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Xu X, Gao F, Wang T, Yang Z, Zhao Q, Qi X. Association of non-selective β blockers with the development of renal dysfunction in liver cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Med 2024; 56:2305935. [PMID: 38271554 PMCID: PMC10812853 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2305935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Non-selective β blockers (NSBBs) may negatively influence renal function through decreasing heart rate and cardiac output. This study aimed to systematically investigate their association. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases were searched to identify all relevant studies evaluating the association of NSBBs with renal dysfunction in cirrhotic patients. Unadjusted and adjusted data were separately extracted. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled. Subgroup meta-analyses were performed according to the proportions of ascites and Child-Pugh class B/C and the mean model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. RESULTS Fourteen studies were finally included. Based on unadjusted data, NSBBs significantly increased the risk of developing renal dysfunction (OR = 1.49; p = 0.03), and this association remained significant in subgroup analyses of studies where the proportions of ascites was >70% and Child-Pugh class B/C was 100%. Based on adjusted data with propensity score matching (adjusted OR = 0.61; p = 0.08) and multivariable regression modelling (adjusted HR = 0.86; p = 0.713), NSBBs did not increase the risk of developing renal dysfunction, and this association remained not significant in subgroup analyses of studies where the proportions of ascites was >70% and <70%, the proportion of Child-Pugh class B/C was <100%, and the mean MELD score was <15. The quality of evidence was very low for all meta-analyses. CONCLUSIONS NSBBs may not be associated with the development of renal dysfunction in liver cirrhosis. However, more evidence is required to clarify their association in specific populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangbo Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- Liver Cirrhosis Study Group, Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Fangbo Gao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- Liver Cirrhosis Study Group, Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- Liver Cirrhosis Study Group, Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Zuyao Yang
- Division of Epidemiology, The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qingchun Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Xingshun Qi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- Liver Cirrhosis Study Group, Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
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Garcia-Guix M, Ardevol A, Sapena V, Alvarado-Tápias E, Huertas A, Brujats A, Fajardo J, Cuyas B, Poca M, Guarner C, Torras X, Escorsell À, Villanueva C. Influence of further decompensation on survival across clinical stages of decompensated cirrhosis: The role of portal hypertension and HVPG changes. Liver Int 2024; 44:1971-1989. [PMID: 38634685 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Decompensated-cirrhosis encompasses several stages with different prognosis, such as bleeding, ascites and bleeding-plus-ascites. Development of further-decompensation worsens survival, while non-selective β-blockers (NSBBs) can modify the risk. However, how this applies to each stage is uncertain. We aimed to investigate, in each stage of decompensated-cirrhosis, the influence of further-decompensation on mortality and whether changes in portal-pressure (HVPG) under NSBBs influence these outcomes. METHODS Patients with variceal bleeding were consecutively included differentiating those with bleeding-alone from those who also had ascites. Patients with ascites and high-risk varices referred for primary-prophylaxis were also investigated. A baseline haemodynamic study was performed and was repeated after 1-3-months under NSBBs. Outcomes were investigated by competing-risk. RESULTS Totally 103 patients had bleeding-alone, 186 bleeding-plus-ascites and 187 ascites-alone. Mean follow-up was 32-months (IQR, 12-60). Patients with bleeding-plus-ascites had higher HVPG and were more hyperdynamic than patients with ascites-alone and these than those with bleeding-alone. At each stage, the mortality risk was more than twice in patients developing further-decompensation vs. those without (p < .001). In each stage, HVPG-decrease under NSBBs showed better discrimination to predict further-decompensation than the baseline MELD, Child-Pugh or HVPG, by time-dependent ROC-curves (c-statistic >70%). At each stage, patients without HVPG-decreases, either ≥10% or ≥20% from the baseline, had higher risk of further-decompensation (sHR from 2.43 to 6.73, p < .01) and worse survival. CONCLUSIONS In each stage of decompensated cirrhosis, mortality risk significantly and very markedly increase with further-decompensation. HVPG-non-response to NSBBs may adequately stratify the risk of further decompensation and death, in each stage. This suggests potential benefit with pre-emptive therapies in HVPG-non-responders at each-stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Garcia-Guix
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Ardevol
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Sapena
- Biostatistics Unit, Medical School, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Statistics Core Faculty, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Edilmar Alvarado-Tápias
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Huertas
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Brujats
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fajardo
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Berta Cuyas
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Poca
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Guarner
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Torras
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Àngels Escorsell
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Càndid Villanueva
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
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Guixé-Muntet S, Quesada-Vázquez S, Gracia-Sancho J. Pathophysiology and therapeutic options for cirrhotic portal hypertension. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 9:646-663. [PMID: 38642564 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Portal hypertension represents the primary non-neoplastic complication of liver cirrhosis and has life-threatening consequences, such as oesophageal variceal bleeding, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Portal hypertension occurs due to increased resistance of the cirrhotic liver vasculature to portal blood flow and is further aggravated by the hyperdynamic circulatory syndrome. Existing knowledge indicates that the profibrogenic phenotype acquired by sinusoidal cells is the initial factor leading to increased hepatic vascular tone and fibrosis, which cause increased vascular resistance and portal hypertension. Data also suggest that the phenotype of hepatic cells could be further impaired due to the altered mechanical properties of the cirrhotic liver itself, creating a deleterious cycle that worsens portal hypertension in the advanced stages of liver disease. In this Review, we discuss recent discoveries in the pathophysiology and treatment of cirrhotic portal hypertension, a condition with few pharmacological treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Guixé-Muntet
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergio Quesada-Vázquez
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Zhu CP, Liu SQ, Wang KQ, Xiong HL, Aristu-Zabalza P, Boyer-Díaz Z, Feng JF, Song SH, Cheng-Luo, Chen WS, Zhang X, Dong WH, Gracia-Sancho J, Xie WF. Targeting 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor 1A in the Portal Vein to Decrease Portal Hypertension. Gastroenterology 2024:S0016-5085(24)05062-5. [PMID: 38906512 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS & AIMS Portal hypertension (PH) is one of the most frequent complications of chronic liver disease. The peripheral 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) level was increased in cirrhotic patients. We aimed to elucidate the function and mechanism of 5-HT receptor 1A (HTR1A) in the portal vein (PV) on PH. METHODS PH models were induced by thioacetamide injection, bile duct ligation, or partial PV ligation. HTR1A expression was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence staining. In situ intraportal infusion was used to assess the effects of 5-HT, the HTR1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT, and the HTR1A antagonist WAY-100635 on portal pressure (PP). Htr1a-knockout (Htr1a-/-) rats and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-specific Htr1a-knockout (Htr1aΔVSMC) mice were used to confirm the regulatory role of HTR1A on PP. RESULTS HTR1A expression was significantly increased in the hypertensive PV of PH model rats and cirrhotic patients. Additionally, 8-OH-DPAT increased, but WAY-100635 decreased, the PP in rats without affecting liver fibrosis and systemic hemodynamics. Furthermore, 5-HT or 8-OH-DPAT directly induced the contraction of isolated PVs. Genetic deletion of Htr1a in rats and VSMC-specific Htr1a knockout in mice prevented the development of PH. Moreover, 5-HT triggered adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate pathway-mediated PV smooth muscle cell contraction via HTR1A in the PV. We also confirmed alverine as an HTR1A antagonist and demonstrated its capacity to decrease PP in rats with thioacetamide-, bile duct ligation-, and partial PV ligation-induced PH. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that 5-HT promotes PH by inducing the contraction of the PV and identify HTR1A as a promising therapeutic target for attenuating PH. As an HTR1A antagonist, alverine is expected to become a candidate for clinical PH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Peng Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Qing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke-Qi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Lin Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peio Aristu-Zabalza
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS-Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, CIBEREHD; Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zoe Boyer-Díaz
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS-Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, CIBEREHD; Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ji-Feng Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shao-Hua Song
- Organ Transplantation Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China; Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng-Luo
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wan-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Dong
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS-Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, CIBEREHD; Barcelona, Spain; Department for Biomedical Research, Hepatology, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
| | - Wei-Fen Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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Ambery P, Greasley PJ, Menzies RI, Brynne L, Kulkarni S, Oscarsson J, Davenport AP. Targeting the endothelium by combining endothelin-1 antagonism and SGLT-2 inhibition: better together? Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:687-697. [PMID: 38835256 DOI: 10.1042/cs20240605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Endothelin A and B receptors, together with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) channels are important targets in improving endothelial function and intervention with inhibitors has been the subject of multiple mechanistic and clinical outcome trials over recent years. Notable successes include the treatment of pulmonary hypertension with endothelin receptor antagonists, and the treatment of heart failure and chronic kidney disease with SGLT-2 inhibitors. With distinct and complementary mechanisms, in this review, we explore the logic of combination therapy for a number of diseases which have endothelial dysfunction at their heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil Ambery
- Clinical Late Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter J Greasley
- Early Clinical Development, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Robert I Menzies
- Bioscience Renal, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lena Brynne
- Information Practice Late Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Spoorthy Kulkarni
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, CB20QQ, U.K
- Division of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, U.K
| | - Jan Oscarsson
- Clinical Late Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anthony P Davenport
- Division of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, U.K
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Kaplan DE, Ripoll C, Thiele M, Fortune BE, Simonetto DA, Garcia-Tsao G, Bosch J. AASLD Practice Guidance on risk stratification and management of portal hypertension and varices in cirrhosis. Hepatology 2024; 79:1180-1211. [PMID: 37870298 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David E Kaplan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Gastroenterology Section, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Cristina Ripoll
- Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Maja Thiele
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Brett E Fortune
- Department of Gastroenterology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Douglas A Simonetto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Jaime Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS) and CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Spain
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7
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Chen R, Luo L, Zhang YZ, Liu Z, Liu AL, Zhang YW. Bayesian network-based survival prediction model for patients having undergone post-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for portal hypertension. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:1859-1870. [PMID: 38659484 PMCID: PMC11036496 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i13.1859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Portal hypertension (PHT), primarily induced by cirrhosis, manifests severe symptoms impacting patient survival. Although transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a critical intervention for managing PHT, it carries risks like hepatic encephalopathy, thus affecting patient survival prognosis. To our knowledge, existing prognostic models for post-TIPS survival in patients with PHT fail to account for the interplay among and collective impact of various prognostic factors on outcomes. Consequently, the development of an innovative modeling approach is essential to address this limitation. AIM To develop and validate a Bayesian network (BN)-based survival prediction model for patients with cirrhosis-induced PHT having undergone TIPS. METHODS The clinical data of 393 patients with cirrhosis-induced PHT who underwent TIPS surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between January 2015 and May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Variables were selected using Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression methods, and a BN-based model was established and evaluated to predict survival in patients having undergone TIPS surgery for PHT. RESULTS Variable selection revealed the following as key factors impacting survival: age, ascites, hypertension, indications for TIPS, postoperative portal vein pressure (post-PVP), aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, prealbumin, the Child-Pugh grade, and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Based on the above-mentioned variables, a BN-based 2-year survival prognostic prediction model was constructed, which identified the following factors to be directly linked to the survival time: age, ascites, indications for TIPS, concurrent hypertension, post-PVP, the Child-Pugh grade, and the MELD score. The Bayesian information criterion was 3589.04, and 10-fold cross-validation indicated an average log-likelihood loss of 5.55 with a standard deviation of 0.16. The model's accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score were 0.90, 0.92, 0.97, and 0.95 respectively, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve being 0.72. CONCLUSION This study successfully developed a BN-based survival prediction model with good predictive capabilities. It offers valuable insights for treatment strategies and prognostic evaluations in patients having undergone TIPS surgery for PHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ling Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yun-Zhi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - An-Lin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yi-Wen Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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Garbuzenko DV. Contemporary concepts of prevention and management of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis patients. World J Hepatol 2024; 16:126-134. [PMID: 38495286 PMCID: PMC10941750 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i2.126] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This editorial describes the contemporary concepts of prevention and management of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis (LC) patients according to the current guidelines. Gastroesophageal variceal bleeding is the most dangerous complication of portal hypertension in LC patients. Risk stratification and determination of an individual approach to the choice of therapeutic measures aimed at their prevention and management has emerged as one of the top concerns in modern hepatology. According to the current guidelines, in the absence of clinically significant portal hypertension, etiological and non-etiological therapies of LC is advisable for the primary preventing gastroesophageal variceal bleeding, whereas its presence serves as an indication for the administration of non-selective β-blockers, among which carvedilol is the drug of choice. Non-selective β-blockers, as well as endoscopic variceal ligation and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt can be used to prevent recurrence of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding. Pharmacotherapy with vasoactive drugs (terlipressin, somatostatin, octreotide), endoscopic variceal ligation, endovascular techniques and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt are recommended for the treatment of acute gastroesophageal variceal bleeding. Objective and accurate risk stratification of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding will allow developing individual strategies for their prevention and management, avoiding the first and further decompensation in LC, which will improve the prognosis and survival of patients suffering from it.
