Search Results (15)

Background/Objectives: Clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) in cirrhotic patients impacts mortality rates and quality of life. CSPH increases the risk of systemic decompensation and could predispose to the deterioration of portal hypertension (PH)–gastric complications, such as portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and portal hypertensive polyps (PHPs). In the management of CSPH with high-risk varices, endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is effective in preventing variceal bleeding. However, this procedure has several drawbacks, ranging from its inability to treat PH to the potential development of significant PH–gastric complications. The aim of our study is to evaluate endoscopic changes in PHG, PHPs, and gastric varices before and after the obliteration of esophageal varices, highlighting the potential risks of EBL. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated forty-four patients who underwent EBL for esophageal varices in emergency and elective settings, according to Baveno VII guidelines. We assessed the presence and severity of PHG, the status of gastric varices, and the number of PHPs before and after the eradication of esophageal varices. We used Fisher’s exact test and t-tests to compare the endoscopic and clinical-laboratory data statistically. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: This study found that after the eradication of varices, there was a significant worsening of PHG in 28 patients (63%) compared to before the procedure (p < 0.05). The condition remained stable in 14 patients (31%). However, it is worth noting that 90% of the patients exhibited severe PHG at baseline. Additionally, the absence of ascites and the non-administration of beta blockers at baseline were independent risk factors for worsening PHG (p < 0.05). Along with the deterioration of PHG, three patients (7%) developed gastric varices, all classified as type 1 gastroesophageal varices, and in two patients (4.5%), PHPs were formed. In particular, out of these two cases, the number of PHPs increased from one to two compared to the baseline. Conclusions: Our study underscores the association of EBL with a general worsening of PH–gastric complications and the protective effect of beta blockers in this context. Despite these promising results, future studies are needed to assess whether the worsening of PH–gastric complications is sustained over time and whether it is associated with a deterioration in clinical outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. Such evidence could help guide a more informed therapeutic decision between EBL and beta blockers. Full article

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently used after endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) to reduce post-procedural bleeding, though studies have shown mixed results regarding their efficacy. While some suggest benefits, others report no significant advantage and highlight potential risks, including infection, kidney injury, and hepatic complications in cirrhotic patients. This study utilizes the TriNetX global health research network to evaluate the outcomes of PPI use following elective EVL for primary prophylaxis. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX database to evaluate adult patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices who underwent EVL for primary prophylaxis. Patients who received at least two weeks of PPI therapy following EVL were compared to those who did not receive PPI within one month post-procedure. Outcomes assessed included esophageal bleeding, adverse events such as acute kidney injury (AKI), pneumonia, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), Clostridioides difficile infection, hepatic encephalopathy, and all-cause mortality at 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Results: Of 6196 patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices who underwent EVL, 12% (n = 764) received adjuvant PPI post-procedure, while 88% (n = 5432) did not receive PPI. After 1:1 propensity score matching, two well-balanced cohorts of 618 patients each were analyzed. PPI use was not associated with a reduction in esophageal bleeding at either 4 weeks (1.8% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.89) or 8 weeks (2.3% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.60). However, the composite adverse event rate—including SBP, hepatic encephalopathy, pneumonia, C. difficile, and acute kidney injury (AKI)—was significantly higher in the PPI group at both 4 weeks (7.9% vs. 3.0%, p < 0.01) and 8 weeks (13.2% vs. 3.0%, p < 0.01). Subgroup analysis showed no significant differences in pneumonia, SBP, or C. difficile infection at either time point. Hepatic encephalopathy was significantly more frequent in the PPI group at 8 weeks (4.9% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.01), and AKI occurred more often at both 4 weeks (5.7% vs. 2.0%, p < 0.01) and 8 weeks (9.6% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.01). Mortality was similar at 4 weeks but significantly higher in the PPI group at 8 weeks (4.3% vs. 1.7%, p < 0.01). Conclusions: PPI use after prophylactic EVL did not reduce bleeding risk and was linked to higher rates of adverse events. These findings suggest routine use may not be beneficial and should be reconsidered in cirrhotic patients who undergo EVL for primary prophylaxis. Full article

