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Mak LY, Liu K, Chirapongsathorn S, Yew KC, Tamaki N, Rajaram RB, Panlilio MT, Lui R, Lee HW, Lai JCT, Kulkarni AV, Premkumar M, Lesmana CRA, Hsu YC, Huang DQ. Liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma in the Asia-Pacific region: burden, trends, challenges and future directions. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:10.1038/s41575-024-00967-4. [PMID: 39147893 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-024-00967-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Globally, nearly half of deaths from cirrhosis and chronic liver diseases (CLD) and three-quarters of deaths from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occur in the Asia-Pacific region. Chronic hepatitis B is responsible for the vast majority of liver-related deaths in the region. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common form of CLD, affecting an estimated 30% of the adult population. Compared with people of European descent, people from the Asia-Pacific region carry more genetic variants associated with MASLD and its progression. Alcohol is a fast-growing cause of CLD and HCC in Asia as a result of the rising per-capita consumption of alcohol. Drug-induced liver injury is under-recognized and probably has a high prevalence in this region. The epidemiological and outcome data of acute-on-chronic liver failure are heterogeneous, and non-unified definitions across regions contribute to this heterogeneity. CLDs are severely underdiagnosed, and effective treatments and vaccinations are underutilized. In this Review, we highlight trends in the burden of CLD and HCC in the Asia-Pacific region and discuss the rapidly changing aetiologies of liver disease. We examine the multiple gaps in the care cascade and propose mitigating strategies and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ken Liu
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rashid Lui
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hye Won Lee
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Anand V Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Madhumita Premkumar
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Yao Chun Hsu
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Graduate Institute of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine and Graduate Institute of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Daniel Q Huang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
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Dibos M, Mayr U, Triebelhorn J, Schmid RM, Lahmer T. [Infections and liver cirrhosis]. Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed 2024:10.1007/s00063-024-01168-2. [PMID: 39120610 DOI: 10.1007/s00063-024-01168-2] [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: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
End-stage liver disease is a life-threatening clinical syndrome combined with a state of immune dysfunction. In this constellation patients are prone to bacterial, fungal and viral infections associated with markedly increased morbidity and mortality rates. Bacterial infections are the most prevalent kind of infection in patients with end-stage liver disease accounting for nearly 30%. The evolving rates of multidrug resistant organisms present enormous challenges in treatment strategies. Therefore, the urgent needs for prevention, early detection strategies and widespread treatment options are a necessity to handle the rising incidence of infection complications in end-stage liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tobias Lahmer
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, München, Deutschland.
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Maiwall R, Kulkarni AV, Arab JP, Piano S. Acute liver failure. Lancet 2024:S0140-6736(24)00693-7. [PMID: 39098320 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(24)00693-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a life-threatening disorder characterised by rapid deterioration of liver function, coagulopathy, and hepatic encephalopathy in the absence of pre-existing liver disease. The cause of ALF varies across the world. Common causes of ALF in adults include drug toxicity, hepatotropic and non-hepatotropic viruses, herbal and dietary supplements, antituberculosis drugs, and autoimmune hepatitis. The cause of liver failure affects the management and prognosis, and therefore extensive investigation for cause is strongly suggested. Sepsis with multiorgan failure and cerebral oedema remain the leading causes of death in patients with ALF and early identification and appropriate management can alter the course of ALF. Liver transplantation is the best current therapy, although the role of artificial liver support systems, particularly therapeutic plasma exchange, can be useful for patients with ALF, especially in non-transplant centres. In this Seminar, we discuss the cause, prognostic models, and management of ALF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakhi Maiwall
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - Anand V Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Juan Pablo Arab
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Salvatore Piano
