Bleeding In Cirrhotic Patients Research Articles

Non-invasive fibrosis markers are useful in predicting the presence of varices in compensated cirrhosis and variceal bleeding in decompensated cirrhosis.

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of non-invasive fibrosis markers in predicting varices in compensated advanced chronic liver disease patients and variceal bleeding in decompensated cirrhotic patients. Between 1 July 2020-2021, 137 newly diagnosed cirrhosis patients (67 females/70 males; mean age: 53.35) were included in the study. The diagnosis of cirrhosis was made based on clinical, laboratory, imaging, and, if available, biopsy findings. Laboratory and clinical parameters, including lysyl oxidase-like protein 2 (LOXL2), were recorded for all patients. Commonly used noninvasive fibrosis scores were calculated, and endoscopies were performed to assess varices. All patients were followed up for 12 months, and variceal bleeding events were recorded. Parameters that could predict the presence of varices and variceal bleeding were identified using appropriate statistical methods. Out of the 137 cirrhotic patients, 55 were in the compensated stage and 82 were in the decompensated stage. Varices were detected in 36 (65%) of the compensated cirrhotic patients. It was found that a variceal score derived from spleen size and the ELF score could be used to predict varices (AUC: 0.83). Variceal bleeding developed in 26 (31%) of the patients with decompensated cirrhosis. It was determined that a scoring system derived from albumin, spleen size, LOXL2 level, and the Lok index could be used to predict variceal bleeding in this patient group (AUC: 0.845). This study demonstrates that, besides device-dependent examinations, non-invasive fibrosis scores and various serum parameters can predict varices and variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients.

S962 Navigating Barriers: Bridging Gaps in Secondary Prevention for Gastroesophogeal Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhotic Patients

S962 Navigating Barriers: Bridging Gaps in Secondary Prevention for Gastroesophogeal Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhotic Patients

S1702 Can a TEG-Based Transfusion Protocol for Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Cirrhotic Patients Reduce the Utilization of Blood Products Without Elevating the Risks of Mortality and Morbidity?

S1702 Can a TEG-Based Transfusion Protocol for Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Cirrhotic Patients Reduce the Utilization of Blood Products Without Elevating the Risks of Mortality and Morbidity?

A prospective, single-center, randomized, open-label study to investigate the efficacy and long-term outcome of cyanoacrylate glue for obliteration of all gastric varices (GOV1, GOV2, IGV1, IGV2) versus obliteration of gastric varices with stigmata of recent haemorrhage in cirrhotic patients presenting with first episode of variceal bleed

A prospective, single-center, randomized, open-label study to investigate the efficacy and long-term outcome of cyanoacrylate glue for obliteration of all gastric varices (GOV1, GOV2, IGV1, IGV2) versus obliteration of gastric varices with stigmata of recent haemorrhage in cirrhotic patients presenting with first episode of variceal bleed

Non-invasive predictors to grade esophageal varices in liver cirrhosis patients.

Portal hypertension commonly occurs due to liver cirrhosis, and esophageal varices (EV) is one of the major complications associated with it. The most common cause of death in liver cirrhosis is EV bleeding. Hence, GE screening for EV is required, which is an invasive procedure. Regular use of endoscopy results in low compliance due to cost and discomfort for patients. Hence, identifying non-invasive markers that could grade EV provides a useful screening tool for family physicians and primary health centers (PHCs) by referring the patient to higher centers for definitive treatment, which could reduce mortality due to variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. To assess non-invasive predictors of grade EV in patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Cross-sectional study. A total of 109 patients with liver cirrhosis underwent clinical and biochemical evaluation, USG abdomen with spleen bipolar diameter, ascitic fluid analysis, and upper GE with a grade of EV are recorded. SPSS software with Student t-test, Chi-square t-test, analysis of variance, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, and Spearman correlation with 95% CI is used. P <0.05 is considered significant. Aminotransferase to Platelet count Ratio Index (APRI) score >1.815, PC/SD ≤909, and SAAG >1.1g/dl showed EV in liver cirrhosis (P < 0.05). The order of prediction with ROC curves shows APRI score > PC/SD > SAAG. In grading EV, APRI scores of 1.9-2.5 and >2.5 showed small and large EV, respectively (P < 0.05). APRI score may be used in PHC as an early intervention to grade EV and refer the patient to higher centers for definitive treatment. This would prevent the progression of varices to rupture and reduce mortality due to variceal bleeds in liver cirrhosis patients.

