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Lee F, Frederick RT. Hepatic Encephalopathy-A Guide to Laboratory Testing. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:225-236. [PMID: 38548435 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains both a clinical diagnosis and one of exclusion. Laboratory testing is largely focused on identifying precipitating factors. Ammonia levels in the blood can be helpful for the diagnosis of HE but are not required for confirmation. More recent literature is lending support to the prognostic capabilities of ammonia in cirrhosis, both in predicting future HE events and in determining outcomes in hospitalized patients. Accurate ammonia testing requires strict protocols to avoid common pitfalls in the measurement of this labile analyte. Future studies investigating the utility of other laboratory testing to diagnose, stage, or predict HE are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, California Pacific Medical Center
| | - R Todd Frederick
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Advanced Organ Therapies, California Pacific Medical Center.
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2
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Tapper EB, Bajaj JS. Ammonia predicts clinical outcomes in cirrhosis - but there are caveats to consider. J Hepatol 2023; 79:e238-e239. [PMID: 37516201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
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3
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Nadeem M, Tafader A, Park D, Fagan A, Wade JB, Bajaj JS. A specialized HE testing clinic improves rational decision-making for therapy in cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0301. [PMID: 38016049 PMCID: PMC10578715 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive complaints in cirrhosis are often attributed to HE with reflexive therapy if specialized tests are not performed. The aim was to determine the utility of a specialized HE clinic for management decisions. METHODS Cirrhosis patients with cognitive complaints were referred through a dedicated consult pathway to a specialized clinic and followed for 6 months. This clinic included detailed history, medication review, standardized tests [Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE), Psychometric HE Score, and others], and obstructive sleep apnea screening. Results were communicated with patients and referring providers. A subset was offered repeat testing. RESULTS A total of 286 patients were tested between 2012 and 2022. Of the 286 patients, 4 patients who showed a Mini-Mental State Exam <25 were referred to neurology. Thirty-nine percent had normal Psychometric HE Score (higher in younger patients, without prior HE, depression, and lower Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium), while 172 (61%) patients had cognitive impairment. Of the 172 patients, 51 did not want management change, 84 were started on HE therapy, and 37 were considered impaired due to other causes. In 51 without management change, 32 refused lactulose, while the remaining were counseled regarding lactulose titration. Of the 84 patients with HE-therapy initiation, lactulose was initiated in 56 and rifaximin in 28; most therapies continued over 6 months. The ones who were retested improved their Psychometric HE Score. The 37 with other causes (obstructive sleep apnea, mood disorders, substance use, and mild cognitive impairment) led to specialized referrals. No overt HE was found over 6 months in those without HE-related impairment. The clinic was billed for. CONCLUSIONS A specialized HE clinic for patients with cirrhosis and cognitive complaints established through a dedicated consult pathway showed that 39% of referred patients had normal cognitive performance, while the results guided management changes, including for HE and other causes in the remaining patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahum Nadeem
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Asiya Tafader
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Dan Park
- Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Andrew Fagan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - James B. Wade
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jasmohan S. Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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4
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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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Deutsch-Link S, Moon AM. The Ongoing Debate of Serum Ammonia Levels in Cirrhosis: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:10-13. [PMID: 36001400 PMCID: PMC9822843 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Serum ammonia testing in hepatic encephalopathy (HE) has been long debated in the field of hepatology. Although central to the pathophysiology of HE, serum ammonia testing is fraught with complexities that can lead to challenges in laboratory collection and interpretation. Although there is some disagreement across guideline organizations regarding routine testing of ammonia in HE, all acknowledge that normal values, although possible in HE, may warrant reconsideration of the diagnosis. In this study, we propose a nuanced approach to ammonia testing in HE. Serum ammonia testing provides little additional benefit in clinical scenarios with a high or low pretest probability for HE. However, if the pretest probability for HE is uncertain, a low ammonia level may reduce the posttest probability of HE. In this scenario, other etiologies of altered mental status should be explored. Future research should focus on developing a standardized approach to serum ammonia collection, processing, and interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Deutsch-Link
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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6
