Higher Aspartate Aminotransferase Levels Research Articles

The effectiveness of liver function tests in the prediction of mortality in patients with COVID-19

Objective: To evaluate the impact of liver function test abnormalities on mortality in critically ill coronavirus disease-2019 patients. Method: The single-centre, retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Mersin City Training and Research Hospital, Turkiye, and comprised data from March 2020 to January 2022 of patients with positive real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test on nasopharyngeal swab sample for coronavirus disease-2019. Comorbidities, demographic data, admission to and discharge from the intensive care unit, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, complete blood count on the first and second day of hospitalisation, coagulation parameters, biochemical analysis, 7-day, 28-day and total mortality of the patients in the intensive care unit were recorded. The patients were then divided into groups, with Group 1 having patients with normal liver enzymes, Group 2 having patients with abnormal liver enzymes, and Group 3 having patients with liver damage. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Results: Of the 940 subjects, 587(62.4) were males and 353(37.6) were females. The overall mean age of the patients was 67.11±16.65 years. There were 395(42%) patients in Group 1, 534(56.8%) in Group 2 and 11(1.2%) in Group 3. Gamma-glutamyl transferase-1s, aspartate aminotransferase-2nd and albumin-2nd were significant predictors of mortality (p<0.05). Conclusion: High gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase and low albumin levels in critically ill coronavirus disease-2019 patients could be considered indicators of high mortality rate. Key Words: Coronavirus, Critical illness, Liver function test, Pandemic.

Risk factors for adverse drug reactions to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim prophylaxis in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

Risk factors for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with prophylactic sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMX/TMP) in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases undergoing immunosuppressive therapy remain unclear, we aimed to identify the risk factors associated with ADRs. Consecutive patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, who were admitted to Keio University Hospital and received prophylactic administration of SMX/TMP, were included. Data regarding ADRs to SMX/TMP were collected to identify associated risk factors using multivariable analysis. Of 438 patients included in the analysis, 82 (18.7%) experienced ADRs. Patients in the ADRs group were significantly older, had chronic kidney disease, and exhibited lower lymphocyte and platelet counts, lower albumin levels, lower estimated glomerular filtration rates, higher aspartate aminotransferase levels, and higher ferritin levels than those in the non-ADR group. Regarding underlying rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, adult-onset Still's disease (ASD) was associated with a significantly higher incidence of ADRs (67%) than other diseases. Multivariable analysis identified the presence of ASD and low lymphocyte counts as independent risk factors for allergic ADRs, and older age and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers for non-allergic ADRs. Risk factors for ADRs associated with prophylactic SMX/TMP treatment in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases were identified.

Large-scale analysis to identify risk factors for ovarian cancer

ObjectiveOvarian cancer is characterized by late-stage diagnoses and poor prognosis. We aimed to identify factors that can inform prevention and early detection of ovarian cancer.MethodsWe used a data-driven machine learning...

Subclinical hypocalcemia in primiparous lacaune ewes

Peripartum in sheep is a critical period of high nutritional demand, as the animal's body undergoes several physiological changes due to the high energy expenditure for the development of one or more fetuses and for maintenance, and metabolic disturbances can occur. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of subclinical hypocalcemia in the pre-partum period on the metabolism of primiparous Lacaune ewes in the peripartum period. Thirteen primiparous Lacaune ewes with an average body weight of 73.54 ± 10.70 kg, an average body score of 3.12 ± 0.42 and an average age of 0.85 ± 0.55 pairs of teeth were used. Blood samples and body condition score evaluations were taken from the ewes on days -14, -9 and -4 days before they were due to give birth and on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after giving birth. The ewes' serum was analyzed for calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta hydroxy butyrate (BHB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), albumin (ALB), total plasma proteins (PPT) and urea. The animals were categorized according to their average prepartum Ca levels into the normocalcemic group (NC ≥ 9.41) and subclinical hypocalcemia (HC < 9.41 mg/dl). The data was analyzed using SAS software. The number of lambs at birth did not influence serum calcium levels in primiparous ewes (P= 0.4687). There was an interaction between group and collection on calcium (P=0.0166) and magnesium (P=0.0428) levels. The highest level of magnesium was observed in the normocalcemic group at collection -14, while the lowest level of calcium was observed in the hypocalcemic group at collection -14. There was a collection effect on body condition score (BCS), NEFA, BHB, AST and GGT (P<0.05). The lowest BCS (P = 0.0300) and the highest levels of NEFA (P = 0.0143) and BHBA (P = 0.0316) were observed on day 14 after calving. Higher levels of AST and GGT were observed in the postpartum period (P<0.05). The number of lambs at birth does not influence calcemia, and negative energy balance is more pronounced after birth in primiparous Lacaune ewes.

