Baveno VII Criteria for the Exclusion of Esophageal Varices in a Peruvian Population: Cross-Sectional Study / Criterios de Baveno VII para la exclusión de várices esofágicas en una población peruana: estudio transversal

Abstract Introduction: Esophageal varices represent one of the main complications in patients with liver cirrhosis. The main objective was to determine the diagnostic performance of the new Baveno VII criteria to exclude the presence of esophageal varices in compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD), in an independent Peruvian population. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study, including patients with cACLD, upper digestive endoscopy, and transient hepatic elastography from January 2017 to December 2019. Results: The mean age was 59.4 (12.9) years, while the mean measurement of liver stiffness was 27.21 (14.6) kPa. The prevalence of esophageal varices was 85.6%; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (63.6%) was the most prevalent etiology, followed by viral hepatitis (14.4%). For esophageal varices exclusion, Baveno VII criteria for all etiologies demonstrated adequate sensitivity and negative predictive value (sensitivity: 96.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 92.3%-98.8%; negative predictive value: 76.9%, 95% CI: 56.4% -91%). However, better diagnostic performance was found when applying the Baveno VII criteria without considering NAFLD patients (sensitivity: 98.4%, 95% CI: 79.2% -99.2%; negative predictive value: 90.9%, 95% CI: 79.2% -99.2%). This would prevent 14% of endoscopic studies with a 9% risk of failing to detect esophageal varices. Conclusions: The Baveno VII criteria present good diagnostic performance for the exclusion of esophageal varices, especially in patients with cACLD without NAFLD, in an independent Peruvian population.

Resumen Introducción: Las várices esofágicas representan una de las principales complicaciones en pacientes con cirrosis hepática. El objetivo principal fue determinar el rendimiento diagnóstico de los nuevos criterios de Baveno VII para excluir la presencia de várices esofágicas en la enfermedad hepática crónica compensada (cACLD), en una población peruana independiente. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal que incluyó a pacientes con cACLD, endoscopia digestiva alta y elastografía hepática transitoria desde enero de 2017 hasta diciembre de 2019. Resultados: La edad media fue de 59,4 (12,9) años, mientras que la medición media de rigidez hepática fue de 27,21 (14,6) kPa. La prevalencia de várices esofágicas fue del 85,6%; la enfermedad metabólica asociada al hígado graso (MASLD) (63,6%) fue la etiología más prevalente, seguida de la hepatitis viral (14,4%). Para la exclusión de várices esofágicas, los criterios de Baveno VII para todas las etiologías demostraron una sensibilidad y un valor predictivo negativo adecuados (sensibilidad: 96,7%; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 92,3%-98,8%; valor predictivo negativo: 76,9%, IC 95%: 56,4%-91%). Sin embargo, se encontró un mejor rendimiento diagnóstico al aplicar los criterios de Baveno VII sin considerar a los pacientes con MASLD (sensibilidad: 98,4%, IC 95%: 79,2%-99,2%; valor predictivo negativo: 90,9%, IC 95%: 79,2%-99,2%). Se evitaría el 14% de estudios endoscópicos con un riesgo del 9% de no detectar várices esofágicas. Conclusiones: Los criterios de Baveno VII presentan buen rendimiento diagnóstico para la exclusión de várices esofágicas, especialmente en pacientes con cACLD sin MASLD, en una población peruana independiente.

Atuação da enfermagem e o diagnóstico precoce da cirrose hepática: revisão integrativa / Nursing performance and early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis: integrative review / Actuación de enfermería y diagnóstico precoz de la cirrosis hepática: revisión integrativa

Objetivo: Identificar as estratégias utilizadas para o diagnóstico precoce da cirrose hepática, considerando reflexões sobre a atuação do (a) enfermeiro (a) nesse processo, principalmente, no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados indexadas na Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde e no portal PubMed. Incluiu-se artigos originais, textos completos disponíveis gratuitamente, na íntegra, publicados entre janeiro de 2013 e fevereiro de 2024 nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol. Resultados: Levantou-se 5471, sendo que 1771 foram descartadas por duplicação. Os critérios de elegibilidade resultaram em 65 artigos. Após análise criteriosa, 45 artigos formaram a amostra final. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se que são distintas as estratégias para a detecção da cirrose em sua fase inicial, sendo estas, em sua maioria, aplicáveis ao contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde e correlacionadas com a atuação de enfermeiros (as). (AU)

Objective: To identify the strategies used for the early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, considering reflections on the role of nurses in this process, mainly in the context of Primary Health Care. Methods: Integrative literature review. The searches were carried out in databases indexed in the Virtual Health Library and on the PubMed portal. Original articles were included, complete texts available for free, in full, published between January 2013 and February 2024 in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Results: 5471 were collected, 1771 of which were discarded due to duplication. The eligibility criteria resulted in 65 articles. After careful analysis, 45 articles formed the final sample. Conclusion: It was evident that the strategies for detecting cirrhosis in its initial phase are different, most of which are applicable to the context of Primary Health Care and correlated with the work of nurses. (AU)

Objetivo: Objetivo: Identificar las estrategias utilizadas para el diagnóstico precoz de la cirrosis hepática, considerando reflexiones sobre el papel del enfermero en ese proceso, principalmente en el contexto de la Atención Primaria de Salud. Métodos: Revisión integrativa de la literatura. Las búsquedas se realizaron en bases de datos indexadas en la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud y en el portal PubMed. Se incluyeron artículos originales, textos completos disponibles de forma gratuita, íntegros, publicados entre enero de 2013 y febrero de 2024 en inglés, portugués y español. Resultados: Se recolectaron 5471, de los cuales 1771 fueron descartados por duplicación. Los criterios de elegibilidad resultaron en 65 artículos. Después de un análisis cuidadoso, 45 artículos formaron la muestra final. Conclusión: Se evidenció que las estrategias para detectar la cirrosis en su fase inicial son diferentes, la mayoría de las cuales son aplicables al contexto de la Atención Primaria de Salud y correlacionadas con el trabajo del enfermero. (AU)

