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Rodrigues SG, Delgado MG, Stirnimann G, Berzigotti A, Bosch J. Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient: Measurement and Pitfalls. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:383-400. [PMID: 38945633 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.03.009] [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: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) effectively mirrors the severity of portal hypertension (PH) and offers valuable insights into prognosis of liver disease, including the risk of decompensation and mortality. Additionally, HVPG offers crucial information about treatment response to nonselective beta-blockers and other medications, with its utility demonstrated in clinical trials in patients with PH. Despite the widespread dissemination and validation of noninvasive tests, HVPG still holds a significant role in hepatology. Physicians treating patients with liver diseases should comprehend the HVPG measurement procedure, its applications, and how to interpret the results and potential pitfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana G Rodrigues
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, MEM, Murtenstrasse 35 Office F807, Bern 3008, Switzerland
| | - Maria Gabriela Delgado
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, MEM, Murtenstrasse 35 Office F808, Bern 3008, Switzerland
| | - Guido Stirnimann
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, BHH D115, Freiburgstrasse 10, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - Jaime Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, MEM, Murtenstrasse 35 Office F805, Bern 3008, Switzerland; CIBEREHD (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas), Barcelona, Spain.
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Kaplan DE, Ripoll C, Thiele M, Fortune BE, Simonetto DA, Garcia-Tsao G, Bosch J. AASLD Practice Guidance on risk stratification and management of portal hypertension and varices in cirrhosis. Hepatology 2024; 79:1180-1211. [PMID: 37870298 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David E Kaplan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Gastroenterology Section, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Cristina Ripoll
- Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Maja Thiele
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Brett E Fortune
- Department of Gastroenterology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Douglas A Simonetto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Jaime Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS) and CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Spain
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Koumar L, Senthamizhselvan K, Barathi D, Verma A, Rao P, Selvaraj J, Sanker V. Portal Vein Thrombosis in Patients With Cirrhosis of the Liver: Prevalence and Risk Factors. Cureus 2023; 15:e50134. [PMID: 38186444 PMCID: PMC10771608 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic liver disease very often culminates into cirrhosis and its associated complications. One of the serious complications is portal venous thrombosis, which can occur due to a variety of risk factors. One significant factor contributing to portal hypertension is portal vein thrombosis (PVT). In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of PVT among patients with liver cirrhosis in a tertiary hospital and identify the factors associated with this complication. METHODOLOGY This was a cross-sectional observational study of 93 diagnosed liver cirrhosis patients treated at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) hospital in southern India between June 2020 and January 2021. A thorough evaluation of the clinical condition of the patients and associated comorbidities was done. The patients then underwent Doppler ultrasound/CECT/MRI to look for PVT and its extent. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 24) (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). Comparison between two proportions was done using two two-tailed Z-test/Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS Our study found a PVT prevalence of 17.2% in cirrhotic patients, with a higher prevalence of acute PVT than chronic PVT. Ascitic fluid infection, longer duration of cirrhosis, and increased cirrhosis severity were significantly associated with PVT development. We found no significant associations between PVT and gender, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, or the duration of alcohol intake. CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of early screening for PVT using Doppler USG in all patients diagnosed with cirrhosis. Additionally, anticoagulation therapy for acute PVT may be considered in patients without bleeding risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh Koumar
- Cardiology, Wolverhampton Heart and Lung Centre, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, GBR
| | - Kuppusamy Senthamizhselvan
- Medical Gastroenterology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND
| | - Deepak Barathi
- Radiodiagnosis, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND
| | - Amogh Verma
- Medicine, Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Hapur, IND
| | - Pallavi Rao
- Internal Medicine, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra, IND
| | - Jayachandran Selvaraj
- General Internal Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND
| | - Vivek Sanker
- General Surgery, Noorul Islam Institute of Medical Science and Research Foundation (NIMS Medicity), Trivandrum, IND
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Karagiannakis DS, Voulgaris T, Markakis G, Lakiotaki D, Michailidou E, Cholongitas E, Papatheodoridis G. Spleen stiffness can predict liver decompensation and survival in patients with cirrhosis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 38:283-289. [PMID: 36346036 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) has been predicting liver decompensation and survival in cirrhotics. The aim of our study was to investigate if spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) by 2D shear-wave elastography could predict better the probability of decompensation and mortality, compared with LSM and other parameters. METHODS Consecutive cirrhotic patients were recruited between 1/2017 and 12/2021. LSM and SSM were performed at baseline and epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Clinical events were recorded every 3 months. RESULTS Totally, 177 patients were followed for a mean period of 31 ± 18 months. In Cox regression analysis, only SSM was independently associated with the probability of decompensation (HR: 1.063, 95% CI: 1.009-1.120; P = 0.021), offering an AUROC of 0.710 (P = 0.003) for predicting 1-year liver decompensation (NPV: 81.1% for the cut-off point of 37 kPa). The occurrence of death/liver transplantation was independently associated only with higher SSM (HR: 1.043; 95% CI:1.003-1.084; P = 0.034). The AUROC of SSM for predicting 1-year death/liver transplantation was 0.72 (P = 0.006) (NPV: 95% for the cut-off of 38.8 kPa). The performance of SSM to predict the 1-year death/liver transplantation increased in high-risk patients (CTP: B/C plus MELD >10 plus LSM > 20 kPa), giving an AUROC of 0.80 (P < 0.001). Only 1/26 high-risk patients with SSM < 38.8 kPa died during the first year of follow-up (NPV: 96.4%). CONCLUSIONS SSM was the only factor independently associated with the probability of decompensation and occurrence of death, showing better diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of 1-year decompensation or death compared with LSM and MELD score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios S Karagiannakis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Voulgaris
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - George Markakis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Lakiotaki
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Elisavet Michailidou
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Cholongitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - George Papatheodoridis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
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Wang L, Zhang Y, Wu YF, Yue ZD, Fan ZH, Zhang CY, Liu FQ, Dong J. Computed tomography perfusion in liver and spleen for hepatitis B virus-related portal hypertension: A correlation study with hepatic venous pressure gradient. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:6068-6077. [PMID: 36405387 PMCID: PMC9669822 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i42.6068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is the gold standard for diagnosis of portal hypertension (PH). However, its use can be limited because it is an invasive procedure. Therefore, it is necessary to explore a non-invasive method to assess PH.
AIM To investigate the correlation of computed tomography (CT) perfusion of the liver with HVPG and Child-Pugh score in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related PH.
METHODS Twenty-eight patients (4 female, 24 male) with gastroesophageal variceal bleeding induced by HBV-related PH were recruited in our study. All patients received CT perfusion of the liver before transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPS) therapy. Quantitative parameters of CT perfusion of the liver, including liver blood flow (LBF), liver blood volume (LBV), hepatic artery fraction, splenic blood flow and splenic blood volume were measured. HVPG was recorded during TIPS therapy. Correlation of liver perfusion with Child-Pugh score and HVPG were analyzed, and the receiver operating characteristic curve was analyzed. Based on HVPG (> 12 mmHg vs ≤ 12 mmHg), patients were divided into moderate and severe groups, and all parameters were compared.
