Elevated Liver Function Tests Research Articles

Vincamine alleviates intrahepatic cholestasis in rats through modulation of NF-kB/PDGF/klf6/PPARγ and PI3K/Akt pathways.

The defect in the hepatobiliary transport system results in an impairment of bile flow, leading to accumulation of toxic compounds with subsequent liver disorders. Vincamine, a plant indole alkaloid that is utilized as a dietary supplement, has been known for its promising pharmacological activities. For the first time, the present study was planned to estimate, at the molecular level, the potentiality of vincamine against alfa-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced hepatic cholestasis. Liver function tests were analyzed. Hepatic activity of SOD and levels of GSH and MDA were assessed. Hepatic contents of bax, bcl2, NF-kB, PPARγ, catalase, heme-oxygenase-1, NTCP, and BSEP were evaluated using ELISA. mRNA levels of NF-kB, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, PDGF, klf6, PPARγ, and P53 were examined using qRT-PCR. PI3K, Akt and cleaved caspase-3 proteins were assessed using western blotting. Histopathological analyses were performed using hematoxylin & eosin staining. ANIT-induced hepatic cholestasis elevated liver function tests, including AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, and total bilirubin. ANIT reduced the protein expression of NTCP and BSEP hepatic transporters. It induced the expression of the inflammatory genes, TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, and PDGF, and the expression of NF-kB at the genetic and protein level and suppressed the anti-inflammatory genes, klf6 and PPARγ. Also, antioxidant markers were reduced during ANIT induction such as GSH, SOD, catalase, heme-oxygenase-1 and PI3K/Akt pathway, while MDA levels were elevated. Furthermore, the expression of P53 gene, bax and cleaved caspase 3 proteins were activated, while bcl2 was inhibited. Also, the histopathological analysis showed degeneration of hepatocytes and inflammatory cellular infiltrates. However, vincamine treatment modulated all these markers. It improved liver function tests. It inhibited the expression of NF-kB, TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β and PDGF and activated the expression of klf6 and PPARγ. Furthermore, vincamine reduced MDA levels and induced GSH, SOD, catalase, heme-oxygenase-1 and PI3K/Akt pathway. Additionally, it inhibited expression of P53 gene, bax and cleaved caspase 3 proteins. More interestingly, vincamine showed better outcomes on the hepatic histopathological analysis and improved the alterations induced by ANIT. Vincamine alleviated hepatic dysfunction during ANIT-induced intrahepatic cholestasis through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacies by the modulation of NF-kB/PDGF/klf6/PPARγ and PI3K/Akt pathways.

HEART FAILURE WITH RELAPSING ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: BELOW THE SURFACE

Abstract Advances in pharmacologic and device therapy have greatly improved prognosis of patients with HFrEF. However, the typical clinical course is still characterized by recurring symptoms, worsening functional status and risk of frequent hospitalizations. A 72–years–old male patient with arterial hypertension, poorly controlled T2DM, TIA and chronic kidney disease presented to Cardiology service in 2018 with dyspnoea on effort and first evidence of EF 35% at echocardiography. He was admitted for elective coronary angiography, which demonstrated limited coronary heart disease of circumflex artery and its first marginal branch, treated by PTCA and stenting. CMR confirmed severe LV dysfunction, but also revealed extensive fibrotic areas with ischaemic and non–ischaemic patterns beyond revascularized regions. With such evidences, HF treatments were intensified, with titration of disease– modifying therapies and DOAC was added for asymptomatic paroxysmal AF. CRT–D was implanted for QRS of 160 msec, which was narrowed to 130 msec. Nevertheless, in one–year time the patient presented worsening of symptoms with several hospital admissions for acute HF and AF with fast rate. A switch to rhythm–control strategy was hence chosen. DCCV was performed, after an initial deferral for thrombosis of LAA due to poor adherence to DOAC. However, three–days after DCCV, the patient presented again to emergency services for dyspnoea, left upper flank pain and AF with fast rate. He was admitted to Acute Medicine Unit and treated with high flow O2, iv Furosemide and Digoxin, analgesics. CT chest and abdomen with contrast was performed in the suspicion of systemic venous thromboembolism for persistent type 1 respiratory failure, raised D–dimer and elevated liver function tests, despite appropriate anticoagulation. CT revealed an unexpected left superior pulmonary vein thrombosis, splenic and small left renal infarcts. The patient was discharged after recovery on subcutaneous heparin. At 15–day review, the patient was in stable conditions and awaiting completion of coagulation screening tests. This case study addresses some important aspects in the care of HF. An accurate assessment of HF aetiology and recurrent triggers, a timely planning of pharmacologic and device treatments, alongside with management of co–morbidities, therapeutic adherence and appropriate anticoagulation, can provide the clinician powerful tools to accomplish the difficult task of managing HF below the surface.

