Serum Citrulline and Ornithine: Potential Markers of Coeliac Disease Activity

INTRODUCTION

To date, there is not generally accepted and universal indicator of activity, and functional integrity of the small intestine in patients with coeliac disease. The aim of our study was to investigate whether serum concentrations of the non-essential amino acids citrulline and ornithine might have this function.

METHODS

We examined serum citrulline and ornithine concentrations in a subgroup of patients with proven coeliac disease and healthy controls (blood donors).

RESULTS

A total of 94 patients with coeliac disease (29 men, mean age 53 ± 18 years; 65 women, mean age 44 ± 14 years) and 35 healthy controls (blood donors) in whom coeliac disease was serologically excluded (10 men, mean age 51 ± 14 years; 25 women, mean age 46 ± 12 years) were included in the study. Significantly lower concentrations of serum ornithine were found in patients with coeliac disease (mean 65 ± 3 μmol/L; median 63 μmol/L, IQR 34 μmol/L, p < 0.001). No statistically nor clinically significant differences were found in the citrulline concentrations between the study and control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum ornithine (but not citrulline) may be useful for assessing the functional status of the small intestine in uncomplicated coeliac disease. Further studies involving more detailed analysis of dietary and metabolic changes in patients will be needed to reach definitive conclusions.

News in gastroenterology, hepatology and digestive endoscopy

Gastroenterology, hepatology and digestive endoscopy are rapidly evolving disciplines with significant advances in the diagnostics and treatment in the entire gastrointestinal tract. The aim of our article was to summarize new perspectives on relevant situations in gastroenterology and hepatology like acute pancreatitis, functional dyspepsia, rational indication of proton pump inhibitors, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), cholestatic liver diseases, alcohol induced hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty live disease (NAFLD) and patophysiology of bilirubin and bile acids. Digestive endoscopy represents an interventional part of gastroenterology and key recent topics are mentioned like pancreatic cancer screening, arteficial intelligence, resection of low-risk neoplastic lesions, enteroscopy techniques, cholangio- and pancreatiscopy and extraluminal expansion of endoscopy techniques by means of endoscopic submucosal and transmural dissection, endoscopic myotomy and lumen apposing stents.

Ursodeoxycholic acid use in lactating female patients is associated with clinically negligible concentrations of this bile acid in breast milk

In the literature on the safety of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) during breastfeeding, insufficient data has been reported to date. Thus, the aim of our study was to analyze bile acid (BA) concentrations in breast milk in a cohort of patients, treated with UDCA, and with various cholestatic liver diseases. The study was carried out on a cohort of 20 patients with various cholestatic diseases. All the patients were treated with UDCA (500-1500 mg daily). Concentrations of BA, sampled on day 3 after delivery were analyzed using the GS-MS technique, and then compared to untreated women. Total BA concentrations in the breast milk of the UDCA-treated patients were equal to those of the untreated women controls (3.2 ± 1 vs. 3.2 ± 0.2 µmol/L, respectively). The UDCA concentrations in breast milk remained negligible in UDCA-treated patients (0.69 µmol/L), and in any event did not contribute to the newborn BA pool. No apparent side-effects of the maternal UDCA treatment were observed in any newborn infant, and no deterioration in postnatal development was observed during the routine 1-year follow-ups. Therapeutic administration of UDCA during lactation is safe for breastfed babies since UDCA only gets into breast milk in negligible amounts. UDCA treatment should be allowed and included into the guidelines for the therapy of cholestatic diseases in breastfeeding mothers.

