Acute suppurative terminal cholangitis: Clinical characteristics of a new subtype of acute cholangitis

BACKGROUND

Acute suppurative terminal cholangitis (ASTC) is rarer than acute obstructive cholangitis and is not well studied. To explore this subtype of acute cholangitis, we described our clinical experience with ASTC.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients with ASTC admitted to our center from September 2014 to August 2020. We analyzed their clinical characteristics, including etiology, clinical manifestations, imaging features, treatment and prognosis.

RESULTS

A total of 32 ASTC patients were included in the analysis. The majority of the patients had a history of biliary operations, and clinical manifestations were occult and atypical. The positive rate of bacterial culture was 46.9%. All the patients had typical imaging features on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment with effective antibiotics was provided as soon as diagnosis was established. After treatment, most patients had a good outcome. Elevated levels of total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, procalcitonin and gamma-glutamyltransferase were the characteristics of critically ill patients and were associated with relatively poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that ASTC should be recognized as a new subtype of acute cholangitis, and that earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatments are needed.

Hepatolithiasis: Epidemiology, presentation, classification and management of a complex disease

The term hepatolithiasis describes the presence of biliary stones within the intrahepatic bile ducts, above the hilar confluence of the hepatic ducts. The disease is more prevalent in Asia, mainly owing to socioeconomic and dietary factors, as well as the prevalence of biliary parasites. In the last century, owing to migration, its global incidence has increased. The main pathophysiological mechanisms involve cholangitis, bile infection and biliary strictures, creating a self-sustaining cycle that perpetuates the disease, frequently characterised by recurrent episodes of bacterial infection referred to as syndrome of "recurrent pyogenic cholangitis". Furthermore, long-standing hepatolithiasis is a known risk factor for development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Various classifications have aimed at providing useful insight of clinically relevant aspects and guidance for treatment. The management of symptomatic patients and those with complications can be complex, and relies upon a multidisciplinary team of hepatologists, endoscopists, interventional radiologists and hepatobiliary surgeons, with the main goal being to offer relief from the clinical presentations and prevent the development of more serious complications. This comprehensive review provides insight on various aspects of hepatolithiasis, with a focus on epidemiology, new evidence on pathophysiology, most important clinical aspects, different classification systems and contemporary management.

Targeting pathogenic CD8+ tissue-resident T cells with chimeric antigen receptor therapy in murine autoimmune cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a cholestatic autoimmune liver disease characterized by autoreactive T cell response against intrahepatic small bile ducts. Here, we use Il12b-/-Il2ra-/- mice (DKO mice) as a model of autoimmune cholangitis and demonstrate that Cd8a knockout or treatment with an anti-CD8α antibody prevents/reduces biliary immunopathology. Using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, we identified CD8+ tissue-resident memory T (Trm) cells in the livers of DKO mice, which highly express activation- and cytotoxicity-associated markers and induce apoptosis of bile duct epithelial cells. Liver CD8+ Trm cells also upregulate the expression of several immune checkpoint molecules, including PD-1. We describe the development of a chimeric antigen receptor to target PD-1-expressing CD8+ Trm cells. Treatment of DKO mice with PD-1-targeting CAR-T cells selectively depleted liver CD8+ Trm cells and alleviated autoimmune cholangitis. Our work highlights the pathogenic role of CD8+ Trm cells and the potential therapeutic usage of PD-1-targeting CAR-T cells.

Immune-mediated cholangiopathies in children: the need to better understand the pathophysiology for finding the future possible treatment targets

Cholangiopathies are defined as focal or extensive damage of the bile ducts. According to the pathogenetic mechanism, it may be immune-mediated or due to genetic, infectious, toxic, vascular, and obstructive causes. Their chronic evolution is characterized by inflammation, obstruction of bile flow, cholangiocyte proliferation, and progression toward fibrosis and cirrhosis. Immune-mediated cholangiopathies comprise primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), autoimmune cholangitis and IgG4-associated cholangitis in adults and biliary atresia (BA), neonatal sclerosing cholangitis (NSC) in children. The main purpose of this narrative review was to highlight the similarities and differences among immune-mediated cholangiopathies, especially those frequent in children in which cholangiocyte senescence plays a key role (BA, NSC, and PSC). These three entities have many similarities in terms of clinical and histopathological manifestations, and the distinction between them can be hard to achieve. In BA, bile duct destruction occurs due to aggression of the biliary cells due to viral infections or toxins during the intrauterine period or immediately after birth. The consequence is the activation of the immune system leading to severe inflammation and fibrosis of the extrahepatic biliary tract, lumen stenosis, and impairment of the biliary flow. PSC is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts, leading to secondary biliary cirrhosis. It is a multifactorial disease that occurs because of genetic predisposition [human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and non-HLA haplotypes], autoimmunity (cellular immune response, autoantibodies, association with inflammatory bowel disease), environmental factors (infections or toxic bile), and host factors (intestinal microbiota). NSC seems to be a distinct subgroup of childhood PSC that appears due to the interaction between genetic predisposition (HLA B8 and DR3) and the disruption of the immune system, validated by elevated IgG levels or specific antibodies [antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA)]. Currently, the exact mechanism of immune cholangiopathy is not fully understood, and further data are required to identify individuals at high risk of developing these conditions. A better understanding of the immune mechanisms and pathophysiology of BA, NSC, and PSC will open new perspectives for future treatments and better methods of preventing severe evolution.

The association between sonographic common bile duct dilatation and outcomes in emergency department patients with cholangitis

BACKGROUND

The presentation of the patient with acute cholangitis (AC) ranges from mild illness to life-threatening shock. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical. Abdominal ultrasound (US) is the imaging of choice to locate bile duct dilatation. Other modalities include abdominal computed tomography (CT) or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether sonographic common bile duct dilatation in emergency department (ED) patients with AC predicts outcomes including sepsis, hospital length of stay (LOS), admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), time to ERCP, and mortality.

METHODS

Electronic medical records of all patients hospitalized in a tertiary care medical center between July 2012-February 2021 with a discharge diagnosis of cholangitis were assessed. Patients were dichotomously classified as CBD dilated or CBD non-dilated based on ultrasound. Dilation was defined as CBD larger than 6 mm in patients younger than 60 or larger than 6 mm + 1 mm per decade in patients over 60.

RESULTS

The study included 271 patients- 172 with CBD dilation versus 99 without. Mean LOS was 9.92 days for those with a dilated CBD versus 13.4 days without. The mean time to ERCP was 4.26 days for those with a dilated CBD versus 6.56 days without. Sepsis, mortality, and ICU admission were scarce and there was no statistically significant difference between the cohorts.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a dilated CBD per the abdominal US performed during the patient's ED stay, underwent ERCP earlier, and were hospitalized fewer days than patients without CBD dilation.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities Among Patients Hospitalized for Acute Cholangitis in the United States

GOALS

We sought to determine whether race/ethnicity is associated with hospitalization outcomes among patients admitted with acute cholangitis.