Comparative Analysis of Pediatric Patients with Different Involvements of Brucellosis.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that mimics many other diseases, making diagnosis difficult in pediatric patients. If the clinical signs of the disease are not well known and there is a delay in diagnosis and treatment, complicated brucellosis involving different body sites can develop. This study aimed to analyze the demographics, clinical information, laboratory test results, and imaging findings of children with brucellosis. Particular attention was paid to the involvement of organs and potential complications. Pediatric patients diagnosed with brucellosis at the Sanlıurfa Training and Research Hospital in Turkey were retrospectively evaluated. In total, 101 patients diagnosed with brucellosis were included in this study. Bone-joint involvement was observed in 21 (20.7%) patients. High Brucella Coombs gel test (CT) titers (≥1/640) and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were significant in the bone-joint brucellosis group (P = 0.022 and P = 0.0205, respectively). Fourteen (13.9%) patients had at least one organomegaly in which Brucella CT titers and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were substantially higher than those in patients without organomegaly (P = 0.02 and P = 0.0049, respectively). Anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia were observed in 36 (35.6%), 10 (9.9%), and 4 (3.9%) patients, respectively. At least one elevation in liver function test (LFT) results was observed in 32 (31.7%) patients. High acute-phase reactants, such as ESR, CRP levels, and Brucella CT titers, may help identify complicated brucellosis. This study highlights that pediatric brucellosis can lead to cytopenia and elevated LFT results and should therefore be considered as a differential diagnosis.

TOXOPLASMOSIS: SEROPREVALENCE IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE AND APPROACH IN PREGNANCY

Objective: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitosis that is mostly asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. It can lead to severe clinical conditions in immunosuppressed patients who had infections that mostly develop through reactivation, or in congenital infections that develop in fetuses infected as a result of vertical transmission. Since it is possible to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis with appropriate follow-up and treatment, our study aimed to determine the susceptible population and seroprevalence of our region and to evaluate the course of infections in this group. Material and Method: Patients of childbearing age who were evaluated in the last five years in our tertiary hospital were included in our study, and Anti Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG results in these patients were evaluated. The course of pregnant women who were thought to have primary infection, the follow-up of these patients and the treatments applied were evaluated. In addition, the follow-up of non-pregnant patients examined were also evaluated. Results: The seropositivity rate was found to be 30.7% (n=1703) in 5545 women included in the study, and the seropositivity rate was 31% (n=1399) in 4503 pregnant women. After detailed evaluations, of 16 pregnant women who were thought to have primary infection during pregnancy and were followed up in our hospital; one underwent medical abortion at the request of the family, and only four used the recommended treatment until the end of pregnancy, and congenital toxoplasmosis was not detected in any newborn. Since the many of pregnant women with possible primary infection (n=28) were not referred to the infectious diseases outpatient clinic, this group was not evaluated in detail and could not be monitored. Of the patients included in the study, 26 (0.4%) were examined to investigate the etiology of fever, 37 (0.6%) were examined to investigate the etiology of lymphadenopathy (LAP), and 29 (0.5%) were examined to investigate the cause of elevated liver function tests. Among the patients monitored with LAP, four (10.8%) were diagnosed with acute toxoplasmosis. Conclusion: As a result, it is very important to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis, to detect possible primary infections, especially in pregnant women, and to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis by clinicians to guide patients correctly so that the follow-up and treatment of this group of patients is not interrupted.

