Association of liver function tests with severity of disease in patients with COVID-19

Background: We aimed to investigate the association of liver function tests with disease severity at admission and during hospitalization in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: Blood tests of patients who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 were retrospectively analyzed. Liver tests included serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, and albumin. Besides these, C-reactive protein and ferritin were also analyzed in the study. Levels of these tests at admission and peak levels during hospitalization were then recorded. Severe COVID-19 infection was defined as the reason for ICU admission. Both the associations of the levels of liver tests at admission and peak levels during hospitalization with severe disease were evaluated. Results: The study included a total of 602 patients, and 127 (21.1%) of the patients were hospitalized in the ICU. In our study, only albumin level abnormality was significantly associated with severe disease in COVID-19 patients at admission. However, during hospitalization, a significant association was found between severe disease and abnormal AST, ALT, GGT, T.BIL, albumin, and ferritin levels. During hospitalization, it was also observed that the rates of severe disease cases increased as AST, ALT, GGT, and T.BIL levels increased. Conclusions: Abnormal liver function tests may be a predictor for severe disease in patients with COVID-19. It is therefore important to monitor liver function tests in hospitalized patients.

Derangement of liver function tests in dengue patients

Background: Changes in the liver function test may serve as an early marker for timely diagnosis and identification of patients who may develop severe dengue. The purpose of this study was to examine the link between dengue fever severity and liver function test. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine, Madhesh Institute of health sciences, provincial hospital, Janakpurdham in which we included dengue positive patients (aged 18 years or more) based on NS1 antigen or high titer on IgM/IgG testing from July 2023 till August 2023. We excluded patients with diseases like malaria, cirrhosis of liver, enteric fever, viral hepatitis or any other disease or taking any medication which can derange LFT. Results: We included 96 patients fulfilling the study criteria. Of these, 71% had DF, 22% had DHF and 7% had DSS. Among liver enzymes, mean AST of the patients was significantly higher in DSS group of patients (775.19�.65 U/l), as compared to those in the DF and DHF group of patients, p value <0.01. Similarly, mean ALT of the patients was significantly higher in DSS group of patients (387.8�.6 U/l), as compared to those in the DF and DHF group of patients, p value<0.01. On the contrary, mean alkaline phosphatase levels were similar between the three patient groups. Conclusions: Based on the results our study, we conclude that raised AST and ALT levels were significantly associated with severity of DSS and DHF. Patients with dengue infection should have a baseline liver function test and subsequent LFT monitoring to detect early hepatic impairment.

Visual transient elastography combined with liver steatosis analysis for assessing liver function injury after ablation / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of a novel technique called visual transient elastography (ViTE) and liver steatosis analysis (LiSA) in assessing liver function injury in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-related HCC) patients after ablation therapy.Methods:A total of 129 HBV-related HCC patients in Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital from January 2022 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.ViTE and LiSA examinations were applied to record the liver stiffness E value and LiSA value before ablation. An albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score was constructed using laboratory indicators. Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between E value, LiSA value and ALBI score, body mass index (BMI). According to the change of ALBI grade in perioperative period, the patients could be divided into two groups: liver function unchanged group and liver function injury group. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were used to analyze related factors affecting changes in liver function after ablation, followed by establishing a predictive model.Results:Spearman analysis showed a strong positive correlation between E value and ALBI score ( rs=0.686, P<0.001), and LiSA value was weakly positively correlated with BMI ( rs=0.338, P<0.001). There were no significant correlations between E value and BMI, LiSA value and ALBI score (all P>0.05). Univariate analysis showed that differences of age, BMI, ablation parameters, E value, and LiSA value in the two groups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that E value, LiSA value, and ablation time were independent predictors of hepatic dysfunction after ablation (all P<0.05). AUC was 0.892 indicating high accuracy in the predictive model based on above indicators. Conclusions:Under the real-time ultrasound guidance, a non-invasive liver function injury prediction model based on ViTE and LiSA technology can offer personalized predictions for ablative perioperative changes in liver function among HBV-related HCC patients.