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Moon AM, Kim HP, Cook S, Blanchard RT, Haley KL, Jacks A, Shafer JS, Fried MW. Speech patterns and enunciation for encephalopathy determination-A prospective study of hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:2876-2885. [PMID: 35861546 PMCID: PMC9512449 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complication of cirrhosis that benefits from early diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to characterize speech patterns of individuals with HE to investigate its potential to diagnose and monitor HE. This was a single-center prospective cohort study that included participants with cirrhosis with HE (minimal HE [MHE] and overt HE [OHE]), cirrhosis without HE, and participants without liver disease. Audio recordings of reading, sentence repetition, and picture description tasks were obtained from these groups. Two certified speech-language pathologists assessed speech rate (words per minute) and articulatory precision. An overall severity metric was derived from these measures. Cross-sectional analyses were performed using nonparametric Wilcoxon statistics to evaluate group differences. Change over time in speech measures was analyzed descriptively for individuals with HE. The study included 43 total participants. Speech results differed by task, but the overall pattern showed slower speech rate and less precise articulation in participants with OHE compared to other groups. When speech rate and precision ratings were combined into a single speech severity metric, the impairment of participants with OHE was more severe than all other groups, and MHE had greater speech impairment than non-liver disease controls. As OHE improved clinically, participants showed notable improvement in speech rate. Participants with OHE demonstrated impaired speech rate, precision, and speech severity compared with non-liver disease and non-HE cirrhosis. Participants with MHE had less pronounced impairments. Speech parameters improved as HE clinically improved. Conclusion: These data identify speech patterns that could improve HE diagnosis, grading, and remote monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Moon
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Hannah P. Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionDepartment of MedicineVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Sarah Cook
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Renee T. Blanchard
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Katarina L. Haley
- Division of Speech and Hearing SciencesDepartment of Allied Health SciencesUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Adam Jacks
- Division of Speech and Hearing SciencesDepartment of Allied Health SciencesUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jennifer S. Shafer
- Division of Speech and Hearing SciencesDepartment of Allied Health SciencesUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Michael W. Fried
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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7
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Mallet M, Desplats V, Bouzbib C, Sultanik P, Alioua I, Marika Rudler MS, Weiss N, Thabut D. Blood ammonia in patients with chronic liver diseases: A better defined role in clinical practice. Anal Biochem 2022; 657:114873. [PMID: 36108794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ammonia is one of the main players in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in patients with chronic liver diseases. The usefulness of measuring ammonemia has been debated since many years. New data reveal that besides helping in the differential diagnosis of HE, ammonemia could be a prognostic marker not only in patients with HE, but also in patients without any neurological symptoms, suggesting a potential toxic role of ammonia beyond the brain. Finally, targeting ammonemia while monitoring therapeutic response could be a way to improve outcomes in patients with HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Mallet
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service D'hépato-gastroentérologie, Unité de soins intensifs D'hépatologie, Paris, France & Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, INSERM UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Maladies Métaboliques, Biliaires et fibro-inflammatoire du Foie, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France
| | - Victor Desplats
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service D'hépato-gastroentérologie, Unité de soins intensifs D'hépatologie, Paris, France & Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, INSERM UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Maladies Métaboliques, Biliaires et fibro-inflammatoire du Foie, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Bouzbib
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service D'hépato-gastroentérologie, Unité de soins intensifs D'hépatologie, Paris, France & Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, INSERM UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Maladies Métaboliques, Biliaires et fibro-inflammatoire du Foie, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France
| | - Philippe Sultanik
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service D'hépato-gastroentérologie, Unité de soins intensifs D'hépatologie, Paris, France & Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, INSERM UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Maladies Métaboliques, Biliaires et fibro-inflammatoire du Foie, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France
| | - Imen Alioua
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service D'hépato-gastroentérologie, Unité de soins intensifs D'hépatologie, Paris, France & Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, INSERM UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Maladies Métaboliques, Biliaires et fibro-inflammatoire du Foie, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (MTS), MetaboHUB, F-91191, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - M S Marika Rudler
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service D'hépato-gastroentérologie, Unité de soins intensifs D'hépatologie, Paris, France & Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, INSERM UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Maladies Métaboliques, Biliaires et fibro-inflammatoire du Foie, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Weiss
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Neurologie, Unité de Médecine Intensive Réanimation à orientation Neurologique, Paris, France & Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, INSERM UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Maladies Métaboliques, Biliaires et fibro-inflammatoire du foie, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France & Groupe de Recherche Clinique en REanimation et Soins intensifs du Patient en Insuffisance Respiratoire aiguE (GRC-RESPIRE) Sorbonne Université, France
| | - Dominique Thabut
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service D'hépato-gastroentérologie, Unité de soins intensifs D'hépatologie, Paris, France & Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, INSERM UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Maladies Métaboliques, Biliaires et fibro-inflammatoire du Foie, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France.
