Clinicomicrobiological analysis of patients with cholangitis

Bile Culture May Guide Antibiotic Stewardship in Acute Bacterial Cholangitis

BACKGROUND

Bile cultures are often sent with blood cultures in patients with acute bacterial cholangitis.

AIMS

To assess the yield of blood and bile cultures in patients with cholangitis and the clinical utility of bile cultures in guiding therapy.

METHODS

All patients diagnosed with cholangitis, based on the Tokyo 2013/2018 guidelines were recruited retrospectively over ten years. The clinical and investigation details were recorded. The results of bile and blood cultures including antibiotic sensitivity patterns were noted. The concordance of microorganisms grown in blood and bile cultures and their sensitivity pattern were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 1063 patients with cholangitis were included. Their mean age was 52.7 ± 14 years and 65.4% were males. Blood cultures were positive in 372 (35%) patients. Bile culture was performed in 384 patients with 84.4% being positive, which was significantly higher than the yield of blood culture (p < 0.001). Polymicrobial growth was more in bile (59.3%) than in blood cultures (13.5%, p < 0.001). E.coli, Klebsiella, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas were the four most common organisms isolated from both blood and bile. Extended spectrum betalactamase producing organisms were isolated in 57.7% and 58.8% of positive blood and bile cultures, respectively. Among 127 patients with both blood and bile cultures positive, complete or partial concordance of organisms was noted in about 90%.

CONCLUSION

Bile and blood cultures have a similar microbial profile in most patients with cholangitis. As bile cultures have a significantly higher yield than blood cultures, they could effectively guide antimicrobial therapy, especially in those with negative blood cultures.

Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Escherichia coli-Associated Acute Cholangitis: Uncommon Patient Characteristics and Clinical Implications

Acute cholangitis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by an infection of the biliary tract resulting from biliary obstruction. This case report highlights an unusual presentation of acute cholangitis in an elderly patient characterized by the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli. We aim to emphasize the significance of recognizing diverse clinical manifestations in the elderly population to enhance timely diagnosis and appropriate management. The case highlights the importance of better understanding patient risk factors for potential causative organisms and their susceptibility to selecting proper antibiotics and improving clinical outcomes.

Pathogen detection in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: Implications for targeted perioperative antibiotic therapy

BACKGROUND

Cholestasis should be relieved by biliary drainage prior to major liver resection. This condition is often associated with bacterial colonization of the otherwise sterile biliary system. Cholangitis reduces the regenerative capacity of the remaining liver. Therefore, targeted antibiotic therapy is a key feature in perioperative treatment in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCC).

METHODS

Between December 1999 and December 2017, 251 pCCC patients were treated in our center. In total, 115 patients underwent a microbiological analysis. In addition to the characterization of the specific microorganisms and antibiotic resistance, we analyzed subgroups according to preoperative intervention.

RESULTS

Enterococci (87/254, 34%) and Enterobacteria (65/254, 26%) were the most frequently detected genera. In 43% (50/115) of patients, Enterococcus faecalis was found in the bile duct sample. Enterococcus faecium (29/115) and Escherichia coli (29/115) were detected in 25% of patients. In patients with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (3/8, 38%) or stents (24/79, 30%), Enterococcus faecium was diagnosed most frequently (P < 0.05). Enterococcus faecium and Klebsiella oxytoca were significantly more frequently noted in the time period after 2012 (P < 0.05). With regard to fungal colonization, the focus was on various Candida strains, but these strains generally lacked resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

pCCC patients exhibit specific bacterial colonization features depending on the type of preoperative biliary intervention. Specifically, targeted antibiosis should be applied in this patient cohort to minimize the risk of biliary complications after major liver resection. In our cohort, the combination of meropenem and vancomycin represents an effective perioperative medical approach.

Pattern of bile cultures and antibiotic sensitivity tests in Sudanese patients diagnosed with obstructive jaundice: A single-center prospective study

Background and Aim

Biliary obstruction causes bacteriobilia and significant morbidity and high mortality, which necessitates prompt and effective treatment for a good clinical outcome. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine updated knowledge of biliary microbial spectrum, antibiotic sensitivity pattern, and key clinical factors of bacteriobilia.

