AIM To investigate whether the use of proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) increases the incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP) in patients with cirrhosis and ascites.METHODS An historical cohort study was carrie...AIM To investigate whether the use of proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) increases the incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP) in patients with cirrhosis and ascites.METHODS An historical cohort study was carried out in cirrhotic outpatients with ascites followed in a specialized clinic at a tertiary hospital in Southern Brazil. Patient charts were reviewed to collect information on the variables of interest as the use of PPIs. Primary outcome was defined as development of SBP during the study period. SBP was diagnosed based on ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count ≥ 250 cells/mm3 without evidence of an intraabdominal, surgically treatable source of infection.RESULTS Of 738 cirrhotic patients, 582(58.2% male) were enrolled, with mean age of 53.6 ± 12 years. Hepatitis C virus infection(36.2%) and alcohol abuse(25.6%) were the main etiologies of cirrhosis. The presence of ascites was detected in 299(51.4%) patients during the development of the study. Nineteen patients with previous diagnosis of SBP undergoing secondary prophylaxis and 22 patients with insufficient PPI data were further excluded. Of 258 patients with ascites, 151 used PPIs, and 34 developed SBP(22.5%). Among 107 non-users of PPIs, 23 developed SBP(21.5%)(HR = 1.44, 95%CI: 0.85-2.47, P = 0.176). The median follow-up time of patients using PPI was 27 mo vs 32 mo for non-users. Univariate analysis of the risk factors associated with the development of SBP revealed a significant association of SPB with the severity of liver disease according to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh(CTP) score. Multivariate analysis confirmed that CTP score was the only independent variable influencing the occurrence of SBP. Survival at 60 mo(Kaplan-Meier analysis) was similar in users and non-users of PPI, independently of the presence of SBP(58.4% vs 62.7% respectively, P = 0.66). For patients with SBP, survival at 60 mo was 55.1%, vs 61.7% in patients without SBP(P = 0.34). CONCLUSION In conclusion, the rate of SBP was not significantly different in users or non-users of PPIs in this cohort of cirrhotic with ascites.展开更多
Mortality in cirrhosis is mostly associated with the development of clinical decompensation,characterized by ascites,hepatic encephalopathy,variceal bleeding,or jaundice.Therefore,it is important to prevent and manage...Mortality in cirrhosis is mostly associated with the development of clinical decompensation,characterized by ascites,hepatic encephalopathy,variceal bleeding,or jaundice.Therefore,it is important to prevent and manage such complications.Traditionally,the pathophysiology of decompensated cirrhosis was explained by the peripheral arterial vasodilation hypothesis,but it is currently understood that decompensation might also be driven by a systemic inflammatory state(the systemic inflammation hypothesis).Considering its oncotic and nononcotic properties,albumin has been thoroughly evaluated in the prevention and management of several of these decompensating events.There are formal evidence-based recommendations from international medical societies proposing that albumin be administered in individuals with cirrhosis undergoing large-volume paracentesis,patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis,those with acute kidney injury(even before the etiological diagnosis),and those with hepatorenal syndrome.Moreover,there are a few randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggesting a possible role for albumin infusion in patients with cirrhosis and ascites(long-term albumin administration),individuals with hepatic encephalopathy,and those with acute-on-chronic liver failure undergoing modest-volume paracentesis.Further studies are necessary to elucidate whether albumin administration also benefits patients with cirrhosis and other complications,such as individuals with extraperitoneal infections,those hospitalized with decompensated cirrhosis and hypoalbuminemia,and patients with hyponatremia.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common causes of cancerrelated mortality.This particular type of cancer has the distinctive characteristic of mostly happening in individuals with an underlying liver di...Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common causes of cancerrelated mortality.This particular type of cancer has the distinctive characteristic of mostly happening in individuals with an underlying liver disease.This makes the management of patients more challenging,since physicians must take into consideration two different conditions,the chronic liver disease and the tumor.The underlying liver disease has several implications in clinical practice,because different kinds of chronic liver disease can lead to varying degrees of risk of developing HCC,obstacles in surveillance,and differences in the efficacy of the treatment against HCC.A shift in the prevalence of liver diseases has been evident over the last few years,with viral hepatitis gradually losing the leading position as cause of HCC and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease gaining importance.Therefore,in an era of personalized medicine,it is imperative that physicians are aware of the underlying liver disease of individuals with HCC and its impact in the management of their tumors.展开更多
Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)consists of a systemic disease that can present many complications.The infection presents broad clinical symptoms and a high rate of transmissibility.In addition to severe acute respi...Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)consists of a systemic disease that can present many complications.The infection presents broad clinical symptoms and a high rate of transmissibility.In addition to severe acute respiratory syndrome,the patients manifest complications beyond the respiratory system.The frequency of liver damage in COVID-19 patients ranges from 14.8% to 53% of patients.One should pay attention to drug-induced liver injury(DILI)in patients with COVID-19,especially considering the off-label use of drugs in prophylactic and therapeutic regimens applied on large scales.This review aims to present relevant information on the medication used so far in COVID-19 patients and its possible hepatotoxicity.We reviewed liver damage in patients with COVID-19 on PubMed and Virtual Health Library to investigate DILI cases.Four studies were selected,involving the medicines remdesivir,tocilizumab and a pharmacovigilance analysis study.The hepatotoxicity profile of drugs presented in the literature considers use in accordance to usual posology standards for treatment.However,drugs currently used in the management of COVID-19 follow different dosages and posology than those tested by the pharmaceutical industry.The deficiency of uniformity and standardization in the assessment of hepatotoxicity cases hinders the publication of information and the possibility of comparing information among healthcare professionals.It is suggested that severe liver injury in COVID-19 patients should be reported in pharmacovigilance institutions,and physicians should pay attention to any considerable abnormal liver test elevation as it can demonstrate unknown drug hepatotoxicity.Liver disorders in COVID-19 patients and the use of several concomitant off-label medications—with a potential risk of further damaging the liver-should at least be a warning sign for rapid identification and early intervention,thus preventing liver damage from contributing to severe impairment in patients.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most prevalent cancers and one of the main causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.Most HCCs develop in an inflammatory microenvironment,and mounting evidence emphasizes th...Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most prevalent cancers and one of the main causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.Most HCCs develop in an inflammatory microenvironment,and mounting evidence emphasizes the importance of immune aspects in hepatocarcinogenesis.In normal physiology,both innate and adaptive immune responses are responsible for eliminating malignantly transformed cells,thus preventing the development of liver cancer.However,in the setting of impaired natural killer cells and exhaustion of T cells,HCC can develop.The immunogenic features of HCC have relevant clinical implications.There is a large number of immune markers currently being studied for the early detection of liver cancer,which would be critical in order to improve surveillance programs.Moreover,novel immunotherapies have recently been proven to be effective,and the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab is currently the most effective treatment for advanced HCC.It is expected that in the near future different subgroups of patients will benefit from specific immunotherapy.The better we understand the immune aspects of HCC,the greater the benefit to patients through surveillance aiming for early detection of liver cancer,which allows for curative treatments,and,in cases of advanced disease,through the selection of the best possible therapy for each individual.展开更多
BACKGROUND High mobility group box 1(HMGB1)has been studied as a molecule associated with severe outcomes in sepsis and thrombomodulin(TM)seems to decrease HMGB1 activity.AIM To investigate the role of the thrombomodu...BACKGROUND High mobility group box 1(HMGB1)has been studied as a molecule associated with severe outcomes in sepsis and thrombomodulin(TM)seems to decrease HMGB1 activity.AIM To investigate the role of the thrombomodulin/high mobility group box 1(T/H)ratio in patients with sepsis and their association with their clinic,testing the hypothesis that higher ratios are associated with better outcomes.METHODS Twenty patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock,according to the 2016 criteria sepsis and septic shock(Sepsis-3),were studied.Patients were followed until they left the intensive care unit or until they achieved 28 d of hospitalization(D28).The following clinical outcomes were observed:Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score;Need for mechanical pulmonary ventilation;Presence of septic shock;Occurrence of sepsis-induced coagulopathy;Need for renal replacement therapy(RRT);and Death.RESULTS The results showed that patients with SOFA scores greater than or equal to 12 points had higher serum levels of TM:76.41±29.21 pg/mL vs 37.41±22.55 pg/mL among those whose SOFA scores were less than 12 points,P=0.003.The T/H ratio was also higher in patients whose SOFA scores were greater than or equal to 12 points,P=0.001.The T/H ratio was,on average,three times higher in patients in need of RRT(0.38±0.14 vs 0.11±0.09),P<0.001.CONCLUSION Higher serum levels of TM and,therefore,higher T/H ratio in the first 24 h after the diagnosis of sepsis were associated with more severe disease and the need for renal replacement therapy,while those with better clinical outcomes and those who were discharged before D28 showed a tendency for lower T/H ratio values.展开更多
BACKGROUND This is the first study on the epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBDs)in Rio Grande do Sul(RS),the southernmost state of Brazil with the country’s fifth largest population.Crohn’s disease(CD)and...BACKGROUND This is the first study on the epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBDs)in Rio Grande do Sul(RS),the southernmost state of Brazil with the country’s fifth largest population.Crohn’s disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC)are collectively termed IBDs.They have high incidence and prevalence rates in highincome countries,although in recent years there has been a change in the classic geographical distribution of IBDs,with growing rates in traditionally lowincidence regions.AIM To estimate the incidence and prevalence of IBDs in the RS state,Brazil,between 2014 and 2019.METHODS This is a cross-sectional descriptive observational study.Patients with IBD who had initiated treatment and met the inclusion criteria of the RS state free drug distribution program were included.Data were obtained from registration or renewal records of the RS state specialty pharmacy.The male,female,and total populations were estimated according to mid-year data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics,which served as a reference for calculating the incidence and prevalence rates of IBDs during the study period.Results were described using mean,standard deviation,and range.RESULTS We included 1082 patients with IBD,of whom 57.5%were female and 42.5% were male.Patients with CD accounted for 72.45% of the sample,and those with UC accounted for 27.54%.IBD prevalence during the study period was 9.51 per 100000 population,of which 6.89 corresponded to people with CD and 2.62,to people with UC.Incidence rates per 100000 population/year were 2.54 in 2014,2.61 in 2015,1.91 in 2016,0.80 in 2017,0.83 in 2018,and 0.96 in 2019.The mean IBD incidence rate per 100000 population was 1.61,of which 1.17 corresponded to CD and 0.44,to UC.The mean age was 41 years,and patients were mostly aged 30-40 years.Prevalence by region was higher in the state capital metropolitan area:12.69 per 100000 population.CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated an IBD prevalence of 9.51% and incidence of 1.61 per 100000 population.The patients were predominantly female,and CD was more prevalent than UC.展开更多
Patients with cirrhosis have an increased risk of infection and differently from other complications,that over the years are improving in their outcomes,infections in cirrhotic patients are still a major cause of hosp...Patients with cirrhosis have an increased risk of infection and differently from other complications,that over the years are improving in their outcomes,infections in cirrhotic patients are still a major cause of hospitalization and death(up to 50%in-hospital mortality).Infections by multidrug-resistant organisms(MDRO)have become a major challenge in the management of cirrhotic patients with significant prognostic and cost-related impact.About one third of cirrhotic patients with bacterial infections is infected with MDR bacteria and their prevalence has increased in recent years.MDR infections have a worse prognosis compared to infections by non-resistant bacteria because they are associated with lower rate of infection resolution.An adequate management of cirrhotic patients with infections caused by MDR bacteria depends on the knowledge of some epidemiological aspects,such as the type of infection(spontaneous bacterial peritonitis,pneumonia,urinary tract infection and spontaneous bacteremia),bacteriological profile of antibiotic resistance at each health care unit and site of infection acquisition(community acquired,healthcare associated or nosocomial).Furthermore,regional variations in the prevalence of MDR infections determine that the choice of empirical antibiotic therapy must be adapted to the local microbiological epidemiology.Antibiotic treatment is the most effective measure to treat infections caused by MDRO.Therefore,optimizing antibiotic prescribing is critical to effectively treat these infections.Identification of risk factors for multidrug resistance is essential to define the best antibiotic treatment strategy in each case and the choice of an effective empirical antibiotic therapy and its early administration is cardinal to reduce mortality.On the other hand,the supply of new agents to treat these infections is very limited.Thus,specific protocols that include preventive measures must be implemented in order to limit the negative impact of this severe complication in cirrhotic patients.展开更多