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University and Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Piano S, Bunchorntavakul C, Marciano S, Rajender Reddy K. Infections in cirrhosis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 9:745-757. [PMID: 38754453 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(24)00078-5] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is an immune dysfunction state, and as such, patients with cirrhosis are susceptible to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Because of infection, these patients have a propensity to develop multiorgan failure, which is associated with high mortality. Bacterial infections are the most prevalent type of infection in patients with cirrhosis, with the prevalence of bacterial infections in patients admitted for an acute decompensating event ranging from 24% to 29%. Together with invasive fungal infections, bacterial infections are the most severe. Multidrug-resistant organisms have been evolving at a rapid and alarming rate around the world, which presents enormous challenges. The development of effective measures for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of infections in patients with cirrhosis is challenging, given the rising incidence of infections in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Piano
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University and Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Sebastian Marciano
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Italian Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - K Rajender Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Kulkarni AV, Gustot T, Reddy KR. Liver transplantation for acute liver failure and acute-on-chronic liver failure. Am J Transplant 2024:S1600-6135(24)00435-0. [PMID: 39094950 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2024.07.012] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) and acute-on-chronic liver (ACLF) are distinct phenotypes of liver failure and, thus, need to be compared and contrasted for appropriate management. There has been a significant improvement in the outcomes of these patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). Survival post-LT for ALF and ACLF ranges between 90% and 95% and 80% and 90% at 1 year, futility criteria have been described in both ALF and ACLF where organ failures define survival. Plasma exchange and continuous renal replacement therapy may serve as bridging therapies. Identifying the futility of LT is as necessary as the utility of LT in patients with ALF and ACLF. The role of regenerative therapies such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factors in ACLF and hepatocyte and xenotransplantation in both conditions remains uncertain. Measures to increase the donor pool through increasing deceased donor transplants in Asian countries, living donations in Western countries, auxiliary liver transplants, and ABO-incompatible liver transplants are necessary to improve the survival of these patients. In this review, we discuss the similarities and differences in clinical characteristics and the timing and outcomes of LT for ALF and ACLF, briefly highlighting the role of bridging therapies and providing an overview of recent advances in the management of ALF and ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand V Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Thierry Gustot
- Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepato-Pancreatology and Digestive Oncology, HUB Hôpital Erasme, Brussels, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Gastroenterology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium; Inserm Unité 1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'inflammation (CRI), Paris, France; UMR S_1149, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - K Rajender Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
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Kulkarni AV, Avadhanam M, Karandikar P, Rakam K, Gupta A, Simhadri V, Premkumar M, Zuberi AA, Gujjarlapudi D, Narendran R, Shaik S, Sharma M, Iyengar S, Alla M, Venishetty S, Reddy DN, Rao PN. Antibiotics With or Without Rifaximin for Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy in Critically Ill Patients With Cirrhosis: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled (ARiE) Trial. Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:864-874. [PMID: 37942950 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Critically ill patients with cirrhosis admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are usually on broad-spectrum antibiotics because of suspected infection or as a hospital protocol. It is unclear if additional rifaximin has any synergistic effect with broad-spectrum antibiotics in ICU patients with acute overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE). METHODS In this double-blind trial, patients with overt HE admitted to ICU were randomized to receive antibiotics (ab) alone or antibiotics with rifaximin (ab + r). Resolution (or 2 grade reduction) of HE, time to resolution of HE, in-hospital mortality, nosocomial infection, and changes in endotoxin levels were compared between the 2 groups. A subgroup analysis of patients with decompensated cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure was performed. RESULTS Baseline characteristics and severity scores were similar among both groups (92 in each group). Carbapenems and cephalosporin with beta-lactamase inhibitors were the most commonly used ab. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, 44.6% (41/92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 32-70.5) in ab-only arm and 46.7% (43/92; 95% CI, 33.8-63) in ab + r arm achieved the primary objective ( P = 0.84).Time to achieve the primary objective (3.65 ± 1.82 days and 4.11 ± 2.01 days; P = 0.27) and in-hospital mortality were similar among both groups (62% vs 50%; P = 0.13). Seven percent and 13% in the ab and ab + r groups developed nosocomial infections ( P = 0.21). Endotoxin levels were unaffected by rifaximin. Rifaximin led to lower in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio: 0.39 [95% CI, 0.2-0.76]) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis but not in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (hazard ratio: 0.99 [95% CI, 0.6-1.63]) because of reduced nosocomial infections. DISCUSSION Reversal of overt HE in those on ab was comparable with those on ab + r.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kalyan Rakam
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Anand Gupta
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Venu Simhadri
- Department of Basic Sciences, Asian Healthcare Foundation, Hyderabad, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Sameer Shaik
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mithun Sharma
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sowmya Iyengar
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Manasa Alla
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
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Kulkarni AV, Venishetty S, Vora M, Naik P, Chouhan D, Iyengar S, Karandikar P, Gupta A, Gahra A, Rakam K, Parthasarthy K, Alla M, Sharma M, Ramachandra S, Menon B, Gupta R, Padaki NR, Reddy DN. Standard-Volume Is As Effective As High-Volume Plasma Exchange for Patients With Acute Liver Failure. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101354. [PMID: 38406612 PMCID: PMC10885581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2024.101354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Acute liver failure (ALF) is associated with fatal outcomes without liver transplantation. Two randomized studies reported standard volume (SV) and high volume (HV) plasma exchange (PLEX) as effective therapeutic modalities for patients with ALF. However, no studies have compared the safety and efficacy of SV with HV PLEX, which we aimed to assess. Methods This retrospective study included patients with ALF admitted between March 2021 and March 2023 who underwent PLEX. All patients underwent HV PLEX until May 2022, and then thereafter, SV PLEX was performed. The objectives of the study were to compare transplant-free survival (TFS) at 30 days, efficacy in reducing severity scores, biochemical variables, and adverse events between SV (total plasma volume x 1) and HV (total plasma volume x 1.5-2) PLEX. Results Forty two ALF patients (median age: 23.5 years; females: 57.1%; MELD Na: 34.67 ± 6.07; SOFA score- 5.24 ± 1.42) underwent PLEX. Of these, 22 patients underwent SV-PLEX, and 20 underwent HV-PLEX. The mean age, sex, etiology distribution, and severity scores were similar between the groups. The median number of PLEX sessions (2) was similar in both groups. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, TFS was 45.5% in SV group and 45% in HV group (P = 0.76). A comparable decline in total bilirubin, PT/INR, ammonia, and MELD Na scores was noted in both groups. The cumulative number of adverse events was similar between the HV group (77.3%) and SV group (54.5%; P = 0.12). Conclusions SV PLEX is safe and as effective as HV PLEX in patients with ALF. Further randomized controlled trials with a larger sample size are needed to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Moiz Vora
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Pragati Naik
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Sowmya Iyengar
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Puja Karandikar
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Anand Gupta
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Amrit Gahra
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Kalyan Rakam
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Manasa Alla
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mithun Sharma
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sumana Ramachandra
- Department of Liver Transplantation Surgery, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Balachandran Menon
- Department of Liver Transplantation Surgery, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Rajesh Gupta
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Duvvu N. Reddy
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
