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Ehrenbauer AF, Egge JFM, Gabriel MM, Tiede A, Dirks M, Witt J, Wedemeyer H, Maasoumy B, Weissenborn K. Comparison of 6 tests for diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy and predicting clinical outcome: A prospective, observational study. Hepatology 2024; 80:389-402. [PMID: 38349709 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000770] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Current guidelines recommend the assessment for minimal HE in patients with liver cirrhosis. Various efforts were made to find tools that simplify the diagnosis. Here, we compare the 6 most frequently used tests for their validity and their predictive value for overt hepatic encephalopathy (oHE), rehospitalization, and death. APPROACH AND RESULTS One hundred thirty-two patients with cirrhosis underwent the Portosystemic Encephalopathy-Syndrome-Test yielding the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES), Animal Naming Test (ANT), Critical Flicker Frequency (CFF), Inhibitory Control Test (ICT), EncephalApp (Stroop), and Continuous Reaction Time Test (CRT). Patients were monitored for 365 days regarding oHE development, rehospitalization, and death. Twenty-three patients showed clinical signs of HE grade 1-2 at baseline. Of the remaining 109 neurologically unimpaired patients, 35.8% had abnormal PHES and 44% abnormal CRT. Percentage of abnormal Stroop (79.8% vs. 52.3%), ANT (19.3% vs. 51.4%), ICT (28.4% vs. 36.7%), and CFF results (18.3% vs. 25.7%) changed significantly when adjusted norms were used for evaluation instead of fixed cutoffs. All test results correlated significantly with each other ( p <0.05), except for CFF. During follow-up, 24 patients developed oHE, 58 were readmitted to the hospital, and 20 died. Abnormal PHES results were linked to oHE development in the multivariable model. No other adjusted test demonstrated predictive value for any of the investigated endpoints. CONCLUSIONS Where applicable, the diagnosis of minimal HE should be made based on adjusted norm values for the tests, exclusively. The minimal HE tests cannot be equated with one another and have an overall limited value in predicting clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena F Ehrenbauer
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julius F M Egge
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maria M Gabriel
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anja Tiede
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Meike Dirks
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jennifer Witt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Benjamin Maasoumy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Wang Y, Xue YF, Xu YF, Wang MW, Guan J, Chen X. Elevated serum neurofilament light chain levels are associated with hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. Metab Brain Dis 2024:10.1007/s11011-024-01381-0. [PMID: 38995495 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-024-01381-0] [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: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Increasing evidences implicate vital role of neuronal damage in the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is the main frame component of neurons and is closely related to axonal radial growth and neuronal structural stability. We hypothesized that NfL as a biomarker of axonal injury may contribute to early diagnosis of HE. This study recruited 101 patients with liver cirrhosis, 10 healthy individuals, and 7 patients with Parkinson's disease. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) was diagnosed using psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score. Serum NfL levels were measured by the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Serum NfL levels in cirrhotic patients with MHE were significantly higher than cirrhotic patients without MHE, and increased accordingly with the aggravation of HE. Serum NfL levels were associated with psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score, Child-Pugh score, model for end-stage liver disease score, and days of hospitalization. Additionally, serum NfL was an independent predictor of MHE (odds ratio of 1.020 (95% CI 1.005-1.034); P = 0.007). The discriminative abilities of serum NfL were high for identifying MHE (AUC of 0.8134 (95% CI 0.7130-0.9219); P ˂ 0.001) and OHE (AUC of 0.8852 (95% CI 0.8117-0.9587); P ˂ 0.001). Elevated serum NfL levels correlated with the presence of MHE and associated with the severity of HE, are expected to be a biomarker in patients with cirrhosis. Our study suggested that neuronal damage may play a critical role in the development of HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China
| | - Yu-Feng Xue
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China
| | - Yi-Fan Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China
| | - Jing Guan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China.
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China.
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China.
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China.
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Lee BT, Chen NT, Fong TL, Dodge JL. Differential Effects of Ascites and Hepatic Encephalopathy on Waitlist Mortality in Liver Transplantation by MELD 3.0. Transplant Direct 2024; 10:e1625. [PMID: 38757050 PMCID: PMC11098197 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background MELD 3.0 introduces changes to address waitlist disparities for liver transplant (LT) candidates. Ascites and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are important milestones in the natural history of cirrhosis regardless of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. We aim to assess the impact of ascites and HE and its interaction with MELD 3.0 on waitlist mortality. Methods This is a retrospective study of patients listed for LT in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database from 2016 to 2021. The primary outcome was waitlist mortality (death/delisting for too sick to LT). Ascites/HE were classified as moderate ascites without moderate HE (mAscites), moderate HE without moderate ascites (mHE), both moderate ascites/HE (mBoth), and neither. MELD 3.0 scores were categorized as <20, 20-29, 30-39, and ≥40. Results Of 39 025 candidates, 29% had mAscites, 3% mHE, and 8% mBoth. One-year waitlist mortality was 30%, 38%, and 47%, respectively, compared with 17% (all P < 0.001) for those with neither. In multivariable Cox regression, the adjusted risk of waitlist mortality associated with mAscites (versus neither) was a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55-2.00) when the MELD 3.0 score was <20, significantly higher than when the MELD 3.0 score was 20-29 (HR 1.40; 95% CI, 1.27-1.54), 30-39 (HR 1.19; 95% CI, 1.04-1.35), and ≥40 (HR 1.14; 95% CI, 0.91-1.43, interaction P < 0.05 for all). A similar pattern was observed by MELD 3.0 for both moderate ascites/HE. Conclusions The presence of moderate ascites alone, or combined with moderate HE, not only increases the risk of waitlist mortality but also has a differential effect by MELD 3.0, especially at lower MELD scores. Earlier strategies addressing this group and improving treatment plans or access to LT regardless of MELD remain needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T. Lee
- Liver Program, Hoag Digestive Health Institute, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, CA
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Nathan T. Chen
- Liver Program, Hoag Digestive Health Institute, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, CA
| | - Tse-Ling Fong
- Liver Program, Hoag Digestive Health Institute, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, CA
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jennifer L. Dodge
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
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Moreno-Loro A, Giráldez Á, Jiménez F, López-Bueno I, Pérez-Ramírez A, Romero-Gómez M. Novel approaches in the medical management of compensated cirrhosis. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 18:239-256. [PMID: 38785070 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2024.2358149] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Classically, clinical practice guidelines and expert recommendations have focused on the management of decompensated cirrhotic patients, so we focused this review on improving care for compensated cirrhotic patients who are followed up in outpatient clinics. AREAS COVERED We reviewed the current methods for establishing liver function, the diagnosis and management of advanced chronic liver disease and clinically significant portal hypertension as well as the prevention of its complications, with special attention to covert hepatic encephalopathy, we also paid attention to the extrahepatic complications of cirrhosis and the palliative care. All this from the perspective of evidence-based medicine and trying to empower precision medicine. The literature search was undertaken by PubMed with 'cirrhosis,' 'advanced chronic liver disease,' 'liver function,' 'portal hypertension,' 'covert hepatic encephalopathy,' 'minimal hepatic encephalopathy,' 'palliative care' as MeSH terms. EXPERT OPINION We must offer compensated cirrhotic patients specific care and measures to prevent the progression of the disease and the appearance of its complications beyond the calculation of liver function and imaging screening for hepatocellular carcinoma that we perform every six months. Entities that have typically received little attention, such as covert hepatic encephalopathy, extrahepatic complications and symptoms of cirrhosis, and palliative care, must come to the spotlight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Moreno-Loro
- Digestive Diseases Department and ciberehd, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine (HUVR/CSIC/US), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Álvaro Giráldez
- Digestive Diseases Department and ciberehd, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine (HUVR/CSIC/US), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Fernando Jiménez
- Digestive Diseases Department and ciberehd, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine (HUVR/CSIC/US), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Ignacio López-Bueno
- Digestive Diseases Department and ciberehd, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine (HUVR/CSIC/US), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Alberto Pérez-Ramírez
- Digestive Diseases Department and ciberehd, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine (HUVR/CSIC/US), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Manuel Romero-Gómez
- Digestive Diseases Department and ciberehd, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine (HUVR/CSIC/US), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Gairing SJ, Mangini C, Zarantonello L, Gioia S, Nielsen EJ, Danneberg S, Lok AS, Sultanik P, Galle PR, Labenz J, Thabut D, Marquardt JU, Bloom PP, Lauridsen MM, Montagnese S, Nardelli S, Labenz C. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is associated with a higher risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy and poorer survival. J Intern Med 2024; 295:331-345. [PMID: 37983845 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a frequent complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. Its impact on predicting the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) and survival has not been studied in large multicenter studies. METHODS Data from patients recruited at eight centers across Europe and the United States were analyzed. MHE was detected using the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES). A subset was also tested with the simplified animal naming test (S-ANT1). Patients were followed for OHE development and death/liver transplantation (LTx). RESULTS A total of 1462 patients with a median model of end-stage liver disease of 11 were included (Child-Pugh (CP) stages: A 47%/B 41%/C 12%). Median follow-up time was 19 months, during which 336 (23%) patients developed an OHE episode and 464 (32%) reached the composite end point of death/LTx (369 deaths, 95 LTx). In multivariable analyses, MHE (defined by PHES) was associated with the development of OHE (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.74, p < 0.001) and poorer LTx-free survival (hazard ratio 1.53, p < 0.001) in the total cohort as well as in the subgroup of patients without a history of OHE. In subgroup analyses, MHE (defined by PHES) was associated with OHE development in patients with CP B, whereas there was no association in patients with CP A or C. In the subgroup of patients with available S-ANT1, MHE (defined by S-ANT1) was independently associated with OHE development. Combined testing (PHES+S-ANT1) was superior to single testing for predicting OHE and poorer LTx-free survival. CONCLUSIONS This large multicenter study demonstrates that screening for MHE is a useful tool for predicting OHE and poorer survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Johannes Gairing
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Chiara Mangini
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Gioia
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elise Jonasson Nielsen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital of South West Jutland, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Sven Danneberg
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anna S Lok
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Philippe Sultanik
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Peter Robert Galle
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Joachim Labenz
- Department of Medicine, Diakonie Hospital Jung-Stilling, Siegen, Germany
| | - Dominique Thabut
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Jens Uwe Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Patricia P Bloom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mette Munk Lauridsen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital of South West Jutland, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Sara Montagnese
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Chronobiology Section, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Silvia Nardelli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Labenz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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6