AIM To evaluate the occurrence of resistant mutations in treatment-na?ve hepatitis C virus(HCV) sequences deposited in the European hepatitis C virus database(euH CVdb). METHODS The sequences were downloaded from the ...AIM To evaluate the occurrence of resistant mutations in treatment-na?ve hepatitis C virus(HCV) sequences deposited in the European hepatitis C virus database(euH CVdb). METHODS The sequences were downloaded from the eu HCVdb(https://euhcvdb.ibcp.fr/eu HCVdb/). The search was performed for full-length NS3 protease, NS5 A and NS5 B polymerase sequences of HCV, separated by genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and 3a, and resulted in 798 NS3, 708 NS5 A and 535 NS5 B sequences from HCV genotypes1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and 3a, after the exclusion of sequences containing errors and/or gaps or incomplete sequences, and sequences from patients previously treated with direct antiviral agents(DAA). The sequence alignment was performed with MEGA 6.06 MAC and the resulting protein sequences were then analyzed using the BioE dit 7.2.5. for mutations associated with resistance. Only positions that have been described as being associated with failure in treatment in in vivo studies, and/or as conferring a more than 2-fold change in replication in comparison to the wildtype reference strain in in vitro phenotypic assays were included in the analysis.RESULTS The Q80 K variant in the NS3 gene was the most prevalent mutation, being found in 44.66% of subtype 1a and 0.25% of subtype 1b. Other frequent mutations observed in more than 2% of the NS3 sequences were: I170V(3.21%) in genotype 1a, and Y56F(15.93%), V132I(23.28%) and I170V(65.20%) in genotype 1b. For the NS5 A, 2.21% of the genotype 1a sequences have the P58 S mutation, 5.95% of genotype 1b sequences have the R30 Q mutation, 15.79% of subtypes 2a sequences have the Q30 R mutation, 23.08% of subtype 2b sequences have a L31 M mutation, and in subtype 3a sequences, 23.08% have the M31 L resistant variants. For the NS5 B, the V321 L RAV was identified in 0.60% of genotype 1a and in 0.32% of genotype 1b sequences, and the N142 T variant was observed in 0.32% of subtype 1b sequences. The C316 Y, S556 G, D559 N RAV were identified in 0.33%, 7.82% and 0.32% of genotype 1b sequences, respectively, and were not observed in other genotypes.CONCLUSION HCV mutants resistant to DAAs are found in low frequency, nevertheless they could be selected and therapy could fail due resistance substitutions in HCV genome.展开更多
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide,and its prevalence increases continuously.As it predisposes to hepatocellular carcinoma both in the presence and in the absenc...Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide,and its prevalence increases continuously.As it predisposes to hepatocellular carcinoma both in the presence and in the absence of cirrhosis,it is not surprising that the incidence of NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma would also rise.Some of the mechanisms involved in hepatocarcinogenesis are particular to individuals with fatty liver,and they help explain why liver cancer develops even in patients without cirrhosis.Genetic and immune-mediated mechanisms seem to play an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in this population.Currently,it is consensual that patients with NAFLD-related cirrhosis should be surveilled with ultrasonography every 6 mo(with or without alpha-fetoprotein),but it is known that they are less likely to follow this recommendation than individuals with other kinds of liver disease.Moreover,the performance of the methods of surveillance are lower in NAFLD than they are in other liver diseases.Furthermore,it is not clear which subgroups of patients without cirrhosis should undergo surveillance.Understanding the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis in NAFLD could hopefully lead to the identification of biomarkers to be used in the surveillance for liver cancer in these individuals.By improving surveillance,tumors could be detected in earlier stages,amenable to curative treatments.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is among the most common cancers and it is a major cause of cancer-related deaths.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)affects approximately one fourth of individuals worldwide and it i...Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is among the most common cancers and it is a major cause of cancer-related deaths.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)affects approximately one fourth of individuals worldwide and it is becoming one of the most important causes of HCC.The pathogenic mechanisms leading to NAFLD-related HCC are complex and not completely understood.However,metabolic,fibrogenic,oncogenic,inflammatory and immunological pathways seem to be involved.First-line therapy of advanced HCC has recently undergone major changes,since the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab was proven to increase survival when compared to sorafenib.Other immune-oncology drugs are also demonstrating promising results in patients with advanced HCC when compared to traditional systemic therapy.However,initial studies raised concerns that the advantages of immunotherapy might depend on the underlying liver disease,which seems to be particularly important in NAFLD-related HCC,as these tumors might not benefit from it.This article will review the mechanisms of NAFLD-related hepatocarcinogenesis,with an emphasis on its immune aspects,the efficacy of traditional systemic therapy for advanced NAFLD-related HCC,and the most recent data on the role of immunotherapy for this specific group of patients,showing that the management of this condition should be individualized and that a general recommendation cannot be made at this time.展开更多
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma(CC)is a rare tumor that arises from the epithelium of the bile ducts.It is classified according to anatomic location as intrahepatic,perihilar,and distal.Intrahepatic CC(ICC)is rare in pa...BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma(CC)is a rare tumor that arises from the epithelium of the bile ducts.It is classified according to anatomic location as intrahepatic,perihilar,and distal.Intrahepatic CC(ICC)is rare in patients with cirrhosis due to causes other than primary sclerosing cholangitis.Mixed hepatocellular carcinoma-CC(HCC-CC)is a rare neoplasm that shows histologic findings of both HCC and ICC within the same tumor mass.Due to the difficulties in arriving at the correct diagnosis,patients eventually undergo liver transplantation(LT)with a presumptive diagnosis of HCC on imaging when,in fact,they have ICC or HCC-CC.AIM To evaluate the outcomes of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or mixed hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma on pathological examination after liver transplant.METHODS Propensity score matching was used to analyze tumor recurrence(TR),overall mortality(OM),and recurrence-free survival(RFS)in LT recipients with pathologically confirmed ICC or HCC-CC matched 1:8 to those with HCC.Progression-free survival and overall mortality rates were computed with the Kaplan-Meier method using Cox regression for comparison.RESULTS Of 475 HCC LT recipients,1.7%had the diagnosis of ICC and 1.5%of HCC-CC on pathological examination of the explant.LT recipients with ICC had higher TR(46%vs 11%;P=0.006),higher OM(63%vs 23%;P=0.002),and lower RFS(38%vs 89%;P=0.002)than those with HCC when matched for pretransplant tumor characteristics,as well as higher TR(46%vs 23%;P=0.083),higher OM(63%vs 35%;P=0.026),and lower RFS(38%vs 59%;P=0.037)when matched for posttransplant tumor characteristics.Two pairings were performed to compare the outcomes of LT recipients with HCC-CC vs HCC.There was no significant difference between the outcomes in either pairing.CONCLUSION Patients with ICC had worse outcomes than patients undergoing LT for HCC.The outcomes of patients with HCC-CC did not differ significantly from those of patients with HCC.展开更多
