Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, is a chronic, occult progression that is potentially reversible and complicated. The hepatic venous pressure gradient is a "gold standard" for risk stratification of liver cirrhosis and is superior to pathological examination of liver. This article briefly assesses the invasive and non-invasive measuring methods of the hepatic venous pressure gradient. With the hepatic venous pressure gradient-guided precise treatment for hepatic cirrhosis of portal hypertension, the incidence of clinical endpoints of hepatic portal hypertension can be significantly reduced. Establishing a long-term monitoring and management model similar to "high blood pressure" is a dream for the diagnosis and treatment of future cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Objective:To study the efficacy of direct intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (DIPS) in treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS).Methods:From January 1, 2015 to June 31, 2017, consecutive patients with BCS who were treated with DIPS at the Department of Interventional Therapy of Beijing Shijitan Hospital, the Liver Disease Research Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital and the General Surgery Department of Beijing Ditan Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The symptoms, physical signs (including abdominal distension, ascites, pleural effusion, splenomegaly, hepatic encephalopathy) and perioperative laboratory results of these patients were collected and analyzed. Biochemical indicators including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBil), direct bilirubin (DBil), and portal pressure gradient were compared before and 2 weeks after treatment. The patients were followed up for at least 3 years to assess their clinical symptoms, patency of shunt, oncological status and survival.Results:Of 67 patients with BCS who were included in the study, there were 45 males and 22 females, aged (38.12±23.22) years. The BCS classification of these patients were hepatic vein type ( n=65), including 62 patients with complete hepatic vein obstruction, 3 patients with hepatic vein occlusion due to thrombosis, and 2 patients with mixed hepatic vein and inferior vena cava occlusion. All 67 patients underwent DIPS with 93 stents being implanted. In addition, 43 patients underwent gastric coronary vein embolization, and 2 patients with mixed type of BCS underwent inferior vena cava stenting. The portal pressure gradient decreased from (22.17±9.16) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to (9.87±4.75) mmHg, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Abdominal distension was relieved, at one month and ascites completely subsided in 3 months after operation. The liver congestion and swelling were obviously relieved. Comparison of patients 2 weeks after operation and before operation, ALT decreased from (65.28±27.75) U/L to (28.43±13.46)U/L, AST from (68.75±29.23) U/L to (26.92±13.33)U/L, TBil from (175.31±80.48)μmol/L to (45.08±26.54)μmol/L, DBil from (127.55±44.65)μmol/L to (35.12±10.77)μmol/L, and albumin increased from (31.56±7.22) g/L to (44.18±11.36)g/L, the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.05). All patients were followed up for at least 3 years. Shunt stenosis was detected in 5 patients (7.46%) with shunt expansion being performed, variceal bleeding in 2 patients (2.99%), ascites recurrence in 4 patients (5.97%) and hepatic encephalopathy in 2 patients (2.99%). No patients were diagnosed with hepatic cancer, and no patients died. Conclusion:DIPS was efficacious, safe and reliable to that BCS patients. It rapidly reduced portal venous pressure, relieved liver congestion, and restored liver morphology and liver function in these patients.

Bone metabolism biochemical indicators can reflect the state of bone transformation timely, which not only play an essential physiological role in individuals' normal growth and development but also are related to the development of many diseases. This paper reviews the progress on the correlation of serum bone metabolism biochemical indicators during pregnancy and the neonatal period to provide a reference for achieving adequate intrauterine nutritional reserves in the fetus and individualized nutritional guidance in the neonatal period.

Objective:To investigate the reference ranges for thyroid function and its influencing factors in preterm infants at 14 d after birth.Methods:This retrospective study involved 514 preterm infants who met the inclusion criteria in Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021. They were divided into three group according to their gestational age [early premature group (26-31 +6 weeks, n=153), middle premature group (32-33 +6 weeks, n=129) and late premature group (34-36 +6 weeks, n=232)] or birth weight (BW) [<1 500 g group ( n=129), 1 500-2 000 g group ( n=120) and ≥2 000 g group ( n=265)]. Venous blood samples were collected from the infants at 14 d after birth and their thyroid function was determined by chemiluminescence immunoassay. The reference values of free triiodothyronine (FT 3), free thyroxine (FT 4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were calculated based on the values of 95% confidence intervals ( CI) and expressed as percentiles in the range from P2.5 to P97.5. Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare those thyroid hormone levels between groups. Spearman correlation analysis was used to study the correlation of gestational age or birth weight with FT 3, FT 4 and TSH levels. The factors influencing the levels of thyroid hormones were analyzed by multiple linear regression. Results:The reference ranges for FT 3, FT 4 and TSH were 1.53-3.72 pg/ml, 0.81-1.91 ng/dl and 1.32-7.80 μIU/ml in the early premature infants, 1.74-4.16 pg/ml, 0.90-2.82 ng/dl and 0.63-7.64 μIU/ml in middle prematures and 2.07-4.88 pg/ml, 1.09-2.27 ng/dl and 1.14-7.06 μIU/ml in late prematures. The reference ranges for the above three indexes were 1.53-4.06 pg/ml, 0.81-1.83 ng/dl and 1.14-7.84 μIU/ml in premature infants with BW<1 500 g, 1.67-3.98 pg/ml, 0.88-2.97 ng/dl and 0.94-7.64 μIU/ml in those whose BW between 1 500 g and 2 000 g and 1.91-4.75 pg/ml, 1.09-2.31 ng/dl and 1.14-6.32 μIU/ml in those whose BW≥2 000 g. Multiple linear regression showed that the level of FT 3 was positively correlated with gestational age ( β=0.119, P<0.05) and birth weight ( β=1.950×10 －4, P<0.05); that of FT 4 was positively correlated with gestational age only ( β=0.031, P<0.05); and TSH level was negatively correlated with birth weight ( β=－4.250×10 －4, P<0.05). Conclusions:Gestational age and birth weight are the factors influencing thyroid function in preterm infants at 14 d after birth. Evaluation of thyroid function with FT 4 and TSH should based on the references ranges of different gestational age and birth weight .