RESULTS Based on HVPG, 18 patients were classified into the moderate group and 10 patients were classified into the severe group. The Child-Pugh score, HVPG, LBF and LBV were significantly higher in the moderate group compared to the severe group (all P < 0.05). LBF and LBV were negatively associated with HVPG (r = -0.473, P < 0.05 and r = -0.503, P < 0.01, respectively), whereas splenic blood flow was positively associated with hepatic artery fraction (r = 0.434, P < 0.05). LBV was negatively correlated with Child-Pugh score. Child-Pugh score was not related to HVPG. Using a cutoff value of 17.85 mL/min/100 g for LBV, the sensitivity and specificity of HVPG ≥ 12 mmHg for diagnosis were 80% and 89%, respectively.
CONCLUSION LBV and LBF were negatively correlated with HVPG and Child-Pugh scores. CT perfusion imaging is a potential non-invasive quantitative predictor for PH in HBV-related liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Intervention Therapy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Interventional Radiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Yi-Fan Wu
- Interventional Radiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Zhen-Dong Yue
- Interventional Radiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Fan
- Interventional Radiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Chun-Yan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Fu-Quan Liu
- Interventional Radiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Jian Dong
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
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Rajakannu M, Coilly A, Cherqui D, Cunha AS, Castaing D, Adam R, Samuel D, Vibert E. Liver stiffness-based model predicts hepatic venous pressure gradient in patients with liver disease. HPB (Oxford) 2022; 24:1796-1803. [PMID: 35504833 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim was to develop a model to predict clinically significant portal hypertension, hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) ≥10 mmHg using pre-operative noninvasive makers. METHODS Patients who have been programmed for liver resection/transplantation were enrolled prospectively. Preoperative liver stiffness measurement (LSM), liver function test (LFT), and intraoperative HVPG were assessed. A probability score model to predict HVPG≥10 mmHg called HVPG10 score was developed and validated. RESULTS A total of 161 patients [66% men, median age of 63 years] were recruited for the study. Median LSM, and HVPG were 9.5 kPa, and 5 mmHg respectively. HVPG10 score was developed using independent predictors of HVPG≥10 mmHg in the training set were LSM, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and international normalized ratio. Area under receiver operating curve of HVPG10 score in the training and validation sets were 0.91 and 0.93 respectively with a cutoff of 15. In the overall cohort, HVPG10 score≥15 had 83% accuracy, 90% sensitivity, 81% specificity and 96% negative predictive value in predicting HVPG≥10 mmHg. CONCLUSION HVPG10 score is an easy-to-use noninvasive continuous scale tool to rule out clinically significant portal hypertension in >95% patients with chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthukumarassamy Rajakannu
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, AH-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; Inserm, Unité UMR-S 1193, Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Audrey Coilly
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, AH-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; Inserm, Unité UMR-S 1193, Villejuif, France
| | - Daniel Cherqui
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, AH-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Antonio Sa Cunha
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, AH-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Denis Castaing
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, AH-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; Inserm, Unité UMR-S 1193, Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - René Adam
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, AH-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Inserm, Unité UMR-S 776, Villejuif, France
| | - Didier Samuel
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, AH-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; Inserm, Unité UMR-S 1193, Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Eric Vibert
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, AH-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; Inserm, Unité UMR-S 1193, Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
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Kotani K, Uchida-Kobayashi S, Yamamoto A, Kawamura E, Enomoto M, Higashiyama S, Kawabe J, Shiomi S, Tamori A, Kawada N. Per-rectal portal scintigraphy as an alternative measure of hepatic venous pressure gradient in chronic liver disease: A preliminary report. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2021; 41:334-341. [PMID: 33843126 DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement is a gold standard for the diagnosis of portal hypertension but can be invasive and difficult to conduct. Per-rectal portal scintigraphy (PRPS) can estimate portal haemodynamics noninvasively. However, no report to date has examined the association between HVPG and PRPS in patients with chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis. METHODS This single-centre study included a total of 21 patients with chronic liver disease who underwent HVPG measurement and PRPS. For PRPS, the transit times from injection of the radiotracer to its inflow into the liver (TTL) and heart (TTH) were set and the time difference between TTL and TTH (TDLH) was calculated, while the shunt index (SI) was measured. RESULTS Cirrhosis was observed in 18 cases (86%), and the median HVPG was 13 mmHg. HVPG (p = 0.028), TTL (p = 0.018), TDLH (p = 0.003) and SI (p = 0.033) were higher in patients with oesophageal varices (EV). Considering the diagnostic ability for EV, the area under the curve was 0.88 for TDLH and 0.80 for HVPG. TDLH was significantly correlated with the risk of EV rupture (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION Patients with chronic liver disease should undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy when the TDLH is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Kotani
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Akira Yamamoto
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Etsushi Kawamura
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaru Enomoto
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigeaki Higashiyama
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University
| | - Joji Kawabe
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University
| | | | - Akihiro Tamori
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Norifumi Kawada
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
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The Association Between Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient Baseline and the Response Rate of Carvedilol on Portal Hypertension. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.101063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To assess the association between hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) baseline and the response rate of cirrhotic in patients who received carvedilol treatment. Methods: In total 48 cirrhotic patients with a basic HVPG value greater than 12 mmHg were included (from July 2011 to October 2014). All patients received carvedilol treatment and underwent the second HVPG measurement 7 days later. In the following, all participants received an endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) treatment. Results: HVPG was significantly reduced from 16.04 ± 3.10 to 12.76 ± 5.26 mmHg following carvedilol treatment. The response rate was about 58.33% (28/48). The response rate of the HVPG < 16 mmHg group (71.4%) was significantly higher than that of the HVPG ≥ 16 mmHg group (40%) (P < 0.05). Patients were followed up for a median of 26 months, ranged from 6 to 33 months. During the follow-up period (two years), the rebleeding rate was 9.97% and 49.56% in HVPG < 16 and HVPG ≥ 16 mmHg groups, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.004). Also, the mortality rate (at 2 years) was 5.26% and 21.05%, respectively, which was significant (P = 0.035). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the response rate of carvedilol on portal hypertension may be affected by the HVPG baseline, and the carvedilol was effective in reducing HVPG, especially for those with a HVPG < 16 mmHg.