Preoperative prognostic nutritional index predicts long-term outcomes of patients with ampullary adenocarcinoma after curative pancreatoduodenectomy.

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI), a marker of immune-nutrition balance, has predictive value for the survival and prognosis of patients with various cancers. To explore the clinical significance of the preoperative PNI on the prognosis of ampullary adenocarcinoma (AC) patients who underwent curative pancreaticoduodenectomy. The data concerning 233 patients diagnosed with ACs were extracted and analyzed at our institution from January 1998 to December 2020. All patients were categorized into low and high PNI groups based on the cutoff value determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. We compared disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) between these groups and assessed prognostic factors through univariate and multivariate analyses. The optimal cutoff value for the PNI was established at 45.3. Patients with a PNI ≥ 45.3 were categorized into the PNI-high group, while those with a PNI < 45.3 were assigned to the PNI-low group. Patients within the PNI-low group tended to be of advanced age and exhibited higher levels of aspartate transaminase and total bilirubin and a lower creatinine level than were those in the PNI-high group. The 5-year OS rates for patients with a PNI ≥ 45.3 and a PNI < 45.3 were 61.8% and 43.4%, respectively, while the 5-year DFS rates were 53.5% and 38.3%, respectively. Patients in the PNI- low group had shorter OS (P = 0.006) and DFS (P = 0.012). In addition, multivariate analysis revealed that the PNI, pathological T stage and pathological N stage were found to be independent prognostic factors for both OS and DFS. The PNI is a straightforward and valuable marker for predicting long-term survival after pancreatoduodenectomy. The PNI should be incorporated into the standard assessment of patients with AC.

Association of liver function and prognosis in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an epidemic emerging infectious disease with high mortality rate. We investigated the association between liver injury and clinical outcomes in patients with SFTS. A total of 291 hospitalized SFTS patients were retrospectively included. Cox proportional hazards model was adopted to identify risk factors of fatal outcome and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate cumulative risks. 60.1% of patients had liver injury at admission, and the median alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TBil) levels were 76.4 U/L, 152.3 U/L, 69.8 U/L and 9.9 μmol/L, respectively. Compared to survivors, non-survivors had higher levels of AST (253.0 U/L vs. 131.1 U/L, P < 0.001) and ALP (86.2 U/L vs. 67.9 U/L, P = 0.006), higher proportion of elevated ALP (20.0% vs. 4.4%, P < 0.001) and liver injury (78.5% vs. 54.9%, P = 0.001) at admission. The presence of liver injury (HR 2.049, P = 0.033) at admission was an independent risk factor of fatal outcome. Liver injury was a common complication and was strongly associated with poor prognosis in SFTS patients. Liver function indicators should be closely monitored for SFTS patients.

Managing Hepatotoxicity Caused by Anti-tuberculosis Drugs: A Comparative Study of Approaches.

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest and most well-known diseases that has been associated with humans for many years and remains a global health challenge today. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial for controlling and preventing the spread of the disease. While anti-TB drugs offer many benefits, inadequate monitoring can lead to a range of side effects, including hepatotoxicity, which is a major concern and can cause treatment discontinuation. The aim of this study was to determine the approach to the hepatotoxicity of anti-TB drugs and to investigate potential relationships between demographic factors, underlying medical conditions, and successful retreatment outcomes for hepatotoxicity induced by anti-TB drugs. For this study, we reviewed the medical records of patients who experienced hepatotoxicity due to anti-TB treatment and were admitted to the infectious ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital between April 2015 and February 2019. The data were collected using a questionnaire. The findings indicated that the female gender, weight loss at the beginning of hospitalization, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV), heart disease, and high levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) at the beginning of hepatotoxicity are risk factors for failure to the retreatment of hepatotoxicity. There were two different approaches to the anti-TB retreatment regimen. The first approach involved gradually starting the drugs in full dose, while the second approach encompassed starting the drugs in the minimum dose and then increasing to the maximum dose. The results demonstrated no significant difference between the two approaches to managing hepatotoxicity induced by anti-TB drugs. Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is a common occurrence that often results in treatment discontinuation. Understanding the prevalence of this complication and identifying appropriate methods of rechallenge treatment is crucial to reducing complications and mortality rates.

