Shock Etiologies and Fluid Management in Liver Failure

Diagnosis and management of pediatric acute liver failure: consensus recommendations of the Indian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ISPGHAN)

Timely diagnosis and management of pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is of paramount importance to improve survival. The Indian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition invited national and international experts to identify and review important management and research questions. These covered the definition, age appropriate stepwise workup for the etiology, non-invasive diagnosis and management of cerebral edema, prognostic scores, criteria for listing for liver transplantation (LT) and bridging therapies in PALF. Statements and recommendations based on evidences assessed using the modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system were developed, deliberated and critically reappraised by circulation. The final consensus recommendations along with relevant published background information are presented here. We expect that these recommendations would be followed by the pediatric and adult medical fraternity to improve the outcomes of PALF patients.

Acute liver failure

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.

Acute kidney injury in acute liver failure: A narrative review

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of acute liver failure (ALF) and it worsens the already worse prognoses of ALF. ALF is an uncommon disease, with varying etiologies and varying definitions in different parts of the world. There is limited literature on the impact of AKI on the outcome of ALF with or without transplantation. The multifaceted etiology of AKI in ALF encompasses factors such as hemodynamic instability, systemic inflammation, sepsis and direct nephrotoxicity. Indications of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for AKI in ALF patients extend beyond the conventional criteria for dialysis and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) may have a role in transplant-free survival or bridge to liver transplantation (LT). LT is a life-saving option for ALF, so despite somewhat lower survival rates of LT in ALF patients with AKI, LT is not usually deferred. In this review, we will discuss the guidelines' recommended definition and classification of AKI in ALF, the impact of AKI in ALF, the pathophysiology of AKI and the role of CRRT and LT in ALF patients with AKI.

GRP78 improves the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells on hemorrhagic shock-induced liver injury: Involvement of the NF-кB and HO-1/Nrf-2 pathways

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a popular cell source for repairing the liver. Improving the survival rate and colonization time of MSCs may significantly improve the therapeutic outcomes of MSCs. Studies showed that 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) expression improves cell viability and migration. This study aims to examine whether GRP78 overexpression improves the efficacy of rat bone marrow-derived MSCs (rBMSCs) in HS-induced liver damage. Bone marrow was isolated from the femurs and tibias of rats. rBMSCs were transfected with a GFP-labeled GRP78 expression vector. Flow cytometry, transwell invasion assay, scratch assay immunoblotting, TUNEL assay, MTT assay, and ELISA were carried out. The results showed that GRP78 overexpression enhanced the migration and invasion of rBMSCs. Moreover, GRP78-overexpressing rBMSCs relieved liver damage, repressed liver oxidative stress, and inhibited apoptosis. We found that overexpression of GRP78 in rBMSCs inhibited activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, significantly decreased the levels of inflammatory factors, and decreased the expression of CD68. Notably, GRP78 overexpression activated the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway and inhibited the NF-κB pathway. High expression of GRP78 efficiently enhanced the effect of rBMSC therapy. GRP78 may be a potential target to improve the therapeutic efficacy of BMSCs.

Incidence of hypoxic hepatitis in patients with cardiogenic shock and association with mortality

AIMS

Shock of any cause leads to end-organ damage due to ischaemia, especially in perfusion-sensitive organs such as the liver. In septic shock, hypoxic hepatitis (S-HH) is defined as the 20-fold increase of the upper normal limit of aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and is associated with a mortality of up to 60%. However, as pathophysiology, dynamics, and treatment differ between septic and cardiogenic shock (CS), the S-HH definition may not be suitable for CS. Therefore, we aim to evaluate if the S-HH definition is applicable in CS patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This analysis was based on a registry of all-comer CS patients treated between 2009 and 2019 at a tertiary care centre with exclusion of minors and patients without all necessary ASAT and ALAT values. N = 698. During in-hospital follow-up, 386 (55.3%) patients died. The S-HH was not significantly associated with in-hospital mortality in CS patients. To define HH among patients with CS (C-HH), optimal cut-off values were found to be ≥1.34-fold increase for ASAT and ≥1.51-fold increase for ALAT in serial measurements. The incidence of C-HH was 254/698 patients (36%) and C-HH showed a strong association with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 2.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.61, 3.49).