Portal hypertension-related esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EVB) is deadly. Therefore, multidisciplinary management involving hepatologists, digestive endoscopy, radiological intervention, and/or surgery is necessary. Digestive endoscopy is the core of the multidisciplinary approach to the overall management of portal hypertension. It plays an important role in the early warning, emergency treatment, and the prevention of the initial and re-bleeding of portal hypertension accompanied by esophagogastric varices. In addition, gastroscopy with endoscopic ultrasound scanning can enhance the management capabilities of ectopic varices.

Objective:To study the correlation of bone metabolism biomarkers between newborn twins and their mothers during pregnancy.Methods:From January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2022, newborn twins with mild symptoms admitted to the neonatal department of our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical data of the twins and their mothers were collected, including bone metabolism biomarkers of the twins within 3 d after birth and their mothers within last month during pregnancy. The twins were assigned into different groups according to gestational age(GA), birth weight(BW), the relationship between BW and GA(appropriate for GA(AGA),small for GA(SGA) and large for GA(LGA), birth season, gender, and the mothers' age, ethnicity, pre-delivery body mass index (BMI), gestational BMI increase, number of births and chorionic properties. The correlations of bone metabolism biomarkers between the twins and their mothers were analyzed.Results:A total of 302 pairs of twins were included. The incidence of insufficient or deficient serum 25-(OH)D 3 was 97.4% among the mothers, and 87.7% among the twins. The levels of blood phosphorus ( r=0.262, P<0.001) and 25-(OH)D 3 ( r=0.239, P=0.002) in mothers were positively correlated with the twin with larger BW. No significant differences existed in 25-(OH)D 3 between genders, AGA,SGA and LGA, birth season, and mothers' age, ethnicity, pre-delivery BMI, gestational BMI increase and chorionic properties( P>0.05). 25-(OH)D 3 in the twins were positively correlated with BW and 25-(OH)D 3 of mothers before delivery ( P<0.05) and negatively correlated with number of births ( P<0.05). Conclusions:In most mothers and their newborn twins, 25-(OH)D 3 are insufficient or deficient. The levels of blood phosphorus and 25-(OH) D 3 are correlated between the newborns and their mothers. The lower the BW of the newborn, the more times the mother give birth and the lower the mother's pre-delivery 25-(OH)D 3 level, the lower the newborn's 25-(OH)D 3 level.

Objective:By using balloon occlusive hepatic angiography in cirrhotic portal hypertension to evaluate contrast doses on the detection rate of intrahepatic venous-lateral branch shunt (HVVC), and the effect on hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and portal vein pressure gradient (PPG).Methods:From Jan 2018 to Jun 2021, 131 patients received transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) at Beijing Shijitan Hospital.Results:A positive correlation between PVP and weged hepatic venous pressure (WHVP) ( r=0.241, P=0.001) was found when only by right hepatic vein approach. Ten ml of iodine contrast medium when compared to 5ml doses found more cases of intrahepatic venous-venous lateral branch shunt. The mean PPG of patients with HVVC was significantly higher than the mean of HVPG( P<0.05).The right hepatic vein was the only reliable vein by which WHVP was measured. Conclusions:Right hepatic vein manometry,adequate ballon occlusion and using 10ml of iodine contrast help get reliable WHVP and found HVVC; HVVC can affect the consistency of HVPG and PPG.

Objective:intrahepatic portocaval shunt (TIPS) in the treatment of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 27 patients with HSOS who were treated with TIPS in our center from July 2018 to July 2020. The changes of portal vein pressure (PVP), portal vein pressure gradient (PPG) and liver function were observed, so as to evaluate the efficacy. Paired t test was adopted to evaluate the quantitative parameters, while χ2 test was used to analyze qualitative parameters, with P < 0.05 as statistical difference. Results:PVP decreased from (4.41 ± 0.18) kPa before shunt to (2.69 ± 0.11) kPa after shunt ( t = 82.41, P < 0.001), PPG decreased from (3.23 ± 0.18) kPa before shunt to (1.46 ± 0.23) kPa after shunt ( t = 32.41, P < 0.001). The liver function improved significantly after operation. After 24 months of follow-up, 3 patients developed stent restenosis and recanalized after balloon dilation. Three patients developed hepatic encephalopathy, which was improved after drug treatment. One patient underwent liver transplantation due to liver failure. Conclusion:TIPS is effective in the treatment of HSOS in the short and medium term, and can provide time for liver transplantation patients to wait for liver source.