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Application of Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient to Predict Prognosis in Cirrhotic Patients with a Low Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Score. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10100805. [PMID: 33050413 PMCID: PMC7599657 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10100805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/aim: We aimed to derive a model representing the dynamic status of cirrhosis and to discriminate patients with poor prognosis even if the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score is low. Methods: This study retrospectively enrolled 700 cirrhotic patients with a MELD score of less than 20 who underwent hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement. A model named H6C score (= HVPG + 6 × CTP score) to predict overall survival was derived and internal and external validations were conducted with the derivation and validation cohorts. Results: The H6C score using the HVPG was developed based on a multivariate Cox regression analysis. The H6C score showed a great predictive power for overall survival with a time-dependent AUC of 0.733, which was superior to that of a MELD of 0.602. In patients with viral etiology, the performance of the H6C score was much improved with a time-dependent AUC of 0.850 and was consistently superior to that of the MELD (0.748). Patients with an H6C score below 45 demonstrated an excellent overall survival with a 5-year survival rate of 91.5%. Whereas, patients with an H6C score above 64 showed a dismal prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of 51.1%. The performance of the H6C score was further verified to be excellent in the validation cohort. Conclusion: This new model using the HVPG provides an excellent predictive power in cirrhotic patients, especially with viral etiology. In patients with H6C above 64, it would be wise to consider early liver transplantation to positively impact long-term survival, even when the MELD score is low.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Recurrence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is still a matter of debate. We conducted this study to evaluate the probable factors that predict the recurrence of SBP in patients who recovered from the first episode of SBP and the long-term outcomes of SBP recurrence. METHODS One hundred twenty-four patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, SBP and did not receive secondary prophylaxis either with norfloxacin or other antibiotics were included in this prospective cohort pilot study. Clinical, biochemical and ascitic fluid analysis parameters were evaluated. Ascitic fluid interferon-γ-induced protein (IP-10), calprotectin, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured by ELISA. RESULTS Of these, 76 patients survived with an in-hospital mortality rate of 38.7%. The survivors were classified into two groups according to recurrence and nonrecurrence of SBP and survival time, clinical parameters and cause of death were investigated. Thirty-one participants had one or more attacks of SBP, with a recurrence rate of 40.8% within one-year follow-up. Before discharge, multivariate analysis showed that ascitic IP-10 (≥1220 pg/ml), ascitic calprotectin (≥550 ng/ml), serum albumin (≤2.5 g/dl), nonuse of prophylactic β-blockers and use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) were the independent variables in predicting recurrent SBP. Sepsis-related organ failure was the most common etiology of mortality in the recurrent SBP group within 3 and 6 months. CONCLUSION Increased ascitic calprotectin and IP-10, hypoalbuminemia, nonuse of prophylactic β-blockers and use of PPI were independently associated with increased SBP recurrence rate. Sepsis-related organ failure was the most common etiology of mortality.
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Shalimar, Sheikh MF, Mookerjee RP, Agarwal B, Acharya SK, Jalan R. Prognostic Role of Ammonia in Patients With Cirrhosis. Hepatology 2019; 70:982-994. [PMID: 30703853 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ammonia is thought to be central to the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), but its prognostic role in patients with cirrhosis and acute decompensation is unknown. The aims of this study were to determine the relationship between ammonia levels and severity of HE and its association with organ dysfunction and short-term mortality. We identified 498 patients from two institutions as part of prospective observational studies in patients with cirrhosis. Plasma ammonia levels were measured on admission and Chronic Liver Failure-Sequential Organ Failure Assessment criteria were used to determine the presence of organ failures. The 28-day patient survival was determined. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to identify the cutoff points for ammonia values, and multivariable analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. The 28-day mortality was 43.4%. Plasma ammonia correlated with severity of HE (P < 0.001), was significantly higher in nonsurvivors (93 [73-121] versus 67 [55-89] µmol/L, P < 0.001), and was an independent predictor of 28-day mortality (hazard ratio, 1.009, P < 0.001). An ammonia level of 79.5 µmol/L had sensitivity of 68.1% and specificity of 67.4% for predicting 28-day mortality. An ammonia level of ≥79.5 µmol/L was associated with a higher frequency of organ failures (liver [P = 0.004], coagulation [P < 0.001], kidney [P = 0.004], and respiratory [P < 0.001]). Lack of improvement in baseline ammonia at day 5 was associated with high mortality (70.6%). Conclusion: Ammonia level correlates with not only the severity of HE but also the failure of other organs and is an independent risk factor for mortality; lack of improvement in ammonia level is associated with high risk of death, making it an important biomarker and a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalimar
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammed Faisal Sheikh
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rajeshwar P Mookerjee
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Banwari Agarwal
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,Intensive Care Unit, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Subrat Kumar Acharya
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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12
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Hematological Indices in Portal Hypertension: Cirrhosis versus Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension. J Clin Med 2018; 7:jcm7080196. [PMID: 30072589 PMCID: PMC6112015 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7080196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PHT) leads to several alterations on hematological indices (HI). The aim of the study is to investigate the differences in HI between cirrhotic subjects and subjects who have noncirrhotic PHT (NCPHT). This retrospective study included 328 patients with PHT (239 cirrhosis and 89 NCPHT). Demographic and clinical features, endoscopic and radiological findings, and HI including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at the time of PHT diagnosis were recorded. Severity of cirrhosis was assessed according to the Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) classification and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores. Hematological abnormalities were found in 92.5% of cirrhotic patients and in 55.1% of patients with NCPHT (p < 0.001). While thrombocytopenia was the most common HI in patients with cirrhosis, anemia was the most prevalent HI in NCPHT group. In the cirrhotic group, the NLR was the only parameter to differentiate each CTP group from two others. The NLR value increased with the severity of cirrhosis (2.28 ± 0.14 in CTP-A, 2.85 ± 0.19 in CTP-B and 3.26 ± 0.37 in CTP-C). The AUROC of NLR was 0.692 for differentiating compensated cirrhotic patients from decompensated. Hematological abnormalities are more prevalent and more severe in cirrhotic patients compared to patients with NCPHT. NLR may be used to assess the severity of cirrhosis.
