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Schleicher EM, Kaps L, Schattenberg JM, Galle PR, Wörns MA, Gairing SJ, Labenz C. Higher scores in the Clinical Frailty Scale are associated with covert and overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. Dig Liver Dis 2024; 56:1046-1053. [PMID: 38105147 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.12.001] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frailty increases the vulnerability to internal and external stressors and may therefore be an indicator of a higher frequency of cirrhosis complications. We aimed to investigate the association of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) with covert (CHE) and overt HE (OHE) development in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS This study analyzed data of 228 patients with cirrhosis. Frailty was assessed using CFS. Patients were examined for the presence of CHE (using PHES) at study inclusion and followed for OHE. RESULTS Median CFS was 3 and 26 (11 %) patients were at least pre-frail (CFS>3). In multivariable logistic regression analysis in patients without a history of OHE (n = 195), a higher CFS was associated with the presence of CHE at baseline (OR 1.6, p = 0.039). During follow-up, 42 (18 %) patients developed an episode of OHE. In multivariable competing risk regression analyses, a higher CFS was independently associated with the development of an OHE episode in the total cohort (sHR 1.97, p < 0.001) and in the subcohort of patients without a history of OHE (sHR 1.88, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION CFS appears to be a reliable tool to identify patients at higher risk of HE in whom intensified monitoring and treatment may be justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Maria Schleicher
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Leonard Kaps
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jörn M Schattenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Robert Galle
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marcus-Alexander Wörns
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Department of Gastroenterology, Hematology, Oncology and Endocrinology, Klinikum Dortmund, Germany
| | - Simon Johannes Gairing
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Labenz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
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Pun CK, Huang HC, Chang CC, Hsu SJ, Huang YH, Hou MC, Lee FY. Hepatic encephalopathy: From novel pathogenesis mechanism to emerging treatments. J Chin Med Assoc 2024; 87:245-251. [PMID: 38109364 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000001041] [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: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the major complications of liver disease and significantly affects the quality of life (QOL) of patients. HE is common and frequently relapses in cirrhotic patients. The management of HE is supportive, and precipitating conditions should be eliminated. Most drugs used to treat HE are conventional and include nonabsorbable disaccharides such as lactulose, and antibiotics such as rifaximin. However, their therapeutic efficacy is still suboptimal, and novel therapeutic agents are urgently needed. In addition, the optimal management and diagnosis of minimal HE/covert HE are under debate. In this review, we focus on novel pathogenetic mechanisms such as central nervous system clearance, and emerging therapeutic targets of HE, such as fecal material transplantation. We also discuss different classifications and etiologies of HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chon Kit Pun
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Therapeutic and Research Center of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hui-Chun Huang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Therapeutic and Research Center of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ching-Chih Chang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Holistic and Multidisciplinary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shao-Jung Hsu
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Therapeutic and Research Center of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Therapeutic and Research Center of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fa-Yauh Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Therapeutic and Research Center of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Kaps L, Medina-Montano C, Bros M, Grabbe S, Gairing SJ, Schleicher EM, Gehring S, Schattenberg JM, Galle PR, Wörns MA, Nagel M, Labenz C. Comparison of Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Hepatic and Jugular Veins of Patients with Cirrhosis. Mediators Inflamm 2023; 2023:9930902. [PMID: 38077228 PMCID: PMC10700970 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9930902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic inflammation with elevated inflammatory cytokines is a hallmark in patients with cirrhosis and the main driver of decompensation. There is insufficient data on whether inflammatory cytokine levels differ between hepatic and jugular veins, which may have implications for further immunological studies. Methods Blood from the hepatic and jugular veins of 40 patients with cirrhosis was collected during hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurements. Serum levels of 13 inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, Int-α2, Int-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-23, and IL-33) were quantified by cytometric bead array. Results Cytokine levels of IFN-α2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-23, and IL-33 were significantly elevated in patients with decompensated cirrhosis compared to patients with compensated cirrhosis. When comparing patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH, HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg) to patients without CSPH, there were significantly enhanced serum levels of IL-6 and IL-18 in the former group. There was no significant difference between cytokine serum levels between blood obtained from the jugular versus hepatic veins. Even in subgroup analyses stratified for an early cirrhosis stage (Child-Pugh (CP) A) or more decompensated stages (CP B/C), cytokine levels were similar. Conclusion Cytokine levels increase with decompensation and increasing portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis. There is no relevant difference in cytokine levels between hepatic and jugular blood in patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Kaps