Methods

This is a prospective study conducted during the period between November 2021 and December 2022 at Ibn Sina specialized hospital, Khartoum, Sudan, on 50 patients diagnosed with obstructive jaundice and symptomatic bacteriobilia who underwent open biliary surgeries electively. Bile samples were aspirated intra-operatively and cultured, and antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed.

Results

Fifty-four percent of patients diagnosed with obstructive jaundice who underwent elective open biliary surgeries were males with the ratio (2:1). Forty-six percent of patients were between 61 and 75 years (elderly). The most frequent cause of obstructive jaundice was migrating biliary stones (48% of cases). Thirty-two percent of patients were diabetic with bacteriobilia. The predominant isolated bacterial pathogen in this study was Escherichia coli (36% of cases). These biliary pathogens were sensitive to meropenem in 54% of cases and ciprofloxacin in 46%. Eventually, in all patients in this study, biliary bacterial pathogens were found to be resistant to a broad spectrum of antibiotics.

Conclusion

Careful selection of empirical antibiotic therapy based on surveillance of routine bile cultures during biliary tree procedures in patients with high risk of bacteriobilia will potentially help in improving the surgical outcomes and optimizing treatment of acute cholangitis, which is associated with high mortality.

Retrospective analysis on distribution and antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida in clinical samples: a study from Southern India

Introduction

Candida is one of the rising primary causes of infections connected with health care. However, their distribution and susceptibility patterns vary widely amongst different regions.

Method

The study was carried out to retrospectively analyze the distribution of Candida in various clinical samples, their species types and susceptibility, in a tertiary care hospital, in India for 4 years using the Vitek-2 database.

Results

Candida infection was identified in 751 clinical samples, and the major source of infection was found to be urine samples accounting for about 58.32%. A total of 18 different Candida species were recorded. Non-albicans Candida (NAC) 73.64% (n = 553) predominated Candida albicans 26.36% (n = 198). Candida tropicalis was found to be identified at a higher frequency followed by C. albicans, Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis. Candida tropicalis was the only species which were recovered from bile; Candida pelliculosa was recorded merely from blood and Candida lipolytica from urine and blood and not in any other samples. In vaginal swabs, C. albicans accounted for 63.64% (n = 14) compared to NAC 36.36% (n = 8). The susceptibility test revealed that 75.44% (n = 559) isolates were susceptible and 24.56% (n = 182) were resistant to one or more drugs tested. Major resistance was exhibited to flucytosine by C. tropicalis 77.46% (n = 55) compared to C. albicans 11.27% (n = 8). Apart from C. albicans, NAC-C. tropicalis, C. glabrata and Candida krusei showed resistance to echinocandins, and Candida haemulonii to amphotericin-B.

Conclusion

The knowledge of the incidence, resistance and emergence of different species might guide clinicians to select an appropriate antifungal therapy and plan effective strategies to control invasive and systemic Candida infections.

ROLE OF CHANGE IN THE LEVELS OF INFLAMMATORY MARKERS POST DRAINAGE IN PREDICTING OUTCOME IN ACUTE CHOLANGITIS

BACKGROUND

Acute cholangitis (AC) is a gastro-intestinal emergency associated with significant mortality. Role of change in the levels of inflammatory markers post drainage in predicting outcome in acute cholangitis is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive value of changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin levels after biliary drainage in relation to outcomes (survival or mortality) at 1 month.

METHODS

A prospective observational study of consecutive adults presenting with AC was performed. At admission and at 48 hours post biliary drainage, procalcitonin and CRP were sent.

RESULTS

Between August 2020 till December 2020 we recruited 72 consecutive patients of AC. The median age of the patients was 55 years (range 43-62 years) and 42 (58.33%) were females. Although the delta change in serum procalcitonin (P value<0.001) and CRP (P value<0.001) was significant, it had no bearing on the outcome. Altered sensorium and INR were independently associated with mortality at 1 month. The 30-day mortality prediction of day 0 procalcitonin was measured by receiver operating characteristic analysis which resulted in an area under the curve of 0.697 with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of 0.545-0.849. The optimal cut-off of procalcitonin would be 0.57ng/mL with a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 60% respectively to predict mortality.