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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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9
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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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10
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Serum Ammonia in Cirrhosis: Clinical Impact of Hyperammonemia, Utility of Testing, and National Testing Trends. Clin Ther 2022; 44:e45-e57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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11
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Laique SN, Zhang N, Hewitt WR, Bajaj J, Vargas HE. Increased access to liver transplantation for patients with acute on chronic liver failure after implementation of Share 35 Rule: An analysis from the UNOS database. Ann Hepatol 2022; 23:100288. [PMID: 33217586 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2020.100288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF), leads to high mortality. These patients are at risk of being delisted for liver transplantation (LT). Emerging data shows 1y post-transplant survival of 80-92%. The Share 35 (S35) policy was implemented to prioritize patients with MELD ≥35 on the LT waitlist. Our aim was to compare the LT outcomes of ACLF patients as a result of S35. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from the UNOS scientific registry were used to classify ACLF patients using the NACSELD criteria. For the analyses, data were divided into two eras; 2 years before S35 (Era 1) and 2 years after S35 (Era 2). Waitlist status was classified into categories: Transplanted, Death or Too Sick to Transplant and Still Waiting/Other. LT cumulative incidence between the populations in the eras was calculated using Fine and Gray's method. A proportional hazards model was used to investigate the era effect on cumulative incidence of LT. RESULTS 46,861 patients were reviewed, of which 817 had ACLF. 366 patients (mean MELD: 37.1) were identified in Era 1 and 451 patients (mean MELD: 37.3) in Era 2. We found that ACLF patients were more likely to receive a liver transplant in Era 2 (p=0.0074). In both eras, transplanted patients had a significantly higher survival than those who were not transplanted (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that S35 improved LT rate for ACLF suggesting that there should be broader recognition of ACLF and early transplantation should be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobia N Laique
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Nan Zhang
- Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Winston R Hewitt
- Transplantation Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Jasmohan Bajaj
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Virginia Commonwealth, University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Hugo E Vargas
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States.
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12
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Acharya C, Bajaj JS. Hepatic Encephalopathy and Liver Transplantation: The Past, Present, and Future Toward Equitable Access. Liver Transpl 2021; 27:1830-1843. [PMID: 34018659 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a debilitating chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality, with the only real cure being liver transplantation (LT). Currently, we allocate organs for transplantation based on the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium (MELD-Na) score that does not account for hepatic encephalopathy (HE). HE affects patients, families, and the health care system because of high rates of recurrence and major readmission burden. Moreover, HE casts a long shadow even after LT. Accounting for HE and incorporating it into the current allocation system has many proponents, but the framework to do this is currently lacking because of differences in consensus or in operationalization parameters. We review the latest evidence of the burden of HE, management of HE before and after LT, and evaluate pros and cons of several methods of diagnosing HE objectively to ensure early and equitable access to LT in this underserved population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chathur Acharya
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, VA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, VA
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13
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Rose CF, Amodio P, Bajaj JS, Dhiman RK, Montagnese S, Taylor-Robinson SD, Vilstrup H, Jalan R. Hepatic encephalopathy: Novel insights into classification, pathophysiology and therapy. J Hepatol 2020; 73:1526-1547. [PMID: 33097308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent and serious complication of both chronic liver disease and acute liver failure. HE manifests as a wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities, from subclinical changes (mild cognitive impairment) to marked disorientation, confusion and coma. The clinical and economic burden of HE is considerable, and it contributes greatly to impaired quality of life, morbidity and mortality. This review will critically discuss the latest classification of HE, as well as the pathogenesis and pathophysiological pathways underlying the neurological decline in patients with end-stage liver disease. In addition, management strategies, diagnostic approaches, currently available therapeutic options and novel treatment strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F Rose
- Hepato-Neuro Laboratory, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Piero Amodio
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Radha Krishan Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Simon D Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom; European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure, Barcelona, Spain.
