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Saner FH, Raptis DA, Alghamdi SA, Malagó MM, Broering DC, Bezinover D. Navigating the Labyrinth: Intensive Care Challenges for Patients with Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure. J Clin Med 2024; 13:506. [PMID: 38256640 PMCID: PMC10816826 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) refers to the deterioration of liver function in individuals who already have chronic liver disease. In the setting of ACLF, liver damage leads to the failure of other organs and is associated with increased short-term mortality. Optimal medical management of patients with ACLF requires implementing complex treatment strategies, often in an intensive care unit (ICU). Failure of organs other than the liver distinguishes ACLF from other critical illnesses. Although there is growing evidence supporting the current approach to ACLF management, the mortality associated with this condition remains unacceptably high. In this review, we discuss considerations for ICU care of patients with ACLF and highlight areas for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuat H. Saner
- Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, King Faisal Specialized Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh 12111, Saudi Arabia; (D.A.R.); (S.A.A.); (M.M.M.); (D.C.B.)
| | - Dimitri A. Raptis
- Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, King Faisal Specialized Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh 12111, Saudi Arabia; (D.A.R.); (S.A.A.); (M.M.M.); (D.C.B.)
| | - Saad A. Alghamdi
- Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, King Faisal Specialized Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh 12111, Saudi Arabia; (D.A.R.); (S.A.A.); (M.M.M.); (D.C.B.)
| | - Massimo M. Malagó
- Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, King Faisal Specialized Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh 12111, Saudi Arabia; (D.A.R.); (S.A.A.); (M.M.M.); (D.C.B.)
| | - Dieter C. Broering
- Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, King Faisal Specialized Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh 12111, Saudi Arabia; (D.A.R.); (S.A.A.); (M.M.M.); (D.C.B.)
| | - Dmitri Bezinover
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
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Ward JA, Yerke J, Lumpkin M, Kapoor A, Lindenmeyer CC, Bass S. Evaluation of a protocol for rifaximin discontinuation in critically ill patients with liver disease receiving broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:1226-1236. [DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i11.1226] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rifaximin is frequently administered to critically ill patients with liver disease and hepatic encephalopathy, but patients currently or recently treated with antibiotics were frequently excluded from studies of rifaximin efficacy. Due to overlapping spectrums of activity, combination therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics and rifaximin may be unnecessary. A pharmacist-driven protocol was piloted to reduce potentially overlapping therapy in critically ill patients with liver disease. It was hypothesized that withholding rifaximin during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy would be safe and reduce healthcare costs.
AIM To determine the clinical, safety, and financial impact of discontinuing rifaximin during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy in critically ill liver patients.
METHODS This was a single-center, quasi-experimental, pre-post study based on a pilot pharmacist-driven protocol. Patients in the protocol group were prospectively identified via the medical intensive care unit (ICU) (MICU) protocol to have rifaximin withheld during broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment. These were compared to a historical cohort who received combination therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics and rifaximin. All data were collected retrospectively. The primary outcome was days alive and free of delirium and coma (DAFD) to 14 d. Safety outcomes included MICU length of stay, 48-h change in vasopressor dose, and ICU mortality. Secondary outcomes characterized rifaximin cost savings and protocol adherence. Multivariable analysis was utilized to evaluate the association between group assignment and the primary outcome while controlling for potential confounding factors.
RESULTS Each group included 32 patients. The median number of delirium- and coma-free days was similar in the control and protocol groups [3 interquartile range (IQR 0, 8) vs 2 (IQR 0, 9.5), P = 0.93]. In multivariable analysis, group assignment was not associated with a reduced ratio of days alive and free of delirium or coma at 14 d. The protocol resulted in a reduced median duration of rifaximin use during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy [6 d control (IQR 3, 9.5) vs 1 d protocol (IQR 0, 1); P < 0.001]. Rates of other secondary clinical and safety outcomes were similar including ICU mortality and 48-h change in vasopressor requirements. Overall adherence to the protocol was 91.4%. The median estimated total cost of rifaximin therapy per patient was reduced from $758.40 (IQR $379.20, $1200.80) to $126.40 (IQR $0, $126.40), P < 0.01.
CONCLUSION The novel pharmacist-driven protocol for rifaximin discontinuation was associated with significant cost savings and no differences in safety outcomes including DAFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Ward
- Department of Pharmacy, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States
| | - Jason Yerke
- Department of Pharmacy, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States
| | - Mollie Lumpkin
- Department of Pharmacy, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States
| | - Aanchal Kapoor
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States
| | - Christina C Lindenmeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States
| | - Stephanie Bass
- Department of Pharmacy, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States
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Hayakawa Y, Tamaki N, Nakanishi H, Kurosaki M, Tanaka Y, Inada K, Ishido S, Kirino S, Yamashita K, Nobusawa T, Matsumoto H, Kakegawa T, Higuchi M, Takaura K, Tanaka S, Maeyashiki C, Kaneko S, Yasui Y, Takahashi Y, Tsuchiya K, Okamoto R, Izumi N. Add-on Therapeutic Effects of Rifaximin on Treatment-resistant Hepatic Encephalopathy. Intern Med 2023; 62:973-978. [PMID: 36070941 PMCID: PMC10125807 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.0212-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Rifaximin is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy. However, whether or not rifaximin and lactulose combination therapy can enhance the treatment outcomes and reduce the hospitalization rate of patients with hepatic encephalopathy that are resistant to lactulose has yet to be determined. The present study investigated the hospitalization rate before and after rifaximin add-on therapy in patients resistant to lactulose. Methods A total of 36 patients who were resistant to lactulose with add-on rifaximin therapy were enrolled. Patients who were hospitalized and/or did not achieve normalization of ammonia levels under lactulose administration were defined as treatment-resistant. The primary outcome was the change in hospitalization rate due to hepatic encephalopathy at 24 weeks before and after rifaximin administration. Results Before rifaximin administration, 15 (41.6%) patients were hospitalized due to hepatic encephalopathy. After rifaximin administration, 8 (22.2%) patients were hospitalized due to hepatic encephalopathy. The hospitalization rates were significantly reduced after rifaximin administration (p=0.02). The median (interquartile range) ammonia levels upon rifaximin administration (baseline) and 8, 12, and 24 weeks after rifaximin administration were 124 (24-310) μg/dL, 78 (15-192) μg/dL, 67 (21-233) μg/dL, and 77 (28-200) μg/dL, respectively. Furthermore, the ammonia levels were significantly reduced by rifaximin add-on therapy (p=0.005, p=0.01, and p=0.01). Conclusion The addition of rifaximin to lactulose treatment in treatment-resistant patients decreases the hospitalization rate among patients with hepatic encephalopathy and may be used as an add-on treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Hayakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Nobuharu Tamaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakanishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kurosaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Yuki Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Kento Inada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Shun Ishido
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Sakura Kirino
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Koji Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Nobusawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Matsumoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Kakegawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Mayu Higuchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Kenta Takaura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Shohei Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Chiaki Maeyashiki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Shun Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yasui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Yuka Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Kaoru Tsuchiya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Okamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Namiki Izumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
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Percutaneous transhepatic obliteration of a large portosystemic shunt associated with hepatic encephalopathy using a technique of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection inside hydrogel-coated coils: A case report. Radiol Case Rep 2022; 17:4738-4741. [PMID: 36212760 PMCID: PMC9539619 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Portosystemic shunts with cirrhosis may lead to hepatic encephalopathy (HE), which is often pharmacotherapy-resistant. We report a case of a 66-year-old female patient diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis and uncontrolled HE. She underwent percutaneous transhepatic obliteration (PTO) for treatment of a large portosystemic shunt from the left and right gastric veins to the azygos vein. We embolized the target veins using hydro-coated coils and filled them with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA), leading to firmed obstruction of the large portosystemic shunt without NBCA migration, thus reducing the number of coils required. The HE symptoms improved after PTO and could thereafter be controlled with conservative therapy. Our results showed that PTO using an NBCA injection inside hydrogel-coated coils for a large portosystemic shunt associated with HE is effective and safe.
