those without infections (3167 vs. 500, p < 0.001). The ROC analysis results demonstrated that the best cut-off value for presepsin in infections detection was 980 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 80.17%, specificity of 82.5% (AUROC 0.869, CI 95%: 0.819−0.909, p < 0.001, Youden index J of 0.622), a positive predictive value of 40.63%, and a negative predictive value of 96.53%. In conclusion, in patients with LC and overt HE, presepsin levels >980 pg/mL could enhance the suspicion of bacterial infections. Presepsin may be an adequate non-invasive tool for the early diagnosis of infections in patients with LC and overt HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razvan Igna
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Intensive Care Unit, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Irina Gîrleanu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.G.); (C.C.)
| | - Camelia Cojocariu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.G.); (C.C.)
| | - Cristina Muzîca
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Laura Huiban
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Catalin Sfarti
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Tudor Cuciureanu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Stefan Chiriac
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Sîngeap
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Oana Cristina Petrea
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Remus Stafie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Sebastian Zenovia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Robert Năstasă
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ermina Stratina
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Adrian Rotaru
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Carol Stanciu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Anca Trifan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mihaela Blaj
- Department of Gastroenterology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Intensive Care Unit, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
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10
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Risk factors for hepatic encephalopathy and mortality in cirrhosis: The role of cognitive impairment, muscle alterations and shunts. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:1060-1065. [PMID: 35058135 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIM Muscle alterations, portosystemic shunts (SPSS) and minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) are related to hepatic encephalopathy (HE), however no studies have investigated the relative role of all these risk factors detected in the same patients. The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic impact of muscle alterations, MHE and SPSS on hepatic encephalopathy and transplant free survival. PATIENTS/METHODS 114 cirrhotics were submitted to Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) and Animal Naming Test (ANT) to detect MHE. CT scan was used to analyze the skeletal muscle index (SMI), muscle attenuation and SPSS. The incidence of the first episode of HE and survival were estimated. RESULTS Previous HE was present in 47 patients (41%). The variables independently associated to previous HE were: sarcopenia, MHE and SPSS. 44 patients (39%) developed overt HE during 14±11 months; MHE and SPSS were the only variables significantly asociated to overt HE. During the same follow-up, 42 patients died (37%); MELD and sarcopenia were the only variables significantly asociated to transplant free survival. CONCLUSIONS MHE, sarcopenia and SPSS are clinically relevant and should be sought for in cirrhotics. In particular, MHE and SPSS are the only risk factors significantly associated to the development of HE while MELD and sarcopenia are independently associated to overall mortality.
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11
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Häussinger D, Dhiman RK, Felipo V, Görg B, Jalan R, Kircheis G, Merli M, Montagnese S, Romero-Gomez M, Schnitzler A, Taylor-Robinson SD, Vilstrup H. Hepatic encephalopathy. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2022; 8:43. [PMID: 35739133 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-022-00366-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a prognostically relevant neuropsychiatric syndrome that occurs in the course of acute or chronic liver disease. Besides ascites and variceal bleeding, it is the most serious complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis. Ammonia and inflammation are major triggers for the appearance of HE, which in patients with liver cirrhosis involves pathophysiologically low-grade cerebral oedema with oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation and disturbances of oscillatory networks in the brain. Severity classification and diagnostic approaches regarding mild forms of HE are still a matter of debate. Current medical treatment predominantly involves lactulose and rifaximin following rigorous treatment of so-called known HE precipitating factors. New treatments based on an improved pathophysiological understanding are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Häussinger
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Radha K Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, (Uttar Pradesh), India
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Principe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Boris Görg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group ILDH, Division of Medicine, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, UK.,European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerald Kircheis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Diabetology and Hepatology, University Hospital Brandenburg an der Havel, Brandenburg Medical School, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Manuela Merli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Universita' degli Studi di Roma - Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Manuel Romero-Gomez
- UCM Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (HUVR/CSIC/US), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Alfons Schnitzler
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Simon D Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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12
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Serper M, Kaplan DE, Lin M, Taddei TH, Parikh ND, Werner RM, Tapper EB. Inpatient Gastroenterology Consultation and Outcomes of Cirrhosis-Related Hospitalizations in Two Large National Cohorts. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:2094-2104. [PMID: 34374917 PMCID: PMC10849043 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-07150-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about use of specialty care among patients admitted with cirrhosis complications. AIMS We sought to characterize the use and impact of gastroenterology/hepatology (GI/HEP) consultations in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. We studied two national cohorts-the Veterans Affairs Costs and Outcomes in Liver Disease (VOCAL) and a nationally representative database of commercially insured patients (Optum Clinformatics™ DataMart). METHODS Cirrhosis-related admissions were classified by ICD9/10 codes for ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, alcohol-associated hepatitis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or infection related. We included 20,287/222,166 index admissions from VOCAL/Optum from 2010 to 2016. Propensity-matched analyses were conducted to balance clinical characteristics. Mortality and readmission were evaluated using competing risk regression (subhazard ratios, sHR), and length of stay (LOS) was assessed using negative binomial regression. RESULTS GI/HEP consultations were completed among 37% and 42% patients in VOCAL and Optum, respectively. In propensity-matched analyses for VOCAL, GI/HEP consultation was associated with adjusted estimates of increased LOS (1.55 + 1.03 additional days), 90-day mortality (sHR 1.23, 95% CI 1.14-1.36), and lower 30-day readmissions (sHR 0.82, 95% CI 0.75-0.89). In Optum, inpatient consultation was associated with higher LOS (1.13 + 1.01 additional days), higher 90-day mortality (sHR 1.57, 95% CI 1.43-1.72), and higher 30-day readmission risk (sHR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.05). Post-discharge primary and specialty care was higher among admissions receiving GI/HEP consultation in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Use of GI/HEP consultation for cirrhosis-related admissions was low. Patients who received consultation had higher disease severity, and consultation was not associated with lower mortality but was associated with lower 30-day readmissions in the VA cohort only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Serper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 2 Dulles, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - David E Kaplan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 2 Dulles, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Menghan Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Tamar H Taddei
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Neehar D Parikh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Rachel M Werner
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Gastroenterology Section, Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, VA, USA
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13
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Nardelli S, Gioia S, Ridola L, Carlin M, Cioffi AD, Merli M, Spagnoli A, Riggio O. Risk of falls in patients with cirrhosis evaluated by timed up and go test: Does muscle or brain matter more? Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:371-377. [PMID: 34233863 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is considered a risk factor for falls in patients with liver cirrhosis. However, MHE is prevalent in patients with muscle alterations (sarcopenia and myosteatosis) probably due to the role of muscle in ammonia handling. AIM To assess the respective role of muscle alterations and MHE on the risk of falls in cirrhotic patients. METHODS Fifty cirrhotics were studied for MHE detection by using Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) and Animal Naming Test (ANT). CT scan was used to quantify the skeletal muscle index (SMI) and muscle attenuation, as a measure of myosteatosis. The risk of falls was evaluated by the Timed Up&Go test (TUG). The occurrence of falls during follow up was also detected. RESULTS 32 patients (64%) had an abnormal TUG (< 14 s). In the group with TUG ≥ 14 s, MHE (72vs31%, p<0.005) and myosteatosis (94vs50%, p = 0.002) were significantly more frequent than in patients with TUG<14 s. At multivariate the variables independently associated to TUG ≥ 14 s were myosteatosis, MHE and chronic beta-blockers use. During a mean follow-up of 25±16.9 months, 12 patients fell; the percentage of falls was significantly higher in patients with TUG ≥ 14 s (50%vs9%, p = 0.001) as well as in patients with myosteatosis (33%vs6%, p = 0.03), but similar in patients with or without MHE (35%vs15%, NS). CONCLUSION In cirrhotic patients both muscle alterations and cognitive impairment, as well as chronic beta-blockers use, are associated to the risk of falls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Nardelli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Stefania Gioia
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ridola
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Michele Carlin
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Antonio Davide Cioffi
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Manuela Merli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Alessandra Spagnoli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Oliviero Riggio
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
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14
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Di Cola S, Nardelli S, Ridola L, Gioia S, Riggio O, Merli M. Ammonia and the Muscle: An Emerging Point of View on Hepatic Encephalopathy. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11030611. [PMID: 35160063 PMCID: PMC8836353 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11030611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last years the link between the presence of muscular alterations and hepatic encephalopathy (HE), both minimal and overt, has been deeply studied. The pathophysiological background supporting the relationship between muscle depletion, and HE is characterized by an imbalance between the capacity of muscle in ammonia metabolism and trafficking and the inability of the liver in removing ammonia through urea synthesis due to liver failure and/or the presence of porto-systemic shunts. This review will focus on the clinical burden, the physio pathological mechanisms understanding the liver muscle axis and principles of management of muscular alterations in cirrhosis.