BACKGROUND

Few studies have evaluated the association between race and outcomes in patients with acute cholangitis.

STUDY

We analyzed United States hospitalizations from 2009 to 2018 using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). We included patients 18 years old or above admitted with an ICD9/10 diagnosis of cholangitis. Race/ethnicity was categorized as White, Black, Hispanic, or Other. We used multivariable regression to determine the association between race/ethnicity and in-hospital outcomes of interest, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), early ERCP (<48 h from admission), length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Of 116,889 hospitalizations for acute cholangitis, 70% identified as White, 10% identified as Black, 11% identified as Hispanic, and 9% identified as Other. The proportion of non-White patients increased over time. On multivariate analysis controlling for clinical and sociodemographic variables, compared with White patients, Black patients had higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-1.6, P <0.001). Black patients were also less likely to undergo ERCP, more likely to undergo delayed ERCP, and had longer LOS ( P <0.001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

In this contemporary cohort of hospitalized patients with cholangitis, Black race was independently associated with fewer and delayed ERCP procedures, longer LOS, and higher mortality rates. Future studies with more granular social determinants of health data should further explore the underlying reasons for these disparities to develop interventions aimed at reducing racial disparities in outcomes among patients with acute cholangitis.

Optimal timing of biliary drainage based on the severity of acute cholangitis: A single-center retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Biliary decompression is well known to greatly decrease the risks of mortality in acute cholangitis (AC). Although early biliary drainage is recommended by the treatment guidelines for AC, the best time for performing this procedure is yet to be established. Furthermore, since the clinical outcomes of patients with severe AC vary dramatically, screening for patients that could benefit the most from early drainage would be more beneficial than the drainage performed based on the severity grade criteria.

AIM

To investigate the optimal drainage timing for AC patients with each disease severity grade and organ dysfunction.

METHODS

In this retrospective monocenter cohort analysis, we reviewed 1305 patients who were diagnosed with AC according to the Tokyo guidelines 2018 at a Chinese tertiary hospital between July 2016 and December 2020. Demographic characteristics including age and sex, clinical and laboratory characteristics, and imaging findings of each patient were obtained from electronic medical records. We investigated the all-cause in-hospital mortality (IHM), hospital length of stay (LOS), and hospitalization costs associated with the timing of biliary drainage according to the severity grading and different dysfunctioning organs and predictors [age, white blood cell (WBC) count, total bilirubin, albumin, lactate, malignant obstruction, and Charlton comorbidity index (CCI)].

RESULTS

Biliary drainage within 24 or 48 h in Grade III AC patients could dramatically decrease IHM (3.9% vs 9.0%, P = 0.041; 4% vs 9.9%, P = 0.018, respectively), while increasing LOS and hospitalization costs. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that neurological, respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular dysfunctions, hypoalbuminemia, and malignant obstruction were significantly associated with IHM (odds ratio = 5.32, 2.541, 6.356, 4.021, 5.655, and 7.522; P < 0.001, P = 0.016, P < 0.001, P = 0.012, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001; respectively). Biliary decompression performed within 12 h of admission significantly decreased the IHM in AC patients with neurological dysfunction (0% vs 17.3%, P = 0.041) or with serum lactate > 2 mmol/L (0% vs 5.4%, P = 0.016). In the subgroup of AC patients with renal dysfunction, abnormal WBC count, hyperbilirubinemia, or hypoalbuminemia, early drainage (< 24 h) reduced the IHM (3.6% vs 33.3%, P = 0.004; 1.9% vs 5.8%, P = 0.031; 1.7% vs 5.0%, P = 0.019; 0% vs 27%, P = 0.026; respectively). The IHM was lower in patients with AC combined with hepatic dysfunction, malignant obstruction, or a CCI > 3 who had undergone biliary drainage within 48 h (2.6% vs 20.5%, P = 0.016; 3.0% vs 13.5%, P = 0.006; 3.4% vs 9.6%, P = 0.021; respectively).

CONCLUSION

Biliary drainage within 12 h is beneficial for AC patients with neurological or cardiovascular dysfunction, while complete biliary decompression within 24 h of admission is recommended for treating patients with Grade III AC.

Rare cause of obstructive haemobilia with recurrent biliopancreatic complications: a paradigmatic case

Haemobilia is an unusual but significant cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Two-thirds of haemobilia cases are secondary to invasive hepato-biliopancreatic procedures. Biliary angiodysplasia is exceptionally unusual, with only three cases reported. Herein, we report the case of an autonomous 80-year-old woman with a history of cholecystectomy 5 years ago and cardiovascular disease-hypertension, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, stroke and non-valvular atrial fibrillation, anticoagulated with apixaban 2.5 mg two times per day. Since July 2019, she had four episodes of acute cholangitis of mild-to-moderate severity, having undergone broad spectrum antibiotics treatment and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), with sphincterotomy and bile sludge extraction. After 3 months, the patient presented with a new episode of acute cholangitis, this time with haemobilia (Quincke's triad). An abdominal CT angiography showed no evidence of active bleeding, with plastic biliary prosthesis left by ERCP. The patient continued presenting new episodes of acute cholangitis with haemobilia, some of them with associated pancreatitis. A cholangioscopy with Spyglass DS II was performed, showing an angiodysplasia occupying half of the luminal circumference of the middle choledoccus, without active haemorrhage. After a multidisciplinary meeting and given the high haemorrhagic/thrombotic risk (CHA2DS2-VASc 8), closure of the left atrial appendage was considered. However, relapse of the condition after beginning the antiaggregation protocol for cardiovascular intervention made it unfeasible. Another cholangioscopy with an ultra-thin endoscope for argon-plasma coagulation was attempted, without success. The abdominal CT angiography was repeated, this time with identification of dilated ramifications of the gastroduodenal and inferior pancreatic arteries. After embolisation of these aberrant vessels with microcoils, the patient went well, with no recurrence of bleeding or biliopancreatic complications. We present a case of obstructive haemobilia with multiple biliopancreatic complications, secondary to an extremely rare cause-choledochal angiodysplasia. Cholangioscopy had a decisive role in the diagnosis and therapeutic guidance. The diagnostic/therapeutic challenge associated with haemobilia stands out, with the need for a personalised and multidisciplinary approach.

[Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of primary biliary cholangitis (2021)]

In 2015, the Chinese Society of Hepatology and Chinese Society of Gastroenterology issued the consensus on the diagnosis and management of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). In the past years, more clinical studies have been reported in the field of PBC. To provide guidance to the clinical diagnosis and management of patients with PBC, the Chinese Society of Hepatology invited a panel of experts assessed the new clinical evidence and formulated the current guidelines which comprises 26 clincal recommendations.

Antibiotic Therapy of 3 Days May Be Sufficient After Biliary Drainage for Acute Cholangitis: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The optimal antibiotic therapy duration for cholangitis is unclear. Guideline recommendations vary between 4 and 14 days after biliary drainage. Clinical observations and some evidence however suggest that shorter antibiotic therapy may be sufficient.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness and safety of short-course therapy of ≤ 3 days with long-course therapy of ≥ 4 days after biliary drainage in cholangitis patients.

METHODS

We searched the databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and trial registers for literature up to August 5, 2020. RCTs and observational studies including case series reporting on antibiotic therapy duration for acute cholangitis were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently evaluated study eligibility, extracted data, assessed risk of bias and quality of evidence. A meta-analysis was planned if the included studies were comparable with regard to important study characteristics. Primary outcomes included recurrent cholangitis, subsequent other infection, and mortality.

RESULTS

We included eight studies with 938 cholangitis patients. Four observational studies enrolled patients treated for ≤ 3 days. Recurrent cholangitis occurred in 0-26.8% of patients treated with short-course therapy, which did not differ from long-course therapy (range 0-21.1%). Subsequent other infection and mortality rates were also comparable. Quality of available evidence was very low.

CONCLUSION

There is no high-quality evidence available to draw a strong conclusion, but heterogeneous observational studies suggest that antibiotic therapy of ≤ 3 days is sufficient in cholangitis patients with common bile duct stones.

Percutaneous transhepatic drainage is safe and effective in biliary obstruction-A single-center experience of 599 patients

BACKGROUND

Historically, surgical bilioenteric bypass was the only treatment option for extrahepatic bile duct obstruction, but with technological advancements, percutaneous transhepatic drainage (PTD) and endoscopic solutions were introduced as a less invasive alternative. Endoscopic methods may lead to a decreasing indication of PTD in the future, but today it is still the standard treatment method, especially in hilar obstructions.

METHODS

In our retrospective data analysis, we assessed technical success rate, reintervention rate, morbidity, mortality, and the learning curve of patients treated with PTD over 12 years in a tertiary referral center.

RESULTS

599 patients were treated with 615 percutaneous interventions. 94.5% (566/599) technical success rate; 2.7% (16/599) reintervention rate were achieved. 111 minor and 22 major complications occurred including 1 case of death. In perihilar obstruction, cholangitis were significantly more frequent in cases where endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography had also been performed prior to PTD compared to PTD alone, with 39 (18.2%) and 15 (10.5%) occurrences, respectively.

DISCUSSION

The results and especially the excellent success rates demonstrate that PTD is safe and effective, and it is appropriate for first choice in the treatment algorithm of perihilar stenosis. Ultimately, we concluded that PTD should be performed in experienced centers to achieve low mortality, morbidity, and high success rates.

ASGE guideline on the management of cholangitis

Cholangitis is a GI emergency requiring prompt recognition and treatment. The purpose of this document from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy's (ASGE) Standards of Practice Committee is to provide an evidence-based approach for management of cholangitis. This document addresses the modality of drainage (endoscopic vs percutaneous), timing of intervention (<48 hours vs >48 hours), and extent of initial intervention (comprehensive therapy vs decompression alone). Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology was used to formulate recommendations on these topics. The ASGE suggests endoscopic rather than percutaneous drainage and biliary decompression within 48 hours. Additionally, the panel suggests that sphincterotomy and stone removal be combined with drainage rather than decompression alone, unless patients are too unstable to tolerate more extensive endoscopic treatment.

Microbiology and risk factors for gram-positive Cocci bacteremia in biliary infections

BACKGROUND

The rapid antibiotics treatment targeted to a specific pathogen can improve clinical outcomes of septicemia. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of biliary septicemia caused by cholangitis or cholecystitis according to causative organisms.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study in 151 patients diagnosed with cholangitis or cholecystitis with bacterial septicemia from January 2013 to December 2015. All patients showed clinical evidence of biliary tract infection and had blood isolates that demonstrated septicemia.

RESULTS

Gram-negative, gram-positive, and both types of bacteria caused 84.1% (127/151), 13.2% (20/151), and 2.6% (4/151) episodes of septicemia, respectively. The most common infecting organisms were Escherichia coli among gram-negative bacteria and Enterococcus species (Enterococcus casseliflavus and Enterococcus faecalis) among gram-positive bacteria. There were no differences in mortality, re-admission rate, and need for emergency decompression procedures between the gram-positive and gram-negative septicemia groups. In univariate analysis, previous gastrectomy history was associated with gram-positive bacteremia. Multivariate analysis also showed that previous gastrectomy history was strongly associated with gram-positive septicemia (Odds ratio = 5.47, 95% CI: 1.19-25.23; P = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

Previous gastrectomy history was related to biliary septicemia induced by gram-positive organisms. This information would aid the choice of empirical antibiotics.

The proposed algorithm for emergency endoscopy during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak

Following the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak in China, more than 10,765 patients tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 from February 18, 2020 to April 30, 2020 in South Korea. Performing emergency endoscopy is extremely challenging from the clinicians' viewpoint during the viral outbreak. There are no available guidelines for emergency endoscopy in tertiary hospitals during this pandemic. We set up an algorithm as a guide for emergency endoscopy in patients presenting to the emergency room with bleeding, foreign body, or impending cholangitis. From February 18, 2020 to April 30, 2020 of outbreak, 130 patients underwent emergency endoscopy in our center. Owing to the simple and streamlined algorithm for performing emergency endoscopy, no endoscopy-related infection to other patients or medical workers was reported in our center.

Percutaneous transhepatic endoscopic lithotripsy of biliary stones with holmium laser for the treatment of recurrent cholangitis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous transhepatic endoscopic holmium laser biliary lithotripsy (PTBL) to treat recurrent cholangitis due to intra/extrahepatic stones, in patients not candidate for traditional endoscopic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 28 patients (M:F = 19:9, mean age = 65 years, SD = 14) undergoing 43 PTBL for stone-related recurrent cholangitis from January 1, 2012 to January 31, 2019 in a single academic center. Data collected included demographics, location and number of stones, clinical success after one (primary) or more than one (secondary) PTBL, procedure time, duration of hospital stay, number of retreatments and post-procedural complications. Clinical success was defined as the resolution of cholangitis at 30-day follow-up.

RESULTS

PTBL were successful for 23/28 (82%) patients, 16 (57%) with one and 7 (88%) with repeat procedures. The remaining 5 (18%) patients were finally treated with surgery (3, 11%) or further antibiotics (2, 7%). PTBL were performed to treat intrahepatic stones (22 treatments, 51%), extrahepatic (14, 33%), and both intra/extrahepatic (7, 16%). One to three stones were found in 12/43 (28%) PTBL, more than three in 31/43 (72%). Single PTBL was performed in 20/28 (71%) patients, two in 3/28 (11%), three in 3/28 (11%), and four in 2/28 (7%). Median procedure duration was 115 (29-210, 95% CI 101-129) minutes; median hospital stay was 5.5 (2-42) days. The only major complication was the breakage of a guidewire tip, surgically retrieved; minor complications included one aspiration pneumonia and three instances of intrahepatic hemorrhage, treated conservatively.

CONCLUSIONS

PTBL was clinically successful in the 82% of patients not candidate for endoscopic treatment, with a low complication rate.

Fluctuations of antimitochondrial antibodies and anti-gp210 antibody in a patient with primary biliary cholangitis and Sjögren syndrome with subsequent autoimmune hemolytic anemia: A case report

RATIONALE

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare autoimmune cholestatic liver disease. It is often associated with extrahepatic autoimmune disorders. However, the concurrence of PBC and Sjögren syndrome (SS) with the subsequent onset of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is extremely rare.

PATIENT CONCERNS

This study investigated a 60-year-old woman admitted to our hospital with complaints of xerostomia for 5 years, pruritus for 3 years, and abnormal liver function for 3 months.

DIAGNOSES

The patient was suffering from typical clinical PBC and SS, and developed decompensated liver cirrhosis after 32 months of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy. In May 2018, she was readmitted to the hospital with a high fever of 39 °C, coughing, and sever fatigue without remission after 3 days of cephalosporin antibiotic therapy. During the clinical course of PBC, her antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) titers fluctuated from 1:1000 to negative and then to weakly positive, determined by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), immunoblotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on recombinant mitochondrial antigens; furthermore, her titers of anti-gp210, an antinuclear antibody (ANA), increased sharply. Laboratory tests and imaging were performed to diagnose PBC and SS in September 2015. However, she was subsequently diagnosed with AIHA after 32 months of UDCA therapy based on the identification of pancytopenia, increased reticulocyte (RET) count, and a positive result from the direct Coombs test.

INTERVENTIONS

UDCA, hepatic protectant, albumin infusion, chest drainage, rational antibiotic use, diuretics, and methylprednisolone were used to treat the patient.

OUTCOMES

Liver cirrhosis was complicated by the development of AIHA, which became severe at 42 months of follow-up.

LESSONS

This is the first case report showing a patient with comorbid PBC and SS, as well as the sequential development of AIHA with decreased AMA and increased anti-gp210 titers; this may have been due to immunodeficiency. These findings stress the importance of the serological screening of ANA profile, as well as repeated measurement of ANA and AMA to track PBC progression and prognosis.

Clinical Impact of Local Progression in Pancreatic Cancer

Background: The high prevalence of distant metastatic disease among patients with pancreatic cancer often draws attention away from the local pancreatic tumor. This study aimed to define the complications and hospitalizations from local versus distant disease progression among a retrospective cohort of patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods: Records of 298 cases of pancreatic cancer treated at a single institution from 2004 through 2015 were retrospectively reviewed, and cancer-related symptoms and complications requiring hospitalization were recorded. Hospitalizations related to pancreatic cancer were attributed to either local or distant progression. Cumulative incidence analyses were used to estimate the incidence of hospitalization, and multivariable Fine-Gray regression models were used to identify factors predictive of hospitalizations. Results: The 1-year cumulative incidences of hospitalization due to local versus distant disease progression were 31% and 24%, respectively. Among 509 recorded hospitalizations, leading local etiologies included cholangitis (10%), biliary obstruction (7%), local procedure complication (7%), and gastrointestinal bleeding (7%). On multivariable analysis, significant predictors of hospitalization from local progression included unresectable disease (subdistribution hazard ratio [SDHR], 2.42; P<.01), black race (SDHR, 3.34; P<.01), younger age (SDHR, 1.02 per year; P=.01), tumor in the pancreatic head (SDHR, 2.19; P<.01), and larger tumor size (SDHR, 1.13 per centimeter; P=.02). Most patients who died in the hospital from pancreatic cancer (56%) were admitted for complications of local disease progression. Conclusions: Patients with pancreatic cancer experience significant complications of local tumor progression. Although distant metastatic progression represents a hallmark of pancreatic cancer, future research should also focus on improving local therapies.

[Primary biliary cholangitis-established and novel therapies]

BACKGROUND

Patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC, formerly primary biliary cirrhosis) and insufficient treatment response or risk factors exhibit a remarkably increased risk for disease progression and associated complications. Furthermore, extrahepatic manifestations may considerably reduce quality of life in affected patients.

OBJECTIVES

This article presents an overview on standard therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and further therapeutic options in patients with insufficient treatment response. In addition, symptom-orientated therapies will be presented in a practical and compact way.

METHODS

The current European and German guidelines from 2017 in addition to several research papers and expert opinions are the basis for this review.

RESULTS

Every PBC patient should be treated with UDCA life-long. In case of insufficient response to UDCA, obeticholic acid (OCA) has been approved as second line therapy since 2016. Fibrates and budesonide present off-label options for certain patient subpopulations. Pruritus should initially be treated with colestyramine. In case of insufficient efficacy or intolerance, rifampicin represents the most effective off-label option. If fatigue is present, differential diagnoses shall be excluded and coping strategies combined with regular physical activity can have a positive effect.

CONCLUSION

UDCA and OCA are effective and approved drugs for treating PBC. Patients with insufficient treatment response or risk factors have to be treated consequently. Due to the improved anti-cholestatic treatment options, therapies to reduce fatigue and pruritus are increasingly important.

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic comparison of ceftriaxone regimens in acute cholangitis

The most important factors determining the prognosis of patients with acute cholangitis (AC) are prompt biliary drainage and appropriate choice of antibiotics. This study was performed to evaluate whether dividing the number of doses based on the PK-PD theory contributes to better clinical outcome in the management of acute cholangitis. We measured ceftriaxone levels in blood and bile in 21 cases diagnosed with moderate-to-severe AC. Eleven cases were administered 2 g of ceftriaxone once-daily (group A) and 10 cases were given 1 g of ceftriaxone twice-daily (group B). The theoretical effect of ceftriaxone was evaluated by pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) parameters. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by body temperature, white blood cell count and serum levels of C-reactive protein. Minimum level of ceftriaxone in serum (in mg/L) in groups A and B at 24 h after the first dose was 9.1 and 9.2, whereas that in bile was 2.9 and 2.5, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ceftriaxone for all isolated bacteria was below the minimum serum and biliary concentration of ceftriaxone 24 h after the first administration (except for Enterococcus species). The MIC for isolated bacterial strains was <16 mg/L, which is the PK-PD breakpoint for ceftriaxone at 2 g/day. Both regimens showed clinical efficacy and did not contradict the effect predicted based on PK-PD.

A Simple Method for Measuring Adenosine Triphosphate in Acute Cholangitis Patients to Determine the Need for Emergency Biliary Drainage

Objective Acute cholangitis is occasionally life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. For the management of acute cases, globally accepted diagnostic criteria and the use of severity grading, as defined in the Tokyo Guidelines 2018 (TG18), are recommended. This study was performed to explore the association between acute cholangitis and the level of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) in blood as determined with a simple measurement method. Methods Twenty-three consecutive patients admitted for acute cholangitis and 14 healthy individuals were enrolled. Based on the TG18, the patients were categorized according to the degree of severity as Grade I, II, or III. We measured the amount of ATP in blood samples using a bioluminescence meter and evaluated the correlation with the degree of severity. Results The ATP/total hemoglobin (tHgb) level showed a significant decline in association with an increase in severity, as that in the healthy controls was 236.60 ± 8.10 and in the Grade I, II, and III groups was 238.56 ± 6.98, 186.88 ± 7.62, and 154.60 ± 11.01, respectively (p<0.01). While no significant difference was observed between the healthy controls and Grade I patients (p=0.649), there was a statistically significant difference between Grade I and Grade II (p<0.01) in the ATP/tHgb level. According to a receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve for ATP/tHgb, used as an index for predicting the need for emergency biliary drainage (Grade II, III cases), was the highest among various examined factors. Conclusion The present novel measurement method was found to be simple to perform and useful for detecting acute cholangitis patients with a low ATP level who may require emergency biliary drainage.

The British Society of Gastroenterology/UK-PBC primary biliary cholangitis treatment and management guidelines

Primary biliary cholangitis (formerly known as primary biliary cirrhosis, PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease in which a cycle of immune mediated biliary epithelial cell injury, cholestasis and progressive fibrosis can culminate over time in an end-stage biliary cirrhosis. Both genetic and environmental influences are presumed relevant to disease initiation. PBC is most prevalent in women and those over the age of 50, but a spectrum of disease is recognised in adult patients globally; male sex, younger age at onset (<45) and advanced disease at presentation are baseline predictors of poorer outcome. As the disease is increasingly diagnosed through the combination of cholestatic serum liver tests and the presence of antimitochondrial antibodies, most presenting patients are not cirrhotic and the term cholangitis is more accurate. Disease course is frequently accompanied by symptoms that can be burdensome for patients, and management of patients with PBC must address, in a life-long manner, both disease progression and symptom burden. Licensed therapies include ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and obeticholic acid (OCA), alongside experimental new and re-purposed agents. Disease management focuses on initiation of UDCA for all patients and risk stratification based on baseline and on-treatment factors, including in particular the response to treatment. Those intolerant of treatment with UDCA or those with high-risk disease as evidenced by UDCA treatment failure (frequently reflected in trial and clinical practice as an alkaline phosphatase >1.67 × upper limit of normal and/or elevated bilirubin) should be considered for second-line therapy, of which OCA is the only currently licensed National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommended agent. Follow-up of patients is life-long and must address treatment of the disease and management of associated symptoms.

Analysis of clinical characteristics and treatment of immunoglobulin G4-associated cholangitis: A retrospective cohort study of 39 IAC patients

Immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-associated cholangitis (IAC) is one of the common organ manifestations of IgG4-related systemic disease (ISD). IAC and autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) may mimic sclerosing cholangitis, cholangiocarcinoma, or pancreatic carcinoma. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical, biochemical, radiological, and histological findings.To study the clinical presentation of and treatment strategy for IAC, we reviewed clinical, serologic, and imaging characteristics, as well as treatment response, in 39 patients with IAC. The majority of patients were men (82%). Clinical features on presentation included obstructive jaundice in 26 patients (67%) and abdominal pain in 20 (51%). Positive IgG4 immunostaining was seen in 27 patients. The median serum IgG4 level before treatment was 769.4 mg/dL (range, 309.1-1229.7 mg/dL). After the steroid therapy, the median serum IgG4 level in 23 patients was 247.0 mg/dL (range, 139.0-355.0 mg/dL). Cholangiograms were available in 36 (92%) patients. Stenosis of the lower part of the common bile duct was found in 26 of 39 patients. Stenosis was diffusely distributed in the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts in 14 of 39 patients. Additionally, strictures of the bile duct were detected in the hilar hepatic lesions in 27 of 39 patients. AIP was the most frequent comorbidity (35/39 in this study) of IAC. Other affected organs included eyes (n = 6), salivary glands (sialadenitis, n = 10), lymph nodes (mediastinal and axillary, n = 3), kidneys (n = 2), and the retroperitoneum (retroperitoneal fibrosis, n = 2).Regarding treatment, 29 patients were treated with steroids, of whom one underwent pancreatoduodenectomy, and one underwent choledochojejunostomy. Eight patients were treated with biliary stents. The remaining 19 patients took prednisolone alone. Eight patients achieved spontaneous resolution. Four patients with suspected pancreatic cancer or cholangiocarcinoma underwent surgery, including 2 patients who also received postoperative steroids. All patients were regularly followed up for 9 to 36 months. Only 2 patients in the steroids treatment group relapsed to manifest obstructive jaundice and high serum IgG4 levels. These 2 patients were treated with steroids and biliary stents, resulting in complete remission.We also review the diagnostic and therapeutic management and discuss recent pathophysiological findings, which might aid in understanding the molecular mechanisms contributing to IAC and other manifestations of IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RD). Biomarkers that are more accurate are needed to correctly diagnose IAC and prevent misdiagnoses and unnecessary therapeutic interventions.

Risk factor analysis of post-ERCP cholangitis: A single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may have complications. Our study aimed to investigate the risk factors and prevention of post-ERCP cholangitis.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 4234 cases undergone ERCP in the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from January 2008 to December 2013. Patient-related factors and procedure-related factors were analyzed to find the risk factors of post-ERCP cholangitis. The time point of post-ERCP cholangitis was also analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to define the independent risk factors of post-ERCP cholangitis.

RESULTS

The success rate of ERCP was 96.8% (4099/4234). The overall complication rate was 9.4% (399/4234). Post-ERCP cholangitis occurred in 102 cases (2.4%, 102/4234). The most dangerous time of post-ERCP cholangitis was from 24 h-48 h after ERCP (45.1%, 46/102). Univariate analysis revealed that age, hypertension, diabetes, previous ERCP history, biliary stent insertion, pancreatography, endoscopic sphincterotomy, balloon dilation and hilar obstruction were risk factors of post-ERCP cholangitis (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that age, previous ERCP history and hilar obstruction were independent risk factors (P < 0.05). While endoscopic stone extraction was the potential protective factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Many risk factors are involved in post-ERCP cholangitis. Among them, old age, previous ERCP history and hilar obstruction were independently related to this post-ERCP complication.

[Primary biliary cholangitis. Part 2. State of the art, diagnosis, associated diseases, treatment and prognosis]

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune cholangiopathy characterized by a selective destruction of biliary epithelial cells of small and medium caliber hepatic ducts, which mainly affects women. The main symptoms are fatigue and pruritus, however, a large proportion of patients may be asymptomatic. The diagnosis is based on AMA titers >1:40, alkaline phosphatase >1.5 times the upper limit for more than 24 weeks and compatible liver histology. It is associated with multiple autoimmune diseases mainly extrahepatic, thyroid diseases, bone diseases, among others. The first line treatment is ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), that improves liver function tests and delay the progression to cirrhosis. Currently, there are new treatments and adjuvant therapies on study. The purpose of this review is to offer an update in this topic, which is very important in gastroenterology and internal medicine. We formed an interdisciplinary team to search in the data base Medline thorough PubMed with the keywords describe below, we made a critical lecture of the titles and abstracts of each article to write this paper.

Geoepidemiology, clinical manifestations and outcome of primary biliary cholangitis in Greece

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a disease with rising prevalence and considerable geographical variation. To describe the prevalence, spatial and time distribution, baseline characteristics, response to treatment, outcome and the validity of GLOBE score in a large cohort of Greek PBC patients as an independent validation of this score has not been done so far.

METHODS

The last 16years, 482 PBC patients (86.5% females) were evaluated and analysed retrospectively, using a prospectively collected database. Special attention was paid to the assessment of treatment response according to GLOBE score.

RESULTS

Age at initial evaluation was 56.3±13.7years. Among 432 Thessaly residents, prevalence was 582/million (non-homogeneous distribution). Nineteen districts showed a prevalence >800/million. Symptomatic disease onset could be identified in 91 patients, with a significant peak during spring (P=0.03). At diagnosis, 43.6% were asymptomatic and 16.2% cirrhotic. Male sex (P=0.02), older age (P<0.001), alcohol consumption (P<0.01) and concomitant liver disease (P<0.001) were negative prognostic factors for cirrhosis. During a median [interquartile range, range] follow-up of 5.1 (7.8, 15.7) years, 62 patients died or underwent liver transplantation. Patients with GLOBE score>0.30 had significantly worse prognosis (P<0.001) with 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival rates of 84%, 50% and 42%.

CONCLUSIONS

There is increased PBC prevalence in Thessaly with remarkable geographic clustering and seasonal variability. PBC is diagnosed at early stages although males had a more advanced disease. GLOBE score applies perfectly in Greek patients and this will likely help detecting patients that may benefit from new therapies.

EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: The diagnosis and management of patients with primary biliary cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune cholestatic liver disease, which when untreated will culminate in end-stage biliary cirrhosis. Diagnosis is usually based on the presence of serum liver tests indicative of a cholestatic hepatitis in association with circulating antimitochondrial antibodies. Patient presentation and course can be diverse and risk stratification is important to ensure all patients receive a personalised approach to their care. The goals of treatment and management are the prevention of end-stage liver disease, and the amelioration of associated symptoms. Pharmacologic approaches in practice, to reduce the impact of the progressive nature of disease, currently include licensed therapies (ursodeoxycholic acid and obeticholic acid) and off-label therapies (fibric acid derivatives, budesonide). These clinical practice guidelines summarise the evidence for the importance of a structured, life-long and individualised, approach to the care of patients with PBC, providing a framework to help clinicians diagnose and effectively manage patients.

Biliary drainage improves the predictive value of modified Glasgow Prognostic Scores in inoperable pancreatic cancer

Objective

To assess the influence of biliary drainage to cholangitis on modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Methods

mGPS was calculated before and after biliary drainage in 47 consecutive patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer who were receiving chemotherapy. Biliary drainage was indicated for malignant obstructive jaundice that prevented the administration of chemotherapy. To elucidate mGPS values, serum levels of CRP and albumin were measured at the time of diagnosis (before biliary drainage). Overall survival was evaluated and risk factors, which contribute to overall survival, were examined.

Results

Biliary drainage was performed in 15 patients. Using values obtained before biliary drainage, there were no significant differences in median survival time between patients with a mGPS of 0 and those with a mGPS of 1 or 2 (10.7 vs. 9.4 months; p = 0.757). However, using values obtained after biliary drainage, median survival time was significantly higher in patients with a mGPS of 0 than in those with a mGPS of 1 or 2 (11.4 vs. 4.7 months; p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that a mGPS of 1 or 2 (HR: 3.38; 95% CI: 1.35–8.46, p = 0.009), a carbohydrate antigen 19–9 >1000 U/mL (2.52; 1.22–5.23, p = 0.013), a performance status of 2 (7.68; 2.72–21.28, p = 0.001), carcinoembryonic antigen level >10 ng/mL (2.29; 1.13–4.61, p = 0.021) were independently associated with overall survival.

Conclusion

mGPS values obtained after biliary drainage appear to be a more reliable indicator of overall survival in patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer.

Incidence of Primary Biliary Cholangitis in a Rural Midwestern Population

BACKGROUND

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare disease with incidence that varies with time and geography. Only two studies have assessed PBC incidence in the United States, with the most recent appearing over a decade ago. The objective of the present study was to assess PBC incidence in the United States in a more recent era.

METHODS

The incidence of PBC was assessed in a population-based cohort in rural, Midwestern Wisconsin over two decades spanning from June 1992 through June 2011. Cases were initially identified in the electronic medical record and then manually verified for inclusion according to the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease criteria for PBC. Additional data were abstracted for verified cases.

RESULTS

A total of 79 cases of PBC were identified over the 20-year period for an overall age- and sex-standardized incidence of 4.9 cases per 100,000 person-years. Incidence was higher in females, but changes over time were not significant. After a mean 7.3 years follow-up, all-cause mortality of those with PBC was 29%, and estimated 10-year survival was 76%.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall incidence of PBC in a Midwestern population of the United States has remained relatively stable over the last two decades. Patients have better prognosis, and the survival of PBC cases has improved.

The First Case Report of Acute Cholangitis and Bacteremia Due to Neisseria subflava

We herein report a case of acute cholangitis and bacteremia caused by a commensal Neisseria species, Neisseria subflava, in an 82-year-old man with cholangiocarcinoma. Emergency endoscopic nasobiliary drainage and cefoperazone/sulbactam therapy were effective. Gram negative coccobacilli were isolated from both blood and bile cultures on 5% sheep blood agar. The isolate was identified as N.subflava biovar perflava by mass spectrometry, a sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA, and biochemical testing. Although biliary infections due to commensal Neisseria are extremely rare, this case demonstrates the possibility of its occurrence in patients undergoing bile duct treatment.

Oriental cholangiohepatitis (recurrent pyogenic cholangitis): a case series from the Netherlands and brief review of the literature

Oriental cholangiohepatitis is a condition occurring in the Asian population, characterised by recurrent bacterial cholangitis and presence of calculi within the intrahepatic bile ducts, biliary strictures and an increased risk for cholangiocarcinoma. It is an uncommon disease in the West that may not always be considered. The therapeutic approach is multidisciplinary and highly individual, and includes antibiotic therapy, endoscopic and percutaneous biliary drainage with stone removal and dilation of strictures, and in selected cases surgical resection of affected liver segments. We report our experience with five relatively young adult patients largely originating from China, who presented with pyogenic cholangitis and were considered to suffer from oriental cholangiohepatitis. To our knowledge this is the first report of this condition in the Netherlands. Physicians treating patients with pyogenic cholangitis should be aware of this disease and consider the diagnosis in all Asian immigrants with biliary tract disease.

Recurrent Cholangitis in a Patient with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) and Caroli's Disease

We herein present a rare case of an autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patient with Caroli's disease, a congenital embryonic biliary tree ductal plate abnormality often associated with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. A 76-year-old woman with ADPKD on hemodialysis was admitted to our hospital with recurrent cholangitis and hepatobiliary stones. Caroli's disease was diagnosed according to typical imaging findings of cystic intrahepatic bile duct dilatation and the central dot sign. Hepatobiliary system abnormalities such as Caroli's disease should be considered in febrile ADPKD patients, even in the absence of typical clinical signs or symptoms.

Efficacy and safety of emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for acute cholangitis in the elderly

AIM

To investigate the efficacy and safety of emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in elderly patients with acute cholangitis.

METHODS

From June 2008 to May 2016, emergency ERCPs were performed in 207 cases of acute cholangitis at our institution. Patients were classified as elderly if they were aged 80 years and older (n = 102); controls were under the age of 80 years (n = 105). The patients’ medical records were retrospectively reviewed for comorbidities, laboratory data, etiology of cholangitis (presence of biliary stones, biliary stricture and malignancy), details of the ERCP (therapeutic approaches, technical success rates, procedure duration), ERCP-related complications and mortality.

RESULTS

The frequency of comorbidities was higher in the elderly group than the control group (91.2% vs 67.6%). Periampullary diverticulum was observed in the elderly group at a higher frequency than the control group (24.5% vs 13.3%). Between the groups, there was no significant difference in the technical success rates (95.1% vs 95.2%) or endoscopic procedure durations. With regard to the frequency of ERCP-related complications, there was no significant difference between the two groups (6.9% vs 6.7%), except for a lower rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis in the elderly group than in the control group (1.0% vs 3.8%). Neither angiographic nor surgical intervention was required in any of the cases with ERCP-related complications. There was no mortality during the observational periods.

CONCLUSION

Emergency ERCP for acute cholangitis can be performed safely even in elderly patients aged 80 years and older.

[Biliary infections : cholecystitis and cholangitis]

Biliary infections are a common cause of emergency department visit, usually of benign evolution but that can sometimes progress rapidly to a life-threatening emergency.The mainstay of treatment of acute cholecystitis is urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, performed in 72 hours.Antibiotic treatment is often sufficient for the initial treatment of mild cholangitis. A percutaneous or endoscopic biliary drainage must be done urgently in case of severe presentations or if the patient doesn't respond to conservative treatment. The definitive treatment of the cause of cholangitis, will be performed in a second time.

Multiple liver abscesses in a dog secondary to the liver fluke Metorchis conjunctus treated by percutaneous transhepatic drainage and alcoholization

A 1-year-old German shepherd × husky cross dog was diagnosed with multiple liver abscesses and severe cholangitis secondary to the liver fluke Metorchis conjunctus. The dog was successfully treated with 2 percutaneous transhepatic drainage and alcoholization procedures, and a prolonged course of antibiotics and praziquantel.

Urgent endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy for acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis-induced sepsis

Acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis (AOSC) due to biliary lithiasis is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent biliary decompression. Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stent placement is the current gold standard for biliary decompression, it can sometimes be difficult because of failed biliary cannulation. In this retrospective case series, we describe three cases of successful biliary drainage with recovery from septic shock after urgent endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) was performed for AOSC due to biliary lithiasis. In all three cases, technical success in inserting the stents was achieved and the patients completely recovered from AOSC with sepsis in a few days after EUS-CDS. There were no procedure-related complications. When initial ERCP fails, EUS-CDS can be an effective life-saving endoscopic biliary decompression procedure that shortens the procedure time and prevents post-ERCP pancreatitis, particularly in patients with AOSC-induced sepsis.

[Treatment of postoperative impairment of gastrointestinal motility, cholangitis and pancreatitis]

Although the mortality associated with major hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery has continuously decreased during the last decades, the morbidity of these procedures remains high. Functional disturbances of normal gastrointestinal motility as well as inflammation and infections of surgically treated organs are frequent complications resulting in considerably prolonged lengths of stay in hospital and increased healthcare costs. This review article highlights the therapeutic approaches and recent developments in the treatment of delayed gastric emptying, prolonged postoperative ileus, postoperative cholangitis and pancreatitis after hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery. Current practice is discussed on the basis of recent results in basic and clinical research, review articles, meta-analyses and guidelines.

Advances in Management of Acute Pancreatitis

This article reviews advances in the management of acute pancreatitis. Medical treatment has been primarily supportive for this diagnosis, and despite extensive research efforts, there are no pharmacologic therapies that improve prognosis. The current mainstay of management, notwithstanding the ongoing debate regarding the volume, fluid type, and rate of administration, is aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation. Although antibiotics were used consistently for prophylaxis in severe acute pancreatitis to prevent infection, they are no longer used unless infection is documented. Enteral nutrition, especially in patients with severe acute pancreatitis, is considered a cornerstone in management of this disease.

[Acute cholangitis in interstenosis space accompanied by two-component unit of the main bile duct]

Palliative treatment of obstructive jaundice with the help of biliary endoprosthesis due to the possible complication of post-intervention in the form of insolvency stent deformation or dislocation. The study features in the postoperative period of the main bile duct endoprosthesis about their two-component unit, described the syndrome of the closed space of the bile ducts. On the basis of observation of 14 patients with the given anatomical feature of endoscopic, who were underwent stenting, was assessed frequency of the syndrome and possibilities of its prevention. Interstenosis space expansion of the main bile duct can be a reason for local cholangitis. For the prevention of cholangitis, it should be carried out a separate drainage of interstenosis space with the help of endoprosthesis or by proximal supra-stenotic extension of two or more stents.

DIRECTED CYTOKINE THERAPY IN COMPLEX TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE JAUNDICE OF CHOLELITHIC GENESIS

The article analyzed the results of surgical treatment of 137 patients with obstructive jaundice of benign genesis. An immune status was studied in serum in dynamics before surgery. The rates of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, Ig A, M, G were determined on the first, third, seventh and fourteenth days after operation. The levels of TNFα, IFNγ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10 were investigated in serum and at the same time TNFα, IL-4, IL-6 were noted in the bile duct and IL-6 - in urine. Obstructive jaundice of cholelithiс genesis is characterized by disbalance of immune and cytokine status. The depth of disbalance depends on the degree of hepatic dysfunction and presence of purulent cholangitis. The directed cytokine therapy by ronkoleykin influenced positively on elimination of disbalance in immune and cytokine status and this therapy improved results of surgery in postoperative period.

[The benefit of urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for the therapy of acute pancreatitis]

Pancreatitis of biliary etiology accounts for 30-60 % of all cases of acute pancreatitis. A number of randomized studies have been completed to assess the role of acute endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and papilosphincterotomy in the therapy of biliary pancreatitis. Analysis of the respective studies has shown that urgent endoscopy is clearly indicated for the patients with a severe form of acute biliary pancreatitis as well as for those with an ongoing acute cholangitis or obstructive icterus. The author believes that based on a detailed analysis of the results, urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can also be recommended for patients with a mild form of the illness provided the procedure is performed within 12 hours of admission to a hospital by an experienced endoscopist.

KEY WORDS

biliary pancreatitis - endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography - papilosphincterotomy.

AAV-IL-22 modifies liver chemokine activity and ameliorates portal inflammation in murine autoimmune cholangitis

There remain significant obstacles in developing biologics to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Although a number of agents have been studied both in murine models and human patients, the results have been relatively disappointing. IL-22 is a member of the IL-10 family and has multiple theoretical reasons for predicting successful usage in PBC. We have taken advantage of an IL-22 expressing adeno-associated virus (AAV-IL-22) to address the potential role of IL-22 in not only protecting mice from autoimmune cholangitis, but also in treating animals with established portal inflammation. Using our established mouse model of 2-OA-OVA immunization, including α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) stimulation, we treated mice both before and after the onset of clinical disease with AAV-IL-22. Firstly, AAV-IL-22 treatment given prior to 2-OA-OVA and α-GalCer exposure, i.e. before the onset of disease, significantly reduces the portal inflammatory response, production of Th1 cytokines and appearance of liver fibrosis. It also reduced the liver lymphotropic chemokines CCL5, CCL19, CXCL9, and CXCL10. Secondly, and more importantly, therapeutic use of AAV-IL-22, administered after the onset of disease, achieved a greater hurdle and significantly improved portal pathology. Further the improvements in inflammation were negatively correlated with levels of CCL5 and CXCL10 and positively correlated with levels of IL-22. In conclusion, we submit that the clinical use of IL-22 has a potential role in modulating the inflammatory portal process in patients with PBC.

Risk factors of organ failure in cholangitis with bacteriobilia

AIM: To identify the risk factors for organ failure (OF) in cholangitis with bacteriobilia.

METHODS: This study included 182 patients with acute cholangitis who underwent percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage between January 2005 and April 2013. We conducted a retrospective analysis of comprehensive clinical and laboratory data.

RESULTS: There were 24 cases (13.2%) of OF and five deaths (2.7%). Bile culture was positive for microbial growth in 130 out of 138 (94.2%) patients. In multivariate analysis of 130 patients with positive bile cultures, significant predictive factors for OF were the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) organisms in blood cultures, pre-existing renal dysfunction, and choledocholithiasis as an etiology, with odds ratios of 15.376, 6.319, and 3.573, respectively. We developed a scoring system with a regression coefficient of each significant variable. The OF score was calculated using the following equation: (2.7 × ESBL organisms in blood cultures) + (1.8 × pre-existing renal dysfunction) + (1.3 × choledocholithiasis). This scoring system for predicting OF was highly specific (99.1%) and had a positive predictive value of 86.2%.

CONCLUSION: ESBL organisms in blood cultures, pre-existing renal dysfunction, and choledocholithiasis are risk factors for OF in cholangitis with bacteriobilia. The OF scoring system may aid clinicians to identify a poor prognosis group.

Thrombomodulin in the management of acute cholangitis-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation

AIM: To evaluate the need for thrombomodulin (rTM) therapy for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in patients with acute cholangitis (AC)-induced DIC.

METHODS: Sixty-six patients who were diagnosed with AC-induced DIC and who were treated at our hospital were enrolled in this study. The diagnoses of AC and DIC were made based on the 2013 Tokyo Guidelines and the DIC diagnostic criteria as defined by the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine, respectively. Thirty consecutive patients who were treated with rTM between April 2010 and September 2013 (rTM group) were compared to 36 patients who were treated without rTM (before the introduction of rTM therapy at our hospital) between January 2005 and January 2010 (control group). The two groups were compared in terms of patient characteristics at the time of DIC diagnosis (including age, sex, primary disease, severity of cholangitis, DIC score, biliary drainage, and anti-DIC drugs), the DIC resolution rate, DIC score, the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) score, hematological values, and outcomes. Using logistic regression analysis based on multivariate analyses, we also examined factors that contributed to persistent DIC.

RESULTS: There were no differences between the rTM group and the control group in terms of the patients’ backgrounds other than administration. DIC resolution rates on day 9 were higher in the rTM group than in the control group (83.3% vs 52.8%, P < 0.01). The mean DIC scores on day 7 were lower in the rTM group than in the control group (2.1 ± 2.1 vs 3.5 ± 2.3, P = 0.02). The mean SIRS scores on day 3 were significantly lower in the rTM group than in the control group (1.1 ± 1.1 vs 1.8 ± 1.1, P = 0.03). Mortality on day 28 was 13.3% in the rTM group and 27.8% in the control group; these rates were not significantly different (P = 0.26). Multivariate analysis identified only the absence of biliary drainage as significantly associated with persistent DIC (P < 0.01, OR = 12, 95%CI: 2.3-60). Although the difference did not reach statistical significance, primary diseases (malignancies) (P = 0.055, OR = 3.9, 95%CI: 0.97-16) and the non-use of rTM had a tendency to be associated with persistent DIC (P = 0.08, OR = 4.3, 95%CI: 0.84-22).

CONCLUSION: The add-on effects of rTM are anticipated in the treatment of AC-induced DIC, although biliary drainage for AC remains crucial.

A Novel Guide-Wire Technique for Repositioning a Nasobiliary Catheter from Mouth to Nostril without Using a Nelaton Tube

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the usefulness of a novel guide-wire technique for repositioning without the use of a Nelaton tube and to compare this to the conventional technique.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 50 patients who underwent endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) at the Yachiyo Medical Center, Chiba, Japan, were enrolled into the study. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the use of a novel guide-wire technique (n = 28) or the conventional technique (n = 22). The ENBD catheters were repositioned from the mouth to the nose. The primary end point was the procedural time from the insertion of the Nelaton tube or guide wire into the nostril until the ENBD catheter had been repositioned in the nose. The secondary end point was the success rate of the procedure.

RESULTS

The mean procedure time of our technique (120.8 s) was shorter than the traditional technique (131.9 s), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.56). Our technique did not involve the use of the Nelaton tube, and so could save the cost of USD 1.17 per patient. The novel technique did not require the removal of the mouthpiece with a laryngoscope or the use of a Nelaton tube, and no postural change was necessary. A single operator performed the novel procedure unassisted. No adverse events were observed relating to either the novel or the traditional technique.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel guide-wire technique for repositioning ENBD catheters was effective and is recommended for use.