In Brazil, the amount of pesticides consumed doubled in the last 10 years. Thus, in 2008 it assumed the lead position in the world. However, its indiscriminate application in agriculture without the use of the necessa...In Brazil, the amount of pesticides consumed doubled in the last 10 years. Thus, in 2008 it assumed the lead position in the world. However, its indiscriminate application in agriculture without the use of the necessary care has contributed to environmental degradation and increased occupational exposures, making it a serious health problem in the country. The recent study looked to evaluate the auditory health and risk factors in rural workers exposed to pesticides in Piedade de Caratinga County—MG, and chart their socioeconomic profile and lifestyle while identifying the types of crops and the use and management of pesticides. Developed, then, a descriptive and exploratory study involving 23 men, rural workers, exposed to pesticides, with no history of exposure to noise, with changes in meatoscopy and aged ≤50 years of age. The results show the sample consisted of 23 men with a mean age of 36.7 ± 9.3, whom have low education, with a monthly income of 1 minimum wage, working in the fields for over 15 years. There was a predominance of horticulture using organophosphate pesticides and pyrethroids. Part of the sample shows auditory loss, the most common sensorineural conductive loss. It is essential that the population exposed to this type of risk is informed and receives guidance from educational campaigns developed by the multidisciplinary team of basic health units.展开更多
The study aimed to look for available evidence in the literature regarding tools and methods used for determining nurse staffing levels. It is an integrative literature review whose data search was performed electroni...The study aimed to look for available evidence in the literature regarding tools and methods used for determining nurse staffing levels. It is an integrative literature review whose data search was performed electronically between September and October 2013. The integrative review consisted of 13 articles that responded to the inclusion criteria proposed in the study. Several tools and methods were identified that determine staffing numbers, however, implementation of the calculated required workforce is not yet effective in the institutions surveyed.展开更多
Rereading the article“Propensity-matched analysis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or mixed hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing a liver transplant”(DOI:10.5306/w...Rereading the article“Propensity-matched analysis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or mixed hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing a liver transplant”(DOI:10.5306/wjco.v13.i8.688),published on August 24,we observe,with concern,that figures 3 and 4 are wrong.The authors have attached the correct figures for correction.展开更多
Alcohol consumption accounts for 3.8% of annual global mortality worldwide, and the majority of these deaths are due to alcoholic liver disease(ALD), mainly alcoholic cirrhosis. ALD is one of the most common indicatio...Alcohol consumption accounts for 3.8% of annual global mortality worldwide, and the majority of these deaths are due to alcoholic liver disease(ALD), mainly alcoholic cirrhosis. ALD is one of the most common indications for liver transplantation(LT). However, it remains a complicated topic on both medical and ethical grounds, as it is seen by many as a "self-inflicted disease". One of the strongest ethical arguments against LT for ALD is the probability of relapse. However, ALD remains a common indication for LT worldwide. For a patient to be placed on an LT waiting list, 6 mo of abstinence must have been achieved for most LT centers. However, this "6-mo rule" is an arbitrary threshold and has never been shown to affect survival, sobriety, or other outcomes. Recent studies have shown similar survival rates among individuals who undergo LT for ALD and those who undergo LT for other chronic causes of end-stage liver disease. There are specific factors that should be addressed when evaluating LT patients with ALD because these patients commonly have a high prevalence of multisystem alcohol-related changes. Risk factors for relapse include the presence of anxiety or depressive disorders, short pre-LT duration of sobriety, and lack of social support. Identification of risk factors and strengthening of the social support system may decrease relapse among these patients. Family counseling for LT candidates is highly encouraged to prevent alcohol consumption relapse. Relapse has been associated with unique histopathological changes, graft damage, graft loss, and even decreased survival in some studies. Research has demonstrated the importance of a multidisciplinary evaluation of LT candidates. Complete abstinence should be attempted to overcome addiction issues and to allow spontaneous liver recovery. Abstinence is the cornerstone of ALD therapy. Psychotherapies, including 12-step facilitation therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and motivational enhancement therapy, help support abstinence. Nutritional therapy helps to reverse muscle wasting, weight loss, vitamin deficiencies, and trace element deficiencies associated with ALD. For muscular recovery, supervised physical activity has been shown to lead to a gain in muscle mass and improvement of functional activity. Early LT for acute alcoholic hepatitis has been the subject of recent clinical studies, with encouraging results in highly selected patients. The survival rates after LT for ALD are comparable to those of patients who underwent LT for other indications. Patients that undergo LT for ALD and survive over 5 years have a higher risk of cardiorespiratory disease, cerebrovascular events, and de novo malignancy.展开更多
BACKGROUND The impact of platelets on liver transplantation(LT) is well recognized, but not completely understood. Platelets exert dichotomous effects on the graft and on the patient. On the one hand, they are essenti...BACKGROUND The impact of platelets on liver transplantation(LT) is well recognized, but not completely understood. Platelets exert dichotomous effects on the graft and on the patient. On the one hand, they are essential for primary hemostasis and tissue repair and regeneration. On the other hand, they support ischemia/reperfusion injury and inflammatory processes. Recent evidence has shown a new role for platelet count(PC) in predicting outcomes after LT.AIM To evaluate if low PC is a predictor of short-and long-term outcomes after LT.METHODS Four hundred and eighty consecutive LT patients were retrospectively assessed.PC from the preoperative to the seventh postoperative day(POD) were considered. C-statistic analysis defined the ideal cutoff point for PC. Cox regression was performed to check whether low PC was a predictor of death,retransplantation or primary changes in graft function within one year after LT.RESULTS The highest median PC was 86 × 109/L [interquartile range(IQR) = 65–100 ×109/L] on seventh POD, and the lowest was 51 × 109/L(IQR = 38–71 × 109/L) on third POD. The C-statistic defined a PC < 70 × 109/L on fifth POD as the ideal cutoff point for predicting death and retransplantation. In the multivariate analysis, platelets < 70 × 109/L on 5 POD was an independent risk factor for death at 12 mo after LT [hazard ratio(HR) = 2.01; 95% confidence interval(CI) 1.06-3.79;P = 0.031]. In the Cox regression, patients with PC < 70 × 109/L on 5 POD had worse graft survival rates up to one year after LT(HR = 2.76; 95%CI 1.52-4.99; P =0.001).CONCLUSION PC < 70 × 109/L on 5 POD is an independent predictor of death in the first year after LT. These results are in agreement with other studies that indicate that low PC after LT is associated with negative outcomes.展开更多
Chronic hypertension complicates 3%-5% of pregnancies and gestational hypertension occurs in 6% of pregnancies.Preeclampsia complicates 25% of the pregnancies with chronic hypertension,and approximately 15%-45% of the...Chronic hypertension complicates 3%-5% of pregnancies and gestational hypertension occurs in 6% of pregnancies.Preeclampsia complicates 25% of the pregnancies with chronic hypertension,and approximately 15%-45% of the patients with gestational hypertension will develop preeclampsia,a dangerous condition that harms the maternal and fetal safety.Antihypertensive medication is used to treat severe hypertension to prevent serious maternal and fetal complications,but there is no consensus on when and how to treat mild-to-moderate hypertension in pregnancy.This article reviews the usage,effect and safety of first,second and third line antihypertensive drugs for mild-to-moderate hypertension in pregnancy.展开更多
