Recurrent Mental Status Changes in a Patient With Chronic Alcoholic Cirrhosis Taking Diuretics: A Case Report.

Cirrhosis of the liver, characterized by fibrous tissue replacing normal cells, disrupts physiological function and blood circulation. A further consequence of this is hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a neuropsychiatric syndrome that can range in severity from mild cognitive disturbances to full coma. This case follows the course of a 63-year-old Caucasian female with chronic liver cirrhosis who presents with recurrent episodes of mental status changes. Although each episode was treated with first-line pharmacologic interventions of lactulose, her HE recurrence persisted. This case report underscores the significance of early diagnosis and management, emphasizing the role of alcohol cessation, pharmacotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. It also aims to address the delicate balance of diuretic use, focusing on dosage adjustments to address electrolyte imbalances and minimize risks associated with HE. The findings highlight the complexity of managing alcoholic liver disease and offer insights into tailored approaches for optimizing patient outcomes.

Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir Regimen Outcome for Chronic Hepatitis C Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis.

Background Patients on hemodialysis (HD) are most likely to contract hepatitis C (HCV) infection, which is associated with significant morbidity and disease progression. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are safe and tolerable in chronic kidney disease (CKD) with a 90-100% cure rate, and limited data exist regarding their efficacy in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), particularly for HD patients in South Asia. The study aimed to assess the outcome of a 12-week sofosbuvir (SOF) and velpatasvir (VEL) treatment regimen on ESRD patients with chronic HCV infection undergoing HD in the Pakistani Asian population. Methodology This prospective cohort study was conducted between January 2022 and January 2023 at the outpatient nephrology and gastroenterology clinic of Sheikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan. This study included a total of 220 ESRD patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, aged 20-55 years, who had been undergoing weekly HD sessions for at least two years, with acquired HCV infection. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics were collected through patient interviews. Laboratory and dialysis profiling was executed to assess ESRD and discover the underlying cause by ultrasound abdomen, blood pressure measurement by sphygmomanometer, random blood sugar for diabetes, and taking note of the duration and frequency of dialysis. HCV RNA PCR was done at selected intervals to evaluate the virological response to treatment. Sustained virological response (SVR), liver cirrhosis status, and number of weekly HD sessions were compared at one year of SOF/VEL regimen. Results The mean age of patients with ESRD was 41.8 with a standard deviation (SD) of 9.3 years, and HCV diagnosis was 1.3 years with SD of 0.4 years; 52.7% (n=116) were males, 47.3% (n=104) were females, 75% (n=165) were urban dwellers, and 93.6% (n=206) were married. CKD that requires dialysis was caused mainly by hypertension (78, 35%), diabetes mellitus type 2 (52, 24%), bilateral small kidney disease (40, 18%), and others (34, 16%). One hundred and six (48.2%) received dialysis thrice weekly, 83 (37.7%) twice, and 31 (14.1%) once weekly. The study monitored the rapid virological response (RVR) at four weeks of SOF/VEL regimen in 89.5% of ESRD patients, observed end-of-treatment response (ETR) at 12 weeks in 93.2%, and noted 91.4% SVR response at one year. Only four (1.8%) relapses were observed in the study, which was statistically insignificant. The status of liver cirrhosis showed a 50% improvement, decreasing from 40% to 20%. The frequency of weekly HD sessions decreased from thrice to twice-thrice a week. Conclusion The prevalence of contracting HCV is high among CKD and dialysis ESRD patients. All-oral DAA therapy has revolutionized HCV treatment with co-morbidities. Renal functions improved after the SOF/VEL regimen for chronic HCV infection in ESRD patients undergoing HD, with the number of weekly dialysis sessions reduced and SVR reaching 91.4%. Thus, a single-tablet, pan-genotypic DAA regimen of SOF/VEL for 12 weeks is safe, effective, and tolerable regardless of the underlying etiology of ESRD, complications of cirrhosis, HCV genotype, or previous treatment exposure. The successful treatment of HCV and achieving SVR lowers the risk of ESRD complications, improves extra-hepatic manifestations, and greatly enhances survival. Further studies are warranted after the availability of other DAAs to confirm findings with no limitations.

Emerging Therapeutic Targets for Portal Hypertension.