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Zhang P, Gan D, Chi X, Mao D, Gao Y, Li Y, Zhou D, Li Q, Zhang M, Lu B, Li F, Xue J, Wang X, Du H, Li X, Liang Y, Ye Y. Regression-based Chinese norms of number connection test A and digit symbol test for diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4005. [PMID: 38369632 PMCID: PMC10874952 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54696-4] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Number connection test A (NCT-A) and digit symbol test (DST), the preferential neuropsychological tests to detect minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in China, haven't been standardized in Chinese population. We aimed to establish the norms based on a multi-center cross-sectional study and to detect MHE in cirrhotic patients. NCT-A and DST were administered to 648 healthy controls and 1665 cirrhotic patients. The regression-based procedure was applied to develop demographically adjusted norms for NCT-A and DST based on healthy controls. Age, gender, education, and age by education interaction were all predictors of DST, while age, gender, and education by gender interaction were predictors of log10 NCT-A. The predictive equations for expected scores of NCT-A and DST were established, and Z-scores were calculated. The norm for NCT-A was set as Z ≤ 1.64, while the norm for DST was set as Z ≥ - 1.64. Cirrhotic patients with concurrent abnormal NCT-A and DST results were diagnosed with MHE. The prevalence of MHE was 8.89% in cirrhotic patients, and only worse Child-Pugh classification (P = 0.002, OR = 2.389) was demonstrated to be the risk factor for MHE. The regression-based normative data of NCT-A and DST have been developed to detect MHE in China. A significant proportion of Chinese cirrhotic patients suffered from MHE, especially those with worse Child-Pugh classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Institute of Liver Disease, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongfang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Danan Gan
- Institute of Liver Disease, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute of Liver Disease, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoling Chi
- Department of Hepatology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Dewen Mao
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Yueqiu Gao
- Department of Hepatology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Daqiao Zhou
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qin Li
- The Fourth Ward, Fuzhou Infectious Disease Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Mingxiang Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases, Shenyang Infectious Disease Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Bingjiu Lu
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Fengyi Li
- Treatment and Research Center of Infectious Disease, The Fifth Medical Center of the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Jingdong Xue
- Department of Hepatology, Shanxi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Xianbo Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbo Du
- Institute of Liver Disease, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute of Liver Disease, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoke Li
- Institute of Liver Disease, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute of Liver Disease, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yijun Liang
- Institute of Liver Disease, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute of Liver Disease, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongan Ye
- Institute of Liver Disease, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute of Liver Disease, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Miwa T, Richardson JK, Murphy SL, Ellmers TJ, Miwa Y, Maeda T, Hanai T, Shimizu M. Short-latency reaction time and accuracy are impaired in patients with cirrhosis: An international multicenter retrospective study. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24:25-31. [PMID: 37973613 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14742] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM The inability to quickly react to an external event can lead to an increased risk for accidents (e.g., falls, car crashes) in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether a novel clinically feasible measure of simple reaction time (SRT) and reaction accuracy (RA)-a go/no-go task occurring within 400 ms-could differentiate patients with cirrhosis from controls. METHODS This retrospective study included 160 patients with cirrhosis and 160 controls assessed between January 2010 and October 2022. SRT and RA were evaluated using a ruler drop paradigm and compared using propensity score matching. Factors distinguishing patients with cirrhosis from controls were assessed using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analyses. RESULTS Propensity score matching identified 112 participants in each group with comparable baseline characteristics. As compared with controls, patients with cirrhosis exhibited significantly prolonged SRT (200 vs. 174 ms; P < 0.001) and diminished total RA (63% vs. 73%; P < 0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors, SRT and RA independently identified patients with cirrhosis. ROC analyses showed that SRT more effectively identified patients with cirrhosis than did the number-connection test/trail-making test-B (area under the curve, 0.87 vs. 0.60; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with cirrhosis demonstrated impairments in short-latency cognitive function. Given that SRT and RA are associated with balance, falls, and response to perturbation, these parameters may present a task-specific method to identify patients with cirrhosis at high risk of falls and motor vehicle crashes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 25-31.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takao Miwa
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Health Administration Center, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - James K Richardson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Susan L Murphy
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Toby J Ellmers
- Department of Brain Sciences, Centre for Vestibular Neurology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Yoshiyuki Miwa
- Miwa Clinic, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gifu, Japan
| | - Teruo Maeda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nishimino Kosei Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Hanai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
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Bellafante D, Gioia S, Faccioli J, Riggio O, Ridola L, Nardelli S. The Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy from Ward to Domiciliary Care: Current Evidence and Gray Areas. J Clin Med 2023; 13:166. [PMID: 38202173 PMCID: PMC10780160 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of advanced liver disease and acute liver failure. It is a condition that features several neuropsychiatric symptoms that affect mortality, morbidity and the quality of patients' and caregivers' lives. An HE diagnosis is generally an exclusion diagnosis. Once the patient is admitted to the hospital, clinical examination, blood tests and eventually neuroimaging should be performed with the aim of ruling out other causes of acute brain dysfunction. Moreover, HE is recognized using various precipitants that can potentially promote its onset, alone or in combination, and must be identified. Once the diagnostic process is complete, a correct treatment should be started. The anti-HE treatment is based on a combination of the correction of precipitants; non-absorbable antibiotics, such as rifaximin; and non-absorbable disaccharides. Once the patient is discharged from the hospital, specific anti-HE therapy should be maintained in order to prevent other HE episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Silvia Nardelli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.B.)
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Wang J, Deng MJ, Shi PM, Peng Y, Wang XH, Tan W, Wang PQ, Chen YX, Yuan ZL, Ning BF, Xie WF, Yin C. Covert hepatic encephalopathy is associated with aggressive disease progression and poor survival in patients with cirrhosis. J Dig Dis 2023; 24:681-690. [PMID: 38108656 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13246] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) negatively affects the health-related quality of life and increases the risk of overt HE (OHE) in patients with liver cirrhosis. However, the impact of CHE on long-term patient outcomes remains controversial. This study aimed to explore the association between CHE and disease progression and survival among cirrhotic patients. METHODS This was a single-center prospective study that enrolled 132 hospitalized patients with cirrhosis, with an average follow-up period of 45.02 ± 23.06 months. CHE was diagnosed using the validated Chinese standardized psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score. RESULTS CHE was detected in 35.61% cirrhotic patients. During the follow-up, patients with CHE had a higher risk of developing OHE (log-rank 5.840, P = 0.016), exacerbation of ascites (log-rank 4.789, P = 0.029), and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) (log-rank 8.738, P = 0.003). Cox multivariate regression analyses revealed that CHE was independently associated with the occurrence of OHE, exacerbation of ascites, and PVT. Furthermore, patients with progression of cirrhosis were more likely to be diagnosed as CHE (log-rank 4.462, P = 0.035). At the end of the follow-up, patients with CHE had a lower survival rate compared to those without CHE (log-rank 8.151, P = 0.004). CHE diagnosis (hazard ratio 2.530, P = 0.008), together with elder age and higher Child-Pugh score, were risk factors for impaired survival in cirrhotic patients. CONCLUSION CHE is associated with disease progression and poor survival in patients with cirrhosis, indicating that CHE may serve as an independent predictor of poor prognosis among these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Jie Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Mei Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Hang Wang
- Department of Endoscopy, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Qin Wang
- Department of Endoscopy, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Xiang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zong Li Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei Fang Ning
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Fen Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuan Yin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Zacharias HD, Kamel F, Tan J, Kimer N, Gluud LL, Morgan MY. Rifaximin for prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in people with cirrhosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 7:CD011585. [PMID: 37467180 PMCID: PMC10360160 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011585.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy describes the spectrum of neuropsychiatric changes that may complicate the course of cirrhosis and detrimentally affect outcomes. Ammonia plays a key role in its development. Rifaximin is a non-absorbable antibiotic that inhibits urease-producing bacteria and reduces absorption of dietary and bacterial ammonia. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of rifaximin versus placebo, no intervention, or non-absorbable disaccharides for: (i) the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy, and (ii) the treatment of minimal and overt hepatic encephalopathy, in people with cirrhosis, both when used alone and when combined with a non-absorbable disaccharide. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Clinical Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, three other databases, the reference lists of identified papers, and relevant conference proceedings. We wrote to authors and pharmaceutical companies for information on other published, unpublished, or ongoing trials. Searches were performed to January 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials assessing prevention or treatment of hepatic encephalopathy with rifaximin alone, or with a non-absorbable disaccharide, versus placebo/no intervention, or a non-absorbable disaccharide alone. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Six authors independently searched for studies, extracted data, and validated findings. We assessed the design, bias risk, and participant/intervention characteristics of the included studies. We assessed mortality, serious adverse events, health-related quality of life, hepatic encephalopathy, non-serious adverse events, blood ammonia, Number Connection Test-A, and length of hospital stay. MAIN RESULTS We included 41 trials involving 4545 people with, or at risk for, developing hepatic encephalopathy. We excluded 89 trials and identified 13 ongoing studies. Some trials involved participants with more than one type of hepatic encephalopathy or more than one treatment comparison. Hepatic encephalopathy was classed as acute (13 trials), chronic (7 trials), or minimal (8 trials), or else participants were considered at risk for its development (13 trials). The control groups received placebo (12 trials), no/standard treatment (1 trial), or a non-absorbable disaccharide (14 trials). Eighteen trials assessed rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide versus a non-absorbable disaccharide alone. We classified 11 trials as at high risk of overall bias for mortality and 28 for non-mortality outcomes, mainly due to lack of blinding, incomplete outcome data, and selective reporting. Compared to placebo/no intervention, rifaximin likely has no overall effect on mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50 to 1.38; P = 48, I2 = 0%; 13 trials, 1007 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and there may be no overall effect when compared to non-absorbable disaccharides (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.97; P = 0.97, I2 = 0%; 10 trials, 786 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, there is likely a reduction in the overall risk of mortality when comparing rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide to a non-absorbable disaccharide alone (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.86; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) = 22; P = 0.001, I2 = 0%; 14 trials, 1946 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There is likely no effect on the overall risk of serious adverse events when comparing rifaximin to placebo/no intervention (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.32; P = 68, I2 = 0%; 9 trials, 801 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and there may be no overall effect when compared to non-absorbable disaccharides (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.40; P = 85, I2 = 0%; 8 trials, 681 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, there was very low-certainty evidence that use of rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide may be associated with a lower risk of serious adverse events than use of a non-absorbable disaccharide alone (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.98; P = 0.04, I2 = 60%; 7 trials, 1076 participants). Rifaximin likely results in an overall effect on health-related quality of life when compared to placebo/no intervention (mean difference (MD) -1.43, 95% CI -2.87 to 0.02; P = 0.05, I2 = 81%; 4 trials, 214 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and may benefit health-related quality of life in people with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MD -2.07, 95% CI -2.79 to -1.35; P < 0.001, I2 = 0%; 3 trials, 176 participants). The overall effect on health-related quality of life when comparing rifaximin to non-absorbable disaccharides is very uncertain (MD -0.33, 95% CI -1.65 to 0.98; P = 0.62, I2 = 0%; 2 trials, 249 participants; very low-certainty evidence). None of the combined rifaximin/non-absorbable disaccharide trials reported on this outcome. There is likely an overall beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy when comparing rifaximin to placebo/no intervention (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.77; NNTB = 5; P < 0.001, I2 = 68%; 13 trials, 1009 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). This effect may be more marked in people with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.52; NNTB = 3; P < 0.001, I2 = 10%; 6 trials, 364 participants) and in prevention trials (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.91; NNTB = 10; P = 0.007, I2 = 36%; 4 trials, 474 participants). There may be little overall effect on hepatic encephalopathy when comparing rifaximin to non-absorbable disaccharides (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.05; P = 0.13, I2 = 0%; 13 trials, 921 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, there may be an overall beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy when comparing rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide to a non-absorbable disaccharide alone (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.71; NNTB = 5; P < 0.001, I2 = 62%; 17 trials, 2332 participants; low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Compared to placebo/no intervention, rifaximin likely improves health-related quality of life in people with minimal hepatic encephalopathy, and may improve hepatic encephalopathy, particularly in populations with minimal hepatic encephalopathy and when it is used for prevention. Rifaximin likely has no overall effect on mortality, serious adverse events, health-related quality of life, or hepatic encephalopathy compared to non-absorbable disaccharides. However, when used in combination with a non-absorbable disaccharide, it likely reduces overall mortality risk, the risk of serious adverse events, improves hepatic encephalopathy, reduces the length of hospital stay, and prevents the occurrence/recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy. The certainty of evidence for these outcomes is very low to moderate; further high-quality trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry D Zacharias