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Kulkarni AV, Zuberi AA, Chaitanya K, Doolam H, Reddy S, Lakshmi PK, Godbole S, Shantan V, Iyengar S, Alla M, Sharma M, Reddy DN, Rao PN. Human albumin infusion is safe and effective even in patients without acute kidney injury and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Indian J Gastroenterol 2024; 43:485-493. [PMID: 38085502 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-023-01475-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Human albumin (HA) solution is currently recommended only for patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and acute kidney injury (AKI). However, its use in hospitalized patients is quite frequent. The objective was to compare the outcomes of patients receiving HA in recommended (Gr. A) vs. non-recommended (Gr. B) indications. METHODS In this prospective study, consecutive hospitalized patients who received HA were included. Apart from comparing the proportion of patients achieving resolution of hyponatremia, infection and hepatic encephalopathy among Gr. A and Gr. B, we also compared the in-hospital survival and performed a sub-group analysis of patients with the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and decompensated cirrhosis (DC). RESULTS Of the 396 hospitalized patients who received HA, 180 had AKI and/or SBP (Gr. A), and 216 received albumin for non-recommended indications (Gr. B). The mean age, sex and etiology distribution were similar. The total dose of HA was higher (88 ± 61.62 g vs. 71.31 ± 488.17 g; p = 0.003) and the duration longer (4 ± 2.37 vs. 3.4 ± 1.82 days; p = 0.005) in Gr. A than B. The resolution of infection and HE was similar among both groups, while hyponatremia resolution was significantly higher in Gr. B (94.7%) than Gr. A (75.6%; p < 0.001). On Kaplan-Meier analysis, survival was significantly higher in Gr. B (94%) than Gr. A (78.9%; p < 0.001). The incidence of albumin-induced fluid overload was comparable (2.8% vs. 1.4%; p = 0.32). Patients with ACLF were sicker with a higher incidence of microbiologically proven infection, hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and hyponatremia than in the DC group. Resolution of infection and hyponatremia and in-hospital survival was significantly lower in the ACLF group (72.5%) than in the DC group (92.7%; p < 0.001). Eighty-six per cent of patients achieved resolution of ACLF. CONCLUSIONS HA infusion is safe and effective even in patients without AKI and SBP and leads to the resolution of infection, hyponatremia, HE and ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand V Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, 500 032, India.
| | - Asim Ahmed Zuberi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, 500 032, India
| | - K Chaitanya
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, 500 032, India
| | - Harshitha Doolam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, 500 032, India
| | - Santhosh Reddy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, 500 032, India
| | - P K Lakshmi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, G. Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy, Hyderabad, 500 028, India
| | | | | | - Sowmya Iyengar
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, 500 032, India
| | - Manasa Alla
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, 500 032, India
| | - Mithun Sharma
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, 500 032, India
| | | | - P N Rao
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, 500 032, India
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Kulkarni AV. Role of Prophylactic Antibiotics in Patients with Severe Alcohol-related Hepatitis. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:1146-1148. [PMID: 37975035 PMCID: PMC10643504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.06.012] [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: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
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Kulkarni A, Rakam K, Avadhanam M, V P Y, Rachakonda C, Satyavadi A, Zuberi AA, Reddy S, Iyengar S, Gupta A, Sharma M, Padaki NR, Rajender R, Duvvur NR. Predictors and Outcomes of Infections in ICU Patients With Cirrhosis: A Single-Center Observational Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e47151. [PMID: 38022175 PMCID: PMC10652166 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with cirrhosis are susceptible to infections, especially by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). There are limited data on the incidence of culture-positive infections and the validity of Sepsis 3-criteria in patients with cirrhosis admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in India, which we aimed to assess. METHODS In this prospective study, we included consecutive patients with cirrhosis admitted to the ICU between November 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022. The primary objective was to compare the outcomes of patients with microbiologically proven infections with those without proven infections. The secondary objective was to assess the predictors of infections and mortality and the impact of drug-resistant organisms. RESULTS A total of 298 patients (9.4% women) were included. The incidence of microbiologically proven infection was 34% (101/298; 95%CI=27.6-41.2). Most patients (61%) had healthcare-associated infections, Gram-negative organisms accounted for 75.3%, and bacteremia was the commonest site. Drug-resistant organisms accounted for 52.5% (53/101; 95%CI=39.3-68.7), of which 39.6% were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and 12.8% were extensively drug-resistant (XDR). Mortality was significantly higher in patients with proven infections than those without (61.4% vs. 44.2%; P=0.007). The sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (OR=1.91; 95%CI=1.04-3.52; P<0.001) and presence of fever and/or positive quick SOFA (qSOFA; OR=1.91;1.04-3.52; P=0.03) were associated with an increased risk of infections. The SOFA score (OR=1.06;95%CI=1.002-1.12; P=0.04), MELD NA score (OR=1.08;95%CI=1.05-1.12; P<0.001), and presence of fever and/or positive qSOFA (OR=2.19; 95%CI=1.27-3.76; P=0.005) predicted mortality. CONCLUSIONS One-third of the patients with cirrhosis admitted to the ICU had microbiologically proven infection, and the mortality rate in such patients was high. SOFA, qSOFA, and fever can predict microbiologically proven infections and mortality in patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Kulkarni
- Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Hyderabad, IND
| | - Kalyan Rakam
- Critical Care Medicine, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Hyderabad, IND
| | - Mahathi Avadhanam
- Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Hyderabad, IND
| | - Yogita V P
- Clinical Pharmacy, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Hyderabad, IND
| | | | - Anveshi Satyavadi
- Critical Care Medicine, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Hyderabad, IND
| | - Asim A Zuberi
- Clinical Pharmacy, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Hyderabad, IND
| | - Santhosh Reddy
- Clinical Pharmacy, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Hyderabad, IND
| | - Sowmya Iyengar
- Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Hyderabad, IND
| | - Anand Gupta
- Critical Care Medicine, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Hyderabad, IND
| | - Mithun Sharma
- Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Hyderabad, IND
| | - Nagaraja R Padaki
- Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Hyderabad, IND
| | - Reddy Rajender
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadephia, USA
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Zheng J, Li J, Zhang Z, Yu Y, Tan J, Liu Y, Gong J, Wang T, Wu X, Guo Z. Clinical Data based XGBoost Algorithm for infection risk prediction of patients with decompensated cirrhosis: a 10-year (2012-2021) Multicenter Retrospective Case-control study. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:310. [PMID: 37704966 PMCID: PMC10500933 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02949-3] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To appraise effective predictors for infection in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (DC) by using XGBoost algorithm in a retrospective case-control study. METHODS Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 6,648 patients with DC admitted to five tertiary hospitals. Indicators with significant differences were determined by univariate analysis and least absolute contraction and selection operator (LASSO) regression. Further multi-tree extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) machine learning-based model was used to rank importance of features selected from LASSO and subsequently constructed infection risk prediction model with simple-tree XGBoost model. Finally, the simple-tree XGBoost model is compared with the traditional logical regression (LR) model. Performances of models were evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS Six features, including total bilirubin, blood sodium, albumin, prothrombin activity, white blood cell count, and neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio were selected as predictors for infection in patients with DC. Simple-tree XGBoost model conducted by these features can predict infection risk accurately with an AUROC of 0.971, sensitivity of 0.915, and specificity of 0.900 in training set. The performance of simple-tree XGBoost model is better than that of traditional LR model in training set, internal verification set, and external feature set (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The simple-tree XGBoost predictive model developed based on a minimal amount of clinical data available to DC patients with restricted medical resources could help primary healthcare practitioners promptly identify potential infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zheng
- Operation Management Office, Affiliated Banan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401320, China
| | - Jianjun Li
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated Banan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401320, China
| | - Zhengyu Zhang
- Medical Records Department, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Senior Bioinformatician Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, US
| | - Juntao Tan
- Operation Management Office, Affiliated Banan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401320, China
| | - Yunyu Liu
- Medical Records Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Jun Gong
- Department of Information Center, the University Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- College of Medical Informatics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiaoxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qing Chun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zihao Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Banan Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400054, China.
