Disfunção hepática em pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva médica prevê desfecho desfavorável / Hepatic dysfunction in medical intensive careunit patients predicts poor outcome

ABSTRACT Background: A large number of patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) have abnormal liver function tests (LFT). This includes patients with critical illness with or without preexisting liver disease and patients with acute primary liver injury. There are very few studies which have investigated the spectrum of liver disease, clinical profile and outcome in patients admitted to the MICU. Objective To evaluate the occurrence, etiology, clinical profile, laboratory profile and outcome of hepatic dysfunction in patients admitted to the MICU. To evaluate the utility of model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score on admission as a predictor of adverse short term outcome in patients with hepatic dysfunction admitted in MICU. Methods: It was a prospective observational study, conducted from December 2017 to December 2018 in a tertiary care hospital. Two hundred and two patients admitted to the MICU with LFTs as per the inclusion criteria were analyzed and their short-term outcome at 7 days was studied in relation to various parameters. Results: LFT abnormalities were present in 202/1126 (17.9%) of the patients admitted to MICU. Critical illness associated liver dysfunction was found in 172 (85.2%) patients, chronic liver disease in 11 (5.4%) patients and acute viral hepatitis in 19 (9.4%) patients. Most common symptom was fever (68.3%) followed by vomiting (48.0%). Among LFT abnormalities, elevated transaminases, raised international normalized ratio and high MELD score on admission correlated with poor short-term outcome. Requirement for inotropes and mechanical ventilation correlated with poor short-term outcome. Mortality did not differ significantly between patients with chronic liver disease, patients with acute viral hepatitis and patients with critical illness associated hepatic dysfunction. Hepatic dysfunction in MICU was associated with poor outcome and a high short-term mortality of 56.4% (114/202). Conclusion: Liver function abnormality is common in patients who are admitted to the MICU and its presence is an indicator of poor short-term outcome.

RESUMO Contexto: Um grande número de pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) tem testes de função hepática anormais (TFH). Isso inclui pacientes com doença crítica com ou sem doença hepática pré-existente e pacientes com lesão hepática primária aguda. Há poucos estudos que têm investigado o espectro da doença hepática, perfil clínico e desfecho em pacientes admitidos em UTI. Objetivo Avaliar a ocorrência, etiologia, perfil clínico, perfil laboratorial e desfecho de disfunção hepática em pacientes internados na UTI médica. Avaliar a utilidade do modelo para doença hepática em estágio terminal (MELD). Escore na admissão como preditor de desfecho adverso a curto prazo em pacientes com disfunção hepática admitida em UTI. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional prospectivo, de dezembro de 2017 a dezembro de 2018 em um hospital de atenção terciária. Foram analisados 202 pacientes internados na UTI com TFH conforme os critérios de inclusão e seu desfecho a curto prazo de 7 dias foi estudado em relação a diversos parâmetros. Resultados: Anormalidades dos testes estiveram presentes em 202/1126 (17,9%) dos pacientes internados na UTI. Doença crítica associada à disfunção hepática foi encontrada em 172 (85,2%) pacientes, doença hepática crônica em 11 (5,4%) pacientes e hepatite viral aguda em 19 (9,4%) pacientes. O sintoma mais comum foi a febre (68,3%), seguido de vômito (48,0%) casos. Entre as anormalidades do TFH, transaminases elevadas, INR e escore MELD elevados na admissão correlacionaram-se com desfecho ruim de curto prazo. Exigência de inotrópicos e ventilação mecânica correlacionaram-se com desfecho de curto prazo ruim. A mortalidade não diferiu significativamente entre pacientes com doença hepática crônica, pacientes com hepatite viral aguda e pacientes com doença crítica associada à disfunção hepática. A disfunção hepática em UTI esteve associada a um desfecho ruim e à uma alta mortalidade a curto prazo de 114/202 (56,4%). Conclusão: A anormalidade da função hepática é comum em pacientes que são admitidos nas unidades de tratamento intensivo e sua presença é um indicador de desfecho de curto prazo ruim.

