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Cureus Nov 2023Esophageal varices, dilated submucosal distal esophageal veins, are a common source of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension. This review... (Review)
Review
Esophageal varices, dilated submucosal distal esophageal veins, are a common source of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension. This review aims to comprehensively assess predictive factors for both the first occurrence and subsequent risk of esophageal variceal bleeding. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online) and Cochrane databases. A total of 33 studies were selected using rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Several predictive factors were identified for esophageal variceal bleeding, including the Child-Pugh score, Fibrosis Index, specific endoscopic findings, ultrasound parameters, portal vein diameter, presence and size of collaterals, CT scan findings, ascites, platelet counts, coagulation parameters, albumin levels, Von Willebrand Factor, bilirubin levels, diabetes mellitus, and the use of b-blocking agents in primary prophylaxis. The findings of this systematic review shed light on multiple potential predictive factors for esophageal variceal bleeding. Endoscopic findings were found to be reliable predictors. Additionally, ultrasound parameters showed associations with bleeding risk. This systematic review identifies multiple potential predictive factors for esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension. While certain factors exhibit strong predictive capabilities, further research is needed to refine and validate these findings, considering potential limitations and biases. This study serves as a critical resource for bridging knowledge gaps in this field.
PubMed: 38106778
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48954 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Nov 2023Thromboembolic events are frequent among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, there is little information on the prevalence, features and outcomes of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Thromboembolic events are frequent among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, there is little information on the prevalence, features and outcomes of splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) in patients with IBD.
AIMS
To describe the clinical features and outcomes of SVT in patients with IBD and to perform a systematic review of these data with published cases and series.
METHODS
A retrospective observational study from the Spanish nationwide ENEIDA registry was performed. A systematic search of the literature was performed to identify studies with at least one case of SVT in IBD patients.
RESULTS
A new cohort of 49 episodes of SVT from the Eneida registry and 318 IBD patients with IBD identified from the literature review (sixty studies: two multicentre, six single-centre and fifty-two case reports or case series) were analysed. There was a mild predominance of Crohn's disease and the most frequent clinical presentation was abdominal pain with or without fever followed by the incidental finding in cross-sectional imaging techniques. The most frequent SVT location was the main portal trunk in two-thirds of the cases, followed by the superior mesenteric vein. Anticoagulation therapy was prescribed in almost 90% of the cases, with a high rate of radiologic resolution of SVT. Thrombophilic conditions other than IBD itself were found in at least one-fifth of patients.
CONCLUSIONS
SVT seems to be a rare (or underdiagnosed) complication in IBD patients. SVT is mostly associated with disease activity and evolves suitably when anticoagulation therapy is started.
PubMed: 38068418
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12237366 -
Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis Feb 2024Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of cirrhosis as a result of portal hypertension and modification in the hemostatic balance. Accumulating evidence... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of cirrhosis as a result of portal hypertension and modification in the hemostatic balance. Accumulating evidence now suggests that patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), especially those with advanced forms, have an increased risk of PVT. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to estimate the overall prevalence of PVT in patients with NAFLD and its advanced forms compared with patients with advanced liver diseases from other etiologies. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases from the inception date to December 30th 2022, using predefined keywords, to identify observational studies. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects modeling. We included five observational studies for a total of 225,571 patients. Of these, 26,840 (11.9%) patients had NAFLD, whereas the PVT prevalence was 8.5% (n = 2,280). When compared with patients with advanced liver diseases from other etiologies, patients with NAFLD and its advanced forms had a higher risk of prevalent PVT (OR 1.34, 100% CI 1.07-1.67 p < 0,01). The between-study heterogeneity was substantial (I = 88%). This meta-analysis suggests that compared with patients with advanced liver diseases from other etiologies, patient with NAFLD and its advanced forms had a higher risk of prevalent PVT. Further research is required to understand the complex link between NAFLD/NASH and PVT development.
Topics: Humans; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Portal Vein; Prevalence; Liver Cirrhosis; Venous Thrombosis
PubMed: 38066387
DOI: 10.1007/s11239-023-02912-9 -
International Journal of Surgery... Feb 2024Although surgery is the standard curative modality for hepatocellular carcinoma, more than two-thirds experience intrahepatic recurrence. Since no standard perioperative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Although surgery is the standard curative modality for hepatocellular carcinoma, more than two-thirds experience intrahepatic recurrence. Since no standard perioperative treatment has been established, the authors performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the benefits of perioperative radiotherapy (RT).
