Sclerotherapy with or without octreotide for acute variceal bleeding

The Evolution and Future of Intensive Care Management in the Era of Telecritical Care and Artificial Intelligence

Critical care practice has been embodied in the healthcare system since the institutionalization of intensive care units (ICUs) in the late '50s. Over time, this sector has experienced many changes and improvements in providing immediate and dedicated healthcare as patients requiring intensive care are often frail and critically ill with high mortality and morbidity rates. These changes were aided by innovations in diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring technologies, as well as the implementation of evidence-based guidelines and organizational structures within the ICU. In this review, we examine these changes in intensive care management over the past 40 years and their impact on the quality of care available to patients. Moreover, the current state of intensive care management is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach and the use of innovative technologies and research databases. Advancements such as telecritical care and artificial intelligence are being increasingly explored, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, to reduce the length of hospitalization and ICU mortality. With these advancements in intensive care and ever-changing patient needs, critical care experts, hospital managers, and policymakers must also explore appropriate organizational structures and future enhancements within the ICU.

Drugs in Focus: Octreotide Use in Children With Gastrointestinal Disorders

ABSTRACT

Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, has been used for more than 20 years in children with gastrointestinal bleeding, chylothorax or chylous ascites, intestinal lymphangiectasia, pancreatitis, intestinal dysmotility, and severe diarrhoea; however, until now, there is a lack of randomised clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of this compound in childhood. Hence, we aimed to review the literature in order to determine the evidence of its use and safety in children, using PubMed from 2000 to 2021 with the search terms "octreotide" and "children" and "bleeding or chylous ascites or chylothorax or acute pancreatitis or lymphangiectasia or diarrhoea or intestinal dysmotility".

[Diagnosis and Management of Esophageal and Gastric Variceal Bleeding: Focused on 2019 KASL Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis]

Varices are a frequent complication of liver cirrhosis and a major cause of mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis complications have a poor prognosis and require careful management. Portal hypertension is the most common complication of liver cirrhosis, which is the key determinant for varices development. Increased intrahepatic vascular resistance to portal flow leads to the development of portal hypertension. Collateral vessels develop at the communication site between the systemic and portal circulation with the progression of portal hypertension. Varices are the representative collaterals, develop gradually with the progression of portal hypertension and may eventually rupture. Variceal bleeding is a major consequence of portal hypertension and causes the death of cirrhotic patients. The present paper reviews the latest knowledge regarding the diagnosis and management of esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding.

Optimal timing of endoscopy for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is the most common indication for urgent endoscopy, but the correct timing of endoscopy in these patients is still debated. Our systematic review with meta-analysis was aimed at investigating the potential clinical benefit of very early endoscopy for UGIB patients. We performed an electronic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library up to 23rd May 2020 and considered only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing management of UGIB patients by very early vs early endoscopy. Only five RCTs were considered eligible for quantitative analysis, with a total population of 926 cases (468 in the very early endoscopy arm and 458 in the early). The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant benefit for very early endoscopy compared to early endoscopy in terms of risk of rebleeding, mortality, ICU admission, blood transfusion, surgery and length of hospital stay. However, our results showed a significantly higher need for haemostatic treatment when very early endoscopy was performed (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.06-1.42, p < 0.01) in comparison to early endoscopy.

Treatment for bleeding oesophageal varices in people with decompensated liver cirrhosis: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Approximately 40% to 95% of people with liver cirrhosis have oesophageal varices. About 15% to 20% of oesophageal varices bleed within about one to three years after diagnosis. Several different treatments are available, including, among others, endoscopic sclerotherapy, variceal band ligation, somatostatin analogues, vasopressin analogues, and balloon tamponade. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the individual and relative benefits and harms of these treatments.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the benefits and harms of different initial treatments for variceal bleeding from oesophageal varices in adults with decompensated liver cirrhosis, through a network meta-analysis; and to generate rankings of the different treatments for acute bleeding oesophageal varices, according to their benefits and harms.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and trials registers until 17 December 2019, to identify randomised clinical trials (RCTs) in people with cirrhosis and acute bleeding from oesophageal varices.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included only RCTs (irrespective of language, blinding, or status) in adults with cirrhosis and acutely bleeding oesophageal varices. We excluded RCTs in which participants had bleeding only from gastric varices, those who failed previous treatment (refractory bleeding), those in whom initial haemostasis was achieved before inclusion into the trial, and those who had previously undergone liver transplantation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We performed a network meta-analysis with OpenBUGS software, using Bayesian methods, and calculated the differences in treatments using odds ratios (OR) and rate ratios with 95% credible intervals (CrI) based on an available-case analysis, according to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence Decision Support Unit guidance. We performed also the direct comparisons from RCTs using the same codes and the same technical details.

MAIN RESULTS

We included a total of 52 RCTs (4580 participants) in the review. Forty-eight trials (4042 participants) were included in one or more comparisons in the review. The trials that provided the information included people with cirrhosis due to varied aetiologies and those with and without a previous history of bleeding. We included outcomes assessed up to six weeks. All trials were at high risk of bias. A total of 19 interventions were compared in the trials (sclerotherapy, somatostatin analogues, vasopressin analogues, sclerotherapy plus somatostatin analogues, variceal band ligation, balloon tamponade, somatostatin analogues plus variceal band ligation, nitrates plus vasopressin analogues, no active intervention, sclerotherapy plus variceal band ligation, balloon tamponade plus sclerotherapy, balloon tamponade plus somatostatin analogues, balloon tamponade plus vasopressin analogues, variceal band ligation plus vasopressin analogues, balloon tamponade plus nitrates plus vasopressin analogues, balloon tamponade plus variceal band ligation, portocaval shunt, sclerotherapy plus transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and sclerotherapy plus vasopressin analogues). We have reported the effect estimates for the primary and secondary outcomes when there was evidence of differences between the interventions against the reference treatment of sclerotherapy, but reported the other results of the primary and secondary outcomes versus the reference treatment of sclerotherapy without the effect estimates when there was no evidence of differences in order to provide a concise summary of the results. Overall, 15.8% of the trial participants who received the reference treatment of sclerotherapy (chosen because this was the commonest treatment compared in the trials) died during the follow-up periods, which ranged from three days to six weeks. Based on moderate-certainty evidence, somatostatin analogues alone had higher mortality than sclerotherapy (OR 1.57, 95% CrI 1.04 to 2.41; network estimate; direct comparison: 4 trials; 353 participants) and vasopressin analogues alone had higher mortality than sclerotherapy (OR 1.70, 95% CrI 1.13 to 2.62; network estimate; direct comparison: 2 trials; 438 participants). None of the trials reported health-related quality of life. Based on low-certainty evidence, a higher proportion of people receiving balloon tamponade plus sclerotherapy had more serious adverse events than those receiving only sclerotherapy (OR 4.23, 95% CrI 1.22 to 17.80; direct estimate; 1 RCT; 60 participants). Based on moderate-certainty evidence, people receiving vasopressin analogues alone and those receiving variceal band ligation had fewer adverse events than those receiving only sclerotherapy (rate ratio 0.59, 95% CrI 0.35 to 0.96; network estimate; direct comparison: 1 RCT; 219 participants; and rate ratio 0.40, 95% CrI 0.21 to 0.74; network estimate; direct comparison: 1 RCT; 77 participants; respectively). Based on low-certainty evidence, the proportion of people who developed symptomatic rebleed was smaller in people who received sclerotherapy plus somatostatin analogues than those receiving only sclerotherapy (OR 0.21, 95% CrI 0.03 to 0.94; direct estimate; 1 RCT; 105 participants). The evidence suggests considerable uncertainty about the effect of the interventions in the remaining comparisons where sclerotherapy was the control intervention.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on moderate-certainty evidence, somatostatin analogues alone and vasopressin analogues alone (with supportive therapy) probably result in increased mortality, compared to endoscopic sclerotherapy. Based on moderate-certainty evidence, vasopressin analogues alone and band ligation alone probably result in fewer adverse events compared to endoscopic sclerotherapy. Based on low-certainty evidence, balloon tamponade plus sclerotherapy may result in large increases in serious adverse events compared to sclerotherapy. Based on low-certainty evidence, sclerotherapy plus somatostatin analogues may result in large decreases in symptomatic rebleed compared to sclerotherapy. In the remaining comparisons, the evidence indicates considerable uncertainty about the effects of the interventions, compared to sclerotherapy.

