To determine the prognostic value of the albumin-bilirubin grade (ALBI) in patients underwent transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM: We aimed at determining the prognostic value of the albumin-bilirubin grade (ALBI) in patients undergoing transarterial Chemoembolization for unresectable Hepatocellular carcinoma. BACKGROUND: Various noninvasive liver reserve markers are used to predict the severity of liver injury. The role and probability of these markers in predicting the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown. METHODS: Patients who underwent TACE from 2013 to 2017 were included. Patient's age, gender, cause of cirrhosis, ALBI Grade along with the site, size and number of tumors were recorded. Radiological response to TACE was assessed by CT scan at 1 and 3 months after the procedure, respectively. Survival assessment was performed and all patients were assessed for survival until the last follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients were included. Majority of them were male (80.3 %). The mean tumor size of 6 ± 3.9 cm. Majority of patients (54.9 %) had a single lesion and it was mostly localized to the right lobe (60.5 %). The most common cause of chronic liver disease was HCV (65.3%). Median Child class score (CTP) and MELD score were 7 and 10, respectively. Ascites was treated prior to TACE in 12 patients (16.9 %).Mean ALBI score in the study population was -1.59 ± 0.69, with the majority (49. 2 %) falling in grade 2. The mean duration of survival at the last follow up was of 12.1 ± 12.14 months (1- 49).Univariate analysis showed serum albumin (p = 0.003), serum bilirubin (p = 0.018), CTP score (p = 0.019), ALBI grade (p = 0.001) and presence of varices (p = 0.04) to be the main predictors of 6 months survival after TACE. On Cox analysis, only ALBI score (p = 0.038) showed statistical significant association. CONCLUSION: ALBI grade may serve as a surrogate marker in predicting the prognosis of HCC patients undergoing Transarterial Chemoembolization.

Non alcoholic fatty liver disease in a young male with celiac disease.

A young emaciated male, known case of celiac disease came with complaints of diarrhea along with 5kgs of weight loss in 3 months' time. He had severe electrolyte abnormalities along with low albumin, low calcium and a high phosphate with deranged liver function test. Ultrasound abdomen had shown fatty liver. Nutrition consult was sought and he was found to have a BMI of 6.8kg/m2. He was started on nutrition support along with supportive therapy, which resulted in weight gain and improvement in his condition.

Intestinal Spirocheteosis in a Patient with Celiac Disease.

A young girl presented to us with recurrent diarrhea along with a history of 5 kg weight loss in one year. On examination, she appeared pale, while her laboratory reports showed a low hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum albumin. Her erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was slightly raised with her iron profile suggestive of iron deficiency anemia. Viral markers, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology along with thyroid profile were all unremarkable. There was no history of tuberculosis, and purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test was also negative. Computed tomography (CT) abdomen showed thickening of the terminal ileum with multiple enlarged lymph nodes. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) along with colonoscopy was done. Multiple biopsies were taken, which were suggestive of sprue along with intestinal spirochetosis. Her tissue transglutaminase (TTG) was negative while deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) was positive. She was kept on gluten-free diet and started on tablet metronidazole. This case shows that intestinal spirochetosis should be kept in mind in patients belonging to lower socio-economic status, who present with chronic diarrhea symptoms.

The use of Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) as a predictor of 3 month post discharge mortality in cirrhotic patients.

AIM: Is Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) a predictor of 3 month post discharge mortality in cirrhotic patients? BACKGROUND: Cirrhotic patients often experience an abrupt decline in their health, which often leads to frequent hospitalization and can cause morbidity and mortality. Various models are currently used to predict mortality in cirrhotics however these have their limitations. The Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) being one of the oldest performance status scales, is a health care provider-administered assessment that has been validated to predict mortality across the elderly and in the chronic disease populations. METHODS: We used the KPS performance status scale to envisage short-term mortality in cirrhotic and HCC patients who survive to be discharged from hospital. RESULTS: Our study showed that KPS one week post-discharge, child pugh score, hospital stay, international normalized ratio, serum albumin, total bilirubin and serum creatinine showed statistical significance on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, KPS was found to be statistical significant predictor of 3-month mortality. CONCLUSION: Hence KPS can be utilized to identify cirrhotic patients at risk of 3-month post discharge mortality.

Hepatic Sarcodosis presenting as portal hypertension in a young boy.

A 13-year-old boy, known case renal stone disease came with the complaints of abdominal pain along with low grade fever. On examination, hepatosplenomegaly was noted while his lab reports showed a low hemoglobulin with a raised ESR. His blood and urine cultures showed no growth. Viral markers, autoimmune profile, C and p ANCA were all negative apart from a raised serum IgG level. Ultrasound abdomen showed a hyperechoic liver with an enlarged spleen along with splenic varices and minimum ascites. Ultrasound hepatic doppler was normal. Serum AFP levels were normal while workup for Wilson's disease was negative. Fibroscan showed F4 fibosis. CT scan abdomen showed an enlarged left lobe of the liver along with an enlarged spleen. His EGD revealed varices. So liver biopsy was done that was suggestive of chronic granulomatous disease with ZN stain testing negative for TB.PPD, urine for AFB were both negative. Serum ACE levels were raised. He started ATT therapy but his condition did not improve. So, on the suspicion of hepatic sarcoidosis, he started on steroids and had a drastic improvement in his condition.