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BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is the treatment for many end-stage liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma but shortage of available organs poses significant challenge. Many centers have used grafts from donors with positive anti-HBc serology but concerns about potential hepatitis B virus reactivation and de novo hepatitis B infection have raised questions about the safety of this approach. This study aimed to evaluate the survival of liver transplant recipients from anti-HBc-positive-donors and assess the risk of hepatitis B reactivation and de novo hepatitis B. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted from 2002 to 2018, comparing who received grafts from anti-HBc-positive-donors to those from anti-HBc-negative-donors. The primary outcome was survival and description cases of hepatitis B reactivation/de novo hepatitis B. RESULTS: We analyzed 1,111 liver transplants, in which 993 (89 %) received grafts from anti-HBc-negative-donors and 118 (11 %) from anti-HBc-positive-donors. Median age of recipients from anti-HBc-positive donors was 56 years and from anti-HBc-negative donors was of 53 years (p = 0.001). Male sex was predominant in both groups. Factors associated with death in multivariate analysis were retransplantation, early allograft dysfunction, high MELD, recipient over 60 years and female donor. The utilization of grafts from anti-HBc-positive-donors did not increase mortality. The majority of HBV reactivation and de novo hepatitis B occurred in anti-HBc positive recipients. The risk of hepatitis B reactivation/de novo hepatitis B was low and manageable. CONCLUSION: The study supports safety of liver grafts from anti-HBc-positive donors when employing antiviral prophylaxis. These findings contribute to expand donor options and improve patient outcomes.

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Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LALD) varies from a severe infantile-onset form (Wolman disease) to a late-onset form known as cholesteryl ester storage disease (CESD), both of which are autosomal recessive disorders caused by biallelic LIPA pathogenic variants. We evaluated seventy-three patients enlisted for liver transplant (LT) at Instituto da Criança (HCFMUSP-Brazil) who were subjected to LAL activity measurement and LIPA Sanger sequencing analysis, resulting in a positive LALD diagnosis for only one of these individuals. This LALD patient presented recurrent diarrhea, failure to thrive, hepatomegaly, and dyslipidemia at the age of 4 months and liver failure by the age of 13 years. The LALD diagnosis confirmation was conducted at 24 years old due to low levels of LAL enzyme activity. The causal homozygous variant LIPA(NM_000235.4):c.266T>C(p.Leu89Pro) was identified, but the patient had already undergone his first LT at 18 years with several rejection episodes. Despite beginning treatment with sebelipase alfa at 26 years old (total of five infusions), this patient died at 28 years from complications after his second liver transplant. LALD is an important differential diagnosis in cases presenting with hepatomegaly, elevated liver enzymes, and dyslipidemia. Detecting low/absent LAL activity and identifying the LIPA causal variant are essential for diagnosis and specific treatment, as well as for appropriate genetic counseling. Early diagnosis, along with sebelipase alfa therapy, may improve the prognosis of affected patients.

Asunto(s)

Trasplante de Hígado , Esterol Esterasa , Enfermedad de Wolman , Humanos , Enfermedad de Wolman/genética , Enfermedad de Wolman/diagnóstico , Masculino , Esterol Esterasa/genética , Esterol Esterasa/deficiencia , Femenino , Adolescente , Lactante , Adulto , Preescolar , Niño , Adulto Joven

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Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is the best treatment for end-stage liver disease; however, biliary complications (BCs) still pose a significant challenge. Among the post-transplant BC, strictures and biliary fistulas are the most common. Biliary strictures are classified as anastomotic and non-anastomotic. Some previous studies suggest an association between post-transplant biliary strictures and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. In this study, we aimed to identify whether there is an association between CMV infection and biliary strictures in patients undergoing LT. Methods: A retrospective study of 175 patients aged ≥18 years undergoing LT at Felicio Rocho Hospital between 2011 and 2017 was conducted. All included patients received grafts perfused with Institut Georges Lopez-1 (IGL-1) solution from brain-dead donors, survived post-transplantation for more than 120 days, and had a minimum follow-up of 12 months after LT. The diagnosis of CMV was made by antigenemia and biliary strictures by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Results: The average age of the recipients was 54 years. Postoperative BCs occurred in 12% of transplants. The most common BC was stricture (9.1%), with a predominance of anastomotic strictures (AS) over non-AS (NAS) (87.5% vs. 12.5%, respectively). CMV infection was confirmed in 22.9% of patients. In the univariate analysis, post-transplant CMV infection correlated with the development of BCs (P=0.01), as well as biliary strictures (P=0.008). In the multivariate analysis, however, only model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) >21 was a risk factor for the development of BCs in general (P=0.02) and biliary strictures (P=0.01). Conclusions: CMV infection was not an independent risk factor for the development of non-anastomotic post-transplant biliary strictures in this study.

