High-dose N-acetylcysteine in patients with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of high-dose N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the treatment of patients with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

Randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled study in 123 patients experiencing an acute exacerbation of COPD.

INTERVENTIONS

NAC 1200 mg/day, 600 mg/day or placebo administered once daily for 10 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary objective was to assess the proportion of patients with normalised C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Also assessed were effects on interleukin (IL)-8 levels, lung function and symptoms.

RESULTS

Both NAC 600 and 1200 mg/day were associated with a significantly higher proportion of patients achieving normalised CRP levels compared with placebo (52% and 90% vs 19% of patients; p </= 0.01); however, NAC 1200 mg/day was superior to NAC 600 mg/day (p = 0.002). Furthermore, treatment with NAC 1200 mg/day was more efficacious than NAC 600 mg/day in reducing IL-8 levels and difficulty of expectoration, while the two active regimens had similar beneficial effects on lung function and other clinical outcomes (cough intensity and frequency, and lung auscultation). Treatments were well tolerated with one adverse event reported in NAC 1200 mg/day recipients and two reported in placebo recipients.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with NAC 1200 mg/day improved biological markers and clinical outcomes in patients with COPD exacerbations. It is speculated that the effect of NAC on inflammatory markers may be due to both mucolytic and antioxidant properties.

Out-patient high-dose-rate endobronchial brachytherapy for palliation of lung cancer: an observational study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Out-patient high-dose-rate endobronchial brachytherapy (HDREB) is a possible option in the palliation of symptoms in patients with advanced lung cancer, but literature data is limited and the technique is still under development in Italy. Our aim was to evaluate safety and effectiveness of out-patient HDREB for palliation of malignant endobronchial tumours in the context of a multidisciplinary approach.

METHODS

Out-patient HDREB sessions were scheduled at weekly intervals (500-1000 cGy per session) with prior Diodi-laser resection in some cases. Response was assessed bronchoscopically, clinically and functionally at the end of treatment and one month after the last HDREB session. Inclusion criteria was: histological evidence of malignant tumour not susceptible to surgical treatment for extension or co-morbidity.

RESULTS

150 outpatient HDREB sessions were carried out on consecutive 35 patients (mean age 69 yrs, M/F 29/6) with symptoms due to central airway obstruction. A shortterm endoscopic response was observed in 15/28 patients. After delivering 2000 cGy dyspnoea decreased significantly. After one month cough decreased and haemoptysis disappeared. Palliation was obtained in all patients except one during. Lung function tests did not significantly improve after HDREB. No fatal complication occurred. A temporary radiation bronchitis was observed in six patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This non-comparative, prospective observational study showed a palliative response of HDREB in most of patients with advanced endoluminal lung cancer. The safety of the procedure was good and the rate of non-fatal serious complications was very low.

Increased activation of p38 MAPK in COPD

Inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis, which are involved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathogenesis, may activate the p38 subgroup of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of the phosphorylated, active form of p38 MAPK (phospho-p38) in the lungs of COPD patients. Surgical specimens were obtained from 18 smokers with COPD at different stages of disease severity, plus nine smoking and eight nonsmoking subjects with normal lung function. Phospho-p38+ cells were quantified by immunohistochemistry in both alveolar spaces and alveolar walls. Moreover, a Western blot analysis of phospho-p38 and total p38alpha isoform expressed by alveolar macrophages was performed. Phospho-p38+ alveolar macrophages and phospho-p38+ cells in alveolar walls were increased in patients with severe and mild/moderate COPD, compared with smoking and nonsmoking controls. Moreover, they were inversely correlated to values of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) and FEV(1)/forced vital capacity. Western blot analysis showed that phosphorylated p38, but not the total p38alpha isoform, was specifically increased in alveolar macrophages from COPD patients. Activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The present findings suggest that this protein may be a suitable pharmacological target for therapeutic intervention.

Transforming growth factor-beta type II receptor in pulmonary arteries of patients with very severe COPD

A mild-to-moderate increase in pulmonary arterial pressure is often associated with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is a cytokine involved in the maintenance of integrity of vasculature. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the TGF-beta pathway might be involved in the development of pulmonary hypertension associated with COPD. Surgical specimens from 14 patients undergoing lung transplantation for very severe COPD (forced expiratory volume in one second 17 +/- 2% of the predicted value) and from seven donors were examined. The expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta type II receptor (TGF-betaRII), cell proliferation index and structural changes in pulmonary arteries were quantified immunohistochemically. In severe COPD patients, increased expression of TGF-betaRII was observed in both the tunica media and intima, which was associated with a normal proliferation index in both layers. Conversely, significant thickening of the tunica intima, which was not present in the tunica media, was observed, suggesting that mechanisms other than cell proliferation may be involved in intimal thickening. In conclusion, in the pulmonary arteries of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, there is upregulation of transforming growth factor-beta type II receptor expression associated with a normal proliferation index. These findings suggest the activation of an antiproliferative pathway, which might explain the relatively low degree of pulmonary hypertension observed in these subjects.

