Non-cirrhotic Group Research Articles

Effectiveness of partial splenic embolization in colorectal cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia: results of a single institution retrospective study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of partial splenic embolization (PSE) in treating chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) in patients with colorectal cancer who failed to respond to platelet growth factor therapy.Methods56 patients who underwent PSE were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the inclusion and the exclusion criteria, 29 patients were eligible for the study, of whom one underwent twice PSE procedures due to recurrent thrombocytopenia. The clinical characteristics were retrospectively analyzed with respect to efficacy, safety and outcome.Results60.0% of patients restarted antineoplastic therapy after PSE. There was a positive correlation between difference value of platelet count and embolization material size (Eta Squared = 0.252, p < 0.05). The correlation between the absolute volume of spleen embolized and postoperative complications was analyzed, with a statistically significant result (p < 0.001). The mean preoperative spleen volume, the preoperative platelet count, postoperative platelet count and difference value of platelet count in the non-cirrhotic group were larger than those in the cirrhotic group (p < 0.001). The mean overall survival was 47.7 ± 7.7 months.ConclusionPSE is safe and effective in the treatment of CIT patients with colorectal cancer. The larger the embolized particle, the more platelets grew. The severity of complication was also positively correlated with the absolute volume of spleen embolized. Therefore, large particle embolization materials can be used to improve the efficacy of PSE and reduce complications. For CIT patients with cirrhosis, PSE was less effective in improving platelet count than those without cirrhosis.

Comparison between patient characteristics, aetiology and outcomes in patients with and without cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosed in a regional centre

IntroductionHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing in incidence across the UK. Most patients have underlying cirrhosis, but a significant minority do not. Progression and outcomes of HCC in patients without cirrhosis...

Clinical outcomes of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis

PurposeAlcohol consumption is a strong risk factor for both cirrhosis and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Few studies have been conducted on the treatment of ESCC in patients with cirrhosis. This study aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes of ESCC in patients with cirrhosis. Materials and methodsMedical records of patients with esophageal cancer between January 2009 and December 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 479 patients with ESCC were included and divided into cirrhotic (n = 69) and non-cirrhotic (n = 410) groups. Clinical outcomes and survival according to treatment were compared between these groups. ResultsThe cirrhotic group was younger (median age 64 years vs. 69 years, p = 0.022) and had a higher proportion of male (97.1 % vs. 88.3 %, p = 0.042) than the non-cirrhotic group. Patients with cirrhosis were less likely to undergo surgery (31.9 % vs. 47.8 %, p = 0.015) and were more likely to receive no active cancer treatment (26.1 % vs. 13.7 %, p = 0.010). Overall survival was lower in the cirrhotic group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.41; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.99; p = 0.045), however, no difference was found between Child-Pugh class A patients and those in the non-cirrhotic group (HR, 1.04 [95 % CI, 0.69–1.56]; p = 0.864). Postoperative mortality was significantly higher in cirrhotic group (27.3 % vs. 8.7 %, p = 0.011). Upon performing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT), the clinical complete response rate (84.2 % vs. 43.3 %, p = 0.004) was better in the cirrhotic group. CRT yielded better overall survival for patients with cancer in the resectable stages in the cirrhotic group compared to surgery (HR, 0.19 [95 % CI, 0.42–0.84]; p = 0.029]. ConclusionsIn patient with ESCC and cirrhosis, chemoradiotherapy may be a better treatment option than surgery.

Feasibility of Imaging-Based Quantitative Hepatic Function Assessment: Gd-EOB-DTPA-Enhanced Liver MR Imaging Combined with T1 Mapping.

to investigate the feasibility of gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) enhanced MRI combined with T1 mapping in quantitative hepatic function assessment. this study retrospectively enrolled 94 patients with Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI combined with T1 mapping, divided into group A (grade A, n=73), group B (grade B, n=14) and group C (grade C, n=7) based on Child-Pugh classification. Liver T1 relaxation times on plain scan (T1P) and hepatocellular phase (T1E) were measured. Decrease in T1 (T1D) and the percentage of decrease in T1 (T1D%) were calculated as follows: T1D=T1P-T1E, T1D%= T1D/T1P×100%. The relationship between T1P, T1E, T1D, T1D% and liver function classification was analyzed. T1P, T1D, and T1D% in group A were significantly higher than those of group B and C. T1E in group A was lower than those of group B and C. T1D% was significantly different between group B and C. There was no significant difference in T1P, T1E, T1D between groups B and C. T1E was positively correlated with liver function levels, T1P and T1D had a negative correlation with liver function levels. T1P, T1E, T1D, T1D% were significantly different between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic groups. T1D% of less than 70% suggests liver dysfunction. Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced liver MRI combined with T1 mapping is feasible for quantitative assessment of hepatic function.

