1
|
Aguirre-Villarreal D, Leal-Villarreal MADJ, García-Juárez I, Argaiz ER, Koratala A. Sound waves and solutions: Point-of-care ultrasonography for acute kidney injury in cirrhosis. World J Crit Care Med 2024; 13:91212. [PMID: 38855265 PMCID: PMC11155499 DOI: 10.5492/wjccm.v13.i2.91212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This article delves into the intricate challenges of acute kidney injury (AKI) in cirrhosis, a condition fraught with high morbidity and mortality. The complexities arise from distinguishing between various causes of AKI, particularly hemodynamic AKI, in cirrhotic patients, who experience hemodynamic changes due to portal hypertension. The term "hepatocardiorenal syndrome" is introduced to encapsulate the intricate interplay among the liver, heart, and kidneys. The narrative emphasizes the often-overlooked aspect of cardiac function in AKI assessments in cirrhosis, unveiling the prevalence of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy marked by impaired diastolic function. The conventional empiric approach involving volume expansion and vasopressors for hepatorenal syndrome is critically analyzed, highlighting potential risks and variable patient responses. We advocate for a nuanced algorithm for AKI evaluation in cirrhosis, prominently featuring point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS). POCUS applications encompass assessing fluid tolerance, detecting venous congestion, and evaluating cardiac function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Aguirre-Villarreal
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | | | - Ignacio García-Juárez
- Unidad de Hepatología y Trasplante, Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Eduardo R Argaiz
- Departamento de Nefrología y Metabolismo Mineral, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Mexico City 64710, Mexico
| | - Abhilash Koratala
- Department of Nephrology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bajaj JS, Kamath PS, Reddy KR, Asrani SK, Keaveny AP, Tandon P, Duarte-Rojo A, Kappus M, Verna E, Biggins SW, Vargas HE, Albhaisi S, Shaw J, Dahiya M, Filipek N, Fallahzadeh MA, Wegermann K, Cabello R, Bera C, Thuluvath P, Bush B, Thacker LR, Wong F. Predictors of Respiratory Failure Development in a Multicenter Cohort of Inpatients With Cirrhosis. Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:712-718. [PMID: 37938163 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hospitalized patients with cirrhosis can develop respiratory failure (RF), which is associated with a poor prognosis, but predisposing factors are unclear. METHODS We prospectively enrolled a multicenter North American cirrhosis inpatient cohort and collected admission and in-hospital data (grading per European Association for the Study of Liver-Chronic Liver Failure scoring system, acute kidney injury [AKI], infections [admission/nosocomial], and albumin use) in an era when terlipressin was not available in North America. Multivariable regression to predict RF was performed using only admission day and in-hospital events occurring before RF. RESULTS A total of 511 patients from 14 sites (median age 57 years, admission model for end-stage liver disease [MELD]-Na 23) were enrolled: RF developed in 15%; AKI occurred in 24%; and 11% developed nosocomial infections (NI). At admission, patients who developed RF had higher MELD-Na, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding/AKI-related admission, and prior infections/ascites. During hospitalization, RF developers had higher NI (especially respiratory), albumin use, and other organ failures. RF was higher in patients receiving albumin (83% vs 59%, P < 0.0001) with increasing doses (269.5 ± 210.5 vs 208.6 ± 186.1 g, P = 0.01) regardless of indication. Admission for AKI, GI bleeding, and high MELD-Na predicted RF. Using all variables, NI (odds ratio [OR] = 4.02, P = 0.0004), GI bleeding (OR = 3.1, P = 0.002), albumin use (OR = 2.93, P = 0.01), AKI (OR = 3.26, P = 0.008), and circulatory failure (OR = 3.73, P = 0.002) were associated with RF risk. DISCUSSION In a multicenter inpatient cirrhosis study of patients not exposed to terlipressin, 15% of patients developed RF. RF risk was highest in those admitted with AKI, those who had GI bleeding on admission, and those who developed NI and other organ failures or received albumin during their hospital course. Careful volume monitoring and preventing nosocomial respiratory infections and renal or circulatory failures could reduce this risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Patrick S Kamath
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew P Keaveny
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Andres Duarte-Rojo
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | | | - Hugo E Vargas
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Somaya Albhaisi
- Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jawaid Shaw
- Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Thuluvath
- Mercy Medical Center & University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian Bush
- Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Leroy R Thacker
- Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Allegretti AS, Patidar KR, Ma AT, Cullaro G. From past to present to future: Terlipressin and hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00741. [PMID: 38353565 PMCID: PMC11322426 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a rare and highly morbid form of kidney injury unique to patients with decompensated cirrhosis. HRS is a physiologic consequence of portal hypertension, leading to a functional kidney injury that can be reversed by restoring effective circulating volume and renal perfusion. While liver transplantation is the only definitive "cure" for HRS, medical management with vasoconstrictors and i.v. albumin is a cornerstone of supportive care. Terlipressin, a V1a receptor agonist that acts on the splanchnic circulation, has been used for many years outside the United States for the treatment of HRS. However, its recent Food and Drug Administration approval has generated new interest in this population, as a new base of prescribers now work to incorporate the drug into clinical practice. In this article, we review HRS pathophysiology and diagnostic criteria, the clinical use of terlipressin and alternative therapies, and identify areas of future research in the space of HRS and kidney injury in cirrhosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S. Allegretti
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kavish R. Patidar
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston TX, USA
| | - Ann T. Ma
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Cullaro
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Erstad BL. Hepatorenal Syndrome With Acute Kidney Injury: Diagnosis and Medical Management. Ann Pharmacother 2024; 58:156-164. [PMID: 37271967 DOI: 10.1177/10600280231177698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review the current definitions and diagnostic criteria for acute kidney injury (AKI) and type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) now termed HRS-AKI and discuss the challenges in deciding the most appropriate medication regimens to treat patients with HRS-AKI. DATA SOURCES PubMed (inception to April 2023) with bibliographies of retrieved articles searched for additional articles; organizational websites for clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating albumin and vasoconstrictors for HRS-AKI. DATA SYNTHESIS A major change in the most recent revision of definitions and diagnostic criteria for HRS-AKI is the elimination of the set cutoff serum creatinine values for AKI. This change should be considered when comparing studies of HRS-AKI over time. Albumin has been administered to both vasoconstrictor treatment and placebo groups in all recent RCTs; however, there has never been a large RCT evaluating a no-albumin group. Most prospective trials comparing a midodrine/octreotide combination or norepinephrine to placebo or terlipressin have enrolled less than 100 patients limiting any conclusions regarding clinically important outcomes. Terlipressin with albumin has shown mixed results for complete HRS-AKI reversal with no reductions in crude mortality but adverse effect concerns involving ischemic and pulmonary events. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE Type 1 hepatorenal syndrome with acute kidney injury is a potentially life-threatening syndrome with diagnostic and treatment challenges. Albumin plus a vasoconstrictor has become the routine HRS-AKI treatment even though there has not been a large RCT evaluating a no-albumin group. Terlipressin is the vasoconstrictor of choice for HRS-AKI in current CPGs, but it has adverse effect concerns and, until recently, was not available in the United States. CONCLUSIONS In conjunction with changes in the definitions and diagnostic criteria for HRS-AKI, debate continues regarding the optimal therapy for HRS-AKI, particularly considering recent trials demonstrating ischemic and pulmonary adverse events with terlipressin used in combination with albumin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian L Erstad
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Attieh RM, Wadei HM. Acute Kidney Injury in Liver Cirrhosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2361. [PMID: 37510105 PMCID: PMC10377915 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13142361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in cirrhotic patients affecting almost 20% of these patients. While multiple etiologies can lead to AKI, pre-renal azotemia seems to be the most common cause of AKI. Irrespective of the cause, AKI is associated with worse survival with the poorest outcomes observed in those with hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) and acute tubular necrosis (ATN). In recent years, new definitions, and classifications of AKI in cirrhosis have emerged. More knowledge has also become available regarding the benefits and drawbacks of albumin and terlipressin use in these patients. Diagnostic tools such as urinary biomarkers and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) became available and they will be used in the near future to differentiate between different causes of AKI and direct management of AKI in these patients. In this update, we will review these new classifications, treatment recommendations, and diagnostic tools for AKI in cirrhotic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rose Mary Attieh
- Department of Transplant, Division of Kidney and Pancreas Transplant, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Hani M Wadei
- Department of Transplant, Division of Kidney and Pancreas Transplant, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
