scholarly journals Evaluation of Adrenal Function in Nonhospitalized Patients with Cirrhosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Moini ◽  
Mitra Yazdani Sarvestani ◽  
Mesbah Shams ◽  
Masood Nomovi

Background. Patients with cirrhosis and advancing hepatic insufficiency may show various degrees of other organ malfunction, including brain, kidney, and lung. Several studies have also shown a high prevalence of adrenal insufficiency in cirrhotic patients that may cause hemodynamic instability. Materials and Methods. In this study we prospectively evaluated adrenal function in a population of nonhospitalized cirrhotic patients. Categorization of liver disease severity was done according to model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation testing was performed on subjects using 250 μg of synthetic short acting hormone; radio immunoassay was used to measure plasma cortisol levels. Results. Of 105 cirrhotic patients, 15.23% had evidence of adrenal insufficiency. These patients were not statistically different from those with normal adrenal function in levels of serum creatinine or bilirubin, MELD score, or presence of cirrhosis related complications. Significant differences were seen in mean international normalized ratio and serum sodium. Patients with a sodium level < 135 mEq/L had a higher rate (31.25%) of adrenal insufficiency. Conclusion. Adrenal dysfunction was identified in a population of stable nonhospitalized cirrhotic patients. Our results suggest a possible role for adrenal dysfunction as a contributing factor in hyponatremia in cirrhosis independent of other known factors of neurohormonal activation secondary to systemic vasodilation.

Author(s):  
Ahmed Abdelrahman Mohamed Baz ◽  
Rana Magdy Mohamed ◽  
Khaled Helmy El-kaffas

Abstract Background Liver cirrhosis is a multi-etiological entity that alters the hepatic functions and vascularity by varying grades. Hereby, a cross-sectional study enrolling 100 cirrhotic patients (51 males and 49 females), who were diagnosed clinically and assessed by model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, then correlated to the hepatic Doppler parameters and ultrasound (US) findings of hepatic decompensation like ascites and splenomegaly. Results By Doppler and US, splenomegaly was evident in 49% of patients, while ascites was present in 44% of them. Increased hepatic artery velocity (HAV) was found in70% of cases, while 59% showed reduced portal vein velocity (PVV). There was a statistically significant correlation between HAV and MELD score (ρ = 0.000), but no significant correlation with either hepatic artery resistivity index (HARI) (ρ = 0.675) or PVV (ρ =0.266). Moreover, HAV had been correlated to splenomegaly (ρ = 0.000), whereas HARI (ρ = 0.137) and PVV (ρ = 0.241) did not significantly correlate. Also, ascites had correlated significantly to MELD score and HAV (ρ = 0.000), but neither HARI (ρ = 0.607) nor PVV (ρ = 0.143) was significantly correlated. Our results showed that HAV > 145 cm/s could confidently predict a high MELD score with 62.50% and 97.62 % sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion Doppler parameters of hepatic vessels (specifically HAV) in addition to the US findings of hepatic decompensation proved to be a non-invasive and cost-effective imaging tool for severity assessment in cirrhotic patients (scored by MELD); they could be used as additional prognostic parameters for improving the available treatment options and outcomes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenzhen Zhang ◽  
Guomin Xie ◽  
Li Liang ◽  
Hui Liu ◽  
Jing Pan ◽  
...  

Alcoholic cirrhosis is an end-stage liver disease with impaired survival and often requires liver transplantation. Recent data suggests that receptor-interacting protein kinase-3- (RIPK3-) mediated necroptosis plays an important role in alcoholic cirrhosis. Additionally, neutrophil infiltration is the most characteristic pathologic hallmark of alcoholic hepatitis. Whether RIPK3 level is correlated with neutrophil infiltration or poor prognosis in alcoholic cirrhotic patients is still unknown. We aimed to determine the correlation of RIPK3 and neutrophil infiltration with the prognosis in the end-stage alcoholic cirrhotic patients. A total of 20 alcoholic cirrhotic patients subjected to liver transplantation and 5 normal liver samples from control patients were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Neutrophil infiltration and necroptosis were assessed by immunohistochemical staining for myeloperoxidase (MPO) and RIPK3, respectively. The noninvasive score system (model for end-stage liver disease (MELD)) and histological score systems (Ishak, Knodell, and ALD grading and ALD stage) were used to evaluate the prognosis. Neutrophil infiltration was aggravated in patients with a high MELD score (≥32) in the liver. The MPO and RIPK3 levels in the liver were positively related to the Ishak score. The RIPK3 was also significantly and positively related to the Knodell score. In conclusion, RIPK3-mediated necroptosis and neutrophil-mediated alcoholic liver inflammatory response are highly correlated with poor prognosis in patients with end-stage alcoholic cirrhosis. RIPK3 and MPO might serve as potential predictors for poor prognosis in alcoholic cirrhotic patients.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (16) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Supannee Rassameehiran ◽  
Tinsay Woreta

