scholarly journals Primary Prophylaxis to Prevent the Development of Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhotic Patients with Acute Variceal Bleeding

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fátima Higuera-de-la-Tijera ◽  
Alfredo I. Servín-Caamaño ◽  
Francisco Salas-Gordillo ◽  
José L. Pérez-Hernández ◽  
Juan M. Abdo-Francis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatic Encephalopathy ◽  
Variceal Bleeding ◽  
Primary Prophylaxis ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Bacterial Peritonitis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cirrhotic Patients ◽  
Better Than

Background and Aim. Variceal bleeding is the second most important precipitating factor related to the development of episodic hepatic encephalopathy; but to date there are no recommendations to prevent this complication. The aim of this study was to compare if primary prophylaxis with lactulose or L-ornithine L-aspartate or rifaximin, in cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding, is better than placebo for avoiding the development of hepatic encephalopathy. Methods. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02158182) which included cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding, without minimal or clinical hepatic encephalopathy at admission. Findings. 87 patients were randomized to one of four groups. The basal characteristics were similar between groups. Comparatively with placebo, the frequency with regard to the development of hepatic encephalopathy was as follows: lactulose (54.5% versus 27.3%; OR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.09-1.0; P = 0.06); L-ornithine L-aspartate (54.5% versus 22.7%, OR = 0.2, 95% CI 0.06-0.88; P = 0.03); rifaximin (54.5% versus 23.8%; OR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.07-0.9; P = 0.04). There was no significant difference between the three groups receiving any antiammonium drug (P = 0.94). In the group receiving lactulose, 59.1% had diarrhea, and 45.5% had abdominal discomfort, bloating, and flatulence. Two patients (10%) treated with lactulose and a patient (4.5%) in the placebo group developed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis due to E. coli; one of them died due to recurrent variceal bleeding. There were no other adverse effects. Conclusions. Antiammonium drugs, particularly L-ornithine L-aspartate and rifaximin, proved to be effective in preventing the development of hepatic encephalopathy in those cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding.

scholarly journals Prognostic Factors Associated with Mortality in Cirrhotic Patients with Bleeding Varices

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (02) ◽  
pp. 46-52
Author(s):  
Alshaimaa Fathy Eldesouky ◽  
Mohamed Abd Elraoof Tawfik ◽  
Maha Mahmoud Hagras ◽  
Taher Eldemerdash Attia ◽  
Mohammed Elsayed Elhendawy
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Hepatic Encephalopathy ◽  
Serum Creatinine ◽  
Variceal Bleeding ◽  
Death Rate ◽  
Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis ◽  
Apache Ii ◽  
Bacterial Peritonitis ◽  
Cirrhotic Patients

Abstract Objective Bleeding gastroesophageal varices are a cause of high mortality among cirrhotic patients. Aim The aim of this study was to study prognostic factors for mortality in cirrhosis associated with variceal bleeding. Patients and Methods This prospective study was conducted on 100 cirrhotic patients admitted to the Tanta University Hospital with an acute first variceal bleeding episode. Baseline clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic findings were recorded at presentation. Results During the first 6 weeks 15 patients died, 3 following the initial bleed and 12 after an early rebleed. At 6 months, a further 21 patients had died. Statistical analysis utilizing the baseline data revealed that high early death rate was associated with number of blood units transfused, lower systolic blood pressure, thrombocytopenia, increased serum creatinine and international normalized ratio (INR). High MELD, AIMS56, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) and ROCKall scores were risk factors for mortality. Risk factors for early rebleeding included presence of diabetes mellitus, leucocytosis, high Child score, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), AIMS56, and sepsis-associated organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores. A high Child score, presence of ascites, and associations such as hepatic encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, leucocytosis, elevated alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, bilirubin, INR, and creatinine as well as low albumin were associated with decreased survival. Conclusion High MELD, AIMS56, APACHE II, and ROCKall scores were risk factors for mortality after acute variceal bleeding. High death rate during the first 6 weeks is associated with anemia, hypotension, thrombocytopenia, increased serum creatinine, and INR. Decreased survival at 6 months is associated with increased Child score, presence of ascites and associations such as hepatic encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

