Association of coagulopathy with the risk of bleeding after invasive procedures in liver cirrhosis

ERCP-related adverse events: incidence, mechanisms, risk factors, prevention, and management

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a commonly performed procedure for pancreaticobiliary disease. While ERCP is highly effective, it is also associated with the highest adverse event (AE) rates of all commonly performed endoscopic procedures. Thus, it is critical that endoscopists and caregivers of patients undergoing ERCP have clear understandings of ERCP-related AEs.

AREAS COVERED

This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the available evidence on ERCP-related AEs. For the purposes of this review, we subdivide the presentation of each ERCP-related AE according to the following clinically relevant domains: definitions and incidence, proposed mechanisms, risk factors, prevention, and recognition and management. The evidence informing this review was derived in part from a search of the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane, performed on 1 May 20231 May 2023.

EXPERT OPINION

Knowledge of ERCP-related AEs is critical not only given potential improvements in peri-procedural quality and related care that can ensue but also given the importance of reviewing these considerations with patients during informed consent. The ERCP community and researchers should aim to apply standardized definitions of AEs. Evidence-based knowledge of ERCP risk factors should inform patient care decisions during training and beyond.

Analysis of Complications and Risk Factors Other than Bleeding before and after Endoscopic Treatment of Esophagogastric Variceal Bleeding in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Objective. To identify any concomitant complications other than bleeding (COTB) before and after endoscopic treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB) in liver cirrhosis patients and explore the underlying risk factors. Materials and Methods. Cirrhotic patients complicated with EGVB, who underwent interventional endoscopic treatments in our hospital from November 2017 to August 2020, were enrolled in this study. Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed for COTB at admission and within 2 years of the first endoscopic treatment. Patients were screened for potential risk factors of COTB before and after the treatment. Univariate analysis was performed to identify clinical factors of secondary complications, and statistically significant factors were included in the multivariate Cox and logistic regression analyses. Results. Of the 547 patients with cirrhosis, 361 individuals had COTB in the first endoscopic treatment. In this cohort, the top 3 prevalent incidences were portal vein thrombosis (PVT) or spongiosis, cholelithiasis, and pathogenic infections. The COTB did not occur at admission in 171 liver cirrhosis patients but happened at the follow-up. Higher Child-Pugh scores indicated potential risks of multiple concurrent complications, including bleeding. Risk factors for concomitant PVT or cavernous changes after endoscopic treatment of EGVB, pathogenic infections, and cholelithiasis could prolong the cirrhosis symptoms, while noncholestatic cirrhosis patients might have a lower risk than posthepatitis B cirrhosis patients, in the context of a higher degree of EGV and serum level of D-D and a lower blood calcium level. Conclusions. Clinical treatment and interventions can be tailored to avoid other complications during and after EGVB treatment, which can affect the outcome and prognosis of bleeding symptoms.

Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes of Liver Cirrhosis in Gastric Neoplasm Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore whether liver cirrhosis (LC) influences short-term and long-term outcomes in gastric neoplasm patients who undergo endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Materials and Methods: Eligible studies were identified in three databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library on December 18, 2022. Clinical characteristics, short-term outcomes, and long-term outcomes were compared between an LC group and a no liver cirrhosis (NLC) group. For continuous variables, the mean difference (MD) and standard deviation (SD) were pooled. For discontinuous variables, raw data from the 2 × 2 tables or odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled. Forest plots were used to show the results, and a funnel plot was used to evaluate publication bias. Data analyses were performed by STATA SE 16.0 software. Results: Six retrospective studies involving 1616 gastric neoplasm patients were included in the study. Clinical characteristics, including age, gender, location, macroscopic type, invasion depth, differentiation, and ulceration, were found to be not significantly different between the LC group and the NLC group (P > .05). Moreover, LC was not a risk factor for short-term outcomes, including operative time (MD = 0.15, 95% CI = -0.02 to 0.32, I² = 0.00%, P = .09), en bloc resection (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.43-1.75, I² = 0.00%, P = .69), R0 resection (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.42-1.43, I² = 8.97%, P = .41), bleeding (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.62-1.93, I² = 0.00%, P = .75), and perforation (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 0.45-5.84, I² = 0.00%, P = .46). However, gastric cancer patients with LC exhibited a higher recurrence rate (OR = 3.40, 95% CI = 1.09-10.61, I² = 0.00%, P = .04) after ESD. Conclusion: Surgeons performing ESD in gastric neoplasm patients should pay more attention to long-term effects.

Outcomes of gout in patients with cirrhosis: A national inpatient sample-based study

BACKGROUND

Hyperuricemia is a prerequisite for the development of gout. Elevated serum uric acid (UA) levels result from either overproduction or decreased excretion. A positive correlation between serum UA levels, cirrhosis-related complications and the incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has been established, but it is unknown whether hyperuricemia results in worsening cirrhosis outcomes. We hypothesize that patients with cirrhosis will have poorer gout outcomes.