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Roccarina D, Rosselli M, Genesca J, Tsochatzis EA. Elastography methods for the non-invasive assessment of portal hypertension. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 12:155-164. [PMID: 28856972 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2017.1374852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The gold standard to assess the presence and severity of portal hypertension remains the hepatic vein pressure gradient, however the recent development of non-invasive assessment using elastography techniques offers valuable alternatives. In this review, we discuss the diagnostic accuracy and utility of such techniques in patients with portal hypertension due to cirrhosis. Areas covered: A literature search focused on liver and spleen stiffness measurement with different elastographic techniques for the assessment of the presence and severity of portal hypertension and oesophageal varices in people with chronic liver disease. The combination of elastography with parameters such as platelet count and spleen size is also discussed. Expert commentary: Non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension is a validated tool for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients. Baveno VI recommended the combination of transient elastography and platelet count for ruling out varices needing treatment in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease. Assessment of aetiology specific cut-offs for ruling in and ruling out clinically significant portal hypertension is an unmet clinical need. The incorporation of spleen stiffness measurements in non-invasive algorithms using validated software and improved measuring scales might enhance the non-invasive diagnosis of portal hypertension in the next 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Roccarina
- a UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health , Royal Free Hospital and UCL , London , UK
| | - Matteo Rosselli
- a UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health , Royal Free Hospital and UCL , London , UK
| | - Joan Genesca
- b Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine , Valld'Hebron University Hospital, VHIR, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERehd , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Emmanuel A Tsochatzis
- a UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health , Royal Free Hospital and UCL , London , UK
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Hepatic venous pressure gradient correlates with advanced hepatic fibrosis: a retrospective review. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2017; 42:2609-2614. [PMID: 28474176 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-017-1171-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine if hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) correlates with advanced hepatic fibrosis, as a complement to transjugular (transvenous) core needle liver biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS After institutional review board approval, a retrospective review was conducted on 340 patients who underwent transjugular (transvenous) core needle liver biopsy with concurrent pressure measurements between 6/1/2007 and 6/1/2013. Spearman correlation and linear regression were performed. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was created and sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and likelihood ratios were calculated. RESULTS Indications included hepatitis C, abnormal liver function tests, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and cirrhosis, among others. Biopsies showed stage 1 or 2 fibrosis in 15.6% each, stage 3 fibrosis in 21.6%, stage 4 fibrosis in 40.7%, and no fibrosis in 6.5%. Mean HVPG was 6.5 mm Hg (SD 5.0) with a range of 0-26 mm Hg. Spearman correlation coefficient for association between HVPG and fibrosis stage was 0.561 (p < 0.001). R2 on linear regression was 0.247 (p < 0.001). ROC curve for the prediction of stage 4 fibrosis had an area under the curve of 0.79 (95% CI 0.73-0.85). HVPG of ≥6 mm Hg had a sensitivity of 71.3%, specificity of 79.6%, positive predictive value of 70.5%, negative predictive value of 80.2%, positive likelihood ratio of 3.49 (95% CI 2.45-4.97) and negative likelihood ratio of 0.36 (95% CI 0.26-0.50) for diagnosis of stage 4 fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS HVPG correlates with stage 4 (advanced) hepatic fibrosis.
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Lisotti A, Azzaroli F, Cucchetti A, Buonfiglioli F, Cecinato P, Calvanese C, Simoni P, Arena R, Montagnani M, Golfieri R, Colecchia A, Festi D, Mazzella G. Relationship between indocyanine green retention test, decompensation and survival in patients with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Liver Int 2016; 36:1313-21. [PMID: 26786880 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Indocyanine green retention test (ICG-r15) is a non-invasive marker of functional hepatic reserve. Among patients with compensated cirrhosis, ICG-r15 correlates to the degree of portal hypertension (PH); however, its prognostic relationship with the occurrence of decompensation events still requires clarification. METHODS ICG-r15 was prospectively measured in 154 patients with compensated cirrhosis. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Child-Pugh B-C, MELD>15, bilirubin > 2 mg/dl, INR > 1.5 or portal vein thrombosis were excluded. All patients underwent laboratory tests, upper endoscopy and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). Decompensation, development of HCC, liver transplant and death were recorded and analysed through competing-risk analysis. RESULTS The study group was composed of 134 patients who were followed for a median of 39 months. During follow-up, 46 patients (34.3%) developed liver decompensation. Hepatocellular carcinoma occurred in 18 patients and two patients died from non-liver-related causes. The 1-, 2- and 3-year cumulative incidences of decompensation were 9.7%, 28.4% and 33.4% respectively. Patients with ICG-r15 < 10% did not experience any decompensation events during follow-up, while the 3-year cumulative incidence of decompensation of patients with ICG-r15 between 10% and 22.9% was 29.2% and that of patients with ICG-r15 ≥ 23% was 70.0% (P < 0.001). ICG-r15 gave the lowest pseudo-log-likelihood value, in comparison to oesophageal varices present, MELD, low platelet count and HVPG. CONCLUSIONS ICG-r15 appears to be strictly related to liver decompensation, longitudinally confirming the preliminary findings of its correlation with PH among patients with compensated cirrhosis, and can be used for patient prognostication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lisotti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science - DIMEC, University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Azzaroli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science - DIMEC, University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cucchetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science - DIMEC, University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Buonfiglioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science - DIMEC, University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Cecinato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science - DIMEC, University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Calvanese
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science - DIMEC, University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Simoni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science - DIMEC, University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rosario Arena
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science - DIMEC, University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Montagnani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science - DIMEC, University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Golfieri
- Radiology Unit, Department of Digestive Diseases and Internal Medicine, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Colecchia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science - DIMEC, University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Festi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science - DIMEC, University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mazzella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science - DIMEC, University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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Ramanathan S, Khandelwal N, Kalra N, Bhatia A, Dhiman RK, Duseja AK, Chawla YK. Correlation of HVPG level with ctp score, MELD Score, ascites, size of varices, and etiology in cirrhotic patients. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:109-15. [PMID: 26997216 PMCID: PMC4817293 DOI: 10.4103/1319-3767.164185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM This study intends to determine the correlation of a patient's hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement with six factors: Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, presence of ascites, size of varices, presence of variceal bleeding, and an etiology of cirrhosis. The study also aims to identify the predictors of higher HVPG measurements that can indirectly affect the prognosis of cirrhotic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty patients diagnosed with cirrhosis were enrolled prospectively and each patient's HVPG level was measured by the transjugular catheterization of the right or middle hepatic vein. The wedged hepatic venous pressure (WHVP) and free hepatic venous pressure (FHVP) were measured using a 7F balloon catheter. The HVPG level was calculated as the difference between the WHVP and FHVP measurements. RESULTS The mean HVPG level was higher in alcoholic than in nonalcoholic cirrhosis (19.5 ± 7.3 vs 15.2 ± 4.5 mm Hg, P = 0.13). The mean HVPG was also higher in bleeders compared with nonbleeders (18.5 ± 5.3 vs 10.7 ± 3.1 mmHg, P = 0.001). Patients with varices had a higher mean HVPG level than those without varices (17.4 ± 5.8 vs 11.7 ± 3.9 mmHg, P = 0.04). The difference among the three categories of varices (small, large, and no varices) was statistically significant (P = 0.03). In addition, the mean HVPG level was higher in patients with ascites than in those without ascites (18.7 ± 4.7 vs 11 ± 5.3 mmHg, P = 0.002), and it was significantly higher in patients in CTP class C (21.8 ± 5.5 mmHg) as compared with those in CTP class B (16.9 ± 2.9 mmHg) and CTP class A (10.5 ± 4.1 mmHg; P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION HVPG levels were significantly higher in patients in CTP class C as compared with those in CTP classes A and B, thereby indicating that an HVPG measurement correlates with severity of liver disease. A high HVPG level signifies more severe liver disease and can predict the major complications of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramaniam Ramanathan
- Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab, India
| | - Niranjan Khandelwal
- Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab, India
| | - Naveen Kalra
- Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab, India,Address for correspondence: Dr. Naveen Kalra, Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab, India. E-mail:
| | - Anmol Bhatia
- Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab, India
| | - Radha K. Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab, India
| | - Ajay K. Duseja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab, India
| | - Yogesh K. Chawla
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab, India
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Three months of simvastatin therapy vs. placebo for severe portal hypertension in cirrhosis: A randomized controlled trial. Dig Liver Dis 2015; 47:957-63. [PMID: 26321186 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2015.07.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pleiotropic effects of statins decrease intrahepatic resistance and portal hypertension. AIM We evaluated the effects of simvastatin on hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and azygos vein blood flow in cirrhotic patients. METHODS A 3-month prospective, randomized, triple-blind trial with simvastatin (40 mg/day) vs. placebo was conducted in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension. HVPG and azygos blood flow, measured by colour Doppler endoscopic ultrasound, were assessed before and after treatment. The primary endpoint was a decrease in the HVPG of at least 20% from baseline or to ≤12 mmHg after the treatment. RESULTS 34 patients were prospectively enrolled, and 24 completed the protocol. In the simvastatin group 6/11 patients (55%) presented a clinically relevant decrease in the HVPG; no decrease was observed in the placebo group (p=0.036). Patients with medium/large oesophageal varices and previous variceal bleeding had a higher response rate to simvastatin. HVPG and azygos blood flow values were not correlated. No significant adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION Simvastatin lowers portal pressure and may even improve liver function. The haemodynamic effect appears to be more evident in patients with severe portal hypertension.
