Effect of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy on Outcome in Pediatric Acute Liver Failure

Intraoperative kidney replacement therapy in acute liver failure

Paediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is often characterised by its rapidity of onset and potential for significant morbidity and even mortality. Patients often develop multiorgan dysfunction/failure, including severe acute kidney injury (AKI). Whilst the management of PALF focuses on complications of hepatic dysfunction, the associated kidney impairment can significantly affect patient outcomes. Severe AKI requiring continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) is a common complication of both PALF and liver transplantation. In both scenarios, the need for CKRT is a poor prognostic indicator. In adults, AKI has been shown to complicate ALF in 25-50% of cases. In PALF, the incidence of AKI is often higher compared to other critically ill paediatric ICU populations, with reports of up to 40% in some observational studies. Furthermore, those presenting with AKI regularly have a more severe grade of PALF at presentation. Observational studies in the paediatric population corroborate this, though data are not as robust-mainly reflecting single-centre cohorts. Perioperative benefits of CKRT include helping to clear water-soluble toxins such as ammonia, balancing electrolytes, preventing fluid overload, and managing raised intracranial pressure. As liver transplantation often takes 6-10 h, it is proposed that these benefits could be extended to the intraoperative period, avoiding any hiatus. Intraoperative CKRT (IoCKRT) has been shown to be practicable, safe and may help sicker recipients tolerate the operation with outcomes analogous with less ill patients not requiring IoCKRT. Here, we provide a comprehensive guide describing the rationale, practicalities, and current evidence base surrounding IoCKRT during transplantation in the paediatric population.

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.

Continuous renal replacement therapy and therapeutic plasma exchange in pediatric liver failure

Patients with acute liver failure (ALF) and acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) have significant morbidity and mortality. They require extracorporeal blood purification modalities like continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) as a bridge to recovery or liver transplantation. Limited data are available on the outcomes of patients treated with these therapies. This is a retrospective single-center study of 23 patients from 2015 to 2022 with ALF/ACLF who underwent CRRT and TPE. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of these patients. Median (IQR) age was 0.93 years (0.57, 9.88), range 16 days to 20 years. Ten (43%) had ALF and 13 (57%) ACLF. Most (n = 19, 82%) started CRRT for hyperammonemia and/or hepatic encephalopathy and all received TPE for refractory coagulopathy. CRRT was started at a median of 2 days from ICU admission, and TPE started on the same day in most. The liver transplant was done in 17 (74%), and 2 recovered native liver function. Four patients, all with ACLF, died prior to ICU discharge without a liver transplant. The median peak ammonia pre-CRRT was 131 µmol/L for the whole cohort. The mean (SD) drop in ammonia after 48 h of CRRT was 95.45 (43.72) µmol/L in those who survived and 69.50 (21.70) µmol/L in those who did not (p 0.26). Those who survived had 0 median co-morbidities compared to 2.5 in non-survivors (aOR (95% CI) for mortality risk of 2.5 (1.1-5.7), p 0.028).  Conclusion: In this cohort of 23 pediatric patients with ALF or ACLF who received CRRT and TPE, 83% survived with a liver transplant or recovered with their native liver. Survival was worse in those who had ACLF and those with co-morbid conditions. What is Known: •  Pediatric acute liver failure is associated with high mortality. •  Patients may require extracorporeal liver assist therapies (like CRRT, TPE, MARS, SPAD) to bridge them over to a transplant or recovery of native liver function. What is New: • Standard volume plasma exhange has not been evaluated against high volume plasma exchange for ALF. • The role, dose, and duration of therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with acute on chronic liver failure is not well described.

Hyperosmolarity in children with hyperammonemia: a risk of brain herniation at the start of renal replacement therapy

Purpose

Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is used in hyperammonemia to reduce the concentration of ammonia in the blood. In the case of plasma hyperosmolarity, RRT can also rapidly decrease plasma osmolarity, which may increase cerebral edema in these patients and favor the occurrence of brain herniation.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective clinical study in a tertiary care university-affiliated hospital. All patients admitted in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), less than 18 years old with ammonemia >150 µmol/L and who underwent RRT between January 2015 and June 2023 were included. We collected data on plasma osmolarity levels, osmolar gap and blood ammonia levels before and during RRT.

Results

Eleven patients were included (10 with acute liver failure and 1 with a urea cycle disorders). Their mean age was 36.2 months. Before RRT, the median highest measured osmolarity was 320 (305-324) mOsm/L, whereas the median calculated osmolarity was 303 (293-314) mOsm/L, corresponding to an osmolar gap of 14 mOsm/L. Ammonia blood level over 400 µmol/L are significantly associated with higher plasma osmolarity (P-Value <0.001). In one case, a patient had a brain herniation episode after a quick osmolar drop. This episode was reversed by the administration of hyperosmolar agents and the temporary suspension of RRT.

Conclusion

This study highlights the hyperosmolarity and high osmolar gap that occur in children with hyperammonemia. A careful monitoring and control of plasma osmolarity evolution may alert clinician on the risk of occurrence of neurological complication such as brain herniation.

Role of high-volume plasmapheresis in the management of paediatric acute liver failure

OBJECTIVES

Paediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is a life-threatening disease. Management aims to support hepatic regeneration or to bridge to liver transplantation. High-volume plasmapheresis (HVP) removes protein-bound substances, alleviates inflammation, and improves survival in adult acute liver failure. However, experience with HVP in PALF is limited. Aim of this study is to report on feasibility, safety, efficacy and outcomes of HVP in PALF.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study in children with PALF. HVP was performed upon identification of negative prognostic indicators, in toxic aetiology or multiorgan failure (MOF). Exchanged volume with fresh-frozen plasma corresponded to 1.5-2.0 times the patient's estimated plasma volume. One daily cycle was performed until the patient met criteria for discontinuation, that is, liver regeneration, liver transplantation, or death.

RESULTS

Twenty-two children with PALF (body weight 2.5-106 kg) received 1-7 HVP cycles. No bleeding or procedure-related mortality occurred. Alkalosis, hypothermia and reduction in platelets were observed. Haemolysis led to HVP termination in one infant. Seven children (32%) survived with their native livers, 13 patients (59%) underwent liver transplantation. Two infants died due to MOF. Overall survival was 86%. International normalization ratio (INR), alanine aminotransaminases (ALT), bilirubin and inotropic support were reduced significantly (p < 0.05) after the first HVP-cycle (median): INR 2.85 versus 1.5; ALT 1280 versus 434 U/L; bilirubin 12.7 versus 6.7 mg/dL; norepinephrine dosage 0.083 versus 0.009 µg/kg/min. Median soluble-interleukin-2-receptor dropped significantly following HVP (n = 7): 2407 versus 950 U/mL (p < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

HVP in PALF is feasible, safe, improves markers of liver failure and inflammation and is associated with lowering inotropic support. Prospective and controlled studies are required to confirm efficacy of HVP in PALF.