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Abdel Moneim M, Abdelaziz DH, Ibrahim Nagy Y, Abdel Baki A, Attia AS, Sabry N. Rifaximin microbial resistance and its efficacy and safety as a secondary prophylaxis of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14807. [PMID: 34487412 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Rifaximin is an oral antibiotic with promising efficacy in the reduction of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) recurrence. Development of microbial resistance to rifaximin is not studied yet in HE. The study aim was to assess the microbial resistance, safety and efficacy of rifaximin as secondary prophylaxis of HE. METHOD In this open-label parallel, prospective interventional study, 100 patients were randomly allocated either to receive 400 mg rifaximin 3 times/d plus 30-45 mL lactulose 3 times/d (intervention group) or to receive the standard of care only which is lactulose alone (control group) for 6 months. The primary outcome of the study was the difference between minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of rifaximin among the two studied groups at the end of treatment. The secondary outcomes included the time to first episode of HE, time to first hospitalisation, and patient's survival. RESULTS The MIC did not differ significantly after treatment exposure compared with baseline either between groups or within the same group. The time to new episode of HE was 18.84 ± 6.49 weeks (mean ± SD) in the intervention group and was significantly longer (P = .002) than that in the control group 14 ± 7.52 weeks. Moreover, only 23 (46%) patients developed overt HE in the intervention group compared with 35 patients (70%) in the control group (P = .005). Also, there was an observed 32% reduction in the risk of hospitalisation in intervention group compared with control group. CONCLUSION Rifaximin succeeded to maintain remission from new episodes of HE in hepatitis C virus cirrhotic patients with limited potential for development of microbial resistance over the study period. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04736836.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Abdel Moneim
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, The National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doaa H Abdelaziz
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, The National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yosra Ibrahim Nagy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amin Abdel Baki
- Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases Department, The National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Attia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nirmeen Sabry
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Devabhaktuni S, Patkar P, Pooja V, Dhamija S, Gupta N, Chaudhury S, Saldanha D. Differentiation of hepatic encephalopathy from delirium tremens: A case series and review. Ind Psychiatry J 2021; 30:S214-S220. [PMID: 34908693 PMCID: PMC8611582 DOI: 10.4103/0972-6748.328865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is an important and potentially life threatening complication in alcoholic patients with decompensated liver function that develop even as they continue drinking. Delirium tremens, on the other hand, is an acute condition resulting from alcohol abstinence in a person dependent on alcohol, making it a life threatening diagnosis that requires intensive care and successful management of the withdrawal. Often in medical wards, these two conditions are mistaken and so is the management plan confused with each other. Making the right diagnosis early on during the hospital course is extremely important in these critical conditions so as to make an appropriate schedule for treatment and a better outcome for the same. A case series of patients who presented with a diagnostic dilemma is reported. Clinical examinations, diagnostic tools to measure the levels of ammonia and liver function tests and hemogram, West Haven criteria and Child-Pugh grading, and clinical scales of these patients are reported. Increased levels of ammonia were present in all the cases. The subtle similarities in the presentation of the two conditions often make it confusing for the clinician to distinguish between them. Using a simple test of measuring ammonia levels in the blood helps in such situations. The detection of raised levels of ammonia in cases of chronic liver disease helps in not just the diagnosis but also is an important prognostic indicator for development of HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spandana Devabhaktuni
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Prajakta Patkar
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - V Pooja
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sana Dhamija
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nishtha Gupta
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suprakash Chaudhury
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Daniel Saldanha
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Vipani A, Lindenmeyer CC, Sundaram V. Treatment of Severe Acute on Chronic Liver Failure: Management of Organ Failures, Investigational Therapeutics, and the Role of Liver Transplantation. J Clin Gastroenterol 2021; 55:667-676. [PMID: 34028394 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a unique syndrome that afflicts patients with chronic liver disease and results in high short-term mortality, in the setting of organ system failures. Given this prognosis, there is an urgent need to understand risk factors for this condition, for appropriate medical management of organ failures, and for selection criteria for patients who may benefit from liver transplantation (LT). Although several definitions exist to identify ACLF, all of them are designed to identify patients with uniquely high mortality. Currently, management of severe ACLF relies on best supportive care for specific organ failures. Thromboelastography should guide the evaluation of coagulation pathways and hyperfibrinolysis in ACLF; prophylactic blood product transfusions and thrombopoetin agonists are not recommended. Combination therapy with terlipressin and albumin has been shown to be efficacious in the management of the hepatorenal syndrome but should be administered with caution in patients with ACLF-3. Recent data have characterized the role of beta-blockers and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement in the management of ACLF. Investigational therapies such as extracorporeal liver support and hepatocyte stem cell therapies have shown promise; larger scale studies may better define the subpopulations of patients with ACLF mostly likely to benefit from these evolving therapeutics. Regarding LT in ACLF, data suggest that even patients with 3 or more organ system failures may have a 1-year survival >80%. However, further efforts are needed to understand the predictors of post-LT survival to facilitate LT criteria for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vinay Sundaram
- Division of Gastroenterology and Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
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França MER, Ramos RKLG, Oliveira WH, Duarte-Silva E, Araújo SMR, Lós DB, Peixoto CA. Tadalafil restores long-term memory and synaptic plasticity in mice with hepatic encephalopathy. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 379:114673. [PMID: 31323263 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.114673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Tadalafil displays important neuroprotective effects in experimental models of neurodegenerative diseases, however its mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the action of Tadalafil on learning and memory, neuroinflammation, glial cell activation and neuroprotection in the experimental model of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) induced by Thioacetamide (TAA) in mice. METHODS Mice received intraperitoneal injections of TAA, for 3 consecutive days, reaching the final dose of 600 mg/kg. Tadalafil 15 mg/kg body weight was administered by gavage during 15 days after TAA induction. Mice underwent a Barnes maze for learning and memory evaluation. RESULTS Animals with hepatic encephalopathy showed reduced learning and spatial memory in the Barnes Maze, presented astrocyte and microglia activation and increased neuroinflammatory markers such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, p-p38, p-ERK and p-NF-kB. In addition, the signaling pathway PKA/PKG/CREB/BDNF/NeuN/synaptophysin and glutamate receptors were deregulated by TAA. Tadalafil treatment regulated the inflammation signaling pathways restoring learning and spatial memory. CONCLUSION Tadalafil significantly reduced neuroinflammation, promoted neuroprotection and plasticity, regulated the expression of hippocampal glutamate receptor and restored spatial learning ability and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eduarda Rocha França
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences (PPGCB), Federal University of Pernambuco Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
| | | | - Wilma Helena Oliveira
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences (PPGCB), Federal University of Pernambuco Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Duarte-Silva
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Biosciences and Biotechnology for Health (PPGBBS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-PE)/ Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Shyrlene Meyre Rocha Araújo
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences (PPGCB), Federal University of Pernambuco Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Deniele Bezerra Lós
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Christina Alves Peixoto
