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Han SK, Baik SK, Kim MY. [Pulmonary Complications in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = TAEHAN SOHWAGI HAKHOE CHI 2023; 82:213-223. [PMID: 37997217 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2023.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Portal hypertension is a clinical syndrome defined by an increased portal venous pressure. The most frequent cause of portal hypertension is liver cirrhosis, and many of the complications of cirrhosis, such as ascites and gastroesophageal variceal bleeding, are related to portal hypertension. Portal hypertension is a pathological condition caused by the accumulation of blood flow in the portal system. This blood flow retention reduces the effective circulation volume. To compensate for these changes, neurotransmitter hormone changes and metabolic abnormalities occur, which cause complications in organs other than the liver. A hepatic hydrothorax is fluid accumulation in the pleural space resulting from increased portal pressure. Hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension are the pulmonary complications in cirrhosis by deforming the vascular structure. Symptoms, such as dyspnea and hypoxia, affect the survival and the quality of life of patients. These lung complications are usually underestimated in the management of cirrhosis. This review briefly introduces the type of lung complications of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seul Ki Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
- Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
- Regeneration Medicine Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Soon Koo Baik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
- Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
- Regeneration Medicine Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Moon Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
- Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
- Regeneration Medicine Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
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2
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Reiche W, Deliwala S, Chandan S, Mohan BP, Dhindsa B, Ramai D, Perisetti A, Rangray R, Mukherjee S. Spontaneous bacterial empyema in cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:1258-1268. [PMID: 35978675 PMCID: PMC9258251 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i6.1258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spontaneous bacterial empyema (SBE) occurs when a hepatic hydrothorax becomes infected and runs a course similar to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). It remains underdiagnosed as patients with cirrhosis do not routinely undergo diagnostic thoracentesis. Current understanding is limited by small cohorts, while studies reporting its association with ascites/SBP are conflicting.
AIM To explore the incidence of SBE, to determine its association with ascites, and to summarize what is known regarding treatment and outcomes for patients with SBE.
METHODS Major databases were searched until June 2021. Outcomes include the incidence of SBE in pleural effusions, SBP in peritoneal fluid, and SBE in patients without ascites within our cohort of patients with cirrhosis. We performed a meta-analysis using a random-effects model with pooled proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed heterogeneity using I2 and classic fail-safe to determine bias.
RESULTS Eight studies with 8899 cirrhosis patients were included. The median age ranged between 41.2 to 69.7 years. The majority of the patients were Child-Pugh B and C. Mean MELD score was 18.6 ± 8.09. A total of 1334 patients had pleural effusions and the pooled incidence of SBE was 15.6% (CI 12.6-19; I2 50). Amongst patients diagnosed with SBE, the most common locations included right (202), left (64), and bilateral (8). Amongst our cohort, a total of 2636 patients had ascites with a pooled incidence of SBP of 22.2% (CI 9.9-42.7; I2 97.8). The pooled incidence of SBE in patients with cirrhosis but without concomitant ascites was 9.5% (CI 3.6-22.8; I2 82.5).
CONCLUSION SBE frequently occurs with concurrent ascites/SBP; our results suggest high incidence rates of SBE even in the absence of ascites. The pleura can be an unrecognized nidus and our findings support the use of diagnostic thoracentesis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis after exclusion of other causes of pleural effusion. Thoracentesis should be considered particularly in patients without ascites and when there is a high suspicion of infection. The need for diagnostic thoracentesis will continue to be important as rates of multi-drug resistant bacterial infections increase and antibiotic susceptibility information is required for adequate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Reiche
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHI Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68124, United States
| | - Smit Deliwala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University at Hurley Medical Center, Flint, MI 48503, United States
| | - Saurabh Chandan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CHI Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68124, United States
| | - Babu P Mohan
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States
| | - Banreet Dhindsa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States
| | - Daryl Ramai
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States
| | - Abhilash Perisetti
- Division of Gastroenterology, Parkview Health, Fort Wayne, IN 46845, United States
| | - Rajani Rangray
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CHI Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68124, United States
| | - Sandeep Mukherjee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CHI Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68124, United States
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Osman KT, Mehta N, Spencer C, Qamar AA. Spontaneous bacterial empyema: a tertiary care center experience and a systematic review. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 16:487-492. [PMID: 35392755 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2022.2064274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spontaneous bacterial empyema (SBE) is an infection of a preexisting hepatic hydrothorax (HH). We aim to describe the experience in managing SBE in a liver transplant (LT) referral center and assessing the incidence and mortality rates of SBE after conducting a systematic review. METHODS 992 patients with cirrhosis were retrospectively reviewed from 2015 to 2020. SBE was diagnosed by (i) positive microbiological culture and polymorphonuclear leukocyte count >250 cells/µL or (ii) negative microbiological culture, compatible clinical course, and polymorphonuclear count >500 cells/µL in pleural fluid. Furthermore, we conducted a comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar for studies evaluating SBE. RESULTS Twelve patients (10.4%) had spontaneous bacterial empyema out of 115 patients with HH. Five patients underwent LT, 6 had died, and 1 did not get transplanted and was alive throughout the duration of follow-up. Ten studies were included in the systematic review. Pooled incidence in patients with HH was 19.03%. Only 20.69% of the patients received a LT. Pooled mortality rate was 46.45%, with only 3.45% of the patients dying post-transplant. CONCLUSION SBE is a severe complication of cirrhosis and HH. LT may provide a survival benefit. Thus, patients should be considered for early transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim T Osman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA, USA
