Mortality and hospitalization for liver disease in the Western Amazon from 2008 to 2017 / Mortalidade e internação por doença hepática na Amazônia Ocidental entre 2008 a 2017

INTRODUCTION: As liver diseases (LDs) occur as liver damage takes place, their causes are variable and mostly caused by viruses and alcohol intake. The cases of LDs have increased significantly; they are also charged with mortality rates and hospitalizations. OBJECTIVE: to analyze mortality and hospitalizations due to LDs in the Western Amazon. METHODS: Ecological study with time series design using secondary data related to deaths and hospital admissions for LDs in the Western Amazon. RESULTS: The number of cases of mortality due to male diseases is higher in men, considering the period from 2008 to 2017. The study results also show that the affected patients are mostly over 50 and under 20 years old, who are the least likely to die. Regarding hospitalization rates, male patients have the highest number of hospitalizations and are not different from mortality; patients over the age of 50 also represent the largest hospitalization cases. CONCLUSION: There is a tendency towards stability in cases of mortality and hospitalization due to liver diseases in the Western Amazonia.

INTRODUÇÃO: As Doenças Hepáticas acontecem assim que ocorrem danificações no fígado, suas causas são variáveis e em sua maioria causada por vírus e ingesta de bebidas alcoólicas. Os números de casos dessa doença têm aumentado significativamente, aumentando também as taxas de mortalidade e as internações por conta da mesma. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a mortalidade e a internação por doença hepática na Amazônia Ocidental. MÉTODO: Estudo ecológico com delineamento de série temporal com utilização de dados de natureza secundária referentes aos óbitos e internações hospitalares por doença hepática na Amazônia Ocidental. RESULTADOS: O número de casos de mortalidade por doenças do figado é maior no sexo masculino, considerando o periodo de 2008 a 2017 no estado da Amazônia Ocidental. Além disso, os resultados do estudo mostram que os pacientes afetados possuem em grande parte, idade superior a 50 anos e os menores de 20 anos, são os que menos vão ao óbito. Em relação a taxa de internação, os pacientes do sexo masculino são os responsáveis pelo maior número de internações relacionadas a essas doenças e não diferente da mortalidade, os pacientes com idade superior a 50 anos também representam os maiores casos de internação. CONCLUSÃO: Evidenciou que há uma tendência de estabilidade de casos de mortalidade e internação por doenças hepáticas no estado da Amazônia Ocidental.

Concern about liver disease in children / 中华肝脏病杂志

With the economic development and living standards improvement, various chronic viral liver diseases in children is decreasing year by year, and the liver diseases related to heredity, environment and living habits is increasing. Although liver disease in children is relatively rare and is not the main cause of childhood mortality, chronic liver disease cannot be ignored for its effect on children's growth and development, mental health, quality of life and the economic burden to family or society. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the early screening, diagnosis and treatment of pediatric liver diseases, in order to delay or prevent its progression efficiently.

Sarcopenia in children and adolescents with chronic liver disease / Sarcopenia em crianças e adolescentes com doença hepática crônica

Abstract Objective: To investigate the occurrence of sarcopenia in children and adolescents with chronic liver disease. Methods: A series of cases, with patients aged 6-19 years of both genders, who were treated in Liver Outpatient Clinics. Weight, height, muscle strength (assessed by manual grip strength), and muscle mass (estimated through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were measured. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the simultaneous presence of muscle mass and muscle strength déficits, defined as the values below the mean for muscle mass and strength of the studied population, according to gender. A descriptive analysis (mean and standard deviation) was performed, and the difference of means was calculated by Student's t-test. Results: A total of 85 patients were studied, mostly females (64.7%), with a mean age of 11.7 (SD = 3.4) years. Sarcopenia was identified in 40% of the patients. Muscle strength déficit was found in 54.1% of the subjects, and 50.6% showed muscle mass déficit. The mean muscle mass for males was higher than that for females (6.07; SD = 1.22 kg/m2 vs. 5.42; SD = 1.10 kg/m2; p = 0.016). However, there was no significant difference in sex-related muscle strength (male = 0.85; SD = 0.52 kgf/kgm2 and female = 0.68; SD = 0.30 kgf/kgm2; p = 0.113). Conclusion: The research findings identified that sarcopenia is a condition found in pediatric patients treated at a public referral institution for chronic liver disease.

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar a ocorrência de sarcopenia em crianças e adolescentes com hepatopatias crônicas. Métodos: Série de casos, constituído por pacientes entre 6 e 19 anos, de ambos os sexos, acompanhados em ambulatórios de especialidade em hepatopatias. Foram feitas medidas de peso, altura, força muscular (avaliada pela força de preensão manual) e a massa muscular estimada a partir da absorciometria por dupla emissão de raios X. O diagnóstico de sarcopenia baseou-se na presença simultânea de déficit de massa muscular e de força muscular. Adotaram-se como déficit os valores abaixo da média para massa e força muscular da população estudada, segundo sexo. Realizou-se análise descritiva (média e desvio-padrão), bem como a diferença de médias com o teste do t de Student. Resultados: Foram estudados 85 pacientes, a maioria do sexo feminino (64,7%), com média de 11,7 (DP = 3,4) anos. A sarcopenia foi identificada em 40% dos pacientes, 54,1% apresentaram déficit de força muscular e 50,6% déficit de massa muscular. A média da massa muscular para o sexo masculino foi maior do que no feminino (6,07; DP = 1,22 kg/m2 vs 5,42; DP = 1,10 kg/m2; p = 0,016). No entanto, não houve diferença significante para força muscular com relação aos sexos (masculino = 0,85; DP = 0,52 kgf/kgm2 e feminino = 0,68; DP = 0,30 kgf/kgm2; p = 0,113). Conclusão: Os achados da pesquisa identificaram que a sarcopenia é uma condição presente em pacientes pediátricos atendidos em uma instituição pública de referência para doença hepática crônica.