Background: Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is a critical complication of portal hypertension, contributing significantly to mortality worldwide. Pharmacological interventions, including terlipressin and octreotide, have evolved to manage AVB, yet consensus on their comparative effectiveness remains elusive. This study conducts a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing terlipressin and octreotide in the management of AVB, aiming to provide insights into their relative benefits. Methods: This study included RCTs with head-to-head comparisons of terlipressin and octreotide. The search strategy covered PubMed, Scopus, and Cinahl databases, and the included studies involved adult patients with confirmed AVB undergoing endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVBL). Results: Seven RCTs meeting inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The assessed outcomes were: achieving haemostasis within 24 h, rebleeding rate, and mortality rate. The pooled analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between terlipressin and octreotide in achieving haemostasis (OR: 1.30, p = 0.23), rebleeding rates at 5 days (OR: 0.7, p = 0.23), and mortality at 42 days (OR: 0.9, p > 0.5). Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that terlipressin and octreotide exhibit similar efficacy in reducing bleeding, rebleeding rates, and mortality when used as adjuvants to EVBL in AVB. Clinicians are encouraged to consider individual patient characteristics and the broader clinical context when choosing between these agents. Future research should focus on addressing existing evidence gaps and enhancing understanding of variables influencing EVBL outcomes. Full article

Background and Objectives: Variceal bleeding (VB) is the most concerning condition that is difficult to treat after atezolizumab/bevacizumab in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: We would like to introduce the cases of two patients who underwent bevacizumab reduction or discontinuation when VB occurred after atezolizumab/bevacizumab. Results: VB occurred in two patients who showed good tumor response after atezolizumab/bevacizumab treatment, and all VBs were successfully treated with endoscopic variceal ligations. In the first patient, VB did not occur as the tumor response decreased after a 50% reduction in bevacizumab. In the second patient, VB occurred again after a 50% bevacizumab reduction, so bevacizumab was discontinued and treatment with atezolizumab alone has been successfully maintained. Conclusions: Accordingly, we would like to suggest that considering bevacizumab dose reduction instead of changing to tyrosine kinase inhibitor may be a good clinical choice in atezolizumab/bevacizumab patients who develop VB. Full article

Background: Acute esophageal variceal bleeding accounts for up to 70% of upper-gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. About 10–20% of patients with acute variceal bleeding have refractory bleeding that is not controlled by medical or endoscopic therapy, and this condition can be life-threatening. Balloon tamponade is a long-standing therapy which is only effective temporarily and has several complications, while transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and liver transplantation may not be readily available at some centers. The use of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) in refractory esophageal variceal bleeding has been studied for effectiveness and adverse events and has been recommended for use as a bridge to a more definitive treatment. Aim: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of SEMSs in managing refractory variceal bleeding. Methods: A systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases was performed from inception to October 2022 using the following terms: “esophageal stent”, “self-expandable metal stents”, “endoscopic hemostasis”, “refractory esophageal varices”, and “esophageal variceal bleeding”. Studies were included in the meta-analysis if they met the following criteria: (1) patients’ age older than 18 and (2) a study (or case series) that has at least 10 patients in the study. Exclusion criteria included (1) non-English publications, (2) in case of overlapping cohorts, data from the most recent and/or most appropriate comprehensive report were collected. DerSimonian–Laird random-effects meta-analysis was performed using the meta package in R statistical software(version 4.2.2). Results: Twelve studies involving 225 patients with 228 stents were included in the analyses. The mean age and/or median age ranged from 49.4 to 69 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 4.4 to 1. The median follow-up period was 42 days. The mean SEMS dwell time was 9.4 days. The most common cause of acute refractory variceal bleeding in chronic liver disease patients included alcohol use followed by viral hepatitis. The pooled rate of immediate bleeding control was 91% (95% CI 82–95%, I² = 0). The pooled rate of rebleeding was 17% (95% CI 8–32%, I² = 69). The pooled rate of stent ulceration was 7% (95% CI 3–13%, I² = 0), and the pooled rate of stent migration was 18% (95% CI 9–32%, I² = 38). The pooled rate of all-cause mortality was 38% (95% CI 30–47%, I² = 34). Conclusions: SEMSs should be primarily considered as salvage therapy when endoscopic band ligation and sclerotherapy fail and can be used as a bridge to emergent TIPS or definitive therapy, such as liver transplantation. Full article