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Mendes NF, Mariotti FFN, de Andrade JS, de Barros Viana M, Céspedes IC, Nagaoka MR, Le Sueur-Maluf L. Lactulose decreases neuronal activation and attenuates motor behavioral deficits in hyperammonemic rats. Metab Brain Dis 2017; 32:2073-2083. [PMID: 28875419 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-017-0098-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lactulose is a nonabsorbable disaccharide commonly used in clinical practice to treat hepatic encephalopathy. However, its effects on neuropsychiatric disorders and motor behavior have not been fully elucidated. Male Wistar rats were bile-duct ligated, and 3 weeks after surgery, treated with lactulose administrated by gavage (1.43 or 3.57 g/kg), once a day for seven days. Plasma levels of ammonia, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and creatinine were quantified and histopathological analysis of the livers was performed. Locomotor activity measurements were performed in an open field. The expression of water channel aquaporin-4 was investigated and the analysis of Fos protein immunoreactivity was used to evaluate the pattern of neural activation in brain areas related to motor behavior. Bile-duct ligated rats showed hyperammonemia, loss of liver integrity and function, impaired locomotor activity, reduced aquaporin-4 protein expression, and neuronal hyperactivity. Lactulose treatment was able to reduce ammonia plasma levels, despite not having an effect on biochemical parameters of liver function, such as aspartate aminotransferase activity and total bilirubin levels, or on the cirrhotic hepatic architecture. Lactulose was also able to reduce the locomotor activity impairments and to mitigate or reverse most changes in neuronal activation. Lactulose had no effect on reduced aquaporin-4 protein expression. Our findings confirm the effectiveness of lactulose in reducing hyperammonemia and neuronal hyperactivity in brain areas related to motor behavior, reinforcing the importance of its clinical use in the treatment of the symptoms of cirrhosis-associated encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Ferreira Mendes
- Departmento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, 133/136 - Vila Mathias, Santos/SP, 11015-020, Brazil
- Laboratório de Sinalização Celular, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas/SP, 13083-864, Brazil
| | - Flora França Nogueira Mariotti
- Departmento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, 133/136 - Vila Mathias, Santos/SP, 11015-020, Brazil
| | - José Simões de Andrade
- Departmento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, 133/136 - Vila Mathias, Santos/SP, 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Milena de Barros Viana
- Departmento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, 133/136 - Vila Mathias, Santos/SP, 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Isabel Cristina Céspedes
- Departmento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, 133/136 - Vila Mathias, Santos/SP, 11015-020, Brazil
- Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, 11015-020, São Paulo/SP, 04023-900, Brazil
| | - Márcia Regina Nagaoka
- Departmento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, 133/136 - Vila Mathias, Santos/SP, 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Luciana Le Sueur-Maluf
- Departmento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, 133/136 - Vila Mathias, Santos/SP, 11015-020, Brazil.
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Gluud LL, Dam G, Les I, Marchesini G, Borre M, Aagaard NK, Vilstrup H. Branched-chain amino acids for people with hepatic encephalopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 5:CD001939. [PMID: 28518283 PMCID: PMC6481897 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001939.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain dysfunction with neurological and psychiatric changes associated with liver insufficiency or portal-systemic shunting. The severity ranges from minor symptoms to coma. A Cochrane systematic review including 11 randomised clinical trials on branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) versus control interventions has evaluated if BCAA may benefit people with hepatic encephalopathy. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of BCAA versus any control intervention for people with hepatic encephalopathy. SEARCH METHODS We identified trials through manual and electronic searches in The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science, and LILACS (May 2017). SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials, irrespective of the bias control, language, or publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The authors independently extracted data based on published reports and collected data from the primary investigators. We changed our primary outcomes in this update of the review to include mortality (all cause), hepatic encephalopathy (number of people without improved manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy), and adverse events. The analyses included random-effects and fixed-effect meta-analyses. We performed subgroup, sensitivity, regression, and trial sequential analyses to evaluate sources of heterogeneity (including intervention, and participant and trial characteristics), bias (using The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group method), small-study effects, and the robustness of the results after adjusting for sparse data and multiplicity. We graded the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We found 16 randomised clinical trials including 827 participants with hepatic encephalopathy classed as overt (12 trials) or minimal (four trials). Eight trials assessed oral BCAA supplements and seven trials assessed intravenous BCAA. The control groups received placebo/no intervention (two trials), diets (10 trials), lactulose (two trials), or neomycin (two trials). In 15 trials, all participants had cirrhosis. We classed seven trials as low risk of bias and nine trials as high risk of bias (mainly due to lack of blinding or for-profit funding). In a random-effects meta-analysis of mortality, we found no difference between BCAA and controls (risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 1.11; 760 participants; 15 trials; moderate quality of evidence). We found no evidence of small-study effects. Sensitivity analyses of trials with a low risk of bias found no beneficial or detrimental effect of BCAA on mortality. Trial sequential analysis showed that the required information size was not reached, suggesting that additional evidence was needed. BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.88; 827 participants; 16 trials; high quality of evidence). We found no small-study effects and confirmed the beneficial effect of BCAA in a sensitivity analysis that only included trials with a low risk of bias (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96). The trial sequential analysis showed that firm evidence was reached. In a fixed-effect meta-analysis, we found that BCAA increased the risk of nausea and vomiting (RR 5.56; 2.93 to 10.55; moderate quality of evidence). We found no beneficial or detrimental effects of BCAA on nausea or vomiting in a random-effects meta-analysis or on quality of life or nutritional parameters. We did not identify predictors of the intervention effect in the subgroup, sensitivity, or meta-regression analyses. In sensitivity analyses that excluded trials with a lactulose or neomycin control, BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.92). Additional sensitivity analyses found no difference between BCAA and lactulose or neomycin (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.30). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In this updated review, we included five additional trials. The analyses showed that BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy. We found no effect on mortality, quality of life, or nutritional parameters, but we need additional trials to evaluate these outcomes. Likewise, we need additional randomised clinical trials to determine the effect of BCAA compared with interventions such as non-absorbable disaccharides, rifaximin, or other antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lotte Gluud
- Copenhagen University Hospital HvidovreGastrounit, Medical DivisionKettegaards Alle 30HvidovreDenmark2650
| | - Gitte Dam
- Aarhus University HospitalDepartment of Hepatology and Gastroenterology44 NoerrebrogadeAarhus8200 NDenmark
| | - Iñigo Les
- Hospital Universitario ArabaDepartment of Internal MedicineC/ Olaguibel, 27Vitoria‐GasteizÁlavaSpain01004
| | - Giulio Marchesini
- University of BolognaDepartment of Internal Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum9, Via MassarentiS. Orsola‐Maloighi HospitalBolognaItaly40138
| | - Mette Borre
- Aarhus University HospitalDepartment of Medicine V (Hepatology and Gastroenterology)44 NoerrebrogadeAarhus CDenmark
| | - Niels Kristian Aagaard
- Aarhus University HospitalDepartment of Medicine V (Hepatology and Gastroenterology)44 NoerrebrogadeAarhus CDenmark
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Aarhus University HospitalDepartment of Hepatology and Gastroenterology44 NoerrebrogadeAarhus8200 NDenmark
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11
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Ahn JO, Li Q, Lee YH, Han SM, Hwang CY, Youn HY, Chung JY. Hyperammonemic hepatic encephalopathy management through L-ornithin-L-aspartate administration in dogs. J Vet Sci 2017; 17:431-3. [PMID: 26726023 PMCID: PMC5037314 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2016.17.3.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Seventeen dogs were treated with L-ornithin-L-aspartate (LOLA; experimental group). Three dogs were treated with lactulose recognized therapy (control group). Following LOLA administration, 15 dogs experienced a significant decrease in ammonia level (p < 0.05) and showed clinical signs of improvement. However, there were no clinical signs of improvement in two dogs, even though the ammonia level decreased. Conversely, the clinical signs of the control group also improved and the ammonia level decreased, although these changes were not significant (p > 0.05). These results suggest that LOLA is an effective drug to treat hyperammonemia in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ok Ahn