Hepatic Hypertrophy in Normal and Cirrhotic Livers Following Portal Vein Embolization: Comparative Assessment of 2 Different Embolic Regimens in a Large Animal Model

PurposeTo compare the mechanistic effects and hypertrophy outcomes using 2 different portal vein embolization (PVE) regimens in normal and cirrhotic livers in a large animal model. Methods and MaterialsThe Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approved all experiments conducted in this study. Fourteen female Yorkshire pigs were separated into a cirrhotic group (CG, n = 7) and non-cirrhotic group (NCG, n = 7) and further subgrouped into those using microspheres and coils (MC, n = 3) or n-butyl cyanoacrylate (nBCA, n = 3) and their corresponding controls (each n = 1). A 3:1 ethiodized oil and ethanol mixture was administered intra-arterially in the CG to induce cirrhosis 4 weeks before PVE. Animals underwent baseline computed tomography (CT), PVE including pre-PVE and post-PVE pressure measurements, and CT imaging at 2 and 4 weeks after PVE. Immunofluorescence stainings for CD3, CD16, Ki-67, and caspase 3 were performed to assess immune cell infiltration, hepatocyte proliferation, and apoptosis. Statistical significance was tested using the Student’s t test. ResultsFour weeks after PVE, the percentage of future liver remnant (FLR%) increased by 18.8% (standard deviation [SD], 3.6%) vs 10.9% (SD, 0.95%; P < .01) in the NCG vs CG. The baseline percentage of standardized future liver remnant (sFLR%) for the controls were 41.6% for CG vs 43.6% for NCG. Based on the embolic agents used, the sFLR% two weeks after PVE was 58.4% (SD, 3.7%) and 52.2% (SD, 0.9%) (P < .01) for MC and 46.0% (SD, 2.2%) and 47.2% (SD, 0.4%) for nBCA in the NCG and CG, respectively. Meanwhile, the sFLR% 4 weeks after PVE was 60.5% (SD, 3.9%) and 54.9% (SD, 0.8%) (P < .01) and 60.4% (SD, 3.5%) and 54.2% (SD, 0.95%) (P < .01), respectively. Ki-67 signal intensity increased in the embolized lobe in both CG and NCG (P < .01). ConclusionsThis preclinical study demonstrated that MC could be the preferred embolic of choice compared to nBCA when a substantial and rapid FLR increase is needed for resection, in both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic livers.

Study of MicroRNA 203 and Its Target Genes (Survivin, Cyclin-D) in Circulating Liver Cancer Stem Cells in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C with and without HCC

Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, infecting more than 180 million people worldwide. Chronic viral infection is one of the most common causes of hepatic fibrosis, distortion of the hepatic architecture, and ultimate progression to cirrhosis of the liver. HCV infection inflames the liver which, if unmanaged, will inevitably result in fibrosis and then progress to cirrhosis which has many co-morbid complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is an aggressive tumor usually involving late stage liver cancers when diagnosed. Although significant progress regarding the treatment options for HCC has been made in recent years, poor prognosis remains a problem because of late diagnosis and drug resistance, making recurrence almost inevitable. Objective to compare level of miRNA 203 and its target genes (Survivin, Cyclin-D) in circulating liver cancer stem cells in patients with chronic hepatitis C with and without H.C.C. Patients and Methods This study was conducted in co-operation between Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Ain-Shams University and the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute “between” April 2021 to October 2021.It included total participants of 80 divided to 4 GrousGroup A (HCV group): twenty patients infected with HCV without liver cirrhosis.Group B (LC group): twenty patients infected with HCV with liver cirrhosis.Group C (HCC group): twenty patients infected with HCV with HCC.Control group: twenty normal populations. Results our study demonstrated that the level of miRNA 203 showed statistically significant difference between all study groups with lowest level was found in HCC group and highest level was in control group with statistically significant decrease in HCC group than LC and other groups. The study also demonstrated that circulating level of Survivn shows significant increase in HCC group than other study groups. With no significant changes in its level between non HCC groups (Control, HCV and LC groups).The circulating Cyclin D level showed significant increase in HCC group than other study groups, With statistically significant increase in its level in LC group than control and non-cirrhotic HCV group. The study markers (miRNA 203, Survivn and Cyclin D) showed no significant relation between their levels in HCC patients and AFP level. Also, no significant relation was established between (miRNA 203, Survivn and Cyclin D) and PVT, number of focal lesions, largest diameter of the lesion or BCLC. Conclusion miRNA 203 level in circulating CSCs showed significant changes according to the stage of HCV related disease with lowest level is seen in HCC patients.Survivin level in circulating CSCs showed significant increase in HCC patients with no significant difference between other groups, and this indicates that changes in its level is highly specific for malignant transformation.Cyclin D level in circulating CSCs showed significant increase in HCC patiens than other study groups, with increase in its level in LC patients than control and non-cirrhotic HCV patients, and this indicates that the changes in its level start with cirrhosis process. No relation was established between (circulating miRNA 203, Survivn and Cyclin D) and AFP, PVT, number of focal lesions, largest diameter of the lesion or BCLC.