Association Between Insulin Resistance Indices and Liver Function Parameters Among Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

This study aimed to investigate whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) status changes the association between insulin resistance (IR) indices and liver function parameters among women. This is a cross-sectional, population-based study. We selected 1101 subjects aged ≥20 years from participants of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). All of them had known the status of PCOS, and all variables were related to the IR indices and liver function parameters. The main outcome measures were TG/HDL-C and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) and liver function parameters (hepatic steatosis index [HSI], alanine transaminase [ALT] and aspartate transaminase [AST]). In the present study, there was no significant difference between the PCOS and the non-PCOS regarding the presence of liver function abnormalities. A model adjusted by age and BMI showed that the upper tertile of TyG index was positively associated with high AST (OR = 3.04 [95% CI: 1.20-7.68], p < 0.05), high ALT (4.76 [3.07-7.36], p < 0.05) and high HSI (8.44 [1.82-39.17], p < 0.05). Although the history of diabetes had a positive impact on elevated AST (1.66 [1.15, 2.40], p < 0.05), the third tertile of TG/HDL-C was associated with increased odds of elevated ALT (3.35 [2.21-5.06]) and HSI (6.55 [1.17-36.46]), whereas the second tertile of TG/HDL-C (OR = 2.65, CI 95%: 1.74-4.03) was also positively associated with elevated ALT. PCOS had no significant association with elevated liver function tests. The highest tertile of TyG index and the TG/HDL-C ratio as a surrogate of IR might play a role in detecting abnormalities of liver function parameters among women. However, PCOS status cannot change the association between IR and liver dysfunction.

Mirizzi Syndrome Secondary to Impacted Stone in A Low Inserted Cystic Duct Variant: Case Report

Abstract Introduction. Cystic duct anatomical variations are encountered frequently during surgical procedures. In this report, a female patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis and developed symptoms of obstructive jaundice subsequently, which was diagnosed as low insertion of the cystic duct and an impacted stone that was causing common hepatic duct obstruction. Case report. A 42-year-old female presented to the emergency room complaining of persistent right upper quadrant pain that was radiating to the back. White blood count (WBC) was slightly elevated with normal liver function tests (LFTs). An abdominal ultrasound was performed and confirmed cholelithiasis with no signs of acute cholecystitis or biliary dilatation. The patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy as an emergency procedure for persistent biliary colic. Eight days later, the patient returned to the emergency room with obstructive jaundice and continued right upper quadrant pain with elevated WBC and LFTs. Further tests were conducted, and the patient was found to have a long cystic duct with a low insertion variant to the common hepatic duct. An impacted stone was identified in the cystic duct, referred to as Mirizzi syndrome Type I. The patient underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) several times, but the common bile duct could not be cannulated. In the last ERCP session, SpyGlass and electrohydraulic lithotripsy were performed with a balloon sweep. Conclusion. This case demonstrates the importance of understanding Mirizzi syndrome and cystic duct variation to achieve optimal treatment, and careful assessment and investigation are essential for proper diagnosis. In experienced hands, Mirizzi syndrome secondary to an impacted cystic duct stone can be managed successfully with ERCP, electrohydraulic lithotripsy, and SpyGlass.

A 12-month randomised controlled trial using intensive dietary interventions for adolescents with obesity associated complications

