Published online Oct 14, 2023. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i38.5383
Peer-review started: July 7, 2023
First decision: August 8, 2023
Revised: August 15, 2023
Accepted: September 20, 2023
Article in press: September 20, 2023
Published online: October 14, 2023
Processing time: 97 Days and 1.2 Hours
Decompensated cirrhosis with complications of portal hypertension is often considered the end-stage of cirrhosis, with little chance of improvement. Despite this, recent studies have put forward the concept of recompensation.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) are the standard second-line treatment option for individuals with complications of decompensated cirrhosis, such as variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. However, it remains unknown whether TIPS can achieve recompensation.
Herein, we investigated whether recompensation existed in TIPS-treated patients with decompensated cirrhosis according to the Baveno VII criteria.
This retrospective analysis was performed on 64 patients who received TIPS for variceal bleeding or refractory ascites. The definition of recompensation referred to the Baveno VII criteria and a previous study. Clinical events, laboratory tests, and radiological examinations were regularly conducted during the follow-up period. The recompensation ratio in this cohort was calculated. Beyond that, univariate and multivariate regression models were conducted to identify the predictors of recompensation.
In this present cohort, nearly one-third of the TIPS-treated patients achieved recompensation. TIPS-treated patients will benefit from recompensation if portosystemic pressure gradient (PPG) drops below 12 mmHg. Age is recommended as the observation index of recompensation. PPG and age were identified as the independent predictors of recompensation in TIPS-treated patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
Therefore, TIPS should be given greater priority in the treatment of decompensated cirrhosis with complications of portal hypertension, and prospective studies are necessary.
In summary, the role of TIPS in achieving recompensation warrants further examination.