Previous Liver Disease Research Articles

Relationship Between Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Lipoprotein (a) and Other Biomarkers.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) primarily affects the adult population and is closely related to obesity. The most severe form of MASLD, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), can progress to liver fibrosis. While lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is known to be associated with cardiovascular disease, its relationship with MASLD remains unclear. This study aims to determine the prevalence of MASLD in ambulatory patients and to explore the association between Lp(a) levels and advanced liver damage. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 130 patients older than 18 years seen in a healthcare center in Medellin, Colombia, between April 2023 and May 2024. Sociodemographic, clinical, and specific biomarker data were collected. Patients with cirrhosis, previous liver disease, frequent alcohol consumption, cancer, and other severe conditions were excluded. Continuous variables were analyzed using Student's t-tests or Mann-Whitney tests according to their distribution, and categorical variables were analyzed using contingency tables and chi-square tests. Of the 130 patients, 57.9% (n=73) had MASLD, with a higher prevalence in patients with obesity (80%, n=32). Lp(a) levels were abnormally high in 43.1% (n=31) of patients; however, a weak but significant inverse correlation was found between Lp(a) levels and the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, which is used to assess the severity of liver fibrosis. Patients with MASLD had significantly lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and vitamin D levels, and higher levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). This study highlights the significant prevalence of MASLD in outpatients and its relationship with various biomarkers, including Lp(a), HDL, vitamin D, and GGT. Although the findings suggest a possible utility of Lp(a) as a biomarker in MASLD, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these associations and clarify their role in liver disease progression. The study's limitations include its cross-sectional nature and potential selection bias, indicating the need for further research to validate these results.

Liver Transplantation for Adenomatosis: A Single-Center Experience

Liver adenomatosis is characterized by multiple adenomas diffusely distributed throughout the liver parenchyma. Studies addressing liver transplantation for those cases are scarce, and the criteria used to indicate transplantation are still debatable. To report a single-center experience of liver transplantation for diffuse adenomatosis. Single-center retrospective study involving all adult patients who underwent liver transplantation due to adenomatosis from January/2010 to June/2023. A total of 13 patients were identified, corresponding to 0.89% of liver transplants performed during the study period. The mean age was 33 ± 6.55 years, and most of them were female (n = 9, 69.23%). There were 12 transplants with deceased donors and 1 with a right lobe from a living donor. The most frequent reason to preclude liver resection was multiple and large unresectable adenomas in patients without previous liver disease (n = 8, 61.58%), followed by underlying liver disease (Abernethy Malformation, n = 3, 23.07%) and recurrence after liver resection (n = 2, 15.38%). The indications for liver transplantation were high risk of malignant transformation (n = 7, 53.84%), increasing size and number of nodules (n = 3, 23.07%), confirmed malignant transformation (n = 2, 15.38%), and hemorrhage (n = 2, 15.38%). There was 1 perioperative death due to primary non-function. Another patient died during follow-up because of COVID-19. Liver adenomatosis is a rare indication for liver transplantation, with acceptable post-transplant outcomes. Unresectable adenomas with high-risk or confirmed malignant transformation are the main indications for transplant. Reasons for unresectability involve underlying liver disease, multiple and large high-risk nodules, and recurrence after previous resection.

Liver transplantation for post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy: Report of 2 cases