Clinical mortality risk factors of variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a Malagasy surgical intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

Variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a dreadful complication of portal hypertension with a significant morbidity and mortality. Different prognostic scores can be used. However, in the local context of Madagascar, the completion of paraclinical investigations can be delayed by the limited financial means of patients. Hence, determining clinical mortality risk factors of variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding could be interesting. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical mortality risk factors of variceal gastrointestinal bleeding (VUGIB).

METHOD

An observational, cohort retrospective study was conducted over an 8-year period (2010-2017), at the surgical intensive care unit of the J.R. Andrianavalona University Hospital, Antananarivo, in patients admitted for VUGIB confirmed by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and whose clinical examination was performed at admission. The primary endpoint was intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for ICU mortality, with OR defining odds ratio. A p value <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

1920 patients were admitted for gastrointestinal bleeding of any digestive causes; the source of bleeding was variceal in 269 patients (14%). The predominantly male population (sex ratio = 2.5), aged 47.1 ± 13.7 years was mostly American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1 classification (58.4%). In 56.5% of patients, the gastrointestinal bleeding had not occurred before. The mortality rate was 16.0%. Three major clinical factors of mortality were identified: previous endoscopic band variceal ligation (OR = 12.57 [2.18-72.58], p = 0.005), tachycardia >120 bpm (OR = 2.91 [1.04-8.14], p = 0.041), and ascites (OR = 3.80 [1.85-7.81], p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding may be life-threatening. The mortality scores are certainly useful; however, the identification of clinical factors is interesting in countries like Madagascar, pending the results of paraclinical investigations.

Comparison of drugs facilitating endoscopy for patients with acute variceal bleeding: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We aimed to compare the efficacy of different drugs facilitating endoscopy in patients with acute variceal bleeding.

METHODS

Databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials which compared the efficacy of vasoactive drugs (vasopressin, terlipressin, octreotide, somatostatin) with placebo or each other. The primary outcomes were 6-week and 5-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were 5-day rebleeding, control of initial bleeding and adverse events. Pairwise and network meta-analysis were performed.

RESULTS

We identified 14 RCTs involved 2,187 patients. Four drugs had comparable clinical efficacy in all involving outcomes, except for adverse events. However, we do exhibit a superiority when vasopressin (OR, 4.40; 95% CI: 1.04-19.57), terlipressin (OR, 4.58; 95% CI: 1.63-13.63), octreotide (OR, 5.79; 95% CI: 2.41-16.71) and somatostatin (OR, 5.15; 95% CI: 1.40-27.39) were compared to placebo respectively as for initial hemostasis. In addition, only octreotide was more effective than placebo in decreasing 5-day rebleeding (OR, 0.44; 95% CI: 0.22-0.90). Meanwhile, octreotide was shown to have the highest probability ranking the best to improve initial hemostasis (mean rank =1.8) and carries a lowest risk of adverse events (9.1%) and serious adverse events (0.0%) compared to other drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Balanced with curative effect and tolerability, octreotide may be the preferred vasoactive drug facilitating endoscopy.

Efficacy of endoscopic treatments for acute esophageal variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aim  Guidelines recommend use of ligation and vasoactive drugs as first-line therapy and as grade A evidence for acute variceal bleeding (AVB), although Western studies about this issue are lacking. Methods  We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic treatments for AVB in patients with cirrhosis. Trials that included patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, use of portocaval shunts or esophageal resection, balloon tamponade as first bleeding control measure, or that received placebo or elective treatment in one study arm were excluded. Results  A total of 8382 publications were searched, of which 36 RCTs with 3593 patients were included. Ligation was associated with a significant improvement in bleeding control (relative risk [RR] 1.08; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.02 - 1.15) when compared to sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy combined with vasoactive drugs showed higher efficacy in active bleeding control compared to sclerotherapy alone (RR 1.17; 95 % CI 1.10 - 1.25). The combination of ligation and vasoactive drugs was not superior to ligation alone in terms of overall rebleeding (RR 2.21; 95 %CI 0.55 - 8.92) and in-hospital mortality (RR 1.97; 95 %CI 0.78 - 4.97). Other treatments did not generate meta-analysis. Conclusions  This study showed that ligation is superior to sclerotherapy, although with moderate heterogeneity. The combination of sclerotherapy and vasoactive drugs was more effective than sclerotherapy alone. Although current guidelines recommend combined use of ligation with vasoactive drugs in treatment of esophageal variceal bleeding, this study failed to demonstrate the superiority of this combined treatment.

The Use of Vasoconstrictors in Acute Variceal Bleeding: How Long Is Enough?

Vasoconstrictors are often used as the first line therapy for acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage. They might also be used for a few days after endoscopic therapy to prevent early rebleeding. International guidelines recommend the use of vasoconstrictor therapy when acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage is suspected and continuation of the therapy until 3 to 5 days after endoscopic treatment. However, the duration of use of vasoconstrictors after endoscopic therapy is not clear. This review shows that if variceal bleeding is successfully controlled by endoscopic variceal ligation, the combination of vasoconstrictors can be reduced to less than 1 day.

Acute Variceal Bleeding: Does Octreotide Improve Outcomes in Patients with Different Functional Hepatic Reserve?

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines do not differentiate in the utilization of vasoactive drugs in patients with cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding (AVB) depending on liver disease severity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, clinical outcomes in 100 patients receiving octreotide plus endoscopic therapy (ET) and 216 patients with ET alone were compared in terms of failure to control bleeding, in-hospital mortality, and transfusion requirements stratifying the results according to liver disease severity by Child-Pugh (CP) score and MELD.

