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Iwai S, Akahane T, Takaya H, Kubo T, Tomooka F, Shibamoto A, Suzuki J, Tsuji Y, Fujinaga Y, Nishimura N, Kitagawa K, Kaji K, Kawaratani H, Namisaki T, Matsumoto M, Yoshiji H. Ratio of von Willebrand factor to ADAMTS13 is a useful predictor of esophagogastric varices progression after sustained virologic response in patients with hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis. Hepatol Res 2024; 54:1116-1127. [PMID: 38838066 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.14077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
AIM Esophagogastric varices (EGV) are a serious complication of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver cirrhosis (HCV-LC). In most cases, portal hypertension improves after a sustained virologic response (SVR) is achieved with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment; however, in some cases, EGV exacerbation occurs after HCV elimination. We investigated whether von Willebrand factor (VWF) and a disintegrin-like metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type-1 motif 13 (ADAMTS13) can predict EGV progression with HCV-LC after SVR achievement. METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 47 patients with HCV-LC who achieved an SVR after DAA treatment. Eighteen patients experienced EGV progression after the SVR was achieved (EGV progression group). Twenty-nine patients did not experience EGV progression after the SVR was achieved (non-EGV progression group). Plasma VWF antigen levels and ADAMTS13 activity were measured the day before DAA treatment. RESULTS The EGV progression group had significantly higher plasma VWF antigen levels (p = 0.00331) and VWF-to-ADAMTS13 ratios (p = 0.000249) than the non-EGV progression group. Multivariate logistic regression models found that a VWF-to-ADAMTS13 ratio >2.3 was the only risk factor for EGV progression after the SVR was achieved (hazard ratio [HR], 18.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.08-109; p = 0.00138). During the observation period, patients with a VWF-to-ADAMTS13 ratio >2.3 had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of EGV progression after SVR achievement than patients with a VWF-to-ADAMTS13 ratio ≤2.3 (HR, 6.4; 95% CI, 1.78-22.96; p = 0.0044). CONCLUSIONS The VWF-to-ADAMTS13 ratio before DAA treatment for HCV could predict EGV progression after SVR achievement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Iwai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Takemi Akahane
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Takaya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kubo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Fumimasa Tomooka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Akihiko Shibamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Junya Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Yuki Tsuji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Yukihisa Fujinaga
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Norihisa Nishimura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Koh Kitagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Kosuke Kaji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Hideto Kawaratani
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Tadashi Namisaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | | | - Hitoshi Yoshiji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
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El-Kassas M, Elakel W, Alboraie M, Ezzat R, Abdelhakam S, Hassany M, Ali-Eldin Z, Sherief AF, Yosry A, El-Serafy M, El-Sayed MH, Waked I, Doss W, Esmat G. Egyptian revalidation of non-invasive parameters for predicting esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients: A retrospective study. Arab J Gastroenterol 2022; 23:120-124. [PMID: 35473688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS In resource-limited countries, non-invasive tests for assessing liver fibrosis are a potential alternative to costly endoscopic screening for esophageal varices. We aimed to validate several non-invasive parameters for predicting the presence of varices. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between September 2006 and August 2017, a total of 46,014 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as one of the perquisites for receiving hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy were enrolled and divided into group I (without varices) and group II (with varices). Non-invasive parameters of fibrosis, namely Lok index, Bonacini score, liver stiffness, FIB-4, Baveno, and extended Baveno criteria, were validated. RESULTS Lok index, Bonacini score, liver stiffness, and FIB-4 had areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of >0.6 (all P < 0.01 for the null hypothesis that the AUC was 0.5) for determination of the presence/absence of varices, with cutoff values of 0.80, 6.5, 21.9 kPa, and 2.94, and sensitivities of 74%, 74%, 66%, and 83%, respectively. The expanded Baveno VI criteria performed better than the Baveno VI criteria (spared endoscopy rate 81% versus 63%). CONCLUSION The use of non-invasive methods is of limited value in predicting esophageal varices. The limited accuracy of ≤60% may delay the use of appropriate primary prophylaxis against variceal bleeding in a large proportion of cirrhotic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed El-Kassas
- Endemic Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt; National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis, Egypt
| | - Wafaa Elakel
- National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis, Egypt; Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Alboraie
- National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis, Egypt; Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reem Ezzat
- Internal Medicine Department, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sara Abdelhakam
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Hassany
- National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis, Egypt; National Hepatology & Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Zainab Ali-Eldin
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egypt
| | - Ahmed F Sherief
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayman Yosry
- National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis, Egypt; Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Magdy El-Serafy
- National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis, Egypt; Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manal Hamdy El-Sayed
- National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis, Egypt; Pediatrics Department, Hematology-Oncology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Imam Waked
- National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis, Egypt; National Liver Institute, Menofia, Egypt
| | - Wahid Doss
- National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis, Egypt; Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gamal Esmat
- National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis, Egypt; Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Hoshino Y, Sugihara T, Ikeda S, Matsuki Y, Nagahara T, Okano JI, Isomoto H. A vein-viewing application enabled detecting abdominal wall varices related to the presence of non-treated gastroesophageal varices: a cross-sectional study. BMC Med Imaging 2021; 21:120. [PMID: 34372801 PMCID: PMC8350271 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-021-00655-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastroesophageal varices (GOV) are a life-threatening complication in chronic liver disease. A method for non-invasively predicting GOV is crucial for management. This study aimed to determine whether a vein-viewing application can detect abdominal wall varices (AWV) and elucidate the relationship between AWV and GOV. METHODS One-hundred patients with chronic liver diseases were prospectively enrolled. All the patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy within three months of the enrollment. Unmanipulated images (UI) and vein-weighted images (VWI) were taken for assessing AWV by a vein-viewing application on iPhone. Two doctors independently evaluated both image types. We defined the grading of both UI and AWV as grade 0 (non-detectable), grade 1 (slightly detectable), and grade 2 (distinct). RESULTS The causes of liver diseases among the 71 men and 29 women (median age, 70.5 yr) included Hepatitis B (n = 19), Hepatitis C (n = 21), alcoholism (n = 33), primary biliary cholangitis (n = 3), autoimmune hepatitis (n = 4) and others (n = 20). GOV was indicated in 60 patients, and half of them had not been treated previously (non-treated). VWI could significantly visualize AWV than UI (72% vs. 24%, p = 0.0005). The presence of cirrhosis (chronic hepatitis vs. cirrhosis = 64.6% vs. 91.4%, p = 0.004) and GOV (52.3% vs. 74.3%, p = 0.032) were significantly higher in the VWI-AWV grade 2 group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that VWI-AWV grade 2 was an independent factor related to the presence of non-treated GOV [OR = 3.05 (1.24-7.53), p = 0.016]. CONCLUSIONS The vein-viewing application non-invasively detected AWV related to the presence of cirrhosis and GOV, and VWI-AWV grade 2 was an independent factor related to the presence of non-treated GOV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Hoshino
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Takaaki Sugihara
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago, 683-8504, Japan.