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Immunosuppressed patients, particularly transplant recipients, can develop severe strongyloidiasis. This study aimed to detect anti-Strongyloides IgG antibodies in a panel of sera from liver transplant patients. Two techniques were used: ELISA as the initial screening test and Western blotting as a confirmatory test. ELISA reactivity of 10.9% (32/294) was observed. The 40-30 kDa fraction was recognised in 93.7% (30/32) of the patients, resulting in a positivity rate of 10.2%. These data highlight the importance of serological screening for Strongyloides stercoralis infection in liver transplant recipients.

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Anticuerpos Antihelmínticos , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Inmunoglobulina G , Trasplante de Hígado , Strongyloides stercoralis , Estrongiloidiasis , Receptores de Trasplantes , Humanos , Estrongiloidiasis/diagnóstico , Estrongiloidiasis/inmunología , Estrongiloidiasis/sangre , Anticuerpos Antihelmínticos/sangre , Animales , Strongyloides stercoralis/inmunología , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Western Blotting , Masculino , Tamizaje Masivo/métodos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Femenino , Adulto , Enfermedades Desatendidas/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Desatendidas/epidemiología , Enfermedades Desatendidas/inmunología , Huésped Inmunocomprometido , Anciano

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Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) during liver transplantation has been implicated in the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This systematic review aimed to evaluate interventions to reduce IRI during liver transplantation for HCC and their impact on oncologic outcomes. A comprehensive literature search retrieved four retrospective studies involving 938 HCC patients, utilising interventions such as post-operative prostaglandin administration, hypothermic machine perfusion, and normothermic machine perfusion. Overall, treated patients exhibited reduced post-operative hepatocellular injury and inflammation and significantly enhanced recurrence-free survival. Despite these promising results, the impact of these interventions on overall survival remains unclear. This underscores the imperative for further prospective research to comprehensively understand the efficacy of these interventions in HCC patients undergoing transplantation. The findings highlight the potential benefits of these strategies while emphasising the need for continued investigation into their overall impact.

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Carcinoma Hepatocelular , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Trasplante de Hígado , Daño por Reperfusión , Humanos , Daño por Reperfusión/prevención & control , Daño por Reperfusión/etiología , Trasplante de Hígado/métodos , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/cirugía , Neoplasias Hepáticas/cirugía , Resultado del Tratamiento , Aloinjertos

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Background: Liver disease is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide and its epidemiology depends on the genetic background, exposure to risk factors, access to healthcare and other sociodemographic characteristics. Brazil is a large country with diverse multicultural and ethnic heritages and important socioeconomic inequalities. The burden of liver disease in Brazil, its regions and population is unknown. Methods: We retrieved data from the Unified Health System regarding liver diseases and analyzed the mortality and morbidity from 1996 to 2022 by gender, race/ethnicity, age, region and overall. We calculated the age-specific risk of deaths by liver disease, age-standardization of the data, mean hospitalization and liver transplant-associated costs. Findings: Malignant neoplasm of the liver and intrahepatic bile ducts, alcohol-associated liver disease, fibrosis, and cirrhosis of the liver, other diseases of the liver, hepatic failure, chronic viral hepatitis were identified as the major causes of death and morbidity in Brazil in the period analyzed. The epidemiology of these diseases was diverse, with variations according to geographic regions, gender and race/ethnicity. The major economic burden of liver disease is related to liver transplants, a common outcome of the progression of these diseases. Interpretation: Liver disease in Brazil is a serious issue for the public health system due to the high number of deaths and increasing mortality rate. Our study contributes as a necessary prerequisite for the development of tailored public health policies aimed at mitigating the increasing burden of liver diseases in specific populations and regions. Funding: CNPq, INCT, CAPES, FAPEMIG.