Upregulation of basic fibroblast growth factor in smokers with chronic bronchitis

The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and its receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-1, in the central airways of smokers with chronic bronchitis. The lobar bronchi from 17 subjects undergoing thoracotomy for solitary nodules were examined. All had a history of cigarette smoking, nine had symptoms of chronic bronchitis and airflow limitation, and eight were asymptomatic with normal lung function. Using immunohistochemical methods, bFGF and FGFR-1 expression in the total airway wall and the different airway compartments, i.e. bronchial glands, submucosal vessels and smooth muscle, was quantified. Moreover, to investigate the role of bFGF in angiogenesis, the number of submucosal vessels was quantified. Smokers with chronic bronchitis had an increased bFGF expression in the total airway wall compared with asymptomatic smokers, which was mainly due to bFGF upregulation in bronchial glands. By contrast, the expression of FGFR-1 and the number of submucosal vessels was similar in the two groups of subjects examined. In conclusion, smokers with chronic bronchitis have an increased expression of basic fibroblast growth factor in the central airways, which is mainly due to an increased expression in bronchial glands, suggesting the involvement of this growth factor in the pathogenesis of chronic bronchitis.

Decreased expression of TGF-beta type II receptor in bronchial glands of smokers with COPD

BACKGROUND

The role of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is still controversial, but it has been proposed that it may protect from mucus hypersecretion since it is able to downregulate mucin production. A study was undertaken to investigate the expression of TGF-beta1 and its type II receptor (TGF-beta RII) in the bronchial glands of smokers with COPD.

METHODS

The expression of TGF-beta(1) and TGF-beta RII were examined immunohistochemically in the bronchial glands of 24 smokers undergoing lung resection for solitary peripheral nodules: 12 with airflow limitation (smokers with COPD) and 12 with normal lung function.

RESULTS

The expression of TGF-beta1 in bronchial glands was similar in the two groups of subjects while that of TGF-beta RII was lower in smokers with COPD than in smokers with normal lung function (p=0.004). TGF-beta RII expression was inversely correlated with the values of Reid's index, a measure of gland size (p=0.02, r=-0.50).

CONCLUSIONS

In the bronchial glands of smokers with COPD there is decreased expression of TGF-beta RII which is associated with bronchial gland enlargement. These findings support the view that the absence of TGF-beta signalling may induce structural changes in the bronchial glands which, in turn, may promote mucus hypersecretion.

Neutrophilic infiltration within the airway smooth muscle in patients with COPD

BACKGROUND

COPD is an inflammatory disorder characterised by chronic airflow limitation, but the extent to which airway inflammation is related to functional abnormalities is still uncertain. The interaction between inflammatory cells and airway smooth muscle may have a crucial role.

METHODS

To investigate the microlocalisation of inflammatory cells within the airway smooth muscle in COPD, surgical specimens obtained from 26 subjects undergoing thoracotomy (eight smokers with COPD, 10 smokers with normal lung function, and eight non-smoking controls) were examined. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to quantify the number of neutrophils, macrophages, mast cells, CD4+ and CD8+ cells localised within the smooth muscle of peripheral airways.

RESULTS

Smokers with COPD had an increased number of neutrophils and CD8+ cells in the airway smooth muscle compared with non-smokers. Smokers with normal lung function also had a neutrophilic infiltration in the airway smooth muscle, but to a lesser extent. When all the subjects were analysed as one group, neutrophilic infiltration was inversely related to forced expiratory volume in 1 second (% predicted).

CONCLUSIONS

Microlocalisation of neutrophils and CD8+ cells in the airway smooth muscle in smokers with COPD suggests a possible role for these cells in the pathogenesis of smoking induced airflow limitation.

Pathogenesis and pathology of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation. Since flow is the result of a driving pressure that promotes flow and of an opposing resistance that contradicts it, the reduction in flow observed in COPD has two main components: increased resistance, which is due to airway obstruction, and a loss of the elastic recoil pressure of the lung, which is due to parenchymal destruction. Although it has long been known that the major site of increased resistance in COPD is the peripheral airways, recent studies have shown that central airways are involved in the disease as well. The purpose of this review is to describe the major structural and cellular changes present in peripheral airways, central airways and lung parenchyma of patients with COPD, and to underline the possible mechanisms contributing to airflow limitation in these subjects.

Structural basis for airflow limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The airflow limitation that characterises chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has two main components: an increased resistance, which is due to airway obstruction, and a loss of the elastic recoil pressure of the lung, which is due to parenchymal destruction. Although it has long been known that the major site of increased resistance in COPD is the peripheral airways, recent studies have shown that central airways are involved in the disease as well. The purpose of this review is to describe the major structural and cellular changes present in peripheral airways, central airways and lung parenchyma of patients with COPD, and to underline the possible mechanisms contributing to airflow limitation in these subjects.

Nomograms for the administration of unfractionated heparin in the initial treatment of acute thromboembolism--an overview

Despite the availability of low-molecular-weight heparins, unfractionated heparin (UFH) still remains the drug of choice for the initial treatment of acute venous thromboembolism in many countries. When appropriately employed, UFH treatment results in a degree of efficacy and safety that is fully comparable with that obtained with the use of heparin derivatives. The use of nomograms for the intravenous or subcutaneous administration of UFH assures that virtually all patients will promptly achieve adequate levels of anticoagulation, thus decreasing the likelihood of recurrent venous thromboembolism without extra bleeding-risk. In this article we reviewed clinical studies on the implementation and validation of UFH dosing nomograms, and attempted a quantitative analysis of their performance. According to the results of our analysis, a statistically significantly higher proportion of patients treated on the basis of a nomogram reached a therapeutic anticoagulant level within 24 h of treatment, as compared to patients treated following the standard practice (odds ratio, 3.6; 95% CI, 2.6 to 4.9). The rate of recurrent thromboembolic events was significantly lower for patients treated according to a nomogram (odds ratio, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.8), while no significant differences in terms of either major or minor bleedings were detected between nomogram patients and controls.