Impact of liver fibrosis on the relative abundance of a urease-positive Streptococcus salivarius group from saliva in patients with chronic liver disease.

We performed genomic analysis to study the relative abundance of a urease-positive Streptococcus salivarius group isolated from the saliva of patients with chronic liver disease. Male and female patients with chronic liver disease aged over 20years were included. First, we assessed the frequency and type of the S.salivarius group isolated from oral saliva using molecular biology techniques based on 16S rRNA and dephospho-coenzymeA kinase gene sequencing. Next, we assessed the correlation between the urease positivity rate in the S.salivarius group isolated from oral saliva and liver fibrosis based on chronic liver disease. Urease-positive strains were identified by the urease test using urea broth (Difco, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA). Liver fibrosis was evaluated by the liver stiffness measurement value based on magnetic resonance elastography. A total of 45 patients identified using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction for the 16S rRNA gene were tested using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction for the dephospho-coenzymeA kinase gene. Confirming the strains detected in each of the 45 patients, urease-positive S.salivarius was detected in 28 patients (62%), urease-negative S.salivarius in 25 patients (56%), and urease-positive Streptococcus vestibularis in 12 patients (27%). There was no patient with urease-negative S.vestibularis. The urease-positive rate of the S.salivarius group in the cirrhosis and non-cirrhosis groups were 82.2% and 39.2%, respectively. The liver cirrhosis group had a higher urease positivity rate than the non-cirrhotic group (p<0.001). Liver fibrosis influences the frequency of a urease-positive S.salivarius group isolated from oral saliva.

Influence of Cirrhosis on 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT in Intrahepatic Tumors.

Background Gallium 68 (68Ga)-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) is of great diagnostic value for intrahepatic tumors. However, cirrhosis may lead to increased 68Ga-FAPI uptake in background liver, affecting the diagnostic ability of 68Ga-FAPI. Purpose To assess the effect of cirrhosis on liver parenchyma and intrahepatic tumor uptake of 68Ga-FAPI and to compare the ability of 68Ga-FAPI and fluorine 18 (18F)-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT to depict intrahepatic tumors in patients with cirrhosis. Materials and Methods In this secondary analysis of a prospective trial, patients who underwent both 68Ga-FAPI and 18F-FDG PET/CT and those who underwent only 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT between August 2020 and May 2022 were considered for inclusion in the cirrhotic or noncirrhotic group, respectively. Patients with cirrhosis were chosen via a comprehensive assessment of imaging and clinical data, and patients without cirrhosis were randomly selected. 68Ga-FAPI and 18F-FDG PET/CT data were measured by two radiologists. Between-groups and within-group data were tested with the Mann-Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, respectively. Results A total of 39 patients with cirrhosis (median age, 58 years [IQR, 50-68]; 29 male; 24 intrahepatic tumors) and 48 patients without cirrhosis (median age, 59 years [IQR, 51-67]; 30 male; 23 intrahepatic tumors) were evaluated. In patients without intrahepatic tumors, the liver 68Ga-FAPI average standardized uptake value (SUVavg) was higher in the cirrhotic group than in the noncirrhotic group (median SUVavg, 1.42 [IQR, 0.55-2.85] vs 0.45 [IQR, 0.41-0.72]; P = .002). However, no difference was observed in the diagnosis of intrahepatic tumor sensitivity (98% vs 93%, respectively). When compared with 18F-FDG, the sensitivity of 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT in the detection of intrahepatic tumors in patients with cirrhosis (41% vs 98%, respectively) and maximum standardized uptake value of tumors (median SUVmax, 2.60 [IQR, 2.14-4.49] vs 6.68 [IQR, 4.65-10.08]; P < .001) were higher. Conclusion The sensitivity of 68Ga-FAPI in the diagnosis of intrahepatic tumors was not affected by cirrhosis, and diagnostic accuracy of 68Ga-FAPI was higher than that of 18F-FDG in patients with cirrhosis. © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Antibody response and safety of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in chronic hepatitis B patients with and without cirrhosis.