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BACKGROUND & AIMS: We examined the dietary inflammatory potential in patients who underwent liver transplantation (LTx), associated factors and its relationship with clinical outcomes ten years after the initial evaluation. METHODS: Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) scores were generated from data derived from the 24-h recall in 108 patients. RESULTS: Patients with higher DII scores (highest tertile), indicating a pro-inflammatory diet, had significantly higher serum LDL cholesterol (108.0 vs 78.2 mg/dL, p = <0.01) at the initial evaluation. However, DII scores did not significantly predict the occurrence of clinical outcomes after ten years of follow-up. Patient age was predictive of neoplasia (OR:1.05 95% CI:1.00-1.11; p = 0.03). Higher BMI at the initial evaluation was associated with steatosis (OR:1.51; 95% CI:1.29-1.77; p < 0.01), and smoking history was associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular events (OR:7.71; 95% CI:1.53-38.79; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A pro-inflammatory diet was associated with higher serum LDL cholesterol in the initial evaluation but may not be strongly related to clinical outcomes during long-term follow-up.

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Índice de Masa Corporal , LDL-Colesterol , Dieta , Inflamación , Trasplante de Hígado , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , LDL-Colesterol/sangre , Estudios de Seguimiento , Factores de Riesgo , Adulto , Resultado del Tratamiento , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares , Hígado Graso , Anciano

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OBJECTIVE: To develop neonate-specific prediction models for survival with native liver (SNL) in neonatal acute liver failure (ALF) and to determine if these prediction models have superior accuracy to existing models for older children with ALF. STUDY DESIGN: A single-center, retrospective chart review was conducted on neonates ≤ 30 days of life between 2005 and 2022 with ALF (international normalized ratio ≥ 2 or prothrombin time ≥ 20s and liver dysfunction). Statistical analysis included comparison of patients by outcome of SNL and generalized linear modeling to derive prediction models. The predictive accuracy of variables was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients met inclusion criteria. The most common causes of neonatal ALF included ischemia (22%), infection (20%), and gestational alloimmune liver disease (16%). Overall SNL rate was 43% (n = 22). Alpha fetoprotein levels were higher in SNL patients (P = .034) and differed more significantly by SNL status among nongestational alloimmune liver disease patients (n = 21, P = .001). An alpha fetoprotein < 4775 ng/mL had 75% sensitivity and 100% specificity to predict death or transplant in nongestational alloimmune liver disease patients with an area under the ROC curve of 0.81. A neonate-specific admission model (international normalized ratio and ammonia) and peak model (prothrombin time and ammonia) also predicted SNL with good accuracy (area under the ROC curve = 0.73 and 0.82, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We identified neonate-specific prognostic variables for SNL in ALF. Findings from our study may help early risk stratification to guide medical decision-making and consideration for liver transplantation.

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Biomarcadores , Fallo Hepático Agudo , alfa-Fetoproteínas , Humanos , Fallo Hepático Agudo/sangre , Fallo Hepático Agudo/mortalidad , Fallo Hepático Agudo/diagnóstico , Recién Nacido , Femenino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Masculino , Pronóstico , Biomarcadores/sangre , alfa-Fetoproteínas/análisis , alfa-Fetoproteínas/metabolismo , Curva ROC , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas

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BACKGROUND: Inadequate food intake contributes to malnutrition in patients with cirrhosis on the waiting list for liver transplantation (LTx). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate food intake during 12 weeks of nutritional follow-up and assess factors independently associated with the difference between energy and protein intake in LTx patients. METHODS: A secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial that evaluated the effects of Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation and nutritional intervention in patients on a liver transplant waiting list. Dietary guidelines for patients with cirrhosis were used to prescribe the nutritional plan (35 kcal/kg; 1.5 g/kg dry weight for protein) and to evaluate the nutritional goals (30 kcal/kg; 1.2 g/kg dry weight for protein; late evening snack) and nutritional counseling dietary follow-ups were performed in each evaluation. Food intake was assessed in six moments: Baseline, week 0 (W0), week 2 (W2), week 4 (W4), week 8 (W8), and week 12 (W12). RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (55.0 ± 10.6y; 72.3% male) were evaluated. Only 25.5% (n = 12) of patients achieved nutritional goals at the end of the study. The mean energy intake at Baseline was 1782 ± 784 kcal (27.6 ± 13.2 kcal/kg) without difference between moments. The protein intake increased between W0 [63.4 ± 29.8g; 0.8(0.2-2.2 g/kg)] and W8 [72.0 ± 28.0g; 1.0(0.4-2.6 g/kg); p = 0.03; p = 0.03, respectively]. The consumption of cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and niacin increased (p < 0.05), as well as the consumption of legumes; roots and tubers; dairy; and meat, poultry and fish groups through time (p < 0.05). The percentage of patients that consumed a late evening snack rised from 40.4% (Baseline) to 76.6% (W8) (p < 0.001). The presence of ascites, nourished patients, frailty index classification, short physical performance battery score, systemic symptoms, and emotional function in the Quality of Life Test were independently associated with the energy intake difference between W12 and Baseline (p < 0.05). Diabetes mellitus, patients with moderately malnourishment, poor performance, fatigue, systemic symptoms, and emotional function in the Quality of Life Test were independently associated with the difference in protein intake between W12 and Baseline (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients on the liver transplant waiting list showed slight food intake improvement during the follow-up, but few met nutritional guidelines. Various clinical and nutritional factors independently affected energy and protein intake from W12 to Baseline.