Hepatitis B infection(HBV)is one of the most common causes of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)worldwide.The age of occurrence,prognosis and incidence vary dramatically depending on the region of the world.This geographic...Hepatitis B infection(HBV)is one of the most common causes of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)worldwide.The age of occurrence,prognosis and incidence vary dramatically depending on the region of the world.This geographic variation is largely dependent on the contrasting incidence of HBV,age of transmission of the virus,the timing of integration into the human genome,and different HBV genotypes,as well as environmental factors.It results in a wide difference in viral interaction with the immune system,genomic modulation and the consequent development of HCC in an individual.In this review,we describe many factors implicated in HCC development,provide insight regarding at-risk populations and explain societal recommendations for HCC surveillance in persons living with HBV in different continents of the world.展开更多
文摘AIM To investigate whether the use of proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) increases the incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP) in patients with cirrhosis and ascites.METHODS An historical cohort study was carried out in cirrhotic outpatients with ascites followed in a specialized clinic at a tertiary hospital in Southern Brazil. Patient charts were reviewed to collect information on the variables of interest as the use of PPIs. Primary outcome was defined as development of SBP during the study period. SBP was diagnosed based on ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count ≥ 250 cells/mm3 without evidence of an intraabdominal, surgically treatable source of infection.RESULTS Of 738 cirrhotic patients, 582(58.2% male) were enrolled, with mean age of 53.6 ± 12 years. Hepatitis C virus infection(36.2%) and alcohol abuse(25.6%) were the main etiologies of cirrhosis. The presence of ascites was detected in 299(51.4%) patients during the development of the study. Nineteen patients with previous diagnosis of SBP undergoing secondary prophylaxis and 22 patients with insufficient PPI data were further excluded. Of 258 patients with ascites, 151 used PPIs, and 34 developed SBP(22.5%). Among 107 non-users of PPIs, 23 developed SBP(21.5%)(HR = 1.44, 95%CI: 0.85-2.47, P = 0.176). The median follow-up time of patients using PPI was 27 mo vs 32 mo for non-users. Univariate analysis of the risk factors associated with the development of SBP revealed a significant association of SPB with the severity of liver disease according to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh(CTP) score. Multivariate analysis confirmed that CTP score was the only independent variable influencing the occurrence of SBP. Survival at 60 mo(Kaplan-Meier analysis) was similar in users and non-users of PPI, independently of the presence of SBP(58.4% vs 62.7% respectively, P = 0.66). For patients with SBP, survival at 60 mo was 55.1%, vs 61.7% in patients without SBP(P = 0.34). CONCLUSION In conclusion, the rate of SBP was not significantly different in users or non-users of PPIs in this cohort of cirrhotic with ascites.
文摘Mortality in cirrhosis is mostly associated with the development of clinical decompensation,characterized by ascites,hepatic encephalopathy,variceal bleeding,or jaundice.Therefore,it is important to prevent and manage such complications.Traditionally,the pathophysiology of decompensated cirrhosis was explained by the peripheral arterial vasodilation hypothesis,but it is currently understood that decompensation might also be driven by a systemic inflammatory state(the systemic inflammation hypothesis).Considering its oncotic and nononcotic properties,albumin has been thoroughly evaluated in the prevention and management of several of these decompensating events.There are formal evidence-based recommendations from international medical societies proposing that albumin be administered in individuals with cirrhosis undergoing large-volume paracentesis,patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis,those with acute kidney injury(even before the etiological diagnosis),and those with hepatorenal syndrome.Moreover,there are a few randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggesting a possible role for albumin infusion in patients with cirrhosis and ascites(long-term albumin administration),individuals with hepatic encephalopathy,and those with acute-on-chronic liver failure undergoing modest-volume paracentesis.Further studies are necessary to elucidate whether albumin administration also benefits patients with cirrhosis and other complications,such as individuals with extraperitoneal infections,those hospitalized with decompensated cirrhosis and hypoalbuminemia,and patients with hyponatremia.
基金Supported by European-Latin American ESCALON Consortium,EU Horizon 2020 Program,No.825510National Institutes of Health,No.NIH R21 TW012390-01A1.
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common causes of cancerrelated mortality.This particular type of cancer has the distinctive characteristic of mostly happening in individuals with an underlying liver disease.This makes the management of patients more challenging,since physicians must take into consideration two different conditions,the chronic liver disease and the tumor.The underlying liver disease has several implications in clinical practice,because different kinds of chronic liver disease can lead to varying degrees of risk of developing HCC,obstacles in surveillance,and differences in the efficacy of the treatment against HCC.A shift in the prevalence of liver diseases has been evident over the last few years,with viral hepatitis gradually losing the leading position as cause of HCC and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease gaining importance.Therefore,in an era of personalized medicine,it is imperative that physicians are aware of the underlying liver disease of individuals with HCC and its impact in the management of their tumors.
文摘Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)consists of a systemic disease that can present many complications.The infection presents broad clinical symptoms and a high rate of transmissibility.In addition to severe acute respiratory syndrome,the patients manifest complications beyond the respiratory system.The frequency of liver damage in COVID-19 patients ranges from 14.8% to 53% of patients.One should pay attention to drug-induced liver injury(DILI)in patients with COVID-19,especially considering the off-label use of drugs in prophylactic and therapeutic regimens applied on large scales.This review aims to present relevant information on the medication used so far in COVID-19 patients and its possible hepatotoxicity.We reviewed liver damage in patients with COVID-19 on PubMed and Virtual Health Library to investigate DILI cases.Four studies were selected,involving the medicines remdesivir,tocilizumab and a pharmacovigilance analysis study.The hepatotoxicity profile of drugs presented in the literature considers use in accordance to usual posology standards for treatment.However,drugs currently used in the management of COVID-19 follow different dosages and posology than those tested by the pharmaceutical industry.The deficiency of uniformity and standardization in the assessment of hepatotoxicity cases hinders the publication of information and the possibility of comparing information among healthcare professionals.It is suggested that severe liver injury in COVID-19 patients should be reported in pharmacovigilance institutions,and physicians should pay attention to any considerable abnormal liver test elevation as it can demonstrate unknown drug hepatotoxicity.Liver disorders in COVID-19 patients and the use of several concomitant off-label medications—with a potential risk of further damaging the liver-should at least be a warning sign for rapid identification and early intervention,thus preventing liver damage from contributing to severe impairment in patients.