The immune response and safety of inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), especially those with cirrhosis, are not clear. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines among CHB patients with and without cirrhosis. A total of 643 CHB patients who received two doses of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (BBIBP-CorV and CoronaVac) were enrolled. Serum samples were collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2 S-receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) immunoglobulin G (IgG) at enrollment. Data on adverse events (AEs) within 7days after the second dose were obtained using a questionnaire. A total of 416 non-cirrhotic and 227 cirrhotic patients were included in the analysis. Cirrhotic patients had lower antibody titers than non-cirrhotic patients after adjusting for age, sex, and time interval (2.45 vs. 2.60ng/ml, p=0.034). Furthermore, the study revealed that cirrhotic patients demonstrated a slower rate of seropositivity increase, with the highest rate being recorded at week4 and reaching 94.7%. On the other hand, among non-cirrhotic patients, the seropositivity rate peak was observed at week2 and reached 96.0%. In addition, cirrhotic patients displayed a more rapid decline in the seropositivity rate, dropping to 54.5% after ≥16weeks, while non-cirrhotic patients exhibited a decrease to 67.2% after the same time period. The overall incidence of AEs was low (18.4%), and all AEs were mild and self-limiting. In addition, 16.0% of participants had mild liver function abnormalities, and half of them returned to normality within the next 6months without additional therapy. The participants who experienced liver function abnormalities showed a higher seropositivity rate and antibody titer than those who did not (91.6% vs. 79.5%, p=0.005; 2.73 vs. 2.41ng/ml, p<0.001). Cirrhotic CHB patients had lower antibody titers to inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines than non-cirrhotic patients. The vaccines were generally well tolerated in both non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic CHB patient groups. Patients with abnormal liver function may have a better antibody response than those without.

Clinical Outcomes of Acute Pancreatitis in Patients with Cirrhosis

Background and Aim: Acute Pancreatitis (AP) is a common disease requiring hospitalization. Though the mortality rate caused by pancreatitis decreased over the past few decades but patient’s organ failure causing mortality during acute pancreatitis is on the rise. The present study intended to assess the outcomes of acute pancreatitis in cirrhosis patients. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out on 180 acute pancreatitis patients admitted in the General Medicine and Gastroenterology Department of Central Hospital, Stadium Road Sargodha, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar and Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Hospital, Muzaffarabad AJK for the duration from November 2021 to September 2022. Cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients were matched based on Propensity score matching (1:2). Inpatient mortality, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, length of hospital stay (LOS), and organ failure were the main outcomes. Model of End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) and Child-Pugh scores was used for cirrhotic patient’s subgroup analysis. Results: Of the total 180 AP patients, there were 60 cirrhotic (male 31 and females 29) and 120 (male 62 and females 58) non-cirrhotic patients. Based on Child-Pugh scores, the incidence of Child–Pugh scores A, B, and C was 17 (28.3%), 27 (45%), and 16 (26.7%) respectively. Based on cirrhosis etiology, the incidence of NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) , chronic hepatitis C, and autoimmune causes were 12 (20%), 42 (70%), and 6 (10%) respectively. Regarding diagnosis criteria, abdominal imaging diagnosed 56 (93.3%) patients whereas 4 (6.7%) were diagnosed based on liver biopsy. The mean BMI value in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic groups was 28.4 and 26.8 kg/m2, p=0.51). Based on acute pancreatitis etiology, the incidence of gallstone-induced, idiopathic, and other in cirrhotic versus non-cirrhotic was 32 (53.3%) vs. 68 (56.7%), 12 (20%) vs. 30 (25%), and 16 (26.7%) and 22 (18.3%) respectively. Cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients’ outcomes such as inpatient mortality (6.8% vs. 1.7%), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) (23.3% vs. 34.2%), and organ failure (13.3% vs 4.2%). Conclusion: The present study concluded the overall mortality and morbidity rates for cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic hospitalized with AP were similar. However, cirrhosis-related complications, portal hypertension and immunosuppression state such as sepsis, infections, and variceal bleed are likely to contribute to poorer outcomes and higher mortality compared to non-cirrhotic. Keywords: Acute pancreatitis, outcomes, acute liver injury

Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Versus Noncirrhotic Livers: Clinicomorphologic Findings and Prognostic Factors.

Hepatocellular carcinoma mostly develops in a cirrhotic (80%) background. The clinical features of cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma and non-cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma also differ. We aimed to determine the clinicopathologic features, tumor characteristics, treatment options, and overall survival after diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma and prognostic factors effective on survival of hepatocellular carcinoma developing in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic conditions. In our study, 220 patients aged over 18 years who were histologically diagnosed as having hepatocellular carcinoma were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups as cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic. When the tumor morphologies were examined in our study, it was observed that they were mostly solitary in both groups. Cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinomas had significantly higher rates of invasion than the non-cirrhotic group (35.3% vs. 20.3%, respectively) (P <.05). The survival rate was found to be better in the non-cirrhotic group (17.5 months vs. 11.5 months) (P <.05). Age, maximal tumor diameter, and morphologically infiltrative tumor character were found to be independent risk factors affecting survival in patients with cirrhosis. Portal vein invasion, alfa-fetoprotein, and the absence of an underlying risk factor in the etiology were observed as independent risk factors affecting survival in patients with non-cirrhosis. Cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma and non-cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma had different clinicopathologic features and risk factors. We analyzed that treatment choice trends were different between the 2 groups. We also observed that the factors that affected survival were different between the 2 groups.