| | - Suguru Ikeda
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Yukako Matsuki
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Takakazu Nagahara
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Okano
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Hajime Isomoto
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago, 683-8504, Japan
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Mattos ÂZ, Schacher FC, John Neto G, Mattos AA. Screening for esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients - Non-invasive methods. Ann Hepatol 2020; 18:673-678. [PMID: 31279653 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Variceal bleeding is a dramatic complication of cirrhosis. Primary prophylaxis against variceal bleeding is indicated for patients with high-risk varices. In order for these patients to be identified, endoscopic screening for esophageal varices has been traditionally recommended at the time of the diagnosis of cirrhosis. Considering that many patients do not have esophageal varices in the early stages of cirrhosis and, therefore, are submitted to endoscopy unnecessarily, non-invasive methods for variceal screening have been studied. Among these non-invasive methods, the most extensively studied probably are platelet count/spleen diameter ratio, liver stiffness, spleen stiffness and an association between liver stiffness and platelet count, referred to as the Baveno VI criteria. The Baveno VI criteria has recently been recommended by different medical associations for variceal screening. This is a critical review on the non-invasive methods for variceal screening, in which the performances of the different methods are presented and the limitations of the existing evidence is discussed. Despite reasonable performances of some of these methods, especially platelet count/spleen diameter ratio and the association between liver stiffness and platelet count, we understand that the available evidence still has relevant limitations and that physicians should decide on screening cirrhotic patients for esophageal varices with endoscopy or non-invasive methods on a case-by-case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângelo Z Mattos
- Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Fernando C Schacher
- Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Guilherme John Neto
- Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Angelo A Mattos
- Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Giannini EG, De Maria C, Crespi M, Demarzo MG, Fazio V, Grasso A, Torre F, Bodini G, Marabotto E, Furnari M. Course of oesophageal varices and performance of noninvasive predictors following Hepatitis C Virus clearance in compensated advanced chronic liver disease. Eur J Clin Invest 2020; 50:e13231. [PMID: 32291753 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD), there is evidence that sustained virological response (SVR) to direct-acting antivirals (DAA) may ameliorate portal hypertension, although both the course of oesophageal varices and the performance of their noninvasive predictors following DAA-induced SVR are less defined. In this study, our aim was to assess the variation in oesophageal varices status in HCV patients with cACLD who obtained an SVR to DAAs and to evaluate the diagnostic performance of noninvasive predictors of varices after HCV cure. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-three HCV patients with cACLD and SVR to DAAs were prospectively followed up, and oesophageal varices surveillance was carried out according to the Baveno VI indications. Appearance and disappearance of varices, accuracy performance of their noninvasive predictors (Baveno/expanded Baveno VI criteria, platelet count/spleen diameter ratio) and number of endoscopies spared with their application were calculated. RESULTS Following SVR, varices developed or disappeared in 12.1% and 17.4% of patients, respectively. The negative predictive value for varices of the Baveno VI, expanded Baveno VI criteria and platelet count/spleen diameter ratio following SVR was 88.2% (65.6-96.7), 83.3% (66.3-92.7) and 80.7% (67.1-89.5), respectively. Their application would have saved 30.4%, 42.9% and 55.4% of endoscopies, with no varices needing treatment missed using both Baveno VI criteria. CONCLUSIONS In HCV patients with cACLD, following SVR to DAA, the expanded Baveno VI criteria provide the best balance between utility (diagnostic accuracy and endoscopies avoided) and safety (varices needing treatment missed) for varices surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo G Giannini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS-Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Costanza De Maria
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS-Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mattia Crespi
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS-Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Demarzo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS-Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valentina Fazio
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, San Paolo Hospital, Savona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Grasso
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, San Paolo Hospital, Savona, Italy
| | - Francesco Torre
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS-Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giorgia Bodini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS-Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Marabotto
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS-Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Manuele Furnari
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS-Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Sigal SH, Sherman Z, Jesudian A. Clinical Implications of Thrombocytopenia for the Cirrhotic Patient. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 12:49-60. [PMID: 32341665 PMCID: PMC7166072 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s244596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Thrombocytopenia is a frequent complication in patients with cirrhosis. As many as 84% of patients with cirrhosis have thrombocytopenia, and it is an independent variable indicative of advanced disease and poor prognosis. Although there is great concern that it may aggravate bleeding during surgical procedures, there is limited evidence to inform decisions regarding the treatment of cirrhotic patients with thrombocytopenia undergoing invasive procedures. Finally, there is evidence that platelets play a significant role in liver regeneration. In this report, the clinical implications of thrombocytopenia in cirrhotic patients are reviewed. The utility of platelet counts in the prognosis of cirrhosis and relationship to complications of advanced liver disease, including portal hypertension, esophageal varices, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The impact of low platelet counts on bleeding complications during invasive procedures is outlined. Finally, the role of platelets and potential adverse impact in liver regeneration is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel H Sigal
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Zachary Sherman
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arun Jesudian
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Platelets and Hepatocellular Cancer: Bridging the Bench to the Clinics. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101568. [PMID: 31618961 PMCID: PMC6826649 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing interest is recently being focused on the role played by the platelets in favoring hepatocellular cancer (HCC) growth and dissemination. The present review reports in detail both the experimental and clinical evidence published on this topic. Several growth factors and angiogenic molecules specifically secreted by platelets are directly connected with tumor progression and neo-angiogenesis. Among them, we can list the platelet-derived growth factor, the vascular endothelial growth factor, the endothelial growth factor, and serotonin. Platelets are also involved in tumor spread, favoring endothelium permeabilization and tumor cells’ extravasation and survival in the bloodstream. From the bench to the clinics, all of these aspects were also investigated in clinical series, showing an evident correlation between platelet count and size of HCC, tumor biological behavior, metastatic spread, and overall survival rates. Moreover, a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the platelet–tumor axis represents a paramount aspect for optimizing both current tumor treatment and development of new therapeutic strategies against HCC.
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Non-endoscopic predictors of esophageal varices in children with chronic liver disease and their utility in resource-constrained countries. Indian J Gastroenterol 2019; 38:310-316. [PMID: 31423562 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-019-00960-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although endoscopy is the standard diagnostic screening test to identify esophageal varices in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), selective endoscopy in patients who are at higher risk of having varices may be cost-effective in a resource-constrained country. The aim of this prospective study was to identify non-endoscopic parameters that may predict the presence of varices, especially high-risk esophageal varices in children with CLD. METHODS From January 2016 through March 2018, consecutive children with CLD without a history of variceal bleeding were prospectively included. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was done in all the children to detect and to grade esophageal varices. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done using SPSS version 22 to identify factors associated with esophageal varices. RESULTS The mean age of 84 children was 9.7 ± 3.2 years (male 44). Esophageal varices were present in 71.4% of children and 55% of them had large varices. On univariate analysis, low platelet count (< 100,000/mm3) and splenomegaly were found to be associated with the presence of esophageal varices (p = 0.006 and 0.001, respectively) and large varices (p = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). On multivariate analysis, both low platelet count and splenomegaly were independent predictors for the presence of esophageal varices (respectively, OR 11.21, 95% CI 1.2-96.9; and OR 11.39, 95% CI 3.19-40.59). CONCLUSIONS Splenomegaly and low platelet count independently predict the presence of any grade of esophageal varices and can be used as screening tests to select children for endoscopy. This strategy may help in relieving medical, social, and economic costs in resource-constrained countries.