Manganese and copper levels in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis

The liver and the biliary tree form the main excretory route of manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu). Cholestasis, can lead to the accumulation of these trace elements in the organism, resulting in toxicity to the basal ganglia of the central nervous system. The aim of our study was to reveal the influence of long-term cholestasis on the Mn and Cu levels in the blood of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). We recruited patients with PBC (n = 20) and PSC (n = 32). A control group (n = 40) was also set up. We also examined serum bile acid concentrations and liver enzyme activities. We did not observe any significant differences in any of these parameters between the PBC and PSC groups. The Mn and Cu levels in the PBC and PSC patients differed significantly from the that in the control group (p < 0.0001 and p < .021, respectively). Patients in whom the laboratory cholestasis markers normalized during ursodeoxycholic acid treatment (18/52;35%) presented with significantly lower levels of Mn and Cu (p = .015 and p = .012, respectively). Ten PSC patients showed normal levels of Mn and Cu six months after liver transplantation. Fine tremors, rigidity, dysarthria, and hypomimia were reported in nine (23%), eight (20%), four (10%), and eight (20%) patients, respectively. In addition to monitoring the cholestasis levels, liver function, and Mn and Cu levels during the long-term treatment of PBC and PSC patients, it is important to also regularly monitor the occurrence and development of extrapyramidal symptoms of Parkinson's-like syndromes.

Chronic cholestatic liver diseases - Primary biliary cholangitis and Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Cholestasis is defined as hepatocyte and cholangiocyte bile excretion failure or failure of bile transport to the duodenum. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis as chronic progressive cholestatic diseases are the common reasons of chronic cholestasis. Altogether with cholestatic laboratory picture the pruritus, liver osteodystrophy and fatigue are associated symptoms in both diseases. All associated symptoms and complications are needed to be diagnosed and treated early. In case of liver cirrhosis complicatons of accompanied portal hypertension should be treated and liver transplantation must be considered in all those patients. Diagnosis of PBC is based on cholestatic laboratory features, animitochondrial antibody positivity or typical histological patern. Most patients are asymptomatic in time of diagnosis. First line therapy is ursodeoxycholic acid. In case of first line therapy failure, the prognosis is unfavourable. In this case, second line therapy must be considered. In case of PSC the diagnosis is based on MRCP finding mainly, laboratory test and liver biopsy in some cases. Progressive inflamatory and fibrosing impairment affecting intrahepatic and extrahepatict biliary ducts and strong association with inflamatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis is typical for PSC. Endoscopic therapy with dilatation of dominant structure is crucial. The effect of pharmacotherapy is still being discussed and ursodeoxycholic acid could be used. During follow up patients are in the risk of bacterial cholangitis and malignant tumor development (cholangiogenic and colorectal carcinoma mainly). In PSC patients the severe pruritus and reccurent bacterial cholangitis could be an indication for the liver transplantation.

Bleeding in portal hypertension

Liver cirrhosis is the most common reason of clinically significant portal hypertension in the western countries. Portal vein or hepatic veins thrombosis is less common. Variceal bleeding is the most severe life threatening complication of portal hypertension. Appropriate treatment includes initial general management, fluid replacement and hemosubstitution, antibiotic prophylaxis, vasoactive medication and endoscopic treatment. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is standard option in case of first line treatment failure. Dedicated esophageal metal stent or balloon tamponade could be used as a bridge to the TIPS or in case of TIPS contraindication. Non selective beta-blockers and endoscopic therapy are used in primary and secondary prophylaxis.

[Survival of patients after TIPS in the University Hospital Hradec Kralove]

AIM

To analyze survival of patients after TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt).

PATIENT SAMPLE AND METHODOLOGY

Between September 1992 and August 2010, TIPS was created in 848 patients of the University Hospital Hradec Kralove. These patients were divided into groups. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Differences between groups were evaluated using log-rank test.

RESULTS

Ten percent of patients do not survive one month after TIPS, 40% of patients survive 5 years and 20% of patients survive 10 years. There were statistically significant differences between groups divided according to Child-Pugh classification (A vs B p = 0.0053; B vs. C p < 0.0001), indication for surgery [prevention of bleeding recurrence differed from refractory ascites (p = 0.0001) and the indication to stop acute bleeding (p = 0.026)]; aetiology of the liver disease [patients with alcoholic cirrhosis differed from patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (p < 0.0001) and from patients with chronic viral hepatitis (p = 0.024)].