AIM

To explore the link between cirrhosis and the incidence of gout-related complications.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. The national inpatient sample was used to identify patients hospitalized with gout, stratified based on a history of cirrhosis, from 2001 to 2013 via the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Primary outcomes were mortality, gout complications and joint interventions. The χ² test and independent t-test were performed to assess categorical and continuous data, respectively. Multiple logistic regression was used to control for confounding variables.

RESULTS

Patients without cirrhosis were older (70.37 ± 13.53 years vs 66.21 ± 12.325 years; P < 0.05). Most patients were male (74.63% in the cirrhosis group vs 66.83%; adjusted P < 0.05). Patients with cirrhosis had greater rates of mortality (5.49% vs 2.03%; adjusted P < 0.05), gout flare (2.89% vs 2.77%; adjusted P < 0.05) and tophi (0.97% vs 0.75%; adjusted P = 0.677). Patients without cirrhosis had higher rates of arthrocentesis (2.45% vs 2.21%; adjusted P < 0.05) and joint injections (0.72% vs 0.52%; adjusted P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Gout complications were more common in cirrhosis. Those without cirrhosis had higher rates of interventions, possibly due to hesitancy with performing these interventions given the higher complication risk in cirrhosis.

The Risk of Endoscopy-Related Bleeding in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Study

Background and Objectives: The risk of bleeding after endoscopic procedures in patients with liver cirrhosis remains unclear because of secondary blood coagulation disorders. In this study, we used various indices to evaluate the risk of bleeding in patients with cirrhosis. Materials and Methods: Patients with liver cirrhosis aged ≥18 years who underwent endoscopic interventions at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong between February 2007 and September 2021 were included. Clinical information, including demographic data, laboratory results, the presence of cirrhosis complications, and the degree of fibrosis, was checked and evaluated based on medical records. Results: A total of 101 patients with cirrhosis were analyzed. A total of 16 of the 101 patients (15.8%) experienced bleeding after the endoscopic procedure. One patient (0.99%) presented with spurting, while the others presented with mild oozing. All patients underwent hemostatic procedures using hemoclips. The presence of a varix significantly increased post-endoscopic bleeding (p = 0.03). Patients with FIB > 3.25 showed a statistically significant bleeding tendency (p = 0.00). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in bleeding risk according to the platelet count, prothrombin time, Child−Pugh score, and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD). Considering the degree of liver fibrosis and the invasiveness of the planned procedure, most endoscopic procedures can be performed safely but should be further evaluated in a cohort with a larger sample size.

Individualized Management of Coagulopathy in Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease

Over the last decades, individualized approaches and a better understanding of coagulopathy complexity in end-stage liver disease (ESLD) patients has evolved. The risk of both thrombosis and bleeding during minimally invasive interventions or surgery is associated with a worse outcome in this patient population. Despite deranged quantitative and qualitative coagulation laboratory parameters, prophylactic coagulation management is unnecessary for patients who do not bleed. Transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) and blood products carries independent risks for morbidity and mortality, including modulation of the immune system with increased risk for nosocomial infections. Optimal coagulation management in these complex patients should be based on the analysis of standard coagulation tests (SCTs) and viscoelastic tests (VETs). VETs represent an individualized approach to patients and can provide information about coagulation dynamics in a concise period of time. This narrative review will deliver the pathophysiology of deranged hemostasis in ESLD, explore the difficulties of evaluating the coagulopathies in liver disease patients, and examine the use of VET assays and management of coagulopathy using coagulation factors. Methods: A selective literature search with PubMed as the central database was performed with the following.

Diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis in cirrhotic patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

The levels of Annexin A5 (Annexin V) were measured in patients with and without HCC who had liver cirrhosis. These patients were followed for 12 months to determine the incidence of PVT and to determine the role of Annexin V in the diagnosis of PVT. Our goal was to look at the value of Annexin A5, platelet count, spleen size, portal flow velocity, portal vein width, Fibrosis 4, and APRI score in these individuals to see if they might be used as PVT markers.

Methods

Between March 2017 and August 2018, ninety-one HCV patients with cirrhosis with and without HCC, as well as a control group of twenty healthy people, were included in this longitudinal study at the NHTMRI. The blood anxA5 level was determined using a commercial Hyphen BioMed immunoassay using Stat Fax 4700’s Microstrip Reader l.

Results

Cirrhotic patients with and without HCC who developed PVT had higher Annexin A5 scales (5.75 + 0.18), compared to cirrhotic patients who did not develop PVT (3.63 + 1.08 (P 0.001). PVT was 20% in all cirrhotic patients after a year, 15% in cirrhotic patients without HCC, and 25% in cirrhotic patients with HCC. Cirrhotic patients who had PVT throughout the follow-up period had greater AnxA5 serum levels than cirrhotic patients who did not develop PVT.