A randomized trial of cefepime and ceftazidime for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia

We compared the effectiveness and safety of ceftazidime and cefepime in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia. The 148 enrolled patients received 2 g ceftazidime three times daily or 2 g cefepime twice daily. The clinical success rate was the same for both drugs. Even the microbiological effectiveness was similar. Both drug regimens were well tolerated. We conclude that 2 g ceftazidime three times daily were as effective as 2 g cefepime twice daily for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized patients. The cost of ceftazidime treatment was, however, higher than the cost of cefepime treatment.

Subjects with obstructive pulmonary disease tend to be chronically vasodilated

1. In 12 unselected outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and six controls, arterial pH, PaO2, PaCO2 and oxygen saturation (SaO2), forced expiratory volume in 1.0 s (FEV1.0) and vital capacity were measured. Subjects were grouped into those with or without obstruction based on the Tiffenau index. The Baseline Dyspnoea Index was employed to objectify the severity of dyspnoea and the Borg index to evaluate the subjective sensation. Blood pressure was measured with a sphygmomanometer; calf arterial flow both at rest and during reactive hyperaemia with a plethysmograph. Basal and minimal resistance were calculated.2.FEV1.0 was 26% lower in patients with obstruction than in controls, and was also lower in patients with moderate-to-severe obstruction compared with those with mild or no obstruction. Arterial flow (75% greater in the patients with obstruction) progressively increased with increasing severity of obstruction, being 54% higher in those with mild obstruction than in those with no obstruction (P<0.001), and 28% higher in moderate-severe than in mild obstruction (P<0.005). In multiple regressions, F correlated inversely with FEV1.0, PaO2 and SaO2, and directly with PaCO2. Basal resistance correlated positively with FEV1.0, SaO2 and the Tiffenau index, and inversely with PaCO2 (r=-0.52, P=0.02). Minimal resistance was significantly lower in obstructed than in non-obstructed subjects. Both basal and minimal resistance progressively decreased, although insignificantly, with worsening bronchial obstruction. PaCO2 did not correlate with any haemodynamic parameter. Borg index correlated indirectly with FEV1.0 and basal resistance directly with arterial flow.3. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therefore tend to show chronic vasodilatation depending on hypoxia rather than PaCO2. Other mechanisms could be involved in this phenomenon. The Borg index is a good indicator of oxygen desaturation and vasodilatation.

Pre-operative chemoradiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer stage III patients. Feasibility, toxicity and long-term results of a phase II study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, the response rate and the effect on survival of full dose polychemotherapy delivered concurrently with bifractionated radiotherapy at a radical dose, in a subset of patients with marginally resectable or unresectable stage IIIA-B non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Treatment consisted of two courses of cisplatin 100 mg/m2 for 1 day plus etoposide 120 mg/m2 for 3 days delivered from day 1 to day 22, plus radiotherapy delivered in two cycles of 2560 cGy each from day 3 to day 12 and from day 24 to 33 (total dose 5120 cGy in 31 days). The daily dose was 320 cGy in two equal fractions. After surgery, three additional courses of cisplatin plus etoposide were planned. From February 1988 to June 1991, 39 patients with stage III NSCLC (19 were judged as having marginally resectable, 20 as having unresectable disease) were entered into the study. Out of 39 patients (22 squamous cell carcinoma, 17 adeno/large cell carcinoma), 24 had stage IIIa (62%) and 15 stage IIIb (38%). Median PS was 80 (70-90). A total of 78 (74 evaluable) concurrent cycles of pre-operative chemoradiotherapy were delivered. The prominent side-effect was leucopenia: leucopenia > or = grade 3 at nadir occurred in 20 cycles (27%), thrombocytopenia > or = grade 3 at nadir in seven cycles (9%), 19 patients (54%) had a treatment delay of 1 week between the two cycles. Other important toxicities were sepsis in 5 patients (13%), oesophagitis > grade 2 in 9 patients (23%) and pneumonitis in 5 patients (13%). The response rate was 67% (6 CR (complete response), 16%; 19 PR (partial response), 51%). A resection was subsequently performed in 20 (51%) patients: 14 out of 19 marginally resectable (74%) and 6 out 20 initially unresectable (30%) patients. One other patient had an exploratory thoracotomy. Surgical specimens were tumour-free in 3 patients (14%); in 8 patients (38%) only microscopic tumour was found, and in 10 (48%) macroscopic residual tumour was found. Out of 23 patients attaining a CR, 5 relapsed locally and 11 only distantly. At present, with a follow-up ranging from 64 to 90 months, 34 patients have died, 1 is alive with recurrent disease and 4 (17%) are alive without evidence of disease. Median survival was 16 months, with 18% 3-year survivors and 13% 5-year survivors. Resected patients had a median survival of 21 months, versus 10 months for unresected patients (P = 0.01). No significant difference was evident between stage IIIa and stage IIIb patients.