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Sami SS, Harman D, Ragunath K, Böhning D, Parkes J, Guha IN. Non-invasive tests for the detection of oesophageal varices in compensated cirrhosis: systematic review and meta-analysis. United European Gastroenterol J 2018; 6:806-818. [PMID: 30023058 PMCID: PMC6047293 DOI: 10.1177/2050640618767604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Conclusive data on the accuracy and clinical applicability of non-invasive screening tests for oesophageal varices (OV) in patients with compensated cirrhosis remain lacking. We conducted this study to identify currently available tests, estimate their diagnostic performance and then exemplify how these could be utilized in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic literature search was performed to identify all primary studies that reported accuracy using oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) as the gold standard. Sources searched included Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE and The Cochrane Library databases. RESULTS Twenty-one studies with a total of 2471 patients were identified. Several tests were evaluated in more than three studies. Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio (PSR) had the highest summary area under the curve for detection of any size OV of 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.78-0.92). At a cut-off of 909 (n = 4 studies) and prevalence rates of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% for OV, PSR screening correctly avoided the need for OGD in 70, 62, 55, 47 and 39% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS PSR appears to be the most accurate and validated non-invasive screening test for OV in patients with compensated cirrhosis. At a cut-off of 909, PSR could be clinically useful to avoid OGDs in a significant proportion of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarmed S. Sami
- NIHR Nottingham Digestive Diseases
Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the
University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - David Harman
- NIHR Nottingham Digestive Diseases
Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the
University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Krish Ragunath
- NIHR Nottingham Digestive Diseases
Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the
University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Dankmar Böhning
- Statistical Sciences Research Institute,
University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Parkes
- Public Health Sciences & Medical
Statistics, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Indra Neil Guha
- NIHR Nottingham Digestive Diseases
Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the
University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Giannini EG, Giambruno E, Brunacci M, Plaz Torres MC, Furnari M, Bodini G, Zentilin P, Savarino V. Low Fibrinogen Levels Are Associated with Bleeding After Varices Ligation in Thrombocytopenic Cirrhotic Patients. Ann Hepatol 2018; 17:830-835. [PMID: 30145561 DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0012.0775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM EVBL is a procedure frequently performed in cirrhotic patients for primary prophylaxis of bleeding. Patients with cirrhosis display various degrees of alteration of common coagulation parameters, and it is not known whether these alterations may predict post-EVBL bleeding. To evaluate factors predictive of post-endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVBL) bleeding in cirrhotic patients with thrombocytopenia. METHODS We included 109 patients with cirrhosis undergoing EVBL for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. Common coagulation parameters (INR, fibrinogen levels) and complete haemogram were obtained in all patients and evaluated subdividing patients in bleeders and non bleeders following EVBL. RESULTS The incidence of post-EVBL bleeding was 5.5% (6 patients). INR and platelet counts, considered as continuous or dichotomous variables according to common cut-offs (i.e., INR>1.5, platelet count <50x109/L) were not predictors of post-EVBL bleeding. Patients who bled had significantly lower fibrinogen levels [146 mg/dL (98 - 262) versus 230 mg/dL (104 - 638), P=0.009], and no other biochemical or clinical predictors of bleeding were identified. A fibrinogen cut-off of 179 mg/dL had 98.6% negative predictive value for bleeding. CONCLUSION low fibrinogen levels are associated with an increased risk of bleeding following prophylactic EVBL in cirrhotic patients, and might be used to stratify patients' risk. However, due to their preliminary nature, these findings need to be confirmed in larger populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo G Giannini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Giambruno
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mattteo Brunacci
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Corina Plaz Torres
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Manuele Furnari
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giorgia Bodini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zentilin
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Savarino
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
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Jangouk P, Turco L, De Oliveira A, Schepis F, Villa E, Garcia-Tsao G. Validating, deconstructing and refining Baveno criteria for ruling out high-risk varices in patients with compensated cirrhosis. Liver Int 2017; 37:1177-1183. [PMID: 28160373 PMCID: PMC5511584 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidelines recommend variceal screening in patients with cirrhosis to identify varices at high risk of bleeding requiring primary prophylaxis. Non-invasive criteria to rule out high-risk varices will avoid unnecessary endoscopies. Recent Baveno VI criteria define patients with compensated cirrhosis in whom endoscopy can be avoided as those with a liver stiffness by transient elastography <20 kPa and a platelet count >150 000/mm3. AIMS: To validate Baveno criteria in two cohorts with a different prevalence of high-risk varices and to determine whether alternate parameters not including liver stiffness would be equal/more accurate in ruling out high-risk varices. METHODS Retrospective study evaluating patients with liver stiffness >10 kPa who had liver stiffness and endoscopy within 1 year of each other. RESULTS This study included 161 patients from the US cohort (14 [9%] with high-risk varices) and 101 patients from an Italian cohort (17 [17%] with high-risk varices). Of patients meeting Baveno criteria (41 in the US, 16 in Italy), none had high-risk varices and therefore 26% (US) and 16% (Italy) endoscopies could have been avoided. Sensitivity and negative predictive value were 100%. A stepwise strategy using platelet count >150 000 and MELD=6, increased the number of endoscopies avoided to 54% (US) while maintaining a sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100%. Excellent sensitivity and negative predictive value were validated in the Italian cohort and in another cohort of patients with a clinical diagnosis of cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS This study validates Baveno VI criteria, particularly in sites with a low prevalence of high-risk varices and describes a new accurate strategy that does not include liver stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parastoo Jangouk
- Section of Digestive Diseases, VA-Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven; CT
| | - Laura Turco
- Section of Digestive Diseases, VA-Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven; CT, Division of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Ana De Oliveira
- Section of Digestive Diseases, VA-Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven; CT, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, Brazil
| | - Filippo Schepis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Erica Villa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao
- Section of Digestive Diseases, VA-Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven; CT
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Colli A, Gana JC, Yap J, Adams‐Webber T, Rashkovan N, Ling SC, Casazza G. Platelet count, spleen length, and platelet count-to-spleen length ratio for the diagnosis of oesophageal varices in people with chronic liver disease or portal vein thrombosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 4:CD008759. [PMID: 28444987 PMCID: PMC6478276 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008759.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current guidelines recommend screening of people with oesophageal varices via oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy at the time of diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis. This requires that people repeatedly undergo unpleasant invasive procedures with their attendant risks, although half of these people have no identifiable oesophageal varices 10 years after the initial diagnosis of cirrhosis. Platelet count, spleen length, and platelet count-to-spleen length ratio are non-invasive tests proposed as triage tests for the diagnosis of oesophageal varices. OBJECTIVES Primary objectives To determine the diagnostic accuracy of platelet count, spleen length, and platelet count-to-spleen length ratio for the diagnosis of oesophageal varices of any size in paediatric or adult patients with chronic liver disease or portal vein thrombosis, irrespective of aetiology. To investigate the accuracy of these non-invasive tests as triage or replacement of oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy. Secondary objectives To compare the diagnostic accuracy of these same tests for the diagnosis of high-risk oesophageal varices in paediatric or adult patients with chronic liver disease or portal vein thrombosis, irrespective of aetiology.We aimed to perform pair-wise comparisons between the three index tests, while considering predefined cut-off values.We investigated sources of heterogeneity. SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies Register, the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (OvidSP), Embase (OvidSP), and Science Citation Index - Expanded (Web of Science) (14 June 2016). We applied no language or document-type restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of platelet count, spleen length, and platelet count-to-spleen length ratio for the diagnosis of oesophageal varices via oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy as the reference standard in children or adults of any age with chronic liver disease or portal vein thrombosis, who did not have variceal bleeding. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Standard Cochrane methods as outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Diagnostic Test of Accuracy Reviews. MAIN RESULTS We included 71 studies, 67 of which enrolled only adults and four only children. All included studies were cross-sectional and were undertaken at a tertiary care centre. Eight studies reported study results in abstracts or letters. We considered all but one of the included studies to be at high risk of bias. We had major concerns about defining the cut-off value for the three index tests; most included studies derived the best cut-off values a posteriori, thus overestimating accuracy; 16 studies were designed to validate the 909 (n/mm3)/mm cut-off value for platelet count-to-spleen length ratio. Enrolment of participants was not consecutive in six studies and was unclear in 31 studies. Thirty-four studies assessed enrolment consecutively. Eleven studies excluded some included participants from the analyses, and in only one study, the time interval between index tests and the reference standard was longer than three months. Diagnosis of varices of any size. Platelet count showed sensitivity of 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63 to 0.77) and specificity of 0.80 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.88) (cut-off value of around 150,000/mm3 from 140,000 to 150,000/mm3; 10 studies, 2054 participants). When examining potential sources of heterogeneity, we found that of all predefined factors, only aetiology had a role: studies including participants with chronic hepatitis C reported different results when compared with studies including participants with mixed aetiologies (P = 0.036). Spleen length showed sensitivity of 0.85 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.91) and specificity of 0.54 (95% CI 0.46 to 0.62) (cut-off values of around 110 mm, from 110 to 112.5 mm; 13 studies, 1489 participants). Summary estimates for detection of varices of any size showed sensitivity of 0.93 (95% CI 0.83 to 0.97) and specificity of 0.84 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.91) in 17 studies, and 2637 participants had a cut-off value for platelet count-to-spleen length ratio of 909 (n/mm3)/mm. We found no effect of predefined sources of heterogeneity. An overall indirect comparison of the HSROCs of the three index tests showed that platelet count-to-spleen length ratio was the most accurate index test when compared with platelet count (P < 0.001) and spleen length (P < 0.001). Diagnosis of varices at high risk of bleeding. Platelet count showed sensitivity of 0.80 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.85) and specificity of 0.68 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.77) (cut-off value of around 150,000/mm3 from 140,000 to 160,000/mm3; seven studies, 1671 participants). For spleen length, we obtained only a summary ROC curve as we found no common cut-off between studies (six studies, 883 participants). Platelet count-to-spleen length ratio showed sensitivity of 0.85 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.93) and specificity of 0.66 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.77) (cut-off value of around 909 (n/mm3)/mm; from 897 to 921 (n/mm3)/mm; seven studies, 642 participants). An overall indirect comparison of the HSROCs of the three index tests showed that platelet count-to-spleen length ratio was the most accurate index test when compared with platelet count (P = 0.003) and spleen length (P < 0.001). DIagnosis of varices of any size in children. We found four studies including 277 children with different liver diseases and or portal vein thrombosis. Platelet count showed sensitivity of 0.71 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.80) and specificity of 0.83 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.91) (cut-off value of around 115,000/mm3; four studies, 277 participants). Platelet count-to-spleen length z-score ratio showed sensitivity of 0.74 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.81) and specificity of 0.64 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.84) (cut-off value of 25; two studies, 197 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Platelet count-to-spleen length ratio could be used to stratify the risk of oesophageal varices. This test can be used as a triage test before endoscopy, thus ruling out adults without varices. In the case of a ratio > 909 (n/mm3)/mm, the presence of oesophageal varices of any size can be excluded and only 7% of adults with varices of any size would be missed, allowing investigators to spare the number of oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy examinations. This test is not accurate enough for identification of oesophageal varices at high risk of bleeding that require primary prophylaxis. Future studies should assess the diagnostic accuracy of this test in specific subgroups of patients, as well as its ability to predict variceal bleeding. New non-invasive tests should be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Colli
- A Manzoni Hospital ASST LeccoDepartment of Internal MedicineVia dell'Eremo, 9/11LeccoItaly23900
| | - Juan Cristóbal Gana
- Division of Pediatrics, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileGastroenterology and Nutrition Department85 LiraSantiagoRegion MetropolitanaChile8330074
| | - Jason Yap
- University of AlbertaDivision of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Dept. of Pediatrics, Stollery Children's Hospital, Faculty of MedicineAberhart Centre 111402 University AveEdmontonABCanadaT6G 2J3
| | | | - Natalie Rashkovan
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreDepartment of Neurology2075 Bayview ave., room A448TorontoONCanadaM4N 3M5
| | - Simon C Ling
- The Hospital for Sick ChildrenDivision of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition555 University AvenueTorontoONCanadaM5G 1X8
| | - Giovanni Casazza
- Università degli Studi di MilanoDipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco"via GB Grassi 74MilanItaly20157
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Islam MN, Khan M, Ahmad N, Mamun-Al-Mahtab, Karim MF. Plasma Prothrombin Time and Esophageal Varices in Patients with Cirrhosis of Liver. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2016; 6:10-12. [PMID: 29201717 PMCID: PMC5578551 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cirrhosis of the liver is a common complication of chronic liver disease and is associated with portal hypertension and esophageal varices. In this study, we checked the implication of prothrombin time, if any, in the genesis of esophageal varices. Materials and methods Sixty patients with cirrhosis of the liver were randomly assigned into two groups: Group I – 30 cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices, and group II – 30 cirrhotic patients without esophageal varices. The prothrombin time was checked for both groups. Results A positive correlation was found between the prolonged plasma prothrombin time (> 4 seconds) and esophageal varices with a sensitivity of 56.67% and specificity of 73.33%. The Child–Pugh score showed a correlation; however, the size of varices did not exhibit any such relation. Conclusion Prothrombin time may be cautiously used to assess portal hypertension in a field level and rural setting where endoscopy is not available or feasible. How to cite this article Islam MN, Khan M, Ahmad N, Al-Mahtab M, Karim MF. Plasma Prothrombin Time and Esophageal Varices in Patients with Cirrhosis of Liver. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2016;6(1):10-12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nasirul Islam
- Department of Hepatology, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Nooruddin Ahmad
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mamun-Al-Mahtab
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Fazal Karim
- Department of Hepatology, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Giannini EG, Moscatelli A, Brunacci M, Zentilin P, Savarino V. Prognostic role of mean platelet volume in patients with cirrhosis. Dig Liver Dis 2016; 48:409-13. [PMID: 26699823 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2015.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies carried out in patients with chronic hepatitis have shown that mean platelet volume (MPV) is associated with worse disease stage, although the role of MPV in patients with cirrhosis is less clear. AIM To evaluate the association between MPV values and clinical characteristics and stage of cirrhosis, and to assess its prognostic role. METHODS We studied 75 patients with cirrhosis and assessed the association between MPV values and cirrhosis characteristics, prognostic scores, and survival. The prognostic role of longitudinal variations of MPV was also assessed in 50 patients who had at least 12 months follow-up and who had MPV determination at 3-monhtly intervals. RESULTS Median MPV values were not statistically different according to aetiology of liver disease (P=0.485) and disease severity both taking into consideration the Child-Pugh classification (P=0.438) and the Model for End-stage Liver Disease score (P=0.978). Median MPV values were not significantly different in 23 Child-Pugh class C patients who died or survived (9.15fL versus 9.10fL, P=0.794) during a 12-month follow-up. Lastly, there was no significant modification of MPV over time at the various study time-points (3-month, 6-month, 9-month, 12-month) between patients who died and those who survived. CONCLUSIONS In patients with cirrhosis, MPV has no association with severity of disease and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo G Giannini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Moscatelli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Brunacci
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zentilin
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Savarino
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