Implicaciones de la microbiota intestinal en las enfermedades crónicas del hígado / Implications of the intestinal microbiota in the chronic liver diseases

RESUMEN La microbiota se refiere al conjunto de todos los de microorganismos que se localizan de manera normal en distintos sitios de los cuerpos de los seres vivos pluricelulares, tales como el cuerpo humano. Las modificaciones del eje intestino-hígado se ha convertido en la actualidad en un grave problema científico al haberse encontrado en diversas investigaciones, que esta microbiota está relacionada con el daño hepático con independencia de la causa de la lesión hepática. Se realizó una revisión sistemática sobre las implicaciones demamicrobiota intestinal en las enfermedades hepáticas. Se realizó una revisión de artículos científicos publicados entre 2012 y 2018 en diversas bases de datos en línea. Se presenta el conocimiento existente hasta el momento sobre la microbiota intestinal en pacientes portadores de enfermedades hepáticas, con hincapié en las hepatitis C y la cirrosis hepática. La composición de microbiota de intestino estuvo asociada con el perfil inflamatorio y marcadores de fibrosis hepática, las que mejoraron con el tratamiento de antivirales de acción directa aunque las medidas de permeabilidad intestinal e inflamación permanecían inalteradas. Se reporta mejoría de los pacientes portadores de hepatitis viral tipo C, con antivirales de acción directa la cual estuvo asociada con modificaciones de la microbiota intestinal, que se correlacionó con mejoría en la fibrosis e inflamación hepática, los avances en este campo abren nuevas perspectivas en la biomedicina (AU).

SUMMARY Microbiota refers to the whole of microorganisms located in a normal way in different places of the bodies of pluricelular living beings, like the human body. The modifications of the axis intestine-liver have become a serious scientific problem, because in different researches researchers have found that this microbiota is related to hepatic damage depending on the cause of this hepatic lesion. To carry out a systematic review on the implication of intestinal macrobiota in liver diseases. The scientific articles published in the period 2012-2018 in different databases on line were reviewed. A total of 26 bibliographic sources were used, original articles and reviews. The authors present knowledge existent up to the moment on intestinal microbiota in patients who have liver diseases, making emphasis on hepatitis C and hepatic cirrhosis. The composition of the intestine microbiota was associated to an inflammatory and markers of hepatic fibrosis that improved with the treatment of direct action antivirals although the measures of intestinal permeability and inflammation remained inalterably. It is reported an improvement of patients carriers of viral hepatitis type C with the use direct action retrovirals, what was linked to modifications in the intestinal microbiota, and correlated to an improvement of fibrosis and liver inflammation; the advances obtained in this field open new perspectives in biomedicine (AU).

Comportamiento de las hepatopatías en el embarazo valoradas por gastroenterología / Behavior of liver diseases in pregnancy valued by Gastroenterology

RESUMEN Introducción: el embarazo supone cambios en la fisiología de la mujer. Estos cambios pueden llevar a la aparición de enfermedades que afectan el hígado como: síndrome de HELLP, colestasis gravídica intrahepática, esteatosis hepática aguda del embarazo, entre otras, que pueden repercutir en el curso de la gestación. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo de corte transversal en 52 gestantes que fueron valoradas en gastroenterología por sospecha de hepatopatías durante el embarazo en el año 2018, que constituyeron el universo de estudio, con el objetivo de determinar el comportamiento de las hepatopatías durante la gestación en las embarazadas valoradas por el servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital Universitario "Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández" de Matanzas. Se estudiaron las variables: trimestre gestacional, síntomas y signos, resultados analíticos, entidad nosológica, tipo de parto y complicación neonatal. Se elaboró una planilla para la recolección de los datos. Los resultados se analizaron en frecuencias absolutas y porcientos y se expusieron en tablas. Resultados: predominaron las gestantes del tercer trimestre con 61.6 %. El síntoma más frecuente fue el prurito en 33 gestantes (63.6%). La hipertransaminasemia se manifestó en el 100% de las gestantes. La entidad más frecuente fue la hepatitis crónica por virus B en 19 gestantes (36.5%) seguida de la colestasis intrahepática del embarazo con un 25 %. La mayoría de los partos fueron realizados por cesárea (94.2 %). La principal complicación neonatal fue el bajo peso al nacer en 26 (39.4 %). Conclusiones: las hepatopatías propias de la gestación se comportaron con igual frecuencia descrita en la literatura de acuerdo al trimestre que predominó, aunque fue significativa la incidencia de gestantes valoradas con infección por virus de la hepatitis b cuyo diagnóstico se hizo durante el embarazo siendo la principal causa de las complicaciones neonatales observadas (AU).