scholarly journals A70 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PROTON PUMP INHIBITOR USE IN HOSPITALIZED CIRRHOTICS AND DEVELOPMENT OF HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY AND SPONTANEOUS BACTERIAL PERITONITIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 83-84
Author(s):  
P Tan ◽  
M Ukos ◽  
C Miller ◽  
J Lombardi ◽  
E M Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Hepatic Encephalopathy ◽  
Proton Pump ◽  
Variceal Bleeding ◽  
Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Ulcer Disease ◽  
Bacterial Peritonitis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are commonly prescribed medications which are indicated in various different gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, including peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disorder and upper GI bleeding. There is some evidence to suggest that PPI use in cirrhosis may predispose to the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), albeit with some controversy. Aims We aim to conduct a retrospective epidemiological analysis of the association between PPI use in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis, and prevalence of HE and SBP. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of 600 adult patients (mean age 61.4 (SD=12.2)) admitted the Ottawa Hospital between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015 with cirrhosis. A chart review was conducted and relevant information extracted. Results Average MELD-Na on admission was 16.2 (sd=6.7). 14.8% of patients had a history of HE, 5.0% SBP, 7.8% with history of hepatocellular carcinoma and 1.0% with history of hepatorenal syndrome. 28.5% of patients had a history of varices, of which 11.0% had previous variceal bleeding. 69.3% of patients were on a PPI during their hospitalization. Not surprisingly, patients admitted with variceal bleeding were more likely to be exposed to PPI in hospital (97.2% vs 63.2%, p<0.01) Patients with a diagnosis of cirrhosis prior to index admission were more likely to be on a PPI in hospital (p=0.001) and on discharge (p=0.001). Patients with ascites were less likely to be on a PPI than those without ascites (64.1% vs 77.6%, p<0.01). There was no significant correlation between in hospital PPI use and MELD score (p=0.42). Amongst patients on PPI in hospital, 85.9% remained on a PPI at discharge. Although numerically greater, no statistically significant differences were observed in terms of prevalence of HE (21.3% in patients on PPI vs 8.3% in those not on PPI (p=0.37)), nor SBP (5.7% on PPI vs. 3.7% in those not on PPI (p=0.29)). Conclusions We did not observe a significant difference in HE and SBP among this cohort of cirrhotic patients by in-hospital PPI use. We did however note significantly higher PPI use in patients with previous diagnosis of cirrhosis as compared to those who were newly diagnosed, as well as those whose admissions were related to bleeding. Patients with ascites had lower prevalence of PPI use. Prescribing patterns for PPIs in patients with cirrhosis warrant further attention, including clinical utility and longer-term risks and benefits of this therapy. Funding Agencies None

Almotriptan is an Effective and Well-Tolerated Treatment for Migraine Pain: Results of A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Cephalalgia ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 453-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
AJ Dowson ◽  
H Massiou ◽  
JM Laínez ◽  
X Cabarrocas
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Standard Treatment ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Migraine Pain ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Severe Intensity ◽  
Efficacy Assessment ◽  
Better Than

Almotriptan is a novel and specific serotonin 5-HT1B/1D agonist for the acute treatment of migraine. This randomized, single-dose, double-blind, multicentre, study assessed the efficacy and safety of oral almotriptan (12.5 mg and 25 mg) in patients with migraine, and compared it with the standard treatment (sumatriptan 100 mg) and placebo. A total of 668 patients treated one migraine attack of moderate or severe intensity with study medication. The primary efficacy assessment was migraine pain relief, improvement from severe or moderate pain to mild or no pain, at 2 h after treatment. Response rates, stratified for variation in baseline pain levels, for both almotriptan doses were equivalent to sumatriptan and significantly better than placebo. Other efficacy assessments confirmed the equivalence of the almotriptan groups with the sumatriptan group. Almotriptan 12.5 mg was as well tolerated as placebo ( P = 0.493) and significantly better tolerated than sumatriptan ( P < 0.001), in terms of the overall incidence of adverse events. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between almotriptan 25 mg and sumatriptan 100 mg ( P = 0.376). The results from this large clinical study indicate that the new, specific 5-HT1B/1D agonist, almotriptan, is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for migraine pain.

scholarly journals Performance of albumin-bilirubin score in prediction of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rehab Elsayed Elsafty ◽  
Abdallah Ahmed Elsawy ◽  
Ahmed Fawzy Selim ◽  
Atef Mohamed Taha
Keyword(s):  
Hepatic Encephalopathy ◽  
Variceal Bleeding ◽  
Early Discharge ◽  
Meld Score ◽  
Bleeding Control ◽  
Acute Variceal Bleeding ◽  
Prophylactic Measures ◽  
Significant Performance ◽  
Cirrhotic Patients ◽  
Grade 3