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Wu H, Yan S, Wang G, Cui S, Zhang C, Zhu Q. von Willebrand factor as a novel noninvasive predictor of portal hypertension and esophageal varices in hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis. Scand J Gastroenterol 2016; 50:1160-9. [PMID: 25877661 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2015.1037346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE At present, there is no perfect noninvasive method to assess portal hypertension and esophageal varices. Early predicting esophageal varices can provide evidence for managing cirrhotic patients. We aimed to further investigate von Willebrand factor (vWF) as a noninvasive predictor of portal hypertension, especially of esophageal varices. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 60 hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis and 45 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Levels of six markers were examined. All patients underwent hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. We evaluated the performance of six factors for diagnosis of portal hypertension and esophageal varices. The vWF levels in liver tissues were observed by immunohistochemistry. Correlations between the level of vWF in liver tissues and HVPG and between levels of vWF in tissues and plasma were examined. RESULTS Cutoff values of plasma vWF (1510.5 mU/mL and 1701 mU/mL) showed high positive predictive value (PPV, 90.2% and 87.5%) in predicting clinically significant portal hypertension and severe portal hypertension. Cutoff values of vWF (1414 mU/ml and 1990 mU/mL, PPV 90.3% and 86.3%, respectively) were provided to detect the presence and degree of esophageal varices. Linear correlations were observed between levels of vWF in liver tissues and HVPG (r(2) = 0.552, p < 0.001) and between the level of vWF in liver tissues and in plasma (r(2) = 0.461, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The vWF is a noninvasive predictor of portal hypertension and esophageal varices in hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis. Increased levels of vWF in liver tissues may induce the elevated plasma vWF levels, but molecular mechanism is needed for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong , China
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Sedrak H, Khalifa R, Elkafrawy A, Elewa H. Noninvasive predictors of large esophageal varices: is there an emerging role of aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index in hepatocellular carcinoma? THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2016. [DOI: 10.4103/1110-7782.174935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Nada L, Samira EF, Bahija B, Adil I, Nourdine A. Noninvasive predictors of presence and grade of esophageal varices in viral cirrhotic patients. Pan Afr Med J 2015; 20:145. [PMID: 27386022 PMCID: PMC4919668 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2015.20.145.4320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Predicting the presence and the grade of varices by non-invasive methods is likely to predict the need for prophylactic beta blockers or endoscopic variceal ligation. The factors related to the presence of varices are not well-defined. Therefore, the present study has been undertaken to determine the appropriateness of the various factors in predicting the existence and also the grade of esophageal varices. Patients with diagnosis of liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C or B were included in a retrospective study between January 2001 and January 2010. All the patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation, appropriate investigations, imaging studies (ultrasound with Doppler) and endoscopy at our center. Five variables considered relevant to the presence and grade of varices were tested using univariate and multivariate analysis (logistic regression). Three hundred and seventy two patients with viral liver cirrhosis were included, with 192 (51.6%) males. Platelet count and abundance of ascites were significantly associated with the presence of esophageal varices. However, abundance of ascites, prothrombin time, diameter of the spleen and portal vein were significantly associated with a large varice. In multivariate analysis, platelet count inferior to 100000 was associated with presence of varices (p = 0.04) and only abundance of ascites was associated with large varice. Low Platelet count (< or equal 100000) is associated with the presence of varices in viral cirrhotic patients and abundance of ascites is correlated with the presence of large varices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lahmidani Nada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Hassan II, Faculty of Medicine Fez, Morocco
| | - El Fakir Samira
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Fez, Morocco
| | - Benyachou Bahija
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Hassan II, Faculty of Medicine Fez, Morocco
| | - Ibrahimi Adil
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Hassan II, Faculty of Medicine Fez, Morocco
| | - Aqodad Nourdine
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Hassan II, Faculty of Medicine Fez, Morocco
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Predicting the presence of high-risk oesophageal varices using noninvasive parameters in Egyptian cirrhotic patients. EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2014. [DOI: 10.1097/01.elx.0000451422.12970.b3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Nusrat S, Khan MS, Fazili J, Madhoun MF. Cirrhosis and its complications: Evidence based treatment. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:5442-5460. [PMID: 24833875 PMCID: PMC4017060 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i18.5442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis results from progressive fibrosis and is the final outcome of all chronic liver disease. It is among the ten leading causes of death in United States. Cirrhosis can result in portal hypertension and/or hepatic dysfunction. Both of these either alone or in combination can lead to many complications, including ascites, varices, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatopulmonary syndrome, and coagulation disorders. Cirrhosis and its complications not only impair quality of life but also decrease survival. Managing patients with cirrhosis can be a challenge and requires an organized and systematic approach. Increasing physicians’ knowledge about prevention and treatment of these potential complications is important to improve patient outcomes. A literature search of the published data was performed to provide a comprehensive review regarding the management of cirrhosis and its complications.
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Grözinger G, Wiesinger B, Schmehl J, Kramer U, Mehra T, Grosse U, König C. Portosystemic pressure reduction achieved with TIPPS and impact of portosystemic collaterals for the prediction of the portosystemic-pressure gradient in cirrhotic patients. Eur J Radiol 2013; 82:2258-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2013.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 07/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Mattos AZD, Alves de Mattos A, Daros LF, Musskopf MI. Aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) for the non-invasive prediction of esophageal varices. Ann Hepatol 2013. [PMID: 24018500 DOI: 10.1016/s1665-2681(19)31324-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Variceal bleeding is a dramatic and common complication of cirrhosis, and, therefore, endoscopy is recommended for the screening of EV (esophageal varices) in every cirrhotic. This study evaluates the capacity of APRI (aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index) in non-invasively predicting EV. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional study evaluated cirrhotics for their APRI value and the presence of EV, with a cutoff point of 1, 3; platelet count, spleen diameter, PC/SD (platelet count/ spleen diameter ratio), aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, Child-Pugh score and MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) score were also studied. RESULTS The study included 164 cirrhotics, 59.7% male, with a mean age of 56.7 years. APRI demonstrated a sensitivity of 64.7% (95% confidence interval-95%CI = 0.56-0.73), specificity of 72.7% (95%CI = 0.59-0.86), positive predictive value of 86.5% (95%CI = 0.79-0.94), negative predictive value of 43.2% (95%CI = 0.32-0.55). In the univariate analysis, platelet count, spleen diameter, Child and MELD scores, PC/SD and APRI were related to EV (p < 0.05). In the logistic regression, only platelet count and Child score were associated to EV (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION APRI is not an independent factor for the prediction of EV. Its sensitivity, specificity and predictive values are insufficient for the index to be used for the screening of EV in cirrhotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Zambam de Mattos
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre. Brazil; Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição. Brazil
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Gomez EV, Rodriguez YS, Bertot LC, Gonzalez AT, Perez YM, Soler EA, Garcia AY, Blanco LP. The natural history of compensated HCV-related cirrhosis: a prospective long-term study. J Hepatol 2013; 58:434-44. [PMID: 23111008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2012.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Revised: 10/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The natural history of HCV-related compensated cirrhosis has been poorly investigated in Latin-American countries. Our study evaluated mortality and clinical outcomes in compensated cirrhotic patients followed for 6 years. METHODS Four hundred and two patients with compensated HCV-related cirrhosis were prospectively recruited in a tertiary care academic center. At the time of admission, patients were stratified as compensated (absence [stage 1] or presence [stage 2] of esophageal varices) as defined by D'Amico et al. Subjects were followed to identify overall mortality or liver transplantation and clinical complication rates. RESULTS Among 402 subjects, 294 were categorized as stage 1 and 108 as stage 2. Over a median of 176 weeks, 42 deaths occurred (10%), of which 30 were considered liver-related (7%) and 12 non-liver-related (3%); eight individuals (2%) underwent liver transplantation; 30 patients (7%) developed HCC, 67 individuals in stage 1 (22%) developed varices and any event of clinical decompensation occurred in 80 patients (20%). The 6-year cumulative overall mortality or liver transplantation was 15% and 45%, for stages 1 and 2, respectively (p<0.001). The cumulative 6-year HCC incidence was significantly higher among patients with varices (29%) than those without varices (9%), p<0.001. Similarly, the cumulative 6-year incidence of any clinical liver-related complication was higher in patients with stage 2 (66%) as compared to 26% in those with stage 1, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate significant morbidity and mortality and clinical outcome rates in compensated cirrhotic patients with varices (stage 2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Vilar Gomez
- Department of Researches, National Institute of Gastroenterology, Havana, Cuba.
