Complication Of Cirrhosis Research Articles

Personalised human albumin in patients with cirrhosis and ascites: design and rationale for the ALB-TRIAL - a randomised clinical biomarker validation trial

IntroductionHuman albumin is used in the treatment of complications of cirrhosis. However, the use of long-term human albumin administration is costly and resource demanding for both patients and healthcare systems....

Impact of PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 polymorphisms on the prognosis of patients with MASLD and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Longitudinal studies assessing the impact of genetic polymorphisms on outcomes in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 risk alleles on hepatic and extrahepatic outcomes in T2DM-MASLD individuals. Patients' polymorphisms were analysed as follows: PNPLA3 CC, CG and GG; TM6SF2 CC and CT + TT; combined comparing no mutant allele, one allele G or T or ≥2 alleles G or T. Hierarchical models were built to assess associations between polymorphisms and outcomes, independently of confounding factors. Multivariate logistic regression was used for cirrhosis and its complications and extrahepatic cancer, and Cox regression for cardiovascular events (CVEs) and all-cause mortality. In total, 407 T2DM-MASLD patients (62.1 ± 10.5 years, 67.6% women) were followed for 11 (6-13) years. Having at least one G or T allele independently increased the risk of cirrhosis in the separate analysis of PNPLA3 and TM6SF2. Combined polymorphism analysis demonstrated an even higher risk of cirrhosis if two or more risk alleles were present (OR 18.48; 95% CI 6.15-55.58; p < .001). Regarding cirrhosis complications, the risk was higher in PNPLA3 GG and TM6SF2 CT + TT, also with an even higher risk when two or more risk alleles were present in the combined evaluation (OR 27.20; 95% CI 5.26-140.62; p < .001). There were no associations with CVEs or mortality outcomes. In T2DM, PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 polymorphisms, individually and additively, impact MASLD severity, with an increased risk of cirrhosis and its complications.

Mucormycosis mimicking portal hypertensive haemorrhage as a complication of alcoholic liver cirrhosis: a case report

Mucor is a rare cause of gastrointestinal ulcers. This case describes a case of mucormycosis that occurred in a patient with liver cirrhosis who was hospitalized to accept a splenectomy for traumatic splenic rupture. During the perioperative period, the patient developed upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB), which was diagnosed as mucormycosis-related gastric ulcer according to gastroscopy. Patients with liver cirrhosis often get UGIB for Portal hypertension, but they also can develop UGIB for multiple other reasons, including infectious ulcers for immunosuppression. The case emphasizes the importance of excluding fungal-induced ulcer haemorrhage before diagnosing Portal hypertensive-induced variceal haemorrhage in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Ascites fluid calprotectin level is highly accurate in diagnosing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: a preliminary proof of concept prospective study

Ascites is the most common complication of liver cirrhosis. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication of ascites. The diagnosis is made by an ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell count of ≥ 250/mm3. However, no other diagnostic test is present for the diagnosis of SBP. The aim of the study present study is to assess the diagnostic yield of ascitic calprotectin in SBP, and to explore whether it can predict disease stage. We performed a single center proof-of-concept prospective study including all patients with cirrhosis and ascites who underwent paracentesis. Overall, 31 patients were included in the study. Eight patients had SBP vs. 23 patients without SBP. Ascitic calprotectin level was 77.4 ± 86.5 μg/mL in the SBP group, as compared to 16.1 ± 5.6 μg/mL in the non-SBP group (P = 0.001). An ascitic calprotectin cut-off value of > 21 μg/mL was associated with sensitivity and specificity of 85.7% and 89.5%, respectively, with ROC of 0.947 (95% CI 0.783 to 0.997, P < 0.0001). Notably, ascitic calprotectin did not had a prognostic value in cirrhosis stage and prognosis. Ascitic calprotectin was highly accurate in the diagnosis of SBP. It can be a serve as adjunct for indefinite cases of SBP.

Liver cirrhosis and complications from the perspective of dysbiosis.