Clinical course of ascitic syndrome and acute kidney injury in the setting of nonselective beta‑blockers or endoscopic variceal ligation for primary prevention of bleeding in cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation

Objective: to compare the effects of nonselective beta-blockers (NSBB) and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) on patient survival, ascites dynamics, and development of acute kidney injury (AKI) during primary prevention of bleeding from the esophageal varices and cardia in patients with decompensated cirrhosis on the liver transplant waiting list (LTWL). Materials and methods. A retrospective comparative study of the clinical data of patients with severe ascites and esophageal varices without a bleeding history at the time of their inclusion in the LTWL was performed. Group 1 patients (n = 84) were prescribed NSBB, alpha and beta-adrenoblockers in order to prevent bleeding and reduce progression of decompensated cirrhosis. Group 2 patients underwent EVL. Results. Demographic, laboratory and instrumental parameters of patients in the compared groups had no significant differences. In both groups, there were no significant differences between the indicators of severity of liver lesions (MELD-Na, Child–Turcotte–Pugh), frequency of severe ascites, frequency of varicose nodes grades 2–3. At follow-up, bleeding developed in 22 patients (13.25%) – 13 patients in the NSBB group and 9 patients in the EVL group (15.47% and 10.97%, respectively, p &gt; 0.05). Patient survival was significantly higher in the EVL group than in the NSBB group. Incidence of refractory ascites, number of patients with grade 3 ascites, and AKI stages 2–3 in the NSBB group, were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) than in the EVL group. MELD-Na was the independent predictor of mortality in the EVL group, while low mean arterial pressure (mAP) and presence of AKI were those for patients receiving NSBB. Conclusion. NSBB and EVL are effective methods of primary prevention of bleeding. Mortality rate, number of patients with refractory ascites and severe ascites, and number of patients with AKI stages 2–3 were higher in the NSBB group than in the EVL cohort. In EVL patients, the independent predictor of death was MELD-Na, while in NSBB patients, the independent predictors of mortality were low mAP and presence of AKI.

Esophageal Stent in Acute Refractory Variceal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis.

Background: Acute esophageal variceal bleeding accounts for up to 70% of upper-gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. About 10-20% of patients with acute variceal bleeding have refractory bleeding that is not controlled by medical or endoscopic therapy, and this condition can be life-threatening. Balloon tamponade is a long-standing therapy which is only effective temporarily and has several complications, while transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and liver transplantation may not be readily available at some centers. The use of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) in refractory esophageal variceal bleeding has been studied for effectiveness and adverse events and has been recommended for use as a bridge to a more definitive treatment. Aim: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of SEMSs in managing refractory variceal bleeding. Methods: A systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases was performed from inception to October 2022 using the following terms: "esophageal stent", "self-expandable metal stents", "endoscopic hemostasis", "refractory esophageal varices", and "esophageal variceal bleeding". Studies were included in the meta-analysis if they met the following criteria: (1) patients' age older than 18 and (2) a study (or case series) that has at least 10 patients in the study. Exclusion criteria included (1) non-English publications, (2) in case of overlapping cohorts, data from the most recent and/or most appropriate comprehensive report were collected. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analysis was performed using the meta package in R statistical software(version 4.2.2). Results: Twelve studies involving 225 patients with 228 stents were included in the analyses. The mean age and/or median age ranged from 49.4 to 69 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 4.4 to 1. The median follow-up period was 42 days. The mean SEMS dwell time was 9.4 days. The most common cause of acute refractory variceal bleeding in chronic liver disease patients included alcohol use followed by viral hepatitis. The pooled rate of immediate bleeding control was 91% (95% CI 82-95%, I2 = 0). The pooled rate of rebleeding was 17% (95% CI 8-32%, I2 = 69). The pooled rate of stent ulceration was 7% (95% CI 3-13%, I2 = 0), and the pooled rate of stent migration was 18% (95% CI 9-32%, I2 = 38). The pooled rate of all-cause mortality was 38% (95% CI 30-47%, I2 = 34). Conclusions: SEMSs should be primarily considered as salvage therapy when endoscopic band ligation and sclerotherapy fail and can be used as a bridge to emergent TIPS or definitive therapy, such as liver transplantation.