Study of spontaneous portosystemic shunts in patients with cirrhosis evaluated by enhanced CT / 中国现代医生

@#Objective To investigate the imaging value and associated clinical features of enhanced CT evaluation of spontaneous portosystemic shunts(SPSS)in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension.Methods Patients with cirrhosis who attended Panjin Central Hospital from June 2020 to July 2022 were retrospectively collected to evaluate the presence,size and type of spontaneous portal shunts for statistical analysis,and relevant clinical and laboratory indices were recorded.Results A total of 119 patients with liver cirrhosis were included in this study.Total bilirubin level,albumin level,prothrombin time,international normalized ratio,Child-Pugh grade,hepatic encephalopathy,portal vein thrombosis,and renal vein diameter were all statistically significant difference(P<0.05)compared to the three groups of patients in the no-SPSS,SPSS<8mm and SPSS≥8mm groups.Multi-factor logistic analysis could identify Child-Pugh grade C and portal vein thrombosis as independent risk factors for the occurrence of spontaneous splenorenal shunt(SSRS)≥8mm.In the group without SPSS and in the group with SSRS,there was a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).When comparing uric acid values,left gastric vein diameter and left renal vein diameter.Conclusion The presence of SPSS can be detected early by enhancing CT.The presence of SPSS,especially in patients with a diameter greater than or equal to 8mm,is associated with poorer liver function and a greater risk of portal vein thrombosis;the presence of SPSS reflects the patient's cirrhotic state to some extent.

Alteraciones en el perfil hepático y otros marcadores de pacientes asintomáticos que acuden a exámenes de rutina en un área urbana de Lima, Perú

Introducción: las enzimas y marcadores del perfil hepático permiten evaluar la funcionalidad y condición del hígado. Sus elevaciones pueden ser silentes y con cierta prevalencia en muchos adultos. Objetivo: determinar las principales alteraciones en el hepatograma en pacientes que acuden a consulta médica de rutina. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal realizado a partir de resultados de laboratorio de historias clínicas de 364 pacientes de todas las edades y ambos sexos pertenecientes a un policlínico del distrito de Villa el Salvador, Perú desde enero de 2021 a julio de 2022. Las variables fueron: edad, sexo, valores de transaminasa glutámico pirúvica (TGP), transaminasa glutámico oxalacética (TGO), bilirrubina directa, indirecta y total, albúmina, globulinas y fosfatasa alcalina (FA). Resultados: en el promedio total de la muestra, la TGP fue alta (51,05 U/L), así como la bilirrubina total (1,50 mg/dL) y la FA (135,84 U/L). La TGP fue alta en hombres (54,92 U/L) y mujeres (48,86 U/L). La TGO fue normal en mujeres y alta en hombres (48,24 U/L). La bilirrubina indirecta fue alta en hombres (1,33 mg/dL). La FA fue más alta en ambos sexos (143,28 U/L en hombres y 126,38 en mujeres). Según grupo etario, los valores de TGO fueron más altos en el grupo de edad igual o mayor a 40 años (49,99 U/L). Los valores de TGP fueron elevados en ambos sexos (55,96 U/L en hombres y 50,90 U/L en mujeres), así como en la bilirrubina total, la que fue más alta en el grupo de edad igual o mayor a 40 años (2,03 mg/dL). La bilirrubina indirecta, albúmina y FA fueron normales en el grupo de edad igual o menor de 39 años, pero fueron elevadas en el grupo de edad igual o mayor a 40 años (1,13 mg/dL, 5,77 gr/dL y 147,95 U/L, respectivamente). Conclusiones: existen alteraciones en el perfil hepático en pacientes asintomáticos en la muestra estudiada. A pesar de no ser elevaciones significativamente grandes, se recomienda identificar y tratar las posibles causas que pudieran desencadenar dichas elevaciones, así como la realización de más estudios similares a nivel nacional para caracterizar el perfil hepático de nuestra población.