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Young-Heun Lee
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sei-Myoung Han
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Cheol-Yong Hwang
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Hwa-Young Youn
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jin-Young Chung
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
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12
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Bailey DE, Hendrix CC, Steinhauser KE, Stechuchak KM, Porter LS, Hudson J, Olsen MK, Muir A, Lowman S, DiMartini A, Salonen LW, Tulsky JA. Randomized trial of an uncertainty self-management telephone intervention for patients awaiting liver transplant. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2017; 100:509-517. [PMID: 28277289 PMCID: PMC5350046 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2016.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We tested an uncertainty self-management telephone intervention (SMI) with patients awaiting liver transplant and their caregivers. METHODS Participants were recruited from four transplant centers and completed questionnaires at baseline, 10, and 12 weeks from baseline (generally two and four weeks after intervention delivery, respectively). Dyads were randomized to either SMI (n=56) or liver disease education (LDE; n=59), both of which involved six weekly telephone sessions. SMI participants were taught coping skills and uncertainty management strategies while LDE participants learned about liver function and how to stay healthy. Outcomes included illness uncertainty, uncertainty management, depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and quality of life. General linear models were used to test for group differences. RESULTS No differences were found between the SMI and LDE groups for study outcomes. CONCLUSION This trial offers insight regarding design for future interventions that may allow greater flexibility in length of delivery beyond our study's 12-week timeframe. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Our study was designed for the time constraints of today's clinical practice setting. This trial is a beginning point to address the unmet needs of these patients and their caregivers as they wait for transplants that could save their lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald E Bailey
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham NC, USA; Duke Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Durham, USA.
| | - Cristina C Hendrix
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham NC, USA; Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, USA; Duke Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Durham, USA.
| | - Karen E Steinhauser
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA; Duke Palliative Care, Duke University Health System, Durham, USA; Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, USA.
| | - Karen M Stechuchak
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, USA.
| | - Laura S Porter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA.
| | - Julie Hudson
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA.
| | - Maren K Olsen
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA.
| | - Andrew Muir
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA.
| | - Sarah Lowman
- Duke Palliative Care, Duke University Health System, Durham, USA.
| | - Andrea DiMartini
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Departments of Psychiatry and Surgery, Starzl Transplant Institute Pittsburgh, USA.
| | - Laurel Williams Salonen
- Organ Transplantation Program, The University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983285 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA.
| | - James A Tulsky
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA; Center for Palliative Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy is a disorder of brain function as a result of liver failure or portosystemic shunt or both. Both hepatic encephalopathy (clinically overt) and minimal hepatic encephalopathy (not clinically overt) significantly impair patient's quality of life and daily functioning, and represent a significant burden on healthcare resources. Probiotics are live micro-organisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, may confer a health benefit on the host. OBJECTIVES To determine the beneficial and harmful effects of probiotics in any dosage, compared with placebo or no intervention, or with any other treatment for people with any grade of acute or chronic hepatic encephalopathy. This review did not consider the primary prophylaxis of hepatic encephalopathy. SEARCH METHODS We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, conference proceedings, reference lists of included trials, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform until June 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials that compared probiotics in any dosage with placebo or no intervention, or with any other treatment in people with hepatic encephalopathy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. We conducted random-effects model meta-analysis due to obvious heterogeneity of participants and interventions. We defined a P value of 0.05 or less as significant. We expressed dichotomous outcomes as risk ratio (RR) and continuous outcomes as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS We included 21 trials with 1420 participants, of these, 14 were new trials. Fourteen trials compared a probiotic with placebo or no treatment, and seven trials compared a probiotic with lactulose. The trials used a variety of probiotics; the most commonly used group of probiotic was VSL#3, a proprietary name for a group of eight probiotics. Duration of administration ranged from 10 days to 180 days. Eight trials declared their funding source, of which six were independently funded and two were industry funded. The remaining 13 trials did not disclose their funding source. We classified 19 of the 21 trials at high risk of bias.We found no effect on all-cause mortality when probiotics were compared with placebo or no treatment (7 trials; 404 participants; RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.44; low-quality evidence). No-recovery (as measured by incomplete resolution of symptoms) was lower for participants treated with probiotic (10 trials; 574 participants; RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.79; moderate-quality evidence). Adverse events were lower for participants treated with probiotic than with no intervention when considering the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy (10 trials; 585 participants; RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.51; low-quality evidence), but effects on hospitalisation and change of/or withdrawal from treatment were uncertain (hospitalisation: 3 trials, 163 participants; RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.11 to 4.00; very low-quality evidence; change of/or withdrawal from treatment: 9 trials, 551 participants; RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.07; very low-quality evidence). Probiotics may slightly improve quality of life compared with no intervention (3 trials; 115 participants; results not meta-analysed; low-quality evidence). Plasma ammonia concentration was lower for participants treated with probiotic (10 trials; 705 participants; MD -8.29 μmol/L, 95% CI -13.17 to -3.41; low-quality evidence). There were no reports of septicaemia attributable to probiotic in any trial.When probiotics were compared with lactulose, the effects on all-cause mortality were uncertain (2 trials; 200 participants; RR 5.00, 95% CI 0.25 to 102.00; very low-quality evidence); lack of recovery (7 trials; 430 participants; RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.21; very low-quality evidence); adverse events considering the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy (6 trials; 420 participants; RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.63 to 2.17; very low-quality evidence); hospitalisation (1 trial; 80 participants; RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.04 to 3.07; very low-quality evidence); intolerance leading to discontinuation (3 trials; 220 participants; RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.43; very low-quality evidence); change of/or withdrawal from treatment (7 trials; 490 participants; RR 1.27, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.82; very low-quality evidence); quality of life (results not meta-analysed; 1 trial; 69 participants); and plasma ammonia concentration overall (6 trials; 325 participants; MD -2.93 μmol/L, 95% CI -9.36 to 3.50; very low-quality evidence). There were no reports of septicaemia attributable to probiotic in any trial. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The majority of included trials suffered from a high risk of systematic error ('bias') and a high risk of random error ('play of chance'). Accordingly, we consider the evidence to be of low quality. Compared with placebo or no intervention, probiotics probably improve recovery and may lead to improvements in the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy, quality of life, and plasma ammonia concentrations, but probiotics may lead to little or no difference in mortality. Whether probiotics are better than lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy is uncertain because the quality of the available evidence is very low. High-quality randomised clinical trials with standardised outcome collection and data reporting are needed to further clarify the true efficacy of probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Dalal
- Sydney Medical School, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard G McGee
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW, Australia, 2145
| | - Stephen M Riordan
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Unit, The Prince of Wales, Barker St, Randwick, Australia, NSW 2031
| | - Angela C Webster