SUMMARY Introduction: Pregnancy supposes changes in the woman's physiology. These changes can lead to the appearance of illnesses affecting the liver, such as Hellp syndrome, intrahepatic cholestasis gravidarum, acute hepatic steatosis of pregnancy, among others, that can rebound in the course of the gestation. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional retrospective, descriptive, observational study was carried out in 52 pregnant women that were valued in Gastroenterology due to the suspicion of liver diseases during pregnancy in 2018; they were the universe of the study and the aim was determining the behavior of liver diseases during pregnancy in pregnant women valued in the service of Gastroenterology of the university hospital "Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández" of the province of Matanzas: The studied variables were: gestational trimester, symptoms and signs, analytical results; nosological entity, type of delivery and neonatal complications. A form was draw up to collect data. The results were analyzed in absolute frequencies and percentages and showed in tables. Results: The third semester pregnant women predominated with 61.7 %. Pruritus was the most frequent symptom in 33 pregnant women (63.6 %). High levels of serum transaminases were present in 100 % of the studied women. The most frequent disease was chronic hepatitis caused by virus B in 19 pregnant women (36.5 %), followed by intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy with 25 %. Most of deliveries were performed by cesarean (94.2 %). The main neonatal complication was low weight at birth in 26 (39.4 %). Conclusions: liver diseases that are proper of gestation behaved in the same frequency as they are described in literature in relation to the predominating semester, although it was significant the incidence of assessed pregnant women with infection caused by the virus of hepatitis B diagnosed during pregnancy; it was the main cause of the observed neonatal complications (AU).

Impacto del COVID-19 en las enfermedades hepáticas y la salud pública en el Perú / Impact of COVID-19 on liver disease and the public health in Peru

RESUMEN La pandemia declarada por la OMS originada por el COVID-19 (enfermedad infecciosa originada por el virus SARS-CoV2), desde su aparición en Wuhan, China en diciembre 2019; esta diseminándose rápidamente y de manera inesperada por todo el mundo originando millones de casos y miles de muertes, afectando más de 120 países y desde el 06 marzo 2020 al Perú, distribuyéndose rápidamente por todo el país, originando crisis y colapso del sistema de servicios de salud, especialmente de las atenciones en emergencia, hospitalizaciones y unidades de cuidados intensivos abarrotadas; sin tener aún un tratamiento específico ni la posibilidad de una vacuna a corto plazo. Se sabe actualmente que COVID-19, es una enfermedad sistémica que puede afectar múltiples órganos y tejidos y que puede ser fatal. El objetivo de esta revisión es mostrar lo descrito en los recientes estudios publicados a nivel mundial incluido nuestro país, que han reportado sus manifestaciones clínicas, esbozando posibles mecanismos de disfunción hepática relacionados a COVID-19 y sus repercusiones, en especial sobre el aparato digestivo; analizando y discutiendo el potencial impacto sobre ellas y las enfermedades del hígado, enunciando las recomendaciones de expertos y organizaciones científicas respecto a medidas de prevención, control y manejo, además de esbozar algunas estrategias de salud pública en nuestro país para la adecuada atención de estos pacientes en tiempos de crisis generalizada.

ABSTRACT The pandemic of COVID-19 (an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus), declared as such by the WHO, is spreading since its appearance in Wuhan (China) in December 2019, rapidly and unexpectedly throughout the world, causing millions of cases and thousands of deaths and has affected more than 120 countries. It was officially acknowledged in Peru on March 6th, 2020, and has spread rapidly throughout the country, causing first the crisis and then the collapse of the healthcare system, especially emergency care, admissions, and overcrowded intensive care units, not having a specific treatment or the foreseeable possibility of a short-term vaccine. COVID-19 is currently known for being a systemic disease that can affect multiple organs and tissues and can be fatal. The goal of this review is to present what has been described in recent studies, published worldwide and including our country, that have reported clinical manifestations, outlining possible mechanisms of liver dysfunction related to COVID-19 and its repercussions, especially on the digestive system. These studies analyze and discuss the potential impact on liver diseases, offering recommendations of experts and scientific organizations regarding prevention, control and management measures, outlining also some public health strategies in our country for the proper care of COVID-19 patients in times of widespread crisis.

Enfermedades hepáticas y su relación con hiperglicemia / The relationship between liver diseases and hyperglycemia

La Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) y las enfermedades crónicas del hígado(ECH), definida para esta revisión como cualquier alteración funcional o estructural de este órgano, desde inflamación hasta fibrosis, son patologías que frecuentemente se asocian, y su coexistencia se relaciona con peor pronóstico y mayores complicaciones de ambas entidades. El objetivo de este artículo es describir la relación entre hiperglicemia y enfermedades del hígado, sus procesos fisiopatológicos comunes y tratamiento, distinguiendo las patologías más relevantes, entre ellas la Diabetes Hepatogénica (DH), la enfermedad hepática por Virus Hepatitis C (VHC) y la Enfermedad Hepática Grasa No Alcohólica (EHGNA). La DH es aquella diagnosticada en pacientes con cirrosis asociada a insuficiencia hepática, sin antecedentes previos de alteración de la glicemia. En la actualidad el diagnóstico se realiza en etapas tardías de la enfermedad. El VHC tiene un efecto diabetogénico conocido. Algunas terapias antivirales usadas para VHC evidencian mejoría de las alteraciones metabólicas al lograr respuestas virológicas sostenidas. En DM2, la EHGNA es frecuente, con mayor incidencia de fibrosis, hepatocarcinoma (HCC) y riesgo cardiovascular (RCV). Es necesario realizar una pesquisa e intervención precoz de EHGNA a los pacientes con DM2. En el manejo de éstos, la baja de peso ha demostrado ser efectiva en el control glicémico y en la mejoría histológica. Dentro de las terapias antidiabéticas, además del uso de metformina, debería considerarse aquellas que han demostrado a la fecha beneficios en EHGNA, como son tiazolidinedionas (pioglitazona) y/o análogos de GLP-1 (liraglutide) y optimizar el control de otros factores de RCV.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) and chronic liver diseases (CLD) defined in this revision as any functional or structural alteration in the organ, covering from inflammation to fibrosis, are pathologies that are frequently associated, and when found together are related to worse prognosis and higher complications in both conditions. The objective of this article is to describe the relationship between hyperglycemia and liver diseases, their common physio-pathological processes and treatments, identifying the most important pathologies, including Hepatogenic Diabetes (HD), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) liver disease and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Hepatogenic diabetes (HD) is diagnosed in patients with liver failure associated to cirrhosis with no previous record of impaired glycemia. Currently, diagnosis is made during the late stages of the disease. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a known diabetogenic effect. Some antiviral therapies used for HCV show improvement in metabolic alterations by achieving sustained virological responses. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in DM2 patients is common, presenting higher risk for fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and increased cardiovascular risk (CVR). Early screening and interventions for NAFLD in DM patients are necessary. Weight loss has been shown to be effective in glycemic control and histological improvement. Anti-diabetic therapies, in addition to the use of metformin, should consider therapies that have shown benefits for managing NAFLD, such as thiazolidinedione (pioglitazones) and/or aGLP-1 (Liraglutide), and optimally controlling other cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors.