Frequency of De Novo Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Direct-acting Antiviral Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C: A Prospective Follow-up.

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) management has changed tremendously after direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) availability. Sustained virological response (SVR) has improved significantly, but one of the major concerns is the chances of de novo hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development after DAAs. The objective of the study is to calculate the frequency of newly diagnosed cases of HCC after antiviral therapy for CHC in Pakistan. This prospective, interventional research was conducted from June 2017 to September 2020. All patients after antiviral therapy for CHC were followed with an ultrasound abdomen and α-fetoprotein, six monthly. Multiphasic computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen was performed in suspected cases. For quantitative variables, the mean and standard deviations were calculated, whereas the qualitative variables were analyzed by frequencies and percentages. Among 180 patients, 110 were men and 70 were women with a mean age of 45.52 ± 11.71 years. One hundred and twenty-six patients were noncirrhotic, 38 had compensated cirrhosis while 16 had decompensated cirrhosis. One hundred and sixty-four (91.11%) patients achieved SVR, of which 22 (12.22%) patients developed new HCC during follow-up. Compensated cirrhosis group had 10 patients, the decompensated group had 12 patients, and the noncirrhotic group had no new HCC cases. Among patients with the new HCC, 12 achieved SVR. The risk of the development of HCC after antiviral treatment is highly significant among patients with liver cirrhosis. So, a strict surveillance strategy should be adopted in every cirrhotic patient following treatment with DAA agents even if they achieve SVR. Chances of developing HCC are still significantly high even after achieving SVR with DAAs in patients with liver cirrhosis.Patients with liver cirrhosis should be under surveillance for HCC even after achieving SVR after DAAs treatment. Rasool S, Hanif S, Ahmad A, et al. Frequency of De Novo Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Direct-acting Antiviral Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C: A Prospective Follow-up. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2022;12(2):73-76.

Risk factors of gastrointestinal polypectomy concurrent with bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis

Objective: To investigate and analyze the occurrence and the related risk factors of gastrointestinal polypectomy accompanied by bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: 127 cases of gastrointestinal polyps with cirrhosis who had endoscopy at the Endoscopic Center of Tianjin Third Central Hospital between November 2017 and November 2020 were collected. At the same time, 127 cases of gastrointestinal polyps with non-cirrhosis that were treated by endoscopy were collected for comparison. The occurrence of hemorrhagic complications between the two groups was compared. The effects of age, sex, liver function, peripheral blood leukocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, blood glucose, the international normalized ratio (INR), polyp resection method, polyp location, size, number, endoscopic morphology, pathology, the presence or absence of diabetes, portal vein thrombosis, and esophageal varices on polypectomy bleeding in the cirrhosis group were analyzed. The measurement data between groups were compared using the t-test and rank sum test. The χ (2) test or Fisher's exact probability method, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used for the comparison of categorical data between groups. Results: The number of polypectomy bleeding cases in the cirrhotic group was 21, with a bleeding rate of 16.5%. The number of bleeding cases in the non-cirrhotic group was 3, with a bleeding rate of 2.4%. The bleeding rate was higher in the cirrhosis group when polypectomy was performed (χ (2) = 14.909, P < 0.001). A univariate analysis of the risk factors for gastrointestinal polypectomy associated with bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis showed that liver function grading, platelets, INR, hemoglobin, degree of esophageal and gastric varices, and the location, shape, size, and pathology of the polyps had a statistically significant impact on bleeding (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that liver function grade, degree of varicose veins, and polyp location were independent risk factors for bleeding. Patients with Child-Pugh B or C grade liver function were more likely to bleed than those with Child-Pugh A grade (OR = 4.102, 95% CI 1.133 ~ 14.856), gastric polyps were more likely to bleed than colorectal polyps (OR = 27.763, 95% CI 5.567 ~ 138.460), and severe esophagogastric varices were more likely to bleed than no varices or mild to moderate varices (OR = 7.183, 95% CI 1.384 ~ 37.275). Conclusion: Cirrhotic population has higher risk of bleeding during endoscopic gastrointestinal polypectomy than the non-cirrhotic population. Cirrhotic patients with Child-Pugh grades B or C liver function, polyps located in the stomach, severe esophagogastric varices, and other high-risk factors should be listed as a relative contraindication for endoscopic polypectomy.

