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Ilie OD, Duta R, Nita IB, Dobrin I, Gurzu IL, Girleanu I, Huiban L, Muzica C, Ciobica A, Popescu R, Cianga P, Stanciu C, Cimpoesu D, Trifan A. A Comprehensive Overview of the Past, Current, and Future Randomized Controlled Trials in Hepatic Encephalopathy. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2143. [PMID: 38138246 PMCID: PMC10744451 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Background: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) caused by cirrhosis has severe consequences on an individual's lifespan, leading to long-term liver complications and potentially life-threatening outcomes. Despite recent interest in this condition, the effectiveness of secondary prophylaxis involving rixafimin, lactulose, or L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA) may be hindered by the unique microbial profiles each patient possesses. Methods: Thus, in this manuscript, we aimed to search, identify, and gather all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2000-2023 (November) in four major academic databases such as PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect by using a controlled terminology and web strings that reunite six main keywords. We complementarily retrieved data on the ongoing RCTs. Results: Regardless of the relatively high number of results displayed (n = 75), 46.66% (n = 35) were initially deemed eligible after the first evaluation phase after removing duplicates, n = 40 (53.34%). At the second assessment stage, we eliminated 11.42% (n = 4) studies, of which n = 22 finally met the eligibility criteria to be included in the main body of the manuscript. In terms of RCTs, otherwise found in distinct stages of development, n = 3 target FMT and n = 1 probiotics. Conclusions: Although we benefit from the necessary information and technology to design novel strategies for microbiota, only probiotics and synbiotics have been extensively studied in the last decade compared to FMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovidiu-Dumitru Ilie
- Gastroenterology Group, CENEMED Platform for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Raluca Duta
- Gastroenterology Group, CENEMED Platform for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ilinca-Bianca Nita
- Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Irina Dobrin
- Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Psychiatry “Socola”, Bucium Street No. 36, 700282 Iasi, Romania
| | - Irina-Luciana Gurzu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinarity, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Irina Girleanu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Independence Avenue No. 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Laura Huiban
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Independence Avenue No. 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristina Muzica
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Independence Avenue No. 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alin Ciobica
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Carol I Avenue No. 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Carol I Avenue No. 8, 700506 Iasi, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Splaiul Independentei No. 54, Sector 5, 050094 Bucharest, Romania
- Preclinical Department, “Apollonia” University, Păcurari Street No. 11, 700511 Iasi, Romania
| | - Roxana Popescu
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Medical Genetics, “Saint Mary” Emergency Children’s Hospital, Vasile Lupu Street No. 62, 700309 Iasi, Romania
| | - Petru Cianga
- Department of Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Carol Stanciu
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Carol I Avenue No. 8, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Diana Cimpoesu
- Gastroenterology Group, CENEMED Platform for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Emergency Medicine, “St. Spiridon” County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Independence Avenue No. 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Anca Trifan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Independence Avenue No. 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Carol I Avenue No. 8, 700506 Iasi, Romania
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Yang X, Wang M, Liu W, Hou M, Zhao J, Huang X, Wang M, Zheng J, Wang X. Quantitative susceptibility mapping in rats with minimal hepatic encephalopathy: Does iron overload aggravate cognitive impairment by promoting neuroinflammation? Neuroimage 2023; 283:120418. [PMID: 37866757 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120418] [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] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a mild form of hepatic encephalopathy that lacks observable signs and symptoms. Nevertheless, MHE can cause neurocognitive dysfunction, although the neurobiological mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, the effects of hippocampal iron deposition on cognitive function and its role in MHE were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighteen rats were assigned to experimental and control groups. MHE was induced by thioacetamide. Spatial memory and exploratory behavior were assessed by the Morris water and elevated plus mazes. Hippocampal susceptibility was measured by quantitative susceptibility mapping, iron deposition in the hippocampus and liver by Prussian blue staining, and inflammatory cytokine and ferritin levels in the hippocampus were measured by ELISA. RESULTS MHE rats showed impaired spatial memory and exploratory behavior (P < 0.05 for all parameters). The bilateral hippocampal susceptibility values were significantly raised in MHE rats, together with evidence of neuroinflammation (increased pro-inflammatory and reduced anti-inflammatory cytokine levels (all P < 0.05). Further analysis indicated good correlations between hippocampal susceptibility values with latency time and inflammatory cytokine levels in MHE but not in control rats. CONCLUSION MHE induced by thioacetamide was associated with hippocampal iron deposition and inflammation, suggesting that iron overload may be an important driver of neuroinflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhong Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Minglei Wang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Wenxiao Liu
- Department of Radiology, the Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Mingli Hou
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xueying Huang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Minxing Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jiarui Zheng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
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Sharma BC, Maharshi S, Sachdeva S, Mahajan B, Sharma A, Bara S, Srivastava S, Kumar A, Dalal A, Sonika U. Nutritional therapy for persistent cognitive impairment after resolution of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 38:1917-1925. [PMID: 37354045 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) reflects cognitive impairment in patients with liver cirrhosis and is associated with poor prognosis. We assessed the effects of nutritional therapy on cognitive functions, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), anthropometry, endotoxins, and inflammatory markers in cirrhotic patients with MHE. METHODS In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, cirrhotic patients with MHE were randomized to nutritional therapy (group I: 30-35 kcal/kg/day and 1.0-1.5 g of protein/kg/day) and no nutritional therapy (group II: diet as patients were taking before) for 6 months. MHE was diagnosed based on psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES). Anthropometry, ammonia, endotoxins, inflammatory markers, myostatin, and HRQOL were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. Primary endpoints were improvement or worsening in MHE and HRQOL. RESULTS A total of 150 patients were randomized to group I (n = 75, age 46.3 ± 12.5 years, 58 men) and group II (n = 75, age 45.2 ± 9.3 years, 56 men). Baseline PHES (-8.16 ± 1.42 vs -8.24 ± 1.43; P = 0.54) was comparable in both groups. Reversal of MHE was higher in group I (73.2% vs 21.4%; P = 0.001) than group II. Improvement in PHES (Δ PHES 4.0 ± 0.60 vs -4.18 ± 0.40; P = 0.001), HRQOL (Δ Sickness Impact Profile 3.24 ± 3.63 vs 0.54 ± 3.58; P = 0.001), anthropometry, ammonia, endotoxins, cytokines, and myostatin levels was also significantly higher in group I than group II. Overt hepatic encephalopathy developed in 6 patients in group I and 13 in group II (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Nutritional therapy is effective in treatment of MHE and associated with improvement in nutritional status, HRQOL, ammonia, endotoxins, inflammatory markers, and myostatin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sanjeev Sachdeva
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Bhawna Mahajan
- Department of Biochemistry, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashok Sharma
- Department of Radiology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sushma Bara
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashok Dalal
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ujjwal Sonika
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Bowman CA, Zhang J, Grinspan LT. What guidelines?: Attitudes and behaviors for prescribing prophylactic hepatic encephalopathy medications. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2023; 21:147-150. [PMID: 37274948 PMCID: PMC10238048 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chip A. Bowman