Objective:To explore the correlation between portal vein pressure gradient (PPG) and hepatic vein pressure gradient (HVPG) in patients with portal hypertension (PHT).Methods:752 cases with portal hypertension (PHT) who underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and met the enrollment criteria between January 2016 to December 2019 were analyzed for hepatic vein, inferior vena cava and portal vein pressure. Paired t-test was used for analysis. Pearson correlation test was used to estimate correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination. P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results:Wedged hepatic vein pressure (WHVP), portal vein pressure (PVP), correlation coefficient, and coefficient of determination were 27.98±8.95 mmHg, 33.85±7.33 mmHg, 0.329 ( P<0.001), and 0.108, respectively. HVPG, PPG,correlation coefficient, and coefficient of determination were 16.84±7.97 mmHg, 25.11±6.95 mmHg ( P<0.001), 0.145, and 0.021 ( P<0.001), respectively. The difference between HVPG and PPG was greater than 5 mmHg in 524 cases, accounting for 69.7%. The difference between HVPG and PPG was within 5 mmHg or basically equal in 228 cases, accounting for 30.3%. The correlation coefficient between free hepatic venous pressure (FHVP) and inferior vena cava pressure (IVCP) was 0.568 ( P<0.001), and the coefficient of determination was 0.323. According to the presence or absence of hepatic venous collaterals after balloon occluded hepatic angiography, they were divided into two groups: 157 (20.9%) cases in the group with hepatic venous collaterals, and 595 (79.1%) cases in the group without hepatic venous collaterals. The parameters of the two groups were compared: WHVP (15.73±3.63) mmHg vs. (31.22±6.90) mmHg, P<0.001; PVP (31.69±8.70) mmHg vs. (34.42±6.81) mmHg, P<0.001; HVPG (7.18±4.40) mmHg vs. (19.40±6.62) mmHg, P<0.001; PPG (24.24±8.11) mmHg vs. (25.34±6.60) mmHg, P<0.001; free hepatic venous pressure (FHVP) (8.58±3.37) mmHg vs. (11.82±5.07) mmHg , P<0.001; inferior vena cava pressure (IVCP) (7.45±3.29) mmHg vs. (9.09±4.14) mmHg, P<0.001. Conclusion:The overall correlation is poor between HVPG and PPG. HVPG of most patients is not an accurate representation of PPG, and the former is lower than the latter. Hepatic venous collateral formation is one of the important reasons for the serious underestimation of HVPG values.

Objective Idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) is a rare cause of portal hypertension, and this study aims to analyze the clinical features of patients with INCPH, and to assist in diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Methods A total of 74 patients who were hospitalized in Beijing YouAn Hospital from January 2019 to July 2022 and were diagnosed with INCPH were enrolled, and 332 patients with liver cirrhosis who were hospitalized during the same period of time were enrolled as control group. Demographic data, laboratory markers, gastroscopy, liver elasticity, pathological examination, and complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to investigate the ability of liver stiffness measurement (LSM), aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) in the differential diagnosis of INCPH, and the DeLong test was used to compare the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. Results Among the patients with INCPH, 46.55% had no obvious symptoms at disease onset and 43.24% were misdiagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Compared with the patients with liver cirrhosis, the patients with INCPH had a significantly higher proportion of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding (62.16% vs 41.27%, χ 2 =10.67, P < 0.01) and a significantly lower proportion of patients with moderate-to-severe ascites (16.21% vs 29.82%, χ 2 =34.98, P < 0.01), and there were few patients with hepatic encephalopathy. As for pathology, 89.19% (66/74) of the INCPH patients manifested as typical occlusive portal vein disease. The statistical analysis showed that compared with the patients with liver cirrhosis, the patients with INCPH had significantly better liver function parameters, MELD score, and Child-Pugh score and significantly lower LSM [9.05(7.18-12.33) vs 25.32(16.21-47.23), Z =-8.41, P < 0.01], APRI score [0.70(0.41-1.28) vs 1.35(0.80-2.39), Z =-6.21, P < 0.01], and FIB-4 index [2.99(1.62-4.81) vs 6.68(4.06-10.42), Z =-8.39, P < 0.01]. LSM, FIB-4, and APRI had a good ability in differentiating INCPH from liver cirrhosis, and in particular, LSM had an AUC of up to 0.92 (95% confidence interval: 0.87-0.96), with a sensitivity of 92.68% and a specificity of 81.60%. Conclusion INCPH patients tend to have an insidious onset, a relatively high incidence rate of portal hypertension-related complications, and relatively good liver function, especially the patients with LSM < 14.5 kPa. The possibility of INCPH should be considered for such patients in clinical practice.