Management of pediatric liver failure with therapeutic plasma exchange and continuous renal replacement therapy: A retrospective observational study

Liver failure represents a critical medical condition, marked by the rapid decline of hepatic functions. Emerging therapies, notably therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF), have demonstrated potential in mitigating these conditions through their roles in detoxification and hepatic support. The utility of these treatments, whether applied individually or in tandem, constitutes a significant area of research concerning the management of liver failure in pediatric patients. This study aims to evaluate the role and efficacy of TPE or TPE combined with CVVHDF in the treatment of liver failure among children. This retrospective study was conducted in a LTICU by reviewing the medical history of pediatric patients aged 1 month to 18 years. Patients were admitted between January 1, 2021 and December 1, 2023 due to acute liver failure or acute-chronic liver failure. The study evaluated those who received TPE or continuous renal replacement therapy combined with TPE. In statistical analyses, a P-value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. The study involved 24 patients with liver failure, comprising 13 males and 11 females. Sixteen patients (66.6%) received only TPE, while 8 patients (33.4%) were treated with TPE and CVVHDF. For patients treated only with TPE, the median INR reduced from 3.1 to 1.26, alanine aminotransferase from 1255 to 148, and aspartate aminotransferase from 2189 to 62. Similar significant reductions were observed in the TPE and CVVHDF group: INR from 3.9 to 1.26, alanine aminotransferase from 1749 to 1148, and aspartate aminotransferase from 1489 to 62. These changes were statistically significant with P-values of .01 for each parameter in both groups. Overall, 14 patients survived without requiring a liver transplant, while 4 patients underwent liver transplantation. Our study on pediatric liver failure treatment shows that both standalone TPE and its combination with CVVHDF are effective, especially as a bridge to transplantation. With 58% transplant-free survival, these therapies demonstrate significant clinical improvements. Future multicentric studies are needed for broader validation of these findings in liver failure management.

Pediatric acute liver failure: Current perspective in etiology and management

Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is a catastrophic clinical condition with very high morbidity and mortality without early detection and intervention. It is characterized by the acute onset of massive hepatocellular injury that releases circulating inflammatory mediators, resulting in metabolic disturbances, coagulopathy, hepatic encephalopathy and multi-organ failure. The etiological spectrum is dominated by hepatotropic viruses, drug-induced liver injury, metabolic and genetic disorders and immune-mediated diseases. Unlike adults, indeterminate causes for acute liver failure constitute a considerable proportion of cases of acute liver failure in children in the west. The heterogeneity of age and etiology in PALF has led to difficulties in developing prognostic scoring. The recent guidelines emphasize prompt identification of PALF, age-appropriate evaluation for hepatic encephalopathy and laboratory evaluation with careful monitoring. Current therapy focuses on supporting the failing liver and other organs, pending either spontaneous recovery or liver transplantation. Targeted therapy is available for a select group of etiologies. Liver transplantation can be lifesaving and a plan for the same should be organized, whenever indicated. The aim of this review is to define PALF, understand its etiopathogenesis, address the challenges encountered during the management and update the latest advances in liver transplantation and non-transplant treatment options in PALF.

Intraoperative renal replacement therapy during liver transplantation in children: Safety, efficacy and impact on survival

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (iCRRT) can prevent life-threatening complications, facilitate fluid management, and maintain metabolic homeostasis during liver transplantation (LT) in adults. There is a paucity of data in pediatric LT. We evaluated the safety, efficacy, and impact on survival of iCRRT in pediatric LT.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all children requiring CRRT pre-OLT at a quaternary children's hospital from 2014 to 2022. Demographic characteristics, intraoperative events, and post-LT outcomes were compared between those who received iCRRT and those who did not.

RESULTS

Out of 306 patients who received LT, 30 (10%) were supported with CRRT at least 24 h prior to LT, of which 11 (36%) received iCRRT. The two cohorts were similar in demographics, diagnosis of liver disease, and severity of illness. The iCRRT patients experienced massive blood loss and increased transfusion requirements. There was no difference in intraoperative metabolic balance. One-year post-LT mortality rates were similar.

CONCLUSION

ICRRT is safe in critically ill children with pre-LT renal dysfunction. It optimizes fluid and blood product resuscitation while maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Candidates need to be carefully chosen for this highly resource-intensive therapy to benefit this fragile population.

Dengue-related acute liver failure-A scoping review

Infection by dengue virus is common in tropical countries. Hepatic involvement in dengue can range from asymptomatic elevation of transaminases to life-threatening acute liver failure (ALF). Dengue-related ALF (DALF) is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, especially in Southeast Asia. However, there is a scarcity of literature on DALF, necessitating a thorough examination of its clinical determinants and management strategies. All relevant studies related to DALF were reviewed until December 2023. Case reports, case series and studies reporting ALF in dengue infection were included. Demographics, clinical profiles, management and outcomes of DALF cases were analyzed, which revealed a predominance of DALF incidence in pediatric patients (1.1% to 15.8%) and an upward trend over the years, particularly in India. The proportion of ALF cases attributable to dengue was also higher among pediatric ALF patients (6.7% to 34.3%). Age ≤ 40 years, persistent nausea, vomiting and elevated serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > 1000 IU/mL within the first five days of illness, more than 10% of atypical lymphocytes in peripheral blood, platelet count of < 50,000/cu·mm, severe hepatitis at presentation and baseline model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) > 15 were the risk factors for the development of DALF. Histopathological features of DALF included multi-lobular hepatic necrosis, steatosis and occasional cholestasis. Mortality in DALF ranged from 0% to 80%; admission pH and lactate strongly predicted mortality, while mortality was found to be significantly higher in patients with cirrhosis. N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC) has been used as a treatment modality with varying results. There is limited evidence regarding the use of extra-corporeal support systems, while candidate selection for liver transplantation (LT) in DALF remains poorly defined.

Continuous renal replacement therapy in neonates and children: what does the pediatrician need to know? An overview from the Critical Care Nephrology Section of the European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC)

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is the preferred method for renal support in critically ill and hemodynamically unstable children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) as it allows for gentle removal of fluids and solutes. The most frequent indications for CRRT include acute kidney injury (AKI) and fluid overload (FO) as well as non-renal indications such as removal of toxic metabolites in acute liver failure, inborn errors of metabolism, and intoxications and removal of inflammatory mediators in sepsis. AKI and/or FO are common in critically ill children and their presence is associated with worse outcomes. Therefore, early recognition of AKI and FO is important and timely transfer of patients who might require CRRT to a center with institutional expertise should be considered. Although CRRT has been increasingly used in the critical care setting, due to the lack of standardized recommendations, wide practice variations exist regarding the main aspects of CRRT application in critically ill children.     Conclusion: In this review, from the Critical Care Nephrology section of the European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC), we summarize the key aspects of CRRT delivery and highlight the importance of adequate follow up among AKI survivors which might be of relevance for the general pediatric community. What is Known: • CRRT is the preferred method of renal support in critically ill and hemodynamically unstable children in the PICU as it allows for gentle removal of fluids and solutes. • Although CRRT has become an important and integral part of modern pediatric critical care, wide practice variations exist in all aspects of CRRT. What is New: • Given the lack of literature on guidance for a general pediatrician on when to refer a child for CRRT, we recommend timely transfer to a center with institutional expertise in CRRT, as both worsening AKI and FO have been associated with increased mortality. • Adequate follow-up of PICU patients with AKI and CRRT is highlighted as recent findings demonstrate that these children are at increased risk for adverse long-term outcomes.

Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Children with Acute Liver Failure in a Tertiary Care Center in South India: A Retrospective Study

Purpose

In this study, we investigated the clinical profile, survival at discharge, and proportion of children with acute liver failure (ALF) meeting the criteria for, yet surviving without, liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

Medical case records of children aged >28 days to ≤15 years over a period of 7 years, identified from pediatric admission and discharge registers, were screened. Children satisfying the criteria for ALF were included in this study.

Results

A total of 71 records meeting the pediatric ALF (PALF) criteria were included. The survival rate at discharge was 61% (n=44). A considerable proportion of children satisfied the King's College Criteria (KCC) (56.3%) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) criteria (7%) for LT at admission. Nonetheless, the survival rate in the absence of LT was 42.5% in children who satisfied the KCC and 20% in those who met the EASL criteria. Infection (29.5%) and paracetamol overdose (19.7%) were the major identifiable causes of PALF. Hepatitis A was the most common infection identified. No significant predictors of poor outcomes were identified in multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the changing survival rates and the clinical and etiological profiles of patients with PALF. In areas with poor access to LT services, survival in these children could be improved through early referral to centers with adequate intensive care facilities. Preventing ALF and referring patients to LT services are paramount to reducing mortality.

Liver Transplantation for Acute Liver Failure Due to Yellow Phosphorus Poisoning - A Comprehensive Review

Yellow phosphorus or metal phosphide (YP-MP) rodenticide poisoning has been a known cause of acute liver failure (ALF) in many countries of Asia and North and South America over the last decade. It is a highly toxic compound and is a well-known cause of intentional or accidental poisoning in both adults and children. In lower doses, it causes gastrointestinal symptoms and mild hepatic injury, and patients may spontaneously recover. In higher doses, hepatic necrosis and fatty infiltration may cause significant injury and may even lead to ALF, characterized by hepatic encephalopathy, coagulopathy, and lactic acidosis. Cardiotoxicity, rhabdomyolysis, and neutropenia are other well-documented complications. If untreated, it may lead to multi-organ dysfunction and death. Plasmapheresis and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) have been used with limited success in patients who do not recover spontaneously. However, patients who develop ALF often need liver transplantation (LT). Liver transplantation has been successfully performed in ALF due to YP-MP poisoning in several countries, with good results in both adult and pediatric patients. Separate criteria for LT are important to ensure early and rapid listing of critical patients on the waiting list. The success rates of LT for ALF due to YP-MP rodenticide poisoning are very promising, provided there are no contra-indications to transplant. Plasma exchange, CRRT, or cytosorb can be used as a bridge to transplant in selected patients. In the long term, only with an increase in public awareness and sale restrictions can we prevent the intentional and accidental poisoning caused by this easily available, highly toxic compound.

Combined Therapeutic Plasma Exchange and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Children With Dengue-Associated Acute Liver Failure and Shock Syndrome: Single-Center Cohort From Vietnam

OBJECTIVES

Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is a fatal complication in patients with severe dengue. To date, clinical data on the combination of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for managing dengue-associated PALF concomitant with shock syndrome are limited.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study (January 2013 to June 2022).

PATIENTS

Thirty-four children.

SETTING

PICU of tertiary Children's Hospital No. 2 in Vietnam.

INTERVENTIONS

We assessed a before-versus-after practice change at our center of using combined TPE and CRRT (2018 to 2022) versus CRRT alone (2013 to 2017) in managing children with dengue-associated acute liver failure and shock syndrome. Clinical and laboratory data were reviewed from PICU admission, before and 24 h after CRRT and TPE treatments. The main study outcomes were 28-day in-hospital mortality, hemodynamics, clinical hepatoencephalopathy, and liver function normalization.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 34 children with a median age of 10 years (interquartile range: 7-11 yr) underwent standard-volume TPE and/or CRRT treatments. Combined TPE and CRRT ( n = 19), versus CRRT alone ( n = 15), was associated with lower proportion of mortality 7 of 19 (37%) versus 13 of 15 (87%), difference 50% (95% CI, 22-78; p < 0.01). Use of combined TPE and CRRT was associated with substantial advancements in clinical hepatoencephalopathy, liver transaminases, coagulation profiles, and blood lactate and ammonia levels (all p values < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience of children with dengue-associated PALF and shock syndrome, combined use of TPE and CRRT, versus CRRT alone, is associated with better outcomes. Such combination intervention was associated with normalization of liver function, neurological status, and biochemistry. In our center we continue to use combined TPE and CRRT rather than CRRT alone.

Hepatic Arterioportal Fistula Following Liver Trauma: Case Series and Review of the Literature

PURPOSE

Hepatic arterioportal fistula (HAPF) is an uncommon complication of hepatic trauma, which can manifest with abdominal pain and the sequelae of portal hypertension months to years after injury. The purpose of this study is to present cases of HAPF from our busy urban trauma center and make recommendations for management.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-seven patients with high-grade penetrating liver injuries (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma [AAST] - Grades IV-V) between January 2019 and October 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Five patients were identified with an acute hepatic arterioportal fistula following abdominal trauma from our ACS-verified adult Level 1 trauma center. Institutional experience with overall surgical management is described and reviewed with the current literature.

RESULTS

Four of our patients presented in hemorrhagic shock requiring emergent operative intervention. The first patient had postoperative angiography and coil embolization of the HAPF. Patients 2 through 4 underwent damage control laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure followed by postoperative transarterial embolization with gelatin sponge particles (Gelfoam) or combined Gelfoam/n-butyl cyanoacrylate. The final patient went directly for angiography and Gelfoam embolization after identification of the HAPF. All 5 patients had resolution of HAPF on follow-up imaging with continued post management for traumatic injuries.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic arterioportal fistula can present as a complication of hepatic injury and manifest with significant hemodynamic aberrations. Although surgical intervention was required to achieve hemorrhage control in almost all cases, management of HAPF in the setting of high-grade liver injuries was achieved successfully with modern endovascular techniques. A multidisciplinary approach to such injuries is necessary to optimize care in the acute setting following traumatic injury.

Combination of Plasma Exchange and Adsorption Versus Plasma Exchange in Pediatric Acute Liver Failure: A Multicenter Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of double plasma molecular adsorption system (DPMAS) with half-dose plasma exchange (PE) to that of full-dose PE in pediatric acute liver failure (PALF).

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted in 13 pediatric intensive care units in Shandong Province, China. DPMAS+PE and single PE therapies were performed in 28 and 50 cases, respectively. The patients' clinical information and biochemical data were obtained from the patients' medical records.