Prevalencia de complicaciones de la diabetes y comorbilidades asociadas en medicina familiar del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social / Prevalence of complications of diabetes and associated comorbidities in family medicine of the Mexican Institute

Resumen Introducción: La prevalencia de complicaciones crónicas y comorbilidades en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 (DT2) se han incrementado en el mundo. Objetivo: Comparar la prevalencia de complicaciones y comorbilidades crónicas en pacientes con DT2 en 36 unidades de medicina familiar de cinco delegaciones del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). Métodos: Conforme los códigos de la Décima Revisión de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades se identificaron las complicaciones (hipoglucemia, pie diabético, enfermedad renal, retinopatía, enfermedad cardiaca isquémica, enfermedad cerebrovascular y falla cardiaca) y comorbilidades (enfermedad hepática, cáncer, anemia) de DT2. Se compararon por delegación, edad, sexo y tiempo de evolución. Resultados: Las complicaciones y comorbilidades fueron más comunes en personas ≥ 62 años. De 297 100 pacientes, 34.9 % presentó cualquier complicación; microvasculares en el norte industrial (32 %), macrovasculares en el este rural (12.3 %) y comorbilidades (5 %) en el sur de la Ciudad de México; estas complicaciones predominaron en los hombres (cualquier complicación 30.2 %). La falla cardiaca y las comorbilidades fueron más comunes en mujeres (5.6 y 4.9 %). Conclusiones: Las complicaciones y comorbilidades de DT2 mostraron diferencias geográficas y de sexo y fueron mayores con la edad y el tiempo de evolución. Urge reforzar estrategias para la prevención de las complicaciones y comorbilidades en los pacientes con DT2.

Abstract Introduction: The prevalence of chronic complications and comorbidities in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) has increased worldwide. Objective: To compare the prevalence of complications and chronic comorbidities in patients with T2D at 36 family medicine units of five chapters of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS). Method: Complications (hypoglycemia, diabetic foot, kidney disease, retinopathy, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and heart failure) and comorbidities (liver disease, cancer and anemia) were identified according to codes of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. Comparisons were made by chapter, age, gender and evolution time. Results: Complications and comorbidities were more common in subjects aged ≥ 62 years. Out of 297 100 patients, 34.9 % had any complication; microvascular complications (32 %) prevailed in the industrial North, whereas macrovascular complications (12.3 %) did in the rural East, and comorbidities (5 %) in southern Mexico City. Complications predominated in men (any complication, 30.2 %). Heart failure and comorbidities were more common in women (5.6 % and 4.9 %, respectively). Conclusions: T2D complications and comorbidities showed geographic and gender differences, and were greater with older age and longer evolution time. It is urgent for strategies for the prevention of complications and comorbidities to be reinforced in patients with T2D.

Clinical pharmacology profile of care in Hepatology clinic / Perfil clínico farmacológico dos atendimentos no ambulatório de Hepatologia

Summary Since 2010, the Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division of the Central Institute of Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo Medical School (HC-FMUSP, in the Portuguese acronym) has been developing specialized electives assistance activities in the Outpatient Specialty Clinic, Secondary Level, in São Paulo NGA-63 Várzea do Carmo. The objective of this study was to analyze the pharmacotherapeutic profile of patients. This is a cross-sectional and retrospective study in which patients were seen at the Hepatology sector and the results were submitted to descriptive statistics. During the study period, 492 patients were treated at the clinic, with a mean age of 58.9 years and frequency of 61.2% female and 74.8% living in São Paulo. This population was served by various other medical specialties (cardiology and endocrine among others) and the major liver diagnoses were: chronic hepatitis B and C and fatty liver. Comorbidities were also identified, such as diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Most patients took their medication in the Basic Health Units. We found that 30% of patients use of more than five medications and the most prescribed were omeprazole 208 (42.3%), metformin 132 (26.8%) and losartan 80 (16.3%). Because it is an adult/elderly population, with several comorbidities and polymedication, it is important to be aware of the rational use of medication. The multidisciplinary team is important in applying correct conducts for the safe use of medicines, to reduce the burden on health spending and improving the quality of life of patients.