Background: Although bleeding from gastric varices is less observed than esophageal variceal bleeding (VB) (25% vs. 64%), it is associated with an exceedingly high mortality rate of up to 45%. Current guidelines suggest that endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection therapy (ECI) is the first-line treatment for gastric variceal bleeding (GVB). A major concern, however, is the possibility of embolic incidents, which are clinically evident in approximately 1% of cases. There are no guidelines for secondary prophylaxis of GVB. Radiological treatments using a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or balloon occlusive transvenous obliteration (BRTO) are considered viable. However, they are not universally inapplicable; for instance, in the setting of pulmonary hypertension (TIPS). EUS-guided combined injection therapy (EUS-CIT) (embolization coils + cyanoacrylate) is an emerging procedure with a perceived reduced risk of systemic embolization. Case presentation: A patient with alcoholic liver cirrhosis was subjected to EUS-CIT as a secondary prophylaxis for GVB. He had three VB episodes of prior presentation treated by endoscopic band ligation (EBL) and ECI. Due to recurrent episodes of bleeding, he was referred to TIPS, but was considered contraindicated due to severe pulmonary hypertension. EUS-CIT was conducted with two embolization coils inserted into the varix, followed by an injection of 1.5 mL of cyanoacrylate glue. A 19 Ga needle, 0.035″ 14/70 mm coils, non-diluted n-butyl-caynoacrylate, and a transgastric approach were utilized. There were no immediate complications. Complete obliteration of the GV was observed in a follow-up endoscopy on day 30. Subsequent endoscopies in months three and six showed no progression of gastric varices. Conclusions: Our initial experience with EUS-CIT suggests that it can be successfully used as secondary prophylaxis for recurrent GVB. Full article

Background and Aims: Endoscopic band legation (EBL) is an effective method for the prophylaxis of acute variceal bleeding (AVB). This procedure may be associated with several complications, particularly bleeding. Our analysis aimed to evaluate the risk of complications due to EBL in a cohort of patients who underwent EBL for the prophylaxis of variceal bleeding and the eventual presence of risk predictors. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analysed data from consecutive patients who underwent EBL in a primary prophylaxis regimen. For all patients, simultaneously with EBL, we recorded the Child–Pugh and MELD score, platelet count and US features of portal hypertension. Results: We collected data from 431 patients who performed a total of 1028 EBLs. We recorded 86 events (8.4% of all procedures). Bleeding after EBL occurred 64 times (6.2% of all procedures), with the following distribution: intraprocedural bleeding in 4%; hematocystis formation in 17 cases (1.7%); 6 events (0.6%) of AVB due to post-EBL ulcers. None of these events presented a correlation with platelet count (84,235 ± 54,175 × 10³/mL vs. 77,804 ± 75,949 × 10³/mL; p = 0.70) or with the condition of severe thrombocitopenia established at PLT < 50,000/mmc (22.7% with PLT ≤ 50,000/mmc vs. 15.9% with PLT ≥ 50,000/mmc; p = 0.39). Our results showed a relationship between cumulative complications of EBL and Child–Pugh score (6.9 ± 1.6 vs. 6.5 ± 1.3; p = 0.043). Conclusions: EBL in cirrhotic patients is a safe procedure. The risk of adverse events depends on the severity of liver disease, without a relationship with platelet count. Full article

Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is a potentially fatal complication of clinically significant portal hypertension and is one of the most common causes of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Thus, esophagogastric varices represent a major economic and population health issue. Patients with advanced chronic liver disease typically undergo an upper endoscopy to screen for esophagogastric varices. However, upper endoscopy is not recommended for patients with liver stiffness < 20 KPa and platelet count > 150 × 10⁹/L as there is a low probability of high-risk varices. Patients with high-risk varices should receive primary prophylaxis with either nonselective beta-blockers or endoscopic band ligation. In cases of AVB, patients should receive upper endoscopy within 12 h after resuscitation and hemodynamic stability, whereas endoscopy should be performed as soon as possible if patients are unstable. In cases of suspected variceal bleeding, starting vasoactive therapy as soon as possible in combination with endoscopic treatment is recommended. On the other hand, in cases of uncontrolled bleeding, balloon tamponade or self-expandable metal stents can be used as a bridge to more definitive therapy such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. This article aims to offer a comprehensive review of recommendations from international guidelines as well as recent updates on the management of esophagogastric varices. Full article