RESULTS

The severity of illness did not differ between the 2 groups. At 72 hours after treatment, comparing with PE group, the rates of decline of Pediatric model for End-stage Liver Disease and Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores as well as total bilirubin blood ammonia and interleukin-6 were significantly higher, while the short-term effective rate (75.0% vs 44.0%, P = 0.008) was significantly higher in the DPMAS+PE group. The volume of plasma consumption (26.5 vs 51.0 mL/kg, P = 0.000) and the rate of adverse events (3.6% vs 24.0%, P = 0.026) were lower in the DPMAS+PE group than in the PE group, respectively. However, there was no statistical difference in the 28-day mortality between the 2 groups (21.4% vs 40.0%, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

For PALF patients, both DPMAS + half-dose PE and full-dose PE could improve the liver function, while DPMAS + half-dose PE could significantly reduce plasma consumption without obvious adverse effects in contrast with full-dose PE. Thus, DPMAS + half-dose PE may be a suitable alternative method for PALF in the context of the increasingly tight blood supply situation.

Continuous Kidney Replacement Therapy Practices in Pediatric Intensive Care Units Across Europe

IMPORTANCE

Continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) is the preferred method of kidney support for children with critical illness in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). However, there are no data on the current CKRT management practices in European PICUs.

OBJECTIVE

To describe current CKRT practices across European PICUs.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cross-sectional survey of PICUs in 20 European countries was conducted by the Critical Care Nephrology Section of the European Society of Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care from April 1, 2020, to May 31, 2022. Participants included intensivists and nurses working in European PICUs. The survey was developed in English and distributed using SurveyMonkey. One response from each PICU that provided CKRT was included in the analysis. Data were analyzed from June 1 to June 30, 2022.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

Demographic characteristics of European PICUs along with organizational and delivery aspects of CKRT (including prescription, liberation from CKRT, and training and education) were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 283 survey responses received, 161 were included in the analysis (response rate, 76%). The attending PICU consultant (70%) and the PICU team (77%) were mainly responsible for CKRT prescription, whereas the PICU nurses were responsible for circuit setup (49%) and bedside machine running (67%). Sixty-one percent of permanent nurses received training to use CKRT, with no need for certification or recertification in 36% of PICUs. Continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration was the preferred dialytic modality (51%). Circuit priming was performed with normal saline (67%) and blood priming in children weighing less than 10 kg (56%). Median (IQR) CKRT dose was 35 (30-50) mL/kg/h in neonates and 30 (30-40) mL/kg/h in children aged 1 month to 18 years. Forty-one percent of PICUs used regional unfractionated heparin infusion, whereas 35% used citrate-based regional anticoagulation. Filters were changed for filter clotting (53%) and increased transmembrane pressure (47%). For routine circuit changes, 72 hours was the cutoff in 62% of PICUs. Some PICUs (34%) monitored fluid removal goals every 4 hours, with variation from 12 hours (17%) to 24 hours (13%). Fluid removal goals ranged from 1 to 3 mL/kg/h. Liberation from CKRT was performed with a diuretic bolus followed by an infusion (32%) or a diuretic bolus alone (19%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This survey study found a wide variation in current CKRT practice, including organizational aspects, education and training, prescription, and liberation from CKRT, in European PICUs. This finding calls for concerted efforts on the part of the pediatric critical care and nephrology communities to streamline CKRT education and training, research, and guidelines to reduce variation in practice.

Pediatric acute liver failure: Reexamining key clinical features, current management, and research prospects

This review aims to synthesize the most updated research, outcomes, and trends in the field of pediatric liver transplantation (LT), specifically focusing on children who have suffered from acute liver failure. Pediatric acute liver failure is a dynamic, life-threatening condition that can either self-resolve or lead to death. LT is a lifesaving intervention. With the introduction of technical variant grafts and recent immunosuppression modifications, overall patient survival, graft survival, and waitlist mortality have improved. Furthermore, recent advances in the knowledge of immunologic mediators of acute liver failure offer the possibility of more detailed understanding of the pathophysiology and new areas for research. Given the success of living donor LT for pediatric patients with acute liver failure, this option should continue to be actively considered as an alternative treatment option for patients who are listed for transplantation and are managed at a multidisciplinary tertiary care transplant center.

Therapeutic plasma exchange and continuous renal replacement therapy in pediatric dengue-associated acute liver failure: A case series from Vietnam

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Paediatric dengue-associated acute liver failure (PALF) is a rare and fatal complication. To date, clinical data regarding the combination of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for the treatment of dengue-associated PALF are limited.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center, retrospective study of all children with dengue-associated PALF admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit of Children Hospital No.2, Vietnam, who were treated with TPE+CRRT between January 2021 and March 2022. The main study outcomes were in-hospital survival, normalisation of hepatic function, and hepatic encephalopathy improvement.

RESULTS

Twelve patients aged from 06 to 12 years underwent TPE+CRRT procedures. Among them, three (25 %) patients died of severe sepsis and septic shock confirmed by Enterobacteriaceae spp. haemocultures (stable on maintenance treatment of COVID-19-associated MIS-C with low dose of oral steroids on hospital admission), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and clinically apparent intracranial haemorrhage. Nine patients (75 %) survived. The paediatric mortality risk score improved significantly at discharge compared with PICU admission (P < 0.01). Markedly, all twelve patients were diagnosed with hepatoencephalopathy of grades III and IV on PICU admission. After the combined TPE+CRRT interventions, there were substantial improvements in liver transaminases levels, coagulation profiles, and metabolic biomarkers. Normal neurological functions were observed in nine alive patients at hospital discharge. Only one patient experienced an adverse event of slightly low blood pressure, which rapidly self-resolved.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS

Combined TPE+CRRT significantly improved survival outcome, neurological status, and rapid normalisation of liver functions in dengue-associated PALF.

Advances in medical management of acute liver failure in children: promoting native liver survival

Paediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is defined as a biochemical evidence of acute liver injury in a child with no previous history of chronic liver disease characterised by an international normalised ratio (INR) of 1·5 or more unresponsive to vitamin K with encephalopathy, or INR of 2·0 or more with or without encephalopathy. PALF can rapidly progress to multiorgan dysfunction or failure. Although the transplant era has substantially changed the outlook for these patients, transplantation itself is not without risks, including those associated with life-long immunosuppression. Consequently, there has been an increased focus on improving medical management to prioritise bridging of patients to native liver survival, which is possible due to improved understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of multiorgan involvement in PALF. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in the medical management of PALF with an aim of reducing the need for liver transplantation. The Review will focus on the non-specific immune-mediated inflammatory response, extracorporeal support devices, neuromonitoring and neuroprotection, and emerging cellular and novel future therapeutic options.

Therapeutic Management of Idiosyncratic Drug-Induced Liver Injury and Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity in the Paediatric Population: A Systematic Review

Introduction

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a rare but serious adverse event that can progress to acute liver failure (ALF). The evidence for treatment of DILI in children is scarce.

Objective

We aimed to comprehensively review the available literature on the therapies for both acetaminophen overdose (APAP) and idiosyncratic DILI in the paediatric population.

Methods

We included original articles conducted in a paediatric population (< 18 years) in which a therapeutic intervention was described to manage APAP or idiosyncratic DILI. Findings were summarized based on age groups (preterm newborn neonates, term and post-term neonates, infants, children and adolescents).

