Aluminum phosphate gel reduces early rebleeding in cirrhotic patients with gastric variceal bleeding treated with histoacryl injection therapy

BACKGROUND Esophageal-gastro varices bleeding(EGVB)is the most widely known cause of mortality in individuals with cirrhosis,with an occurrence rate of 5%to 15%.Among them,gastric varices bleeding(GVB)is less frequent than esophageal varices bleeding(EVB),but the former is a more critical illness and has a higher mortality rate.At present,endoscopic variceal histoacryl injection therapy(EVHT)is safe and effective,and it has been recommended by relevant guidelines as the primary method for the treatment of GVB.However,gastric varices after endoscopic treatment still have a high rate of early rebleeding,which is mainly related to complications of its treatment,such as bleeding from drained ulcers,rebleeding of varices etc.Therefore,preventing early postoperative rebleeding is very important to improve the quality of patient survival and outcomes.AIM To assess the efficacy of aluminium phosphate gel(APG)combined with proton pump inhibitor(PPI)in preventing early rebleeding after EVHT in individuals with GVB.METHODS Medical history of 196 individuals with GVB was obtained who were diagnosed using endoscopy and treated with EVHT in Shenzhen People's Hospital from January 2016 to December 2021.Based on the selection criteria,101 patients were sorted into the PPI alone treatment group,and 95 patients were sorted into the PPI combined with the APG treatment group.The incidences of early rebleeding and corresponding complications within 6 wk after treatment were compared between both groups.Statistical methods were performed by two-sample t-test,Wilcoxon rank sum test andχ2 test.RESULTS No major variations were noted between the individuals of the two groups in terms of age,gender,Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score,coagulation function,serum albumin,hemoglobin,type of gastric varices,the dose of tissue glue injection and EV that needed to be treated simultaneously.The early rebleeding rate in PPI+APG group was 3.16%(3/95),which was much lower than that in the PPI group(12.87%,13/101)(P=0.013).Causes of early rebleeding:the incidence of gastric ulcer bleeding in the PPI+APG group was 2.11%(2/95),which was reduced in comparison to that in the PPI group(11.88%,12/101)(P=0.008);the incidence of venous bleeding in PPI+APG group and PPI group was 1.05%(1/95)and 0.99%(1/101),respectively,and there was no significant difference between them(0.999).The early mortality rate was 0 in both groups within 6 wk after the operation,and the low mortality rate was related to the timely hospitalization and active treatment of all patients with rebleeding.The overall incidence of complications in the PPI+APG group was 12.63%(12/95),which was not significantly different from 13.86%(14/101)in the PPI group(P=0.800).of abdominal pain in the PPI+APG group was 3.16%(3/95),which was lower than that in the PPI group(11.88%,12/101)(P=0.022).However,due to aluminum phosphate gel usage,the incidence of constipation in the PPI+APG group was 9.47%(9/95),which was higher than that in the PPI group(1.98%,2/101)(P=0.023),but the health of the patients could be improved by increasing drinking water or oral lactulose.No patients in either group developed spontaneous peritonitis after taking PPI,and none developed hepatic encephalopathy and ectopic embolism within 6 wk of EVHT treatment.CONCLUSION PPI combined with APG can significantly reduce the incidence of early rebleeding and postoperative abdominal pain in cirrhotic patients with GVB after taking EVHT.

Big data and variceal rebleeding prediction in cirrhosis patients

Big data has convincing merits in developing risk stratification strategies for diseases.The 6“V”s of big data,namely,volume,velocity,variety,veracity,value,and variability,have shown promise for real-world scenarios.Big data can be applied to analyze health data and advance research in preclinical biology,medicine,and especially disease initiation,development,and control.A study design comprises data selection,inclusion and exclusion criteria,standard confirmation and cohort establishment,follow-up strategy,and events of interest.The development and efficiency verification of a prognosis model consists of deciding the data source,taking previous models as references while selecting candidate predictors,assessing model performance,choosing appropriate statistical methods,and model optimization.The model should be able to inform disease development and outcomes,such as predicting variceal rebleeding in patients with cirrhosis.Our work has merits beyond those of other colleagues with respect to cirrhosis patient screening and data source regarding variceal bleeding.