[Has the role of radiology changed in the fight against pulmonary tuberculosis?]

Tuberculosis is on the increase in Italy as in other industrial countries. The key to tuberculosis control is case finding and radiology plays a major role in both active and passive tuberculosis diagnosis. Have recent advances in radiologic techniques increased the value of conventional radiology? Has the role of chest radiography changed in tuberculosis screening? To answer these questions we examined a population referred to our hospital for both screening and diagnostic purposes over a 12-month period. In a population of 31,730 inhabitants, 1,461 chest radiographs were performed, 226 (15.4%) for passive and the others for active case finding. As for active case finding, high-risk patients were screened (21 immigrants and 296 aging people), together with the general population believed to be at risk according to current national recommendations (918 chest films). While screening allowed the diagnosis of only one tuberculosis case in the high-risk group, 3 cases were found in the symptomatic group with the passive protocol. In our experience, new radiologic techniques have not made the diagnosis of tuberculosis easier. Unlike in cancers, CT was not particularly useful in identifying symptomatic tuberculosis cases. In our experience, screening yielded poor results: in fact, this attempt at preventing tuberculosis caused an unreasonable waste of time and money because when screening low-risk groups many films are needed to diagnose a single case. Thus, the reason for this failure was not a technical one. It proved to be a problem of selecting the population to be screened. Our results suggest that no major change has taken place in the role of conventional radiology in passive tuberculosis case finding and that radiology must be used differently in passive case finding, that is, for screening purposes in high-risk groups only.

Prognostic usefulness of hepatic vein catheterization in patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices

Clinical and anamnestic data, Pugh score, and size of esophageal varices were obtained in 129 cirrhotics. Hepatic vein catheterization was performed to measure hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), indocyanine green (ICG) intrinsic hepatic clearance, and hepatic plasma flow. During a follow-up period of up to 60 months, 44 patients experienced gastrointestinal bleeding and 54 died. Applying Cox regression analysis, ICG intrinsic hepatic clearance, Pugh score, previous variceal bleeding, and HVPG were the only significant prognostic determinants of survival. In addition, Cox's regression analysis showed that HVPG, Pugh score, size of varices, and previous variceal bleeding all contained significant prognostic information regarding risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The models were validated using a split-sample technique, and prognostic indexes for death and gastrointestinal bleeding were calculated. The prognostic index predicting death had significantly improved prognostic accuracy over a prognostic index calculated excluding the data obtained from hepatic vein catheterization (P less than 0.05). In conclusion, prognostic accuracy in cirrhosis with portal hypertension is significantly improved by information obtained from hepatic vein catheterization.

Evaluation of splanchnic angiography as a prognostic index of survival in patients with cirrhosis

Prognostic evaluation of advanced liver disease is usually made on the basis of the common clinical and biochemical data included in the Child-Turcotte classification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of data from splanchnic angiography as a guide to prognosis in patients with cirrhosis. Over an 8-year period 219 patients with cirrhosis were investigated by splanchnic angiography and followed up prospectively. At the end of the study 95 patients had died (43.4%). Median survival time was 68 months. In addition to several clinical and biochemical data, hepatic portal venous perfusion and the presence of caudad hepatofugal veins as assessed by angiography were significant predictors of survival. Incorporating all nonangiographic variables in a Cox's multiple regression analysis, a clinicobiochemical set of prognostic covariates (ascites, s-albumin, gammaglobulins, s-alkaline phosphatase, and sex) was selected. When adding to this model each of the angiographic variables, only portal perfusion resulted in an independent predictor of survival. In conclusion, in cirrhotics the angiographic evaluation of portal perfusion improved the prognostic information obtained from clinical and biochemical data.

[Methacholine test in the study of non-specific bronchial reactivity in a group of patients allergic to pollen]

We have studied thirty subjects sensitive to pollens suffering from seasonal rhinitis and/or mild seasonal asthma. The patients were submitted to a preseasonal and to a seasonal evaluation of their bronchial reactivity by means of a metacholine provocation test in order to measure possible variations of their responsiveness. Our data shown that the metacholine provocation test is not substantially influenced by seasonal pollen stimulation; it is likely that in patients sensitive to pollens, aspecific bronchial reactivity is intermittent, so explaining the inconstant behaviour of responsiveness observed in our allergic patients.

Clinical significance of cholelithiasis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis

There is general agreement that the prevalence of gallstones in cirrhotics is high (at least twice that in the general population), but the pathogenetic link between cirrhosis and cholelithiasis is still uncertain. The influence of cholelithiasis on survival in cirrhotics is also unknown. During an 8-year period, we observed 90 patients affected by decompensated cirrhosis: 36 of them (40%) turned out by cholecystographic/cholangiographic or ultrasonographic examination to have cholelithiasis. We were not able to demonstrate any correlation between cholelithiasis and sex, age of patients, etiology of cirrhosis, severity of the illness, degree of portal hypertension, previous gastrointestinal bleeding, number of pregnancies, or levels of serum cholesterol, bilirubin, and triglycerides. During the follow-up observation, (range, 1-91 months), 30 patients died. Survival curves analyzed by the log-rank test did not show any difference between patients with or without gallstones. We therefore confirm that cirrhosis is a lithogenic condition, but we were not able to explain the reasons for the close relationship between cholelithiasis and cirrhosis. Gallstones, however, did not affect the survival of these patients.