Purpose of Review: Portal hypertension is responsible of the main complications of cirrhosis, which carries a high mortality. Recent treatments have improved prognosis, but this is still far from ideal. This paper reviews new potential therapeutic targets unveiled by advances of key pathophysiologic processes. Recent Findings: Recent research highlighted the importance of suppressing etiologic factors and a safe lifestyle and outlined new mechanisms modulating portal pressure. These include intrahepatic abnormalities linked to inflammation, fibrogenesis, vascular occlusion, parenchymal extinction, and angiogenesis; impaired regeneration; increased hepatic vascular tone due to sinusoidal endothelial dysfunction with insufficient NO availability; and paracrine liver cell crosstalk. Moreover, pathways such as the gut-liver axis modulate splanchnic vasodilatation and systemic inflammation, exacerbate liver fibrosis, and are being targeted by therapy. We have summarized studies of new agents addressing these targets. Summary: New agents, alone or in combination, allow acting in complementary mechanisms offering a more profound effect on portal hypertension while simultaneously limiting disease progression and favoring regression of fibrosis and of cirrhosis. Major changes in treatment paradigms are anticipated.

Study of Gonadal Hormones in Males With Liver Cirrhosis and Its Correlation With Child-Turcotte-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Scores.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Liver cirrhosis influences gonadal hormone metabolism by multiple mechanisms and causes gonadal dysfunction. This study aimed to study sex hormones in males with cirrhosis and determine their correlation with prognostic scores. METHODS:  An observational study was conducted between October 2019 and August 2021 in India. Sixty males with liver cirrhosis and 60 healthy age-matched controls were enrolled. Serum-free testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (Prl) were checked. Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD-Na) scores were calculated. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 46.9±8.38 years. Forty-three were alcoholics. A total of 29 (48.33%) patients had low levels of free T. Cirrhotic males had lower testosterone and higher estradiol levels and lower T:E2 ratio compared to controls. Levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin were comparable. Lower testosterone was significantly associated with advancing age, alcoholism, duration of cirrhosis, loss of libido, and ascites. The higher the CTP scores, the lower the free testosterone levels and the higher the E2 levels. There was no significant association between low free testosterone levels and MELD-Na score. CONCLUSIONS: Age, alcohol, duration of disease, and low albumin levels are risk factors for hypogonadism in cirrhosis. There was a significant positive correlation between low free testosterone levels and poor CTP scores.

Case of Autoimmune Hepatitis.

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) accounts for cases of chronic liver disease with greater incidence in females than males. It has a bimodal distribution in the age group peaking around pubertal periods and later in the fourth to sixth decade of life. It is characterized by continual hepatocellular inflammation and necrosis which bears the potential to progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Approximately a third of the patients manifest with features of acute hepatitis while some patients may progress to chronic liver disease with acute liver failure manifesting in the form of jaundice and coagulopathy. Management has long involved administration of corticosteroids alone or in association with other immunosuppressants like azathioprine to achieve long-term remission. Response to therapy is significantly variable as few patients achieve remission while some may relapse, thereby becoming candidates requiring lifelong therapy. It can either present as insidious onset or acute with manifestations ranging broadly from fatigue malaise, lethargy right upper quadrant pain weight loss anorexia, and jaundice, where up to one-third of patients may have progressed to frank cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis. A 62-year female presented with complaints of facial puffiness more around the eyes, associated with profoundly reduced appetite, yellowish discoloration of the skin, conjunctiva since 1 month, and sudden onset generalized itching not associated with fever, joint pains, weight loss, vomiting, loose stools, rash, or bleeding manifestations. She was admitted for further evaluation and workup. Liver function test revealed predominant unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia with direct bilirubin of 0.7 mg/dL and indirect bilirubin of 1.6 mg/day and transaminitis. Further investigations showed significantly elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG) and 1:80 titer of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs). In view of the high suspicion of autoimmune etiologies, the patient was subjected to a liver biopsy that confirmed cirrhosis with moderate interface hepatitis in the background of negative viral serologies and substance abuse history. She was started on a steroid course on a monthly follow-up basis to ensure biochemical remission. How to cite this article: Fatima R, Mohammed V, Fatima A, et al. Case of Autoimmune Hepatitis. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2023;13(2):166-168.