Predictors of rebleeding after initial hemostasis with epinephrine injection in high-risk ulcers

AIM: To identify the predictors of rebleeding after initial hemostasis with epinephrine injection (EI) in patients with high-risk ulcers. METHODS: Recent studies have revealed that endoscopic thermocoagulation, or clips alone or combined with EI are superior to EI alone to arrest ulcer bleeding. However, the reality is that EI monotherapy is still common in clinical practice. From October 2006 to April 2008, high-risk ulcer patients in whom hemorrhage was stopped after EI monotherapy were studied using clinical, laboratory and endoscopic variables. The patients were divided into 2 groups: sustained hemostasis and rebleeding. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients (144, sustainedhemostasis; 31, rebleeding) were enrolled. Univariate analysis revealed that older age (≥ 60 years), advanced American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) status (category Ⅲ , Ⅳ and Ⅴ ), shock, severe anemia (hemoglobin < 80 g/L), EI dose ≥ 12 mL and severe bleeding signs (SBS) including hematemesis or hematochezia were the factors which predicted rebleeding. However, only older age, severe anemia, high EI dose and SBS were independent predictors. Among 31 rebleeding patients, 10 (32.2%) underwent surgical hemostasis, 15 (48.4%) suffered from delayed hemostasis causing major complications and 13 (41.9%) died of these complications. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic EI monotherapy in patients with high-risk ulcers should be avoided. Initial hemostasis with thermocoagulation, clips or additional hemostasis after EI is mandatory for such patients to ensure better hemostatic status and to prevent subsequent rebleeding, surgery, morbidity and mortality.

Tripartite intensive intervention for prevention of rebleeding in elderly patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND Hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage(HICH)is the rupture and bleeding of vessels of the cerebral parenchyma caused by continuously elevated or violently fluctuating blood pressure.The condition is characterized by high disability and high mortality.Hematoma formation and resulting space-occupying effects following intracerebral hemorrhage are among the key causes of impaired neurological function and disability.Consequently,minimally invasive clearance of the hematoma is undertaken for the treatment of HICH because it can effectively relieve intracranial hypertension.Therefore,special attention should be given to the quality of medical and nursing interventions in the convalescent period after minimally invasive hematoma clearance.AIM The study aim was to determine the value of intensive intervention,including doctors,nurses,and patient families,for the prevention of rebleeding in elderly patients with HICH during the first hospitalization for rehabilitation after the ictal event METHODS A total of 150 elderly HICH patients with minimally invasive hematoma evacuation in our hospital between May 2018 and May 2020 were selected and equally divided into two groups of 75 each by their planned intervention.The control group was given conventional nursing intervention and the observation group was given tripartite intensive intervention.The length of hospital stay,cost,complication rate,satisfaction rate,and rebleeding rate during hospitalization were recorded.Changes in cerebral blood flow indicators were recorded in both groups.Changes in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score,quality of life index(QLI)score,and health behavior score were evaluated at the National Institutes of Health.RESULTS Duration of hospitalization was shorter in the in the observation group than in the control group,the hospitalization cost was less than in the control group,and the rate of rebleeding during hospitalization was lower than in the control group(all P<0.05).There were no significant differences between the two groups before treatment(all P>0.05).The mean flow rate(Qmean)and mean velocity(Vmean)of the two groups increased(P<0.05),and the dynamic resistance and peripheral resistance decreased(P<0.05).The Qmean and Vmean in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,the dynamic resistance and peripheral resistance of the blood vessels were also lower in the intervention group than in the control group(P<0.05).The difference in health behavior scores between the two groups before treatment was not significant(P>0.05).In both groups,the scores for healthy behaviors such as emotion control,medication adherence,dietary management,exercise management,and selfmonitoring were higher after than before treatment(P<0.05),and the scores of healthy behaviors in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the NIHSS and QLI scores between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05).The QLI scores of the two groups increased(P<0.05),and the NIHSS scores decreased(P<0.05).The QLI scores of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05),and the NIHSS score was correspondingly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of respiratory infections,pressure sores,central hyperpyrexia,and deep venous thrombosis was lower in the intervention group than in the control group.Accordingly,the satisfaction rate was higher in the treatment group than that in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Intensive intervention by doctors,nurses,and families of elderly patients with HICH reduced the rate of rebleeding during hospitalization.It also reduced the incidence of complications,promoted rehabilitation,improved the quality of life,and enhanced nerve function.Additionally,it improved satisfaction and promoted healthy behaviors.