Asunto(s)

Ingestión de Energía , Trasplante de Hígado , Listas de Espera , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estado Nutricional , Ingestión de Alimentos , Cirrosis Hepática/complicaciones , Cirrosis Hepática/cirugía , Proteínas en la Dieta/administración & dosificación , Desnutrición/prevención & control , Adulto , Suplementos Dietéticos , Anciano

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INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare disease with a complex and not fully understood pathogenesis. Prognostic factors that might influence treatment response, relapse rates, and transplant-free survival are not well established. This study investigates clinical and biochemical markers associated with response to immunosuppression in patients with AIH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 102 patients with AIH treated with immunosuppressants and followed at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 1990 to 2018. Pretreatment data such as clinical profiles, laboratory, and histological exams were analyzed regarding biochemical response at one year, histological remission, relapse, and death/transplantation rates. RESULTS: Cirrhosis was present in 59 % of cases at diagnosis. One-year biochemical remission was observed in 55.7 % of the patients and was found to be a protective factor for liver transplant. Overall survival was 89 %. Patients with ascites at disease onset showed a higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/ alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio and elevated Model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. The presence of ascites was significantly associated with a 20-fold increase in mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: AIH has a severe clinical phenotype in Brazilians, with high rates of cirrhosis and low remission rates. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for achieving remission and reducing complications. The presence of ascites is significantly associated with mortality, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and prompt intervention. This study also stresses the need for further research on AIH in Latin America.

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Hepatitis Autoinmune , Inmunosupresores , Humanos , Hepatitis Autoinmune/tratamiento farmacológico , Hepatitis Autoinmune/sangre , Hepatitis Autoinmune/mortalidad , Hepatitis Autoinmune/patología , Masculino , Femenino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Inmunosupresores/uso terapéutico , Pronóstico , Brasil/epidemiología , Resultado del Tratamiento , Trasplante de Hígado , Cirrosis Hepática/mortalidad , Recurrencia , Aspartato Aminotransferasas/sangre , Alanina Transaminasa/sangre , Inducción de Remisión , Biomarcadores/sangre , Adulto Joven , Ascitis/etiología , Anciano

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Background & Aims: Malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty are prevalent in cirrhosis. We aimed to assess the correlation between assessment tools for malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty in patients on the liver transplant (LT) waiting list (WL), and to identify a predictive model for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) development. Methods: This prospective single-center study enrolled consecutive patients with cirrhosis on the WL for LT (May 2019-November 2021). Assessments included subjective global assessment, CT body composition, skeletal muscle index (SMI), ultrasound thigh muscle thickness, sarcopenia HIBA score, liver frailty index (LFI), hand grip strength, and 6-minute walk test at enrollment. Correlations were analyzed using Pearson's correlation. Competing risk regression analysis was used to assess the predictive ability of the liver- and functional physiological reserve-related variables for ACLF. Results: A total of 132 patients, predominantly with decompensated cirrhosis (87%), were included. Our study revealed a high prevalence of malnutrition (61%), sarcopenia (61%), visceral obesity (20%), sarcopenic visceral obesity (17%), and frailty (10%) among participants. Correlations between the assessment tools for sarcopenia and frailty were poor. Sarcopenia by SMI remained prevalent when frailty assessments were not usable. After a median follow-up of 10 months, 39% of the patients developed ACLF on WL, while 28% experienced dropouts without ACLF. Multivariate analysis identified MELD-Na, SMI, and LFI as independent predictors of ACLF on the WL. The predictive model MELD-Na-sarcopenia-LFI had a C-statistic of 0.85. Conclusions: The poor correlation between sarcopenia assessment tools and frailty underscores the importance of a comprehensive evaluation. The SMI, LFI, and MELD-Na independently predicted ACLF development in WL. These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between sarcopenia, frailty, and ACLF in patients awaiting LT, emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention to improve WL outcomes. Impact and implications: The relationship between sarcopenia and frailty assessment tools, as well as their ability to predict acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in patients on the liver transplant (LT) waiting list (WL), remains poorly understood. Existing objective frailty screening tests have limitations when applied to critically ill patients. The correlation between sarcopenia and frailty assessment tools was weak, suggesting that they may capture different phenotypes. Sarcopenia assessed by skeletal muscle index, frailty evaluated using the liver frailty index, and the model for end-stage liver disease-Na score independently predicted the development of ACLF in patients on the WL. Our findings support the integration of liver frailty index and skeletal muscle index assessments at the time of inclusion on the WL for LT. This combined approach allows for the identification of a specific patient subgroup with an increased susceptibility to ACLF, underscoring the importance of early implementation of targeted treatment strategies to improve outcomes for patients awaiting LT.

