History Of Chronic Liver Disease Research Articles

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in the Emergency Department of Ibn Sina Hospital in Rabat: Etiological, Endoscopic, Therapeutic and Evolutive Aspects

Introduction: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is defined as a bleeding from a lesion in the digestive tract located upstream of the duodenojejunal angle of Treitz. It is a medical emergency with a mortality ranging from 2 to 10%. The aim of the study is to investigate the main etiologies of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in our setting, and specify the main endoscopic findings, therapeutic approaches, and evolutive aspects. Materials and methods: A prospective, descriptive study conducted over an eight month period from May 1st to December 1st, including 50 adult patients admitted for UGIB who underwent conclusive esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). We collected data about patients demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentaiton, physical examination findings, laboratory data, EGD results, therapeutic procedures and patient outcomes. Results: UGD represented 0.5% of emergency admissions, with a mean age of 61.22 years and no gender predominance. The main risk factors were related to the use of anticoagulants and/or antiplatelet agents, a history of chronic liver disease, chronic gastritis, and alcohol and tobacco use. Patients presented with hematemesis, melena, or both. EGD was performed in all patients, the main etiologies were peptic ulcer disease, vatical pathology and peptic pathology. Endoscopic treatment was performed in 38% patients, surgery was required in one case. Red blood cell transfusion was necessary in 83% patients. A favorable outcome was observed in 84% patients, while 16% patients died because of hemorrhagic shock, cardiogenic shock, and one case of multiple myeloma. Conclusion: UGIB remans a common medical and surgical emergency in our setting. The etiologies are dominated by peptic ulcer disease. EGD is the key investigation, with a diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic interest. The outcome was generally favorable in our study, except for 16% of cases who resulted in death. Preventive measures are essential.

Pragmatic strategies to address health disparities along the continuum of care in chronic liver disease.

Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities exist in the prevalence and natural history of chronic liver disease, access to care, and clinical outcomes. Solutions to improve health equity range widely, from digital health tools to policy changes. The current review outlines the disparities along the chronic liver disease health care continuum from screening and diagnosis to the management of cirrhosis and considerations of pre-liver and post-liver transplantation. Using a health equity research and implementation science framework, we offer pragmatic strategies to address barriers to implementing high-quality equitable care for patients with chronic liver disease.

US-based Sequential Algorithm Integrating an AI Model for Advanced Liver Fibrosis Screening.

Background Noninvasive tests can be used to screen patients with chronic liver disease for advanced liver fibrosis; however, the use of single tests may not be adequate. Purpose To construct sequential clinical algorithms that include a US deep learning (DL) model and compare their ability to predict advanced liver fibrosis with that of other noninvasive tests. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included adult patients with a history of chronic liver disease or unexplained abnormal liver function test results who underwent B-mode US of the liver between January 2014 and September 2022 at three health care facilities. A US-based DL network (FIB-Net) was trained on US images to predict whether the shear-wave elastography (SWE) value was 8.7 kPa or higher, indicative of advanced fibrosis. In the internal and external test sets, a two-step algorithm (Two-step#1) using the Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) followed by FIB-Net and a three-step algorithm (Three-step#1) using FIB-4 followed by FIB-Net and SWE were used to simulate screening scenarios where liver stiffness measurements were not or were available, respectively. Measures of diagnostic accuracy were calculated using liver biopsy as the reference standard and compared between FIB-4, SWE, FIB-Net, and European Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines (ie, FIB-4 followed by SWE), along with sequential algorithms. Results The training, validation, and test data sets included 3067 (median age, 42 years [IQR, 33-53 years]; 2083 male), 1599 (median age, 41 years [IQR, 33-51 years]; 1124 male), and 1228 (median age, 44 years [IQR, 33-55 years]; 741 male) patients, respectively. FIB-Net obtained a noninferior specificity with a margin of 5% (P < .001) compared with SWE (80% vs 82%). The Two-step#1 algorithm showed higher specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) than FIB-4 (specificity, 79% vs 57%; PPV, 44% vs 32%) while reducing unnecessary referrals by 42%. The Three-step#1 algorithm had higher specificity and PPV compared with European Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines (specificity, 94% vs 88%; PPV, 73% vs 64%) while reducing unnecessary referrals by 35%. Conclusion A sequential algorithm combining FIB-4 and a US DL model showed higher diagnostic accuracy and improved referral management for all-cause advanced liver fibrosis compared with FIB-4 or the DL model alone. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Ghosh in this issue.