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15
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Mohamed AS, Elmeteini MA, Mohamed GAE, Elserafy DM, Elmadani AA, Hashem RE. Cognitive impairment in recipients of liver transplantation and relation to hepatic encephalopathy. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43045-022-00175-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Liver transplantation (LT) helped to save the life of end stage liver disease (ESLD) patients; however, there is a debate on the persistence of cognitive impairment. The study aimed to evaluate cognitive functions in patients with ESLD before and after liver transplantation and to assess its relation to hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Thirty recipients 47.6 ± 11 years undergone living donor liver transplantation at the transplantation center of both Ain Shams Center for Organ Transplant and Egypt air organ transplant unit were prospectively assessed by Trail Making Test, Wechsler Memory Scale–Revised, Benton Visual Retention—for the evaluation of cognitive functions before and 3 months after transplantation.
Results
The mean age of the patients was 47.6 ± 11 years, 17 males and 13 females. Eight out of 30 (26.7%) had past history of hepatic encephalopathy. The study reported significant improvement in the post-operative 3 months scores of Trail Making Test part (A), the digit span forward test, digit span backward test and the correct score difference of the Benton Visual Retention, as p value was (0.02), (0.01) (0.02), and (0.01) respectively, compared to the pre-operative scores. However, there was no difference in the scores of part (B), verbal association I, II, information subtest of WMS. Cognitive performance showed no significant difference between patients with or without history of HE.
Conclusions
Patients with ESLD have significant cognitive impairment that showed improvement after LT; HE did not correlate with cognitive function. Hence, transplantation has a favorable outcome on the cognitive impairment.
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16
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Minimal hepatic encephalopathy - diagnosis and treatment. GASTROENTEROLOGY REVIEW 2022; 16:311-317. [PMID: 34976238 PMCID: PMC8690948 DOI: 10.5114/pg.2021.111389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy is a dysfunction of the central nervous system caused by chronic and acute liver disease. It presents a wide spectrum of symptoms from undetectable in a standard clinical examination to hepatic coma. The mildest form of hepatic encephalopathy is minimal hepatic encephalopathy. It significantly influences the quality of life, prognosis, and the incidence of complications. A wide range of psychometric and neurophysiological tests are used in the diagnostics. Treatment is based on the same principles as in overt encephalopathy. The most commonly used drugs include rifaximin, ornithine aspartate, and LOLA.
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17
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Juan Z, Chen J, Ding B, Yongping L, Liu K, Wang L, Le Y, Liao Q, Shi J, Huang J, Wu Y, Ma D, Ouyang W, Tong J. Probiotic supplement attenuates chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment in patients with breast cancer: a randomised, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. Eur J Cancer 2021; 161:10-22. [PMID: 34896904 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is highly prevalent in patients with cancer and is associated with poor outcomes and quality of life. To date, the management of CRCI remains a clinical challenge. Herein, we aim to determine the preventive effects of probiotics on CRCI development and underlying mechanisms. METHODS We conducted a randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial (ChiCTR-INQ-17014181) of 159 patients with breast cancer and further investigated the underlying mechanism in a pre-clinical setting. From 2018 to 2019, patients with breast cancer (Stage I-III) who needed adjuvant chemotherapy were screened, enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either probiotics or placebo (three capsules, twice/day) during chemotherapy. Their cognition, anxiety and depression were assessed with well-established assays; their plasma biomarkers, metabolites and faecal microbiota compositions were measured. In addition, the systemic effects of the metabolites found in the clinical trial on long-term potentiation, synapse injury, oxidative stress and glial activation were assessed in rats. RESULTS Probiotics supplement significantly decreased the incidence of CRCI, improved the allover cognitive functions, changed the gut microbial composition and modulated nine plasma metabolite changes. Among these metabolites, p-Mentha-1,8-dien-7-ol, Linoelaidyl carnitine and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid were negatively correlated with the occurrence of CRCI. Furthermore, probiotics supplement increased plasma p-Mentha-1,8-dien-7-ol in rats. Administration of exogenous p-Mentha-1,8-dien-7-ol significantly alleviated chemotherapy-induced long-term potentiation impairment, synapse injury, oxidative stress and glial activation in the hippocampus of rats. CONCLUSION Our data indicated that probiotics supplement prevents the occurrence of CRCI in patients with breast cancer via modulating plasma metabolites, including p-Mentha-1,8-dien-7-ol. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-INQ-17014181) [http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=24294].
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Juan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Jie Chen
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Boni Ding
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Liang Yongping
- Department of Medical Imaging (Ultrasound), Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Yuan Le
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Qin Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Jingcheng Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, PR China
| | - Jufang Huang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Yuhui Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, PR China
| | - Daqing Ma
- Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Wen Ouyang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China.
| | - Jianbin Tong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China.
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18
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Özbaş B, Keskin O, Hecker H, Karahan I, Özbaş C, Kalkan Ç, Kartal A, Önder FO, Öncü BK, Gençdal G, Akyildiz M, Günşar F, Idilman R, Weissenborn K, Özütemiz Ö, Yurdaydin C. Determination of Turkish norms of psychometric tests for diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy and proposal of a high sensitive screening test battery. Hepatol Int 2021; 15:1442-1455. [PMID: 34085147 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10207-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) needs local standardization. AIMS This study aimed at standardizing PHES for Turkish patients and compare them with German norms; to determine minimal hepatic encephalopathy (mHE) prevalence with two different methods [PHES battery and Critical Flicker Frequency (CFF)] and to assess whether sub-tests of the battery can be used for screening for mHE. METHODS Healthy volunteers (n = 816; 400 male) and cirrhotics (n = 124; 58 male) were included. For mHE diagnosis PHES score threshold was set at ≤ - 5 points and that of CFF at < 39 Hz. For comparing German and Turkish norms, datasets were combined. Multiple backward procedure was applied to assess effects of age, sex and education on single tests of the battery. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created for assessing diagnostic capabilities of subtests of the battery. RESULTS PHES norms for Turks were developed. MHE prevalence in compensated cirrhotics was 29.8% and 27.4% with PHES and CFF tests, respectively, with low compatibility (kappa coefficient 0.389); mHE prevalence decreased to 16% when both tests were combined. Turks performed worse vs Germans in the digit symbol (DS) and serial dotting (SD) subtests but performed better in other subtests. In ROC analyzes of subtests, the combination of DS + SD tests achieved an AUROC of 0.974 versus PHES. CONCLUSIONS Use of two methods for diagnosing mHE is important for research purposes. From a clinical perspective, sensitivity with acceptable specificity may suffice for screening instruments for mHE. Combined use of DS and SD subtests of the PHES battery appears suitable for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Özbaş
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Onur Keskin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hartmut Hecker
- Department of Biometrics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Irfan Karahan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cansu Özbaş
- Department of Public Health, Gazi University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Çağdaş Kalkan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysun Kartal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatih Oğuz Önder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Burcu Kahveci Öncü
- Department of Psychiatry, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Genco Gençdal
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Koç University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Akyildiz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Koç University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fulya Günşar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Idilman
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Ömer Özütemiz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Cihan Yurdaydin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey.
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Koç University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey.
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19
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Berry K, Duarte-Rojo A, Grab JD, Dunn MA, Boyarsky BJ, Verna EC, Kappus MR, Volk ML, McAdams-DeMarco M, Segev DL, Ganger DR, Ladner DP, Shui A, Tincopa MA, Rahimi RS, Lai JC. Cognitive Impairment and Physical Frailty in Patients With Cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2021; 6:237-246. [PMID: 34558844 PMCID: PMC8710786 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical frailty and impaired cognition are common in patients with cirrhosis. Physical frailty can be assessed using performance-based tests, but the extent to which impaired cognition may impact performance is not well characterized. We assessed the relationship between impaired cognition and physical frailty in patients with cirrhosis. We enrolled 1,623 ambulatory adult patients with cirrhosis waiting for liver transplantation at 10 sites. Frailty was assessed with the liver frailty index (LFI; "frail," LFI ≥ 4.4). Cognition was assessed at the same visit with the number connection test (NCT); continuous "impaired cognition" was examined in primary analysis, with longer NCT (more seconds) indicating worse impaired cognition. For descriptive statistics, "impaired cognition" was NCT ≥ 45 seconds. Linear regression associated frailty and impaired cognition; competing risk regression estimated subhazard ratios (sHRs) of wait-list mortality (i.e., death/delisting for sickness). Median NCT was 41 seconds, and 42% had impaired cognition. Median LFI (4.2 vs. 3.8) and rates of frailty (38% vs. 20%) differed between those with and without impaired cognition. In adjusted analysis, every 10-second NCT increase associated with a 0.08-LFI increase (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-0.10). In univariable analysis, both frailty (sHR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.43-1.87) and impaired cognition (sHR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.10) associated with wait-list mortality. After adjustment, frailty but not impaired cognition remained significantly associated with wait-list mortality (sHR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.33-1.79). Impaired cognition mediated 7.4% (95% CI, 2.0%-16.4%) of the total effect of frailty on 1-year wait-list mortality. Conclusion: Patients with cirrhosis with higher impaired cognition displayed higher rates of physical frailty, yet frailty independently associated with wait-list mortality while impaired cognition did not. Our data provide evidence for using the LFI to understand mortality risk in patients with cirrhosis, even when concurrent impaired cognition varies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacey Berry
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andres Duarte-Rojo
- Center for Liver Diseases, Thomas A. Starzl Transplantation Institute and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joshua D Grab
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Dunn
- Center for Liver Diseases, Thomas A. Starzl Transplantation Institute and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Brian J Boyarsky
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Verna
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew R Kappus
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael L Volk
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and Transplantation Institute, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Mara McAdams-DeMarco
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dorry L Segev
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daniel R Ganger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniela P Ladner
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amy Shui
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Monica A Tincopa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Robert S Rahimi
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott and White, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer C Lai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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20
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Iqbal U, Jadeja RN, Khara HS, Khurana S. A Comprehensive Review Evaluating the Impact of Protein Source (Vegetarian vs. Meat Based) in Hepatic Encephalopathy. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020370. [PMID: 33530344 PMCID: PMC7911290 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common neurological consequence in patients with cirrhosis and has a healthcare burden of USD 5370 to 50,120 per patient annually. HE significantly hampers the quality of life and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Patients with cirrhosis are at a high risk for protein-calorie malnutrition due to altered metabolism. Current evidence has changed the old belief of protein restriction in patients with cirrhosis and now 1.2 to 1.5 g/kg/day protein intake is recommended. Case series and studies with small numbers of participants showed that a vegetarian protein diet decreases the symptoms of HE when compared to a meat-based diet, but the evidence is limited and requires further larger randomized controlled trials. However, vegetable or milk-based protein diets are good substitutes for patients averse to meat intake. Branch chain amino acids (BCAA) (leucine, isoleucine and valine) have also been shown to be effective in alleviating symptoms of HE and are recommended as an alternative therapy in patients with cirrhosis for the treatment of HE. In this review, we provide an overview of current literature evaluating the role of protein intake in the management of HE in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umair Iqbal
- Geisinger Medical Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Danville, PA 17822, USA; (U.I.); (H.S.K.)