Introduction: The enzymes and markers of the liver profile allow us to evaluate the functionality and condition of the liver. Their elevations may be silent and have a certain prevalence in many adults. Objective: To determine the main alterations in the hepatogram in patients who attend routine medical consultation. Methodology: Descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study carried out based on laboratory results from medical records of 364 female and male patients of all ages attending a polyclinic in the district of Villa El Salvador, Peru from January 2021 to July 2022. The variables were: age, sex, values ​​of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), direct, indirect and total bilirubin, albumin, globulins and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Results: In the total average of the sample, ALT was high (51.05 U/L), as well as total bilirubin (1.50 mg/dL) and ALP (135.84 U/L). ALT was high in men (54.92 U/L) and women (48.86 U/L) while AST was normal in women and high in men (48.24 U/L). Indirect bilirubin was high in men (1.33 mg/dL) and ALP was higher in both sexes (143.28 U/L in men and 126.38 in women). According to age group, AST values ​​were highest in the age group equal to or greater than 40 years (49.99 U/L). ALT values ​​were high in both sexes (55.96 U/L in men and 50.90 U/L in women), as well as total bilirubin, which was highest in the age group equal to or greater than 40 years (2.03 mg/dL). Indirect bilirubin, albumin and ALP were normal in the age group equal to or less than 39 years, but were elevated in the age group equal to or greater than 40 years (1.13 mg/dL, 5.77 gr/dL and 147.95 U/L, respectively). Conclusions: There are alterations in the liver profile of asymptomatic patients in the sample studied. Although they are not significantly large elevations, it is recommended to identify and treat the possible causes that could trigger these elevations, as well as carrying out more similar studies at a national level to characterize the liver profile of our population.

Protective Effect of Ganoderma Lucidum Extract on Liver Function of Cirrhotic Mice through Nrf2/ARE Pathway / 浙江中医药大学学报

[Objective]To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum extract(GLE)on liver cirrhosis in mice.[Methods]Ten male C57BL/6 mice were randomly selected as control group,the remaining forty mice were intraperitoneally injected with carbon tetrachloride olive oil suspension to induce liver cirrhosis model.They were randomly divided into model group and GLE low(50 mg/kg·d),medium(100 mg/kg·d)and high(200 mg/kg·d)dose groups,while the control group and model group received 0.9％sodium chloride solution gastric irrigation,and the control group mice were given the same volume of olive oil solution twice a week.Liver index was calculated.The activities of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST)and the levels of total cholesterol(TC),total bilirubin(TB)and creatinine(Cr)in serum of mice were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer.Hematoxylin eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of liver,and Masson staining was used to observe the degree of liver fibrosis.Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)staining was used to observe the apoptosis of hepatocytes.The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-6,malondialdehyde(MDA)and activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The relative expression of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2(Nrf2)and nuclear Nrf2,heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1),α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),Collagen Ⅰ and E-cadherin protein in liver tissue were detected by Western blot.[Results]Compared with control group,the liver had significant damage,the liver index,serum ALT,AST activities,TC,TB and Cr levels,liver fibrosis degree,hepatocyte apoptosis index,the levels of serum TNF-α,IL-1 β,IL-6 and MDA,the relative expression of α-SMA and Collagen I protein increased(P＜0.05),while the activity levels of serum SOD and GSH-Px,and the relative expression of total Nrf2 and nuclear Nrf2,HO-1,NQO1 and E-cadherin protein in liver tissue decreased in model group(P＜0.05).Compared with model group,liver injury gradually reduced,the liver index,serum ALT,AST activities,TC,TB and Cr levels,liver fibrosis degree,hepatocyte apoptosis index,the levels of serum TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,MDA and the relative expression of α-SMA,Collagen I protein decreased(P＜0.05),while the activity levels of serum SOD and GSH-Px,and the relative expression of Nrf2 and nuclear Nrf2,HO-1,NQO1 and E-cadherin protein in liver tissue increased in GLE low,medium and high dose groups(P＜0.05).[Conclusion]GLE can alleviate the histopathological damage and improve liver function in cirrhotic mice.This may be related to the decreased level of oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction after activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway,which may interfere with liver fibrosis.

Treating Asthenopia from the Perspective of “the Liver is the Basis of Resistance to Fatigue” / 中医杂志

By exploring the theory of “the liver is the basis of resistance to fatigue”， it is believed that liver with its physiological function of storing blood and governing the free flow of qi plays an important role in the body's tole-rance to physical fatigue and mental fatigue， and it is also related to the physiological activities of eyes and tendons. The formation of asthenopia is related to the dysfunction of liver， spleen and kidney. The liver plays a key role in the occurrence and development of asthenopia. The deficiency of liver blood and liver dysfunction will cause the abnormal circulation of qi and blood， which leads to the loss of malnutrition of eyes and affects the normal physiological function of eyes. During treatment， we pay attention to nourishing the blood and soothing the liver to nourish the spirit， regulating and tonifying liver qi to stimulate the liver yang， strengthening the spleen and soothing liver to replenish qi and promoting yang， nourishing the liver and kidney to harmonize yin and yang， which are meant to restore the physiological characteristics of liver being yin in form but yang in function， so as to cure asthenopia.