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fady Kamel
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jaclyn Tan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nina Kimer
- Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Marsha Y Morgan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
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Vutien P, Li R, Karkar R, Munson SA, Fogarty J, Walter K, Yacoub M, Ioannou GN. Evaluating a Novel, Portable, Self-Administrable Device ("Beacon") That Measures Critical Flicker Frequency as a Test for Hepatic Encephalopathy. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:1096-1100. [PMID: 36746413 PMCID: PMC10238616 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002211] [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: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We compared critical flicker frequency (CFF) thresholds obtained using a novel portable device "Beacon" with thresholds from the commercially available Lafayette Flicker Fusion System (Lafayette-FFS) in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS One hundred fifty-three participants with chronic liver disease underwent CFF testing using Beacon and Lafayette-FFS with a method-of-limits and/or forced-choice protocol. RESULTS Beacon demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation 0.91-0.97) and good correlation with the Lafayette-FFS values (intraclass correlation 0.77-0.84). Forced-choice CFF were on average 4.1 Hz higher than method-of-limits descending CFFs. DISCUSSION Beacon can be self-administered by patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis to measure CFF, a validated screening test for minimal hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Vutien
- University of Washington, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System and University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Richard Li
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ravi Karkar
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Sean A. Munson
- Human Centered Design & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James Fogarty
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kara Walter
- University of Washington, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Yacoub
- University of Washington, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - George N. Ioannou
- University of Washington, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System and University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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12
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Fagan A, Gavis EA, Gallagher ML, Mousel T, Davis B, Puri P, Sterling RK, Luketic VA, Lee H, Matherly SC, Sanyal AJ, Stravitz RT, Patel V, Siddiqui MS, Asgharpour A, Fuchs M, Thacker L, Bajaj JS. A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial of albumin in outpatients with hepatic encephalopathy: HEAL study. J Hepatol 2023; 78:312-321. [PMID: 36152764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Even after recovery from overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE), minimal HE (MHE), which impairs quality of life (QoL), can persist. A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was performed to determine the impact of albumin vs. saline on MHE and QoL in individuals with prior HE already on standard of care. METHODS Outpatients with cirrhosis and prior HE, MHE and hypoalbuminemia already on treatment for HE were included. Patients on regular IV albumin infusions were excluded. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either weekly infusions of 25% IV albumin 1.5 g/kg or saline over 5 weeks. MHE was defined using either psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES), Stroop or critical clicker frequency. MHE, QoL (based on sickness impact profile [SIP] total, physical, psychosocial domain) and serum markers (inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and ischemia-modified albumin) were compared between baseline, the final infusion visit (end-of-drug [EOD]) and 1-week post final infusion (end-of-study [EOS]). RESULTS Forty-eight (24/group) participants were randomized and balanced (including by HE medication use) at baseline. Adverse events were similar, with MELD and ammonia remaining stable between/within groups. Albumin levels increased and ischemia-modified albumin decreased only in the albumin group at EOD and EOS vs. baseline. PHES and Stroop MHE reversal and improvement were greater in the albumin group at EOD and persisted at EOS. SIP total and psychosocial, but not physical, domain improved only in the albumin group at EOD and EOS vs. baseline. A significant reduction in IL-1β and endothelial dysfunction markers was also observed in the albumin group. CONCLUSION In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of outpatients with cirrhosis, prior HE and current MHE, albumin infusions were associated with improved cognitive function and psychosocial QoL, likely due to amelioration of endothelial dysfunction. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION www. CLINICALTRIALS gov NCT03585257. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Even after recovery from overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE), minimal HE (MHE), which impairs quality of life, can persist. We found that intravenous albumin infusions were associated with improved cognitive function and psychosocial quality of life, likely owing to amelioration of endothelial dysfunction, compared to placebo in outpatients with prior HE and current MHE. In patients who continue to demonstrate cognitive dysfunction and impaired quality of life despite standard of care therapy for HE, albumin infusions could be considered if these results are validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Fagan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Edith A Gavis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Travis Mousel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Brian Davis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Puneet Puri
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Richard K Sterling
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Velimir A Luketic
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Hannah Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Scott C Matherly
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - R Todd Stravitz
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Vaishali Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Mohammad S Siddiqui
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Amon Asgharpour
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael Fuchs
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Leroy Thacker
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
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13
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Banc-Husu AM, Shiau H, Dike P, Shneider BL. Beyond Varices: Complications of Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension in Pediatrics. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:100-116. [PMID: 36572031 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1759613] [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: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Complications of cirrhotic portal hypertension (PHTN) in children are broad and include clinical manifestations ranging from variceal hemorrhage, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) to less common conditions such as hepatopulmonary syndrome, portopulmonary hypertension, and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. The approaches to the diagnosis and management of these complications have become standard of practice in adults with cirrhosis with many guidance statements available. However, there is limited literature on the diagnosis and management of these complications of PHTN in children with much of the current guidance available focused on variceal hemorrhage. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature in adults who experience these complications of cirrhotic PHTN beyond variceal hemorrhage and present the available literature in children, with a focus on diagnosis, management, and liver transplant decision making in children with cirrhosis who develop ascites, SBP, HRS, HE, and cardiopulmonary complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Banc-Husu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Henry Shiau
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Peace Dike
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Benjamin L Shneider
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
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14
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Thanapirom K, Wongwandee M, Suksawatamnuay S, Thaimai P, Siripon N, Makhasen W, Treeprasertsuk S, Komolmit P. Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score for the Diagnosis of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy in Thai Cirrhotic Patients. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020519. [PMID: 36675448 PMCID: PMC9864758 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) is the gold standard for diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). Screening for MHE is frequently overlooked in clinical practice due to time constraints. Furthermore, the simplified animal naming test (S-ANT1) is a new simple tool for evaluating MHE in cirrhotic patients. The purpose of this study was to standardize the PHES in a healthy Thai population, assess the prevalence of MHE, and validate the S-ANT1 in detecting MHE in patients with cirrhosis. The study included 194 healthy controls and 203 cirrhotic patients without overt HE. Psychometric tests and the S-ANT1 were administered to all participants. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze factors related to PHES results, and formulas were developed to predict the results for each PHES subtest. In healthy controls, age and education were predictors of all five subtests. The PHES of the control group was −0.26 ± 2.28 points, and the threshold for detecting MHE was set at ≤ −5 points. The cirrhotic group had PHES values of −2.6 ± 3.1 points. Moreover, MHE was found to be present in 26.6% of cirrhotic patients. S-ANT1 had a moderate positive correlation with PHES (r = 0.44, p < 0.001). S-ANT1 < 22 named animals detected MHE with a sensitivity of 71.2%, specificity of 65%, and area under the receiver operating curve of 0.68 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, Thai PHES normative data have been developed to detect MHE in cirrhotic patients who do not have overt HE. The optimal cutoff for detecting MHE in Thai cirrhotic patients was PHES ≤ −5 points and S-ANT1 < 22 named.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kessarin Thanapirom
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Monton Wongwandee
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand
| | - Sirinporn Suksawatamnuay
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Panarat Thaimai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Napaporn Siripon
- Excellence Center in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Wanwisar Makhasen
- Excellence Center in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sombat Treeprasertsuk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Piyawat Komolmit
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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15
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A simple covert hepatic encephalopathy screening model based on blood biochemical parameters in patients with cirrhosis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277829. [PMID: 36449492 PMCID: PMC9710772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) adversely affects clinical outcomes in patients with liver cirrhosis, although its diagnosis is difficult. This study aimed to establish a simple CHE screening model based on blood-related biochemical parameters. METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 439 patients who were assessed for CHE using a neuropsychiatric test between January 2011 and June 2019. A simple CHE (sCHE) score was calculated with hypoalbuminemia (≤ 3.5 g/dL) and hyperammonemia (≥ 80 μg/dL) as 1 point each. The association between sCHE score and CHE or overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) was assessed using logistic regression and Fine-Gray competing risk regression models. RESULTS Of 381 eligible patients, 79 (21%) were diagnosed with CHE. The distribution of sCHE scores was 48% with 0 point, 33% with 1 point, and 19% with 2 points. Patients with sCHE score ≥ 1 point had a higher prevalence of CHE than those with sCHE score of 0 (27% vs. 14%, P = 0.002). A cut-off value of 1 point showed high discriminative ability for identifying CHE, with a sensitivity of 0.67, specificity of 0.56, positive predictive value of 0.27, and negative predictive value of 0.86. During the median follow-up period of 2.2 years, 58 (15%) patients developed OHE. Multivariate analysis showed that sCHE score ≥ 1 (sub-distribution hazard ratio [SHR], 2.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41-5.15) and CHE (SHR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.26-3.73) independently predicted OHE. CONCLUSIONS The sCHE score is a useful screening model for identifying patients with CHE and for predicting OHE occurrence.
