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Flamm SL. Key Insights and Clinical Pearls in the Identification and Management of Cirrhosis and Its Complications. Am J Med 2024:S0002-9343(24)00326-7. [PMID: 38788826 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a prevalent, chronic condition with an asymptomatic compensated phase, in which patients may feel well, and a decompensated phase that begins with the onset of complications (eg hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and/or variceal bleeding). Because patients with cirrhosis may appear healthy with normal liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, and serum bilirubin levels, awareness of clinical signals is important. For example, patients with thrombocytopenia should be evaluated for chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Early recognition and management of cirrhosis-related complications (eg hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and/or variceal bleeding) are important, given their association with hospitalization and poor prognosis (eg increased odds of short-term mortality). Hepatic encephalopathy can be the most subtle cirrhosis-related complication and associated cognitive impairment may be misdiagnosed. Because hepatic encephalopathy can be associated with hospital readmissions, reducing readmission rates after hepatic encephalopathy-related hospitalizations is critical. This includes incorporating ongoing therapy (eg rifaximin plus lactulose) in postdischarge management plans to reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy recurrence. Strategies that mitigate cirrhosis progression and prevent the development of cirrhosis-related complications are key to improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven L Flamm
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rush University Medical School, Chicago, Ill.
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Okumura T, Kimura T, Hihara Y, Inoue K, Maruyama A, Joshita S, Umemura T. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura in primary biliary cholangitis and localized cutaneous systemic sclerosis: case report and literature review. Clin J Gastroenterol 2023; 16:432-437. [PMID: 36870017 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-023-01776-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic progressive cholestatic liver disease of uncertain etiology. Although PBC is frequently complicated by Sjögren's syndrome and chronic thyroiditis, it can also be associated with a variety of other autoimmune disorders. We herein describe a rare case of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) coexistence with PBC and localized cutaneous systemic sclerosis (LcSSc). A 47-year-old woman with PBC and LcSSc who was positive for antiphospholipid antibody experienced a rapid decrease in platelet count to 1.8 × 104/µL during follow-up. After clinical findings ruled out thrombocytopenia from cirrhosis, a diagnosis of ITP was made following bone marrow examination. Her human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type was HLA-DPB1*05:01, which has been associated with disease susceptibility to PBC and LcSSc, but not to ITP. A careful review of similar reports suggested that in PBC, other collagen disease complications, positive antinuclear antibody, and positive antiphospholipid antibody may all support a diagnosis of ITP. Clinicians should be vigilant for ITP when rapid thrombocytopenia is observed during the course of PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiki Okumura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kimura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan.
| | - Yu Hihara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ina Central Hospital, Ina, Japan
| | - Katsuaki Inoue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ina Central Hospital, Ina, Japan
| | - Atsushi Maruyama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ina Central Hospital, Ina, Japan
| | - Satoru Joshita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan
| | - Takeji Umemura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan
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Lim HI, Cuker A. Thrombocytopenia and liver disease: pathophysiology and periprocedural management. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2022; 2022:296-302. [PMID: 36485111 PMCID: PMC9820432 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2022000408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal bleeding in patients with liver disease may result from elevated portal pressure and varix formation, reduced hepatic synthesis of coagulation proteins, qualitative platelet dysfunction, and/or thrombocytopenia. Major mechanisms of thrombocytopenia in liver disease include splenic sequestration and impaired platelet production due to reduced thrombopoietin production. Alcohol and certain viruses may induce marrow suppression. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) may co-occur in patients with liver disease, particularly those with autoimmune liver disease or chronic hepatitis C. Drugs used for the treatment of liver disease or its complications, such as interferon, immunosuppressants, and antibiotics, may cause thrombocytopenia. Periprocedural management of thrombocytopenia of liver disease depends on both individual patient characteristics and the bleeding risk of the procedure. Patients with a platelet count higher than or equal to 50 000/µL and those requiring low-risk procedures rarely require platelet-directed therapy. For those with a platelet count below 50 000/µL who require a high-risk procedure, platelet-directed therapy should be considered, especially if the patient has other risk factors for bleeding, such as abnormal bleeding with past hemostatic challenges. We often target a platelet count higher than or equal to 50 000/µL in such patients. If the procedure is elective, we prefer treatment with a thrombopoietin receptor agonist; if it is urgent, we use platelet transfusion. In high-risk patients who have an inadequate response to or are otherwise unable to receive these therapies, other strategies may be considered, such as a trial of empiric ITP therapy, spleen-directed therapy, or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana I Lim
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Adam Cuker
- Department of Medicine and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Huang YL, Yao DK, Hu ZD, Sun Y, Chen SX, Zhong RQ, Deng AM. Value of baseline platelet count for prediction of complications in primary biliary cirrhosis patients treated with ursodeoxycholic acid. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation 2013; 73:17-23. [PMID: 23294193 DOI: 10.3109/00365513.2012.731709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decreased platelet count has been observed in various liver diseases, but its significance in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) remains unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the platelet count at diagnosis for PBC-related complications in patients newly diagnosed with PBC and treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). METHODS Ninety-six PBC patients without complications treated with UDCA immediately after diagnosis were retrospectively reviewed. All hematologic and chemical parameters, Mayo risk score and PBC-related complications including upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, presence of ascites, serum bilirubin concentration > 102.6 μmol/L and onset of hepatic encephalopathy were extracted. The associations between these parameters at diagnosis and complications were determined and the prognostic value of the platelet count was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model with the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) calculated. RESULTS Patients with PBC-related complications had significantly decreased platelet count and serum bilirubin concentration, prolonged prothrombin time, and increased Mayo risk score compared to those without complications. A platelet count of ≤ 132.5 × 10(9)/L was associated with the occurrence of complications, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.64-0.85). The association remained even after adjustment for Mayo risk score (HR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.46-5.54; p < 0.01), as shown in the Cox proportional hazard model. CONCLUSIONS Decreased platelet count is a predictive factor for PBC-related complications. A cut-off value of ≤ 132.5 × 10(9)/L is recommended for the baseline platelet count to predict complications in patients newly diagnosed with PBC and treated with UDCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Lan Huang
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, P. R. China
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Mamori S, Amano K, Kijima H, Takagi I, Tajiri H. Thrombocytopenic purpura after the administration of an influenza vaccine in a patient with autoimmune liver disease. Digestion 2008; 77:159-60. [PMID: 18577855 DOI: 10.1159/000140977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Toshikuni N, Yamato R, Kobashi H, Nishino K, Inada N, Sakanoue R, Suehiro M, Fujimura Y, Yamada G. Association of primary biliary cirrhosis with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14:2451-3. [PMID: 18416479 PMCID: PMC2705107 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.14.2451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although both primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are autoimmune diseases, the association of the 2 diseases is rare. Here, we report a case of ITP that developed during the follow-up of PBC in a 74-year-old man. The patient had been diagnosed with PBC 12 years previously, and had received treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid. The platelet count decreased from approximately 60 × 109/L to 8 × 109/L, and the association of decompensated liver cirrhosis (PBC) with ITP was diagnosed. Steroid and immune gamma globulin therapy were successful in increasing the platelet count. Interestingly, human leukocyte antigen genotyping detected the alleles DQB1*0601 and DRB1*0803, which are related to both PBC and ITP in Japanese patients. This case suggests common immunogenetic factors might be involved in the development of PBC and ITP.
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Taylor RM, Bockenstedt P, Su GL, Marrero JA, Pellitier SM, Fontana RJ. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura following liver transplantation: a case series and review of the literature. Liver Transpl 2006; 12:781-91. [PMID: 16628698 DOI: 10.1002/lt.20715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Thrombocytopenia is common among liver transplant candidates and recipients. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and outcome of new-onset immune-mediated thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) following liver transplantation at a single center. Among the 256 liver transplant recipients with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition code for thrombocytopenia, 8 cases of new-onset ITP were identified, leading to an overall incidence of 0.7% in 1,105 consecutive liver transplant recipients over a 15-year period. All 8 patients were Caucasian, 5 (63%) were male, and the median age at ITP onset was 54 years (range, 15-63). The median platelet count at presentation was 3,500 cells/mL (range, 1,000-12,000) and liver disease was due to hepatitis C (38%), primary sclerosing cholangitis (38%), and cryptogenic cirrhosis (25%). The median time from transplant to ITP onset was 53.5 months (range, 1.9-173). Three of the 6 patients tested (50%) had cell-bound antiplatelet antibodies, 1 patient had an underlying hematological malignancy, and none of the organ donors had a history of ITP. Corticosteroids and/or immunoglobulin infusions were effective in 4 patients. However, serial rituximab infusions were required in 4 patients with persistent thrombocytopenia, and 3 of them eventually required splenectomy to induce disease remission. At a median follow-up of 19.7 months, 7 long-term survivors remain in remission with a median platelet count of 267,000 cells/mL. In conclusion, new-onset ITP is an infrequent but important cause of severe thrombocytopenia in liver transplant recipients. Corticosteroids and immunoglobulin infusions were effective in 50% while the remainder of patients required rituximab infusions or eventual splenectomy for long-term disease remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Taylor
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0362, USA
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Fickert P, Trauner M, Sill H, Hinterleitner TA, Stauber RE. Successful steroid treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura after orthotopic liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis. Am J Gastroenterol 1998; 93:1985-6. [PMID: 9772072 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.1998.00561.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an autoimmune disease of the liver frequently associated with extrahepatic autoimmune phenomena. Specific antibodies against platelet glycoproteins may play an important role in the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia associated with PBC. This is the first report of life-threatening idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura successfully treated with steroids in a 62-yr-old woman 2 yr after liver transplantation for PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Fickert
- Department of Medicine, Karl-Franzens University, Graz, Austria
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Jones DE, James OF, Bassendine MF. Primary biliary cirrhosis: clinical and associated autoimmune features and natural history. Clin Liver Dis 1998; 2:265-82, viii. [PMID: 15560032 DOI: 10.1016/s1089-3261(05)70007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease, predominately affects middle-aged women. The diagnosis is established by the presence of disease-specific autoantibodies and compatible liver histology showing focal immune-mediated damage to the intrahepatic bile ducts. Patients now are detected prior to the onset of symptoms typical of cholestasis with abnormal liver function tests, or even prior to the onset of abnormal liver function tests, with positive antimitochondrial antibodies. Earlier diagnosis is changing not only our appreciation of the prevalence of this condition, but also of the natural history. The disease appears to be heterogeneous with some patients having a slow progression and a normal life-expectancy, although other patients have a more aggressive course developing symptoms and end-stage disease that leads to death or liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Jones
- Centre for Liver Research, The Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, New Castle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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