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Objectives: The aims of the study were to compare the consumption of blood products before and after the implementation of a bleeding management algorithm in patients undergoing liver transplantation and to determine the feasibility of a multicentre, randomized study. Background: Liver transplantation remains the only curative therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease, but it carries a high risk of surgical bleeding. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of patients treated before (group 1) and after (group 2) implementation of a haemostatic algorithm guided by viscoelastic testing, including use of lyophilized coagulation factor concentrates (prothrombin complex and fibrinogen concentrates). Primary outcome was the number of units of blood products transfused in 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included hospital stay, mortality, and cost. Results: Data from 30 consecutive patients was analysed; 14 in group 1 and 16 in group 2. Baseline data were similar between groups. Median total blood product consumption 24 h after surgery was 33 U (IQR: 11-57) in group 1 and 1.5 (0-23.5) in group 2 (p = 0.028). Significantly fewer units of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate were transfused in group 2 versus group 1. There was no significant difference in complications, hospital stay, or in-hospital mortality between groups. The cost of haemostatic therapy was non-significantly lower in group 2 versus group 1 (7,400 vs. 15,500 USD; p = 0.454). Conclusion: The haemostatic management algorithm was associated with a significant reduction in blood product use during 24 h after liver transplantation. This study demonstrated the feasibility and provided a sample size calculation for a larger, randomized study.

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Alcohol is the leading cause of preventable liver morbidity and mortality worldwide, as it is also the most frequent cause of advanced liver disease. Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) covers different phenotypes ranging from steatosis to the development of inflammation (steatohepatitis), fibrosis and ultimately, in a proportion of patients, the development of liver cirrhosis and its associated complications. ALD has a complex pathogenesis that includes the interplay of both genetic and environmental factors, yet the precise mechanisms are largely unknown. Alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) is a severe clinical presentation of ALD, which is characterized by abrupt jaundice and clinical decompensations of liver disease. AH occurs in a percentage of patients with underlying ALD and active alcohol consumption. Currently, there are no approved targeted therapies able to interfere in the pathogenesis of ALD and halt the progression of the disease, therefore alcohol abstinence is the most effective measure to improve prognosis in this patient population. In this regard, alcohol cessation remains the first-line treatment in all stages of alcohol disease. In patients with advanced ALD nonresponding to medical therapy, liver transplantation is the only approach that improves prognosis, and it should be considered in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. In the last years, AH has emerged as a new indication of early liver transplantation in non-responders to medical therapy, with promising results in highly selected patients. In this review, we provide an update on the epidemiology, risk factors, natural history, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and current treatments for ALD, taking into account the importance of assessing and managing alcohol consumption as the etiological factor and the main driver of prognosis in patients with ALD.

Asunto(s)

Hígado Graso , Hepatitis Alcohólica , Hepatopatías Alcohólicas , Humanos , Hepatopatías Alcohólicas/diagnóstico , Hepatopatías Alcohólicas/epidemiología , Hepatopatías Alcohólicas/etiología , Hepatitis Alcohólica/diagnóstico , Factores de Riesgo , Hígado , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/efectos adversos , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/epidemiología , Etanol