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Edward Ford Building A27, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2006
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14
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Gluud LL, Dam G, Les I, Córdoba J, Marchesini G, Borre M, Aagaard NK, Vilstrup H. Branched-chain amino acids for people with hepatic encephalopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015:CD001939. [PMID: 26377410 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001939.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain dysfunction with neurological and psychiatric changes associated with liver insufficiency or portal-systemic shunting. The severity ranges from minor symptoms to coma. A Cochrane systematic review including 11 randomised clinical trials on branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) versus control interventions has evaluated if BCAA may benefit people with hepatic encephalopathy. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of BCAA versus any control intervention for people with hepatic encephalopathy. SEARCH METHODS We identified trials through manual and electronic searches in The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index (August 2015). SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials, irrespective of the bias control, language, or publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The authors independently extracted data based on published reports and collected data from the primary investigators. We changed our primary outcomes in this update of the review to include mortality (all cause), hepatic encephalopathy (number of people without improved manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy), and adverse events. The analyses included random-effects and fixed-effect meta-analyses. We performed subgroup, sensitivity, regression, and trial sequential analyses to evaluate sources of heterogeneity (including intervention, and participant and trial characteristics), bias (using The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group method), small-study effects, and the robustness of the results after adjusting for sparse data and multiplicity. We graded the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We found 16 randomised clinical trials including 827 participants with hepatic encephalopathy classed as overt (12 trials) or minimal (four trials). Eight trials assessed oral BCAA supplements and seven trials assessed intravenous BCAA. The control groups received placebo/no intervention (two trials), diets (10 trials), lactulose (two trials), or neomycin (two trials). In 15 trials, all participants had cirrhosis. We classed seven trials as low risk of bias and nine trials as high risk of bias (mainly due to lack of blinding or for-profit funding). In a random-effects meta-analysis of mortality, we found no difference between BCAA and controls (risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 1.11; 760 participants; 15 trials; moderate quality of evidence). We found no evidence of small-study effects. Sensitivity analyses of trials with a low risk of bias found no beneficial or detrimental effect of BCAA on mortality. Trial sequential analysis showed that the required information size was not reached, suggesting that additional evidence was needed. BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.88; 827 participants; 16 trials; high quality of evidence). We found no small-study effects and confirmed the beneficial effect of BCAA in a sensitivity analysis that only included trials with a low risk of bias (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96). The trial sequential analysis showed that firm evidence was reached. In a fixed-effect meta-analysis, we found that BCAA increased the risk of nausea and vomiting (RR 5.56; 2.93 to 10.55; moderate quality of evidence). We found no beneficial or detrimental effects of BCAA on nausea or vomiting in a random-effects meta-analysis or on quality of life or nutritional parameters. We did not identify predictors of the intervention effect in the subgroup, sensitivity, or meta-regression analyses. In sensitivity analyses that excluded trials with a lactulose or neomycin control, BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.92). Additional sensitivity analyses found no difference between BCAA and lactulose or neomycin (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.30). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In this updated review, we included five additional trials. The analyses showed that BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy. We found no effect on mortality, quality of life, or nutritional parameters, but we need additional trials to evaluate these outcomes. Likewise, we need additional randomised clinical trials to determine the effect of BCAA compared with interventions such as non-absorbable disaccharides, rifaximin, or other antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lotte Gluud
- Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Kettegaards Alle, Hvidovre, Denmark, 2650
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15
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Gluud LL, Dam G, Les I, Córdoba J, Marchesini G, Borre M, Aagaard NK, Vilstrup H. Branched-chain amino acids for people with hepatic encephalopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015:CD001939. [PMID: 25715177 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001939.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain dysfunction with neurological and psychiatric changes associated with liver insufficiency or portal-systemic shunting. The severity ranges from minor symptoms to coma. A Cochrane systematic review including 11 randomised clinical trials on branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) versus control interventions has evaluated if BCAA may benefit people with hepatic encephalopathy. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of BCAA versus any control intervention for people with hepatic encephalopathy. SEARCH METHODS We identified trials through manual and electronic searches in The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index on 2 October 2014. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials, irrespective of the bias control, language, or publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The authors independently extracted data based on published reports and collected data from the primary investigators. We changed our primary outcomes in this update of the review to include mortality (all cause), hepatic encephalopathy (number of people without improved manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy), and adverse events. The analyses included random-effects and fixed-effect meta-analyses. We performed subgroup, sensitivity, regression, and trial sequential analyses to evaluate sources of heterogeneity (including intervention, and participant and trial characteristics), bias (using The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group method), small-study effects, and the robustness of the results after adjusting for sparse data and multiplicity. We graded the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We found 16 randomised clinical trials including 827 participants with hepatic encephalopathy classed as overt (12 trials) or minimal (four trials). Eight trials assessed oral BCAA supplements and seven trials assessed intravenous BCAA. The control groups received placebo/no intervention (two trials), diets (10 trials), lactulose (two trials), or neomycin (two trials). In 15 trials, all participants had cirrhosis. Based on the combined Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group score, we classed seven trials as low risk of bias and nine trials as high risk of bias (mainly due to lack of blinding or for-profit funding). In a random-effects meta-analysis of mortality, we found no difference between BCAA and controls (risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 1.11; 760 participants; 15 trials; moderate quality of evidence). We found no evidence of small-study effects. Sensitivity analyses of trials with a low risk of bias found no beneficial or detrimental effect of BCAA on mortality. Trial sequential analysis showed that the required information size was not reached, suggesting that additional evidence was needed. BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.88; 827 participants; 16 trials; high quality of evidence). We found no small-study effects and confirmed the beneficial effect of BCAA in a sensitivity analysis that only included trials with a low risk of bias (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96). The trial sequential analysis showed that firm evidence was reached. In a fixed-effect meta-analysis, we found that BCAA increased the risk of nausea and vomiting (RR 5.56; 2.93 to 10.55; moderate quality of evidence). We found no beneficial or detrimental effects of BCAA on nausea or vomiting in a random-effects meta-analysis or on quality of life or nutritional parameters. We did not identify predictors of the intervention effect in the subgroup, sensitivity, or meta-regression analyses. In sensitivity analyses that excluded trials with a lactulose or neomycin control, BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.92). Additional sensitivity analyses found no difference between BCAA and lactulose or neomycin (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.30). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In this updated review, we included five additional trials. The analyses showed that BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy. We found no effect on mortality, quality of life, or nutritional parameters, but we need additional trials to evaluate these outcomes. Likewise, we need additional randomised clinical trials to determine the effect of BCAA compared with interventions such as non-absorbable disaccharides, rifaximin, or other antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lotte Gluud
- Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Kettegaards Alle, Hvidovre, Denmark, 2650.