The gut-liver axis refers to the intimate relationship and rigorous interaction between the gut and the liver. The intestinal barrier's integrity is critical for maintaining liver homeostasis. The liver operates as a second firewall in this interaction, limiting the movement of potentially dangerous compounds from the gut and, as a result, contributing in barrier management. An increasing amount of evidence shows that increased intestinal permeability and subsequent bacterial translocation play a role in liver damage development. The major pathogenic causes in cirrhotic individuals include poor intestinal permeability, nutrition, and intestinal flora dysbiosis. Portal hypertension promotes intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation in advanced liver disease, increasing liver damage. Bacterial dysbiosis is closely related to the development of cirrhosis and its related complications. This article describes the potential mechanisms of dysbiosis in liver cirrhosis and related complications, such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, portal vein thrombosis, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatocellular carcinoma, using dysbiosis of the intestinal flora as an entry point.

Kidney pathology in liver cirrhosis

Objective. To analyze the structure and frequency of kidney pathology in liver cirrhosis according to sectional analysis and to study the relationship between acute renal injury and urinary tract infection.Materials and methods. The design of the study is mixed: descriptive and analytical, which included conducting a retrospective case–control study of kidney pathology based on the results of the protocols of pathoanatomical autopsies on the basis of the state healthcare institution “Gomel Regional Clinical Pathoanatomical Bureau” for the period of January 2022 – July 2023 and clinical, laboratory, instrumental, cytological, microbiological data of patients with liver cirrhosis. The study included 98 deceased patients, including 70 (71.4%) men, 28 (28.6%) women. The average age was 53.9 years, the majority of patients were persons of working age — 72.9% of men and 60.7% of women, 21.4% were young people.Results. The most common kidney pathology in liver cirrhosis according to sectional analysis is acute renal injury (57.1%). Kidney abscesses (3%), tubulointerstitial nephritis (2%) and pyelonephritis (4%) were less frequently diagnosed. Despite the absence of a history of kidney diseases in most patients with cirrhosis, classical clinical, laboratory and instrumental signs of renal tissue damage, macroscopic and microscopic changes of the kidneys were revealed in 100% of cases at autopsy. In 84.7% of cases, acute tubular necrosis was morphologically diagnosed from focal (51%) to total (19.4%), which was not always accompanied by an increase in serum creatinine levels. A moderate relationship was established between acute kidney injury and urinary tract infection (OR = 14; 95 % CI 11.13–16.61).Conclusion. The most common complication of liver cirrhosis associated with an unfavorable prognosis is acute renal injury, which is associated with the presence of urinary tract infection.

Impact of Novel Coronavirus Infection on the Course and Prognosis of Cirrhosis

Аim: to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the course and prognosis of cirrhosis.Materials and methods. This was a cohort study in patients with cirrhosis. We included patients with cirrhosis who underwent a medical examination at our center between September 2019 and March 2020. We determined which of these patients were infected with COVID-19, died of COVID-19, or died of cirrhosis complications within the follow-up period from April 2020 to September 2021. Thereafter, we conducted a second medical examination of these surviving patients with cirrhosis in September to December 2021.Results. Among the 226 patients included in the study, 57 had COVID-19, among which 19 patients who died of the disease. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) developed in 16 (28.1 %) patients with cirrhosis and COVID-19, 13 (81.3 %) of whom died. One of the COVID-19 survivors eventually died of liver decompensation. Twenty patients who did not have COVID-19 died of complications of cirrhosis (ACLF) during the follow-up period. The mortality rate in patients who were infected with COVID-19 was higher than that in patients who were not infected (35.1 % vs. 14.2 %; p = 0.001). COVID-19 was an independent risk factor for death in patients with cirrhosis. No liver-specific factors predisposing to COVID-19 infection were identified. A more impaired liver function in the pre-pandemic medical examination was a predisposing factor for death in patients who had COVID-19. Patients who died of COVID-19 had better liver function in the pre-pandemic medical examination than patients without COVID-19 who died of complications of cirrhosis during the follow-up period. The liver-related mortality rate and the incidence of liver decompensation or bleeding from esophageal varices during the follow-up period were not significantly different between patients who recovered from COVID-19 and patients with cirrhosis who did not have COVID-19. Among the analyzed survivors, no significant changes were found in the main indicators of liver function after the follow-up period between patients with and without COVID-19, except for the prothrombin index, which was higher in patients after COVID-19.Conclusion. COVID-19 worsens the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis but does not substantially affect the course of cirrhosis after the recovery from this infection.