Cirrhosis of the Liver: A Case Report and Literature Review of a Rare Case Presentation of Autoimmune Hepatitis With Systemic Sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic systemic disease that affects the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and musculoskeletal system. Although gastrointestinal involvement has been reported in approximately 90% of scleroderma patients, liver involvement is uncommon. A 51-year-old female was admitted to the hospital due to abdominal distension and pedal edema. She had a history of Raynaud's syndrome and multiple hypopigmented and hyperpigmented patches over her body for the last year. Her ascetic fluid analysis was transudative with a serum ascites albumin gradient >1.1, and the abdomen and pelvis ultrasonography reported liver cirrhosis with splenomegaly with perisplenic varices. Her antinuclear antibody and anti-centromere antibody were positive. Skin thickening was visible. Her alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and serum globulin were raised. Viral serology was negative. We managed her with diuretics, beta-blockers, prednisolone (30 mg/day administered orally), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. Edema and abdominal distension decreased with this management, and no Raynaud's phenomenon was observed during the hospital stay.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: An emerging cause of cirrhosis in Colombia / La esteatohepatitis no alcohólica: una causa emergente de cirrosis en Colombia

Abstract Introduction: Cirrhosis of the liver is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Latin America; the increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in our population could be changing the epidemiological profile of patients with advanced chronic liver disease. Aim: To characterize a group of patients with cirrhosis of the liver at an outpatient hepatology care center in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, and determine the contribution of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) as an etiological factor in this population. Materials and methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional, analytical study. All patients who attended the hepatology follow-up with a diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver were in the six-monthly follow-up protocol that included screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and esophageal varices. Results: 346 patients were included, most were women (54.3 %). The first and second causes of cirrhosis were cryptogenic (35 %) and NASH (30.9 %), respectively, followed by viral hepatitis (17 %) and autoimmune diseases (9 %). Of these patients, 87.4 % were within categories A and B of the Child-Turcotte-Pugh score, and only 12.5 % (33 patients) were in stage C. Also, 60 % had at least one clinical decompensation, 38 % a history of variceal hemorrhage, and 4 % a diagnosis of HCC; 80.6 % of patients with NASH cirrhosis had diabetes, and 46.7 % were overweight. Conclusion: NASH cirrhosis is an emerging cause of advanced chronic liver disease in Colombia.

Resumen Introducción: la cirrosis hepática es una importante causa de morbimortalidad en América Latina; el incremento de la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico en nuestra población podría estar cambiando el perfil epidemiológico de los pacientes con enfermedad hepática crónica avanzada. Objetivos: caracterizar un grupo de pacientes con cirrosis hepática y determinar la contribución de la esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (NASH) como factor etiológico de esta población en la ciudad de Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, en un centro de atención ambulatoria de hepatología. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo, transversal, analítico. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes que acudieron al seguimiento de hepatología con diagnóstico de cirrosis hepática que se encontraban en el protocolo de seguimiento semestral que incluía el cribado de hepatocarcinoma y várices esofágicas. Resultados: se incluyeron 346 pacientes. La mayoría fueron mujeres (54,3 %). La primera y segunda causa de cirrosis fue la criptogénica (35 %) y la NASH (30,9 %), respectivamente; seguidas de las hepatitis virales (17 %) y enfermedades autoinmunes (9 %). De estos pacientes, el 87,4 % se encontraba dentro de las categorías A y B de la escala pronóstica de Child-Turcotte-Pugh, y solo el 12,5 % (33 pacientes) en estadio C. El 60 % había presentado al menos una descompensación clínica, 38 % tenía antecedentes de hemorragia por várices y 4 %, diagnóstico de hepatocarcinoma. El 80,6 % de los pacientes con cirrosis NASH era diabético y el 46,7 % tenía exceso de peso. Conclusión: La cirrosis NASH es una causa emergente de enfermedad hepática crónica avanzada en Colombia.