CONCLUSION

Survival of patients after TIPS is influenced by Child-Pugh score, indication and aetiology of the liver disease.

[Diabetes mellitus and the liver cirrhosis]

Patients with liver cirrhosis have increased risk of diabetes mellitus development, especially when the underlying disease is hereditary hemochromatosis, autoimmune hepatitis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or chronic hepatitis C. Patients with associated diabetes according to liver cirrhosis complications have worse prognosis and the therapy is influenced by both diseases. The authors bring short review of particular diseases, diagnosis and treatment strategy.

Hiatal hernia and Barrett's oesophagus impact on symptoms occurrence and complications

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of sliding hiatal hernia over the Barrett's oesophagus, including symptoms rate and complications.

METHODS

A total of 520 (4.6%) cases of Barrett's oesophagus were found out of 18.276 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies, performed in 11.276 patients at a single tertiary centre in a period from 1994 to 2004.

RESULTS

Sliding hiatal hernia was found in 58% of patients with Barrett's oesophagus, more frequently in men (60%). The association between hernia and some complications of Barrett's oesophagus was significant (94% of Barrett's ulcer, 77% of low-grade dysplasia with p < 0.01). However, there was no significant association with adenocarcinoma (54%; p > 0.05). The other complications of Barrett's oesophagus (i.e. bleeding, stenosis, high-grade dysplasia) were identified in small number (less than 10), so they were not evaluated statistically. Association between the presence of hiatal hernia and occurrence of symptoms (reflux symptoms, dysphagia, odynophagia, dyspeptic and other symptoms) was significant with p < 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that sliding hiatal hernia may play a significant role as a pathophysiologic factor in Barrett's oesophagus. Complications rate of Barrett's oesophagus were not equally frequent in particular cases with hiatal hernia. The occurrence of symptoms is getting more pronounced in those with sliding hiatal hernia.

[The impact of secondary insertion of ePTFE-coated stent on sustainable TIPS patency]

OBJECTIVE

Retrospective evaluation of the effect of secondary insertion of ePTFE-coated stent in the treatment of TIPS dysfunction versus other current options (simple angioplasty, insertion of additional non-coated stent). PATIENT SET AND METHODOLOGY: From the beginning of 2000 to the end of 2004, there were 121 interventions for TIPS dysfunction performed in our centre in which a non-coated stent was used to make up the shunt at the time of intervention. Depending on the type of intervention, the patient set was divided in 4 groups: simple angioplasty (52 cases, 43%), insertion of non-coated stent (35 cases, 28.9%), insertion of non-dedicated ePTFE-coated stent (15 cases, 12.4%), and insertion of dedicated ePTFE-coated stent (19 cases, 15.7%). All patients were monitored on a regular basis after the intervention for shunt patency with the use of clinical examination and Doppler ultrasonography, or also portal venography. Primary shunt patency after the intervention was evaluated in all four groups by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The primary shunt patency results after the intervention were compared with the use Cox F text and logrank test.

RESULTS

The intervention was successful in 120 cases (the overall technical success rate of all interventions was 99.2%). The primary shunt patency was 49.7 % after 12 months and 25.3 % after 24 months following sole angioplasty intervention; 74.9% after 12 and 64.9% after 24 months following intervention involving the insertion of non-coated stent; 75.2 % after 12 months and 64.5% after 24 months following intervention involving the insertion of non-dedicated ePTFE-coated stent, and 88.1% after 12 months and 80.8% after 24 months following intervention involving the insertion of a dedicated ePTFE-coated stent. A statistically significant improvement in shunt patency was obtained in the group of interventions involving the insertion of dedicated ePTFE-coated stent and in the group of interventions involving the insertion of non-coated stent as compared with the group of interventions involving sole angioplasty (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

From among all the currently used methods of therapeutic intervention for TIPS dysfunction, the best, the best subsequent TIPS patency was obtained after intervention involving insertion of dedicated ePTFE-coated stent.