Post-Covid-19 cholangiopathy is a rare disease characterized by chronic cholestasis, that typically appears after resolution of the covid-19 virus infection. The pathophysiology is not fully understood, and prognosis in severe cases remains poor with liver transplantation remaining the only curative treatment option. We present two patients who developed post-covid-19 cholangiopathy after prolonged intensive care unit stay due to severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Both patients required invasive ventilation for more than a month. After adequate recovery from respiratory failure, the patients developed severe cholestatic jaundice and liver failure. The patients had not history of previous liver disease. Both patients underwent deceased liver transplantation 15 and 29 months after the initial COVID-19 diagnosis. One patient had good recovery and good liver function two years after LT and the other died in the fourth month after LT of disseminated infection and diffuse bleeding.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure: a retrospective review of cases at a transplantation center in Brazil.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a leading cause of death in cirrhotic patients. This study aims to describe the outcomes of in-patients with ACLF at a liver transplantation (LT) center in Brazil. Retrospective study analyzing patient data from 2017 to 2022. Re-transplant cases and patients without previous chronic liver disease were excluded. The ACLF diagnosis was based on the European Association for the Study of the Liver-Chronic Liver Failure criteria and assessments repeated on days 3 and 7 after the initial diagnosis. Among 381 patients, 10.49% (n = 40) were diagnosed with ACLF. Bacterial infection was the most common precipitating factor (45%). Kidney failure occurred in 65% of the cases. The 28-day mortality rate was 35% and varied according to ACLF severity at diagnosis, from single organ failure (ACLF-1) at 22% to three organ failures (ACLF-3) at 60%. Eighteen patients (45%) were transplanted with a 100% 28-day survival rate. For ACLF-3 cases at diagnosis (n = 15), the 28-day and 1-year survival rates with a transplant (n = 4) were 100% and 80%, respectively, and without transplant (n = 11), 10 and 0%, respectively. ACLF was associated with high mortality rates. LT was an effective therapeutic option, particularly for ACLF-3 cases.

Prediction of Sinusoidal Obstructive Syndrome after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Using Liver Stiffness Measurement By Fibroscan

Background: Sinusoidal Obstructive Syndrome/ Veno-Occlusive Disease (SOS/VOD) is a potentially life-threatening complication post allogeneic transplantation (HSCT) with an incidence of ~ 10% in adults. The sensitivity of SOS symptoms (hyperbilirubinemia ≥2 mg/dl, weight gain>5%, painful hepatomegaly and ascites) is good, but the specificity is relatively low because other conditions such as infections, GvHD, and exacerbation of previous liver disease may cause similar symptoms. Transient elastography (TE) using FibroScan has been implemented as a non-invasive assessment of post-sinusoidal portal hypertension (PHTN) one of the hallmarks of SOS. We aimed to assess TE's applicability in predicting and diagnosis of SOS. Methods: This single-center study was conducted between January 2021 and June 2023. Twenty-seven patients (pts) underwent TE, 11 before HSCT (group 1) due to high risk of developing SOS in order to guide subsequent treatment, and 17 after HSCT (group 2) (1 pt was in both groups) due to an elevation of bilirubin ≥2 mg/dl. SOS was defined using the EBMT criteria. Results: Eleven pts were included in the 1 st group (M 5, F 6). The median age was 43 (22-65) years. 7 pts had acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) -4/7 secondary AML (sAML), and 4 pts had myelofibrosis (MF). 5/7 AML pts received a median of 4 (2-5) lines of chemotherapy before HSCT; 2/4 sAML pts got azacytidine/ venetoclax and all 4 MF pts received Ruxolitinib before HSCT. Two pts had chemotherapy for antecedent malignancy. Donors were HLA-matched siblings (n=5), matched unrelated (n=2), or haploidentical (n=4). Risk factors for developing VOD included: active disease (n=9), multiple lines of chemotherapy (n=7), elevated serum ferritin (n=5), splenomegaly (n=5 including 1 pt with overt PHTN), severe liver toxicity during previous treatment (n=4), age ≥60 (n=3), second transplantation (n=3), pre-existing liver disease including fatty liver (n=3, including 1 pt with liver cirrhosis), severe obesity (n=2), prior treatment with GO (n=2), baseline liver enzymes elevation (n=2), and alcohol abuse(n=1). The conditioning regimen included total body irradiation (n=1), busulphan (BU) alone (n=5), or double alkylating agents (DAC, n=5), respectively. Four patients had myeloablative conditioning (MAC). Most pts had several risk factors for VOD median 5 (3-8). This group had a median liver stiffness measurement (LSM) of 10.1 kPa (range, 3.3-28.3). In 6/11 pts with LSM ≥7.2 kPa, the conditioning was modified; Treosulfan was given instead of BU (n=3), non-DAC instead of DAC protocol (n=3), reduced intensity instead of MAC (n=4), methotrexate was omitted (n=2). One pt received Defibrotide prophylaxis. With these modifications only 2 pts developed SOS (1 died). The second group included 17 pts (M 10, F 7), median age 49 (32-62) years with AML/myelodysplastic syndrome (n=7), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n=5), MF (n=4), and lymphoma (n=1). Ten had MAC, and 5 had DAC. Five had active disease at HSCT. Three had prior liver disease. All pts had bilirubin elevation ≥2 mg/dl after HSCT but only 10 fulfilled additional criteria for the diagnosis of SOS based on the EBMT criteria. Pts who developed SOS had significantly higher LSM compared to those who did not; 10.7 kPa (IQR, 7.5-25.2) versus 5.9 kPa (IQR, 5.1-7.4), respectively (p=0.007) (Figure 1A). There was a positive correlation between the diagnosis of SOS and LSM levels, with a correlation coefficient of 0.6 (p= 0.04) as determined by the Spearman correlation test. LSM was able to diagnose SOS with an AUC of 0.89 (p=0.008) (Figure 1B). The cut-off value for SOS diagnosis was 7.5 kPa, with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 88%. Pts with severe VOD were treated with defibrotide and none of them died .of VOD. Conclusions: Pts with a high risk for VOD may have a high baseline LSM. In these pts, modifying the planned conditioning and GVHD prophylaxis regimens to less hepato-toxic ones may reduce the incidence of subsequent VOD. LSM elevation after HSCT should increase awareness of SOS, while pts with hyperbilirubinemia and low LSM usually suffered from other causes of liver toxicity. High LSM could support the diagnosis of VOD in borderline cases. Therefore, LSM may be an additional diagnostic tool in diagnosing SOS after HSCT, but more studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Recent antitumor therapy does not increase Omicron COVID-19 severity in cancer patients: a two-center retrospective study in China

