RESUMEN

The crude oil contamination along the Brazilian Northeast coast significantly impacted reef ecosystems. This study assessed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in seawater, fluorescence of bile PAHs, and biochemical biomarkers in damselfish Stegastes fuscus across four coral reef areas pre- and post-oil contamination. Serrambi (SE) and Japaratinga (JP1) were identified as suitable reference areas. PAH concentrations significantly increased in water post-contamination, predominantly 2 to 3 ring parent and alkylated PAHs. Biliary PAHs naphthalene, phenanthrene, chrysene, pyrene and benzo(a)pyrene increased on Paiva post-spill versus pre-spill to 173 %, 449 %, 334 %, 331 % and 131 %, respectively. Significant increases in ethoxy-resorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) (852 %), catalase (CAT) (139 %) and decrease in lipid peroxidation (LPO) (40 %) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (75 %) were verified in Paiva samples. Biliary PAHs and biochemical biomarkers were altered in S. fuscus after exposure to PAHs dissolved from the oil. Stegastes fuscus emerges as a promising sentinel organism for coastal reef oil pollution monitoring.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

There are no standard management protocols for the treatment of bile leak (BL) after liver transplantation. The objective of this study is to describe treatment options for BL after pediatric LT. METHODS: Retrospective analysis (January 2010-March 2023). VARIABLES STUDIED: preoperative data, status at diagnosis, and postoperative outcome. Four groups: observation (n = 9), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC, n = 38), ERCP (2), and surgery (n = 27). RESULTS: Nine hundred and thirty-one pediatric liver transplantation (859 LDLT and 72 DDT); 78 (8.3%) patients had BL, all in LDLT. The median (IQR) peritoneal bilirubin (PB) level and fluid-to-serum bilirubin ratio (FSBR) at diagnosis was 14.40 mg/dL (8.5-29), and 10.7 (4.1-23.7). Patients who required surgery for treatment underwent the procedure earlier, at a median of 14 days (IQR: 7-19) versus 22 days for PTC (IQR: 15-27, p = 0.002). PB and FSBR were significantly lower in the observation group. In 11 cases, conservative management had resolution of the BL in an average time of 35 days, and 38 patients underwent PTC in a median time of 22 days (15-27). Twenty-seven (34.6%) patients were reoperated as initial treatment for BL in a median time of 17 days (1-108 days); 25 (33%) patients evolved with biliary stricture, 5 (18.5%) after surgery, and 20 (52.6%) after PTC (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with BL who were observed presented significantly lower levels of PB and FSBR versus those who underwent PTC or surgery. Patients treated with PTC presented higher rates of biliary stricture during the follow-up.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The presence of positive bile culture during intraoperative procedures has been associated with elevated morbidity and mortality rates in hepatobiliopancreatic surgeries, contributing to increased healthcare expenditures. However, the precise impact of bactobilia on the development of postoperative complications remains uncertain due to existing disparities in the published literature. In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed 137 patients who underwent major hepatobiliopancreatic surgery to examine the relationship between intraoperative bile culture outcomes and subsequent postoperative infectious complications. Among patients with bactobilia, a significant 35.1% exhibited systemic or local infectious complications, whereas only 11.1% of those with negative culture results experienced any infectious complications (p = 0.002). Similarly, a notable difference was observed in the incidence of surgical site infections, with 24.3% in the bactobilia group compared to 7.9% in the negative culture group (p = 0.01). A total of 74 monomicrobial cultures with microbiological growth were isolated, predominantly featuring Gram-negative microorganisms, primarily Enterobacteriaceae in 49 cultures. Escherichia coli was identified in 37.8% of positive cultures, while Klebsiella pneumoniae was evident in 21.6%. Gram-positive microorganisms were present in 10 cultures, with Enterococcus emerging as the prevailing species. The logistic regression model identified a positive bile culture as an independent factor significantly associated with infection development (OR: 2.26; 95% confidence interval: 1.23-11; p = 0.02). Considering the limitations of the study, these findings underscore the critical importance of conducting bile cultures during the intraoperative phase to enable vigilant monitoring and prompt management of infectious complications.