Adolescent obesity requires effective and accessible intervention options and there is potential for intensive dietary interventions to be used as adjunctive therapy to behavioural weight management for some individuals(1). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of two novel diet therapies, delivered in the as part of an intensive behavioural weight management intervention, in adolescents with metabolic complications associated with obesity. The Fast Track to Health study (HREC/17/SCHN/164; ACTRN12617001630303) was a multi-site 52-week RCT, conducted 2018 – 2023, comparing a very-low-energy diet (800kcal/day) followed by i) an intermittent energy restricted (IER) diet; and ii) a continuous energy restricted diet (CER), for adolescents (13-17years) with ≥1 obesity associated complication. Interventions were delivered as part of an intensive behavioural weight management intervention by a multidisciplinary team2. Anthropometry, body composition and cardiometabolic health were assessed at baseline and week-52. The primary outcome was change in BMI z-score at week-52. Dyslipidaemia was defined as HDL &lt;1.03mmol/L and/or triglycerides ≥1.7mmol/l, and elevated liver function tests (LFTs) as ALT and/or GGT ≥1.5 upper limit of 30U/L3. The difference in BMI z-score between groups at week-52 (±4) was assessed using a t-test. Mixed models was used to investigate changes over time. Descriptive statistics were used to describe participants above and below clinical cut-points at baseline and week-52. In total, 141 adolescents (70 female) were enrolled and 97 (48 female) completed the intervention. At week-52, BMI z-score reduced by −0.23 [95%CI −0.37 to −0.22], BMI expressed as a percentage of 95th percentile reduced by −8.86 [95%CI −12.46 to −7.47] and Fat Mass Index reduced by −1.49 [95%CI −2.36 to −1.08]. There was no significant difference for weight or cardiometabolic outcomes between diet groups. The occurrence of dyslipidaemia was unchanged between baseline and week-52 (n = 60 [43%] and n = 37 [43%] respectively) and a small improvement in the occurrence of impaired LFTs (n = 37 [27%] to n = 15 [17.2%] respectively). There were no differences in change of occurrence of dyslipidaemia or impaired LFTs between intervention groups. These findings suggest that both IER and CER, delivered as part of an intensive behavioural weight management program, are equally effective for improving weight and cardiometabolic outcomes for adolescents with obesity.

Elevated liver enzymes at the time of deceased donor organ donation do not affect recipient or pancreas allograft survival following pancreas transplantation

BackgroundThere is a lack of data on the impact of donor liver function tests (LFTs) on pancreas transplantation outcomes. Understanding their contribution could expand the donor pool. MethodsUsing the UNOS database, data from January 2010–2022 was retrospectively analyzed. Multivariable cox regressions were performed to evaluate the association between LFTs (AST, ALT and total bilirubin levels), graft failure and mortality up to three years post-transplant. Results9138 pancreas transplants were completed. Multivariate analysis showed no association between donor AST values > 500 U/L and increased rates of graft failure (p = 0.826) or mortality (p = 0.836). Similar findings were noted for donor ALT values > 500 U/L (p = 0.522 and p = 0.997, respectively). There was no correlation with graft failure (p = 0.322) or mortality (p = 0.423) for total bilirubin levels >3 mg/dL. DiscussionLFTs in the deceased pancreas donor did not increase risk of graft failure or mortality following pancreas transplantation. Elevated LFTs should not serve as absolute contraindications to transplant.

A Diagnostic Paradox: Identifying IgG4-Related Disease in a Patient Previously Diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome

We present the case of a 77-year-old male with a history of rectal adenocarcinoma and Sjogren’s disease who was admitted for severely elevated liver function tests. Cross-sectional imaging demonstrated a dilated bile duct, and eventual biopsy of the area showed fibrosis and lymphocytic infiltrate consistent with IgG4-related disease. The patient was treated with rituximab and a prednisone taper. This case discusses the clinical, laboratory, and imaging hallmarks of this rare disease and illustrates the practical challenges of distinguishing it from other rheumatologic conditions.

잠복결핵에 관한 온라인 건강 상담 현황

The study’s objective is to explore the health information needs of latent tuberculosis patients and their communities by analyzing data from the online health counselling platform, Naver Jisik-iN. Initially, 3,261 questions related to ‘latent tuberculosis’ were collected. Following the removal of duplicates and irrelevant image information, the final dataset for analysis comprised 2,198 questions. Text pre-processing, Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modelling, and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)-based text summarization model were used. Manual categorization was added to supplement the unsupervised learning process. Seven topics were identified using LDA, from which five specific topics (‘side effects’, ‘treatment’, ‘army’, ‘interaction’, and ‘infectiousness’) were derived. Subsequently, manual classification was conducted based on these five topics. Manual summary and LSTM-based text summarization results were consistent. Numerous individuals sought information about the potential for curing latent tuberculosis and the risk of tuberculosis development. Moreover, questions related to the interpretation of test results and interactions with other substances were widespread. Concerning side effects, issues predominantly revolved around drug discontinuation due to skin problems and elevated liver function tests. The findings reveal the prevalent concerns and inquiries of society regarding latent tuberculosis. The identified topics offer valuable insights into the key aspects of interest related to this condition.