Pattern of liver function test variations in COVID-19 infection & its clinical significance: A study from a dedicated COVID-19 tertiary care centre from India

Background & objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and other systems disease. Studies describing liver involvement and liver function test (LFT) abnormalities are sparse from our population. This study was undertaken to estimate the LFT abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 in a tertiary care set up in India. Methods: In this retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care centre in Mumbai, India, all consecutive patients with proven COVID-19 by reverse transcriptase–PCR from March 23 to October 31, 2020 were enrolled. Of the 3280 case records profiled, 1474 cases were included in the study. Clinical characteristics, biochemical parameters and outcomes were recorded. Results: Overall 681 (46%) patient had deranged LFTs. Hepatocellular type of injury was most common (93%). Patients with deranged LFTs had more probability of developing severe disease (P<0.001) and mortality (P<0.001). Advanced age (P<0.001), male gender (P<0.001), diabetes mellitus (P<0.001), lower oxygen saturation levels at admission (P<0.001), higher neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (P<0.001), history of diabetes mellitus and cirrhosiss were associated with deranged LFTs. Acute liver injury was seen in 65 (4.3%) cases on admission and 57 (3.5%) cases during hospital stay. On multivariate analysis for predicting mortality, age >60 yr serum creatinine >2 mg%, PaO2/FiO2 ratio ?200 and raised AST >50 IU/l (OR: 2.34, CI: 1.59-3.48, P<0.001) were found to be significant. Interpretation & conclusions: In COVID-19, LFT abnormalities were common, and derangement increased as severity progressed. The presence of deranged LFT worsens the clinical outcome and predicts in-hospital mortality.

Combined ns5a & ns5b nucleotide inhibitor therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis c with stage 5 chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis / Terapia inibidora de nucleotídeo NS5A& NS5B combinada para pacientes com hepatite C crônica com doença renal crônica em estágio 5, em hemodiálise

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common hepatotropic viral infection affecting the patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Treatment of chronic HCV infection in stage 4 and 5 CKD includes a combination of elbasvir/grazoprevir and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, which are not available in many countries. OBJECTIVE: Hence, we have conducted this study to look for the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir combination therapy in this difficult to treat population. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, prospective, open-label study in which Stage 5 CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis with HCV infection. Total of 18 patients was included. sofosbuvir with daclatasvir or ledipasvir was used according to genotype for 12 weeks. HCV RNA, genotype, transient elastography (TE) was considered for every patient. HCV RNA was quantified at 4th week, 12th week and 12 weeks post-treatment to look for sustained virologic response (SVR 12). RESULTS: Infection due to genotype 1 was seen in 12 (66.7%) patients followed by genotype 3 in 4 (22.3%) with each patient of genotype 2 and 5. The median value of HCV RNA was 2,35,000 IU/mL. On TE, all had liver stiffness of <9.4 KPa. All patients had HCV RNA of <15 IU/mL at 4th and 12th week of treatment and 12 weeks post-treatment. No significant change in hemoglobin, eGFR and liver stiffness was observed. CONCLUSION: Full dose sofosbuvir i.e. 400 mg, in combination with NS5A inhibitors daclatasvir or ledipasvir is found to be safe and effective in patients with end stage renal disease, who are on maintenance hemodialysis.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C (HCV) é a infecção viral hepática mais comum que afeta pacientes em hemodiálise de manutenção. O tratamento da infecção crônica por HCV no estágio 4 e 5 da doença renal crônica inclui uma combinação de elbasvir/grazoprevir e glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, que não estão disponíveis em muitos países. OBJETIVO: Portanto, realizamos este estudo para procurar a segurança e eficácia da terapia combinada de sofosbuvir nesta população de difícil tratamento. MÉTODOS: Realizamos um estudo de centro único, prospectivo e aberto, no qual pacientes com doença renal crônica em estágio 5 em hemodiálise de manutenção com infecção por HCV. Um total de 18 pacientes foi incluído. Sofosbuvir com daclatasvir ou ledipasvir foi usado de acordo com o genótipo por 12 semanas. O HCV RNA, genótipo, elastografia transitória foi considerado para cada paciente. O HCV RNA foi quantificado na 4ª semana, 12ª semana e 12 semanas após o tratamento para procurar uma resposta virológica sustentada. RESULTADOS: A infecção por genótipo 1 foi observada em 12 (66,7%) pacientes, seguido pelo genótipo 3 em 4 (22,3%), em um paciente do genótipo 2 e em outro, 5. O valor mediano do HCV RNA foi de 2.35.000 IU/mL. Na elastografia transitória, todos tinham rigidez hepática de <9.4 KPa. Todos os pacientes tinham RNA HCV <15 IU/mL na 4ª e 12ª semana de tratamento e 12 semanas após o tratamento. Não foi observada nenhuma alteração significativa na hemoglobina, eGFR e rigidez hepática. CONCLUSÃO: A dose completa sofosbuvir ou seja, 400 mg, em combinação com inibidores NS5A daclatasvir ou ledipasvir foi considerada segura e eficaz em pacientes com doença renal em estágio final, que estão em manutenção hemodiálise.