Results

Overall, 25 publications (fifteen case reports, six case series and four retrospective cohort studies) were included, including a total of 140 paediatric DILI cases, from preterm newborn neonates to adolescents. N-acetylcysteine was used to treat 19 APAP cases. N-acetylcysteine (n = 14), ursodeoxycholic acid (n = 3), corticosteroids (n = 31), carnitine (n = 16) and the combination of glycyrrhizin, reduced glutathione, polyene phosphatidylcholine and S-adenosylmethionine (n = 31) were the therapeutic options for treating idiosyncratic DILI. The molecular adsorbent recirculating system was used in the management of either APAP (n = 4) or idiosyncratic DILI (n = 2), while 20 paediatric ALF cases received continuous renal replacement therapy.

Conclusions

This systematic review identified DILI in the paediatric population who have received specific treatment. These interventions appear to be mainly extrapolated from low-quality evidence from the adult population. Thus, there is a need for high-quality studies to test the efficacy of known and novel therapies to treat DILI specifically addressed to the paediatric population.

PROSPERO registration number CRD42021214702.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40264-022-01224-w.

Association Between Continuous Kidney Replacement Therapy Clearance and Outcome in Pediatric Patients With Hyperammonemia Not Due to Inborn Error of Metabolism

OBJECTIVES

To describe a single-center experience of pediatric patients with hyperammonemia not due to inborn errors of metabolism and determine the association between use of continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) treatment and outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary-care children's hospital.

PATIENTS

All children less than 21 years old admitted to the hospital with hyperammonemia defined as an elevated ammonia levels (>100 µmol/L) not due to inborn error of metabolism.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASURES AND MAIN RESULTS

Of 135 children with hyperammonemia, the most common reason for admission was infection in 57 of 135 (42%), congenital heart disease in 20 of 135 (14%), and bone marrow transplantation in 10 of 135 (7%). The overall mortality was 61% (82 of 135), which increased with degree of hyperammonemia (17 of 23 [74%] in those with ammonia >250 µmol/L). After multivariable regression, hyperammonemia severity was not associated with mortality (aOR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.92-2.1; p = 0.11). Of the 43 patients (32%) receiving CKRT, 21 were prescribed standard clearance and 22 high clearance. The most common indications for CKRT were fluid overload in 17 of 43 (42%) and acute kidney injury or uremia in 16 of 43 (37%). Mean CKRT duration was 13 days. There was no difference between standard and high clearance groups in risk of death (76% vs 86%; p = 0.39), cerebral edema on CT scan (19% vs 27%; p = 0.52), nor decrease in ammonia levels after 24 or 48 hours of CKRT ( p = 0.20, p = 0.94). Among those receiving CKRT, we failed to find an association between high clearance and decreased risk of death in multivariable analysis (aOR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.64-2.3; p = 0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

In our single-center retrospective study, we failed to find an association between clearance on CKRT and improved survival nor decreased cerebral edema on head imaging. In fact, we failed to find an association between ammonia level and mortality, after controlling for illness severity.

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.

Proceedings of ESPGHAN Monothematic Conference 2020: "Acute Liver Failure in Children": Diagnosis and Initial Management

OBJECTIVES

The Hepatology Committee of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) aims to educate pediatric gastroenterologists, members of ESPGHAN and professionals from other specialties promoting an exchange of clinical expertise in the field of pediatric hepatology. Herewith we have concentrated on detailing the recent advances in acute liver failure in infants and children.

METHODS

The 2020 ESPGHAN monothematic three-day conference on pediatric hepatology disease, entitled "acute liver failure" (ALF), was organized in Athens, Greece. ALF is a devastating disease with high mortality and most cases remain undiagnosed. As knowledge in diagnosis and treatment of ALF in infants and children has increased in the past decades, the objective was to update physicians in the field with the latest research and developments in early recognition, curative therapies and intensive care management, imaging techniques and treatment paradigms in these age groups.

RESULTS

In the first session, the definition, epidemiology, various causes of ALF, in neonates and older children and recurrent ALF (RALF) were discussed. The second session was dedicated to new aspects of ALF management including hepatic encephalopathy (HE), coagulopathy, intensive care interventions, acute on chronic liver failure, and the role of imaging in treatment and prognosis. Oral presentations by experts in various fields are summarized highlighting key learning points.

CONCLUSIONS

The current report summarizes the major learning points from this meeting. It also identifies areas where there is gap of knowledge, thereby identifying the research agenda for the near future.

Proceedings of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Monothematic Conference, 2020: "Acute Liver Failure in Children": Treatment and Directions for Future Research

OBJECTIVES

The Hepatology Committee of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) aims to educate pediatric gastroenterologists, members of ESPGHAN and professionals from other specialties promoting an exchange of clinical expertise in the field of pediatric hepatology.

METHODS

The 2020 single topic ESPGHAN monothematic 3-day conference on pediatric liver disease, was organized in Athens, Greece and was entitled " Acute Liver Failure" (ALF). ALF is a devastating disease with high mortality and in a considerable fraction of patients, the cause remains unresolved. As knowledge in diagnosis and treatment of ALF in infants and children has increased in the past decades, the objective was to update physicians in the field with developments in medical therapy and indications for liver transplantation (LT) and to identify areas for future research in clinical and neurocognitive outcomes in ALF.

RESULTS

We recently reported the epidemiology, diagnosis, and initial intensive care management issues in separate manuscript. Herewith we report on the medical treatment, clinical lessons arising from pediatric studies, nutritional and renal replacement therapy (RRT), indications and contraindications for LT, neurocognitive outcomes, new techniques used as bridging to LT, and areas for future research. Oral presentations by experts in various fields are summarized highlighting key learning points.

CONCLUSIONS

The current report summarizes the current insights in medical treatment of pediatric ALF and the directions for future research.

Pediatric acute liver failure: An experience of a pediatric intensive care unit from resource limited settings

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric acute liver failure is a rare and serious disease. Though liver transplantation is considered as the established treatment option for patients who are unlikely to recover with medical management, however, with the advancement of medical care there has been an increase in spontaneous regeneration of liver, obviating the need for liver transplantation. We identified the etiologies, outcome and prognostic factors of acute liver failure and the validity of the existing liver transplantation criteria to predict the outcome of pediatric acute liver failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study done from January 2014 to December 2019 in a tertiary pediatric critical care unit in South India. All children aged between 1 month to 18 years admitted with acute liver failure were enrolled.

RESULTS

Of 125 children with acute liver failure, the main etiologies were infections (32%), indeterminate (23%), paracetamol toxicity (21%), metabolic (13%) and others (11%). Dengue was the most common infection (55%). The median pediatric logistic organ dysfunction score at admission was 12 (4-27). Of 125 patients, 63.2% (n = 79) had spontaneous regeneration which was higher in paracetamol induced (92.3%) compared to non-paracetamol induced acute liver failure (55.5%). Only two patients underwent liver transplantation and 35% died. Peak alanine transaminase and use of inotropes significantly predicted the outcome of disease. Of 38 children meeting King's College Hospital criteria for liver transplantation, 57.9% had spontaneous regeneration and 36.8% died. Of 74 children meeting INR > 4 criteria, 54% (n = 40) had spontaneous regeneration and 43.2% died. INR >4 criteria was more sensitive than King's College Hospital criteria for predicting the need for liver transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric acute liver failure is caused by varied etiologies and infections were the commonest cause. Despite having a seriously ill cohort of patients, medical management resulted in spontaneous regeneration in the majority of children with acute liver failure. The use of inotropes, advanced hepatic encephalopathy, and peak alanine transaminase were predictors of poor outcome in children with acute liver failure and these patients could be considered for liver transplantation as available. Therefore, we may need to develop better predictors of pediatric acute liver failure in resource limited settings.

