Long term impact of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation on hepatic morphology.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term morphologic changes occurring in the liver after TIPS creation with correlation with hepatic function to gain insight on the physiologic impact of TIPS on the liver. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent TIPS creation between 2005 and 2022 and had contrasted CT or MRI studies prior to and between 1 and 2 years post procedure. Strict exclusion criteria were applied to avoid confounding. Parenchymal volume and vessel measurements were assessed on the pre- and post-TIPS CT or MRI and MELD scores calculated. RESULTS: Of 580 patients undergoing TIPS creation, 65 patients (mean age, 55 years; 36 males) had pre-TIPS and post-TIPS imaging meeting inclusion criteria at median 16.5 months. After TIPS, the mean MELD score increased (12.9 to 15.4; p = 0.008) and total liver volume decreased (1730 to 1432 mL; p < 0.001). However, the magnitude of volume change did not correlate with MELD change. Neither portosystemic gradient nor TIPS laterality correlated with total or lobar hepatic volume changes or MELD changes. The main portal vein diameter increased (15.0 to 18.7 mm; p < 0.001). Thrombosis of the hepatic vein used for TIPS creation resulted in a mean increase in MELD of +4.1 compared to -2.1 in patients who had a patent and normal hepatic vein (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Given lack of correlation between portosystemic gradient, hepatic atrophy, hepatic function, and TIPS laterality, the alterations in portal flow dynamics after TIPS may not be impactful to hepatic function. However, hepatic vein patency after TIPS correlated with improved hepatic function.

Cerebral venous biomarkers and veno-arterial gradients: untapped resources in Alzheimer's disease.

Blood based biomarkers (BBB) derived from forearm veins for estimating brain changes is becoming ubiquitous in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) research and could soon become standard in routine clinical diagnosis. However, there are many peripheral sources of contamination through which concentrations of these metabolites can be raised or lowered after leaving the brain and entering the central venous pool. This raises the issue of potential false conclusions that could lead to erroneous diagnosis or research findings. We propose the use of simultaneous sampling of internal jugular venous and arterial blood to calculate veno-arterial gradient, which can reveal either a surplus or a deficit of metabolites exiting the brain. Methods for sampling internal jugular venous and arterial blood are described along with examples of the use of the veno-arterial gradient in non-AD brain research. Such methods in turn could help better establish the accuracy of forearm venous biomarkers.

Probing gut-brain links in Alzheimer's disease with rifaximin.

Gut-microbiome-inflammation interactions have been linked to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other disorders. We hypothesized that treatment with rifaximin, a minimally absorbed gut-specific antibiotic, may modify the neurodegenerative process by changing gut flora and reducing neurotoxic microbial drivers of inflammation. In a pilot, open-label trial, we treated 10 subjects with mild to moderate probable AD dementia (Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) = 17 ± 3) with rifaximin for 3 months. Treatment was associated with a significant reduction in serum neurofilament-light levels (P < .004) and a significant increase in fecal phylum Firmicutes microbiota. Serum phosphorylated tau (pTau)181 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels were reduced (effect sizes of -0.41 and -0.48, respectively) but did not reach statistical significance. In addition, there was a nonsignificant downward trend in serum cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-13 levels. Cognition was unchanged. Increases in stool Erysipelatoclostridium were correlated significantly with reductions in serum pTau181 and serum GFAP. Insights from this pilot trial are being used to design a larger placebo-controlled clinical trial to determine if specific microbial flora/products underlie neurodegeneration, and whether rifaximin is clinically efficacious as a therapeutic.