CONCLUSION

The C-HH is a frequent and relevant comorbidity in patients with CS, although its definition varies from the established definition of HH in patients with septic shock. As C-HH contributed to excess mortality risk, these findings emphasize the need for further investigation of therapies reducing the occurrence of C-HH and also improving the associated outcome.

Management of the acute on chronic liver failure in the intensive care unit

Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) reflects the development of organ failure(s) in a patient with cirrhosis and is associated with high short-term mortality. Given that ACLF has many different 'phenotypes', medical management needs to take into account the relationship between precipitating insult, organ systems involved and underlying physiology of chronic liver disease/cirrhosis. The goals of intensive care management of patients suffering ACLF are to rapidly recognize and treat inciting events (e.g. infection, severe alcoholic hepatitis and bleeding) and to aggressively support failing organ systems to ensure that patients may successfully undergo liver transplantation or recovery. Management of these patients is complex since they are prone to develop new organ failures and infectious or bleeding complications. ICU therapy parallels that applied in the general ICU population in some complications but differs in others. Given that liver transplantation in ACLF is an emerging and evolving field, multidisciplinary teams with expertise in critical care and transplant medicine best accomplish management of the critically ill ACLF patient. The focus of this review is to identify the common complications of ACLF and to describe the proper management in critically ill patients awaiting liver transplantation in our centres, including organ support, prognostic assessment and how to assess when recovery is unlikely.

Emerging concepts in the care of patients with cirrhosis and septic shock

Septic shock impacts approximately 6% of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Although a number of landmark clinical trials have paved the way for incremental improvements in the diagnosis and management of septic shock in the general population, patients with cirrhosis have largely been excluded from these studies and critical knowledge gaps continue to impact the care of these individuals. In this review, we discuss nuances in the care of patients with cirrhosis and septic shock using a pathophysiology-based approach. We illustrate that septic shock may be challenging to diagnose in this population in the context of factors such as chronic hypotension, impaired lactate metabolism, and concomitant hepatic encephalopathy. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the application of routine interventions such as intravenous fluids, vasopressors, antibiotics, and steroids should be carefully considered among those with decompensated cirrhosis in light of hemodynamic, metabolic, hormonal, and immunologic disturbances. We propose that future research should include and characterize patients with cirrhosis in a systematic manner, and clinical practice guidelines may need to be refined accordingly.

Clinical Guideline on Perioperative Management of Patients with Advanced Chronic Liver Disease

(1) Background: Patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) are living longer with more comorbidities because of improved medical and surgical management. However, patients with ACLD are at increased risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality; (2) Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature to support a narrative clinical guideline about the assessment of mortality risk and management of perioperative morbidity in patients with ACLD undergoing surgical procedures; (3) Results: Slight data exist to guide the perioperative management of patients with ACLD, and most recommendations are based on case series and expert opinion. The severity of liver dysfunction, portal hypertension, cardiopulmonary and renal comorbidities, and complexity of surgery and type (elective versus emergent) are predictors of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Expert multidisciplinary teams are necessary to evaluate and manage ACLD before, during, and after surgical procedures; (4) Conclusions: This clinical practice document updates the available data and recommendations to optimize the management of patients with advanced chronic liver disease who undergo surgical procedures.