Conclusions

In all cirrhotic patients, AnxA5 level, platelet count, spleen size, portal flow velocity, portal vein diameter, and Fibrosis 4 score might be employed as markers for PVT development.

Review article: thromboelastography in liver diseases

BACKGROUND

Patients with liver diseases have complicated haemostatic alternations, resulting in both bleeding and thromboembolic complications, which cannot be sufficiently evaluated by conventional coagulation tests (CCTs), such as platelet count or prothrombin time. Thromboelastography (TEG) is a whole blood viscoelastic test which globally reflects changes in the haemostatic system, and its utility in evaluating patients with liver disease is increasingly recognised.

AIMS

To review the current evidence and clinical significance of TEG in liver diseases.

METHODS

Literature regarding TEG and liver diseases was comprehensively searched.

RESULTS

TEG is associated closely with the severity and aetiology of liver disease, the course of infection and the risk of bleeding and death, but not the risk of portal venous system thrombosis. Additionally, TEG-guided transfusion protocols can significantly decrease the requirement for blood products compared to those guided by CCTs.

CONCLUSION

TEG can reflect the haemostatic status of liver diseases more comprehensively than CCTs. It has the potential to assess the severity of liver diseases, predict the risk of bleeding and death in patients with liver disease and guide blood product transfusion. Future studies should standardise the use of TEG for assessing disease severity and development of clinical events and guiding blood product transfusion in patients with liver diseases.

Predictors of Morbidity and Mortality After Colorectal Surgery in Patients With Cirrhotic Liver Disease–A Retrospective Analysis of 54 Cases at a Tertiary Care Center

Background

Despite various existing scores that predict morbidity and mortality of patients with cirrhotic liver disease (CLD), data on specific risk stratification of patients with CLD undergoing colorectal surgery (CRS) are rare. The aim of this study was to assess in-hospital morbidity and mortality of patients with liver cirrhosis scheduled for CRS, with specific focus on possible pitfalls of surgery in this special cohort.

Methods

Between 1996 and 2018, 54 patients with CLD undergoing CRS were identified and included in this study cohort. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were assessed using the Clavien/Dindo (C/D) classification as well as by type of complication. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the predictive factors for increased postoperative morbidity.

Results

Of the patients, 37% patients died during the procedure or postoperatively. Major complications were seen in 23.1% of patients (&gt;C/D IIIb). Patients with Child B or C cirrhosis as well as patients undergoing emergency surgery experienced significantly more major complications (p = 0.04 and p = 0.023, respectively). The most common complications were bleeding requiring blood transfusion (51.1%) and cardiocirculatory instability due to bleeding or sepsis (44.4%). In 53.7% of patients, an anastomosis was created without a protective ostomy. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 20.7% of these patients. Multivariate analysis showed that a primary anastomosis without a protective ostomy was the strongest risk factor for major complications (p = 0.042).

Discussion

Morbidity and mortality after CRS in patients with CLD remains high and is not only influenced by liver function but also by surgical variables. Considering the high rate of anastomotic leakage, creating a protective or definitive ostomy must be considered with regard to the underlying pathology, the extent of CLD, and the patient's condition. Moreover, our data suggest that surgery in these most fragile patients should be performed only in experienced centers with immediate contact to hepatologists and experts in hemostasis.

Prophylactic fresh frozen plasma versus prothrombin complex concentrate for preprocedural management of the coagulopathy of liver disease: A systematic review

Background

The optimal prophylactic preprocedural management of patients with coagulopathy due to liver disease is not known.

Objectives

Our objective was to compare the efficacy and safety of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) with prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) in the preprocedural management of patients with coagulopathy of liver disease.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review to examine published evidence regarding treatment with FFP or PCC in adults with coagulopathy of liver disease undergoing an invasive procedure. Direct comparisons and single‐arm studies were eligible. Efficacy outcomes included major bleeding, mortality, and correction of prothrombin time (PT) and/or international normalized ratio (INR). Safety outcomes included thrombosis and transfusion‐related complications.

Results

A total of 95 articles were identified for full‐text review. Nine studies were eligible and included in the review. No randomized trials comparing FFP versus PCC were identified. Only two studies directly compared FFP versus PCC. In these studies, PCC appeared to result in higher rates of correction of PT/INR, but bleeding outcomes were not different. In the single‐arm studies, bleeding events appeared low overall. Volume overload was the most common recorded adverse event in patients receiving FFP. Thromboembolic events occurred rarely, but exclusively in the PCC group. Due to heterogeneity in study definitions and bias, meta‐analysis was not possible. Our study found no evidence to favor a specific product over another.

