RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Simvastatin administration to decompensated cirrhosis patients improved Child-Pugh (CP) at the end of a safety trial (EST). AIM: To evaluate whether simvastatin reduces cirrhosis severity through a secondary analysis of the safety trial. METHODS: Thirty patients CP class (CPc) CPc A (n = 6), CPc B (n = 22), and CPc C (n = 2) received simvastatin for one year. PRIMARY ENDPOINT: cirrhosis severity. Secondary endpoints: health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and hospitalizations for cirrhosis complications. RESULTS: Cirrhosis severity decreased baseline versus EST only across CP score (7.3 ± 1.3 versus 6.7 ± 1.7, P = 0.041), and CPc: 12 patients lessened from CPc B to CPc A, and three patients increased from CPc A to CPc B (P = 0.029). Due to cirrhosis severity changes and differences in clinical outcomes, 15 patients completed the trial as CPc AEST and another 15 as CPc B/C. At baseline, CPc AEST showed greater albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations than CPc B/C (P = 0.036 and P = 0.028, respectively). Comparing EST versus baseline, only in CPc AEST, there was a reduction in white-cell blood (P = 0.012), neutrophils (P = 0.029), monocytes (P = 0.035), and C-reactive protein (P = 0.046); an increase in albumin (P = 0.011); and a recovery in HRQoL (P < 0.030). Finally, admissions for cirrhosis complications decreased in CPc AEST versus CPc B/C (P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Simvastatin would reduce cirrhosis severity only in CPc B at baseline in a suitable protein and lipid milieu, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, only in CPc AEST would improve HRQoL and reduce admissions by cirrhosis complications. However, as these outcomes were not primary endpoints, they require validation.
Asunto(s)
Calidad de Vida , Simvastatina , Humanos , Albúminas , Inflamación/tratamiento farmacológico , Cirrosis Hepática/complicaciones , Cirrosis Hepática/diagnóstico , Cirrosis Hepática/tratamiento farmacológico , Simvastatina/uso terapéuticoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The high mortality rate of decompensated cirrhosis underlines the need for new treatments. Experimental models of cirrhosis and its reported relationship with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease have provided data supporting the rational use of statins in these patients. However, little is known about the safety of statins in this setting. AIM: We evaluate the safety of chronic simvastatin treatment in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, open, uncontrolled, phase 2a trial in 30 patients with Child-Pugh class A (n = 6), B (n = 22), and C (n = 2) decompensated cirrhosis. The patients received standard treatment throughout the trial plus simvastatin 20 mg/day for 2 weeks and thereafter simvastatin 40 mg/day up to 1 year. RESULTS: Sixteen out of 30 patients (53.3%) showed adverse events, including gastrointestinal toxicity (36.7%), muscle injury (MI) (36.7%), and headache (13.3%). No liver injury was registered. Due to MI alone, simvastatin dosage was reduced in 23.4% of cases and transiently interrupted in 13.3%. Once these adverse events were overcome, simvastatin was resumed until the end of the trial. MI was associated with baseline MELD score > 12 (p = 0.035) and with baseline Child-Pugh class C. No MI was associated with final Child-Pugh score ≤ 6 (p = 0.030) or final Child-Pugh class A (p = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic treatment with simvastatin 40 mg/day in patients with decompensated cirrhosis was associated with several adverse events, being MI the only clinically significant one, which appears to be related to the simvastatin dosage and the degree of cirrhosis severity. Noticeably, no liver injury was recorded.