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The accidental spill of petroleum asphalt cement (PAC) in São Raimundo (SR Harbor, located on the Rio Negro (Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil) was monitored through the analysis of polyciclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and a set of biomarkers in fishes (exposure biomarkes: PAHs-type metabolites concentrations in bile; the activities of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in liver. Effect biomarkers: lipid peroxidation concentration (LPO) in liver, acetylcholinesterase activity in brain, and genotoxic DNA damage in erythrocytes). Two fish species, Acarichthys heckelii and Satanoperca jurupari, were collected 10, 45, and 90 days after the PAC spill in São Raimundo. At the same time, fish were collected from the Tupé Sustainable Development Reserve (Tupé) which served as a reference area. The sampling periods were related to the rising waters of the natural flood pulse of the Rio Negro. Higher concentrations of PAHs in water were observed at 10 and 45 days and returned to the values of TP 90 days after the PAC spill, a period in which harbor waters rose about 0.2 m. Unlike the PAHs in water, biomarker responses in both fish species significantly increased following the PAC spill in SR. Hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), PAH-like metabolites in bile, and erythrocyte DNA damage increases, together with inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain were the most evident responses for both fish species. The calculated pyrolytic index showed mixed sources of PAHs (petrogenic and pyrolytic). The applied PCA-FA indicated important relationships between dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and PAHs concentrations in water, where DOC and PAHs concentrations contributed to biomarkers responses for both fish species in all collection periods.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Acute cholangitis is a bile duct infection associated with bile duct obstruction. Bile culture is positive in most cases, and the most frequent etiological agent is Escherichia coli. Candida sp acute cholangitis is a rare finding, which is more common in patients with immunosuppression, use of corticosteroids, prolonged antibiotic treatment or surgical procedures of the bile duct. We present the case of a 67-year-old woman with none of the above-mentioned history who consulted for fever, abdominal pain and jaundice. MRI of the abdomen revealed a lithiasic image in the common bile duct with dilation. It required endoscopic drainage of the biliary tract. Direct microscopic examination of the bile fluid revealed gram-negative bacilli and yeast, and in the culture of bile fluid Klebsiella pneumoniae producing extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and Candida glabrata were isolated. The patient completed the antibiotic treatment with piperacillin tazobactam and anidulafungin with good evolution. Bile duct infection by association of Gram-negative bacilli and Candida sp is a rare entity, more in patients without underlying diseases.

La colangitis aguda es una infección de la vía biliar, asociada a la obstrucción de esta. El cultivo de la bilis es positivo en la mayoría de los casos y el agente etiológico más frecuente es Escherichia coli. La colangitis aguda por Candida sp es un hallazgo poco común, que es más frecuente en pacientes con inmunocompromiso, uso de corticoides, tratamiento antibiótico prolongado o procedimientos quirúrgicos de la vía biliar. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 67 años, que no presentaba ninguno de los antecedentes mencionados, y que consultó por fiebre, dolor abdominal e ictericia. En la resonancia magnética nuclear de abdomen se constató imagen litiásica en el colédoco con dilatación de la vía biliar. Requirió drenaje endoscópico del tracto biliar. En el examen microscópico directo del líquido biliar se evidenciaron levaduras y bacilos Gram negativos, y en el cultivo se aisló Klebsiella pneumoniae productora de betalactamasa de espectro extendido (BLEE) y Candida glabrata. La paciente completó el tratamiento antibiótico con piperacilina tazobactam y anidulafungina con buena evolución. La infección de la vía biliar por la asociación de bacilos Gram negativos y Candida sp es una entidad poco frecuente, más en pacientes sin enfermedades subyacentes.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Introducción: El biliotórax es una condición infrecuente definida por la presencia de bilis en el espacio pleural. Actualmente, hay alrededor de 70 casos descritos en la litera-tura. Sigue siendo relativamente desconocido, por lo tanto, poco sospechado. Esta entidad suele ser el resultado de una lesión iatrogénica, a menudo secundaria a cirugías o traumatismos del tracto biliar, que conduce a la formación de una fístula pleurobiliar.