Assessment of aspartate aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index and Fibrosis-4 Index score on women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a pregnancy-related liver condition that is characterized by elevated liver function tests and/or bile acids in the presence of pruritis. The study aimed to assess the aspartate aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index and Fibrosis-4 Index scores in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. The prospective study was carried out by assessing 142 women: 71 whose pregnancies were complicated by intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and 71 without intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. The Fibrosis-4 Index score and aspartate aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index were assessed. Our findings indicate that both aspartate aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index and Fibrosis-4 Index scores were reliable indicators of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, correlating with important complications of the condition. This study provides valuable information to help clinicians better diagnose and perform the management of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Protocol liver biopsy predicts graft survival after liver transplantation.

The use of protocol liver biopsy to monitor liver allograft status remains controversial. There is limited data from modern transplantation populations that includes protocol biopsies to evaluate its value in predicting clinical outcomes. All protocol liver biopsies were identified from 875 patients who underwent liver transplantation at Helsinki University Hospital between 2000 and 2019. Each histologic component was analyzed for its ability to predict long-term outcomes, especially graft survival. We determined the frequency of significant biopsy findings based on the Banff working group definition. Liver function tests (LFTs) and clinical markers were evaluated for their ability to predict significant biopsy findings. In total, 867 protocol liver biopsies were analyzed. Significant findings were identified in 20.1% of the biopsies. In the first protocol biopsy, steatohepatitis (hazard ratio [HR] 3.504, p=.03) and moderate or severe congestion (HR 3.338, p=.04) predicted graft loss. The presence of cholangitis (HR 2.563, p=.04), necrosis (HR 7.635, p<.001), mild congestion (HR 4.291, p=.009), and significant biopsy finding (HR 2.540, p=.02) predicted inferior death-censored graft survival. While the degree of elevation of LFTs was positively associated with significant biopsy findings, the discrimination was poor (AUC.572-.622). Combined LFTs and clinical risk factors remained suboptimal for discriminating significant biopsy findings (AUC.696). Our findings support the use of protocol liver biopsies after liver transplantation since they frequently revealed changes associated with long-term outcomes, even when LFTs were normal.

HELLP Syndrome and Differential Diagnosis with Other Thrombotic Microangiopathies in Pregnancy.

Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) comprise a distinct group of diseases with different manifestations that can occur in both pediatric and adult patients. They can be hereditary or acquired, with subtle onset or a rapidly progressive course, and they are particularly known for their morbidity and mortality. Pregnancy is a high-risk time for the development of several types of thrombotic microangiopathies. The three major syndromes are hemolysis, elevated liver function tests, and low platelets (HELLP); hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS); and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Because of their rarity, clinical information and therapeutic results related to these conditions are often obtained from case reports, small series, registries, and reviews. The collection of individual observations, the evolution of diagnostic laboratories that have identified autoimmune and/or genetic abnormalities using von Willebrand factor post-secretion processing or genetic-functional alterations in the regulation of alternative complement pathways in some of these TMAs, and, most importantly, the introduction of advanced treatments, have enabled the preservation of affected organs and improved survival rates. Although TMAs may show different etiopathogenesis routes, they all show the presence of pathological lesions, which are characterized by endothelial damage and the formation of thrombi rich in platelets at the microvascular level, as a common denominator, and thrombotic damage to microcirculation pathways induces "mechanical" (microangiopathic) hemolytic anemia, the consumption of platelets, and ischemic organ damage. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge about the diagnosis and management of these complications during pregnancy.

Medical and Psychiatric Features of Patients Hospitalized for Severe Restrictive Eating Disorders: Analysis of 545 Consecutive Patients with Severe Anorexia Nervosa or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