Conclusions

Insufficient data exist on the effects of FFP versus PCC administration before invasive procedures in patients with coagulopathy of liver disease to make conclusions with respect to relative efficacy or safety.

[Evaluation of the Validity of ROI Setting in CEI Used for the Assessment of Liver]

PURPOSE

The enhancement effect ratio using ethoxybenzyl (EOB) contrast is useful in the assessment of liver fibrosis. Since the enhancement effect ratio is calculated by setting a region of interest (ROI) in the liver, the ROI setting method may affect the enhancement effect ratio. One of the methods of setting the ROI in liver fibrosis evaluation is by placing the ROI in each Quinault segment, but this method requires considerable time. Therefore, it is necessary to consider a reproducible ROI setting method in contrast to the method of placing ROIs in each Quinault segment.

METHOD

In contrast to the method of placing one ROI in each Quinault segment, we examined the method of setting four ROIs (two in the right lobe and two in the left lobe) and two ROIs (one in the right lobe and one in the left lobe). The size of the ROI was set to 1 cm², 4 cm², and the maximum area that fits within each placement area.

CONCLUSION

In the ROI setting method for CEI calculation, reproducibility can be maintained by setting the number of ROIs in four locations and by setting ROIs of 4 cm² or more.

Treatment algorithm for thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic liver disease undergoing planned invasive procedures

Thrombocytopenia is highly prevalent in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and these patients often require invasive procedures that carry a risk of bleeding. To prevent bleeding, guidelines recommend increasing platelet counts in patients with CLD who have thrombocytopenia and are planned to undergo invasive procedures. There are currently two options to increase platelet counts in patients in this setting: platelet transfusion or thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPORAs). Several treatment algorithms have been developed in the US to help physicians choose the best course of treatment for each patient; however, to date, no such algorithm has been proposed in other countries, where the choice of treatment has been based on each physician's judgment and experience. Here, we discuss the pathogenesis and treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with CLD, we review and present current evidence of the efficacy of TPORAs for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with CLD, and we present our expert opinion on a Japanese treatment algorithm for thrombocytopenia in patients with CLD who are planned to undergo invasive procedures. This algorithm aims to provide guidance for optimal decision making in the selection of TPORA therapy or platelet transfusion based on the latest evidence and according to actual clinical practice.

Association of thromboelastography profile with severity of liver cirrhosis and portal venous system thrombosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Hemostasis profile is often complicated in liver cirrhosis. Thromboelastography is a global viscoelastic test recommended by the current practice guideline and consensus. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association of thromboelastography profile with severity of liver cirrhosis and presence of portal venous system thrombosis (PVST).

METHODS

Overall, 116 and 50 cirrhotic patients were included in the Shenyang and Xi'an cohorts, respectively. Thromboelastography parameters were compared between cirrhotic patients with Child-Pugh class A and B/C, those with and without decompensated events, and those with and without PVST. Hypercoagulability would be considered if at least two of the following thromboelastography parameters were met: shortened reactive time (R), shortened coagulation time (K), increased angle, and increased maximum amplitude (MA).

RESULTS

In the Shenyang cohort, 16 patients had shortened R, of whom seven (43.75%) had prolonged K and 11 (68.75%) decreased MA. In the Xi'an cohort, 24 patients had shortened R, of whom seven (29.17%) had prolonged K and 15 (62.50%) decreased MA. In the Shenyang cohort, the prevalence of hypercoagulability was not significantly different between cirrhotic patients with Child-Pugh class A and B/C (3.85% vs. 6.25%, P = 0.873), those with and without decompensated events (5.49% vs. 4.00%, P = 1.000), and those with and without PVST (4.17% vs. 5.88%, P = 1.000), which were similar to the results obtained in the Xi'an cohort.

CONCLUSION

There is a high rate of discordance between R and other thromboelastography parameters. In addition, hypercoagulability may not be related to more advanced stage of liver cirrhosis or presence of PVST.

Association of thromboelastography profile with severity of liver cirrhosis and portal venous system thrombosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Hemostasis profile is often complicated in liver cirrhosis. Thromboelastography is a global viscoelastic test recommended by the current practice guideline and consensus. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association of thromboelastography profile with severity of liver cirrhosis and presence of portal venous system thrombosis (PVST).

METHODS

Overall, 116 and 50 cirrhotic patients were included in the Shenyang and Xi'an cohorts, respectively. Thromboelastography parameters were compared between cirrhotic patients with Child-Pugh class A and B/C, those with and without decompensated events, and those with and without PVST. Hypercoagulability would be considered if at least two of the following thromboelastography parameters were met: shortened reactive time (R), shortened coagulation time (K), increased angle, and increased maximum amplitude (MA).