Liver enzymes as a predictor of mortality in patients with COVID-19? A cross-sectional study

Liver injury in patients with COVID-19 infection may directly result from viral infection of liver cells, immune-mediated inflammation such as cytokine storm, and hypoxia resulting from pneumonia. Additionally, liver injury may occur due to drug toxicity and may lead to liver failure in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Given the significance of the liver and its vulnerability in COVID-19 patients, this study aimed to investigate the correlation of serum liver enzymes with the prognosis of hospitalized COVID-19 patients at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia. This descriptive-analytical study involved hospitalized COVID-19 patients at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia. Patient data were extracted from medical records and recorded in checklists, including demographic characteristics (age and gender), serum levels of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), and patient outcomes (recovery and mortality). Subsequently, the serum levels of AST and ALT in recovered and discharged patients were compared with those of deceased patients. The mean AST level was higher in deceased patients compared to recovered and discharged patients, and this difference was statistically significant (P <0.033). Therefore, overall, higher AST levels in COVID-19 patients may indicate a worse prognosis. Similarly, the mean ALT level was higher in deceased patients compared to recovered and discharged patients, and this difference was statistically significant (P <0.015). Thus, higher ALT levels in COVID-19 patients may generally indicate a worse prognosis. Continuous monitoring of liver enzymes in patients with a poor prognosis can lead to early identification and, to the extent possible, prevention of complications and mortality through enhanced care.

LIVER FUNCTIONS PROFILE OF TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS IN INDONESIA DURING ANTITUBERCULOSIS TREATMENT

Objective: The objective of this study is to define the profile of liver function of tuberculosis patients during the treatment.&#x0D; Methods: We conducted the longitudinal study with adult tuberculosis patients treated with the first line of antituberculosis as the inclusion criteria. The pregnant and patients with comorbidities which related to liver function were excluded. We measured the total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) over the 2nd, 4th, and 6th mo of the treatment.&#x0D; Results: We recruited 202 patients, with 58.91% male patients, and the mean age was 39.91 (SD: 17.18) years old. As 9% of tuberculosis patients experienced increased levels of bilirubin, AST, and ALT, and 50% among them experienced increased levels of bilirubin, AST, and ALT starting from 2nd mo of the treatment. The total bilirubin level in the 2nd,4th, and 6th mo were 0.57, 0.59 and 0.67 mg/dl, respectively. The AST levels were 27, 22, and 26 U/l in 2nd,4th and 6th mo, respectively, and the ALT levels were 21,19 and 25 U/l in 2nd,4th and 6th mo, respectively. At the end of the treatment, around 4.5% tuberculosis patients experienced high levels of bilirubin, AST and ALT.&#x0D; Conclusion: The monitoring treatment for tuberculosis patients should be conducted until the end of the treatment because the level of bilirubin, AST, and ALT increased after 6th mo of treatment.

Brucellar arthritis and sacroiliitis: an 8-year retrospective comparative analysis of demographic, clinical, and paraclinical features.