基金Supported by European-Latin American ESCALON consortium,funded by the EU Horizon 2020 Program,No.825510Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program(to Debes JD).
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most prevalent cancers and one of the main causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.Most HCCs develop in an inflammatory microenvironment,and mounting evidence emphasizes the importance of immune aspects in hepatocarcinogenesis.In normal physiology,both innate and adaptive immune responses are responsible for eliminating malignantly transformed cells,thus preventing the development of liver cancer.However,in the setting of impaired natural killer cells and exhaustion of T cells,HCC can develop.The immunogenic features of HCC have relevant clinical implications.There is a large number of immune markers currently being studied for the early detection of liver cancer,which would be critical in order to improve surveillance programs.Moreover,novel immunotherapies have recently been proven to be effective,and the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab is currently the most effective treatment for advanced HCC.It is expected that in the near future different subgroups of patients will benefit from specific immunotherapy.The better we understand the immune aspects of HCC,the greater the benefit to patients through surveillance aiming for early detection of liver cancer,which allows for curative treatments,and,in cases of advanced disease,through the selection of the best possible therapy for each individual.
文摘BACKGROUND High mobility group box 1(HMGB1)has been studied as a molecule associated with severe outcomes in sepsis and thrombomodulin(TM)seems to decrease HMGB1 activity.AIM To investigate the role of the thrombomodulin/high mobility group box 1(T/H)ratio in patients with sepsis and their association with their clinic,testing the hypothesis that higher ratios are associated with better outcomes.METHODS Twenty patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock,according to the 2016 criteria sepsis and septic shock(Sepsis-3),were studied.Patients were followed until they left the intensive care unit or until they achieved 28 d of hospitalization(D28).The following clinical outcomes were observed:Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score;Need for mechanical pulmonary ventilation;Presence of septic shock;Occurrence of sepsis-induced coagulopathy;Need for renal replacement therapy(RRT);and Death.RESULTS The results showed that patients with SOFA scores greater than or equal to 12 points had higher serum levels of TM:76.41±29.21 pg/mL vs 37.41±22.55 pg/mL among those whose SOFA scores were less than 12 points,P=0.003.The T/H ratio was also higher in patients whose SOFA scores were greater than or equal to 12 points,P=0.001.The T/H ratio was,on average,three times higher in patients in need of RRT(0.38±0.14 vs 0.11±0.09),P<0.001.CONCLUSION Higher serum levels of TM and,therefore,higher T/H ratio in the first 24 h after the diagnosis of sepsis were associated with more severe disease and the need for renal replacement therapy,while those with better clinical outcomes and those who were discharged before D28 showed a tendency for lower T/H ratio values.
基金Supported by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior-Brasil(CAPES)-Finance Code 001.
文摘BACKGROUND This is the first study on the epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBDs)in Rio Grande do Sul(RS),the southernmost state of Brazil with the country’s fifth largest population.Crohn’s disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC)are collectively termed IBDs.They have high incidence and prevalence rates in highincome countries,although in recent years there has been a change in the classic geographical distribution of IBDs,with growing rates in traditionally lowincidence regions.AIM To estimate the incidence and prevalence of IBDs in the RS state,Brazil,between 2014 and 2019.METHODS This is a cross-sectional descriptive observational study.Patients with IBD who had initiated treatment and met the inclusion criteria of the RS state free drug distribution program were included.Data were obtained from registration or renewal records of the RS state specialty pharmacy.The male,female,and total populations were estimated according to mid-year data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics,which served as a reference for calculating the incidence and prevalence rates of IBDs during the study period.Results were described using mean,standard deviation,and range.RESULTS We included 1082 patients with IBD,of whom 57.5%were female and 42.5% were male.Patients with CD accounted for 72.45% of the sample,and those with UC accounted for 27.54%.IBD prevalence during the study period was 9.51 per 100000 population,of which 6.89 corresponded to people with CD and 2.62,to people with UC.Incidence rates per 100000 population/year were 2.54 in 2014,2.61 in 2015,1.91 in 2016,0.80 in 2017,0.83 in 2018,and 0.96 in 2019.The mean IBD incidence rate per 100000 population was 1.61,of which 1.17 corresponded to CD and 0.44,to UC.The mean age was 41 years,and patients were mostly aged 30-40 years.Prevalence by region was higher in the state capital metropolitan area:12.69 per 100000 population.CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated an IBD prevalence of 9.51% and incidence of 1.61 per 100000 population.The patients were predominantly female,and CD was more prevalent than UC.
文摘Patients with cirrhosis have an increased risk of infection and differently from other complications,that over the years are improving in their outcomes,infections in cirrhotic patients are still a major cause of hospitalization and death(up to 50%in-hospital mortality).Infections by multidrug-resistant organisms(MDRO)have become a major challenge in the management of cirrhotic patients with significant prognostic and cost-related impact.About one third of cirrhotic patients with bacterial infections is infected with MDR bacteria and their prevalence has increased in recent years.MDR infections have a worse prognosis compared to infections by non-resistant bacteria because they are associated with lower rate of infection resolution.An adequate management of cirrhotic patients with infections caused by MDR bacteria depends on the knowledge of some epidemiological aspects,such as the type of infection(spontaneous bacterial peritonitis,pneumonia,urinary tract infection and spontaneous bacteremia),bacteriological profile of antibiotic resistance at each health care unit and site of infection acquisition(community acquired,healthcare associated or nosocomial).Furthermore,regional variations in the prevalence of MDR infections determine that the choice of empirical antibiotic therapy must be adapted to the local microbiological epidemiology.Antibiotic treatment is the most effective measure to treat infections caused by MDRO.Therefore,optimizing antibiotic prescribing is critical to effectively treat these infections.Identification of risk factors for multidrug resistance is essential to define the best antibiotic treatment strategy in each case and the choice of an effective empirical antibiotic therapy and its early administration is cardinal to reduce mortality.On the other hand,the supply of new agents to treat these infections is very limited.Thus,specific protocols that include preventive measures must be implemented in order to limit the negative impact of this severe complication in cirrhotic patients.
