Chinese Society of Hepatology of Chinese Medical Association organized relevant experts to update the Guidelines on the management of ascites and complications in cirrhosis in 2017 and renamed it as Guidelines on the management of ascites in cirrhosis. It provides guiding recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of cirrhotic ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS).
Humans ; Ascites/therapy* ; Asian People ; Hepatorenal Syndrome/therapy* ; Liver Cirrhosis/therapy* ; Peritonitis/therapy*

Liver cirrhosis is a major global health burden worldwide due to its high risk of morbidity and mortality. Role of terlipressin for the management of liver cirrhosis related complications has been recognized during recent years. This paper aims to develop evidence-based clinical practice guidance on the use of terlipressin for liver cirrhosis related complications. Hepatobiliary Study Group of Chinese Society of Gastroenterology of Chinese Medical Association and Hepatology Committee of Chinese Research Hospital Association have invited gastroenterologists, hepatologists, infectious disease specialists, surgeons, and clinical pharmacists to formulate the clinical practice guidance based on comprehensive literature review and experts' clinical experiences. Overall, 10 major statements regarding efficacy and safety of terlipressin in liver cirrhosis were proposed. Terlipressin can be beneficial for the management of cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). However, the evidence regarding the use of terlipressin in cirrhotic patients with ascites, post-paracentesis circulatory dysfunction, and bacterial infections and in those undergoing hepatic resection and liver transplantation remains insufficient. Terlipressin-related adverse events, mainly including gastrointestinal symptoms, electrolyte disturbance, and cardiovascular and respiratory adverse events, should be closely monitored. The current clinical practice guidance supports the use of terlipressin for gastroesophageal variceal bleeding and HRS in liver cirrhosis. High-quality studies are needed to further clarify its potential effects in other liver cirrhosis related complications.
Electrolytes ; Esophageal and Gastric Varices/drug therapy* ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology* ; Hepatorenal Syndrome/etiology* ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy* ; Lypressin/adverse effects* ; Terlipressin/adverse effects* ; Vasoconstrictor Agents/adverse effects*

Combined Modality Therapy ; Hepatorenal Syndrome ; Humans

OBJECTIVETo perform an analysis and comparative study of the clinical data for patients with cirrhosis and type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) who received treatment with terlipressin using high-or low-dose regimens.

METHODSA total of 56 patients with cirrhosis and type 1 HRS who presented for treatment to the Wuhan Medical Treatment Center and Taizhou Central Hospital between March 2010 and October 2012 were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to the terlipressin treatment groups for receipt of the high-dose regimen (1 mg/6-8 h;n =27) or low-dose regimen (1 mg/12 h;n =29). All patients were assessed for 24-hour urine volume, serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) levels, therapeutic effect and prognosis, and adverse reactions. Measurements were made before and after the treatment, and on post-treatment days 3, 7 and 14. Inter-group differences were assessed by statistical analyses.

RESULTSThe high-dose group showed an increase in 24-hour urine volumes from post-treatment day 3 (1112 ± 262 ml) to day 7 (1938 ± 312 ml), and the volumes on both days were significantly better than those of the low-dose group (day 3:986 ± 162 ml and day 7:1760 ± 300 ml, t =1.500, 1.830, P=0.038, 0.041). The high-dose group also showed a significantly better decreases in serum BUN levels (35.1 ± 8.6 to 30.2 ± 6.3 mmol/L vs.low-dose group: 43.2 ± 10.9 to 35.1 ± 7.6 mmol/L, t =3.200, 5.901, P =0.043, 0.047) and in serum Cr values (219.0 ± 35.1 to 128.2 ± 41.6 vs.low-dose group: 230.3 ± 82.1 to 151.5 ± 38.7, t =2.997, 5.765, P =0.036, 0.046).On post-treatment day 14 the 24-hour urine volume of patients in the high-dose group decreased (to 720+/-136 ml), but the difference from that of the low-dose group was not significant (vs. 620 ± 164 ml, t =1.855, P =0.069). The serum BUN level increased in the high-dose group (to 54.4 ± 15.0 mmol/L), which was statistically different from that in the low-dose group (vs .57.7 ± 17.3 mmol/L, t=5.166, P =0.022); the same trend was seen for the serum Cr value (397.8 ± 127.4 mumol/L vs. 480.3 ± 179.8 mumol/L, t =5.638, P =0.047). No statistically significant differences were observed for the groups in regard to significant efficiency, efficiency or 2-week survival rate (x2 =2.314, 1.767, 0.678, P =0.128, 0.128, 0.410 respectively), but the total efficiency was significantly different between the two groups (x² =5.793, P =0.016). In addition, no serious adverse reactions (including precordial pain, myocardial infarction or intestinal necrosis) were observed in either group.