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Usefulness of Noninvasive Predictors of Oesophageal Varices in Black African Cirrhotic Patients in Côte d'Ivoire (West Africa). Gastroenterol Res Pract 2012; 2012:216390. [PMID: 22888334 PMCID: PMC3408675 DOI: 10.1155/2012/216390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2012] [Revised: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims. To determine the usefulness of platelet count (PC), spleen diameter (SD) and platelet count/spleen diameter ratio (PC/SD ratio) for the prediction of oesophageal varices (OV) and large OV in black African patients with cirrhosis in Côte d'Ivoire. Materials and Methods. Study was conducted in a training sample (111 patients) and in a validation sample (91 patients). Results. Factors predicting OV were sex: (OR = 0.08, P = 0.0003), PC (OR = 12.4, P = 0.0003), SD (OR = 1.04, P = 0.002) in the training sample. The AUROCs (±SE) of the model (cutoff ≥ 0.6), PC (cutoff < 110500), SD (cutoff > 140) and PC/SD ratio (cutoff ≤ 868) were, respectively; 0.879 ± 0.04, 0.768 ± 0.06, 0.679 ± 0.06, 0.793 ± 0.06. For the prediction of large OV, the model's AUROC (0.850 ± 0.05) was superior to that of PC (0.688 ± 0.06), SD (0.732 ± 0.05) and PC/SD ratio (0.752 ± 0.06). In the validation sample, with PC, PC/SD ratio and the model, upper digestive endoscopy could be obviated respectively in 45.1, 45.1, and 44% of cirrhotic patients. Prophylactic treatment with beta blockers could be started undoubtedly respectively in 36.3, 41.8 and 28.6% of them as having large OV. Conclusion. Non-invasive means could be used to monitor cirrhotic patients and consider treatment in African regions lacking endoscopic facilities.
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Mangone M, Moretti A, Alivernini F, Papi C, Orefice R, Dezi A, Amadei E, Aratari A, Bianchi M, Tornatore V, Koch M. Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio for non-invasive diagnosis of oesophageal varices: is it useful in compensated cirrhosis? Dig Liver Dis 2012; 44:504-7. [PMID: 22321622 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2011.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio for identification of oesophageal varices and/or hypertensive gastropathy in patients with compensated cirrhosis. METHODS Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio was calculated in 87 consecutive patients with compensated cirrhosis. A new cut-off with the highest sensitivity and specificity for the presence/absence of oesophageal varices and/or hypertensive gastropathy was identified. Performance of the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio considering previously reported cut-off values were then tested in our population. RESULTS A platelet count/spleen diameter ratio <936.4 had the best sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of oesophageal varices and for all endoscopic findings of portal hypertension. A value lower than 936.4 allowed identification of 64.5% of patients with oesophageal varices and 66.7% of patients with any sign of portal hypertension; a value higher than 936.4 excluded oesophageal varices in 64.3% of patients and any sign of portal hypertension in 68.6% of patients. CONCLUSIONS In patients with compensated cirrhosis, the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio is not a useful parameter to avoid unnecessary upper endoscopy, independently of the cut-off.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Mangone
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Italy.
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Less-invasive MR indices of clinically evident esophageal variceal bleeding in biliary atresia patients. J Formos Med Assoc 2012; 111:482-8. [PMID: 23021504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2011.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2011] [Revised: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Esophageal variceal hemorrhaging is potentially life threatening for long-term survivors of biliary atresia. We evaluated the feasibility of less-invasive parameters for predicting the presence of clinically significant esophageal variceal bleeding in biliary atresia patients. METHODS A total of 30 patients aged 108-5314 days (median = 285 days) with biliary atresia underwent a magnetic resonance examination with fast spin-echo T2-weighted imaging and spin-echo, T1-weighted images with fat saturation after use of a contrast medium on a 1.5-tesla scanner. The splenic length-platelet ratio was divided by the each patient's body height (m) to produce the corrected splenic length-platelet ratios. In addition, the splenic volume index-to-platelet count ratio was divided by the patient's body weight (kg) to produce a corrected ratio. RESULTS The corrected splenic length-platelet ratio was more significantly increased in 21 patients with esophageal variceal bleeding (Group A) than in nine patients without variceal bleeding [(Group B) 0.98 ± 0.64 vs. 0.44 ± 0.18, p < 0.01]. The splenic volume index-to-platelet count ratio corrected by body weight was significantly larger in Group A (510.7 ± 536.2) than in Group B (148.1 ± 88.9, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Less-invasive indices, including the corrected splenic length platelet ratio and the splenic volume index-to-platelet count ratio, may be valuable predictors of esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with biliary atresia.
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Abstract
Current guidelines recommend that all cirrhotic patients should undergo screening endoscopy at diagnosis to identify patients with varices at high risk of bleeding who will benefit from primary prophylaxis. This approach places a heavy burden upon endoscopy units and the repeated testing over time may have a detrimental effect on patient compliance. Noninvasive identification of patients at highest risk for oesophageal varices would limit investigation to those most likely to benefit. Upper GI endoscopy is deemed to be the gold standard against which all other tests are compared, but is not without its limitations. Multiple studies have been performed assessing clinical signs and variables relating to liver function, variables relating to liver fibrosis, and also to portal hypertension and hypersplenism. Whilst some tests are clearly preferable to patients, none appear to be as accurate as upper GI endoscopy in the diagnosis of oesophageal varices. The search for noninvasive tests continues.