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Alsaeid M, Sung S, Bai W, Tam M, Wong YJ, Cortes J, Cobo E, Gonzalez JA, Abraldes JG. Heterogeneity of treatment response to beta-blockers in the treatment of portal hypertension: A systematic review. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0321. [PMID: 38285880 PMCID: PMC10830085 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that a relevant proportion of patients do not respond to nonselective beta-blockers (NSBB)s, which raises questions regarding the need for individualized therapy. The existence of potential heterogeneity in the treatment response can be assessed using the variability ratio (VR) of the outcome measurement (in this case, HVPG) between the treated and placebo groups. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the potential heterogeneity in the portal pressure response to NSBBs. METHODS After a systematic search, we quantified the heterogeneity of treatment response with the VR between the treatment and control groups, with VR > 1 indicating potential heterogeneity. We used a similar approach to compare carvedilol with propranolol and statins with placebo. RESULTS We identified 18 studies that included 965 patients. A comparison between beta-blockers and placebo showed a pooled VR of 0.99 (95% CI:0.87-1.14), which suggests a homogeneous HVPG response to NSBB at the individual patient level (ie, no evidence to support that some patients responded to beta-blockers and others did not). For the comparison between carvedilol and propranolol, pooled VR was 0.97 (95% CI 0.82-1.14), suggesting that carvedilol achieves a greater average response (rather than an increase in the proportion of responders). There was no evidence of a heterogeneous response to statins. CONCLUSION Our analysis did not support the existence of a heterogeneous patient-by-patient response to NSBBs in cirrhosis. These findings challenge the concept of personalized therapy based on portal pressure response and indicate that routine portal pressure measurement may not be necessary to guide NSBB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alsaeid
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shuen Sung
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wayne Bai
- Waikato District Health Board, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Matthew Tam
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yu Jun Wong
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jordi Cortes
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona-Tech (UPC), Barcelona-Tech, Spain
| | - Erik Cobo
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona-Tech (UPC), Barcelona-Tech, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio Gonzalez
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona-Tech (UPC), Barcelona-Tech, Spain
| | - Juan G. Abraldes
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
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Villanueva C, Sapena V, Lo GH, Seo YS, Shah HA, Singh V, Tripathi D, Schepke M, Gheorghe C, Bonilha DQ, Jutabha R, Wang HM, Rodrigues SG, Brujats A, Lee HA, Azam Z, Kumar P, Hayes PC, Sauerbruch T, Chen WC, Iacob S, Libera ED, Jensen DM, Alvarado E, Torres F, Bosch J. Improving primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding by adapting therapy to the clinical stage of cirrhosis. A competing-risk meta-analysis of individual participant data. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:306-321. [PMID: 38108646 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Non-selective β-blockers (NSBBs) and endoscopic variceal-ligation (EVL) have similar efficacy preventing first variceal bleeding. Compensated and decompensated cirrhosis are markedly different stages, which may impact treatment outcomes. We aimed to assess the efficacy of NSBBs vs EVL on survival in patients with high-risk varices without previous bleeding, stratifying risk according to compensated/decompensated stage of cirrhosis. METHODS By systematic review, we identified RCTs comparing NSBBs vs EVL, in monotherapy or combined, for primary bleeding prevention. We performed a competing-risk, time-to-event meta-analysis, using individual patient data (IPD) obtained from principal investigators of RCTs. Analyses were stratified according to previous decompensation of cirrhosis. RESULTS Of 25 RCTs eligible, 14 failed to provide IPD and 11 were included, comprising 1400 patients (656 compensated, 744 decompensated), treated with NSBBs (N = 625), EVL (N = 546) or NSBB+EVL (N = 229). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Overall, mortality risk was similar with EVL vs. NSBBs (subdistribution hazard-ratio (sHR) = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.75-1.49) and with EVL + NSBBs vs either monotherapy, with low heterogeneity (I2 = 28.7%). In compensated patients, mortality risk was higher with EVL vs NSBBs (sHR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.11-2.77) and not significantly lower with NSBBs+EVL vs NSBBs, without heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). In decompensated patients, mortality risk was similar with EVL vs. NSBBs and with NSBBs+EVL vs. either monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS In patients with compensated cirrhosis and high-risk varices on primary prophylaxis, NSBBs significantly improved survival vs EVL, with no additional benefit noted adding EVL to NSBBs. In decompensated patients, survival was similar with both therapies. The study suggests that NSBBs are preferable when advising preventive therapy in compensated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Càndid Villanueva
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Sapena
- Biostatistics Unit, Medical School, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Statistics Core Facility, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gin-Ho Lo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yeon Seok Seo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hasnain Ali Shah
- Section of Gastroenterology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Virendra Singh
- Department of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Dhiraj Tripathi
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael Schepke
- Helios Clinic Siegburg, Department Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Siegburg, Germany
| | - Cristian Gheorghe
- Center of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniell Q Bonilha
- Department of Gastroenterology, Federal University of São Paulo, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Rome Jutabha
- University of Southern California (USC) School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA
- Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California and Clinical Outreach and Development, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Huay-Min Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans, General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Susana G Rodrigues
- University Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anna Brujats
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Han Ah Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Zahid Azam
- National Institute of Liver & GI Diseases, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Pramod Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Peter C Hayes
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tilman Sauerbruch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Wen-Chi Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Speranta Iacob
- Center of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ermelindo D Libera
- Department of Gastroenterology, Federal University of São Paulo, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Dennis M Jensen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Center for the Health Sciences, Los Angeles, Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Center for Ulcer Research and Education: Digestive Diseases Research Center
| | - Edilmar Alvarado
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ferran Torres
- Biostatistics Unit, Medical School, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Statistics Core Facility, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Bosch
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
- University Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
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11
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Zhang S, Cai L, Zhong H, Yang B, Song W, Jia H, Chen S, Zhu F, Li J, Yang C. Prognostic value of virtual portal pressure gradient response in compensated cirrhotic patients treated with carvedilol. Hepatol Res 2024; 54:78-90. [PMID: 37668257 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of virtual portal pressure gradient (vPPG) response to carvedilol in patients with compensated cirrhosis (CC). METHODS Compensated cirrhosis patients with high-risk varices were prospectively enrolled to receive carvedilol for prevention of first variceal hemorrhage (VH) and followed up for 1 year. The vPPG response was defined as a reduction of vPPG >10% from baseline after 1-month therapy. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors for vPPG response and first decompensation, respectively. Competitive risk models were constructed to predict disease progression, and validated using the C-index, Kaplan-Meier analysis, competitive risk analysis, and calibration curves. RESULTS A total of 129 patients completed this study, of whom 56 (43.4%) achieved vPPG response and were referred as vPPG responders. Baseline vPPG, red color sign, Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and laminin levels significantly correlated with vPPG response, which itself was further documented as an independent predictor of VH, ascites, and overall decompensation events in CC. Moreover, the red color sign or Child-Turcotte-Pugh score effectively predicted VH, while ascites correlated well with portal flow velocity or MCP-1. The predictive models for VH and ascites showed a good discrimination with C-index values of 0.747 and 0.689 respectively, and the high consistency on calibration curves. CONCLUSION The vPPG response could be used as a noninvasive tool for prediction of disease progression in patients with CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Science and Research, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fengxian Guhua Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiping Song
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoyu Jia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengshang Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changqing Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Mendizabal M, Cançado GGL, Albillos A. Evolving portal hypertension through Baveno VII recommendations. Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101180. [PMID: 37984701 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The Baveno VII consensus workshop has provided several novel recommendations regarding the management of patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). The expert panel summarized the existing data into simple clinical rules to aid clinicians in their clinical practice. The use of non-invasive tests (NITs), especially liver stiffness measurement (LSM), have gain an important role in daily practice. The use of LSM alone or in combination with platelet count can be used to rule-in and rule-out compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) and CSPH. Further decompensation events were defined as a prognostic stage associated with an even higher mortality than that associated with first decompensation. Moreover, the term hepatic recompensation was introduced in Baveno VII consensus implying a partial or complete regression of the functional and structural changes of cirrhosis after the removal of the underlying etiology. This review will summarize the reader main aspects of Baveno VII consensus regarding the use of NITs in cACLD, analyze further decompensation events, and evaluate recent recommendations for prophylaxis and management of liver decompensation events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Mendizabal
- Unidad de Hígado y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | - Agustín Albillos
- Servicio de Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Universidad de Alcalá, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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13
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Brennan PN, Elsharkawy AM, Kendall TJ, Loomba R, Mann DA, Fallowfield JA. Antifibrotic therapy in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: time for a human-centric approach. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:679-688. [PMID: 37268740 PMCID: PMC10236408 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00796-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) might soon become the leading cause of end-stage liver disease and indication for liver transplantation worldwide. Fibrosis severity is the only histological predictor of liver-related morbidity and mortality in NASH identified to date. Moreover, fibrosis regression is associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, despite numerous clinical trials of plausible drug candidates, an approved antifibrotic therapy remains elusive. Increased understanding of NASH susceptibility and pathogenesis, emerging human multiomics profiling, integration of electronic health record data and modern pharmacology techniques hold enormous promise in delivering a paradigm shift in antifibrotic drug development in NASH. There is a strong rationale for drug combinations to boost efficacy, and precision medicine strategies targeting key genetic modifiers of NASH are emerging. In this Perspective, we discuss why antifibrotic effects observed in NASH pharmacotherapy trials have been underwhelming and outline potential approaches to improve the likelihood of future clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul N Brennan
- Institute for Regeneration & Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Ahmed M Elsharkawy
- Liver Unit and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Timothy J Kendall
- Institute for Regeneration & Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Centre, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Derek A Mann
- Fibrosis Research Group, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK.