Plasma Exchange in Acute and Acute on Chronic Liver Failure

Liver failure in the context of acute (ALF) and acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with high mortality in the absence of a liver transplant. For decades, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is performed for the management of immune-mediated diseases. TPE has emerged as an attractive extracorporeal blood purification technique in patients with ALF and ACLF. The basic premise of using TPE is to remove the toxic substances which would allow recovery of native liver functions by facilitating liver regeneration. In recent years, encouraging data have emerged, suggesting the benefits of TPE in patients with liver failure. TPE has emerged as an attractive liver support device for the failing liver until liver transplantation or clinical recovery. The data in patients with ALF suggest routine use of high-volume TPE, while the data for such a strategy are less robust for patients with ACLF.

Safety of High-Volume Plasmapheresis in Children With Acute Liver Failure

OBJECTIVES

Paediatric acute liver failure (P-ALF) is a rare condition and is associated with a high mortality rate. Management of P-ALF aims to stabilise vital organ functions and to remove circulating toxins and provide vital plasma factors that are lacking. High-volume plasmapheresis (HVP) removes protein-bound substances and improves survival in adult ALF. It is unknown if this effect can be extrapolated to P-ALF. The aim of this study is to report the safety and feasibility of HVP in P-ALF.

METHODS

Children with P-ALF were offered HVP if bilirubin was higher than 200 μmol/L or if the aetiology was toxic hepatitis. HVP was performed with fresh frozen plasma corresponding to 10% of the body weight on a minimum of 3 consecutive days. Diagnostics, biochemical and clinical data during HVP as well as outcome data after 3 months were collected from 2012 to 2019 and retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

Sixteen children were treated by HVP and completed at least one series of three treatment sessions with HVP. The only complication seen was an increase in pH > 7.55 in three children within the first 12 hours and was corrected with hydrochloric acid. No bleeding or septic episodes were noted during HVP. Eight children survived without liver transplantation, two survived after successful grafting and a total of six children died. The liver injury unit score between survivors with their own liver and the rest, the two groups was significantly different (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

HVP with fresh frozen plasma is feasible and well tolerated in children with P-ALF. No serious adverse events and no procedure-related mortality were observed.

Extracorporeal renal and liver support in pediatric acute liver failure

The liver is the only organ which can regenerate and, thus, potentially negate the need for transplantation in acute liver failure (ALF). Cerebral edema and sepsis are leading causes of mortality in ALF. Both water-soluble and protein-bound toxins have been implicated in pathogenesis of various ALF complications. Ammonia is a surrogate marker of water-soluble toxin accumulation in ALF and high levels are associated with higher grades of hepatic encephalopathy, raised intracranial pressure, and mortality. Therefore, extracorporeal therapies aim to lower ammonia and maintain fluid balance and cytokine homeostasis. The most common and easily available modality is continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT). Early initiation of high-volume CKRT utilizing an anticoagulation regimen minimizing treatment downtime and delivering the prescribed dose is highly desirable. Ideally, extracorporeal liver-assist devices (ECLAD) should perform both synthetic and detoxification functions of the liver. ECLAD may temporarily replace lost liver function and serve as a bridge, either to spontaneous recovery or liver transplantation. Various bioartificial and biologic liver-assist devices are described in specialty literature, including molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS), single pass albumin dialysis (SPAD), and total plasma exchange (TPE); however, clinicians commonly use modalities easily available in intensive care units. There is a lack of standardization of indications for ECLAD, availability of different extracorporeal devices with varied technical approaches, and, of note, the differences in doses of ECLAD provided in clinical practice. We review the practicalities and evidence regarding these four artificial liver support devices in pediatric ALF.

Advances in management of end stage liver disease in children

End stage liver disease (ESLD) is an irreversible condition that is a management challenge to the paediatrician. The aetiology and natural history of ESLD in children is not only distinct from adults but also variable depending upon the age of presentation. Children are especially vulnerable to developmental delay, frailty and malnutrition. Nutritional support is the cornerstone of management of these children as it has a significant impact on the clinical course and survival, both before and after transplantation. Further, the complications of ESLD in children including but not limited to, ascites, portal hypertension, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and encephalopathy raise unique management challenges. In this review we provide a concise review of and highlight recent advances in the management of paediatric ESLD.

PCRRT Expert Committee ICONIC Position Paper on Prescribing Kidney Replacement Therapy in Critically Sick Children With Acute Liver Failure

Management of acute liver failure (ALF) and acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) in the pediatric population can be challenging. Kidney manifestations of liver failure, such as hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) and acute kidney injury (AKI), are increasingly prevalent and may portend a poor prognosis. The overall incidence of AKI in children with ALF has not been well-established, partially due to the difficulty of precisely estimating kidney function in these patients. The true incidence of AKI in pediatric patients may still be underestimated due to decreased creatinine production in patients with advanced liver dysfunction and those with critical conditions including shock and cardiovascular compromise with poor kidney perfusion. Current treatment for kidney dysfunction secondary to liver failure include conservative management, intravenous fluids, and kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Despite the paucity of evidence-based recommendations concerning the application of KRT in children with kidney dysfunction in the setting of ALF, expert clinical opinions have been evaluated regarding the optimal modalities and timing of KRT, dialysis/replacement solutions, blood and dialysate flow rates and dialysis dose, and anticoagulation methods.

INASL-ISN Joint Position Statements on Management of Patients with Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Disease

Renal dysfunction is very common among patients with chronic liver disease, and concomitant liver disease can occur among patients with chronic kidney disease. The spectrum of clinical presentation and underlying etiology is wide when concomitant kidney and liver disease occur in the same patient. Management of these patients with dual onslaught is challenging and requires a team approach of hepatologists and nephrologists. No recent guidelines exist on algorithmic approach toward diagnosis and management of these challenging patients. The Indian National Association for Study of Liver (INASL) in association with Indian Society of Nephrology (ISN) endeavored to develop joint guidelines on diagnosis and management of patients who have simultaneous liver and kidney disease. For generating these guidelines, an INASL-ISN Taskforce was constituted, which had members from both the societies. The taskforce first identified contentious issues on various aspects of simultaneous liver and kidney diseases, which were allotted to individual members of the taskforce who reviewed them in detail. A round-table meeting of the Taskforce was held on 20-21 October 2018 at New Delhi to discuss, debate, and finalize the consensus statements. The evidence and recommendations in these guidelines have been graded according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system with minor modifications. The strength of recommendations (strong and weak) thus reflects the quality (grade) of underlying evidence (I, II, III). We present here the INASL-ISN Joint Position Statements on Management of Patients with Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Disease.