Severe Epistaxis in the Pediatric Patient: A Simulation for Emergency Department Management

Severe, uncontrolled epistaxis in a pediatric patient can lead to a compromised bloody airway and the potential need for significant volume resuscitation secondary to hemorrhagic shock if not managed emergently. In this report, a simulated 11-month-old patient with underlying liver disease presents to the emergency department setting. The goal was to familiarize advanced pediatric emergency medicine trainees and experienced providers with immediate bedside interventions and clinical management steps for a patient with severe, difficult-to-control epistaxis to increase preparedness for future clinical scenarios. Additionally, this case highlights resuscitation considerations for patients with liver disease, including sources of bleeding, consulting services, medications, and approach to massive transfusion in liver disease.

Mastering Core Recommendations during HEPAtology ROUNDS in Patients with Advanced Chronic Liver Disease

Efficient and thorough care of hospitalized patients with advanced chronic liver disease is of utter importance to improve outcomes and optimize quality of life. This requires understanding current evidence and best practices. To facilitate focus on up-to-date knowledge and a practical approach, we have created the HEPA-ROUNDS mnemonic while outlining a practical review of the literature with critical appraisal for the busy clinician. The HEPA-ROUNDS mnemonic provides a structured approach that incorporates critical concepts in terms of prevention, management, and prognostication of the most common complications frequently encountered in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. In addition, implementing the HEPA-ROUNDS mnemonic can facilitate education for trainees and staff caring for patients with advanced chronic liver disease.

Management of Decompensated Cirrhosis in the Surgical ICU: an American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Critical Care Committee Clinical Consensus Document

Management of decompensated cirrhosis (DC) can be challenging for the surgical intensivist. Management of DC is often complicated by ascites, coagulopathy, hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatorenal syndrome, and difficulty assessing volume status. This Clinical Consensus Document created by the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Critical Care Committee reviews practical clinical questions about the critical care management of patients with DC to facilitate best practices by the bedside provider.

Acute Liver Failure in Children

Acute liver failure (ALF) in children, irrespective of cause, is a rapidly evolving catastrophic clinical condition that results in high mortality and morbidity without prompt identification and intervention. Massive hepatocyte necrosis impairs the synthetic, excretory, and detoxification abilities of the liver, with resultant coagulopathy, jaundice, metabolic disturbance, and encephalopathy. Extrahepatic organ damage, multiorgan failure, and death result from circulating inflammatory mediators released by the hepatocytes undergoing necrosis. There are yet no treatment options available for reversing or halting hepatocellular necrosis, thus current therapy focuses on supporting failing organs and preventing life threatening complications pending either spontaneous liver recovery or transplantation. The aims of this review are to define pediatric acute liver failure (PALF), understand the pathophysiologic processes that lead to multiorgan failure, to describe the consequences of a failing liver on extrahepatic organs, to enumerate the critical care challenges encountered during PALF management, and to describe pharmacologic and extracorporeal options available to support a critically ill child with ALF in the intensive care unit.

Effects of Silicone Mattress Combined with Hydrocolloid Dressing on Pressure Ulcers and Phlebitis in ICU Patients with Liver Failure

Objective

This study was aimed at clarifying the application effect of silicone mattress combined with hydrocolloid dressing in ICU patients with liver failure.

Methods

A total of 86 patients with liver failure admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from September 2018 to September 2020 were selected as the research subjects. Patients treated with conventional sponge mattress and routine nursing care were included in group A (n = 43), and those treated with silicone mattress combined with hydrocolloid dressing were included in group B (n = 43). The incidence of pressure ulcers and phlebitis, the scores of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the nursing satisfaction were observed and compared between the two groups.

Results

The incidence of pressure ulcers in group B (6.98%) was lower than that in group A (25.58%). The incidence of phlebitis in group B was lower than that in group A (20.93% vs. 53.49%). The VAS score of group B was 2.16 ± 0.38, which was lower than that of group A (4.86 ± 1.09). The PSQI score of group B was lower than that of group A (9.74 ± 2.76 vs. 14.84 ± 3.95). A higher nursing satisfaction was determined in group B compared with group A (93.02% vs. 76.74%).