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Liver and spleen stiffness and other noninvasive methods to assess portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients: a review of the literature. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 27:992-1001. [PMID: 26020376 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PH) is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease. PH measurement is crucial to stage and predict the clinical outcome of liver cirrhosis. Measurement of hepatic vein pressure gradient is considered the gold standard for assessment of the degree of PH; however, it is an invasive method and has not been used widely. Thus, noninvasive methods have been proposed recently. We critically evaluated serum markers, abdominal ultrasonography, and particularly liver and spleen stiffness measurement, which represent the more promising methods to stage PH degree and to assess the presence/absence of esophageal varices (EV). A literature search was carried out on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus for articles and abstracts. The search terms used included 'liver cirrhosis', 'portal hypertension', 'liver stiffness', 'spleen stiffness', 'ultrasonography', and 'portal hypertension serum biomarker'. The articles cited were selected on the basis of their relevance to the objective of the review. The results of available studies indicate that individually, these methods have a mild accuracy in predicting the presence of EV, and thus they cannot substitute endoscopy to predict EV. When these tests were used in combination, their accuracy increased. In addition to the PH staging, several serum markers and spleen stiffness measurement can predict the clinical outcome of liver cirrhosis with a good accuracy, comparable to that of hepatic vein pressure gradient. In the future, noninvasive methods could be used to select patients requiring further investigations to identify the best tailored clinical management.
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Kitson MT, Roberts SK, Colman JC, Paul E, Button P, Kemp W. Liver stiffness and the prediction of clinically significant portal hypertension and portal hypertensive complications. Scand J Gastroenterol 2015; 50:462-9. [PMID: 25623641 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2014.964758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) is associated with increased risk of liver disease complications, but its identification requires invasive methods. Liver stiffness (LS) measurement via transient elastography correlates with the presence of CSPH. We, therefore, evaluated LS as a noninvasive tool in the prediction of CSPH and portal hypertensive complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ninety-five consecutive patients successfully underwent measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and LS on the same day. Recent laboratory tests were correlated. Patients were followed up for development of portal hypertensive complications. Predictors of CSPH and complications were identified. RESULTS Seventy-six (80%) were male and mean age was 56.8 ± 9.3 years. Ninety-three percent and 72% of patients had cirrhosis and esophageal varices, respectively. Only LS (r(2) = 0.38; p < 0.0001) and international normalized ratio (r(2) = 0.21; p = 0.02) were independently associated with HVPG. An LS >29.0 kilopascal (kPa) predicted CSPH with 71.9% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value (PPV), and 56.0% negative predictive value (NPV). An LS <25.0 kPa in those with platelet count >150 × 10(9)/L excluded CSPH with 91.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV, and 90% NPV. Ninety patients were followed up for a median duration of 15.1 months. CSPH and LS >34.5 kPa predicted portal hypertensive complications with 100% and 75.0% sensitivity, 40.3% and 69.4% specificity, 43.1% and 52.5% PPV, and 100% and 86.2% NPV, respectively. CONCLUSION LS shows promise as a noninvasive marker of CSPH and portal hypertensive complications. Combining LS with platelet count improves diagnostic accuracy in the exclusion of CSPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Kitson
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Hospital , Melbourne , Australia
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Suk KT, Kim DJ. Staging of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis: The role of hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:607-615. [PMID: 25848485 PMCID: PMC4381184 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i3.607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common histological change of chronic liver injury and it is closely related with portal hypertension which is hemodynamic complication of chronic liver disease. Currently, liver fibrosis has been known as a reversible dynamic process in previous literatures. Although liver biopsy is a gold standard for assessing the stage of liver fibrosis, it may not completely represent the stage of liver fibrosis because of sampling error or semi-quantative measurement. Recent evidences suggested that histologic, clinical, hemodynamic, and biologic features are closely associated in patients with chronic liver disease. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement has been known as a modality to evaluate the portal pressure. The HVPG measurement has been used clinically for fibrosis diagnosis, risk stratification, preoperative screening for liver resection, monitoring the efficacy of medical treatments, and assessing the prognosis of liver fibrosis. Therefore, the HVPG measurement can be used to monitor areas the chronic liver disease but also other important areas of chronic liver disease.
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Colecchia A, Colli A, Casazza G, Mandolesi D, Schiumerini R, Reggiani LB, Marasco G, Taddia M, Lisotti A, Mazzella G, Di Biase AR, Golfieri R, Pinzani M, Festi D. Spleen stiffness measurement can predict clinical complications in compensated HCV-related cirrhosis: a prospective study. J Hepatol 2014; 60:1158-64. [PMID: 24607624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement represents the best predictor of clinical decompensation (CD) in cirrhotic patients. Recently data show that measurement of spleen stiffness (SS) has an excellent correlation with HVPG levels. Aim of the present prospective study was to assess SS predictive value for CD compared to HVPG, liver stiffness (LS), and other non-invasive tests for portal hypertension in a cohort of patients with HCV-related compensated cirrhosis. METHODS From an initial cohort of 124 patients, 92 underwent baseline LS, SS, HVPG measurements and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at enrolment and then followed-up for 2 years or until the occurrence of the first CD. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used for determining judgement criteria associated parameters. Accuracy of predictive factors was evaluated using c statistic. The final model was internally validated using the bootstrap method. RESULTS During follow-up, 30 out 92 (32.6%) patients developed CD. At univariate analysis varices at enrolment, all non-invasive parameters, HVPG, and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) resulted clinical predictors of CD. At multivariate analysis only SS (p=0.0001) and MELD (p=0.014) resulted as predictive factors. A decision algorithm based on the results of a predictive model was proposed to detect patients with low risk of decompensation. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that in compensated cirrhotic patients a SS and MELD predictive model represents an accurate predictor of CD with accuracy at least equivalent to that of HVPG. If confirmed by further studies, SS and MELD could represent valid alternatives to HVPG as prognostic indicator of CD in HCV-related cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Colecchia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy.