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14
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Bajaj JS, Lauridsen M, Tapper EB, Duarte-Rojo A, Rahimi RS, Tandon P, Shawcross DL, Thabut D, Dhiman RK, Romero-Gomez M, Sharma BC, Montagnese S. Important Unresolved Questions in the Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy: An ISHEN Consensus. Am J Gastroenterol 2020; 115:989-1002. [PMID: 32618647 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Management of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains challenging from a medical and psychosocial perspective. Members of the International Society for Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nitrogen Metabolism recognized 5 key unresolved questions in HE management focused on (i) driving, (ii) ammonia levels in clinical practice, (iii) testing strategies for covert or minimal HE, (iv) therapeutic options, and (v) nutrition and patient-reported outcomes. The consensus document addresses these topical issues with a succinct review of the literature and statements that critically evaluate the current science and practice, laying the groundwork for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Virginia Commonwealth University, McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dominique Thabut
- Paris Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Radha K Dhiman
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
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15
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Gelpi E, Rahimi J, Klotz S, Schmid S, Ricken G, Forcen-Vega S, Budka H, Kovacs GG. The autophagic marker p62 highlights Alzheimer type II astrocytes in metabolic/hepatic encephalopathy. Neuropathology 2020; 40:358-366. [PMID: 32483828 PMCID: PMC7496304 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic/hepatic encephalopathy is neuropathologically characterized by the presence of Alzheimer type II astrocytes (AA II) with large and clear nuclear morphology. To date, there is no good immunohistochemical marker to better identify these cells. Here, we assessed cases of hepatic encephalopathy of different etiologies by immunohistochemistry using an anti‐p62 antibody. We observed peripheral or diffuse nuclear staining of variable intensity in AA II in all cases but not in normal controls or reactive astrocytes. We conclude that p62 is a useful immunohistochemical marker for the identification of AA II and may be helpful for the neuropathological diagnosis of metabolic/hepatic encephalopathy in difficult or equivocal cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Gelpi
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Neurological Tissue Bank of the Biobank of Hospital Clinic, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jasmin Rahimi
- Department of Neurology and Karl Landsteiner Institute for Neuroimmunological and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Danube Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sigrid Klotz
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Schmid
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerda Ricken
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sara Forcen-Vega
- Neurology Department, Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Herbert Budka
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research (CNDR), Institute on Aging and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease (CRND) and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy is a clinical diagnosis. However, many clinicians measure ammonia levels in hospitalized patients presenting with hepatic encephalopathy. In this editorial, we review the results of an important study by Haj and Rockey. The authors examined the management decisions effected affected by and outcomes associated with (i) ordering an ammonia level and (ii) knowing the ammonia level. They found that ammonia level determination did not impact affect clinical decision-making or patient outcomes. These persuasive data demonstrate the limited clinical utility of ammonia levels and highlight the need for testing stewardship to dissuade unnecessary use through educational efforts and decision supports.