What Is the Ideal Risk Scoring System for Acute Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhotic Patients?

What Is the Ideal Risk Scoring System for Acute Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhotic Patients?

Efficacy of propranolol versus carvedilol in prophylaxis of variceal bleeding: Randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of carvedilol and propranolol for prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, PIMS, Islamabad. Period: 1st January 2022 to 31st of December 2022. Material &amp; Methods: A total of 260 patients reporting at the department suffering from liver cirrhosis with medium or large esophageal varices and had never reported for variceal bleeding previously. The patients were randomized in to 2 equal groups of 130 each through computer generated randomization. Patients in Group-A were started on dose of carvedilol 6.25mg once daily initially for 1 week, subsequently titrated to twice daily 6.25mg and titrated up if needed to maximum of 25mg twice daily. Patients in Group-B received a dosage of propranolol 20 mg BID which then escalated weekly in 20 mg steps if needed and doses were adjusted as per targeted heart rate and systolic BP. Patients were followed up over 1 year for any event of variceal bleeding. Results: Mean overall age in this study was 42.13±10 years. The ratio of male patients was higher than female patients (60% VS 40%). Carvedilol prevented variceal bleeding in 86.15% of the patients while propranolol was effective in preventing variceal bleeding in 75.38% of the patients. Hence carvedilol was significantly more effective than propranolol in preventing variceal bleeding (p=0.02). Conclusion: Carvedilol is significantly more effective in prophylaxis of variceal bleeding than propranolol in patients with medium or large esophageal varices.

Role of plasma Von Willebrand factor-antigen in predicting the presence of esophageal varices and occurrence of its bleeding in cirrhotic patients: A cross sectional study

Role of plasma Von Willebrand factor-antigen in predicting the presence of esophageal varices and occurrence of its bleeding in cirrhotic patients: A cross sectional study

Woman With Hematochezia.

As a consequence of cirrhosis, portal hypertension causes resistance to blood flow and leads to the formation of varices. However, colonic variceal hemorrhages are rarely reported but could be a lethal cause of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Currently, there is no consensus on the management of colonic variceal hemorrhage. Variceal ligation, injection sclerotherapy, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement, and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration or a combination of the above therapies have been reported with inconsistent success rates. We advocate considering colonic variceal bleeding as a crucial differential diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients and initiating time-sensitive, definite operative treatment or combination therapy as soon as possible in colonic variceal patients with life-threatening bleeding events, which are often refractory to conservative treatment.

Risk of Bleeding in Liver Cirrhosis Receiving Direct Oral Anticoagulants: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective for the management of thromboembolic disorders. However, bleeding remains a major concern in cirrhotic patients receiving DOACs. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The incidence of bleeding episodes in cirrhotic patients receiving DOACs was pooled. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to compare the incidence of bleeding episodes in cirrhotic patients who received DOACs versus those who received conventional anticoagulants and did not receive anticoagulants. Twenty-nine studies were included. All bleeding, major bleeding, fatal bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, and intracranial hemorrhage episodes were observed in 310/2,469, 100/1,388, 2/611, 166/1,886, and 5/1,147 cirrhotic patients receiving DOACs, respectively. Their pooled incidences were 13, 6, 0, 8, and 0%, respectively. They became higher in subgroup analyses of studies with advanced age, a longer treatment duration, and Child-Turcotte-Pugh class C. Compared with conventional anticoagulants, DOACs were associated with lower incidences of all bleeding (OR = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.52-0.98) and major bleeding (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.37-0.83) in cirrhotic patients, but not those of fatal bleeding (OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.04-1.28), gastrointestinal bleeding (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.52-1.17), or intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.12-1.12). The incidences of all bleeding (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.22-4.79) and major bleeding (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.26-3.61) did not significantly differ between cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) who received DOACs and those who did not receive anticoagulants. DOACs carry a low risk of bleeding in liver cirrhosis. Age, treatment duration, and Child-Turcotte-Pugh class may be associated with bleeding in cirrhotic patients receiving DOACs. The risk of bleeding is not increased by DOACs in cirrhotic patients with PVT.