Utilidade clínica dos escores de risco no sangramento varicoso / Clinical utility of risk scores in variceal bleeding

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Variceal bleeding remains important cause of upper gastrointestinal bleed. Various risk scores are used in risk stratification for non-variceal bleed. Their utility in variceal bleeding patients is not clear. This study aims to compare probability of these scores in predicting various outcomes in same population. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare probability of these scores in predicting various outcomes in same population. To study characteristics and validate AIMS65, Rockall, Glasgow Blatchford score(GBS), Progetto Nazionale Emorragia Digestiva (PNED) score in variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed (UGIB) patients for predicting various outcomes in our population. METHODS: Three hundred subjects with UGIB were screened prospectively. Of these 141 patients with variceal bleeding were assessed with clinical, blood investigations and endoscopy and risk scores were calculated and compared to non-variceal cases. All cases were followed up for 30 days for mortality, rebleeding, requirement of blood transfusion and need of radiological or surgical intervention. RESULTS: Variceal bleeding (141) was more common than non variceal (134) and 25 had negative endoscopy. In variceal group, cirrhosis (85%) was most common etiology. Distribution of age and sex were similar in both groups. Presence of coffee coloured vomitus (P=0.002), painless bleed (P=0.001), edema (P=0.001), ascites (P=0.001), hemoglobin <7.5 gms (P<0.001), pH<7.35 (P<0.001), serum bicarbonate level <17.6 mmol/L (P<0.001), serum albumin<2.75 gms% (P<0.001), platelet count <1.2 lacs/µL (P<0.001), high INR 1.35 (P<0.001), BUN >25mmol/L (P<0.001), and ASA status (P<0.001), high lactate >2.85 mmol/L (P=0.001) were significant. However, no factor was found significant on multivariate analysis. Rockall was found to be significant in predicting mortality and rebleed. AIMS65 was also significant in predicting mortality. GBS was significant in predicting blood transfusion and need of intervention. PNED score was significant in all events except mortality. CONCLUSION: All four scores had lower predictive potential in predicting events in variceal bleed. However, AIMS65 & Rockall score were significant in predicting mortality, while GBS in predicting need of transfusion and intervention. PNED score was significant in all events except mortality.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: O sangramento varicoso permanece como importante causa de sangramento gastrointestinal superior. Vários escores são utilizados na estratificação do risco para sangramento não varicoso. Sua utilidade em pacientes de sangramento varicoso não é clara. OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem como objetivo comparar a probabilidade desses escores em prever vários desfechos na mesma população. Estudar característica e validar o AIMS65, o Rockall, a Pontuação de Glasgow Blatchford (GBS), o escore Progetto Nazionale Emorragia Digestiva (PNED), na pontuação em hemorragia gastrointestinal varicosa superior (UGIB) em pacientes para prever vários resultados em nossa população. MÉTODOS: Um total de 300 indivíduos com UGIB foram rastreados prospectivamente. Destes, 141 pacientes com sangramento varicoso foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, hematológica e endoscopia tendo seus escores de risco calculados e comparados aos casos não-varicosos. Todos os casos foram acompanhados por 30 dias para mortalidade, necessidade de transfusão sanguínea por ressangramento ou de necessidade de intervenção radiológica ou cirúrgica. RESULTADOS: O sangramento varicoso (141) foi mais comum do que não varicoso (134) e em 25 teve endoscopia negativa. No grupo varicoso, a cirrose foi a etiologia mais comum (85%). A distribuição da idade e do sexo foi semelhante em ambos os grupos. Presença de vômito colorido em borra de café (P=0,002), sangramento indolor (P=0,001), edema (P=0,001), ascite (P=0,001), hemoglobina <7,5 GMS (P<0,001), pH <7,35 (P<0,001), nível de bicarbonato sérico <17,6 mmol/L (P<0,001), albumina sérica <2,75 GMS% (P<0,001), contagem plaquetária <1,2 Lacs/μL (P<0,001), INR elevada 1,35 (P<0,001), Bun >25 mmol/L (P<0,001) e estado ASA (P<0,001), lactato elevado >2,85 mmol/L (P=0,001) foram significativos. Entretanto, nenhum fator foi encontrado como significativo na análise multivariada. Rockall foi significativo em prever a mortalidade e ressangrar. O AIMS65 também foi significante na predição da mortalidade. O GBS foi significativo na predição de transfusão sanguínea e necessidade de intervenção. O escore de PNED foi significante em todos os eventos, exceto mortalidade. CONCLUSÃO: Todos os quatro escores apresentaram menor potencial preditivo na predição de eventos em sangramento varicoso. Entretanto, o AIMS65 e o escore de Rockall foram significantes na predição da mortalidade, enquanto o GBS na predição da necessidade de transfusão e intervenção. O escore de PNED foi significante em todos os eventos, exceto mortalidade.