BackgroundThe impact of anticancer therapy and related clinical factors on the severity of COVID-19 in cancer patients during the Omicron pandemic has not been established. The recent outbreak in China caused predominantly by the BA.5.2 and BF.7 strains of Omicron provided us with the opportunity to observe objectively the impact of this strain in oncology patients. We initiated this two–center retrospective study in China to determine the impact of anti-cancer treatment, other clinical factors, and cancer characteristics on COVID-19 severity in cancer patients infected with coronavirus during the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant pandemic in China.MethodsWe retrospectively included 554 cancer patients infected with COVID-19 from two medical centers. Data on their anticancer treatment prior to COVID-19 infection and general clinical characteristics (sex, age, past medical history, etc.) were collected. Univariate statistical analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with the severity of COVID-19.ResultsAmong 554 cancer patients infected with COVID-19, there were 15 (2.7%) severe/critical cases, 86 (15.5%) cases with medium severity, and 453 (81.8%) cases with mild severity. Univariate analysis revealed that advanced age, male sex, worse ECOG score, unvaccinated status, and previous liver, kidney, and brain diseases were associated with more severe COVID-19. However, recent antitumor therapy, including cytotoxic chemotherapy within two weeks did not have a significant correlation with the severity of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant.ConclusionThe severity of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant is not exacerbated by recent anticancer therapy in cancer patients. Therefore, anticancer therapy should not be discontinued in such cases, especially those with mild severity.

Prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis detected by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry among Chinese patients with primary biliary cholangitis.