RESULTS

In patients with CP-A or those with MELD &lt; 10 octreotide was not associated with a better outcome compared to ET alone in terms of hospital mortality (CP-A: 0.0 vs. 0.0%; MELD &lt; 10: 0.0 vs. 2.9%, p = 1.00), failure to control bleeding (CP-A: 8.7 vs. 3.7%, p = 0.58; MELD &lt; 10: 5.3 vs. 4.3%, p = 1.00) and need for transfusion (CP-A: 39.1 vs. 61.1%, p = 0.09; MELD &lt; 10: 63.2 vs. 62.9%, p = 1.00). Those with severe liver dysfunction in the octreotide group showed better outcomes compared to the non-octreotide group in terms of hospital mortality (CP-B/C: 3.9 vs. 13.0%, p = 0.04; MELD ≥ 10: 3.9 vs. 13.3%, p = 0.03) and need for transfusion (CP-B/C: 58.4 vs. 71.6%, p = 0.05; MELD ≥ 10: 50.6 vs. 72.7%, p &lt; 0.01). In multivariate analysis, octreotide was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (p = 0.028) and need for transfusion (p = 0.008) only in patients with severe liver dysfunction (CP-B/C or MELD ≥ 10).

CONCLUSION

Patients with cirrhosis and AVB categorized as CP-A or MELD &lt; 10 had similar clinical outcomes during hospitalization whether or not they received octreotide.

Is additional 5-day vasoactive drug therapy necessary for acute variceal bleeding after successful endoscopic hemostasis?: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Vasoactive drugs and endoscopic therapy have been widely used in the management of acute variceal bleeding of cirrhosis patients. The current standard regimen of vasoactive drugs is in combination with endoscopic therapy and continues for up to 5 days; however, the necessity of vasoactive drugs after endoscopic hemostasis was still controversial. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and optimal duration of adjuvant vasoactive drugs after hemorrhage control by endoscopic therapy.

METHODS

A search was conducted of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases until June, 2018. Lan DeMets sequential monitoring boundary was constructed to assess the reliability and conclusiveness of our major results.

RESULTS

Seven studies (639 patients) and 4 studies (435 patients) were included in the analyses to evaluate the efficacy and optimal duration of adjuvant vasoactive drugs therapy, respectively. Our analyses showed that adjuvant vasoactive drugs facilitated endoscopic hemostasis and reduced very early re-bleeding rate both in sclerotherapy (risk ratio [RR] 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34-0.78, P = .23, I = 31%) and band ligation (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27-0.83, P = .07, I = 62%). However, the 3 to 5-day therapy duration was not superior to a shorter course in very early re-bleeding rate and mortality rate in 42 days (RR 1.77, 95% CI 0.64-4.89, P = .70, I = 0%; RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.43-2.13, P = .81, I = 0%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Additional 5-day vasoactive drug after endoscopic hemostasis may significantly ameliorate very early re-bleeding rate, However, the 3 to 5 days' adjuvant regimen was not superior to a shorter course.

Comparison of 2 days versus 5 days of octreotide infusion along with endoscopic therapy in preventing early rebleed from esophageal varices: a randomized clinical study

BACKGROUND

Variceal bleeding is a medical emergency with 20% mortality at 6 weeks. The role of vasoactive agents in achieving hemostasis and preventing rebleeding has been well documented. The optimal duration of these agents has not been well established. There are no previous studies yielding the exact duration of octreotide to be administered to prevent rebleed and mortality from esophageal varices. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of combination therapy (octreotide and endoscopy), the exact duration of octreotide infusion, its cost-effectiveness, and the outcome in terms of rebleed and mortality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a randomized clinical trial including 124 patients with acute variceal bleeding who underwent endoscopic therapy; they were assigned randomly to 2 days (n=62) and 5 days (n=58) of continuous octreotide infusion (50 μg/kg). Early rebleeding (within 42 days of index bleed according to Baveno IV consensus guidelines), transfusion requirement, and mortality were assessed.

RESULTS

The study had predominantly male patients, average age 47 years. Among the patients in the 2-day group, 3 (4.8%) showed early rebleed versus 5 (8.6%) in the 5-day group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Among the patients in the 2-day group, one patient died after 3 weeks and all the patients in the 5-day group survived till 6 weeks on follow-up, and the survival rates were comparable (P>0.05). The treatment in the 5-day group was 2.5 times costlier than that for the 2-day group as shown by a cost-wise analysis.

CONCLUSION

Two days of octreotide infusion following endoscopic therapy is sufficient and as efficacious as 5 days of infusion in preventing early rebleed, with reasonably better cost-effectiveness.

Self-Expanding Metal Stent (SEMS): an innovative rescue therapy for refractory acute variceal bleeding

BACKGROUND

Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is a life-threatening complication of liver cirrhosis or less commonly splenic vein thrombosis. Pharmacological and endoscopic interventions are cornerstones in the management of variceal bleeding but may fail in 10 - 15 % of patients. Rescue therapy with balloon tamponade (BT) or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) may be required to control refractory acute variceal bleeding effectively but with some limitations. The self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) is a covered, removable tool that can be deployed in the lower esophagus under endoscopic guidance as a rescue therapy to achieve hemostasis for refractory AVB.

AIMS

To evaluate the technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of SEMS as a rescue therapy for AVB.

METHODS

In this review article, we have performed an extensive literature search summarizing case reports and case series describing SEMS as a rescue therapy for AVB. Indications, features, technique, deployment, success rate, limitations, and complications are discussed.

RESULTS

At present, 103 cases have been described in the literature. Studies have reported 97.08 % technical success rates in deployment of SEMS. Most of the stents were intact for 4 - 14 days with no major complications reported. Stent extraction had a success rate of 100 %. Successful hemostasis was achieved in 96 % of cases with only 3.12 % found to have rebleeding after placement of SEMS. Stent migration, which was the most common complication, was observed in 21 % of patients.

CONCLUSION

SEMS is a safe and effective alternative approach as a rescue therapy for refractory AVB.

Lack of difference among terlipressin, somatostatin, and octreotide in the control of acute gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage

Vasoactive drugs are recommended to be started as soon as possible in suspected variceal bleeding, even before diagnostic endoscopy. However, it is still unclear whether the therapeutic efficacies of the various vasoactive drugs used are comparable. The aim of this prospective, multicenter, randomized, noninferiority trial was to characterize the effects of terlipressin, somatostatin, and octreotide when they are initiated before endoscopic treatment in patients with acute variceal bleeding. Patients with liver cirrhosis and significant upper gastrointestinal bleeding were randomly assigned to receive early administration of terlipressin, somatostatin, or octreotide, followed by endoscopic treatment. Patients with nonvariceal bleeding were excluded after endoscopy. The primary endpoint was 5-day treatment success, defined as control of bleeding without rescue treatment, rebleeding, or mortality, with a noninferiority margin of 0.1. In total, 780 patients with variceal bleeding were enrolled: 261 in the terlipressin group; 259 in the somatostatin group; and 260 in the octreotide group. At the time of initial endoscopy, active bleeding was noted in 43.7%, 44.4%, and 43.5% of these patients, respectively (P=0.748), and treatment success was achieved by day 5 in 86.2%, 83.4%, and 83.8% (P=0.636), with similar rates of control of bleeding without rescue treatment (89.7%, 87.6%, and 88.1%; P=0.752), rebleeding (3.4%, 4.8%, and 4.4%; P=0.739), or mortality (8.0%, 8.9%, and 8.8%; P=0.929). The absolute values of the lower bound of confidence intervals for terlipressin versus somatostatin, terlilpressin versus octreotide, and octreotide versus somatostatin were 0.095, 0.090, and 0.065, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Hemostatic effects and safety did not differ significantly between terlipressin, somatostatin, and octreotide as adjuvants to endoscopic treatment in patients with acute gastroesophageal variceal bleeding.