Asunto(s)
Efectos Colaterales y Reacciones Adversas Relacionados con Medicamentos , Cirrosis Hepática , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Simvastatina , Argentina/epidemiología , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/prevención & control , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Efectos Colaterales y Reacciones Adversas Relacionados con Medicamentos/diagnóstico , Efectos Colaterales y Reacciones Adversas Relacionados con Medicamentos/epidemiología , Efectos Colaterales y Reacciones Adversas Relacionados con Medicamentos/etiología , Femenino , Enfermedades Gastrointestinales/inducido químicamente , Enfermedades Gastrointestinales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Gastrointestinales/epidemiología , Cefalea/inducido químicamente , Cefalea/diagnóstico , Cefalea/epidemiología , Humanos , Inhibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Reductasas/administración & dosificación , Inhibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Reductasas/efectos adversos , Cirrosis Hepática/diagnóstico , Cirrosis Hepática/epidemiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Mialgia/inducido químicamente , Mialgia/diagnóstico , Mialgia/epidemiología , Evaluación de Procesos y Resultados en Atención de Salud , Medición de Riesgo/métodos , Medición de Riesgo/estadística & datos numéricos , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Simvastatina/administración & dosificación , Simvastatina/efectos adversosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Biannual ultrasound (US) is recommended as the clinical screening tool for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The effectiveness of surveillance according to the place where US is performed has not been previously reported. AIMS: To compare the effectiveness of US performed in the center responsible for follow-up as opposed to US proceeding from centers other than that of follow-up. METHODS: This is a multicenter cohort study from Argentina. The last US was categorized as done in the same center or done in a different center from the institution of the patient's follow-up. Surveillance failure was defined as HCC diagnosis not meeting Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages 0-A or when no nodules were observed at HCC diagnosis. RESULTS: From 533 patients with HCC, 62.4% were under routine surveillance with a surveillance failure of 38.8%. After adjusting for a propensity score matching, BCLC stage and lead-time survival bias, surveillance was associated with a significant survival benefit [HR of 0.51 (CI 0.38; 0.69)]. Among patients under routine surveillance (n = 345), last US was performed in the same center in 51.6% and in a different center in 48.4%. Similar rates of surveillance failure were observed between US done in the same or in a different center (32% vs. 26.3%; P = 0.25). Survival was not significantly different between both surveillance modalities [HR 0.79 (CI 0.53; 1.20)]. CONCLUSIONS: Routine surveillance for HCC in the daily practice improved survival either when performed in the same center or in a different center from that of patient's follow-up.
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Carcinoma Hepatocelular/diagnóstico por imagen , Detección Precoz del Cáncer/métodos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/diagnóstico por imagen , Ultrasonografía/métodos , Anciano , Argentina , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/mortalidad , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patología , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/terapia , Femenino , Humanos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/mortalidad , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , Neoplasias Hepáticas/terapia , Estudios Longitudinales , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estadificación de Neoplasias , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Pronóstico , Estudios Prospectivos , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Estudios Retrospectivos , Medición de Riesgo , Factores de Riesgo , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Adherence to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging algorithm for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma is challenging in the daily practice. We aimed to analyze adherence to BCLC along with its effect on patient survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort study was conducted in 14 hospitals from Argentina including patients with newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma (2009-2016). Adherence was considered when the first treatment was the one recommended by the BCLC. RESULTS: Overall, 708 patients were included. At diagnosis, BCLC stages were as follows: stage 0 4%, A 43%, B 22%, C 9% and D 22%. Overall, 53% of the patients were treated according to BCLC, 24% were undertreated, and 23% overtreated. Adherence to BCLC increased to 63% in subsequent treatments. Independent factors associated with adherence to BCLC were the presence of portal hypertension [odds ratio: 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-2.39] and BCLC stage C (odds ratio: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.12-0.72). In a multivariable model adjusting for portal hypertension and BCLC stages, adherence to BCLC showed improved survival (hazard ratio: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.52-0.87). CONCLUSION: Adherence to BCLC represents a challenge in the daily practice, with almost half of the patients being treated accordingly, showing that the decision-making process should be tailored to each individual patient.
Asunto(s)
Carcinoma Hepatocelular/terapia , Neoplasias Hepáticas/terapia , Anciano , Algoritmos , Argentina/epidemiología , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/mortalidad , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patología , Femenino , Adhesión a Directriz/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/mortalidad , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , Trasplante de Hígado , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estadificación de Neoplasias , Guías de Práctica Clínica como Asunto , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Análisis de SupervivenciaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND/AIMS: No prospective study has been published investigating etiology of HCC in Latin America. The primary aim of this prospective study was to analyze the etiology of liver disease in patients with HCC from our area. Secondary aims were to evaluate staging using Okuda and BCLC classifications; and percentage of patients receiving treatment. METHODS: The Governing Board of the Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver designed the protocol. During a 18 month period, all members were invited to load their incident HCC cases on line. RESULTS: 240 cases from 9 countries were uploaded, 174 were male (72.5%), median age was 64 years, interquartile range 57-72. In 85.4% of cases, patients had underlying cirrhosis. Main etiological factors were: HCV in 74 patients (30.8%), alcohol in 49 (20.4%), cryptogenic cirrhosis in 35 (14.6%), HBV in 26 (10.8%), HCV plus alcohol in 14 (5.8%). Considering the combinations, hepatitis C was shown in 91 patients (38%); chronic alcoholism in 68 patients (28%); and hepatitis B in 33 patients (14%). There were no significant differences between the groups in the age at diagnosis. Percentage of male gender was higher in groups of alcohol (94%), HCV plus alcohol (93%) and HBV (85%) than in cryptogenic cirrhosis (60%) and HCV (59%) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our prospective study showed that hepatitis C is the more frequent etiology of HCC in Latin America, followed by alcoholic cirrhosis. Demographical results showed a male predominance (male:female ratio 2.6) with an important proportion of patients being diagnosed at their sixties.