| | - Ravirajsinh N. Jadeja
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Harshit S. Khara
- Geisinger Medical Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Danville, PA 17822, USA; (U.I.); (H.S.K.)
| | - Sandeep Khurana
- Geisinger Medical Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Danville, PA 17822, USA; (U.I.); (H.S.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-570-271-6407
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21
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Amodio P, Montagnese S. Lights and Shadows in Hepatic Encephalopathy Diagnosis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:341. [PMID: 33477554 PMCID: PMC7831133 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a form of brain dysfunction that is caused by liver insufficiency and/or portal-systemic shunting. The exact nature of HE is debated; as such, conflicting uses of the term "HE" may cause inconsistencies in its detection and management. This review highlights the meaning of the term "HE" on the basis of its historical origins and current consensus. It also provides criteria for the diagnosis of the condition based on its phenotypes and risk factors for its occurrence. The procedure for differential diagnosis from other conditions which result in similar phenotypes is considered, together with precipitants and confounders. Finally, the current multidimensional approach for the correct clinical reporting of HE episodes is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Amodio
- Department of Internal Medicine, DIMED, University of Padova, I-35100 Padova, Italy;
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22
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Impaired brain function improved by L-carnitine in patients with cirrhosis: evaluation using near-infrared spectroscopy. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13566. [PMID: 32782294 PMCID: PMC7419306 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70585-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the effects of l-carnitine on impaired brain function in patients with liver cirrhosis. We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included sequential 80 liver cirrhosis patients with impaired brain function evaluated using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Among them, l-carnitine was administered to 48 patients. The NIRS data and blood ammonia level at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment were compared between patients administered with l-carnitine (l-carnitine group) and those who were not (control group). The NIRS data at baseline were similar between the l-carnitine and control groups (0.04 ± 0.04 vs. 0.04 ± 0.05 mMmm, p = n.s), whereas those in the l-carnitine group (n = 48) were significantly better than that of the control group at 8 weeks of treatment (n = 32) (0.103 ± 0.081 vs. 0.040 ± 0.048 mMmm, p < 0.001). In the l-carnitine group, 35.4% (17/48) of patients had hyperammonemia. The NIRS data of the l-carnitine group at 8 weeks of treatment were significantly improved than that of the control group, irrespective of baseline ammonia levels (0.11 ± 0.09 vs. 0.04 ± 0.05 mMmm, p = 0.005, and 0.10 ± 0.06 vs. 0.02 ± 0.03 mMmm, p = 0.003, for normal baseline ammonia and elevated ammonia levels, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, l-carnitine administration (odds ratio [OR] 3.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–9.99, p = 0.019) and baseline NIRS data of ≤ 0.07 mMmm (OR 5.21, 95% CI 1.69–16.0, p = 0.0041) were found as independent significant factors. l-carnitine improves impaired brain function in patients with liver cirrhosis.
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23
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Laursen TL, Sandahl TD, Kazankov K, George J, Grønbæk H. Liver-related effects of chronic hepatitis C antiviral treatment. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:2931-2947. [PMID: 32587440 PMCID: PMC7304101 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i22.2931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
More than five years ago, the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection was revolutionized with the introduction of all-oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs. They proved highly efficient in curing patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), including patients with cirrhosis. The new DAA treatments were alleged to induce significant improvements in clinical outcome and prognosis, but the exact cause of the expected benefit was unclear. Further, little was known about how the underlying liver disease would be affected during and after viral clearance. In this review, we describe and discuss the liver-related effects of the new treatments in regards to both pathophysiological aspects, such as macrophage activation, and the time-dependent effects of therapy, with specific emphasis on inflammation, structural liver changes, and liver function, as these factors are all related to morbidity and mortality in CHC patients. It seems clear that antiviral therapy, especially the achievement of a sustained virologic response has several beneficial effects on liver-related parameters in CHC patients with advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. There seems to be a time-dependent effect of DAA therapy with viral clearance and the resolution of liver inflammation followed by more discrete changes in structural liver lesions. These improvements lead to favorable effects on liver function, followed by an improvement in cognitive dysfunction and portal hypertension. Overall, the data provide knowledge on the several beneficial effects of DAA therapy on liver-related parameters in CHC patients suggesting short- and long-term improvements in the underlying disease with the promise of an improved long-term prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea L Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N DK-8200, Denmark
| | - Thomas D Sandahl
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N DK-8200, Denmark
| | - Konstantin Kazankov
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N DK-8200, Denmark
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney NSW 2145, Australia
- University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N DK-8200, Denmark
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24
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Dhiman RK, Thumburu KK, Verma N, Chopra M, Rathi S, Dutta U, Singal AK, Taneja S, Duseja A, Singh M. Comparative Efficacy of Treatment Options for Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 18:800-812.e25. [PMID: 31476436 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2019.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We aimed to synthesize evidence for most effective treatments for minimal hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and prevention of overt HE in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS We performed a systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, OvidSP, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases through July 26, 2018, for randomized controlled trials evaluating treatments for minimal HE in patients with cirrhosis, with primary outcomes of reversal of minimal HE or prevention of overt HE. We conducted a meta-analysis and then used network meta-analysis and surface under cumulated ranking (SUCRA) to pool the direct and indirect estimates and rank the different treatments. We appraised study quality using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. RESULTS Our meta-analysis and network meta-analysis included 25 trials, comprising 1563 participants. Agents found to be effective in reversing minimal HE compared with placebo or no treatment included rifaximin (odds ratio [OR], 7.53; 95% predictive interval [PrI], 4.45-12.73; SUCRA, 89.2%; moderate quality), lactulose (OR, 5.39; 95% PrI, 3.60-8.0; SUCRA, 67.2%; moderate quality), the combination of probiotics and lactulose (OR, 4.66; 95% PrI, 1.90-11.39; SUCRA, 52.4%; low quality), L-ornithine L-aspartate (OR, 4.45; 95% PrI, 2.67-7.42; SUCRA, 47.2%; low moderate quality), and probiotics (OR, 3.89; 95% PrI, 2.52-6.02; SUCRA, 34.1%; low quality). Agents found to be effective in preventing episodes of overt HE compared with placebo or no treatment included L-ornithine L-aspartate (OR, 0.19; 95% PrI, 0.04-0.91; SUCRA, 75.1%; high moderate quality), lactulose (OR, 0.22; 95% PrI, 0.09-0.52; SUCRA, 73.9%; moderate quality), and probiotics (OR, 0.27; 95% PrI, 0.11-0.62; SUCRA, 59.6%; low quality). CONCLUSIONS In a meta-analysis of data from 25 trials, we found rifaximin and lactulose to be most effective for reversal of minimal HE in patients with cirrhosis. L-ornithine L-aspartate and lactulose are most effective in the prevention of overt HE. Lactulose was the only agent that was effective in reversing minimal HE, preventing overt HE, reducing ammonia, and improving quality of life, with tolerable adverse effects. International prospective register of systematic reviews ID: 107003.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Usha Dutta
- Department of Gastroenterology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ashwani K Singal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | | | - Meenu Singh
- Department of Paediatrics, Chandigarh, India
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25
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Luo M, Ma P, Li L, Cao WK. Advances in psychometric tests for screening minimal hepatic encephalopathy: From paper-and-pencil to computer-aided assessment. TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2020; 30:398-407. [PMID: 31060994 DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2019.18226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a major neuropsychiatric complication of liver cirrhosis and portosystemic shunting. Although MHE produces a spectrum of cognitive impairments in the domains of short-term attention, working memory, and executive function, it generally does not present with obvious clinical manifestation on conventional assessments. Paper-and-pencil psychometric tests, such as the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score and the repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status, are recommended to diagnose MHE. However, these tests are neither rapid nor convenient to use in practice. To facilitate repeated testing in clinic and follow-up, computer-aided psychometric tests, such as the scan test, Cognitive Drug Research assessment battery, inhibitory control test, EncephalApp Stroop App, and critical flicker frequency, have been used to screen for MHE among patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of this review was to describe the progression from the utility of paper-and-pencil to computer-aided psychometric tests for MHE screening in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningxia People's Hospital, Ningxia, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wu-Kui Cao
- Tianjin Liver Disease Institute, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, China
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26