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INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) is a rare condition characterized by biliary tract changes and a geographic pattern of liver fibrosis. Liver biopsy is essential to confirm its diagnosis. The absence of specific clinical indicators in adults often leads to delays in diagnosis and management, while the natural history has not been well described. We sought to define the presentation and outcomes of adults with biopsy-proven CHF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients diagnosed with CHF by liver biopsy. Continuous variables were summarized with the sample median and range. Categorical variables were summarized with number and percentage of patients. RESULTS: We identified 24 patients evaluated over a 20-year period, with a median age of 51 years (range 22-72 years) at initial presentation; 14 were male. The most common imaging findings were renal cysts (91.3%), splenomegaly (69.6%), and a cirrhotic-appearing liver (60.9%). The most commonly treated liver-related complications were cholangitis (45.8%), varices (45.8%), and hepatic encephalopathy (25%). Two patients died with a median length of follow-up of 2.9 years (range: 0.0-20.0 years). Two patients underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement to manage bleeding esophageal varices. Eight patients underwent liver transplantation (LT), the most common indication being decompensated disease (50%). CONCLUSIONS: CHF should be considered when patients present with cholangitis and/or complications of portal hypertension and have a cirrhotic appearing liver and renal cysts on imaging. Depending upon the disease severity, interventions such as TIPS or LT may be required.

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Cirrosis Hepática , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven , Colangitis , Várices Esofágicas y Gástricas/diagnóstico , Várices Esofágicas y Gástricas/etiología , Várices Esofágicas y Gástricas/terapia , Hemorragia Gastrointestinal/etiología , Enfermedades Renales Quísticas/complicaciones , Cirrosis Hepática/diagnóstico , Cirrosis Hepática/etiología , Cirrosis Hepática/terapia , Estudios Retrospectivos

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INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Liver transplant (LT) is a recent option available in the United States (US) to treat those with severe, refractory alcoholic hepatitis (AH). We examined changes in clinical characteristics of patients admitted with AH and tracked hospital outcomes as practice changes involving LT have shifted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the National Inpatient Sample, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of patients admitted with AH during the years 2016-2020 in the US. Differences in clinical characteristics over time were assessed. To compare outcomes between 2016-2017 (when LT was less common) and 2018-2020 (when LT was more common), we conducted linear and logistic regression. Propensity-score matching was used to compare outcomes between patients with and without LT. RESULTS: From 2016-2017 to 2018-2020, patients admitted with AH tended to have a higher frequency of infection (p = 0.006), hepatorenal syndrome (<0.001), and ascites (<0.001). Hospital costs and length of stay (LOS) were highest in transplant hospitals, and costs rose over time in both non-transplant (NT) teaching and non-teaching hospitals (p < 0.001). Mortality decreased in NT teaching hospitals [aOR 0.7 (95% CI: 0.6-0.8)] and slightly decreased in NT non-teaching hospitals [aOR 0.7 (95% CI: 0.5-1.0)]. In the propensity-matched cohort involving LT versus non-LT patients, there was a 10% absolute reduction in-hospital mortality, but this came at a higher cost (p < 0.001) and length of stay (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of AH has been increasing over time, yet mortality has declined after adjusting for severity of disease. Patients who underwent LT survived; however, the healthcare burden of LT is substantial.

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Hepatitis Alcohólica , Trasplante de Hígado , Humanos , Estados Unidos/epidemiología , Trasplante de Hígado/efectos adversos , Hepatitis Alcohólica/diagnóstico , Hepatitis Alcohólica/cirugía , Pacientes Internos , Estudios Transversales , Hospitalización

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BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant cause of oncologic mortality worldwide. Liver transplantation represents a curative option for patients with significant liver dysfunction and absence of metastases. However, this therapeutic option is associated with significant blood loss and frequently requires various transfusions and intraoperative blood salvage for autotransfusion (IBS-AT) with or without a leukocyte reduction filter. This study aimed to analyze available evidence on long-term oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing liver transplantation for HCC with and without IBS-AT. METHODS: Per PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of keywords "Blood Salvage," "Auto-transfusion," "Hepatocellular carcinoma," and "Liver-transplant" was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS. Studies comparing operative and postoperative outcomes were screened and analyzed for review. RESULTS: Twelve studies totaling 1704 participants were included for analysis. Length of stay, recurrence rates, and overall survival were not different between IBS-AT group and non IBS-AT group. CONCLUSION: IBS-AT use is not associated with increased risk of recurrence in liver transplant for HCC even without leukocyte filtration. Both operative and postoperative outcomes are similar between groups. Comparison of analyzed studies suggest that IBS-AT is safe for use during liver transplant for HCC.