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Carcinoma Hepatocelular/etiología , Cooperación Internacional , Neoplasias Hepáticas/etiología , Anciano , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/epidemiología , Enfermedad Crónica , Femenino , Hepatitis B/complicaciones , Hepatitis B/epidemiología , Hepatitis C/complicaciones , Hepatitis C/epidemiología , Humanos , Incidencia , América Latina/epidemiología , Cirrosis Hepática Alcohólica/complicaciones , Cirrosis Hepática Alcohólica/epidemiología , Neoplasias Hepáticas/epidemiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Prospectivos , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Incidence and etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are variable around the world, depending mainly on theprevalence ofchronic hepatitis B carriers in each region. No study has been published analyzing epidemiological features of patients with HCC in Argentina. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe demographical and etiological results in a series of 587 consecutive patients with HCC diagnosed in 15 Hepatology and Gastroenterology Units distributed all around our country. Seventy-two per cent of patients were male, the median age was 62 years (interquartile range 55-68 years), and 93% had cirrhosis. Regarding to etiological data (fully available in 551 cases), main etiologies were chronic alcoholism in 229 patients (41.6%) (the sole risk factor in 182, associated to HCVin 35 and to HBV in 12); hepatitis C in 223 patients (40.5%) (the sole risk factor in 181, associated to alcoholism in 35 and to HBV in 7); hepatitis B in 74 patients (13.4%) (the sole risk factor in 55, associated to alcoholism in 12 and to HCV in 7); cryptogenic cirrhosis in 51 patients (9.2%). There were significant differences in percentages of genders between main groups: males were highly predominant in alcoholic cirrhosis (93%), hepatitis B (87%) and HCV plus alcohol (94%), compared to 63% in cryp togenic cirrhosis and 49% in hepatitis C (p<0.01). There were no differences in age at presentation between the main etiologies. In conclusion, the main causes of HCC in Argentina are alcoholic cirrhosis and hepatitis C (76% of cases). A majority of patients with HCC in our country are cirrhotics, males, and in their 6th or -7th decades of life.
Asunto(s)
Alcoholismo/complicaciones , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/etiología , Hepatitis B/complicaciones , Hepatitis C/complicaciones , Neoplasias Hepáticas/etiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Edad de Inicio , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Alcoholismo/epidemiología , Argentina/epidemiología , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/epidemiología , Portador Sano , Distribución de Chi-Cuadrado , Femenino , Hepatitis B/epidemiología , Hepatitis C/epidemiología , Humanos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/epidemiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) are at a high risk for renal failure and death despite successful treatment of infection. Intravenous (IV) albumin administration combined with antibiotic treatment has been shown to significantly decrease these risks. Clinical evidence is lacking on which patients are appropriate candidates for albumin treatment. AIM: To retrospectively analyse the usefulness of serum creatinine and bilirubin levels in predicting renal failure and mortality of patients hospitalized for SBP. METHODS: Between March 1995 and September 1998, 127 cirrhotic patients with SBP who had not received plasma expansion were evaluated. Eighty-one patients (64%) were classified as having a high risk for renal failure and mortality (serum bilirubin >4 mg/dl or serum creatinine >1 mg/dl) and 46 (36%) as having a low risk. RESULTS: At admission, 36.3% of all patients presented renal failure. Mortality during their hospitalization was 23% among those with a high risk and 6.5% among those with a low risk (P=0.01). Renal failure occurred in 23% of the high-risk patients, compared with 2.6% of the low-risk patients (P=0.006). The presence of hyponatraemia was significantly associated with higher mortality and renal failure in the high-risk group. CONCLUSIONS: Our retrospective review of patients with SBP suggests that serum bilirubin levels >4 mg and serum creatinine levels >1 mg/dl at the time of diagnosis represent significant risk factors for the clinical outcomes of patients with SBP. Patients without these risk factors may have a very low likelihood of death or renal failure.