Diagnosis of Caroli’s Disease: a Rare Case Report

Caroli’s disease is a rare disease caused by Ductal Plate malformation. Patients may present with history of intermittent abdominal pain, pruritus and/ or symptoms of cholangitis. Cholangitis, liver cirrhosis, and cholangiocarcinoma are potential complications. It is rarely diagnosed in childhood. A six (06) years old was presented with intermittent abdominal pain, fever, pruritus, and hepatomegaly at the Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. After evaluating history, signs/ symptoms, physical examination, biochemical, ultrasonographic and endoscopic !ndings; this case was provisionally diagnosed as a compensated chronic liver disease with portal hypertension due to cause of cholestasis. Finally magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was done for further evaluation and the diagnostic !ndings of MRCP was suggestive of Caroli’s disease. After consultation the MRCP report with Pediatric Surgery Department of BSMMU the patient was advised for liver transplantation due to multifocal involvement of liver. Lastly patient was discharged with supportive management. Bangladesh Med J. 2022 Sept; 51(3): 43-46

Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Liver Cirrhosis Patients and Determinants of Survival in Cirrhotic Population: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Chronic liver diseases are the leading cause of mortality and are associated with a significant reduction in health-related quality of life, as well as being a major complication in cirrhosis. There is a high risk of reduced muscle mass, muscle strength, or function, known as sarcopenia, in patients with liver cirrhosis. Sarcopenia is a major determinant of survival in cirrhosis patients, along with the Child-Turcotte Pugh (CTP) score and the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores. Aim: To study the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis by assessing skeletal muscle mass using the third lumbar level Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) through Computed Tomography (CT) and to determine the survival analysis of the cohort using a Cox regression model. Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective cohort study conducted in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Sree Gokulam Medical College and Research Foundation in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India South India, from October 2018 to October 2022. A total of 209 patients with cirrhosis were evaluated. Liver biochemical parameters, CTP score, and the MELD score were studied. Age, gender, and aetiology were noted. All subjects were assessed for sarcopenia using CT at the third lumbar vertebrae level SMI, and all subjects were followed up every six months for survival. Survival curves and survival probability were evaluated for all the subjects recruited in the present study. Cumulative survival rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method for sarcopenia, CTP score, and the MELD scores after categorisation into the aetiology of cirrhosis, and the groups were compared using the Log-rank test. Independent factors associated with mortality were identified using Cox proportional hazards models. A p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age±Standard Deviation of the subjects was 58.24±9.9 years. Among the subjects, males accounted for 161 (77%), while 48 (23%) were females. In subjects with sarcopenia (n=77), the survival rate was 53 (68.8%), and in subjects without sarcopenia (n=132), the survival rate was significantly higher at 110 (83.3%) with a p-value &lt;0.05 (p=0.027). Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that sarcopenia was a statistically significant predictor of survival. The mortality risk was higher in individuals with sarcopenia, with a Hazard Ratio (HR) of 1.9 and a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) ranging from 1.1-1.4. In the Cox regression model, CTP class B/C had a 2.4 times higher risk for mortality than CTP class A (p&lt;0.05). Individuals with sarcopenia had a 1.76 times higher risk of mortality compared to those without (HR=1.765, 95% CI: 0.983-3.17) in the multivariate Cox regression analysis. Aetiology and CTP class scores were independently associated with mortality (p&lt;0.05) after adjusting for multiple prognostic factors in the multivariate Cox regression analysis. Conclusion: Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that sarcopenia was a statistically significant predictor of survival, with a higher mortality risk in individuals with sarcopenia. The multivariate Cox regression model for survival concluded that CTP class B/C posed a higher risk for mortality compared to CTP class A.

Pulmonary Dysfunction in Patients with Cirrhosis of the Liver: A Study of Pulmonary Function Tests and Arterial Blood Gases.