The behavior of liver diseases in a cohort of Colombian patients with COVID-19 / Comportamiento de las enfermedades hepáticas en una cohorte de pacientes colombianos con COVID-19

Abstract Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome type 2 coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) is receiving the most attention now. The asymptomatic elevation of transaminases is typical in the liver, and liver involvement varies from 14 % to 78 %. The assessment of liver comorbidities is scarce, with prevalence ranging between 2 % and 11 %. Aim: To describe the behavior of a cohort of patients with liver diseases who fell ill with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed the behavior of a cohort of patients with liver diseases who fell ill with COVID-19. Results: 543 patients became ill with COVID-19, of which 300 were women (55.3 %). The median age at diagnosis of liver disease was 52 years. The leading causes of liver disease were nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (49.5 %), cholestatic disease (7.7 %), and hepatitis C and B viruses (6.3 %). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) had a median of 52 U/L (interquartile range [IQR]: 30-98) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 32 U/L (IQR: 23-62). Mortality due to viral infection was 5.7 %, with an incidence rate of 2.9 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 2-4.2). Conclusions: It is a retrospective study but, until the preparation of the manuscript, it had been the first cohort in Colombia to describe the behavior of liver diseases in patients who become ill with COVID-19. No statistically significant differences were found between the causes of liver disease that confer a higher risk of mortality; however, having decompensated cirrhosis is the only condition related to mortality.

Resumen Introducción: la infección por coronavirus del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave de tipo 2 (SARS-CoV-2) concentra la mayor atención en el momento. En el hígado es frecuente la elevación asintomática de transaminasas y la afectación hepática varía del 14 % al 78 %. La evaluación de las comorbilidades hepáticas es escasa, con prevalencias que oscilan entre el 2 % y el 11 %. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento de una cohorte de pacientes con enfermedades hepáticas que presentaron el coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19). Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional retrospectivo que analizó el comportamiento de una cohorte de pacientes con hepatopatías que enfermaron por COVID-19. Resultados: 543 pacientes padecieron por COVID-19, de los cuales 300 fueron mujeres (55,3 %). La mediana de edad al diagnóstico de la enfermedad hepática fue de 52 años. Las principales causas de las hepatopatías fueron esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (49,5 %), enfermedad colestásica (7,7 %), virus de la hepatitis C y B (6,3 %). La alanina-aminotransferasa (ALT) presentó una mediana de 52 U/L (rango intercuartílico [RIC]: 30-98) y aspartato-aminotransferasa (AST) 32 U/L (RIC: 23-62). La mortalidad por la infección viral fue del 5,7 % con una tasa de incidencia de 2,9 (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95 %: 2-4,2). Conclusiones: es un estudio de carácter retrospectivo; sin embargo, hasta la elaboración del manuscrito es la primera cohorte en Colombia en describir el comportamiento de las enfermedades hepáticas en pacientes que enferman de COVID-19. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las causas de hepatopatía que confieran un mayor riesgo de mortalidad; sin embargo, tener una descompensación de cirrosis es la única condición que tiene una relación con la mortalidad.

Influence of socioeconomic and cultural factors in the etiology of cirrhosis of the liver. / Influencia los factores socioeconómicos y culturales en la etiología de la cirrosis hepática.

INTRODUCTION: Cirrhosis of the liver is a serious public health problem worldwide, with regional variations determined by cultural factors and economic development. AIM: To know the characteristics of the social, cultural, and economic factors of the patients with cirrhosis of the liver in Veracruz. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter, retrolective, relational research study was conducted on patients with cirrhosis of the liver at five healthcare institutions in Veracruz. The variables analyzed were etiology, age, sex, civil status, educational level, occupation, and income. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized, and statistical significance was set at a P<.05. The Windows IBM-SPSS version 25.0 program was employed. RESULTS: A total of 182 case records of patients with cirrhosis of the liver were included. The etiologic factors were chronic alcohol consumption (47.8%), viral disease (28.5%), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (8.79%), autoimmune liver disease (4.4%), cholestasis (1.64%), and cryptogenic liver disease (8.8%). Mean patient age was 66.14±13.91, with a predominance of men (58.79%). In comparing the socioeconomic and cultural factors related to etiology, secondary and tertiary education and singleness were statistically significant in male alcoholics (P<.05), viral diseases and NAFLD were significantly associated with women with no income (P<.05), cryptogenic liver disease was significantly associated with women (P<.05), and cholestasis and autoimmune liver disease were not significantly associated with any of the factors. CONCLUSIONS: The study results revealed the influence of socioeconomic and cultural factors related to the different causes of cirrhosis of the liver in our environment.

Clinical implications of inducible left ventricular outflow tract obstruction among patients undergoing liver transplant evaluation.