Brucellosis is a common global zoonotic disease with a wide range of complex and nonspecific clinical manifestations that may lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Osteoarticular involvement is the most common complaint in brucellosis. This present study aims to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics and treatment of brucellosis patients with arthritis and sacroiliitis. This retrospective descriptive study was performed on patients presenting to a teaching hospital in Kermanshah, Iran with a diagnosis of brucellosis from 2011 to 2019. The demographic and clinical characteristics, complications, laboratory findings, and treatment were recorded during the study period. Then, the difference in the collected data was investigated between brucellosis patients with and without arthritis or sacroiliitis. Of 425 patients studied, 130 (30.58%) had osteoarticular involvement. Among them, 41 (9.64%) and 58 (13.6%) patients were diagnosed with arthritis and sacroiliitis, respectively. There were no significant demographic differences between patients with and without brucellar arthritis or sacroiliitis (p > 0.05). The patients with Brucella arthritis had a significantly higher frequency of arthralgia and radiculopathy (p ⩽ 0.05). Sacroiliitis was significantly more common in patients with arthralgia, neck pain, and low back pain, positive flexion-abduction-external rotation (FABER) test, radiculopathy, and vertebral tenderness compared to patients without sacroiliitis (p ⩽ 0.05), while fever and headache were significantly more common in patients without sacroiliitis (p ⩽ 0.05). The median Wright and 2-Mercapto Ethanol titers were higher in brucellosis patients with arthritis or sacroiliitis versus patients without arthritis or sacroiliitis, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). Synovial fluid had been analyzed in 20 cases. The mean white blood cell count, glucose, and protein level were 3461 ± 2.70 cells/mm3, 58.54 ± 31.43 mg/dL, and 8.6 ± 11.85 g/dL, respectively. In 80% of the subjects, neutrophil cells were predominant. There were no significant laboratory differences between patients with and without brucellar arthritis or sacroiliitis, except for a higher median platelet count in patients with arthritis and higher median levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in patients with sacroiliitis. Most cases of arthritis and sacroiliitis were diagnosed with ultrasound (31.8%) and FABER test (79.3%), respectively. Arthritis and sacroiliitis were the two most important and common manifestations of brucellar osteoarthritis with a frequency of 9.64% and 13.6%, respectively. Any complaints of low back pain and radiculopathy as well as the presence of spondylitis in patients should raise suspicion of sacroiliitis. High levels of AST and ALP and a high platelet count may be associated with brucellar sacroiliitis and arthritis, respectively. The use of imaging methods such as MRI and bone scan seems necessary for the diagnosis of sacroiliitis.

Isotretinoin Use and Liver Enzymes Changes: A Single-Center Study in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Isotretinoin is a bioactive retinoic acid variant that is taken orally to treat moderate to severe acne vulgaris. One of the adverse effects of isotretinoin is elevated liver enzymes. This study estimated the prevalence of liver enzyme changes during isotretinoin use among dermatology clinic patients in Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods This study was a retrospective analysis that reviewed the medical data of 97 patients with acne at the King Faisal University Polyclinic who were taking systemic isotretinoin. It determined the baseline, second, and last readings of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Among the 97 patients, 67 (69.1%) were female and 30 (30.9%) were male. Results Of the patients,41 (50.6%) weighed 51-70 kg, and 45 (46.4%) were 21-23 years old. The age of acne onset was 20 years or younger. Most patients had a starting isotretinoin dose of 10-20 mg and an ending dose of 30-40 mg over six months. Ninety (92.8%) patients had not used isotretinoin in the past. Before treatment, AST was elevated in three (3.1%) patients, and ALT was elevated in two (2.1%) patients. In the last readings, AST was elevated in eight (8.2%) patients, and ALT was elevated in four (4.1%) patients. Conclusion The result of this study indicates that the incidence of high levels of AST and ALT with oral isotretinoin was low. So frequent laboratory monitoring is not recommended since the elevation was not associated with any morbidity and carries financial and emotional burdens. An exception is patients with higher body weight, males, and those whose acne started at age 16-19, in whom frequent monitoring may be considered for AST more than ALT.

Risk Factors for Eribulin-induced Severe Neutropenia in Patients With Recurrent Breast Cancer.

Eribulin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent for advanced and metastatic breast cancer. However, severe neutropenia occurs in 30-40% of patients and interferes with the recommended treatment schedule. Neutropenia is a major cause of treatment interruptions, delays, or even relative dose reductions. This study aimed to examine the risk factors for severe neutropenia after eribulin treatment. We retrospectively evaluated 263 patients with metastatic breast cancer who had received eribulin therapy. Risk factors for severe neutropenia in the first cycle were evaluated. Severe neutropenia in cycle 1 occurred in 50% of the patients. Multivariate analysis suggested six risk factors for severe neutropenia: low baseline neutrophil count and body mass index, high aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin levels, creatinine clearance (CrCl) less than 50 ml/min, and eribulin dose of 1.4 mg/m2 Conclusion: This is one of the few studies to simultaneously examine both hepatic and renal functions in relation to severe neutropenia induced by eribulin. We have provided important information to support the close monitoring of patients with these risk factors and subsequent dosage adjustments, if necessary.