The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) was originally created to predict survival following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and was subsequently found to accurately predict mortality in patients with end-stage liver disease. It has been used in the United States for liver allocation since 2002, and implementation of the MELD score resulted in a reduction in total number of deaths on the waitlist and a reduction in waiting time. Critically ill cirrhotic patients have an in-hospital mortality greater than 50%. Although the MELD score was also found to be an accurate predictor of in-ICU mortality and in-hospital mortality after ICU admission in critically ill cirrhotic patients, the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score appears to perform better in many studies. The Chronic Liver Failure Consortium Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (CLIF-C ACLF) score was later developed by using specific cut-points for each organ failure score system in CLIF patients to predict mortality in patients with ACLF. Neither the MELD nor SOFA score independently predicts post-liver transplantation mortality in cirrhotic patients with extrahepatic organ failure and should not be use as a delisting criterion for these patients. More data are needed to determine the accuracy of the CLIF-C ACLF score in predicting post-liver transplantation outcomes. Prospective evaluation of critically ill cirrhotic patients is needed to optimize liver organ allocation.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0254219
Author(s):  
Pascal Hunold ◽  
Thomas Berg ◽  
Daniel Seehofer ◽  
Robert Sucher ◽  
Adam Herber ◽  
...  

Background The model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was established for the allocation of liver transplants. The score is based on the medical laboratory parameters: bilirubin, creatinine and the international normalized ratio (INR). A verification algorithm for the laboratory MELD diagnostic was established, and the results from the first six years were analyzed. Methods We systematically investigated the validity of 7,270 MELD scores during a six-year period. The MELD score was electronically requested by the clinical physician using the laboratory system and calculated and specifically validated by the laboratory physician in the context of previous and additional diagnostics. Results In 2.7% (193 of 7,270) of the cases, MELD diagnostics did not fulfill the specified quality criteria. After consultation with the sender, 2.0% (145) of the MELD scores remained invalid for different reasons and could not be reported to the transplant organization. No cases of deliberate misreporting were identified. In 34 cases the dialysis status had to be corrected and there were 24 cases of oral anticoagulation with impact on MELD diagnostics. Conclusion Our verification algorithm for MELD diagnostics effectively prevented invalid MELD results and could be adopted by transplant centers to prevent diagnostic errors with possible adverse effects on organ allocation.


2009 ◽  
Vol 75 (10) ◽  
pp. 962-965
Author(s):  
Elise H. Lawson ◽  
Elizabeth Benjamin ◽  
Ronald W. Busuttil ◽  
Jonathan R. Hiatt

We report on 43 groin herniorrhaphy operations, 18 in 18 patients with documented cirrhosis and 25 in 24 patients after liver transplantation (LT), over a 10-year period at UCLA. Average follow up was 33 months. Most patients were males (84%) with reducible inguinal hernias (70%). Child's class of cirrhotic patients was B in 66 per cent and A and C in 17 per cent each; 7 patients (39%) went on to LT. Compared with post-LT patients, patients with cirrhosis had significantly lower platelets and significantly higher bilirubin, international normalized ratio, and Model for End-stage Liver Disease scores. Mesh was used in 33 per cent of the cirrhotic group and 48 per cent of the LT group. There were four minor wound complications but no deaths, major complications, infections, or ascitic leaks in either group. Two hernias recurred in the cirrhosis group (11%) and none after LT. We conclude that with proper patient selection, groin herniorrhaphy with or without mesh is a safe and durable procedure in patients with cirrhosis and after LT. This is the first large series of groin herniorrhaphy after LT.


2014 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. E. Saad ◽  
W. Bleibel ◽  
N. Adenaw ◽  
C. E. Wagner ◽  
C. Anderson ◽  
...  