Hemorrhagic ascites from spontaneous ectopic mesenteric varices rupture in NASH induced cirrhosis and successful outcome: A case report

Bleeding from gastro-esophageal varices can often present as the first decompensating event in patients with cirrhosis. This can be a potentially life threatening event associated with a 15%-20% early mortality. We present a rare case of new onset ascites due to intra-abdominal hemorrhage from ruptured mesenteric varices; in a 37 years old male with newly diagnosed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis induced cirrhosis as the first decompensating event. The patient was successfully resuscitated with emergent evacuation of ascites for diagnosis, identification and control of bleeding mesenteric varices and eventually orthotopic liver transplantation with successful outcome. Various clinical presentations, available treatment options and outcomes of ectopic variceal bleeding are discussed in this report.

Controlled trial of ligation plus vasoconstrictor versus proton pump inhibitor in the control of acute esophageal variceal bleeding

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic therapy combined with vasoconstrictor was generally recommended to treat acute variceal bleeding. However, up to 30% of patients may still encounter treatment failure.

OBJECTIVES

This trial was to evaluate the efficacy of combination with endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) infusion in patients with acute variceal bleeding.

METHODS

Cirrhotic patients presenting with acute esophageal variceal bleeding were rescued by emergency EVL. Soon after arresting of bleeding varices, eligible subjects were randomized to two groups. Vasoconstrictor group received either somatostatin or terlipressin infusion. PPI group received either omeprazole or pantoprazole. End points were initial hemostasis, very early rebleeding rate, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were enrolled in vasoconstrictor group and 58 patients in PPI group. Both groups were comparable in baseline data. Initial hemostasis was achieved in 98% in vasoconstrictor group and 100% in PPI group (P = 1.0). Very early rebleeding within 48-120 h occurred in one patient (2%) in vasoconstrictor group and one patient (2%) in the PPI group (P = 1.0). Treatment failure was 4% in vasoconstrictor group and 2% in PPI group (P = 0.95). Adverse events occurred in 33 patients (55%) in vasoconstrictor group and three patients (6%) in PPI group (P < 0.001). Two patients in vasoconstrictor group and one patient in PPI group encountered esophageal ulcer bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

After successful control of acute variceal bleeding by EVL, adjuvant therapy with PPI infusion was similar to combination with vasoconstrictor infusion in terms of initial hemostasis, very early rebleeding rate, and associated with fewer adverse events.

Management by the intensivist of gastrointestinal bleeding in adults and children

Intensivists are regularly confronted with the question of gastrointestinal bleeding. To date, the latest international recommendations regarding prevention and treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding lack a specific approach to the critically ill patients. We present recommendations for management by the intensivist of gastrointestinal bleeding in adults and children, developed with the GRADE system by an experts group of the French-Language Society of Intensive Care (Société de Réanimation de Langue Française (SRLF), with the participation of the French Language Group of Paediatric Intensive Care and Emergencies (GFRUP), the French Society of Emergency Medicine (SFMU), the French Society of Gastroenterology (SNFGE), and the French Society of Digestive Endoscopy (SFED). The recommendations cover five fields of application: management of gastrointestinal bleeding before endoscopic diagnosis, treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding unrelated to portal hypertension, treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding related to portal hypertension, management of presumed lower gastrointestinal bleeding, and prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in intensive care.

Meta-analysis: vasoactive medications for the management of acute variceal bleeds

BACKGROUND

Vasoactive medications such as vasopressin, somatostatin and their analogues (terlipressin, vapreotide and octreotide) are commonly used for the treatment of acute variceal bleeding. However, the risks and benefits of these interventions are not well understood.

AIM

To undertake a meta-analysis of the efficacy of vasoactive medications in patients having acute variceal bleeds.

METHODS

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of vasopressin, somatostatin and their analogues, administered to patients with acute variceal bleeds were identified based on systematic searches of nine electronic databases and multiple sources of grey literature.

RESULTS

The search identified 3011 citations, and 30 trials with a total of 3111 patients met eligibility criteria. The use of vasoactive agents was associated with a significantly lower risk of 7-day mortality (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.57-0.95; P = 0.02; I(2) = 0%; moderate quality of evidence), and a significant improvement in haemostasis (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.13-1.30; P < 0.001; I(2) = 28%; very low quality of evidence), lower transfusion requirements (pooled mean difference -0.70 units of blood transfused, 95% CI -1.01 to -0.38; P < 0.001; I(2) = 82%; moderate quality of evidence), and a shorter duration of hospitalisation (pooled mean difference -0.71 days; 95% CI -1.23 to -0.19; P = 0.007; I(2) = 0%; low quality of evidence). Studies comparing different vasoactive agents did not show a difference in efficacy, although the quality of evidence was very low.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of vasoactive agents was associated with a significantly lower risk of acute all-cause mortality and transfusion requirements, and improved control of bleeding and shorter hospital stay. Studies comparing different vasoactive medications failed to demonstrate a difference in efficacy.

Therapeutic applications of octreotide in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND/AIM

We report our experience with the use of octreotide as primary or adjunctive therapy in children with various gastrointestinal disorders.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A pharmacy database identified patients who received octreotide for gastrointestinal diseases. Indications for octreotide use, dosing, effectiveness, and adverse events were evaluated by chart review.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients (12 males), aged 1 month to 13 years, were evaluated. Eleven received octreotide for massive gastrointestinal bleeding caused by portal hypertension-induced lesions (n=7), typhlitis (1), Meckel's diverticulum (1), and indefinite source (2). Blood transfusion requirements were reduced from 23 ± 9 mL/kg (mean ± SD) to 8 ± 15 mL/kg (P<0.01). Four patients with pancreatic pseudocyst and/or ascites received octreotide over 14.0 ± 5.7 days in 2 patients. In 3 children, pancreatic pseudocyst resolved in 12 ± 2 days and pancreatic ascites resolved in 7 days in 2. Three patients with chylothorax received octreotide for 14 ± 7 days with complete resolution in each. Two infants with chronic diarrhea received octreotide over 11 ± 4.2 months. Stool output decreased from 85 ± 21 mL/kg/day to 28 ± 18 mL/kg/day, 3 months after initiation of octreotide. The child with dumping syndrome responded to octreotide in a week. Adverse events developed in 4 patients: Q-T interval prolongation and ventricular fibrillation, hyperglycemia, growth hormone deficiency, and hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Octreotide provides a valuable addition to the therapeutic armamentum of the pediatric gastroenterologist for a wide variety of disorders. Serious adverse events may occur and patients must be closely monitored.

