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McGrath MS, Wentworth BJ. The Renin-Angiotensin System in Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5807. [PMID: 38891995 PMCID: PMC11172481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115807] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a complex homeostatic entity with multiorgan systemic and local effects. Traditionally, RAS works in conjunction with the kidney to control effective arterial circulation, systemic vascular resistance, and electrolyte balance. However, chronic hepatic injury and resulting splanchnic dilation may disrupt this delicate balance. The role of RAS in liver disease, however, is even more extensive, modulating hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension. Recognition of an alternative RAS pathway in the past few decades has changed our understanding of RAS in liver disease, and the concept of opposing vs. "rebalanced" forces is an ongoing focus of research. Whether RAS inhibition is beneficial in patients with chronic liver disease appears to be context-dependent, but further study is needed to optimize clinical management and reduce organ-specific morbidity and mortality. This review presents the current understanding of RAS in liver disease, acknowledges areas of uncertainty, and describes potential areas of future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary S. McGrath
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
| | - Brian J. Wentworth
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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2
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Sansoè G, Aragno M. New Viral Diseases and New Possible Remedies by Means of the Pharmacology of the Renin-Angiotensin System. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2023; 2023:3362391. [PMID: 37476705 PMCID: PMC10356449 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3362391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
All strains of SARS-CoV-2, as well as previously described SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, bind to ACE2, the cell membrane receptor of β-coronaviruses. Monocarboxypeptidase ACE2 activity stops upon viral entry into cells, leading to inadequate tissue production of angiotensin 1-7 (Ang1-7). Acute lung injury due to the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) or avian influenza A H7N9 and H5N1 viruses is also characterized by significant downregulation of lung ACE2 and increased systemic levels of angiotensin II (Ang II). Restoration of Ang1-7 anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, vasodilating, and natriuretic properties was attempted at least in some COVID-19 patients through i.v. infusion of recombinant human ACE2 or intranasal administration of the modified ACE2 protein, with inconsistent clinical results. Conversely, use of ACE inhibitors (ACEis), which increase ACE2 cell expression, seemed to improve the prognosis of hypertensive patients with COVID-19. To restore Ang1-7 tissue levels in all these viral diseases and avoid the untoward effects frequently seen with ACE2 systemic administration, a different strategy may be hypothesized. Experimentally, when metallopeptidase inhibitors block ACE2, neprilysin (NEP), highly expressed in higher and lower airways, starts cleaving angiotensin I (Ang I) into Ang1-7. We suggest a discerning use of ACEis in normohypertensive patients with β-coronavirus disease as well as in atypical pneumonia caused by avian influenza viruses or hRSV to block the main ACE-dependent effects: Ang II synthesis and Ang1-7 degradation into angiotensin 1-5. At the same time, i.v.-infused Ang I, which is not hypertensive provided ACE is inhibited, may become the primary substrate for local Ang1-7 synthesis via ubiquitous NEP; i.e., NEP could replace inadequate ACE2 function if Ang I was freely available. Moreover, inhibitors of chymase, a serine endopeptidase responsible for 80% of Ang II-forming activity in tissues and vessel walls, could protect patients with atypical pneumonia from Ang II-mediated microvascular damage without reducing arterial blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sansoè
- Gastroenterology Unit, Humanitas Institute, Gradenigo Hospital, Corso Regina Margherita 10, 10153 Torino, Italy
| | - Manuela Aragno