Background and Objectives: Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is the primary and secondary treatment for acute esophageal variceal bleeding. Post-banding ulcer bleeding (PBUB) may lead to bleeding episodes following EVL, increasing mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for PBUB and predict the 6-week mortality risk after PBUB. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data collected from cirrhotic patients with EVL from 2015 to 2017. The incidence of PBUB and the 6-week mortality rate were evaluated. Risk factors for PBUB and predictive factors for mortality after PBUB were analyzed. Results: A total of 713 patients were enrolled in this study. Among the studied subjects, the incidence of PBUB was 5.8% (N = 41). The 6-week mortality rate was 63.4% (26/41). In multivariate analysis, MELD score ≥20 (OR: 3.77, 95% CI: 1.94–7.33, p < 0.001), ALBI score of 3 (OR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.34–5.3, p = 0.005) and the presence of gastric varices (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.06–4.16, p = 0.03) were associated with the development of PBUB. Patients with ALBI grade 3 (OR: 4.8, 95% CI: 1.18–19.6, p = 0.029) and Child-Pugh scores B and C (OR: 16.67, 95% CI: 1.75–158.1, p = 0.014) were associated with 6-week mortality after PBUB. Conclusions: PBUB is a complication with low incidence but increased mortality following EVL. The ALBI grade is a useful score to predict not only the development of PBUB but also the 6-week mortality after PBUB. Full article

Red color sign-positive (RC-positive) esophageal varices present a high bleeding risk, necessitating prophylactic treatment. Among RC-positive esophageal varices, those classified morphologically as small straight varices (Form level 1: F1) are difficult to treat. Moreover, the appropriate time for therapeutic intervention remains undefined. This study assessed the bleeding risk in RC-positive F1 esophageal varices. After extracting 541 cases of F1 esophageal varices diagnosed during 1 January 2012–29 February 2020, 76 cases of RC-positive F1 esophageal varices were divided into two groups in terms of treatment intervention at diagnosis: 49 cases with (treatment group) and 27 cases without (follow-up group). We assessed the bleeding rates, bleeding-associated factors, and early-bleeding-associated factors. The treatment group’s bleeding rate was 10% (5/49). The follow-up group’s bleeding rate was 78% (21/24). The subsequent bleeding rate was low in the treatment group (p < 0.001). The median period of sustained absence of bleeding was longer in the treatment group than in the follow-up group (1156 [274–1582] days vs. 105 [1–336] days; p < 0.001). In the follow-up group, a significant number of bleedings had varices that included a hematocystic spot (HCS) as RC or combined with RC (p = 0.017). Early bleeding occurred often in varices that included HCS or combined with RC (p = 0.024). Red wale marking (RWM) only was not a factor of early bleeding (p = 0.012). In conclusion, RC-positive varices should be treated even as F1 varices. Patients with RWM only show the possibility of not accepting early treatment intervention. A fast response is crucially important in HCS cases because of its associated bleeding and early bleeding. Full article

Background: Second-generation thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) are emerging as the new standard for managing thrombocytopenia (TCP) in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs) undergoing scheduled procedures. However, practical guidance for their routine use in CLD patients undergoing specific invasive procedures is lacking. Methods: These practice guidelines were developed by the Initiative Group for Central European Hepatologic Collaboration (CEHC), composed of nine hepatologist/gastroenterologist experts from Central Europe. Using an adapted Delphi process, the CEHC group selected ten invasive procedures most relevant to the hepatology/gastroenterology setting in the region. Consensus recommendations for each invasive procedure are reported as a final percentage of expert panel responses. Results: A consensus was agreed that TPO-RAs should be considered for raising platelet count in CLD patients undergoing scheduled abdominal surgery, high-bleeding risk dentistry, endoscopic polypectomy, endoscopic variceal ligation, liver biopsy, liver surgery, liver transplantation and percutaneous ablation, but it was also agreed that they are less beneficial or not necessary for endoscopy without intervention and paracentesis. Conclusions: Using a modified Delphi method, experts reached an agreement for TCP management in CLD patients undergoing ten invasive procedures. These practice guidelines may help with decision making and patient management in areas where clinical evidence is absent or limited. Full article

Variceal haemorrhage is a severe complication of liver disease with high mortality. Human recombinant thrombin has gained popularity in the management of variceal haemorrhage. We report on the use of thrombin for gastric and ectopic varices at a regional tertiary care centre. This was a retrospective observational study. Patients with portal hypertension who received endoscopic injection of recombinant thrombin were identified and data collected on haemostasis and rebleeding rates, complications and mortality. Patients were grouped by indication for thrombin injection: gastric/oesophageal/ectopic varices and endoscopic band ligation (EBL)-induced ulceration. 155 patients (96M/59F, mean age 58.3 years) received endoscopic thrombin injection. Mean volume of thrombin injected at index endoscopy was 9.5 ml/2375IU. Initial haemostasis was achieved in 144 patients (92.9%). Rebleeding occurred in a total of 53 patients (36.8%) divided as follows: early rebleeding (<5 days from index endoscopy)—26 patients (18%); rebleeding within 30 days—42 patients (29.1%); delayed rebleeding (> 30 days)—11 patients (7.6%). There was statistically significant difference in rate of initial haemostasis between Child-Pugh A/B patients vs Child-Pugh C (p = 0.046). There was no significant difference in rebleeding rates between different indication groups (p = 0.78), by presence of cirrhosis or by Child-Pugh Score. All-cause mortality at 6 weeks was 18.7%; 1-year mortality 37.4% (median follow-up 48 months). There was no significant difference in mortality between groups (p = 0.37). No significant adverse events or complications were reported. Thrombin is effective and safe for gastric varices and other portal-hypertension-related bleeding including oesophageal varices, ulcers secondary to EBL and ectopic varices. Full article