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Centre Mainz (CCM), University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Carolina Medina-Montano
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Grabbe
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Simon Johannes Gairing
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Centre Mainz (CCM), University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eva M. Schleicher
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Centre Mainz (CCM), University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Gehring
- Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jörn M. Schattenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Metabolic Liver Research Program, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter R. Galle
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marcus-Alexander Wörns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hematology, Oncology and Endocrinology, Klinikum Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michael Nagel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hematology, Oncology and Endocrinology, Klinikum Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christian Labenz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Centre Mainz (CCM), University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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Gairing SJ, Schleicher EM, Galle PR, Labenz C. Prediction and prevention of the first episode of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:02009842-202304010-00007. [PMID: 36930868 PMCID: PMC10027066 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the most important complications of patients with liver cirrhosis. In addition, HE is associated with a dismal prognosis and has detrimental effects on patients' quality of life. Thus, it is of pivotal importance to identify patients at high risk for overt HE (OHE) in whom primary prophylaxis may be justified. In this narrative review, we aim to provide insight into predictors and prediction tools for a first-time episode of OHE and to scrutinize the current level of evidence of primary prophylaxis. In recent decades, several cognitive tests, composite scores, and blood-based biomarkers have been demonstrated to be predictive of a first-time episode of OHE. Among the best validated are the established tests for minimal HE, such as the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score, determination of the critical flicker frequency, Stroop EncephalApp, or the Animal Naming Test. Individualized risk stratification using blood-based biomarkers and cross-sectional imaging (sarcopenia and spontaneous portosystemic shunts) is coming to the fore, but validation in larger multicenter cohorts is often lacking. On the basis of current evidence, a recommendation for primary prophylaxis of a first episode of OHE cannot be made in general. Only 2 studies have investigated the prevention of a first-time OHE episode as the primary endpoint. In this narrative review, we provide a concise overview of the current evidence levels on prediction tools and pharmacological prevention of a first episode of OHE. In addition, we give an outlook on future research targets to improve knowledge on this important topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Gairing
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eva M Schleicher
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter R Galle
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Labenz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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Gairing SJ, Danneberg S, Kaps L, Nagel M, Schleicher EM, Quack C, Engel S, Bittner S, Galle PR, Schattenberg JM, Wörns MA, Luessi F, Marquardt JU, Labenz C. Elevated serum levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein are associated with covert hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100671. [PMID: 36866390 PMCID: PMC9972561 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Blood biomarkers facilitating the diagnosis of covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) in patients with cirrhosis are lacking. Astrocyte swelling is a major component of hepatic encephalopathy. Thus, we hypothesised that glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the major intermediate filament of astrocytes, might facilitate early diagnosis and management. This study aimed to investigate the utility of serum GFAP (sGFAP) levels as a biomarker of CHE. Methods In this bicentric study, 135 patients with cirrhosis, 21 patients with ongoing harmful alcohol use and cirrhosis, and 15 healthy controls were recruited. CHE was diagnosed using psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score. sGFAP levels were measured using a highly sensitive single-molecule array (SiMoA) immunoassay. Results In total, 50 (37%) people presented with CHE at study inclusion. Participants with CHE displayed significantly higher sGFAP levels than those without CHE (median sGFAP, 163 pg/ml [IQR 136; 268] vs. 106 pg/ml [IQR 75; 153]; p <0.001) or healthy controls (p <0.001). sGFAP correlated with results in psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (Spearman's ρ = -0.326, p <0.001), model for end-stage liver disease score (Spearman's ρ = 0.253, p = 0.003), ammonia (Spearman's ρ = 0.453, p = 0.002), and IL-6 serum levels (Spearman's ρ = 0.323, p = 0.006). Additionally, sGFAP levels were independently associated with the presence of CHE in multivariable logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 1.009; 95% CI 1.004-1.015; p <0.001). sGFAP levels did not differ between patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis vs. patients with non-alcohol-related cirrhosis or between patients with ongoing alcohol use vs. patients with discontinued alcohol use.Conclusions: sGFAP levels are associated with CHE in patients with cirrhosis. These results suggest that astrocyte injury may already occur in patients with cirrhosis and subclinical cognitive deficits and that sGFAP could be explored as a novel biomarker. Impact and implications Blood biomarkers facilitating the diagnosis of covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) in patients with cirrhosis are lacking. In this study, we were able to demonstrate that sGFAP levels are associated with CHE in patients with cirrhosis. These results suggest that astrocyte injury may already occur in patients with cirrhosis and subclinical cognitive deficits and that sGFAP could be explored as a novel biomarker.