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joyce Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lauren T. Grinspan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Recanati/Miller Transplant Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Ahuja H, Sharma BC, Sachdeva S, Mahajan B, Sharma A, Bara S, Srivastava S, Kumar A, Dalal A, Sonika U. A double blind randomized controlled trial to assess efficacy of nutritional therapy for prevention of recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 38:433-440. [PMID: 36574769 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16096] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) has high risk of recurrence and is associated with poor survival. The role of nutrition therapy is well documented in cirrhosis, but its efficacy in preventing the recurrence of OHE has not been studied. METHODS In double blind RCT, we randomly assigned 150 patients with liver cirrhosis, with history of OHE in recent past to receive nutrition therapy (group I) or no nutrition therapy (group II) and followed up for 6 months. The primary efficacy end points were occurrence of breakthrough episodes and time to breakthrough episode of OHE. Secondary end points were OHE related hospitalizations and time to hospitalization involving OHE. Other parameters included anthropometry, changes in serum cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α), endotoxin and myostatin. RESULTS There was significant reduction in occurrence of breakthrough episodes of OHE in group I [10 vs 36, hazard ratio 0.20; P < 0.001], OHE-related hospitalization [8 vs 24, hazard ratio 0.27; P < 0.001)]. Times to breakthrough episode of OHE and OHE-related hospitalization were longer in group I. At the end of 6 months, inflammatory and anthropometry parameters showed significant improvement in group I compared with worsening of serum albumin, anthropometric parameters, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in group II. At the end of 6 months, ascites (50 vs 66, P = 0.01), gastrointestinal bleed (2 vs 11, P = 0.007), and jaundice (16 vs 41, P < 0.001) were lower in group I. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with nutrition therapy prevented recurrence of OHE and decreased OHE-related hospitalizations as compared with no nutrition therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hardik Ahuja
- Department of Gastroenterology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Sanjeev Sachdeva
- Department of Gastroenterology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Bhawna Mahajan
- Department of Biochemistry, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashok Sharma
- Department of Radiology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sushma Bara
- Department of Gastroenterology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashok Dalal
- Department of Gastroenterology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ujjwal Sonika
- Department of Gastroenterology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Efficacy of rifaximin against covert hepatic encephalopathy and hyperammonemia in Japanese patients. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270786. [PMID: 35776720 PMCID: PMC9249214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) impairs patient quality of life and occurs in approximately 30% of liver cirrhosis (LC) cases. Japanese clinical practice guidelines recommend rifaximin to treat overt HE (OHE). However, the usefulness of rifaximin against CHE is not thoroughly investigated in Japanese patients. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of rifaximin against hyperammonemia and CHE in Japan. We observed 102 patients with HE showing hyperammonemia secondary to LC and examined various biochemical and behavioral parameters following rifaximin treatment. CHE was diagnosed when the patients exhibited two or more abnormal neuropsychological test (NPT) scores but did not indicate OHE symptoms. In the 102 cases, a significant therapeutic effect of rifaximin on hyperammonemia was observed from 2 to 48 weeks after starting treatment. Excluding 10 patients diagnosed with OHE upon starting rifaximin treatment, 12 of the 92 remaining patients (11.8%) transitioned to OHE within 1 year. The 1 year cumulative OHE transition rate was 14.5%. Among the 24 patients with CHE diagnosed by the NPT for whom NPT results could be evaluated at 4 and 12 weeks after starting treatment, 10 (41.6%) had recovered from CHE at 12 weeks. When the factors contributing to recovery from CHE were examined by multivariate analysis, an ammonia level <129 μg/dL was a significant factor. Rifaximin was thus significantly effective against both hyperammonemia and CHE in Japanese patients.
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Faccioli J, Nardelli S, Gioia S, Riggio O, Ridola L. Nutrition Assessment and Management in Patients with Cirrhosis and Cognitive Impairment: A Comprehensive Review of Literature. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11102842. [PMID: 35628968 PMCID: PMC9147845 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11102842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) represents a common complication of liver cirrhosis. Protein-calorie malnutrition is frequently encountered in the cirrhotic patient and its most obvious clinical manifestation is sarcopenia. This condition represents a risk factor for HE occurrence because skeletal muscle acts as an alternative site for ammonium detoxification. Preventive intervention through an adequate assessment of nutritional status should be carried out at early stages of the disease and in a multidisciplinary team using both non-instrumental methods (food diary, anthropometric measurements, blood chemistry tests) and instrumental methods (bioimpedance testing, DEXA, CT, indirect calorimetry, dynamometry). Dietary recommendations for patients with HE do not differ from those for cirrhotic patient without HE. Daily caloric intake in the non-obese patient should be 30–40 Kcal/Kg/day with a protein intake of 1–1.5 g/Kg/day, especially of vegetable origin, through 4–6 meals daily. In patients with HE, it is also essential to monitor electrolyte balance, supplementing any micronutrient deficiencies such as sodium and zinc, as well as vitamin deficiencies because they can cause neurological symptoms similar to those of HE. In light of the critical role of nutritional status, this aspect should not be underestimated and should be included in the diagnostic–therapeutic algorithm of patients with HE.
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Yokoyama K, Sakamaki A, Takahashi K, Naruse T, Sato C, Kawata Y, Tominaga K, Abe H, Sato H, Tsuchiya A, Kamimura K, Takamura M, Yokoyama J, Terai S. Hydrogen-producing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is associated with hepatic encephalopathy and liver function. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264459. [PMID: 35213654 PMCID: PMC8880851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the complications of liver cirrhosis (LC), which negatively affects the prognosis and quality of life of patients. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is significantly associated with LC and its complications, including HE. We investigated the relationship between SIBO and LC, and the difference between hydrogen-producing and methane-producing SIBO (H-SIBO and M-SIBO, respectively). This is a prospective cohort study of 107 cases. Breath measurements of hydrogen and methane concentrations were performed for the diagnosis of SIBO. The study cohort included 81 males with a median age of 70 (40–86) years, and SIBO was detected in 31 cases (29.0%). There were no significant differences between the SIBO positive and SIBO negative groups. Reclassification into H-SIBO (16 cases) and others (91 cases) was performed, and the Child-Pugh score was only derived in the multivariate logistic analysis (P = 0.028, odds ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.85). Furthermore, H-SIBO was significantly associated with covert HE in chi-square test (50.0% vs. 24.2%, P = 0.034). In addition, we evaluated the therapeutic response on SIBO of rifaximin in eight covert HE patients. 20% patients with M-SIBO and 67% patients with H-SIBO showed an improvement of the breath test. In conclusion, H-SIBO, but not M-SIBO, is significantly associated with liver function, and rifaximin might be more effective for covert HE with H-SIBO. Therefore, the diagnosis of SIBO, including the classification as H-SIBO and M-SIBO, might help to determine the choice of treatment for HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunihiko Yokoyama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Akira Sakamaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- * E-mail: (AS); (ST)
| | - Kazuya Takahashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takumi Naruse
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Chihiro Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yuzo Kawata
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kentaro Tominaga
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Atsunori Tsuchiya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- Department of General Medicine, School of Medicine, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masaaki Takamura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Junji Yokoyama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- * E-mail: (AS); (ST)