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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14
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Mattos AAD, Mattos AZD, Sartori GDP, Both GT, Tovo CV. THE ROLE OF ELASTOGRAPHY IN CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT PORTAL HYPERTENSION. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2023; 60:525-535. [PMID: 38018555 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.230402023-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
• In compensated cirrhosis, using non-invasive methods would exempt the patient from the need of an endoscopy. • The Baveno VII presented the "rule of 5" for Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography; liver stiffness measurement ≤15 kPa and platelets >150.000/mm3 exclude clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH), while when ≥25 kPa is highly suggestive of CSPH. • Spleen stiffness measurement has been proposed as a more specific technique to predict the presence of CSPH. • Elastography has gained prestige in the non-invasive evaluation of patients with advanced chronic liver disease by allowing prophylactic measures to be taken when suggesting the presence of CSPH. This is a narrative review that aims to discuss the importance of elastographic methods in the evaluation of clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) in cirrhotic patients, where the authors propose an algorithm for evaluating these patients. In compensated advanced chronic liver disease, the goal is to prevent the development of CSPH and, in those already with CSPH, prevent the appearance of gastroesophageal varices (GEV) and other complications of portal hypertension. In compensated cirrhosis, the prevalence of GEV is 30-40%, of which 10-20% are at risk of bleeding. Therefore, using non-invasive methods would exempt the patient from the need of an endoscopy. Hepatic Elastography is a non-invasive, safe, reproducible method, available through many techniques: Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE), Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) and Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE). The Baveno VII presented the "rule of 5" for VCTE: liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≤15 kPa and platelets >150.000/mm3 exclude CSPH, while an LSM ≥25 kPa is highly suggestive of CSPH. Also, the "rule of 4" for SWE has been proposed: patients with ≥17 kPa could be considered as having CSPH. At last, spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) has been proposed as a more specific technique to predict the presence of CSPH. In conclusion, elastography has gained prestige in the non-invasive evaluation of patients with advanced chronic liver disease by allowing prophylactic measures to be taken when suggesting the presence of CSPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Alves de Mattos
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Angelo Zambam de Mattos
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Giovana Dal Pozzo Sartori
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Gustavo Tovo Both
- Universidade Luterana do Brasil, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Canoas, RS, Brasil
| | - Cristiane Valle Tovo
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
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15
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Chan WK, Chuah KH, Rajaram RB, Lim LL, Ratnasingam J, Vethakkan SR. Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): A State-of-the-Art Review. J Obes Metab Syndr 2023; 32:197-213. [PMID: 37700494 PMCID: PMC10583766 DOI: 10.7570/jomes23052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the latest term for steatotic liver disease associated with metabolic syndrome. MASLD is the most common cause of chronic liver disease and is the leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. It is important that all stakeholders be involved in tackling the public health threat of obesity and obesity-related diseases, including MASLD. A simple and clear assessment and referral pathway using non-invasive tests is essential to ensure that patients with severe MASLD are identified and referred to specialist care, while patients with less severe disease remain in primary care, where they are best managed. While lifestyle intervention is the cornerstone of the management of patients with MASLD, cardiovascular disease risk must be properly assessed and managed because cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality. No pharmacological agent has been approved for the treatment of MASLD, but novel anti-hyperglycemic drugs appear to have benefit. Medications used for the treatment of diabetes and other metabolic conditions may need to be adjusted as liver disease progresses to cirrhosis, especially decompensated cirrhosis. Based on non-invasive tests, the concepts of compensated advanced chronic liver disease and clinically significant portal hypertension provide a practical approach to stratifying patients according to the risk of liver-related complications and can help manage such patients. Finally, prevention and management of sarcopenia should be considered in the management of patients with MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wah-Kheong Chan
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kee-Huat Chuah
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ruveena Bhavani Rajaram
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lee-Ling Lim
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China
- Asia Diabetes Foundation, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Jeyakantha Ratnasingam
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shireene Ratna Vethakkan
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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16
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Pun CK, Chang CC, Chuang CL, Huang HC, Hsu SJ, Huang YH, Hou MC, Lee FY. Dual angiotensin receptor and neprilysin inhibitor reduced portal pressure through peripheral vasodilatation and decreasing systemic arterial pressure in cirrhotic rats. J Chin Med Assoc 2023; 86:786-794. [PMID: 37462441 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Portal hypertension develops along with the progression of liver cirrhosis. Natriuretic peptides have been shown to reduce portal pressure but concomitantly activate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) upregulate natriuretic peptides and avoid the adverse effects of RAAS activation. ARNIs have been shown to reduce portal pressure in rats with pre-hepatic portal hypertension, which involves relatively little liver injury. This study aimed to evaluate the relevant effects of an ARNI in rats with both liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats received common bile duct ligation to induce liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Sham-operated rats served as surgical controls. All rats were randomly allocated into three groups to receive distilled water (vehicle), LCZ696 (an ARNI), or valsartan for 4 weeks. Portal hypertension and relevant derangements were assessed after treatment. RESULTS Portal hypertension and hyperdynamic circulation developed in the cirrhotic rats. In the rats with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, both LCZ696 and valsartan reduced portal hypertension, mean arterial pressure, and systemic vascular resistance. The decrease in portal pressure was highly associated with the reduction in arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance. Blood flow in hepatic, splanchnic, and portosystemic collateral systems was not altered. LCZ696 did not significantly influence liver injury or plasma cytokine levels. Liver fibrosis and splanchnic angiogenesis were not affected. CONCLUSION ARNI treatment exerted portal pressure lowering effects via peripheral vasodilatation and decreasing systemic arterial pressure in the rats with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Caution should be taken when using ARNIs in liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chon Kit Pun
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ching-Chih Chang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Holistic and Multidisciplinary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chiao-Lin Chuang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hui-Chun Huang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shao-Jung Hsu
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fa-Yauh Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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17
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Mandorfer M, Aigner E, Cejna M, Ferlitsch A, Datz C, Gräter T, Graziadei I, Gschwantler M, Hametner-Schreil S, Hofer H, Jachs M, Loizides A, Maieron A, Peck-Radosavljevic M, Rainer F, Scheiner B, Semmler G, Reider L, Reiter S, Schoder M, Schöfl R, Schwabl P, Stadlbauer V, Stauber R, Tatscher E, Trauner M, Ziachehabi A, Zoller H, Fickert P, Reiberger T. Austrian consensus on the diagnosis and management of portal hypertension in advanced chronic liver disease (Billroth IV). Wien Klin Wochenschr 2023:10.1007/s00508-023-02229-w. [PMID: 37358642 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-023-02229-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
The Billroth IV consensus was developed during a consensus meeting of the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ÖGGH) and the Austrian Society of Interventional Radiology (ÖGIR) held on the 26th of November 2022 in Vienna.Based on international recommendations and considering recent landmark studies, the Billroth IV consensus provides guidance regarding the diagnosis and management of portal hypertension in advanced chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Elmar Aigner
- First Department of Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Manfred Cejna
- Department of Radiology, LKH Feldkirch, Feldkirch, Austria
| | - Arnulf Ferlitsch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, KH Barmherzige Brüder Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Datz
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Oberndorf, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Tilmann Gräter
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ivo Graziadei
- Department of Internal Medicine, KH Hall in Tirol, Hall, Austria
| | - Michael Gschwantler
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinik Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephanie Hametner-Schreil
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ordensklinikum Linz Barmherzige Schwestern, Linz, Austria
| | - Harald Hofer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Klinikum Wels-Grieskirchen, Wels, Austria
| | - Mathias Jachs
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Loizides
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of Innbsruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Maieron
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital St. Pölten, St. Pölten, Austria
| | - Markus Peck-Radosavljevic
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Nephrology, Klinikum Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Florian Rainer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Semmler
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Reider
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Silvia Reiter
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kepler Universitätsklinikum, Linz, Austria
| | - Maria Schoder
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer Schöfl
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ordensklinikum Linz Barmherzige Schwestern, Linz, Austria
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vanessa Stadlbauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Rudolf Stauber
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Tatscher
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Ziachehabi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kepler Universitätsklinikum, Linz, Austria
| | - Heinz Zoller
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Peter Fickert
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Reiberger T, Berzigotti A, Trebicka J, Ertle J, Gashaw I, Swallow R, Tomisser A. The rationale and study design of two phase II trials examining the effects of BI 685,509, a soluble guanylyl cyclase activator, on clinically significant portal hypertension in patients with compensated cirrhosis. Trials 2023; 24:293. [PMID: 37095557 PMCID: PMC10123479 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07291-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) drives cirrhosis-related complications (i.e. hepatic decompensation). Impaired nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability promotes sinusoidal vasoconstriction, which is the initial pathomechanism of CSPH development. Activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), a key downstream effector of NO, facilitates sinusoidal vasodilation, which in turn may improve CSPH. Two phase II studies are being conducted to assess the efficacy of the NO-independent sGC activator BI 685,509 in patients with CSPH due to various cirrhosis aetiologies. METHODS The 1366.0021 trial (NCT05161481) is a randomised, placebo-controlled, exploratory study that will assess BI 685,509 (moderate or high dose) for 24 weeks in patients with CSPH due to alcohol-related liver disease. The 1366.0029 trial (NCT05282121) is a randomised, open-label, parallel-group, exploratory study that will assess BI 685,509 (high dose) alone in patients with hepatitis B or C virus infection or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and in combination with 10 mg empagliflozin in patients with NASH and type 2 diabetes mellitus for 8 weeks. The 1366.0021 trial will enrol 105 patients, and the 1366.0029 trial will enrol 80 patients. In both studies, the primary endpoint is the change from baseline in hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) until the end of treatment (24 or 8 weeks, respectively). Secondary endpoints include the proportion of patients with an HVPG reduction of > 10% from baseline, the development of decompensation events and the change from baseline in HVPG after 8 weeks in the 1366.0021 trial. In addition, the trials will assess changes in liver and spleen stiffness by transient elastography, changes in hepatic and renal function and the tolerability of BI 685,509. DISCUSSION These trials will enable the assessment of the short-term (8 weeks) and longer-term (24 weeks) effects and safety of sGC activation by BI 685,509 on CSPH due to various cirrhosis aetiologies. The trials will use central readings of the diagnostic gold standard HVPG for the primary endpoint, as well as changes in established non-invasive biomarkers, such as liver and spleen stiffness. Ultimately, these trials will provide key information for developing future phase III trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION 1366.0021: EudraCT no. 2021-001,285-38; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05161481. Registered on 17 December 2021, https://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov/ct2/show/NCT05161481 . 1366.0029: EudraCT no. 2021-005,171-40; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05282121. Registered on 16 March 2022, https://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov/ct2/show/NCT05282121 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Christian-Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Internal Medicine B, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure, EFCLIF, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Ertle