CONCLUSION

Change in serum procalcitonin and CRP levels at 48 hours post drainage although significant, had no impact on the outcome of acute cholangitis.

Should lactate be added to Tokyo criteria for the evaluation of patients with acute cholangitis?

BACKGROUND

Tokyo guidelines (TG13/18) are used for the severity assessment of acute cholangitis (AC). Lactate is a clinical marker of tissue hypoxia and disease severity, independent from blood pressure.

AIM

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between blood lactate level and TG13/18 criteria in patients diagnosed with AC.

METHODS

One hundred fifteen patients with AC were included in this retrospective study. Demographic characteristics of the patients and laboratory data were scanned from their hospital medical records. According to TG13/18 guidelines, the patients were divided into 3 groups as mild (grade 1), moderate (grade 2), and severe (grade 3) AC.

RESULTS

Sixty three (54.7%) of the patients were grade 1, 37 (32.1%) were grade 2, and 15 (13.0%) were grade 3. It was found that blood lactate level increased significantly from grade 1 to grade 3 (p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, white blood cell (WBC) count, total bilirubin and blood lactate levels independently determined the patients to be grade 2 or 3 AC. When the blood lactate cut-off value was taken as 16.5 mg/dL, we diagnosed grade 2 or 3 AC with a sensitivity of 78.8% and a specificity of 75.7%. From among lactate, WBC, and C reactive protein, lactate showed the highest value regarding the area under the curve, which is an index for predicting grade III upon ROC analysis.

CONCLUSION

The blood lactate level is associated with the severity of AC. In addition to TG13/18 guidelines, blood lactate level can be a useful biomarker in the severity grading of AC.

Profile and Outcome of Patients with Acute Cholangitis in a Tertiary Center in South India

Background The mainstay of management of acute cholangitis includes endoscopic or percutaneous biliary drainage and antimicrobial therapy. We aimed to study the profile and outcomes among patients with acute cholangitis who underwent endoscopic biliary drainage at our center.

Methods Seventy consecutive patients with acute cholangitis diagnosed and managed as per the Tokyo Guidelines 2018 for acute cholangitis between June 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 were prospectively studied. Clinical, etiological and microbial profile, therapy, and patient outcomes were analyzed.

Results Choledocholithiasis (54.3%) and benign biliary stricture (28.6%) and malignancy (17.1%) were common etiological factors. Thirteen patients (18.6%) had underlying chronic liver disease. Moderate-to-severe cholangitis was seen in 67.7% of patients with high and very high grade as compared with 54.5% with medium grade of Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and 41.2% of patients with low grade of CCI. Elevated C-reactive protein, low albumin, and prolonged international normalized ratio were associated with severe cholangitis. Bile culture was positive in 62.9% and blood culture was positive in 15.7% of patients. Bile cultures were predominantly polymicrobial in contrast to blood cultures (53.8 vs. 18%). Escherichia coli was the predominant isolate in blood and bile. Multidrug resistant (MDR) organisms were seen in 79.5% of positive bile cultures.

Conclusions A positive blood or bile culture, but not presence of multiple organisms or presence of MDR organisms in bile, was associated with severity of cholangitis. There was no mortality among these patients in-hospital or at 28-days.

Biliary infection; distribution of species and antibiogram study

Background

Biliary infections like cholecystitis and cholangitis are common and could be life threatening if treated inappropriate. Prescribing antibiotics is the key to control such infections. Occurrence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics is highly probable and should be continuously monitored. This study aimed to re-evaluate bacterial species distribution and their interaction to antibiotics in biliary infections.

Method

Total 2288 patients who were diagnosed as whether acute or chronic cholecystitis with/without concurrent cholangitis enrolled in this cohort study. All were candidate for cholecystectomy operation. In the theatre a sterile bile sample was aspirated from the gallbladder as early as the organ was exposed. Analysis was performed on culture and antibiogram results.