Respiratory complications in liver cirrhosis can occur due to various mechanisms, such as ascites causing restricted lung expansion and opening of intrapulmonary vascular shunts due to high portal pressures. We aimed to study the effects of the liver dysfunction on the lungs by evaluating arterial blood gas (ABG) and pulmonary function test (PFT) of all study subjects. A cross-sectional study was done between August 2020 and September 2022. Diagnosed cases of the liver cirrhosis were enrolled in the study after informed consent and were subjected to the following investigations: chest X-ray, oximetry, spirometry, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), two-dimensional echocardiography, and ABG analysis (ABGA). The cases were divided into three groups based on their Child-Pugh staging, and statistical analysis was done on the collected data. A total of 64 (53 males and 11 females) patients with an average age of 49.82 ± 9.89 years were studied. Alcoholism was the most common cause of cirrhosis in males. Breathlessness (65.6%) and pleural effusion (26.6%) were the most common respiratory symptoms and signs, respectively. Seventeen patients had hepatic hydrothorax, eight patients had hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), and six patients had portopulmonary hypertension. Low pH (17.2%) and oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) (20.3%) were the most common ABGA findings. The pH, PaO2, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC), and DLCO were significantly low in Child Pugh Stage C (P < 0.05). The pH, pO2, HCO3, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, and DLCO were significantly lower in patients with HPS (P < 0.05). Metabolic acidosis and low FEV1/FVC and DLCO were the common findings in study subjects. Pulmonary dysfunction was common in advanced liver cirrhosis. Patients with HPS had worse ABG and PFT parameters than those without HPS.

Recent insights into contributing factors in the pathogenesis of cirrhotic ascites.

Cirrhotic ascites refers to the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity due to severe liver disease and impaired liver function, which leads to poor blood circulation in the body, increased pressure in the hepatic sinus wall, and the exudation of fluid from the plasma into the peritoneal cavity. Cirrhotic ascites is a common complication of cirrhosis and poses a threat to the health and lives of modern people, causing a heavy social burden worldwide. So far, there are no effective treatment methods available to improve the quality and quantity of life for patients and their partners; existing drugs can only alleviate the symptoms of cirrhotic ascites and slow down its progression. This article aims to carefully examine the pathogenesis of cirrhotic ascites by exploring various contributing factors such as portal hypertension, renal dysfunction, inflammation, growth factors, oxidative stress, immunocytes, and gut microbiota. The purpose is to gain better insights and deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in this condition.

HEPATOPULMONARY SYNDROME IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH PORTAL HYPERTENSION - AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is characterized by the triad of abnormal arterial oxygenation caused by intrapulmonary vascular dilatations (IPVD) in the setting of advanced liver disease or portal hypertension, impacting the patient's quality of life and survival. There are still many gaps in the literature on this topic, especially in pediatrics, with practices frequently based on extrapolation of data obtained from adults. Provide a synthesis of the current knowledge about HPS in children. The research was carried out through narrative review. The databases used for the search include Medline, Embase, Elsevier, Lilacs and Scielo. The keywords used were "hepatopulmonary syndrome" AND child, children, infant, preschool, pediatric. In cirrhotic children, the prevalence of HPS can reach up to 42.5%, and it is even more common in those whose underlying condition is biliary atresia, reaching up to 63%. Screening with pulse oximetry (O2 saturation <96%), unlike in adults, has low sensitivity in the pediatric age group. Management involves supportive care with oxygen therapy; liver transplantation is the only definitive treatment to reverse the condition and HPS is considered an exceptional criterion for waitlist. The waitlist mortality is similar among children listed by HPS as a special criterion when compared to those listed for other reasons. The reported rates of complete resolution of hypo-xemia after liver transplantation are close to 100% in children. The post-liver transplantation survival is similar or slightly lower in children with HPS when compared to those without HPS. Contrary to findings from adults, no differences were found in post- liver transplantation mortality between children of different hypoxemia ranges, although longer mechanical ventilation time and hospital stay were observed in children with PaO2 <50 mmHg. HPS is not an uncommon complication of cirrhosis in children and adolescents, particularly when biliary atresia is the underlying condition. There are still many gaps to be filled regarding the condition, and this article demonstrates that not all data obtained in studies with adults reflects the disease's behavior in pediatrics, especially concerning prognosis.