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Ahn S, Hong YH, Lee DH, Joo SK, Jung YJ, Sohn SY, Choi K, Kim W. Efficacy and Safety of Pregabalin for Muscle Cramps in Liver Cirrhosis: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. J Korean Med Sci 2022; 37:e56. [PMID: 35191232 PMCID: PMC8860769 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle cramp is possibly related to peripheral nerve hyperexcitability (PNH), and one of the most debilitating symptoms frequently encountered in patients with liver cirrhosis. We investigated whether pregabalin, a gamma-aminobutyric acid analogue, can suppress neuronal excitability and reduce muscle cramps in cirrhotic patients. METHODS We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which study participants with cirrhosis from a single tertiary center were enrolled. Primary endpoint was the relative change in cramp frequency from the run-in to standard dose treatment phase (4 weeks per each). Secondary endpoints included the responder rate, and the changes in cramp frequency during sleep, pain intensity, health-related quality of life (Liver Disease Quality of Life Instrument, Short Form-36) and electrophysiological measures of PNH. RESULTS This study was terminated early because of insufficient accrual. 80% (n = 56) of the target number of participants (n = 70) were randomized to pregabalin (n = 29) or placebo (n = 27). Median baseline frequency of muscle cramps (interquartile range) was 5.8 (3.5-10) per week in the pregabalin group and 6.5 (4.0-10) in the placebo group (P = 0.970). The primary analysis showed a significant reduction in cramp frequency with pregabalin compared to placebo (-36% vs. 4.5% for the percentage change, P = 0.010). Secondary outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups. Adverse effects with pregabalin were mainly dizziness and lethargy. CONCLUSION With multiple problems emerging from premature termination in mind, the results suggested an acceptable safety profile and favorable effect of pregabalin in reducing muscle cramps compared to placebo in cirrhotic patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01271660.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohyun Ahn
- Department of Neurology, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon-Ho Hong
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Council, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Dong Hyeon Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sae Kyung Joo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Jin Jung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Yeon Sohn
- Department of Neurology, Ajou University Medical Center, Ajou University College of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Kyomin Choi
- Department of Neurology, Konkuk University Hospital, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Controlling nutritional status score as a new indicator of overt hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Clin Nutr 2022; 41:560-566. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2021.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Hanai T, Shiraki M, Nishimura K, Miwa T, Maeda T, Ogiso Y, Imai K, Suetsugu A, Takai K, Shimizu M. Usefulness of the Stroop Test in Diagnosing Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy and Predicting Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:1518-1526. [PMID: 34510827 PMCID: PMC8435282 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) adversely affects the clinical outcomes of patients with liver cirrhosis. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the utility of the Stroop test in the diagnosis of MHE and prediction of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) in Japanese patients with cirrhosis. We enrolled 152 patients who underwent the Stroop test between November 2018 and February 2020. MHE was diagnosed using a combination of neuropsychological tests as the gold standard. The enrolled patients were followed up prospectively until the occurrence of OHE or August 2020. The optimal cutoff value of the Stroop test measurements was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and its predictive ability was assessed using the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Among the 139 eligible patients, 50 (36%) were diagnosed with MHE. The OffTime+OnTime cutoff value of 218.3 seconds had the best discriminative ability for MHE diagnosis, with an AUC of 0.77, a sensitivity of 74%, and a specificity of 75%. During a median follow-up of 10.8 months, 6 (4%) patients developed OHE. The OffTime+OnTime cutoff value of 305.6 seconds had the highest predictive ability for OHE, with an AUC of 0.79, a sensitivity of 67%, and a specificity of 92%. This value predicted OHE occurrence independent of liver functional reserve and prior OHE (hazard ratio, 19.8; P = 0.003). These two cutoff values remained statistically significant even when patients with prior OHE were excluded from the analysis. Conclusion: The Stroop test was useful for diagnosing patients with MHE and predicting OHE in Japanese patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsunori Hanai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal MedicineGifu University Graduate School of MedicineGifuJapan
| | - Makoto Shiraki
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal MedicineGifu University Graduate School of MedicineGifuJapan
| | - Kayoko Nishimura
- Center for Nutrition Support and Infection ControlGifu University HospitalGifuJapan
| | - Takao Miwa
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal MedicineGifu University Graduate School of MedicineGifuJapan
| | - Toshihide Maeda
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal MedicineGifu University Graduate School of MedicineGifuJapan
| | - Yui Ogiso
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal MedicineGifu University Graduate School of MedicineGifuJapan
| | - Kenji Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal MedicineGifu University Graduate School of MedicineGifuJapan
| | - Atsushi Suetsugu
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal MedicineGifu University Graduate School of MedicineGifuJapan
| | - Koji Takai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal MedicineGifu University Graduate School of MedicineGifuJapan
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal MedicineGifu University Graduate School of MedicineGifuJapan
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12
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Moran S, López-Sánchez M, Milke-García MDP, Rodríguez-Leal G. Current approach to treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:3050-3063. [PMID: 34168407 PMCID: PMC8192295 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i22.3050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) corresponds to the earliest stage of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). MHE does not present clinically detectable neurological-psychiatric abnormalities but is characterized by imperceptible neurocognitive alterations detected during routine clinical examination via neuropsychological or psychometrical tests. MHE may affect daily activities and reduce job performance and quality of life. MHE can increase the risk of accidents and may develop into overt encephalopathy, worsening the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis. Despite a lack of consensus on the therapeutic indication, interest in finding novel strategies for prevention or reversion has led to numerous clinical trials; their results are the main objective of this review. Many studies address the treatment of MHE, which is mainly based on the strategies and previous management of overt HE. Current alternatives for the management of MHE include measures to maintain nutritional status while avoiding sarcopenia, and manipulation of intestinal microbiota with non-absorbable disaccharides such as lactulose, antibiotics such as rifaximin, and administration of different probiotics. This review analyzes the results of clinical studies that evaluated the effects of different treatments for MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Segundo Moran
- Laboratory of Hepatology Research, Centro Médico Nacional, Siglo XXI, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Marlene López-Sánchez
- Laboratory of Hepatology Research, Centro Médico Nacional, Siglo XXI, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | | | - Gustavo Rodríguez-Leal
- Laboratory of Hepatology Research, Centro Médico Nacional, Siglo XXI, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
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Shimada M, Hirashima N, Iwase H, Saito M, Kondo H, Urata N, Unita S, Kondo T, Tanaka D, Tsunekawa T, Fujishiro M. Evaluation of Muscle Cramp Associated with Liver Cirrhosis with a Focus on the Liver Function and Nutritional Status. Intern Med 2021; 60:1343-1348. [PMID: 33281163 PMCID: PMC8170239 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.6231-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective We investigated the muscle cramp status of patients with liver cirrhosis by focusing on the degree of liver damage, skeletal muscle mass, and nutritional status. Methods All enrolled patients completed a questionnaire about muscle cramps. The degree of liver damage was examined using the Child-Pugh classification and the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade. The nutritional status and skeletal muscle mass were examined using the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) method and the psoas muscle index (PMI). Results Among the respondents, 55.7% of the patients reported experiencing muscle cramps. An analysis of the two patient groups-those who experienced muscle cramps and those who did not-revealed significant differences in Child-Pugh classification (muscle cramp-positive vs. muscle cramp-negative: A/B/C, 54.1%/32.4%/13.5% vs. 90.0%/10.0%/0.0%; p=0.004), ALBI grade (1/2/3, 20.5%/71.8%/7.7% vs. 54.8%/38.7%/6.5%; p=0.011), modified ALBI grade (1/2a/2b/3, 20.5%/20.5%/51.3%/7.7% vs. 54.8%/22.6%/16.1%/6.5%; p=0.008), CONUT score (normal/mild/moderate/severe, 25.6%/28.2%/41.0%/5.1% vs. 22.6%/61.3%/12.9%/3.2%; p=0.024), and PMI (3.85±1.13 cm2/m2 vs. 4.94±1.86 cm2/m2; p=0.012). Conclusion Our findings suggest that muscle cramps occur more frequently in patients with liver cirrhosis due to their decreased liver function and poorer nutritional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Shimada
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization, Nagoya Medical Center, Japan
| | - Noboru Hirashima
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization, Nagoya Medical Center, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Iwase
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization, Nagoya Medical Center, Japan
| | - Masashi Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization, Nagoya Medical Center, Japan
| | - Hisashi Kondo