Results

Finally 492 (21.5%) microorganism growth was seen in all culture environments. Bacterial colonization was most common in cholangitis (63.8%) which followed by acute (26%) and chronic (10.9%) cholecystitis respectively (p = 0.001). Escherichia coli (58%) and Klebsiella species (12.2%) were mostly isolated pathogens. Antibiogram study illustrated bacterial sensitivity of gram-negative pathogens to imipenem (100%), amikacin (98.1%), and gentamicin (90.4%) which in gram-positive bacterial species was 100% to imipenem, vancomycin, rifampcin, and clindamycin.

Conclusion

Cephalosporins as an empirical treatment for biliary infections is not suitable. Aminoglycosides including amikacin and gentamycin are costly beneficial as the first line for empirical antibiotic therapy in selected patients because of their good bacterial sensitivity and low expenses. Imipenem should remain for multidrug resistance species.

•

Distribution of bacterial species in biliary infection has not obviously changed in recent decades.

•

Relative resistance of biliary germ to current advised antibiotic is flashed.

•

Aminoglycoside more widely covers biliary germ than cephalosporin does in selected patient.

•

Revision of current antibiotic guide for biliary infection to prevent antibiotic resistance is needed.

Quick detection of causative bacteria in cases of acute cholangitis and cholecystitis using a multichannel gene autoanalyzer

PURPOSES

Acute cholangitis and cholecystitis can become severe conditions as a result of inappropriate therapeutic administration and thereafter become increasingly resistant to antimicrobial treatment. The simultaneous detection of the bacterial nucleic acid and antimicrobial resistance gene is covered by the national health insurance program in Japan for sepsis. In this study, we evaluate the use of a multichannel gene autoanalyzer (Verigene system) for the quick detection of causative bacteria in cases of acute cholangitis and cholecystitis.

METHODS

This study included 108 patients diagnosed with acute cholangitis or cholecystitis between June 2015 and November 2018. A bacterial culture test and Verigene assay were used to evaluate the bile samples.

RESULTS

The most commonly isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli, which includes six extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli. Among the patients with positive bile cultures, bacteria were detected in 35.7% of cases via the Verigene system. The detection rates of the Verigene system significantly increased when the number of bacterial colonies was ≥ 10⁶ colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL (58.1%). Cases with a maximum colony quantity of ≥ 10⁶ CFU/mL exhibited higher inflammation, suggesting the presence of a bacterial infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The Verigene system might be a new method for the quick detection of causative bacteria in patients with infectious acute cholangitis and cholecystitis.

BACTERIAL ISOLATES AND ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY PATTERNS IN CHOLEDOCHAL BILE COLLECTED DURING ERCP: A REPORT FROM CENTRAL INDIA

Temporal shifts have been known to occur in antibiotic sensitivity patterns of organisms causing cholangitis.The aim of this prospective study conducted on 100 patients of extra hepatic biliary obstruction (EHBO) was to identify the common microorganisms cultured from bile obtained during Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and to study their local sensitivity pattern.Sixty six patients had growth in bile culture,the maximum growths amongst all micro-organisms were of Escherichia coli (40.9%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (40.9%). Growth rates were significantly higher in patients with non- malignant causes of biliary obstruction than those with malignant causes. Polymixins had the highest sensitivity to cultured bacteria followed by aminoglycosides and Imipenem.Study of culture & sensitivity pattern helps in deciding empirical antibiotic therapy in patients with cholangitis and it should be based on local sensitivity patterns

Intractable Biliary Candidiasis in Patients with Obstructive Jaundice and Regional Malignancy: A Retrospective Case Series

Background

Candida species are infrequently grown in bile cultures. An association between biliary candidiasis and regional malignancy may exist. The role of fungus membranes in frequent biliary stent occlusion is also presented in this case series.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients who underwent percutaneous trans-hepatic cholangiogram (PTC) for obstructive jaundice between January 2014 and January 2019. The results of bile cultures - obtained by PTC - for all patients were analyzed, and patients with fungus growth were determined; their medical records were reviewed.