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Nardelli S, Lattanzi B, Merli M, Farcomeni A, Gioia S, Ridola L, Riggio O. Muscle Alterations Are Associated With Minimal and Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis. Hepatology 2019; 70:1704-1713. [PMID: 31038758 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Muscle alterations (myosteatosis and sarcopenia) are frequent in cirrhosis and related to some complications including overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between muscle alterations and minimal HE (MHE) and their role in the risk of overt HE. Sixty-four patients with cirrhosis were administered the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score and animal naming test to detect MHE. Computed tomography was used to analyze the skeletal muscle index and attenuation. The incidence of the first episode of HE, taking into account the competing risk nature of the data, was estimated. Myosteatosis was observed in 24 patients (37.5%), sarcopenia in 37 (58%), and MHE in 32 (50%). Both myosteatosis (62.5% versus 12.5%, P < 0.001) and sarcopenia (84% versus 31%, P < 0.001) were more frequent in patients with MHE. The variables independently associated with the presence of MHE were sarcopenia, previous overt HE, and myosteatosis. Thirty-one (48%) patients developed overt HE over 16.1 ± 13 months; myosteatosis was detected in 68% and sarcopenia in 84% of them. Sarcopenia and myosteatosis were also independently associated with the development of overt HE. Venous ammonia was significantly higher in patients with sarcopenia (62.6 ± 17.7 versus 41.4 ± 16.1 μg/dL, P < 0.001) and in patients with myosteatosis (65.2 ± 19.2 versus 46.7 ± 17.1 μg/dL, P < 0.001) and inversely correlated to both parameters. Survival was significantly lower in malnourished patients compared to patients without myosteatosis or sarcopenia (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Myosteatosis and sarcopenia, probably by reducing the handling of ammonia in the muscle, are independently associated with MHE and the risk of overt HE in patients with cirrhosis; in malnourished patients, the amelioration of nutritional status may be a goal to decrease both the prevalence of MHE and the incidence of overt HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Nardelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Portal Hypertension, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Lattanzi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Portal Hypertension, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Merli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Portal Hypertension, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Farcomeni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Gioia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Portal Hypertension, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ridola
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Portal Hypertension, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Oliviero Riggio
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Portal Hypertension, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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27
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Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy is Associated with Increased Cerebral Vascular Resistance. A Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound Study. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15373. [PMID: 31653939 PMCID: PMC6814853 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51867-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a subclinical complication of liver cirrhosis with a relevant social impact. Thus, there is urgent need to implement easy to use diagnostic tools for the early identification of affected patients. The aim of this study was to investigate cerebral blood flow, systemic hemodynamics as well as endothelial function of cirrhotic patients with MHE, and to verify their change after treatment with rifaximin. Fifty cirrhotic patients with or without MHE and an equal number of healthy controls underwent transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD), abdominal Doppler ultrasound (US), and measurement of flow mediated dilation (FMD). In cirrhotic patients diagnosed with MHE receiving rifaximin, the tests were repeated at the end of treatment. Middle (MCA) and posterior (PCA) cerebral artery resistive (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices were higher in cirrhotic patients than controls, as well as renal and splenic artery RI. Conversely, FMD was reduced. MCA-RI and PI were even higher in cirrhotic patients with MHE compared to those without; a MCA-RI cut-off of 0.65 showed an accuracy of 74% in discriminating the presence of MHE, with 65% sensitivity and 76% specificity. Rifaximin treatment showed no efficacy in the modulation of cerebral vascular flow. In conclusion, cirrhotic patients with MHE have significantly increased cerebral vascular resistances that are not improved by rifaximin treatment. MCA-RI measurement has a good accuracy for the diagnosis of MHE and can be useful for the early identification of this harmful complication of liver cirrhosis.
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28
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Abstract
Overt and covert hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are debilitating complications of cirrhosis. HE results in a poor quality of life for patients and their caregivers and, unless there is access to liver transplantation, the prognosis is poor. The development of overt HE is often unpredictable, and its management, particularly in the ward, remains challenging. There is an urgent need for novel approaches to treat HE. Until recently, therapies for this complication were disappointing, with frequently intolerable side effects such as diarrhoea and faecal incontinence. However, a non-absorbable antibiotic, rifaximin, * has been approved for the prevention of recurrent overt HE. It aims to reduce hospitalisation and resource use, as well as improve patients' quality of life. This article describes the practical aspects of diagnosing, classifying and managing HE. It reviews the pharmacological options for the treatment and prophylaxis of overt HE, and explores the evidence base demonstrating that rifaximin reduces the recurrence of overt HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie L Shawcross
- Reader and Honorary Consultant Hepatologist, Institute of Liver Studies, School of Immunity and Microbial Science, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College Hospital, London
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29
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Shiha G, Mousa N. Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy: Silent Tragedy. LIVER DISEASE AND SURGERY [WORKING TITLE] 2019. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.88231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
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30
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Nardelli S, Gioia S, Ridola L, Farcomeni A, Merli M, Riggio O. Proton Pump Inhibitors Are Associated With Minimal and Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy and Increased Mortality in Patients With Cirrhosis. Hepatology 2019; 70:640-649. [PMID: 30289992 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a subclinical cognitive impairment frequently observable in patients with cirrhosis. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can contribute to small-bowel bacterial overgrowth, but no study has investigated the link between PPIs and MHE. We investigated the relationship between MHE and PPI use as well as the role of PPI use in the development of overt HE and survival. Consecutive patients with cirrhosis (n = 310) were included in the study and followed up for 14.1 ± 12.3 months. At entry, MHE was diagnosed when the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score was ≤-4. Data were analyzed by logistic regression for the factors associated with MHE and by time-related models for overt HE development and survival. At inclusion, 131 out of 310 patients with cirrhosis (42%) were affected by MHE. One hundred and twenty-five patients (40%) were using PPIs. The variables independently associated with the presence of MHE were PPI use, previous overt HE, low albumin, low sodium, and age. During follow-up, the development of overt HE was higher (64% versus 25%, P < 0.001) and overall survival lower (41% versus 81%, P < 0.001) in PPI users than in nonusers. Variables independently associated with the development of overt HE were PPIs, history of overt HE, low albumin, MHE, and age, while variables independently associated with mortality were PPIs, development of overt HE, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, low sodium, and age. Conclusion: The study identifies a potentially removable factor associated with the presence of MHE and related to the development of overt HE and survival in patients with liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Nardelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Gioia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ridola
- Department of Clinical Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Farcomeni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Merli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Oliviero Riggio
- Department of Clinical Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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31
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Zarantonello L, Turco M, Formentin C, Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Vuerich A, Barcenas Jimenez MJ, Montoliu C, Felipo V, Angeli P, Amodio P, Montagnese S. The influence of HE history, HE status and neuropsychological test type on learning ability in patients with cirrhosis. Liver Int 2019; 39:861-870. [PMID: 30658006 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Learning ability may be impaired in patients with a history of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE). The aim of this study was to compare performance on the first/second attempt at a series of tests. METHODS Two hundred and fourteen patients with cirrhosis were enrolled. On the day of study, 41% were classed as unimpaired, 38% as having minimal HE and 21% as having mild OHE; 58% had a history of OHE. Performance was compared between two versions of the trail-making test A (TMT-A), and between the first/second half of a simple/choice reaction time (sRT and cRT), and a working memory test (ScanRT). RESULTS Both patients with and without OHE history improved in TMT-A, sRT and ScanRT. Only patients with no OHE history improved in cRT. All patients, regardless of their HE status on the day of study, improved in TMT-A and sRT. Only patients with mild OHE on the day of study improved in cRT. Only unimpaired patients improved in ScanRT. When OHE history and HE status on the day of study were tested together, only HE status had an effect. The same held true when age, the Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) and educational attainment were adjusted for. CONCLUSIONS HE status on the day of study and the type of neuropsychological test had an effect on learning ability in a well-characterized group of patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matteo Turco