Risk Factors Analysis for 90-Day Mortality of Adult Patients with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in an Italian Emergency Department.

Purpose: The most prominent risk factors for mortality after mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) have not been established. This study aimed to establish risk factors related to 90-day mortality after a traumatic event. Methods: A retrospective cohort study on adult patients entering the Emergency Department of the University Hospital of Trieste for mild TBI from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 was conducted. Results: The final population was 1221 patients (median age of 78 years). The 90-day mortality rate was 7% (90 patients). In the Cox regression model (likelihood ratio 110.9; p < 2 × 10-16), the variables that significantly correlated to 90-day mortality were age (less than 75 years old is a protective factor, HR 0.29 [95%CI 0.16-0.54]; p < 0.001); chronic liver disease (HR 4.59 [95%CI 2.56-8.24], p < 0.001); cognitive impairment (HR 2.76 [95%CI 1.78-4.27], p < 0.001); intracerebral haemorrhage (HR 15.38 [95%CI 6.13-38.63], p < 0.001); and hospitalization (HR 2.56 [95%CI 1.67-3.92], p < 0.001). Cardiovascular disease (47% vs. 11%; p < 0.001) and cognitive impairment (36% vs. 10%; p < 0.001) were more prevalent in patients over 75 years of age than the rest of the population. Conclusions: In our cohort of patients with mild TBI, 90-day mortality was low but not negligible. The risk factors associated with 90-day mortality included age, history of chronic liver disease, and cognitive impairment, as well as evidence of intracerebral hemorrhage and hospitalization. The mortality of the sub-population of older patients was likely to be linked to cardiovascular comorbidities and neurodegenerative diseases.

Anticoagulant therapy likely increases risk of bleeding in Gynura segetum-induced hepatic sinus obstruction syndrome.

This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of Gynura segetum (Tusanqi)-induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) and the benefits and risks of anticoagulant therapy for Tusanqi-induced HSOS. This was a retrospective analysis of 49 patients with Tusanqi-induced HSOS who were treated with anticoagulation or standard therapy between July 2006 and December 2022. Clinical manifestations included abdominal pain (n = 47) and peritoneal or pleural effusion (n = 46); 2 patients died. Nineteen patients requested standard medical treatment, while 30 were treated with anticoagulants. HSOS resolved within 6 months in 22 patients but did not resolve in 27 patients. The resolution rate was higher in the anticoagulant than standard treatment group (P = .037). Logistic regression analysis revealed that a history of chronic liver disease or treatment increased the risk of poor outcomes. Bleeding complications occurred in 6 patients in the anticoagulant treatment group. Early diagnosis and anticoagulant treatment are beneficial for rapid recovery after Tusanqi-induced HSOS. However, anticoagulant treatment is associated with the risk of multisite bleeding.