Hemodynamic changes of systemic, hepatic, and splenic circulation following triglycyl-lysin-vasopressin administration in alcoholic cirrhosis

Triglycyl-lysin-vasopressin is a long-acting vasopressin derivative which is under consideration for the treatment of acute variceal bleeding in cirrhosis. However, its splanchnic hemodynamic effects have not been investigated thoroughly. In 11 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics were evaluated before and 20-40 min after intravenous administration of 2 mg triglycyl-lysin-vasopressin. Following the drug administration, heart rate decreased by 10% and cardiac index by 22% on the average, respectively; mean arterial pressure increased by 14% and systemic vascular resistence index by 48%. Hepatic venous pressure gradient showed a marked and persistent fall, averaging 31%. Hepatic and splenic blood flow decreased by 31% and 56%, respectively. A significant correlation was found between the decrease in hepatic venous pressure gradient and in splenic blood flow. By contrast, the decrease in the hepatic venous pressure gradient was not significantly correlated to the decrease in hepatic blood flow or in cardiac index. We conclude that in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, triglycyl-lysin-vasopressin decreases portal pressure as well as hepatic and splenic blood flows. The decrease in portal pressure was due to the decrease in splanchnic blood inflow and not to the decrease in cardiac index.

Fibronectin decrease in liver cirrhosis is related to spleen size

We found a significantly lower plasma fibronectin concentration in cirrhotic patients than in controls, a significant inverse relationship between fibronectin and spleen size, but no correlation between fibronectin and hepatic blood flow, prothrombin time, or serum albumin. We suggest that the increased degradation in the enlarged spleen is more relevant than the decreased synthesis in reducing plasma fibronectin levels during liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension.

Effects of isosorbide dinitrate on portal hypertension in alcoholic cirrhosis

It has recently been reported that vasodilators lower portal pressure in patients with cirrhosis. This effect, however, is not definitively proven. The effect of isosorbide dinitrate (5 mg sublingually) on splanchnic and systemic hemodynamics was investigated in 13 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The administration of isosorbide dinitrate reduced hepatic venous pressure gradient by 34% (P less than 0.001), mean arterial pressure by 30% (P less than 0.001), cardiac index by 17% (P less than 0.001) and systemic vascular resistance by 11% (P = 0.05). Hepatic blood flow was not affected by the treatment. Significant correlations were found between the decrease in hepatic venous pressure gradient and that of cardiac index (P less than 0.05) and mean arterial pressure (P less than 0.05). These data indicate that isosorbide dinitrate lowers portal pressure in patients with cirrhosis. Decrease in cardiac output, rise in splanchnic arterial vascular resistance and decrease in porto-hepatic resistance seem to participate in determining the effect.

Nadolol for prevention of variceal rebleeding in cirrhosis: a controlled clinical trial

Nadolol, a nonselective beta-blocker, has been shown to decrease portal pressure in patients with cirrhosis at the same degree as propranolol. No data are available, however, about its effect on rebleeding rate and mortality in patients undergoing prevention of rebleeding from esophageal varices. A prospective randomized clinical trial was performed in patients with cirrhosis who survived a documented episode of variceal hemorrhage. 12 patients received nadolol, 12 placebo. Patients with child's C grade, tense ascites, renal failure, contraindications to beta-blocker, or age greater than 70 were not included. After a follow-up of up to 145 weeks, 9 patients in the nadolol group and 4 in the placebo group survived free from rebleeding (log-rank test: chi 2 = 4.35, p less than 0.05). Survival was not statistically different in the two groups (1 death in the nadolol group, 3 in the placebo group). In conclusion, nadolol appears to represent an effective therapy in the prevention of variceal rebleeding in cirrhotic patients.

Effect of nadolol on liver haemodynamics and function in patients with cirrhosis

Beta-adrenoceptor blockers used in the medical management of portal hypertension decrease liver blood flow. The sporadic onset of hepatic encephalopathy during propranolol treatment was ascribed to this decrease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of chronic treatment with nadolol on liver blood flow and liver function. Nadolol, a non-cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor blocker, has been reported to be as powerful as propranolol in decreasing portal pressure. Before and after 1 month of treatment with nadolol at a dose reducing heart rate by 25%, in 15 cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension, the following parameters were determined: hepatic venous pressure gradient, hepatic blood flow, galactose eliminating capacity, aminopyrine metabolic activity, ICG clearance and intrinsic hepatic clearance. Hepatic venous pressure gradient and hepatic blood flow were decreased by nadolol. However liver function was not affected by the drug. We conclude that, despite a lowered hepatic blood flow, liver function is not affected by 1 month of nadolol treatment.