| | - Neev Mehta
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA, USA
| | - Carol Spencer
- Department of Library Services, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA, USA
| | - Amir A Qamar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA, USA.,Department of Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Diseases, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA, USA
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Dharmalingam AK, Pandurangan V, Ramadurai S, Arthur P, Lakshmanan S, Nair AM. Rare Presentation of Isolated Spontaneous Bacterial Empyema without Concomitant Ascites in a Patient with Cirrhosis. Middle East J Dig Dis 2022; 14:261-264. [PMID: 36619149 PMCID: PMC9489317 DOI: 10.34172/mejdd.2022.282] [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: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In decompensated cirrhosis, massive ascites and pleural effusion (hepatic hydrothorax) can be complicated by infection, which manifests either as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) or spontaneous bacterial empyema (SBE). SBE is a distinct and often underdiagnosed complication having different pathogenesis and treatment strategy when compared with parapneumonic empyema. Hepatic hydrothorax in the absence of ascites is rare in patients with cirrhosis. The occurrence of SBE without SBP or ascites is even more of a rarity in cirrhosis and carries great morbidity and mortality. Here we report a case of an elderly female patient with cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Class B) who had unusual features of isolated right-sided hepatic hydrothorax without clinically evident ascites and was later diagnosed as having SBE based on imaging of the thorax, pleural fluid analysis, and cultures. The patient was initially treated conservatively with antibiotics, and diuretics, and later pigtail insertion and drainage was done.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Viswanathan Pandurangan
- Departemnt of General Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (SRMC&RI), India,Corresponding Author: Viswanathan Pandurangan, MD Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (SRMC&RI), Chennai- 600116 Telefax: + 91 9789907448
| | - Srinivasan Ramadurai
- Departemnt of General Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (SRMC&RI), India
| | - Preetam Arthur
- Departemnt of General Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (SRMC&RI), India
| | - Suja Lakshmanan
- Departemnt of General Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (SRMC&RI), India
| | - Aiswarya M Nair
- Departemnt of General Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (SRMC&RI), India
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Jiménez-Gutiérrez JM, García-Juárez I, Olivas-Martinez A, Ruiz I. One-year outcome of patients with cirrhosis who developed spontaneous bacterial empyema: A cohort study. J Dig Dis 2021; 22:714-720. [PMID: 34738327 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate outcomes in cirrhotic patients diagnosed with spontaneous bacterial empyema (SBE) compared with those without this complication. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of cirrhotic patients from a tertiary care center. The primary outcome was time to death or liver transplantation (LT) within one year after diagnosis of infection. We integrated three groups: patients with SBE (group A), patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP; group B), and cirrhotic patients without SBP or SBE (group C), matched by age, model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) score and year of infection. Outcomes were analyzed using a Cox regression model adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors and MELD-Na score. RESULTS Between January 1999 and February 2019, 4829 cirrhotic patients were identified. Among them, 73 (1.5%) had hepatic hydrotorax, of whom 22 (30.1%) were diagnosed with SBE. Median age in group A was 58 years, 50% were men, and median MELD-Na was 21.5. Compared with group C, the hazard ratio of death or LT during the first year after infection was 2.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43-6.22, P = 0.004) for group A and 1.23 (95% CI 0.65-2.32, P = 0.522) for group B. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that patients with SBE have a worse outcome during the first year after infection is diagnosed. Patients who develop SBE should be promptly referred for transplant evaluation. SBE may emerge as new indication that could benefit from MELD exception points.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Jiménez-Gutiérrez
- Department of Gastroenterology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ignacio García-Juárez
- Department of Gastroenterology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Isaac Ruiz
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.,Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale INSERM U955 Team 18, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France
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Magendiran B, Viswanathan S, Selvaraj J, Pillai V. Empyema Tube or No Tube? Cureus 2021; 13:e12829. [PMID: 33633873 PMCID: PMC7899129 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.12829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the case of a 36-year-old man with cirrhosis who presented with recurrent infection of his right-sided hepatic hydrothorax in the form of fever, dyspnea, and cough. The pleural fluid analysis showed transudative fluid with normal pH, lactic acid dehydrogenase, and glucose, but with Escherichia coli growth. An uncommon diagnosis of high mortality, spontaneous bacterial empyema was made. Criteria for chest tube drainage were met, but he was managed without one. He developed hospital-acquired pneumonia during his stay, but his pleural fluid showed the same characteristics. His empyema and pneumonia were managed with antibiotics and other supportive measures. On follow-up, he was readmitted on three other occasions with similar complaints and succumbed to upper gastrointestinal bleed during the fifth admission. A chest tube is not indicated in patients with spontaneous bacterial empyema unless frank pus is present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhoobalan Magendiran
- General Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, IND
| | - Stalin Viswanathan
- General Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, IND
| | - Jayachandran Selvaraj
- General Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, IND
| | - Vivekanandan Pillai
- General Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, IND