Clinical significance of benign liver function abnormality / 临床肝胆病杂志

Biochemical liver function tests are important methods to determine liver function in clinical practice， but abnormal liver biochemical parameters are not completely equivalent to liver damage. Some genetic and immune factors can also cause abnormal liver biochemical parameters， but with good prognosis in most cases. This article summarizes the causes of some benign abnormal liver biochemical parameters， so as to help clinicians to broaden their thinking of diagnosis and treatment， take into account genetic and immune factors， and avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment.

The effect of CalliSpheres DEB-TACE and c-TACE on liver fibrosis and liver function in treating primary hepatocellular carcinoma / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To compare the effects of CalliSpheres drug-eluting beads transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(DEB-TACE)and conventional TACE(c-TACE)on liver fibrosis and liver function in the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods A total of 40 patients diagnosed with HCC at Xuzhou Municipal Cancer Hospital of China between October 2020 and October 2022 were enrolled in this study.According to therapeutic scheme,the patients were divided into DEB-TACE group(n=20)and c-TACE group(n=20).The preoperative,and postoperative 5-day and one-month hyaluronidase(HA),type Ⅲ procollagen peptide(P Ⅲ NP),type Ⅳ collagen(CⅣ)and laminin(LN),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),total bilirubin(TBil),albumin(Alb),and prothrombin time(PT)were compared between the two groups.Results The technical success rate was 100％in both groups,and tumor staining completely disappeared immediately after TACE in all patients.The postoperative 5-day levels of HA,LN,P Ⅲ NP,and CⅣ in both groups were remarkably higher than the preoperative ones(P＜0.05).One month after TACE,HA level in the DEB-TACE group was prominently higher than its preoperative value(P＜0.05);HA and LN levels in the c-TACE group were obviously higher than their preoperative values(P＜0.05);and the HA and LN levels in c-TACE group were significantly higher than those in DEB-TACE group(P＜0.05).Five days after TACE,in the DEB-TACE group the AST and PT levels were higher than their preoperative values while the Alb level was lower than its preoperative value(P＜0.05);in the c-TACE group the ALT,AST,TBiL and PT were higher than their preoperative values while the Alb level was lower than its preoperative value(P＜0.05);the ALT and AST levels in the c-TACE group were strikingly higher than those in the DEB-TACE group while Alb level was strikingly lower than that in the DEB-TACE group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Both CalliSpheres DEB-TACE and c-TACE can aggravate liver fibrosis and cause liver function damage.However,the degree of liver fibrosis and liver function damage caused by CalliSpheres DEB-TACE is less than that caused by c-TACE.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:259-263)

Effect of depth of neuromuscular blockade on hepatic perfusion and liver function in patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy / 复旦学报（医学版）

Objective To investigate deep neuromuscular blockade(NMD)and moderate NMD on hepatic perfusion and liver function during laparoscopic hepatectomy.Methods A total of 60 patients who received laparoscopic hepatectomy in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center were recruited from Dec 2021 to Dec 2022.They were randomly divided into two groups:deep NMD group(D group,n=30)and moderate NMD group(M group,n=30).D group was induced by administration of rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg followed by continuous infusion to maintain intraoperative post-tetanic count(PTC)of 1-2,while M group was induced by administration of rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg followed by continuous infusion to maintain intraoperative train-of-four(TOF)of 1-2.Indocyanine green(ICG)of 0.25 mg/kg was given intravenously both after induction and after specimen excision,and retention rate at fifteen minutes(ICGR15)was recorded.In addition,intraoperative rocuronium dosage,surgical operation satisfaction score,postoperative shoulder pain,and the occurrence of vomiting on postoperative day 1(POD1)were also recorded.Results Compared with M group,the dosage of rocuronium in D group was significantly increased(P<0.01),but there was no difference of ICGR15 between the two groups(P=0.581),even other parameters of perioperative liver function.The surgical operation satisfaction score was significantly higher(P<0.05),while the postoperative shoulder pain(P=0.037,OR=1.37,95%CI:1.01-1.86)and the occurrence of vomiting on POD1(P=0.017,OR=1.64,95%CI:1.07-2.53)were significantly lower in D group than those in M group.Conclusion Compared with moderate NMB,deep NMB can significantly improve surgery condition,reduce postoperative shoulder pain and vomiting.However,there was no significant difference between them on the hepatic perfusion and perioperative liver function.