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16
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Holecek M. Ammonia and amino acid profiles in liver cirrhosis: Effects of variables leading to hepatic encephalopathy. Nutrition 2015; 31:14-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2014.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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17
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Franzoni LDC, Carvalho FCD, Garzon RGDA, Yamashiro FDS, Augusti L, Santos LAA, Dorna MDS, Baima JP, Lima TB, Caramori CA, Silva GF, Romeiro FG. Embolization of splenorenal shunt associated to portal vein thrombosis and hepatic encephalopathy. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:15910-15915. [PMID: 25400477 PMCID: PMC4229558 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i42.15910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a cognitive disturbance characterized by neuropsychiatric alterations. It occurs in acute and chronic hepatic disease and also in patients with portosystemic shunts. The presence of these portosystemic shunts allows the passage of nitrogenous substances from the intestines through systemic veins without liver depuration. Therefore, the embolization of these shunts has been performed to control HE manifestations, but the presence of portal vein thrombosis is considered a contraindication. In this presentation we show a cirrhotic patient with severe HE and portal vein thrombosis who was submitted to embolization of a large portosystemic shunt. Case report: a 57 years-old cirrhotic patient who had been hospitalized many times for persistent HE and hepatic coma, even without precipitant factors. She had a wide portosystemic shunt and also portal vein thrombosis. The abdominal angiography confirmed the splenorenal shunt and showed other shunts. The larger shunt was embolized through placement of microcoils, and the patient had no recurrence of overt HE. There was a little increase of esophageal and gastric varices, but no endoscopic treatment was needed. Since portosystemic shunts are frequent causes of recurrent HE in cirrhotic patients, portal vein thrombosis should be considered a relative contraindication to perform a shunt embolization. However, in particular cases with many shunts and severe HE, we found that one of these shunts can be safely embolized and this procedure can be sufficient to obtain a good HE recovery. In conclusion, we reported a case of persistent HE due to a wide portosystemic shunt associated with portal vein thrombosis. As the patient had other shunts, she was successfully treated by embolization of the larger shunt.
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Gluud LL, Dam G, Borre M, Les I, Cordoba J, Marchesini G, Aagaard NK, Risum N, Vilstrup H. Oral branched-chain amino acids have a beneficial effect on manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy in a systematic review with meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. J Nutr 2013; 143:1263-8. [PMID: 23739310 DOI: 10.3945/jn.113.174375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplements with branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) have cerebral, metabolic, and nutritional effects that may benefit patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). We therefore conducted a systematic review on the effects of oral BCAAs compared with control supplements or placebo for patients with cirrhosis and recurrent overt or minimal HE. The quantitative analyses included data from 8 trials (n = 382 patients). Individual patient data were retrieved from 4 trials to recalculate outcomes (n = 255 patients). The mean dose of the oral BCAA supplements was 0.25 g/(kg body weight · d). Random effects meta-analysis showed that improvements in HE manifestations were registered for 87 of 172 patients in the BCAA group compared with 56 of 210 controls [risk ratio = 1.71 (95% CI: 1.17, 2.51) number needed to treat = 5 patients]. The effect of BCAAs differed (P = 0.04) for patients with overt [risk ratio = 3.26 (95% CI: 1.47, 7.22)] and minimal HE [risk ratio = 1.32 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.79)]. Subgroup, sensitivity, regression, and sequential analyses found no other sources of heterogeneity or bias. BCAA supplements had no effect on mortality or markers of nutritional status and did not induce adverse events. In conclusion, oral BCAA supplements improve manifestations of HE but have no effect on survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise L Gluud
- Department of Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark.
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19
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Abstract
This purpose of this article is to promote comprehensive assessment, differential evaluation and provision of care which optimizes benefit while minimizing burden. Delirium is a debilitating neuropsychiatric complication that is highly prevalent in palliative care. It is multifactorial and may be related to infection, disease progression, metabolic state or medication toxicity. There are three proposed sub-types of delirium with the hypoactive/ hypoalert variant being most often underdiagnosed and undertreated. The inadequate management of all types of delirium is associated with increased personal and family distress, lengthier hospital stays, and escalating healthcare costs. This article reviews the assessment, diagnosis and treatment for delirium in general and hepatic encephalopathy in particular. A number of valid and reliable tools are discussed, as they assist in screening, symptom appraisal, diagnosis, and treatment planning. It is recognized that nurses are particularly well positioned to make bedside observations, to document changes over time, and to educate and support patients and their families. Searching for the etiology of delirium, developing individualized plans of care consistent with patient goals, and endorsing the benefit of consultation/referral are discussed as key roles for palliative care providers from all disciplines. New and novel therapies in the management of hepatic encephalopathy are discussed, as they expand treatment options for patients at all points along the trajectory of liver disease.