Introduction: Bilothorax is a rare condition defined by the presence of bile in the pleural space. Currently, there are around 70 cases described in the literature. It remains relatively unknown and, therefore, little suspected. This entity is usually the result of an iatrogenic injury, often secondary to surgery or trauma to the biliary tract, leading to the formation of a pleurobiliary fistula

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation has been demonstrated to be the best treatment for several liver diseases, while grafts are limited. This has caused an increase in waiting lists, making it necessary to find ways to expand the number of organs available for transplantation. Normothermic perfusion (NMP) of liver grafts has been established as an alternative to static cold storage (SCS), but only a small number of perfusion machines are commercially available. METHODS: Using a customized ex situ machine perfusion, we compared the results between ex situ NMP and SCS preservation in a porcine liver transplant model. RESULTS: During NMP, lactate concentrations were 80% lower after the 3-h perfusion period, compared with SCS. Bile production had a 2.5-fold increase during the NMP period. After transplantation, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were 35% less in the NMP group, compared to the SCS group. In pathologic analyses of grafts after transplant, tissue oxidation did not change between groups, but the ischemia-reperfusion injury score was lower in the NMP group. CONCLUSION: NMP reduced hepatocellular damage and ischemia-reperfusion injury when compared to SCS using a customized perfusion machine. This could be an alternative for low-income countries to include machine perfusion in their therapeutic options.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

La colangitis biliar primaria es una enfermedad hepática autoinmune que conduce a la destrucción progresiva de los conductos biliares intrahepáticos, lo que aumenta el riesgo de desarrollar cirrosis e hipertensión portal. Actualmente, el ácido ursodesoxicólico es el medicamento de primera línea para el tratamiento de esta entidad. Este medicamento desplaza los ácidos biliares hidrofóbicos y aumenta las concentraciones de ácidos biliares hidrofílicos en la bilis, lo cual favorece la integridad de los conductos biliares, adicionalmente, tiene efectos antiinflamatorios y propiedades inmunomo-duladoras y antiapoptóticas. En los últimos 40 años, numerosos ensayos clínicos han respaldado la eficacia clínica del ácido ursodesoxicólico y su seguridad cuando se utiliza en pacientes con colan-gitis biliar primaria. Se realiza una revisión del ácido ursodesoxicólico en el contexto de colangitis biliar primaria, se describe su historia, mecanismos de acción, efectos secundarios y dosificación. Finalmente, se menciona su uso en situaciones especiales como son el embarazo y la lactancia

Primary biliary cholangitis is an autoimmune liver disease that leads to progressive destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts, increasing the risk of developing cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Currently, ursodeoxycholic acid is the first-line drug for the treatment of this condition. This drug displaces hy-drophobic bile acids and increases concentrations of hydrophilic bile acids in the bile, which favors the integrity of the bile ducts, additionally, it has anti-inflammatory effects and immunoprotective and antiapoptotic properties. Over the past 40 years numerous clinical trials have supported the clinical efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid and its safety when used in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. A review of ursodeoxycholic acid in the context of primary biliary cholangitis is carried out, and its history, mechanisms of action, side effects and dosage are described. Finally, its use in special situations such as pregnancy and lactation are discussed.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate liver malformations and intrahepatic bile ductal ectasia and dilatation (IBDED) in cases of prenatal diagnosis of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: This retrospective study involved 209 cases referred for fetal MRI studies (f-MRI) from March 2004 and December 2019, suspicious of congenital renal disease. Fetuses that met the criteria for ARPKD were selected. RESULTS: Six cases were diagnosed as ARPKD (2.8%). The median gestational age at MRI examination was 28 weeks (24-36 weeks). IBDED was observed in 84% of cases. Moreover, 66% presented multilobar liver lesions, and 33% exhibited monolobar lesions. The "central dot sign" (CDS) was found in half of the cases. CONCLUSION: In this case series of prenatal diagnosis of ARPKD using f-MRI, IBDED was present in the majority of the cases, and the CDS was noted in half of the cases.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Los niveles de bilirrubina sérica normal en el adulto varían entre 0,3 mg/dL y 1,2 mg/dL, y su valor está determinado por la tasa de captación hepática, conjugación y excreción. La ictericia se hace evidente cuando los niveles de bilirrubina sérica se elevan por encima de 2,5 mg/dL a 3 mg/dL, siendo un indicador de enfermedad subyacente. La bilis es producida por los hepatocitos y fluye desde los canalículos, canales de Hering, conductos biliares intrahepáticos, conductos hepáticos derechos e izquierdos hasta llegar al duodeno. A nivel histopatológico, cualquier entidad que lleve a la acumulación intrahepática de bilis por disfunción hepatocelular u obstrucción biliar genera colestasis, que se observa en la biopsia hepática como la acumulación de tapones de color marrón verdoso de pigmento biliar en los hepatocitos, y secundariamente se observan los canalículos dilatados. Las causas de colestasis intrahepática son diversas e incluyen enfermedades como colangitis biliar primaria, colangitis esclerosante primaria, hepatitis autoinmune, hepatitis virales y toxicidad medicamentosa. Esta revisión tiene como objetivo analizar algunos tipos de hiperbilirrubinemia, resaltando sus características histopatológicas.