Management of refractory hepatic hydrothorax: a report of two cases and review of the literature / Manejo de hidrotórax hepático refractario: reporte de dos casos y revisión de la literatura

ABSTRACT Hepatic hydrothorax is a transudative pleural effusion in patients with cirrhosis. A 56-yearold cirrhotic patient presented with dyspnea and desaturation; his chest images showed a right pleural effusion. Another 66-year-old woman with cirrhosis, developed during her hospitalization acute respiratory failure, and her chest X- ray showed left pleural effusion. Initially, both patients were prescribed a dietary sodium restriction and diuretics. Nevertheless, they didn't have a good response so a chest tube was placed, and an octreotide infusion partially reduced the volume of the pleural drainage allowing a pleurodesis. We report two cases of refractory hepatic hydrothorax with multiple treatments including octreotide and pleurodesis.

RESUMEN El hidrotórax hepático se define como una efusión pleural de tipo trasudado en pacientes con cirrosis hepática. Un paciente cirrótico de 56 años se presentó a nuestro servicio de emergencias con disnea y desaturación. La radiografía de tórax reveló una efusión pleural derecha. Otra paciente de 66 años, también diagnosticada con cirrosis, desarrolló insuficiencia respiratoria aguda durante su hospitalización, presentando una efusión pleural izquierda en la radiografía de tórax. Inicialmente, ambos pacientes fueron sometidos a una dieta hiposódica y se les administraron diuréticos. Sin embargo, debido a la falta de respuesta adecuada, se les colocó un tubo de drenaje torácico y se les administró una infusión de octreótide, lo cual redujo parcialmente el volumen pleural y permitió la realización posterior de una pleurodesis. Presentamos dos casos de hidrotórax hepático refractario tratados con múltiples intervenciones terapéuticas.

Anormalidades hematológicas en enfermedad hepática, fisiopatología y consideraciones terapéuticas / Hematologic disorders in liver failure: pathophysiology and therapeutic considerations

RESUMEN Las alteraciones en los recuentos celulares sanguíneos representan los hallazgos clínicos más notorios y recurrentes en pacientes que padecen enfermedad hepática, tanto aguda como crónica. Estos cambios constituyen un marcador importante de la disfunción hepática y, a menudo, desempeñan un papel crucial en la evaluación y manejo de estos pacientes. En conjunto con el alargamiento de las pruebas de coagulación, la trombocitopenia es la irregularidad más prevalente en estos individuos. Esta condición, así como las leucopenias, se le atribuye en gran medida al hiperesplenismo, una alteración en la que el bazo retiene y destruye las células sanguíneas, incluidas las plaquetas. Sin embargo, cuando el conteo plaquetario desciende por debajo de 10 x 103/µl, es fundamental considerar otras causas, como factores autoinmunitarios que pueden estar contribuyendo con la trombocitopenia. La anemia, definida como una disminución en el número de glóbulos rojos o en los niveles de hemoglobina, es otra característica constante que acompaña a la enfermedad hepática. Aunque en la mayoría de los casos la anemia es macrocítica, en algunas situaciones puede ser secundaria a eventos hemolíticos, como lo observado en el síndrome de Zieve. Esta diversidad en las manifestaciones de la anemia en pacientes hepáticos subraya la complejidad de las interacciones entre el hígado y los componentes sanguíneos. A pesar de los avances en la comprensión de las causas subyacentes de estas citopenias, las opciones del tratamiento siguen siendo limitadas. Generalmente, las opciones terapéuticas se enfocan en la administración de transfusiones de hemocomponentes para compensar las deficiencias en los recuentos celulares o en el uso de análogos de trombopoyetina (TPO) para estimular temporalmente la producción de las plaquetas en la medula ósea. No obstante, estos tratamientos tienden a abordar los síntomas más que las causas fundamentales de las alteraciones hematológicas en la enfermedad hepática. La persistencia y el empeoramiento de estas alteraciones pueden servir como indicadores tempranos de la progresión de la disfunción hepática. La relación intrincada entre el hígado y la homeostasis hematológica continúa siendo objeto de investigación, la compresión más profunda de estos mecanismos podría abrir potencialmente la puerta hacia enfoques terapéuticos más específicos y efectivos para abordar las citopenias en el contexto de la enfermedad hepática.

ABSTRACT Alterations in blood cell counts are the most prominent and recurrent clinical findings among patients suffering from both acute and chronic liver disease. These changes are an important marker of liver failure and often play a key role in the evaluation and management of these patients. Together with the prolongation of coagulation tests, thrombocytopenia is the most common disorder among these individuals. This condition, as well as leukopenia, is largely attributable to hypersplenism, a disorder in which the spleen retains and destroys blood cells, including platelets. However, when the platelet count drops below 10x103/µl, it is essential to consider other causes, such as autoimmune factors that may be contributing to the development of thrombocytopenia. Anemia, defined as a decrease in red blood cell count or hemoglobin levels, is another common characteristic of liver disease. Although in most cases macrocytic anemia occurs, in some situations it can be secondary to hemolytic events, as observed in Zieve's syndrome. This wide range of manifestations of anemia among liver patients highlights the complex interaction between liver and blood components. Despite advances in understanding the underlying causes of these cytopenias, treatment options remain limited. Therapeutic options generally focus on the transfusion of blood products to compensate for deficiencies in cell counts or on the use of thrombopoietin (TPO) analogues to temporarily stimulate platelet production in the bone marrow. However, these treatments tend to address the symptoms rather than the root causes of hematologic disorders in liver disease. The persistence and worsening of these disorders may serve as early indicators of the progression of liver failure. The complicated relationship between liver and hematological homeostasis remains the subject of research. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms could potentially open the door toward more targeted and effective therapeutic approaches to address cytopenias in the context of liver disease.