Development of quality measures for monitoring and improving care in gastroenterology

Over the past decade, most quality assurance (QA) efforts in gastroenterology have been aimed at endoscopy. Endoscopic quality improvement was the rational area to begin QA work in gastroenterology due to the relatively acute nature of complications and the high volume of procedures performed. While endoscopy is currently the focus of most quality assurance (QA) measures in gastroenterology, more recent efforts have begun to address clinical gastroenterology practices both in the outpatient and inpatient settings. Clinical outpatient and inpatient gastroenterology is laden with areas where standardization could benefit patient care. While data and experience in clinical gastroenterology QA is relatively limited, it is clear that inconsistent use of guidelines and practice variations in gastroenterology can lead to lower quality care. In this review, we review a variety of areas in clinical gastroenterology where existing guidelines and published data suggest both the need and practicality of active QA measures.

Effect of erythromycin before endoscopy in patients presenting with variceal bleeding: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Blood in the stomach and esophagus in patients with variceal bleeding often obscures the endoscopic view and makes endoscopic intervention difficult to perform. Erythromycin, a motilin agonist, induces gastric emptying.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of erythromycin on endoscopic visibility and its outcome in patients with variceal bleeding.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Tertiary care hospital.

PATIENTS

Adult patients with liver cirrhosis presenting with hematemesis within the previous 12 hours.

INTERVENTION

Either 125 mg erythromycin or placebo administered intravenously 30 minutes before endoscopy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Endoscopic visibility during index endoscopy and mean duration of procedure. SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Need for repeat endoscopy and blood transfusions within 24 hours, endoscopy-related complications, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

A total of 102 patients received either erythromycin or placebo (53 erythromycin and 49 placebo). Forty-seven patients in the erythromycin group and 43 in the placebo group had variceal bleeding and were considered for final analysis. A completely empty stomach was seen in 48.9% of the erythromycin group versus 23.3% of the placebo group (P<.01). Mean endoscopy duration was significantly shorter in the erythromycin group than in the placebo group (19.0 minutes vs 26.0 minutes, respectively; P<.005). Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the erythromycin group than in the placebo group (3.4 days vs 5.1 days, respectively; P<.002). The need for repeat endoscopy and the mean number of units of blood transfused did not differ significantly in the 2 groups. No adverse events were observed with erythromycin.

LIMITATIONS

Sample size not sufficient to measure the need for repeat endoscopy and survival benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

Erythromycin infusion before endoscopy in patients with variceal bleeding significantly improves endoscopic visibility and shortens the duration of the index endoscopy. (

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01060267.).

Medical management of variceal hemorrhage

Gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage is a major complication of portal hypertension in 50% to 60% of patients with liver cirrhosis and is a frequent cause of mortality in these patients. The prevalence of variceal hemorrhage is approximately 5% to 15% yearly, and early variceal rebleeding has a rate of occurrence of 30% to 40% within the first 6 weeks. More than 50% of patients who survive after the first bleeding episode will experience recurrent bleeding within 1 year. Management of gastroesophageal varices should include prevention of initial and recurrent bleeding episodes and control of active hemorrhage. Therapies used in the management of gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage may include pharmacologic therapy (vasoactive agents, nonselective b-blockers, and antibiotic prophylaxis), endoscopic therapy, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and shunt surgery. This article focuses primarily on pharmacologic management of acute variceal hemorrhage.

Management of acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage

Acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage (AEVH) is a severe complication of portal hypertension. Its management has rapidly evolved in recent years. Traditional methods included vasoconstrictor and balloon tamponade. Vasoconstrictors were shown to control approximately 80% of the bleeding episodes and are generally used as a first-line therapy. Following the use of vasoconstrictors, endoscopic therapy is often used to arrest the bleeding varices and prevent early rebleeding. A meta-analysis showed that the combination of vasoconstrictor and endoscopic therapy is superior to endoscopic therapy alone for controlling AEVH. Balloon tamponade may be used to achieve temporary control of the hemorrhage in case of severe bleeding. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt may be needed in patients with refractory acute variceal hemorrhage. Surgical intervention is now widely contraindicated during acute variceal hemorrhage, except for patients with good liver reserve. Conversely, apart from the control of acute variceal hemorrhage, prophylactic antibiotics were shown to be helpful in the prevention of bacterial infection and to prevent early variceal rebleeding. With the introduction of new treatment modalities and the measures taken to manage patients with AEVH, the mortality due to AEVH has significantly decreased in recent years.

Emergency sclerotherapy versus vasoactive drugs for bleeding oesophageal varices in cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND

Emergency sclerotherapy is still widely used as a first line therapy for variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis, particularly when banding ligation is not available or feasible. However, pharmacological treatment may stop bleeding in the majority of these patients.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of emergency sclerotherapy versus vasoactive drugs for variceal bleeding in cirrhosis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Search of trials was based on The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded through January 2010.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised clinical trials comparing sclerotherapy with vasoactive drugs (vasopressin (with or without nitroglycerin), terlipressin, somatostatin, or octreotide) for acute variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Outcome measures were failure to control bleeding, five-day treatment failure, rebleeding, mortality, number of blood transfusions, and adverse events. Data were analysed by a random-effects model according to the vasoactive treatment. Sensitivity analyses included combined analysis of all the trials irrespective of the vasoactive drug, type of publication, and risk of bias.

MAIN RESULTS

Seventeen trials including 1817 patients were identified. Vasoactive drugs were vasopressin (one trial), terlipressin (one trial), somatostatin (five trials), and octreotide (ten trials). No significant differences were found comparing sclerotherapy with each vasoactive drug for any outcome. Combining all the trials irrespective of the vasoactive drug, the risk differences (95% confidence intervals) were failure to control bleeding -0.02 (-0.06 to 0.02), five-day failure rate -0.05 (-0.10 to 0.01), rebleeding 0.01 (-0.03 to 0.05), mortality (17 randomised trials, 1817 patients) -0.02 (-0.06 to 0.02), and transfused blood units (8 randomised trials, 849 patients) (weighted mean difference) -0.24 (-0.54 to 0.07). Adverse events 0.08 (0.03 to 0.14) and serious adverse events 0.05 (0.02 to 0.08) were significantly more frequent with sclerotherapy.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found no convincing evidence to support the use of emergency sclerotherapy for variceal bleeding in cirrhosis as the first, single treatment when compared with vasoactive drugs. Vasoactive drugs may be safe and effective whenever endoscopic therapy is not promptly available and seems to be associated with less adverse events than emergency sclerotherapy. Other meta-analyses and guidelines advocate that combined vasoactive drugs and endoscopic therapy is superior to either intervention alone.