Association of Satellite Sign with Postoperative Rebleeding in Patients Undergoing Stereotactic Minimally Invasive Surgery for Hypertensive Intracerebral Haemorrhage

There are few studies regarding imaging markers for predicting postoperative rebleeding after stereotactic minimally invasive surgery(MIS)for hypertensive intracerebral haemorrhage(ICH),and little is known about the relationship between satellite sign on computed tomography(CT)scans and postoperative rebleeding after MIS.This study aimed to determine the value of the CT satellite sign in predicting postoperative rebleeding in patients with hypertensive ICH who undergo stereotactic MIS.We retrospectively examined and analysed 105 patients with hypertensive ICH who underwent standard stereotactic MIS for hematoma evacuation within 72 h following admission.Postoperative rebleeding occurred in 14 of 65(21.5%)patients with the satellite sign on baseline CT,and in 5 of the 40(12.5%)patients without the satellite sign.This diiTerence was statistically significant.Positive and negative values of the satellite sign for predicting postoperative rebleeding were 21.5%and 87.5%,respectively.Multivariate logistic regression analysis verified that baseline ICH volume and intraventricular rupture were independent predictors of postoperative rebleeding.In conclusion,the satellite sign on baseline CT scans may not predict postoperative rebleeding following stereotactic MIS for hypertensive ICH.

Predictors of rebleeding and in-hospital mortality in patients with nonvariceal upper digestive bleeding

BACKGROUND Nonvariceal upper digestive bleeding (NVUDB) represents a severe emergency condition and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite a decrease in the incidence due to the widespread use of potent therapy with proton pump inhibitors as well as the implementation of modern endoscopic techniques, the mortality rate associated with NVUDB is still high. AIM To identify the clinical, biological, and endoscopic parameters associated with a poor outcome in patients with NVUDB to allow the stratification of risk, which will lead to the implementation of the most accurate management. METHODS We performed a retrospective study including patients who were admitted to the Gastroenterology Department of Clinical Emergency County Hospital Timisoara, Romania, with a diagnosis of NVUDB between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2016. All the data were collected from the patient’s records, including demographic data, medication history, hemodynamic status, paraclinical tests, and endoscopic features as well as the methods of hemostasis, rate of rebleeding, need for surgery and death;we also assessed the Rockall score of the patients, length of hospitalization and associated comorbidities. All these parameters were evaluated as potential risk factors associated with rebleeding and death in patients with NVUDB.RESULTS We included a batch of 1581 patients with NVUDB, including 523 (33%) females and 1058 (67%) males with a median age of 66 years. The main cause of NVUDB was peptic ulcer (73% of patients). More than one-third of the patients needed endoscopic treatment. Rebleeding rate was 7.72%;surgery due to failure of endoscopic hemostasis was needed in 3.22% of cases;the in-hospital mortality rate was 8.09%, and the bleeding-episode-related mortality rate was 2.97%. Although our predictive models for rebleeding and death had a low sensitivity, the specificity was very high, suggesting a better discriminative capacity for identifying patients with better outcomes. Our results showed that the Rockall score was associated with both rebleeding and death;comorbidities such as respiratory conditions, liver cirrhosis and sepsis increased significantly the risk of in-hospital mortality (OR of 3.29, 2.91 and 8.03). CONCLUSION Our study revealed that the Rockall score, need for endoscopic therapy, necessity of transfusion and sepsis were risk factors for rebleeding. Moreover, an increased Rockall score and the presence of comorbidities were predictive factors for inhospital mortality.