Conclusions

Silicone mattress combined with hydrocolloid dressing can reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers and phlebitis in ICU patients with liver failure, reduce complications, and improve nursing satisfaction, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Identification of Subclasses of Decompensated Cirrhotic Patients with Acute Kidney Injury with Different Responses to Fluid Input

INTRODUCTION

Acute kidney injury is a heterogeneous disease in decompensated cirrhotic patients. The aims of our study were to detect subphenotypes of cirrhotic patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and explore clinical traits in patients with different subclasses.

METHODS

All enrolled patients were identified from a clinical database. Clinical and laboratory variables were used to perform latent profile analysis (LPA). Clinical traits in each class were compared. A multivariable logistic regression model and a Cox model were used to explore the independent association of fluid input and mortality outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 439 AKI patients with decompensated cirrhosis were enrolled in our study, including 113 patients in profile 1 and 326 patients in profile 2, by the LPA model. Profile 1 had higher mortality (61.1%) than profile 2 (36.81%). Moreover, profile 1 had a higher MELD score (median 39, interquartile range 34-43) than profile 2 (p < 0.001). Higher cumulative fluid input in the first 24 h for profile 1 was associated with an increased risk of hospital mortality (odds ratio 1.33, 95% CI: 1.02-1.75) and 90-day mortality (hazard ratio 1.39, 95% CI: 1.08-1.78).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, two distinct subclasses of decompensated cirrhotic patients with AKI were identified, with different clinical outcomes and fluid input responses.

Liver and Biliary Disease of Pregnancy and Anesthetic Implications: A Review

Liver and biliary disease complicates pregnancy in varying degrees of severity to the mother and fetus, and anesthesiologists may be asked to assist in caring for these patients before, during, and after birth of the fetus. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with how different liver diseases impact the pregnancy state. In addition, knowing symptoms, signs, and laboratory markers in the context of a pregnant patient will lead to faster diagnosis and treatment of such patients. This review article discusses changes in physiology of parturients, patients with liver disease, and parturients with liver disease. Next, general treatment of parturients with acute and chronic liver dysfunction is presented. The article progresses to specific liver diseases with treatments as they relate to pregnancy. And finally, important aspects to consider when anesthetizing parturients with liver disease are discussed.

Intensive care management of acute-on-chronic liver failure

The syndrome of acute-on-chronic liver failure combines deterioration of liver function in a patient with chronic liver disease, with the development of extrahepatic organ failure and high short-term mortality. Its successful management demands a rapid and coherent response to the development of dysfunction and failure of multiple organ systems in an intensive care unit setting. This response recognises the features that distinguish it from other critical illness and addresses the complex interplay between the precipitating insult, the many organ systems involved and the disordered physiology of underlying chronic liver disease. An evidence base is building to support the approaches currently adopted and outcomes for patients with this condition are improving, but mortality remains unacceptably high. Herein, we review practical considerations in critical care management, as well as discussing key knowledge gaps and areas of controversy that require further focussed research.

Sulforaphane Ameliorates the Liver Injury of Traumatic Hemorrhagic Shock Rats

BACKGROUND

The protective effects of sulforaphane on liver injury induced by high-fat diet and sodium valproate were previously reported. The present study preliminarily investigated the effect of sulforaphane on liver injury induced by traumatic hemorrhagic shock.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After a traumatic hemorrhagic shock model was established in rats, the survival of rats during the first 24 hours was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TB), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were measured using a biochemical analyzer or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The cell apoptosis and histopathology of liver tissues were examined by TUNEL and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl2 associated X (Bax), Caspase-3, TNF-α, IL-1β, Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in the liver tissues were determined by immunohistochemical staining, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) or western blot.

RESULTS

Sulforaphane promoted the health of the animal, reduced liver cell apoptosis and ameliorated the histopathological damage in the liver of rats with traumatic hemorrhagic shock. Sulforaphane downregulated the expressions of liver function-related factors (ALT, AST, TB), inflammation-related factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, iNOS), and apoptosis-related factors (Bax, Caspase-3) and upregulated the expressions of factors related to apoptosis (Bcl-2) and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway (Nrf2, HO-1).