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim Am Rhein, Germany
| | - Isabella Gashaw
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Ingelheim Am Rhein, Germany
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19
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Albillos A, Krag A. Beta-blockers in the era of precision medicine in patients with cirrhosis. J Hepatol 2023; 78:866-872. [PMID: 36529293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
For decades, non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs) have been the standard of care for the primary and secondary prevention of bleeding from oesophageal varices. However, several questions regarding the best clinical use of NSBBs remain unanswered and new data continue to emerge. Herein, we aim to delineate the therapeutic window of NSBBs in cirrhosis from a more individualised perspective. We address the current controversy of widening the therapeutic window and prescribing NSBBs to all patients with clinically significant portal hypertension. Although transient elastography is useful to rule-in clinically significant portal hypertension, we lack robust data supporting the use of NSBBs in patients without varices. While most data are based on propranolol, accumulating evidence suggests that carvedilol is superior and should be the first-line treatment until the decompensated stage. The clinical risk-to-benefit ratio appears to deteriorate in advanced decompensated stages and the risk of harm is high in patients with refractory ascites, low blood pressure and renal impairment, which clinically define closure of the therapeutic window. We also critically review non-invasive surrogates and biomarkers for predicting the haemodynamic response to NSBBs and confirm that the absence of reliable non-invasive methods is one of the main challenges facing the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Albillos
- Servicio de Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Universidad de Alcalá, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aleksander Krag
- Centre for Liver Research, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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20
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Gillespie SL, Hanrahan TP, Rockey DC, Majumdar A, Hayes PC. Review article: controversies surrounding the use of carvedilol and other beta blockers in the management of portal hypertension and cirrhosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 57:454-463. [PMID: 36691947 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced chronic liver disease is an increasing cause of premature morbidity and mortality in the UK. Portal hypertension is the primary driver of decompensation, including the development of ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and variceal haemorrhage. Non-selective beta blockers (NSBB) reduce portal pressure and are well established in the prevention of variceal haemorrhage. Carvedilol, a newer NSBB, is more effective at reducing portal pressure due to additional α-adrenergic blockade and has additional anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. AIM To summarise the available evidence on the use of beta blockers, specifically carvedilol, in cirrhosis, focussing on when and why to start METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search of PubMed for relevant publications. RESULTS International guidelines advise the use of NSBB in primary prophylaxis against variceal haemorrhage in those with high-risk varices, with substantial evidence of efficacy comparable with endoscopic band ligation (EBL). NSBB are also well established in secondary prophylaxis, in combination with EBL. More controversial is their use in patients without large varices, but with clinically significant portal hypertension. However, there is gathering evidence that NSBB, particularly carvedilol, reduce the risk of decompensation and improve survival. While caution is advised in patients with advanced cirrhosis and refractory ascites, recent evidence suggests that NSBB can continue to be used safely, and that premature discontinuation may be detrimental. CONCLUSIONS With increasing evidence of benefit independent of variceal bleeding, namely retardation of decompensation and improvement in survival, it is time to consider whether carvedilol should be offered to all patients with advanced chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy P Hanrahan
- Centre for Liver and Digestive Disorders, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Don C Rockey
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Avik Majumdar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia.,The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter C Hayes
- Centre for Liver and Digestive Disorders, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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21
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Morris SM, Abbas N, Osei-Bordom DC, Bach SP, Tripathi D, Rajoriya N. Cirrhosis and non-hepatic surgery in 2023 - a precision medicine approach. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:155-173. [PMID: 36594658 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2023.2163627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with liver disease and portal hypertension frequently require surgery carrying high morbidity and mortality. Accurately estimating surgical risk remains challenging despite improved medical and surgical management. AREAS COVERED This review aims to outline a comprehensive approach to preoperative assessment, appraise methods used to predict surgical risk, and provide an up-to-date overview of outcomes for patients with cirrhosis undergoing non-hepatic surgery. EXPERT OPINION Robust preoperative, individually tailored, and precise risk assessment can reduce peri- and postoperative complications in patients with cirrhosis. Established prognostic scores aid stratification, providing an estimation of postoperative mortality, albeit with limitations. VOCAL-Penn Risk Score may provide greater precision than established liver severity scores. Amelioration of portal hypertension in advance of surgery may be considered, with prospective data demonstrating hepatic venous pressure gradient as a promising surrogate marker of postoperative outcomes. Morbidity and mortality vary between types of surgery with further studies required in patients with more advanced liver disease. Patient-specific considerations and practicing precision medicine may allow for improved postoperative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Morris
- The Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nadir Abbas
- The Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Daniel-Clement Osei-Bordom
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Simon P Bach
- Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Dhiraj Tripathi
- The Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Neil Rajoriya
- The Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Sauerbruch T, Hennenberg M, Trebicka J, Schierwagen R. Beta-blockers in patients with liver cirrhosis: Pragmatism or perfection? Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:1100966. [PMID: 36743678 PMCID: PMC9891090 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1100966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
With increasing decompensation, hyperdynamic circulatory disturbance occurs in liver cirrhosis despite activation of vasoconstrictors. Here, the concept of a therapy with non-selective beta-blockers was established decades ago. They lower elevated portal pressure, protect against variceal hemorrhage, and may also have pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects. Recently, the beneficial effect of carvedilol, which blocks alpha and beta receptors, has been highlighted. Carvedilol leads to "biased-signaling" via recruitment of beta-arrestin. This effect and its consequences have not been sufficiently investigated in patients with liver cirrhosis. Also, a number of questions remain open regarding the expression of beta-receptors and its intracellular signaling and the respective consequences in the intra- and extrahepatic tissue compartments. Despite the undisputed role of non-selective beta-blockers in the treatment of liver cirrhosis, we still can improve the knowledge as to when and how beta-blockers should be used in which patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilman Sauerbruch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,*Correspondence: Tilman Sauerbruch,
| | - Martin Hennenberg
- Department of Urology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Internal Medicine B, University of Münster, Münster, Germany,European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robert Schierwagen
- Department of Internal Medicine B, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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23
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D'Amico G, Colli A, Malizia G, Casazza G. The potential role of machine learning in modelling advanced chronic liver disease. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 55:704-713. [PMID: 36586769 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The use of artificial intelligence is rapidly increasing in medicine to support clinical decision making mostly through diagnostic and prediction models. Such models derive from huge databases (big data) including a large variety of health-related individual patient data (input) and the corresponding diagnosis and/or outcome (labels). Various types of algorithms (e.g. neural networks) based on powerful computational ability (machine), allow to detect the relationship between input and labels (learning). More complex algorithms, like recurrent neural network can learn from previous as well as actual input (deep learning) and are used for more complex tasks like imaging analysis and personalized (bespoke) medicine. The prompt availability of big data makes that artificial intelligence can provide rapid answers to questions that would require years of traditional clinical research. It may therefore be a key tool to overcome several major gaps in the model of advanced chronic liver disease, mostly transition from mild to clinically significant portal hypertension, the impact of acute decompensation and the role of further decompensation and treatment efficiency. However, several limitations of artificial intelligence should be overcome before its application in clinical practice. Assessment of the risk of bias, understandability of the black boxes developing the models and models' validation are the most important areas deserving clarification for artificial intelligence to be widely accepted from physicians and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro D'Amico
- Gatroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Villa Sofia-Cervello, Palermo, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Clinica La Maddalena, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Agostino Colli
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Haematology Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Casazza
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health - Laboratory of Medical Statistics, Biometry and Epidemiology "G.A. Maccacaro", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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24
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Assessing the Risk of Further Decompensation and Survival in Patients With Cirrhosis With Variceal Bleeding as Their First Decompensation Event. Am J Gastroenterol 2022; 118:833-839. [PMID: 36114777 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Limited data exist on long-term outcomes of patients with compensated cirrhosis presenting with acute variceal bleeding (AVB) as an index and lone decompensating event. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of further decompensation, survival, and risk factors of mortality in these patients. METHODS Patients with otherwise compensated cirrhosis presenting with AVB as their index decompensating event (n = 463) were analyzed in this single-center retrospective study. The incidence of individual decompensation events and survival was estimated using competing risk analysis. Risk factors for poor outcomes were identified. RESULTS The mean age was 47.4 (13.2) years, with most patients (86.5%) being males. Alcohol-related liver disease (42.3%) and viral cirrhosis (22.4%) were the main etiologies with a median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 14 (11-15) at baseline. Over a median follow-up of 42 (24-62) months, 292 patients experienced further decompensations: ascites (n = 283; 96.9%), rebleeding (n = 157; 53.8%), and hepatic encephalopathy (n = 71; 24.3%). Most events occurred with similar frequency across different etiologies, except acute-on-chronic liver failure, which was more common in nonviral cirrhosis (Gray test, P = 0.042). Patients with viral and nonviral cirrhosis had similar survival (5-year survival: 91% and 80.1%, respectively; P = 0.062). Patients with early further decompensations (onset <6 weeks of index AVB event) (n = 40) had a higher mortality (52.5% vs 20.2% for late decompensations; P < 0.001). Active alcohol consumption (hazard ratio [HR]: 9 [5.31-15.3], P < 0.001), high white blood cell count at presentation (HR: 2.5 [1.4-4.4], P = 0.001), and early decompensation (HR: 6.2 [3.6-10.6], P < 0.001) predicted poor survival. DISCUSSION Despite a high incidence of further decompensation, 5-year survival of patients at this stage of cirrhosis is more than 80% across all etiologies in the absence of early further decompensation and active alcohol consumption.