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization, Nagoya Medical Center, Japan
| | - Noboru Urata
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization, Nagoya Medical Center, Japan
| | - Satoshi Unita
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization, Nagoya Medical Center, Japan
| | - Takashi Kondo
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization, Nagoya Medical Center, Japan
| | - Daiki Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization, Nagoya Medical Center, Japan
| | - Takuya Tsunekawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization, Nagoya Medical Center, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Fujishiro
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
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14
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Lu B, Wu C, Azami NLB, Xie D, Zhao C, Xu W, Hui D, Chen X, Sun R, Song J, An Y, Li K, Wang H, Ye G, Sun M. Babao Dan improves neurocognitive function by inhibiting inflammation in clinical minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 135:111084. [PMID: 33383371 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Inflammation has been considered a precipitating event that contributes to neurocognitive dysfunction in minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). Inhibition TLR-4 related inflammation can effectively improve neurocognitive dysfunction of MHE. Our previous study showed that Babao Dan (BBD) effectively inhibited inflammation and ameliorated neurocognitive function in rats with acute hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and chronic HE. The mechanism may lie in the regulation of TLR4 signaling pathway. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the role of BBD in the treatment of MHE patients with cirrhosis and to elucidate the underlying mechanism by which BBD regulated TLR4 pathway to alleviate inflammation. METHODS A randomized controlled trial (n = 62) was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy between BBD plus lactulose (n = 31) and lactulose alone (n = 31) in MHE patients by testing neurocognitive function (NCT-A and DST), blood ammonia, liver function (ALT, AST and TBIL) and blood inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α). Afterward, we detected NO, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and the phosphorylation of P65, JNK, ERK as well as P38 in LPS-activated rat primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), peritoneal macrophages (PMs), and mouse primary BMDMs/PMs/microglia/astrocytes, to investigate the underlying mechanism of BBD inhibiting inflammation through TLR4 pathway. Also, the survival rate of mice, liver function (ALT, AST), blood inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α), inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and histopathological changes in the liver, brain and lung were measured to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of BBD on neurocognitive function in endotoxin shock/endotoxemia mice. RESULTS BBD combined with lactulose significantly ameliorated neurocognitive function by decreasing NCT-A (p<0.001) and increasing DST (p<0.001); inhibited systemic inflammation by decreasing IL-1β (p<0.001), IL-6(p<0.001) and TNF-α (p<0.001); reduced ammonia level (p = 0.005), and improved liver function by decreasing ALT(p = 0.043), AST(p = 0.003) and TBIL (p = 0.026) in MHE patients. Furthermore, BBD inhibited gene and protein expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α as well as NO in rat primary BMDMs/PMs, and mouse primary BMDMs/PMs/microglia/astrocytes in a dose-dependent manner. BBD inhibited the activation of mouse primary BMDMs/PMs/microglia/astrocytes by regulating TLR4 pathway involving the phosphorylation of P65, JNK, ERK and P38. Also, BBD reduced the mortality of mice with endotoxin shock/endotoxemia; serum levels of ALT, AST, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α; gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the liver, brain and lung, and tissue damage in the liver and lung. CONCLUSION Our study provided for the first time clinical and experimental evidence supporting the use of BBD in MHE, and revealed that BBD could play a crucial role in targeting and regulating TLR4 inflammatory pathway to improve neurocognitive function in MHE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Lu
- Shuguang Hospital, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Chao Wu
- Shuguang Hospital, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Nisma Lena Bahaji Azami
- Shuguang Hospital, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Dong Xie
- Shuguang Hospital, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Changqing Zhao
- Shuguang Hospital, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Wan Xu
- Shuguang Hospital, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Dengcheng Hui
- Shuguang Hospital, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Xi Chen
- Shanghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, 200082, China.
| | - Runfei Sun
- Shuguang Hospital, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jingru Song
- Shuguang Hospital, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yongtong An
- Central Research Institute, Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Kun Li
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Huijun Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Guan Ye
- Central Research Institute, Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Mingyu Sun
- Shuguang Hospital, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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15
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Mizuno Y, Ishikawa T, Ishida J, Kobayashi A, Konakahara Y, Kinoshita A, Hama H, Hokari A, Saruta M. The Molar Ratio of Total Branched-chain Amino Acids to Tyrosine Predicts a Digit Symbol Test Abnormality in Cirrhotic Patients. Intern Med 2020; 59:1695-1704. [PMID: 32296001 PMCID: PMC7434536 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.4298-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We aimed to investigate the association between the digit symbol test (DST) and clinical characteristics, including the nutritional status of liver cirrhosis patients. Methods Fifty-nine cirrhotic patients without a history of overt hepatic encephalopathy were retrospectively evaluated. We examined neuropsychological abnormalities (NPAs) using the DST. We also estimated the detailed nutritional status using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The patients were divided into two groups according to their DST status: patients with normal DST scores (DST-Nor group, n=45) and those with abnormal DST scores (DST-Abn group, n=14). The clinical and nutritional findings of the two groups were compared. Results Overall, 14 (23.7%) patients had a DST abnormality. There were significant differences between the two groups in serum albumin (Alb; p=0.0043), valine (Val; p=0.0016), leucine (Leu; p=0.0078), isoleucine (Ile; p=0.0022), the molar ratio of total branched-chain amino acids to tyrosine (BTR; p=0.00025), total-bilirubin (T-Bil; p=0.0071), prothrombin time (%) (PT; p=0.028), and serum sodium (Na; p=0.035). A multivariate analysis found the BTR to be the only independent predictor of a DST abnormality (hazard ratio, 9.24; p<0.031). An FFQ analysis, revealed that the nutritional findings of patients with and without a DST abnormality, were similar. Conclusion The BTR was useful for predicting the risk of NPAs, as defined by a DST abnormality. The risk of NPAs may be estimated by monitoring the BTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Mizuno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Jikei University Daisan Hospital, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Ishikawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Jinya Ishida
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Akemi Kobayashi
- Clinical Nutritional Supports, Jikei University Hospital, Japan
| | | | - Akiyoshi Kinoshita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Jikei University Daisan Hospital, Japan
| | - Hironobu Hama
- Clinical Nutritional Supports, Jikei University Hospital, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hokari
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center, Japan
| | - Masayuki Saruta
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan
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16
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Abstract
Purpose of Review The burden of malnutrition is high in patients with cirrhosis, especially in those with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This has a bearing on increased morbidity and mortality. Heightened attention needs to be paid to screen the patients at high nutritional risk both in the outpatient and hospitalized settings. This review summarizes the current evidence for nutritional support in HE patients and compares the recommendations about nutritional requirement as laid out by various organizations. Recent Findings On survey of the literature, there is a consensus on avoiding protein restriction of the diets in HE patients along with uniform recommendations on caloric requirements. An exciting field of manipulating the gut microbiome in nutritional sciences may hold promise as well as there may be a future role for branched chain amino acids in nutritional management of HE patients. Summary Even though the data suggest that nutritional improvement lead to better outcomes including lower readmission rates in cirrhosis, operationalizing these into practice remains a challenge. To achieve this, a multi-disciplinary approach with nutritional education of the frontline care providers, earlier nutritional risk screening of patients, involvement of the nutrition professionals as part of the team and repeated dietary counseling for the patient and caregiver/s is required. Ultimately, this may need more focus, resource allocation and uniform guidelines across all countries to make this a success.