Vapreotide: a somatostatin analog for the treatment of acute variceal bleeding

BACKGROUND

Portal hypertension is a clinically important consequence of cirrhosis that can lead to morbidities such as variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy and ascites. All of these outcomes carry high mortality rates. There have been several drugs created to assist with endoscopic therapy for the treatment of acute variceal bleeding. Recently, vapreotide has been studied in patients to evaluate its efficacy as treatment for acute variceal hemorrhage. Although no comparisons have been made between vapreotide and other somatostatin analogues, this drug has been shown to have efficacy in the control of acute variceal bleeding as well as reducing the risk of recurrent bleeding and death, especially when started prior to endoscopy.

OBJECTIVE

This paper reviews the literature regarding the basic science and clinical efficacy of vapreotide in acute variceal bleeding.

METHODS

We used a PubMed/Medline search in order to review the literature regarding the drug, vapreotide.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

Vapreotide appears to have benefit in the control of acute variceal bleeding. It is easy to administer and has few side effects, which are minor. These findings endorse the need for future trials to evaluate vapreotide and its use in acute variceal hemorrhage, a morbidity among patients with cirrhosis.

Urgent vs. non-urgent endoscopy in stable acute variceal bleeding

OBJECTIVES

The optimal timing of endoscopy with acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the timing of endoscopy and outcomes of stable AVB patients.

METHODS

Patients admitted at two tertiary-care centers with hemodynamically stable AVB from 1997 to 2006 were evaluated retrospectively. The primary outcome was mortality. Other recorded outcomes included stigmata at endoscopy, hemostasis, blood transfusions, rebleeding, renal function, hospitalization length, infection, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt use, and balloon tamponade use. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of time to endoscopy with mortality. Outcome comparisons were also performed for three different urgency times (< or = vs. > 4 h, < or = vs. > 8 h, and < or = vs. > 12 h).

RESULTS

There were 210 patients with stable AVB, accounting for 52% of the total number of AVB patients. The mean (+/- s.d.) age was 55 (+/- 12) years. The mean presenting systolic blood pressure and heart rate were 121 (+/- 16) mm Hg and 98 (+/- 20) bpm, respectively. Esophageal varices accounted for 91% (n = 191) of variceal bleeding. The mean time to endoscopy was 12 (+/- 12) h. The overall hemostasis rate after endoscopy was 97% (n = 203). The mortality rate was 9.5% (n = 20). There was no significant association of time to endoscopy with mortality (odds ratio, OR, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.92-1.08; P = 0.91). Significant independent predictors for mortality were lower albumin (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.73-0.93; P = 0.001), infection during admission (OR, 8.9; 95% CI, 2.5-31.6; P < 0.001), and higher model end-stage liver disease (MELD) (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06-1.29; P = 0.002). There was no difference in outcomes with different urgency times.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients who present with hemodynamically stable variceal bleeding, hemostasis after endoscopy is high, and the time to endoscopy does not appear to be associated with mortality.

Terlipressin vs. octreotide in bleeding esophageal varices as an adjuvant therapy with endoscopic band ligation: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Data are scarce on the head-to-head efficacy of terlipressin and octreotide as an adjuvant therapy to endoscopic management of variceal bleed. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of terlipressin with octreotide as an adjuvant therapy to endoscopic variceal band ligation in patients with esophageal variceal bleeding.

METHODS

Cirrhotic patients with esophageal variceal bleed were randomized on admission to receive terlipressin (group A) or octreotide (group B) along with the placebo in the other arm in a double-blind fashion. The two groups were compared for efficacy, safety, overall survival, and length of hospital stay. "Control of variceal bleed" was the measure of efficacy of terlipressin and octreotide. Factors predicting length of stay were also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 324 patients were enrolled; 163 in the terlipressin group (group A) and 161 in the octreotide group (group B). The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable for age, gender, etiology of cirrhosis, hemoglobin at presentation, and Child-Pugh class, except that active bleed was seen during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the time of enrollment in 26 (16%) and 41 (25.5%) patients in groups A and B, respectively (P=0.034). Overall sixteen patients died (three failure to control bleed and thirteen from causes other than variceal bleed); nine in group A (5.5%) and seven (4.3%) in group B (P=0.626). In the intention to treat analysis, "control of variceal bleed" was noted in 305 patients (94.13%); 151 (92.63%) patients in group A and 154 (95.6%) patients in group B (confidence interval: 0.219-1.492). Packed cell transfusions in group A were 3.7+/-2.3 units, whereas in group B there were 3.9+/-2.5 units (P=0.273). Length of hospital stay in groups A and B was 108.40+/-34.81 and 126.39+/-47.45 h, respectively (P< or =0.001). No cardiovascular side effects were observed in either group. High pulse, low hemoglobin, prothrombin time, blood in nasogastric aspirate, and portosystemic encephalopathy (PSE) were predictors of prolonged hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of terlipressin was not inferior to octreotide as an adjuvant therapy for the control of esophageal variceal bleed and in-hospital survival. The length of hospital stay in the terlipressin group was significantly shorter but not of any clinical importance. The predictors of prolonged hospital stay were low hemoglobin, high pulse, prolonged prothrombin time, blood at nasogastric aspirate, and PSE.

Somatostatin analogues for acute bleeding oesophageal varices

BACKGROUND

Somatostatin and its derivatives are sometimes used for emergency treatment of bleeding oesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis of the liver.

OBJECTIVES

To study whether somatostatin or its analogues improve survival or reduce the need for blood transfusions in patients with bleeding oesophageal varices.

SEARCH STRATEGY

PubMed and The Cochrane Library were searched (November 2007). Reference lists of publications, contacts with authors.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised trials comparing somatostatin or analogues with placebo or no treatment in patients suspected of acute or recent bleeding from oesophageal varices.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The outcome measures extracted were: mortality, blood transfusions, use of balloon tamponade, initial haemostasis and rebleeding. Intention-to-treat analyses including all randomised patients were conducted if possible; a random-effects analysis was preferred if there was significant heterogeneity between the trials (P < 0.10). The trials were divided in two groups: trials with a low risk of bias, which had concealed allocation of patients and were double-blind, and other trials.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 21 trials (2588 patients). The drugs did not reduce mortality significantly (relative risk 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75 to 1.25, for the trials with a low risk of bias, and 0.80, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.01, for the other trials). Units of blood transfused were 0.7 (0.2 to 1.1) less with drugs in the trials with a low risk of bias and 1.5 (0.9 to 2.0) less in the other trials. Number of patients failing initial haemostasis was reduced, relative risk 0.68 (0.54 to 0.87). Number of patients with rebleeding was not significantly reduced for the trials with a low risk of bias, relative risk 0.84 (0.52 to 1.37) while it was substantially reduced in the other trials, relative risk 0.36 (0.19 to 0.68). Use of balloon tamponade was rarely reported.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The need for blood transfusions corresponded to one half unit of blood saved per patient. It is doubtful whether this effect is worthwhile. The findings do not suggest a need for further placebo-controlled trials of the type reviewed here. A large placebo controlled trial enrolling thousands of patients is needed if one wishes to rule out the possibility that a worthwhile effect on mortality might have been overlooked.