CONCLUSION

Sulforaphane protected the liver against traumatic hemorrhagic shock through ameliorating the apoptosis and inflammation of the liver via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

[Treatment strategies for acute-on-chronic liver failure]

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a newly defined syndrome in patients with liver cirrhosis characterized by acute hepatic decompensation (jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, bacterial infection and gastrointestinal bleeding), single or multiple organ failure and a high mortality (>15% within 28 days). The affected organ systems include not only the liver but also the circulation, lungs, kidneys, brain and/or coagulation. Pathophysiologically decisive is an uncontrolled inflammation that is induced by specific triggers and on the basis of previously (possibly not diagnosed) compensated as well as already decompensated liver cirrhosis leads to a severe systemic clinical syndrome, ACLF. The course during the first 72 h is decisive for the prognosis. In addition to treatment of the respective organ or system failure, the underlying triggers should be quickly identified and if necessary specifically treated. Often, however, these cannot (no longer) be determined with any certainty, in particular recent alcohol consumption as well as bacterial and viral infections play an important role. A specific treatment for the ACLF is (currently) not established. Some experimental approaches are currently being tested, including administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF). Additionally, suitable patients should be presented to a liver transplantation center in a timely manner.

A novel supplemental maneuver to predict fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients: blood pump-out test performed before renal replacement therapy

Background

Passive leg raising (PLR) test, known as reversible increasing venous return, could predict hemodynamic intolerance induced by renal replacement therapy (RRT). Oppositely, blood drainage procedure at the start of RRT cuts down intravascular capacity which is likely to have changes in fluid responsiveness has been little studied. Our study aimed to determine whether blood drainage procedure, defined as blood pump-out test, which is essential and inevitable at the beginning of RRT could predict fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients.

Methods

Critically ill patients underwent RRT with pulse contour analysis were included. During PLR, an increase of cardiac output (CO, derived from pulse contour analysis) ≥10% compared to baseline was considered responders as the gold standard. BPT was performed at a constant speed after the increase of CO induced by PLR returned to baseline and the maximal of CO within 2 minutes was recorded. Then area under ROC curve of CO changes to identify responders from non-responders in BPT was calculated based on the results from PLR test.

Results

Sixty-five patients were enrolled. Thirty-one/sixty-five patients (47.7%) were considered responders during PLR. And after analysis by ROC curve, a decrease in CO greater than 11.0% during BPT predicted fluid responsiveness with 70.9% sensitivity and 76.5% specificity. The highest area under the curve (AUC) was found for an increase in CO (0.74±0.06; 95% CI: 0.62 to 0.84).

Conclusions

BPT could be a supplement to PLR, providing a novel maneuver to predict fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients underwent RRT. (Trial registration: ChiCTR-DDD-17010534). Registered 30 January 2017 (retrospective registration).

Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to infectious diseases in solid organ transplant recipients

Purpose

Prognosis of solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients has improved, mainly because of better prevention of rejection by immunosuppressive therapies. However, SOT recipients are highly susceptible to conventional and opportunistic infections, which represent a major cause of morbidity, graft dysfunction and mortality.

Methods

Narrative review.

Results

We cover the current epidemiology and main aspects of infections in SOT recipients including risk factors such as postoperative risks and specific risks for different transplant recipients, key points on anti-infective prophylaxis as well as diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. We provide an up-to-date guide for management of the main syndromes that can be encountered in SOT recipients including acute respiratory failure, sepsis or septic shock, and central nervous system infections as well as bacterial infections with multidrug-resistant strains, invasive fungal diseases, viral infections and less common pathogens that may impact this patient population.

Conclusion

We provide state-of the art review of available knowledge of critically ill SOT patients with infections.