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.

Effects of LPE combined with DPMAS on liver function and inflammatory cytokines in patients with acute-chronic liver failure / 实用医学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of low replacement plasma exchange(LPE)combined with double plasma molecular adsorption(DPMAS)in the treatment of patients with chronic acute liver failure(ACLF)and its influence on liver function,inflammatory cytokines and short-term prognosis.Methods One hundred patients with ACLF were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group by envelope method,with 50 cases in each group.On basis of routine symptomatic treatments(liver protection,removing jaundice,reducing enzymes,anti-viruses,bleeding prevention),the control group and the observation group were treated with plasma exchange(PE)and LPE plus DPMAS,respectively.The liver function,coagulation function,the levels of inflammatory cytokines,incidence of adverse reactions,and 90-day survival rate were compared between the two groups after treatment.Results After treatment,the liver function and coagulation function in the observation group were significantly improved(P＜0.05)and the levels of inflammatory cytokines were significantly lowered than those in the control group(P＜0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the 90-day survival rate and the total incidence of adverse reactions between the groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion LPE combined with DPMAS can effectively improve liver function and coagulation function,and reduce levels of inflammatory cyto-kines in ACLF patients,with high safety.

Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in treatment of animals with acute liver failure:a meta-analysis / 中国组织工程研究

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells on animal models of acute liver failure. METHODS:PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,The Cochrane Library,CBM,CNKI,WanFang,and VIP databases were retrieved from inception to January 16,2023.A series of animal experiments on the treatment of acute liver failure animal models by exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells were collected.Two evaluators screened the literature and extracted the data independently.The bias risk was evaluated by the SYRCLE tool.The extracted data were analyzed by Revmen 5.4.1 software and Stata 17.0 software. RESULTS:A total of 241 articles were retrieved and 9 animal experiments were included,with 219 animals:110 animals in the model group and 109 animals in the exosome group.The results showed that the survival rate of animals in the exosome group improved significantly[RR=9.34,95%CI(3.91,22.29),P<0.001],the levels of serum alanine transaminase[SMD=-5.31,95%CI(-7.43,-3.19),P<0.001]and aspartate aminotransferase[SMD=-4.47,95%CI(-5.85,-3.10),P<0.001]were reduced obviously.The expressions of interleukin-1β[SMD=-11.54,95%CI(-18.12,-4.95),P=0.000 6],interleukin-6[SMD=-5.75,95%CI(-8.08,-3.41),P<0.001]and tumor necrosis factor-α[SMD=-4.46,95%CI(-6.83,-2.09),P=0.000 2],were suppressed obviously. CONCLUSION:Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells effectively inhibit the inflammatory response,ameliorate liver function of animals with acute liver failure,and improve their survival rate.The results of subgroup analysis showed that the shorter survival time of animals(≤24 hours),the lower dose of transplanted exosomes(<1 mg/kg)and the source of exosomes(adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells)may affect the efficacy of the exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in the animal model of acute liver failure.This conclusion and its clinical transformation still need to be confirmed by randomized controlled studies with large sample sizes and high quality.

NI-NASH-DS e FIB-4 para avaliação de diferentes aspectos da doença hepática gordurosa não-alcoólica em indivíduos com obesidade: estudo transversal / Diagnostic accuracy of the non-invasive markers nfls, ni-nash-ds, and fib-4 for assessment of different aspects of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in individuals with obesity: cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: Non-invasive markers have been developed to assess the presence and severity of liver abnormalities related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Objective: To analyze the diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive NAFLD markers (NAFLD liver fat score [NLFS], non-invasive non-alcoholic steatohepatitis detection score [NI-NASH-DS] and fibrosis score based on four variables [FIB-4]) in individuals with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. Methods: A descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out enrolling 91 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery at a tertiary-level public university hospital. Non-invasive NAFLD markers were calculated using laboratory tests, clinical and anthropometric variables and diagnostic accuracy tests were calculated comparing them in relation to the gold-standard test for this analysis (histopathological evaluation). Results: A total of 85.7% of the participants were female and mean age was 39.1±9.8 years. The average body mass index was 38.4±3.6 kg/m2. At histopathological examination, 84 (92.3%) patients presented with steatosis, 82 (90.1%) with some type of fibrosis; 21 (23.1%) patients were diagnosed with NASH according to the NAFLD activity score criteria. The overall accuracy of NLFS score was 58.2% for general hepatic steatosis and 61.5% for moderate to severe steatosis. The overall accuracy of FIB-4 was 95.4% for advanced fibrosis. NI-NASH-DS had a 74.7% overall accuracy for NASH. Conclusion: In a population of individuals with obesity, the FIB-4 score had high overall accuracy in assessing the presence of advanced liver fibrosis, whereas the NFLS and NI-NASH-DS had moderate accuracies for the assessment of steatosis and NASH, respectively.