Continuous renal replacement therapy and transplant-free survival in acute liver failure: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute liver failure is a rare syndrome with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in absence of transplantation as a rescue therapy. An important mechanism contributing to mortality is hyperammonemia which drives cerebral edema and raised intracranial pressure. Multiple therapies for managing hyperammonemia have been trialed. Continuous renal replacement therapy is effective in treating hyperammonemia in other disease states (notably inborn errors of metabolism). Its efficacy in acute liver failure has been suggested but further investigation is required to prove this. The objective of this systematic review will be to determine the efficacy of continuous renal replacement therapy in patients with acute liver failure and its effect on mortality and transplant-free survival.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database will be searched. Identified studies will include all patients with acute liver failure in a critical care unit treated with continuous renal replacement therapy. Primary outcome will be effectiveness of ammonia clearance and mortality. Patients treated with any other modality of ammonia lowering therapy (such as plasma exchange or Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System) will be excluded. Narrative synthesis of the identified studies will occur and if clinical homogeneity is identified, data will be pooled for meta-analysis using a DerSimonian-Laird random effects model.

DISCUSSION

We present a protocol for a systematic review seeking to establish a link between transplant-free survival in acute liver failure and the use of continuous renal replacement therapy. Given the anticipated paucity of literature on this subject, both narrative and quantitative syntheses are planned. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: (PROSPERO) CRD42019122520, registered April 16, 2019.

Serial measurement of electrolyte and citrate concentrations in blood-primed continuous hemodialysis circuits during closed-circuit dialysis

BACKGROUND

For continuous renal replacement therapy in small infants, due to the large extracorporeal volume involved, blood priming can be necessary to prevent hypotension and hemodilution. Because packed red blood cells (RBCs) have high levels of potassium and citrate, closed-circuit dialysis is often performed. We assessed the metrics of closed-circuit dialysis and serial citrate concentration changes.

METHODS

We performed dialysis of closed circuits primed with expired human packed RBC solution and 5% albumin. Blood and dialysate flow rates were 70 and 33.3 mL/min, respectively. The extracorporeal volume was 70 mL. We measured pH, electrolytes, and citrate in the closed circuit every 3 min for 15 min. We also assessed the adequacy of closed-circuit dialysis using the formula: [dialysate flow rate (mL/min) × time of dialysis (min)]/extracorporeal volume (mL) and we assessed the correlation between citrate and ionized calcium concentrations.

RESULTS

To reach normal concentrations of sodium, potassium, and chloride, 2.4 times as much dialysate fluid as extracorporeal volume was needed. In contrast, for ionized calcium, bicarbonate, and citrate, 3.8 times as much dialysate fluid as extracorporeal volume was required. By simple linear regression analysis, the concentration of citrate was significantly correlated with that of ionized calcium.

CONCLUSIONS

For closed-circuit dialysis using an RBC solution, the formula [dialysate flow rate (mL/min) × time of dialysis (min)]/extracorporeal volume (mL) would be a better parameter to estimate efficacy, compared with other metrics. Additionally, the citrate concentration can be readily estimated from the ionized calcium concentration during closed-circuit dialysis.

Liver Transplantation for Acute Liver Failure in Presence of Acute Kidney Injury

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a catastrophic illness, which is associated with high mortality in absence of liver transplantation. ALF is associated with multisystem involvement including acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI worsens the already poor prognosis of ALF. There is limited literature on impact of AKI on outcomes of liver transplantation (LT). The use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) may have a role in transplant-free survival or bridging to LT. Although results suggest a somewhat lower survival in patients with ALF and AKI, LT is a life-saving option and should not be deferred in absence of other contraindications. In the current review, we discuss impact of AKI on transplant-free survival, possible role of CRRT, and role of LT in patients with ALF associated with AKI.

Comparison of Prognostic Models in Acute Liver Failure: Decision is to be Dynamic

Background and aims

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare disease entity with a high mortality. Management is dependent on accurate prognostication.

Materials and methods

One hundred consecutive patients presenting with ALF were prospectively evaluated. The King's college criteria (KCC), ALF early dynamic model (ALFED), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and acute physiology and health evaluation II (APACHE II) scores were compared to predict mortality.

Results

There were significant differences in means of all the scores between survivors and nonsurvivors. The SOFA 48 hours had the highest area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) (0.857) closely followed by the ALFED score (0.844). The optimal cutoff for the SOFA score at 48 hours to predict subsequent survival outcome is ≥10 and for the ALFED score is ≥5. Sequential organ failure assessment 48 hours had a good sensitivity of 87%, and the ALFED score showed a good specificity of 84%. The decision curve analysis showed that between a threshold probability of 0.13 and 0.6, use of the SOFA score provided the maximum net benefit and at threshold probabilities of >0.6, the use of ALFED score provided the maximum clinical benefit.

Conclusion

Dynamic scoring results in better prognostication in ALF. The SOFA 48 hours and ALFED score have good prognostication value in nonacetaminophen-induced liver failure.

How to cite this article

Saluja V, Sharma A, Pasupuleti SSR, Mitra LG, Kumar G, Agarwal PM. Comparison of Prognostic Models in Acute Liver Failure: Decision is to be Dynamic. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(12):574–581.

Acute kidney injury in children with chronic liver disease

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common accompaniment in patients with liver disease. The causes, risk factors, manifestations and management of AKI in these patients vary according to the liver disease in question (acute liver failure, acute-on-chronic liver failure, post-liver transplantation or metabolic liver disease). There are multiple causes of AKI in patients with liver disease-pre-renal, acute tubular necrosis, post-renal, drug-induced renal failure and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). Definitions of AKI in liver failure are periodically revised and updated, but pediatric definitions have still to see the light of the day. As our understanding of the pathophysiology of liver disease and renal involvement improves, treatment modalities have become more advanced and rationalized. Treatment includes reversing precipitating factors, such as infections and gastrointestinal bleeding, volume expansion, paracentesis and vasoconstrictors. This approach is tried and tested in adults. A pediatric tailored approach is still lacking due to inadequate numbers of patients, differences in causes of AKI and paucity of literature. In this review, we attempt to explore the pathophysiological basis, treatment modalities and controversies in the diagnosis and treatment of AKI in pediatric patients with chronic liver disease and discuss our own personal practice. We recognize that, although it is not a very commonly encountered entity in pediatric population, HRS has specific diagnostic criteria and treatment modalities that differ from other causes of AKI in patients with chronic liver disease; hence among the etiologies of kidney injury in patients with chronic liver disease, we focus here on HRS.

[Clinical features of children with Epstein-Barr virus-related acute liver failure: an analysis of four cases]

A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of four children with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related acute liver failure. There were two boys and two girls with a median age of 10 months (range 8.5-44 months). Of the four children, three were diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis (IM), among whom two met the diagnostic criteria of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), and one was diagnosed with past EBV infection. All the children had positive EBV DNA in blood and all had pyrexia, hepatomegaly, and jaundice on admission. Three children had the symptom of splenomegaly, ascites, or vomiting. Two children had enlargement of cervical lymph nodes, skin rash, or pleural effusion. One child had gastrointestinal bleeding or stage 2 hepatic encephalopathy. All the children had an abnormal lymphocyte count of <10%, and only one child had leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia. Among the four children, alanine aminotransferase level increased by 10-100 times; total bilirubin level increased by 3-5 times; lactate dehydrogenase level increased by many 10 times; prothrombin time prolonged significantly. All the children were given antiviral therapy with intravenously injected acyclovir or ganciclovir, as well as hepatocyte growth factor to promote hepatocyte growth and hormone to alleviate inflammatory response. Two children were given plasma exchange in addition, among whom one was given the combination of continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration. Two children with HLH were given chemotherapy according to the HLH-2004 regimen. Three children survived, and one child with HLH died of multiple organ failure. It is concluded that EBV infection can cause acute liver failure and that early use of multimodality therapy including blood purification may be beneficial for prognosis in these children.