[Dysfunction of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and applicable solutions]

A synoptic article providing a comprehensive view of TIPS dysfunction. The article covers current terminology, definition, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics, therapy and prevention of TIPS dysfunction.

[MELD score in prediction of early mortality in patients suffering refractory ascites treated by TIPS]

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) is now well established in the treatment of complications of symptomatic portal hypertension such as acute or recurrent variceal bleeding, refractory ascites and Budd-Chiari syndrome. In some patients with refractory ascites who belong to group C according to Child-Pugh classification (score around 12), the indication of the procedure could be very questionable and early mortality is quite high. However, in some cases, the subgroup of such risky patients can profit from TIPS. Child-Pugh classification is used for the stratification of the patients routinely. During the last decade other scoring systems occured to bring a better prognostic value. MELD (Model for End stage Liver Disease) score, based only on laboratory values is one of them. Comparison of these two scoring systems in patients treated by TIPS in previous trials brought certain discrepancy, but MELD score seems to be better in predicting early mortality. The aim of our study was to determine retrospectively the predictive accuracy of MELD score for the early mortality in comparison to Child-Pugh score in patients treated for refractory ascites by TIPS.

METHODS

We evaluated 110 patients (mean age 55 years) with liver cirrhosis (61% of patients with alcoholic etiology), who underwent TIPS for refractory ascites in our center from September 1992 to December 2003. MELD and Child-Pugh score was calculated and then compared between groups with early (one month), three month and one year mortality, and those who survived over this period (one, three and twelve months), comparing MELD and Child-Pugh score (ROC analysis and Student's T test were used).

RESULTS

Mean follow up was 23 months. Average MELD score in the whole group was (16). In patients, who died within one month the score before TIPS was 21, three months 20 and 18 one year. Comparing MELD score between subgroups and then Child-Pugh score, only for MELD score there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in one month. Using ROC (AUC) analysis, discriminant power of MELD score was superior to Child-Pugh score for one (0.73 vs 0.63) and three month (0.73 vs 0.67) mortality. The discriminant power for one year mortality was low in both scores.

CONCLUSION

MELD scoring system is a better tool to predict the risk of early mortality in patients with refractory ascites treated by TIPS than Child-Pugh classification. The discriminant power was low in both scores in one year horizon.

[Budd-Chiari syndrome and TIPS--twelve years' experience]

BACKGROUND

Massive thrombosis of hepatic veins is clinically the most serious type of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). Ischemic impairment is the basic problem in case of acute or fulminate course of BCS. Restitution of blood drainage within the liver is a key therapeutic approach in such situation. In chronic course of the disease, symptoms of portal hypertension as ascites, G1 bleeding or hepatorenal syndrome are more common. The portosystemic shunt leads both to blood outflow restitution and to the decrease of portal hypertension. TIPS is a promising method due to minimal perioperative risk for the patient in critical situation and also due to its easiness of use. The aim of our study was to determine the clinical outcome in patients with BCS treated by TIPS in a retrospective analysis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

During 12 years 23 patients with intraparenchymal thrombotic occlusion of hepatic veins were treated using TIPS, 17% were children, only 4 patients (17%) were men, the median age was 33.3 years (range 13 to 75 years). One third of the procedures was performed as urgent. In 2/3 of patients thrombosis developed in relation to myeloproliferative syndrome, in nearly 1/3 the origin of thrombosis was not detected. In 2 patients a defect of coagulation was revealed. In the first 11 patients the bare stent was used, the consecutive 12 patients received the ePTFE covered stent (stentgraft). Six patients died during follow-up: I due to fulminate liver failure, 2 due to liver failure caused by acute shunt occlusion, 1 due to the progression of the underlying hematooncological disease; the reason of death in 2 patients was not known. One patient was treated by OLTx during follow-up. The 17 surviving patients are in good condition with good shunt function although they need anticoagulant therapy and intermittent reinterventions. The average period between revisions was 2-3 years, 2 patients had no revision of TIPS for 4 years. The use of ePTFE covered stents had no effect on the number of early occlusions (approx. 18%), the occurrence of late stenoses and occlusions was substantially decreased (p=0.04, log-rank test).