Perfil clínico, teste padrão da resistência à droga e resultados do tratamento de pacientes com tuberculose abdominal da Índia ocidental / Clinical profile, drug resistance pattern and treatment outcomes of abdominal tuberculosis patients in western india

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Abdominal tuberculosis is an increasing problem in developing world. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to describe the clinical presentations, drug resistance pattern and treatment outcomes of abdominal tuberculosis in Western India. METHODS: All the cases of abdominal tuberculosis from May 2014 to April 2017, diagnosed on the basis of clinical profile and gross morphological findings at endoscopy, imaging, followed by histology and/or GeneXpert and MGIT culture were included. All patients received antitubercular drug (AKT) therapy according to national protocol. Patients were followed from diagnoses till completion of treatment and various parameters were studied. RESULTS: Out of the 176 patients, 48% were males. Abdominal pain was most common complaint in 83.5%. On colonoscopy terminal ileum and ileocaecal valve were most commonly involved segments. Upper gastrointestinal tract was involved in four patients. Overall ulceronodular lesions were most common followed by ulcerative/nodular lesion. Strictures in bowel were seen in 28 (15.9%) patients with ileocaecal valve being most commonly involved, of which 23 had symptomatic relief with AKT and only three required dilatation. Histopathology showed granuloma in 80.8% cases. MGIT was positive in 43 (35.80%) cases and GeneXpert was positive in 35 (26.1%) cases. Eight patients had multi drug resistant tuberculosis. Only two patients required surgical management. CONCLUSION: Abdominal tuberculosis with wide spectrum of presentation, can still be managed with early diagnosis and treatment even in patients with sub acute intestinal obstruction. Weight gain or resolving symptoms were considered early markers of treatment response. Patients with stricture can become asymptomatic with medical treatment alone.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A tuberculose abdominal é um problema crescente no mundo em desenvolvimento. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi descrever as apresentações clínicas, o padrão de resistência a fármacos e os desfechos de tratamento da tuberculose abdominal na Índia ocidental. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos todos os casos de tuberculose abdominal de maio de 2014 a abril de 2017, diagnosticados com base no perfil clínico e nos resultados morfológicos brutos na endoscopia, imagem latente, seguido pela histologia e/ou pela cultura de GeneXpert e de MGIT. Todos os pacientes receberam a terapia antitubercular da droga (AKT) de acordo com o protocolo nacional. Os pacientes foram acompanhados de diagnósticos até a conclusão do tratamento e vários parâmetros foram estudados. RESULTADOS: Dos 176 pacientes, 48% eram do sexo masculino. A dor abdominal foi a queixa mais comum em 83,5%. Na colonoscopia, o íleo terminal e a válvula íleo-cecal foram os segmentos mais comumente envolvidos. O trato gastrointestinal superior foi envolvido em quatro pacientes. As lesões ulceronodulares totais foram as mais comuns seguidas pela lesão ulcerosa/nodular. As estenoses foram observadas em 28 (15,9%) pacientes priciplamente com a válvula íleo-cecal envolvida, dos quais 23 tiveram alívio sintomático com AKT e somente três necessitaram de dilatação. A histopatologia mostrou o granuloma em 80,8% casos. O MGIT foi positivo em 43 (35,80%) e GeneXpert foi positivo em 35 (26,1%) casos. Oito pacientes tiveram tuberculose resistente a múltiplas drogas. Apenas dois pacientes necessitaram de manejo cirúrgico. CONCLUSÃO: A tuberculose abdominal com amplo espectro de apresentação, ainda pode ser manuseada com diagnóstico precoce e tratamento mesmo em pacientes com obstrução intestinal sub-aguda. Ganho de peso ou sintomas resolvidos foram considerados marcadores precoces de resposta ao tratamento. Pacientes com estenose podem se tornar assintomáticos com tratamento médico isoladamente.