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy is a disorder of brain function as a result of liver failure and/or portosystemic shunt. Both hepatic encephalopathy (clinically overt) and minimal hepatic encephalopathy (not clinically overt) significantly impair patient's quality of life and daily functioning and represent a significant burden on health care resources. Probiotics are live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts may confer a health benefit on the host. OBJECTIVES To quantify the beneficial and harmful effects of any probiotic in any dosage, compared with placebo or no intervention, or with any other treatment for patients with any grade of acute or chronic hepatic encephalopathy as assessed from randomised trials. SEARCH METHODS We searched the The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, conference proceedings, reference lists of included trials and the WHO international clinical trials registry until April 2011 registry platform to identify new and ongoing trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised trials that compared probiotics in any dosage with placebo or no intervention, or with any other treatment in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Three authors independently assessed the risk of bias of the included trials and extracted data on relevant outcomes, with differences resolved by consensus. We conducted random-effects model meta-analysis due to obvious heterogeneity of patients and interventions. A P value of 0.05 or less was defined as significant. Dichotomous outcomes are expressed as risk ratio (RR) and continuous outcomes as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS We included seven trials of which 550 participants were randomised. Four of the seven trials compared a probiotic with placebo or no treatment in 245 participants, another trial compared a probiotic with lactulose in 40 participants , and the remaining two trials compared a probiotic with both placebo and lactulose in 265 participants. Each trial used different types of probiotics. Duration of administration of the experimental intervention varied from 10 days to 180 days. Two trials were industry funded, and five were unclear about origin of funding. All trials had high risk of bias. When probiotics were compared with no treatment, there was no significant difference in all-cause mortality (2 trials, 105 participants; 1/57 (2%) versus 1/48 (2%): RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.08 to 6.60), lack of recovery (4 trials, 206 participants; 54/107 (50%) versus 68/99 (69%): RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.49 to 1.05), adverse events (3 trials, 145 participants; 2/77 (3%) versus 6/68 (9%): RR 0.34; 95% CI 0.08 to 1.42), quality of life (1 trial, 20 participants contributed to the physical quality of life measurement, 20 participants contributed to the mental quality of life: MD Physical 0.00; 95% CI -5.47 to 5.47; MD Mental 4.00; 95% CI -1.82 to 9.82), or change of/or withdrawal from treatment (3 trials, 175 participants; 11/92 (12%) versus 7/83 (8%): RR 1.28; 95% CI 0.52 to 3.19). No trial reported sepsis or duration of hospital stay as an outcome. Plasma ammonia concentration was significantly lower for participants treated with probiotic at one month (3 trials, 226 participants: MD -2.99 μmol/L; 95% CI -5.70 to -0.29) but not at two months (3 trials, 181 participants: MD -1.82 μmol/L; 95% CI -14.04 to 10.41). Plasma ammonia decreased the most in the participants treated with probiotic at three months (1 trial, 73 participants: MD -6.79 μmol/L; 95% CI -10.39 to -3.19). When probiotics were compared with lactulose no trial reported all-cause mortality, quality of life, duration of hospital stay, or septicaemia. There were no significant differences in lack of recovery (3 trials, 173 participants; 47/87 (54%) versus 44/86 (51%): RR 1.05; 95% CI 0.75 to 1.47), adverse events (2 trials, 111 participants; 3/56 (5%) versus 6/55 (11%): RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.06 to 5.74), change of/or withdrawal from treatment at one month (3 trials, 190 participants; 8/95 (8%) versus 7/95 (7%): RR 1.10; 95% CI 0.40 to 3.03), plasma ammonia concentration (2 trials, 93 participants: MD -6.61 μmol/L; 95% CI -30.05 to 16.84), or change in plasma ammonia concentration (1 trial, 77 participants: MD 1.16 μmol/L; 95% CI -1.96 to 4.28). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The trials we located suffered from a high risk of systematic errors ('bias') and high risk of random errors ('play of chance'). While probiotics appear to reduce plasma ammonia concentration when compared with placebo or no intervention, we are unable to conclude that probiotics are efficacious in altering clinically relevant outcomes. Demonstration of unequivocal efficacy is needed before probiotics can be endorsed as effective therapy for hepatic encephalopathy. Further randomised clinical trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G McGee
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is caused by liver impairment and has a multitude of symptoms in affected patients, including change in level of consciousness, intellectual function, and neuromuscular function. Pharmacologic therapy includes use of nonabsorbable disaccharides (lactulose and lactitol), and antibiotics such as neomycin, paromycin, metronidazole, and rifaximin. Probiotics, acarbose, and drugs such as L-carnitine and flumazenil, may also be helpful in treating HE.
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Kristiansen RG, Lindal S, Myreng K, Revhaug A, Ytrebø LM, Rose CF. Neuropathological changes in the brain of pigs with acute liver failure. Scand J Gastroenterol 2010; 45:935-43. [PMID: 20443756 DOI: 10.3109/00365521003675047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cerebral edema is a serious complication of acute liver failure (ALF), which may lead to intracranial hypertension and death. An accepted tenet has been that the blood-brain barrier is intact and that brain edema is primarily caused by a cytotoxic etiology due to hyperammonemia. However, the neuropathological changes in ALF have been poorly studied. Using a well characterized porcine model we aimed to investigate ultrastructural changes in the brain from pigs suffering from ALF. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixteen female Norwegian Landrace pigs weighing 27-35 kg were randomised into two groups: ALF (n = 8) and sham operated controls (n = 8). ALF was induced with an end-to-side portacaval shunt followed by ligation of the hepatic arteries. Biopsies were harvested from three different areas of the brain (frontal lobe, cerebellum, and brain stem) following eight hours of ALF and analyzed using electron microscopy. RESULTS Profound perivascular and interstitial edema were found in all three areas. Disruption of pericytic and astrocytic processes were seen, reflecting breakdown/lesion of the blood-brain barrier in animals suffering from ALF. Furthermore, neurons and axons were edematous and surrounded by vesicles. Severe damage to Purkinje neuron (necrosis) and damaged myelin were seen in the cerebellum and brain stem, respectively. Biopsies from sham operated animals were normal. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the concept that vasogenic brain edema plays an important role in the development of intracranial hypertension in pigs with ALF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Gangsøy Kristiansen
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital of North Norway and University of Tromsø, Sykehusveien, Tromsø, Norway.