| | - Agostino Colli
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital, Lecco, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casazza
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L.Sacco", University of Milano, Italy
| | - Daniele Mandolesi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Ramona Schiumerini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Letizia Bacchi Reggiani
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialist Medicine, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marasco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Taddia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Lisotti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mazzella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Rita Golfieri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Davide Festi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the final common pathway for almost all causes of chronic liver injury. Liver fibrosis is now known to be a dynamic process having significant potential for resolution. Therefore, fibrosis prediction is an essential part of the assessment and management of patients with chronic liver disease. As such, there is strong demand for reliable liver biomarkers that provide insight into disease etiology, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis in lieu of more invasive approaches such as liver biopsy. Current diagnostic strategies range from use of serum biomarkers to more advanced imaging techniques including transient elastography and magnetic resonance imaging. In addition to these modalities, there are other approaches including the use of novel, but yet to be validated, biomarkers. In this chapter, we discuss the biomarkers of liver fibrosis including the use of invasive and noninvasive biomarkers and disease-specific biomarkers in various chronic liver diseases.
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Suk KT. Hepatic venous pressure gradient: clinical use in chronic liver disease. Clin Mol Hepatol 2014. [PMID: 24757653 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2014.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension is a severe consequence of chronic liver diseases and is responsible for the main clinical complications of liver cirrhosis. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement is the best available method to evaluate the presence and severity of portal hypertension. Clinically significant portal hypertension is defined as an increase in HVPG to >10 mmHg. In this condition, the complications of portal hypertension might begin to appear. HVPG measurement is increasingly used in the clinical fields, and the HVPG is a robust surrogate marker in many clinical applications such as diagnosis, risk stratification, identification of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are candidates for liver resection, monitoring of the efficacy of medical treatment, and assessment of progression of portal hypertension. Patients who had a reduction in HVPG of ≥ 20% or to ≤ 12 mmHg in response to drug therapy are defined as responders. Responders have a markedly decreased risk of bleeding/rebleeding, ascites, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, which results in improved survival. This review provides clinical use of HVPG measurement in the field of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Tae Suk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
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Suk KT. Hepatic venous pressure gradient: clinical use in chronic liver disease. Clin Mol Hepatol 2014; 20:6-14. [PMID: 24757653 PMCID: PMC3992331 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2014.20.1.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension is a severe consequence of chronic liver diseases and is responsible for the main clinical complications of liver cirrhosis. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement is the best available method to evaluate the presence and severity of portal hypertension. Clinically significant portal hypertension is defined as an increase in HVPG to >10 mmHg. In this condition, the complications of portal hypertension might begin to appear. HVPG measurement is increasingly used in the clinical fields, and the HVPG is a robust surrogate marker in many clinical applications such as diagnosis, risk stratification, identification of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are candidates for liver resection, monitoring of the efficacy of medical treatment, and assessment of progression of portal hypertension. Patients who had a reduction in HVPG of ≥ 20% or to ≤ 12 mmHg in response to drug therapy are defined as responders. Responders have a markedly decreased risk of bleeding/rebleeding, ascites, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, which results in improved survival. This review provides clinical use of HVPG measurement in the field of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Tae Suk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
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Zardi EM, Di Matteo FM, Pacella CM, Sanyal AJ. Invasive and non-invasive techniques for detecting portal hypertension and predicting variceal bleeding in cirrhosis: a review. Ann Med 2014; 46:8-17. [PMID: 24328372 PMCID: PMC4904298 DOI: 10.3109/07853890.2013.857831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension is a severe syndrome that may derive from pre-sinusoidal, sinusoidal, and post-sinusoidal causes. As a consequence, several complications (i.e. ascites, oesophageal varices) may develop. In sinusoidal portal hypertension, hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is a reliable method for defining the grade of portal pressure, establishing the effectiveness of the treatment, and predicting the occurrence of complications; however, some questions exist regarding its ability to discriminate bleeding from non-bleeding varices in cirrhotic patients. Other imaging techniques (transient elastography, endoscopy, endosonography, and duplex Doppler sonography) for assessing causes and complications of portal hypertensive syndrome are available and may be valuable for the management of these patients. In this review, we evaluate invasive and non-invasive techniques currently employed to obtain a clinical prediction of deadly complications, such as variceal bleeding in patients affected by sinusoidal portal hypertension, in order to create a diagnostic algorithm to manage them. Again, HVPG appears to be the reference standard to evaluate portal hypertension and monitor the response to treatment, but its ability to predict several complications and support management decisions might be further improved through the diagnostic combination with other imaging techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Maria Zardi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, 'Campus Bio-Medico' University , Rome , Italy
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Comparison of hepatic venous pressure gradient and two models of end-stage liver disease for predicting the survival in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. J Clin Gastroenterol 2012; 46:880-6. [PMID: 22810110 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0b013e31825f2622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
GOALS We evaluated the efficacy of initial and follow-up hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), models of end-stage liver disease (MELD), and MELD-Na for predicting the survival of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (LC). BACKGROUND MELD with/without Na score and HVPG have been important predictors of mortality in patients with LC. STUDY Between January 2006 and 2011, a total of 57 patients with decompensated LC, all of whom underwent >2 HVPG measurements for the confirmation of propranolol dosing, were enrolled. MELD and MELD-Na scores were calculated on the day of HVPG measurement. The prognostic accuracy of the initial and follow-up HVPG, MELD, and MELD-Na were analyzed, and independent factors for mortality were evaluated. RESULTS Ten patients (17.5%) died from LC. Initial HVPG (0.883), initial MELD-Na (0.877), follow-up HVPG (0.829), and follow-up MELD-Na (0.802) showed good area under the receiver operating characteristic curve scores in predicting 1-year mortality. In predicting 2-year mortality, only follow-up HVPG (0.821, cut-off value 18 mm Hg) showed good score. Overall area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (initial and follow-up) were 0.843 and 0.864 in HVPG, 0.721 and 0.674 in MELD, and 0.762 and 0.715 in MELD-Na, respectively. In the Cox regression analysis, only follow-up HVPG (P=0.02; odds ratio, 1.11) was associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS The efficacy of HVPG for predicting mortality is excellent compared with that of MELD or MELD-Na. Therefore, aside from the confirmation of adequate propranolol dosing, HVPG may be needed for predicting the survival of patients with decompensated LC.