Cohorte descriptiva de pacientes adultos con hipertensión portal en una institución de tercer nivel en Colombia / Descriptive cohort of adult patients with portal hypertension at a tertiary care institution in Colombia

Introducción. La hipertensión portal (HTP) se define como una elevación anormal de la presión venosa en el sistema portal que lleva al desarrollo de vías colaterales para desviar el flujo sanguíneo de la zona. Dentro de su etiología están las relacionadas con la cirrosis hepática y otras causas denominadas no cirróticas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los principales hallazgos demográficos, clínicos y paraclínicos en un grupo de pacientes con HTP, y determinar el uso de ayudas invasivas y no invasivas, y su disponibilidad para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de los pacientes en los centros que no cuentan con laboratorio de hemodinamia hepática, reflejando la dinámica de múltiples escenarios en Colombia. Metodología. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, retrospectivo, en pacientes atendidos en una institución de tercer nivel del sur de Colombia, entre enero del año 2015 y diciembre del año 2020. Resultados. Se obtuvo una muestra de 61 pacientes en donde la mayoría de casos correspondían a hombres en la séptima década de la vida, procedentes del área urbana. La principal causa de consulta fue el sangrado digestivo (39,3 %), asociado a la presencia de telangiectasias (arañas vasculares) en el 37,2 %, seguido de circulación colateral (31,3 %) e ictericia (19,7 %). En la ecografía abdominal (realizada en el 57,4 % de los pacientes) predominaron la cirrosis (68 %) y la presencia de esplenomegalia (14,2 %), y en lospacientes con Doppler portal (realizado en el 16,4 %) se encontró hígado cirrótico (80 %) y dilatación portal (40 %). Con respecto a los hallazgos en la esofagogastroduodenoscopia predominó la presencia de várices esofágicas y gastritis crónica. Conclusión. El principal motivo de consulta fue el sangrado digestivo, en tanto que la cirrosis fue el antecedente y el hallazgo imagenológico más frecuente, seguido de las várices esofágicas. Se encontró que el uso de paraclínicos, ecografía abdominal, ecografía con Doppler portal y esofagogastroduodenoscopia fueron los más utilizados en el contexto clínico de los pacientes con el diagnóstico de HTP.

Introduction. Portal hypertension (PHT) is defined as an abnormal elevation of venous pressure in the portal system that leads to the development of collateral pathways to divert blood flow from the area. Within its etiology are those related to liver cirrhosis and other so-called non cirrhotic causes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main demographic, clinical and paraclinical findings in a group of patients with PHT, and to determine the use of invasive and non-invasive aids, and their availability for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients in centers that do not have a hepatic hemodynamics laboratory, reflecting the dynamics of multiple scenarios in Colombia. Methodology. A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted in patients attended in a third level institution in Southern Colombia, between January 2015 and December 2020. Results. A sample of 61 patients was obtained where the majority of cases corresponded to men in the seventh decade of life, from the urban area. The main cause of consultation was digestive bleeding (39.3%), associated with the presence of telangiectasias (spider veins) in 37.2%, followed by collateral circulation (31.3%) and jaundice (19.7%). In abdominal ultrasound (performed in 57.4% of the patients), cirrhosis (68%) and the presence of splenomegaly (14.2%) predominated, and in patients with portal Doppler (performed in 16.4%), cirrhotic liver (80%) and portal dilatation (40%) were found. With respect to the findings in the esophagogastroduodenoscopy, esophageal varices and chronic gastritis were predominant. Conclusion. The main reason for consultation was gastrointestinal bleeding, while cirrhosis was the most frequent history and imaging finding, followed by esophageal varices. It was found that the use of paraclinics, abdominal ultrasound, ultrasound with portal Doppler and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were the most used in the clinical context of patients diagnosed with PHT.

Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de pacientes con enfermedad hepática esteatósica asociada a disfunción metabólica previa al trasplante en un hospital de cuarto nivel / Clinical-epidemiological characterization of patients with steatotic liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction prior to transplantation in a fourth level hospital

Introducción. La enfermedad hepática esteatósica asociada a disfunción metabólica (MASLD) se ha convertido en la enfermedad hepática crónica más frecuente en los países occidentales, causando un aumento en los costos y en la ocupación hospitalaria. La caracterización integral previa al trasplante hepático en pacientes con MASLD es una gran interrogante, especialmente en nuestro medio. El objetivo del presente estudio fue realizar la caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de pacientes trasplantados por cirrosis hepática (CH) descompensada o carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) asociado a MASLD. Metodología. Se desarrolló un estudio observacional retrospectivo, descriptivo, de corte transversal en el Servicio de Hepatología del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe en Medellín, Colombia. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 17 años, con diagnóstico de CH o de CHC asociado a MASLD que fueron trasplantados entre los años 2004 a 2017. Resultados. Se encontraron 84 pacientes que fueron trasplantados con esas características. La edad promedio de los pacientes fue de 59±10,5 con una mayor proporción significativa de hombres sobre mujeres, llegando casi al 70 %. Con relación a las comorbilidades, se encontró que el sobrepeso/obesidad, la hipertensión arterial y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 fueron un hallazgo en el 44,1 %, 33,3 % y 33,3 %, respectivamente. Por otro lado, el 14,5 %, el 33,7 % y el 51,8 % presentaron un Child-Pugh A, B y C, respectivamente. La media del puntaje MELD fue de 18,9±6,26. Con respecto a las complicaciones de la cirrosis, el 77,4 % de los pacientes presentó ascitis, el 61,9 % encefalopatía hepática, el 36,9 % hemorragia del tracto digestivo superior y el 29,8 % peritonitis bacteriana espontánea. Conclusión. Los resultados expuestos mostraron nuestra experiencia en trasplante hepático en pacientes con CH y CHC asociado a MASLD. Se debe realizar una evaluación multidisciplinaria antes y después del trasplante en estos pacientes, haciendo especial énfasis en el manejo de la disfunción metabólica y sus componentes, entre los que se destacan la obesidad y la diabetes mellitus.