Prophylactic transcatheter arterial embolization reduces rebleeding in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Despite the improvement in the endoscopic hemostasis of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB),rebleeding remains a major concern.AIM To assess the role of prophylactic transcatheter arterial embolization(PTAE)added to successful hemostatic treatment among NVUGIB patients.METHODS We searched three databases from inception through October 19th,2020.Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and observational cohort studies were eligible.Studies compared patients with NVUGIB receiving PTAE to those who did not get PTAE.Investigated outcomes were rebleeding,mortality,reintervention,need for surgery and transfusion,length of hospital(LOH),and intensive care unit(ICU)stay.In the quantitative synthesis,odds ratios(ORs)and weighted mean differences(WMDs)were calculated with the random-effects model and interpreted with 95%confidence intervals(CIs).RESULTS We included a total of 3 RCTs and 9 observational studies with a total of 1329 patients,with 486 in the intervention group.PTAE was associated with lower odds of rebleeding(OR=0.48,95%CI:0.29–0.78).There was no difference in the 30-d mortality rates(OR=0.82,95%CI:0.39–1.72)between the PTAE and control groups.Patients who underwent PTAE treatment had a lower chance for reintervention(OR=0.48,95%CI:0.31–0.76)or rescue surgery(OR=0.35,95%CI:0.14–0.92).The LOH and ICU stay was shorter in the PTAE group,but the difference was non-significant[WMD=-3.77,95%CI:(-8.00)–0.45;WMD=-1.33,95%CI:(-2.84)–0.18,respectively].CONCLUSION PTAE is associated with lower odds of rebleeding and any reintervention in NVUGIB.However,further RCTs are needed to have a higher level of evidence.

Impact of the timing of capsule endoscopy in overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding on yield and rebleeding rate-is sooner than 14 d advisable?

AIM To evaluate the impact of the timing of capsule endoscopy(CE) in overt-obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB). METHODS Retrospective, single-center study, including patients submitted to CE in the setting of overt-OGIB between January 2005 and August 2017. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the timing of CE(≤ 48 h; 48 h-14 d; ≥ 14 d). The diagnostic and therapeutic yield(DY and TY), the rebleeding rate and the time to rebleed were calculated and compared between groups. The outcomes of patients in whom CE was performed before(≤ 48 h) and after 48 h(> 48 h), and before(< 14 d) and after 14 d(≥ 14 d), were alsocompared.RESULTS One hundred and fifteen patients underwent CE for overt-OGIB. The DY was 80%, TY-46.1% and rebleeding rate-32.2%. At 1 year 17.8% of the patients had rebled. 33.9% of the patients performed CE in the first 48 h, 30.4% between 48 h-14 d and 35.7% after 14 d. The DY was similar between the 3 groups(P = 0.37). In the ≤ 48 h group, the TY was the highest(66.7% vs 40% vs 31.7%, P = 0.005) and the rebleeding rate was the lowest(15.4% vs 34.3% vs 46.3% P = 0.007). The time to rebleed was longer in the ≤ 48 h group when compared to the > 48 h groups(P = 0.03).CONCLUSION Performing CE within 48 h from overt-OGIB is associated to a higher TY and a lower rebleeding rate and longer time to rebleed.

Comparative study for predictability of type 1 gastric variceal rebleeding after endoscopic variceal ligation:High-frequency intraluminal ultrasound study

BACKGROUND The efficacy of endoscopic ultrasonography for the follow-up of gastric varices treated with endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL)has not been established.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic correlation of esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)and high-frequency intraluminal ultrasound(HFIUS)for type 1 gastric varices(GOV1)after EVL and to identify the predictability for rebleeding of EGD and HFIUS.METHODS In liver cirrhosis patients with GOV1,we performed endoscopic follow-up using EGD and HFIUS synchronously after EVL for hemorrhage from GOV1.Endoscopic grading and red color signs were analyzed using EGD,and the largest variceal cross-sectional areas were measured using HFIUS.In addition,1-year follow-up was performed.Variceal rebleeding was defined as the presence of hematemesis,hematochezia,or melena without other evidence of bleeding on endoscopic follow-up.RESULTS In 26 patients with GOV1,variceal cross-sectional areas on HFIUS of GOV1 was poorly correlated with EGD grading of GOV1(r=0.36).In 17 patients who completed the 1-year follow-up,variceal cross-sectional areas on HFIUS was a good predictor of subsequent rebleeding,whereas EGD grading was not a predictor of subsequent rebleeding.CONCLUSION HFIUS measurement is more predictive of GOV1 rebleeding than EGD grading,so HFIUS measurement may be necessary for endoscopic follow-up after EVL in patients with GOV1.