Updates in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of ectopic varices

Ectopic varices (EcV) comprise large portosystemic venous collaterals located anywhere other than the gastro-oesophageal region. No large series or randomized-controlled trials address this subject, and therefore its management is based on available expertise and facilities, and may require a multidisciplinary team approach. EcV are common findings during endoscopy in portal hypertensive patients and their bleeding accounts for only 1–5% of all variceal bleeding. EcV develop secondary to portal hypertension (PHT), surgical procedures, anomalies in venous outflow, or abdominal vascular thrombosis and may be familial in origin. Bleeding EcV may present with anaemia, shock, haematemesis, melaena or haematochezia and should be considered in patients with PHT and gastrointestinal bleeding or anaemia of obscure origin. EcV may be discovered during panendoscopy, enteroscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, wireless capsule endoscopy, diagnostic angiography, multislice helical computed tomography, magnetic resonance angiography, colour Doppler-flow imaging, laparotomy, laparoscopy and occasionally during autopsy. Patients with suspected EcV bleeding need immediate assessment, resuscitation, haemodynamic stabilization and referral to specialist centres. Management of EcV involves medical, endoscopic, interventional radiological and surgical modalities depending on patients’ condition, site of varices, available expertise and patients’ subsequent management plan.

Vapreotide acetate for the treatment of esophageal variceal bleeding

Variceal bleeding is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension. The recommended treatment includes the early administration of a vasoactive drug. Vapreotide is a somatostatin analogue with a different receptor affinity to octreotide. It decreases portal pressure and blood flow of collateral circulation in rats with cirrhosis. The pivotal study of early administration of vapreotide in patients with cirrhosis and variceal bleeding has shown a significant improvement in bleeding control and, in the subset of patients with significant bleeding, a significant reduction in mortality. In addition, a meta-analysis of four randomized studies has shown a significant improvement in bleeding control. Vapreotide administrated via the intravenous route is simple to use, with practically no contraindications and few, usually minor, side effects.

Pharmacology, clinical efficacy and safety of terlipressin in esophageal varices bleeding, septic shock and hepatorenal syndrome

Terlipressin, a vasopressin agonist, is a commonly used drug with different indications, particularly in patients with end-stage liver disease. As a V(1) receptor agonist, it increases systemic vascular resistance, particularly in the splanchnic area, resulting in a decrease of portal pressure. Besides the approved use for variceal bleeding, terlipressin also has beneficial effects in the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome and norepinephrine-resistant septic shock. In patients with cirrhosis and variceal bleeding, the use of terlipressin reduces the portal vein pressure and decreases the pressure in esophageal varices. This can save lives when skilled endoscopists are not immediately available. Hepatorenal syndrome is associated with vasodilation in the mesenteric circulation with arterial underfilling and consecutive renal vasoconstriction. Restoration of an effective arterial blood volume can be achieved by the combination of terlipressin and volume expansion. In some cases, a success rate of up to 75% is reported. The early use of terlipressin in catecholamine-resistant shock can improve organ perfusion.

Octreotide enhances portal pressure reduction induced by propranolol in cirrhosis: a randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In vitro, octreotide potentiates vasoconstriction in isolated, preconstricted, mesenteric arterial vessels. In cirrhotic patients, portal pressure (HVPG) reduction induced by propranolol is partly due to splanchnic vasoconstriction.

AIM

To evaluate HVPG effects of octreotide administration in cirrhotic patients receiving long-term propranolol.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A randomized, controlled trial. First study: a total of 28 patients were studied at baseline and 30 and 60 minutes after octreotide (200 mug) (N = 14) or placebo (N = 14) and then treated with propranolol for approximately 30 days (106 +/- 5 mg/day). Second study: after baseline evaluation patients received octreotide or placebo as they were assigned to in the first study and measurements repeated 30 and 60 minutes later.

RESULTS

In the first study baseline HVPG was 18.7 +/- 0.9 mmHg and decreased to 17.1 +/- 1.1 mmHg and 17.1 +/- 1.0 mmHg (both P < 0.05 vs baseline) at 30 and 60 minutes after octreotide, respectively. Eight patients decreased their HVPG after octreotide. In the second study baseline HVPG was 15.6 +/- 1.3 mmHg (P < 0.01 vs baseline HVPG in first study) and decreased to 14.1 +/- 1.2 mmHg and 14.1 +/- 1.3 mmHg (25.7 +/- 5% lower than baseline HVPG in the first study, P < 0.01) (both P < 0.05 vs baseline) at 30 and 60 minutes after octreotide, respectively. Nine patients (2 responders/7 nonresponders to propranolol) decreased their HVPG after octreotide. Octreotide effects may be mediated by potentiation and additive mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS

Octreotide enhances HVPG reduction induced by propranolol in cirrhotic patients.

Risk stratification in upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding is a common clinical problem that accounts for a large number of hospitalizations and results in substantial health care expenditures. Risk stratification after UGI hemorrhage involves the use of clinical and endoscopic parameters to predict the likelihood of rebleeding and death. This information can guide management decisions, such as the necessity of hospital admission, the application of endoscopic hemostatic therapy, and the length of inpatient stay. This concise review examines the current literature on risk stratification in UGI hemorrhage and attempts to integrate evidence-based data into the clinical decision-making process.

Acute variceal hemorrhage

Variceal bleeding is a frequent and life-threatening complication of portal hypertension. The first episode of variceal bleeding is associated not only with a high mortality, but also with a high recurrence rate in those who survive. Therefore, management should focus on different therapeutic strategies aiming to prevent the first episode of variceal bleeding (primary prophylaxis), to control hemorrhage during the acute bleeding episode (emergency treatment), and to prevent rebleeding (secondary prophylaxis). These strategies involve pharmacological, endoscopic, surgical, and interventional radiological modalities. This article reviews management of acute variceal bleeding.

Management of acute bleeding from portal hypertension

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a frequent and severe complication of portal hypertension. The most frequent cause of the bleeding is variceal rupture. Despite improvements in prognosis after variceal bleeding over the past two decades, the 6-week mortality rate remains high, ranging from 15 to 30%. Patients die from uncontrolled bleeding, early rebleeding, infection, or renal failure within the first weeks of a bleeding episode. Poor hepatic function, severe portal hypertension with a hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) >20 mmHg, and active bleeding at endoscopy are independently associated with poor prognosis. First-line treatment includes resuscitation, prophylactic antibiotic therapy, the combined use of vasoactive drugs (started as soon as possible), and an endoscopic procedure. Reconstitution of blood volume should be done cautiously to maintain the haematocrit between 25 and 30%. Terlipressin, somatostatin, or octreotide can be used, and drug therapy is maintained from 48 h to 5 days. Ligation is the endoscopic treatment of choice in bleeding oesophageal varices; in gastric varices, obturation with cyanoacrylate is preferable. Uncontrolled bleeding should be an indication for a salvage transjugular portosystemic shunt (TIPS). In patients with Child-Pugh score A, shunt surgery might be an alternative to TIPS. Trials are currently ongoing into the precise indications of early TIPS in selected patients with an HVPG >20 mmHg, and into the usefulness of administration of recombinant activated factor VII when there is an active bleeding at endoscopy.