Osteoporosis is an extrahepatic complication of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) that increases the risk of fractures and mortality. However, Epidemiological studies of osteoporosis in patients with PBC in China and the Asia-Pacific region is lack. To assess the prevalence and clinical characteristics of osteoporosis in Chinese patients with PBC. This retrospective analysis included consecutive patients with PBC from a tertiary care center in China who underwent bone mineral density (BMD) assessment using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry between January 2013 and December 2021. We defined subjects with T-scores ≤ -2.5 in any sites (L1 to L4, femoral neck, or total hip) as having osteoporosis. Demographic, serological, clinical, and histological data were collected. Independent risk factors for osteoporosis were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 268 patients with PBC [236 women (88.1%); mean age, 56.7 ± 10.6 years; 163 liver biopsies (60.8%)] were included. The overall prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with PBC was 45.5% (122/268), with the prevalence of osteoporosis in women and men being 47.0% and 34.4%, respectively. The prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women was significantly higher than that in premenopausal women (56.3% vs 21.0%, P < 0.001). Osteoporosis in patients with PBC is associated with age, fatigue, menopausal status, previous steroid therapy, body mass index (BMI), splenomegaly, gastroesophageal varices, ascites, Mayo risk score, histological stage, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, bilirubin, platelet and prothrombin activity. Multivariate regression analysis identified that older age, lower BMI, previous steroid therapy, higher Mayo risk score, and advanced histological stage as the main independent risk factors for osteoporosis in PBC. Osteoporosis is very common in Chinese patients with PBC, allowing for prior screening of BMD in those PBC patients with older age, lower BMI, previous steroid therapy and advanced liver disease.

Inhibition of GSK3β activity alleviates acute liver failure via suppressing multiple programmed cell death

BackgroundAcute liver failure (ALF) is one of the most common life-threatening diseases in adults without previous liver disease. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is widely distributed in the cells. Inhibition of its activity can inhibit cell death and promote autophagy through various pathways, thus providing a protective effect. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect on ALF after inhibition of GSK3β and its potential mechanisms.Methods D- galactosamine(D-Gal) in combination with lipopolysaccharide(LPS) was used to induce ALF in vitro and in vivo. And then GSK3β inhibitor TDZD-8 was used to explore the protective effect against ALF. After TDZD-8 treatment TUNEL staining and flow techniques were used to detect the proportion of apoptosis in liver tissues and cells respectively, while western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were performed to detect the expression levels of apoptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis-related proteins in tissues and cells. In addition, western blotting was performed to explore the specific mechanism of hepatoprotective effect after GSK3β inhibition to detect the expression levels of TAK1, TRAF6 and HDAC3 after TRAF6 and HDAC3 inhibition alone. The co-localization of TRAF6 and HDAC3 in vitro was detected by immunofluorescence, while the interaction between TRAF6 and HDAC3 was detected by immunoprecipitation assay.ResultsBoth in vivo and in vitro experiments, GSK3β inhibitor TDZD-8 can significantly alleviate the progression of ALF. Inhibition of GSK3β activity could significantly reduce the level of hepatocyte apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis and improve liver dysfunction and tissue damage. Furthermore, we found that hepatocyte TAK1 and TRAF6 levels decreased and HDAC3 levels increased in ALF, whereas inhibition of GSK3β upregulated TAK1 and TRAF6 levels and decreased HDAC3 expression.ConclusionGSK3β inhibitor TDZD-8 can prevent the progression of ALF, and its action may involve the TRAF6/HDAC3/TAK1 pathway.

Issues of intensive care and liver transplantation tactics in fulminant liver failure

Fulminant liver failure is usually characterized as severe acute liver injury with encephalopathy and synthetic dysfunction (international normalized ratio [INR] ≥1.5) in a patient without cirrhosis or previous liver disease. Management of patients with acute liver failure includes ensuring that the patient is cared for appropriately, monitoring for worsening liver failure, managing complications, and providing nutritional support. Patients with acute liver failure should be treated at a liver transplant center whenever possible. Serial laboratory tests are used to monitor the course of a patient's liver failure and to monitor for complications. It is necessary to monitor the level of aminotransferases and bilirubin in serum daily. More frequent monitoring (three to four times a day) of blood coagulation parameters, complete blood count, metabolic panels, and arterial blood gases should be performed. For some causes of acute liver failure, such as acetaminophen intoxication, treatment directed at the underlying cause may prevent the need for liver transplantation and reduce mortality. Lactulose has not been shown to improve overall outcomes, and it can lead to intestinal distention, which can lead to technical difficulties during liver transplantation. Early in acute liver failure, signs and symptoms of cerebral edema may be absent or difficult to detect. Complications of cerebral edema include increased intracranial pressure and herniation of the brain stem. General measures to prevent increased intracranial pressure include minimizing stimulation, maintaining an appropriate fluid balance, and elevating the head of the patient's bed. For patients at high risk of developing cerebral edema, we also offer hypertonic saline prophylaxis (3%) with a target serum sodium level of 145 to 155 mEq/L (level 2C). High-risk patients include patients with grade IV encephalopathy, high ammonia levels (&gt;150 µmol/L), or acute renal failure, and patients requiring vasopressor support. Approximately 40 % of patients with acute liver failure recover spontaneously with supportive care. Predictive models have been developed to help identify patients who are unlikely to recover spontaneously, as the decision to undergo liver transplant depends in part on the likelihood of spontaneous recovery of the liver. However, among those who receive a transplant, the one-year survival rate exceeds 80 %, making this treatment the treatment of choice in this difficult patient population.