Objectives: Gastric varices primarily occur in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension and splenomegaly and thus are probably associated with thrombocytopenia. However, the prevalence and severity of thrombocytopenia are unknown in this clinical setting. Moreover, one-third of patients after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) have aggravated splenomegaly, which potentially may cause worsening thrombocytopenia. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and degree of thrombocytopenia in patients with gastric varices associated with gastrorenal shunts undergoing BRTO, to determine the prognostic factors of survival after BRTO (platelet count included), and to assess the effect of BRTO on platelet count over a 1-year period. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective review of 35 patients who underwent BRTO (March 2008–August 2011). Pre- and post-BRTO platelet counts were noted. Potential predictors of bleeding and survival (age, gender, liver disease etiology, platelet count, model for end stage liver disease [MELD]-score, presence of ascites or hepatocellular carcinoma) were analyzed (multivariate analysis). A total of 91% (n = 32/35) of patients had thrombocytopenia (<150,000 platelet/cm3) pre-BRTO. Platelet counts at within 48-h, within 2 weeks and at 30-60 days intervals (up to 6 months) after BRTO were compared with the baseline pre-BRTO values. Results: 35 Patients with adequate platelet follow-up were found. A total of 92% and 17% of patients had a platelet count of <150,000/cm3 and <50,000/cm3, respectively. There was a trend for transient worsening of thrombocytopenia immediately (<48 h) after BRTO, however, this was not statistically significant. Platelet count was not a predictor of post-BRTO rebleeding or patient survival. However, MELD-score, albumin, international normalized ratio (INR), and etiology were predictors of rebleeding. Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia is very common (>90% of patients) in patients undergoing BRTO. However, BRTO (with occlusion of the gastrorenal shunt) has little effect on the platelet count. Long-term outcomes of BRTO for bleeding gastric varices using sodium tetradecyl sulfate in the USA are impressive with a 4-year variceal rebleed rate and transplant-free survival rate of 9% and 76%, respectively. Platelet count is not a predictor of higher rebleeding or patient survival after BRTO.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengen Liao ◽  
Xinyi Lu ◽  
Iokfai Cheang ◽  
Xu Zhu ◽  
Ting Yin ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Liver and renal function evaluated by the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, the MELD excluding the international normalized ratio (MELD_XI) score and the MELD including sodium (MELD_sodium) score have been considered predictors of adverse events for patients with acute heart failure (AHF). However, the prognostic value of the MELD including albumin (MELD_albumin) score in patients with AHF has not been assessed. Methods: A total of 466 patients with AHF were prospectively evaluated. We compared the accuracy of the 4 MELD score formulas using the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and corresponding areas under the curve (AUC). Results: During a median follow-up period of 34 months, 196 deaths occurred. In the fully adjusted Cox regression model, standardized hazard ratios with 95% confidence interval expressing the risk of all-cause mortality were 1.22 (1.06–1.40), 1.20 (1.04–1.39), 1.21 (1.05-1.41) and 1.23 (1.06–1.42) for MELD, MELD_XI, MELD_albumin and MELD_sodium scores, respectively. The MELD_albumin score showed the best prognostic accuracy (AUC = 0.658) for the prediction of long-term all-cause mortality, followed by the MELD_sodium score (AUC = 0.590), the MELD score (AUC = 0.580), and the MELD_XI score (AUC = 0.544). Conclusions: The MELD_albumin score performs more accurately than the MELD score and the other modified MELD scores for predicting the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with acute heart failure.


Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 805
Author(s):  
Young Chang ◽  
Ki Tae Suk ◽  
Soung Won Jeong ◽  
Jeong-Ju Yoo ◽  
Sang Gyune Kim ◽  
...  

Background/aim: We aimed to derive a model representing the dynamic status of cirrhosis and to discriminate patients with poor prognosis even if the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score is low. Methods: This study retrospectively enrolled 700 cirrhotic patients with a MELD score of less than 20 who underwent hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement. A model named H6C score (= HVPG + 6 × CTP score) to predict overall survival was derived and internal and external validations were conducted with the derivation and validation cohorts. Results: The H6C score using the HVPG was developed based on a multivariate Cox regression analysis. The H6C score showed a great predictive power for overall survival with a time-dependent AUC of 0.733, which was superior to that of a MELD of 0.602. In patients with viral etiology, the performance of the H6C score was much improved with a time-dependent AUC of 0.850 and was consistently superior to that of the MELD (0.748). Patients with an H6C score below 45 demonstrated an excellent overall survival with a 5-year survival rate of 91.5%. Whereas, patients with an H6C score above 64 showed a dismal prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of 51.1%. The performance of the H6C score was further verified to be excellent in the validation cohort. Conclusion: This new model using the HVPG provides an excellent predictive power in cirrhotic patients, especially with viral etiology. In patients with H6C above 64, it would be wise to consider early liver transplantation to positively impact long-term survival, even when the MELD score is low.


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