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17
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Fallahzadeh MA, Rahimi RS. Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nutrition Influences: A Narrative Review. Nutr Clin Pract 2019; 35:36-48. [PMID: 31872484 DOI: 10.1002/ncp.10458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a potentially reversible neurocognitive condition seen in patients with advanced liver disease. The overt form of HE has been reported in up to 45% of patients with cirrhosis. This debilitating condition is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and imposes a significant burden on the caregivers and healthcare system. After providing an overview of HE epidemiology and pathophysiology, this review focuses on the interaction of HE and frailty, nutrition requirements and recommendations in cirrhotic patients with HE, and current dietary and pharmacologic options for HE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Fallahzadeh
- Division of Hepatology, Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Robert S Rahimi
- Division of Hepatology, Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
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18
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Abstract
AIM Sarcopenia is associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the general population. However, in cirrhotic patients, as the development of sarcopenia is closely related to declined liver function, which also impairs HRQOL, whether sarcopenia deteriorates HRQOL independently from declined liver function remains unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the impact of sarcopenia on HRQOL impairment in cirrhotic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 88 cirrhotic patients [median age, 69 years; range: 31-79 years; 49 male (55.7%), 45 with hepatocellular carcinoma (51.1%)] were analyzed. We measured HRQOL using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey version 2 questionnaire and identified factors contributing to scores lower than 50 in physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary, and role-social component summary (RCS) scores. RESULTS Twenty-four (27.2%) patients had sarcopenia. PCS and RCS scores were significantly lower in patients with sarcopenia compared with those without sarcopenia. Patients with Child-Pugh (CP) classification B or C showed significantly lower scores in PCS and RCS than those with CP classification A. On multivariate analysis, the presence of sarcopenia was the only factor associated with low PCS scores [odds ratio (OR): 11.6; P = 0.031]. Female sex (OR: 3.34; P = 0.034), CP classification B or C (OR: 3.19; P = 0.037), and presence of sarcopenia (OR: 4.64; P = 0.016) were identified as independent factors for low RCS scores. CONCLUSION Sarcopenia independently impairs physical and role-social HRQOL in cirrhotic patients.
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19
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Hanai T, Shiraki M, Watanabe S, Imai K, Suetsugu A, Takai K, Moriwaki H, Shimizu M. Prognostic significance of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis in Japan: A propensity score-matching analysis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 34:1809-1816. [PMID: 30779213 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) represents the mildest form of the hepatic encephalopathy spectrum. This study aimed to clarify the prognostic significance of MHE in cirrhotic patients. METHODS This retrospective study evaluated 357 consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis. MHE was diagnosed using a neuropsychiatric test. A propensity score-matching analysis was employed to adjust significant differences in the baseline characteristics between patients with and without MHE. RESULTS Of 269 eligible patients, 56 patients (21%) were diagnosed as having MHE. The Child-Pugh score, model for end-stage liver disease score, and serum ammonia levels were significantly increased, while serum albumin levels were reduced in patients with MHE. By contrast, no significant difference was found between the two groups in matched patients. During the median follow-up period of 13.4 months, 67 patients (24.9%) died. Overall survival rates were significantly lower in patients with MHE (median, 25.4 vs 48.8 months; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-3.18; P = 0.038), stage III/IV hepatocellular carcinoma (HR, 6.32; 95% CI, 3.30-12.79; P < 0.001), the Child-Pugh score (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.12-1.62; P = 0.002), and MHE (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.09-3.29; P = 0.024) were independently associated with mortality in all patients as well as in matched patients. CONCLUSION Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis, independent of hepatocellular carcinoma stage or Child-Pugh score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsunori Hanai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.,Division for Regional Cancer Control, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Makoto Shiraki
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kenji Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Atsushi Suetsugu
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Koji Takai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.,Division for Regional Cancer Control, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hisataka Moriwaki
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
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20
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review discusses the prevalence of malnutrition in cirrhosis, metabolic functions of the liver and alterations in cirrhosis, malnutrition screening tools, and common macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies encountered in individuals with chronic liver disease and their impact on morbidity and mortality. RECENT FINDINGS Several meta-analyses and international society guidelines recommend malnutrition screening and nutrition interventions to improve outcomes in all patients with chronic liver disease given their high risk of malnutrition which is often under recognized. Malnutrition is common in individuals with chronic liver disease and has a significant impact on patient outcomes. Thus, it is critical that validated malnutrition screening tools are used routinely in this patient population in order to identify high-risk patients and implement nutrition and exercise interventions early.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena B Palmer
- Division of Gastroenterology, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, 2400 Canal St, New Orleans, LA, 70119, USA.
| | - Gabriela Kuftinec
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Miami Health Systems, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Michelle Pearlman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Miami Health Systems, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Caitlin Homberger Green
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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21
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Bacteroides in colonic mucosa-associated microbiota affects the development of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. Hepatol Int 2019; 13:482-489. [DOI: 10.1007/s12072-019-09963-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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22
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Iwasa M, Karino Y, Kawaguchi T, Nakanishi H, Miyaaki H, Shiraki M, Nakajima T, Sawada Y, Yoshiji H, Okita K, Koike K. Relationship of muscle cramps to quality of life and sleep disturbance in patients with chronic liver diseases: A nationwide study. Liver Int 2018; 38:2309-2316. [PMID: 29582541 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Although muscle cramps frequently occur in patients with cirrhosis, the importance of muscle cramps remains unclear. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship of muscle cramps with quality of life (QOL) and sleep disturbance. In addition, this multi-institutional collaborative study in Japan investigated factors associated with muscle cramps in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS A total of 1788 patients with chronic liver diseases including both non-cirrhosis and cirrhosis completed a questionnaire survey investigating: (i) frequency of muscle cramps, (ii) relationship of muscle cramps to poor QOL and sleep disturbance, (iii) characteristics of patients who require therapeutic intervention and (iv) characteristics of patients prone to experiencing muscle cramps. RESULTS This study revealed that 51.8% of patients with cirrhosis have experienced muscle cramps. People who experienced muscle cramps were more likely to have reduced QOL and sleep disturbance if muscle cramps had (i) high frequency (occurring daily to a few times per week, P < .01); (ii) long duration (between a few minutes and a few hours, P < .01) and (iii) intense severity (visual analogue scale ≥4, P < .01). Age, female sex, positive results for hepatitis C virus, low serum albumin concentration, and cirrhosis were independent factors related to the severity of muscle cramps. CONCLUSION Muscle cramps occurred with great frequency and were associated with various factors such as age, sex, hepatitis C virus and liver function. Many patients experience poor QOL (26.3%) due to muscle cramps, and therapeutic interventions are therefore needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoh Iwasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Yoshiyasu Karino
- Department of Hepatology, Sapporo Kosei General Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakanishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisamitsu Miyaaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Makoto Shiraki
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Nakajima
- Department of Hepatology, Sapporo Kosei General Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Sawada
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yoshiji