The severity and dynamics of changes in the serum concentration of biochemical markers of muscle tissue damage in an experienced ultramarathon runner after overcoming a distance of 165 km against the background of continuing physical activity

Purpose: to determine the severity and dynamics of changes in the concentration of biochemical markers of muscle tissue damage in the blood serum of an experienced ultramarathon runner after overcoming a distance of 165 kilometers.Materials and methods: measurement of serum concentrations of markers of muscle tissue damage (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), myoglobin) in serum before and 16 and 144 hours after ultramarathon in an experienced runner (age 36, height 186 cm, weight 76 kg, body mass index 21.96).Results: 16 hours after the end of the race, extremely high levels of AST, ALT, CK, CK-MB and myoglobin were observed, the combination of which indicates severe rhabdomyolysis. After 144 hours, a decrease in the level of all markers of muscle tissue damage, including myoglobin, was noted, however, they continued to remain significantly higher than the reference values. At the same time, the athlete did not have any significant pathological symptoms, and he continued to train in the recovery mode.Conclusion: ultramarathon races lead to significant muscle damage, which can lead to rhabdomyolysis. Its severity may not correlate with any significant clinical manifestations.

The value of osteopontin in predicting fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C

Background. Diagnosis of an asymptomatic course of chronic viral hepatitis C (HCV) and the existing development of the fibrotic process by determining the marker capabilities of biochemical blood parameters (primarily osteopontin — OP) is an urgent issue in modern medicine. Purpose: to evaluate the prognostic value of biochemical blood markers for diagnosing an asymptoma­tic course of HCV and the existing fibrotic process. Materials and me­thods. Seventy-eight people were examined: 47 from the main group — 19 (40.4 %) women and 28 (59.6 %) men with chronic HCV, and 31 controls — 17 (54.8 %) women and 14 (45.2 %) men without chronic HCV. The median, as well as 25.0% and 75.0% quartiles and relative values were calculated for quantitative and qualitative measures, respectively. Predictors were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results. The data obtained by a univariate analysis indicate a significantly increased risk of develo­ping liver fibrosis on the background of chronic HCV, with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels increased by 1.037 times, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) by 1.051 times, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) by 1.017 times; thymol turbidity test by 1.424 times; total protein by 1.162 times and OP by 3.002 times. With increased levels of triglycerides and very low-density lipoproteins, a significant decrease in these risks was found, by 74.7 and 94.7 %, respectively. A multivariate analysis found significantly increased risks of deve­loping liver fibrosis on the background of chronic HCV, with higher levels of AST, total protein, and OP (by 1.028, 1.195 and 2.510 times, respectively). Conclusions. With a significant liver damage by a fibrotic process (stage 3–4), as compared to stage 0–2, there is a probable predominance of biochemical liver markers in the blood of patients with HCV: ALT, AST, GGT, total protein and OP. AST, total protein, and OP were identified as reliable predictors of liver fibrosis. The developed mathematical model has high sensitivity and specificity: 87.5 and 83.9 %, respectively.

Microvascular invasion-negative hepatocellular carcinoma: Prognostic value of qualitative and quantitative Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI analysis

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to establish a model for predicting the prognosis of patients with microvascular invasion (MVI)-negative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on qualitative and quantitative analyses of Gd-EOB-DTPA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and methodsConsecutive patients with MVI-negative HCC who underwent preoperative Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively enrolled.In total, 122 patients were randomly assigned to the training and validation groups at a ratio of 7:3. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant clinical parameters and MRI features, including quantitative and qualitative parameters associated with prognosis, which were incorporated into a predictive nomogram. The end-point of this study was recurrence-free survival. Outcomes were compared between groups using the Kaplan–Meier method with the log-rank test. ResultsDuring a median follow-up period of 58.86 months, 38 patients (31.15 %) experienced recurrence. Multivariate analysis revealed that lower relative enhancement ratio (RER), hepatobiliary phase hypointensity without arterial phase hyperenhancement, Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System category, mild-moderate T2 hyperintensity, and higher aspartate aminotransferase levels were risk factors associated with prognosis and then incorporated into the prognostic model. C-indices for training and validation groups were 0.732 and 0.692, respectively. The most appropriate cut-off value for RER was 1.197. Patients with RER ≤ 1.197 had significantly higher postoperative recurrence rates than those with RER > 1.197 (p = 0.004). ConclusionThe model integrating qualitative and quantitative imaging parameters and clinical parameters satisfactorily predicted the prognosis of patients with MVI-negative HCC.