Abstract Background Hepatic encephalopathy exacerbates the morbidity, delays hospital discharge, and increases the rate of readmissions of cirrhotic patients, particularly those are admitted by acute variceal bleeding. We evaluated the performance of albumin-bilirubin score in prediction of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding, in comparison to Child-Pugh and MELD scores. This prospective cohort study was conducted on 250 cirrhotic patients who were consecutively presented by acute variceal bleeding in the period from January to December 2020 at Tanta university emergency hospital. Albumin-bilirubin, Child-Pugh, and MELD scores were measured at admission, and then all patients were followed up for 4 weeks after endoscopic bleeding control for possible occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy Results Albumin-bilirubin, Child-Pugh, and MELD scores had significant performances in prediction of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding; in this regard, albumin-bilirubin score had the highest accuracy (AUC 0.858, CI 0.802-0.914, sig 0.000) followed by Child-Pugh score (AUC 0.654, CI 0.574–0.735, sig 0.001) and then MELD score (AUC 0.602, CI 0.519–0.686, sig 0.031). The cumulative incidence of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients with albumin-bilirubin grade 3 was found to be significantly more than that present in albumin-bilirubin grade 2; most of these hepatic encephalopathy cases occurred in the first 2 weeks of follow-up period. Conclusions Albumin-bilirubin score has a significant performance in risk prediction of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding better than Child-Pugh and MELD scores. Albumin-bilirubin grades could be used as a risk stratifying tool to triage cirrhotic patients who will benefit from early discharge after bleeding control and those patients who will benefit from prophylactic measures for hepatic encephalopathy.

Duloxetine augmentation in resistant obsessive compulsive disorder: Surveying a new medication for challenges in treatment of OCD

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S415-S415
Author(s):  
A. Mowla
Keyword(s):  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Double Blind Study ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
To Receive

IntroductionUp to 50% of patients with OCD have failed to respond in SSRI trials, so looking for pharmacological alternatives in treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) seems necessary.ObjectivesSurveying duloxetine augmentation in treatment of resistant OCD.AimsStudy the effects of serotonin-norepinephrine enhancers for treatment of OCD.MethodsThis augmentation trial was designed as an 8-week randomized controlled, double blind study. Forty-six patients suffering from OCD who had failed to respond to at least 12 weeks of treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (fluoxetine, citalopram or fluvoxamine) were randomly allocated to receive duloxetine or sertraline plus their current anti OCD treatment. Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was the primary outcome measure.ResultsForty-six patients (24 of 30 in duloxetine group and 22 of 27 in sertraline group) completed the trial. Both groups showed improvement over the 8-week study period (mean Y-BOCS total score at week 8 as compared with baseline: P < 0.001 and P < 0.001) without significant difference (P = 0.861). Those receiving duloxetine plus their initial medications experienced a mean decrease of 33.0% in Y-BOCS score and the patients with sertraline added to their initial medication experienced a mean decrease of 34.5% in Y-BOCS.ConclusionsOur double blind controlled clinical trial showed duloxetine to be as effective as sertraline in reducing obsessive and compulsive symptoms in resistant OCD patients. However, it needs to be noted that our study is preliminary and larger double blind placebo controlled studies are necessary to confirm the results.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals The Effects of Propolis Extract Administration on HIV Patients Receiving ARV

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-83
Author(s):  
Erwin Astha Triyono ◽  
Sarah Firdausa ◽  
Heru Prasetyo ◽  
Joni Susanto ◽  
James Hutagalung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Cd4 Count ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Human Immune System ◽  
Hiv Patients ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Significant Difference

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infectious disease that targets the human immune system by attacking cluster of differentiation (CD)4 cells. The use of propolis in HIV patients is expected to be safe and beneficial in terms of increasing endurance and immunity by its role in increasing CD4 level. This study aimed to analyze the influence of propolis supplementation in increasing the CD4 level in anti-retroviral (ARV)-treated HIV patients.METHODS: Double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 50 HIV patients who took regular ARV therapy. The subjects were divided into two groups, one group was treated with ARV and propolis, while another one was given ARV and placebo. The CD4 cell count was measured during pre-treatment, in the 3rd month, in the 6th month after treatment. The level of hemoglobin, leukocyte, and platelets were also measured. The SF-12 questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life of the subject.RESULTS: Out of 50 subjects, 43 subjects completed the study, which were 19 subjects from the propolis group and 24 subjects from the placebo group. After 3-month of treatment, there was a statistically significant difference in the incrwase of CD 44 level in propolis group, while the increment was not significant in the placebo group. After 6-month treatment, the increase of CD4 level was occurred in both groups, propolis and placebo, however the increment was not statistically significant. The levels of hemoglobin, leukocyte, and platelets were not altered by the treatment and remained normal throughout the study. The quality of life was improved during the study; however, it was also not statistically significant. Mild adverse events occurred in 3 subjects which were relieved after the treatment stopped.CONCLUSION: Based on the result of this study, the administration of propolis on HIV patients receiving ARV bring significant difference in the increase of CD4 in propolis group from baseline to 3 month after the treatment. While in placebo group, this increment was not significant. At the end of study, CD4 count continued to rise up, however the increase was not statistically significant. There are no hemoglobin, leukocyte, platelets, and quality of life abnormalities. Therefore, it is necesary to do further research with a spesific CD4 count. However, it may be beneficial in relieving the clinical symptoms and quality of life of patient living with HIV.KEYWORDS: CD4, ARV, HIV, propolis