Timely Albumin Infusion May Improve Resource Utilization in Patients with Cirrhosis and Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a life-threatening complication of cirrhosis that can increase healthcare utilization. The impact of albumin administration timing on hospital resource utilization and its optimal timing is unclear, despite its efficacy in improving survival for cirrhosis patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the influence of the timing of albumin administration on the length of stay and total hospital cost for patients with cirrhosis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis who require fluid resuscitation. The study utilized de-identified data from Cerner Health Facts® data. Adult inpatients with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and SBP receiving ≥1 antibiotic and fluid resuscitation between January 1, 2009, and April 30, 2018, were included and stratified by albumin administration timing: ≤24 hours from hospital admission ("timely albumin") or >24 hours of admission or no albumin ("non-timely albumin"). We used a Kaplan-Meier curve with log-rank test to evaluate the association between timing of albumin administration and time to hospital discharge and a generalized linear model to examine the association between albumin timing and total hospital costs. We identified 1,308 hospitalizations, of which 301 contained valid cost data. The timely albumin group had a median time to discharge of 6.95 days compared to 7.78 days in the non-timely group (p = 0.02). Cost model showed that receiving timely albumin incurred 16% lower costs (p = 0.027) than patients in the non-timely albumin group. Timely albumin administration with an antibiotic regimen may shorten the length of stay and lower costs, thereby reducing hospital resource utilization in patients with cirrhosis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis requiring fluid resuscitation.

Treatment tactics for gastric erosive-ulcerative bleeding on the background of liver cirrhosis

Analysing the polymorphism of etiological factors that contribute to the development of erosive‑ulcerative gastric lesions in patients with liver cirrhosis (acid‑peptic factors, transformation of venous blood flow, immune complexes, etc.), it should be noted that portal hypertension is the most important cause of these lesions. Bleeding from erosive‑ulcerative gastric lesions is a direct cause of death, occupying the first place in the structure of mortality and far exceeding ulcer perforations in this regard. Mortality in the first massive acute gastric bleeding reaches 50%, after the second — 70%, in hepatic coma — 80% or more. Objective — to improve the treatment outcomes for patients with erosive and ulcerative bleeding in the stomach due to liver cirrhosis. Materials and methods. The treatment outcomes of 192 patients with the hepatic form of portal hypertension (liver cirrhosis) who were hospitalised in the therapeutic and surgical departments, which are the clinical bases of the Department of Surgery No. 2 at Bogomolets National Medical University, were studied for the period from 2005 to 2023. During upper endoscopy, degenerative changes in the gastric mucosa were detected in 94 (48.9%) patients. Specifically, gastric erosions were observed in 31 (33.0%) patients, gastric ulcers in 34 (36.2%), and portal gastropathy in 29 (30.8%) patients. A total of 88 (46.6%) patients with liver cirrhosis and acute gastric bleeding were admitted to the surgical department as an emergency. According to the Child‑Pugh scale, the vast majority of patients were at the stage of sub‑ and decompensation (71 patients, or 89.1%). In 41 (45.2%) patients, gastric cancer was attributed to gastric erosive and ulcerative lesions: erosive gastritis — in 20 (48.8%) patients and gastric ulcer — in 21 (51.2%) patients. Results. Enhancing the protective properties of the mucous‑bicarbonate barrier of the gastric mucosa as part of pathogenetic conservative treatment schemes can reduce the influence of this mechanism on the development of hemorrhagic complications in 89.4% of patients. The risk of bleeding in this group of patients with liver cirrhosis is 15.1%, which requires the search for new methods of conservative treatment. In 79.6% of cases, primary endoscopic hemostasis of bleeding erosive‑ulcerative gastric lesions was effective when combined with drug therapy. For 53.1% of patients, it proved to be the final treatment. This enabled a reduction in overall mortality to 22.4% from 50% (p &lt;0.05) and, if necessary, a delay in surgical intervention. Out of the total number of patients, 19 (38.8%) patients required surgical intervention, with 73.7% of them undergoing urgent surgery and 26.3% undergoing delayed surgery. When considering operative methods for peptic ulcers complicated by hemorrhage, preference should be given to organ‑ and function‑preserving interventions. They yield more favourable immediate outcomes for this extremely challenging group of patients (postoperative mortality was reduced to 26.3% vs. 50.0% (p &lt;0.05). Conclusions. Acute gastric bleeding resulting from erosive‑ulcerative gastric lesions, which are complications of liver cirrhosis, can significantly impair the health of patients. However, by implementing modern treatment technologies, such as surgical procedures, it is feasible to achieve a 50% reduction in both overall and postoperative mortality.