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Hartl L, Rumpf B, Domenig O, Simbrunner B, Paternostro R, Jachs M, Poglitsch M, Marculescu R, Trauner M, Reindl-Schwaighofer R, Hecking M, Mandorfer M, Reiberger T. The systemic and hepatic alternative renin-angiotensin system is activated in liver cirrhosis, linked to endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:953. [PMID: 36653504 PMCID: PMC9849268 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28239-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to assess the systemic and hepatic renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) fingerprint in advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). This prospective study included 13 compensated (cACLD) and 12 decompensated ACLD (dACLD) patients undergoing hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement. Plasma components (all patients) and liver-local enzymes (n = 5) of the RAS were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Patients with dACLD had significantly higher angiotensin (Ang) I, Ang II and aldosterone plasma levels. Ang 1-7, a major mediator of the alternative RAS, was almost exclusively detectable in dACLD (n = 12/13; vs. n = 1/13 in cACLD). Also, dACLD patients had higher Ang 1-5 (33.5 pmol/L versus cACLD: 6.6 pmol/L, p < 0.001) and numerically higher Ang III and Ang IV levels. Ang 1-7 correlated with HVPG (ρ = 0.655; p < 0.001), von Willebrand Factor (ρ = 0.681; p < 0.001), MELD (ρ = 0.593; p = 0.002) and interleukin-6 (ρ = 0.418; p = 0.047). Considerable activity of ACE, chymase, ACE2, and neprilysin was detectable in all liver biopsies, with highest chymase and ACE2 activity in cACLD patients. While liver-local classical and alternative RAS activity was already observed in cACLD, systemic activation of alternative RAS components occurred only in dACLD. Increased Ang 1-7 was linked to severe liver disease, portal hypertension, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Hartl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Rumpf
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rafael Paternostro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mathias Jachs
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Rodrig Marculescu
- Department for Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roman Reindl-Schwaighofer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Hecking
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria. .,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Sansoè G, Aragno M, Wong F. COVID-19 and Liver Cirrhosis: Focus on the Nonclassical Renin-Angiotensin System and Implications for Therapy. Hepatology 2021; 74:1074-1080. [PMID: 33524188 PMCID: PMC8013494 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sansoè
- Division of GastroenterologyHumanitas InstituteGradenigo HospitalTorinoItaly
| | - Manuela Aragno
- Department of Clinical and Biological SciencesUniversity of TorinoTorinoItaly
| | - Florence Wong
- Department of MedicineUniversity of TorontoToronto General HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
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Update on New Aspects of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Hepatic Fibrosis and Portal Hypertension: Implications for Novel Therapeutic Options. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10040702. [PMID: 33670126 PMCID: PMC7916881 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is considerable experimental evidence that the renin angiotensin system (RAS) plays a central role in both hepatic fibrogenesis and portal hypertension. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), a key enzyme of the classical RAS, converts angiotensin I (Ang I) to angiotensin II (Ang II), which acts via the Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) to stimulate hepatic fibrosis and increase intrahepatic vascular tone and portal pressure. Inhibitors of the classical RAS, drugs which are widely used in clinical practice in patients with hypertension, have been shown to inhibit liver fibrosis in animal models but their efficacy in human liver disease is yet to be tested in adequately powered clinical trials. Small trials in cirrhotic patients have demonstrated that these drugs may lower portal pressure but produce off-target complications such as systemic hypotension and renal failure. More recently, the alternate RAS, comprising its key enzyme, ACE2, the effector peptide angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang-(1–7)) which mediates its effects via the putative receptor Mas (MasR), has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. This system is activated in both preclinical animal models and human chronic liver disease and it is now well established that the alternate RAS counter-regulates many of the deleterious effects of the ACE-dependent classical RAS. Work from our laboratory has demonstrated that liver-specific ACE2 overexpression reduces hepatic fibrosis and liver perfusion pressure without producing off-target effects. In addition, recent studies suggest that the blockers of the receptors of alternate RAS, such as the MasR and Mas related G protein-coupled receptor type-D (MrgD), increase splanchnic vascular resistance in cirrhotic animals, and thus drugs targeting the alternate RAS may be useful in the treatment of portal hypertension. This review outlines the role of the RAS in liver fibrosis and portal hypertension with a special emphasis on the possible new therapeutic approaches targeting the ACE2-driven alternate RAS.
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Sansoè G, Aragno M, Wong F. Pathways of hepatic and renal damage through non-classical activation of the renin-angiotensin system in chronic liver disease. Liver Int 2020; 40:18-31. [PMID: 31580514 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In liver cirrhosis, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation sustains renal sodium retention and hepatic fibrogenesis. New information has recently enlivened the traditional concept of RAS. For instance, renin and prorenin bind their ubiquitous receptors, resulting in the local production of angiotensin (Ang) II; increased serum calcium and calcimimetic agents, through stimulation of extracellular calcium-sensing receptors (CaSR), blunt renin production and lead to natriuretic effects in human and experimental cirrhosis. Alongside systemic production, there is Ang II tissue production within various organs through RAS enzymes different from angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), that is chymase, tissue plasminogen activator and several cathepsins. In experimental cirrhosis, inhibition of chymase leads to natriuretic and hepatic antifibrotic effects, without changes in systemic haemodynamics. In the kidney, local RAS coordinates proximal and distal tubular sodium reabsorption. However, renalase, whose plasma and tissue levels are severely altered in experimental cirrhosis, degrades systemic and renal tubule catecholamines, antagonizing the effects of renal RAS. Angiotensinogen-derived natriuretic and vasodilating peptides (Ang1-9, Ang1-7, Ang3-8) and their receptors have been described. Receptor agonists or antagonists are available to affect portal hypertension and sodium retention in cirrhosis. ACE2-dependent generation of Ang1-7 may inhibit experimental liver fibrosis. inhibition of Ang1-7 clearance by means of neprilysin blockade has portal hypotensive and natriuretic effects. Ang1-12, whose production renin does not regulate, is converted to several different angiotensin peptides via chymase. Finally, Ang II behaves as either an antinatriuretic or a natriuretic agent, based on the tissue content of AT1 R and AT2 R receptors, their ratio being prone to pharmacological modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sansoè
- Division of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Gradenigo Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Manuela Aragno
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Florence Wong
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Overexpression of Hepatocyte Chemerin-156 Lowers Tumor Burden in a Murine Model of Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010252. [PMID: 31905933 PMCID: PMC6982125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor inhibitory potential of the highly active chemerin-156 isoform was described in orthotopic models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The majority of HCC arises in the fibrotic liver, which was not reproduced in these studies. Here, a potential therapeutic activity of chemerin-156 was evaluated in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver cancer, which mimics fibrosis-associated HCC. Mice were infected with adeno-associated virus (AAV) six months after DEN injection to overexpress chemerin-156 in the liver, and animals injected with non-recombinant-AAV served as controls. Three months later, the animals were killed. Both groups were comparable with regard to liver steatosis and fibrosis. Of note, the number of very small tumors was reduced by chemerin-156. Anyhow, the expression of inflammatory and profibrotic genes was similar in larger tumors of control and chemerin-156-AAV-infected animals. Although genes with a role in lipid metabolism, like 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzym-A--reductase, were overexpressed in tumors of animals with high chemerin-156, total hepatic cholesterol, diacylglycerol and triglyceride levels, and distribution of individual lipid species were normal. Chemerin-156-AAV-infected mice had elevated hepatic and systemic chemerin. Ex vivo activation of the chemerin receptor chemokine-like receptor 1 increased in parallel with serum chemerin, illustrating the biological activity of the recombinant protein. In the tumors, chemerin-155 was the most abundant variant. Chemerin-156 was not detected in tumors of the controls and was hardly found in chemerin-156-AAV infected animals. In conclusion, the present study showed that chemerin-156 overexpression caused a decline in the number of small lesions but did not prevent the growth of pre-existing neoplasms.