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17
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Tapper EB, Henderson JB, Parikh ND, Ioannou GN, Lok AS. Incidence of and Risk Factors for Hepatic Encephalopathy in a Population-Based Cohort of Americans With Cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2019; 3:1510-1519. [PMID: 31701074 PMCID: PMC6824059 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a devastating complication of cirrhosis. Data are limited regarding the incidence of and risk factors for HE among contemporary patients in the context of the shifting epidemiology of cirrhosis. We examined a 20% random sample of U.S. Medicare enrollees with cirrhosis and Part D prescription coverage from 2008 to 2014. We modelled incident HE using demographic, clinical, and pharmacologic data. Risk factors for HE were evaluated, including demographics/socioeconomics, cirrhosis etiology, severity of liver disease, and pharmacotherapy, along with gastroenterology consultation, as time-varying covariates. Among 166,192 Medicare enrollees with cirrhosis followed for 5.25 (interquartile range [IQR], 2.00-7.00) years, the overall incidence of HE was 11.6 per 100 patient-years. The cohort's median age was 65 years (IQR, 57-72), 31% had alcohol-related cirrhosis, and 49% had likely nonalcoholic fatty liver disease cirrhosis. The two strongest associations with HE were alcohol-related cirrhosis (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40, 1.47, relative to nonalcoholic nonviral cirrhosis) and the presence of portal hypertension (AHR, 3.42; 95% CI, 3.34, 3.50). Adjusting for confounders, benzodiazepines (AHR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.21, 1.27), gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergics (AHR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.14, 1.21), opioids (AHR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.21, 1.27), and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (AHR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.38, 1.45) were all associated with incident HE. Only benzodiazepines, however, were associated with the risk of hospitalization with HE (incidence-rate ratio, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.20, 1.26). Conclusion: Novel data regarding the risk of HE for contemporary patients with cirrhosis are provided. The incidence of HE in an older population of Americans with cirrhosis is high, particularly among those with alcohol-related cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Several medication classes, namely PPIs, opiates, GABAergics, and benzodiazepines, represent potentially modifiable risk factors for HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI
- Gastroenterology SectionVA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMI
| | - James B. Henderson
- Center for Statistical Consultation and ResearchUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI
| | - Neehar D. Parikh
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI
- Gastroenterology SectionVA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMI
| | - George N. Ioannou
- Division of GastroenterologyDepartment of MedicineVeterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System and University of WashingtonSeattleWA
| | - Anna S. Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI
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18
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Tapper EB. Predicting Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy for the Population With Cirrhosis. Hepatology 2019; 70:403-409. [PMID: 30703852 PMCID: PMC6597301 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with poor quality of life, sharply increased mortality, repeated hospitalizations, falls, and motor vehicle accidents. HE manifests with a dynamic spectrum of severity. Overt HE is clinically obvious disorientation, even coma. Although multiple strategies are available to characterize early-stage HE, data are limited that validate these methods in predicting overt HE, many are impractical in clinical practice, and test cutoffs relevant to the average patient clinicians manage are lacking. To accurately and efficiently classify the risk of overt HE in the population with cirrhosis, novel strategies may be needed. Herein, we review the potential competing strategies for the prediction of overt HE. Conclusion: We propose refining diagnostic cutoffs for tests that are designed to define early HE, using overt HE as a gold standard and expanding prediction tools by using measures of components from the risk pathway for HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan,Gastroenterology Section, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor
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19
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Lai JC, Rahimi RS, Verna EC, Kappus MR, Dunn MA, McAdams-DeMarco M, Haugen CE, Volk ML, Duarte-Rojo A, Ganger DR, O'Leary JG, Dodge JL, Ladner D, Segev DL. Frailty Associated With Waitlist Mortality Independent of Ascites and Hepatic Encephalopathy in a Multicenter Study. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:1675-1682. [PMID: 30668935 PMCID: PMC6475483 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Frailty is associated with mortality in patients with cirrhosis. We measured frailty using 3 simple tests and calculated Liver Frailty Index (LFI) scores for patients at multiple ambulatory centers. We investigated associations between LFI scores, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and mortality. METHODS Adults without hepatocellular carcinoma who were on the liver transplantation waitlist at 9 centers in the United States (N = 1044) were evaluated using the LFI; LFI scores of at least 4.5 indicated that patients were frail. We performed logistic regression analyses to assess associations between frailty and ascites or HE and competing risk regression analyses (with liver transplantation as the competing risk) to estimate sub-hazard ratios (sHRs) of waitlist mortality (death or removal from the waitlist). RESULTS Of study subjects, 36% had ascites, 41% had HE, and 25% were frail. The odds of frailty were higher for patients with ascites (adjusted odd ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-2.14) or HE (odd ratio 2.45, 95% CI 1.80-3.33) than for those without these features. Larger proportions of frail patients with ascites (29%) or HE (30%) died while on the waitlist compared with patients who were not frail (17% of patients with ascites and 20% with HE). In univariable analysis, ascites (sHR 1.52, 95% CI 1.14-2.05), HE (sHR 1.84, 95% CI 1.38-2.45), and frailty (sHR 2.38, 95% CI 1.77-3.20) were associated with waitlist mortality. In adjusted models, only frailty remained significantly associated with waitlist mortality (sHR 1.82, 95% CI 1.31-2.52); ascites and HE were not. CONCLUSIONS Frailty is a prevalent complication of cirrhosis that is observed more frequently in patients with ascites or HE and independently associated with waitlist mortality. LFI scores can be used to objectively quantify risk of death related to frailty-in excess of liver disease severity-in patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Lai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| | - Robert S Rahimi