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Montagnese S, Rautou PE, Romero-Gómez M, Larsen FS, Shawcross DL, Thabut D, Vilstrup H, Weissenborn K. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatic encephalopathy. J Hepatol 2022; 77:807-824. [PMID: 35724930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) on the management of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) present evidence-based answers to a set of relevant questions (where possible, formulated in PICO [patient/population, intervention, comparison and outcomes] format) on the definition, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment of HE. The document does not cover the pathophysiology of HE and does not cover all available treatment options. The methods through which it was developed and any information relevant to its interpretation are also provided.
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17
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Guo JR, Shi JY, Dong QY, Cao YB, Li D, Chen HJ. Altered dynamic spontaneous neural activity in minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Front Neurol 2022; 13:963551. [PMID: 36061995 PMCID: PMC9439282 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.963551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Abnormal regional neural activity has been identified by the analysis of the static amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in the setting of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). Brain activity is highly dynamic. This work sought to evaluate the temporal variability of ALFF to reveal MHE-related alterations in the dynamics of spontaneous neural activity. Methods A total of 29 healthy controls and 49 patients with cirrhosis [including 20 patients with MHE and 29 patients without MHE (NHE)] who underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) examination were enrolled in this investigation. Utilizing a sliding-window approach, we calculated the dynamic ALFF (dALFF) variability to reflect the temporal dynamics of regional neural activity. An analysis of the correlation between dALFF variability and PHES was performed, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine the potential of the dALFF variability index in identifying MHE was completed. Results The dALFF variability in the bilateral precuneus/posterior cingulate gyrus and left middle frontal gyrus progressively decreased from NHE to MHE group. In cirrhotic patients, the value of dALFF variability in the bilateral precuneus/posterior cingulate gyrus was positively correlated with their neurocognitive performance (r = 0.383 and P = 0.007). The index of dALFF variability in the bilateral precuneus/posterior cingulate gyrus could be used to distinguish NHE and MHE patients, with moderate power (area under the ROC curve = 0.712 and P = 0.012). Conclusion Our findings highlight the existence of aberrant dynamic brain function in MHE, which could underlie the neural basis of cognitive impairments and could be associated with the development of the disease. Analyzing dALFF could facilitate new biomarker identification for MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Ru Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jia-Yan Shi
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiu-Yi Dong
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yun-Bin Cao
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Dan Li
| | - Hua-Jun Chen
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hua-Jun Chen
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Luo M, Hu FR, Xin RJ, Yao L, Hu SJ, Bai FH. Altered gut microbiota is associated with sleep disturbances in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy caused by hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 16:797-807. [PMID: 35942803 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2022.2111300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep disturbances are prevalent in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). This study aimed to evaluate the association between sleep disturbances and altered gut microbiota in patients with MHE caused by hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Ninety-eight and 45 patients with MHE were included in exploration and validation cohorts, respectively. Sleep disturbances were assessed using the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Microbiota in fecal samples were analyzed via amplicon sequencing of bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA genes. RESULTS The gut microbiomes of MHE patients with sleep disturbances were characterized by lower bacterial diversity and distinct bacterial composition. Relative abundances of Streptococcus salivarius and Veillonella were independent predictors of sleep disturbances in MHE patients and well-distinguished MHE patients with and without sleep disturbances in both the exploration and validation cohorts. Moreover, the relative abundances of S. salivarius were positively correlated with plasma ammonia levels, and functional modules associated with protein digestion and absorption and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis were enriched in the microbiomes of MHE patients with sleep disturbances. CONCLUSIONS Both S. salivarius and Veillonella were associated with sleep disturbances in patients with MHE caused by hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Fang-Rui Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Rui-Juan Xin
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Li Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Sheng-Juan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Fei-Hu Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
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19
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Häussinger D, Dhiman RK, Felipo V, Görg B, Jalan R, Kircheis G, Merli M, Montagnese S, Romero-Gomez M, Schnitzler A, Taylor-Robinson SD, Vilstrup H. Hepatic encephalopathy. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2022; 8:43. [PMID: 35739133 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-022-00366-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a prognostically relevant neuropsychiatric syndrome that occurs in the course of acute or chronic liver disease. Besides ascites and variceal bleeding, it is the most serious complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis. Ammonia and inflammation are major triggers for the appearance of HE, which in patients with liver cirrhosis involves pathophysiologically low-grade cerebral oedema with oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation and disturbances of oscillatory networks in the brain. Severity classification and diagnostic approaches regarding mild forms of HE are still a matter of debate. Current medical treatment predominantly involves lactulose and rifaximin following rigorous treatment of so-called known HE precipitating factors. New treatments based on an improved pathophysiological understanding are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Häussinger
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Radha K Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, (Uttar Pradesh), India
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Principe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Boris Görg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group ILDH, Division of Medicine, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, UK.,European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerald Kircheis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Diabetology and Hepatology, University Hospital Brandenburg an der Havel, Brandenburg Medical School, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Manuela Merli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Universita' degli Studi di Roma - Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Manuel Romero-Gomez
- UCM Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (HUVR/CSIC/US), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Alfons Schnitzler
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Simon D Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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20
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A dynamic nomogram to predict transplant-free mortality in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis and overt hepatic encephalopathy. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 108:108879. [PMID: 35623289 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) is a serious complication of liver disease. We aimed to develop a dynamic nomogram for estimating the probability of 30-day transplant-free mortality in patients with OHE and hepatitis B-related cirrhosis (HBC). METHODS We identified 402 patients with OHE and HBC at the Beijing Ditan Hospital between January 2011 and July 2016. Independent risk factors were determined using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. A dynamic nomogram was established to predict the probability of 30-day transplant-free mortality. The discrimination and clinical usefulness of the nomogram were estimated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) and calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. A prospective cohort of 208 patients was enrolled for validation. RESULTS The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were independently associated with the 30-day transplant-free mortality. The AUC values of the nomogram were 0.881 and 0.879 in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively, and the discrimination ability was superior to that of the established models. The calibration plot fitted the predicted survival and observed probabilities well. The incidence of mortality was 2.0% (3/151) in patients with MELD scores < 23 and NLR < 4, and 55.4% (41/92) in those with MELD scores ≥ 23 and NLR ≥ 4. CONCLUSIONS The dynamic nomogram can predict the risk of 30-day transplant-free mortality in patients with OHE and HBC. Patients with MELD scores ≥ 23 and NLR ≥ 4 have a high mortality rate and should be admitted to intensive care.
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21
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Spontaneous portosystemic shunt embolization in liver transplant recipients with recurrent hepatic encephalopathy. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100687. [PMID: 35192963 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSS) are a common cause of recurrent hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Shunt occlusion is an effective and safe procedure when performed in patients with cirrhosis and preserved liver function. We aimed to describe our experience with SPSS embolization after liver transplantation (LT). PATIENTS We identified five patients who underwent SPSS embolization after LT. Clinical, biochemical and technical procedure data were collected. RESULTS At presentation, all patients had developed graft cirrhosis and HE after LT. Median Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) at embolization was 9 (range 7-12), median Child-Pugh was 8 (range 7-9). Splenorenal and mesocaval shunt were the most frequent types of SPSS found. Three patients have been completely free of HE. Of the two patients who had HE recurrence after embolization, one patient had two episodes of HE which was controlled well with medications. The other patient required three embolizations because of recurrent HE. Median follow-up was 4.4 years (range 1.0-5.0) and MELD score at last follow up was 13 (range 10-18) and median Child-Pugh score B, 7 points (range 5-12). CONCLUSIONS SPSS can be considered as a cause of HE after LT. SPSS embolization is feasible and safe in LT recipients.
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22
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Duong N, Reuter B, Saraireh H, Nadhem O, Acharya C, Fagan A, Hassouneh R, Bajaj JS. Bowel Movement Frequency Is Not Linked With Cognitive Function in Cirrhosis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:e897-e901. [PMID: 33991690 PMCID: PMC8589867 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The spectrum of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) ranges from overt HE (OHE) to cognitive impairment (ie, covert) HE (CHE).1 The first-line therapy is lactulose, which is titrated to achieve ~2-3 soft/loose daily bowel movements (BM). This metric is considered dogma for practitioners despite erratic results, GI adverse events, and poor tolerance in Western countries.1 There are logistic barriers for the widespread uptake of rifaximin, the second-line therapy. Moreover, although BM frequency-directed dose titration of lactulose is the usual practice, its impact on objective cognitive performance is unclear. Our aim is to determine the impact of BM frequency on cognition in patients with/without prior OHE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia.