scholarly journals Taurolock versus saline 5% on preventing infection and dysfunction of hemodialysis catheters; a randomized, double blind controlled clinical trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. e25-e25
Author(s):  
Ali Ghorbani ◽  
Fatemeh Hayati ◽  
Mehrdad Dargahi-MalAmir ◽  
Maryam Afkane
Keyword(s):  
Central Venous Catheters ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Organic Solution ◽  
Central Venous ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Catheter Related Infection ◽  
Prevention Of Thrombosis ◽  
Catheter Dysfunction ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Prevention Of Infections

Introduction: Despite the higher rate of morbidity and mortality, the use of central venous catheters has increased significantly compared to arteriovenous fistula. So far, no ideal organic solution has been identified for the prevention of thrombosis and catheter-related infection in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Taurolock versus saline 5% on the prevention of catheter dysfunction and catheter-related infections. Patients and Methods: Seventy patients with chronic kidney disease, who requiring hemodialysis or those with permanent hemodialysis catheters referring to hemodialysis centers of Ahvaz, were selected and randomly divided into two groups, while 68 patients remained until the end of the study. In the first group, saline 5% was inserted into the lumen of catheter after each hemodialysis, and then catheter was blocked. In the second group, Taurolock solution (TauroLock™ -Hep 500®: Taurolidine; antimicrobial agent), citrate 4% and heparin (UI/mL) were used as antibiotics. Results: No significant difference between the catheter-related infection and positive blood culture in both saline and Taurolock groups was detected (2.94% versus 2.94%; P >0.05). Moreover, the catheter-related dysfunction in the saline 5% group was 5% less than the Taurolock group (2.94% versus 11.76%, P = 0.365). Conclusion: The results showed that saline 5% is at least as effective as a Taurolock solution for prevention of infections and catheter dysfunction. Saline is an effective, inexpensive, safe and readily available in various settings. Therefore, it could be considered as a proper alternative solution for reduction of dialysis-related side effects and costs. Trial Registration: Registration of trial protocol has been approved in Iranian registry of controlled trials (identifier: IRCT20190304042918N1; https://en.irct.ir/trial/38055, ethical code# IR.AJUMS.REC.1397.412).

A Randomised Double-Blind Trial of Pentoxifylline Alone versus Pentoxifylline Plus N Acetyl Cysteine in the Treatment of Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mysore, Karnataka

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 399-404
Author(s):  
Anurag Lavekar ◽  
Deepak Suvarna ◽  
Aradya V ◽  
Nandeesh P ◽  
Vijayakumar R ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatic Encephalopathy ◽  
Alcoholic Hepatitis ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis ◽  
Acetyl Cysteine

BACKGROUND Proven therapeutic options for treating severe alcoholic hepatitis are limited. The study was conducted to compare pentoxifylline alone versus combination of Pentoxifylline plus N acetylcysteine in severe alcoholic hepatitis patients. METHODS A randomised, parallel, double blind, active controlled trial was conducted in which, 240 cases were considered for analysis and were divided into two study groups i.e. tablet pentoxifylline alone versus tablet pentoxifylline plus tablet N acetylcysteine. The pentoxifylline group received 400 mg thrice daily for one month and the other group received tablet pentoxifylline 400 mg thrice daily with tablet N–acetyl cysteine 600 mg twice daily for one month. Enrolled patients were called for follow up at one and three months. The parameters were compared between the two study groups statistically and the results were obtained. RESULTS Forty-nine (20.4 %) patients expired in 3 months, out of which 35 (14.5 %) expired at the end of 1st month. There was no significant difference in survival between two groups at the end of one and three months (P = 0.58 and 0.10 respectively). Although liver function test (LFT), PT-INR (prothrombin timeinternational normalised ratio) improved significantly from baseline in both the groups (P < 0.0001), no significant difference was observed between the two groups. Prevalence of hepatic encephalopathy was significantly low in pentoxifylline plus N-acetylcysteine group at one and three months (P = 0.04 and 0.02 respectively). CONCLUSIONS Addition of N acetyl cysteine to pentoxifylline helps in reducing hepatic encephalopathy in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis; however, it does not improve the short-term survival. KEYWORDS Pentoxifylline, N-acetylcysteine, Alcoholic Hepatitis, Liver Disorder

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document