Corpus gastritis and erosive esophagitis: a report from the Middle East.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether corpus gastritis due to Helicobacter pylori protects against erosive esophagitis in an area with high prevalence of H. pylori infection. METHODS: Biopsies obtained from gastric corpus and antrum in 151 patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were studied for presence of H. pylori and endoscopic evidence of gastritis. Presence and grade of esophagitis at endoscopy was recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-four (36%) patients had endoscopic esophagitis. Patients with severe esophagitis (>or= grade II) less often had active gastritis (15/45 vs. 55/98; p=0.02) and had a lower density of H. pylori (p=0.0003) than those without esophagitis. CONCLUSION: Active corpus gastritis due to H. pylori infection may protect against erosive esophagitis in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease in the Middle East.

Impact of magnetic resonance cholangiography on endoscopic therapy before and after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) on endoscopic therapy before and after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: Ninety-six patients were referred for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) before or after LC because of abnormal liver function tests, raised serum amylase, or abnormal ultrasound scan (USS) of the biliary system. All patients underwent MRC before ERC. RESULTS: Common bile duct (CBD) stones were detected in 48 patients on ERC, 40 on MRC, and 23 on USS. The CBD was dilated on ERC (> 8 mm) in 59 patients, on MRC (> 7 mm) in 51, and on USS (> 7 mm) in 42. Abnormal CBD (dilated +/- stone) was detected in 69 patients on ERC, 57 on MRC, and 44 on USS. Intrahepatic ducts were dilated on ERC in 26 patients, on MRC in 24, and on USS in 18. The study was abnormal on ERC in 81 patients, on MRC in 63, and on USS in 51. Endoscopic therapy was attempted in 80 patients. Presence of CBD stone (p = 0.03), dilated CBD (p = 0.01), abnormal CBD (p = 0.0007), and abnormal study (p = 0.0004) on MRC were significantly related to endoscopic therapy. In 6 cases LC was deferred because MRC revealed CBD calculi which could not be cleared endoscopically. ERC could have been avoided in 14/ 19 patients who did not benefit from it. CONCLUSION: MRC findings are significantly related to endoscopic therapy in patients referred for ERC before and after LC, and they influence therapeutic decisions in some of them.