METHODS
The PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched until May 2023. Randomized or propensity-matched studies evaluating at least five major clinical factors investigating benefit of perioperative RT, were included. The main effect measure were the pooled odds ratios (OR) regarding the benefit of perioperative RT using 2-year overall survival (OS) and 1-year disease-free survival (DFS) data.
RESULTS
Seven studies (five randomized and two propensity-matched studies) involving 815 patients were included. The pooled ORs for 1-year DFS and 2-year OS were 0.359 (95% CI: 0.246-0.523) and 0.371 (95% CI: 0.293-0.576), respectively, favoring perioperative RT, with very low heterogeneity. In the subgroup analyses, the benefits of OS and DFS were consistent between the two subgroups [portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and narrow resection margin (RM) groups]. In the PVT subgroup, the pooled OS rates at both 1-year and 2-year (75.6 vs. 36.9%, P <0.001; 25.6 vs. 9.9%, P =0.004) and DFS rates at both 1-year and 2-year (25.2 vs. 10.3%, P =0.194; 11.9 vs. 3.0%, P =0.022) were higher in the perioperative RT group. In the narrow RM subgroup, the surgery and RT groups showed higher pooled OS rates for both 1-year and 2-year (97.3 vs. 91.9%, P =0.042; 90.4 vs. 78.7%, P =0.051) and DFS (88.1 vs. 72.6%, P <0.001; 70.1 vs. 51.7%, P <0.001). Grade 5 toxicity was not reported, and three studies reported grade ≥3 or higher liver function test abnormalities, ranging from 4.8-19.2%.
CONCLUSION
The present study supports the oncological benefits of perioperative RT, for cases with high-risk of recurrence. Oncologic outcomes between subgroups differed according to clinical indications.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms; Disease-Free Survival; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38000053
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000914 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Nov 2023A number of therapeutic treatment strategies exist for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The aim of this review is to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A number of therapeutic treatment strategies exist for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The aim of this review is to provide a current understanding of treatment options and determine the relative effectiveness of treatment options in preventing mortality over 24 months.
METHODS
A search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL from 2007 to 2022. Articles were screened to identify those that reported on all-cause mortality among treated, non-palliative patients with HCC and PVT. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool (ROBINS-1). Mortality rates at prespecified timepoints between 6 and 24 months were extracted and summarized using a random-effects DerSimonian-Laird model. This review was registered a priori on PROSPERO (CRD42022290708).
RESULTS
When comparing radiotherapy (RT) to sorafenib and combined transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), there was a trend that RT yields better survival at 6 months [odds ratio (OR) 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28-1.76]. When comparing sorafenib to Y90 and RT, sorafenib was associated with higher odds for mortality at 6 months (OR 2.20, 95% CI: 1.11-4.39). No significant differences were noticed from 12 to 24 months.
CONCLUSIONS
Future strategies for HCC with PVT should look at the combination of radiation and systemic treatments either concurrently or sequentially.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Sorafenib; Liver Neoplasms; Portal Vein; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; Treatment Outcome; Venous Thrombosis
PubMed: 37953217
DOI: 10.21037/apm-23-463 -
Asian Journal of Andrology Oct 2023To evaluate the relationship between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and arterial and/or venous thrombosis in patients with pre-treatment total testosterone (TT)...
To evaluate the relationship between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and arterial and/or venous thrombosis in patients with pre-treatment total testosterone (TT) <12 nmol l-1, we performed a meta-analysis following the Population Intervention Comparison Outcome model. Population: men with TT <12 nmol l-1 or clear mention of hypogonadism in the inclusion criteria of patients; intervention: TRT; comparison: placebo or no therapy; outcomes: arterial thrombotic events (stroke, myocardial infarction [MI], upper limbs, and lower limbs), VTE (deep vein thrombosis [DVT], portal vein thrombosis, splenic thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism), and mortality. A total of 2423 abstracts were assessed for eligibility. Twenty-four studies, including 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were finally included, with a total of 4027 and 310 288 hypotestosteronemic male patients, from RCTs and from observational studies, respectively. Based on RCT-derived data, TRT did not influence the risk of arterial thrombosis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-3.43, P = 0.64), stroke (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.09-18.97, P = 0.83), MI (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.11-2.31, P = 0.39), VTE (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.22-9.03, P = 0.71), pulmonary embolism (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 0.27-7.04, P = 0.70), and mortality (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.20-2.38, P = 0.56). Meanwhile, when only observational studies are considered, a significant reduction in the risk of developing arterial thrombotic events, MI, venous thromboembolism, and mortality was observed. The risk for DVT remains uncertain, due to the paucity of RCT-based data. TRT in men with TT <12 nmol l-1 is safe from the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Further studies specifically assessing the risk of DVT in men on TRT are needed.