Resumo Desde 2010, a Divisão de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia Clínica do Instituto Central do HC-FMUSP tem desenvolvido atividades assistenciais eletivas especializadas em Hepatologia no Ambulatório de Especialidades Nível Secundário de São Paulo no Estado de São Paulo NGA-63 Várzea do Carmo. O objetivo do estudo é analisar o perfil farmacoterapêutico dos pacientes. Trata-se de um estudo transversal e retrospectivo, no qual pacientes foram atendidos pelo setor de Hepatologia e os dados encontrados foram submetidos à estatística descritiva. Os resultados demonstraram que 492 pacientes foram atendidos nesse ambulatório durante o período do estudo com a média de idade de 58,9 anos, frequência de 61,2% do sexo feminino e 74,8% residindo na capital paulista. Essa população foi atendida por outras diferentes especialidades médicas (cardiologia e endócrino, entre outras), e os principais diagnósticos hepáticos foram hepatite crônica B e C e esteatose hepática. Também foram identificadas comorbidades como diabetes, hipertensão arterial e dislipidemia. Boa parte da população tende a retirar a sua medicação nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde. Foi verificado que 30% dos pacientes fazem uso de mais de cinco medicamentos, sendo os mais prescritos o omeprazol (208; 42,3%), metformina (132; 26,8%) e losartana (80; 16,3%). Por se tratar de uma população adulta/idosa, com diversas comorbidades e com polimedicação, é importante estar atento ao uso racional do medicamento. O atendimento da equipe multiprofissional é importante para aplicar tomadas de condutas corretas para a segurança no uso de medicamentos e diminuir a oneração em gastos em saúde, melhorando a qualidade de vida do paciente.

Preemptive antiviral therapy with entecavir can reduce acute deterioration of hepatic function following transarterial chemoembolization

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatic damage during transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a critical complication in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Apart from its role in preventing HBV reactivation, there is some evidence for the benefits of preemptive antiviral therapy in TACE. This study evaluated the effect of preemptive antiviral therapy on acute hepatic deterioration following TACE. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included a prospectively collected cohort of 108 patients with HBV-related HCC who underwent TACE between January 2007 and January 2013. Acute hepatic deterioration following TACE was evaluated. Treatment-related hepatic decompensation was defined as newly developed encephalopathy, ascites, variceal bleeding, elevation of the bilirubin level, prolongation of prothrombin time, or elevation of the Child-Pugh score by ≥2 within 2 weeks following TACE. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing treatment-related decompensation. Preemptive antiviral therapy involves directing prophylaxis only toward high-risk chronic hepatitis B patients in an attempt to prevent the progression of liver disease. We regarded at least 6 months as a significant duration of preemptive antiviral treatment before diagnosis of HCC. RESULTS: Of the 108 patients, 30 (27.8%) patients received preemptive antiviral therapy. Treatment-related decompensation was observed in 25 (23.1%) patients during the follow-up period. Treatment-related decompensation following TACE was observed more frequently in the nonpreemptive group than in the preemptive group (29.5% vs. 6.7%, P=0.008). In the multivariate analysis, higher serum total bilirubin (Hazard ratio [HR] =3.425, P=0.013), hypoalbuminemia (HR=3.990, P=0.015), and absence of antiviral therapy (HR=7.597, P=0.006) were significantly associated with treatment-related hepatic decompensation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that preemptive antiviral therapy significantly reduces the risk of acute hepatic deterioration. Preventing hepatic deterioration during TACE by applying such a preemptive approach may facilitate the continuation of anticancer therapy and thus improve long-term outcomes.

Factores pronósticos en adultos hospitalizados por neumonía causada por Legionella pneumophila / Prognostic factors in adult patients hospitalized for pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila

Introduction: Legionellosis is a multisystem bacterial disease, which causes pneumonia with high mortality in patients with comorbidity and admitted in intensive care units (ICU). Objective: Determine predictors of mortality or ICU admission. Methods: Retrospective follow-up of patients diagnosed with Legionella pneumophila pneumonia in Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña. Period 2000-2013 (n = 240). Analysis of multivariate logistic regression was performed. Results: Mean age was 57.2 ± 15.4 years old, 88.3% were male. Average score of comorbidity (Charlson score) was 2.3 ± 2.3. There was a clear seasonal variation. Predominant symptoms were fever (92.5%), dry cough (38.1%) and dyspnea (33.9%). Creatinine clearance was lower than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² in 29.7% and sodium < 135 mEq/l in 58.3%. Admission to ICU rate was 16.3% and 10.8% needs mechanical ventilation. Inhospital mortality rate was 4.6%, rising to 23.1% in patients admitted to ICU. Variables associated to predict ICU admission were age (OR = 0.96), liver disease (OR = 7.13), dyspnea (OR = 4.33), delirium (OR = 5.86) and high levels of lactatedehydrogenase (OR = 1.002). Variables associated with inhospital mortality were Charlson index (OR = 1.70), mechanical ventilation (OR = 31.44) and high levels of lactatedehydrogenase (OR = 1.002). Discussion: Younger patients with liver disease, dyspnea and confusion are more likely to be admitted to ICU. Comorbidity, mechanical ventilation and elevated LDH levels are associated with higher mortality rate.