Normal serum bilirubin levels in adults range from 0.3 mg/dL to 1.2 mg/dL, and its value is determined by the rate of hepatic uptake, conjugation, and excretion. Jaundice becomes apparent when serum bilirubin levels rise above 2.5 mg/dL to 3.5 mg/dL and is an indicator of underlying disease. Bile is produced by hepatocytes and flows from the canaliculi, Hering's canals, intrahepatic bile ducts, and right and left hepatic ducts to the duodenum. Pathologically, any condition that leadsto intrahepatic accumulation of bile due to hepatocellular dysfunction or biliary obstruction, generates cholestasis, which is observed in liver biopsy as the accumulation of greenish-brown deposits of bile pigment in hepatocytes, with dilated canaliculi. The causes of intrahepatic cholestasis are diverse and include diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis, viral hepatitis, and drug toxicity. This review aims to analyze some types of hyperbilirubinemia, highlighting their histopathological characteristics.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Paraquat (PQ), an herbicide widely used in agriculture, is considered a highly toxic compound. In hepatocytes, P-glycoprotein (P-gp/Abcb1) is a canalicular transporter involved in PQ extrusion from the cell. Previously, we demonstrated that genistein (GNT) induces P-gp in rat liver. In this study, the protective role of GNT pretreatment towards hepatic damage in a model of acute intoxication with PQ in rats, was investigated. Wistar rats were randomized in 4 groups: Control, GNT (5 mg/kg/day sc, 4 days), PQ (50 mg/kg/day ip, last day) and GNT+ PQ. Hepatic lipoperoxidation (LPO) was evaluated by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances method. Hepatic levels of 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts (4-HNEp-add) and glutathione-S-transferase alpha (GSTα) protein expression were evaluated by Western blotting. Hepatic glutathione levels and plasma levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were also measured. Biliary excretion of PQ was studied in vivo and in isolated perfused liver. PQ was quantified by HPLC. PQ significantly increased AST and ALT activities, malondialdehyde and 4-HNEp-add levels, whereby pretreatment with GNT ameliorated this effect. PQ biliary excretion remained unchanged after treatments in both experimental models. Hepatic GSTα expression was augmented in GNT group. GNT pretreatment increased hepatic glutathione levels in PQ + GNT group. These results agree with the lower content of 4-HNEp-adds in GNT + PQ group respect to PQ group. Unexpectedly, increased activity of P-gp did not enhance PQ biliary excretion. Thus, GNT protective mechanism is likely through the induction of GSTα which results in increased 4-HNE metabolism before formation of protein adducts.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Significance: Most hepatopathies are primarily or secondarily cholestatic in nature. Oxidative stress (OS) is a frequent trait among them, and impairs the machinery to generate bile by triggering endocytic internalization of hepatocellular transporters, thus causing cholestasis. This is critical, since it leads to accelerated transporter degradation, which could explain the common post-transcriptional downregulation of transporter expression in human cholestatic diseases. Recent Advances: The mechanisms involved in OS-induced hepatocellular transporter internalization are being revealed. Filamentous actin (F-actin) cytoskeleton disorganization and/or detachment of crosslinking actin proteins that afford transporter stability have been characterized as causal factors. Activation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways leading to changes in phosphorylation status of these structures is involved, including Ca2+-mediated activation of "classical" and "novel" protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms or redox-signaling cascades downstream of NADPH oxidase. Critical Issues: Despite the well-known occurrence of hepatocellular transporter internalization in human hepatopathies, the cholestatic implications of this phenomenon have been overlooked. Accordingly, no specific treatment has been established in the clinical practice for its prevention/reversion. Future Directions: We need to improve our knowledge on the pro-oxidant triggering factors and the multiple signaling pathways that mediate this oxidative injury in each cholestatic hepatopathy, so as to envisage tailor-made therapeutic strategies for each case. Meanwhile, administration of antioxidants or heme oxygenase-1 induction to elevate the hepatocellular levels of the endogenous scavenger bilirubin are promising alternatives that need to be re-evaluated and implemented. They may complement current treatments in cholestasis aimed to enhance transcriptional carrier expression, by providing membrane stability to the newly synthesized carriers. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 808-831.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Fascioliasis is a zoonotic infection linked to significant economic losses in the livestock industry. Infection prevalence and estimated financial burden vary across locations owing to different diagnostic tests used. The accuracy of liver condemnation to estimate the prevalence and costs of fascioliasis has seldom been evaluated. We performed a pilot study to determine the prevalence and burden of Fasciola hepatica infection among cattle slaughtered at the municipal abattoir in the Anta province of the Cusco highlands in Peru. We compared liver condemnation with bile microscopy for the diagnosis of infection and prediction of carcass weight. Data were collected from 2009 slaughtered cattle for 1 year. The overall prevalence of Fasciola infection by bile microscopy was 62.5% (1247/2009). A higher prevalence was observed after the rainy season from March to August than from September to February (p < 0.01). Fascioliasis prevalence during the first 6 months was 77.4% (714/923), combining the results of condemnation and microscopy. Bile microscopy diagnosed more infections than liver condemnation (62.7% (579/923) versus 55.4% (511/923), McNemar test p < 0.01). The agreement of the bile microscopy testing with liver condemnation was fair (κ = 0.247). Animal age, gender, breed, and liver condemnation predicted carcass weight [F (df 4, 704) = 61.1, p < 0.001]. Liver condemnation and bile microscopy are complementary tools for evaluation of the prevalence and burden of fascioliasis in livestock. Large scale studies are warranted to confirm our results.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the effects of the timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on liver function, bile biochemical indices, inflammatory reactions, and cholecysto-choledocholithiasis patient prognoses. METHODS: A total of 103 cholecysto-choledocholithiasis patients were stratified into control (CG; n=51; LC at 4-7 d after ERCP) and observation groups (OG; n=52; LC at 1-3 d after ERCP) using a random number table. RESULTS: The surgical time was shorter and intraoperative blood loss was less in OG than in CG, and the two groups were not statistically different in terms of time to the first passage of gas through anus, length of postoperative hospital stay, conversion rate to laparotomy, and stone-free rate. Four weeks after LC, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBil), albumin (ALB), and glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels declined in both groups, but the difference was not statistically significant. Three days after LC, total bile acid (TBA) levels increased, and cholesterol (CHO), unconjugated bilirubin (UCB), and TBiL levels were reduced in both groups, but were not statistically different (p>0.05). Three days after LC, interleukin (IL)-6, procalcitonin (PCT), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in the serum and bile increased in both groups and were lower in OG. The total incidence of perioperative complications was 1.92% in OG, which was lower than 15.69% in the CG. CONCLUSION: For cholecysto-choledocholithiasis patients, LC at 1-3 d after ERCP can shorten surgical times, reduce intraoperative blood loss, improve liver function and bile biochemistry, relieve inflammatory reactions, reduce complications, and improve prognoses.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Bile secretion by hepatocytes is an osmotic process. The output of bile salts and other organic anions (e.g. glutathione), through the bile salt transporter BSEP/ABCB11 and the organic anion transporter MRP2/ABCC2, respectively, are considered to be the major osmotic driving forces for water secretion into bile canaliculi mainly via aquaporin-8 (AQP8) channels. The down-regulated canalicular expression of these key solute transporters and AQP8 would be a primary event in the establishment of hepatocellular cholestasis. Recent studies in animal models of hepatocellular cholestasis show that the hepatic delivery of AdhAQP1, an adenovector encoding for the archetypical water channel human aquaporin-1 (hAQP1), improves bile secretion and restores to normal the elevated serum bile salt levels. AdhAQP1-transduced hepatocytes show that the canalicularly-expressed hAQP1 not only enhances osmotic membrane water permeability but also induces the transport activities of BSEP/ABCB11 and MRP2/ABCC2 by redistribution in canalicular cholesterol-rich microdomains likely through interactions with the cholesterol-binding protein caveolin-1. Thus, the hepatic gene transfer of hAQP1 improves the bile secretory failure in hepatocellular cholestasis by increasing both biliary output and choleretic efficiency of key osmotic solutes, such as, bile salts and glutathione. The study of hepatocyte aquaporins has provided new insights into the mechanisms of bile formation and cholestasis, and may lead to innovative treatments for cholestatic liver diseases.