Introduction. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most frequent chronic liver disease in Western countries, causing increased costs and hospital occupancy. The comprehensive pre-transplant characterization in patients with MASLD is a major question, especially in our setting. The aim of the present study was to perform the clinical-epidemiological characterization of transplanted patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (LC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with MASLD. Methodology. A retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional observational study was carried out in the Hepatology Department of the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellin, Colombia. Patients over 17 years of age, with a diagnosis of LC or HCC associated with MASLD who were transplanted between 2004 and 2017 were included. Results. We found 84 patients who were transplanted with these characteristics. The mean age of the patients was 59±10.5 with a significantly higher proportion of men over women, reaching almost 70%. Regarding comorbidities, overweight/obesity, arterial hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus were found in 44.1%, 33.3%, and 33.3%, respectively. On the other hand, 14.5%, 33.7%, and 51.8% had Child-Pugh A, B, and C, respectively. The mean MELD score was 18.9±6.26. Regarding complications of cirrhosis, 77.4% of patients developed ascites, 61.9% hepatic encephalopathy, 36.9% upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage, and 29.8% spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Conclusion. The above results showed our experience of liver transplantation in patients with LC and HCC associated with MASLD. A multidisciplinary evaluation should be performed before and after transplantation in these patients, with special emphasis on the management of metabolic dysfunction and its components, including obesity and diabetes mellitus.

TIPS en pacientes cirróticos con trombosis venosa portal: una revisión de la literatura / TIPS in cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis: A review of the literature

En los últimos años, la trombosis de la vena porta entre los pacientes cirróticos se ha comportado como una entidad reconocida y cada vez más estudiada, no solo por su creciente incidencia, sino por la asociación con gravedad y mal pronóstico en cirrosis. Asimismo, se hacen objeto de estudio las terapias disponibles para el manejo tanto médico como quirúrgico de estos pacientes, lo que ha dado un papel importante a la derivación portosistémica transyugular intrahepática (TIPS). El uso de TIPS en esta población se posiciona como una alternativa de manejo aceptable, no solo por brindar mejoría en las complicaciones derivadas de la hipertensión portal, sino también por sus resultados prometedores en diferentes estudios sobre el flujo y la recanalización portal, y por su perfil de seguridad. Sin embargo, la eficacia, los efectos adversos a largo plazo y el pronóstico de dicha intervención en la compleja fisiopatología de la cirrosis deben continuar en estudio. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar los avances del uso de TIPS en el manejo de pacientes con cirrosis hepática y trombosis portal.

In recent years, portal vein thrombosis among cirrhotic patients has been a well-recognized and continuously studied entity, not only because of its increasing incidence but also because of its association with severity and poor prognosis in cirrhosis. Likewise, therapies available for both medical and surgical management in these patients are being studied, which has given an important role to the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). The use of TIPS in this population is positioned as an acceptable management alternative, not only because it provides improvement in complications derived from portal hypertension, but also because of its promising results in different studies on portal flow and recanalization upgrade, and for its safety. However, the efficacy, long-term adverse effects, and prognosis of this intervention in the complex pathophysiology of cirrhosis must continue to be studied. The objective of this article is to review the advances in the use of TIPS in the management of patients with liver cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis.

Albúmina en cirrosis: perspectiva inflamatoria / Albumin in cirrhosis: inflammatory perspective

La albúmina sérica humana es la proteína más abundante en el plasma, su estructura molecular le confiere estabilidad, pero también flexibilidad para ligar y transportar un amplio rango de moléculas. Su función oncótica es la propiedad más reconocida que la lleva a introducirse en la terapéutica médica como un expansor de volumen. Sin embargo, en los últimos años se le han adicionado funciones con carácter antioxidante, inmunomodulador y de estabilización endotelial, que hacen presumir que su impacto terapéutico está más allá de sus funciones volumétricas. En los últimos años, específicamente en la cirrosis y la falla hepática aguda sobre crónica, se ha tenido un cambio en el paradigma fisiológico, desde una perspectiva netamente hemodinámica hacia una perspectiva inflamatoria, en donde las funciones oncóticas y no oncóticas de la albúmina están alteradas y tienen un carácter pronóstico en estas entidades. Este conocimiento creciente, desde una perspectiva inflamatoria, hace que se fortalezca el uso terapéutico de la albúmina sérica humana desde las indicaciones tradicionales como prevención de la disfunción circulatoria posparacentesis, prevención y tratamiento de lesión renal aguda, hasta las discusiones para administración a largo plazo en pacientes cirróticos con ascitis.