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23
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Hansen MKG, Kjærgaard K, Eriksen LL, Grønkjær LL, Mikkelsen ACD, Sandahl TD, Vilstrup H, Thomsen KL, Lauridsen MME. Psychometric methods for diagnosing and monitoring minimal hepatic encephalopathy -current validation level and practical use. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:589-605. [PMID: 35102491 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-00913-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is cerebral dysfunction caused by liver failure and inflicts 30-40% of patients with liver cirrhosis during their disease course. Clinically manifest HE is often preceded by minimal HE (MHE) - a clinically undetectable cognitive disturbance closely associated with loss of quality of life. Accordingly, detecting and treating MHE improve the patients' daily functioning and prevent HE-related hospital admissions. The scope of this review article is to create an overview of the validation level and usage of psychometric tests used to detect MHE: Portosystemic hepatic encephalopathy test, continuous reaction time test, Stroop EncephalApp, animal naming test, critical flicker frequency test, and inhibitory control test. Our work is aimed at the clinician or scientist who is about to decide on which psychometric test would fit best in their clinic, cohort, or study. First, we outline psychometric test validation obstacles and requirements. Then, we systematically approach the literature on each test and select well-conducted studies to answer the following questions:• Which percentage of patients with cirrhosis does the test deem as having MHE?• Is the test able to predict clinically manifest HE?• Is there a well-known test-retest variation and inter-observer variation?• Is the test able to detect a treatment response?• Is the test result affected by age, educational level, gender, or comorbidities?
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Kingo Guldberg Hansen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital South Denmark, Finsensgade 35, 6700, Esbjerg, Denmark.
| | - Kristoffer Kjærgaard
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lotte Lindgreen Eriksen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lea Ladegaard Grønkjær
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital South Denmark, Finsensgade 35, 6700, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Anne Catrine Daugaard Mikkelsen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thomas Damgaard Sandahl
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Karen Louise Thomsen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mette Munk Enok Lauridsen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital South Denmark, Finsensgade 35, 6700, Esbjerg, Denmark
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Sun S, Ye W, Zhao R, Hu J, Zhang X, Yang M, Zhao H, Sheng J. Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy Does Not Affect Prognosis of Cirrhosis Patients With Acute Decompensation and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: A Single-Center Prospective Study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:763370. [PMID: 34859015 PMCID: PMC8631392 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.763370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy on complications and prognosis in cirrhosis patients with and without acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Materials and Methods: Cirrhosis patients with acute decompensation (AD) (n = 489) admitted in our center were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study. According to treatment received, patients were identified as users or nonusers of PPI. Clinical and laboratory data, complications during hospitalization, and overall survival were recorded in all the patients. Results: Of the 489 patients, 299 (61.1%) patients received PPI therapy. The logistic regression analysis showed that age, albumin, history of previous hepatic encephalopathy (HE), and the chronic liver failure-sequential organ failure assessment (CLIF-SOFA) score were independent risk factors for HE in patients with decompensated cirrhosis [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03–1.12, p = 0.001; OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04–1.24, p = 0.006; OR = 242.52, 95% CI: 40.17–1464.11, p < 0.001; and OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 2.11–3.96, p < 0.001, respectively]. Previous severe liver injury and previous bacterial infections were independent risk factors for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (OR = 3.43, 95% CI: 1.16–10.17, p = 0.026 and OR = 6.47, 95% CI: 2.29–18.29, p < 0.001, respectively). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that the type and dose of the PPI used were not related to 28-day and 90-day mortality in cirrhosis patients with AD or ACLF. Conclusion: PPI use does not appear to increase mortality or the risk of HE and SBP in the hospitalized cirrhosis patients with and without ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenyi Ye
- Department of Traditional Chinese Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruihong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meifang Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jifang Sheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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25
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Özbaş B, Keskin O, Hecker H, Karahan I, Özbaş C, Kalkan Ç, Kartal A, Önder FO, Öncü BK, Gençdal G, Akyildiz M, Günşar F, Idilman R, Weissenborn K, Özütemiz Ö, Yurdaydin C. Determination of Turkish norms of psychometric tests for diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy and proposal of a high sensitive screening test battery. Hepatol Int 2021; 15:1442-1455. [PMID: 34085147 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10207-5] [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: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) needs local standardization. AIMS This study aimed at standardizing PHES for Turkish patients and compare them with German norms; to determine minimal hepatic encephalopathy (mHE) prevalence with two different methods [PHES battery and Critical Flicker Frequency (CFF)] and to assess whether sub-tests of the battery can be used for screening for mHE. METHODS Healthy volunteers (n = 816; 400 male) and cirrhotics (n = 124; 58 male) were included. For mHE diagnosis PHES score threshold was set at ≤ - 5 points and that of CFF at < 39 Hz. For comparing German and Turkish norms, datasets were combined. Multiple backward procedure was applied to assess effects of age, sex and education on single tests of the battery. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created for assessing diagnostic capabilities of subtests of the battery. RESULTS PHES norms for Turks were developed. MHE prevalence in compensated cirrhotics was 29.8% and 27.4% with PHES and CFF tests, respectively, with low compatibility (kappa coefficient 0.389); mHE prevalence decreased to 16% when both tests were combined. Turks performed worse vs Germans in the digit symbol (DS) and serial dotting (SD) subtests but performed better in other subtests. In ROC analyzes of subtests, the combination of DS + SD tests achieved an AUROC of 0.974 versus PHES. CONCLUSIONS Use of two methods for diagnosing mHE is important for research purposes. From a clinical perspective, sensitivity with acceptable specificity may suffice for screening instruments for mHE. Combined use of DS and SD subtests of the PHES battery appears suitable for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Özbaş
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Onur Keskin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hartmut Hecker
- Department of Biometrics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Irfan Karahan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cansu Özbaş
- Department of Public Health, Gazi University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Çağdaş Kalkan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysun Kartal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatih Oğuz Önder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Burcu Kahveci Öncü
- Department of Psychiatry, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Genco Gençdal
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Koç University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Akyildiz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Koç University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fulya Günşar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Idilman
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Ömer Özütemiz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Cihan Yurdaydin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey.
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Koç University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Acharya C, Bajaj JS. Hepatic Encephalopathy and Liver Transplantation: The Past, Present, and Future Toward Equitable Access. Liver Transpl 2021; 27:1830-1843. [PMID: 34018659 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a debilitating chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality, with the only real cure being liver transplantation (LT). Currently, we allocate organs for transplantation based on the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium (MELD-Na) score that does not account for hepatic encephalopathy (HE). HE affects patients, families, and the health care system because of high rates of recurrence and major readmission burden. Moreover, HE casts a long shadow even after LT. Accounting for HE and incorporating it into the current allocation system has many proponents, but the framework to do this is currently lacking because of differences in consensus or in operationalization parameters. We review the latest evidence of the burden of HE, management of HE before and after LT, and evaluate pros and cons of several methods of diagnosing HE objectively to ensure early and equitable access to LT in this underserved population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chathur Acharya
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, VA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, VA
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27
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Zhao Y, Hou J, Xiao Y, Wang F, Zhang B, Zhang M, Jiang Y, Li J, Gong G, Xiang D, Yan M. Predictors of Voriconazole Trough Concentrations in Patients with Child-Pugh Class C Cirrhosis: A Prospective Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10091130. [PMID: 34572712 PMCID: PMC8470058 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10091130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This prospective observational study aimed to clinically describe voriconazole administrations and trough concentrations in patients with Child–Pugh class C and to investigate the variability of trough concentration. A total of 144 voriconazole trough concentrations from 43 Child–Pugh class C patients were analyzed. The majority of patients (62.8%) received adjustments. The repeated measured trough concentration was higher than the first and final ones generally (median, 4.33 vs. 2.99, 3.90 mg/L). Eight patients with ideal initial concentrations later got supratherapeutic with no adjusted daily dose, implying accumulation. There was a significant difference in concentrations among the six groups by daily dose (p = 0.006). The bivariate correlation analysis showed that sex, CYP2C19 genotyping, daily dose, prothrombin time activity, international normalized ratio, platelet, and Model for end-stage liver disease score were significant factors for concentration. Subsequently, the first four factors mentioned above entered into a stepwise multiple linear regression model (variance inflation factor <5), implying that CYP2C19 testing makes sense for precision medicine of Child–Pugh class C cirrhosis patients. The equation fits well and explains the 34.8% variety of concentrations (R2 = 0.348). In conclusion, it needs more cautious administration clinically due to no recommendation for Child–Pugh class C patients in the medication label. The adjustment of the administration regimen should be mainly based on the results of repeated therapeutic drug monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichang Zhao
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (Y.X.); (F.W.); (B.Z.); (M.Z.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (G.G.); (D.X.)
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Jingjing Hou
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (Y.X.); (F.W.); (B.Z.); (M.Z.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (G.G.); (D.X.)
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yiwen Xiao
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (Y.X.); (F.W.); (B.Z.); (M.Z.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (G.G.); (D.X.)
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Feng Wang
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (Y.X.); (F.W.); (B.Z.); (M.Z.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (G.G.); (D.X.)
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Bikui Zhang
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (Y.X.); (F.W.); (B.Z.); (M.Z.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (G.G.); (D.X.)
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Min Zhang
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (Y.X.); (F.W.); (B.Z.); (M.Z.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (G.G.); (D.X.)
- Department of Infection, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yongfang Jiang
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (Y.X.); (F.W.); (B.Z.); (M.Z.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (G.G.); (D.X.)
- Department of Infection, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Jiakai Li
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (Y.X.); (F.W.); (B.Z.); (M.Z.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (G.G.); (D.X.)
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Guozhong Gong
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (Y.X.); (F.W.); (B.Z.); (M.Z.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (G.G.); (D.X.)
- Department of Infection, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Daxiong Xiang
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (Y.X.); (F.W.); (B.Z.); (M.Z.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (G.G.); (D.X.)
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Miao Yan
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (Y.X.); (F.W.); (B.Z.); (M.Z.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (G.G.); (D.X.)
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-0731-8529-2098; Fax: +86-0731-8443-6720
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Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy and Biejia-Ruangan Are Associated with First Hospital Readmission in Nonalcoholic Cirrhosis Patients. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6652858. [PMID: 34055016 PMCID: PMC8123979 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6652858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introductionand Aim. Patients with cirrhosis are often hospitalized repeatedly for a variety of complications. This retrospective study aimed to assess the effects of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and Biejia-Ruangan (BR) on first hospital readmission in nonalcoholic cirrhosis patients without previous overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods. A total of 176 hospitalized patients with nonalcoholic cirrhosis were included in this retrospective study. Patients who were first admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2017 to September 2019 were enrolled. The primary endpoint was their first liver-related hospital readmission. The risk factors for readmission were analyzed by Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Results. A total of 176 nonalcoholic cirrhosis patients without previous OHE or HCC were included; 57 patients (32.4%) were diagnosed with MHE, and 63 patients (35.8%) were administered BR (2 g, three times a day). Multivariate analysis revealed that nonalcoholic cirrhosis patients with MHE (HR, 5.805; 95% CI, 3.007-11.206; x, P < 0.001) and a higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (HR, 1.145; 95% CI, 1.068-1.227; P < 0.001) had an increased risk of first hospital readmission, and patients treated with BR (HR, 0.318; 95% CI, 0.151-0.670; P=0.003) had a decreased risk of first hospital readmission. Conclusion. MHE increased the risk of hospital readmission in nonalcoholic cirrhosis patients without previous OHE or HCC, and this risk was decreased by BR administration.