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott and White, Dallas, Texas
| | - Elizabeth C Verna
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Matthew R Kappus
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael A Dunn
- Center for Liver Diseases, Thomas A. Starzl Transplantation Institute, and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Mara McAdams-DeMarco
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christine E Haugen
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michael L Volk
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and Transplantation Institute, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California
| | - Andres Duarte-Rojo
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Daniel R Ganger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Jennifer L Dodge
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Daniela Ladner
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Dorry L Segev
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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20
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Abraldes JG, Trebicka J, Chalasani N, D’Amico G, Rockey DC, Shah VH, Bosch J, Garcia-Tsao G. Prioritization of Therapeutic Targets and Trial Design in Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension. Hepatology 2019; 69:1287-1299. [PMID: 30318607 PMCID: PMC11090176 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PH) is the main driver of cirrhosis decompensation, the main determinant of death in patients with cirrhosis. PH results initially from increased intrahepatic vascular resistance. Subsequently, increased inflow from splanchnic vasodilation and increased cardiac output lead to a further increase in portal pressure (PP). Reducing PP in cirrhosis results in better outcomes. Removing the cause of cirrhosis might improve PP. However, this is a slow process and patients may continue to be at risk of decompensation. Additionally, for some chronic liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), etiological treatments are not yet available. Therefore, there is a need to develop better therapies specifically aimed at reducing PP. For over 35 years, the mainstay of such therapy has been the use of nonselective beta-blockers (NSBBs) that act by reducing portal venous inflow. Recently, many drugs (mainly targeting intrahepatic mechanisms) have shown promise in preclinical and early clinical studies and may act alone or synergistically with NSBBs in reducing PP in cirrhosis. The objective of this position paper is to propose a novel framework for the design of clinical trials (phase 1, 2, and 3) in patients with cirrhosis and PH and to prioritize targets and pharmacological therapies in this setting. We have focused the discussion on patients with compensated cirrhosis. The paper summarizes discussions held at The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Industry Colloquium in January 2018, with the participation of clinical and translational investigators, regulatory professionals, and industry partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan G. Abraldes
- Cirrhosis Care Clinic, Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), Department of Medicine, CEGIIR, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Translational Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Naga Chalasani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - Don C. Rockey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Vijay H. Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Jaime Bosch
- Swiss Liver Group, University Clinic for Visceral Medicine and Surgery (UVCM), Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Hospital Clinic-IDIBAPS and CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao
- Digestive Diseases Section, Yale University School of Medicine; VA-CT Healthcare System, New Haven/West Haven, CT
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21
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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: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [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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22
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Affiliation(s)
- Chathur Acharya
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
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23
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Jayakumar AR, Norenberg MD. Hyperammonemia in Hepatic Encephalopathy. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2018; 8:272-280. [PMID: 30302044 PMCID: PMC6175739 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise mechanism underlying the neurotoxicity of Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) is remains unclear. The dominant view has been that gut-derived nitrogenous toxins are not extracted by the diseased liver and thereby enter the brain. Among the various toxins proposed, the case for ammonia is most compelling. Events that lead to increased levels of blood or brain ammonia have been shown to worsen HE, whereas reducing blood ammonia levels alleviates HE. Clinical, pathological, and biochemical changes observed in HE can be reproduced by increasing blood or brain ammonia levels in experimental animals, while exposure of cultured astrocytes to ammonium salts reproduces the morphological and biochemical findings observed in HE. However, factors other than ammonia have recently been proposed to be involved in the development of HE, including cytokines and other blood and brain immune factors. Moreover, recent studies have questioned the critical role of ammonia in the pathogenesis of HE since blood ammonia levels do not always correlate with the level/severity of encephalopathy. This review summarizes the vital role of ammonia in the pathogenesis of HE in humans, as well as in experimental models of acute and chronic liver failure. It further emphasizes recent advances in the molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of neurological complications that occur in acute and chronic liver failure.