AKI is commonly encountered in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, and it is associated with unfavorable outcomes. Among factors specific to cirrhosis, hepatorenal syndrome type 1, also referred to as hepatorenal syndrome-AKI, is the most salient and unique etiology. Patients with cirrhosis are vulnerable to traditional causes of AKI, such as prerenal azotemia, acute tubular injury, and acute interstitial nephritis. In addition, other less common etiologies of AKI specifically related to chronic liver disease should be considered, including abdominal compartment syndrome, cardiorenal processes linked to cirrhotic cardiomyopathy and portopulmonary hypertension, and cholemic nephropathy. Furthermore, certain types of GN can cause AKI in cirrhosis, such as IgA nephropathy or viral hepatitis related. Therefore, a comprehensive diagnostic approach is needed to evaluate patients with cirrhosis presenting with AKI. Management should be tailored to the specific underlying etiology. Albumin-based volume resuscitation is recommended in prerenal AKI. Acute tubular injury and acute interstitial nephritis are managed with supportive care, withdrawal of the offending agent, and, potentially, corticosteroids in acute interstitial nephritis. Short of liver transplantation, vasoconstrictor therapy is the primary treatment for hepatorenal syndrome type 1. Timing of initiation of vasoconstrictors, the rise in mean arterial pressure, and the degree of cholestasis are among the factors that determine vasoconstrictor responsiveness. Large-volume paracentesis and diuretics are indicated to relieve intra-abdominal hypertension and renal vein congestion. Direct-acting antivirals with or without immunosuppression are used to treat hepatitis B/C-associated GN. In summary, AKI in cirrhosis requires careful consideration of multiple potentially pathogenic factors and the implementation of targeted therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Cullaro
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Swetha Rani Kanduri
- Department of Nephrology, Ochsner Health, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Ochsner Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Juan Carlos Q. Velez
- Department of Nephrology, Ochsner Health, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Ochsner Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Flamm SL, Brown K, Wadei HM, Brown RS, Kugelmas M, Samaniego‐Picota M, Burra P, Poordad F, Saab S. The Current Management of Hepatorenal Syndrome-Acute Kidney Injury in the United States and the Potential of Terlipressin. Liver Transpl 2021; 27:1191-1202. [PMID: 33848394 PMCID: PMC8457138 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) in the setting of cirrhosis (hepatorenal syndrome [HRS]-AKI) is a severe and often fatal complication of end-stage liver disease. The goals of treatment are to reverse renal failure and prolong survival in patients who are critically ill. However, interventions have limited efficacy, and mortality rates remain high. In the United States, the mainstay of pharmacologic therapy consists of the off-label use of vasoconstrictive agents in combination with plasma expanders, a strategy that produces modest effects. Liver transplantation is the ultimate solution but is only an option in a minority of patients because contraindications to transplantation are common and organ availability is limited. Renal replacement therapy is a temporary option but is known to confer an extremely poor short-term prognosis in patients with HRS-AKI and at best serves as a bridge to liver transplantation for the minority of patients who are transplantation candidates. The high mortality rate associated with HRS-AKI in the United States is a reflection of the suboptimal standard of care. Improved therapeutic options to treat HRS-AKI are sought. Terlipressin is a drug approved in Europe for treatment of HRS-AKI and supported by recommendations for first-line therapy by some liver societies and experts around the world. This review article will discuss the substantial unmet medical need associated with HRS-AKI and the potential benefits if terlipressin was approved in the United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven L. Flamm
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIL
| | - Kimberly Brown
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyTransplant InstituteHenry Ford HospitalDetroitMI
| | - Hani M. Wadei
- Department of TransplantationMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFL
| | - Robert S. Brown
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNY
| | | | | | - Patrizia Burra
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology, and GastroenterologyPadua University HospitalPaduaItaly
| | - Fred Poordad
- University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas Liver InstituteSan AntonioTX
| | - Sammy Saab
- Department of Internal Medicine and SurgeryDavid Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Erstad BL. Albumin for cirrhosis-related complications. J Clin Pharm Ther 2021; 46:887-894. [PMID: 34101215 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.13461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper was to discuss the limitations of the studies serving as the evidence for recommendations in clinical practice guidelines concerning albumin use for cirrhosis-related complications, review relevant studies published since the guidelines and suggest directions for future investigations. COMMENT There are no recent comprehensive clinical practice guidelines concerning albumin. Instead, more recent albumin guidelines reflect areas of specialty practice such as those by American and European associations for the study of the liver and liver disease. Studies published since the guidelines are useful for helping to define the most appropriate indications for albumin with respect to cirrhosis-related complications, as well as directions for future research. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION Albumin has a long history of attempts to define appropriate uses by meta-analysis, but given the high cost and episodic shortages of albumin, there is a need for adequately powered randomized controlled trials using current state-of-the-art care evaluating the use of albumin to prevent or treat cirrhosis-related complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian L Erstad
- Department of Pharmacy Practice & Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|