Introduction: Patients with end stage liver disease (ESLD) have a hyperdynamic state due to decreased systemic vascular resistance and increased cardiac output. Preoperative evaluation with dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is used to risk-stratify patients prior to liver transplant. We sought to identify the impact of inducible left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) on DSE on post-operative liver transplant outcomes. Methods: Patients with ESLD who underwent liver transplant at Cleveland Clinic between January 2007 and August 2016 were identified. Pre-operative DSE data, and post-operative intensive care unit (ICU) data were extracted. Patients with inducible LVOTO were compared to those without LVOTO. Results: Of the 515 patients identified who underwent DSE prior to liver transplant, 165 (30%) were female, and 95 (18%) had LVOTO. There were no major differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. In the LVOTO group, rest gradients were 10.8 ± 3 mm Hg while peak gradients were 90 ± 48.2 mm Hg. No significant differences in ICU length of stay or duration of mechanical ventilation between both groups were noted. There were 21 deaths at 30 days. There were 2 (2.1%) deaths in the LVOTO group, versus 19 (4.5%) deaths in the non LVOTO group (p = 0.28). Higher Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores predicted longer duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay. Conclusion: Inducible LVOTO on DSE does not adversely affect the short-term outcomes post liver transplant. Presence of inducible LVOTO should not be the mere reason to deny liver transplant among patients with ESLD.

Tongue thickness in health vs cirrhosis of the liver: Prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition affects 40%-90% of patients with cirrhosis of the liver. L3 skeletal muscle index (L3SMI) is presently accepted as the most objective and quantitative measure available for sarcopenia, a surrogate marker of malnutrition. L3SMI application is, however, limited by non-availability of computed tomography scanning in remote areas, cost, need for extensive training, and the risk of exposure to radiation. Therefore, an alternative dependable measure with wider availability is needed. Malnutrition causes sarcopenia not only in skeletal muscles but also in other muscular structures such as the psoas muscle, diaphragm and tongue. We therefore hypothesised that the tongue, being easily accessible for inspection and for measurement of thickness using ultrasonography, may be used to document sarcopenia. AIM: To measure and compare tongue thickness in healthy individuals and in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and to study its correlation with conventional prognostic scores for patients with cirrhosis of the liver. METHODS: Tongue thickness was measured using ultrasonography. One hundred twenty subjects of either gender aged 18 to 65 years were studied, with 30 subjects in each group. The tongue thickness was compared between groups based on "Child Turcotte Pugh" (CTP) scores. The correlations between measured tongue thickness and "Model for end stage liver disease" (MELD) score and between age and measured tongue thickness were also assessed. RESULTS: Mean tongue thickness (mean ± SD) in patients with CTP class A, B and C was 4.39 ± 0.39 cm, 4.19 ± 0.53 cm, and 3.87 ± 0.42, respectively, and was 4.33 ± 0.49 cm in normal healthy individuals. Significant differences were seen in tongue thickness between patients with CTP class C and those with CTP class A and B (P < 0.05). Patients with CTP class C also had a significantly reduced tongue thickness than normal individuals (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was seen in tongue thickness between patients with CTP class A and B and normal individuals. A statistically significant, negative correlation was found between MELD score and tongue thickness (r = -0.331) (P < 0.001). No correlation was observed between L3SMI and MELD score (r = 0.074, P = 0.424). L3SMI (mean ± SD) in healthy subjects was 39.66 ± 6.8 and was 38.26 ± 8.88 in patients with CTP class C, and the difference was not significant. No significant correlation was found between age of the patients and tongue thickness. Intra-class correlation coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the tongue thickness measurements. The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.984 (95%CI: 0.979-0.989) and was indicative of good reliability. CONCLUSION: Tongue thickness measured by ultrasonography, correlates significantly with the severity of liver disease, as assessed by CTP and MELD scores. The patients with a CTP score ≥ 10 have significantly reduced tongue thickness as compared to normal individuals and those with less severe liver disease and CTP scores of 5-9. No significant difference in tongue thickness was found between healthy individuals and CTP class A and B patients.

Efficacy of rifaximin in the different clinical scenarios of hepatic encephalopathy. / Eficacia de la rifaximina en los diferentes escenarios clínicos de la encefalopatía hepática.