Redistribution of renal blood flow in patients with liver cirrhosis. The role of renal PGE2

Cirrhotic patients frequently show a decrease in renal blood flow and redistribution of the flow from the outer cortex to the juxtamedullary cortex. The cause of the maintenance of juxtamedullary perfusion is not presently known. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has its vasodilating effect on medullary and juxtamedullary vessels where it is synthesized. Therefore, its increased production, frequently shown in cirrhotics, could be responsible for the relative preservation of juxtamedullary blood flow. To verify this hypothesis we examined 13 cirrhotic patients. In these patients we determined mean renal blood flow (MRBF), blood flow in the 1st compartment (ICBF) and in the 2nd compartment (IICBF) with the 133-Xenon washout technique and PGE2 plasma levels in the renal veins (PGE2V). MRBF and ICBF were significantly reduced as compared to control subjects (P less than 0.01); IICBF resulted unaltered. Significant correlation was found between IICBF and PGE2V (P less than 0.01). Our data confirm the decrease in renal blood flow and the redistribution of intrarenal blood flow in cirrhotic patients. The maintenance of IICBF is likely to be a consequence of PGE2 renal production.

Splenic haemodynamics and portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis and spleen enlargement

The relationships between portal hypertension and spleen enlargement, in patients with liver cirrhosis, are not clearly defined; as well as those between splenic haemodynamics and portal hypertension. In 25 cirrhotics with spleen enlargement and portal hypertension and in seven controls, the following parameters were determined: estimated splenic volume (ESV) from the radiographic view of the spleen, according to Blendis, Williams and Kreel (1969), specific splenic blood-flow (SSBF), total splenic blood-flow (TSBF), porto-hepatic gradient (PHG), specific splenic resistance (SSR) and total splenic resistance (TSR). Moreover, the size and extension of oesophageal varices, at oesophagoscopy, were classified according to Dagradi (1973). PHG, ESV and TSBF were increased in all subjects, SSBF was increased in two cases, SSR was increased in two cases and decreased in two cases, TSR was decreased in all cases and ESV was not correlated to the level of portal hypertension. Neither TSBF nor TSR were found to be correlated to the level of portal hypertension, as estimated by PHG or by oesophageal varices. It is concluded that, in patients with liver cirrhosis and spleen enlargement, splenomegaly is likely to be the consequence of pulp hyperplasia and not of passive congestion, and that increases in splenic blood-flow do not contribute significantly to portal hypertension.

Effect of somatostatin on splanchnic hemodynamics in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension

The effect of somatostatin on splanchnic hemodynamics in patients with liver cirrhosis is not clearly defined, as some authors report a decrease in portal pressure and in liver blood flow during intravenous administration of this hormone, while others do not. In 19 subjects with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension the following parameters were measured before and during intravenous administration of somatostatin (7.5 micrograms/min): porto-hepatic gradient, estimated hepatic blood flow, specific splenic blood flow, cardiac index. Estimated hepatic blood flow decreased significantly during somatostatin infusion (p less than 0.05), averaging a 13% decrease; porto-hepatic gradient, splenic specific blood flow and cardiac index did not vary significantly. These data indicate that somatostatin infused at a dose of 7.5 micrograms/min induces a slight decrease in liver blood flow without affecting portal hypertension.

[Effect of somatostatin on splanchnic hemodynamics in liver cirrhosis]

The effect of somatostatin on splanchnic haemodynamics in patients with liver cirrhosis is not clearly defined, as some Authors reported a decrease in portal pressure and in liver blood flow during i.v. administration of this hormone, while others did not. In 19 subjects with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension the following parameters were measured before and during i.v. infusion of somatostatin (7.5 micrograms/min): porto-hepatic gradient, effective hepatic plasma flow, specific splenic blood flow, cardiac output. Moreover the gastrin-G-17 plasma levels, those of insulin and growth hormone were measured. Effective hepatic plasma flow decreased significantly during somatostatin infusion (P less than 0.05), averaging a 15% decrease. Porto-hepatic gradient, specific splenic blood flow, cardiac output did not vary significantly. Gastrin, insulin and growth hormone plasma levels decreased significantly (P less than 0.02, 0.01, 0.05). These data indicate that somatostatin infused at the dose of 7.5 micrograms/min provokes endocrine effects, but as far as the splanchnic circulation is concerned, it induces a slight decrease in liver blood flow without affecting portal hypertension.

Effects of nadolol treatment on renal and hepatic hemodynamics and function in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension

Twelve cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension and esophageal varices were treated with nadolol for 1 month, and the effects on renal and hepatic hemodynamics and function were studied. A significant decrease in cardiac output, portohepatic gradient, and effective hepatic blood flow was found, whereas mean arterial pressure, liver function, effective renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, and urinary sodium and potassium excretions were not affected. In seven patients esophageal varices were also reduced. A significant correlation was found between the decrease in portohepatic gradient and that in cardiac output. The percentage of cardiac output distributed to the kidneys was significantly increased after nadolol treatment. In conclusion, nadolol seems to have properties useful for the treatment of portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in cirrhosis. Evidence that hepatic uptake of gluconeogenic precursors and of free fatty acids depends on effective hepatic flow