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Key Words
- AHE, Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy
- ALF, Acute Liver Failure
- CHE, Chronic Hepatic Encephalopathy
- CNS, Central Nervous System
- CSF, Cerebrospinal Fluid
- ECs, Endothelial Cells
- HE, Hepatic Encephalopathy
- IL, Interleukin
- LPS, Lipopolysaccharide
- MAPKs, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
- NCX, Sodium-Calcium Exchanger
- NF-κB, Nuclear Factor-kappaB
- NHE, Sodium/Hydrogen Exchanger-1 or SLC9A1 (SoLute Carrier Family 9A1)
- SUR1, The Sulfonylurea Receptor 1
- TDP-43 and tau proteinopathies
- TDP-43, TAR DNA-Binding Protein, 43 kDa
- TLR, Toll-like Receptor
- TNF-α, Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha
- TSP-1, Thrombospondin-1
- ammonia
- hepatic encephalopathy
- inflammation
- matricellular proteins
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Jayakumar
- General Medical Research, Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, United States
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc., Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, United States
| | - Michael D Norenberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33125, United States
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33125, United States
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33125, United States
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24
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Labenz C, Baron JS, Toenges G, Schattenberg JM, Nagel M, Sprinzl MF, Nguyen-Tat M, Zimmermann T, Huber Y, Marquardt JU, Galle PR, Wörns MA. Prospective evaluation of the impact of covert hepatic encephalopathy on quality of life and sleep in cirrhotic patients. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018; 48:313-321. [PMID: 29863286 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and HE grade 1 (HE1) according to the West Haven criteria have recently been grouped as one entity named-covert HE- (CHE). Data regarding the impact of CHE on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and sleep quality are controversial. AIM First, to determine whether CHE affects HRQoL and sleep quality of cirrhotic patients and second, whether minimal HE (MHE) and HE1 affect HRQoL and sleep quality to a comparable extent. METHODS A total of 145 consecutive cirrhotic patients were enrolled. HE1 was diagnosed clinically according to the West Haven criteria. Critical flicker frequency and the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score were used to detect MHE. Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) was used to assess HRQoL and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was applied to assess sleep quality. RESULTS Covert HE was detected in 59 (40.7%) patients (MHE: n = 40; HE1: n = 19). Multivariate analysis identified CHE (P < 0.001) and female gender (P = 0.006) as independent predictors of reduced HRQoL (CLDQ total score). CHE (P = 0.021), low haemoglobin (P = 0.024) and female gender (P = 0.003) were identified as independent predictors of poor sleep quality (PSQI total score). Results of CLDQ and PSQI were comparable in patients with HE1 and MHE (CLDQ: 4.6 ± 0.9 vs 4.5 ± 1.2, P = 0.907; PSQI: 11.3 ± 3.8 vs 9.9 ± 5.0, P = 0.3). CONCLUSION Covert HE was associated with impaired HRQoL and sleep quality. MHE and HE1 affected both outcomes to a comparable extent supporting the use of CHE as a clinically useful term for patients with both entities of HE in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- C 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
| | - J S Baron
- 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
| | - G Toenges
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - J M Schattenberg
- 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
| | - M Nagel
- 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
| | - M F Sprinzl
- 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
| | - M Nguyen-Tat
- 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
| | - T Zimmermann
- 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
| | - Y Huber
- 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
| | - J U Marquardt
- 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
| | - P R Galle
- 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
| | - M-A Wörns
- 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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Ripoll C. The advantage of calling things by the same name. Liver Transpl 2018; 24:581-582. [PMID: 29601136 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25061] [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: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ripoll
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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