RESULTS

In the Shenyang cohort, 16 patients had shortened R, of whom seven (43.75%) had prolonged K and 11 (68.75%) decreased MA. In the Xi'an cohort, 24 patients had shortened R, of whom seven (29.17%) had prolonged K and 15 (62.50%) decreased MA. In the Shenyang cohort, the prevalence of hypercoagulability was not significantly different between cirrhotic patients with Child-Pugh class A and B/C (3.85% vs. 6.25%, P = 0.873), those with and without decompensated events (5.49% vs. 4.00%, P = 1.000), and those with and without PVST (4.17% vs. 5.88%, P = 1.000), which were similar to the results obtained in the Xi'an cohort.

CONCLUSION

There is a high rate of discordance between R and other thromboelastography parameters. In addition, hypercoagulability may not be related to more advanced stage of liver cirrhosis or presence of PVST.

The coagulopathy of liver disease: a shift in thinking

The coagulopathy of chronic liver disease causes derangement of the results of traditional laboratory tests. As such, there is an expectation that when undergoing invasive procedures patients with cirrhosis are at increased risk of bleeding. Standard practice is to optimise laboratory values with prophylactic transfusions of platelets, plasma and fibrinogen to reduce perceived bleeding risk. There has been a shift in thinking regarding coagulation in patients with chronic liver disease, whereby a rebalancing of haemostasis occurs with reduction in both procoagulants and anticoagulants. Guidelines for the preprocedural management of patients with chronic liver disease are inconsistent and may not account for this new paradigm. The risk of prophylactic transfusion should be measured against the risk of bleeding while considering the rebalancing of haemostasis. Future management may be guided by whole blood viscoelastic tests or use of thrombopoietin receptor agonists to optimise patients in these scenarios.

Hallmark microRNA signature in liquid biopsy identifies hepatocellular carcinoma and differentiates it from liver metastasis

Purpose: This study aims to develop a liquid biopsy assay to identify HCC and differentially diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from colorectal carcinoma (CRC) liver metastasis. Methods: Thirty-two microRNAs (“HallMark-32” panel) were designed to target the ten cancer hallmarks in HCC. Quantitative PCR and supervised machine learning models were applied to develop an HCC-specific diagnostic model. One hundred thirty-three plasma samples from intermediate-stage HCC patients, colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with liver metastasis, and healthy individuals were examined. Results: Six differentially expressed microRNAs (“Signature-Six” panel) were identified after comparing HCC and healthy individuals. The microRNA miR-221-3p, miR-223-3p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-30c-5p were significantly down-regulated in the plasma of HCC samples, while miR-365a-3p and miR-423-3p were significantly up-regulated. Machine learning models combined with HallMark-32 and Signature-Six panels demonstrated promising performance with an AUC of 0.85-0.96 (p ≤ 0.018) and 0.84-0.93 (p ≤ 0.021), respectively. Further modeling improvement by adjusting sample quality variation in the HallMark-32 panel boosted the accuracy to 95% ± 0.01 and AUC to 0.991 (95% CI 0.96-1, p = 0.001), respectively. Even in alpha fetoprotein (AFP)-negative (< 20ng/mL) HCC samples, HallMark-32 still achieved 100% sensitivity in identifying HCC. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, n=372) analysis demonstrated a significant association between HallMark-32 and HCC patient survival. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to utilize circulating miRNAs and machine learning to differentiate HCC from CRC liver metastasis. In this setting, HallMark-32 and Signature-Six are promising non-invasive tests for HCC differential diagnosis and distinguishing HCC from healthy individuals.

Risk factors associated with bleeding after prophylactic endoscopic variceal ligation in cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVL) is frequently performed in patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of our study was to identify factors associated with early upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in cirrhosis patients after prophylactic EVL.

METHODS

787 nonemergency EVLs performed in 444 patients in two German University medical centers were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Within 30 days after EVL, 38 UGIBs were observed (4.8 % of all procedures). Bilirubin levels (hazard ratio [HR] 1.5, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.2-2.0 for a 2-fold increase) and presence of varices grade III/IV according to Paquet (HR 2.6, 95 %CI 1.3-5.0 compared with absence or smaller sized varices) were independently associated with UGIB following EVL. International normalized ratio (INR) was associated with bleeding events in the univariate analysis but did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for bilirubin and presence of varices grade III/IV (HR 1.2, 95 %CI 0.9-1.6 for an increase by 0.25). There was no statistically significant association between platelet count or fibrinogen levels and UGIB. Substitution of coagulation products did not affect incidence of bleeding after EVL, which also applied to patients with "coagulopathy" (INR > 1.5 and/or platelet count < 50 × 10⁹/L). No association between proton pump inhibitor therapy and post-EVL UGIB was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

EVL is a safe procedure and immediate bleeding complications are rare. Serum bilirubin levels and size of varices, rather than coagulation indices, are associated with UGIB after EVL. Our data do not support the preventive substitution of blood or coagulation products.