CONCLUSIONS

Standing on this experience we consider TIPS, in accordance with literature data, an advantageous therapeutic approach in Budd-Chiari syndrome caused by massive liver vein thrombosis. If the follow up treatment is rigorous, the TIPS usually ensures the necessary perfusion and the function of the liver So it may spare the patients of objectionable liver transplantation.

[Effect of transjugular portosystemic shunt on insulin resistance]

Patients with cirrhosis of the liver suffer from hyperinsulinaemia and a certain degree of insulin resistance. More frequently than in the rest of the population they have diabetes. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) as a therapeutic method in complications of portal hypertension lead to rapid haemodynamic changes in the liver. The objective of the submitted work was to assess whether TIPS has an impact on insulinaemia and whether it influences insulin resistance in patients with cirrhosis of the liver.

GROUP AND METHODS

The authors evaluated a group of 22 patients with cirrhosis of the liver (10 diabetics and 12 subjects without diabetes) indicated for TIPS. They investigated the insulin and C-peptide concentration in blood obtained by catheterization from the hepatic and portal vein before and after TIPS and in the peripheral blood before TIPS, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week and 1 month after TIPS. The insulin resistance was examined by the method of the hyperinsulin euglycaemic clamp (HEC) before TIPS, 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after TIPS. The levels of C-peptide and insulin were assessed by the IRMA method. The blood sugar level in HEC was measured by means of a Hemocue apparatus. The results were evaluated by the non-parametric Wilcoxon test for two dependent samples.

RESULTS

Both groups (diabetics and non-diabetics) were comparable as to age, sex, etiology of liver cirrhosis and indication for TIPS. After introduction of TIPS a change of insulin clearance occurred (p = 0.01) and a change of the insulin level in the hepatic vein immediately after TIPS (p = 0.02). Insulin clearance before TIPS was 37-90% (median 54%) and after TIPS it declined to 0-79% (median 38%) (p = 0.01). Already 1 hour after the operation the authors observed a rise of the insulin level in peripheral blood as compared with baseline values (p = 0.002). Statistically significant hyperinsulinaemia persisted one month after TIPS (p = 0.005). Values of C-peptide did not change significantly in time, neither in the hepatic vein nor in the peripheral blood. On examination of IR no statistically significant changes occurred after TIPS. On evaluation of different groups of diabetics and non-diabetics the IR was more marked in patients with DM (mean M = 1.7 mg/kg/min.) than in patients without DM (3.7 mg/kg/min.) (p = 0.03). The authors did not record significant changes of IR in time in different groups. Compensation of DM was not influenced by TIPS. The fasting blood sugar levels before TIPS and 1 month after TIPS were comparable.

CONCLUSION

After TIPS a rise of the insulin level in peripheral blood occurred due to the reduced insulin clearance in the liver. Despite hyperinsulinaemia which persisted for one month after the operation, the insulin resistance did not deteriorate. Compensation of diabetes was not affected by TIPS.

[Principles of conservative treatment of severe acute pancreatitis]

