Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de los pacientes sometidos a trasplante hepático por cirrosis alcohólica en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe de Medellín entre 2004 y 2015 / Clinical-epidemiological characterization of patients undergoing liver transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellín between 2004 and 2015

Introducción. El alcohol ha sido asociado con más de 60 enfermedades diferentes y es el tercer factor de riesgo más común relacionado con muerte y discapacidad en el mundo. La enfermedad alcohólica hepática (EAH) es la causa más común de enfermedad hepática terminal (EHT) en los países occidentales. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la población adulta sometida a trasplante ortotópico hepático (TOH) indicado por EHT secundaria a EAH, en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe (HPTU) de Medellín entre 2004 y 2015. Metodología. Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se revisaron las historias clínicas electrónicas de todos los pacientes trasplantados en el HPTU entre los años 2004 y 2015, sometidos a TOH indicado por EHT secundaria a EAH. Se registraron las características demográficas, comorbilidades médicas y psiquiátricas, complicaciones tempranas y tardías, recaída en el consumo de alcohol posterior al TOH, supervivencia y causa de la muerte. Resultados. Se encontraron 59 pacientes trasplantados por cirrosis de origen alcohólico. El 91,5 % fueron de sexo masculino, el 82,6 % (38/46) tuvo un período abstinencia previo al TOH mayor o igual a 6 meses, y solamente el 10,2 % (6/59) de los pacientes estuvieron vinculados a un programa de adicciones. Se encontró comorbilidad psiquiátrica en el 30 % (18/59) con predomino de depresión. Se identificó recaída pesada en el consumo de alcohol postrasplante en 6 pacientes, este subgrupo se caracterizó por una alta mortalidad (66 %), pobre adherencia a la terapia inmunosupresora y alta frecuencia de depresión (83 %). En general, la cohorte tuvo una supervivencia a 5 y 10 años de 60,8 % y 28,1 %, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Las características epidemiológicas de la población son compartidas con reportes previos en relación al predominio de sexo masculino y adultos en la sexta década de la vida. La recaída en el consumo pesado de alcohol no es la regla, sin embargo, se encuentra asociada con abandono del tratamiento inmunosupresor y muerte. En comparación con reportes de otros países, nuestras tasas de complicaciones y mortalidad a 5 años son superiores.

Introduction. Alcohol has been associated with more than 60 different diseases and is the third most common risk factor related to death and disability throughout the world. Alcoholic liver disease is the most common cause of end-stage liver disease in Western countries. The main objective of this study was to characterize adult patients with orthotopic liver transplant due to alcoholic cirrhosis at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellín between 2004 to 2015. Methodology. Observational retrospective study. We reviewed clinical records of all patients with orthotopic liver transplant due to alcoholic cirrhosis at the HPTU between 2004 and 2015, and retrieved demographic data, comorbidities, complications, consumption relapse and survival. Results. We analyzed 59 patients, 91.5% were male, 82.6% had an abstinence period previous to liver transplant equal or greater to six months, 10.2% were part of an addiction program, and 30% had psychiatric morbidities, mainly depression. We identified 6 patients with heavy alcoholic relapse after transplantation, this subgroup was characterized by a high mortality (66%), poor adherence to immunosuppressive therapy and high rates of depression (83%). In general, this cohort had a 5- and 10-year survival of 60.8% and 20.1%, respectively. Conclusions. The epidemiological characteristics of the population are shared with previous reports regarding the predominance of males and adults in the sixth decade of life. Relapse into heavy alcohol consumption is not the rule, however, it is associated with discontinuation of immunosuppressive treatment and death. In comparison with other reports, we have higher complications and mortality rates at 5 five years.