Bleeding After Elective Interventional Endoscopic Procedures in a Large Cohort of Patients With Cirrhosis

INTRODUCTION:

Elective therapeutic endoscopy is an important component of care of cirrhotic patients, but there are concerns regarding the risk of bleeding. This study examined the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of bleeding after endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL), colonoscopic polypectomy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy in cirrhotic patients.

METHODS:

A cohort study of patients with cirrhosis who underwent the above procedures at a single center between 2012 and 2014 was performed. Patients with active bleeding at the time of procedure were excluded. Patients were followed for 30 days to assess for postprocedural bleeding and for 90 days for mortality.

RESULTS:

A total of 1,324 procedures were performed in 857 patients (886 upper endoscopies, 358 colonoscopies, and 80 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograpies). After EVL, bleeding occurred in 2.8%; after polypectomy, bleeding occurred in 2.0%; and after sphincterotomy, bleeding occurred in 3.8%. Independent predictors of bleeding after EVL and polypectomy included younger age and lower hemoglobin. For EVL, bleeding was also associated with infection and model for end-stage liver disease-Na. International normalized ratio was associated with bleeding in univariate analysis only, and platelet count was not associated with bleeding in any procedure. Bleeding after EVL was associated with 29% 90-day mortality, and bleeding after polypectomy was associated with 14% mortality. Of the 3 patients with postsphincterotomy bleeding, none were outliers regarding their baseline characteristics.

DISCUSSION:

In patients with cirrhosis, bleeding occurs infrequently after elective therapeutic endoscopy and is associated with younger age, lower hemoglobin, and high mortality. Consideration of these risk factors may guide appropriate timing and preprocedural management to optimize outcomes.

Spontaneous hemorrhage after external ventricular drain placement in the setting of low factor VII secondary to liver cirrhosis

Background:

Alterations in normal coagulation and hemostasis are critical issues that require special attention in the neurosurgical patient. These disorders pose unique challenges in the management of these patients who often have concurrent acute ischemic and hemorrhagic injuries. Although neurosurgical intervention in such cases may be unavoidable and potentially life-saving, these patients should be closely observed after instrumentation.

Case Description:

A 57-year-old male with liver cirrhosis secondary to amyloid light-chain amyloidosis was admitted to the intensive care unit for the management of delayed hydrocephalus. An external ventricular drain (EVD) was placed for the treatment and monitoring of hydrocephalus. Five days after EVD placement, a head computed tomography scan revealed a tract hemorrhage. However, on repeated imaging, the size of the hemorrhage continued to increase despite aggressive blood pressure control and several doses of phytonadione. Extensive coagulopathy workup was remarkable for low factor VII levels. In that setting, recombinant activated factor VII was administered to normalize factor VII levels, and the tract hemorrhage stabilized.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of spontaneous hemorrhage after EVD placement in the setting of liver cirrhosis-associated factor VII deficiency. Our case highlights the importance of identifying coagulation disorders in neurosurgical patients at high risk for coagulopathy and closely monitoring them postoperatively.

Effects and safety of body positioning on back pain after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in people with hepatocellular carcinoma: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

People with hepatocellular carcinoma who undergo transcatheter arterial chemoembolization usually experience back pain due to lie supine for at least 4 hours to avoid bleeding and hematoma. Body positioning is an effective and safe method for decreasing back pain in people with transfemoral cardiac catheterization; however, its effects and safety among patients with high bleeding tendency are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether body positioning could decrease back pain without increasing the chance of bleeding after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.

DESIGN

A single-blind randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov No.: NCT03784469).

METHODS

A total of 78 people with liver cancer who had undergone chemoembolization through the femoral artery were enrolled. Each person was randomly assigned to either the control or intervention group (each consisted of 39 participants). The control group received the usual care, remaining flat and lying in a supine position, whereas the intervention group had their positions changed in the second and fourth hour after chemoembolization. Participants' pain level was rated by using numerical rating scale -11 (score from 0 to 10), bleeding was measured by using volume of blood (cc.) in gauze and hematoma size in diameter (cm), and satisfaction was self-rated from 1 to 5. Repeated-measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the difference in pain levels over time within each group and independent t test to compare the mean difference of pain between groups at 5 endpoints, both methods with Bonferroni adjustment. Independent t test, chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact test compared postembolization discomfort, puncture sites bleeding, satisfaction between groups.

RESULTS

Significant changes of pain levels over time in both intervention [F(2.93, 111.20)=7.64, p<.001] and control groups [F(2.66, 101.17)=20.55, p<.001]. The intervention group had a significantly lower mean pain score in the second hour (t = -2.838, p = .006) and fourth hour (t = -4.739, p < .001) when patients turning to the side than did the control group lying supine. Furthermore, patients in the intervention group had significantly higher satisfaction than did those in the control group (t = -2.422, p = .018). No hematoma and significant difference of post-procedural bleeding between groups.