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Paula Izquierdo-Altarejos
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Anna Vuerich
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Carmina Montoliu
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paolo Angeli
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Piero Amodio
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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32
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Formentin C, De Rui M, Zoncapè M, Ceccato S, Zarantonello L, Senzolo M, Burra P, Angeli P, Amodio P, Montagnese S. The psychomotor vigilance task: Role in the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy and relationship with driving ability. J Hepatol 2019; 70:648-657. [PMID: 30633946 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a syndrome of decreased vigilance and has been associated with impaired driving ability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT), which is used to assess both vigilance and driving ability, in a group of patients with cirrhosis and varying degrees of HE. METHODS A total of 145 patients (120 males, 59 ± 10 years, model for end-stage liver disease [MELD] score 13 ± 5) underwent the PVT; a subgroup of 117 completed a driving questionnaire and a subgroup of 106 underwent the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) and an electroencephalogram (EEG), based on which, plus a clinical evaluation, they were classed as being unimpaired (n = 51), or as having minimal (n = 35), or mild overt HE (n = 20). All patients were followed up for an average of 13 ± 5 months in relation to the occurrence of accidents and/or traffic offences, HE-related hospitalisations and death. Sixty-six healthy volunteers evenly distributed by sex, age and education served as a reference cohort for the PVT. RESULTS Patients showed worse PVT performance compared with healthy volunteers, and PVT indices significantly correlated with MELD, ammonia levels, PHES and the EEG results. Significant associations were observed between neuropsychiatric performance/PVT indices and licence/driving status. PVT, PHES and EEG results all predicted HE-related hospitalisations and/or death over the follow-up period; none predicted accidents or traffic offences. However, individuals with the slowest reaction times and most lapses on the PVT were often not driving despite having a licence. When patients who had stopped driving for HE-related reasons (n = 6) were modelled as having an accident or fine over the subsequent 6 and 12 months, PVT was a predictor of accidents and traffic offences, even after correction for MELD and age. CONCLUSIONS The PVT is worthy of further study for the purposes of both HE and driving ability assessment. LAY SUMMARY Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complication of advanced liver disease that can manifest as excessive sleepiness. Some patients with HE have been shown to have difficulty driving. Herein, we used a test called the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT), which measures sleepiness and can also be used to assess driving competence. We showed that PVT performance is fairly stable in healthy individuals. We also showed that PVT performance parallels performance in tests which are commonly used in cirrhotic patients to measure HE. We suggest that this test is helpful in quantifying HE and identifying dangerous drivers among patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michele De Rui
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mirko Zoncapè
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Ceccato
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Marco Senzolo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Angeli
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Piero Amodio
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sara Montagnese
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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Kornerup LS, Pflugrad H, Weissenborn K, Vilstrup H, Dam G. Cognitive impairment after liver transplantation: residual hepatic encephalopathy or posttransplant encephalopathy? Hepat Med 2019; 11:41-46. [PMID: 31040728 PMCID: PMC6456244 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s144667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) represents the definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease. Cognitive impairment following LT is frequent, referred to as postliver transplant encephalopathy (PLTE). LT removes the underlying chronic liver disease, and until recently hepatic encephalopathy (HE) was assumed to be fully reversible after LT. However, increasing evidence indicates that some degree of cognitive impairment may be present after LT. To which extent PLTE reflects cognitive impairment caused by residual HE (RHE) or the combined effect of other factors affecting brain function before, during, and after LT is not clarified. None of the available psychometric and neurophysiological tests used for detecting HE is shown to be able to distinguish between etiologies. The available, mostly retrospective, clinical studies indicate a high prevalence of abnormal psychometric tests after LT, and not all seem to recover completely. The patients with earlier HE show the most marked improvements, suggesting that the clinical picture of the early PLTE, in fact, represents RHE. Other early post-LT etiologies for PLTE comprise cerebral ischemia, critical illness encephalopathy, and immunosuppressive therapy. Late-onset etiologies comprise diabetes and hypertension, among others. PLTE regardless of etiology is a worrying issue and needs more attention in the form of mechanistic research, development of diagnostic/discriminative tools, and standardized prospective clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Skibsted Kornerup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Henning Pflugrad
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Gitte Dam
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Hepatic encephalopathy 2018: A clinical practice guideline by the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF). Dig Liver Dis 2019; 51:190-205. [PMID: 30606696 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2018.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common, worrisome and sometimes difficult to manage complication of end-stage liver disease. HE is often recurrent, requiring multiple hospital admissions. It can have serious implications in terms of a patient's ability to perform complex tasks (for example driving), their earning capacity, their social and family roles. This guideline reviews current knowledge on HE definition, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment, both by general principles and by way of a summary of available drugs and treatment strategies. The quality of the published, pertinent evidence is graded, and practical recommendations are made. Where possible, these are placed within the Italian health service context, with reference to local diagnosis and management experience.
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Rathi S, Chopra M, Chouduri G, Sharma P, Madan K, Chhabra M, Rai RR, Govil A, Konar A, Goenka M, Agarwal M, Mukherjee J, Thorat V, Salunkhe S, Abraham P, Nagral A, Jhaveri A, Bhat N, Varghese J, R.S. A, Ravishankar, Reddy DC, Dhiman RK. Prevalence of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis: A Cross-Sectional, Clinicoepidemiological, Multicenter, Nationwide Study in India: The PREDICT Study. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2019; 9:476-483. [PMID: 31516264 PMCID: PMC6728606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aimed at assessing the prevalence and clinical profile of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in patients with cirrhosis using neuropsychological assessment and at understanding the management practices of MHE in the Indian clinical setting. METHODS This cross-sectional, clinicoepidemiological study conducted at 20 sites enrolled liver cirrhosis patients with Grade 0 hepatic encephalopathy according to West-Haven Criteria. Patients were subjected to mini-mental state examination and those with a score of ≥24 were assessed using psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score. Short Form-36 questionnaire was administered to assess the impact on health-related quality of life. RESULTS Of the 1260 enrolled patients, 1114 were included in the analysis. The mean age was 49.5 years and majority were males (901 [81%]). The prevalence of MHE was found to be 59.7% (665/1114) based on the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score of ≤-5. Alcohol-related liver disease was the most common etiology (482 [43.27%]) followed by viral infection (239 [21.45%]). Past smokers as well as those currently smoking were more likely to have MHE than nonsmokers. A significant association was found between tobacco chewing, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and the presence of MHE. Multivariable analysis revealed smoking as the only parameter associated with MHE. A total of 300 (26.9%) patients were on prophylaxis with lactulose/lactitol or rifaximin. These patients were less likely to have MHE as compared to those not on prophylaxis (odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.88; P = 0.005). CONCLUSION The disease burden of MHE is quite substantial in patients with cirrhosis with no apparent cognitive defect. Smoking, whether past or current, has significant association with the presence of MHE. Although MHE has been shown to adversely affect quality of life, prophylaxis for MHE is not routinely practiced in the Indian setting.The study has been registered under clinical trials registry of India (CTRI/2014/01/004306).
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Key Words
- ALD, alcohol-related liver disease
- CI, confidence interval
- DST, Digit Symbol Test
- FCT, figure connection test
- HE, hepatic encephalopathy
- HRQL, health-related quality of life
- MCS, mental component summary
- MELD, model for end-stage liver disease
- MHE, minimal hepatic encephalopathy
- MMSE, mini-mental state examination
- NCT, number connection test
- PCS, physical component summary
- PHES
- PHES, psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score
- SF-36, Short Form-36
- cirrhosis
- covert hepatic encephalopathy
- hepatic encephalopathy
- lactulose
- minimal hepatic encephalopathy
- quality of life
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahaj Rathi
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Madhu Chopra
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | | | - Kaushal Madan
- Institute of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Sciences, Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgoan, India
| | | | | | - Anurag Govil
- Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital, Jaipur, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Philip Abraham
- PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | | | | | - Naresh Bhat
- Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Arun R.S.