Daily Aspirin Reduced the Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Overall Mortality in Patients with Cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis is the primary risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and gastrointestinal bleeding (GI). We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of daily aspirin on HCC occurrence, overall survival, and GI bleeding in cirrhotic patients. A total of 35,898 eligible cases were enrolled for analyses from an initial 40,603 cirrhotic patients without tumor history. Patients continuously treated with aspirin for at least 84 days were in the therapy group, whereas those without treatment were controls. A 1:2 propensity score matching by age, sex, comorbidities, drugs, and significant clinical laboratory tests with covariate assessment was used. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that daily aspirin use was independently associated with a reduced risk of HCC (three-year HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.37-0.87; p = 0.0091; five-year HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45-0.88; p = 0.0072) inversely correlated with the treatment duration [3-12 months: HR 0.88 (95% CI 0.58-1.34); 12-36 months: HR 0.56 (0.31-0.99); and ≥ 36 months: HR 0.37 (0.18-0.76)]. Overall mortality rates were significantly lower among aspirin users compared with untreated controls [three-year HR 0.43 (0.33-0.57); five-year HR 0.51 (0.42-0.63)]. Consistent results were obtained when the laboratory data were included in the propensity score for matching. Long-term aspirin use significantly reduced the incidence of HCC and overall mortality without increasing gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients.

Real-world efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients in Japan.

Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for cirrhotic patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). However, the frequency of bacterial infection in such patients has remarkably decreased over the decades, which has reduced the necessity for prophylaxis. Therefore, here we investigated the real-world adherence and effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis in cirrhotic patients with UGIB in Japan. This population-based study was conducted with a Japanese real-world database of the Health, Clinic, and Education Information Evaluation Institute. We enrolled cirrhotic patients who were hospitalized for UGIB between April 2010 and March 2020. After those who died within 24h and who had aspiration pneumonia at admission were excluded, 1232 patients were analyzed. Rates of 6-week mortality, in-hospital bacterial infection, 30-day readmission, and length of hospital stay were evaluated. Prophylactic antibiotics were prescribed in 142 (11.5%) patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that antibiotic prophylaxis was not significantly associated with either 6-week mortality or bacterial infection. After propensity score matching, the rates of 6-week mortality (7.2% vs. 8.4%, P = 0.810), bacterial infection (9.6% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.082), and 30-day unexpected readmission (7.2% vs. 7.8%, P = 1.000) were similar in patients with and without prophylaxis, whereas the median length of hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with prophylaxis (17days vs. 13days, P = 0.013). Under current real-world circumstances in Japan, prophylactic antibiotics were prescribed in only 11.5% of cirrhotic patients with UGIB and were not associated with better clinical outcomes.

Evaluation of Endoscopic Mucosal Band Ligation for Treatment of Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy in Cirrhotic Patients

Background: Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) is a clinical condition that can lead to chronic gastrointestinal (GIT) hemorrhage in cirrhotic patients, presented by chronic anemia. The diagnosis is based on the endoscopic features. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the use of endoscopic mucosal band ligation for treatment of portal hypertensive gastropathy in cirrhotic patients.&#x0D; Patients and methods: This prospective study included 80 cirrhotic anemic patients. They divided into four equal groups: Group (A) included patients who were treated with drugs as beta-blockers. Group (B) included patients treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC). Group (C) included patients treated with endoscopic mucosal band ligation and Group (D) included patients treated with combined endoscopic mucosal band ligation and APC in subsequent sessions.&#x0D; Results: There was statistical significant decrease in TIBC throughout follow up in the four studied groups. And there was statistical significant increase in Hb, and serum ferritin throughout follow up in the four studied groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: after 2nd follow-up in managing PHG, we have found that there is significant increase in Hb, serum ferritin and significant decrease in recurrent GI bleeding among all groups.

