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Transplantation Proceedings Jun 2022The small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) is characterized by prolonged hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy, and/or encephalopathy caused by a small liver graft that cannot...
BACKGROUND
The small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) is characterized by prolonged hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy, and/or encephalopathy caused by a small liver graft that cannot sustain the metabolic demands of the recipient after a partial liver transplant (PLT). Models of PLT in pigs are excellent for studying this syndrome. This review aimed to identify the different porcine models of SFSS in the literature and compare their technical aspects and therapeutics methods focused on portal inflow modulation (PIM).
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the porcine experimental model and SFSS. The MEDLINE-PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and SciELO databases were electronically searched and updated until June 20, 2021. The MeSH terms used were ''ORGAN SIZE'' AND ''LIVER TRANSPLANTATION".
RESULTS
Thirteen SFSS porcine models were reported. Four were performed with portocaval shunt to PIM and 3 with mesocaval shunt to PIM. A few studies focused on clinical therapeutics to PIM; a study described somatostatin infusion to avoid SFSS. Initially, studies on PIM showed its potentially beneficial effects without mentioning the minimum portal flow that permits liver regeneration. However, an excessive portal diversion could be detrimental to this process.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of porcine models on SFSS resulted in a better understanding of its pathophysiology and led to the establishment of various types of portal modulation, surgical techniques with different complexities, and pharmaceutical strategies such as somatostatin, making clear that without reducing the portal vein pressure the outcomes are poor. With the improvement of these techniques, SFSS can be avoided.
Topics: Animals; Liver Regeneration; Liver Transplantation; Living Donors; Models, Theoretical; Portacaval Shunt, Surgical; Portal Pressure; Portal Vein; Somatostatin; Swine; Syndrome
PubMed: 35715360
DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.03.024 -
European Journal of Radiology Nov 2023The morphometry of the hepatic portal vein is of clinical importance, particularly in pre-operative assessments, surgical management, and diagnoses of liver conditions.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
The morphometry of the hepatic portal vein is of clinical importance, particularly in pre-operative assessments, surgical management, and diagnoses of liver conditions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to characterize the morphometry of the normal portal vein in both pediatric and adult patients.
METHODS
The study, conducted using the PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO, utilized the MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases up to May 2020, and updated to May 2023. All studies reporting extractable data on diameter, length, and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the main, left, and right portal veins (PV, LPV, RPV, respectively) were included. The AQUA Tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Data analysis included subgroup analyses based on geographical location, sex, age, and imaging modality.
RESULTS
A total of 122 studies with 11,637 subjects were eligible for inclusion. Overall, the pooled mean diameter of the PV (PVD) was 10.09 mm (95% CI: 9.56-10.62). Significant differences in diameter were found between pediatric (6.60 mm; 95% CI: 5.38-7.82) and adult (10.72 mm; 95% CI: 10.25-11.19) subjects. Additionally, there was a significantly larger PVD measurement from computed tomography (CT) than other imaging modalities: CT, 13.28 mm (95% CI: 11.71-14.84); magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 10.50 mm (95% CI: 9.35-11.66) and ultrasound (US), 9.81 mm (95% CI: 9.47-10.16). The mean diameters of the LPV and RPV were 8.27 mm (95% CI: 6.78-9.77) and 8.33 mm (95% CI: 6.70-9.95), respectively. Mean PV length in adults is 48.63 mm (95% CI: 35.63-61.64). Mean CSA of the PV was 1.09 cm.
CONCLUSIONS
The study obtained aim to improve the understanding of portal vein anatomy, especially with relevance to surgical interventions of the liver in both pediatric and adult patients. Measurements from ultrasound imaging closely approximates the generated pooled PVD mean for pediatric and adult patients. CT imaging, however, significantly exceeded the established 13 mm threshold for adults. For pediatric patients, a threshold of 8 mm is proposed as a diagnostic upper limit for a normal PVD. Although not significant, the PVD decreased from the portal confluence towards its bifurcation.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Child; Portal Vein; Liver Diseases; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 37742371
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.111016 -
BMC Gastroenterology Oct 2022Liver diseases post-COVID-19 vaccination is extremely rare but can occur. A growing body of evidence has indicated that portal vein thrombosis, autoimmune hepatitis,...
BACKGROUND
Liver diseases post-COVID-19 vaccination is extremely rare but can occur. A growing body of evidence has indicated that portal vein thrombosis, autoimmune hepatitis, raised liver enzymes and liver injuries, etc., may be potential consequence of COVID-19 vaccines.
OBJECTIVES
To describe the results of a systematic review for new-onset and relapsed liver disease following COVID-19 vaccination.
METHODS
For this systematic review, we searched Proquest, Medline, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Wiley online library, Scopus and Nature through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses PRISMA guideline for studies on the incidence of new onset or relapsed liver diseases post-COVID-19 vaccination, published from December 1, 2020 to July 31, 2022, with English language restriction.
RESULTS
Two hundred seventy-five cases from one hundred and eighteen articles were included in the qualitative synthesis of this systematic review. Autoimmune hepatitis (138 cases) was the most frequent pathology observed post-COVID-19 vaccination, followed by portal vein thrombosis (52 cases), raised liver enzymes (26 cases) and liver injury (21 cases). Other cases include splanchnic vein thrombosis, acute cellular rejection of the liver, jaundice, hepatomegaly, acute hepatic failure and hepatic porphyria. Mortality was reported in any of the included cases for acute hepatic failure (n = 4, 50%), portal vein thrombosis (n = 25, 48.1%), splanchnic vein thrombosis (n = 6, 42.8%), jaundice (n = 1, 12.5%), raised liver enzymes (n = 2, 7.7%), and autoimmune hepatitis (n = 3, 2.2%). Most patients were easily treated without any serious complications, recovered and did not require long-term hepatic therapy.
CONCLUSION
Reported evidence of liver diseases post-COIVD-19 vaccination should not discourage vaccination against this worldwide pandemic. The number of reported cases is relatively very small in relation to the hundreds of millions of vaccinations that have occurred and the protective benefits offered by COVID-19 vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Topics: Humans; Chronic Disease; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Hepatitis, Autoimmune; Liver Failure, Acute; Vaccination; Venous Thrombosis
PubMed: 36229799
DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02507-3 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been performed on patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) to prevent rebleeding; however, the...
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been performed on patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) to prevent rebleeding; however, the associated evidence is scarce. Hence, the study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of TIPS in patients with cirrhosis and PVT and promote personalized treatment in such patients. Literature was systematically obtained from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Data from the included studies were extracted, and meta-analyses by the random effects model were used to pool data across studies. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I statistics. The source of heterogeneity was explored using subgroup analyses and meta-regressions. A total of 11 studies comprising 703 patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis (PVT: complete, 32.2%; chronic, 90.2%; superior mesenteric vein or splenic vein involvement, 55.2%; cavernous transformation, 26.8%) were included. TIPS showed feasibility in 95% of the cases (95% confidence interval [CI]: 89%-99%) with heterogeneity (I = 84%, < 0.01) due to cavernous transformation. The pooled rebleeding rate was 13% (95% CI: 7%-20%) with heterogeneity (I = 75%, < 0.01) explained by chronic PVT and anticoagulation (AC) therapy. Hepatic encephalopathy occurred in 32% of patients. The survival rate, portal vein recanalization rate, and shunt patency rate were 80%, 82%, and 77%, respectively. TIPS is feasible and effectively prevents rebleeding in patients with cirrhosis and PVT, regardless of cavernous transformation of the portal vein. Due to a potentially high risk of rebleeding and no apparent benefits of AC, post-TIPS AC must be employed cautiously. : [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=258765], identifier [CRD42021258765].
PubMed: 36052145
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.968988 -
Gland Surgery May 2021Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal tumours in Western society. Pancreatic surgery can be considered a challenge for open and laparoscopic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal tumours in Western society. Pancreatic surgery can be considered a challenge for open and laparoscopic surgeons, even if the accuracy of gland dissection, due to the close relationship between pancreas, the portal vein, and mesenteric vessels, besides the reconstructive phase (in pancreaticoduodenectomy), lead to significant difficulties for laparoscopic technique. Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery changed utterly with the development of robotic surgery. However, this review aims to make more clarity on the influence of robotic surgery on long-term morbidity.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus to identify and analyze studies published from November 2011 to September 2020 concerning robotic pancreatic surgery. The following terms were used to perform the search: "long term morbidity robotic pancreatic surgery".
RESULTS
Eighteen articles included in the study were published between November 2011 and September 2020. The review included 2041 patients who underwent robotic pancreatic surgery, mainly for a malignant tumour. The two most common robotic surgical procedures adopted were the robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) and the robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD). In two studies, patients were divided into groups; on the one hand, those who underwent a robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD), on the other hand, those who underwent robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP). The remaining items included surgical approach such as robotic middle pancreatectomy (RMP), robotic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy, robotic-assisted laparoscopic pancreatic dissection (RALPD), robotic enucleation of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.
CONCLUSIONS
Comparison between robotic surgery and open surgery lead to evidence of different advantages of the robotic approach. A multidisciplinary team and a surgical centre at high volume are essential for better postoperative morbidity and mortality.
PubMed: 34164320
DOI: 10.21037/gs-21-64 -
Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU Sep 2023The pathogenesis of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in cirrhosis is multifactorial, with altered hemodynamics being proposed as a possible contributor. The present... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The pathogenesis of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in cirrhosis is multifactorial, with altered hemodynamics being proposed as a possible contributor. The present systematic review was conducted to study the role of assessment of portal hemodynamics for the prediction of PVT in patients with cirrhosis.
METHODS
Three databases (Medline, Embase, and Scopus) were searched from inception to February 2023 for studies comparing portal venous system parameters in patients with cirrhosis developing PVT with those not. Results were presented as mean difference (MD) or odds ratio (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
A total of 31 studies (patients with cirrhosis: 19 studies, patients with cirrhosis undergoing splenectomy: 12 studies) were included. On pooling the data from multivariable analyses of the included studies, a larger portal vein diameter was a significant predictor of PVT in patients with cirrhosis without or with splenectomy with OR 1.74 (1.12-2.69) and OR 1.55 (1.26-1.92), respectively. On the other hand, a lower portal vein velocity (PVV) was a significant predictor of PVT in cirrhotics without or with splenectomy with OR 0.93 (0.91-0.96) and OR 0.71 (0.61-0.83), respectively. A PVV of <15 cm/s was the most commonly used cut-off for the prediction of PVT. Patients developing PVT also had a significantly higher splenic length, thickness, and splenic vein velocity.
CONCLUSION
The assessment of portal hemodynamic parameters at baseline evaluation in patients with cirrhosis may predict the development of PVT. Further studies are required to determine the optimal cut-offs for various parameters.
Topics: Humans; Portal Vein; Liver Cirrhosis; Portal System; Venous Thrombosis; Hemodynamics; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37459439
DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23523 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2022The impact of sarcopenia on the future liver remnant (FLR) growth after portal vein occlusion, including portal vein embolization (PVE) and associating liver partition...
Impact of sarcopenia on the future liver remnant growth after portal vein embolization and associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy in patients with liver cancer: A systematic review.
PURPOSE
The impact of sarcopenia on the future liver remnant (FLR) growth after portal vein occlusion, including portal vein embolization (PVE) and associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has gained increasing interest. This systematic review aimed to explore whether sarcopenia was associated with insufficient FLR growth after PVE/ALPPS stage-1.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to 05 July 2022. Studies evaluating the influence of sarcopenia on FLR growth after PVE/ALPPS stage-1 in patients with liver cancer were included. A predefined table was used to extract information including the study and patient characteristics, sarcopenia measurement, FLR growth, post-treatment complications and post-hepatectomy liver failure, resection rate. Research quality was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
Five studies consisting of 609 patients were included in this study, with a sample size ranging from 42 to 306 (median: 90) patients. Only one study was multicenter research. The incidence of sarcopenia differed from 40% to 67% (median: 63%). Skeletal muscle index based on pretreatment computed tomography was the commonly used parameter for sarcopenia evaluation. All included studies showed that sarcopenia impaired the FLR growth after PVE/ALPPS stage-1. However, the association between sarcopenia and post-treatment complications, post-hepatectomy liver failure, and resection rate remains unclear. All studies showed moderate-to-high quality.
CONCLUSIONS
Sarcopenia seems to be prevalent in patients undergoing PVE/ALPPS and may be a risk factor for impaired liver growth after PVE/ALPPS stage-1 according to currently limited evidence.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://inplasy.com/, identifier INPLASY202280038.
PubMed: 36505848
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1064785 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023Sorafenib was the first drug approved for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it is limited by poor efficacy for HCC with portal vein tumor thrombus... (Review)
Review
Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy versus sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: An updated meta-analysis and systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Sorafenib was the first drug approved for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it is limited by poor efficacy for HCC with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). Some studies suggested that hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) could provide survival benefits to patients with advanced HCC with PVTT.
AIM
The study aimed to compare the efficacy of HAIC versus sorafenib in patients with HCC accompanied by PVTT.
METHODS
The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies published until September 2022. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata SE 15 software.
RESULTS
Eight studies with 672 patients, 403 in the HAIC group and 269 in the sorafenib group, were included in the meta-analysis. The rates of complete response (RR=3.88, 95%CI:1.35-11.16, P=0.01), partial response (RR=3.46, 95%CI:1.94-6.18, P<0.0001), objective response rate (RR=4.21, 95%CI:2.44-7.28, P<0.00001) and disease control rate (RR=1.73, 95%CI:1.28-2.35, P=0.0004) were significantly higher in the HAIC group compared to the sorafenib group, whereas the progressive disease rate (RR=0.57, 95%CI:0.40-0.80, P=0.02) was significantly lower in the former. In contrast, the stable disease rate (RR=1.10, 95%CI (0.69-1.76), P=0.68) was similar in both groups. The overall survival (HR=0.50, 95%CI:0.40-0.63, P<0.05) and progression-free survival (HR=0.49, 95%CI:0.35-0.67, P<0.05) rates were significantly higher in the HAIC group compared to the sorafenib group.
CONCLUSION
HAIC has better efficacy against HCC with PVTT than sorafenib and may be considered an alternative to the latter. However, more high-quality randomized control trials and longer follow-ups are needed to verify our findings.
PubMed: 36776344
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1085166 -
Clinical and Experimental Medicine Oct 2023Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) is a developing technique and its efficacy and modality of application in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of selective internal radiotherapy and sorafenib alone or combined for hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) is a developing technique and its efficacy and modality of application in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still controversial. This network meta-analysis aims to determine whether the efficacy and safety of SIRT alone and in combination are superior to that of sorafenib.
METHODS
Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched before August 2022. Cochrane Randomized Trial Risk of Bias Assessment Tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale were used to assess the quality. The outcomes of interest included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs).
RESULTS
A total of 9 eligible trials involving 1954 patients were included, and SIRT ranked first among the three treatment modalities in terms of both OS (probability, 52.3%) and PFS (probability, 68.6%). The combination of SIRT and sorafenib did not improve OS or PFS in patients with HCC. Although the combination of SIRT and sorafenib did not raise the risk of grade 3 or higher AEs, it may have introduced more AEs than either alone.
CONCLUSIONS
SIRT alone was found to be superior to sorafenib and the combination of the two in improving OS or PFS in patients with non-surgical HCC, especially in patients with combined portal vein tumor thrombus. The AEs induced by SIRT were different from those of sorafenib, but the overall toxicity was manageable, the combination of the two may cause an increase in the types of AEs that occur.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Sorafenib; Liver Neoplasms; Bayes Theorem; Network Meta-Analysis
PubMed: 36737488
DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-00997-3 -
Hepatology International Feb 2023Portal hypertension is secondary to either cirrhotic or non-cirrhotic causes, and complicating pregnancy poses a challenge to the treating team. A systematic review was... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Portal hypertension is secondary to either cirrhotic or non-cirrhotic causes, and complicating pregnancy poses a challenge to the treating team. A systematic review was performed to determine maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with portal hypertension. Outcomes were compared among those with cirrhotic (CPH) with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) as well as non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) with extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO).
METHODS
Medline and EMBASE databases were searched for studies reporting outcomes among pregnant women with portal hypertension. Reference lists from relevant papers and reviews were hand-searched for appropriate citations. Data were extracted to describe maternal complications, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. A random-effects model was used to derive pooled estimates of various outcomes, and final estimates were reported as percentages with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Cumulative, sequential and sensitivity analysis was studied to assess the temporal trends of outcomes over the period.
RESULTS
Information on 895 pregnancies among 581 patients with portal hypertension was included from 26 studies. Portal hypertension was diagnosed during pregnancy in 10% (95% CI 4-24%). There were 22 maternal deaths (0%, 95% CI 0-1%), mostly following complications from variceal bleeding or hepatic decompensation. Variceal bleeding complicated in 14% (95% CI 9-20%), and endoscopic interventions were performed in 12% (95% CI 8-17%) during pregnancy. Decompensation of liver function occurred in 7% (95% CI 3-12%). Thrombocytopenia was the most common complication (41%, 95% CI 23-60%). Miscarriages occurred in 14% (95% CI 8-20%), preterm birth in 27% (95% CI 19-37%), and low birth weights in 22% (95% CI 15-30%). Risk of postpartum hemorrhage was higher (RR 5.09, 95% CI 1.84-14.12), and variceal bleeding was lower (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.30-0.86) among those with CPH compared to NCPH. Risk of various outcomes was comparable between NCPF and EHPVO.
CONCLUSION
One in ten pregnancies complicated with portal hypertension is diagnosed during pregnancy, and thrombocytopenia is the most common complication. Hepatic decompensation and variceal bleeding remain the most common cause of maternal deaths, with reduced rates of bleeding and its complications reported following the introduction of endoscopic procedures during pregnancy. CPH increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, whereas variceal bleeding is higher among NCPH.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Esophageal and Gastric Varices; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Maternal Death; Premature Birth; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Hypertension, Portal; Idiopathic Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension; Thrombocytopenia; Portal Vein
PubMed: 35802227
DOI: 10.1007/s12072-022-10385-w