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Mattos AZD, Mattos AAD, Vianna FF, Musskopf MI, Pereira-Lima JC, Maciel AC. Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio: analysis of its capacity as a predictor of the existence of esophageal varices. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2011; 47:275-8. [PMID: 21140089 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-28032010000300012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2009] [Accepted: 02/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Upper gastrointestinal bleeding associated to esophageal varices is the most dramatic complication of cirrhosis. It is recommended screening every cirrhotic for esophageal varices with endoscopy. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the capacity of the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio in non-invasively predicting esophageal varices in a population of cirrhotics originated in an independent center from the one in which it was developed. METHODS The study included patients from the ambulatory care clinic of cirrhosis of a Brazilian hospital and studied platelet count, spleen diameter and presence of esophageal varices, as well as Child and MELD scores. It used a cutoff value of 909 for the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio, as previously published. A sample of 139 patients was needed to grant results a 95% confidence level. RESULTS The study included 164 cirrhotics, 56.7% male, with a mean age of 56.6 ± 11.6 years. In the univariate analysis, platelet count, spleen diameter, presence of ascites, Child and MELD scores and the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio were related to esophageal varices (P<0.05). The platelet count/spleen diameter ratio had sensitivity of 77.5% (95% CI = 0.700-0.850), specificity of 45.5% (95% CI = 0.307-0.602), positive predictive value of 79.5% (95% CI = 0.722-0.868), negative predictive value of 42.6% (95% CI = 0.284-0.567) and accuracy of 68.9% (95% CI = 0.618-0.760). In the multivariate analysis, platelet count was the only variable which related to esophageal varices (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Platelet count/ spleen diameter ratio is not adequate to predict esophageal varices in cirrhotics.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classification, AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), and laboratory tests could predict the presence of esophageal varices (EV) or varices which need prophylactic therapy (medium or large size EV). METHODS Three hundred patients with cirrhosis (193 men; mean age 53.1 years; majority with chronic C hepatitis) were prospectively analyzed. The presence of EV (any size and medium or large EV) was correlated with patients' characteristics (MELD, CTP classification, APRI, platelets count, and liver tests). RESULTS One hundred and seventy-one patients (57%) had EV, of whom 35% (105) had varices which need prophylactic therapy (VPT). The distribution of EV according to CTP classification was as follows: A, 49%; B, 75.3% and C, 80%. Independent predictors of EV were: MELD higher than 8 (P=0.02); APRI higher than 1.64 (P=0.01); platelet count lower than 93,000/mm³ (P<0.01); aspartate aminotransferase higher than 1.34 × UNL (P=0.01), and total bilirubin higher than 1 mg/dl (P=0.04). MELD higher than 8 had the highest discriminative value for presence of EV (sensitivity=80.1%; specificity=51.2%; area under receiver operating characteristics=0.68). Factors independently associated with VPT were: thrombocytopenia (<92,000/mm³; P<0.01) and aspartate aminotransferase higher than 1.47 × UNL (P=0.03). Platelet count lower than 92,000/mm³ had sensitivity of 65.7%, specificity of 57.9%, and an area under receiver operating characteristics of 0.62 for the presence of VPT. CONCLUSION High values on MELD are associated with EV and thrombocytopenia, with varices which need prophylactic therapy. As a result of their low sensitivity and specificity, it is suggested to maintain the recommendation of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for all patients with cirhosis.
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Noninvasive predictors for the presence of gastroesophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis. EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2011. [DOI: 10.1097/01.elx.0000397032.63789.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Hong WD, Dong LM, Jiang ZC, Zhu QH, Jin SQ. Prediction of large esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients using classification and regression tree analysis. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2011; 66:119-24. [PMID: 21437447 PMCID: PMC3044565 DOI: 10.1590/s1807-59322011000100021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2010] [Accepted: 10/24/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent guidelines recommend that all cirrhotic patients should undergo endoscopic screening for esophageal varices. That identifying cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices by noninvasive predictors would allow for the restriction of the performance of endoscopy to patients with a high risk of having varices. This study aimed to develop a decision model based on classification and regression tree analysis for the prediction of large esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. METHODS 309 cirrhotic patients (training sample, 187 patients; test sample 122 patients) were included. Within the training sample, the classification and regression tree analysis was used to identify predictors and prediction model of large esophageal varices. The prediction model was then further evaluated in the test sample and different Child-Pugh classes. RESULTS The prevalence of large esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients was 50.8%. A tree model that was consisted of spleen width, portal vein diameter and prothrombin time was developed by classification and regression tree analysis achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 84% for prediction of large esophageal varices. When reconstructed into two groups, the rate of varices was 83.2% for high-risk group and 15.2% for low-risk group. Accuracy of the tree model was maintained in the test sample and different Child-Pugh classes. CONCLUSIONS A decision tree model that consists of spleen width, portal vein diameter and prothrombin time may be useful for prediction of large esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-dong Hong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos C. Thomopoulos
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece,Address for correspondence: Dr. K. C. Thomopoulos, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece. E-mail:
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Fontana RJ, Sanyal AJ, Ghany MG, Lee WM, Reid AE, Naishadham D, Everson GT, Kahn JA, Di Bisceglie AM, Szabo G, Morgan TR, Everhart JE. Factors that determine the development and progression of gastroesophageal varices in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Gastroenterology 2010; 138:2321-31, 2331.e1-2. [PMID: 20211180 PMCID: PMC2883673 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2010.02.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2009] [Revised: 02/11/2010] [Accepted: 02/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We aimed to identify the incidence and predictors of de novo gastroesophageal variceal formation and progression in a large cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis C and advanced fibrosis. METHODS All participants in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment against Cirrhosis Trial were offered an endoscopy before treatment and again after 4 years. Patients with varices at baseline also had an endoscopy at 2 years. Baseline laboratory and clinical parameters were analyzed as predictors of de novo variceal formation and variceal progression. RESULTS De novo varices developed in 157 of the 598 (26.2%) patients. Most of the new varices were small (76.4%) and only 1% of patients developed variceal hemorrhage. The likelihood of developing varices was associated with subject race (Hispanic > Caucasian > African American; P = .0005), lower baseline levels of albumin (P = .051), and higher levels of hyaluronic acid (P < .001) with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = .70. Among 210 patients with existing gastroesophageal varices, 74 (35.2%) had variceal progression or bleeding during follow-up. Patients with higher baseline ratios of serum aspartate/alanine aminotransferase (P = .028) and lower platelet counts (P = .0002) were at greatest risk of variceal progression (area under the receiver operating characteristic = .72). Prolonged, low-dose peginterferon-alpha2a therapy and beta-blockers did not influence the risk of developing new or enlarging varices. CONCLUSION Development of varices in patients with chronic hepatitis C is associated with patient race/ethnicity and laboratory markers of disease severity. Prolonged low-dose peginterferon-alpha2a therapy and beta-blockers do not reduce the risk of variceal development or progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Fontana
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0362, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric varices (GVs) are a major cause of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension. Few studies have evaluated GVs with multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT). GOALS To assess the diagnostic performance of MDCT in detecting GVs and revealing variceal hemodynamic changes in patients with cirrhosis. STUDY A total of 127 consecutive cirrhotic patients who underwent both liver MDCT and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were analyzed retrospectively. Two independent radiologists reviewed MDCT images for the detection of GVs. The variceal hemodynamic changes were assessed by the 2 radiologists in consensus on MDCT portography. RESULTS On the basis of EGD, of the 127 patients, 36 had GVs (28.4%), including small GVs in 15 patients and large GVs (>or=5 mm) in 21 patients. In detecting and grading GVs, there were moderate agreements (kappa value: 0.514 to 0.563) between MDCT and EGD, but in differentiating large varices requiring prophylactic therapy, a substantial agreement (kappa value: 0.804 for radiologist 1 and 0.796 for radiologist 2) was found. For radiologist 1, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of MDCT for the identification of large GVs were 85.7%, 96.2%, 94.5%, 81.8%, and 97.1%, respectively; whereas for radiologist 2, they were 81.0%, 97.2%, 94.5%, 85.0%, and 96.3%, respectively. In evaluating the afferent and efferent veins of varices, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive value of MDCT portography were more than 80.0%. CONCLUSIONS MDCT is an effective screening tool for differentiating large GVs and revealing the afferent and efferent veins of varices in patients with cirrhosis.