Introducción: La legionelosis es una enfermedad bacteriana multisistémica, causante de neumonías con mortalidad elevada en pacientes con comorbilidad e ingresos en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Objetivo: Determinar factores pronósticos de mortalidad o ingreso en UCI. Material y Métodos: Estudio de seguimiento retrospectivo de pacientes diagnosticados de neumonía por Legionella pneumophila en Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (España). Período 2000-2013 (n = 240), con análisis de regresión logística multivariada. Resultados: La edad media fue 57,2 ± 15,4 años, 88,3% fueron hombres. La puntuación media de comorbilidad (score Charlson) fue 2,3 ± 2,3. Existe clara estacionalidad. La clínica predominante fue fiebre (92,5%), tos seca (38,1%) y disnea (33,9%). El 29,7% presentó aclaramiento de creatinina < 60 mL/min/1,73 m² y el 58,3% sodio < 135 mEq/l. Un 16,3% ingresó en UCI, precisando ventilación mecánica invasiva el 10,8%. La mortalidad global fue 4,6% y de 23,1% en ingresados en UCI. Variables asociadas para predecir ingreso en UCI fueron menor edad (OR = 0,96), hepatopatía (OR = 7,13), disnea (OR = 4,33), síndrome confusional (OR = 5,86) y lactato deshidrogenasa elevada (OR = 1,002). Las variables asociadas a mortalidad intrahospitalaria fueron índice de Charlson (OR = 1,70), ventilación mecánica invasiva (OR = 31,44) y cifras elevadas de lactato deshidrogenasa (OR = 1,002). Discusión: Pacientes jóvenes, con hepatopatía, disnea o confusión tienen más probabilidad de ingresar en UCI. Comorbilidad, ventilación mecánica y lactato deshidrogenasa elevada se asocian a mortalidad.

Prevalence and Clinical Manifestations of Malaria in Aligarh, India

Malaria is one of the most widespread infectious diseases of tropical countries with an estimated 207 million cases globally. In India, there are endemic pockets of this disease, including Aligarh. Hundreds of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax cases with severe pathological conditions are recorded every year in this district. The aim of this study is to find out changes in liver enzymes and kidney markers. Specific diagnosis for P. falciparum and P. vivax was made by microscopic examination of Giemsa stained slides. Clinical symptoms were observed in both of these infections. Liver enzymes, such as AST, ALT, and ALP, and kidney function markers, such as creatinine and urea, were estimated by standard biochemical techniques. In Aligarh district, P. vivax, P. falciparum, and mixed infections were 64%, 34%, and 2%, respectively. In case of P. falciparum infection, the incidences of anemia, splenomegaly, renal failure, jaundice, and neurological sequelae were higher compared to those in P. vivax infection. Recrudescence and relapse rates were 18% and 20% in P. falciparum and P. vivax infections, respectively. Liver dysfunctions and renal failures were more common in P. falciparum patients, particularly in elderly patients. Artesunate derivatives must, therefore, be introduced for the treatment of P. falciparum as they resist to chloroquine as well as sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine combinations.

PREFACE

No abstract available.

Miscellaneous liver diseases in infancy and childhood in several hospitals

Most of the liver diseases are different in pediatric age group, as compared to those in adult in many respects. Beside inflammatory, neoplastic and metabolic liver diseases; pediatric liver diseases also exhibit specific features of genetic predisposition, as well as environmental or other acquired diseases. In congenital diseases choledochal cyst, biliary atresia and cholestasis are included. While in environmental or acquired/nutritional diseases, fatty change liver and Kawashiorkor are found. A study is done to overview the miscellaneous congenital and acquired liver diseases in infancy and childhood which are important but less common as compare to inflammatory, metabolic and other liver diseases. Retrospective Study. This study was conducted at Department of Pathology, Basic Medical Science Institute [BMSI], Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi from 1995 to 2004. Slides / paraffin blocks of liver biopsies were taken from patients under 15 years of age. The cases were retrospective. The distribution of 100 cases of miscellaneous liver diseases in infancy and childhood were according to age and sex. Total 48 [48%] cases were encountered in the youngest of 0-5 year's age group, 36 [36%] cases in 6-10 years and only 16 [16%] cases in 11-15 years age group. It is observed that the tendency of miscellaneous liver diseases are higher up till 5 years of age and sexual differentiation showing male predominance with male to female ratio of 3:2. The miscellaneous liver diseases in younger children, may be congenital like biliary atresia, intra hepatic biliary hypoplasia and cholestasis or acquired; like tuberculosis and the Kawashiorkor [malnutrition].These are well known in third world countries and in Pakistan

Compromiso hepático por Dengue en niños del Huila, Colombia / Dengue-related hepatic compromise in children from the Huila department of Colombia

Objetivo Determinar la frecuencia y severidad del compromiso hepático en niños con Dengue. Métodos Estudio descriptivo que incluyó a 108 niños menores de 13 años con diagnóstico de infección por virus de Dengue, confirmada por detección plasmática de NS1 e IgM dengue-específica, que consultaron al Hospital Universitario de Neiva, en el período de junio de 2009 a mayo de 2010.El grado de daño hepático fue evaluado por criterios clínicos y bioquímicos que incluyeron transaminasas y albúmina. El diagnóstico de infección con Leptospira o Hepatitis A fue realizado por detección de IgM plasmática específica medida en fase aguda y convaleciente. Resultados De los casos incluidos, 98 y 10 casos fueron clasificados como dengue con signos de alarma y Dengue grave, respectivamente. Dos de cada tres pacientes con Dengue presentaron signos de alarma y todos los pacientes con Dengue grave presentaron algún grado de compromiso hapático evidenciado clínica y bioquímicamente. Independientemente de la clasificación clínica, la hepatomegalia fue el signo clínico cardinal del compromiso hepático y se presentó en el 85 % del total de niños incluidos. De resaltar, 5 de los pacientes presentaron probable coinfección de dengue y leptospira, siendo la primera descripción en Colombia. En ninguno de los casos analizados se presentó enfermedad aguda por Hepatitis A. Conclusión El compromiso hepático es muy frecuente en la infección por virus Dengue. Enfermedades como la leptospirosis deben ser tenidas en cuenta no sólo en el diagnóstico diferencial del paciente pediátrico febril con compromiso hepático, sino como causa de coinfección en el niño con Dengue en el sur de Colombia.