Utility of Doppler-Ultrasound and Liver Elastography in the Evaluation of Patients with Suspected Pregnancy-Related Liver Disease

Grayscale abdomen ultrasound (US) is routinely performed in pregnant women with suspected pregnancy-related liver dysfunction, but its diagnostic yield is very low. We aimed to investigate the association between Doppler-US findings, liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and different causes of pregnancy-related liver dysfunction. This is a prospective cohort study of pregnant women referred to our tertiary center for any suspected gastrointestinal disease between 2017 and 2019 and undergoing Doppler-US and liver elastography. Patients with previous liver disease were excluded from the analysis. For group comparisons of categorical and continuous variables, the chi-square test or Mann-Whitney test, and the McNemar test were used, as appropriate. A total of 112 patients were included in the final analysis, of whom 41 (36.6%) presented with suspected liver disease: 23 intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), six with gestational hypertensive disorders and 12 cases with undetermined causes of elevated liver enzymes. Values of LSM were higher and significantly associated with a diagnosis of gestational hypertensive disorder (AUROC = 0.815). No significant differences at Doppler-US or LSM were found between ICP patients and controls. Patients with undetermined causes of hypertransaminasemia showed higher hepatic and splenic resistive indexes than controls, suggesting splanchnic congestion. The evaluation of Doppler-US and liver elastography is clinically useful in patients with suspected liver dysfunction during pregnancy. Liver stiffness represents a promising non-invasive tool for the assessment of patients with gestational hypertensive disorders.

Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Patients with Chronic Hepatopathy in a Reference Center of Bahia State, Brazil

Introduction: Hepatitis E virus infection can lead to severe liver disease and unregulated hepatitis in patients with a history of previous chronic liver disease of different etiologies. Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis E in untreated carriers of hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, autoimmune hepatitis and in patients with drug-induced liver disease. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a total sample of 301 outpatient hepatology volunteers. The detection of anti-HEV IgM and IgG antibodies was determined using the ELISA (RecomWell anti-HEV IgG and IgM, Mikrogen®, Germany), One-step real-time PCR was used for the detection of HEV-RNA (Taqman, Life Technologies TM, Foster City, CA, USA). Results: The overall prevalence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM in the population studied was 12.95% and 2.3%, respectively. The prevalence by group were: anti-HEV IgG: hepatitis C virus with 13.2%, hepatitis B virus with 13%, autoimmune hepatitis with 8.1 and drug-induced liver disease with 21.1. Patients with HCV chronic hepatitis and positive HCV IgG serology showed an increase in transaminase levels in 66.7% (10/15) of the cases, while in the seronegative patients this increase was present in 42.4% (42/99) of the cases (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: A high seroprevalence of HEV was observed. Among the patients with serology concomitantly positive for anti HEV IgG and IgM, 57.1% (4/7) had higher levels of TGO and TGP, suggesting acute HEV infection. A relationship between hepatitis C and E virus co-infection and elevated transaminase levels has been demonstrated. Future studies with evaluation of several clinical parameters are necessary.