RESUMO Contexto: Marcadores não-invasivos foram desenvolvidos para avaliar a presença e a gravidade de anormalidades hepáticas relacionadas à doença hepática gordurosa não-alcoólica (DHGNA). Objetivo: Analisar a acurácia diagnóstica de marcadores não-invasivos de DHGNA (escore de gordura hepática da DHGNA [NLFS], escore não-invasivo de detecção de esteato-hepatite não-alcoólica [NI-NASH-DS] e escore de fibrose de 4 variáveis [FIB-4]) em indivíduos obesos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo retrospectivo transversal com 91 indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica em um hospital universitário público de nível terciário. Marcadores não-invasivos de DHGNA foram calculados por meio de exames laboratoriais, variáveis clínicas e antropométricas; testes de acurácia diagnóstica foram calculados comparando-os em relação ao exame padrão-ouro para essa análise (avaliação histopatológica). Resultados: Um total de 85,7% dos participantes eram do sexo feminino e a média de idade foi de 39,1±9,8 anos. O índice de massa corporal médio foi de 38,4±3,6 kg/m2. Ao exame histopatológico, 84 (92,3%) pacientes apresentavam esteatose, 82 (90,1%) com algum grau de fibrose; 21 (23,1%) pacientes foram diagnosticados com esteato-hepatite não-alcoólica (EHNA) de acordo com os critérios do escore de atividade da DHGNA. A acurácia global do escore NLFS foi de 58,2% para esteatose hepática e 61,5% para esteatose moderada a grave. A acurácia global do FIB-4 foi de 95,4% para fibrose avançada. NI-NASH-DS apresentou uma acurácia global de 74,7% para EHNA. Conclusão: Em uma população de indivíduos com obesidade, o escore FIB-4 teve alta acurácia global para avaliar a presença de fibrose hepática avançada, enquanto o NFLS e o NI-NASH-DS tiveram acurácias moderadas para avaliar a esteatose e EHNA, respectivamente.

Biosafety Evaluation of Methanol Extract of Stem Bark of Lonchocarpus griffonianus (Baill.) Dunn (Fabaceae) in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Aim: Due to hazards associated with specific medicinal plant species, the biosafety evaluation of medicinal plants is crucial for guaranteeing both their safe use and regulatory compliance. Assessing the biosafety profile of the methanol extract of L. griffonianus stem bark (LGME) is imperative. This research seeks to preserve both the environment and public health by filling in the gaps in the biosafety reports regarding the plant's stem bark's safety for possible usage. Methodology: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 180 � 1.63 g were given oral doses of LGME at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg daily for 28 days. Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb), pack cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hematocrit (Hct), lymphocytes (Lym) and granulocytes (Gran) were measured. Biochemical parameters such as kidney function tests (urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate), and liver function tests (alkaline phosphate (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBil), conjugated bilirubin (CB), total protein (TP) and albumin (Alb) were examined. Kidney and liver histological investigations were performed to evaluate any indications of organ damage. Results: No significant (p?0.05) alterations in the hematological markers in rats were observed. There were no discernible alterations in the liver and kidney function markers. Liver and kidney histological architecture revealed no severe injuries. Conclusion: The current data indicate that the toxicity of the L. griffonianus methanol extract is low in Sprague-Dawley rats. These results offer crucial details regarding the toxicity and safety profile of L. griffonianus, a plant used in traditional medicine for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Manejo nutricional en pacientes con Trasplante hepático / Nutritional management in liver transplant patients