CONCLUSIONTerlipressin therapy at both high and low dosages can lead to significant beneficial effects within as little as 3 days after the treatment; however, the high-dose appears to produce a better lasting efficacy (at day 14 after the treatment). The difference in doses does not appear to markedly affect significant efficiency, efficiency, nor the 2-week survival rate.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Hepatorenal Syndrome ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; complications ; drug therapy ; Lypressin ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical application, indication, timing and prognosis of blood purification (artificial liver, BP) in treatment of acute liver failure in children.

METHODArtificial liver was used to treat 30 cases of pediatric acute liver failure (PALF), who were hospitalized in pediatric intensive care unit of Bayi Children's Hospital Affiliated to Beijing Military Command General Hospital, during March 2010 to July 2013. Simple plasma exchange (PE) mode was used for PALF without complications, while PE combined with continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) mode was used for PALF with cerebral edema and/or hepatorenal syndrome and/or serious abnormality of electrolyte and acid-base balance.

RESULTSixteen cases survived and restored hepatic function, with a survival rate of 53.3%. Single PE therapy could significantly decrease total bilirubin (TBIL) from (293.96 ± 214.52) µmol/L to (155.64 ± 140.97) µmol/L (P = 0.033), increase prothrombin time activity (PTA) from (34.50 ± 18.34) % to (60.50 ± 33.97) % (P = 0.013), while it did not significantly influence ammonia from (156.43 ± 67.23) µmol/L to (124.03 ± 62.58) µmol/L (P = 0.156) and alanine transarninase (ALT) from (752.53 ± 1 291.84) U/L to (132.00 ± 98.57) U/L (P = 0.066). PE + CVVHDF therapy could significantly ameliorate TBIL from (326.90 ± 233.85) µmol/L to (157.53 ± 125.31) µmol/L (P = 0.033), ALT from (1 476.64 ± 1 728.18) U/L to (169.38 ± 207.18) U/L (P = 0.019), ammonia from (215.83 ± 83.92) µmol/L to (141.25 ± 63.09) µmol/L (P = 0.022) and PTA from (36.68 ± 23.13)% to (71.75 ± 50.50) % (P = 0.044). Prothrombin time (PT) from (29.71 ± 17.75)s to (16.27 ± 6.38)s (P = 0.008) , ALT from (1 574.11 ± 1 775.96) U/L to (145.81 ± 113.89 ) U/L (P = 0.003) , TBIL from (233.16 ± 219.70) µmol/L to (75.19 ± 86.07) µmol/L (P = 0.012) , ammonia from (182.75 ± 90.07) µmol/L to (101.81 ± 37.14) µmol/L (P = 0.002) and PTA from (38.38 ± 20.39)% to (83.13 ± 41.68)% (P = 0.001) in survived cases significantly ameliorated after BP therapy. TBIL from (394.04 ± 192.80) µmol/L to (249.34 ± 113.97) µmol/L (P = 0.023) in died cases declined significantly after BP therapy, while alteration of PT, ALT, ammonia , and PTA had no statistical significance (P > 0.10) after BP therapy.

CONCLUSIONPE + CVVHDF therapy could significantly ameliorate not only TBIL and PTA but also ammonia and ALT compared with single PE therapy. The decline of only an index like TBIL or ALT after BP therapy could not improve the prognosis. The inconsistency between serum bilirubin and ALT levels was an important factor that suggested poor prognosis of ALF, and it might increase survival rate to use BP therapy before that inconsistency emerged.