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Prognostic implications of systolic function in patients with cirrhosis. GASTROENTEROLOGÍA Y HEPATOLOGÍA 2022; 46:446-454. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Kristensen H, Kimer N, Møller S. Indications and methods for measuring portal hypertension in cirrhosis. Scand J Gastroenterol 2022; 57:1149-1157. [PMID: 35514215 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2022.2065889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Over the last decade our understanding of the pathophysiology of portal hypertension has increased. Novel diagnostic technologies have facilitated and improved the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. With this review we aim to provide an overview of contemporary diagnostic principles of portal hypertension and indications for measuring portal pressure in cirrhosis.Methods: By review of current literature, we assessed new and old principles of measuring portal hypertension and the diagnostic values of the methods.Results: Invasive measurement of the portal pressure is still the gold standard to quantitate portal hypertension and to assess response to vasoactive treatment. The size of the portal pressure is important to assess since it contains information on the course of the disease and risk of developing hepatic decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, and mortality. Reliable non-invasive Elastography techniques are emerging that adequately assess portal pressure, but the available methods are not yet sufficiently accurate.Conclusion: Although elastography techniques provide valuable information and are good monitoring tools, liver vein catheterization remains valuable in diagnosing and monitoring portal hypertension, especially in combination with a trans-jugular liver biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helle Kristensen
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Nina Kimer
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Søren Møller
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center of Functional Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Zhang H, Gao J. Antibiotics and probiotics on hepatic venous pressure gradient in cirrhosis: A systematic review and a meta-analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273231. [PMID: 36040984 PMCID: PMC9426916 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Modulation of the gut microbiome could favorably alter the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) in cirrhosis and portal hypertension (PH).
Aim
This meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of microbiome-targeted therapies (MTTs) on HVPG in persons with cirrhosis and PH.
Methods
PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) analyzing the effects on HVPG in people with cirrhosis who received MTTs. Clinical outcomes were pooled using RevMan5.3 software. A trial sequential analysis was applied to calculate the required information size and evaluate the credibility of the meta-analysis results.
Results
A total of six studies were included. MTTs were associated with a reduction of 1.22 mm Hg in HVPG (95% CI: -2.31, -0.14 mmHg, P = 0.03). Subgroup analysis showed a greater reduction with longer duration (-1.88 mmHg;95% CI: -3.23, -0.53; P = 0.006). In the trial sequential analysis of HVPG reduction, the cumulative Z curve crossed the traditional significance boundary without the achievement of required information size (330).
Conclusions
MTTs may be associated with a reduction in HVPG in patients with cirrhosis and PH. Microbiome-targeted therapies merit additional large-sample studies to define the efficacy of HVPG.
Systematic review registration
PROSPERO 2020: CRD4202021609.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haonan Zhang
- Second Clinical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail:
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Wan YP, Wang AJ, Zhang W, Zhang H, Peng GH, Zhu X. Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting overall survival in cirrhotic patients with acute kidney injury. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:4133-4151. [PMID: 36157113 PMCID: PMC9403434 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i30.4133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and severe complication in patients with cirrhosis, and is associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, identifying cirrhotic patients with AKI who are at high risk of mortality is very important and may be helpful for providing timely medical interventions to improve the prognosis of these patients. However, studies focused on investigating the risk factors for the mortality of cirrhotic patients with AKI were scarce.
AIM To identify risk factors for mortality and establish a nomogram for predicting the prognosis of these patients.
METHODS Two hundred fifty consecutive patients with cirrhosis and AKI were recruited and randomly divided into training cohort (n = 173) and validation cohort (n = 77). In the training cohort, potential risk factors for death were identified by performing a Cox regression analysis, and a nomogram was established. The predictive performance of the nomogram was internally and externally validated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), constructing a calibration curve and performing decision curve analysis.
RESULTS The serum sodium level, international normalized ratio, peak serum creatinine level > 1.5 mg/dL, the presence of hepatic encephalopathy and diabetes were potential risk factors for mortality of cirrhotic patients with AKI in the training dataset. A prognostic nomogram incorporating these variables was established for predicting the overall survival of these patients. Compared with Child-Turcotte-Pugh, the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and the MELD-Na scores, the nomogram in predicting 90- and 180-d mortality exhibited better discriminatory power with AUROCs of 0.792 and 0.801 for the training dataset and 0.817 and 0.862 for the validation dataset, respectively. With a nomogram score of 98, patients were divided into low- and high-risk groups, and high-risk patients had a higher mortality rate.
CONCLUSION A prognostic nomogram displayed good performance for predicting the overall survival of cirrhotic patients with AKI, and will assist clinicians in evaluating the prognosis of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Peng Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 331706, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - An-Jiang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 331706, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 331706, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 331706, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Gen-Hua Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 331706, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xuan Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 331706, Jiangxi Province, China
- Biomolecular Research Laboratory, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Gastroenterology, Nanchang 331706, Jiangxi Province, China
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Hofer BS, Simbrunner B, Bauer DJM, Paternostro R, Schwabl P, Scheiner B, Semmler G, Hartl L, Jachs M, Datterl B, Staettermayer AF, Trauner M, Mandorfer M, Reiberger T. Acute hemodynamic response to propranolol predicts bleeding and nonbleeding decompensation in patients with cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:2569-2580. [PMID: 35808889 PMCID: PMC9426394 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonselective beta‐blockers are used as prophylaxis for variceal bleeding in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). The acute hemodynamic response to intravenous propranolol (i.e., ≥10% reduction in hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG]) is linked to a decreased risk of variceal bleeding. In this study, we aimed to investigate the overall prognostic value of an acute response in compensated and decompensated ACLD. We analyzed the long‐term outcome of prospectively recruited patients with ACLD following a baseline HVPG measurement with an intraprocedural assessment of the acute hemodynamic response to propranolol. Overall, we included 98 patients with ACLD (mean ± SD age, 56.4 ± 11.5 years; 72.4% decompensated; 88.8% varices; mean ± SD HVPG, 19.9 ± 4.4 mm Hg) who were followed for a median of 9.6 (interquartile range, 6.5–18.2) months. Fifty‐seven patients (58.2%) demonstrated an acute hemodynamic response to propranolol that was associated with a decreased risk of variceal bleeding (at 12 months, 3.6% vs. 15% in nonresponder; log‐rank, p = 0.038) and hepatic decompensation (at 12 months, 23% vs. 33% in nonresponder; log‐rank, p = 0.096). On multivariate analysis, the acute response was an independent predictor of first/further hepatic decompensation (adjusted hazards ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13–0.70; p = 0.005). Importantly, there was a tendency toward a prolonged transplant‐free survival in acute responders compared to nonresponders (34.2; 95% CI, 29.2–39.2 vs. 25.2; 95% CI, 19.8–30.6 months; log‐rank, p = 0.191). Conclusions: Patients with ACLD who achieve an acute hemodynamic response to intravenous propranolol experience a lower risk of variceal bleeding and nonbleeding hepatic decompensation events compared to nonresponders. An assessment of the acute hemodynamic response to intravenous propranolol provides important prognostic information in ACLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt S Hofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David J M Bauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rafael Paternostro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Semmler
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Hartl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mathias Jachs
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Datterl
- Pharmacy Department, Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Albert F Staettermayer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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30
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Turco L, García‐Tsao G. Portal pressure reductions induced by nonselective beta-blockers improve outcomes and decrease mortality in patients with cirrhosis with and without ascites. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2022; 20:1-4. [PMID: 35899241 PMCID: PMC9306434 DOI: 10.1002/cld.1210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Content available: Audio Recording.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Turco
- 1Internal Medicine Unit for the Treatment of Severe Organ FailureIRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero‐Universitaria di BolognaItaly
| | - Guadalupe García‐Tsao
- Section of Digestive DiseasesYale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Section of Digestive DiseasesVA Connecticut Healthcare SystemWest HavenConnecticutUSA
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31
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Decreasing von Willebrand Factor Levels Upon Nonselective Beta Blocker Therapy Indicate a Decreased Risk of Further Decompensation, Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure, and Death. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:1362-1373.e6. [PMID: 34256145 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Nonselective beta blockers (NSBBs) exert beneficial effects beyond lowering hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), which may be particularly relevant in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (DC), in whom bacterial translocation and bacterial-induced systemic inflammation drive the development of complications such as acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). We evaluated whether NSBB-related changes in von Willebrand factor (VWF) may serve as a biomarker for these effects. METHODS In this retrospective analysis, 159 prospectively characterized patients with clinically stable DC (ie, without acute decompensation) who underwent paired HVPG/VWF assessments before/on NSBB therapy were classified as 'VWF-responders' (as defined by a ≥5% decrease in VWF) versus 'VWF-non-responders.' RESULTS There were no major differences in baseline characteristics between VWF-responders (61%) and VWF-non-responders. VWF-responders showed more pronounced decreases in inflammation (procalcitonin), whereas rates of HVPG-response were similar. In line, NSBB-related changes in VWF correlated with the dynamics of bacterial translocation/inflammation (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin), rather than those of HVPG. Interestingly, VWF-responders also showed less pronounced NSBB-related decreases in mean arterial pressure, suggesting an amelioration of systemic vasodilatation. Finally, VWF-response was associated with decreased risks of further decompensation (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.555; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.337-0.912; P = .020), ACLF (aHR, 0.302; 95% CI, 0.126-0.721; P = .007), and liver-related death (aHR, 0.332; 95% CI, 0.179-0.616; P < .001) in Cox regression models adjusted for prognostic factors including changes in HVPG. CONCLUSIONS Decreases in VWF upon NSBB therapy reflect their anti-inflammatory activity, are accompanied by less pronounced adverse effects on systemic hemodynamics, and are independently associated with a decreased risk of further decompensation, ACLF, and death. VWF-response may discriminate between decompensated patients who benefit from NSBB treatment and have a favorable prognosis versus patients with poor outcomes.