Effectiveness of Combination of Pharmacological Treatment and Endoscopic Band Ligation in Active Esophageale Varicos Bleeding

Acute gastrointestinal system bleeding in cirrhotic patients is one of the emergencies of gastroenterology that requires rapid and careful intervention. For this reason, patients who are thought to have esophageal variceal bleeding should be referred to a center that is adequately equipped for follow-up and treatment. There are studies supporting that current approaches to the treatment of esophageal variceal bleeding have a positive effect on life expectancy. Volume replacement is an important condition in the general approach to esophageal variceal bleeding. It is recommended to maintain hemodynamic stability and keep the hemoglobin level at approximately 8 g/dL. Additionally, it is thought that prophylactic antibiotic usage in gastrointestinal system bleeding of cirrhotic patients reduces the risk of bacterial infection and has a positive effect on life expectancy. In addition to these approaches, there are also specific measures for the control of esophageal variceal bleeding and the prevention of early recurrence of these bleedings. Pharmacological treatment for esophageal variceal bleeding can be started as soon as variceal bleeding is considered, even before upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy. Similar efficacy was demonstrated in a meta-analysis of 15 studies comparing emergency sclerotherapy and pharmacological therapy (vasopressin±nitroglycerin, terlipressin, somatostatin, octreotide). In the treatment of esophageal variceal bleeding, the combination of pharmacological and endoscopic treatment seems to be the most appropriate option. A meta-analysis of 8 studies compared the combination of endoscopic treatment [(sclerotherapy or endoscopic band ligation (EBL)] with endoscopic, pharmacological treatment) for acute variceal bleeding. Combination of endoscopic and pharmacological treatment was found superior in terms of bleeding control and risk of recurrence. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of combination of pharmacological and endoscopic band ligation in patients who admitted to the hospital with esophageal variceal bleeding.

Incidence and risk factors of esophagogastric varices bleeding in cirrhotic patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with lenvatinib

Incidence and risk factors of esophagogastric varices bleeding in cirrhotic patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with lenvatinib

Minimum platelet count threshold before invasive procedures in cirrhosis: Evolution of the guidelines.

Cirrhotic patients with severe thrombocytopenia are at increased risk of bleeding during invasive procedures. The need for preprocedural prophylaxis aimed at reducing the risk of bleeding in cirrhotic patients with thrombocytopenia who undergo scheduled procedures is assessed via the platelet count; however, establishing a minimum threshold considered safe is challenging. A platelet count ≥ 50000/μL is a frequent target, but levels vary by provider, procedure, and specific patient. Over the years, this value has changed several times according to the different guidelines proposed in the literature. According to the latest guidelines, many procedures can be performed at any level of platelet count, which should not necessarily be checked before the procedure. In this review, we aim to investigate and describe how the guidelines have evolved in recent years in the evaluation of the minimum platelet count threshold required to perform different invasive procedures, according to their bleeding risk.

The impact of thrombocytopenia on variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

Thrombocytopenia is the most frequent haematologic disorder in patients with cirrhosis, and it is perceived as a contributory factor for bleeding events. Cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension (PHT) is often accompanied with mild to moderate thrombocytopenia when they treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). To address whether the risk of variceal hemorrhage after TIPS varies with different platelet count in patients with normal platelet count and thrombocytopenia, we conducted the retrospective controlled study to evaluate the association of platelet count with the risk of variceal bleeding after TIPS. 304 patients were selected to the study. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for potential selection bias. 63 patients from each group could be paired. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between platelet and variceal bleeding after TIPS. Platelet counts of two groups are 185.0 ± 98.7 × 109/L (normal platelet count) and 70.6 ± 39.3 × 109/L (thrombocytopenia) respectively. The bleeding rates of two groups in overall cohort are 10.9% (normal platelet count) and 12.9% (thrombocytopenia). After matched, the bleeding rates of two groups are 11.1% (normal platelet count) and 14.3% (thrombocytopenia) There was no statistically significant difference in bleeding rates between the two groups, either in the whole cohort (P = 0.671) or in the matched cohort (P = 0.593). Platelet count was not associated with bleeding events after TIPS (hazard ratio (HR) 95% confidence interval: 0.986–1.005, P = 0.397 in normal platelet count and 95% confidence interval: 0.968–1.020, P = 0.648 in thrombocytopenia). Thrombocytopenia in patients with cirrhosis was not associated with the risk of variceal bleeding episodes post-TIPS. Thrombocytopenia should not be viewed as an absolute contraindication for TIPS.

Recurrent variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients with acute kidney injury

Recurrent variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients with acute kidney injury