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Hidaka M, Takatsuki M, Soyama A, Tanaka T, Muraoka I, Hara T, Kuroki T, Kanematsu T, Eguchi S. Intraoperative portal venous pressure and long-term outcome after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. Br J Surg 2012; 99:1284-9. [PMID: 22864890 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.8861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outcomes of liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have improved owing to better surgical techniques and patient selection. Portal hypertension may influence outcome but the preoperative definition and role of portal hypertension are far from clear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the influence of portal venous pressure (PVP) measured directly during surgery on outcomes of liver resection in patients with HCC. METHODS Patients who had resection of HCC between 1997 and 2009, and who underwent direct measurement of PVP immediately after laparotomy were enrolled. These patients were divided into groups with high (at least 20 cmH(2)O) and low (less than 20 cmH(2)O) PVP. The influence of PVP on overall and recurrence-free survival was analysed and prognostic factors were identified. RESULTS A total of 177 patients were enrolled, 129 in the low-PVP group and 48 in the high-PVP group. The 5-year overall survival rate (63·7 versus 31 per cent; P < 0·001) and recurrence-free survival rate (52·5 versus 12 per cent; P < 0·001) were significantly higher in patients with low PVP. In multivariable analysis, two or more tumours, tumour diameter at least 5 cm, high PVP, grade B liver damage and Hepatic Activity Index (HAI) grade 7 or more were significant predictors of poorer survival after liver resection. Two or more tumours, tumour diameter at least 5 cm and HAI grade 7 or more were significant predictors of poorer recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSION High PVP was associated with poor long-term outcome after liver resection for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hidaka
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
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Hepatocellular carcinoma predicts in-hospital mortality from acute variceal hemorrhage among patients with cirrhosis. J Clin Gastroenterol 2012; 46:613-9. [PMID: 22772741 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0b013e318256b670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common complication among patients with cirrhosis. Data are limited on the impact of HCC on in-hospital mortality from acute variceal hemorrhage (AVH) in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS National in-hospital sample (1998 to 2007) was used to analyze admissions with AVH in cirrhotics to study impact of concomitant HCC on the in-hospital mortality. RESULTS Of 27,442 admissions with cirrhosis and AVH, 540 had HCC. Admissions with HCC differed from those without HCC for age, sex, race, hospital characteristics, and complications of cirrhosis. A total of 2633 (9.6%) patients died during average hospital stay of 6 days with higher in-hospital mortality among admissions with HCC compared with without HCC (19% vs. 9%; P<0.0001). On logistic regression analysis, in-hospital mortality decreased by about 9%/y during 1998 to 2007 [odds ratio, 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.92)]. Receipt of endoscopic treatment was associated with reduced in-hospital mortality. After adjusting for all variables including calendar year and endoscopic treatment, HCC independently predicted in-hospital mortality from AVH: odds ratio, 2.15 (95% confidence interval, 1.67-2.77). Logistic regression model using clinically important variables predicted in-hospital mortality with area under the receiver operating characteristics of 0.80 with strong predictors being presence of HCC, hepatorenal syndrome, hypovolemic shock, sepsis, portosystemic encephalopathy, and use of Sengstaken Blakemore tube. CONCLUSIONS HCC predicts in-hospital mortality from AVH in patients with cirrhosis. Studies are needed to examine and understand mechanisms of these findings to further develop better modalities of management of AVH in patients with cirrhosis and HCC.
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Improving survival in decompensated cirrhosis. Int J Hepatol 2012; 2012:318627. [PMID: 22811919 PMCID: PMC3395145 DOI: 10.1155/2012/318627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mortality in cirrhosis is consequent of decompensation, only treatment being timely liver transplantation. Organ allocation is prioritized for the sickest patients based on Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. In order to improve survival in patients with high MELD score it is imperative to preserve them in suitable condition till transplantation. Here we examine means to prolong life in high MELD score patients till a suitable liver is available. We specially emphasize protection of airways by avoidance of sedatives, avoidance of Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure, elective intubation in grade III or higher encephalopathy, maintaining a low threshold for intubation with lesser grades of encephalopathy when undergoing upper endoscopy or colonoscopy as pre transplant evaluation or transferring patient to a transplant center. Consider post-pyloric tube feeding in encephalopathy to maintain muscle mass and minimize risk of aspiration. In non intubated and well controlled encephalopathy, frequent physical mobility by active and passive exercises are recommended. When renal replacement therapy is needed, night-time Continuous Veno-Venous Hemodialysis may be useful in keeping the daytime free for mobility. Sparing and judicious use of steroids needs to be borne in mind in treatment of ARDS and acute hepatitis from alcohol or autoimmune process.
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LaBerge JM. Invited Commentary. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2011; 22:1558-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2011.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 09/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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Hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement in clinical hepatology. Dig Liver Dis 2011; 43:762-7. [PMID: 21549649 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2011.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Revised: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 03/10/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Portal hypertension is key to the natural history of cirrhosis and the standard way to assess it is the hepatic venous pressure gradient. Hepatic venous pressure gradient is a strong predictor of variceal bleeding/survival and is the only suitable tool to assess the response of portal hypertension to medical treatment. The clinical applications, indications and timing for hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement, together with measurement principles and costs, are reviewed.
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Zipprich A, Winkler M, Seufferlein T, Dollinger MM. Comparison of balloon vs. straight catheter for the measurement of portal hypertension. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32:1351-6. [PMID: 21050237 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04484.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is used as an estimation of portal pressure (PP) in the management of patients with cirrhosis. Two methods are available using either a straight or a balloon catheter, but have never been compared head-to-head. AIM To compare the two methods of determining HVPG, straight and balloon catheter, regarding reproducibility and reliability. METHODS In 47 patients with liver cirrhosis, HVPG was assessed using both catheters in sequence. In another 29 patients, the wedged hepatic venous pressure (WHVP) determined either with straight or balloon catheter was correlated with a direct measurement of PP. Variation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient were calculated. RESULTS Variation coefficients for balloon catheter were 0.07 (HVPG), 0.02 (WHVP) and 0.06 [free hepatic venous pressure (FHVP)]. Variation coefficients for straight catheter were 0.17 (HVPG), 0.06 (WHVP) and 0.07 (FHVP), demonstrating a significantly wider variation of the HVPG and WHVP measurements (P < 0.001). Comparison of WHVP with PP revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.72 (P = 0.004) using balloon catheter and 0.58 (P = 0.011) using straight catheter. CONCLUSIONS Measurements with the balloon catheter currently represent the most reliable and reproducible method to assess HVPG. The results are of particular clinical relevance if repeated measurements are required for therapeutic adjustments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zipprich
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, SA, Germany.