Safety and Efficacy of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography in Patients of Liver Cirrhosis: A Case-Control Study.

Background With the improvement in noninvasive diagnostic imaging modalities, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) has evolved into a primarily therapeutic procedure. Besides being efficacious and one of the most commonly done procedures, ERCP is also associated with a high risk of complications. However, there is a lack of studies analyzing the safety and success of ERCP in patients with liver cirrhosis. We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of ERCP in patients with cirrhosis of the liver compared to non-cirrhotic patients using the database from our institute. Methods Patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent ERCP from January 2010 to March 2020 were analyzed. This was a matched case-control study in which one cirrhotic patient undergoing ERCP was age and gender-matched randomly to one non-cirrhotic patient. We compared adverse events and the success rate of ERCP between cirrhotic patients and non-cirrhotic patients. The primary outcome of the study was analyzing the prevalence of procedure-related adverse events and their independent risk factors in patients of cirrhosis compared to the non-cirrhotic population. Results Two hundred patients were analyzed in both groups. Choledocholithiasis was the most common reason for ERCP in both groups. Mean Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score in the cirrhosis group were 9.16 ±1.78 and 19.09 ±7.06 respectively. Patients in the cirrhosis group had a significantly higher frequency of complications compared to the controls: 41 (20.5 %) versus 15 (7.5%), p < 0.01. Bleeding was the most common adverse event in both groups: 19 (9.5%) vs 6(3%). High International Normalised Ratio (INR), low platelets, and cholangitis at presentation were independently predictive of post-ERCP complications. Despite a similar technical success rate, the clinical success rate was lower in the cirrhotic than in the noncirrhotic group (83.9% versus 97.9%, p=0.006). Conclusion The prevalence of complications following ERCP was nearly three-fold higher in patients with cirrhosis than in non-cirrhotic patients. These events were related primarily to cholangitis, coagulopathy, and the advanced status of chronic liver disease.

Serum zinc levels in cancer patients are low and difficult to elevate when complicated by liver cirrhosis: A retrospective study.

In this study, we analyzed blood zinc concentration in patients with various cancer types and the degree of improvement in relation to the underlying disease following treatment with zinc preparations. Serum zinc levels of 530 cancer patients whose blood zinc levels were measured at our hospital from 2016 to 2021 were retrospectively examined in accordance with the primary disease. Changes in zinc levels were analyzed in 155 patients whose zinc levels had been measured on 2 or more occasions in accordance with whether they had received zinc preparations. In addition, the concentration course of zinc before and after zinc formulation administration in 73 patients was examined in accordance with the presence or absence of liver cirrhosis complications. Mean serum zinc levels were below normal in all carcinomas measured, and zinc levels were significantly lower in cirrhosis-hepatocarcinoma cases than in other primary disease cases. Furthermore, serum zinc levels in patients who did not receive zinc preparations decreased significantly over time. In patients who received zinc preparations, the elevated levels of zinc after treatment were significantly lower in patients with cirrhosis than in those without cirrhosis. There was a weak inverse correlation between pre-dose zinc concentration and increased zinc concentration in patients with cirrhosis. In the analysis of covariance, the presence of liver cirrhosis was predominantly correlated with elevated zinc per dose. In summary, serum zinc levels in cancer patients are low and especially low in cancer patients with liver cirrhosis compared with those without cirrhosis after the administration of zinc preparations.

Cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic huge hepatocellular carcinoma (≥ 10cm): a comparative study of surgical management and follow-up treatment in a single institution.

Liver resection (LR) of huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has increasingly been regarded as a viable option of enhanced efficacy for patients, but most studies have focused on comparing various tumor sizes and the outcomes of surgery. The study aim was to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes of huge HCC with and without cirrhosis that underwent LR, and to delineate the treatment for recurrence. Sixty-three patients with huge HCC who underwent hepatectomy from 2010 to 2019 were enrolled and reviewed. Clinicopathological findings, surgical outcomes of the entire cohort, and differences between the cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic groups were analyzed. Forty patients (60.3%) had huge HCC with cirrhosis. Clinicopathological findings were not different between the two groups, except tumor size ≥ 15cm (40% in cirrhosis vs 17.4% in non-cirrhosis, p = 0.024) and major portal vein tumor thrombus were detected only in the cirrhosis group (11 patients, p = 0.006). Extended LR was performed in 13 cirrhotic patients (32.5%) and in 1 non-cirrhotic patient (4.4%) (p = 0.010). Operative data, postoperative complications including postoperative liver failure, and pattern of recurrence were not different between the two groups. For the entire cohort, mortality rate was 1.5%. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates (OS) were 81%, 54%, and 39%. Multivariate analysis showed resection margin ≥ 0.1cm was a good prognostic factor for OS (HR 0.247 (p = 0.017)). For tumor recurrence, local ablative treatment for liver recurrence and resection for lung recurrence provided good long-term outcomes. Although huge HCC with cirrhosis has been a more unfavorable tumor, LR still provided long-term survival with acceptable risk morbidity and mortality.