Human serum albumin is the most abundant protein in plasma, with a molecular structure that provides stability while also allowing flexibility to bind and transport a wide range of molecules. Its oncotic function is the most recognized property, leading to its introduction in medical therapy as a volume expander. However, in recent years, additional functions with antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and endothelial stabilization properties have been identified, suggesting that its therapeutic impact extends beyond its volumetric functions. Specifically, in cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure, there has been a shift in the pathophysiological paradigm from a purely hemodynamic perspective to an inflammatory perspective, where both oncotic and non-oncotic functions of albumin are altered and have prognostic significance in these conditions. This growing understanding from an inflammatory perspective strengthens the therapeutic use of human serum albumin, not only for traditional indications such as the prevention of post-paracentesis circulatory disfunction, prevention and treatment of acute kidney injury, but also for discussions regarding long-term administration in cirrhotic patients with ascites.

Value of curvature value of liver surface nodularity based on MRI in liver function evaluation of liver cirrhosis / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To explore the value of curvature value of liver surface nodularity(LSN)based on MRI in evaluating liver function in patients with liver cirrhosis.Methods A retrospective analysis was made on the patients who underwent upper abdomen MR examination at 3.0T.The normal liver function patients and cirrhosis patients were enrolled in the study and then the Child-Pugh score of the patients were calculated.The patients were divided into three groups:normal liver group,compensated cirrhosis group and decompensated cirrhosis group.The water phase imaging of 3D modified Dixon fast field echo(mDixon-FFE)sequence was copied in DICOM format.ITK software was used to manually draw the full-thickness liver edge by two observers.The curvature value of LSN was obtained by using matlab self compiled code for follow up analysis.Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the curvature value between the groups.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn and the area under the curve(AUC)was obtained.Spearman test was used for the correlation analysis.Results The curvature values of LSN among the normal liver,compensated cirrhosis and decompensated cirrhosis groups gradually increased(P<0.05).Comparing normal liver with compensated cirrhosis,the AUC of diagnosing compensated cirrhosis was 0.84,with the sensitivity of 72.7%and the specificity of 89.3%.Comparing compensated cirrhosis with decompensated cirrhosis,the AUC of diagnosing decompensated cirrhosis was 0.91,with the sensitivity of 80%and the specificity of 90.9%.There was a moderate positive correlation between the curvature value of LSN and liver function score in patients with cirrhosis(r=0.63,P=0.002).Conclusion The curvature value of LSN based on MRI can be used for preliminary evaluation of liver function of liver cirrhosis,with the AUC more than 0.80 and higher sensitivity and specificity.

Application of laparoscopic contrast enhanced ultrasound in laparoscopic surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma combined with cirrhosis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To explore the application value of laparoscopic contrast enhanced ultrasound in laparoscopic surgery for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma combined with cirrhosis.Methods:The clinical data of 71 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma combined cirrhosis from February 2018 to February 2020 in Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology were retrospectively analyzed. The patients underwent preoperative enhanced CT and multi-parameter MRI examination, followed by laparoscopic partial hepatectomy, and intraoperative laparoscopic contrast enhanced ultrasound examination. Based on histological examination and follow-up results, the diagnostic efficacy of preoperative imaging and preoperative imaging combined with intraoperative laparoscopic contrast enhanced ultrasound in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma combined with cirrhosis was compared.Results:Among the 71 patients, 69 completed laparoscopic surgery and 2 converted to open surgery. One hundred and ten HCC lesions were diagnosed by preoperative imaging examination, 105 lesions were detected by intraoperative ultrasound among them, of which 98 lesions were diagnosed as HCC by intraoperative laparoscopic contrast enhanced ultrasound. There were no statistically significant difference in sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value between preoperative imaging and preoperative imaging combined with intraoperative laparoscopic contrast enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions: 94.4% (102/108) vs. 99.1% (107/108), 81.0% (34/42) vs. 66.7% (28/42), 90.6% (136/150) vs. 90.0% (135/150), 92.7% (102/110) vs. 88.4% (107/121) and 85.0% (34/40) vs. 96.6% (28/29), P>0.05. Laparoscopic contrast enhanced ultrasound revealed an additional 11 suspected malignant lesions, of which 5 lesions were histologically confirmed as HCC. Seven patients underwent surgical strategy changes. Conclusions:Laparoscopic contrast enhanced ultrasound in patients with HCC combined with cirrhosis during laparoscopic surgery can be used to detect, identify, accurately locate of the lesions and modify the surgical plan.

Predictive value of pre-treatment platelet-to-albumin ratio in short-term prognosis of endoscopic treatment for cirrhosis with esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To explore the predictive value of pre-treatment platelet-to-albumin ratio (PAR) in short-term prognosis of endoscopic treatment for cirrhosis with esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding(EGVB).Methods:By retrospective analysis method, the clinical data of 195 cirrhotic patients with EVGB from January 2019 to April 2022 treatment at Bengbu First People′s Hospital were collected and analyzed. The PAR was calculated according to platelet count and albumin. The independent risk factors that affecting 6-week rebleeding and death were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of PAR for rebleeding and death, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate the rebleeding rate and survival rate of patients with different PAR ratios.Results:Among 195 patients, 36 patients were rebleeding and 159 patients were non-rebleeding within 6 weeks; while 15 cases died and 180 cases survived. The platelet count, PAR in the rebleeding group were lower than those in the non-rebleeding group, the direct bilirubin, triglyceride, alanine transaminase, prothrombin time and mortality in the rebleeding group were higher than those in the non-rebleeding group: 74.0(66.5, 88.8) × 10 9/L vs. 98.0(85.0, 111.0)×10 9/L, 2.48(2.18, 2.78) vs. 3.35(2.81, 4.04), 18.5(14.0, 23.8) μmol/L vs. 16.0(11.0, 20.0) μmol/L, (4.73 ± 2.52) mmol/L vs. (3.94 ± 1.65) mmol/L, 36.0(27.0, 46.0)U/L vs. 21.0(13.3, 33.0)U/L, (14.78 ± 1.63) s vs. (13.47 ± 0.87) s, 36.11%(13/36) vs. 1.26%(2/159), there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Cox multivariate regression showed that PAR, alanine transaminase were the independent risk factors for the rebleeding ( P<0.05), PAR was the independent risk factor for the death within 6 weeks ( P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of PAR for predicting 6-week rebleeding and death was 0.876, 0.776, the cut-off was 2.94, 2.71, the specificity was 69.8%, 72.2%, the sensitivity was 94.4%, 73.3%, respectively. According to the cut-off of PAR to predict rebleeding, the 6-week rebleeding rate in the PAR≤2.94 group was higher than that in the PAR>2.94 group ( χ2 = 36.88, P<0.01). According to the cut-off of PAR to predict death, the 6-week mortality rate in the PAR≤2.71 group was higher than in the PAR>2.71 group ( χ2 = 16.44, P<0.01). Conclusions:PAR can be used as a predictor for rebleeding and death within 6 weeks of EGVB in cirrhotic patients.