CONCLUSION

Changing patients' body positions in bed after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is a safe and effective method of decreasing back pain, and increasing patients' satisfaction, without increasing the complications of bleeding and hematoma. Clinicians should change the positions of people with hepatocellular carcinoma 2 hours after they receive transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.

Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease

Thrombocytopenia is one of the most common hematologic complications in cirrhosis. Despite limited data linking platelet count and bleeding risk in patients with cirrhosis, the use of platelets transfusions for invasive procedures has been a common practice. Recently, thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonists have been approved for use in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) undergoing invasive procedures. The aim of this study was to review current literature on bleeding risk in patients with cirrhosis and the use of platelet transfusions and TPO receptor agonists in the context of invasive procedures. PubMed search was conducted to find articles relating to cirrhosis, thrombocytopenia, and new novel treatments for this condition. Search terms included CLD, cirrhosis, thrombocytopenia, bleeding, thrombosis, coagulopathy, hemostasis, and TPO receptor agonists. Romiplostim, eltrombopag, avatrombopag, and lusutrombopag are approved TPO receptor agonists, with avatrombopag and lusutrombopag specifically approved for use in patients with CLD undergoing invasive procedures. In patients with platelet counts < 50,000/mm³, avatrombopag and lusutrombopag increased the platelet counts above this threshold in the majority of treated patients and reduced the frequency of platelet transfusions. At the approved doses, incidence of thrombosis was not increased and therapies were well tolerated. Studies were not powered to assess whether risk of bleeding complications was reduced and the fundamental question of whether correction of thrombocytopenia is warranted in patients undergoing invasive procedures remains unanswered. The use of TPO receptor agonists has resulted in less requirement for platelet transfusions. In patients with cirrhosis undergoing invasive procedures for whom platelet transfusion is planned, TPO receptor agonists are an alternative and avoid the risks associated with transfusions. However, there is need for a thoughtful approach to manage bleeding risk in patients with cirrhosis undergoing procedures, with the consideration of a comprehensive hemostatic profile, the severity of portal hypertension, and the complexity of the invasive procedure to guide decisions regarding transfusions or use of TPO receptor agonists.

Coagulopathy and Hospital Outcomes in Patients With Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis: A Call for Action to Improve Care of Inpatients

Objectives

To assess the risk of in-hospital mortality in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) with coagulopathy, and to understand the impact of comorbid coagulopathy on length of stay (LOS) and total charges for SBP inpatients.

Methods

We included adult patients (age, 18-50 years) with a principal diagnosis of SBP using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS, 2012 to 2014). These patients were further subgrouped by comorbid coagulopathy. The independent sample t-test was used to measure the mean difference in LOS and total charges between subgroups. The logistic regression model was used to measure the odds ratio (OR) of association of coagulopathy and in-hospital mortality after adjusting for demographic confounders and other comorbid risk factors.

Results

SBP with comorbid coagulopathy was prevalent in males (68.7%) and white (58.1%). When compared with the non-coagulopathy cohort, males had 1.6 times (95% CI 1.46-1.84), and hispanics had 1.4 times (95% CI 1.19-1.58) high odds for coagulopathy. In-hospital mortality was statistically significant in SBP inpatients with coagulopathy (6.5% vs. 2.8% in non-coagulopathy), and with two times higher odds of association (95% CI 1.47-2.51) compared with non-coagulopathy cohort. SBP inpatients with comorbid coagulopathy had a statistically significantly higher LOS by 1.1 days and higher total charges by $14,123 per hospitalization compared with the non-coagulopathy cohort.

Conclusions

Coagulopathy is a significant risk factor that increases the risk of in-hospital mortality in SBP inpatients by 92%. Comorbid coagulopathy is also associated with extended LOS and higher hospitalization costs, thereby increasing the healthcare burden. Clinicians need to effectively manage coagulopathy in SBP patients to improve patient outcomes and reduce the healthcare burden with better health-related quality of life.

Spur cell anemia related to alcoholic liver cirrhosis managed without liver transplantation: a case report and literature review

Spur cell anemia is an acquired hemolytic anemia associated with liver cirrhosis and is characterized by the presence of increased large red blood cells, which are covered with spike-like projections that vary in width, length, and distribution. A 26-year-old man was referred to our hospital presenting with jaundice, lower limb edema, and dyspnea. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with spur cell anemia related to alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Spur cell anemia is an independent predictor of mortality in liver cirrhosis and has been associated with extremely poor prognosis. The most effective treatment for spur cell anemia is liver transplantation. As seen in the literature, the treatment of spur cell anemia without liver transplantation is quite challenging. This report highlights the importance of management and treatment strategies, including control of fluid retention, blood transfusion, plasma diafiltration, and administration of diuretics. Our treatment strategies might be useful in patients who are not candidate of liver transplantation or patients waiting for liver transplantation.