En 1983 el National Institutes of Health USA (NIH) declaró que el trasplante hepático orto tópico (THO) era una alternativa tera-péutica eficaz para pacientes con enfermedades hepáticas avan-zadas. Desde entonces, se han realizado cerca de 100 000 THO en el mundo, en más de 200 centros distintos. El THO (tanto en hepatopatías crónicas avanzadas como en hepatitis fulminante) tiene por objetivo primordial prolongar la sobrevida de los pa-cientes afectados, logrando una buena calidad de vida posterior al trasplante. Las tasas promedio de sobrevida actuarial de pacientes a 1 y 5 años son de aproximadamente 85% y 80% respectivamente. Los resultados generales del THO dependen de la causa primaria del daño hepático del receptor y del estado clínico del paciente al momento de la operación1. El trasplante hepático como tratamiento permite mejorar la ca-lidad de vida de pacientes con hepatopatías en fase terminal, está considerado en algunos pacientes con hepatopatía crónica avanzada de diferente etiología y en pacientes con insuficiencia hepática aguda grave no reversible con las medidas de trata-miento convencional. Las principales patologías que son motivo de trasplante hepático son: cirrosis hepática de diversa etiología (59% de los pacientes trasplantados), tumores hepáticos (21%), cuadros colestásicos (5%) e insuficiencia hepática aguda grave (3%)2. Por todo lo anteriormente mencionado, la Unidad Técnica de Nutrición del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín ha visto la necesidad de realizar el siguiente protocolo con el fin de estandarizar un adecuado manejo nutricional para la preven-ción, tratamiento y complicaciones de pacientes en estadio cirró-tico terminal que requieran un trasplante hepático.

In 1983 the NIH (National Institutes of Health, USA) declared that orthotopical liver transplantation (ORT) was an effective therapeutic alternative for patients with advanced liver diseases. Since then, nearly 100,000 OLTs have been performed world-wide, in more than 200 different centers. OLT (both in advanced chronic liver disease and in fulminant hepatitis) has the primary objective of prolonging the survival of affected patients, achie-ving a good quality of life after transplantation.The average 1-year and 5-year actuarial patient survival rates are approximately 85% and 80%, respectively. The general re-sults of OLT depend on the primary cause of the recipient's liver damage and the clinical status of the patient at the time of the operation1.Liver transplantation as a treatment improves the quality of life of patients with end-stage liver disease. It is considered in some patients with advanced chronic liver disease of different etiolo-gies and in patients with severe acute liver failure that is not reversible with conventional treatment measures. The main pa-thologies that are the reason for liver transplantation are: liver cirrhosis of various etiologies (59% of transplant patients), liver tumors (21%), cholestatic conditions (5%) and severe acute liver failure (3%)2.For all of the above, the Technical Nutrition Unit of the Carlos Andrade Marin Specialty Hospital has seen the need to carry out the following protocol in order to standardize adequate nu-tritional management for the prevention, treatment and complications of patients in the terminal cirrhotic stage who re-quire a liver transplant.

Changes in liver function tests in laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus open cholecystectomy in a tertiary care center

Background: Gallstone disease is a major health problem worldwide particularly in the adult population. The traditional open cholecystectomy (OC) has been replaced by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), with LC becoming the gold standard for management of gall stone disease. Elevation in the levels of liver enzymes following LC is a major cause of concern. Hence the present study determines and compares the changes in liver function tests following Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with open cholecystectomy, as well the significance of these changes is studied. Methods: A total of 100 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis were selected in the study from October 2020 to October 2022. The cases were randomly divided into two groups, Group LC and Group OC. The blood samples were collected for Liver Function Tests (LFT)-Pre-operatively, Post-operative Day (POD)-1, POD-2 and POD-7 and enzyme alterations were studied. Results: The study demonstrated increase in levels of Serum AST, ALT, ALP in LC group on POD-1 and POD-2 with p<0.001, while the levels returned to reference values on POD-7. In OC group the increase in levels of Serum AST, ALT, ALP were observed on POD-1 only with p<0.05 and the levels returned to normal values by POD-2 of majority of patients. The changes in LFT were higher in LC group compared to OC group (where the changes were slight). Conclusions: Cholecystectomy especially laparoscopic, leads to transient significant hepatic enzyme alterations which can be attributed to CO2 pneumoperitoneum, surgical manipulations, diathermy and arterial injury. These derangements at times may be of concern to surgeons for its implication to the integrity of biliary tract.