- Madras Medical Mission, Chennai, India
| | | | | | - Radha K. Dhiman
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Research, Chandigarh, India,Address for correspondence: Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
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Ridola L, Nardelli S, Gioia S, Riggio O. Quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:5446-5453. [PMID: 30622374 PMCID: PMC6319138 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i48.5446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) represents the mildest type of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This condition alters the performance of psychometric tests by impairing attention, working memory, psychomotor speed, and visuospatial ability, as well as electrophysiological and other functional brain measures. MHE is a frequent complication of liver disease, affecting up to 80% of tested patients, depending of the diagnostic tools used for the diagnosis. MHE is related to falls, to an impairment in fitness to drive and the development of overt HE, MHE severely affects the lives of patients and caregivers by altering their quality of life (QoL) and their socioeconomic status. MHE is detected in clinically asymptomatic patients through appropriate psychometric tests and neurophysiological methods which highlight neuropsychological alterations such as video-spatial orientation deficits, attention disorders, memory, reaction times, electroencephalogram slowing, prolongation of latency evoked cognitive potentials and reduction in the critical flicker frequency. Several treatments have been proposed for MHE treatment such as non-absorbable disaccharides, poorly absorbable antibiotics such rifaximin, probiotics and branched chain amino acids. However, because of the multiple diagnosis methods, the various endpoints of treatment trials and the variety of agents used in trials, to date the treatment of MHE is not routinely recommended apart from on a case-by-case basis. Aim of this review is analyze the burden of MHE on QoL of patients and provide a brief summary of therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Ridola
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina 04100, Italy
| | - Silvia Nardelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Stefania Gioia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Oliviero Riggio
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
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Abstract
Background and Objectives Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) research has long been impeded by the vague definition of this disabling complication of liver failure. This article provides an overview of the etiology and impact of HE on neuromuscular functions as well as its role in the development of infections and anemia. Materials and Methods This was a descriptive study conducted in 36 patients with HE. Close monitoring of these patients was done by checking on several parameters. Results The etiological distribution: alcohol (67%), hepatitis C virus (HCV; 17%), HCV and alcohol (8%), hepatitis B virus (HBV; 3%), HBV and alcohol (3%), HBV and HCV (6%), and cryptogenic (3%). The laboratory results indicated an elevation of De Ritis level in 69% of cases and in 92% of total bilirubin values. The Halstead-Reitan (H-R) test score with regards to gender indicated that more than half of the patients had a score of 2, while only few cases received the scores 3 and 4. The frequency of H-R score with regards to Child-Pugh score showed the significant preponderance of Child-Pugh score of 7–9 (B): 58.3% compared to others groups of results, and these results indicated patients’ poor prognosis. Conclusion Findings showed the preponderance of female patients towards developing HE and the poor survival rate of patients older than 65 years. Alcohol and hepatitis C were the main causes associated with the development of HE. The neurological assessment marked the preponderance of Child-Pugh grades B and C and also the prevalence in female patients with neuropsychological disabilities through the assessment of H-R test.
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Secondary prophylaxis of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis of liver: a double-blind randomized controlled trial of L-ornithine L-aspartate versus placebo. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 30:951-958. [PMID: 29727385 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with a poor prognosis. There is no study on the prevention of recurrence of encephalopathy with L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA). PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial at a tertiary center. Consecutive patients with cirrhosis who had recovered from HE were randomized to receive LOLA (6 g thrice daily) or similar amount of placebo by computer-based randomization for 6 months. Patients were assessed by psychometric HE scores using five paper-pencil tests, critical flicker frequency test, arterial ammonia, and sickness impact profile scores at inclusion. Primary end point was development of overt HE. RESULTS Of 306 patients, 150 patients were enrolled. HE recurred in nine (12.3%) of 73 and in 20 (27.7%) of 72 patients receiving LOLA and placebo, respectively (P=0.02), with hazard ratio of 0.389 (95% confidence interval=0.174-0.870). Mortality was similar in both groups (6.8 vs. 13.8%, P=0.18). At 6 months follow-up, there was a significant change in the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (2.53±2.18 vs. -0.01±1.92, P<0.001), ammonia level (-23.58±14.8 vs. 1.41±13.34 μmol/l, P<0.001), CFF (5.85±4.82 vs. 0.58±4.53, P<0.001), and SIP scores (-7.89±5.52 vs. -0.95±4.25, P<0.001) in patients treated with LOLA compared with placebo. On multivariate analysis, only MELD score predicted the recurrence of overt HE, with odds ratio of 2.21 (95% confidence interval: 1.526-3.204, P<0.001). CONCLUSION LOLA is effective in the secondary prophylaxis of HE and is associated with significant improvements in psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score, ammonia level, critical flicker frequency scores, and health-related quality of life.
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Bale A, Pai CG, Shetty S, Balaraju G, Shetty A. Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Cirrhosis of Liver. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2018; 8:156-161. [PMID: 29892178 PMCID: PMC5992259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), though highly prevalent, is a frequently underdiagnosed complication of cirrhosis of the liver. Because lack of time is reported as the major reason for non-testing, identifying patients at high risk of MHE would help in targeting them for screening. We aimed to determine the factors associated with MHE to help identify patient subgroups with a higher risk of MHE for targeted screening. METHODS Patients with cirrhosis of liver presenting between April 2015 and November 2016 were included. Those with a Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) of ≤-5 points on psychometric testing were diagnosed to have MHE. Various demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters were included in a univariate and later multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS Of the 180 (male = 166, 92.2%) patients included 94 (52.2%) had MHE. Though serum albumin, serum total bilirubin, serum aspartate aminotransferase, international normalized ration, Child-Turcotte-Pugh and Model-For-End-Stage-Liver-Disease scores were significant on univariate analysis, only CTP score was found to be significantly associated with MHE (P = 0.002) on multivariate analysis. A higher CTP class was associated with a higher risk of the presence of MHE. The Odds ratio for having MHE was higher with CTP classes of B (P ≤ 0.001) and C (P ≤ 0.001) compared to class A. CONCLUSIONS MHE is a common complication in patients with cirrhosis of liver and higher CTP scores independently predict the presence of MHE. Patients with CTP class B and C have a higher risk of suffering from MHE than CTP class A. Screening of patients in CTP class B and C is likely to increase the MHE detection rates while saving time, although select CTP class A patients may also need screening in view of public safety or poor quality of life.
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Key Words
- AASLD, The American Association for Study of Liver disease
- ALT, alanine transaminase
- AST, aspartate transaminase
- C.I., confidence interval
- CTP, Child Turcotte Pugh
- Child Turcotte Pugh score
- DST, digit symbol test
- FCT, figure connection test
- HE, hepatic encephalopathy
- HRQOL, health-related quality of life
- INR, international normalized ratio
- ISHEN, International Society For Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nitrogen Metabolism
- K+, potassium
- Ltt, line tracing test
- MELD, Model For End-Stage Liver Disease
- MHE, minimal hepatic encephalopathy
- NCT, number connection test
- Na+, sodium
- OR, odds ratio
- PHES, psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score
- Q1,Q3, quartile 1 and quartile 3
- SD, standard deviation
- SDT, serial dotting test
- SPSS, Statistics Package for Social Sciences
- TIPS, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
- WBC, white blood cells
- cirrhosis of liver hepatic encephalopathy
- psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C. Ganesh Pai
- Address for correspondence: Professor and Head, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India. Tel.: +91 9945376424.