Sexual Dimorphism in Decompensated Non Ethanol-related Chronic Liver Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Women exhibit a distinct natural history of chronic liver disease compared to men, particularly regarding progression and outcomes. Although liver disease prevalence is generally higher in men, the incidence of non ethanol-related liver disease is increasing among females. Metabolic syndromes and their consequences are less recognised in the female population until they develop end-stage cirrhosis. Limited studies have explored the differences between male and female cirrhosis. The present study aimed to address the knowledge gap in female Decompensated Chronic Liver Disease (DCLD). Aim: To identify the differences in presentation and outcomes between females and males with non ethanol-related cirrhosis. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Medical Gastroenterology and Hepatology,Tirunelveli Medical College, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India, involving 27 males and 33 females with non ethanol-related decompensated cirrhosis. A comparison was made between the aetiologies, presenting symptoms, complications, laboratory values, Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and in-hospital mortality during the first decompensation. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 Quantitative variables were expressed as mean and Standard Deviation, while qualitative variables were expressed as frequency and percentage. The association between categorical variables was analysed using the Chi-square test, and the comparison of continuous variables between the two groups was analysed using independent sample t-test. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of decompensation was 56.5 years for men and 50.9 years for women. The most common aetiology in men was Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) (63%), while in females, it was NAFLD (45%) and cryptogenic cirrhosis (45%) (p=0.020). Diabetes Mellitus (DM) was more prevalent in males (55.6% versus 33.3%). Variceal bleed was more common in females (66.7% versus 48.1%). Jaundice was more frequently observed in males (44.4% versus 21.2%) (p=0.05). Ascites was more prominent in males (70.4% versus 45.5%) (p=0.05). Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) was more prevalent in males (22.2% versus 15.2%). Females had a lower MELD scores compared to males (12.4±6.1 versus 15.2±6.4). Mortality was higher in males (22.2% versus 12.1%). Conclusion: Women with Decompensated Chronic Liver Disease tend to decompensate at a younger age compared to males and have a higher risk of Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding. NAFLD was the most common aetiology in both groups. Ascites and HE were more commonly observed in men. Females had lower MELD scores, resulting in a longer waiting period on the transplant list compared to males. Mortality was higher in males.

Efektivitas Rifapentine Pada Pasien Dewasa Dengan Infeksi TuberkulosisLaten (ITBL): Sebuah Kajian Sistematis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease whose successful treatment in Indonesia is affected by malnutrition, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and HIV infection. People with good immunity can prevent developing active disease, but the bacteria persistent in a dormant state. It will be active tuberculosis whenever (in few months) the immune system unable controlling the growth of TB bacteria. This systematic review aims to examine the effectiveness of rifapentine and its use with other regimens in patients with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). This study included literature published in the PubMed database from early January 2011 to January 2021, with keywords: "Effectiveness Rifapentine", “Tuberculosis”, and the Boolean operators, "AND". This study reported that there wew seventheen in studies countries, none in Indonesia. This study come to end that a regiment therapy with a combination of Rifapentine (P) and Isoniazid (H) once-weekly dose (called 3HP) for three months shows a good efficacy in LTBI patients, can improve patient adherence because of a shorter regiment administration and reduce the hepatotoxicity risk in patients with a history of chronic liver disease or increased aspartate transaminase (AST) level.

The safety and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided portal pressure gradient measurement with concomitant endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy: a systematic review

IntroductionPortal hypertension (PH) is a complication of advanced liver disease. Traditionally, PH has been quantified using hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) through an indirect transjugular approach requiring ionizing radiation exposure. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided porto-systemic pressure gradient (EUS-PPG) measurement is an emerging alternative, minimally invasive technique that provides direct portal pressure measurement. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EUS-PPG measurement and concomitant EUS-guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) in patients with chronic liver disease.MethodsThe preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses method was used. A PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and CINAHL search for terms “endoscopic ultrasound,” “EUS,” and “portal pressure gradient” was used to identify qualifying studies. Eligible studies included those which were published before 2022, reporting outcomes of EUS-PPG measurement, simultaneous EUS-LB if applicable, and adverse events rate. Risk of bias was assessed by Egger’s test. Results were synthesized using I2 to test heterogeneity.ResultsFour published studies including 147 patients met inclusion criteria, with mean age 59.6 years, 59% male. Indications for EUS-PPG measurement were history of chronic liver disease or suspected cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, alcohol associated liver disease, hepatic sinusoidal obstruction or Budd Chiari syndrome. The pooled technical success rate of EUS-PPG measurements was 98.61% with 95% confidence interval of 95.20% - 99.82%. A 25-gauge needle was used in 92% (135/147) of patients. EUS-PPG measurement was performed through a transgastric approach in all 147 (100%) patients using a compact manometer with pressure transducer and non-compressible tubing. The mean PPG was 10.07 (range 6.44 – 13.70) mmHg. Ninety-five patients underwent simultaneous EUS-LB using 19G needle with wet suction technique. Technical success rate of EUS-LB was 100% and specimen was adequate in 99% (94/95) patients to establish histological diagnosis. There were no major life-threatening complications of the EUS-PPG procedure. Predominant adverse events were abdominal pain 6.1% (9/147) and sore throat 5.4% (8/147).ConclusionEUS-PPG measurement is safe and useful in providing an assessment of portal pressure in patients with chronic liver disease. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether there is consistent correlation between EUS-PPG measurements and histologic fibrosis stage by liver biopsy.