文摘AIM To evaluate the occurrence of resistant mutations in treatment-na?ve hepatitis C virus(HCV) sequences deposited in the European hepatitis C virus database(euH CVdb). METHODS The sequences were downloaded from the eu HCVdb(https://euhcvdb.ibcp.fr/eu HCVdb/). The search was performed for full-length NS3 protease, NS5 A and NS5 B polymerase sequences of HCV, separated by genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and 3a, and resulted in 798 NS3, 708 NS5 A and 535 NS5 B sequences from HCV genotypes1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and 3a, after the exclusion of sequences containing errors and/or gaps or incomplete sequences, and sequences from patients previously treated with direct antiviral agents(DAA). The sequence alignment was performed with MEGA 6.06 MAC and the resulting protein sequences were then analyzed using the BioE dit 7.2.5. for mutations associated with resistance. Only positions that have been described as being associated with failure in treatment in in vivo studies, and/or as conferring a more than 2-fold change in replication in comparison to the wildtype reference strain in in vitro phenotypic assays were included in the analysis.RESULTS The Q80 K variant in the NS3 gene was the most prevalent mutation, being found in 44.66% of subtype 1a and 0.25% of subtype 1b. Other frequent mutations observed in more than 2% of the NS3 sequences were: I170V(3.21%) in genotype 1a, and Y56F(15.93%), V132I(23.28%) and I170V(65.20%) in genotype 1b. For the NS5 A, 2.21% of the genotype 1a sequences have the P58 S mutation, 5.95% of genotype 1b sequences have the R30 Q mutation, 15.79% of subtypes 2a sequences have the Q30 R mutation, 23.08% of subtype 2b sequences have a L31 M mutation, and in subtype 3a sequences, 23.08% have the M31 L resistant variants. For the NS5 B, the V321 L RAV was identified in 0.60% of genotype 1a and in 0.32% of genotype 1b sequences, and the N142 T variant was observed in 0.32% of subtype 1b sequences. The C316 Y, S556 G, D559 N RAV were identified in 0.33%, 7.82% and 0.32% of genotype 1b sequences, respectively, and were not observed in other genotypes.CONCLUSION HCV mutants resistant to DAAs are found in low frequency, nevertheless they could be selected and therapy could fail due resistance substitutions in HCV genome.
基金Supported by the European-South American Consortium to Assess Liver-Originated Neoplasia(the ESCALON consortium),the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program,No.825510Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program(to Debes JD)Fondo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia de Chile,No.1191145(to Arrese M).
文摘Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide,and its prevalence increases continuously.As it predisposes to hepatocellular carcinoma both in the presence and in the absence of cirrhosis,it is not surprising that the incidence of NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma would also rise.Some of the mechanisms involved in hepatocarcinogenesis are particular to individuals with fatty liver,and they help explain why liver cancer develops even in patients without cirrhosis.Genetic and immune-mediated mechanisms seem to play an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in this population.Currently,it is consensual that patients with NAFLD-related cirrhosis should be surveilled with ultrasonography every 6 mo(with or without alpha-fetoprotein),but it is known that they are less likely to follow this recommendation than individuals with other kinds of liver disease.Moreover,the performance of the methods of surveillance are lower in NAFLD than they are in other liver diseases.Furthermore,it is not clear which subgroups of patients without cirrhosis should undergo surveillance.Understanding the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis in NAFLD could hopefully lead to the identification of biomarkers to be used in the surveillance for liver cancer in these individuals.By improving surveillance,tumors could be detected in earlier stages,amenable to curative treatments.
基金European-Latin American ESCALON Consortium,Funded By The EU Horizon 2020 Program,No.825510Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program to JDD+2 种基金University of Minnesota Academic Investment Research Program–AIRP Grant to JDDFondo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de Chilex to MA,No.FONDECYT-1191145Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo to MA,No.ANID-ACE210009
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is among the most common cancers and it is a major cause of cancer-related deaths.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)affects approximately one fourth of individuals worldwide and it is becoming one of the most important causes of HCC.The pathogenic mechanisms leading to NAFLD-related HCC are complex and not completely understood.However,metabolic,fibrogenic,oncogenic,inflammatory and immunological pathways seem to be involved.First-line therapy of advanced HCC has recently undergone major changes,since the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab was proven to increase survival when compared to sorafenib.Other immune-oncology drugs are also demonstrating promising results in patients with advanced HCC when compared to traditional systemic therapy.However,initial studies raised concerns that the advantages of immunotherapy might depend on the underlying liver disease,which seems to be particularly important in NAFLD-related HCC,as these tumors might not benefit from it.This article will review the mechanisms of NAFLD-related hepatocarcinogenesis,with an emphasis on its immune aspects,the efficacy of traditional systemic therapy for advanced NAFLD-related HCC,and the most recent data on the role of immunotherapy for this specific group of patients,showing that the management of this condition should be individualized and that a general recommendation cannot be made at this time.
文摘BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma(CC)is a rare tumor that arises from the epithelium of the bile ducts.It is classified according to anatomic location as intrahepatic,perihilar,and distal.Intrahepatic CC(ICC)is rare in patients with cirrhosis due to causes other than primary sclerosing cholangitis.Mixed hepatocellular carcinoma-CC(HCC-CC)is a rare neoplasm that shows histologic findings of both HCC and ICC within the same tumor mass.Due to the difficulties in arriving at the correct diagnosis,patients eventually undergo liver transplantation(LT)with a presumptive diagnosis of HCC on imaging when,in fact,they have ICC or HCC-CC.AIM To evaluate the outcomes of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or mixed hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma on pathological examination after liver transplant.METHODS Propensity score matching was used to analyze tumor recurrence(TR),overall mortality(OM),and recurrence-free survival(RFS)in LT recipients with pathologically confirmed ICC or HCC-CC matched 1:8 to those with HCC.Progression-free survival and overall mortality rates were computed with the Kaplan-Meier method using Cox regression for comparison.RESULTS Of 475 HCC LT recipients,1.7%had the diagnosis of ICC and 1.5%of HCC-CC on pathological examination of the explant.LT recipients with ICC had higher TR(46%vs 11%;P=0.006),higher OM(63%vs 23%;P=0.002),and lower RFS(38%vs 89%;P=0.002)than those with HCC when matched for pretransplant tumor characteristics,as well as higher TR(46%vs 23%;P=0.083),higher OM(63%vs 35%;P=0.026),and lower RFS(38%vs 59%;P=0.037)when matched for posttransplant tumor characteristics.Two pairings were performed to compare the outcomes of LT recipients with HCC-CC vs HCC.There was no significant difference between the outcomes in either pairing.CONCLUSION Patients with ICC had worse outcomes than patients undergoing LT for HCC.The outcomes of patients with HCC-CC did not differ significantly from those of patients with HCC.