Risk factors for the development of hepatic manifestations in COVID-19 patients with digestive symptoms

Background: Abnormalities in liver function tests (LFTs) are found in 14%–53% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. These could occur in patients with or without previous chronic liver diseases. Knowing the risk factor of liver manifestations in COVID-19 subjects is crucial for the proper management of these patients. Objectives: We aimed to identify the risk factors for liver manifestations as well as other risk factors in COVID-19 subjects who complained of digestive manifestations. Materials and Methods: COVID-19 patients with and without liver manifestations at the Emergency Department of Al Fallujah Teaching Hospital were enrolled in this study. This study covered a period from September 15, 2022, to April 22, 2022. Comparisons between patients with or without abnormal LFTs were made. The possible risk variables connected to abnormal LFTs and hepatic manifestation were investigated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Out of 100 COVID-19 patients, there were 64 suffering from mild gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. There were 26 mild cases with abnormal LFTs (40.6%). Although there were nine (total number 22) and seven (total number 14) of the moderate and severe cases with liver involvement, there was no statistically significant difference between the digestive manifestations severity and liver involvement. Increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were linked to a greater incidence of LFTs, according to multivariable analysis (odds ratio [OR]: 45.05; P &lt; 0.0001), elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST; OR: 3.462; P = 0.00041), elevated direct bilirubin (DBIL) (OR: 3.643; P &lt; 0.001), and elevated d-dimer levels [OR]: 2.690; P &lt; 0.0137) in liver involvement group compared with non-involvement patients. Conclusions: Elevated ALT, AST, DBIL, and d-dimer are potential risk factors for liver manifestations in COVID-19 patients with digestive symptoms.

Early-phase prothrombin time-international normalized ratio in acute liver injury indicates the timing of therapeutic intervention and predicts prognostic improvement.

We investigated whether an early-phase prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR) is an interventional prognostic indicator for patients with acute liver injury, including acute liver failure. This was a multicenter retrospective observational study. We included 595 patients with alanine aminotransferase levels ≥300U/L due to acute liver injury who were admitted to Kagoshima University Hospital or other collaborative investigation organizations between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015. Patients with alanine aminotransferase levels ≥300U/L and no previous liver disease were defined as having an acute liver injury. Acute liver failure was defined by PT-INR ≥1.5 with or without hepatic encephalopathy in acute liver injury patients. Data were obtained retrospectively from case reports and analyzed. The PT-INR on day 1 was the most accurate independent prognosis predictor in patients with acute liver injury and acute liver failure. On day 1, the transplant-free survival rates were significantly lower in patients with PT-INR ≥1.3. The transplant-free survival rates were also significantly higher in patients with acute liver injury and acute liver failure, in whom the PT-INR had recovered from ≥1.3 on day 1 to <1.3 by day 8. Early-phase changes in the PT-INR can predict the prognosis of patients with acute liver injury and acute liver failure. Furthermore, PT-INR ≥1.3 could be an interventional marker, whereas PT-INR <1.3 after 1week could reflect prognostic improvement.

Lead exposure as a causative factor for metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and a lead exposure related nomogram for MAFLD prevalence.

The relationship between lead exposure and neurological disorders has been extensively studied, but the effects of lead exposure on hepatotoxicity are unknown. Metabolically related fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is an update of previous non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It redefines the diagnostic conditions and emphasizes metabolic factors while considering non-alcoholic factors. Lead can affect the endocrine system and metabolism, so we believe that lead exposure may contribute to MAFLD. 41,723 individuals who had undergone blood lead testing from 2005 to 2018 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database were selected for this study. The characteristics of population lead exposure in the last decade or so, the effect of lead exposure on liver function and whether lead exposure can cause MAFLD were analyzed. Co-variates were adjusted according to age, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, visceral adiposity index (VAI), poverty indices (PIR), diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. The results showed that blood lead concentrations stabilized at a low level after a decreasing trend from year to year. The differences in blood lead concentrations were associated with differences in age, sex, race, education level, and PIR. Lead exposure was an independent risk factor for MAFLD, and lead and nine other factors were used as independent risk factors for MAFLD, so a nomogram was established to predict the prevalence probability of MAFLD.