Objective Dengue is the most important arthropod-borne viral disease in the world; it can be life-threatening because of liver involvement. Aim Determining liver involvement frequency and severity in dengue-infected children. Methods This was a descriptive case series study which involved studying 108 dengue-infected children aged less than 13 years old whose infection had been confirmed by the detection of dengue-specific IgM and NS1 in plasma. Clinical and biochemical parameters were used for evaluating liver involvement, including transaminases and albumin. Hepatitis A and leptospira infection were also evaluated by using ELISA to detect pathogen-specific IgM in plasma during acute and convalescence phases. The study was carried out at a teaching hospital in Neiva from June 2009 to May 2010. Results Ninety-eight of the aforementioned cases were clinically classified as dengue with warning signs (DWS) and 10 as severe dengue (SD). Two out of three DWS patients and all SD patients had some degree of liver involvement, shown clinically and biochemically. Regardless of the clinical classification, hepatomegaly was the main clinical sign of liver involvement and was present in 85% of all the children in the study. It is worth noting that 5 patients had probable dengue and leptospirosis co-infection, this being the first instance of this in Colombia. None of the cases analyzed here had acute hepatitis A. Conclusions Liver compromise should be considered in confirmed cases of dengue as shown in this series of children. Leptospirosis must be considered as differential diagnosis and also as causing co-infection in a febrile child.

Characteristics of Subjects with Very Low Serum Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and the Risk for Intracerebral Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The clinical implications of hypocholesterolemia have not been well studied, although some studies have revealed an association between hypocholesterolemia and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We evaluated the clinical characteristics of subjects with very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and compared the risk for ICH using various clinical parameters. METHODS: Using hospital records, we evaluated the clinical characteristics of subjects with LDL-C levels < or = 40 mg/dL (very low LDL-C group). We also evaluated the risk for ICH in this very low LDL-C group and in subjects with low LDL-C < or = 70 mg/dL (low LDL-C group). RESULTS: Among 34,415 subjects who presented at the laboratory for serum LDL-C measurements, 250 subjects had a very low serum LDL-C level (< or = 40 mg/dL). About half of the subjects were statin users; the very low LDL levels in the other subjects were likely attributable to alcohol consumption or a various chronic illness such as liver disease or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ICH occurred in three subjects with very low LDL-C, all of whom had no history of statin use. ESRD tended to be associated with ICH in subjects with serum LDL-C < or = 70 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: About 1% of the subjects whose LDL-C was measured in the hospital had a LDL-C level < or = 40 mg/dL, and about half of these subjects had no history of hypolipidemic therapy. ICH incidence was not related to LDL-C level or statin use.

Hígado graso no alcohólico: principal causa de enfermedad hepática ambulatoria en un centro privado en Chile: estudio prospectivo marzo-julio 2010 / Non alcoholic fatty liver disease: main cause of outpatient liver disease in a private center in Chile: prospective study March-July 2010

The epidemiology of liver diseases has been changing over the time, with increasing importance of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Objective: To investigate the principal diagnosis of liver diseases in a reference center. Material and Methods: Prospective study of 405 consecutive patients attending theClinica Las Condes Gastroenterology Department, between March and July 2010. Results: 207 (51 percent) were men and 198 (49 percent) women, with a mean age of 54 years old (Range 14-89). From these, 134 (33 percent) had NAFLD, 40 (10 percent) autoimmune hepatitis, 36 (9 percent) primary biliary cirrhosis, 25 (9 percent) chronic hepatitis C, 26 (6,5 percent) Gilbert syndrome, 23 (5,5 percent) acute or chronic hepatitis B, 22 (5 percent) liver transplantation and 87 (65 percent) others diagnosis. From 134 NAFLD cases, 88 (66 percent) were men and 46 (34 percent) women, 72 (54 percent) had overweight, 39 (29 percent) obesity, 100 (75 percent) dyslipidemia and 87 (65 percent) glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and/or diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: NAFLD is currently the main cause of liver disease in a reference center, associated to well known risk factors, increasingly presented in Chile.

La epidemiología de las enfermedades hepáticas ha cambiado a través del tiempo, adquiriendo crecienteimportancia el hígado graso no alcohólico (HGNA). Objetivo: Investigar los principales diagnósticoshepatológicos en un centro de referencia. Material y Método: Estudio prospectivo de 405 pacientes consecutivos ambulatorios, consultantes entre marzo y julio de 2010, al Departamento de Gastroenterología de Clínica Las Condes. Resultados: 207 (51 por ciento) eran hombres y 198 (49 por ciento) mujeres, con edad promedio de 54 años (rango 14-89). De éstos, 134 (33 por ciento) tenían HGNA, 40 (10 por ciento) hepatitis autoinmune, 36 (9 por ciento) cirrosis biliar primaria, 25 (9 por ciento) hepatitis crónica C, 26 (6,5 por ciento) Síndrome de Gilbert, 23 (5,5 por ciento) hepatitis aguda o crónica B, 22 (5 por ciento) trasplante hepático y 89 (22 por ciento) otros diagnósticos. De los 134 casos de HGNA, 88 (66 por ciento) eran hombres y 46 (34 por ciento) mujeres, 72 (54 por ciento) tenían sobrepeso, 39 (29 por ciento) obesidad, 100 (75 por ciento) dislipidemia y 87 (65 por ciento) intolerancia a hidratos de carbono, resistencia a insulina y/o diabetes mellitus. Conclusiones: El HGNA constituye en la actualidad la principal enfermedad hepática en un centro privado en Chile, asociado a factores de riesgo conocidos, cada vez más presentes en nuestro medio.