Efficacy of Partial Splenic Artery Embolization Versus Splenectomy for Hypersplenism Secondary to Liver Cirrhosis:a Meta-analysis / 医学研究杂志

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy of partial splenic artery embolization(PSE)and splenectomy in the treatment of secondary hypersplenism in liver cirrhosis.Methods PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,CNKI,Wan Fang were searched to collect randomized controlled trials and cohort studies about the efficacy of PSE versus splenectomy in the treatment of hyper-splenism secondary to liver cirrhosis from inception to October 30,2021.Two reviewers screened the literature,extracted data,and as-sessed the risk of bias of included studies.Meta-analysis was then conducted.Results A total of 14studies were included with 1092 patients.The results of the meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in postoperative leukocyte levels at 1 week,1 month,and 1 year after surgery between the PSE group and the splenectomy group.However,6months after surgery,the level of postop-erative leukocyte in the splenectomy group was significantly higher than that in the PSE group.For postoperative platelet counts,there was no significant difference at 1 month and 1 year after surgery between the two groups.However,1 week(MD=-65.46,95％CI:-116.39--14.52,P=0.01)and 6months(MD=-117.99,95％CI:-229.71--6.27,P=0.04)after surgery,the level of postoperative platelet in splenectomy group was significantly higher than that in PSE group.There was no significant difference in postoperative erythro-cyte levels at 1 week,1 month,and 1 year after surgery between the two groups.The level of postoperative natural killer cells in the PSE group was significantly higher than that in the splenectomy group at 1 month(MD=6.02,95％CI:4.27-7.77,P＜0.001)and 1 year(MD=3.53,95％CI:1.68-5.37,P=0.0002)after surgery.Compared with splenectomy group,PSE group exhibited less intraopera-tive bleeding(MD=-73.92,95％CI:-89.39--58.45,P＜0.001),less hospitalization costs(MD=-0.80,95％CI:-1.27--0.34,P=0.0008)and shorter length of stay(MD=-4.08,95％CI:-5.22--2.95,P＜0.001).Conclusion The current evi-dence shows that PSE has certain short-term and long-term effects on hypersplenism.Compared with splenectomy,it has less surgical trauma,less hospital stay and less cost,easy to control complications,and retains some immune function,which is worth spreading in the clinic.Limited by the quantity and quality of the included literature,more high-quality studies are needed to confirm the above conclu-sions.

Gastrointestinal dysfunction in prognosis of liver cirrhotic patients with sepsis / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To assess the value of acute gastrointestinal injury(AGI)and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein(I-FABP)in the prognosis of liver cirrhotic patients with sepsis.Methods Clinical data of 84 liver cirrhosis patients with sepsis who were admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU)of a hospital from September 2020 to March 2023 were analyzed retrospectively,and 41 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis during the same period were selected as the control group.Serum I-FABP level in patients was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Scores of the model of end-stage liver disease(MELD)and sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)were calculated.AGI was evaluated based on medical records.30-day and 90-day survival was observed.Correlation among variables was analyzed by Spearman correlation.Risk factors for death in patients with liver cir-rhosis and sepsis was determined by multivariate Cox regression analysis.The optimal cut-off value was determined by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,and the diagnostic efficacy was compared through the area under the ROC curve(AUC).Results Both AGI grading and I-FABP level in liver cirrhosis patients with sepsis were higher than those in the control group(both P＜0.05).I-FABP level was correlated with procalcitonin(PCT),MELD,and SOFA scores in patients with liver cirrhosis and sepsis(all P＜0.05).AGI grading was positively cor-related with SOFA score(P=0.038).The 30-day and 90-day mortality of patients in the liver cirrhosis with sepsis group were 25.0％(n=21)and 35.7％(n=30),respectively.Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that baseline I-FABP and SOFA scores were independently correlated with 30-day and 90-day survival,and the I-FABP quartile showed good prognostic differentiation efficacy.ROC curve showed that I-FABP could significantly improve the predictive effect of SOFA score on the prognosis of patients.Conclusion AGI grading and I-FABP level in liver cirrhosis patients with sepsis are elevated significantly.Serum I-FABP is associated with the prognosis of patient and can improve the predictive efficacy of SOFA score for survival.