BackgroundPeople with severe eating and feeding disorders regularly require hospitalization due to complications inherent to their disease, though formal training regarding this care is limited. MethodsThis retrospective study included 545 patients with severe anorexia nervosa (AN) or avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) hospitalized in a medical stabilization unit between 2018 and 2021. Biometrics were obtained throughout hospitalization. Nutrition was increased until patients were gaining 0.2 kg/day. ResultsAverage admission body mass index (BMI) was 13 kg/m2 with diagnoses of 46% AN-R (Restricting), 39% AN-BP (Binge-purge), and 15% ARFID. Average daily Kcals by discharge were 3,343 for females and 3,962 for males; 26% required nasogastric feeding. Hypoglycemia was common until day 7, correlated with elevated liver function tests (LFTs) and low prealbumin. LFTs were abnormal in 31% of patients. Refeeding hypophosphatemia developed in 26% of patients starting day 2 and was associated with lower BMI. Hypokalemia appeared on admission among 39%, twice as common in patients diagnosed with AN-BP. Initial EKGs were abnormal in 50% of patients, usually sinus bradycardia. Average QTc was normal, only 14% prolonged. Bone density testing revealed 70% osteoporosis. History of suicide attempt were present in 19% while 76% and 50% presented with anxiety and depressive disorders respectively. ConclusionsGiven the inextricability of medical complications from severe eating and feeding disorders, familiarity among CL Psychiatrists with the prevalence of frequently observed abnormal findings can inform consultation and prevent adverse events, unnecessary intervention, and facilitate weight restoration and medical stabilization.

Diagnosis and Management of Amanita Phalloides Toxicity in the Emergency Department Observation Unit: A Case Report.

Mushroom toxicity is an important etiology of acute liver injury in a patient with gastrointestinal symptoms. We present the case of a male patient presenting to the emergency department (ED) with gastrointestinal distress who was placed under ED observation for elevated liver function tests. During his hospital course, it was revealed he had consumed wild mushrooms believed to be Amanita phalloides. While mushroom ingestion and subsequent toxicity are rare, a high index of suspicion in foraging hobbyists is essential to arriving at the correct diagnosis and directing the patient to the appropriate management.

Hepatobiliary manifestations in patients with ulcerative colitis: a retrospective analysis.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are often associated with altered liver function tests (LFTs). There is little data on the relationship between abnormal LFT and IBD. Our study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and etiology of elevated LFT in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and to determine whether there is an association with clinical and demographic parameters. The clinical records of the Gastroenterology Outpatients Clinic at a single center were reviewed and screened for patients with UC from 2005 to 2014. In total, 263 patients were included. Patients with Crohn's disease (CD), colitis indeterminate, and colitis of other origins were excluded. Abnormal LFT and liver injuries were analyzed. A cohort of 182 patients was analyzed (114 males, 68 females; mean age = 50.2 ± 16.1 years). 58 patients had already been diagnosed with a hepatobiliary disorder. Patients with a known hepatobiliary disorder suffered from UC for a significantly longer duration. Elevated LFT in patients without known hepatobiliary disorders was 69.4%. Liver injury was found in 21.8%. A transient increase in abnormal LFT was shown in 59 patients (68.6%), a persistent increase was found in 27 patients (31.4%). Treatment with thiopurines was a risk factor for persistent elevated LFT (p = 0.029), steroids had a protective impact (p = 0.037). This study clearly highlights the importance of screening for hepatobiliary disorders and abnormal LFT in patients with UC, as the prevalence of hepatobiliary disorders and abnormal LFT is detected very often among this patient group.

Liver damage profile in COVID-19 pregnant patients

IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 unsparingly impacts all areas of medicine. Pregnant women are particularly affected by the pandemic and COVID-19 related liver damage seems to be another threat to maternal and fetal health. The aim of this study is to define liver damage profile including bile acids serum levels in COVID-19 pregnant patients and to determine predictors of disease aggravation and poor obstetrics outcomes.MethodsThis study has been carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, at the National Medical Institute in Warsaw, Poland between 01.02.2021 and 01.11.2022 The study cohort comprises 148 pregnant patients with COVID-19 and 102 pregnant controls who has been tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.ResultsCOVID-19 pregnant patients presented liver involvement at admission in 41,9%. Hepatotoxic damage accounted for 27 (19.85%), cholestatic type was diagnosed in 11 (8.09%) and mixed type of liver injury was presented in 19 (13.97%) of patients. Higher serum levels of AST, ALT, GGT, total bilirubin and bile acids as well as mixed type of liver injury at admission were correlated with severe form of an illness. AST and ALT above upper reference limit as well as hepatotoxic type of liver damage predisposed pregnant patients with COVID-19 to poor obstetrics outcomes.ConclusionHepatic damage in pregnant women with COVID-19 is a common, mild, transaminase-dominant, or mixed type of injury, and often correlates with elevated inflammatory markers. SARS-CoV-2 test should be performed as a part of differential diagnosis in elevated liver function tests. Although bile acids serum levels were commonly elevated they seems to be clinically irrelevant in terms of pregnancy outcomes.DaRpyovs-oA9XgYzu_a_v9Video