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Carcinoma Hepatocelular , Síndrome del Colon Irritable , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Trasplante de Hígado , Humanos , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patología , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , Transfusión de Sangre Autóloga/efectos adversos , Trasplante de Hígado/efectos adversos , Síndrome del Colon Irritable/etiología , Recurrencia Local de Neoplasia/etiología , Recurrencia Local de Neoplasia/cirugía , Estudios Retrospectivos

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ABSTRACT Objective: to develop and validate an educational game capable of supporting health education actions for patients undergoing liver transplantation. Method: this is a study of a technological product, based on the User-Centered Design framework, carried out in a reference hospital for liver transplantation. Participants were patients undergoing liver transplantation, nurses and information technology professionals. Data collection took place through semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire, using Brazilian standards for usability assessment. Data analysis occurred through content analysis, based on the calculation model for the System Usability Scale. Results: seventeen patients participated, including seven nurses and four information technology professionals. The game is made up of five paths with the main care to be carried out at home. Each path presents steps to be followed with its rules. As for validation, the overall mean was 1.38. Usability assessment by patients had a mean of 80 points, while by professionals it was above 75%. Conclusion: it is considered that the aforementioned tool is capable of being used in practice by users. Furthermore, this was adjusted to meet the needs of patients undergoing liver transplantation to support and manage home care.

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RESUMEN Objetivo: desarrollar y validar un juego educativo capaz de apoyar acciones de educación en salud para pacientes sometidos a trasplante de hígado. Método: estudio de un producto tecnológico, basado en el marco del Diseño Centrado en el Usuario, realizado en un hospital de referencia para trasplante hepático. Los participantes fueron pacientes sometidos a trasplante de hígado, enfermeras y profesionales de tecnologías de la información. La recolección de datos se realizó a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y cuestionario, utilizando estándares brasileños para la evaluación de la usabilidad. El análisis de los datos ocurrió a través del análisis de contenido, basado en el modelo de cálculo de la System Usability Scale. Resultados: participaron 17 pacientes, entre ellos siete enfermeras y cuatro profesionales de tecnologías de la información. El juego se compone de cinco recorridos cuyo cuidado principal se realizará en casa. Cada camino presenta pasos a seguir con sus reglas. En cuanto a la validación, la media general fue de 1,38. La valoración de la usabilidad por parte de los pacientes tuvo una media de 80 puntos, mientras que la de los profesionales superó el 75%. Conclusión: se considera que la herramienta antes mencionada es susceptible de ser utilizada en la práctica por los usuarios. Además, esto se ajustó para satisfacer las necesidades de los pacientes sometidos a trasplante de hígado para apoyar y gestionar la atención domiciliaria.

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RESUMO Objetivo: desenvolver e validar jogo educativo capaz de subsidiar ações de educação em saúde ao paciente submetido ao transplante hepático. Método: estudo de produto tecnológico, sustentado no referencial doDesign Centrado no Usuário, realizado em hospital de referência em transplante hepático. Participantes foram pacientes submetidos ao transplante hepático, enfermeiros e profissionais da tecnologia da informação. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e questionário, utilizando as normas brasileiras para avaliação da usabilidade. A análise dos dados ocorreu por meio de análise de conteúdo, com base no modelo de cálculo para a escala de System Usability Scale. Resultados: participaram 17 pacientes, dos quais, sete enfermeiros e quatro profissionais da tecnologia da informação. O jogo é formado por cinco caminhos com os principais cuidados a serem desenvolvidos em domicílio. Cada caminho apresenta etapas a serem seguidas com suas regras. Quanto à validação, a média geral foi de 1,38. A avaliação da usabilidade pelos pacientes teve média de 80 pontos, já pelos profissionais foi acima de 75%. Conclusão: considera-se que a referida ferramenta está apta para ser usada na prática pelos usuários. Ainda, essa foi ajustada para atender às necessidades dos pacientes submetidos ao transplante hepático para apoiar e gerenciar os cuidados em domicílio.