Portal Hypertension in Children: A Tertiary Center Experience in Turkey.

Portal hypertension (PH) and its complications have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the etiology; clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic findings; treatment approaches; long-term outcomes; and prognosis of pediatric PH. This retrospective study included 222 pediatric patients diagnosed with PH between 1998 and 2016, and data encompassing clinical, laboratory, and radiological features; treatments; and complications were analyzed. The most common causes of PH were portal vein thrombosis (20.3%), progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (18.9%), and biliary atresia (12.2%). Among the enrolled patients, 131 (59.0%) were included in the cirrhotic group and 91 (41.0%) in the non-cirrhotic group. Hepatomegaly and increased transaminase levels were more frequent in the cirrhotic group than in the non-cirrhotic group. Additionally, portal gastropathy, esophageal varices, and variceal bleeding were more frequent in the non-cirrhotic group, whereas ascites, hepatopulmonary syndrome and hepatic encephalopathy were more common in the cirrhotic group. The incidence of hepatomegaly was higher in the presinusoidal group than in the prehepatic group (p<0.001). Hyperbilirubinemia was more frequent in the prehepatic group (p=0.046). The frequency of esophageal varices was similar between the prehepatic and presinusoidal groups; however, variceal bleeding was more frequent in the prehepatic group (p=0.002). Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction, genetic-metabolic diseases, and biliary atresia were the most prevalent causes of PH in our country. In patients with PH, hepatomegaly, increased transaminase levels, and synthesis dysfunction were suggestive of cirrhotic PH. Notably, PH in patients without cirrhosis might be more severe than that in those with cirrhosis.

S1429 Outcomes of Pyogenic Liver Abscess (PLA) on Mortality and Hospitalization Cost Amongst Patients With and Without Cirrhosis: 4-Year Retrospective Study Using National Inpatient Sample (2016 – 2019)

Introduction: Liver abscesses are the most common type of intra-abdominal abscess. Risk factors for developing pyogenic liver abscess include diabetes mellitus, chronic hepatobiliary disease. Limited data is available comparing the clinical outcomes in cirrhotic patients who develop pyogenic liver abscess. Methods: Using National Inpatient Sample databases from 2016 to 2019, we identified patients presenting with pyogenic liver abscess, the population were then divided based on the presence and absence of cirrhosis using appropriate ICD-10-CM/PCS codes. STATA 17.0 software was used for the analysis. Pearson’s Chi-Square test was used to analyze categorical variable, whereas the student t-test was used to analyze continuous variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. Primary outcome was in hospital mortality due to Pyogenic liver abscess in patients with cirrhosis vs without cirrhosis. Results: Amongst total of 19,830 patients admitted with pyogenic liver abscess, 1,770 patients had cirrhosis and 18,060 patients did not. Both groups consisted predominantly of white male patients. Mean LOS was 9.47+- 8.17 days in cirrhotic group and 7.18 +- 6.08 in non-cirrhotic group. This difference was statistically significant. Mean total hospitalization charges were $26,845 and $18,347 in the cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic groups respectively. There was no difference in the in-hospital mortality between the groups. (Table) Conclusion: Compared to those without cirrhosis, patients with cirrhosis who are admitted with pyogenic liver abscess showed had higher hospital resource utilization in terms of lenght of stay and charges. Though Mortality was higher in PLA with cirrhosis group, the result was not statistically significant Table 1. - In-patient outcome comparison of cirrhotic patients presenting with pyogenic liver abscess PLA with cirrhosis, N(%) PLA without Cirrhosis, N(%) P value Total 1770(8.92) 18060(91.70) Mean age (Years) 60.93±14.23 61.30±15.59 Female(%) 724(40.9) 7404(41) 0.946 Primary Outcome Odds Ratio 95% Confidence Interval P value Mortality(%) 1.673 0.213-13.088 0.624 Secondary Outcomes Mean Mean P Value Lenght of stay(days) 9.47+/-8.17 7.18+/-6.08 < 0.001 Charges (US$) 26845 18347 < 0.001