Adult-onset Still's disease in Western Australia: Epidemiology, comorbidity and long-term outcome.

Adult-onset Still's disease (ASD) is a rare, potentially life-threatening autoinflammatory condition. As reported prevalence shows regional variation and long-term outcome data are scarce, we investigated epidemiology and long-term health outcomes of ASD in Western Australia (WA). Population-based cohort study using longitudinally linked administrative health data from all WA hospitals between 1999 and 2013 for ASD patients (ICD-10-AM M06.1) and controls matched for age, gender, and index year. Rate ratios and odds ratios (RR/OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) compared ASD patients with controls. The average ASD incidence (n=52) was 0.22/100 000 with 2.4/100 000 point-prevalence as of December 31, 2013. ASD patients (median age 41.5 years, 59.6% female) had higher odds of previous liver disease (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.31-5.45), fever (OR 54.10, 95% CI 6.60-433.0), rash (OR 15.70, 95% CI 4.08-60.80), and serious infections (OR 4.36, 95% CI 2.11-22.80) than controls. Despite biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in 27% of patients, ASD patients had higher odds for joint replacement (n=7, 13.5%) (OR 45.5, 95% CI 4.57-93.70), osteoporosis (OR 31.3, 95% CI 3.43-97), and serious infections (RR 5.68; 95% CI 6.61-8.74) during follow up. However, crude mortality (11.5% vs 7.5%; P=0.34), survival at 1 and 5 years (P= 0.78), and last modified Charlson Comorbidity score (median 2 vs 2) were similar between groups. The epidemiology and demographics of ASD in Western Australia fall within the internationally reported range. ASD patients present increased rates of liver disease, rash, and serious infections before disease onset. Mortality following ASD was not increased for 5 years despite high rates of chronic arthritis requiring joint replacement, serious infections, and osteoporosis.

A Case Report of Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Young Adult

Among the four histopathological variants of hepatocellular carcinoma, Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLHCC) is a rare variant of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It occurs in less than 1 % cases of hepatocellular carcinoma with distinct features as compared to classical HCC. It differs from typical HCC in terms of epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation and prognosis. In this case report we are going to present a case of fibrolamellar variety of HCC in a 20-year young male with no history of previous liver disease and no characteristics features on Computed Tomography (CT) scan when compared with typical HCC. After discussing in multidisciplinary meeting, he underwent non anatomical liver resection which remained uneventful. Histopathology of the biopsy sample revealed FLHCC. No neoadjuvant therapy was given. Patient was kept on 1 year follow-up and no recurrence or metastasis occurred.

Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death in patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been linked to an increase in the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Purpose We aimed to investigate whether AF is associated with an increased risk of ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF) and sudden death (SD) in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Methods All patients hospitalised in France between 2011 and 2020 with a history of pacemakers (PPMs) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) were identified from the French National database. Patients with a prior history of VT, VF and SD were excluded. Results A total of 701,195 patients were identified. Of these, 581,781 (90.1%) patients had PPMs and 63,726 (9.9%) had ICDs. In the PPM group, 248046 (42.6%) had AF and 333735 (57.4%) had no AF. After multivariable analysis, predictors for VT, VF and SD included sex, diabetes, heart failure, history of pulmonary oedema, valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease (CAD), AF, vascular disease, intracranial bleeding, smoking, dyslipidaemia, alcohol related disorders, lung disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), thyroid disorders, inflammatory diseases, anaemia, poor nutrition, cognitive impairment, previous cancer and frailty. The incidence of VT, VF and SD was higher in patients with AF (1.47%/year) compared to those without AF (0.94%/year), with the risk significantly elevated in the former group, hazard ratio (HR) 1.554 (confidence interval (CI) 1.508-1.601). After adjustment for confounders (Figure 1), AF was still associated with a significantly increased risk of VT, VF and SD, HR 1.236 (CI 1.198-1.276) in patients with PPMs. This was further demonstrated through a 1:1 propensity score matched (PSM) analysis (n=200977 in each group) where the risk of incident outcomes was significantly higher in PPM patients with AF, HR 1.230 (1.187-1.274), compared to those without AF. In the ICD group, 20965 (32.9%) had AF and 42761 (67.1%) had no history of AF. Predictors of VT, VF and SD after multivariable analysis included age, sex, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, valve disease, CAD, previous percutaneous coronary intervention, vascular disease, AF, CKD, liver disease and frailty. Incidence of VT, VF and SD was higher in ICD patients with AF (5.30%/ year) compared to those without AF (4.21%/year), with a significantly higher risk, HR 1.261 (CI 1.204-1.320). After adjustment for confounders, this elevated risk was still significant HR 1.167 (1.111-1.226) (Figure 1). 1:1 PSM analysis (n=18349 in each group) demonstrated this further with a significantly elevated risk in ICD patients with AF, compared to ICD patients without AF, HR 1.134 (CI 1.071-1.200). Conclusion Our findings suggest that patients with PPM and ICD with concurrent AF are at a higher risk of VT, VF and sudden death compared to patients with PPM and ICD who do not have AF.