文摘In Brazil, the amount of pesticides consumed doubled in the last 10 years. Thus, in 2008 it assumed the lead position in the world. However, its indiscriminate application in agriculture without the use of the necessary care has contributed to environmental degradation and increased occupational exposures, making it a serious health problem in the country. The recent study looked to evaluate the auditory health and risk factors in rural workers exposed to pesticides in Piedade de Caratinga County—MG, and chart their socioeconomic profile and lifestyle while identifying the types of crops and the use and management of pesticides. Developed, then, a descriptive and exploratory study involving 23 men, rural workers, exposed to pesticides, with no history of exposure to noise, with changes in meatoscopy and aged ≤50 years of age. The results show the sample consisted of 23 men with a mean age of 36.7 ± 9.3, whom have low education, with a monthly income of 1 minimum wage, working in the fields for over 15 years. There was a predominance of horticulture using organophosphate pesticides and pyrethroids. Part of the sample shows auditory loss, the most common sensorineural conductive loss. It is essential that the population exposed to this type of risk is informed and receives guidance from educational campaigns developed by the multidisciplinary team of basic health units.
文摘The study aimed to look for available evidence in the literature regarding tools and methods used for determining nurse staffing levels. It is an integrative literature review whose data search was performed electronically between September and October 2013. The integrative review consisted of 13 articles that responded to the inclusion criteria proposed in the study. Several tools and methods were identified that determine staffing numbers, however, implementation of the calculated required workforce is not yet effective in the institutions surveyed.
文摘Rereading the article“Propensity-matched analysis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or mixed hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing a liver transplant”(DOI:10.5306/wjco.v13.i8.688),published on August 24,we observe,with concern,that figures 3 and 4 are wrong.The authors have attached the correct figures for correction.
文摘Alcohol consumption accounts for 3.8% of annual global mortality worldwide, and the majority of these deaths are due to alcoholic liver disease(ALD), mainly alcoholic cirrhosis. ALD is one of the most common indications for liver transplantation(LT). However, it remains a complicated topic on both medical and ethical grounds, as it is seen by many as a "self-inflicted disease". One of the strongest ethical arguments against LT for ALD is the probability of relapse. However, ALD remains a common indication for LT worldwide. For a patient to be placed on an LT waiting list, 6 mo of abstinence must have been achieved for most LT centers. However, this "6-mo rule" is an arbitrary threshold and has never been shown to affect survival, sobriety, or other outcomes. Recent studies have shown similar survival rates among individuals who undergo LT for ALD and those who undergo LT for other chronic causes of end-stage liver disease. There are specific factors that should be addressed when evaluating LT patients with ALD because these patients commonly have a high prevalence of multisystem alcohol-related changes. Risk factors for relapse include the presence of anxiety or depressive disorders, short pre-LT duration of sobriety, and lack of social support. Identification of risk factors and strengthening of the social support system may decrease relapse among these patients. Family counseling for LT candidates is highly encouraged to prevent alcohol consumption relapse. Relapse has been associated with unique histopathological changes, graft damage, graft loss, and even decreased survival in some studies. Research has demonstrated the importance of a multidisciplinary evaluation of LT candidates. Complete abstinence should be attempted to overcome addiction issues and to allow spontaneous liver recovery. Abstinence is the cornerstone of ALD therapy. Psychotherapies, including 12-step facilitation therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and motivational enhancement therapy, help support abstinence. Nutritional therapy helps to reverse muscle wasting, weight loss, vitamin deficiencies, and trace element deficiencies associated with ALD. For muscular recovery, supervised physical activity has been shown to lead to a gain in muscle mass and improvement of functional activity. Early LT for acute alcoholic hepatitis has been the subject of recent clinical studies, with encouraging results in highly selected patients. The survival rates after LT for ALD are comparable to those of patients who underwent LT for other indications. Patients that undergo LT for ALD and survive over 5 years have a higher risk of cardiorespiratory disease, cerebrovascular events, and de novo malignancy.
文摘BACKGROUND The impact of platelets on liver transplantation(LT) is well recognized, but not completely understood. Platelets exert dichotomous effects on the graft and on the patient. On the one hand, they are essential for primary hemostasis and tissue repair and regeneration. On the other hand, they support ischemia/reperfusion injury and inflammatory processes. Recent evidence has shown a new role for platelet count(PC) in predicting outcomes after LT.AIM To evaluate if low PC is a predictor of short-and long-term outcomes after LT.METHODS Four hundred and eighty consecutive LT patients were retrospectively assessed.PC from the preoperative to the seventh postoperative day(POD) were considered. C-statistic analysis defined the ideal cutoff point for PC. Cox regression was performed to check whether low PC was a predictor of death,retransplantation or primary changes in graft function within one year after LT.RESULTS The highest median PC was 86 × 109/L [interquartile range(IQR) = 65–100 ×109/L] on seventh POD, and the lowest was 51 × 109/L(IQR = 38–71 × 109/L) on third POD. The C-statistic defined a PC < 70 × 109/L on fifth POD as the ideal cutoff point for predicting death and retransplantation. In the multivariate analysis, platelets < 70 × 109/L on 5 POD was an independent risk factor for death at 12 mo after LT [hazard ratio(HR) = 2.01; 95% confidence interval(CI) 1.06-3.79;P = 0.031]. In the Cox regression, patients with PC < 70 × 109/L on 5 POD had worse graft survival rates up to one year after LT(HR = 2.76; 95%CI 1.52-4.99; P =0.001).CONCLUSION PC < 70 × 109/L on 5 POD is an independent predictor of death in the first year after LT. These results are in agreement with other studies that indicate that low PC after LT is associated with negative outcomes.
文摘Chronic hypertension complicates 3%-5% of pregnancies and gestational hypertension occurs in 6% of pregnancies.Preeclampsia complicates 25% of the pregnancies with chronic hypertension,and approximately 15%-45% of the patients with gestational hypertension will develop preeclampsia,a dangerous condition that harms the maternal and fetal safety.Antihypertensive medication is used to treat severe hypertension to prevent serious maternal and fetal complications,but there is no consensus on when and how to treat mild-to-moderate hypertension in pregnancy.This article reviews the usage,effect and safety of first,second and third line antihypertensive drugs for mild-to-moderate hypertension in pregnancy.
基金supported by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program,NIH-NCI R21 CA215883-01A1 and University of Minnesota AIRP grant,all to JDD.
文摘Hepatitis B infection(HBV)is one of the most common causes of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)worldwide.The age of occurrence,prognosis and incidence vary dramatically depending on the region of the world.This geographic variation is largely dependent on the contrasting incidence of HBV,age of transmission of the virus,the timing of integration into the human genome,and different HBV genotypes,as well as environmental factors.It results in a wide difference in viral interaction with the immune system,genomic modulation and the consequent development of HCC in an individual.In this review,we describe many factors implicated in HCC development,provide insight regarding at-risk populations and explain societal recommendations for HCC surveillance in persons living with HBV in different continents of the world.