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12
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Fatima I, Jahagirdar V, Kulkarni AV, Reddy R, Sharma M, Menon B, Reddy DN, Rao PN. Liver Transplantation: Protocol for Recipient Selection, Evaluation, and Assessment. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:841-853. [PMID: 37693258 PMCID: PMC10483012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the definitive therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, acute-on-chronic liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma, and metabolic liver diseases. The acceptance of LT in Asia has been gradually increasing and so is the expertise to perform LT. Preparing a patient with cirrhosis for LT is the most important aspect of a successful LT. The preparation for LT begins with the first index decompensation for a patient with cirrhosis. Patients planned for LT should undergo a thorough screening for infections, and a complete cardiac, pulmonology, and psychosocial evaluation pre-LT. In this review, we discuss the indications and contraindications of LT and the evaluation and assessment of patients with liver disease planned for LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifrah Fatima
- University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, MO, USA
| | | | | | - Raghuram Reddy
- Department of Liver Transplantation Surgery, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mithun Sharma
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Balchandran Menon
- Department of Liver Transplantation Surgery, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
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13
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Abstract
In recent years there has been a significant increase in the incidence of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). This syndrome is characterized by infections, organ failures, and high short-term mortality. Although progress in the management of these sick patients has been evident, liver transplantation (LT) remains the best treatment modality to date. Several studies have reported LT as a feasible option, despite organ failures. The outcomes following LT are inversely related to the grade of ACLF. This review discusses the current literature on the feasibility, futility, timing, and outcomes of LT in patients with ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand V Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad-500032, India
| | - K Rajender Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, 2 Dulles, Liver Transplant Office 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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14
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Kulkarni AV, Lee J, Reddy KR. Terlipressin in the management of adults with hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI). Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:1067-1079. [PMID: 37856367 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2023.2273494] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Kidney is the most common extra-hepatic organ involved in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure. Hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI) accounts for most hospitalizations, and liver transplantation (LT) remains the ultimate and long-term treatment in such patients. However, HRS-AKI, being a functional renal failure, has a fair chance of reversal, and as such, patients who achieve reversal of HRS-AKI have better outcomes post-LT. AREAS COVERED In this review, we discuss the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and evidence to support the use of terlipressin in HRS-AKI while we also address predictors of response and the associated adverse events. Further, we discuss the role of terlipressin in the context of LT. EXPERT OPINION The recommended treatment for HRS-AKI reversal includes a vasoconstrictor in addition to volume expansion with albumin. The three vasoconstrictor regimens generally used to treat HRS-AKI include octreotide plus midodrine, noradrenaline, and terlipressin. Of these, terlipressin is a widely used drug and has been recently approved by US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for HRS-AKI. Terlipressin is the most effective drug for HRS-AKI reversal and is associated with a decreased need for renal replacement therapy pre- and post-transplant. Furthermore, terlipressin responders have improved transplant-free and post-transplant survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand V Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Jason Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - K Rajender Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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15
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Jagdish RK, Roy A, Kumar K, Premkumar M, Sharma M, Rao PN, Reddy DN, Kulkarni AV. Pathophysiology and management of liver cirrhosis: from portal hypertension to acute-on-chronic liver failure. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1060073. [PMID: 37396918 PMCID: PMC10311004 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1060073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis transcends various progressive stages from compensation to decompensation driven by the severity of portal hypertension. The downstream effect of increasing portal hypertension severity leads to various pathophysiological pathways, which result in the cardinal complications of cirrhosis, including ascites, variceal hemorrhage, and hepatic encephalopathy. Additionally, the severity of portal hypertension is the central driver for further advanced complications of hyperdynamic circulation, hepatorenal syndrome, and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. The management of these individual complications has specific nuances which have undergone significant developments. In contrast to the classical natural history of cirrhosis and its complications which follows an insidious trajectory, acute-on-chronic failure (ACLF) leads to a rapidly downhill course with high short-term mortality unless intervened at the early stages. The management of ACLF involves specific interventions, which have quickly evolved in recent years. In this review, we focus on complications of portal hypertension and delve into an approach toward ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar Jagdish