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Bilirrubina/sangre , Creatinina/sangre , Cirrosis Hepática/complicaciones , Peritonitis/complicaciones , Insuficiencia Renal/metabolismo , Insuficiencia Renal/mortalidad , Adulto , Anciano , Argentina , Humanos , Hiponatremia/etiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Análisis Multivariante , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Pronóstico , Insuficiencia Renal/etiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND/AIM: primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is associated with ulcerative colitis (UC) and seems to be a risk factor for colon cancer. However, taking into account that no data are available in South American population, we analyzed the prevalence of PSC in 1,333 patients with UC and the risk for developing colon cancer. MATERIAL: patients with persistent increases of alkaline phosphatase were studied by cholangiography and liver biopsy. To assess the risk of colon cancer, each patient with PSC and UC was matched with two control patients with UC without PSC of the same age, gender, extent and duration of UC. RESULTS: the whole prevalence of PSC was 2.9% (39 patients) reaching 6.2% in extensive colitis. Seven (18%) out of 39 patients with PSC developed colorectal carcinoma compared with 2 out of 78 (2.6%) in the control group (p=0.006). The cumulative risk of colorectal carcinoma was 11% and 18% after 10 and 20 years in the PSC group compared with 2% and 7% in the control group, respectively (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: this is the first prospective study performed in Latin America showing that the prevalence of PSC in patients with UC is similar to that reported in the Anglo-Saxon population. Patients with UC and PSC have a high risk of colorectal cancer.
Asunto(s)
Fosfatasa Alcalina/sangre , Colangitis Esclerosante/complicaciones , Colitis Ulcerosa/complicaciones , Neoplasias Colorrectales/etiología , Lesiones Precancerosas/etiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Argentina/epidemiología , Biomarcadores de Tumor/sangre , Biopsia , Colangiopancreatografia Retrógrada Endoscópica , Pancreatocolangiografía por Resonancia Magnética , Colangitis Esclerosante/epidemiología , Colangitis Esclerosante/patología , Colitis Ulcerosa/patología , Neoplasias Colorrectales/epidemiología , Métodos Epidemiológicos , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Low protein concentration in ascitic fluid has been identified as a risk factor for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Until now, primary prophylaxis has not been recommended in these patients. The aim was to investigate the efficacy of long-term administration of ciprofloxacin to prevent SBP. METHODS: One hundred cirrhotic patients with <1.5 g/dl of total protein in ascitic fluid were randomized prospectively, in a double blind fashion to receive ciprofloxacin 500 mg/day (n=50) or placebo (n=50) for 12 months. RESULTS: Baseline data were similar in both groups. In the ciprofloxacin group, SBP occurred almost four times less frequently than in the placebo group but it was not statistically significant. The probability of survival at 12 months was significantly higher in patients receiving ciprofloxacin (86% versus 66%) (p<0.04). SBP and sepsis were the most frequent causes of death in the placebo group whereas gastrointestinal bleeding was responsible for the most deaths in the ciprofloxacin group. The probability of remaining free of bacterial infections was higher in patients receiving ciprofloxacin (80% versus 55%) (p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cirrhosis and low protein concentration in ascitic fluid are candidates to receive long-term prophylaxis to reduce the risk of infections and improve survival.
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Antiinfecciosos/uso terapéutico , Infecciones Bacterianas/tratamiento farmacológico , Ciprofloxacina/uso terapéutico , Peritonitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Adulto , Anciano , Infecciones Bacterianas/mortalidad , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Peritonitis/mortalidadRESUMEN
Background/aim: primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is associated with ulcerative colitis (UC) and seems to be a risk factor for colon cancer. However, taking into account that no data are available in South American population, we analyzed the prevalence of PSC in 1.333 patients with UC and the risk for developing colon cancer. Material: patients with persistent increases of alkaline phosphatase were studied by cholangiography and liver biopsy. To assess the risk of colon cancer, each patient with PSC and UC was matched with two control patients with UC without PSC of the same age, gender, extent and duration of UC. Results: the whole prevalence of PSC was 2.9% (39 patients) reaching 6.2% in extensive colitis. Seven (18 %) out of 39 patients with PSC developed colorectal carcinoma compared with 2 out of 78 (2.6%) in the control group (p=0.006). The cumulative risk of colorectal carcinoma was 11% and 18% after 10 and 20 years in the PSC group compared with 2% and 7% in the control group, respectively (p=0.002). Conclusion: this is the first prospective study performed in Latin America showing that the prevalence of PSC in patients with UC is similar to that reported in the Anglo-Saxon population. Patients with UC and PSC have a high risk of colorectal cancer.