Sociodemographic and medical characteristics of liver cirrhosis deaths in a Ghanaian tertiary hospital

Objective: Cirrhosis is common in Ghana because of its high risk factors prevalence. However, information on cirrhosis in Ghana is lacking. This study aimed to study the clinical, and laboratory characteristics of cirrhotic patients in a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Design: This was a retrospective study ofsociodemographic characteristics, symptoms and signs, biochemical and fibrotic indices, treatments, and complications data of 247 patients with cirrhosis who died on admission. Setting: This study was carried out at the Gastroenterology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana, Results: Two-thirds (68.0%) of the patients were within 30 to 60 years, with more than half (73.7%) being males. The most common aetiological factors among the patients were Hepatitis B virus infection (53.8%), alcohol use (31.6%) and Hepatitis C virus infection (4.9%). More than half (55.0%) of the patients reported late for admission, and 67.2% died within the first two weeks of admission. The most common clinical feature was abdominal distension (61.1% of patients), and the least was upper-abdominal mass (14.2%). The levels of most liver test parameters were elevated, fibrotic indices were high, and haemoglobin and albumin levels were reduced. More than half (53.8%) of the patients were in Child Pugh class B. The most common complication was hepatic encephalopathy; the least was hepato-renal syndrome. Definite treatment for complications of cirrhosis was lacking. Conclusion: Deaths from cirrhosis at the hospital were mostly of young males with chronic hepatitis B infection. Implementation of hepatitis B prevention and treatment guidelines can help reduce cirrhosis deaths.

Dilema terapéutico: síndrome de abstinencia alcohólica y encefalopatía hepática concurrentes. A propósito de un caso / Therapeutic dilemma: alcohol withdrawal syndrome and concurrent hepatic encephalopathy. A case report

RESUMEN El trastorno por consumo de alcohol es una de las principales causas de morbimortalidad en el mundo. La enfermedad hepática alcohólica es una complicación común de este trastorno y la encefalopatía hepática es una seria comorbilidad de la cirrosis alcohólica. Los factores precipitantes pueden relacionarse con infección, sangrado gastrointestinal, deshidratación o efectos de psicofármacos (p. ej., benzodiacepinas e hipnóticos no benzodiacepínicos). Se expone un caso del manejo hospitalario de un paciente con un trastorno severo por consumo de alcohol, cirrosis y encefalopatía hepática, quien desarrolla síntomas de abstinencia alcohólica durante su hospitalización y la complejidad del manejo antagónico de un delirium gabaérgico propio de la encefalopatía hepática en el contexto de un delirium glutamatérgico-noradrenérgico por abstinencia alcohólica.

ABSTRACT Alcohol use disorder is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Alcoholic liver disease is a common complication of this disorder, and hepatic encephalopathy is a serious complication of alcoholic cirrhosis. Precipitating factors may be related to infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, dehydration or the effects of psychotropic drugs (e.g. benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics). We present a case of the hospital management of a patient with a severe alcohol use disorder, cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy who developed alcohol withdrawal symptoms while in hospital, and discuss the complexity of the antagonistic management of a GABAergic delirium characteristic of hepatic encephalopathy in the context of a glutamatergic-noradrenergic delirium due to alcohol withdrawal.

Caracterización de las complicaciones infecciosas en pacientes con cirrosis hepática internados en un hospital universitario / Characterization of infectious complications in patients with liver cirrhosis admitted to a university hospital

La cirrosis hepática ocasiona significativa mortalidad y morbilidad. El objetivo de esta investigación fue conocer las complicaciones infecciosas de los pacientes con cirrosis hepática internados en un hospital universitario de San Lorenzo, Paraguay. Se analizaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes con diagnóstico de cirrosis hepática y una enfermedad infecciosa internados en el Hospital de Clínicas, desde enero del año 2015 a enero del marzo 2020. La información se analizó utilizando EpiInfo. Se incluyeron 106 pacientes con una edad promedio de 59,3 ± 18 años. La enfermedad infecciosa más frecuente fue la neumonía con un 35 % y la causa más frecuente de cirrosis fue el alcoholismo, se observó además una frecuencia de 39% de bacteriemia con predominio etiológico de bacterias gram negativas. Hubo un promedio de 19,7 días de estancia hospitalaria. En conclusión, la enfermedad más frecuente fue la neumonía y las bacterias aisladas con mayor frecuencia fueron Klebsiella pneumoniae y Escherichia coli