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Bar N, Levy S, Deutsch L, Leshno M, Rabinowich L, Younis F, Shibolet O, Katchman H. Hepatitis C related cognitive impairment: Impact of viral and host factors and response to therapy. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:870-877. [PMID: 33624351 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with cognitive impairment via several suggested mechanisms including direct neurotoxicity and minimal hepatic encephalopathy. The prevalence of HCV-related cognitive impairment and whether it is reversed by anti-viral therapy is unknown. We aimed to assess predictors and reversibility of cognitive impairment of HCV-infected patients after successful treatment. Consecutive HCV patients treated during the EMERALD study (AbbVie 3D regimen for protease inhibitors failure) underwent neuropsychological (number connection test A [NCTA] and digital symbol test [DST]) and neurophysiological (critical flicker frequency [CFF]) tests at baseline and at 12 weeks post-treatment. Patient self-reported outcomes (PROs) were prospectively collected. Patients with a history of hepatic encephalopathy were excluded. Thirty-two patients underwent the cognitive tests at baseline. Seven of them had abnormal CFF test findings. Twenty-five (25/32, 78%) patients had repeated evaluations 3 months post-treatment. High viral loads were significantly associated with abnormal CFF across fibrosis levels (area under the ROC curve 0.817). CFF results significantly improved following viral eradication, from 40.9 (interquartile range 38.6-42.9) at baseline to 41.5 (39.8-44), p = .042, at follow-up. Both NCTA and DST results improved, but not significantly. There was improvement in the PROs of general health perception and vitality. The NCTA and DST results were more significantly associated with PROs than CFF. This prospective interventional study showed greater cognitive impairment in HCV patients with high viral load and demonstrated partial reversibility of HCV neurotoxicity and subsequent improvement in PROs following treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Bar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon Levy
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Liat Deutsch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Moshe Leshno
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Coller School of Management, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Liane Rabinowich
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Fadi Younis
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Oren Shibolet
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Helena Katchman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Outcome Prediction of Covert Hepatic Encephalopathy in Liver Cirrhosis: Comparison of Four Testing Strategies. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2021; 11:e00172. [PMID: 32568474 PMCID: PMC7339190 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the negative impact of covert hepatic encephalopathy on the outcome of patients with liver cirrhosis, data regarding the ability of different testing strategies to predict overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) development and mortality are limited. This study aimed to compare the ability of Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES), critical flicker frequency (CFF), simplified animal naming test (S-ANT1), and clinical covert hepatic encephalopathy (CCHE) score to predict OHE development and mortality.
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31
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Formentin C, Zarantonello L, Mangini C, Frigo AC, Montagnese S, Merkel C. Clinical, neuropsychological and neurophysiological indices and predictors of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Liver Int 2021; 41:1070-1082. [PMID: 33411388 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The occurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) marks a significant progression in the natural history of liver disease. The aims of the present study were to: 1) describe a large cohort of patients with cirrhosis in terms of neuropsychological or neurophysiological HE indices, and 2) test if the severity of liver disease and/or any such indices [Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES), Scan test, electroencephalography (EEG)] predicted mortality/HE risk in a subgroup of such cohort. METHOD Four hundred and sixty-one patients with cirrhosis (59 ± 10 years; 345 males) were included; information on previous overt HE episodes was available in 407. Follow-up information on mortality/HE-related hospitalization in 134/127 respectively. Information on previous overt HE episodes and both mortality and HE-related hospitalization over the follow-up in 124. RESULTS Patients with a history of overt HE (60%) had poorer liver function, worse neuropsychiatric indices, higher ammonia levels and higher prevalence of portal-systemic shunt. The risk of HE-related hospitalization over the follow-up was higher in patients with higher MELD score and worse Scan performance. Mortality was higher in those with higher MELD. Among patients without a history of overt HE, those with worse PHES had higher HE risk. Among patients with a history, those with higher MELD, better PHES and worse Scan performance had higher HE risk. CONCLUSIONS In patients without previous overt HE episodes, neuropsychological and neurophysiological tests predict HE, while in those with previous overt HE episodes, HE development largely depends on the severity of liver dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Formentin
- Department of Medicine, and Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Lisa Zarantonello
- Department of Medicine, and Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Mangini
- Department of Medicine, and Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna C Frigo
- Department of Medicine, and Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sara Montagnese
- Department of Medicine, and Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Merkel
- Department of Medicine, and Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Sanchez-Meza F, Torre A, Castillo-Martinez L, Sanchez-Roman S, Morales-Buenrostro LE. Evaluation of cerebral dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease using neuropsychometric and neurophysiological tests. Ren Fail 2021; 43:577-584. [PMID: 33757399 PMCID: PMC7993379 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2021.1901740] [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: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uremic encephalopathy is defined as cerebral dysfunction due to toxin accumulation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This condition is characterized by subtle to florid symptoms, and its clinical course is always progressive when untreated but partially reversible with renal replacement therapy. While no test exists to measure subclinical uremic encephalopathy, two tests have been validated to measure minimal hepatic encephalopathy: the critical flicker frequency (CFF) test and the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES). Objective To use CFF and PHES to measure the prevalence of cerebral dysfunction in individuals with CKD. Methods This cross-sectional study included a total of 69 patients with stage-5 CKD. Cutoff points for minimal encephalopathy were established using existing clinical guidelines: ≤39 Hz for CFF and < −4 for PHES. All participants were also screened for cognitive function and depression. Results Eighteen cases (26.1%) of cerebral dysfunction linked to uremic encephalopathy were detected with CFF, while twelve (17.4%) were detected by PHES; only six cases (8.7%) were diagnosed by both methods. Half of the cases (50%) had diabetes, and 61% were on hemodialysis. Cognitive function scores did not differ significantly between those receiving dialysis, hemodialysis, or no renal replacement therapy. Conclusions It is essential to identify cerebral dysfunction when uremic encephalopathy is in early subclinical stages to reduce preventable events as traffic and work accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Sanchez-Meza
- Department of Nephrology and Mineral Metabolism, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Tlalpan, Mexico
| | - Aldo Torre
- Liver Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Tlalpan, Mexico
| | - Lilia Castillo-Martinez
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Tlalpan, Mexico
| | - Sofia Sanchez-Roman
- Neurology and Psychiatry Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Tlalpan, Mexico
| | - Luis Eduardo Morales-Buenrostro
- Department of Nephrology and Mineral Metabolism, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Tlalpan, Mexico
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Labenz C, Nagel M, Toenges G, Kuchen R, Schattenberg JM, Hilscher M, Huber Y, Marquardt JU, Labenz J, Galle PR, Wörns MA. Impact of non-selective ß-blockers on hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis. Eur J Intern Med 2020; 82:83-89. [PMID: 32873457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2020.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-selective β-blockers (NSBB) are frequently used for the treatment of portal hypertension and gastroesophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis; however prospective studies investigating the potential association between NSBB use and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are still scarce. We investigated the potential association between NSBB use and the presence of covert HE (CHE) as well as the development of overt HE (OHE). METHODS 224 patients with liver cirrhosis were included into this cohort study at two German centers and followed for a median of 364 days. CHE was diagnosed by pathological results in the PHES. Predictors for the presence of CHE or the development of OHE were analyzed using logistic-regression or cox-regression models. RESULTS 39% of patients were treated with NSBB and CHE was detected in 34% of patients at study inclusion. In logistic regression analysis, NSBB use, higher MELD score and a history of OHE were independently associated with the presence of CHE. Cumulative incidence of OHE was considerably higher in NSBB users than in non-users (p<0.001). In Cox-regression models NSBB use, presence of CHE, lower albumin and higher MELD score were independently associated with the development of OHE in the whole cohort as well as in the subgroup of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. NSBB use was independently associated with higher risk of mortality or need for liver transplantation in decompensated patients but not in the total cohort. CONCLUSION NSBB use seems to be associated with the presence of CHE as well as the development of OHE in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Labenz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Nagel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gerrit Toenges
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Robert Kuchen
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jörn M Schattenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Max Hilscher
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Yvonne Huber
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jens U Marquardt
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Joachim Labenz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Diakonie Klinikum, Jung-Stilling Hospital, Siegen, Germany
| | - Peter R Galle
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marcus-Alexander Wörns
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
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Tateyama M, Naoe H, Tanaka M, Tanaka K, Narahara S, Tokunaga T, Kawasaki T, Yoshimaru Y, Nagaoka K, Watanabe T, Setoyama H, Sasaki Y, Tanaka Y. Loss of skeletal muscle mass affects the incidence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: a case control study. BMC Gastroenterol 2020; 20:371. [PMID: 33167879 PMCID: PMC7654593 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-020-01501-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by progressive and systemic decreases in skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength. The influence or prognosis of various liver diseases in this condition have been widely investigated, but little is known about whether sarcopenia and/or muscle mass loss are related to minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). Methods To clarify the relationship between MHE and sarcopenia and/or muscle mass loss in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods Ninety-nine patients with liver cirrhosis were enrolled. MHE was diagnosed by a neuropsychiatric test. Skeletal mass index (SMI) and Psoas muscle index (PMI) were calculated by dividing skeletal muscle area and psoas muscle area at the third lumbar vertebra by the square of height in meters, respectively, to evaluate muscle volume. Results This study enrolled 99 patients (61 males, 38 females). MHE was detected in 48 cases (48.5%) and sarcopenia in 6 cases (6.1%). Patients were divided into two groups, with or without MHE. Comparing groups, no significant differences were seen in serum ammonia concentration or rate of sarcopenia. SMI was smaller in patients with MHE (46.4 cm2/m2) than in those without (51.2 cm2/m2, P = 0.027). Similarly, PMI was smaller in patients with MHE (4.24 cm2/m2) than in those without (5.53 cm2/m2, P = 0.003). Skeletal muscle volume, which is represented by SMI or PMI was a predictive factor related to MHE (SMI ≥ 50 cm2/m2; odds ratio 0.300, P = 0.002, PMI ≥ 4.3 cm2/m2; odds ratio 0.192, P = 0.001). Conclusions Muscle mass loss was related to minimal hepatic encephalopathy, although sarcopenia was not. Measurement of muscle mass loss might be useful to predict MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masakuni Tateyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hideaki Naoe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Motohiko Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
| | - Kentaro Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Satoshi Narahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Takayuki Tokunaga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kawasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yoko Yoshimaru
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nagaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Takehisa Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hiroko Setoyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.,Kumamoto Rosai Hospital, 1670 Takeharatyo, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yutaka Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.,Department of Health and Nutrition, Nagasaki International University, 2825-7 Huis Ten Bosch Machi, Sasebo City, Nagasaki, 859-3298, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