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Amodio P. Hepatic encephalopathy: Diagnosis and management. Liver Int 2018; 38:966-975. [PMID: 29624860 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a peculiar kind of brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency and/or portal-systemic shunting. It is related to gut-derived substances. It is a relevant cause of morbidity and hospitalisation for patients with cirrhosis. The prognosis of HE is important in terms of survival and re-hospitalisation. It is related to impaired quality of life, falls and poor driving; presents a relevant burden for caregivers and health services; and may negatively impact on patient's job and income. Proper diagnosis and classification are expected to improve HE management. Once diagnosed, the management and therapeutic options for HE are generally clear. The improvement of knowledge in recent years has also clarified which are the further aims of research in this field of medicine. Prophylaxis of overt HE should always be performed, and this is generally secondary prophylaxis. Primary prophylaxis should be done immediately after upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Great advances in the detection and treatment of mild forms of HE are expected to lead to further improvement in patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Amodio
- Department of Medicine -DIMED- and CIRMANMEC, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of liver dysfunction, including acute liver failure and liver cirrhosis. HE presents as a spectrum of neuropsychiatric symptoms ranging from subtle fluctuating cognitive impairment to coma. It is a significant contributor of morbidity in patients with liver disease. HE is observed in acute liver failure, liver bypass procedures, for example, shunt surgry and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and cirrhosis. These are classified as Type A, B and C HE, respectively. HE can also be classified according to whether its presence is overt or covert. The pathogenesis is linked with ammonia and glutamine production, and treatment is based on mechanisms to reduce the formation and/or removal of these compounds. There is no specific diagnostic test for HE, and diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, excluding other causes and use of clinical tests that may support its diagnosis. Many tests are used in trials and experimentally, but have not yet gained universal acceptance. This review focuses on the definitions, pathogenesis and treatment of HE. Consideration will be given to existing treatment, including avoidance of precipitating factors and novel therapies such as prebiotics, probiotics, antibiotics, laxatives, branched-chain amino acids, shunt embolization and the importance of considering liver transplant in appropriate cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Alexander Ellul
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Timothy JS Cross
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital
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Ridola L, Cardinale V, Riggio O. The burden of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: from diagnosis to therapeutic strategies. Ann Gastroenterol 2018; 31:151-164. [PMID: 29507462 PMCID: PMC5825945 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2018.0232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is the mildest form of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). It affects the performance of psychometric tests focused on attention, working memory, psychomotor speed, and visuospatial ability, as well as electrophysiological and other functional brain measures. MHE is a frequent complication of liver disease, affecting up to 80% of tested patients. By being related to falls, an impairment in fitness to drive and the development of overt HE, MHE severely affects the lives of patients and caregivers by altering their quality of life and their socioeconomic status. MHE is detected in clinically asymptomatic patients using appropriate psychometric tests and neurophysiological methods that highlight neuropsychological alterations, such as video-spatial orientation deficits, attention disorders, memory, reaction times, electroencephalogram slowing, prolongation of latency-evoked cognitive potentials, and reduction in the critical flicker frequency. Several treatments have been proposed for MHE treatment, including non-absorbable disaccharides, poorly absorbable antibiotics such as rifaximin, probiotics and branched-chain amino acids. However, because of the multiple diagnosis methods, the various endpoints of treatment trials and the variety of agents used in trials, the treatment of MHE is not currently recommended as routine, but only on a case-by-case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Ridola
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies (Lorenzo Ridola, Vincenzo Cardinale), Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cardinale
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies (Lorenzo Ridola, Vincenzo Cardinale), Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Oliviero Riggio
- Department of Clinical Medicine (Oliviero Riggio), Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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Burroughs TK, Wade JB, Ellwood MS, Fagan A, Heuman DM, Fuchs M, Bajaj JS. Effect of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Cognitive Function and Covert Hepatic Encephalopathy Diagnosis in Cirrhotic Veterans. Dig Dis Sci 2018; 63:481-485. [PMID: 29313245 PMCID: PMC5797488 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-017-4894-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often associated with substance abuse, which in turn can lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhotic patients are prone to cognitive impairment, which is typically due to covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE), but can also be affected by PTSD. The aim was to define the impact of PTSD on cognitive performance and the diagnosis of CHE in cirrhotic patients. METHODS Outpatient veterans with cirrhosis underwent two separate modalities for CHE cognitive testing [Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Scale (PHES) and Inhibitory Control Test (ICT)]. ICT tests for inhibitory control and response inhibition, while PHES tests for attention and psychomotor speed. Comparisons were made between patients with/without PTSD. Multivariable logistic regression with CHE on PHES and CHE on ICT as dependent variables including prior OHE, demographics, PTSD and psychotropic medications was performed. RESULTS Of 402 patients with cirrhosis, 88 had evidence of PTSD. Fifty-five of these were on psychoactive medications, 15 were undergoing psychotherapy, while no specific PTSD-related therapy was found in 28 patients. Cirrhotic patients with/without PTSD were statistically similar on demographics and cirrhosis severity, but cirrhotic subjects with PTSD had a higher frequency of alcoholic cirrhosis etiology and psychotropic drug use. PTSD cirrhosis had higher ICT lure and switching errors (NCT-B response), but on regression, there was no significant impact of PTSD on CHE diagnosis using either the ICT or PHES. CONCLUSIONS Veterans with cirrhosis and PTSD have a higher frequency of psychotropic drug use and alcoholic cirrhosis etiology. CHE diagnosis using PHES or ICT is not affected by concomitant PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas K. Burroughs
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - James B. Wade
- Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Michael S. Ellwood
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Andrew Fagan
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Douglas M Heuman
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Michael Fuchs
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Jasmohan S. Bajaj
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
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Bhanji RA, Carey EJ, Watt KD. Review article: maximising quality of life while aspiring for quantity of life in end-stage liver disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 46:16-25. [PMID: 28464346 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With recent advances in the management of chronic liver disease and its complications, the long-term survival in cirrhosis has improved. Therefore, the number of individuals who will spend a significant proportion of their life with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) may continue to rise. Thus, more attention to quality of life (QOL) and its integration with traditional clinical endpoints is needed. AIMS Recently, there have been many studies looking at treatment outcomes and their impact on the QOL in patients with ESLD. The aim of this review was to summarise and compare the insights gained from these intervention studies and to make concise recommendations to further promote and improve QOL in this patient population. METHODS A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science. Search terms "Quality of life" "Cirrhosis" and "end-stage liver disease" were used as MeSH terms or searched in the title of the article. RESULTS These studies uniformly show significant improvement in health-related QOL (HRQOL) with management of malnutrition, hepatic encephalopathy and ascites. Thus, early recognition and management of these complications are keys to better serve our patients. Early involvement of palliative care also leads to improved quality of end-of-life care. CONCLUSIONS Complications of cirrhosis including malnutrition, encephalopathy, ascites and variceal bleeding lead to a decrease in HRQOL. Assessment of HRQOL has an important implication for the patient. The findings of this review illuminate the importance of using consistent tools to accurately assess QOL in patients with ESLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Bhanji
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - E J Carey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - K D Watt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Campagna F, Montagnese S, Ridola L, Senzolo M, Schiff S, De Rui M, Pasquale C, Nardelli S, Pentassuglio I, Merkel C, Angeli P, Riggio O, Amodio P. The animal naming test: An easy tool for the assessment of hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatology 2017; 66:198-208. [PMID: 28271528 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Screening for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) that does not cause obvious disorientation or asterixis (minimal HE [MHE]/grade 1 HE) is important. We examined if the animal naming test (ANT1 ) (maximum number of animals listed in 1 minute) is useful in this context. In total, 208 healthy controls, 40 controls with inflammatory bowel disease, and 327 consecutive patients with cirrhosis underwent the ANT1 . Patients were tested for MHE by the psychometric HE score, and 146 were assessed by electroencephalography; 202 patients were followed up regarding the occurrence of overt HE and death. In the healthy controls, ANT1 was influenced by limited education (<8 years) and advanced age (>80 years, P < 0.001). Using an age and education adjusting procedure, the simplified ANT1 (S-ANT1 ) was obtained. An S-ANT1 of <10 animals was abnormal. Of the patients, 169 were considered unimpaired, 32 as having HE ≥grade 2, and 126 as having MHE/grade 1 HE. This group had lower S-ANT1 than unimpaired patients (12 ± 0.4 versus 16 ± 0.7, P < 0.001) and higher S-ANT1 than those with HE ≥grade 2 (4 ± 0.9). In grade 1 HE the S-ANT1 was lower than in MHE. Following receiver operating characteristic analysis (Youden's index), 15 animals produced the best discrimination between unimpaired and MHE/grade 1 HE patients. Thus, a three-level score (0 for S-ANT1 ≥15, 1 for 10 ≤ S-ANT1 < 15, 2 for S-ANT1 <10) was obtained. This score was correlated both to the psychometric HE score (P < 0.0001) and to electroencephalography (P = 0.007). By sample random split validation, both S-ANT1 and its three-level score showed prognostic value regarding the 1-year risk of overt HE and death. No inflammatory bowel disease control had S-ANT <15. CONCLUSION The S-ANT1 is an easily obtainable measure useful for the assessment of HE. (Hepatology 2017;66:198-208).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Campagna
- Department of Medicine DIMED and CIRMANMEC, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Montagnese
- Department of Medicine DIMED and CIRMANMEC, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ridola
- Department of Gastroenterology, "La Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Senzolo
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgical and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sami Schiff
- Department of Medicine DIMED and CIRMANMEC, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Michele De Rui
- Department of Medicine DIMED and CIRMANMEC, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Pasquale
- Department of Gastroenterology, "La Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Nardelli
- Department of Gastroenterology, "La Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Merkel
- Department of Medicine DIMED and CIRMANMEC, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Angeli
- Department of Medicine DIMED and CIRMANMEC, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Oliviero Riggio
- Department of Gastroenterology, "La Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Amodio
- Department of Medicine DIMED and CIRMANMEC, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Srivastava A, Chaturvedi S, Gupta RK, Malik R, Mathias A, Jagannathan NR, Jain S, Pandey CM, Yachha SK, Rathore RKS. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy in children with chronic liver disease: Prevalence, pathogenesis and magnetic resonance-based diagnosis. J Hepatol 2017; 66:528-536. [PMID: 27815224 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Data on minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in children is scarce. We aimed to study MHE in children with chronic liver disease (CLD) and to validate non-invasive objective tests which can assist in its diagnosis. METHODS We evaluated 67 children with CLD (38 boys; age 13 [7-18] years) and 37 healthy children to determine the prevalence of MHE. We also assessed the correlation of MHE with changes in brain metabolites by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) derived metrics, blood ammonia and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 [IL6], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]). In addition, the accuracy of MR-based investigations for diagnosis of MHE in comparison to neuropsychological tests was analysed. RESULTS Thirty-four (50.7%) children with CLD had MHE on neuropsychological tests. MHE patients had higher BA (30.5 [6-74] vs. 14 [6-66]μmol/L; p=0.02), IL-6 (8.3 [4.7-28.7] vs. 7.6 [4.7-20.7]pg/ml; p=0.4) and TNF-α (17.8 [7.8-65.5] vs. 12.8 [7.5-35]pg/ml; p=0.06) than No-MHE. 1HMRS showed higher glutamine (2.6 [2.1-3.3] vs. 2.4 [2.0-3.1]; p=0.02), and lower choline (0.20 [0.14-0.25] vs. 0.22 [0.17-0.28]; p=0.1) and myo-inositol (0.25 [0.14-0.41] vs. 0.29 [0.21-0.66]; p=0.2) in MHE patients than those without MHE. Mean diffusivity (MD) on DTI was significantly higher in 6/11 brain areas in patients with MHE vs. no MHE. Brain glutamine had a significant positive correlation with blood ammonia, IL-6, TNF-α and MD of various brain regions. Neuropsychological tests showed a negative correlation with blood ammonia, IL6, TNF-α, glutamine and MD. Frontal white matter MD had a sensitivity and specificity of 73.5% and 100% for diagnosing MHE. CONCLUSIONS In children with CLD, 50% have MHE. There is a significant positive correlation between markers of hyperammonemia, inflammation and brain edema and these correlate negatively with neuropsychological tests. MD on DTI is a reliable tool for diagnosing MHE. LAY SUMMARY Fifty percent of children with chronic liver disease develop minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and perform poorly on neuropsychological testing. These children have raised blood ammonia, inflammatory cytokines and mild cerebral edema on diffusion tensor imaging as compared to children without MHE. The higher the ammonia, inflammatory cytokines and cerebral edema levels the poorer the performance on neuropsychological assessment. The estimation of mean diffusivity on diffusion tensor imaging is an objective and reliable method for diagnosing MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshu Srivastava
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India.