Splanchnic arteriovenous differences for several intermediary metabolites of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were determined simultaneously with hepatic blood flow in seven normal subjects, eight patients with cirrhosis, and six patients with cirrhosis after surgical portosystemic shunt ( SPSS ) after an overnight fast. Arteriovenous differences in the legs were also determined together with flux measurement. The individual turnover rates of acetoacetate (AcAc) and 3 hydroxybutyrate (beta OHB) were also determined by means of isotopic techniques. Splanchnic gluconeogenic precursors and FFA uptakes were lower in cirrhotic patients with SPSS than in normal subjects (P less than 0.05 and P less than 0.01, respectively). Splanchnic triglyceride output was also lower in cirrhotic patients with SPSS than in normal subjects (P less than 0.01), whereas no significant differences were found for AcAc, beta OHB, and glucose release. In the group of cirrhotic patients without SPSS , those patients with negligible signs of portal systemic shunt and normal splanchnic blood flow had uptake of gluconeogenic precursors and of FFA normal or higher than that of normal subjects, whereas those patients with signs of spontaneous portal systemic shunt behaved like cirrhotic patients with SPSS . Alanine release from the leg was lower in both cirrhotic patient groups. Tracer determined hepatic output of AcAc and beta OHB was higher in cirrhotic patients with SPSS (P less than 0.05). Plasma clearance rates of AcAc and beta OHB were significantly elevated in both cirrhotic patient groups. Close agreement was found between tracer and catheterization techniques in the evaluation of ketone body production in cirrhotic patients with SPSS , whereas in cirrhotic patients without SPSS tracer determined hepatic output was slightly lower, possibly because of extrahepatic splanchnic tissue ketone body uptake. In conclusion, our data in patients with cirrhosis indicate that: 1) splanchnic uptake of gluconeogenic precursors and of FFA was related to the degree of portal systemic shunt, e.g. to the degree of effective hepatic blood flow; 2) liver triglyceride but not ketone body output was decreased by the impaired FFA (and glycerol) liver uptake; 3) the higher circulating levels of gluconeogenic precursors (except alanine) and of FFA appeared at least partially due to lower hepatic removal of these metabolites; and 4) peripheral use of ketone bodies was increased and alanine release from the leg reduced in patients with cirrhosis.

[Therapeutic action of Piroxicam administered rectally in rheumatic diseases. Controlled double-blind study]

In a 15 day double-blind clinical trial 39 patients affected with rheumatic disease have been enrolled to evaluate the therapeutic effect of rectal administration of Piroxicam, in comparison with Indomethacin. At the end of the study, 20 patients had been treated with Piroxicam and 19 with Indomethacin. Nine patients in the Indomethacin group and one in the Piroxicam group dropped-out. Both drugs safety resulted good in the patients who completed the study, whereas 5 out of 10 dropped-out patients stopped the trial in consequence of severe side-effects of Indomethacin. Piroxicam induced a very good improvement in 76% of the patients, moderate in 19% and no improvement in 5%; Indomethacin induced a very good improvement in 75% of the patients, moderate in 15% and no improvement in 10%. No significative modifications resulted from the control of the laboratory blood tests. Piroxicam (30 mg/die) showed a therapeutic activity similar to Indomethacin (100 mg/die). The rectal administration of Piroxicam can be then considered a very good alternative to the oral one, particularly in the patients in which oral use of NSAID is counter-indicated.

Pathogenetic relationships between renal tubular acidosis and sodium metabolism alterations in liver cirrhosis

5 cirrhotic patients with latent distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) and 5 cirrhotic patients with normal distal acidification ability were studied. All the patients were maintained on a 80 mEq/day sodium diet for at least 5 days before the study. Only 2 of the 5 patients with RTA showed a reduced daily sodium excretion while the 3 other patients with RTA had a normal natriuresis. Acidification ability was retested in all the patients after increasing sodium distal delivery by intravenous administration of ethacrynic acid. Some hours after the maximal natriuretic effect induced by ethacrynic acid, a normalization of the acidification test was seen in all patients with RTA. These findings support the concept that although sodium metabolism alterations are not the only factor in the pathogenesis of RTA in liver cirrhosis, reduced availability of sodium at the distal tubule may impair tubular acidification, probably by influencing the distal transtubular potential difference.

Renal haemodynamic in essential hypertension assessed by 133-Xenon washout and selective renal angiography

The renal and intrarenal haemodynamic pattern in 17 patients with essential hypertension of different severity and duration was studied by means of the 133-Xenon washout technique and the selective renal angiography. The mean and the cortical renal blood flows were on average significantly decreased as compared to the controls. A good agreement was found between the reduction in renal perfusion and the degree of vascular abnormalities as shown by angiography; on the contrary no correlation was found between the impairment in renal blood flow and the degree and/or duration of hypertension.

Lack of correlation between endotoxaemia and renal hypoperfusion in cirrhotics without overt renal failure

Renal involvement in patients with liver cirrhosis is characterized by renal vasoconstriction, the aetiology of which remains obscure. Endotoxaemia, frequently found in patients with liver cirrhosis and renal failure, has been emphasized as a pathogenic factor. In fifty-seven patients with liver cirrhosis without overt renal failure endotoxin plasma level (Limulus Lysate test), mean renal blood flow (MRBF) (133Xe washout technique), and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) (p-aminohippurate clearance) were determined. MRBF was decreased in nineteen out of twenty-seven patients, averaging 1.88 +/- 0.51 ml g-1 min-1 (in fourteen controls 3.17 +/- 0.51 ml g-1 ml-1). ERPF was decreased in seventeen out of thirty patients, averaging 380 +/- 164 ml/min (in eighteen controls 624 +/- 127 ml/min). Systemic endotoxaemia was found in sixteen out of fifty-seven patients, levels ranging from 0.62 to 200 ng/ml. No significant difference in renal blood flow values was found between patients with and without endotoxaemia (MRBF = 1.78 +/- 0.51 and 1.93 +/- 0.52 ml g-1 min-1 respectively; ERPF = 429 +/- 119 and 365 +/- 175 ml/min respectively). No significant difference in the frequency of endotoxaemia was found between patients with impaired and unimpaired renal blood flow. Moreover no relation was found between endotoxin plasma levels and MRBF and ERPF respectively. In conclusion in patients with cirrhosis without overt renal failure renal vasoconstriction does not seem to be related to endotoxaemia.