Adolescent ; Bilirubin ; blood ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Brain Edema ; etiology ; therapy ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Hemodiafiltration ; methods ; Heparin ; pharmacology ; Hepatorenal Syndrome ; etiology ; therapy ; Humans ; Infant ; Liver Failure, Acute ; blood ; complications ; mortality ; therapy ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Plasma Exchange ; Prothrombin Time ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND: High model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores (> or =35) is closely associated with poor posttransplantation outcomes in patients who undergo living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). There is little information regarding factors that negatively impact the survival of patients with high MELD scores. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with 3-month mortality of patients after LDLT. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 774 patients who underwent adult LDLT with right lobe grafts between 1996 and 2012. Exclusion criteria were re-transplantation, left graft, auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation, and inadequate medical recording. Preoperative variables were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The overall 3-month survival rate was 92%. In univariate analysis, acute progression of disease, severity of hepatic encephalopathy, Child-Pugh class C, hepatorenal syndrome, use of continuous renal replacement therapy, use of ventilator, intensive care unit (ICU) care before transplantation, and MELD scores > or =35 were identified as potential risk factors. However, only ICU care before transplantation and MELD scores > or =35 were independent risk factors for 3-month mortality after LDLT. Three-month and 1-year patient survival rates for those with no risk factors were 95.5% and 88.6%, respectively. In contrast, patients with at least one risk factor had 3-month and 1-year patient survival rates of 88.4% and 81.1%, respectively, while patients with two risk factors had 3-month and 1-year patient survival rates of 55.6% and 55.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with both risk factors (ICU care before LDLT and MELD scores > or =35) should be cautiously considered for treatment with LDLT.
Adult ; End Stage Liver Disease ; Hepatic Encephalopathy ; Hepatorenal Syndrome ; Humans ; Intensive Care Units ; Liver Diseases ; Liver Transplantation* ; Living Donors* ; Medical Records ; Mortality* ; Renal Replacement Therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Survival Rate ; Transplants ; Ventilators, Mechanical

Terlipressin is a vasopressin analogue that is widely used in the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome or variceal bleeding. Because it acts mainly on splanchnic vessels, terlipressin has a lower incidence of severe ischemic complications than does vasopressin. However, it can still lead to serious complications such as myocardial infarction, skin necrosis, or bowel ischemia. Herein we report a case of severe ischemic bowel necrosis in a 46-year-old cirrhotic patient treated with terlipressin. Although the patient received bowel resection, death occurred due to ongoing hypotension and metabolic acidosis. Attention should be paid to patients complaining of abdominal pain during treatment with terlipressin.
Bilirubin/blood ; Creatinine/blood ; Electrocardiography ; Fatal Outcome ; Hepatorenal Syndrome/*drug therapy ; Humans ; Intestinal Mucosa/pathology ; Intestines/surgery ; Liver Cirrhosis/diagnosis/therapy ; Lypressin/adverse effects/*analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Necrosis/*chemically induced/surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Vasoconstrictor Agents/*adverse effects/*therapeutic use

Albumin has been widely used in patients with cirrhosis in an attempt to improve circulatory and renal functions. The benefits of albumin infusions in preventing the deterioration in renal function associated with large-volume paracentesis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and established hepatorenal syndrome in conjunction with a vasoconstrictor are well established. While some of these indications are supported by the results of randomized studies, others are based only on clinical experience and have not been proved in prospective studies. The paucity of well-designed trials, the high cost of albumin, the lack of a clear-cut survival benefit, and fear of transmitting unknown infections make the use of albumin controversial. The recent development of the molecular adsorbent recirculating system, an albumin dialysis, is an example of the capacity of albumin to act by mechanisms other than its oncotic effect. Efforts should be made to define the indications for albumin use, the dose required, and predictors of response, so that patients gain the maximum benefit from its administration.
Albumins/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Ascites/therapy ; End Stage Liver Disease/physiopathology/*therapy ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; Hepatorenal Syndrome/therapy ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis/therapy ; Plasma Substitutes/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Sorption Detoxification/adverse effects/*methods ; Treatment Outcome

Hepatorenal Syndrome ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Vasoconstrictor Agents ; therapeutic use

Ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and variceal hemorrhage are three major complications of portal hypertension. The diagnostic evaluation of ascites involves an assessment of its etiology by determining the serum-ascites albumin gradient and the exclusion of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Ascites is primarily related to an inability to excrete an adequate amount of sodium into urine, leading to a positive sodium balance. Sodium restriction and diuretic therapy are keys of ascites control. But, with the case of refractory ascites, large volume paracentesis and transjugular portosystemic shunts are required. In hepatorenal syndrome, splanchnic vasodilatation with reduction in effective arterial volume causes intense renal vasoconstriction. Splanchnic and/or peripheral vasoconstrictors with albumin infusion, and renal replacement therapy are only bridging therapy. Liver transplantation is the only definitive modality of improving the long term prognosis.
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Ascites/complications/*diagnosis/therapy ; Bacterial Infections/*diagnosis ; Hepatic Encephalopathy/complications ; Hepatorenal Syndrome/complications/*diagnosis/therapy ; Humans ; Hypertension, Portal/*complications ; Liver Transplantation ; Peritonitis/*diagnosis/drug therapy/etiology ; Serum Albumin/administration & dosage