Results

A total of 71 patients with obstructive jaundice underwent PTC between January 2015 and January 2019. Five patients (all male; mean age 55.8 years) had candida species growth in bile cultures. Two patients were diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, one with adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas, one with gallbladder cancer, and one with locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma. Formation of fungal balls predisposed to frequent PTC drain clogging. Eradication of Candida was achieved in 4 patients after 10 days to 3 weeks of antifungal therapy.

Conclusion

We present a case series of biliary candidiasis in patients with obstructive jaundice and regional malignancy. We suggest that patients with obstructive jaundice and regional malignancy should be screened for biliary candidiasis. Persistent cholestasis may be caused by the recurrent formation of fungal membranes (balls).

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiologic Management of Biliary Obstruction

Biliary obstruction is a serious condition that can occur in the setting of both benign and malignant pathologies. In the setting of acute cholangitis, biliary decompression can be lifesaving; for patients with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy, untreated obstructive jaundice may lead to biochemical derangements that often preclude continuation of therapy unless biliary decompression is performed (see the ACR Appropriateness Criteria® topic on "Jaundice"). Recommended therapy including percutaneous decompression, endoscopic decompression, and/or surgical decompression is based on the etiology of the obstruction and patient factors including the individual's anatomy. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Antibiotics for adults with acute cholecystitis or acute cholangitis or both

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows:

To assess the benefits and harms of antibiotics treatment versus placebo, no intervention, or another antibiotic for people with cholecystitis or cholangitis, or both.

Increasing burden of biliary tract infection caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing organisms in Korea: A nationwide population-based study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Biliary tract infections (BTIs) are a major cause of bacteremia. The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in BTI patients is reported to be increasing. We used a nationwide database to evaluate the prevalence of, and risk factors for, BTIs caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing organisms (ESBL-PO) in Korea.

METHODS

Patients with a BTI diagnosis, an admission history, a history of a BTI-related procedure, and antibiotic use for ≥ 4 days between 2007 and 2016 were identified from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database. A BTI treated with carbapenems (BTI-TC) was used as the surrogate for a BTI caused by ESBL-PO. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors for BTI-TC.

RESULTS

In total, 341 002 patients were enrolled. The overall percentage of BTI-TC among BTIs was 2.4%, with an increasing annual trend (P < 0.0001). The risk of acute cholangitis caused by ESBL-PO increased significantly in men, older patients, patients with comorbidities, patients with a history of a biliary procedure within the previous year, and patients with a history of antibiotic use within the previous 90 days. Regarding antibiotic use, the patients at highest risk were those previously prescribed carbapenems (adjusted odds ratio, 4.77; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of BTIs caused by ESBL-PO has increased during the last 10 years. Initial carbapenem therapy should be considered for elderly patients with acute cholangitis if they have had a previous biliary procedure and/or a history of carbapenem administration within the previous 90 days.

Changes in Microbial Profiles and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Patients with Biliary Tract Infection over a Six-Year Period

Background: Biliary tract infection (BTI) is a common complication in patients with biliary obstruction caused by various biliary tract disorders. To improve the management of patients with BTI, microbial profiles from bile cultures and antibiotic resistance patterns were evaluated in this six-year retrospective study. Methods: A total of 709 patients with various biliary tract disorders from January 2012 to December 2017 were enrolled in this study. Bile specimens were taken from intra-operative puncture or post-operative drainage for microbial culture under sterile conditions. Microbial culture, identification, and antibiotic resistance test were performed according to a standard routine. Results: Cultures were positive in 574 of 789 bile specimens (73%). Of all isolates, 386 were gram-negative bacilli (67%), 170 were gram-positive cocci (30%), and 18 were fungi (3%). The two most common micro-organisms were Escherichia coli (29%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (16%), the extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) positivity rates of which were 52% and 21%, respectively. Both bacteria were highly resistant to commonly used antibiotic agents (penicillins, cephalosporins, and quinolones), and highly susceptible to carbapenems, amikacin, and piperacillin-tazobactam. Enterococcus (19%) was the next most common bacteria isolated from bile samples, mainly including Enterococcus faecium (8%) and Enterococcus faecalis (6%). These two bacteria were resistant to cefazolin and clindamycin but sensitive to teicoplanin, tigecycline, and vancomycin. Enterococcus faecium was more resistant than Enterococcus faecalis to most of the tested antibiotic agents. Annual statistical analysis showed that the frequency of gram-negative enteric bacteria was decreasing slowly, but that of gram-positive enterococci was increasing slowly. Moreover, the overall antibiotic resistance rates of the most common strains have been decreasing slowly over the past six years. Conclusions: Enterobacteriaceae (Enterococcus coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and Enterococcus (Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis) were the common pathogenic bacteria causing BTI, which exhibited high resistance to routinely used antibiotic agents and were highly sensitive to piperacillin-tazobactam, carbapenem, amikacin, and vancomycin. The microbial profiles from bile and its antibiotic resistance patterns have changed, which will help in the empirical treatment of BTI.