Analysis of the risk factors of rebleeding after endoscopic therapy in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Objective:To explore the risk factors of rebleeding after endoscopic therapy in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). Methods:A total of 254 patients with NVUGIB who were admitted in our hospital for endoscopic therapy were included in the study and divided into the rebleeding group (n=76) and non-bleeding group (n=178) according to whether there was rebleeding or not. The general materials and laboratory examination results in the two groups were recorded. The single factor and multiple factor logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors of rebleeding after endoscopic therapy in patients with NVUGIB.Results:The single factor analysis showed that the comparison of heart rate after admission >100 times/min, upper gastrointestinal tumor bleeding, gradeⅠa bleeding, initial endoscopic therapy time>24 h, bleeding lesion diameter>2 cm, single endoscopic therapy method, amount of bleeding>800 mL, sequential PPIs insufficiency, and PT≥17 s between the two groups was statistically significant. The multiple factor logistic regression analysis showed that gradeⅠa bleeding, malignant tumor bleeding, bleeding lesion diameter>2 cm, single endoscopic therapy method, and sequential PPIs insufficiency were significantly positively correlated with the occurrence of rebleeding after endoscopic therapy in patients with NVUGIB.Conclusions: GradeⅠa bleeding, malignant tumor bleeding, bleeding lesion diameter>2 cm, sequential PPIs insufficiency, and PT≥17 s are the independent risk factors for developing rebleeding after endoscopic therapy in patients with NVUGIB.

Association of antithrombotic therapy with postoperative rebleeding in patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Background Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a common cause of subcortical hemorrhage in older adults.Although open hematoma removal may be performed for severe subcortical hemorrhage,its safety in patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy has not been established,and postoperative rebleeding may occur.Therefore,this study aimed to investigate factors associated with postoperative rebleeding.Methods Out of 145 consecutive patients who had undergone craniotomy for surgical removal of subcortical intracerebral hemorrhage between April 2010 and August 2019 at a single institution in Japan,we examined 109 patients with subcortical hemorrhage who met the inclusion criteria.After excluding 30 patients whose tissue samples were unsuitable for the study,the final study cohort comprised 79 patients.Results Of the 79 patients,50(63%)were diagnosed with cerebral amyloid angiopathy(cerebral amyloid angiopathy group)and 29(37%)were not diagnosed with noncerebral amyloid angiopathy(noncerebral amyloid angiopathy group).Postoperative rebleeding occurred in 12 patients(24%)in the cerebral amyloid angiopathy group and in 2 patients(7%)in the noncerebral amyloid angiopathy group.Preoperative prothrombin time-international normalized ratio and intraoperative bleeding volume were significantly associated with postoperative rebleeding in the cerebral amyloid angiopathy group(odds ratio=42.4,95%confidence interval=1.14-1578;p=0.042 and odds ratio=1.005,95%confidence interval=1.001-1.008;p=0.007,respectively).Conclusions Patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related cerebral hemorrhage who are receiving antithrombotic therapy,particularly warfarin therapy,are at a high risk of postoperative rebleeding.Trial registration Registry and Registration Number of the study:19-220,2019/12/23,retrospectively registered.

Outpatient management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding:A new perspective in high-risk patients

Mid-gastrointestinal bleeding accounts for approximately 5%-10%of all gastrointestinal bleeding cases,and vascular lesions represent the most frequent cause.The rebleeding rate for these lesions is quite high(about 42%).We hereby recommend that scheduled outpatient management of these patients could reduce the risk of rebleeding episodes.