Involvement of the Liver in COVID-19: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT.COVID-19, a respiratory viral infection, has affected 388 million individuals worldwide as of the February 4, 2022. In this review, we have outlined the important liver manifestations of COVID-19 and discussed the possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and their diagnosis and management. Factors that may contribute to hepatic involvement in COVID-19 include direct viral cytopathic effects, exaggerated immune responses/systemic inflammatory response syndrome, hypoxia-induced changes, vascular changes due to coagulopathy, endothelitis, cardiac congestion from right heart failure, and drug-induced liver injury. The majority of COVID-19-associated liver symptoms are mild and self-limiting. Thus management is generally supportive. Liver function tests and abdominal imaging are the primary investigations done in relation to liver involvement in COVID-19 patients. However, imaging findings are nonspecific. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA has been found in liver biopsies. However, there is limited place for liver biopsy in the clinical context, as it does not influence management. Although, the management is supportive in the majority of patients without previous liver disease, special emphasis is needed in those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis B and C infections, and alcoholic liver disease, and in liver transplant recipients.

Liver biopsy changes in fatal COVID 19 patients in a tertiary care hospital

COVID 19 is an ongoing pandemic that has horrified the entire globe. Aftermath of 2 wave is still a nightmare to many. Albeit not so sure of what’s in store, people in medical fraternity try their best to continue to study this virus, its effect and consequences in various organs. Lung being the prime victim followed by the heart has many scientific studies to substantiate its damage. Liver is a sensitive organ and it too has got affected directly by the virus or due to the drugs given irrespective of the ongoing previous liver disease if so any. We are a tertiary hospital in the field of gastrointestinal surgery. Hence we did a study on the patients who died due to COVID 19 associated diseases via a biopsy to understand more microscopically about the implication the dreadful virus has caused.

The effect of Favipiravir on liver enzyme among patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection: A prospective cohort study.

Teratogenicity and hyperuricemia are considered as the major adverse effects of favipiravir, but less is known about other possible side effects which includes drug-induced liver damage and renal injury. In the current research, assessment of favipiravir-induced liver injury was performed by evaluating liver enzymes among patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection. A prospective cohort study was conducted on 66 patients diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection who were treated with favipiravir for 5 days. During this period, a baseline assessment of liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase - AST, alanine transaminase - ALT and alkaline phosphatase - ALP) in addition to bilirubin before initiation of therapy and after 1 day of completion of therapy were carried out. The comparison of all measured parameters among all patients before and after receiving the treatment showed that non-significant differences were obtained in their levels. It was noticed that COVID-19 patients demonstrated high AST levels in which only 16 patients out of the all-subjected cases (66 patients) had AST levels of less than 45 U/L whereas the majority of patients showed normal ALT, ALP, and bilirubin levels. It was concluded that 5 days administration of favipiravir in mild to moderate COVID-19 patients who had no previous liver diseases did not affect the liver enzymes significantly and only transient elevations were occurred.