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Verdelho Machado M. Liquid Diagnosis of Hepatic Encephalopathy: Are We There Already? GE PORTUGUESE JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2020; 27:378-382. [PMID: 33251286 PMCID: PMC7670371 DOI: 10.1159/000510059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
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Parker R. Early identification of hepatic encephalopathy improves outcomes. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2020; 29:S10-S13. [PMID: 32976023 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2020.29.sup17.s10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Early identification and prompt treatment of hepatic encephalopathy can help reduce its progression into its overt form. As the initial signs and symptoms of this complication can be extremely subtle, diagnosis can be difficult, particularly for non-specialists. This article describes how the use of simple and widely available tests can help facilitate this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Parker
- Consultant Hepatologist, Leeds Liver Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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Luo M, Mu R, Liu JF, Bai FH. Novel computerized psychometric tests as primary screening tools for the diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy. World J Clin Cases 2020; 8:3377-3389. [PMID: 32913845 PMCID: PMC7457114 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i16.3377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a critical neurocognitive complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis and portosystemic shunting, which results in a wide range of cognitive deficits including impairments in working attention, psychomotor speed, and executive function. Current guidelines have recommended paper-and-pencil psychometric tests for the diagnosis of MHE. Most high-risk cirrhotic patients are required to be examined; however, paper-and-pencil psychometric tests are neither convenient nor rapid to perform in the clinic. Recently, novel computerized psychometric tests, including the inhibitory control test, EncephalApp Stroop App, and critical flicker frequency, have been proven to be rapid, effective, and convenient methods for screening MHE in clinical practice and for identifying high-risk cirrhotic patients for further validation using rigid neuropsychometric examinations. However, diagnostic accuracy of these tests is influenced by educational background, age, and cultural differences. This review summarizes clinical evidence of the application of novel computerized psychometric tests for screening MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Rui Mu
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jian-Fang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Fei-Hu Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
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Impaired brain function improved by L-carnitine in patients with cirrhosis: evaluation using near-infrared spectroscopy. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13566. [PMID: 32782294 PMCID: PMC7419306 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70585-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the effects of l-carnitine on impaired brain function in patients with liver cirrhosis. We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included sequential 80 liver cirrhosis patients with impaired brain function evaluated using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Among them, l-carnitine was administered to 48 patients. The NIRS data and blood ammonia level at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment were compared between patients administered with l-carnitine (l-carnitine group) and those who were not (control group). The NIRS data at baseline were similar between the l-carnitine and control groups (0.04 ± 0.04 vs. 0.04 ± 0.05 mMmm, p = n.s), whereas those in the l-carnitine group (n = 48) were significantly better than that of the control group at 8 weeks of treatment (n = 32) (0.103 ± 0.081 vs. 0.040 ± 0.048 mMmm, p < 0.001). In the l-carnitine group, 35.4% (17/48) of patients had hyperammonemia. The NIRS data of the l-carnitine group at 8 weeks of treatment were significantly improved than that of the control group, irrespective of baseline ammonia levels (0.11 ± 0.09 vs. 0.04 ± 0.05 mMmm, p = 0.005, and 0.10 ± 0.06 vs. 0.02 ± 0.03 mMmm, p = 0.003, for normal baseline ammonia and elevated ammonia levels, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, l-carnitine administration (odds ratio [OR] 3.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–9.99, p = 0.019) and baseline NIRS data of ≤ 0.07 mMmm (OR 5.21, 95% CI 1.69–16.0, p = 0.0041) were found as independent significant factors. l-carnitine improves impaired brain function in patients with liver cirrhosis.
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Impact of sustained viral response in the evolution of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: A prospective pilot study. Ann Hepatol 2020; 18:429-433. [PMID: 31054981 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS To determine the prevalence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy(MHE) in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and to evaluate the impact of sustained viral response (SVR) on MHE. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a prospective study using MHE screening and follow-up on patients with HCV and LC. The patients were evaluated at the beginning of treatment and 24 weeks after treatment. RESULTS 64 patients were included. 51.6% were male, the median age was 62 years, Child-Pugh classification A/B/C 93.8%/4.7%/1.6% and median MELD was 8.3. Prior hydropic decompensation was present in 11 patients. Median values of liver stiffness, as measured by transient elastography (TE) were 22.8kPa. Indirect signs of portal hypertension (PH) were present in 53.1% of patients, with a mean of 11.9mmHg among the ones with a measurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient. The prevalence of MHE before treatment was 26.6%. After treatment, 98.4% of patients achieved SVR. The presence of MHE at 24 weeks post-treatment had an statistically significant association with the presence of pre-treatment MHE (80% vs. 21.6%; p<0.01), higher MELD scores at 24-weeks post-treatment (9.8 vs. 8; p=0.02), higher Child-Pugh scores at 24-weeks post-treatment (p=0.04), higher baseline INR levels (1.4 vs. 1.1; p<0.001) and with the presence of indirect signs of PH (100% vs. 47.1%; p=0.02). During follow-up, those patients without MHE at 24 weeks post-treatment had a higher probability of experiencing an improvement in post-treatment TE (80.9% vs. 40%, p=0.04). CONCLUSION We found that SVR may lead to MHE resolution in a considerable proportion of patients, which has potential implications for disease prognosis.
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Labenz C, Nagel M, Kremer WM, Hilscher M, Schilling CA, Toenges G, Kuchen R, Schattenberg JM, Galle PR, Wörns MA. Association between diabetes mellitus and hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2020; 52:527-536. [PMID: 32598080 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus may lead to increased serum ammonia and systemic inflammation thereby promoting hepatic encephalopathy (HE). AIM To investigate the potential association between diabetes mellitus/glycaemic control and the presence of covert HE as well as the development of overt HE in a prospective setting. METHODS A total of 240 patients with liver cirrhosis were included into this prospective cohort study and followed for a median of 17 months. Covert HE was diagnosed by pathological results in the Portosystemic Hepatic Encephalopathy Score. Predictors for the presence of covert HE or the development of overt HE were analysed using logistic regression or Cox-regression models. RESULTS At study inclusion, 65 patients (27.1%) presented with diabetes mellitus and covert HE was detected in 33.3%. Patients with diabetes mellitus had a more preserved liver function as compared to patients without diabetes mellitus (MELD 9 vs 10; P = 0.043). In regression analyses after adjustment for confounders, diabetes mellitus was independently associated with the presence of covert HE at study inclusion and the development of overt HE during follow-up. These associations were confirmed in separate propensity-score-weighted regression models. In subgroup analyses, patients with worse glycaemic control (HbA1c >= 6.5%) had a pronounced risk for covert HE (OR 2.264, 95% CI 1.002-5.118) and overt HE (HR 4.116, 95% CI 1.791-9.459). CONCLUSIONS Diabetes mellitus may associate with higher risk for the presence of covert HE and the development of overt HE in patients with liver cirrhosis. Adequate glycaemic control may be a potential target to attenuate this important complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Labenz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Nagel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Wolfgang M Kremer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Max Hilscher
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Caroline A Schilling
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gerrit Toenges
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Robert Kuchen
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jörn M Schattenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Metabolic Liver Research Program, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter R Galle
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marcus-Alexander Wörns
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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Bajaj JS, Lauridsen M, Tapper EB, Duarte-Rojo A, Rahimi RS, Tandon P, Shawcross DL, Thabut D, Dhiman RK, Romero-Gomez M, Sharma BC, Montagnese S. Important Unresolved Questions in the Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy: An ISHEN Consensus. Am J Gastroenterol 2020; 115:989-1002. [PMID: 32618647 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Management of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains challenging from a medical and psychosocial perspective. Members of the International Society for Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nitrogen Metabolism recognized 5 key unresolved questions in HE management focused on (i) driving, (ii) ammonia levels in clinical practice, (iii) testing strategies for covert or minimal HE, (iv) therapeutic options, and (v) nutrition and patient-reported outcomes. The consensus document addresses these topical issues with a succinct review of the literature and statements that critically evaluate the current science and practice, laying the groundwork for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Virginia Commonwealth University, McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dominique Thabut
- Paris Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Radha K Dhiman
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
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Tapper EB, Aberasturi D, Zhao Z, Hsu CY, Parkih ND. Outcomes after hepatic encephalopathy in population-based cohorts of patients with cirrhosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2020; 51:1397-1405. [PMID: 32363684 PMCID: PMC7266029 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy is a devastating complication of cirrhosis. AIM To describe the outcomes after developing hepatic encephalopathy among contemporary, aging patients. METHODS We examined data for a 20% random sample of United States Medicare enrolees with cirrhosis and Part D prescription coverage from 2008 to 2014. Among 49 164 persons with hepatic encephalopathy, we evaluated the associations with transplant-free survival using Cox proportional hazard models with time-varying covariates (hazard ratios, HR) and incidence rate ratios (IRR) for healthcare utilisation measured in hospital-days and 30-day readmissions per person-year. We validated our findings in an external cohort of 2184 privately insured patients with complete laboratory values. RESULTS Hepatic encephalopathy was associated with median survivals of 0.95 and 2.5 years for those ≥65 or <65 years old and 1.1 versus 3.9 years for those with and without ascites. Non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease posed the highest adjusted risk of death among aetiologies, HR 1.07 95% CI (1.02, 1.12). Both gastroenterology consultation and rifaximin utilisation were associated with lower mortality, respective adjusted-HR 0.73 95% CI (0.67, 0.80) and 0.40 95% CI (0.39, 0.42). Thirty-day readmissions were fewer for patients seen by gastroenterologists (0.71 95% CI [0.57-0.88]) and taking rifaximin (0.18 95% CI [0.08-0.40]). Lactulose alone was associated with fewer hospital-days, IRR 0.31 95% CI (0.30-0.32), than rifaximin alone, 0.49 95% CI (0.45-0.53), but the optimal therapy combination was lactulose/rifaximin, IRR 0.28 95% CI (0.27-0.30). These findings were validated in the privately insured cohort adjusting for model for endstage liver disease-sodium score and serum albumin. CONCLUSIONS Hepatic encephalopathy remains morbid and associated with poor outcomes among contemporary patients. Gastroenterology consultation and combination lactulose-rifaximin are both associated with improved outcomes. These data inform the development of care coordination efforts for subjects with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan,Gastroenterology Section, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor
| | | | - Zhe Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan
| | - Chia-Yang Hsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan
| | - Neehar D. Parkih
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan
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Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complex condition with multiple causes each with varying degrees of severity. HE negatively impacts patients' quality of life, and it is associated with significant burdens to patients and their caregivers. The prevalence of cirrhosis, the most common risk factor for HE, has steadily increased during recent years. In turn, an upsurge in the clinical and health care burdens related to HE is expected in the upcoming years. This article provides a comprehensive review of the epidemiology of HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed I Elsaid
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Medical Education Building, 1 Robert Wood Johnson, Room 479, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA.