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | | | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Kawaguchi T, Konishi M, Kato A, Kato M, Kooka Y, Sawara K, Endo R, Torimura T, Suzuki K, Takikawa Y. Updating the neuropsychological test system in Japan for the elderly and in a modern touch screen tablet society by resetting the cut-off values. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:1335-1339. [PMID: 28066966 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM Covert hepatic encephalopathy is frequently seen in cirrhotic patients. This condition can be diagnosed by a computerized neuropsychological test system (NPT); however, NPT has not been updated for approximately two decades in Japan. The aim of this study is to update the NPT to be more suitable for both the elderly and modern society by resetting of cut-off values. METHODS We enrolled 367 healthy subjects aged between 40 and 79 years old between 2003 and 2010. The NPT consists of the following eight tests: number connection tests (NCT)-A and -B, a figure position test, a digit symbol test, a block design test, and reaction time tests (RTT)-A, -B, and -C. All subjects were classified into eight groups (5-year quartile ranges from 40 to 79 years old), and the cut-off value for each test was compared to the former cut-off value (NPT version 1). RESULTS In all eight tests, most of the cut-off values were different from those in NPT version 1. The difference was minimal in RTT-A, RTT-B, and RTT-C. However, the difference was evident in the NCT-A, NCT-B, digit symbol test, and block design test. In particular, a 57.8-s decrease in the cut-off value was seen in the 65-69-year-old group for the NCT-B test (71.3 s vs. 129.1 s). CONCLUSIONS We updated the NPT by covering subjects aged 40-79 years and resetting the cut-off values. Thus, the updated NPT is an elderly and modern subject-compliant application. This update may improve the diagnostic ability of covert hepatic encephalopathy in contemporary cirrhotic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Mika Konishi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akinobu Kato
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan.,Morioka Municipal Hospital, Morioka, Japan
| | - Motoichiro Kato
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohei Kooka
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Kei Sawara
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Ryujin Endo
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Takuji Torimura
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Suzuki
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan.,Department of Nutritional Science, Morioka University, Takizawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takikawa
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan
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Zuo Z, Fan H, Tang XD, Chen YM, Xun LT, Li Y, Song ZJ, Zhai HQ. Effect of different treatments and alcohol addiction on gut microbiota in minimal hepatic encephalopathy patients. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:4887-4895. [PMID: 29201193 PMCID: PMC5704264 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is caused by dysbiosis of gut microbiota, particularly the ammonia-producing bacteria. Given the efficacy of certain treatments on MHE and the connection between alcoholism and MHE, a thorough understanding of how these strategies affect the gut microbiota in patients (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) will facilitate the assessment of their efficacy in the reshaping of gut microbiota. In the present study, a metagenomics approach was adopted to reveal alterations in gut microbiota of 14 MHE patients following treatment with rifaximin alone or rifaximin plus probiotics. Patients were grouped into the alcoholic and non-alcoholic groups to examine differences in terms of their response to treatment. Treatment reduced the overall microbiota diversity and decreased the abundance of certain ammonia-producing bacteria, such as Clostridium, with the treatment of rifaximin plus probiotics presenting a more apparent effect. Non-alcoholic MHE patients responded better to the treatment, as they presented greater reduction in microbiota diversity and a more consistent decline in certain ammonia-producing bacteria genera (such as Clostridium and Streptococcus) belonging to the Firmicutes phylum. In conclusion, treatment with rifaximin alone and rifaximin plus probiotics exhibited a different effect in different MHE patients, decreasing the overall gut microbiota diversity to various extents and reshaping microbiota in different ways. Furthermore, non-alcoholic MHE patients responded better to treatment in microbiota alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zan Zuo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan 650532, P.R. China
| | - Hong Fan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan 650532, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Dan Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan 650532, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Min Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan 650532, P.R. China
| | - Lin-Ting Xun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan 650532, P.R. China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan 650532, P.R. China
| | - Zheng-Ji Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan 650532, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Qiong Zhai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yanan Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
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25
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A Comprehensive Review of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Other Methods in the Assessment of Nutritional Status in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2017; 2017:6765856. [PMID: 28894465 PMCID: PMC5574293 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6765856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is assumed that approximately 24–66% of patients with liver cirrhosis develop malnutrition. Numerous pathological processes lead to serious disorders of nutritional status in this group of patients. Malnutrition in the course of liver cirrhosis is associated with increased morbidity, complications, and low quality of life. Under these conditions, detection of malnutrition is of crucial importance. This review explores the complex mechanisms that lead to malnutrition in the course of liver cirrhosis and focuses on methods used in the assessment of nutritional status in cirrhotic patients. Among others, the role of bioelectrical impedance is highlighted. This noninvasive tool is promising and quite an accurate method of estimating body composition.
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26
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Bhanji RA, Carey EJ, Watt KD. Review article: maximising quality of life while aspiring for quantity of life in end-stage liver disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 46:16-25. [PMID: 28464346 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With recent advances in the management of chronic liver disease and its complications, the long-term survival in cirrhosis has improved. Therefore, the number of individuals who will spend a significant proportion of their life with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) may continue to rise. Thus, more attention to quality of life (QOL) and its integration with traditional clinical endpoints is needed. AIMS Recently, there have been many studies looking at treatment outcomes and their impact on the QOL in patients with ESLD. The aim of this review was to summarise and compare the insights gained from these intervention studies and to make concise recommendations to further promote and improve QOL in this patient population. METHODS A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science. Search terms "Quality of life" "Cirrhosis" and "end-stage liver disease" were used as MeSH terms or searched in the title of the article. RESULTS These studies uniformly show significant improvement in health-related QOL (HRQOL) with management of malnutrition, hepatic encephalopathy and ascites. Thus, early recognition and management of these complications are keys to better serve our patients. Early involvement of palliative care also leads to improved quality of end-of-life care. CONCLUSIONS Complications of cirrhosis including malnutrition, encephalopathy, ascites and variceal bleeding lead to a decrease in HRQOL. Assessment of HRQOL has an important implication for the patient. The findings of this review illuminate the importance of using consistent tools to accurately assess QOL in patients with ESLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Bhanji
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - E J Carey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - K D Watt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) can reverse after short-term treatment. However, relapse rate of MHE after stopping treatment has not been studied so far. We aimed to evaluate long-term (9 months) efficacy of a short-term (3 months) treatment of MHE with lactulose/rifaximin, for maintenance of remission from MHE. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this prospective study, consecutive patients with cirrhosis and MHE were treated with lactulose/rifaximin for 3 months. After treatment, they were followed up for 6 months. Psychometric testing for diagnosis of MHE was performed at baseline, 3 months and 9 months. RESULTS Of the 527 patients screened, 351 were found eligible and tested for MHE. Out of these, 112 (31.9%) patients had MHE (mean age 55.3 years; 75% males). They were randomized to receive Rifaximin (n = 57; 1,200 mg/day) or Lactulose (n = 55; 30-120 mL/day) for three months. At 3 months, 73.7% (42/57) patients in Rifaximin group experienced MHE reversal compared to 69.1% (38/55) in Lactulose group (p = 0.677). Six months after stopping treatment, 47.6% (20/42) in rifaximin group and 42.1% (16/38) patients in lactulose group experienced MHE relapse (p = 0.274). The overt hepatic encephalopathy development rate (7.1% vs. 7.9%) and mortality rate (0.23% vs. 0%) were similar in both groups. The Child-Turcotte-Pugh score and model for end stage liver disease (MELD) scores of patients who had MHE relapse were higher compared to those who didn't. On multivariate regression analysis, MELD score was an independent predictor of MHE relapse. CONCLUSION Of the patients who became MHE negative after short-term (3 months) treatment with rifaximin/lactulose, almost 50% had a relapse of MHE at 6 months follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omesh Goyal
- Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Sandeep S Sidhu
- Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Harsh Kishore
- Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