Changes in liver function tests in laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus open cholecystectomy in a tertiary care center

Background: Gallstone disease is a major health problem worldwide particularly in the adult population. The traditional open cholecystectomy (OC) has been replaced by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), with LC becoming the gold standard for management of gall stone disease. Elevation in the levels of liver enzymes following LC is a major cause of concern. Hence the present study determines and compares the changes in liver function tests following Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with open cholecystectomy, as well the significance of these changes is studied. Methods: A total of 100 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis were selected in the study from October 2020 to October 2022. The cases were randomly divided into two groups, Group LC and Group OC. The blood samples were collected for Liver Function Tests (LFT)-Pre-operatively, Post-operative Day (POD)-1, POD-2 and POD-7 and enzyme alterations were studied. Results: The study demonstrated increase in levels of Serum AST, ALT, ALP in LC group on POD-1 and POD-2 with p<0.001, while the levels returned to reference values on POD-7. In OC group the increase in levels of Serum AST, ALT, ALP were observed on POD-1 only with p<0.05 and the levels returned to normal values by POD-2 of majority of patients. The changes in LFT were higher in LC group compared to OC group (where the changes were slight). Conclusions: Cholecystectomy especially laparoscopic, leads to transient significant hepatic enzyme alterations which can be attributed to CO2 pneumoperitoneum, surgical manipulations, diathermy and arterial injury. These derangements at times may be of concern to surgeons for its implication to the integrity of biliary tract.

Correlation between parasitemia and different complications of malaria – The clinical outlook

Background: Malaria is one of the most severe public health problems worldwide. India contributes a substantial burden of malaria. It can cause several complications. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the association of parasitemia of current malaria with age of patients, hemoglobin level, liver function test (LFT), platelet count, previous history of malaria, and relapse/recrudescence of malaria up to 1 year. Materials and Methods: An observational study conducted in hospital settings included thin and thick smear preparation with Leishman’s staining to determine the parasitemia as per the WHO guidelines from the blood samples of 280 malaria parasite dual antigen (MPDA) kit positive patients and their details were taken during study period of 2 years. Hemoglobin, LFT, and platelet count were tested and they were correlated with parasitemia. The previous history of malaria was taken and follow-up was done up to 1 year for relapse/recrudescence and their association with parasitemia in current disease was evaluated. Statistical tool R was used for data analysis. Results: Age group 20–40 years was most commonly affected with maximum mean percentage parasitemia. Higher parasitemia was associated with higher grade of anemia, LFT derangement, and thrombocytopenia. Disease severity was maximum for mixed infection followed by falciparum and vivax malaria. About 9.28% of patients with the previous history of malaria developed lower parasitemia in current infection. Relapse rate in vivax malaria –2.325% and recrudescence rate in falciparum malaria–12.5%. Conclusion: Malaria parasitemia should be reported routinely as it carries prognostic importance.

Short term effects on liver and renal functions following chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer patients in oncology clinic, university hospital Kotelawala Defence University in Sri Lanka

Background: Breast cancer tops the global cancer incidence rates, having the highest rate of death among women. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of standard chemotherapy treatment dose adjusted for the Sri Lankan population, on hepatic and kidney function of breast cancer patients. Methods: The study conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective and prospective analysis of 75 breast cancer patients who received doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel chemotherapy regimen with normal liver and renal function at baseline at UHKDU oncology clinic. The study population had a mean age and BMI of 54.04±11.33 years and 26.7±3.89, respectively. Prior to starting the 16-cycle chemotherapy treatment, mean serum SGOT, SGPT, Creatinine, and eGFR values were 27.57 U/l, 31.32 U/l, 0.71 mg/dl, and 99.07 ml/minute/1.73 m2 respectively. Results: During the treatment, there was a statistically significant increase in the mean values of SGOT and SGPT (p<0.05), whereas there was no significant variation in the mean values of creatinine and eGFR (p>0.05) compared to the baseline results. The study identified a significant positive correlation in SGOT (r=0.793) and SGPT (r=0.872) values, while there was a noteworthy negative correlation (r=-0.757) between eGFR and chemotherapy cycle. Furthermore, there was a positive significant correlation between serum creatinine levels and chemotherapy cycle (r=0.579). Conclusions: The dosed adjusted chemotherapy regimen had a significant impact on hepatic function but had no statistically significant impact on renal function among the study population. Further research is recommended to evaluate the long-term effects of standard chemotherapy treatment on liver and kidney functions.