Hepatic encephalopathy is a frequent complication in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and is associated with a high mortality rate. Costs attributed to the management of patients with cirrhosis are especially high due to complications, such as hepatic encephalopathy, given that they increase the number of days of hospital stay. Different drugs are currently used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, and the main ones are lactulose, L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA), and certain antibiotics, especially rifaximin-α (RFX). Even though many of them have been shown to be effective to greater or lesser degrees, it is important to understand the differences between them, so that every patient receives individualized treatment and the best option is chosen, in accordance with the different clinical scenarios. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze the evidence on the advantages and disadvantages of the individual or combined use of the 3 main treatments for hepatic encephalopathy, specifically taking into consideration their different degrees of efficacy, their impact on quality of life, prophylaxis, and cost reduction.

Diagnostic difficulties of primary hemochromatosis in a patient with posthemorrhagic anemia.

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a disease with an autosomal recessive hereditary type, stipulated by the genetic defect that leads to a high intestinal absorption of iron and primary accumulation in the parenchymal cells of the liver and other organs. This is the most common hereditary disease among White population, the frequency is about 1 case per 250 people. The prevalence of HH is inhomogeneous, people from countries in Northern Europe, especially Scandinavian, are more susceptible to this disease. Mutations of the HFE gene account for approximately 90% of HH cases. In HH excess iron deposits mainly in the cytoplasm of parenchymal cells of various organs and tissues: in the liver, pancreas, endocrine glands, skin and joints. The clinical picture of HH is characterized by the classical triad development: cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperpigmentation. HH may also manifest itself as various endocrinopathies (hypofunction of hypophysis, adrenal glands, thyroid gland, arthropathy, cardiomyopathy). Diagnostics of HH is based on the determination of the iron metabolism values: serum iron, transferrin saturation, the amount of ferritin, the genetic tests, liver biopsy data are used to confirm the diagnosis. Despite the fact that HH is a well-studied disease, in some cases it is complicated to diagnose it. Developed posthemorrhagic anemia in a patient is one of such reasons when the iron metabolism test is not informative.

Patients with Cirrhosis of Liver Operated for Non-transplant Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background and Aims: Patients with cirrhosis of the liver have high mortality after surgery. We investigated the mortality in patients with cirrhosis of the liver who underwent surgery other than liver transplant and applied the Mayo clinic model to predict mortality and compare with the observed mortality. We also studied the association of the observed mortality with the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) scores. Methods: The electronic records database of our hospital was accessed to analyze the data of 133 cirrhotic patients who underwent various surgeries under general anesthesia from October 2009 to June 2017. The Mayo risk score was applied to each and used to calculate predicted mortality; the MELD and MELD-Na scores were also calculated. Telephonic interview was performed with the patients and or their relative to ascertain survival or time of death after surgery, when the information was not available from the hospital records. Results: The all-cause observed mortality rates at postoperative days 30 and 90 and at 1 year were 12%, 20.3% and 26.3% respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for the Mayo model as a predictor of 30-day, 90-day and 1-year mortality were 0.836, 0.828 and 0.744 respectively. Good correlation was seen for observed mortality with CTP class and with MELD and MELD-Na scores. Conclusions: The Mayo model for predicting postoperative mortality in patients with cirrhosis of the liver demonstrated good correlation in this study. The strength of prediction of mortality by Mayo risk score calculation was similar at postoperative days 30 and 90 but decreased at 1-year after the surgery. Good correlation was seen for the observed mortality with MELD, MELD-Na and CTP scores.

Effectiveness of the MELD/Na Score and the Child-Pugh Score for the Identification of Palliative Care Needs in Patients with Cirrhosis of the Liver.

OBJECTIVE: Identification of palliative care needs in patients with liver cirrhosis using the MELD/Na score and the Child-Pugh score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of hospitalized patients with hepatic cirrhosis between January 2015 and December 2016 using the Child-Pugh score and the MELD/Na score in January 2018. RESULTS: Recognizing end-of-life patients (the past 12 months of life) is a challenge for health professionals, especially in diseases with poorly defined criteria, such as cirrhosis of the liver. The verification of rapid functional decline and health indicators can be verified using already defined scales such as the Child-Pugh score and the MELD/Na score. Patients were classified according to the Child-Pugh score in Class A (17%), Class B (48.9%), and Class C (34%). The corresponding survival rate was as follows: class A (87.5%), Class B (30.4%), and Class C (31.25%). The MELD/Na score intervals were >9 (2.15%), score 10-19 (46.8%), score 20-29 (27.7%), score 30-40 (19.1%), and score >40 (4.3%). Nearly 51.1% had a MELD/Na score >20 and 48.9% <20. The study revealed that 59.6% of patients died before 12 months. They were end-of-life patients who needed palliative care to reduce the impact of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The Child-Pugh score and the MELD/Na score represent a viable and easy-to-use tool to identify patients in need of palliative care, among those with liver cirrhosis. Early identification, timely evaluation, and effective treatment of physical, spiritual, family, and social problems improve the quality of life of people with incurable diseases and their families.