Exploring the physiological plasticity of giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) to dietary sulfur amino acids and taurine to measure dietary requirements and essentiality.

Giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) is an economically important yet under-researched species, still reliant on 'trash fish' or generic aquafeeds. The transition toward sustainable formulations is contingent on establishing requirements of target species for limiting nutrients, among which the sulfur amino acids (methionine and cysteine) commonly limit fish growth. Further, there remains significant conjecture around the role of the sulfonic acid taurine in marine aquafeed formulation and its relationship to sulfur amino acids. To develop a species-specific feed formulation for giant grouper, dietary methionine was modulated in a dose-response experiment to achieve five graded levels from 9.5 to 21.5 g/kg, including an additional diet with methionine at 18.6 g/kg supplemented with 8 g/kg taurine. The mean (±SD) cysteine level of the diets was 4.5 ± 0.3 g/kg. Each diet was randomly allocated to triplicate tanks of 14 fish (83.9 ± 8.4 g). The best-fit regression for growth showed that the optimal dietary methionine content was 15.8 g/kg and the total sulfur amino acid content was 20.3 g/kg. Inadequate dietary methionine content triggered physiological responses, including hepatic hyperplasia and hypoplasia at 9.5 and 21.5 g/kg, respectively, and high aspartate transaminase levels at 18.9 g/kg. Moreover, inadequate dietary methionine contents resulted in higher densities of mixed goblet cell mucin and reduced absorptive surface area of posterior intestinal villi. Our results suggest that adequate levels of methionine, but not taurine, improved posterior intestinal conditions and liver homeostasis. These findings may aid informulating aquafeeds to optimize gastrointestinal and liver functions in juvenile giant grouper.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis/hepatocellular carcinoma: A single-center retrospective study

Background and aimsHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health problem which progresses to liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Early prediction of disease changes and intervention are essential to slow disease progression and protect liver function. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with HBV-related LC and HCC at different serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and explore the risk factors of HBV infection progressing to LC/HCC. MethodsA total of 379 patients with HBV infection treated in The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen between January 2014 and December 2016 without any antiviral drug therapy were enrolled. Patients were divided into the LC/HCC and non-LC/HCC groups based on clinical diagnosis, which was determined through imaging and expressions of pathological and laboratory test markers, and patients with LC/HCC were further divided into three groups according to the serum ALT levels. Differences in general information, clinical symptoms, and expression levels of serological indices of the above groups were compared and analyzed, logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for LC/HCC development, and the clinical diagnostic efficacy of indicators was judged by the receiver operator characteristic (ROC). ResultsLC/HCC mainly occurred in the ALT normal and mildly elevated groups, with 70.83% of patients with HCC having an LC background. In the comparison of different ALT level groups, the moderately–severely elevated group had the highest proportion of patients with skin jaundice, abdominal varices, rebound tenderness, higher white blood cell and neutrophil (NEUT) counts; and higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase, glutamyl transpeptidase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin. The LC/HCC group was older and had significantly higher proportions of male patients, alcohol consumption, and combined hypertension than the non-LC/HCC group (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, combined hypertension, abdominal varicose veins, subcostal palpation, and NEUT count were risk factors for LC/HCC development; and the area under the curve for this model on the ROC analysis was 0.935 (95% confidence interval 0.899–0.972) with specificity and sensitivity of 97.4% and 70.7%, respectively. ConclusionsAdvanced age, combined hypertension, abdominal varicose veins, subcostal palpation, and high NEUT count are risk factors for LC/HCC development in patients with untreated HBV infection.