The main principles of conservative treatment of severe acute pancreatitis include early diagnosis of the disease, diagnosis of its severe form and assessment of the etiology of pancreatitis, replacement of fluids, adjustment of the milieu intérieur, administration of antibiotics in patients with confirmed necroses, in particular if they exceed 25 - 30%, early endoscpic treatment of pancreatitis with a biliary etiology, adequate nutrition, prevention and treatment of complications. The diagnosis of pancreatitis is based on clinical examination, biochemical evidence of elevated amylase and lipase concentrations and on the imaging of the pancreas. In the severe form necroses of the pancreas are present or other local complications and/or organ dysfunction. As regards assessment of the etiology rapid diagnosis of biliary pancreatitis is fundamental as it leads to therapeutic consequences. Fluid replacement should not be discontinued even during transport and diagnostic procedures. Infection remains the main cause of mortality in patients who got over the hypovolaemic stage of pancreatitis. Antibiotics are therefore indicated in all patients with necroses or biliary infection. Systemic complications include renal failure, pulmonary failure, coagulopathy, cardiac and hepatic failure--frequently manifested as combined multiple organ dysfunction. Local complications such as pseudocysts, abscesses, compression conditioned stenoses of the bile ducts or haemorrhage from impaired visceral arteries are treated as a rule in an interdisciplinary manner with preference of less invasive procedures. Clinical deterioration of patients in particular the development of multiple organ failure in patients with extensive infiltrates and necroses is caused in the great majority of cases by infection of necroses and is an indication for early, usually surgical intervention.

[Rifaximin in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy]

Hepatic encephalopathy is a frequent and serious complication of liver cirrhosis. Usually it is treated by non-absorbable disaccharides or antibiotics and its treatment is often difficult and associated with undesirable effects. The objective of our investigation was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new antibiotic used in this indication--rifaximine. With rifaximine, 400 mg three times per day, a total of 25 patients were treated for a 10-day period. Significant improvement of the manifestations of encephalopathy occurred (evaluated by the grade of encephalopathy, test of combining numerals, the degree of flapping tremor and the arterial ammonia level). None of the patients developed undesirable effects. Rifaximine seems an effective, safe drug for hepatic encephalopathy.

[Hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS--retrospective study]

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is the main neuropsychiatric complication in cirrhosis of the liver. It develops slowly, begins by alteration of sleep and proceeds via flapping tremor to sopor, coma. Among known factors which promote its development are age, high dietary protein intake, haemorrhage into the GIT and the use of sedatives. Transjugular portosystemic anastomosis (TIPS) as a therapeutic method in complications of portal hypertension is associated with a higher incidence of HE. The objective of the work was to assess by retrospective investigations of patients with cirrhosis of the liver after TIPS the incidence of clinically significant HE and identify risk factors for the development of HE.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The group comprised 256 patients with cirrhosis of the liver after TIPS. This number included 59 diabetic and 197 non-diabetic patients, 7 patients suffered from chronic renal insufficiency and were in a regular dialyzation programme. The presence of HE was evaluated clinically.

RESULTS

HE was found in 51% patients above 60 years of age, vs. 27% in younger patients (p = 0.002). The authors did not observe a difference in the incidence of HE in relation to sex, stage of cirrhosis, diameter of the stent nor the drop of the portosystemic gradient. In diabetic patients HE developed in 45.8% (27 of 59), as compared with 30% (59 of 197) in non-diabetic patients (p = 0.02). Multivariance analysis revealed however that the group of diabetic patients had a higher average age and thus the incidence of HE was statistically significantly conditioned by age and not by the presence of diabetes.

CONCLUSION

The risk group for HE in our patients were those above 60 years of age and patients with another than ethylic etiology of liver cirrhosis. There was no direct relationship between the development of HE and other investigated parameters. Although there was no difference in the incidence of HE in relation to the diameter of the inserted stent or portosystemic gradient and its reduction, in case of unsuccessful conservative treatment with lactulose and diet, HE can be resolved by narrowing of the shunt by insertion of a reducing stent.

[Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in the Czech Republic]

The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and more detailed data pertaining to the incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in the Czech Republic. The authors examined 99 patients with cirrhosis of the liver and ascites. SBP was diagnosed in a high percentage--35 patients, i.e. 35.4%. It was found more frequently in patients with an alcoholic etiology of cirrhosis who had a history of subfebrile and febrile temperatures and increasing trend of ascites. For the diagnosis the increase of leucocytes in serum and C reactive protein levels may prove useful. Lower values of total protein and albumin in ascites predispose to the development of this infection. Reduction of the number of thrombocytes in the group of patients with SBP indicates the influence of portal hypertension in the etiology of this disease.