Manifestações gastrintestinais na fibrose cística / Gastrointestinal manifestations in cystic fibrosis

A mutação no gene que codifica a proteína reguladora da condutância transmembrana (CFTR) constitui-se na base das alterações encontradas na fibrose cística (FC), afetando também o sistema gastrintestinal, em especial o pâncreas e o fígado. Cerca de 90% dos pacientes com FC são insuficientes pancreáticos já no 1º ano, e os sinais clínicos são os associados à má-absorção intestinal de nutrientes e gorduras: esteatorreia, flatulência, distensão abdominal, desnutrição e deficiências de vitaminas lipossolúveis. A dosagem de elastase fecal destaca-se no diagnóstico da insuficiência pancreática, e tratamento baseia-se na reposição de enzimas pancreáticas. A dose é individualizada, inicialmente 500 a 1.000 U/kg de lipase nas refeições principais, não ultrapassando 2.500 U/kg/refeição ou 10.000 U/kg/dia, pelo risco de colonopatia fibrosante. A insuficiência pancreática também causa má-absorção de vitaminas lipossolúveis (vitaminas A, D, E, K), sendo necessária suplementação. A doença hepatobiliar costuma iniciar na primeira década de vida, e o critério diagnóstico baseia-se nos aspectos cliínicos, ecográficos e bioquímicos, que devem ser periodicamente revisados. O tratamento da hepatopatia associado à FC com o ácido ursodesoxicólico visa retardar a progressão da doença. No tratamento das complicações da hipertensão porta, como varizes esofágicas, utilizam-se a ligadura elástica e a escleroterapia por via endoscópica, a derivação porto-sistêmica e implantação de shunts intra-hepáticos. Nenhum tratamento previne a progressão de fibrose para cirrose multilobular, sendo o transplante hepático indicado nos casos de hipertensão portal grave e insuficiência hepática, nos pacientes que mantêm função pulmonar preservada.

The gene mutation that codifies the CFTR protein is responsible for the alterations seen in Cystic Fibrosis and affects the gastrointestinal system as well, specially pancreas and liver. Around 90% of the patients with CF are pancreatic insufficient already on their first year of life and the clinical signs are those associated with malabsorption of fat and nutrients presenting flatulence, abdominal distension, malnutrition, and deficiency of fat soluble vitamins. The dosage of pancreatic supplements is tailored to the individual needs, initially the dosage should be tried as 500 to 1000 U/kg of lipase for the main meals, never going above 2,500 U/kg/meal or 10,000U/kg/Day due to the risk of fibrosing colonopathy. The pancreatic insufficiency also causes malabsortion of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K vitamins), so supplementation is necessary. The hepatobiliar disease usually starts on the first decade of life and the diagnostic criteria are based on clinical, ecographic and biochemical aspects that must be reviewed periodically. The treatment of CF-associated liver disease with ursodesoxicolic acid aims to slow down the progress of the disease. For the treatment of portal hypertension complications, such as oesophageal varicose veins, elastic bandages and endoscopic sclerotherapy, porto-systemic derivations and implantation of intra hepatic shunts are used. No treatment is able to prevent the progress from fibrosis to multilobular cirrhosis, so in case of severe portal hypertension and hepatic insufficiency, the liver transplant is recommended, in patients who maintain their pulmonary functions preserved.

Viral hepatitis infection and insulin resistance: a review of the pathophysiological mechanisms / Hepatitis virales y resistencia a la insulina: revisión de los mecanismos fisiopatológicos

Viral hepatitis is a common cause of morbidity in Mexico. Insulin resistance (IR) is related to the liver damage caused by some viral infections, especially chronic infections. Chronic viral infection is an important risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, disease that is currently among the 10 main causes of morbidity and the most common cause of mortality. Although several studies have reported an association between IR and hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the pathophysiology has been studied thoroughly only for the association between IR and HCV infection. It is thought that HCV infection causes direct damage through the action of the core proteins, which induces an inflammatory state characterized by secretion of proinflammatory cytokines that interfere with normal insulin signaling and disturb glucose, lipid and protein metabolism. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which viral infection is thought to induce IR.

Las hepatitis virales son una causa común de morbilidad en México. La resistencia a la insulina (RI) ha sido relacionada con el daño hepático causado por infecciones virales crónicas, haciendo de ellas un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, problema de salud que se encuentra entre las primeras 10 causas de morbilidad y es la primera de mortalidad. Aunque varios estudios han reportado una asociación entre la RI y la infección con virus de la hepatitis B y virus de la hepatitis C, sólo con el último se ha estudiado su fisiopatología. Se ha sugerido que produce daño directo a través de proteínas de su núcleo e induce un estado inflamatorio que interfiere con la señalización normal de insulina, resultando en una alteración del metabolismo de glucosa, lípidos y proteínas. Esta revisión resume los mecanismos por los que se sugiere que estas infecciones inducen RI.