| | - Saurabh Chaturvedi
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Rohan Malik
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Amrita Mathias
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Sunil Jain
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Chandra Mani Pandey
- Department of Biostatistics, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Surender Kumar Yachha
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) can reverse after short-term treatment. However, relapse rate of MHE after stopping treatment has not been studied so far. We aimed to evaluate long-term (9 months) efficacy of a short-term (3 months) treatment of MHE with lactulose/rifaximin, for maintenance of remission from MHE. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this prospective study, consecutive patients with cirrhosis and MHE were treated with lactulose/rifaximin for 3 months. After treatment, they were followed up for 6 months. Psychometric testing for diagnosis of MHE was performed at baseline, 3 months and 9 months. RESULTS Of the 527 patients screened, 351 were found eligible and tested for MHE. Out of these, 112 (31.9%) patients had MHE (mean age 55.3 years; 75% males). They were randomized to receive Rifaximin (n = 57; 1,200 mg/day) or Lactulose (n = 55; 30-120 mL/day) for three months. At 3 months, 73.7% (42/57) patients in Rifaximin group experienced MHE reversal compared to 69.1% (38/55) in Lactulose group (p = 0.677). Six months after stopping treatment, 47.6% (20/42) in rifaximin group and 42.1% (16/38) patients in lactulose group experienced MHE relapse (p = 0.274). The overt hepatic encephalopathy development rate (7.1% vs. 7.9%) and mortality rate (0.23% vs. 0%) were similar in both groups. The Child-Turcotte-Pugh score and model for end stage liver disease (MELD) scores of patients who had MHE relapse were higher compared to those who didn't. On multivariate regression analysis, MELD score was an independent predictor of MHE relapse. CONCLUSION Of the patients who became MHE negative after short-term (3 months) treatment with rifaximin/lactulose, almost 50% had a relapse of MHE at 6 months follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omesh Goyal
- Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Sandeep S Sidhu
- Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Harsh Kishore
- Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
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De Rui M, Montagnese S, Amodio P. Recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of covert/minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 10:443-50. [PMID: 26758861 DOI: 10.1586/17474124.2016.1141675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The terms minimal hepatic encephalopathy and covert hepatic encephalopathy are defined. Clinical assessment is unreliable and both require the use of diagnostic tools. Of these, psychometric tests are the most widely used. They require proper standardization and may be biased by patient cooperation or lack thereof. The measure of the critical flicker frequency and of the electroencephalogram, possibly quantified, are also useful. The alteration of any of them is not strictly parallel in size and may vary from patient to patient. When possible, the use of multiple measures might increase diagnostic reliability. These functional measures should be interpreted within the clinical/biochemical profile of the patient to exclude other disorders. A flow chart for treatment is proposed on the basis of current knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- M De Rui
- a Department of Medicine , University of Padua , Padua , Italy
| | - S Montagnese
- a Department of Medicine , University of Padua , Padua , Italy
| | - P Amodio
- a Department of Medicine , University of Padua , Padua , Italy
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Grover VPB, Crossey MME, Fitzpatrick JA, Saxby BK, Shaw R, Waldman AD, Morgan MY, Taylor-Robinson SD. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging in patients with cirrhosis: a cross-sectional study. Metab Brain Dis 2016; 31:1315-1325. [PMID: 26251205 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-015-9716-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging was undertaken, at 3 Tesla field strength, employing magnetization transfer (MT) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences, in 26 patients with well-compensated cirrhosis, free of overt hepatic encephalopathy. Results were compared to those from 18 aged-matched healthy volunteers. Cerebral magnetization transfer ratios (MTR) were reduced in the frontal white matter, caudate, putamen and globus pallidus in patients with cirrhosis, compared to healthy controls, while the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) on DWI were significantly increased in the genu and body of the corpus callosum. An association between previous excessive alcohol consumption and both MTR and ADCs was noted, but this association was lost when controls were exercised for the severity of liver disease and psychometric impairment on multivariate analysis. Eight (31 %) of the 26 patients had impaired psychometric performance consistent with a diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy. No statistically significant difference in regional cerebral MTRs or ADCs was found in relation to neuropsychiatric status, although there was a trend towards lower MTRs in patients with impaired psychometric performance. The alterations in MTR and ADC in the patients with functionally compensated cirrhosis are compatible with theories governing the genesis of hepatic encephalopathy, including changes in astrocyte membrane permeability, with subsequent redistribution of macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay P B Grover
- Liver Unit, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, 10th Floor QEQM Wing, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, South Wharf Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
- Robert Steiner MRI Unit, Imaging Sciences Department, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mary M E Crossey
- Liver Unit, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, 10th Floor QEQM Wing, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, South Wharf Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Julie A Fitzpatrick
- Liver Unit, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, 10th Floor QEQM Wing, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, South Wharf Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
- Robert Steiner MRI Unit, Imaging Sciences Department, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Brian K Saxby
- Centre for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Roberta Shaw
- Liver Unit, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, 10th Floor QEQM Wing, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, South Wharf Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Adam D Waldman
- Robert Steiner MRI Unit, Imaging Sciences Department, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Marsha Y Morgan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Simon D Taylor-Robinson
- Liver Unit, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, 10th Floor QEQM Wing, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, South Wharf Street, London, W2 1NY, UK.
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50
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Morgan MY, Amodio P, Cook NA, Jackson CD, Kircheis G, Lauridsen MM, Montagnese S, Schiff S, Weissenborn K. Qualifying and quantifying minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Metab Brain Dis 2016; 31:1217-1229. [PMID: 26412229 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-015-9726-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is the term applied to the neuropsychiatric status of patients with cirrhosis who are unimpaired on clinical examination but show alterations in neuropsychological tests exploring psychomotor speed/executive function and/or in neurophysiological variables. There is no gold standard for the diagnosis of this syndrome. As these patients have, by definition, no recognizable clinical features of brain dysfunction, the primary prerequisite for the diagnosis is careful exclusion of clinical symptoms and signs. A large number of psychometric tests/test systems have been evaluated in this patient group. Of these the best known and validated is the Portal Systemic Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) derived from a test battery of five paper and pencil tests; normative reference data are available in several countries. The electroencephalogram (EEG) has been used to diagnose hepatic encephalopathy since the 1950s but, once popular, the technology is not as accessible now as it once was. The performance characteristics of the EEG are critically dependent on the type of analysis undertaken; spectral analysis has better performance characteristics than visual analysis; evolving analytical techniques may provide better diagnostic information while the advent of portable wireless headsets may facilitate more widespread use. A large number of other diagnostic tools have been validated for the diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy including Critical Flicker Frequency, the Inhibitory Control Test, the Stroop test, the Scan package and the Continuous Reaction Time; each has its pros and cons; strengths and weaknesses; protagonists and detractors. Recent AASLD/EASL Practice Guidelines suggest that the diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy should be based on the PHES test together with one of the validated alternative techniques or the EEG. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy has a detrimental effect on the well-being of patients and their care-givers. It responds well to treatment with resolution of test abnormalities and the associated detrimental effects on quality of life, liver-related mortality and morbidity. Patients will only benefit in this way if they can be effectively diagnosed. Corporate efforts and consensus agreements are needed to develop effective diagnostic algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsha Y Morgan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW32PF, UK.
| | - Piero Amodio
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Nicola A Cook
- Department of Medicine, St Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Clive D Jackson
- Department of Neurophysiology, Royal Free Hospital, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Pond Street, London, Hampstead, NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Gerald Kircheis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mette M Lauridsen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of South West Jutland, Finsensgade 35, 6700, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Sara Montagnese
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Sami Schiff
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Karin Weissenborn
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30623, Hannover, Germany
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