Introducción/objetivos: la colangitis esclerosante primaria (CEP) se asocia a colitis ulcerosa (CU) y parece ser un factor de riesgo para cáncer de colon. Sin embargo, teniendo en cuenta que no existen datos disponibles en población de Sudamérica, nosotros analizamos la prevalencia de CEP en 1.333 pacientes con CU y el riesgo de desarrollar cáncer de colon. Material: los pacientes con fosfatasa alcalina persistentemente elevada fueron estudiados con colangiografía y biopsia hepática. Para determinar el riesgo de cáncer de colon cada paciente con CEP y CU fueron apareados con dos pacientes controles con CU sin CEP de la misma edad, sexo, extensión y duración de la CU. Resultados: la prevalencia total de CEP fue de 2.9% (39 pacientes), alcanzando una prevalencia del 6.2% en colitis extensa. Siete (18%) de 39 pacientes con CEP desarrollaron cáncer colorectal comparado con 2 de 78 en el grupo control (p=0.006). El riesgo acumulado de cáncer colorectal fue 11 y 18% después de 10 y 20 años en el grupo con CEP comparado con 2 y 7% en el grupo control, respectivamente (p=0.002). Conclusión: este es el primer estudio prospectivo realizado en Latinoamérica mostrando que la prevalencia de CEP en pacientes con CU es similar a la reportada en población anglosajona. Los pacientes con CU y CEP tienen un alto riesgo de cáncer colorectal.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adolescente , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Fosfatasa Alcalina/sangre , Colangitis Esclerosante/complicaciones , Colitis Ulcerosa/complicaciones , Neoplasias Colorrectales/etiología , Lesiones Precancerosas/patología , Argentina/epidemiología , Biopsia , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Colangiopancreatografia Retrógrada Endoscópica , Pancreatocolangiografía por Resonancia Magnética , Colangitis Esclerosante/epidemiología , Colangitis Esclerosante/patología , Colitis Ulcerosa/patología , Neoplasias Colorrectales/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Estudios Prospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Biomarcadores de Tumor/sangreRESUMEN
Se presenta una experiencia en el tratamiento de la hepatopatia alcohólica con sulfo-adenosil-L-metionina (SAMe). La misma, se efectuó en un grupo de 20 pacientes durante 60 días y en una dosis de 200 mg/día de SAMe (i.m.) durante 30 días y 100 mg/día los 30 restantes. La respuesta clínica, valorada en forma subjetiva, evidenció una mejoría en el apetito, la astenia y la respuesta intelectual. Desde el punto de vista analítico se observaron mejorías significativas (p < .05 en adelante) en la gamaGT, TGP, TGO, bilirrubinemia, tiempo de Quick y colesterolemia. Los autores concluyen que la SAMe constituye un elemento terapéutico en la hepatopatía alcohólica, permitiendo una mejoría de la función hepática expresada mediante la clínica y las pruebas de síntesis proteica, de necrosis y de colestasis
Asunto(s)
Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Humanos , Hepatopatías Alcohólicas/tratamiento farmacológico , S-Adenosilmetionina/uso terapéuticoRESUMEN
Se presenta una experiencia en el tratamiento de la hepatopatia alcohólica con sulfo-adenosil-L-metionina (SAMe). La misma, se efectuó en un grupo de 20 pacientes durante 60 días y en una dosis de 200 mg/día de SAMe (i.m.) durante 30 días y 100 mg/día los 30 restantes. La respuesta clínica, valorada en forma subjetiva, evidenció una mejoría en el apetito, la astenia y la respuesta intelectual. Desde el punto de vista analítico se observaron mejorías significativas (p < .05 en adelante) en la gamaGT, TGP, TGO, bilirrubinemia, tiempo de Quick y colesterolemia. Los autores concluyen que la SAMe constituye un elemento terapéutico en la hepatopatía alcohólica, permitiendo una mejoría de la función hepática expresada mediante la clínica y las pruebas de síntesis proteica, de necrosis y de colestasis (AU)