Enhanced renal sympathetic tone in liver cirrhosis: evaluation by intrarenal administration of dihydroergocristine

Mean renal blood flow (MRBF), cortical blood flow (CBF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), heart rate, arterial blood pressure, Na+ and K+ excretion were determined before and 10 min after intrarenal administration of dihydroergocristine (0.017 mg/kg b.w.) in 13 patients suffering from liver cirrhosis. Cardiac output was also determined in 6 patients. Baseline values of MRBF and CBF were significantly lower in cirrhotics than in the 14 control subjects. Following intrarenal administration of the drug, renal hemodynamic parameters increased significantly, while GFR decreased. Systemic hemodynamic parameters, diuresis, Na+ and K+ excretions were unchanged. These data show that dihydroergocristine has a renal vasodilator effect, probably mediated by alpha-adrenergic blockade. The effect probably is prevalent at the postglomerular site, where the increase in vascular resistance is greatest. The effect of the drug suggests that patients with liver cirrhosis have enhanced renal sympathetic activity which is, at least in part, responsible for the renal vasoconstriction.

Evaluation of renal tubular damage in liver cirrhosis by urinary enzymes and beta-2-microglobulin excretions

To assess the renal tubular damage in liver cirrhosis the fractional clearances of beta-2-microglobulin (B2m-fr.cl) and malate-dehydrogenase (MDH-fr.cl) were measured respectively in sixty-four and in forty-six out of seventy-nine patients with liver cirrhosis of different aetiology; furthermore the fractional excretions of gammaglutamyl-transpeptidase (fr-GGT) and of alpha-glucosidase (fr-AGL) were determined in fifty-three and in forty of them respectively. In all patients glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) were also measured. Twenty-five subjects were studied as a control group for the enzyme excretions, sixteen for B2m-fr.cl. B2m-fr.cl and MDH-fr.cl--indexes of tubular functions--on the average were normal and only slightly increased respectively in cirrhotics compared to controls. Nevertheless fr-GGT and fr-AGL--indexes of cytolysis of tubular cells--on the average were massively increased in cirrhosis compared to controls, particularly in those with reduced RPF and/or GFR. No clear relationship between the indexes of tubular damage studied and the indexes of liver function was found. Our results show that (1) A renal tubular anatomical damage was found by means of an increase in the release of enzyme from tubular cells in patients with liver cirrhosis, particularly in those with a significant reduction of RPF and/or GFR; even so renal reabsorption of low molecular weight proteins is generally maintained. (2) The tubular damage does not seem to be related to the degree of liver impairment.

Intrarenal blood flow, circulation time, and cortical vascular volume in patients with cirrhosis

The pathogenesis of renal functional impairment in patients with cirrhosis is still poorly understood, although it is probably linked to intrarenal haemodynamic alterations, such as renal cortical vasoconstriction and opening of intrarenal shunts. To elucidate the intrarenal haemodynamic pattern in patients with cirrhosis, in eight patients with this disease mean renal blood flow (MRBF) and cortical blood flow (CBF) were determined by means of the xenon-133 washout technique; in the same subjects mean intrarenal circulation time for plasma (t) and fastest circulation time for plasma(t0) were determined by means of injection of human serum albumin tagged with technetium-99m into the renal artery. Moreover, cortical vascular volume (CVV) was obtained in all subjects by means of the following formula: CVV = CBF x t. Fourteen normal subjects constituted a control group for MRBF, 9 subjects for CBF, and 4 subjects for t, t0, and CVV. In patients with cirrhosis MRBF and CBF were significantly less than in controls; t did not show any significant alterations, whereas t0 was significantly shorter than in controls. CVV was also significantly impaired. It is concluded that renal cortical vasoconstriction is a characteristic of the renal haemodynamic pattern in patients with cirrhosis. It is suggested that the decrease in t0 is due to the opening of intrarenal shunts and that is likely to be the consequence of renal vasoconstriction.

Renal and intrarenal blood flow in patients with cirrhosis before and after portal-systemic shunt

Portal hypertension has been considered a pathogenetic factor in the onset of renal haemodynamic alterations in patients with cirrhosis. This hypothesis is based on experimental evidence, whereas the clinical data are few and contradictory. Mean and cortical renal blood flows were studied in 16 patients with liver cirrhosis before and 20-40 days after a portal-systemic shunt performed by different techniques: nine patients had a non-selective shunt and seven a selective shunt (distal splenorenal according to Warren). Despite a decrease in portal pressure, mean and cortical renal blood flows did not change significantly after surgery, and there was no significant correlation between decrease in portal pressure and modification of renal blood flow. It is concluded that portal hypertension is not a pathogenetic factor in renal hypoperfusion in cirrhosis.