Liver Transplant Listing in Pediatric Acute Liver Failure: Practices and Participant Characteristics

Liver transplant (LT) decisions in pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) are complex. Three phases of the PALF registry, containing data on 1,144 participants over 15 years, were interrogated to characterize clinical features associated with listing status. A decrease in the cumulative incidence of listing (P < 0.005) and receiving (P < 0.05) LT occurred without an increase in the cumulative incidence of death (P = 0.67). Time to listing was constant and early (1 day; quartiles 1-3 = 0-2; P = 0.88). The most frequent reasons for not listing were "not sick enough" and "medically unsuitable." Participants listed for LT were more likely male, with coma grade scores >0; had higher international normalized ratio, bilirubin, lactate, and venous ammonia; and had lower peripheral lymphocytes and transaminase levels compared to those deemed "not sick enough." Participants listed versus those deemed "medically unsuitable" were older; had higher serum aminotransferase levels, bilirubin, platelets, and albumin; and had lower lactate, venous ammonia, and lymphocyte count. An indeterminate diagnosis was more prevalent in listed participants. Ventilator (23.8%) and vasopressor (9.2%) support occurred in a significant portion of listed participants but less frequently than in those who were not "medically suitable." Removal from the LT list was a rare event. Conclusion: The cumulative incidence of listing for and receiving LT decreased throughout the PALF study without an increase in the cumulative incidence of death. While all participants fulfilled entry criteria for PALF, significant differences were noted between participants listed for LT and those deemed "not sick enough" as well as those who were "medically unsuitable." Having an indeterminate diagnosis and a requirement for cardiopulmonary support appeared to influence decisions toward listing; optimizing listing decisions in PALF may reduce the frequency of LT without increasing the frequency of death.

Pediatric continuous renal replacement therapy: have practice changes changed outcomes? A large single-center ten-year retrospective evaluation

Background

To evaluate changes in population characteristics and outcomes in a large single-center pediatric patient cohort treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) over a 10 year course, coincident with multiple institutional practice changes in CRRT delivery.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study with comparative analysis of all patients treated from 2004 to 2013 with CRRT in the neonatal, pediatric, and cardiovascular intensive care units within a free-standing pediatric tertiary care hospital.

Results

Three hundred eleven total patients were identified, 38 of whom received concurrent treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. 273 patients received CRRT only and were compared in two study eras (2004–2008 n = 129; 2009–2013 n = 144). Across eras, mean patient age decreased (9.2 vs 7.7 years, p = 0.08), and the most common principal diagnosis changed from cardiac to liver disease. There was an increase in patients treated with continuous renal replacement therapy between cohorts for acute kidney injury of multi factorial etiology (44% vs 56%) and a decrease in treated patients with sepsis (21% vs 11%, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in survival to hospital discharge between eras (47% vs 49%). Improvement in outpatient follow-up after discharge amongst survivors was seen between study eras (33% vs 54%).

Conclusions

Despite multiple institutional practice changes in provision of CRRT, few changes were seen regarding patient demographics, diseases treated, indications for therapy, and survival over 10 years at a single tertiary care. Recognition of need for follow-up nephrology care following CRRT is improving. Ongoing assessment of the patient population in a changing landscape of care for critically ill pediatric patients remains important.

Continuous hemofiltration improves the prognosis of bacterial sepsis complicated by liver dysfunction in children

BACKGROUND

Liver dysfunction is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis of patients with sepsis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of continuous hemofiltration in patients with bacterial sepsis complicated by liver dysfunction.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 27 cases of bacterial sepsis with liver dysfunction admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Shanghai Children's Hospital between January 2013 and December 2016.

RESULTS

28-day mortality and length of PICU stay were significantly reduced in the continuous hemofiltration group (n = 16) compared with the conventional management group (n = 11) (31.3% vs. 72.7%, 9 [4-23] vs. 14 [4-36], respectively, both P < 0.05). The interval time between PICU admission and continuous hemofiltration initiation was (22.06 ± 17.68) h, and the median time of continuous hemofiltration duration was 48 h (31-70 h). After 72 h hemofiltration, the levels of total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), total bile acids (TBA), ammonia, lactate (Lac), TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly decreased in the continuous hemofiltration group. Moreover, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that continuous hemofiltration treatment and the TBIL level were independently associated with 28-day mortality of patients with bacterial sepsis complicated by liver dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous hemofiltration significantly decreases the serum levels of TBIL, DBIL, TBA, Lac, ammonia, TNF-α, IL-6, and improves 28-day mortality of patients with bacterial sepsis complicated by liver dysfunction.

Hybrid Extracorporeal Therapies as a Bridge to Pediatric Liver Transplantation

OBJECTIVES

Standard intensive care treatment is inadequate to keep children with liver failure alive without catastrophic complications to ensure successful transplant, as accumulation of endogenous protein-bound toxins often lead to hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, cardiovascular instability, and multiple organ failure. Given paucity of proven treatment modalities for liver failure, blood purification using different extracorporeal treatments as a bridge to transplantation is used, but studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of combination of these therapies, especially in pediatric liver failure, are lacking. We describe our experience at a major tertiary children's hospital, where a unique hybrid extracorporeal treatment protocol has been instituted and followed for acute liver failure or acute-on-chronic liver failure as a bridge to transplantation. This protocol combines high-flux continuous renal replacement therapy for hyperammonemia, therapeutic plasma exchange for coagulopathy, and albumin-assisted dialysis (molecular adsorbent recirculating system) for hepatic encephalopathy.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Freestanding tertiary children's hospital and liver transplant referral center.

PATIENTS

All patients with acute liver failure/acute-on-chronic liver failure receiving hybrid extracorporeal therapy over 24 months.

INTERVENTION

Hybdrid extracorporeal therapy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Fifteen children (age 3 yr [0.7-9 yr]; 73% male) with acute liver failure/acute-on-chronic liver failure who were either listed or actively considered for listing and met our protocol criteria were treated with hybrid extracorporeal therapy; 93% were ventilated, and 80% were on vasoactive support. Of these, two patients recovered spontaneously, four died prior to transplant, and nine were successfully transplanted; 90-day survival post orthotopic liver transplant was 100%. Overall survival to hospital discharge was 73%.

CONCLUSIONS

Hybrid extracorporeal therapies can be effectively implemented in pediatric liver failure as a bridge to transplantation. Overall complexity and heavy resource utilization need to be carefully considered in instituting these therapies in suitable candidates.