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Bass NM, Mullen KD, Sanyal A, Poordad F, Neff G, Leevy CB, Sigal S, Sheikh MY, Beavers K, Frederick T, Teperman L, Hillebrand D, Huang S, Merchant K, Shaw A, Bortey E, Forbes WP. Rifaximin treatment in hepatic encephalopathy. N Engl J Med 2010; 362:1071-81. [PMID: 20335583 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa0907893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 791] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy is a chronically debilitating complication of hepatic cirrhosis. The efficacy of rifaximin, a minimally absorbed antibiotic, is well documented in the treatment of acute hepatic encephalopathy, but its efficacy for prevention of the disease has not been established. METHODS In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned 299 patients who were in remission from recurrent hepatic encephalopathy resulting from chronic liver disease to receive either rifaximin, at a dose of 550 mg twice daily (140 patients), or placebo (159 patients) for 6 months. The primary efficacy end point was the time to the first breakthrough episode of hepatic encephalopathy. The key secondary end point was the time to the first hospitalization involving hepatic encephalopathy. RESULTS Rifaximin significantly reduced the risk of an episode of hepatic encephalopathy, as compared with placebo, over a 6-month period (hazard ratio with rifaximin, 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28 to 0.64; P<0.001). A breakthrough episode of hepatic encephalopathy occurred in 22.1% of patients in the rifaximin group, as compared with 45.9% of patients in the placebo group. A total of 13.6% of the patients in the rifaximin group had a hospitalization involving hepatic encephalopathy, as compared with 22.6% of patients in the placebo group, for a hazard ratio of 0.50 (95% CI, 0.29 to 0.87; P=0.01). More than 90% of patients received concomitant lactulose therapy. The incidence of adverse events reported during the study was similar in the two groups, as was the incidence of serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Over a 6-month period, treatment with rifaximin maintained remission from hepatic encephalopathy more effectively than did placebo. Rifaximin treatment also significantly reduced the risk of hospitalization involving hepatic encephalopathy. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00298038.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan M Bass
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy is characterized by a wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities and motor disturbances in patients with advanced liver disease. It is estimated to occur in 30% to 45% of patients with liver cirrhosis and in 10% to 50% of patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts. It can be seen in cancer patients due to multiple factors. Early diagnosis and treatment are important but can be challenging, especially in mild forms with subtle findings. This article reviews the pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, grading, and management of hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemen Eroglu
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, CDRCP, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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Fichet J, Mercier E, Genée O, Garot D, Legras A, Dequin PF, Perrotin D. Prognosis and 1-year mortality of intensive care unit patients with severe hepatic encephalopathy. J Crit Care 2009; 24:364-70. [PMID: 19327960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2009.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2008] [Revised: 12/03/2008] [Accepted: 01/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Data regarding outcome of patients with chronic liver disease with severe hepatic encephalopathy in intensive care unit are currently scarce. METHODS This study is a retrospective observational case series in a medical intensive care unit (ICU) in a university hospital from 1995 to 2005. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) (admitted with or developing) were identified. Clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed to determinate predictors of ICU and 1-year mortality. RESULTS Seventy-one patients were included (53 male). Median Simplified Acute Physiology Score was 56 with Child-Pugh score 11 +/- 2. Seventy-six percent of patients were admitted with coma (Glasgow Coma Scale, 7.7 +/- 4). Eighty-two percent of patients required intubation, and 28% vasopressors. Thirty-five percent died during ICU stay. At 1 year, mortality was 54%. Univariate analysis identified arterial hypotension, mechanical ventilation, vasopressors at any time, acute renal failure, Simplified Acute Physiology Score, and sepsis associated with ICU mortality. In multivariate analysis, vasopressor use or acute renal failure was the main independent predictor of ICU death and 1-year mortality. Patients free of these risk factors, even requiring intubation, were identified as isolated HE, with lower mortality rates. CONCLUSION Predictors of outcome were similar to other groups of patients with liver disease admitted for other reasons. Intensive care unit mortality was lower than reported for other groups of patients with similar illness. Patients with severe HE admitted to ICU with no organ dysfunction other than mechanical ventilation had a better outcome and may require ICU admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Fichet
- Service de Réanimation Médicale Polyvalente, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours et Université François Rabelais, 37044 Tours cedex 9, France.
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Stadlbauer V, Wright GAK, Jalan R. Role of artificial liver support in hepatic encephalopathy. Metab Brain Dis 2009; 24:15-26. [PMID: 19101787 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-008-9117-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2008] [Accepted: 10/28/2008] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) refers to the reversible neuropsychiatric disorders observed in acute liver failure and as a complication of cirrhosis and/or portal hypertension. This review aims to describe the pathophysiology of HE, the rationale for the use of artificial liver support in the treatment of HE, the different concepts of artificial liver support and the results obtained. Ammonia has been considered central to its pathogenesis but recently an important role for its interaction with inflammatory responses and auto-regulation of cerebral hemodynamics has been suggested. Artificial liver support might be able to decrease ammonia and modulate inflammatory mediators and cerebral hemodynamics. Bioartificial liver support systems use hepatocytes in an extracorporeal device connected to the patient's circulation. Artificial liver support is intended to remove protein-bound toxins and water-soluble toxins without providing synthetic function. Both systems improve clinical and biochemical parameters and can be applied safely to patients. Clinical studies have shown that artificial liver support, especially albumin dialysis, is able to improve HE in acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure. Further studies are required to better understand the mechanism, however, artificial liver support can be added to the therapeutic bundle in treating HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Stadlbauer
- Institute of Hepatology, University College London Medical School, 69-75 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HX, UK
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Liu HB, Wang JY. Relationship between aquaporin-4 expression and brain edema in cirrhotic rats with hepatic encephalopathy. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2008; 16:2592-2598. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v16.i23.2592] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the mechanism of brain edema in cirrhotic rats with hepatic encephalopathy, and to provide the theoretical basis for management of brain edema.
METHODS: Rats were divided into 4 groups randomly: normal group (n = 10), normal ammonia burden group (n = 10), cirrhosis group (n = 20), cirrhosis ammonia burden group (n = 20). After models were generated successfully, the arterial plasma ammonia was measured by dry biochemical method, and the evans blue (EB) content was examined by colorimetric method; the brain water content (BWC) was measured by means of dry-wet method and the aquaporin-4 (APQ-4) in the brain tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS: In comparison with that in the normal group and nomal ammonia burden group, the arterial plasma ammonia was significantly increased in the cirrhosis group and cirrhosis ammonia burden group (420.18 ± 75.91, 97.20 ± 29.66 μmol/L vs 42.62 ± 10.11, 59.33 ± 15.06 μmol/L; P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The EB content (1.96 ± 0.55 μg/g) and brain water content (75.14 ± 5.68) in the cirrhosis ammonia burden group were higher than those in the nomal group, nomal ammonia burden group, and cirrhosis group (1.96 ± 0.55 μg/g vs 1.05 ± 0.18, 1.19 ± 0.38, 1.41 ± 0.46 μg/g; 75.14 ± 5.68 vs 62.14 ± 2.29, 66.27 ± 4.57 65.58 ± 4.14; all P < 0.05). The location of APQ-4 expression in cirrhotic rats was consistent with that in normal rats, but both the intensity and area of APQ-4 expression were increased as compared with those in normal controls (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: APQ-4 expression is up-regulated in cirrhotic rats with hepatic encephalopathy, suggesting that APQ-4 may play a role in the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy.
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Saraswat VA, Saksena S, Nath K, Mandal P, Singh J, Thomas MA, Rathore RS, Gupta RK. Evaluation of mannitol effect in patients with acute hepatic failure and acute-on-chronic liver failure using conventional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging and in-vivo proton MR spectroscopy. World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14:4168-78. [PMID: 18636662 PMCID: PMC2725378 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.14.4168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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
AIM: To evaluate the effect of an intravenous bolus of mannitol in altering brain metabolites, brain water content, brain parenchyma volume, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume and clinical signs in controls and in patients with acute liver failure (ALF) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), by comparing changes in conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (PMRS) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) before and after its infusion.
METHODS: Five patients each with ALF and ACLF in grade 3 or 4 hepatic encephalopathy and with clinical signs of raised intracranial pressure were studied along with five healthy volunteers. After baseline MRI, an intravenous bolus of 20% mannitol solution was given over 10 min in controls as well as in patients with ALF and ACLF. Repeat MRI for the same position was acquired 30 min after completing the mannitol injection.
RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed between controls and patients with ALF and ACLF in metabolite ratios, DTI metrics and brain volume or CSF volume following 45 min of mannitol infusion. There was no change in clinical status at the end of post-mannitol imaging.
CONCLUSION: The osmotic effect of mannitol did not result in significant reduction of brain water content, alteration in metabolite ratios or any change in the clinical status of these patients during or within 45 min of mannitol infusion.
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