Liver cirrhosis causes significant mortality and morbidity. The objective of this research was to know the infectious complications of patients with liver cirrhosis admitted to a university hospital in San Lorenzo, Paraguay. The medical records of patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and an infectious disease admitted to the Hospital de Clínicas were analyzed from January 2015 to January 2020. The information was analyzed using Epi Info. One hundred six patients with an age average of 59.3 ± 18 years were included. The most frequent infectious disease was pneumonia (35%) and the most frequent cause of cirrhosis was alcoholism, a frequency of 39% of bacteremia with an etiological predominance of gram-negative bacteria was also observed. There was an average of 19.7 days of hospital stay. In conclusion, the most common disease was pneumonia and the most frequently isolated bacteria were Klebsiella pneumoniae y Escherichia coli

Miguel Ángel y el hígado de Noé: ¿Una lección secreta de anatomía? / Michelangelo and Noah's liver: a hidden anatomy lesson?

Miguel Ángel Buonarroti (1475 - 1564) es considerando uno de los más grandes artistas de la historia. Estudió en detalle la anatomía humana a través de la disección de cadáveres, práctica hasta entonces relegada por motivos religiosos. Desde que en el año 1990 el médico Frank Lynn Meshberger publicara su interpretación del fresco "La Creación de Adán" basada en la neuroanatomía, en donde comparaba la imagen de Dios con la de una sección sagital del cerebro humano, muchos autores han encontrado diversas referencias anatómicas ocultas en la obra de Miguel Ángel. En el presente trabajo exponemos el hallazgo de una inédita lección de anatomía hepática oculta en el fresco La Embriaguez de Noé de la Capilla Sixtina.

Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475 - 1564) is considered one of the greatest artists in history. He studied in detail the human anatomy through corpses dissection, practice until then relegated for religious reasons. Since the physician Frank Lynn Meshberger published in 1990 his interpretation of the fresco "The Creation of Adam" based on neuroanatomy, where he compared the image of God with a sagittal section of the human brain, many authors have found various hidden anatomical references in the work of Michelangelo. In the present paper we expose the finding of a hidden lesson on liver anatomy in the fresco The Drunkenness of Noah of the Sistine Chapel.

Trasplante hepático en un centro de Colombia: comparación de dos períodos / Comparison of two periods in liver transplantation at Colombian medical center

Resumen Objetivo: el trasplante hepático es el tratamiento de elección para la falla hepática aguda y crónica. Los resultados en el trasplante hepático han mejorado en los últimos años, así que el objetivo de nuestro trabajo es comparar la experiencia de un centro en Colombia en dos períodos de tiempo diferentes. Pacientes y métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo donde se analizaron pacientes adultos con primer trasplante hepático en dos períodos; serie 1, entre 2004-2010 (241 pacientes); y serie 2, entre 2011-2016 (142 pacientes). Resultados: la edad promedio fue de 54 años, el 57 % eran hombres y con un puntaje Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) promedio de 20, sin cambios significativos en las características del donante y del receptor en los dos períodos. Las principales indicaciones de trasplante hepático fueron cirrosis por alcohol, cirrosis criptogénica y cirrosis por hepatitis autoinmune, con una disminución de los casos de hepatitis B y C en la serie 2. El 30 % de los pacientes tenía hepatocarcinoma. La supervivencia de los pacientes a 1 año fue de 81 % frente a 91 % y a 5 años fue de 71 % frente a 80 %, respectivamente. Las principales causas de muerte fueron: cáncer, enfermedad cardiovascular y sepsis. Existió un incremento significativo en las complicaciones biliares, sin diferencias en las complicaciones infecciosas, vasculares y el rechazo celular entre los dos períodos. Conclusión: el trasplante hepático en este centro en Colombia se relaciona con excelentes resultados a corto y mediano plazo, con una mejoría significativa en la supervivencia de los pacientes en los últimos años y con resultados similares a los reportados en otros centros del mundo.

Abstract Objective: Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for acute and chronic liver failure. Liver transplantation results have improved in recent years, so the objective of our work was to compare results from two different periods of time at a center in Colombia. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study comparing first time adult liver transplant patients from 2004-2010 (Series 1: 241 patients) and from 2011-2016 (Series 2: 142 patients). Results: The average patient age was 54 years, 57% were men, and the average MELD score was 20. There were no significant differences between the characteristics of donors and recipients from one period to the next. The main indications for liver transplantation were alcoholic cirrhosis and cryptogenic and autoimmune hepatitis. Series 2 contained fewer hepatitis B and C cases than did Series 1. Thirty percent of the patients had hepatocellular carcinoma. The one-year survival rates were 81% in Series 1 and 91% in Series 2, whereas five-year survival rates were 71% and 80%, respectively. The main causes of death were cancer, cardiovascular disease and sepsis. From the first period to the second period, there was a significant increase in biliary complications but no differences in infectious complications, vascular complications or cellular rejection. Conclusion: Short and medium term liver transplantation results at this center in Colombia have been excellent, but there have been significant improvements in patient survival rates in recent years that are similar to those reported elsewhere in the world.

Pharyngocutaneous Fistula which Occurred During Postoperative Radiotherapy in Larynx Cancer Patient with Dementia / 대한두경부종양학회지

Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a relatively common, but serious complication after pharyngeal or laryngeal cancer surgery. It can cause wound infection, longer hospitalization period and sometimes carotid artery rupture which can be fatal. Recently, we experienced a 63-year-old larynx cancer patient who had dementia and alcoholic liver cirrhosis for underlying diseases. He underwent total laryngectomy and both neck dissection, and pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred during postoperative radiotherapy. Pharyngocutaneous fistula during postoperative radiotherapy has not yet reported in the literature, and there are few reports about pre and postoperative management of dementia patient after head and neck cancer surgery. Therefore, we report this case with a brief review of literature.

Hepatoprotective effect of Alhagi sparsifolia against Alcoholic Liver injury in mice

Overconsumption of alcohol leads to alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Natural compounds have been investigated previously for their hepatoprotective activities against liver injury. This study investigated the protective effect of Alhagi sparsifolia on ALD. Alcohol was administered to mice for three consecutive days; either alone or in combination with Alhagi sparsifolia extract (150, 300, 600 mg/kg). Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase as biomarkers of liver injury, the content of malonaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and glutathione which indicated the redox status of liver and the antioxidant enzyme activity of super oxide dismutase were detected, respectively. Moreover, the expression of protein cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) the key enzyme of alcohol metabolism, and also tested by western blot experiment. Subsequently, the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors including TNF- α and TLR4 was determined real-time PCR. Results showed that Alhagi sparsifolia significantly alleviated alcohol-induced liver injury by reducing serum ALT and AST, inhibiting MDA and H2O2 content, increasing SOD, and GSH level in the liver (P< 0.05). In addition, the Alhagi sparsifolia treatment inhibited the expression of CYP2E1 (P< 0.05). The results suggest that Alhagi sparsifolia could be a promising natural substance for ameliorating acute alcohol-induced oxidative stress and hepatic injury

Bilateral optic neuropathy related to severe anemia in a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis: A case report and review of the literature

Anemia appears frequently in patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) but has never been linked to bilateral nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). A 65-year-old woman with a medical history of alcoholic cirrhosis was admitted for bilateral NAION. On admission, she was found to have a low arterial pressure and severe normocytic anemia (48 g/L). The anemia was related to chronic bleeding due to antral gastritis along with other factors associated with ALD. The applied treatment consisted of urgent transfusion followed by high doses of proton-pump inhibitors, iron and vitamin supplementation, and support in lifestyle measures. Her hemoglobin levels remained stable after 2 years but the patient still suffered from visual loss. This case highlights the link between anemia and bilateral NAION in ALD patients. The optic nerve head is prone to infarction in this context due to the vascularization characteristics of ALD. Hemoglobin levels should be monitored in ALD patients to avoid the severe complication of NAION.

Measuring Intrahepatic Vascular Changes Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography to Predict the Prognosis of Alcoholic Hepatitis Combined with Cirrhosis: A Prospective Pilot Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acute hepatic dysfunction combined with alcoholic hepatitis (AH) in alcoholic cirrhosis is related to hepatic hypo-perfusion secondary to intrahepatic necroinflammation, neoangiogenesis, and shunt. The hepatic vein arrival time (HVAT) assessed by microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is closely correlated with the severity of intrahepatic changes. We investigated the usefulness of HVAT to predict short-term mortality of AH in cirrhosis. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (27 males) and AH were prospectively enrolled. HVAT study was performed within 3 days after admission using ultrasonic contrast (SonoVue®). The primary outcome was 12-week mortality. RESULTS: Twelve-week mortality developed in nine patients. HVAT was significantly different between the mortality and survival groups (9.3±2.0 seconds vs 12.6±3.5 seconds, p=0.002). The odds ratio of a shortened HVAT for 12-week mortality was 1.481 (95% confidence interval, 1.050–2.090; p=0.025). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of HVAT for 12-week mortality was 0.787 (p=0.010). The combination of MDF and HVAT ≥11.0 seconds resulted in an 87.5% survival rate even if the MDF score ≥32; however, HVAT < 11.0 seconds was related with mortality despite a MDF score < 32. CONCLUSIONS: HVAT using microbubble CEUS could be a useful additional index to predict short-term mortality in patients with AH and cirrhosis.

Ascending Colon Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhotic Patient with Emergent Endoscopic Variceal Obturation with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate / 대한소화기학회지

Ectopic varices are rare among patients with portal hypertension, especially in the ascending colon. It is difficult to evaluate massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis by colonoscopy due to hemodynamic instability and poor bowel preparation. In Korea, there has only been one case report about ascending colon variceal bleeding, in which hemostasis was performed by venous coil embolization. We report another rare case of ascending colon variceal bleeding in a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis, who was successfully treated via two sessions of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection through colonoscopy. This case suggests that the careful endoscopic approach and hemostasis with glue injection might be an option for treating massive bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal varix.

Severe Intraperitoneal Hemorrhage from Pseudoaneurysm after a Large-volume Paracentesis, Successfully Treated with Microcoil Embolization / 대한소화기학회지

Large-volume paracentesis-induced intraperitoneal hemorrhage due to pseudoaneurysm formation is rarely reported. Here, we present a 56-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis admitted for massive ascites. Large-volume paracentesis was performed. Three days later, he became pale and complained of dyspnea and abdominal distention with hypotension. Percutaneous iliac angiography revealed contrast media leakage from a branch of the left circumflex iliac artery with pseudoaneurysm. He was successfully treated with microcoil embolization. Several days later, ascitic fluid increased and large-volume paracentesis was performed again. Two days later, his hemoglobin level suddenly decreased. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed new active bleeding at the left lower lateral peritoneal cavity, just anterior to the metalic coils. Percutaneous iliac angiography revealed contrast media extravasation from a branch of the left inferior epigastric artery with formation of collateral vessel. Percutaneous embolization was successfully performed again. After coil embolization, there were no further bleeding episodes.

Microbiota, a key player in alcoholic liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Only 20% of heavy alcohol consumers develop alcoholic liver cirrhosis. The intestinal microbiota (IM) has been recently identified as a key player in the severity of liver injury in ALD. Common features of ALD include a decrease of gut epithelial tight junction protein expression, mucin production, and antimicrobial peptide levels. This disruption of the gut barrier, which is a prerequisite for ALD, leads to the passage of bacterial products into the blood stream (endotoxemia). Moreover, metabolites produced by bacteria, such as short chain fatty acids, volatile organic compounds (VOS), and bile acids (BA), are involved in ALD pathology. Probiotic treatment, IM transplantation, or the consumption of dietary fiber, such as pectin, which all alter the ratio of bacterial species, have been shown to improve liver injury in animal models of ALD and to be associated with an improvement in gut barrier function. Although the connections between the microbiota and the host in ALD are well established, the underlying mechanisms are still an active area of research. Targeting the microbiome through the use of prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic modalities could be an attractive new approach to manage ALD.

Alcohol Intake and Risk of Ischemic and Haemorrhagic Stroke: Results from a Mendelian Randomisation Study / 대한뇌졸중학회지

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To test whether alcohol intake, both observational and estimated by genetic instruments, is associated with risk of ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke. METHODS: We used data from the Copenhagen City Heart Study 1991 to 1994 and 2001 to 2003, and the Copenhagen General Population Study 2003 to 2012 (n=78,546). As measure of alcohol exposure, self-reported consumption and genetic variation in alcohol metabolizing genes (alcohol dehydrogenase ADH1B and ADH1C) as instrumental variables were used. Stroke diagnoses were obtained from a validated hospital register. RESULTS: During follow-up 2,535 cases of ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke occurred. Low and moderate alcohol intake (1 to 20 drinks/week) was associated with reduced risk of stroke. The hazard ratios associated with drinking 1 to 6, 7 to 13, and 14 to 20 drinks/week were 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76 to 0.92), 0.83 (95% CI, 0.73 to 0.94), and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.73 to 0.97), respectively, compared with drinking < 1 drink/day. ADH1B and ADH1C genotypes were not associated with risk of stroke. Further analysis to test the included measures revealed that increasing alcohol intake (per 1 drink/day) was positively associated with risk of alcoholic liver cirrhosis, but not associated with risk of stroke, and that increasing blood pressure (per systolic 10 mm Hg) was not associated with risk of alcoholic liver cirrhosis, but positively associated with risk of stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Low and moderate self-reported alcohol intake was associated with reduced risk of stroke. The result was not supported by the result from the causal genetic analysis.

Caso relacionado con el proceso asistencial integrado cuidados paliativos en atención primaria de salud / Case related to the integrated palliative care process in primary health care level

La cirrosis hepática constituye una de las principales causas atribuibles a la mortalidad por consumo de alcohol. El caso que se presenta corresponde a un paciente de 58 años diagnosti-cado con dicha enfermedad terminal no oncológica e incluido en el Proceso Asistencial de Cuidados Paliativos, siguiendo una valoración según el modelo conceptual de Virginia Hen-derson y un plan de cuidados según la taxonomía North American Nursing Association, Nur-sing Intervention Classification, Nursing Outcomes Classification. De modo que, las inter-venciones y actividades se basaron principalmente en apoyar emocionalmente tanto al paciente como a la cuidadora principal. El plan de cuidados transita desde su identificación, hasta el cuidado del enfermo en los últimos días de la vida.

Liver cirrhosis is one of the main causes attributable to mortality due to alcohol consumption. The case presented corresponds to a 58-year-old patient diagnosed with this non-oncological terminal disease and included in the Palliative Care Process by following an assessment according to the Virginia Henderson conceptual model and a care plan according to the taxo-nomy North American Nursing Association, Nursing Intervention Classification, Nursing Outcomes Classification. Thus, the interventions and activities were mainly based on suppor-ting emotionally both the patient and the main caregiver. The care plan goes from its identifi-cation to the care of the patient in the last days of life.

Prevalencia y severidad del síndrome hepatopulmonar en pacientes con cirrosis hepática del Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, entre enero y diciembre del 2015 / Prevalence and severity of the hepatopulmonar syndrome in patients with liver cirrhosis attended at Cayetano Heredia Hospital, between January and December 2015

Introducción: El sindrome hepatopulmonar (SHP) es una complicación poco frecuente de la cirrosis hepática (CH) que disminuye considerablemente la calidad de vida de las personas que la padecen. Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia y severidad del SHP en los pacientes con CH atendidos en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia (HCH) en el periodo comprendido entre enero a diciembre del 2015. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal, con tamaño de muestra necesario para determinar la prevalencia puntual calculado en 297 pacientes. Resultados: La prevalencia del SHP fue de 0,7% y los casos identificados se clasificaron como SHP leve y severo. Conclusión: La prevalencia del SHP es muy baja en la población de pacientes con cirrosis hepática atendidos en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia

Introduction: The hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare complication of liver cirrhosis (LC) which significantly diminishes the quality of life for people who suffer. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and severity of HPS in patients with CH treated at the Cayetano Heredia (HCH) Hospital in the period from January to December 2015. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study with sample size needed to determine the point prevalence calculated in 297 patients. Results: The prevalence of HPS in 0.7% and the identified cases were classified as mild and severe SHP. Conclusion: The prevalence of HPS is very low in the population of patients with liver cirrhosis treated at the Cayetano Heredia Hospital

Implications of alcoholic cirrhosis in atherosclerosis of autopsied patients / Implicações da doença hepática alcoólica na aterosclerose de pacientes autopsiados

Summary Introduction: Alcoholism is a major public health problem, which has a high social cost and affects many aspects of human activity. Liver disease is one of the first consequences of alcohol abuse, and steatosis, liver cirrhosis and hepatitis may occur. Other organs are also affected with pathological changes, such as pancreatitis, cardiomyopathies, dyslipidemias and atherosclerosis. Objective: To identify the occurrence and degree of atherosclerosis in alcohol-dependent individuals with liver cirrhosis, observing macroscopic and microscopic changes in lipid and collagen deposits and in the liver. We also aimed to verify the association of lipid and collagen fiber deposits with gender, age and body mass index, and to relate alcoholism, liver cirrhosis and atherosclerosis. Method: We performed a study based on autopsy reports of patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, with analysis of aorta and liver fragments to verify the occurrence and degree of atherosclerosis, as well as collagen contents. Results: Microscopic atherosclerosis was higher in young subjects (early injury) and in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. The macroscopic analysis of atherosclerosis in aortas showed that patients in more advanced age groups presented more severe classifications. Atherosclerosis, both micro and macroscopically, and the percentage of fibrosis in the liver and aorta were more expressive in females. Conclusion: Cirrhotic patients presented a higher percentage of fibrosis and lipidosis, and may represent a group susceptible to the accelerated progression of cardiovascular diseases. Investigative studies contribute to targeting health-promoting interventions, reducing the mortality and costs of treating cardiovascular disease.

Resumo Introdução: O alcoolismo é um grande problema de saúde pública, de elevado custo social e que afeta vários aspectos da atividade humana. Hepatopatia é uma das primeiras consequências do abuso de álcool, podendo ocorrer esteatose, cirrose hepática e hepatite. Outros órgãos, porém, também são afetados, ocorrendo alterações patológicas, como pancreatite, cardiomiopatias, dislipidemias e aterosclerose. Objetivo: Identificar a ocorrência e a intensidade de aterosclerose em alcoolistas com cirrose hepática, observando alterações macro e microscópicas do depósito lipídico e de fibras colágenas e fígado. Verificar a associação de depósito lipídico e de fibras colágenas com gênero, idade e índice de massa corporal (IMC). Relacionar alcoolismo, cirrose hepática e aterosclerose. Método: Foi realizado estudo com base em laudos de autópsias de pacientes com cirrose hepática alcoólica, sendo estudados aortas e fígados para verificar a ocorrência e a intensidade de aterosclerose, bem como a quantidade de colágeno encontrada. Resultados: A aterosclerose microscópica foi maior em jovens (lesão inicial) e em pacientes com cirrose hepática alcoólica. A análise macroscópica da aterosclerose nas aortas mostrou que pacientes com faixas etárias mais avançadas apresentaram classificações mais intensas. A aterosclerose, tanto micro quanto macroscopicamente, e a porcentagem de fibrose no fígado e na aorta foram mais expressivas no gênero feminino. Conclusão: Os pacientes cirróticos apresentaram maior porcentagem de fibrose e lipidose, e podem representar um grupo susceptível à acelerada progressão de doenças cardiovasculares. Estudos investigativos contribuem para o direcionamento das intervenções promotoras da saúde, reduzindo a mortalidade e os custos no tratamento das doenças cardiovasculares.

Massive bleeding from a rectal Dieulafoy lesion in a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis / 영남의대학술지

Although Dieulafoy lesion can occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, its occurrence in the rectum is rare. Rectal Dieulafoy lesions have been associated with advanced age, renal failure, burns, liver transplantation and cirrhosis. Here, we report on a case of massive bleeding from a rectal Dieulafoy lesion after lung decortication surgery in a 57-year-old male patient with alcoholic cirrhosis. Although rare, a rectal Dieulafoy lesion should be included in the differential diagnosis of massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding in a patient with cirrhosis.

Pancreatic Panniculitis in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis: Case Report and Review of Literature / 대한소화기학회지

Pancreatic panniculitis is a rare complication characterized by subcutaneous fat necrosis associated with pancreatic disease. It has been postulated that pancreatic panniculitis is caused by the systemic activity of pancreatic enzymes that lead to microcirculatory disturbances. We report a 41-year-old heavy alcoholic woman with pancreatic panniculitis that coexisted with acute and chronic pancreatitis. She was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis and alcoholic liver cirrhosis 5 years ago. She presented with multiple, tender, erythematous, subcutaneous nodules with heat sensation on both lower legs. Laboratory evaluation revealed an increase in the serum blood amylase and lipase. Histopathologic findings showed fat necrosis with inflammation around the necrotic subcutaneous fat tissue. The lesions subsided gradually with an improvement of acute pancreatitis.

Initiating Liver Transplantation at a Public Hospital in Korea / 대한이식학회지

BACKGROUND: Although there more than 1,000 liver transplantations (LTs) are performed in Korea annually, their immense cost remains a great hurdle. Hence, in an attempt to reduce the medical costs of LT, a program was initiated at a public hospital affiliated with the Seoul National University Hospital. METHODS: A total of 11 LTs have been successfully executed since the first LT performed at Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center in July 2011 through December 2014. RESULTS: Nine patients (81.8%) were male and two (18.2%) were female. The mean age of patients was 53.4±11.4 years. Hepatitis B virus-related liver disease (n=6, 54.5%) was the most common causative disease, followed by alcoholic liver disease (ALD) (n=4,36.4%). The actuarial 3-year survival rate was 90.9%. The median total medical cost of LTs was US $41,583 (calculated from operation to discharge), but only $11,860 was actually charged for patients with health insurance coverage. One female patient who had undergone deceased donor LT for alcoholic liver cirrhosis died during follow-up. This patient was non-compliant with the medical instructions after discharge, and finally expired due to septic shock at 10 months post-LT. CONCLUSIONS: In the public hospital, LT was successfully performed at a much lower cost. However, LT guidelines and peritransplant management protocols for patients with ALD must be established before escalating LT at public hospitals since ALD with poor compliance is one of the most common causes of complications at public hospitals.