Acute Kidney Injury and Hepatorenal Syndrome in Patients with Cirrhosis.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a type of AKI known as HRS-AKI. It is a severe complication of cirrhosis with high morbidity and mortality. While certain vasoconstrictor medications have been shown to improve HRS-AKI, no clear transplant-free survival benefit has been reported with medical therapies. Patients with HRS-AKI should be considered for urgent liver transplantation evaluation. In this review, we discuss the most recent updates on the definition, diagnosis, and management of AKI in cirrhosis, with special a emphasis on HRS.

Population characteristics, healthcare pathways and outcomes of patients with cirrhosis hospitalized with overt hepatic encephalopathy in France: A study of the French Hospital‐Discharge Database

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a severe complication of cirrhosis, independently associated with a poor survival. The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) requiring hospitalization, and the healthcare pathways and outcomes of patients hospitalized for OHE in France. Data from the French Hospital‐Discharge Database (Programme de Medicalisation des Systemes d'information, PMSI) within the 5-year period from 2014 to 2018 were analysed. Since the disease lacks a PMSI code in the ICD-10, an identification algorithm was developed. The analysis identified 57,191 patients with OHE including 48,566 patients (85 %) who had been hospitalized twice or more during the study period. Each year, an average of over 20,000 patients were hospitalized in France for OHE as the primary or secondary reason for hospitalization. Among these patients, between 11,500 and 13,500 had been hospitalized at least twice in that year with an average of 3.4 hospitalisations per year. 25 % of admissions occurred following consultation at the emergency unit. Among hospitalisations, 15 % involved admission to the critical care resuscitation unit or intensive care. For all patients identified as suffering from OHE and hospitalized, the 5-year mortality was 46.5 % (26,621 patients). This pioneering study revealed that, in France, despite a probable underestimation of OHE episodes due to the lack of specific PMSI coding, the prevalence of OHE was very high, with frequent recurrences and readmissions, and high mortality.

Flood Syndrome, Rare but Feared Complications.

Madam, I am writing to bring attention to a medical condition known as Flood Syndrome, a life-threatening occurrence characterized by the sudden rush of fluid following the spontaneous rupture of an umbilical hernia in individuals with long-standing ascites and end-stage liver disease. While uncommon, this syndrome poses a serious threat to patients' well-being. The umbilical hernia typically ruptures due to increased intra-abdominal pressure resulting from coughing, vomiting, straining during defecation, or an increased ascitic fluid volume (1). This syndrome's history dates back to 1901, when Johnson first described it, while the term "Flood Syndrome" was coined by Frank B. Flood in 1961 (2). Ascites, a common complication of liver cirrhosis, affects nearly half of the population with this condition. Large-volume ascites significantly impairs the patients' ability to perform daily activities. Approximately 20% of cirrhotic patients with ascites also develop an umbilical hernia. Flood Syndrome presents several potential complications, including cutaneous infections, skin necrosis or ulceration, peritonitis, hypotension, fluid imbalance, sepsis, and bowel incarceration (3). Despite its rarity, only a few case studies available on this topic, with the majority focusing on cases related to liver cirrhosis. An intriguing case presented by Murruste et al (5). highlights Flood Syndrome following right-sided heart failure, with no previous records of such a condition in connection with ascites primarily caused by right-sided heart failure. The optimal treatment for Flood Syndrome remains a matter of debate; however, research suggests that surgical intervention yields better outcomes compared to conservative treatment alone. Mortality rates can be as high as 60%-80% with conservative measures, while surgical hernia repair has a lower mortality rate of 6%-20% (4). Hence, raising awareness about Flood Syndrome and its associated risk factors is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing the incidence of this life-threatening condition. Therefore, educate patients, particularly those with severe ascites due to liver cirrhosis to diligently follow up with their doctors and adhere to their prescribed medications to avoid such dreaded complications. Additionally, physicians should advise their patients to avoid heavy lifting, which can help prevent the formation of umbilical hernias. We can work towards more effective preventive measures and treatments.by fostering a better understanding of this syndrome among medical professionals and patients alike., Timely diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment are vital in achieving the best possible outcomes in such cases. Together, we can make a significant impact in addressing this medical challenge.