Dietary management and supplementation with branched-chain amino acids in cirrhosis of the liver. / Manejo dietético y suplementación con aminoácidos de cadena ramificada en cirrosis hepática.

One of the most important characteristics of malnutrition is the loss of muscle mass and the severe depletion of the protein reserve, secondarily affecting energy metabolism. That impacts nutritional status and the progression of disease-related complications. Nutritional treatment is one of the main factors in the comprehensive management of those patients. Achieving adequate energy intake that provides the macronutrients and micronutrients necessary to prevent or correct malnutrition is attempted through dietary measures. ESPEN, the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, recommends a caloric intake of 30-40kcal/kg/day, in which carbohydrates provide 45-60% of the daily energy intake and proteins supply 1.0-1.5g/kg/day. The remaining portion of the total energy expenditure should be covered by lipids. The administration of branched-chain amino acids has been shown to be beneficial not only in counteracting malnutrition, but also as a coadjuvant treatment in specific complications, thus playing a favorable role in outcome and quality of life. Therefore, branched-chain amino acids should be considered part of nutritional treatment in patients with advanced stages of cirrhosis of the liver, particularly in the presence of complications.

Effect of advanced age and/or systemic medical conditions on dental implant survival: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: his review evaluated implant survival in geriatric patients (≥75 years) and/or the impact of systemic medical conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic literature searches were performed to identify studies reporting on geriatric subjects with dental implants and on implant patients who had any of the seven most common systematic conditions among geriatric patients. Meta-analyses were performed on the postloading implant survival rates. The impact of systemic medical conditions and their respective treatment was qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 6,893 studies were identified; of those, 60 studies were included. The fixed-effects model revealed an overall implant survival of 97.3% (95% CI: 94.3, 98.7; studies = 7) and 96.1% (95% CI: 87.3, 98.9; studies = 3), for 1 and 5 years, respectively. In patients with cardiovascular disease, implant survival may be similar or higher compared to healthy patients. High implant survival rates were reported for patients with Parkinson's disease or diabetes mellitus type II. In patients with cancer, implant survival is negatively affected, namely by radiotherapy. Patients with bone metastases receiving high-dose antiresorptive therapy (ART) carry a high risk for complications after implant surgery. Implant survival was reported to be high in patients receiving low-dose ART for treatment of osteoporosis. No evidence was found on implant survival in patients with dementia, respiratory diseases, liver cirrhosis, or osteoarthritis. CONCLUSIONS: Implant prostheses in geriatric subjects are a predictable treatment option with a very high rate of implant survival. The functional and psychosocial benefits of such intervention should outweigh the associated risks to common medical conditions.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of hepatitis d in Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

OBJECTIVE: Inrtroduction: The epidemiological situation for hepatitis D has changed significantly. Reduced population authors infection due to a sharp decline in hospitalizations from Central Asia regions, the Caucasus and Moldova, which are known to be endemic for hepatitis D. Currently, the incidence of chronic hepatitis D (HGD) in Russia is 1%, while in the countries of Central Asia, and in particular in Turkmenistan, the share of HGD among chronic viral hepatitis is 8%. The aim of research was to establish the clinical features, depending on the activity of the replication of hepatitis viruses B and D. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: We studied 26 patients with viral hepatitis D with a determined activity replicative virus by PCR (polymerase chain reaction). The age of patients ranged from 28 to 78 years. The patients performed the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) study for the presence of markers of parenteral viral hepatitis (HBsAg, a-HCV and a-HDV), the standard general clinical biochemical blood tests. of the instrumental methods survey used ultrasonography (ultrasound), EGD (fibrogastroduodenoscopy). Grading the severity of liver cirrhosis established by Child-Pugh (eng. Child-Pugh, Child-Turcotte, Child-Turcotte-Pugh, sometimes Child-Paquet) is designed to assess the severity of cirrhosis. The severity of liver cirrhosis is assessed on a point system, which are calculated from 5 or 6 parameters. RESULTS: Results: It is established that most HGD more prevalent among young people bodied (69%) and occurs mainly in severe symptoms and portal hypertension leading to the rapid development of liver cirrhosis (53%). It showed that hyperenzymemia reaches high levels of ALT to 1715 U / L. with a high viral DNA load virus (HBV) 2648226,0 ± 953892,7 copies / ml in the presence of an RNA virus D (HDV +). CONCLUSION: Conclusion: Thus, the main feature of chronic hepatitis D is its predominant tsirrogennost.