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Chaaban T, Kanj N, Bou Akl I. Hepatic Hydrothorax: An Updated Review on a Challenging Disease. Lung 2019; 197:399-405. [PMID: 31129701 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-019-00231-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic hydrothorax is a challenging complication of cirrhosis related to portal hypertension with an incidence of 5-11% and occurs most commonly in patients with decompensated disease. Diagnosis is made through thoracentesis after excluding other causes of transudative effusions. It presents with dyspnea on exertion and it is most commonly right sided. Pathophysiology is mainly related to the direct passage of fluid from the peritoneal cavity through diaphragmatic defects. In this updated literature review, we summarize the diagnosis, clinical presentation, epidemiology and pathophysiology of hepatic hydrothorax, then we discuss a common complication of hepatic hydrothorax, spontaneous bacterial pleuritis, and how to diagnose and treat this condition. Finally, we elaborate all treatment options including chest tube drainage, pleurodesis, surgical intervention, Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt and the most recent evidence on indwelling pleural catheters, discussing the available data and concluding with management recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toufic Chaaban
- Neurocritical Care Fellowship, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nadim Kanj
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Internal Medicine Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, PO Box 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Imad Bou Akl
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Internal Medicine Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, PO Box 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Mohamed A, Atef M, Alsebaey A, Musa Elhabshy M, Salama M. Combined spontaneous bacterial empyema and peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with ascites and hepatic hydrothorax. Arab J Gastroenterol 2017; 18:104-107. [PMID: 28579346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Mohamed A, Atef M, Alsebaey A, Musa Elhabshy M, Salama M. Combined spontaneous bacterial empyema and peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with ascites and hepatic hydrothorax. Arab J Gastroenterol 2017. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.ajg.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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10
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Shen TC, Chen CH, Lai HC, Lin CL, Tu CY, Hsia TC, Shih CM, Hsu WH, Sung FC. Risk of empyema in patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis: A nationwide, population-based cohort study. Liver Int 2017; 37:862-870. [PMID: 27896931 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Empyema is an important complication for patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis (CLDC). However, no study has investigated this relationship by using a population-based cohort study. METHODS We used the National Health Insurance Research Data of Taiwan to identify a cohort of 76 027 CLDC patients newly diagnosed in 2000-2010 and a comparison cohort without CLDC of same size matched by age, gender and the year of diagnosis. The occurrence of empyema was monitored until the end of 2011. The hazard ratios (HRs) of empyema were estimated using the Cox model. RESULTS The overall incidence of empyema was 66% greater in the CLDC group than in the non-CLDC group (3.85 vs 2.32/10 000 person-years, P<.001), with an adjusted HR of 1.54 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.24-1.90). Compared with those without CLDC, adjusted HRs of empyema were 4.96 (95% CI=3.40-7.24) for patients with cirrhosis and 4.75 (95% CI=3.11-7.24) for patients with alcoholic CLDC. Further analyses revealed significant adjusted HRs of empyema among CLDC patients with ascites (5.76, 95% CI=4.13-8.04) and with gastrointestinal haemorrhage (1.60, 95% CI=1.03-2.48), compared to those without the respective disorders. Analyses using propensity score matched CLDC and non-CLDC cohorts revealed similar results. CONCLUSION The present study shows that CLDC patients have an increased risk of empyema. These patients need timely monitor for the risk of empyema, particularly for those with comorbid cirrhosis, alcoholic disorder, gastrointestinal haemorrhage and ascites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te-Chun Shen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine Science, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine Science, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chou Lai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Li Lin
- Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yen Tu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Te-Chun Hsia
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chuen-Ming Shih
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Huei Hsu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fung-Chang Sung
- Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Health Services Administration, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Mahidol University Faculty of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
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Mohamed A, Atef M, Alsebaey A, Musa Elhabshy M, Salama M. Combined spontaneous bacterial empyema and peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with ascites and hepatic hydrothorax. Arab J Gastroenterol 2017. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajg.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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12
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Kawaratani H, Fukui H, Yoshiji H. Treatment for cirrhotic ascites. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:166-177. [PMID: 27363974 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Common complications of decompensated liver cirrhosis are esophageal varices, hepatic encephalopathy and ascites. After the onset of complications, the prognosis worsens. In patients with ascites, the 5-year mortality rate is 44%. Furthermore, hyponatremia, spontaneous bacterial translocation and hepatorenal syndrome also greatly worsen the prognosis. Effective treatment of cirrhotic ascites improves the quality of life and survival rate. Recently, the newly produced diuretic, tolvaptan (vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist), was reported to be effective in the treatment of refractory ascites in liver cirrhosis; however, there has not been an associated positive effect on the prognosis. There are various types of treatment for ascites, such as large-volume paracenteses, a cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy, a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and a peritoneo-venous shunt. Although they improve the prognosis, liver transplantation remains the ultimate form of treatment. The present article discusses the therapeutic management of cirrhotic ascites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideto Kawaratani
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fukui
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yoshiji
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
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