S1224 Outcomes of Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

Introduction: Patients with liver cirrhosis who undergo cardiac surgery are at increased risk of postoperative mortality and morbidity. Patients with cirrhosis have pathophysiologic changes that put them at an excessive risk of coagulopathy, hemorrhage, infection, and multiorgan dysfunction. The prevalence of tricuspid valve (TV) disease is rising but it is often undertreated due to increased mortality associated with TV surgery. Liver dysfunction is seen in the majority of patients with TV disease, but there is a lack of data regarding the impact of cirrhosis on prognosis after TV surgery. Our study aimed to look at the clinical outcomes of patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing TV replacement. Methods: Data were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016 to 2019. Using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, and Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes to obtain baseline demographic data, in-hospital mortality, hospital charges, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Statistical analyses were completed using t-test and Chi-squared analysis. Multivariate analysis for the mortality odds ratio (OR) was calculated after adjusting for possible confounders. Results: A total of 9,360 patients who underwent replacement of TV were identified, and 355 of these patients had liver cirrhosis. The mean age of the cirrhosis vs non-cirrhosis group was 56 years vs. 48 (P < 0.001). There was no difference in gender, race, smoking status, and obesity between both groups. However, the cirrhosis group had more prevalence of congestive heart failure (CHF), atrial fibrillation (Afib), hypertension (HTN), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and alcohol use compared to the non-cirrhotic group. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between the two groups (OR 0.72; P = 0.54). There was no difference in total hospital charge ($414,908 vs. 444,556; P < 0.56), or LOS (20 vs. 23 days; P = 0.22). CHF and CKD were independently associated with higher odds of mortality. Conclusion: In our study, we found that cirrhosis did not adversely affect TV replacement outcomes. TV disease is associated with hepatic congestion and TV replacement can potentially improve liver function. So clinicians should consider TV replacement in cirrhotic patients as it is a safe treatment option. However, further large-scale randomized controlled studies are needed to look at the long-term prognosis of these patients.Figure 1.: Multivariate logistic regression for the effect of cirrhosis on patients undergoing TV replacement Table 1. - Demographics and clinical characteristics of the study population Variable No cirrhosis Cirrhosis P-value Age (mean, yr) 48 56 < 0.001 Gender (%) 0.2 Male 41.3% 49.3% Female 58.7% 50.7% Race (%) 0.38 White 71% 63% Black 10% 10% Hispanic 7% 8% Others 12% 19% Comorbidities (%) Alcoholism 3.3% 17% < 0.001 Smoking 45% 42% 0.66 Obesity 11% 17% 0.13 DM 13% 21% 0.056 HTN 44% 60% 0.006 CHF 49% 77% < 0.001 A.Fib 35% 63% < 0.001 HCC 0.11% 0% 0.77 Cachexia 1.8% 1.4% 0.79 COPD 8.8% 19% 0.001 CKD 21% 36% 0.001

Imaging Features of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Non-Cirrhotic Liver with Sonazoid-Enhanced Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound.

Purpose: To investigate the Sonazoid-enhanced contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a non-cirrhosis liver background, in comparison to those in liver cirrhosis. Methods: In this retrospective study, 19 patients with surgery and histopathologically proven HCC lesions in non-cirrhosis liver background were included regarding Sonazoid-enhanced CEUS characteristics. Two radiologists evaluated the CEUS features of HCC lesions according to the WFUMB (World Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology) guidelines criteria. Thirty-six patients with HCC lesions in liver cirrhosis were included as a control group. Final diagnoses were confirmed by surgery and histopathological results. Results: Liver background of the non-cirrhosis group including normal liver (n = 7), liver fibrosis (n = 11), and alcoholic liver disease (n = 1). The mean size of non-cirrhosis HCC lesions was 60.8 ± 46.8 mm (ranging from 25 to 219 mm). During the arterial phase of Sonazoid-enhanced CEUS, most HCCs in non-cirrhotic liver (94.7%, 18/19) and in cirrhotic liver (83.3%, 30/36) presented non-rim hyperenhancement. During the portal venous phase, HCC lesions in the non-cirrhosis liver group showed relatively early washout (68.4%, 13/19) (p = 0.090). Meanwhile, HCC lesions in liver cirrhosis background showed isoenhancement (55.6%, 20/36). All lesions in the non-cirrhotic liver group showed hypoenhancement in the late phase and the Kupffer phase (100%, 19/19). Five cases of HCC lesions in liver cirrhosis showed isoenhancement during the late phase and hypoenhancement during the Kupffer phase (13.9%, 5/36). The rest of the cirrhotic HCC lesions showed hypoenhancement during the late phase and the Kupffer phase (86.1%, 31/36). Additional hypoenhanced lesions were detected in three patients in the non-cirrhosis liver group and eight patients in the liver cirrhosis group (mean size: 13.0 ± 5.6 mm), which were also suspected to be HCC lesions. Conclusions: Heterogeneous hyperenhancement during the arterial phase as well as relatively early washout are characteristic features of HCC in the non-cirrhotic liver on Sonazoid-enhanced CEUS.