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Key Words
- Biomarkers
- CHE
- CHE, covert hepatic encephalopathy
- Cognitive deficit
- Complications of cirrhosis
- GFAP
- GFAP, glial fibrillary acidic protein
- HE
- HE, hepatic encephalopathy
- HE2, grade 2 hepatic encephalopathy
- MELD, model for end-stage liver disease
- MHE, minimal hepatic encephalopathy
- OHE, overt hepatic encephalopathy
- OR, odds ratio
- PHES, psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score
- Psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score
- ROC, receiver operating characteristic
- SiMoA, single-molecule array
- WBC, white blood cell
- sGFAP, serum glial fibrillary acidic protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Johannes Gairing
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sven Danneberg
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Leonard Kaps
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Nagel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hematology, Oncology and Endocrinology, Klinikum Dortmund, Germany
| | - Eva Maria Schleicher
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Charlotte Quack
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sinah Engel
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Bittner
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Robert Galle
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jörn Markus Schattenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Metabolic Liver Research Program, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marcus-Alexander Wörns
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hematology, Oncology and Endocrinology, Klinikum Dortmund, Germany
| | - Felix Luessi
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jens Uwe Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christian Labenz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Corresponding author. Address: Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany. Tel.: +49-6131-17-2380; Fax: +49-6131-17-477282..
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Tranah TH, Ballester MP, Carbonell-Asins JA, Jalan R, Shawcross DL. Reply to: "Ammonia - an old friend with a new area of application". J Hepatol 2023; 78:e23-e26. [PMID: 36216137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Tranah
- Institute of Liver Studies, Dept of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King´s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - María-Pilar Ballester
- Digestive Disease Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Spain; INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, United Kingdom; European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure (EF Clif), Spain.
| | - Debbie L Shawcross
- Institute of Liver Studies, Dept of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King´s College London, London, United Kingdom
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Gairing SJ, Kaps L, Schleicher EM, Galle PR, Labenz C. Ammonia - an old friend with a new area of application. J Hepatol 2023; 78:e22-e23. [PMID: 35988683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Johannes Gairing
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Leonard Kaps
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eva Maria Schleicher
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Robert Galle
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Labenz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
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8
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Gairing SJ, Schleicher EM, Labenz C. Diabetes mellitus - risk factor and potential future target for hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis? Metab Brain Dis 2022; 38:1691-1700. [PMID: 36001211 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01068-4] [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: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the major complications of cirrhosis, and its presence is associated with poor survival. Several risk factors for HE are well established, including age, history of HE, portosystemic shunts, or poorer liver function. In recent years, diabetes mellitus (DM) has emerged as another potential risk factor for the development of HE. This may be important for many patients, as the incidence of type 2 DM (T2DM) is increasing worldwide and, consequently, the incidence of NAFLD-related cirrhosis is rising simultaneously. In addition, DM is a critical factor in the progression of other liver diseases, such as alcohol-related liver disease. Thus, the number of patients with cirrhosis and comorbid T2DM will also increase. To date, the prevalence of DM already ranges between 22 - 40% in patients with cirrhosis. DM-associated factors that may influence the risk of HE include systemic inflammation, insulin resistance with increased muscle protein breakdown as well as autonomic dysfunction with prolonged intestinal transit time and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Currently, the evidence for an association between DM and both minimal and overt HE is weak and it seems likely that only poor glycemic control has an impact on HE risk. In addition, there are some early signs indicating that DM may impair the response of patients with HE to pharmacological therapies such as rifaximin. Thus, improvements in the management of glycemic control may be a candidate future target to reduce the risk of HE. In this concise review, we summarize the current evidence on the association between DM and HE and its potential future implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Johannes Gairing
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg- University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eva Maria Schleicher
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg- University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Labenz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg- University, Mainz, Germany.
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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: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [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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