Chronic Hypoxemia Inadvanced Liver Diseases: Hepatopulmonary Syndrome

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is one of the pulmonary complications from liver disease with or without cirrhosis. The prevalence of HPS varies from 4% to 47% in patients with liver cirrhosis. We present a case of chronic progressive dyspnea in an 18-year-old man with a history of chronic liver disease. Diagnosing can be particularly challenging, especially in cases involving prolonged dyspnea and comorbidities. Following thorough investigations, the patient's condition was attributed to a rarer condition: severe hepatopulmonary syndrome. Contrast-enhanced echocardiography with agitated saline is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary vascular dilatation which is the hallmark of HPS. There is currently no medical therapy approved for HPS. Oxygen therapy is recommended for patients with severe hypoxemia.

Frequency of Gallstones in Fatty Liver disease in a Tertiary Care of Suburban Islamabad

Background: Gallstone disease and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) share common etiological pathways. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of Gallstones and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease (NAFLD) in patients undergoing abdominal ultrasounds in our hospital and to compare the frequency of Gallstone disease in patients with NAFLD and without NAFLD.&#x0D; Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out at HBS General Hospital, Islamabad from January 2020 till December 2020. Patients undergoing routine ultrasounds in the out-patient department of the hospital were included in the study. Patients having Emergency Ultrasounds, history of Alcohol intake, history of chronic liver disease and pregnant patients were excluded from the study. Data was analysed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and IBM SPSS 22.&#x0D; Results: A total of 689 patients were included with a 3:1 Female to Male ratio. Mean Age was 40.65± 15.610 years. The prevalence of Gallstone disease was found to be 20.9% while that of NAFLD 27.6%. A higher percentage of patients with NAFLD had Gallstones as compared to those who did not have NAFLD (24.2% vs 19.6% respectively) however for overall data, statistical significance was not reached. A statistically significant greater number of young patients with NAFLD had Gallstones as compared to those who did not have NAFLD (50% vs 6%, p&lt;0.001). Mean age was greater in patients who had NAFLD as well as those having Gallstones.&#x0D; Conclusion: The frequency of Gallstones was greater in patients with NAFLD as compared to those without NAFLD.&#x0D; Keywords: Cholelithiasis, Fatty Liver Disease, Gallstones, Non-Alcoholic, Ultrasonogram&#x0D;

Inhibin-Positive "Cholangioblastic" Variant of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Report of 3 New Patients With Review of the Literature.

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary liver malignant neoplasm. It usually affects older individuals in their seventh decade of life with no gender predilection. Recently, a distinct subtype of cholangiocarcinoma has emerged with 2 proposed names: "cholangioblastic" and "solid tubulocystic." This variant predominantly occurs in younger women who lack the common risk factors for patients diagnosed with cholangiocarcinomas, such as older age and chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. We describe 3 new patients with a cholangioblastic variant of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. At the time of diagnosis, the patients were aged 19-, 46-, and 28-year-old; 2 females and 1 male (the 46-year-old). None of our patients had a history of chronic liver disease or known predisposing factors for liver tumors. Tumor size ranged from 2.3 to 23 cm in greatest dimension. Histological examination of these tumors demonstrated reproducible morphology characterized by trabecular, nested, and multicystic patterns with micro and macro follicles filled with eosinophilic material. The immunohistochemical profile showed that the tumor cells were positive for keratin 7, inhibin, synaptophysin, and albumin in situ hybridization, while negative for HepPar1, arginase, and INSM1. All tumors lacked conventional intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma/adenocarcinoma morphology. We also review the literature and emphasize that neuroendocrine tumors should be recognized as a major diagnostic pitfall of this variant.

High Prevalence of Severe Hepatic Fibrosis in Type 2 Diabetic Outpatients Screened for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly frequent condition in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the identification of subjects at higher risk of developing the more severe forms remains elusive in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and severity of liver fibrosis and its predictive factors in T2D outpatients without a known history of chronic liver disease by using recommended non-invasive methods. Consecutive T2D outpatients underwent a set of measurements of clinical and laboratory parameters, FIB-4 score (Fibrosis-4 index), and liver stiffness with controlled attenuation-parameter (CAP) performed by transient elastography (FibroScan) after excluding previous causes of liver disease. Among the 205 T2D outpatients enrolled in the study (median age: 64 years, diabetes duration: 11 years, HbA1c: 7.4%, and BMI: 29.6 kg/m2), 54% had high ALT and/or AST levels, 15.6% had liver stiffness value > 10.1 kPa (severe fibrosis), 55.1% had CAP values > 290 dB/m (severe steatosis), and FIB-4 score was >2 in 11.2% of subjects (>2.67 in 15 subjects). Moreover, 49 (23.9%) T2D patients had clinically meaningful liver harm, with either a FIB-4 score > 2 and/or FibroScan > 10.1 kPa. At regression analysis, BMI, HbA1c, creatinine, and triglycerides values were independent predictors of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis is a frequent finding in T2D outpatients without a known history of liver disease, especially in those with obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, worse glycemic control, and high creatinine levels.

A Curious Case of Hypervitaminosis D-related Hypercalcemia

Abstract Hypercalcemia can manifest with various symptoms and poses diagnostic challenges due to its multifactorial etiology. This case highlights a 74-year-old patient with hypercalcemia of complex origin. The patient had a history of chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, and a previous episode of hypercalcemia associated with excessive oral Vitamin D intake. On admission, the patient presented with disorientation and increased drowsiness. Further evaluation revealed persistently high serum calcium levels, low parathyroid hormone levels, and elevated levels of Vitamin D. Investigations identified a duodenal nodule with multiple lymph node enlargement, suggesting a malignancy as the underlying cause. Other potential factors contributing to hypercalcemia, such as a granulomatous disease, prolonged immobilization, and a deactivating mutation of the 24-hydroxylase gene (CYP24A1), were also considered. Despite interventions, including hemodialysis and denosumab administration, the patient’s condition deteriorated due to sepsis and hypotensive shock, ultimately resulting in death. This case emphasizes the importance of considering multiple etiologies in cases of hypercalcemia in the elderly and the challenges involved in managing severe symptomatic hypercalcemia. Medical professionals must employ sound clinical reasoning and comprehensive diagnostic approaches to accurately identify and address the underlying cause. Hemodialysis may be necessary in refractory cases to achieve serum calcium normalization.

Pseudocirrhosis and portal hypertension in patients with metastatic cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Pseudocirrhosis is a clinical and radiological entity mimicking liver cirrhosis in patients without a history of chronic liver disease. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature to evaluate the state-of-the-art and investigate the epidemiology and clinical features of pseudocirrhosis. We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus for literature published until February 28, 2022. We included in the final analysis 62 articles (N = 389 patients): 51 case reports (N = 64 patients), 5 case series (N = 35 patients) and 6 observational studies (N = 290 patients). About 80% of patients included in the case reports and case series had breast cancer. Most patients had at least one clinical sign of portal hypertension and ascites was the most common clinical manifestation of portal hypertension. The median time from pseudocirrhosis to death was 2 months (IQR 1–7 months). Alkylating agents and antimitotics were the most common classes of anticancer drugs reported in our study population. Notably, about 70% of patients received three or more anticancer drugs. Finally, pseudocirrhosis is a condition that occurs in patients with hepatic metastases and may have a negative impact on survival and clinical management of patients because of the potential development of portal hypertension and its complications.

Chemotherapy dose per kilogram lean body mass increased dose-limiting toxicity event in male head and neck cancer with taxane and platinum-based induction therapy

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine whether drug doses per kilogram of lean body mass (LBM) were associated with dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) events in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 179 HNC patients who underwent induction chemotherapy (IC) at a medical center from May 1, 2014, to May 31, 2021. HNC patients’ characteristics, tumor factors, IC regimen and dose, laboratory data, and body composition factors, including lean body mass (LBM) and skeletal muscle index (SMI), derived from CT, MRI, or PET scan images and drug dose per kilogram LBM were recorded. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) events were regarded as the primary outcome. Multivariate logistic regression was used to establish a novel risk score for DLT events by the abovementioned variables. The above-mentioned risk score was validated in another cohort.ResultsThe overall DLT events during the first cycle of IC for 179 HNC patients was 24%. After stratifying by gender, docetaxel per kilogram LBM > 2.52 mg/kg (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25–8.09), pre-treatment glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) > 40 U/L (aOR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.03–6.64), and history of chronic liver diseases (aOR, 3.98; 95% CI, 1.03–15.46) were significant variables in male HNC patients. The DLT events risk was categorized by summation of the above-mentioned risk factors for male HNC patients. Three risk groups were stratified by overall event of 17.6%, 25.8%, and 75%. The above-mentioned risk score had an acceptable discriminatory ability in another validation cohort.ConclusionsAmong male HNC patients treated with IC, docetaxel per kilogram LBM more than 2.52 mg/kg, pre-treatment GPT > 40 U/L, and history of chronic liver disease were significant risk factors for DLT events. Identifying high-risk patients could help physicians prevent severe/fatal complications among HNC patients undergoing IC, especially for the male individuals.

S3137 Post-COVID-19 Cholestatic Hepatitis

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-COV-2 has led to a global crisis of unprecedented reach and proportion. In addition to the pulmonary consequences, the incidence of liver injury is increasingly being reported. Understanding the hepatotropism of SARS-COV-2 is of paramount importance as it can lead to a severe COVID-19 course. This case details a unique presentation of cholestatic hepatitis likely a sequela of a severe SARS-COV-2 infection in our patient. Case Description/Methods: A 49-year-old lady with a history of seizure disorder, migraines, hypertension, and recent six-week ICU admission for COVID illness requiring mechanical ventilation (ECMO), presented to our gastroenterology clinic for a post-discharge follow-up. During admission, she consistently had an abnormal elevation of liver enzymes (Peak ALP 2000, AST, ALT 300, Bilirubin 2.5). MRCP was normal and a liver biopsy showed marked intralobular bile duct injury showing severe cytologic atypia, periductal edema, periductal and intraductal neutrophilic, and lymphocytic inflammation and marked ductular reaction, focal mild hepatocellular cholestasis, Kupffer cell hyperplasia. She had no prior history of chronic liver disease and LFT was normal at baseline. Post discharge LFT showed alkaline phosphatase of 1514 with total bilirubin 1.4. Infective (Hepatitis A, B, C panel), Inflammatory/Autoimmune (ANA, ASMA, AMA, P-ANC, Anti-SLA/LP, Anti ds-DNA, ALKM-1, and ALKM-3) workup was negative. Repeat imaging with USG and MRI was unremarkable. She received a course of prednisone after discharge with no improvement in LFT, it was tapered off. She is currently asymptomatic 6 months after acute illness but continues to have persistently elevated liver enzymes with a gradual downtrend with the latest being ALP 490, AST 86, ALT 95, and T. Bilirubin 0.8. Discussion: We describe a unique case of post-COVID-19 cholestatic hepatitis with persistently elevated liver biochemistry with unclear etiology despite extensive workup. It could be a confluence of Secondary Cholangitis in Critically Ill Patients (SSC-CIP) and direct hepatic injury from COVID-19. Further data is needed to understand the patterns of liver injury due to COVID and the development of possible treatment for this newly described condition associated with the virus.

Clinical, Laboratory and Virological Characteristics of Patients with Positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

Background and Aim: Globally, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health issue contributing to various diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis. Virus replication complex interaction with host immune system response causes dynamic interplay leading to HBV infection. In developing countries, HBV infection plays a significant role in higher rates of morbidities and mortalities. The present study aimed to assess the clinical, laboratory, and virological characteristics of patients with positive HBV surface antigen. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 182 positive HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) in the department of Medicine, Social Security Hospital, Multan Road Lahore from April 2021 to March 2022. All the patients with positive HBsAg and negative hepatitis C were enrolled. Patients with a history of chronic liver disease, acute hepatitis B infection, and antiviral therapy were excluded. All patients underwent CBC, liver function tests, clinical evaluation, and abdominal ultrasonography examination, HBV serological marker’s assessment, HBV transmission risk factors, and HBV-DNA quantitative detection. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Results: Out of 182 HBV infected patients, there were 162 (89%) males and 20 (11%) females. The overall mean age was 38.6 ± 8.6 years. The most prevalent complaint and common findings was arthralgia and hepatomegaly with reported incidence of 32 (17.6%) and 16 (8.8%) respectively. Based on ultrasonography imaging results, the incidence of normal liver, coarse liver, splenomegaly, and cirrhosis were found in 81.3% (n=148), 12.6% (n=23), 5.9% (n=11), and 6.6% (n=12) respectively. Based on laboratory results, normal alanine aminotransferase, normal aspartate aminotransferase, reduced serum albumin, and low platelet count were found in 76.9%, 84.8%, 4.9%, and 10.2% respectively. Regarding laboratory, clinical, and imaging characteristics, HBV-DNA positive and negative had no significant differences. Conclusion: The present study found that HBV infected patient’s clinical manifestations were fatigue, bleeding gums, abdominal pain and fatigue. Majority of patients had normal liver on liver function tests and ultrasonographic examination. Most patients had negative HBV infection antigen. Based on comparisons made between HBV-DNA negative and positive, no substantial variations were reported on laboratory, clinical, and imaging characteristics. Keywords: HBV antigen, Virological characteristics, HBV

Comparison of intrahepatic cholestasis incidence and maternal perinatal outcomes in fresh and frozen embryo transfers

Objective: To compare the perinatal and maternal results of intrahepatic cholestasis (ICP) in fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (ET) pregnancies.&#x0D; Material and Method: This research was performed retrospectively, including fourty-five pregnant women applied to our hospital between October 2010 and January 2021. Two groups have been determined, group:1 (Frozen thawed; n:21) and group:2 (Fresh; n:24). Common pruritus in the body and high fasting bile acids (FBA) levels (greater than 10 mmol/L) were accepted as diagnostic criteria. The exclusion criteria were spontaneous pregnancies, multiple pregnancies, chronic liver disease history. SPSS, version 26 was used for statistical analysis.&#x0D; Results: Statistically significant difference could not be associated between the two groups regarding age, maternal body mass index (BMI), smoking status, number of trials, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), types of infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) incidence (p-value &gt;0.05). The way of birth, gender, congenital anomaly, need for meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), weight of newborn at birth, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), gestational age at birth and 5 min Apgar score also compared and significantly difference could not be associated between two groups (p-value &gt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study supports the fact that frozen-thawed and fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies in terms of maternal characteristics and perinatal results have no difference.

Jaundice and Weight Gain After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in a 28-Year-Old Patient With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Question: A 28-year-old white man with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma developed sudden weight gain and jaundice 2 weeks after autologous stem cell transplantation. The patient complained about abdominal pain and fatigue. He had no prior history of chronic liver disease or cholecystolithiasis but had initially displayed hepatic manifestation of lymphoma. On examination, he presented with an extended abdomen, leg edema, jaundice, and signs of hepatic encephalopathy. Lab results showed beginning liver failure with abrupt rise of liver enzymes (glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase 3617 U/L, glutamate-pyruvate transaminase 1283 U/I) and hyperbilirubinemia (bilirubin 96.7 μmol/L) as well as deranged coagulation (international normalized ratio 2.5).

Three Lumens Full of Blood—An Unusual Case of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Question: A 58-year-old man was initially referred to our gastroenterology outpatient clinic for investigation of iron-deficiency anemia and positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT). His medical history was significant for simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants 9 years earlier in the context of type 1 diabetes, for which he remained on triple immunosuppressive therapy with prednisolone, mycophenolate, and tacrolimus. His transplants were complicated by biopsy-proven chronic antibody-mediated rejection 4 years earlier, for which he received 6 months of intravenous immunoglobulin. There was no history of chronic liver disease or nonsteroidal medication use. Investigations demonstrated iron-deficiency anemia with a hemoglobin of 88 g/L, ferritin 14 μg/L, transferring saturation 5%, and a positive FOBT (1 of 3 samples). The patient underwent further evaluation with gastroscopy and colonoscopy, which were both unremarkable and did not identify a cause for iron-deficiency anemia. One month later, the patient re-presented to the emergency department with several days of melena and symptomatic anemia with a hemoglobin of 78 g/L. The patient underwent repeated gastroscopy, which did not reveal a cause for his symptoms. He received a blood transfusion and was referred for outpatient capsule endoscopy. Several weeks later, the patient represented with 3 days of melena and symptomatic anemia with a hemoglobin level of 45 g/L. The patient underwent an urgent push enteroscopy. What are the differential diagnoses of gastrointestinal bleeding in this patient? Look on page 335 for the answer and see the Gastroenterology website (www.gastrojournal.org) for more information on submitting to Gastro Curbside Consult. A pediatric colonoscope was inserted 60 cm beyond the pylorus. There was no evidence of esophageal varices, esophagitis, or gastric varices. There was no ulceration or stigmata of recent hemorrhage found in the stomach or duodenum. At 55 cm distal to the pylorus, the anastomosis of the pancreatic transplant was encountered. It demonstrated a side-to-side duodenojejunostomy with 2 short blind duodenal limbs and the native efferent jejunal limb (Figure A). At the anastomosis, multiple varices were noted, of which one vessel was actively bleeding (Figure B). Hemostasis was achieved with the injection of adrenaline (2 mL, 1:10,000) and 2 through-the-scope hemostatic clips (Figure C). The patient then underwent a computed tomographic scan with pancreas protocol to characterize the anatomy and vasculature at the duodenojejunal anastomosis. Multiple venous varices were identified that communicated with a distended transplant pancreatic vein (Figure D). The transplant pancreatic vein anastomoses with the proximal right common iliac vein, and therefore the varices were not due to portal venous hypertension. There was no anastomotic stenosis, no venous thrombosis, and no arteriovenous fistulae. The hemoglobin remained stable after endoscopy and the patient was discharged home 3 days later. At outpatient follow-up 2 months after discharge, there was no evidence of further gastrointestinal bleeding and the hemoglobin level was stable. The patient will continue to be closely observed in the outpatient setting, with a view to endovascular intervention if further gastrointestinal bleeding occurs. Ectopic variceal bleeding from anastomotic varices between the donor duodenum and recipient small bowel are rare, with only 3 cases reported in the literature.1Gopal J.P. Jackson J.E. Palmer A. Taube D. Rathnasamy Muthusamy A.S. Gastrointestinal bleeding in a pancreas transplant recipient: a case to remember.Am J Case Rep. 2020; 21e923197Crossref PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar, 2Rostambeigi N. Shrestha P. Dunn T.B. et al.Recurrent ectopic variceal bleed after pancreas transplantation with no portal hypertension: case report and outcomes of endovascular onyx embolization.Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2019; 53: 415-419Crossref PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar, 3Fontana I. Bertocchi M. Di Domenico S. et al.Percutaneous embolization of periduodenal varix due to portal hypertension in a patient with kidney-pancreas transplantation: a case report.Transplant Proc. 2010; 42: 2162-2163Crossref PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar The mechanism by which ectopic varices develop after pancreas transplantation are not clear. Potential explanations include portal hypertension secondary to cirrhosis, increased vascular resistance, rejection of pancreatic transplant, and chronic venous obstruction. In our case, the mechanism was not elucidated.