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Yeboah MM, Hye Khan MA, Chesnik MA, Skibba M, Kolb LL, Imig JD. Role of the cytochrome P-450/ epoxyeicosatrienoic acids pathway in the pathogenesis of renal dysfunction in cirrhosis. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2019; 33:1333-1343. [PMID: 29361048 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfx354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a life-threatening complication of advanced liver cirrhosis that is characterized by hemodynamic alterations in the kidney and other vascular beds. Cytochrome P(CYP)-450 enzymes metabolize arachidonic acid to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids. These eicosanoids regulate blood pressure, vascular tone and renal tubular sodium transport under both physiological and pathophysiological states. Methods Experiments were performed to investigate the role of the CYP system in the pathogenesis of renal dysfunction during cirrhosis. Rats underwent bile duct ligation (BDL) or sham surgery and were studied at 2, 4 and 5 weeks post-surgery. In additional experiments, post-BDL rats were treated with three daily intraperitoneal doses of either the selective epoxygenase inhibitor N-(methylsulfonyl)-2-(2-propynyloxy)-benzenehexanamide (MSPPOH) or a vehicle, starting on Day 22 after surgery. Results BDL led to progressive renal dysfunction that was associated with reduced renal cortical perfusion but without any overt histologic changes, consistent with HRS. CYP isoform enzyme expression was significantly altered in BDL rats. In the kidney, CYP2C23 expression was upregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels in BDL rats, while CYP2C11 was downregulated. Histologically, the changes in CYP2C23 and CYP2C11 expression were localized to the renal tubules. EET production was increased in the kidneys of BDL rats as assessed by urinary eicosanoid levels. Finally, treatment with the selective epoxygenase inhibitor MSPPOH significantly reduced renal function and renal cortical perfusion in BDL rats, suggesting a homeostatic role for epoxygenase-derived eicosanoids. Conclusions The CYP/EET pathway might represent a novel therapeutic target for modulating renal dysfunction in advanced cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Yeboah
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Md Abdul Hye Khan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Marla A Chesnik
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Melissa Skibba
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Lauren L Kolb
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - John D Imig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Intrarenal Renin-Angiotensin-System Dysregulation after Kidney Transplantation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9762. [PMID: 31278281 PMCID: PMC6611786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46114-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) are beneficial in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Yet, their clinical effects after kidney transplantation (KTx) remain ambiguous and local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) regulation including the ‘classical’ and ‘alternative’ RAS has not been studied so far. Here, we investigated both systemic and kidney allograft-specific intrarenal RAS using tandem mass-spectrometry in KTx recipients with or without established ACEi therapy (n = 48). Transplant patients were grouped into early (<2 years), intermediate (2–12 years) or late periods after KTx (>12 years). Patients on ACEi displayed lower angiotensin (Ang) II plasma levels (P < 0.01) and higher levels of Ang I (P < 0.05) and Ang-(1–7) (P < 0.05) compared to those without ACEi independent of graft vintage. Substantial intrarenal Ang II synthesis was observed regardless of ACEi therapy. Further, we detected maximal allograft Ang II synthesis in the late transplant vintage group (P < 0.005) likely as a consequence of increased allograft chymase activity (P < 0.005). Finally, we could identify neprilysin (NEP) as the central enzyme of ‘alternative RAS’ metabolism in kidney allografts. In summary, a progressive increase of chymase-dependent Ang II synthesis reveals a transplant-specific distortion of RAS regulation after KTx with considerable pathogenic and therapeutic implications.
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Akram M, Soomro MH, Magsi M. The Right Liver Lobe Size/Albumin Concentration Ratio in Identifying Esophageal Varices among Patients with Liver Cirrhosis. Middle East J Dig Dis 2019; 11:32-37. [PMID: 31049180 PMCID: PMC6488492 DOI: 10.15171/mejdd.2018.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is necessity to work more on non-invasive markers like right liver lobe size/albumin concentration ratio for predicting esophageal varices. We aimed to see the right liver lobe/albumin ratio in identifying esophageal varices among patients with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and C. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among all indoor patients admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, General Hospital, Sector H-11/4 Islamabad, Pakistan, during May-December 2016. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for data collection. Diagnosed cases of cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and C virus infection aged 25 years or more were included. A pre-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 20. RESULTS A total number of 160 patients were included. Mean ± SD age was 56.04 ± 10.22 years, while 96 (60%) were men. Child-Turcotte-Pugh grades showed 41.88% of the patients with grade A, followed by grade B (38.12%), and grade C (20%). Esophageal varices were observed in 76.25% of the patients. The sensitivity was 86.89%, while specificity was 78.95%. The positive predictive value was 92.98% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 86.64% - 96.91%) and negative predictive value was 65.22% (CI = 49.75% - 78.64%) with a diagnostic accuracy of 85%. CONCLUSION The use of the studied non-invasive markers of portal hypertension particularly the right liver lobe size/albumin concentration ratio, can help physicians to restrict the use of endoscopic screening only to patients presenting a high probability of esophageal varices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Akram
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission General Hospital, Sector H -11/4 Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Munawar Hussain Soomro
- Sorbonne Université and INSERM, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IPLESP UMRS 1136), Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department (EPAR), Faculty of Medicine, SaintAntoine Medical School, Paris, France.,Department of Community Medicine, Al-Nafees Medical College, Isra University, Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mansoor Magsi
- Department of Medicine, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Larkana, Pakista
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