Effect of a high-protein, high-fiber diet plus supplementation with branched-chain amino acids on the nutritional status of patients with cirrhosis. / Efecto de una dieta rica en proteínas y alta en fibra más la suplementación con aminoácidos de cadena ramificada sobre el estado nutricional de pacientes con cirrosis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The potential benefits of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in cirrhosis extend beyond just the improvement of nutritional status. Their effects include improvement of glucose tolerance, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers, as has been shown in several studies. A dual nutritional approach of a high-protein, high-fiber diet plus BCAAs in cirrhosis could have additional benefits, compared with BCAAs alone. Such an approach has not been explored and therefore the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a combination of a high-protein, high-fiber diet plus BCAA supplementation over a 6-month period of time on the nutritional status of patients with cirrhosis, as well as its safety and tolerability for those same patients. METHODS: An open, randomized clinical trial was conducted. Patients were randomized to one of two groups: the BCAAs+HPHF diet intervention group: a high-protein, high-fiber diet with 1.2g/kg protein and 30g of fiber plus supplementation with oral branched-chain amino acids 110g daily and the HPHF diet control group: a high-protein, high-fiber diet with 1.2g/kg protein and 30g of fiber. The differences between the treatment groups were compared using the unpaired T test and the differences at the end of treatment were compared using the paired T test. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were included, 37 in the intervention group and 35 in the control group. At the end of the study period, ammonia and glucose levels showed no significant increase in either group, reflecting the safety of the BCAA supplement. Furthermore, muscle and fat mass were evaluated through triceps skinfold thickness and mid-arm muscle circumference measurements. There was an increase in muscle mass and a decrease in fat mass in the BCAA group, but not in the control group. After the intervention, there were no significant changes in the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score or the Critical Flicker Frequency score results in either group, and no episodes of hepatic encephalopathy were observed during the treatment period. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with branched-chain amino acids plus a high-fiber, high-protein diet is a safe intervention in patients with cirrhosis. It helps increase muscle mass and does not raise the levels of ammonia or glucose, nor is it associated with the development of hepatic encephalopathy.

Hospital mortality in cirrhotic patients at a tertiary care center. / Mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes cirróticos en un hospital de tercer nivel.

INTRODUCTION: Cirrhosis of the liver is known for its high risk of mortality associated with episodes of acute decompensation. There is an even greater risk in patients that present with acute-on-chronic liver failure. The identification of patients at higher risk for adverse outcomes can aid in making the clinical decisions that will improve the prognosis for these patients. AIMS: To determine in-hospital mortality and evaluate the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of patients with cirrhosis of the liver seen at a tertiary referral hospital. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive, observational, cohort study was conducted on adult patients with cirrhosis of the liver, admitted to a tertiary care center in Bucaramanga, Colombia, within the time frame of March 1, 2015 and February 29, 2016. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients with a mean age of 62 years were included in the study. The main etiology of the cirrhosis was alcoholic (59.3%). In-hospital mortality was 23.5% and the most frequent cause of death was septic shock (68.4%), followed by hypovolemic shock (10.5%). A MELD score≥18, a leukocyte count>12,000/ul, and albumin levels below<2.5g/dl were independent factors related to hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital mortality in cirrhotic patients is high. Sepsis and bleeding are the 2 events leading to acute-on-chronic liver failure and death. A high MELD score, elevated leukocyte count, and low level of albumin are related to poor outcome during hospitalization. Adjusted prevention-centered public health measures and early and opportune diagnosis of this disease are needed to prevent the development of complications and to improve outcome in cirrhotic patients.