Successful treatment of Providencia rettgeri cholecystitis and neutrophilic cholangitis in a cat

Case summary

A 15-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented with a recent history of seizures, diarrhoea, lethargy, fever and jaundice. Marked elevation of liver enzyme activity was present and ultrasound examination was suggestive of cholecystitis and hepatitis. Neutrophilic cholangitis was confirmed on histopathology of liver biopsies. Bile culture identified a monomicrobial infection with Providencia rettgeri, which was resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents. The cat was treated with oral pradofloxacin for 4 weeks and remained well 4 months later.

Relevance and novel information

Providencia species are rarely reported in the veterinary literature and are an uncommon cause of disease in humans. The significance of this species in humans relates to the high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. This is the first report of P rettgeri causing clinical illness in a cat and highlights the importance of bile cultures in hepatic disease.

Tokyo Guidelines 2018: antimicrobial therapy for acute cholangitis and cholecystitis

Antimicrobial therapy is a mainstay of the management for patients with acute cholangitis and/or cholecystitis. The Tokyo Guidelines 2018 (TG18) provides recommendations for the appropriate use of antimicrobials for community-acquired and healthcare-associated infections. The listed agents are for empirical therapy provided before the infecting isolates are identified. Antimicrobial agents are listed by class-definitions and TG18 severity grade I, II, and III subcategorized by clinical settings. In the era of emerging and increasing antimicrobial resistance, monitoring and updating local antibiograms is underscored. Prudent antimicrobial usage and early de-escalation or termination of antimicrobial therapy are now important parts of decision-making. What is new in TG18 is that the duration of antimicrobial therapy for both acute cholangitis and cholecystitis is systematically reviewed. Prophylactic antimicrobial usage for elective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is no longer recommended and the section was deleted in TG18. Free full articles and mobile app of TG18 are available at: http://www.jshbps.jp/modules/en/index.php?content_id=47. Related clinical questions and references are also included.

Cholangitis: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis

Cholangitis is a serious life-threatening situation affecting the hepatobiliary system. This review provides an update regarding the clinical and pathological features of various forms of cholangitis. A comprehensive search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge databases. It was found that the etiology and pathogenesis of cholangitis are heterogeneous. Cholangitis can be categorized as primary sclerosing (PSC), secondary (acute) cholangitis, and a recently characterized form, known as IgG4-associated cholangitis (IAC). Roles of genetic and acquired factors have been noted in development of various forms of cholangitis. PSC commonly follows a chronic and progressive course that may terminate in hepatobiliary neoplasms. In particular, PSC commonly has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Bacterial infections are known as the most common cause for AC. On the other hand, IAC has been commonly encountered along with pancreatitis. Imaging evaluation of the hepatobiliary system has emerged as a crucial tool in the management of cholangitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography comprise three of the modalities that are frequently exploited as both diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Biliary drainage procedures using these methods is necessary for controlling the progression of cholangitis. Promising results have been reported for the role of antibiotic treatment in management of AC and PSC; however, immunosuppressive drugs have also rendered clinical responses in IAC. With respect to the high rate of complications, surgical interventions in patients with cholangitis are generally restricted to those patients in whom other therapeutic approaches have failed.