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Yoshimura E, Ichikawa T, Miyaaki H, Taura N, Miuma S, Shibata H, Honda T, Takeshima F, Nakao K. Screening for minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis by cirrhosis-related symptoms and a history of overt hepatic encephalopathy. Biomed Rep 2016; 5:193-198. [PMID: 27446540 DOI: 10.3892/br.2016.702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is more difficult in comparison to the diagnosis of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE), as patients with MHE do not exhibit overt neurological deficits and must be diagnosed using specialized equipment. However, identifying MHE is critical for patients with cirrhosis, and a simple screening test is required. The present study aimed to evaluate the associations between MHE, clinical characteristics and questionnaire items regarding sleep disturbances and cirrhosis-related symptom score (CSS). A total of 91 patients who had cirrhosis without OHE were evaluated using various questionnaires [i.e., CSS, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Japanese 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36)]. MHE was diagnosed using the neuropsychological test. MHE was associated with severe liver damage, which was indicated by liver damage markers and a history of OHE. In addition, MHE was associated with the CSS, PSQI and SF-36 results. The multivariate analyses revealed that a history of OHE was the factor that was the most strongly associated with MHE. Among patients without a history of OHE, MHE was most strongly associated with CSS, although it was also associated with severe liver damage and platelet counts. A prediction score (calculated using a history of OHE and CSS) provided an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.738 and a sensitivity of 0.671 for identifying MHE. In conclusion, a history of OHE and CSS may be useful for identifying MHE in patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Yoshimura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Ichikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nagasaki Harbor Medical Center, City Hospital, Nagasaki 850-8555, Japan
| | - Hisamitsu Miyaaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Naota Taura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Satoshi Miuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Hidataka Shibata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Takuya Honda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Fuminao Takeshima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
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Kawaguchi T, Suetsugu T, Ogata S, Imanaga M, Ishii K, Esaki N, Sugimoto M, Otsuyama J, Nagamatsu A, Taniguchi E, Itou M, Oriishi T, Iwasaki S, Miura H, Torimura T. An association between dietary habits and traffic accidents in patients with chronic liver disease: A data-mining analysis. Biomed Rep 2016; 4:615-622. [PMID: 27123257 DOI: 10.3892/br.2016.640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of traffic accidents in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) is high in the USA. However, the characteristics of patients, including dietary habits, differ between Japan and the USA. The present study investigated the incidence of traffic accidents in CLD patients and the clinical profiles associated with traffic accidents in Japan using a data-mining analysis. A cross-sectional study was performed and 256 subjects [148 CLD patients (CLD group) and 106 patients with other digestive diseases (disease control group)] were enrolled; 2 patients were excluded. The incidence of traffic accidents was compared between the two groups. Independent factors for traffic accidents were analyzed using logistic regression and decision-tree analyses. The incidence of traffic accidents did not differ between the CLD and disease control groups (8.8 vs. 11.3%). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that yoghurt consumption was the only independent risk factor for traffic accidents (odds ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.85; P=0.0197). Similarly, the results of the decision-tree analysis showed that yoghurt consumption was the initial divergence variable. In patients who consumed yoghurt habitually, the incidence of traffic accidents was 6.6%, while that in patients who did not consume yoghurt was 16.0%. CLD was not identified as an independent factor in the logistic regression and decision-tree analyses. In conclusion, the difference in the incidence of traffic accidents in Japan between the CLD and disease control groups was insignificant. Furthermore, yoghurt consumption was an independent negative risk factor for traffic accidents in patients with digestive diseases, including CLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Takuro Suetsugu
- Department of Nursing, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Shyou Ogata
- Department of Nursing, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Minami Imanaga
- Department of Nursing, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Kumiko Ishii
- Department of Nursing, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Nao Esaki
- Department of Nursing, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Masako Sugimoto
- Department of Nursing, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Jyuri Otsuyama
- Department of Nursing, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Ayu Nagamatsu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Eitaro Taniguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan; Shinkawa-machi Jizo-Dori Clinic, Iizuka, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Minoru Itou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan; Kurume Clinical Pharmacology Clinic, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Tetsuharu Oriishi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Shoko Iwasaki
- Department of Nutrition, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Hiroko Miura
- Department of Nursing, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Takuji Torimura
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
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Maharshi S, Sharma BC, Sachdeva S, Srivastava S, Sharma P. Efficacy of Nutritional Therapy for Patients With Cirrhosis and Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy in a Randomized Trial. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 14:454-460.e3; quiz e33. [PMID: 26453952 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2015.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) impairs health-related quality of life (HRQOL), leads to the development of overt HE, and is associated with poor outcome. We performed a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of nutritional therapy on cognitive functions and HRQOL in patients with cirrhosis with MHE. METHODS In a tertiary care setting in New Delhi, India, patients with cirrhosis with MHE were assigned randomly to groups given nutritional therapy (30-35 kcal/kg/d, 1.0-1.5 g vegetable protein/kg/d; n = 60; age, 42.1 ± 10.3 y; 48 men) or no nutritional therapy (patients continued on their same diet; n = 60; age, 42.4 ± 9.6 y; 47 men) for 6 months in 2014. MHE was diagnosed based on their psychometry hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES). HRQOL was assessed by a sickness impact profile (SIP) questionnaire. Primary end points were improvement or worsening in MHE and improvement in HRQOL. RESULTS There was no significant difference in baseline PHES (-8.12 ± 1.32 vs -8.53 ± 1.38; P = .08) or SIP (14.25 ± 5.8 vs 15.44 ± 5.03; P = .85) scores. After the 6-month study period, a higher proportion of patients in the nutritional therapy group had reversal of MHE (71.1% vs 22.8%; P = .001). Patients in the nutritional therapy group also had larger increases in PHES (3.86 ± 3.58 vs 0.52 ± 4.09; P = .001) and HRQOL (improvement in SIP score of 3.24 ± 3.63 vs 0.54 ± 3.58; P = .001). Overt HE developed in 10% of patients in the nutritional therapy group vs 21.7% of the control group (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS Based on a randomized controlled trial performed in India, nutritional therapy is effective in the treatment of MHE and is associated with improvement in HRQOL. Clinical Trial Registry-India registration no: CTRI/2013/07/003851.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Maharshi
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Sanjeev Sachdeva
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Praveen Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Saito M, Hirano H, Yano Y, Momose K, Yoshida M, Azuma T. Serum level of taurine would be associated with the amelioration of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients. Hepatol Res 2016. [PMID: 26224109 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM A variety of treatment modalities including L-carnitine have been tried for cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), which improved MHE for some patients, but were not effective for the other patients. We aimed to identify pre-therapeutic independent factors to predict the amelioration of MHE after L-carnitine treatment. METHODS We performed a prospective cohort study on a total of 64 consecutive outpatients of cirrhotic patients who underwent blood biochemical examinations and neuropsychiatric (NP) test at Kobe University Hospital. MHE patients diagnosed by the NP test were p.o. administrated L-carnitine for 3 months. The patients with and without MHE amelioration were compared, and the independent factors were statistically examined. Predictive scoring systems of the amelioration of MHE were established using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS The amelioration of MHE was found in 45.8% of MHE patients. Serum taurine before the treatment was the best predictive factor of the amelioration of MHE (P = 0.046). The predictive model using serum taurine discriminated well between patients with and without the amelioration of MHE (area under the receiver-operator curve, 0.748; 95% confidence interval, 0.531-0.901). The predictive scores of the amelioration of MHE enable the patient-specific probability to be easily looked up. CONCLUSION Serum taurine before L-carnitine treatment was shown to be an independent factor associated with the amelioration of MHE 3 months after the treatment. The easy pre-therapeutic prediction of MHE amelioration after L-carnitine treatment would help in improving awareness of the selection of MHE patients with good response to L-carnitine, thus being beneficial from a financial perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Saito