| | - Vinod K Rustgi
- Center for Liver Diseases and Liver Masses, Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, MedEd Building, Room 466, 1 Robert Wood Johnson Place, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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KASL clinical practice guidelines for liver cirrhosis: Varices, hepatic encephalopathy, and related complications. Clin Mol Hepatol 2020; 26:83-127. [PMID: 31918536 PMCID: PMC7160350 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2019.0010n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Ampuero J, Gil A, Viloria MDM, Rico MC, Millán R, Camacho I, Romero-Gómez M. Oral glutamine challenge is a marker of altered ammonia metabolism and predicts the risk of hepatic encephalopathy. Liver Int 2020; 40:921-930. [PMID: 31729816 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current therapies for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are not completely effective in all patients, probably due to the physiopathological heterogeneity and the different conditions underlying the bout of HE. We hypothesized that oral glutamine challenge (OGC) is able to predict the risk of HE through the identification of various features and types of HE. METHODS We included 238 cirrhotic patients (198 without and 40 with a previous HE episode) that underwent OGC, obtaining baseline and 60 minutes post-load ammonia levels. Combined evaluation of baseline hyperammonemia (>78 mcg/dL) and impaired OGC (Δ >32 mcg/dL) defined low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups. Patients were censored at HE, liver transplantation and death or 6 years of follow-up. RESULTS The 28.3% (56/198) of the main cohort suffered from HE during the follow-up. In the competing risk analysis, both intermediate- (subhazard ratio (sHR) 2.01 (95% CI 1.00-4.14); P = .048) and high-risk groups (sHR 4.67 (95% CI 2.19-9.98); P = .0001) were associated with the first HE episode, together with age and albumin. Similar results were found for repeated HE events. The cumulative incidence for HE of the high-risk group was two and four times greater than the intermediate- and low-risk groups, respectively. The HE grade was also higher in individuals with the greatest risk (P = .035). The most common precipitant factor was diuretics in the high-risk group, while infections and electrolyte imbalance predominated in the rest of patients. CONCLUSION Oral glutamine challenge identified patients at risk of HE and defined specific features of the episodes. This tool could be useful in the decision-making process for the adequate management of HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Ampuero
- Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain.,Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Antonio Gil
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Carmen Rico
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Millán
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Camacho
- Hospital Universitario Virgen de Valme, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Manuel Romero-Gómez
- Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain.,Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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Reduced Cortical Complexity in Cirrhotic Patients with Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:7364649. [PMID: 32256557 PMCID: PMC7104259 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7364649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Gray matter volume loss, regional cortical thinning, and local gyrification index alteration have been documented in minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). Fractal dimension (FD), another morphological parameter, has been widely used to describe structural complexity alterations in neurological or psychiatric disease. Here, we conducted the first study to investigate FD alterations in MHE. Methods and Materials We performed high-resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging on cirrhotic patients with MHE (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 21). We evaluated their cognitive performance using the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES). The regional FD value was calculated by Computational Anatomy Toolbox (CAT12) and compared between groups. We further estimated the association between patients' cognitive performance and FD values. Results MHE patients presented significantly decreased FD values in the left precuneus, left supramarginal gyrus, right caudal anterior cingulate cortex, right isthmus cingulate cortex, right insula, bilateral pericalcarine cortex, and bilateral paracentral cortex compared to normal controls. In addition, the FD values in the right isthmus cingulate cortex and right insula were shown to be positively correlated with patients' cognitive performance. Conclusion Aberrant cortical complexity is an additional characteristic of MHE, and FD analysis may provide novel insight into the neurobiological basis of cognitive dysfunction in MHE.
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Luo M, Ma P, Li L, Cao WK. Advances in psychometric tests for screening minimal hepatic encephalopathy: From paper-and-pencil to computer-aided assessment. TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2020; 30:398-407. [PMID: 31060994 DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2019.18226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a major neuropsychiatric complication of liver cirrhosis and portosystemic shunting. Although MHE produces a spectrum of cognitive impairments in the domains of short-term attention, working memory, and executive function, it generally does not present with obvious clinical manifestation on conventional assessments. Paper-and-pencil psychometric tests, such as the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score and the repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status, are recommended to diagnose MHE. However, these tests are neither rapid nor convenient to use in practice. To facilitate repeated testing in clinic and follow-up, computer-aided psychometric tests, such as the scan test, Cognitive Drug Research assessment battery, inhibitory control test, EncephalApp Stroop App, and critical flicker frequency, have been used to screen for MHE among patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of this review was to describe the progression from the utility of paper-and-pencil to computer-aided psychometric tests for MHE screening in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningxia People's Hospital, Ningxia, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wu-Kui Cao
- Tianjin Liver Disease Institute, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Kedarisetty CK, Bhargav VY, Karthikeyan M, Sathiyasekaran BW, Venkataraman J. The Predicament of the PREDICT Study!! J Clin Exp Hepatol 2020; 10:271. [PMID: 32405184 PMCID: PMC7212285 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2019.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chandan K. Kedarisetty
- Address for correspondence. Chandan K. Kedarisetty, DM (Hepatology), Department of Hepatology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, No.1, Ramachandra Nagar, Porur, Chennai 600116.
| | | | | | | | - Jayanthi Venkataraman
- Departments of Hepatology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
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Lin W, Chen X, Gao YQ, Yang ZT, Yang W, Chen HJ. Hippocampal atrophy and functional connectivity disruption in cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Metab Brain Dis 2019; 34:1519-1529. [PMID: 31363985 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-019-00457-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus is a crucial pathological node for minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and it is associated with various cognitive impairments. Investigations on alterations involving hippocampal morphology and functional connectivity (FC) in MHE are limited. This study aimed to simultaneously evaluate hippocampal volume and FC alterations and their association with cognitive decline in MHE. Twenty-two cirrhotic patients with MHE, 31 cirrhotic patients without MHE (NHE), and 43 healthy controls underwent high-resolution T1-weighted imaging, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, and cognition assessment based on Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES). The structural images were preprocessed using a voxel-based morphometry method, during which hippocampal volume was measured. The hippocampal connectivity network was identified using seed-based correlation analysis. Hippocampal volume and FC strength were compared across the three groups and correlated against the PHES results of the cirrhotic patients. Compared to the controls, MHE patients exhibited a significantly lower bilateral hippocampal volume. A slight decrease in hippocampal volume was obtained from NHE to MHE, but it did not reach statistically significance. In addition, the average FC strength of the bilateral hippocampal connectivity network was significantly lower in the MHE patients. In particular, the MHE patients showed a decrease in FC involving the left hippocampus to bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus and left angular gyrus. The MHE patients also showed FC reduction between the right hippocampus and bilateral medial frontal cortex. A progressive reduction in hippocampal FC from NHE to MHE was also observed. The bilateral hippocampal FC strength (but not hippocampal volume) was positively correlated with the PHES results of the cirrhotic patients. Our assessment of MHE patients revealed decreased hippocampal volume, which suggests regional atrophy, and reduced hippocampal connectivity with regions that are primarily involved in the default-mode network, thereby suggesting a functional disconnection syndrome. These alterations reveal the mechanisms underlying cognitive deterioration with disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwen Lin
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Xuhui Chen
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | | | - Zhe-Ting Yang
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Weizhu Yang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Hua-Jun Chen
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the need for monitoring cognition for minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in children with portal hypertension, few screening methods exist. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Perceived Cognitive Function (PedsPCF) item bank, a 43-item parent- and self-report questionnaire, could be a useful screening tool. This study aimed to evaluate the PedsPCF item bank as a screening tool and explore its correlation with other neurocognitive measures and clinical indicators of portal hypertension. METHODS Pediatric patients with portal hypertension were recruited at Lurie Children's Liver Clinic. A short battery of neuropsychological tests tapping attention, executive functioning, and fine motor speed was administered along with surveys of cognitive functioning (PedsPCF, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function; BRIEF) and quality of life (PROMIS Pediatric-25 Profile). RESULTS Eighteen patients participated (ages 8--17). The PedsPCF correlated well with the BRIEF but did not correlate with neurocognitive testing. Qualitative heatmap analysis of the relationship between z-scores and clinical signs of portal hypertension suggests the PedsPCF is less sensitive than the BRIEF. The fine motor task (Grooved Pegboard) appears to offer the highest sensitivity of the tests administered and is also relatively quick and easy to administer. CONCLUSIONS Elements of the battery show promise in this small pilot sample. The BRIEF and the Grooved Pegboard may hold the most potential for screening in the clinical setting. Further study is necessary to examine this question in a larger multicenter sample.
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