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Hepatic venous pressure gradient can predict the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and hyponatremia in decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009; 21:1241-6. [PMID: 19455045 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0b013e32832a21c1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Portal hypertension is closely associated with serious complications of cirrhosis, which contribute to bad prognosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and low serum sodium (SNa) are manifestations of end-stage liver disease and are associated with poor survival in decompensated cirrhosis patients. We aimed to determine the relationship between hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and the development of HCC or low SNa in decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis patients. METHODS Child-Pugh scores, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores, and HVPG at baseline, and the development of HCC or low SNa (SNa <130 mEq/l) during follow-up were analyzed prospectively in 170 patients with decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis from December 1999 to January 2008 (mean follow-up period of 33.9+/-27.9 months). The predictive value of different risk factors for the development of HCC and low SNa and survival were investigated. RESULTS Twenty-four patients developed HCC during the follow-up period. In the multivariate analysis, only baseline HVPG greater than 15 mmHg was an independent predictive factor for the development of HCC (relative risk=1.128, P<0.05) and which showed a significantly shorter time for the development of HCC on the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Twenty patients developed low SNa during follow-up. Initial HVPG was also an independent predictive factor for the new development of low SNa in the multivariate analysis (relative risk=1.169, P<0.05) and which also showed significantly shorter times for the development of low SNa on the Kaplan-Meier analysis. CONCLUSION In decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis, HVPG may be a useful predictive factor for the development of HCC and low SNa.
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Senzolo M, Cholongitas E, Burra P, Leandro G, Thalheimer U, Patch D, Burroughs AK. beta-Blockers protect against spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients: a meta-analysis. Liver Int 2009; 29:1189-93. [PMID: 19508620 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2009.02038.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bacterial infections have been hypothetized to be a trigger of variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients and beta-blockers may have a protective effect by decreasing bacterial translocation, reducing portal pressure. The aim of our study was to evaluate the possible role of beta-blockers in preventing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. MATERIALS AND METHODS Extensive search of the literature including randomized controlled trial (RCT) and non-RCT of primary and secondary prophylaxis for variceal bleeding in cirrhotics using beta-blockers were evaluated. We performed a meta-analysis using the occurrence of SBP as endpoint in all the studies, using the random effect model. RESULTS Three RCT and three retrospective studies in which beta-blockers were evaluated against no treatment for the prevention of SBP in ascitic cirrhotics were included. There was a statistically significant difference of 12.1%, P<0.001 in favour of propranolol in preventing SBP, which was confirmed by sensitivity analysis evaluating only RCTs (7.8% difference). The effect was still present when haemodynamic responders were compared with non-responders. CONCLUSIONS This analysis suggests a role of beta-blockers in preventing SBP in ascitic cirrhotics, independent of haemodynamic response. Further formal RCTs are needed to confirm this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Senzolo
- The Royal Free Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Department of Surgery, London, UK
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Qamar AA, Grace ND, Groszmann RJ, Garcia–Tsao G, Bosch J, Burroughs AK, Ripoll C, Maurer R, Planas R, Escorsell A, Garcia–Pagan JC, Patch D, Matloff DS, Makuch R, Rendon G. Incidence, prevalence, and clinical significance of abnormal hematologic indices in compensated cirrhosis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009; 7:689-95. [PMID: 19281860 PMCID: PMC4545534 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2009.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2008] [Revised: 01/26/2009] [Accepted: 02/21/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients with cirrhosis develop abnormal hematologic indices (HI) from multiple factors, including hypersplenism. We aimed to analyze the sequence of events and determine whether abnormal HI has prognostic significance. METHODS We analyzed a database of 213 subjects with compensated cirrhosis without esophageal varices. Subjects were followed for approximately 9 years until the development of varices or variceal bleeding or completion of the study; 84 subjects developed varices. Abnormal HI was defined as anemia at baseline (hemoglobin, < or =13.5 g/dL for men and 11.5 g/dL for women), leukopenia (white blood cell counts, < or =4000/mm3), or thrombocytopenia (platelet counts, < or =150,000/mm3). The primary end points were death or transplant surgery. RESULTS Most subjects had thrombocytopenia at baseline. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that leukopenia occurred by 30 months (95% confidence interval, 18.5-53.6), and anemia occurred by 39.6 months (95% confidence interval, 24.1-49.9). Baseline thrombocytopenia (P = .0191) and leukopenia (P = .0383) were predictors of death or transplant, after adjusting for baseline hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), and Child-Pugh scores. After a median of 5 years, a significant difference in death or transplant, mortality, and clinical decompensation was observed in patients who had leukopenia combined with thrombocytopenia at baseline compared with patients with normal HI (P < .0001). HVPG correlated with hemoglobin and white blood cell count (hemoglobin, r = -0.35, P < .0001; white blood cell count, r = -0.31, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Thrombocytopenia is the most common and first abnormal HI to occur in patients with cirrhosis, followed by leukopenia and anemia. A combination of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia at baseline predicted increased morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Norman D. Grace
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts,Faulkner Hospital, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
| | - Roberto J. Groszmann
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut,Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Guadalupe Garcia–Tsao
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut,Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jaime Bosch
- Hospital Clínic-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Ripoll
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut,Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Rie Maurer
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ramon Planas
- Hospital Germans Trias I Pujol, Badalona, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angels Escorsell
- Hospital Clínic-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Garcia–Pagan
- Hospital Clínic-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Patch
- Royal Free Hospital and School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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MacLaren R. Management of Cirrhosis and Associated Complications. J Pharm Pract 2009. [DOI: 10.1177/0897190008328693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is the encapsulation or replacement of injured tissue by collagen, resulting in end-stage liver disease and portal hypertension. The consequences of cirrhosis are impaired hepatocyte function, increase intrahepatic circulatory resistance, portal hypertension, and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Complications include encephalopathy, coagulopathy, varices, ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, epatorenal syndrome, and hepatopulmonary syndrome. Managing patients with acute or chronic liver failure is challenging, and liver failure may have profound effects on other organ systems. Most therapies are directed at managing the complications and bridging patients to liver transplantation. The clinician must be aware of the pathologic presentations and the appropriate management, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies, goals and end points of therapy, and monitoring of therapy. This review focuses on the management of the complications directly associated with liver dysfunction (encephalopathy and coagulopathy) and portal hypertension (varices, ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatopulmonary syndrome).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert MacLaren
- University of Colorado Denver, School of Pharmacy, Aurora, Colorado,
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Esophageal variceal bleeding is a life-threatening complication of liver cirrhosis. The aim of this review is to discuss the most important studies published in 2007 concerning diagnosis of esophageal varices, primary and secondary prophylaxis and treatment of variceal bleeding. RECENT FINDINGS The specific areas reviewed are the noninvasive or minimally invasive diagnosis of oesophageal varices, prevention of the formation of varices and their progression from small to large, prevention of the first variceal hemorrhage, treatment of acute bleeding episodes and prevention of rebleeding, assessment of costs related to prophylaxis and treatment of variceal bleeding. Multidetector computed tomographic esophagography was found to identify the presence and grade the size of esophageal varices. Portal vein thrombosis was found to be an independent predictor of the aggravation of esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The role of hepatic vein pressure gradient measurement in the prediction of decompensation of cirrhosis has been elucidated. SUMMARY Relevant studies are reviewed on the diagnosis and the natural history of esophageal varices, prevention of their formation and growth, prevention of the first variceal bleed, use of hepatic vein pressure gradient to predict the evolution of portal hypertension and to estimate the response to pharmacological treatment, prediction of bleeding, treatment of variceal bleeding and prevention of rebleeding, and cost strategies.
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