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32
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Reiberger T. The Value of Liver and Spleen Stiffness for Evaluation of Portal Hypertension in Compensated Cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:950-964. [PMID: 34904404 PMCID: PMC9035575 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease who develop clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are at high risk for hepatic decompensation and mortality if left untreated. Liver biopsy and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurements are the current gold standard procedures for determining fibrosis severity and diagnosing CSPH, respectively; however, both are invasive, limiting their use in clinical practice and larger trials of novel agents. As such, there is an unmet clinical need for reliable, validated, noninvasive measures to detect CSPH and to further assess portal hypertension (PH) severity. Alterations in the biomechanical properties of the liver or spleen in patients with cirrhosis can be quantified by tissue elastography, which examines the elastic behavior of tissue after a force has been applied. A variety of methods are available, including magnetic resonance elastography, shear-wave elastography, and the most thoroughly investigated measure, vibration-controlled transient elastography. Liver stiffness (LS) and spleen stiffness (SS) measurements offer valuable alternatives to detect and monitor CSPH. Both LS and SS correlate well with HVPG, with thresholds of LS >20-25 kPa and SS >40-45 kPa indicating a high likelihood of CSPH. Because SS is a direct and dynamic surrogate of portal pressure, it has the potential to monitor PH severity and assess PH improvement as a surrogate marker for clinical outcomes. Importantly, SS seems to be superior to LS for monitoring treatment response in clinical trials focusing on reducing PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic LaboratoryDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria.,Christian-Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver FibrosisMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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33
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Paternostro R, Becker J, Hofer BS, Panagl V, Schiffke H, Simbrunner B, Semmler G, Schwabl P, Scheiner B, Bucsics T, Bauer D, Binter T, Trauner M, Mandorfer M, Reiberger T. The prognostic value of HVPG-response to non-selective beta-blockers in patients with NASH cirrhosis and varices. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:500-508. [PMID: 34799282 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis has become a leading cause of cirrhosis. The prognostic value of (HVPG)-guided NSBB prophylaxis remains to be investigated in the setting of NASH cirrhosis. METHODS Patients with NASH cirrhosis and varices undergoing HVPG-guided NSBB therapy were included. HVPG-response to NSBBs was evaluated within a median 52 (IQR:28-71) days after baseline measurement. HVPG-Response was defined as a decrease of ≥10% from baseline or below <12 mmHg. The composite endpoint was defined as variceal bleeding, decompensation, and liver-related death. RESULTS Thirtyeight patients were included: Child-A/B:33(87%), Child-C:5(13%) median HVPG:19.7 ± 4.7 mmHg. 21(55.3%) patients achieved HVPG-response to NSBB. Presence of diabetes(aOR:0.16, p = 0.038) and arterial blood pressure (aOR:1.07, p = 0.044) were independently associated with NSBB-response. While NSBB-HVPG-responders showed fewer decompensations within 90 days (n = 1(5%) vs. n = 3(29%), p = 0.172), only Child-Pugh stage B/C (p = 0.001), MELD ≥ 15(p = 0.021) and HVPG ≥ 20 mmHg(p = 0.011) predicted the composite endpoint at 90 days. Similarly, after 2years of follow-up, only Child-Pugh stage (B:p = 0.001, C:p < 0.001), MELD ≥ 15 (p = 0.021), HVPG≥20 mmHg (p = 0.011) predicted the composite endpoint. Importantly, all bleeding events occurred in HVPG-NSBB non-responders. CONCLUSION HVPG-response to NSBB was achieved in 55.3% of NASH patients with varices and this seemed to protect from variceal bleeding. However, only baseline HVPG ≥ 20 mmHg, Child-Pugh stage B/C and MELD ≥ 15 were predictors of decompensation/death in patients with NASH cirrhosis and varices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Paternostro
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jeannette Becker
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Silvester Hofer
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vera Panagl
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helena Schiffke
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Simbrunner
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Semmler
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresa Bucsics
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Bauer
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Teresa Binter
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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34
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Téllez L, Albillos A. Non-selective beta-blockers in patients with ascites: The complex interplay among the liver, kidney and heart. Liver Int 2022; 42:749-761. [PMID: 35051310 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs) are the cornerstone of the primary and secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. They additionally prevent ascites development and death in compensated patients with clinically significant portal hypertension. After ascites onset, NSBBs remain beneficial for preventing further decompensations. However, as the cirrhosis progresses, the inflammation increases, systemic vasodilatation worsens, ascites turns refractory and cardiodynamic equilibrium becomes extremely fragile. In this scenario, NSBBs can critically impair the cardiac reserve and facilitate a haemodynamic breakdown, imperilling renal perfusion. Consequently, NSBB treatment should be carefully monitored or even avoided in such patients, and other options for portal hypertension management should be considered. In the present review, we explore the effects of NSBBs in patients with ascites and discuss the complex interplay among their hepatic, systemic and renal haemodynamic effects in this scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Téllez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín Albillos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
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35
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González DV, López KPP, Nungaray SAV, Madrigal LGM. Tratamiento de ascitis refractaria: estrategias actuales y nuevo panorama de los beta bloqueadores no selectivos. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2022; 45:715-723. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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36
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Endoscopic Ultrasound Evaluation of Portal Pressure. Clin Liver Dis 2022; 26:e1-e10. [PMID: 34802666 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Portal hypertension is a complex syndrome with multiple clinical manifestations that develop in a variety of conditions and diseases. The spectrum of portal hypertension manifestations is wide and dependent on the physiologic site of increased portal resistance (pre-, post-, and sinusoidal or intrahepatic), as well as the presence of hepatocellular dysfunction.
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37
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Liu S, Meng Q, Xu Y, Zhou J. Hepatorenal syndrome in acute-on-chronic liver failure with acute kidney injury: more questions requiring discussion. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2021; 9:505-520. [PMID: 34925848 PMCID: PMC8677535 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goab040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In cirrhosis with ascites, hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a specific prerenal dysfunction unresponsive to fluid volume expansion. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) comprises a group of clinical syndromes with multiple organ failure and early high mortality. There are differences in the characterization of ACLF between the Eastern and Western medical communities. Patients with ACLF and acute kidney injury (AKI) have more structural injuries, contributing to confusion in diagnosing HRS-AKI. In this review, we discuss progress in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of HRS-AKI, especially in patients with ACLF. Controversy regarding HRS-AKI in ACLF and acute liver failure, hepatic carcinoma, shock, sepsis, and chronic kidney disease is also discussed. Research on the treatment of HRS-AKI with ACLF needs to be more actively pursued to improve disease prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songtao Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China.,Department of Severe Liver Disease, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Qinghua Meng
- Department of Severe Liver Disease, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jianxin Zhou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
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38
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de Mattos ÂZ, Terra C, Farias AQ, Bittencourt PL. Primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis: A comparison of different strategies. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2021; 13:628-637. [PMID: 35070024 PMCID: PMC8716979 DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v13.i12.628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices bleed at a yearly rate of 5%-15%, and, when variceal hemorrhage develops, mortality reaches 20%. Patients are deemed at high risk of bleeding when they present with medium or large-sized varices, when they have red signs on varices of any size and when they are classified as Child-Pugh C and have varices of any size. In order to avoid variceal bleeding and death, individuals with cirrhosis at high risk of bleeding must undergo primary prophylaxis, for which currently recommended strategies are the use of traditional non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs) (i.e., propranolol or nadolol), carvedilol (a NSBB with additional alpha-adrenergic blocking effect) or endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL). The superiority of one of these alternatives over the others is controversial. While EVL might be superior to pharmacological therapy regarding the prevention of the first bleeding episode, either traditional NSBBs or carvedilol seem to play a more prominent role in mortality reduction, probably due to their capacity of preventing other complications of cirrhosis through the decrease in portal hypertension. A sequential strategy, in which patients unresponsive to pharmacological therapy would be submitted to endoscopic treatment, or the combination of pharmacological and endoscopic strategies might be beneficial and deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângelo Zambam de Mattos
- Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Carlos Terra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20950000, Brazil
| | - Alberto Queiroz Farias
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
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39
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Garcia-Tsao G. Can We Rely on Changes in HVPG in Patients with Cirrhosis? Hepatology 2021; 74:2945-2947. [PMID: 34569630 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao
- Digestive Diseases Section, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Digestive Diseases Section, VA-Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
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40
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Abstract
Fibrosis is not a unidirectional, linear process, but a dynamic one resulting from an interplay of fibrogenesis and fibrolysis depending on the extent and severity of a biologic insult, or lack thereof. Regression of fibrosis has been documented best in patients treated with phlebotomies for hemochromatosis, and after successful suppression and eradication of chronic hepatitis B and C infections. This evidence mandates a reconsideration of the term "cirrhosis," which implies an inevitable progression towards liver failure. Furthermore, it also necessitates a staging system that acknowledges the bidirectional nature of evolution of fibrosis, and has the ability to predict if the disease process is progressing or regressing. The Beijing classification attempts to fill this gap in contemporary practice. It is based on microscopic features termed "the hepatic repair complex," defined originally by Wanless and colleagues. The elements of the hepatic repair complex represent the 3 processes of fragmentation and regression of scar, vascular remodeling (resolution), and parenchymal regeneration. However, regression of fibrosis does not imply resolution of cirrhosis, which is more than just a stage of fibrosis. So far, there is little to no evidence to suggest that large regions of parenchymal extinction can be repopulated by regenerating hepatocytes. Similarly, the vascular lesions of cirrhosis persist, and there is no evidence of complete return to normal microcirculation in cirrhotic livers. In addition, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma is higher compared with the general population and these patients need continued screening and surveillance.