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Tarantino G, Citro V, Esposito P, Giaquinto S, de Leone A, Milan G, Tripodi FS, Cirillo M, Lobello R. Blood ammonia levels in liver cirrhosis: a clue for the presence of portosystemic collateral veins. BMC Gastroenterol 2009; 9:21. [PMID: 19292923 PMCID: PMC2662872 DOI: 10.1186/1471-230x-9-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 03/17/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Portal hypertension leads to the formation of portosystemic collateral veins in liver cirrhosis. The resulting shunting is responsible for the development of portosystemic encephalopathy. Although ammonia plays a certain role in determining portosystemic encephalopathy, the venous ammonia level has not been found to correlate with the presence or severity of this entity. So, it has become partially obsolete. Realizing the need for non-invasive markers mirroring the presence of esophageal varices in order to reduce the number of endoscopy screening, we came back to determine whether there was a correlation between blood ammonia concentrations and the detection of portosystemic collateral veins, also evaluating splenomegaly, hypersplenism (thrombocytopenia) and the severity of liver cirrhosis. METHODS One hundred and fifty three consecutive patients with hepatic cirrhosis of various etiologies were recruited to participate in endoscopic and ultrasonography screening for the presence of portosystemic collaterals mostly esophageal varices, but also portal hypertensive gastropathy and large spontaneous shunts. RESULTS Based on Child-Pugh classification, the median level of blood ammonia was 45 mcM/L in 64 patients belonging to class A, 66 mcM/L in 66 patients of class B and 108 mcM/L in 23 patients of class C respectively (p < 0.001).The grade of esophageal varices was concordant with venous ammonia levels (rho 0.43, p < 0.001). The best area under the curve was given by ammonia concentrations, i, e., 0.78, when comparing areas of ammonia levels, platelet count and spleen longitudinal diameter at ultrasonography. Ammonia levels predicted hepatic decompensation and ascites presence (Odds Ratio 1.018, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Identifying cirrhotic patients with high blood ammonia concentrations could be clinically useful, as high levels would lead to suspicion of being in presence of collaterals, in clinical practice of esophageal varices, and pinpoint those patients requiring closer follow-up and endoscopic screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Tarantino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Hepatology in Internal Medicine Section, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Citro
- Hepatology Unit of General Medicine, Mauro Scarlato Hospital, Scafati, ASL SA/1, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Esposito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Second University of Naples (SUN), Naples, Italy
| | - Sabrina Giaquinto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Second University of Naples (SUN), Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa de Leone
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Second University of Naples (SUN), Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Michele Cirillo
- Department of Oncology and Endocrinology, Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Lobello
- Department of Oncology and Endocrinology, Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Hong WD, Zhu QH, Huang ZM, Chen XR, Jiang ZC, Xu SH, Jin K. Predictors of esophageal varices in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis: a retrospective study. BMC Gastroenterol 2009; 9:11. [PMID: 19196464 PMCID: PMC2661092 DOI: 10.1186/1471-230x-9-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2008] [Accepted: 02/05/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background All patients with liver cirrhosis are recommended to undergo an evaluation of esophageal varices (EV) to assess their risk of bleeding. Predicting the presence of EV through non-invasive means may reduce a large number of unnecessary endoscopies. This study was designed to develop a predictive model for varices in patients with Hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis. Methods The retrospective analysis was performed in 146 patients with Hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis. The data were assessed by univariate analysis and a multivariate logistic regression analysis. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic curves were also applied to calculate and compare the accuracy of the model and other single parameters for the diagnosis of esophageal varices. Results We found the prevalence of EV in patients with Hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis to be 74.7%. In addition, platelet count, spleen width, portal vein diameter and platelet count/spleen width ratio were significantly associated with the presence of esophageal varices on univariate analysis. A multivariate analysis revealed that only the spleen width and portal vein diameter were independent risk factors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of regression function (RF) model, which was composed of the spleen width and portal vein diameter, was higher than that of the platelet count. With a cut-off value of 0.3631, the RF model had an excellent sensitivity of 87.2% and an acceptable specificity of 59.5% with an overall accuracy of 80.1%. Conclusion Our data suggest that portal vein diameter and spleen width rather than platelet count may predict the presence of varices in patients with Hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis, and that the RF model may help physicians to identify patients who would most likely benefit from screenings for EV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Dong Hong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, PR China.
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de Franchis R. Non-invasive (and minimally invasive) diagnosis of oesophageal varices. J Hepatol 2008; 49:520-7. [PMID: 18706733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2008.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2008] [Revised: 07/11/2008] [Accepted: 07/11/2008] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Current guidelines recommend screening all cirrhotic patients by endoscopy, to identify patients at risk of bleeding who should undergo prophylactic treatment. However, since the prevalence of varices in cirrhotic patients is variable, universal screening would imply a large number of unnecessary endoscopies and a heavy burden for endoscopy units. In addition, compliance to screening programs may be hampered by the perceived unpleasantness of endoscopy. Predicting the presence of oesophageal varices by non-invasive means might increase compliance and would permit to restrict the performance of endoscopy to those patients with a high probability of having varices. Over the years, several studies have addressed this issue by assessing the potential of biochemical, clinical and ultrasound parameters, transient elastography, CT scanning and video capsule endoscopy. The platelet count/spleen diameter ratio, CT scanning and video capsule endoscopy have shown promising performance characteristics, although none of them is equivalent to EGD. These methods are perceived by patients as preferable to endoscopy and thus might increase adherence to screening programs. Whether this will compensate for the lower sensitivity of these alternative techniques, and ultimately improve the outcomes if more patients undergo screening, is the crucial question that will have to be answered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto de Franchis
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Milan, Fondazione Ospedale IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli and Regina Elena, Milan, Italy.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Esophageal variceal bleeding is a life-threatening complication of liver cirrhosis. The aim of this review is to discuss the most important studies published in 2007 concerning diagnosis of esophageal varices, primary and secondary prophylaxis and treatment of variceal bleeding. RECENT FINDINGS The specific areas reviewed are the noninvasive or minimally invasive diagnosis of oesophageal varices, prevention of the formation of varices and their progression from small to large, prevention of the first variceal hemorrhage, treatment of acute bleeding episodes and prevention of rebleeding, assessment of costs related to prophylaxis and treatment of variceal bleeding. Multidetector computed tomographic esophagography was found to identify the presence and grade the size of esophageal varices. Portal vein thrombosis was found to be an independent predictor of the aggravation of esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The role of hepatic vein pressure gradient measurement in the prediction of decompensation of cirrhosis has been elucidated. SUMMARY Relevant studies are reviewed on the diagnosis and the natural history of esophageal varices, prevention of their formation and growth, prevention of the first variceal bleed, use of hepatic vein pressure gradient to predict the evolution of portal hypertension and to estimate the response to pharmacological treatment, prediction of bleeding, treatment of variceal bleeding and prevention of rebleeding, and cost strategies.
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