Drug-induced liver injury associated with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor: a pharmacovigilance analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)

Introduction: The efficacy and safety of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) have been established in prospective clinical trials. Liver function test elevations were observed in a greater proportion of patients receiving ETI compared with placebo; however, the relatively small number of patients and short duration of study preclude detection of rare but clinically significant associations with drug-induced liver injury (DILI). To address this gap, we assessed the real-world risk of DILI associated with ETI through data mining of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Methods: Disproportionality analyses were conducted on FAERS data from the fourth quarter of 2019 through the third quarter of 2022. Comparative patient demographics, onset time and outcomes for ETI-DILI were also obtained. Results: 452 reports of DILI associated with ETI were found, representing 2.1% of all adverse event reports for ETI. All disproportionality measures were significant for ETI-DILI at p < 0.05; the reporting odds ratio (ROR) (2.82) was comparable to that of drugs classified by FDA as “Most-DILI concern”. The most notable demographic finding was a male majority (5:4 male to female ratio) for ETI-DILI compared to a female majority (4:5 male to female ratio) for non ETI-DILI. Median ETI-DILI onset time was 50.5 days, and hospitalization was the second most common complication. Conclusion: Using FAERS data, ETI was found to be disproportionately associated with DILI. Future research is needed to investigate the hepatotoxic mechanisms and assess potential mitigation strategies for ETI-induced hepatotoxicity.

A rare case of alpha-methyldopa-induced hepatitis in pregnancy

Introduction. There are three groups of disorders during pregnancy: disorders specific for pregnancy that resolve spontaneously or soon after delivery, acute hepatic disorders coinciding with pregnancy, and chronic disorders. Drug-induced liver disease prevails among women and it is estimated to be a leading cause of acute liver injury. Drug-induced hepatitis is rare in pregnancy with only a few cases reported in literature. Alpha-methyldopa is one of the commonly used drugs in pregnancy that could cause hepatotoxicity with different clinical presentations and possible adverse effects on normal course of pregnancy. Case outline. We reported a rare case of hepatotoxicity caused by alpha-methyldopa in 26 gestational weeks pregnancy in a 35-year-old patient admitted because of jaundice and elevated liver function tests. She had been using antihypertensive drug, alpha-methyldopa, from 12th gestational week, and no other medication or supplementation was recorded. Ultrasound of the abdomen excluded obstruction or any other abnormalities. Autoimmune panel was done. Biochemical analyses were indicative of toxic acute liver injury caused by alpha-methyldopa according to values of transaminase. After 13 days, patient was discharged recovered from the hospital. Conclusion. Diagnosis of alpha-methyldopa hepatotoxicity is challenging since the low incidence, unpredictability, diverse symptomatology and absence of specific biomarkers. That is why timely diagnosis is crucial for the well-being of both future mother and child.

A Rare Manifestation of Leptospirosis: Long-Term Elevation in Liver Enzymes

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis that is endemic in many tropical and subtropical regions. The disease is transmitted to humans by contact with the urine or an environment contaminated with the urine of infected animals. The clinical manifestations of leptospirosis vary from subclinical infection to severe illness with multiorgan dysfunction. This case report aimed to present a leptospirosis case diagnosed with detailed anamnesis and progressed with long-term elevation in liver function tests, in a non-endemic region. A 28-year-old male patient was admitted with complaints of weakness, fever, and vomiting. As a result of the detailed anamnesis, it was learned that the patient with hyperbilirubinemia, elevated liver enzymes, and kidney failure had contact with polluted water in a rural area, and the patient was followed up with a preliminary diagnosis of leptospirosis. Leptospirosis may present with different clinical presentations and be confused with many diseases, risk factors should be carefully questioned.