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41
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Garcia Garcia de Paredes A, Villanueva C, Blanco C, Genescà J, Manicardi N, Garcia-Pagan JC, Calleja JL, Aracil C, Morillas RM, Poca M, Peñas B, Augustin S, Abraldes JG, Alvarado E, Royo F, Garcia-Bermejo ML, Falcon-Perez JM, Bañares R, Bosch J, Gracia-Sancho J, Albillos A. Serum miR-181b-5p predicts ascites onset in patients with compensated cirrhosis. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100368. [PMID: 34712934 PMCID: PMC8531668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100368] [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: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Treatment with non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs) reduces the risk of ascites, which is the most common decompensating event in cirrhosis. This study aimed to assess the ability of a serum microRNA (miRNA) signature to predict ascites formation and the hemodynamic response to NSBBs in compensated cirrhosis. Methods Serum levels of miR-452-5p, miR-429, miR-885-5p, miR-181b-5p, and miR-122-5p were analyzed in patients with compensated cirrhosis (N = 105). Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) was measured at baseline, after intravenous propranolol, and 1 year after randomization to NSBBs (n = 52) or placebo (n = 53) (PREDESCI trial). miRNAs were analyzed at baseline and at 1 year. Results Nineteen patients (18%) developed ascites, of whom 17 developed ascites after 1 year. miR-181b-5p levels at 1 year, but not at baseline, were higher in patients that developed ascites. The AUC of miR-181b-5p at 1 year to predict ascites was 0.7 (95% CI 0.59–0.78). miR-429 levels were lower at baseline in acute HVPG responders to NSBBs (AUC 0.65; 95% CI, 0.53–0.76), but levels at baseline and at 1 year were not associated with the HVPG response to NSBBs at 1 year. Conclusions Serum miR-181b-5p is a promising non-invasive biomarker to identify patients with compensated cirrhosis at risk of ascites development. Lay summary Ascites marks the transition from the compensated to decompensated stage in cirrhosis and indicates a worsening in prognosis. There are currently no easily accessible tools to identify patients with compensated cirrhosis at risk of developing ascites. We evaluated the levels of novel molecules termed microRNAs in the blood of patients with compensated cirrhosis and observed that miR-181b-5p can predict which patients are going to develop ascites. miR-181b-5p appears to be a useful serum biomarker to anticipate ascites onset. Low serum miR-181b-5p indicates low risk of ascites in compensated cirrhosis. Low serum miR-429 reflects acute hemodynamic response to non-selective beta-blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Garcia Garcia de Paredes
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigacion Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcala, Madrid, Spain
| | - Càndid Villanueva
- Hospital of Santa Creu and Sant Pau, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Hospital Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute (IIB Sant Pau) Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Carolina Blanco
- Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets Group, Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigacion Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Genescà
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.,Liver Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital campus, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicolo Manicardi
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Garcia-Pagan
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.,Barcelona Hepatic Haemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Institute of Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, August Pi i Sunyer Institute of Biomedical Research, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Calleja
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Puerta de Hierro Hospital Research Institute, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Aracil
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital (IRB Lleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Rosa M Morillas
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.,Liver Section, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, IGTP, Badalona, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Poca
- Hospital of Santa Creu and Sant Pau, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Hospital Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute (IIB Sant Pau) Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Peñas
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigacion Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcala, Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Augustin
- Liver Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital campus, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan G Abraldes
- Barcelona Hepatic Haemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Institute of Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, August Pi i Sunyer Institute of Biomedical Research, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Eldimar Alvarado
- Hospital of Santa Creu and Sant Pau, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Hospital Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute (IIB Sant Pau) Barcelona, Spain
| | - Félix Royo
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.,Exosomes Laboratory, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciencies (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, 48160, Spain
| | - Maria Laura Garcia-Bermejo
- Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets Group, Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigacion Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Falcon-Perez
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.,Exosomes Laboratory, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciencies (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, 48160, Spain
| | - Rafael Bañares
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.,Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañon, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Gregorio Marañon (IiSGM), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Bosch
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.,Barcelona Hepatic Haemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Institute of Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, August Pi i Sunyer Institute of Biomedical Research, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biomedical Research and University Clinic for Visceral Medicine and Surgery, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.,Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Agustin Albillos
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigacion Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcala, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
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Zaccherini G, Tufoni M, Bernardi M, Caraceni P. Prevention of Cirrhosis Complications: Looking for Potential Disease Modifying Agents. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4590. [PMID: 34640608 PMCID: PMC8509683 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The current therapeutic strategies for the management of patients with cirrhosis rely on the prevention or treatment of specific complications. The removal of the causative agents (i.e., viruses or alcohol) prevents decompensation in the vast majority of patients with compensated cirrhosis. In contrast, even when etiological treatment has been effective, a significant proportion of patients with decompensated cirrhosis remains at risk of further disease progression. Therefore, therapies targeting specific key points in the complex pathophysiological cascade of decompensated cirrhosis could represent a new approach for the management of these severely ill patients. Some of the interventions currently employed for treating or preventing specific complications of cirrhosis or used in other diseases (i.e., poorly absorbable oral antibiotics, statins, albumin) have been proposed as potential disease-modifying agents in cirrhosis (DMAC) since clinical studies have shown their capacity of improving survival. Additional multicenter, large randomized clinical trials are awaited to confirm these promising results. Finally, new drugs able to antagonize key pathophysiological mechanisms are under pre-clinical development or at the initial stages of clinical assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Zaccherini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Manuel Tufoni
- IRCCS AOU di Bologna—Policlinico di S. Orsola, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Mauro Bernardi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Paolo Caraceni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.Z.); (M.B.)
- IRCCS AOU di Bologna—Policlinico di S. Orsola, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Center for Biomedical Applied Research, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Mattos AA, Wiltgen D, Jotz RF, Dornelles CMR, Fernandes MV, Mattos ÂZ. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and extraperitoneal infections in patients with cirrhosis. Ann Hepatol 2021; 19:451-457. [PMID: 32533951 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2020.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Infections are a frequent complication and a major cause of death among patients with cirrhosis. The important impact of infections in general and especially spontaneous bacterial peritonitis on the course of disease and prognosis of patients with cirrhosis has been recognized for many years. Nevertheless, such importance has recently increased due to the comprehension of infection as one of the most prominent risk factors for patients to develop acute-on-chronic liver failure. Furthermore, the issue of infections in cirrhosis is a focus of increasing attention because of the spreading of multidrug resistant bacteria, which is an emerging concern among physicians assisting patients with cirrhosis. In the present paper, we will review the current epidemiology of infections in patients with cirrhosis and particularly that of infections caused by resistant bacteria, demonstrating the relevance of the subject. Besides, we will discuss the current recommendations on diagnosis and treatment of different kinds of infections, including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and we will highlight the importance of knowing local microbiological profiles and choosing empirical antibiotic therapy wisely. Finally, we will debate the existing evidences regarding the role of volume expansion with albumin in patients with cirrhosis and extraperitoneal infections, and that of antibiotic prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo A Mattos
- Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, Brazil; Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Denusa Wiltgen
- Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Brazil; Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Raquel F Jotz
- Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ângelo Z Mattos
- Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, Brazil; Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Mohanty A, Eshein A, Kamineni P, Avissar U, Bliss CM, Long MT, Lowe RC, Moore TC, Nunes DP, Backman V, Roy HK. Quantification of gastric mucosal microcirculation as a surrogate marker of portal hypertension by spatially resolved subdiffuse reflectance spectroscopy in diagnosis of cirrhosis: a proof-of-concept study. Gastrointest Endosc 2021; 94:60-67.e1. [PMID: 33385462 PMCID: PMC8546777 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2020.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Portal pressure can be used to identify patients with chronic liver disease who have progressed to cirrhosis. Portal pressure can also provide accurate prognostication for patients with cirrhosis. However, there are no practical means for assessment of portal pressure. Although it is well established that the gastric mucosal blood supply increases in patients with cirrhosis, this has been difficult to quantify reproducibly. Our group has developed a novel spectroscopic technology called spatially resolved subdiffuse reflectance spectroscopy (SRSRS), which enables quantification of mucosal microcirculation. We aim to ascertain if quantification of the gastric mucosal microcirculation with SRSRS correlates with clinical evidence of portal hypertension. METHODS Patients undergoing EGD for clinical indications had 10 measurements taken in the endoscopically normal gastric fundus via SRSRS probe to assess the microcirculation. Cases were defined as patients with cirrhosis (n = 18), and controls were those without evidence of liver disease (n = 18); this was corroborated with transient elastography. RESULTS The blood volume fraction (P = .06) and subdiffuse reflectance (P = .02) from a shallow depth in the gastric fundus were higher in patients with cirrhosis than those without. These markers were combined to yield an overall optical marker that can differentiate patients with cirrhosis from controls with a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 94% (area under receiver operating curve, 0.82). CONCLUSIONS Spectroscopic quantification of gastric fundal mucosal microcirculation is a promising surrogate of clinical correlates of portal hypertension. This approach may represent a less-intrusive surrogate biomarker for liver disease prognostication and potentially response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpan Mohanty
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adam Eshein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Phanisyam Kamineni
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Uri Avissar
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Charles M Bliss