Radiomics models based on gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid enhanced hepatobiliary phase MRI for assessing clinical pathological stage of hepatic fibrosis / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective To observe the value of radiomics models based on gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid(Gd-EOB-DTPA)enhanced hepatobiliary phase(HBP)MRI for assessing clinical pathological stage of hepatic fibrosis(HF).Methods Data of 240 patients with pathologically/clinically diagnosed and clinical pathological staged HF who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MR examination were retrospectively analyzed.The liver-to-muscle signal intensity ratio(SIR1)and liver-to-spleen signal intensity ratio(SIR2)were measured based on HBP images.Radiomics features of HBP images were extracted and screened to construct radiomics models.The signal intensity ratio(SIR)-radiomics combined models were constructed based on SIR and radiomics signatures.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were drawn to evaluate the efficacy of each model for assessing clinical pathological stage of HF.Results The area under the curve(AUC)of SIR1 and SIR2 models for assessing clinical pathological stage of HF were 0.63-0.70 and 0.65-0.71,respectively.The most effective radiomics model for assessing HF,significant HF,advanced HF and early cirrhosis was support vector machine(SVM),SVM,light gradient boosting machine and K-nearest neighbor model,respectively,with the AUC in validation set of 0.87,0.82,0.81 and 0.80,respectively,while the AUC of SIR-radiomics combined models in validation set of 0.88,0.82,0.82 and 0.81,respectively.Conclusion The radiomics models based on Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced HBP MRI were helpful for assessing clinical pathological stage of HF.Combining with HBP SIR could improve their efficacy.

Correlation with nutritional status and risk factors of depressed mood in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis / 中华临床营养杂志

Objective:To evaluate the nutritional status of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and explore the correlation with malnutrition and the risk factors of depressed mood.Methods:190 cirrhotic patients admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology of the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from June to September 2023 were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligible patients were divided into subgroups based on the presence or absence of malnutrition as determined by subjective global assessment (SGA). The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale was used to assess patients' propensity for depressed mood. Relevant clinical data were also collected and analyzed.Results:A total of 185 patients were included, of which 126 were in the non-malnutrition group and 59 malnutrition group. There were significant between-group differences in terms of CES-D results, age, body mass index, platelets, D-dimer, serum sodium, third lumbar skeletal muscle index, grip strength, triceps skinfold thickness, and upper arm muscle circumference (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that grip strength, triceps skinfold thickness, upper arm muscle circumference, serum sodium, and depressed mood tendency status were correlated with the development of cirrhotic malnutrition ( P<0.05). The diagnostic model for malnutrition in cirrhosis using these five indicators showed the area under the curve of 81.9%. Conclusions:Depression is closely related to the development of malnutrition in patients with liver cirrhosis. Independent risk factors for malnutrition in cirrhosis include serum sodium≤135 mmol/L, grip strength, triceps skinfold thickness, lower-than-normal upper arm circumference , and the tendency of depression , which demonstrate the combined contribution to the diagnosis of malnutrition in cirrhosis.

Clinical effect of endoscopic sclerosing agent and tissue glue injection combined with ligation for the treatment of rectal ectopic varices bleeding / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To explore the clinical effect of endoscopic sclerosing agent and tissue glue injection combined with ligation in the treatment of rectal ectopic varices(EV)bleeding.Method A retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 patients with rectal EV bleeding who received endoscopic treatment from January 2017 to January 2022.According to the surgical method,the patients were divided into two groups,with 30 cases in the control group receiving endoscopic ligation treatment;30 cases in the observation group were treated with endoscopic scleroing agent and tissue glue injection combined with ligation.Follow up was conducted according to a cycle of 1,3,6 and 12 months after surgery,and the following indicators were compared between the two groups of patients:successful surgical hemostasis rate,incidence of postoperative complications,mortality rate,improvement of postoperative varicose vein diameter,and postoperative response rate.Result The success rate of surgical hemostasis in the observation group was 93.3%,significantly higher than 66.7%in the control group,the incidence of abdominal pain and fever in the observation group was 10.0%and 10.0%,respectively,significantly lower than 33.3%and 36.7%in the control group,there were 2 deaths in the observation group and 9 deaths in the control group,the mortality rate in the observation group was 6.7%,significantly lower than the 30.0%in the control group,the preoperative venous diameter of the observation group was(1.60±0.36)cm,and the postoperative diameter continued to decrease,at the 12th month after surgery,the diameter was(0.78±0.31)cm,while in the control group,the preoperative venous diameter was(1.52±0.26)cm,the postoperative diameter continued to increase,and at the 12th month after surgery,the diameter was(1.55±0.36)cm,the postoperative effective rate of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The combination of endoscopic scleroing agent and tissue glue injection combined with ligation for the treatment of rectal EV bleeding has a higher success rate and effective rate of surgical hemostasis,fewer postoperative complications,lower mortality rate during follow-up observation,and satisfactory clinical efficacy.It is worth further promoting and applying in clinical practice.

The prognostic value of serum Dnase1L3, CAR combined with MHR in decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis patients / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the prognostic value of serum deoxyribonuclease 1 like 3 (Dnase1L3), C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) combined with monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) in decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis patients.Methods:A prospective selection was conducted on 236 decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis patients (liver disease group) admitted to the Third Hospital of Qinhuangdao from January 2020 to December 2021, and 185 healthy volunteers (control group) who underwent outpatient physical examinations. The serum levels of Dnase1L3, CAR, MHR, and liver function were detected, and Pearson analysis was conducted to investigate the correlation between Dnase1L3, CAR, MHR, and liver function. Tracking the survival status of patients after 30 days of hospitalization, the risk factors affecting 30 day mortality in decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis patients were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression equation. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the value of Dnase1L3, CAR, and MHR in predicting 30 day in-hospital mortality in decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis patients.Results:The serum levels of Dnase1L3, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBiL), CAR, and MHR in the liver disease group were higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The serum levels of Dnase1L3, CAR, and MHR in the liver disease group were positively correlated with AST, ALT, and TBiL (all P<0.05). Among 236 patients, 32 died within 30 days. Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores>18, high Dnase1L3, high CAR, and high MHR were risk factors for 30 day mortality in decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis patients (all P<0.05). The combined prediction of Dnase1L3, CAR, MHR, and MELD scores for 30 day mortality in decompensated patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis showed an area under the curve of 0.904, which was higher than the predicted values of 0.719, 0.678, 0.763, and 0.742 for individual indicators. Conclusions:The serum Dnase1L3 levels, CAR, and MHR are elevated in patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis, and are associated with the degree of liver function damage and mortality within 30 days of hospitalization. They have high value in predicting the prognosis of decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis.

Experience of National TCM Master Wang Qingguo in Treating Liver Cirrhosis with Triplet Herbs / 中国中医药信息杂志

This article summarized the experience of national TCM master Wang Qingguo in treating liver cirrhosis with triplet herbs.Professor Wang believes that the etiology and pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis are always based on the disorders of liver,spleen and kidney function,the dampness and heat retention is an important factor of the disease.When the disease enters the collaterals,blood stasis runs through the development of the disease,qi,blood and water are both pathological products and pathogenic factors.Therefore,supporting the healthy qi and eliminating pathogens,and treating both manifestation and root cause of disease are important treatment principles for liver cirrhosis.Professor Wang takes the whole as the main principle and selects triplet herbs that are suitable for the pathogenesis at different stages of disease development.He emphasizes the three methods of soothing the liver and promoting dampness,removing blood stasis and diuresis,and supporting the healthy qi and eliminating pathogens.He flexibly applies the treatment,and the clinical efficacy is remarkable.

Risk factors for bleeding events in patients with cirrhosis-associate esophageal and gastric varices / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective @#To detect the risk factors for bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and esophageal and gastric varices (EGV) and better understand the potentially life-threatening complications．@*Methods @# Retrospectively， and a total of 309 patients with cirrhosis and EGV were enrolled in this study and were divided into the observation group and control based on EGV bleeding or not．Meanwhile，the patients＇epidemiological，clinical，laboratory， and radiological characteristics were collected and analyzed to construct a prediction model．The bootstrap method could be used to validate predictive models and the ROC curves to evaluate its forecasting ability. @*Results @#High- density lipoprotein (HDL) (P＜0. 001，OR = 0. 131，95% CI = 0. 049－0. 350) ，C-reactive protein ( CRP) (P = 0. 010，OR = 2. 657，95% CI = 1. 269－5. 563) ，the width of portal vein (PVW) (P = 0. 050，OR = 1. 156，95% CI = 1. 000 －1. 336) ，the thickness of spleen (P = 0. 035，OR = 1. 492，95% CI = 1. 028 －2. 165) ，Child-Pugh grade B (P = 0. 003 ，OR = 11. 320，95% CI = 2. 232 －57. 407 ) and Child-Pugh grade C ( P = 0. 002 ，OR = 3. 888，95% CI = 1. 659－9. 114) were significantly associated with the occurrence of EGV bleeding．The AUC of the predictive risk model in the modeling group was 0. 802，and the validation group was 0. 836．@*Conclusion @# The lower HDL and higher CRP，PVW，the thickness of the spleen，Child-Pugh grade B and C are the risk factors for the occurrence of EGV bleeding.

Correlation of serum angiopoietin-1， angiopoietin-2， and angiopoietin-1/angiopoietin-2 ratio with HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase in patients with chronic hepatitis B or liver cirrhosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation of serum angiopoietin-1 （Ang-1）， angiopoietin-2 （Ang-2）， and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio with HBA DNA and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） in patients with chronic hepatitis B （CHB） or liver cirrhosis. MethodsClinical data and serum specimens were collected from 99 patients with CHB and 59 patients with liver cirrhosis who were admitted to Beijing YouAn Hospital， Capital Medical University， from March 2018 to October 2019， and 46 individuals who underwent physical examination were enrolled as control group. PCR was used to measure serum HBV DNA level， and ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of Ang-1 and Ang-2. The serum levels of Ang-1 and Ang-2 and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio were compared between groups. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups， and the Bonferroni method was used for further comparison between two groups； the Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation of Ang-1， Ang-2， and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio with HBV DNA and ALT. ResultsCompared with the control group， the CHB group and the liver cirrhosis group had a significant reduction in the level of Ang-1 （479.0 pg/mL and 208.4 pg/mL vs 671.0 pg/mL， both P<0.05）， and compared with the CHB group， the liver cirrhosis group had a significant reduction in the level of Ang-1 （P<0.001）. Compared with the control group， the CHB group and the liver cirrhosis group had a significant increase in the level of Ang-2 （286.1 pg/mL and 438.4 pg/mL vs 198.0 pg/mL， both P<0.001）， and compared with the CHB group， the liver cirrhosis group had a significant increase in the level of Ang-2 （P<0.001）. Compared with the control group， the CHB group and the liver cirrhosis group had a significant reduction in Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio （1.6 and 0.5 vs 3.4， both P<0.001）， and compared with the CHB group， the liver cirrhosis group had a significant reduction in Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio （P<0.001）. The Spearman correlation analysis showed that in the CHB group， Ang-1 was negatively correlated with HBV DNA and ALT （r=-0.400 and -0.394， both P˂0.001）， Ang-2 was positively correlated with HBV DNA and ALT （r=0.365 and 0.351， both P<0.001）， and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio was negatively correlated with HBV DNA and ALT （r=-0.463 and -0.473， both P<0.001）； in the liver cirrhosis group， Ang-1， Ang-2， and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio had no correlation with HBV DNA or ALT （all P>0.05）. ConclusionThere are significant changes in the serum levels of Ang-1 and Ang-2 and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio in patients with CHB or liver cirrhosis， and Ang-1， Ang-2， and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio reflects the degree of liver injury in patients with CHB to a certain extent.