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Hepatobiliary surgery and hepatic trauma are frequent causes of bile leaks and this feared complication can be safely managed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The approach consists of sphincterotomy alone, biliary stenting or a combination of the two but the optimal form remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare sphincterotomy alone versus sphincterotomy plus biliary stent placement in the treatment of post-surgical and traumatic bile leaks. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 31 patients with the final ERCP diagnosis of "bile leak". Data collected included patient demographics, etiology of the leak and the procedure details. The treatment techniques were divided into two groups: sphincterotomy alone vs. sphincterotomy plus biliary stenting. We evaluated the volume of the abdominal surgical drain before and after each procedure and the number of days needed until cessation of drainage post ERCP. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients (18 men and 3 women; mean age, 51 years) with bile leaks were evaluated. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was the etiology of the leak in 14 (45%) cases, followed by conventional cholecystectomy in 9 (29%) patients, hepatic trauma in 5 (16%) patients, and hepatectomy secondary to neoplasia in 3 (9.7%) patients. The most frequent location of the leaks was the cystic duct stump with 12 (38.6%) cases, followed by hepatic common duct in 10 (32%) cases, common bile duct in 7 (22%) cases and the liver bed in 2 (6.5%) cases. 71% of the patients were treated with sphincterotomy plus biliary stenting, and 29% with sphincterotomy alone. There was significant difference between the volume drained before and after both procedures (P<0.05). However, when comparing sphincterotomy alone and sphincterotomy plus biliary stenting, regarding the volume drained and the days needed to cessation of drainage, there was no statistical difference in both cases (P>0.005). CONCLUSION: ERCP remains the first line treatment for bile leaks with no difference between sphincterotomy alone vs sphincterotomy plus stent placement.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hepatobiliary surgery and hepatic trauma are frequent causes of bile leaks and this feared complication can be safely managed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The approach consists of sphincterotomy alone, biliary stenting or a combination of the two but the optimal form remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare sphincterotomy alone versus sphincterotomy plus biliary stent placement in the treatment of post-surgical and traumatic bile leaks. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 31 patients with the final ERCP diagnosis of "bile leak". Data collected included patient demographics, etiology of the leak and the procedure details. The treatment techniques were divided into two groups: sphincterotomy alone vs. sphincterotomy plus biliary stenting. We evaluated the volume of the abdominal surgical drain before and after each procedure and the number of days needed until cessation of drainage post ERCP. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients (18 men and 3 women; mean age, 51 years) with bile leaks were evaluated. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was the etiology of the leak in 14 (45%) cases, followed by conventional cholecystectomy in 9 (29%) patients, hepatic trauma in 5 (16%) patients, and hepatectomy secondary to neoplasia in 3 (9.7%) patients. The most frequent location of the leaks was the cystic duct stump with 12 (38.6%) cases, followed by hepatic common duct in 10 (32%) cases, common bile duct in 7 (22%) cases and the liver bed in 2 (6.5%) cases. 71% of the patients were treated with sphincterotomy plus biliary stenting, and 29% with sphincterotomy alone. There was significant difference between the volume drained before and after both procedures (P<0.05). However, when comparing sphincterotomy alone and sphincterotomy plus biliary stenting, regarding the volume drained and the days needed to cessation of drainage, there was no statistical difference in both cases (P>0.005). CONCLUSION: ERCP remains the first line treatment for bile leaks with no difference between sphincterotomy alone vs sphincterotomy plus stent placement.