#3004 INCIDENCE, RISK FACTORS, AND OUTCOMES OF ACUTE LIVER INJURY IN HOSPITALIZED ADULTS WITH ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY: A LARGE MULTICENTER STUDY

Abstract Background and Aims Acute kidney injury (AKI) and acute liver injury (ALI) were associated with poor outcomes during hospitalization, respectively. However, the clinical outcome of AKI combined with ALI (AKI-ALI) was still remains unknown. The current study was aimed to describe the incidences, risk factors, and outcomes of AKI-ALI. Method The study population included AKI patients aged 18–99 years with enough serum creatinine testing and liver function testing (LFT) hospitalized at 19 medical centers throughout China between 2000 and 2021. AKI was defined by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes and ALI was defined by the change of liver enzymes based on Asia Pacific Association of Study of Liver consensus guidelines. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify risk factors for AKI-ALI, and a time-dependent Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the association between AKI-ALI and in-hospital mortality. Results Among the 18461 patients with AKI (median [Interquartile Range, IQR] age, 65.71 [52.78, 76.36] years, 9725 (52.7%) males), ALI occurred in 1689 (9.1%) patients. Patients with AKI who were male, have used drugs including antibiotics, diabetes agents, diuretics, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or vasopressors, with heart failure, respiratory failure, malignant tumor or shock, have lower platelets levels, higher aspartate aminotransferase levels or higher glutamyl transpeptidase levels at baseline, have received general surgery or thoracic surgery were associated with higher risk of AKI-ALI. Patients with AKI-ALI had longer length of hospital stay and were associated with a higher risk of in-hospitalized mortality (Hazard ratio [95% Confidence Interval] 1.51, [1.33, 1.72]) compared with patients with AKI but without ALI. In addition, a stronger association between AKI-ALI and in-hospital mortality was found in those with lower AKI grades (P for interaction = 0.036). Conclusion ALI was common among patients with AKI and AKI-ALI was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. This study suggests interventions for liver function early to improve in-hospital prognosis of patients with AKI.

Characteristics of Suspected COVID-19 Discharged Emergency Department Patients Who Returned During the First Wave.

Limited information exists on patients with suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who return to the emergency department (ED) during the first wave. In this study we aimed to identify predictors of ED return within 72 hours for patients with suspected COVID-19. Incorporating data from 14 EDs within an integrated healthcare network in the New York metropolitan region from March 2-April 27, 2020, we analyzed this data on predictors for a return ED visit-including demographics, comorbidities, vital signs, and laboratory results. In total, 18,599 patients were included in the study. The median age was 46 years old [interquartile range 34-58]), 50.74% were female, and 49.26% were male. Overall, 532 (2.86%) returned to the ED within 72 hours, and 95.49% were admitted at the return visit. Of those tested for COVID-19, 59.24% (4704/7941) tested positive. Patients with chief complaints of "fever" or "flu" or a history of diabetes or renal disease were more likely to return at 72 hours. Risk of return increased with persistently abnormal temperature (odds ratio [OR] 2.43, 95% CI 1.8-3.2), respiratory rate (2.17, 95% CI 1.6-3.0), and chest radiograph (OR 2.54, 95% CI 2.0-3.2). Abnormally high neutrophil counts, low platelet counts, high bicarbonate values, and high aspartate aminotransferase levels were associated with a higher rate of return. Risk of return decreased when discharged on antibiotics (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.0-0.3) or corticosteroids (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.0-0.9). The low overall return rate of patients during the first COVID-19 wave indicates that physicians' clinical decision-making successfully identified those acceptable for discharge.

Risk factors for liver fibrosis progression from early stage to late stage in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: The risk factors of fibrosis progression from an early stage to a late stage in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were systematically analyzed, providing evidence for clinical workers to identify, intervene and block the progression of liver fibrosis in patients at an early stage.METHODS: The author independently used PubMed for a literature search on November 21, 2022. Two researchers independently screened the literature and cross-checked it. Any disputes were resolved by consulting the third researcher. The quality of the literature was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Sca, and Then perform statistical analysis through Review Manager 5.4.RESULTS: Nine kinds of literature were included in this study. A meta-analysis of 11 factors associated with advanced fibrosis in patients with early-stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease showed that 5 factors were statistically significant, namely diabetes mellitus (OR=4.04, 95%CI 1.51-10.82, P=0.006). High body mass index (MD=1.89, 95%CI 0.78-3.00, P=0.0009); Low platelet count (MD=-45.05, 95%CI -66.49-(-23.26), P=0.0001); High levels of aspartate aminotransferase (MD=14.92, 95%CI 8.53-21.31, P=0.00001); Low serum albumin (MD=-0.37, 95%CI-0.62-(-0.12), P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that diabetes mellitus, high body mass index, low platelet count, high aspartate aminotransferase levels, and low serum albumin may be major risk factors for early fibrosis progression in NAFLD.