Safety Profile of Particle Embolization for Treatment of Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

PURPOSE: To assess ischemic adverse events following particle embolization when used as a second-line embolic to coil embolization for the treatment of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The single-institution retrospective study examined 154 procedures where embolization was attempted for LGIB. In 122 patients (64 men; mean age, 69.9 years), embolization was successfully performed using microcoils in 73 procedures, particles in 34 procedures, and both microcoils and particles in 27 procedures. Particles were used as second-line only when coil embolization was infeasible or inadequate. Technical success was defined as angiographic cessation of active extravasation after embolization. Clinical success was defined as the absence of recurrent bleeding within 30 days of embolization. RESULTS: Technical success for embolization of LGIB was achieved in 87% of the cases (134/154); clinical success rate was 76.1% (102/134) among the technically successful cases. Clinical success was 82.2% (60/73) for coils alone and 68.9% (42/61) for particles with or without coils. Severe adverse events involving embolization-induced bowel ischemia occurred in 3 of 56 (5.3%) patients who underwent particle embolization with or without coils versus zero of 66 patients when coils alone were used (P = .09). In patients who had colonoscopy or bowel resection within 2 weeks of embolization, ischemic findings attributable to the procedure were found in 3 of the 15 who underwent embolization with coils alone versus 8 of 18 who underwent embolization with particles with or without coils (P = .27). CONCLUSIONS: Particle embolization for the treatment of LGIB as second-line to coil embolization was associated with a 68.9% clinical success rate and a 5.3% rate of ischemia-related adverse events.

Preemptive VAE-An Important Tool for Managing Blood Loss in MVT Candidates With PMT.

Explantation of native viscera in multivisceral transplant candidates, particularly in those with extensive portomesenteric thrombosis (PMT), carries considerable morbidity due to extensive vascularized adhesions. Preemptive visceral angioembolization has been previously described as a technique to minimize excessive blood loss during mobilization of the native viscera but is not well described specifically in patients with extensive PMT. METHODS: In a series of 5 patients who underwent mutivisceral transplant for PMT from June 2015 to November 2018, we performed preoperative superior mesenteric, splenic, and hepatic artery embolization to reduce blood loss during explanation and evaluated the blood loss and blood product utilization, as well as 30-day rates of infectious complications. RESULTS: Following preemptive embolization, median total blood loss was 6000 mL (range 800-7000 mL). The median transfusion requirements were as follows: 16 units packed red blood cells (range 2-47), 14 units fresh frozen plasma (range 0-29), 2 units cryoprecipitate (range 1-14), 4 units platelets (range 2-10), and 500 mL cell saver autotransfusion (range 0-1817). In the first 30 postoperative days, 2 out of 5 patients developed positive blood cultures and 3 out of 5 developed complex intra-abdominal infections. Two patients developed severe graft pancreatitis resulting in mycotic aneurysm of the aortic conduit; bleeding from the aneurysm led to 1 patient mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative embolization is an effective modality to mitigate exsanguinating blood loss during multivisceral transplant in patients with portomesenteric thrombosis; however, it is unclear if the resultant native organ ischemia during explant carries clinically relevant consequences.

Intravascular Ultrasound-Guided Transvenous Biopsy of Abdominal and Pelvic Targets Difficult to Access by Percutaneous Needle Biopsy: Technique and Initial Clinical Experience.

PURPOSE: To report initial clinical experience with intravascular ultrasound (US)-guided transvenous biopsy (TVB) for perivascular target lesions in the abdomen and pelvis using side-viewing phased-array intracardiac echocardiography catheters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-institution, retrospective study, 48 patients underwent 50 intravascular US-guided TVB procedures for targets close to the inferior vena cava or iliac veins deemed difficult to access by conventional percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB). In all procedures, side-viewing phased-array intracardiac echocardiography intravascular US catheters and transjugular liver biopsy sets were inserted through separate jugular or femoral vein access sheaths, and 18-gauge core needle biopsy specimens were obtained under real-time intravascular US guidance. Diagnostic yield, diagnostic accuracy, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Intravascular US-guided TVB was diagnostic of malignancy in 40 of 50 procedures for a diagnostic yield of 80%. There were 5 procedures in which biopsy was correctly negative for malignancy, with a per-procedure diagnostic accuracy of 90% (45/50). Among the 5 false negatives, 2 patients underwent repeat intravascular US-guided TVB, which was diagnostic of malignancy for a per-patient diagnostic accuracy of 94% (45/48). There were 1 (2%) mild, 2 (4%) moderate, and 1 (2%) severe adverse events, with 1 moderate severity adverse event (venous thrombosis) directly attributable to the intravascular US-guided TVB technique. CONCLUSIONS: Intravascular US-guided TVB performed on difficult-to-approach perivascular targets in the abdomen and pelvis resulted in a high diagnostic accuracy, similar to accepted thresholds for PNB. Complication rates may be slightly higher but should be weighed relative to the risks of difficult PNB, surgical biopsy, or clinical management without biopsy.

Proton pump inhibitor use is associated with increased rates of post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy: Replication in an independent patient cohort.

PURPOSE: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is a potential risk factor for hepatic encephalopathy (HE), but few studies have examined the effect on post-TIPS HE. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PPIs are associated with increased rates of post-TIPS HE in an independent patient cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-institution retrospective study analyzed 86 patients (54 male, mean age 58.2) following TIPS from 1/1/2017 to 12/31/2019. Dates of PPI usage and episodes of new or worsening HE were recorded. Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations was used to test for association between PPI use and post-TIPS HE and to test for dose dependence. Post-TIPS HE was also analyzed using the Andersen-Gill survival model for recurrent events. RESULTS: There were 1.88 episodes of new or worsening post-TIPS HE per person-year among 35 patients on uninterrupted PPIs therapy, 1.95 on PPIs and 0.94 off PPIs among 35 patients on intermittent therapy, and 0.47 among 16 patients never on PPIs. PPI use was significantly associated with post-TIPS HE in both univariable (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.62; CI = 1.41-4.84; p = 0.002) and multivariable (IRR = 2.31; CI = 1.37-3.89; p = 0.002) regression. Analysis of only those patients on PPIs showed increased rates of HE with higher doses (IRR = 1.17 per 10 mg omeprazole equivalent; CI = 1.04-1.33; p = 0.011). Recurrent events survival analysis supported the association between PPI use and HE in univariable (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.17; CI = 1.19-3.95; p = 0.011) and multivariable (HR = 1.87; CI = 1.12-3.13; p = 0.017) analysis. CONCLUSION: In an independent patient cohort PPI use was associated with increased rates of new or worsening post-TIPS HE.

Sharp Recanalization of Chronic Central Venous Occlusions of the Thorax Using a Steerable Coaxial Needle Technique from a Supraclavicular Approach.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the technical success and safety of a steerable coaxial sharp recanalization technique that utilizes routine needles in patients with refractory thoracic central venous occlusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was performed on 36-attempted sharp recanalizations in 35 patients (mean age 50 years, 23 male) performed via a supraclavicular approach. In all cases, an 18-gauge trocar needle was custom curved to provide directional control during fluoroscopic triangulation. A 22-gauge Chiba needle was then advanced coaxially across the occlusion. A tractogram was performed to assess for traversal of unintended structures. Procedures were completed by catheter placement, angioplasty, or stenting follow successful recanalizations. RESULTS: Sharp recanalization using this steerable coaxial needle technique demonstrated a technical success rate of 94% (34/36). The mean occlusion length was 30 mm (range 3-53 mm). In 11 patients, success was achieved using this technique after failure of other advanced techniques. In five procedures, stent interstices were traversed. Sharp recanalization was the direct cause of one major complication consisting of pleural transgression causing mild hemothorax treated successfully with a stent graft. CONCLUSION: The proposed technique is effective and safe for patients who have failed traditional blunt recanalization techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, Case Series.

Surgical versus percutaneous catheter placement for peritoneal dialysis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: No consensus currently exists regarding the optimal approach for peritoneal dialysis catheter placement. We aimed to compare the outcomes of percutaneous and surgical peritoneal dialysis catheter placement. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed using the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases (end-of-search date: August 29th, 2020). We included studies comparing percutaneous (blind, under fluoroscopic/ultrasound guidance, and "half-perc") and surgical peritoneal dialysis catheter placement (open and laparoscopic) in terms of their infectious complications (peritonitis, tunnel/exit-site infections), mechanical complications (leakage, inflow/outflow obstruction, migration, hemorrhage, hernia, bowel perforation) and long-term outcomes (malfunction, removal, replacement, surgery required, and mortality). RESULTS: Thirty-four studies were identified, including thirty-two observational studies (twenty-six retrospective and six prospective) and two randomized controlled trials. Percutaneous placement was associated with significantly lower rates of tunnel/exit-site infection [relative risk (RR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56-0.91], catheter migration (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49, 0.95), and catheter removal (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.60-0.88). The 2-week and 4-week rates of early tunnel/exit-site infection were also lower in the percutaneous group (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.22-0.93 and RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.27-0.63, respectively). No statistically significant difference was observed regarding other outcomes, including catheter survival and mechanical complications. CONCLUSION: Overall, the quality of published literature on the field of peritoneal dialysis catheter placement is poor, with a small percentage of studies being randomized clinical trials. Percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter placement is a safe procedure and may result in fewer complications, such as tunnel/exit-site infections, and catheter migration, compared to surgical placement. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020154951.

Percutaneous gastrojejunostomy tubes: Identification of predictors of retrograde jejunal limb migration into the stomach.

PURPOSE: To identify whether technically modifiable factors during gastrojejunostomy (GJ) tube insertion are predictive of retrograde jejunal limb migration into the stomach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of our procedural database over a 5-year period revealed 988 successful primary GJ tube insertions. Medical records and imaging were reviewed for cases of retrograde jejunal limb migration. Primary analysis was performed on 74 patients with retrograde tip migration within 3 months after placement (37 males, mean age = 57). Comparison was performed on 67 control patients (34 males, mean age = 51) who had radiologically confirmed GJ tube stability for at least 6 months. Procedural fluoroscopic images were analyzed for multiple GJ tube configuration parameters. The stomach was designated into antrum, body, and fundus. Predictors of retrograde tip migration were analyzed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients (11.1%) had retrograde jejunal limb migration, with 74 (7.5%) occurring within 3 months of placement. On multivariate analysis, the factors associated with a significantly lower risk of tip malposition included gastric puncture site in the antrum (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.56, p < 0.001) and GJ tract angle less than 30 degrees away from the pylorus (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.16-0.76, p = 0.008). No patient in either cohort had a major complication within 30 days of procedure. CONCLUSION: To minimize the risk of retrograde tip migration, GJ tubes should be inserted into the gastric antrum with an entry tract oriented as directly towards the pylorus as possible.

Percutaneous Gastrojejunostomy Tube Insertion in Patients with Surgical Gastrojejunal Anastomoses: Analysis of Success Rates and Durability.

Patients with a gastrojejunal anastomosis pose challenging anatomy for percutaneous gastrojejunostomy (GJ)-tube placement. A retrospective review of 24 patients (mean age 67.8 years, 13 males) with GJ anastomoses who underwent attempted GJ tube placement revealed infeasible placement in 6 patients (25%) due to an inadequate window for puncture. When a gastric puncture was achieved, GJ tube insertion was technically successful in 83% (15/18) of attempts, resulting in an overall technical success rate of 63% (15/24). The most common tube-related complication was the migration of the jejunal limb into the stomach, which occurred in 40% (6/15) of successful cases. No major procedure related complications were encountered.

Length of Stay Predicts Risk of Early Infection for Hospitalized Patients Undergoing Central Venous Port Placement.

PURPOSE: To compare early totally implantable central venous port catheter-related infection rates after inpatient vs outpatient placement and to determine whether the risk associated with inpatient placement is influenced by length of hospital stay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-institution retrospective study, 5,301 patients (3,618 women; mean age 57 y) underwent port placement by interventional radiologists between October 2004 and January 2018. The 30-day infection rate was compared between inpatients and outpatients using survival analysis. Among inpatients, the effect of time from admission to port placement and from placement to discharge was analyzed using a survival regression tree. RESULTS: The 30-day infection rate was 3.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9%-6.1%) among 386 inpatients and 1.0% (95% CI = 0.7%-1.3%) among 4,915 outpatients (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.6, 95% CI = 2.0-6.6, P < .001). Inpatient placement was a significant risk factor after accounting for covariates in multivariate analysis (HR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.0-4.7, P = .05) and controlling for demographic differences by propensity score matching (HR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.0-7.8, P = .04). Infection rate was 11% (95% CI = 4.7%-22%) among 65 inpatients in whom time from admission to placement was ≥ 7 days, 5.1% (95% CI = 1.9%-11%) among 129 inpatients in whom admission to placement was < 7 days and time to discharge was > 3 days, and 0% (95% CI = 0%-2.1%) among 192 inpatients in whom admission to placement was < 7 days and time to discharge was ≤ 3 days (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient port placement was associated with a higher risk of early infection. However, a clinical decision tree based on shorter length of stay before and after placement may identify a subset of hospitalized patients not at increased risk for infection.

Relative Sarcopenia With Excess Adiposity Predicts Survival After Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of relative sarcopenia with excess adiposity on mortality after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In this single-institution retrospective study, patients underwent abdominal CT scans within 100 days before or 30 days after TIPS creation. Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue and muscle were segmented at the L3 vertebral level. Relative sarcopenia with excess adiposity was defined as the lowest sex-specific quartile of muscle area divided by muscle plus adipose. Dates of death, liver transplantation, TIPS occlusion, and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after TIPS creation were identified. Mortality was evaluated using competing risks survival analysis. Number of HE episodes and time to first episode were analyzed using negative binomial regression and competing risks survival analysis, respectively. RESULTS. A total of 141 patients (91 men; mean age, 56 years) were included in this study. In univariate analyses, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (hazard ratio [HR], 1.09 per point; CI, 1.05-1.13; p < 0.001) and relative sarcopenia with excess adiposity (HR, 2.70; CI, 1.55-4.69; p < 0.001) were significant risk factors for shorter survival after TIPS. In multivariate analysis, both MELD score (HR, 1.09; CI, 1.03-1.15; p = 0.003) and relative sarcopenia with excess adiposity (HR, 2.65; CI, 1.56-4.51; p < 0.001) were significant predictors of worse survival. The C-index at 30 days was 0.71 for MELD score, 0.72 for relative sarcopenia with excess adiposity, and 0.80 for a model including both. There was no association between relative sarcopenia with excess adiposity and number of HE episodes (incidence rate ratio, 1.08; CI, 0.49-2.40; p = 0.84) or time to first HE episode (HR, 0.89; CI, 0.51-1.54; p = 0.67). CONCLUSION. Relative sarcopenia with excess adiposity is a risk factor for mortality after TIPS and contributes additional prognostic information beyond MELD score.

Management of Port Occlusions in Adults: Different-Site Replacement versus Same-Site Salvage.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and effectiveness of different-site port placement versus same-site port salvage in adult patients with occluded ports. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-five occluded subcutaneous infusion ports (ports) in 95 patients presenting between July 1, 2002, and June 30, 2017, were retrospectively reviewed: 48 (51%) different-site placements (replacements; same-day indwelling port removal and different-site new port placement) and 47 (49%) same-site salvages (salvages; 35 fibrin sheath strippings, 12 over-the-wire exchanges). Demographic information, indication for initial placement and replacement or salvage, procedural details, post-intervention primary catheter patency, and post-intervention port sequelae were recorded. Post-intervention primary catheter patency, and malfunction and infection rates were compared with Kaplan-Meier estimation and the log-rank test, and Fisher exact test, respectively. The association of patient risk factors and port patency was assessed with Cox regression. RESULTS: Median primary catheter patency after replacement was 254 days (interquartile range [IQR], 297) and after salvage was 391 days (IQR, 906) (P = .25). Within the salvage group, median primary catheter patency after stripping was 391 days (IQR, 658) and after exchange was 666 days (IQR, 1412) (P = .08). There was no statistical difference in malfunction (P = .12) and infection (P = .74) rates between the replaced and salvaged groups or in malfunction (P = .09) and infection (P = .1) rates between the exchanged and stripped subgroups. None of the patient or catheter characteristics assessed were significantly associated with primary catheter patency. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistical difference between patency, malfunctions, or infections after replacement and salvage, or after stripping and exchange, so technique selection should be based on the patient's estimated lifetime venous access requirements, cost, and physician preference.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Is Associated with an Increased Frequency of New or Worsening Hepatic Encephalopathy after Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation.

PURPOSE: To determine whether proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use increases the rate of new or worsening hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 284 of 365 patients who underwent TIPS creation from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2016, were analyzed (186 male, mean age 56 y, range 19-84 y). Dates of PPI use and dates of new or worsening HE, defined as hospitalization or escalation in outpatient medical management, were extracted from medical records. Mixed-effects negative binomial regression was used to test for an association between PPI usage and HE. RESULTS: After TIPS creation, among 168 patients on PPIs chronically, there were 235 episodes of new or worsening HE in 106,101 person-days (0.81/person-year). Among 55 patients never on PPIs, there were 37 episodes in 31,066 person-days (0.43/person-year). Among 61 patients intermittently taking PPIs, there were 78 episodes in 37,710 person-days while on PPIs (0.75/person-year) and 25 episodes in 35,678 person-days while off PPIs (0.26/person-year). In univariate regression, PPI usage was associated with a 3.34-fold increased rate of new or worsening HE (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 3.34; P < .001). In multivariate regression, older age (IRR 1.05; P < .001), male sex (IRR 1.58; P = .023), higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (IRR 1.06; P = .015), previous HE or HE-preventive medication use (IRR 1.51; P = .029), and PPI use (IRR 3.19; P < .001) were significant risk factors. Higher PPI doses were associated with higher rates of HE (IRR 1.16 per 10 mg omeprazole equivalent; P = .046). CONCLUSIONS: PPI usage is associated with increased rates of new or worsening HE after TIPS creation.

No Increased Mortality After TIPS Compared with Serial Large Volume Paracenteses in Patients with Higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Score and Refractory Ascites.

PURPOSE: To compare survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation versus serial large volume paracenteses (LVP) in patients with refractory ascites and higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, from 1/1/2013 to 10/1/2018, 478 patients (294 male; mean age 58, range 23-89) underwent serial LVP (n = 386) or TIPS (n = 92) for ascites. Propensity-matched cohorts were constructed based on age, MELD, Charlson comorbidity index, varices, and hepatic encephalopathy. Survival was analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model in which MELD score and TIPS were treated as time-dependent covariates. An interaction term was used to assess the impact of TIPS versus serial LVP on survival as a function of increasing MELD. RESULTS: In the overall patient sample, higher MELD score predicted worse survival after either serial LVP or TIPS [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.13; p < 0.001], but there was no significant interaction between TIPS and higher MELD score conferring worse survival (HR = 1.01; p = 0.55). In 92 propensity-matched serial LVP and 92 TIPS patients, higher MELD score predicted worse survival after either serial LVP or TIPS (HR = 1.19; p < 0.001), but there was no significant survival interaction between TIPS and higher MELD (HR = 0.97; p = 0.22). In 30 propensity-matched serial LVP patients and 30 TIPS patients with baseline MELD greater than 18, TIPS did not predict worse survival (HR = 0.97; p = 0.94). CONCLUSION: Higher MELD predicts poorer survival after either serial LVP or TIPS, but TIPS creation is not associated with worse survival compared to serial LVP in patients with higher MELD scores LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, case series.