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Cirurgia hepatobiliar e trauma hepático são causas frequentes de fístulas biliares, e esta temida complicação pode ser manejada de forma segura através da colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE). O procedimento consiste em esfincterotomia isolada, passagem de prótese biliar ou combinação das duas técnicas, porém a forma ideal permanece incerta. OBJETIVO: O objetivo desse estudo é comparar a realização de esfincterotomia isolada versus locação de prótese biliar no tratamento de fístulas pós-cirúrgicas e traumáticas. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados de forma retrospectiva 31 CPREs com diagnóstico final de "fístula biliar". A informação colhida incluía dados demográficos dos pacientes, etiologia das fístulas e detalhes dos procedimentos. As técnicas de tratamentos foram divididas em dois grupos: esfincterotomia isolada vs esfincterotomia associada a locação de prótese biliar. Foram analisados os volumes dos drenos abdominais cirúrgicos antes e depois de cada procedimento e o número de dias necessários para que ocorresse cessação da drenagem pelo dreno abdominal cirúrgico após a CPRE. RESULTADOS: Um total de 31 pacientes (18 homens e 3 mulheres; idade média de 51 anos) com fístulas biliares foram avaliados. Colecistectomia laparoscópica foi a etiologia da fístula em 14 (45%) casos, seguida de colecistectomia convenvional em 9 (29%) pacientes, trauma hepático em 5 (16%) pacientes, e hepatectomia secundária a neoplasia em 3 (9,7%) pacientes. As localizações mais frequentes das fístulas foram: coto do ducto císticos com 12 (38,6%) casos, seguido de ducto hepático comum em 10 (32%) casos, ducto colédoco em 7 (22%) cases e leito hepático em 2 (6,5%) casos. 71% dos pacientes foram tratados com esfincterotomia associada a passagem de prótese biliar e 29% com esfincterotomia isolada. Houve diferença estatística em relação ao volume drenado antes e depois de ambos os procedimentos (P<0,05). Entretanto, quando comparada esfincterotomia isolada e esfincterotomia associada a passagem de prótese biliar, em relação ao volume drenado e ao número de dias necessários para cessação da drenagem, não houve diferença estatística em ambos os casos (P>0,005). CONCLUSÃO: A CPRE permanece como tratamento de primeira linha no tratamento de fístulas biliares, sem diferença entra a esfincterotomia isolada versus esfincterotomia associada a passagem de prótese biliar.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The reflux of pancreatic enzymes into the bile duct and the gallbladder is an abnormal phenomenon that plays a role in lithogenesis and carcinogenesis. Because the pressure of the common bile duct depends on the pressures of the sphincter of Oddi, its dysfunction would be reflected in an increase in the pressure of the common bile duct in patients with cholelithiasis. The objective of this study was to measure the pressures of the common bile duct in patients with and without cholelithiasis and to relate them to the presence of pancreatobiliary reflux. METHODS: A prospective case-control study was designed. The study universe was constituted by all patients undergoing total gastrectomy for gastric cancer stages I and II over 30 months. The primary outcome measure was to establish differences between common bile duct pressures in patients with and without cholelithiasis. RESULTS: Common bile duct pressures in patients with gallstones showed a significant elevation (16.9 mmHg) compared to patients without gallstones (3.3 mm Hg) (p < 0.0001). These pressures correlated with the levels of amylase and lipase in gallbladder bile; higher levels were found in patients with gallstones compared to patients without gallstones (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Common bile duct pressure in patients with cholelithiasis was significantly higher compared to patients without cholelithiasis leading to pancreatobiliary reflux.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Bear bile has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years due to its therapeutic potential and clinical applications. The tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), one of the acids found in bear bile, is a hydrophilic bile acid and naturally produced in the liver by conjugation of taurine to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Several studies have shown that TUDCA has neuroprotective action in several models of neurodegenerative disorders (ND), including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, based on its potent ability to inhibit apoptosis, attenuate oxidative stress, and reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress in different experimental models of these illnesses. Our research extends the knowledge of the bile acid TUDCA actions in ND and the mechanisms and pathways involved in its cytoprotective effects on the brain, providing a novel perspective and opportunities for treatment of these diseases.

Asunto(s)