Post-Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) Hepatic Encephalopathy-A Review of the Past Decade's Literature Focusing on Incidence, Risk Factors, and Prophylaxis.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an established treatment for portal hypertension and its' complications in liver cirrhosis, yet the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains a significant concern. This review covers the reported incidence, risk factors, and management strategies for post-TIPS HE over the past decade. Incidence varies widely (7-61%), with factors like age, liver function, hyponatremia, and spontaneous portosystemic shunts influencing risk. Procedural aspects, including TIPS timing, indication, and stent characteristics, also contribute. Pharmacological prophylaxis with lactulose and rifaximin shows promise, but current evidence is inconclusive. Procedural preventive measures, such as shunt embolization and monitoring portal pressure gradients, are explored. Treatment involves pharmacological options like lactulose and rifaximin, and procedural interventions like stent diameter reduction. Ongoing studies on novel predictive markers and emerging treatments, such as faecal microbiota transplant, reflect the evolving landscape in post-TIPS HE management. This concise review provides clinicians with insights into the multifaceted nature of post-TIPS HE, aiding in improved risk assessment, prophylaxis, and management for patients undergoing TIPS procedures.

A new clinical and prognostic characterization of the patterns of decompensation of cirrhosis

The prognostic impact of acute decompensation (AD), i.e. the development of complications that require hospitalization, has recently been assessed. However, complications of cirrhosis do not necessarily require hospitalization and can develop progressively, as in the recently defined non-acute decompensation (NAD). Nevertheless, there is no data regarding the incidence and prognostic impact of NAD. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and the prognostic impact of NAD and AD in outpatients with cirrhosis. A total of 617 outpatients with cirrhosis from two Italian tertiary centers (Padua and Milan) were enrolled from January 2003 to June 2021 and followed prospectively until the end of the study, death or liver transplantation. The complications registered during follow-up were considered as AD if they required hospitalization, or NAD if managed at the outpatient clinic. During follow-up, 154 patients (25.0% of total patients) developed complications, 69 patients (44.8%) developed NAD and 85 (55.2%) developed AD, while 29 patients with NAD (42.0%) developed a further episode of AD during follow-up. Sixty-month survival was significantly higher in patients with no decompensation than in patients with NAD or AD. On multivariable analysis, AD (hazard ratio [HR] 21.07, p <0.001), NAD (HR 7.13, p <0.001), the etiological cure of cirrhosis (HR 0.38, p <0.001) and model for end-stage liver disease score (HR 1.12, p= 0.003) were found to be independent predictors of mortality. The first decompensation is non-acute in almost 50% of outpatients, though such events are still associated with decreased survival compared to no decompensation. Patients who develop NAD must be treated with extreme care and monitored closely to prevent the development of AD. This multicenter study is the first to investigate the role of non-acute decompensation (NAD) in patients with cirrhosis. In fact, while the unfavorable impact of acute decompensation is well known, there is currently a dearth of evidence on NAD, despite it being a common occurrence in clinical practice. Our data show that almost half of decompensations in patients with cirrhosis can be considered NAD and that such events are associated with a higher risk of mortality than no decompensation. This study has important clinical implications because it highlights the need to carefully consider patients who develop NAD, in order to prevent further decompensation and reduce mortality.

Liver Cirrhosis: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Liver disease is still a concern in world health and liver cirrhosis is the eleventh leading cause of death in the world. Cirrhosis caused 1.32 million deaths in 2017. Liver cirrhosis is a fibrosis or nodule formation in the liver. The study was conducted on databases, such as PubMed, google scholar and gray literature. With inclusion criteria, that are free full text publications published in 2015-2022 and having relevant discussions. Fibrosis in cirrhosis of liver begins with the activation of Stellate and Kupffer cells, damaged hepatocytes and activated platelets are also invoved. Inflammatory cells will appear as a result of the damage and cause fibrosis due to the secretion of cytokines. In addition, there are pathological features, namely nodule regeneration and loss of normal lobular architecture within the nodule. The patient's diagnosis start from anamnesis to gather information related to risk factors, physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging, liver biopsy if necessary. Management can be carried out according from etiology of the cause of liver cirrhosis. Complications of liver cirrhosis are portal hypertension, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatocellular carcinoma, hyponatremia, and acute kidney injury. Liver cirrhosis is a liver fibrosis caused by Stellate, Kupffer cells, damaged hepatocytes, and activated platelets. Inflammatory cells cause fibrosis, leading to regenerating nodules and decreased blood flow. Diagnosis involves anamnesis, physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging, and liver biopsy if needed. Treatment is based on the etiology of liver cirrhosis, with complications including portal hypertension, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy.