Liver Decompensation Research Articles

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Outcomes and Trainee Perception of Code Status Discussions in Patients with Cirrhosis.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) outcomes among patients with cirrhosis are poor, but factors associated with outcomes and provider awareness remain under-evaluated. We retrospectively investigated in-hospital CPR mortality among patients with cirrhosis, and, using these results, undertook an educational study among providers to improve knowledge of CPR outcomes and code status in patients with cirrhosis. We identified patients with cirrhosis admitted from 2012 to 2022 who underwent CPR at our center; the primary outcome was survival-to-discharge. A brief video based on these results was presented online to Internal Medicine residents, along with paired pre/post-surveys assessing attitudes toward holding code status conversations and knowledge of CPR outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. 97 cases of CPR were identified. 27 patients (28%) survived to discharge post-CPR. A history of liver decompensation was significantly associated with lower survival (OR 0.21, p < 0.05). 22 residents participated in the educational intervention; afterward, their estimation of survival after CPR for patients with cirrhosis significantly improved (p < 0.05). Mean confidence in answering patient questions about prognosis, measured from 1 to 5, also significantly improved (2.4-"a little confident" vs. 3.8-"confident", p < 0.05). 59% of surveyed residents identified impact on liver transplant candidacy as at least a "somewhat significant" barrier to code status conversations. We identified significant trainee uncertainty about outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. These deficits improved after an educational intervention and gave providers more confidence in holding informed code status conversations with patients with cirrhosis, a population that faces barriers to adequate code discussions.

Technical Challenges in Simultaneous Living Donor Liver Transplantation and Domino Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation is the ideal treatment of choice for Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP). It is known that during transplantation surgery, this explant liver which will be removed from amyloid patient can be used as a domino graft for another suitable recipient. Even after successful results of domino liver transplantation in deceased donation setting this procedure is always seen with a fear of putting both the recipients at risk due to technical challenge. With living donor as the liver donor for the amyloid patient, the challenges faced are even higher. Only few centres have done similar surgeries and there are no standard guidelines for the same. The anatomical prerequisites, technique, and indications of domino orthotopic liver transplant (D-OLT) in live donation settling are still evolving. We here report a case of live donor liver transplant from a 38 year old with a Right lobe graft for a 40 year old with FAP along with D-OLT for a 52 year old with HBV related decompensated chronic liver disease with HCC. We have described the technical challenges and learnings in our first case which is one of few cases done in the Indian Subcontinent.

Dysbiosis and nutrition in steatotic liver disease: addressing the unrecognized small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) challenge.

Steatotic liver disease (SLD) is characterized by hepatic fat accumulation, potentially causing major consequences such as liver decompensation. Currently, we lack medications for the treatment of SLD. Therapeutic recommendations for patients include a hypocaloric diet, weight loss, and physical activity. In particular, the Mediterranean diet is frequently recommended. However, this diet might exacerbate intestinal problems in a subset of patients with coexisting small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Previous studies have reported that SIBO is more predominant in patients with fatty liver than in healthy individuals. Both our research and the findings of others have highlighted a challenge related to nutritional therapy in patients with fatty liverwho also suffer from SIBO inasmuch as SIBO induces several phenomena (like bloating or abdominal pain) that can adversely affect patients' quality of life and might be exacerbated by the Mediterranean diet. This may lower their adherence to the intervention. As a solution, we suggest introducing additional diagnostics (e.g., breath test) in patients with SLD who complain of SIBO-like symptoms. The next step is to modify their diets temporarily starting with several weeks of "elimination and sanitation." This would involve restricting products rich in fermentable sugars and polyols, while simultaneously treating the bacterial overgrowth. In summary, while the hypocaloric Mediterranean diet is beneficial for patients with fatty liver, those with coexisting SIBO may experience exacerbated symptoms. It is vital to consider additional diagnostics and dietary modifications for this subset of patients to address both liver and intestinal health concurrently.

Endoscopic variceal ligation versus propranolol for the primary prevention of oesophageal variceal bleeding in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: an open-label, two-centre, randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveThis randomised trial aimed to address whether endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) or propranolol (PPL) is more effective at preventing initial oesophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).DesignPatients...

Recurrent alcohol-associated hepatitis is common and is associated with increased mortality.

Alcohol relapse after surviving an episode of alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) is common. However, the clinical features, risk factors, and prognostic implications of recurrent alcohol-associated hepatitis (RAH) are not well described. A registry-based study was done of patients admitted to 28 Spanish hospitals for an episode of AH between 2014 and 2021. Baseline demographics and laboratory variables were collected. Risk factors for RAH were investigated using Cox regression analysis. We analyzed the severity of the index episodes of AH and compared it to that of RAH. Long-term survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. A total of 1118 patients were included in the analysis, 125 (11%) of whom developed RAH during follow-up (median: 17 [7-36] months). The incidence of RAH in patients resuming alcohol use was 22%. The median time to recurrence was 14 (8-29) months. Patients with RAH had more psychiatric comorbidities. Risk factors for developing RAH included age <50 years, alcohol use >10U/d, and history of liver decompensation. RAH was clinically more severe compared to the first AH (higher MELD, more frequent ACLF, and HE). Moreover, alcohol abstinence during follow-up was less common after RAH (18% vs. 45%, p <0.001). Most importantly, long-term mortality was higher in patients who developed RAH (39% vs. 21%, p = 0.026), and presenting with RAH independently predicted high mortality (HR: 1.55 [1.11-2.18]). RAH is common and has a more aggressive clinical course, including increased mortality. Patients surviving an episode of AH should undergo intense alcohol use disorder therapy to prevent RAH.

Portal hypertension is associated with poorer outcome and clinical liver decompensation in patients with HCC treated with Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab

BackgroundPortal hypertension (PHT) often complicates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment and prognosis. We aimed to assess PHT's impact on AtezoBev outcomes and identify predictors of acute variceal bleeding (AVB) and clinical ascites occurrence. MethodsA prospective cohort of 200 HCC patients treated with AtezoBev was studied alongside a retrospective cohort of 123 patients treated with Sorafenib. We assessed factors influencing progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), AVB and clinical ascites development, focusing on PHT parameters, and comparing outcomes within and between the two cohorts (time-dependent Cox model and adjusted survival curves). ResultsAmong the AtezoBev cohort, 10% experienced AVB, 24% had high-risk esophageal varices (EV) and 46% vascular invasion. Median PFS and OS in the AtezoBev cohort was 5.13 and 12.2 months. AVB (HR=1.81;[95%CI:1.03–3.17]) and clinical ascites occurrence (HR=2.29;[95%CI:1.52–3.45]) were independently associated with mortality. AVB incidence was 12% at 12 months in AtezoBev patients and EV, history of AVB<6months and vascular invasion were independently associated with AVB. The Sorafenib cohort had shorter median PFS and OS, with similar AVB incidence and only EV were associated with AVB. ConclusionsPHT-related events significantly affect not only liver decompensation but also OS in AtezoBev-treated patients. We suggest a more widespread use of NSBB to prevent liver decompensation, with intensified prophylaxis for high-risk patients.

Comparison of Rifaximin Alone and With Quinolones in the Primary Prevention of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Patients With Decompensated Chronic Liver Disease.

Background In cirrhotic patients with ascites, primary prevention of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a key strategy to lower morbidity and death. Rifaximin and fluoroquinolone used alternately as main prophylaxis are as effective as reported. This study aimed to compare the frequency of occurrence of SBP in patients with decompensated chronic liver disease treated with rifaximin alone and in combination with fluoroquinolone. Methodology A total of 76 patients with hepatitis C virus-related decompensated chronic liver disease and ascites were divided into two groups based on matching age, sex, and Child-Pugh class. Group A (38 patients) received rifaximin 1,100 mg/day in two divided doses with daily fluoroquinolone 400 mg/day, whereas group B (38 patients) received rifaximin 1,100 mg/day alone as a two dosage. The patients were monitored for up to three months. The study's endpoints were SBP, hepatocellular carcinoma, compliance failure, death, or liver transplantation. Results In this comparative study involving 76 patients, the demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed across two treatment groups: rifaximin alone (n = 38) and rifaximin with fluoroquinolone (n = 38). The combination therapy demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in SBP compared to rifaximin alone. Additionally, the overall survival rate was higher in the combination group. These findings suggest potential benefits of the combined approach in managing hepatic encephalopathy-related complications. Conclusions When compared to rifaximin alone for primary SBP prophylaxis, the combination of rifaximin with fluoroquinolone exhibited greater effectiveness with the same safety profile.

A223 DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE AND PRIMARY SCLEROSING CHOLANGITIS AT THE OTTAWA HOSPITAL

Abstract Background Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is present in up to 8% of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Characteristics of this population are unique and data are limited. Aims To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of all individuals with PSC-IBD managed at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH). Methods A chart review was performed for 132 patients with PSC-IBD followed at TOH between January 1998 and July 2023. Results Of 132 individuals with PSC-IBD identified at TOH, 26.5% had Crohn’s disease (CD), 68.2% had ulcerative colitis (UC) and 5.3% had IBD-unclassified. Median age at diagnosis were 25.3 (IQR 20.94) for IBD and 33.84 (IQR 23.98) for PSC, and 66.7% of all patients were male. More than 17% had a co-morbid autoimmune disease other than IBD or PSC. Of those with CD, roughly 15% had fibrostenotic or penetrating complications and 17% had perianal disease at the time of IBD diagnosis. Only 28% ever had a liver biopsy, whereas the majority were diagnosed with PSC by cholangiography. PSC distribution was isolated intrahepatic in 47%, isolated extra-hepatic in 5.1% and mixed intra/extra-hepatic in 38.5%. Clinically significant portal hypertension was present in 11.5% at PSC diagnosis, while 27.3% and 16.7% developed cirrhosis and liver decompensation, respectively by last follow-up. 17.4% underwent liver transplant, of which 30.4% developed PSC recurrence post-transplant. Conclusions Our study showed that the majority of PSC-IBD patients are young males with UC. Co-morbid autoimmune diseases are common while isolated extra-hepatic PSC is uncommon. Cirrhosis, liver decompensation and liver transplant are frequent occurrences in this population. PSC recurrence post-transplant is observed in more than 30% of patients. Funding Agencies None

A216 MODERATE TO SEVERE ACUTE UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING IN RURAL NORTHERN ONTARIO: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF AETIOLOGIES, GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS, AND OUTCOMES

Abstract Background Hospitalizations for upper gastrointestinal bleeds (UGIBs) are resource-demanding as they often require blood transfusion, endoscopy, and intensive care unit admission. Referral centers that provide higher levels of care to remote regions treat illnesses, including UGIB, in much later stages of disease and of higher severity. The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center (TBRHSC) is a referral center servicing over 250,000 people over a geographically expansive region of Northern Ontario. Despite known barriers to accessing care, little data is currently available to guide our understanding of UGIB aetiologies, severity, and outcomes among patients living remotely in Canada. Aims This retrospective study aimed to evaluate epidemiological data among patients with UGIB at TBRHSC. Methods Of 441 patients with a discharge diagnosis of gastrointestinal hemorrhage from 2016–2022, inclusion criteria were met for 333. Patients under 18 y or with lower GIB were excluded. Patients were classified as regional if their primary address was outside the District of Thunder Bay. Results Patients were highly comorbid (median CCI = 5) and presented with a median (IQR) GBS of 9 (6) and Clinical Rockall Score of 3 (1). Of those who received inpatient endoscopy (n=248), findings included erosive gastritis (21%), gastric ulcer (14%), esophagitis (12%), duodenal ulcer (8%), AVM (7%), and variceal (6%). No definite lesion was observed in 62 patients (22%). The median (IQR) Complete Rockall Score was 4 (2) with major stigmata of recent hemorrhage found in 20%. There was a high prevalence (19%) of cirrhosis, of which 83% had a history of liver decompensation. In 49% of cirrhotic patients, culprit lesions did not include portal hypertensive gastropathy or variceal bleeding. Regional patients accounted for 14% of the population and travelled an average of 424 km to seek care at TBRHSC. Regional patients were younger and required more ICU admissions (p=0.01). ICU admission primarily due to UGIB was 5.4% and all-cause thirty-day mortality was 3.3%. Oral anti-coagulation use prevalence was 43.2% and was associated with a longer length of stay (pampersand:003C0.0001), higher proportion of all-cause 30-day mortality (pampersand:003C0.005). Forty-eight patients did not receive endoscopy due to bleeding stability, palliation, and preference. Conclusions Patients with UGIB at TBRHSC are a highly multimorbid population with a significantly burden of anticoagulant use, cirrhosis, and variceal bleeding. Comparative analysis with metropolitan centers will expand our understanding for providing UGIB care in Northern Ontario. Funding Agencies NOAMA

Non-Invasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in Hepatitis B Patients.

The aim of this review is to provide updated information on the clinical use of non-invasive serum and imaging-based tests for fibrosis assessment in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection. In recent years, non-invasive tests (NIT) have been increasingly used to determine eligibility for treatment. Liver biopsy is still considered the gold standard for assessing inflammatory activity and fibrosis staging, but it is an invasive procedure with inherent limitations. Simple serum markers such as APRI and FIB-4 are limited by indeterminate results but remain useful initial tests for fibrosis severity if imaging elastography is not available. Point-of-care US-based elastography techniques, such as vibration-controlled transient elastography or 2D shear wave elastography, are increasingly available and have better accuracy than simple serum tests for advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, although stiffness cut-offs are variable based on E-antigen status and inflammatory activity. Current NITs have poor diagnostic performance for following changes in fibrosis with antiviral therapy. However, NITs may have greater clinical utility for determining prognosis in patients with CHB that have advanced disease, especially for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and/or liver decompensation. Algorithms combining serum and imaging NITs appear promising for advanced fibrosis and prognostic risk stratification.

First and further liver decompensation in patients with metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease: what clinical impact?

First and further liver decompensation in patients with metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease: what clinical impact?

Outcomes after kidney transplant alone in patients with cirrhosis-A case-control study.

Guidelines recommend kidney transplant alone (KTA) in compensated cirrhosis based on a few small studies, but this is not widely performed despite its potential benefit to patients and the organ supply. Our aim was to determine the outcomes of KTA in patients with compensated cirrhosis. From 1/2012 to 12/2021, outcomes in KTA recipients with compensated cirrhosis were retrospectively compared to patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) but no cirrhosis. Patients with compensated cirrhosis were also compared to a matched cohort (based on age, time on hemodialysis, sex, and ethnicity) of KTA recipients without CLD. The outcomes included patient survival, allograft failure, allograft rejection, serious infection, liver decompensation, and length of stay (LOS). Over 9 years, 1562 KTAs were performed, with 150 (9.6%) patients having CLD mostly due to chronic hepatitis C, and a median follow-up of 3.5 years. 32/150 (21%) had compensated cirrhosis at the time of KTA with a mean MELD-Na of 22 (1.5). Matched controls (n=189) were identified. We found no differences in patient survival (p=.07), allograft failure (p=.6), allograft rejection (p=.43), rates of serious infection (p=.31), as well as LOS (p=.61) among patients with compensated cirrhosis compared to patients with CLD but no cirrhosis, but with higher rates of liver decompensation (p=.004). Similarly, compared to patients without CLD, patients with cirrhosis had similar rates of patient survival (p=.20), allograft failure (p=.27), allograft rejection (p=.62) and LOS (p=.19) but with higher rates of serious infections (p=.001). Our study supports the safety and efficacy of KTA in patients with compensated cirrhosis.

Bulevirtide monotherapy prevents liver decompensation and reduces mortality in patients with HDV-related cirrhosis: a case control study with propensity score weighted analysis

Bulevirtide monotherapy prevents liver decompensation and reduces mortality in patients with HDV-related cirrhosis: a case control study with propensity score weighted analysis

Screening strategy to advance HCV elimination in Italy: a cost-consequence analysis.

Italy has the greatest burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Western Europe. The screening strategy represents a crucial prevention tool to achieve HCV elimination in Italy. We evaluated the cost-consequences of different screening strategies for the diagnosis of HCV active infection in the birth cohort 1948-1968 to achieve the HCV elimination goal. We designed a probabilistic model to estimate the clinical, and economic outcomes of different screening coverage uptakes, considering the direct costs of HCV management according to eachliverfibrosis stage, in the Italian context. A decision probabilistic tree simulates 4years of HCV testing of the 1948-1968 general population birth cohort, (15,485,565 individuals to be tested) considering different coverage rates. A No-screening scenario was compared with two alternative screening scenarios that represented different coverage rates each year: (1) Incremental approach (coverage rates equal to 5%, 10%, 30%, and 50% at years 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively) and (2) Fast approach (50% coverage rate at years 1, 2, 3 and 4). Overall 106,200 cases were previouslyestimated to have an HCV active infection. A liver disease progression Markov model was considered for an additional 6years (horizon-time 10 years). The highest increased number of deaths and clinical events are reported for the No-screening scenario (21,719 cumulative deaths at the end of ten years; 10,148 cases with HCC and/or 7618 cases with Decompensated Cirrhosis). Following the Fast-screening scenario, the reductions in clinical outcomes and deaths were higher compared with No-screening and Incremental-screening. At ten years time horizon, less than 5696 liver deaths (PSA CI95%: -3873 to 7519), 3,549 HCC (PSA CI95%: -2413 to 4684) and less than 3005 liver decompensations (PSA CI 95%: -2104 to 3907) were estimated compared with the Incremental-scenario. The overall costs of the Fast-screening, including the costs of the DAA and liver disease management of the infected patients for 10years, are estimated to be € 43,107,543 more than no-investment in screening and € 62,289,549 less compared with the overall costs estimated by the Incremental-scenario. It is necessary to guarantee dedicated funds and efficiency of the system for the cost-efficacious screening of the 1948-1968 birth cohort in Italy. A delay in HCV diagnosis and treatment in the general population, yet not addressed for the HCV free-of-charge screening, will have important clinical and economic consequences in Italy.

Impact of an Automated Population-Level Cirrhosis Screening Program Using Common Pathology Tests on Rates of Cirrhosis Diagnosis and Linkage to Specialist Care (CAPRISE): Protocol for a Pilot Prospective Single-Arm Intervention Study.

People with compensated cirrhosis receive the greatest benefit from risk factor modification and prevention programs to reduce liver decompensation and improve early liver cancer detection. Blood-based liver fibrosis algorithms such as the Aspartate Transaminase-to-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index are calculated using routinely ordered blood tests and are effective screening tests to exclude cirrhosis in people with chronic liver disease, triaging the need for further investigations to confirm cirrhosis and linkage to specialist care. This pilot study aims to evaluate the impact of a population screening program for liver cirrhosis (CAPRISE [Cirrhosis Automated APRI and FIB-4 Screening Evaluation]), which uses automated APRI and FIB-4 calculation and reporting on routinely ordered blood tests, on monthly rates of referral for transient elastography, cirrhosis diagnosis, and linkage to specialist care. We have partnered with a large pathology service in Victoria, Australia, to pilot a population-level liver cirrhosis screening package, which comprises (1) automated calculation and reporting of APRI and FIB-4 on routinely ordered blood tests; (2) provision of brief information about liver cirrhosis; and (3) a web link for transient elastography referral. APRI and FIB-4 will be prospectively calculated on all community-ordered pathology results in adults attending a single pathology service. This single-center, prospective, single-arm, pre-post study will compare the monthly rates of transient elastography (FibroScan) referral, liver cirrhosis diagnosis, and the proportion linked to specialist care in the 6 months after intervention to the 6 months prior to the intervention. As of January 2024, in the preintervention phase of this study, a total of 120,972 tests were performed by the laboratory. Of these tests, 78,947 (65.3%) tests were excluded, with the remaining 42,025 (34.7%) tests on 37,872 individuals meeting inclusion criteria with APRI and FIB-4 being able to be calculated. Of these 42,025 tests, 1.3% (n=531) had elevated APRI>1 occurring in 446 individuals, and 2.3% (n=985) had elevated FIB-4>2.67 occurring in 816 individuals. Linking these data with FibroScan referral and appointment attendance is ongoing and will continue during the intervention phase, which is expected to commence on February 1, 2024. We will determine the feasibility and effectiveness of automated APRI and FIB-4 reporting on the monthly rate of transient elastography referrals, liver cirrhosis diagnosis, and linkage to specialist care. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12623000295640; https://tinyurl.com/58dv9ypp. DERR1-10.2196/56607.

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

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

Hepatic Cirrhosis and its Management via Electro-Homoeopathic Practices

Hepatic cirrhosis is known by the development of regenerative nodules in liver parenchyma surrounded by fibrous septa resultant to chronic liver damage. Cirrhosis happens due to necrosis of liver cells followed by fibrosis and nodule formation. The liver organization come to be abnormal and interferes with liver blood flow and function, and eventually pointers to portal hypertension followed by hepatocytic dysfunction. Chronic liver diseases signify a remarkable health problem across the world with liver cirrhosis. The exact prevalence of cirrhosis worldwide was ambiguous due to the clinical continuum ranging from apathetic, asymptomatic to whole liver decompensation. Therefore, recurrent inputs via a series of research in view of various conventional and definite earlier techniques in background, along this thrust medical area, directed an emerging and medically most precise an alternate technique, namely, Electro-Homoeopathic Medical Science that has been presently in practice by a number of practitioners in India and southeast Asian countries enlightening attractive outcome without any significant post therapeutic physiological and/or biochemical side effect concomitant with risk factor. Various clinical practices and survey provide new insights into the development and establishment of an increasingly advanced form of the electro-homeopathic system for a defined diagnosis enlightening a definite root cause and efficient management of Liver Disease as well as its perception.

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.

B-Blockers in Liver Cirrhosis: A Wonder Drug for Every Stage of Portal Hypertension? A Narrative Review.

In cirrhotic patients, non-selective b-blockers (NSBBs) constitute the reference treatment of choice as monotherapy or combined with band ligation for the prevention of first variceal bleeding and rebleeding, respectively. Furthermore, the last Baveno VII guidelines recommended carvedilol, a b-blocker with additional anti-a1 receptor activity, in all compensated cirrhotics with clinically significant portal hypertension, to prevent liver decompensation. Interestingly enough, NSBBs have been reported to have a potentially positive impact on the short-term mortality of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure. However, concerns remain about the use of b-blockers in the presence of severe complications, such as refractory ascites, hepatorenal syndrome, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or established cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. In addition, it has not been verified yet whether carvedilol supersedes all the other NSBBs in every stage of liver disease, even when severe complications have developed. Therefore, this review aims to illustrate recent data regarding the potential role of b-blockers across all stages of liver disease, beyond the primary and secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding, and address the authors' proposals on the use of NSBBs concerning the severity of liver disease and the patient's performance status.

Advances in the management of complications from cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis with complications of liver decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitute a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Portal hypertension is central to the progression of liver disease and decompensation. The most recent Baveno VII guidance included revision of the nomenclature for chronic liver disease, termed compensated advanced chronic liver disease, and leveraged the use of liver stiffness measurement to categorize the degree of portal hypertension. Additionally, non-selective beta blockers, especially carvedilol, can improve portal hypertension and may even have a survival benefit. Procedural techniques with interventional radiology have become more advanced in the management of refractory ascites and variceal bleeding, leading to improved prognosis in patients with decompensated liver disease. While lactulose and rifaximin are the preferred treatments for hepatic encephalopathy, many alternative treatment options may be used in refractory cases and even procedural interventions such as shunt embolization may be of benefit. The approval of terlipressin for the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) in the USA has improved the way in which HRS is managed and will be discussed in detail. Malnutrition, frailty, and sarcopenia lead to poorer outcomes in patients with decompensated liver disease and should be addressed in this patient population. Palliative care interventions can lead to improved quality of life and clinical outcomes. Lastly, the investigation of systemic therapies, in particular immunotherapy, has revolutionized the management of HCC. These topics will be discussed in detail in this review.