- Department of Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Medicine, Metro Hospital, Noida, India
| | - Akash Roy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastrosciences and Liver Transplantation, Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata, India
| | - Karan Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, India
| | - Madhumita Premkumar
- Department of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Mithun Sharma
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Padaki Nagaraja Rao
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Anand V. Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
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16
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Marciano S, Gutierrez-Acevedo MN, Barbero S, Del C Notari L, Agozino M, Fernandez JL, Anders MM, Grigera N, Antinucci F, Orozco Ganem OF, Murga MD, Perez D, Palazzo A, Martinez Rejtman L, Duarte IG, Vorobioff J, Trevizan V, Bulaty S, Bessone F, Valverde M, Elizondo M, Bosia JD, Borzi SM, Stieben TE, Masola A, Ferretti SE, Arufe D, Demirdjian E, Raffa MP, Peralta M, Fainboim HA, Vazquez CE, Ruiz P, Martínez JE, Heffner LA, Odzak A, Dirchwolf M, Smud A, Mendizabal M, Bellizzi C, Martinez A, Tomatis J, Bruno A, Ramos A, Pages J, Tevez S, Gadano AC, Giunta DH. Norfloxacin prophylaxis effect on multidrug resistance in patients with cirrhosis and bacterial infections. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 42:481-491. [PMID: 36820931 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04572-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
It is unclear whether norfloxacin predisposes to infections by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). We aimed to evaluate if patients with cirrhosis receiving norfloxacin prophylaxis at the time of the diagnosis of bacterial infections were more likely to present a multidrug-resistant isolate than those without prophylaxis. This is a cross-sectional study of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and bacterial infections from Argentina and Uruguay (NCT03919032) from September 2018 to December 2020. The outcome variable was a multidrug-resistant bacterial infection. We used inverse probability of treatment weighting to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of norfloxacin on infection caused by MDROs considering potential confounders. Among the 472 patients from 28 centers, 53 (11%) were receiving norfloxacin at the time of the bacterial infection. Patients receiving norfloxacin had higher MELD-sodium, were more likely to have ascites or encephalopathy, to receive rifaximin, beta-blockers, and proton-pump inhibitors, to have a nosocomial or health-care-associated infection, prior bacterial infections, admissions to critical care units or invasive procedures, and to be admitted in a liver transplant center. In addition, we found that 13 (24.5%) patients with norfloxacin and 90 (21.5%) of those not receiving it presented infections caused by MDROs (adjusted OR 1.55; 95% CI: 0.60-4.03; p = 0.360). The use of norfloxacin prophylaxis at the time of the diagnosis of bacterial infections was not associated with multidrug resistance. These results help empiric antibiotic selection and reassure the current indication of norfloxacin prophylaxis in well-selected patients.Study registration number: NCT03919032.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Marciano
- Liver Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Department of Research, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | - Sabrina Barbero
- Liver Unit, Hospital Churruca Visca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | - Nadia Grigera
- Liver Unit, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Maria D Murga
- Liver Unit, Hospital A.C. Padilla, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Daniela Perez
- Liver Unit, Hospital A.C. Padilla, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Ana Palazzo
- Liver Unit, Hospital A.C. Padilla, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | | | - Ivonne G Duarte
- P. R. Liver Unit, Hospital 4 de Junio, Sáenz Peña, Argentina
| | - Julio Vorobioff
- Liver Unit, Hospital Provincial del Centenario, Rosario, Argentina
| | | | - Sofía Bulaty
- Liver Unit, Hospital Provincial del Centenario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Fernando Bessone
- Liver Unit, Hospital Provincial del Centenario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Valverde
- Liver Unit, Unidad Bi-Institucional de Trasplante Hepatico, Hospital de Clínicas - Hospital Militar, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Martín Elizondo
- Liver Unit, Unidad Bi-Institucional de Trasplante Hepatico, Hospital de Clínicas - Hospital Militar, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Diego Arufe
- Liver Unit, Sanatorio Sagrado Corazón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Maria P Raffa
- Liver Unit, Sanatorio Sagrado Corazón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Cintia E Vazquez
- Liver Unit, Regional Hospital of Rio Gallegos, Rio Gallegos, Argentina
| | - Pablo Ruiz
- Liver Unit, Regional Hospital of Rio Gallegos, Rio Gallegos, Argentina
| | | | | | - Andrea Odzak
- Liver Unit, Hospital Argerich, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Astrid Smud
- Infectious Diseases Section, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Ana Martinez
- Liver Unit, Hospital Fernández, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jesica Tomatis
- Liver Unit, Hospital Privado de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Andres Bruno
- Liver Unit, Hospital Argerich, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agñel Ramos
- Liver Unit, Sanatorio Parque, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Josefina Pages
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| | - Silvina Tevez
- Liver Unit, Sanatorio Güemes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adrian C Gadano
- Liver Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Research, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego H Giunta
- Department of Research, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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17
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Conventional Antibiotics for Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis: Are They Still Effective? Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:613-614. [PMID: 36799905 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002155] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
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18
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Abstract
Patients with cirrhosis frequently require admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Common indications for admission to ICU include one or more reasons of sepsis, shock due to any cause, acute gastrointestinal bleeding, and altered mentation either due to hepatic encephalopathy, alcohol withdrawal/intoxication, or metabolic encephalopathy. The appropriate critical care of an individual can determine the outcomes of these sick patients. The Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability (ABCD) approach to a patient admitted to ICU includes airway, breathing, circulation, and disability management. In this review, the authors discuss the common indications for ICU admission in a patient with cirrhosis and also their management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahathi Avadhanam
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen Elizabeth hospital, London, UK
| | - Anand V Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, India-500032.
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19
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Kulkarni AV, Jaggaiahgari S, Iyengar S, Simhadri V, Gujjarlapudi D, Rugwani H, Vemula VK, Gora BA, Shaik S, Sharma M, Sasikala M, Padaki NR, Rajender Reddy K, Reddy DN. Poor immune response to coronavirus disease vaccines in decompensated cirrhosis patients and liver transplant recipients. Vaccine 2022; 40:6971-6978. [PMID: 36374707 PMCID: PMC9595300 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Recent studies have reported poor humoral immune response to mRNA vaccines in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). However, the immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 (vector-based) and BBV152 (inactivated virus) vaccines in patients with CLD and liver transplant recipients (LTRs) is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to assess the immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 and BBV152 vaccines in patients with CLD (including cirrhosis patients) and LTRs. METHODS In this single-center prospective study, consecutive completely vaccinated (ChAdOx1 or BBV152) non-cirrhosis CLD patients, those with cirrhosis, and LTRs were compared with matched healthy controls for anti-spike antibody and cellular response. RESULTS Sixty healthy individuals, 50 NCCLD patients, 63 compensated and 50 decompensated cirrhosis, and 17 LTRs were included. The proportion of non-responders was similar among the healthy control (8 %), non-cirrhosis CLD (16 %), and compensated cirrhosis groups (17.5 %;p = 0.3). However, a higher proportion of patients with decompensated cirrhosis (34 %) and LTRs (59 %) were non-responders than the healthy controls (p = 0.001). Cluster of differentiation (CD) 4-effector cells were lower in patients with non-cirrhosis CLD and compensated cirrhosis. CD4-naïve, CD4-effector, B, and B-memory cells were lower in the decompensated cirrhosis group. Although the central memory cells were higher in the decompensated cirrhosis group, they could not differentiate into effector cells. CD4- and CD8-naïve cells were higher in the marrow in the LTRs, while the CD4-effector memory cells and CD4- and CD8-effector cells were lower in the LTRs. Furthermore, B cells were more deficient in the LTRs, suggesting poor antibody response. CONCLUSION Patients with decompensated cirrhosis and LTRs demonstrated suboptimal humoral and cellular immune responses against recombinant and inactivated COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand V. Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India,Corresponding authors
| | | | - Sowmya Iyengar
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Venu Simhadri
- Department of Basic Science, Asian Healthcare Foundation, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Hardik Rugwani
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Venkata Krishna Vemula
- Department of Basic Science, Asian Healthcare Foundation, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Baqar Ali Gora
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sameer Shaik
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mithun Sharma
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mitnal Sasikala
- Department of Basic Science, Asian Healthcare Foundation, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - K. Rajender Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA,Corresponding authors
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