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michelle T Long
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert C Lowe
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - T Carlton Moore
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David P Nunes
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vadim Backman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Hemant K Roy
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Jalan R, D'Amico G, Trebicka J, Moreau R, Angeli P, Arroyo V. New clinical and pathophysiological perspectives defining the trajectory of cirrhosis. J Hepatol 2021; 75 Suppl 1:S14-S26. [PMID: 34039485 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, the complications of cirrhosis, namely variceal bleeding, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, were thought to result predominantly from circulatory dysfunction and altered organ perfusion arising as a result of portal hypertension. Over the past 20 years, large, international prospective studies have indicated the importance of systemic inflammation and organ immunopathology as additional determinants of organ dysfunction in cirrhosis, which not only manifests in the liver, brain, circulation and the kidneys, but also the immune system, gut, muscles, adrenal glands, reproductive organs, heart and lungs. This review provides an overview of the traditional and emerging concepts around the initiation and maintenance of organ dysfunction in cirrhosis and proposes a new paradigm based upon a better understanding of acute decompensation of cirrhosis. The interaction between the traditional concepts and the emerging perspectives remains a matter of great interest and the basis for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Jalan
- European Foundation for Study of Chronic Liver Failure, EF-Clif, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Failure Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Gennaro D'Amico
- Gastroenterology Unit, Ospedale Cervello and University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- European Foundation for Study of Chronic Liver Failure, EF-Clif, Barcelona, Spain; JW Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Richard Moreau
- European Foundation for Study of Chronic Liver Failure, EF-Clif, Barcelona, Spain; APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie, Clichy, France; Inserm, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche sur L'Inflammation, Paris, France
| | - Paolo Angeli
- European Foundation for Study of Chronic Liver Failure, EF-Clif, Barcelona, Spain; University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Vicente Arroyo
- European Foundation for Study of Chronic Liver Failure, EF-Clif, Barcelona, Spain
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Simbrunner B, Trauner M, Reiberger T, Mandorfer M. Recent advances in the understanding and management of hepatorenal syndrome. Fac Rev 2021; 10:48. [PMID: 34131658 PMCID: PMC8170686 DOI: 10.12703/r/10-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal dysfunction occurs frequently in hospitalized patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD)/cirrhosis and has profound prognostic implications. In ACLD patients with ascites, hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) may result from circulatory dysfunction that leads to reduced kidney perfusion and glomerular filtration rate (in the absence of structural kidney damage). The traditional subclassification of HRS has recently been replaced by acute kidney injury (AKI) type of HRS (HRS-AKI) and non-AKI type of HRS (HRS-NAKI), replacing the terms “HRS type 1” and “HRS type 2”, respectively. Importantly, the concept of absolute serum creatinine (sCr) cutoffs for diagnosing HRS was partly abandoned and short term sCr dynamics now may suffice for AKI diagnosis, which facilitates early treatment initiation that may prevent the progression to HRS-AKI or increase the chances of AKI/HRS-AKI reversal. Recent randomized controlled trials have established (a) the efficacy of (long-term) albumin in the prevention of complications of ascites (including HRS-AKI), (b) the benefits of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement in patients with recurrent ascites, and (c) the superiority of terlipressin over noradrenaline for the treatment of HRS-AKI in the context of acute-on-chronic liver failure. This review article aims to summarize recent advances in the understanding and management of HRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Li TH, Liu CW, Huang CC, Tsai YL, Huang SF, Yang YY, Tsai CY, Hou MC, Lin HC. Non-Selective Beta-Blockers Decrease Infection, Acute Kidney Injury Episodes, and Ameliorate Sarcopenic Changes in Patients with Cirrhosis: A Propensity-Score Matching Tertiary-Center Cohort Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112244. [PMID: 34064207 PMCID: PMC8196849 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cirrhotic complications resulting from portal hypertension can be considerably reduced by non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs); however, scarce studies have investigated therapeutic agents for other complications. We aimed to investigate the effects of NSBBs on common cirrhotic complications of infection, acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic renal function declination, and sarcopenic changes. Methods: Medical records of hospitalization for cirrhosis with at least a 4-year follow-up were analyzed and selected using propensity-score matching (PSM). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) was applied to assess the association of NSBBs with infection requiring hospitalization and AKI. Chronic renal function declination was evaluated by slope of regression lines derived from reciprocal of the serum creatinine level. The covariates of CT-measured skeletal muscle index (SMI) alterations were analyzed by generalized linear mixed model. Results: Among the 4946 reviewed individuals, 166 (83 NSBB group, 83 non-NSBB group) were eligible. Using GEE, Charlson comorbidity index, Child-Pugh score and non-NSBB were risk factors for infection; non-NSBB group revealed a robust trend toward AKI, showed no significant difference with chronic renal function declination of NSBB group, and was negatively associated with SMI alteration. Conclusion: Chronic NSBB use lowered the episodes of infection requiring hospitalization and AKIs, whereas non-NSBB was associated with sarcopenic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Hao Li
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, No.95, Wen Chang Rd., Shihlin District, Taipei 111, Taiwan;
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (C.-C.H.); (S.-F.H.); (C.-Y.T.)
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; (Y.-L.T.); (M.-C.H.); (H.-C.L.)
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, No.510, Zhongzheng Rd., Xinzhuang Dist., New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Liu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (C.-C.H.); (S.-F.H.); (C.-Y.T.)
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; (Y.-L.T.); (M.-C.H.); (H.-C.L.)
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chang Huang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (C.-C.H.); (S.-F.H.); (C.-Y.T.)
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; (Y.-L.T.); (M.-C.H.); (H.-C.L.)
- Division of Clinical Skills Training, Department of Medical Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lien Tsai
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; (Y.-L.T.); (M.-C.H.); (H.-C.L.)
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
| | - Shiang-Fen Huang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (C.-C.H.); (S.-F.H.); (C.-Y.T.)
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; (Y.-L.T.); (M.-C.H.); (H.-C.L.)
| | - Ying-Ying Yang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (C.-C.H.); (S.-F.H.); (C.-Y.T.)
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; (Y.-L.T.); (M.-C.H.); (H.-C.L.)
- Division of Clinical Skills Training, Department of Medical Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
| | - Chang-Youh Tsai
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (C.-C.H.); (S.-F.H.); (C.-Y.T.)
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; (Y.-L.T.); (M.-C.H.); (H.-C.L.)
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; (Y.-L.T.); (M.-C.H.); (H.-C.L.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; (Y.-L.T.); (M.-C.H.); (H.-C.L.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
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Veldhuijzen van Zanten D, Buganza E, Abraldes JG. The Role of Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient in the Management of Cirrhosis. Clin Liver Dis 2021; 25:327-343. [PMID: 33838853 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying the degree of portal hypertension provides useful information to estimate prognosis and to evaluate new therapies for portal hypertension. This quantification is done in clinical practice with the measurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient. This article addresses the applications of measuring portal pressure in cirrhosis, including the differential diagnosis of portal hypertension; estimation of prognosis in cirrhosis, including preoperative evaluation before hepatic and extrahepatic surgery; assessment of the response to drug therapy (mainly in the context of drug development); and assessing the regression of portal hypertension syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Veldhuijzen van Zanten
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 13-103 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350-83 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Buganza
- Division of Gastroenterology, Zeidler Ledcor Centre, University of Alberta, 8540 112 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2X8, Canada
| | - Juan G Abraldes
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, 8540 112 St NW, 1-38 Zeidler Ledcor Centre, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2X8, Canada.
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Jachs M, Reiberger T. Prevention of Variceal Bleeding and Rebleeding by Nonselective Beta-Blockers: A Tailored Approach. Clin Liver Dis 2021; 25:311-326. [PMID: 33838852 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Nonselective beta-blockers represent the mainstay of medical therapy in the prophylaxis of variceal bleeding and rebleeding in patients with portal hypertension. Their efficacy has been demonstrated by numerous trials; however, there exist safety concerns in advanced disease, such as in patients with refractory ascites. Importantly, nonselective beta-blockers also exert nonhemodynamic beneficial effects that may contribute to a prolonged decompensation-free survival, as recently shown in the PREDESCI trial. This review summarizes the current evidence on nonselective beta-blocker therapy and proposes a tailored, patient-centered approach for the use of nonselective beta-blockers in patients with portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Jachs
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Agarwal S, Sharma S, Anand A, Gunjan D, Saraya A. Liver stiffness assessment as an alternative to hepatic venous pressure gradient for predicting rebleed after acute variceal bleed: A proof-of-concept study. JGH OPEN 2021; 5:73-80. [PMID: 33490616 PMCID: PMC7812463 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background and Aim Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), although an important determinant in predicting rebleeding after an episode of acute variceal bleed (AVB), is seldom utilized in clinical practice. We aimed to study the role of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) after variceal bleeding as a potential noninvasive predictor of rebleed. Methods This was a post hoc analysis of clinical trial of patients undergoing HVPG (postbleed HVPG) and LSM (postbleed LSM) assessment within 3–5 days of index AVB. HVPG response was assessed after 4 weeks of pharmacotherapy. Comparative assessment of long‐term rebleeding rates stratified using postbleed LSM, postbleed HVPG, and HVPG response was performed. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was conducted to identify the most appropriate tool for routine use. Results Long‐term clinical and HVPG response data were available for 48 patients post‐AVB, of whom 45 patients had valid postbleed LSM. Rebleeding occurred in 13 (28%) patients over a median follow‐up of 4 years with no early rebleeds. Postbleed LSM >30 kPa and baseline HVPG >15 mm Hg were optimal cutoffs for identifying patients at high risk of rebleeding. Time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curves and competing risk analysis accounting for death showed similar discriminative values for all three stratification tools. At usual risk thresholds, HVPG response had maximum benefit on DCA followed by postbleed LSM. On DCA, 50–60 additional HVPGs were required to detect one additional patient at high risk of rebleed. Conclusion Liver stiffness measurement during AVB can potentially be used as an alternative to portal pressure indices in decompensated cirrhosis to identify those at high risk of late‐onset rebleed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samagra Agarwal
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition Unit All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi India
| | - Sanchit Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition Unit All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi India
| | - Abhinav Anand
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition Unit All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi India
| | - Deepak Gunjan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition Unit All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi India
| | - Anoop Saraya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition Unit All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi India
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