Acute management and secondary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding: a western Canadian survey

BACKGROUND

Acute esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis. Guidelines have been published in 1997; however, variability in the acute management and prevention of EVB rebleeding may occur.

METHODS

Gastroenterologists in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan were sent a self-reporting questionnaire.

RESULTS

The response rate was 70.4% (86 of 122). Intravenous octreotide was recommended by 93% for EVB patients but the duration was variable. The preferred timing for endoscopy in suspected acute EVB was within 12 h in 75.6% of respondents and within 24 h in 24.6% of respondents. Most (52.3%) gastroenterologists do not routinely use antibiotic prophylaxis in acute EVB patients. The preferred duration of antibiotic therapy was less than three days (35.7%), three to seven days (44.6%), seven to 10 days (10.7%) and throughout hospitalization (8.9%). Methods of secondary prophylaxis included repeat endoscopic therapy (93%) and beta-blocker therapy (84.9%). Most gastroenterologists (80.2%) routinely attempted to titrate beta-blockers to a heart rate of 55 beats/min or a 25% reduction from baseline. The most common form of secondary prophylaxis was a combination of endoscopic and pharmacological therapy (70.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Variability exists in some areas of EVB treatment, especially in areas for which evidence was lacking at the time of the last guideline publication. Gastroenterologists varied in the use of prophylactic antibiotics for acute EVB. More gastroenterologists used combination secondary prophylaxis in the form of band ligation eradication and beta-blocker therapy rather than either treatment alone. Future guidelines may be needed to address these practice differences.

Liver involvement in cystic fibrosis

The hepatobiliary manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF) encompass a broad clinical spectrum, from mild steatosis, associated with poor nutrition, to multilobular cirrhosis and the complications of portal hypertension. The factor(s) responsible for the development and progression of liver disease in a subset of patients with CF are unknown. Liver disease can be silent and progressive, manifesting only with complications associated with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Clinical evaluation for detecting and monitoring the progression of liver disease includes the following: physical examination of the liver, biochemical tests of liver function and injury, and radiological imaging with abdominal ultrasonography. Careful monitoring should take place in all patients with CF, as currently, there are no sensitive and/or specific historical or biochemical markers to predict who is at risk for the development of liver disease. Current treatment options for CF-associated liver disease are very limited. The bile acid ursodeoxycholic acid may improve biochemical parameters of liver disease, but its long-term efficacy in preventing the progression of liver disease in CF is unproven. Treatment therefore rests on optimizing nutritional status; correcting fat-soluble vitamin, essential fatty acid, and other mineral deficiencies; and treating complications of end-stage liver disease, such as pruritus, ascites, and portal hypertension.

Pharmacologic therapy for gastrointestinal bleeding due to portal hypertension and esophageal varices

Cirrhosis results in portal hypertension in many patients. The major complications of portal hypertension include development of ascites and esophageal or gastric varices. Varices lead to hemorrhage and death in a significant proportion of patients. This review focuses on the pharmacologic approach to management of portal hypertension in patients at risk of variceal hemorrhage, or those who have already had variceal bleeding. Pharmacologic therapy is used for 1) primary prevention of bleeding, 2) management of acute bleeding, and 3) prevention of recurrent bleeding (secondary prophylaxis). For acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage, a variety of pharmacologic agents are used, including somatostatin, octreotide, vapreotide, lanreotide, terlipressin, and vasopressin (with nitrates). For primary and secondary prevention of esophageal variceal hemorrhage, beta-blockers remain the mainstay therapy.

Current management of the complications of portal hypertension: variceal bleeding and ascites

Portal hypertension is one of the main consequences of cirrhosis. It results from a combination of increased intrahepatic vascular resistance and increased blood flow through the portal venous system. The condition leads to the formation of portosystemic collateral veins. Esophagogastric varices have the greatest clinical impact, with a risk of bleeding as high as 30% within 2 years of medium or large varices developing. Ascites, another important complication of advanced cirrhosis and severe portal hypertension, is sometimes refractory to treatment and is complicated by spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatorenal syndrome. We describe the pathophysiology of portal hypertension and the current management of its complications, with emphasis on the prophylaxis and treatment of variceal bleeding and ascites.

Octreotide in liver cirrhosis: a salvage for variceal bleeding can be a gunshot for kidneys

BACKGROUND

The renal effects of octreotide, used for bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhosis, are controversial.

METHODS

Fourteen cirrhotic patients (Child-Pugh; A/B/C: 1/12/1) were enrolled. Plasma nitrite and endothelin (ET) levels, urinary nitrite output, free water clearance (FWC) and fractional excretion of filtered sodium (FENa) were measured and renal Doppler ultrasound was carried out. Octreotide was infused at a rate of 0.75 microg/kg/h for 3 h after a bolus of 0.75 microg/kg body weight. All the parameters were reevaluated during octreotide administration while the patients acted as their own controls.

RESULTS

Octreotide induced significant reductions in urinary nitrite, FENa and FWC. Plasma ET levels increased (baseline: 6.7 pg/ml, octreotide: 8.4 pg/ml), whereas the plasma nitrite level did not change significantly after octreotide infusion. Overall, no significant change in renal resistive index (RRI) could be demonstrated on Doppler after octreotide administration. However, patients with elevated baseline RRI values had significantly more deterioration in FWC and FENa compared with patients with normal RRI in response to octreotide.

CONCLUSION

A marked decrease in FENa, FWC and urinary nitrite output, together with a significant increase in plasma ET level in response to octreotide, may indicate renal dysfunction in cirrhotic patients. This deleterious renal effect of octreotide may be more enhanced in patients with elevated baseline RRI.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis and in noncirrhotic patients: epidemiology and predictive factors of mortality in a prospective multicenter population-based study

GOALS

To assess epidemiologic features and predictive factors of mortality of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB).

STUDY

During a 6-month period, a prospective population-based study including all the UGIB occurring in a geographic area of 3 million people was conducted. Data from cirrhotic patients were compared with those of noncirrhotic patients.

RESULTS

A total of 2,133 UGIB were recorded, 21.9% in cirrhotic patients (n = 468). Endoscopic hemostasis was performed in 46.5% and 8.3% in cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients, respectively (P < 0.001). Mortality during hospitalization was 23.5% in cirrhotic patients and 11.2% in noncirrhotic patients (P < 0.001). Six independent predictive factors of mortality were observed in both patient groups: a prothrombin level less than 40%, an UGIB occurring in inpatients, a concomitant digestive carcinoma, a hematemesis revealing the UGIB, a recent use of steroid drugs, and age over 60 years. Four other predictive factors of mortality were also identified in noncirrhotic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although epidemiologic features, clinical course, management, and prognosis of UGIB were quite different in cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients, the majority of predictive factors of mortality were the same in both patient groups. These data underline the major role of debilitated status and hepatic failure in the prognosis of UGIB in cirrhotic patients.