Primary Hemostasis in Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis: What Did We Learn over the Past Decade?

Changes in primary hemostasis have been described in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and cirrhosis and are still subject to ongoing debate. Thrombocytopenia is common and multifactorial. Numerous studies also reported platelet dysfunction. In spite of these changes, primary hemostasis seems to be balanced. Patients with CLD and cirrhosis can suffer from both hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications. Variceal bleeding is the major hemorrhagic complication and is mainly determined by high portal pressure. Non portal hypertension-related bleeding due to hemostatic failure is uncommon. Thrombocytopenia can complicate management of invasive procedures in CLD patients. Recently, oral thrombopoietin agonists have been approved to raise platelets before invasive procedures. In this review we aim to bundle literature, published over the past decade, discussing primary hemostasis in CLD and cirrhosis including (1) platelet count and the role of thrombopoietin (TPO) agonists, (2) platelet function tests and markers of platelet activation, (3) von Willebrand factor and (4) global hemostasis tests.

A systematic literature review on the use of platelet transfusions in patients with thrombocytopenia

Objective: Investigate globally, current treatment patterns, benefit-risk assessments, humanistic, societal and economic burden of platelet transfusion (PT). Methods: Publications from 1998 to June 27, 2018 were identified, based on databases searches including MEDLINE®; Embase and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Data from studies meeting pre-specified criteria were extracted and validated by independent reviewers. Data were obtained for efficacy and safety from randomized controlled trials (RCTs); data for epidemiology, treatment patterns, effectiveness, safety, humanistic and societal burden from real-world evidence (RWE) studies; and economic data from both. Results: A total of 3425 abstracts, 194 publications (190 studies) were included. PT use varied widely, from 0%-100% of TCP patients; 1.7%-24.5% in large studies (>1000 patients). Most were used prophylactically rather than therapeutically. 5 of 43 RCTs compared prophylactic PT with no intervention, with mixed results. In RWE studies PT generally increased platelet count (PC). This increase varied by patient characteristics and hence did not always translate into a clinically significant reduction in bleeding risk. Safety concerns included infection risk, alloimmunization and refractoriness with associated cost burden. Discussion: In RCTs and RWE studies there was significant heterogeneity in study design and outcome measures. In RWE studies, patients receiving PT may have been at higher risk than those not receiving PT creating potential bias. There were limited data on humanistic and societal burden. Conclusion: Although PTs are used widely for increasing PC in TCP, it is important to understand the limitations of PTs, and to explore the use of alternative treatment options where available.

Hemoperitoneum in cirrhotic patients in the absence of abdominal trauma

Introduction: Hemoperitoneum can be a life-threating condition in cirrhotic patients who have a limited compensatory reserve during hemorrhagic shock. We aim to review the literature on the different etiologies associated with non-traumatic hemoperitoneum (NTH), summarizing the most relevant conditions associated with spontaneous and iatrogenic peritoneal and retroperitoneal bleeding that may occur in cirrhotic patients and to illustrate the most relevant diagnostic strategies and optimal management. Area covered: This review encompasses the current literature in hemoperitoneum in cirrhotic patients in the absence of abdominal trauma. Established diagnostic procedures, therapeutic interventions and potential novel targets are reported and discussed. Expert opinion: To ensure the optimal management regardless of the underlying etiology of NTH, the first goal for the clinician is to obtain immediate hemodynamic stabilization with supportive measures and to control the source of bleeding. The latter can be achieved with angiographic embolization, which is usually the first choice, or with open surgery. Other therapeutic options according to specific etiologies include transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO), balloon-occluded anterograde transvenous obliteration (BATO) or intra operative radio frequency (RF).

Current approaches to the management of patients with cirrhotic ascites

This review describes current approaches to the management of patients with cirrhotic ascites in relation to the severity of its clinical manifestations. The PubMed database, the Google Scholar retrieval system, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the reference lists from related articles were used to search for relevant publications. Articles corresponding to the aim of the review were selected for 1991-2018 using the keywords: “liver cirrhosis,” “portal hypertension,” “ascites,” “pathogenesis,” “diagnostics,” and “treatment.” Uncomplicated and refractory ascites in patients with cirrhosis were the inclusion criteria. The literature analysis has shown that despite the achievements of modern hepatology, the presence of ascites is associated with poor prognosis and high mortality. The key to successful management of patients with ascites may be the stratification of the risk of an adverse outcome and personalized therapy. Pathogenetically based approach to the choice of pharmacotherapy and optimization of minimally invasive methods of treatment may improve the quality of life and increase the survival rate of this category of patients.