Esophageal varices are caused by the development of collateral circulation in the esophagus as a result of portal hypertension. It is important to administer appropriate preventive treatment because bleeding varices can be fatal. Esophageal varices have complex and diverse hemodynamics, and there are various variations for each case. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can estimate the hemodynamics of each case. Therefore, observation by EUS in esophageal varices provides useful information, such as safe and effective treatment selection, prediction of recurrence, and appropriate follow-up after treatment. Although treatment for the esophagogastric varices can be performed without EUS imaging, understanding the local hemodynamics of the varices using EUS prior to treatment will lead to more safe and effective treatment. EUS observation is an indispensable tool for thorough variceal care. Full article

Schistosomiasis affects about 240 million people worldwide and Schistosoma mansoni alone affects over 54 million people leaving 400 million at-risk especially in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). About 20 million people are currently suffering from complications of chronic S. mansoni infection and up to 42% of those infected have been found with periportal fibrosis (PPF). About 0.2 million deaths are attributed to chronic S. mansoni every year, which is mainly due to varices. Death occurs in up to 29% of those who present late with bleeding varices even with the best available in-hospital care. The diagnosis of varices before incident bleeding could potentially improve the outcome of this subgroup of patients is SSA. However, there is no prior review which has ever evaluated this issue detailing the magnitude and outcome of varices following available treatment modalities among patients with Schistosoma PPF in SSA. This review summarizes the available literature on this matter and exposes potential practical gaps that could be bridged to maximize the long-term outcome of patients with S. mansoni related PPF in SSA. A total of 22 studies were included in this review. The average prevalence of varices was 82.1% (SD: 29.6; range: 11.1%–100%) among patients with PPF. Late diagnosis of varices was frequent with average bleeding and mortality of 71.2% (SD: 36.5; range: 4.3%–100.0%) and 13.6% (SD: 9.9; range: 3.5%–29%), respectively. Predictors were reported in seven (31.8%) studies including platelet count to splenic diameter ratio (PSDR) for prediction large varices in one study. Active S. mansoni infection was very prevalent, (mean: 69.9%; SD: 24.4; range: 29.2–100.0%). Praziquantel could reverse PPF and use of non-selective B-blockers reduced both rebleeding and mortality. Use of sclerotherapy for secondary prevention of variceal bleeding was associated with high rebleeding and mortality rates. Conclusions: This review shows that varices due to schistosomal PPF are a big problem in SSA. However, patients are often diagnosed late with fatal bleeding varices. No study had reported a clinical tool that could be useful in early diagnosis of patients with varices and no study reported on primary and effective secondary prevention of bleeding and its outcome. Regular screening for S. mansoni and the provision of Praziquantel (PZQ) is suggested in this review. More studies are required to bridge these practical gaps in Sub Saharan Africa. Full article

Gastric varices are less common than esophageal varices, and their treatment is quite challenging. Gastric varix bleedings (GVB) occur less frequently than esophageal varix (EV) bleedings and represent 10to 30% of all variceal bleedings. They are; however, more severe and are associated with high mortality. Re-bleeding may occur in 35to 90% of cases after spontaneous hemostasis. GV bleedings represent a serious clinical problem compared with esophageal varices due to their location. Sclerotherapy and band ligation, in particular, are less effective. Based on the anatomic site and location, treatment differs from EV and is categorized into two groups (i.e., endoscopic or radiologic treatment). Surgical management is used less frequently. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) and cyanoacrylate are safe but there is a high risk of re-bleeding. Portal pressure elevates following BRTO and leads to worsening of esophageal varix pressure. Other significant complications may include hemoglobinuria, abdominal pain, fever, and pleural effusion. Shock and atrial fibrillation are major complications. New and efficient treatment modalities will be possible in the future. Full article