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Hirano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Yano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.,Center for Infectious Diseases, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kenji Momose
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masaru Yoshida
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.,Division of Metabolomics Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takeshi Azuma
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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Iwasa M, Takei Y. Pathophysiology and management of hepatic encephalopathy 2014 update: Ammonia toxicity and hyponatremia. Hepatol Res 2015; 45:1155-62. [PMID: 25604571 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hyperammonemia is a major factor involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Ammonia elicits astrocyte swelling and causes brain edema. In addition, hyponatremia, a condition frequently observed in hepatic cirrhosis, also exacerbates brain edema, potentially becoming a factor that exacerbates HE. Therefore, as a treatment strategy for HE, alleviating ammonia toxicity is essential. In addition to restricting protein intake, synthetic disaccharides such as lactulose and lactitol, probiotics that improve gut flora, and rifaximin, an antibiotic with poor bioavailability, are also administrated. Additionally, branched-chain amino acids and carnitine have also been administrated. Moreover, we investigated the current trend in the concomitant use of drugs with different mechanisms of action. In Japan, the V2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan can be administrated to hepatic cirrhosis patients with fluid retention. This drug is also useful as a countermeasure for hyponatremia in hepatic cirrhosis, and elucidating its effects in HE patients may therefore become an agenda in the future. These observations indicate that ammonia toxicity, gut flora control and low sodium control are major focuses in HE improvement and long-term prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoshiyuki Takei
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
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Hirano H, Saito M, Yano Y, Momose K, Yoshida M, Tanaka A, Azuma T. Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire would be a primary screening tool of neuropsychiatric test detecting minimal hepatic encephalopathy of cirrhotic patients. Hepatol Res 2015; 45:994-1003. [PMID: 26234673 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM The neuropsychiatric test (NP test) is a clinically available modality to confirm minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), but it takes at least 30 min for outpatients to complete. An easier primary screening tool of the NP test would be helpful to predict MHE in routine testing on the public. METHODS We performed a prospective cohort study on 59 cirrhotic outpatients at Kobe University Hospital. Laboratory measurements, the NP test and the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) were performed. As an indicator of MHE, cases with and without two abnormal subsets or more in the NP test were compared, and the independent risk factors were statistically examined. Predictive scoring systems of the risk of MHE were established using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS CLDQ worry (WO) was the best predictive factor of MHE diagnosed by the NP test (P = 0.006). The predictive model using CLDQ WO discriminated well between patients with and without MHE (area under the curve, 0.714; 95% confidence interval, 0.582-0.824). The predictive scores of MHE enable the patient-specific probability to be easily looked up. CONCLUSION CLDQ WO was shown to be an independent factor associated with the NP test to diagnose MHE in cirrhotic patients. The easy predictive scoring system of the risk of MHE using CLDQ WO could become a primary screening tool before performing the NP test in a social setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Hirano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masaya Saito
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Yano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.,Center for Infectious Diseases, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kenji Momose
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masaru Yoshida
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.,Division of Metabolomics Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Azuma
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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Xu R, Chang J. Progress in treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2015; 23:1755-1762. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v23.i11.1755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of severe liver disease and a common cause of mortality. Clinical features range from clinically imperceptible symptoms in minimal HE which require neuropsychological testing to identify, to abnormal behavior, mental deterioration, and even coma or death. It is a reversible progressive neuropsychiatric disorder that is associated with a decrease in quality of life and an increase in rate of hospitalization and consequent costs because patients are at risk for recurrence. Unfortunately, the prevalence of HE continues to rise for several reasons. For one, patients with viral hepatitis are now developing cirrhosis. Additionally, we are currently in the midst of a global obesity epidemic, which fuels the metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and these patients are now presenting in larger numbers with complications of chronic liver disease such as HE. The high morbidity and mortality combined with the costs underline the importance to search the effective treatment for HE. This article reviews the progress in the treatment of HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Tomiya
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Kawaguchi T, Taniguchi E, Sata M. Effects of oral branched-chain amino acids on hepatic encephalopathy and outcome in patients with liver cirrhosis. Nutr Clin Pract 2013; 28:580-8. [PMID: 23945292 DOI: 10.1177/0884533613496432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) constituting of valine, leucine, and isoleucine act as both substrates of proteins and as key regulators for various nutrient metabolisms. Patients with liver cirrhosis frequently lack sufficient BCAAs and therefore suffer from various metabolic disorders. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a severe metabolic disorder with neurologic manifestations such as flapping tremors and coma in patients with liver cirrhosis. In addition, a mild form of HE known as minimal HE (MHE) is an important social issue because it occurs in up to 80% of patients with chronic liver disease and affects prognosis and activities of daily living, possibly resulting in falls and motor vehicle accidents. Although HE/MHE can be caused by various pathological conditions, including in an accumulation of mercaptans, short-chain fatty acids, and alterations in the gut flora, hyperammonemia has also been implicated in an important pathogenesis of HE/MHE. Besides urea cycle of liver, ammonia can be detoxified in the skeletal muscles by the amidation process for glutamine synthesis using BCAAs. Thus, BCAA supplementation may enhance detoxification of ammonia in skeletal muscle and may be a possible therapeutic strategy for HE/MHE. In this review, we summarize the clinical impacts of BCAA supplementation on HE/MHE and discuss possible mechanisms for a BCAA-induced improvement of HE/MHE. Furthermore, we present some modifications of oral BCAA therapy for improvement of efficacy in HE treatment. We also briefly describe pleiotropic benefits of BCAAs on life-threatening events and overall prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Kawaguchi
- Takumi Kawaguchi, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume 830-0011, Japan.
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Yamada K, Suda T, Komoro YS, Kanefuji T, Kubota T, Murayama T, Nakayama H, Aoyagi Y. Low fat intake is associated with pathological manifestations and poor recovery in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Nutr J 2013; 12:79. [PMID: 23758691 PMCID: PMC3691615 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-12-79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to clarify whether dietary deviation is associated with pathological manifestations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. METHODS Dietary intake was estimated in 35 HCC cases before and after hospitalization by referencing digital camera images of each meal. Pathological conditions were evaluated in nitrogen balance, non-protein respiratory quotient (npRQ), neuropsychiatric testing and recovery speed from HCC treatment. RESULTS On admission, nitrogen balance and npRQ were negative and less than 0.85, respectively. Five patients were judged to have suffered from minimal hepatic encephalopathy that tended to be associated with a lowered value of npRQ (p = 0.082). The energy from fat intake showed a tendency of positive correlation with npRQ (p = 0.11), and the patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy took significantly fewer energy from fat (p = 0.024). The energy difference from fat between diets at home versus those in the hospital showed a significant positive correlation with npRQ change after admission (p = 0.014). The recovery speed from invasive treatments for HCC showed a significant negative correlation with npRQ alteration after admission (p = 0.0002, r = -0.73). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the lower fat intake leads to deterioration of energy state in HCC patients, which associates with poor recovery from invasive treatments and various pathological manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Yamada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8122, Japan
| | - Takeshi Suda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8122, Japan
| | - Yuko S Komoro
- Nutrition Control Center, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Kanefuji
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8122, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Kubota
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8122, Japan
| | - Toshiko Murayama
- Nutrition Control Center, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
| | - Hideaki Nakayama
- Division of Pneumology, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
| | - Yutaka Aoyagi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8122, Japan
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