Contribution of diuretic therapy with human serum albumin to the management of ascites in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis: A prospective cohort study

Utilization of aquapheresis among hospitalized patients with end-stage liver disease: A case series and literature review

Third-spacing of fluid is a common complication in hospitalized patients with decompensated cirrhosis. In addition to ascites, patients with advanced cirrhosis may develop significant peripheral edema, which may limit mobility and exacerbate debility and muscle wasting. Concomitant kidney failure and cardiac dysfunction may lead to worsening hypervolemia, which may ultimately result in pulmonary edema and respiratory compromise. Diuretic use in such patients may be limited by kidney dysfunction and electrolyte abnormalities, including hyponatremia and hypokalemia. A slow, continuous form of ultrafiltration known as aquapheresis is a method of extracorporeal fluid removal whereby a pump generates a transmembrane pressure that forces an isotonic ultrafiltrate across a semipermeable membrane. This leads to removal of an ultrafiltrate that is isotonic to blood without the need for dialysate or replacement fluid as is necessary in other forms of continuous kidney replacement therapy. This technique has been utilized in other conditions including acute decompensated heart failure, with trials showing mixed, but generally favorable results. Herein, we present a series of our own experience using aquapheresis among patients with cirrhosis, review the literature regarding its use in other hypervolemic states, and discuss how we may apply lessons learned from use of aquapheresis in heart failure to patients with end-stage liver disease.

Long-term albumin administration in patients with cirrhosis and ascites: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Ascites is a common complication of cirrhosis, and it is associated with increased mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of long-term albumin administration in decreasing mortality and other complications of patients with cirrhosis and ascites.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed using MEDLINE and Embase databases. Randomized controlled trials evaluating long-term albumin administration in patients with cirrhosis and ascites were considered eligible, as long as at least one of the following outcomes was evaluated: mortality, recurrence of ascites/need for paracentesis, refractory ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, or adverse events. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model, through the Mantel-Haenszel method. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO platform (CRD42019130078).

RESULTS

The literature search yielded 1517 references. Five randomized controlled trials fulfilled the selection criteria and were included in this meta-analysis, involving 716 individuals. Patients receiving long-term albumin had significantly lower risk of recurrence of ascites/need for paracentesis when compared with controls (risk ratio = 0.56, 95% confidence interval = 0.48-0.67, P < 0.00001). There was no evidence of significant difference between the long-term albumin and control groups regarding mortality, refractory ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, or adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term albumin administration in patients with cirrhosis and ascites decreases recurrence of ascites/need for paracentesis. At this point, there is no evidence of significant benefits of long-term albumin administration regarding mortality or other complications of cirrhosis.

Response criteria of tolvaptan for the treatment of hepatic edema

BACKGROUND

Although tolvaptan is an effective treatment for hepatic edema, there are no established criteria for assessment of the therapeutic effect. The present study evaluates the association between body weight change and clinical symptoms to identify an effective indicator of tolvaptan response.

METHODS

The study comprised 460 patients. The first data set contained 147 patients with hepatic edema who received tolvaptan in Kagoshima Kouseiren Hospital, a representative institution of this study. From these data, an optimal cutoff value of body weight change, which accurately indicated symptom reduction, was identified. The response rates obtained based on the cutoff value were evaluated by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and kappa coefficients. The kappa coefficient was then validated internally using the bootstrap method and externally using the validation data set of 313 patients from four other hospitals.

RESULTS

A cutoff value for body weight loss of 1.5 kg/week produced the largest area under the ROC curve (0.961; sensitivity, 89.8%; specificity, 92.0%) and a high kappa coefficient (0.831). The correlation between symptom reduction and body weight loss of 1.5 kg/week was evaluated internally and externally, and the cutoff value was validated.

CONCLUSIONS

The cutoff value of body weight change that most accurately reflected symptom reduction was 1.5 kg/week; this value is expected to be an effective indicator of response to tolvaptan in clinical practice.

Clinical Use of Diuretics in Heart Failure, Cirrhosis, and Nephrotic Syndrome

Diuretics play significant role in pharmacology and treatment options in medicine. This paper aims to review and evaluate the clinical use of diuretics in conditions that lead to fluid overload in the body such as cardiac failure, cirrhosis, and nephrotic syndrome. To know the principles of treatment it is essential to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that cause the need of diuresis in the human body. Various classes of diuretics exist, each having a unique mode of action. A systemic approach for management is recommended based on the current guidelines, starting from thiazides and proceeding to loop diuretics. The first condition for discussion in the paper is cardiac failure. Treatment of ascites in liver cirrhosis with spironolactone as the primary agent is highlighted with further therapeutic options. Lastly, management choices for nephrotic syndrome are discussed and recommended beginning from basic sodium restriction to combined diuretic therapies. Major side effects are discussed.