PubMed: 37921515
DOI: 10.4103/aja202352 -
United European Gastroenterology Journal Oct 2023Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may improve access to curative therapies, treat portal hypertension...
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may improve access to curative therapies, treat portal hypertension (PH)-related complications without worsening liver function, and increase overall survival. Data on the efficacy and safety of TIPS to treat PH complications in HCC patients, as well as the HCC treatment response, were evaluated.
METHODS
Studies reporting efficacy in controlling bleeding/ascites or response to HCC therapy, safety, and survival in patients with HCC and TIPS were searched systematically on PubMed and Embase. An extraction of articles using predefined data fields and quality indicators was used.
RESULTS
We selected 19 studies and found 937 patients treated for ascites/bleeding and 177 evaluating HCC treatment response. Over half were under 5 cm and solitary lesions, and most studies included tumours with portal vein thrombosis. Regarding PH studies, TIPS resolved bleeding/ascites in >60% of patients, more effective for bleeding. There were no lethal complications reported and procedural bleeding occurred in <5%. Hepatic encephalopathy occurred in 15%-30% within three months. In the HCC treatment-response studies, major complication rates were low with no mortality. In the studies that evaluated the response to transarterial chemoembolization, complete response rate of patients with TIPS varied from 16% to 75%. Liver transplantation rate varied from 8% to 80%, with >40% rate in half of the studies.
CONCLUSIONS
In the published studies, TIPS is effective in treating PH complications in patients with HCC. Prospective studies on TIPS placement in patients with HCC are urgently needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TIPS in this setting.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic; Liver Neoplasms; Ascites; Prospective Studies; Esophageal and Gastric Varices; Treatment Outcome; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; Hypertension, Portal
PubMed: 37736854
DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12454 -
Annals of Surgery Open : Perspectives... Dec 2022To compare the outcomes of modified-Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein Ligation for Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) techniques with those of conventional-ALPPS.
Efficacy of Technical Modifications to the Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS) Procedure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
UNLABELLED
To compare the outcomes of modified-Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein Ligation for Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) techniques with those of conventional-ALPPS.
BACKGROUND
ALPPS is an established technique for treating advanced liver tumors.
METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched. The outcomes were assessed by single-arm and 2-arm analyses.
RESULTS
Seventeen studies containing 335 modified-ALPPS patients were included in single-arm meta-analysis. The estimated blood loss was 267 ± 29 mL (95% confidence interval [CI], 210-324 mL) during the first and 662 ± 51 mL (95% CI, 562-762 mL) during the second stage. The operation time was 166 ± 18 minutes (95% CI, 131-202 minutes) during the first and 225 ± 19 minutes (95% CI, 188-263 minutes) during the second stage. The major morbidity rate was 14% (95% CI, 9%-22%) after the first stage. The future liver remnant hypertrophy rate was 65.2% ± 5% (95% CI, 55%-75%) and the interstage interval was 16 ± 1 days (95% CI, 14-17 days). The dropout rate was 9% (95% CI, 5%-15%). The overall complication rate was 46% (95% CI, 37%-56%) and the major complication rate was 20% (95% CI, 14%-26%). The postoperative mortality rate was 7% (95% CI, 4%-11%). Seven studies containing 215 patients were included in comparative analysis. The hypertrophy rate was not different between 2 methods (mean difference [MD], -5.01; 95% CI, -19.16 to 9.14; = 0.49). The interstage interval was shorter for partial-ALPPS (MD, 9.43; 95% CI, 3.29-15.58; = 0.003). The overall complication rate (odds ratio [OR], 10.10; 95% CI, 2.11-48.35; = 0.004) and mortality rate (OR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.36-10.26; = 0.01) were higher in the conventional-ALPPS.
CONCLUSIONS
The hypertrophy rate in partial-ALPPS was similar to conventional-ALPPS. This shows that minimizing the first stage of the operation does not affect hypertrophy. Moreover, the postoperative overall morbidity and mortality rates were lower following partial-ALPPS.
PubMed: 37600287
DOI: 10.1097/AS9.0000000000000221 -
PloS One 2023The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the anticoagulants for the prevention of portal vein system thrombosis (PVST) in patients with cirrhosis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIM
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the anticoagulants for the prevention of portal vein system thrombosis (PVST) in patients with cirrhosis after splenectomy and explore the optimal time of anticoagulant administration.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase and China Biology Medicine disc (CBM)databases, so as to screen out studies comparing the prognoses between cirrhotic post-splenectomy patients treated with and without anticoagulants. The parameters that were analyzed included the incidence of PVST and postoperative bleeding.
RESULTS
With a total of 592 subjects, we included 8 studies (6 observational and 2 randomized trials) that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. We found that the incidence of PVST was significantly lower in the anticoagulation group during the first 6 months of anticoagulant administration. And the largest difference in the incidence of PVST between the anticoagulation and control groups was observed at 3 months (odds ratio 0.17(0.11~0.27); P = 0.767; I2 = 0.0%) and 6 months (OR = 0.21(0.11~0.40); P = 0.714; I2 = 0.0%) postoperatively. The incidence of bleeding was not significantly higher in the anticoagulation group (odds ratio 0.71 (0.30~1.71); P = 0.580; I2 = 0.0%).
CONCLUSION
Low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and warfarin can decrease the incidence of PVST in post-splenectomy cirrhotic patients without an increased risk of bleeding. And the optimal use time of warfarin is 6 months after splenectomy.
Topics: Humans; Warfarin; Portal Vein; Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; Splenectomy; Postoperative Complications; Venous Thrombosis; Anticoagulants; Liver Cirrhosis
PubMed: 37582105
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290164 -
Clinical and Applied... 2023Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is not rare in patients with acute pancreatitis. It remains unclear about whether anticoagulation should be given for acute... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is not rare in patients with acute pancreatitis. It remains unclear about whether anticoagulation should be given for acute pancreatitis-associated SVT. The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Rates of SVT recanalization, any bleeding, death, intestinal ischemia, portal cavernoma, and gastroesophageal varices were pooled and compared between patients with acute pancreatitis-associated SVT who received and did not receive therapeutic anticoagulation. Pooled rates and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated. Overall, 16 studies including 698 patients with acute pancreatitis-associated SVT were eligible. After therapeutic anticoagulation, the pooled rates of SVT recanalization, any bleeding, death, intestinal ischemia, portal cavernoma, and gastroesophageal varices were 44.3% (95%CI = 32.3%-56.6%), 10.7% (95%CI = 4.9%-18.5%), 13.3% (95%CI = 6.9%-21.4%), 16.8% (95%CI = 6.9%-29.9%), 21.2% (95%CI = 7.5%-39.5%), and 29.1% (95%CI = 16.1%-44.1%), respectively. Anticoagulation therapy significantly increased the rate of SVT recanalization (RR = 1.69; 95%CI = 1.29-2.19; < .01), and marginally increased the risk of bleeding (RR = 1.98; 95%CI = 0.93-4.22; = .07). The rates of death (RR = 1.42; 95%CI = 0.62-3.25; = .40), intestinal ischemia (RR = 2.55; 95%CI = 0.23-28.16; = .45), portal cavernoma (RR = 0.51; 95%CI = 0.21-1.22; = .13), and gastroesophageal varices (RR = 0.71; 95%CI = 0.38-1.32; = .28) were not significantly different between patients who received and did not receive anticoagulation therapy. Heterogeneity was statistically significant in the meta-analysis of intestinal ischemia, but not in those of SVT recanalization, any bleeding, death, portal cavernoma, or gastroesophageal varices. Anticoagulation may be effective for recanalization of acute pancreatitis-associated SVT, but cannot improve the survival. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to further investigate the clinical significance of anticoagulation therapy in such patients.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatitis; Acute Disease; Venous Thrombosis; Hemorrhage; Anticoagulants; Ischemia; Varicose Veins; Portal Vein; Splanchnic Circulation
PubMed: 37461391
DOI: 10.1177/10760296231188718