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT Objective: to construct and validate an educational booklet on post-liver transplant for family caregivers. Method: a methodological study carried out in two stages from August 2021 to July 2023: 1) Construction of the educational booklet aimed at liver transplant patient's family caregivers; and 2) Content and face validation by expert judges and semantic validity with the target audience. For the experts to analyze the validity data, the Content Validity Index was used (≥0.78 per item and ≥0.80 in total), as well as the Exact Binomial Distribution test (p>0.05 and 0.80) and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (95%) for greater reliability. In the semantic evaluation, the IRaMuTeQ software was used to guide the analysis of the interviews, using Descending Hierarchical Classification and Word Cloud. Results: after the bibliographic survey, four axes guided the construction of the booklet. The total Content Validity Index was 0.99 (p>0.05), with excellent reliability (ICC=0.946). The total Face Validity Index was 0.93 (p>0.05), with good reliability (ICC=0.766). In terms of semantics, the analytical categories pointed to a satisfactory level of perception and understanding of the booklet by the target audience. Conclusion: the technology is innovative, including caregivers in the education process, and is relevant to post-transplant care. The validation process shows the feasibility of understanding the booklet and the need to use it to improve home care.

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RESUMEN Objetivo: construir y validar un folleto educativo sobre el período posterior a trasplantes hepáticos destinado a cuidadores familiares. Método: estudio metodológico realizado en dos etapas entre agosto de 2021 y julio de 2023: 1) Construcción del folleto educativo destinado a cuidadores familiares de pacientes sometidos a trasplantes hepáticos; y 2) Validación del contenido y la apariencia a cargo de jueces especialistas, además de la validez semántica con el público objetivo. Para el análisis de los datos de validez a cargo de los especialistas se utilizó el Índice de Validez de Contenido (≥ 0,78 por ítem y ≥ 0,80 en el total), además de la prueba Exacta de Distribución Binomial (p>0,05 y 0,80) y del Coeficiente de Correlación Intraclase (95%) para mayor confiabilidad. En la evaluación semántica se empleó el programa de software IRaMuTeQ para guiar el análisis de las entrevistas, por medio de la Clasificación Jerárquica Descendente y de una Nube de palabras. Resultados: después del relevamiento bibliográfico se identificaron cuatro ejes que guiaron la construcción del folleto. El Índice de Validez de Contenido total fue 0,99 (p>0,05), con excelente confiabilidad (CCI=0,946). El Índice de Validez de Apariencia total fue 0,93 (p>0,05), con buen nivel de confiabilidad (CCI=0,766). En el caso de la semántica, las categorías analíticas analizadas señalaron un nivel satisfactorio de percepción y comprensión del folleto entre el público objetivo. Conclusión: la tecnología demuestra ser innovadora, incluyendo a los cuidadores en el proceso de educación, además de ser relevante para la atención que debe proporcionarse después del trasplante. El proceso de validación denota la viabilidad de la comprensión expuesta en el folleto y la necesidad de emplearlo para mejorar los cuidados domiciliarios.

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RESUMO Objetivo: construir e validar uma cartilha educativa sobre o pós-transplante hepático para o familiar cuidador. Método: estudo metodológico, realizado em duas etapas durante o período de agosto de 2021 a julho de 2023: 1) Construção da cartilha educativa voltada ao familiar cuidador do paciente transplantado hepático e 2) Validação de conteúdo e aparência pelos juízes especialistas e de validade semântica junto ao público-alvo. Para análise dos dados de validade pelos especialistas foi utilizado o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo, ≥ 0,78 por item e ≥ 0,80 no total, além do teste Exato de Distribuição Binomial (p>0,05 e 0,80) e do Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (95%) para maior confiabilidade. Na avaliação semântica, foi utilizado o software IRaMuTeQ para nortear a análise das entrevistas, por meio da Classificação Hierárquica Descendente e da Nuvem de Palavras. Resultados: após o levantamento bibliográfico, quatro eixos nortearam a construção da cartilha. O Índice de Validade de Conteúdo total foi de 0,99 (p>0,05), com excelente confiabilidade (CCI=0,946). O Índice de Validade de Aparência total foi de 0,93 (p>0,05) e boa confiabilidade (CCI=0,766). Na semântica, as categorias analíticas analisadas apontaram um nível satisfatório de percepção e compreensão da cartilha pelo público-alvo. Conclusão: a tecnologia mostra-se inovadora, incluindo os cuidadores no processo de educação, sendo relevante para o cuidado pós-transplante. O processo de validação denota a viabilidade da compreensão exposta na cartilha e a necessidade de utilização dela para a melhoria do cuidado domiciliar.

RESUMEN

The therapeutic utility of ultrasound-guided endoscopy has grown significantly in recent years. In this report, we describe a case of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in a liver transplant recipient found to have an encapsulated fluid collection in the inferior mediastinum, which was drained with an endoscopic ultrasound-guided technique, precluding the need for percutaneous or surgical intervention.