Validation of the predictive accuracy of"clinical+morphology nomogram"for the rebleeding risk of ruptured intracranial aneurysms after admission

Background:Rebleeding can cause a catastrophic outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.A clinical+morphology nomogram was promoted in our previous study to assist in discriminating the rupture intracranial aneurysms(RIAs)with a high risk of rebleeding.The aim of this study was to validate the predictive accuracy of this nomogram model.Method:The patients with RIAs in two medical centers from December 2020 to September 2021 were retrospectively reviewed,whose clinical and morphological parameters were collected.The Cox regression model was employed to identify the risk factors related to rebleeding after their admission.The predicting accuracy of clinical+morphological nomogram,ELAPSS score and PHASES score was compared based on the area under the curves(AUCs).Results:One hundred thirty-eight patients with RIAs were finally included in this study,20 of whom suffering from rebleeding after admission.Hypertension(hazard ratio(HR),2.54;a confidence interval of 95%(CI),1.01-6.40;P=0.047),bifurcation(HR,3.88;95%CI,1.29-11.66;P=0.016),and AR(HR,2.68;95%CI,1.63-4.41;P<0.001)were demonstrated through Cox regression analysis as the independent risk factors for rebleeding after admission.The clinical+morphological nomogram had the highest predicting accuracy(AUC,0.939,P<0.01),followed by the bifurcation(AUC,0.735,P=0.001),AR(AUC,0.666,P=0.018),and ELAPSS score(AUC,0.682,P=0.009).Hypertension(AUC,0.693,P=0.080)or PHASES score(AUC,0.577,P=0.244)could not be used to predict the risk of rebleeding after admission.The calibration curve for the probability of rebleeding showed a good agreement between the prediction through clinical+morphological nomogram and actual observation.Conclusion:Hypertension,bifurcation site,and AR were independent risk factors related to the rebleeding of RIAs after admission.The clinical+morphological nomogram could help doctors to identify the high-risk RIAs with a high predictive accuracy.

Effects of Adjuvant Chinese Patent Medicine Therapy on Prevention of Variceal Rebleeding:A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective To assess whether adjuvant Chinese patent medicines(CPMs)to standard treatment could reduce recurrent bleeding after variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients.Methods This study retrospectively collected 555 consecutive patients who recovered from variceal bleeding.A population-based cohort study was established depending on if adjuvant CPMs were administered to prevent rebleeding.A total of 139 patients who had taken⩾28 cumulative defined daily doses(cDDDs)of CPMs were included in the CPMs cohort,and 416 patients who used<28 cDDDs of CPMs were enrolled in the non-CPMs cohort.On evaluation of rebleeding incidence,1:2 propensity score matched was used to estimate for reducing bias.Patients were followed for at least 12 months.The end-point of this study was clinically significant esophagogastric variceal rebleeding.Results Following multivariate analysis,CPMs therapy was an independent factor for variceal rebleeding[adjusted hazard ratio(AHR)=0.657;95%confidence interval=0.497-0.868;P=0.003].After the 1:2 propensity score matching,a significant reduction(23.5%)in the incidence of variceal rebleeding in patients was observed,from 58.3%in the non-CPMs cohort to 44.6%in the CPMs cohort(modified log-rank test,P=0.002)within a year.The AHRs for rebleeding were 0.928,0.553,and 0.105,for 28-90 cDDDs,91-180 cDDDs,and>180 cDDDs of CPMs,respectively.The median rebleeding interval in the CPMs cohort was significantly larger compared with the non-CPMs cohort(113.5 vs.93.0 days;P=0.008).Conclusion Adjuvant CPMs to standard therapy can significantly reduce the incidence of variceal rebleeding and delay the time to rebleeding.

Pre-transjugular-intrahepatic-portosystemic-shunt measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient and its clinical application: A comparison study

BACKGROUND It is controversial whether transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)placement can improve long-term survival.AIM To assess whether TIPS placement improves survival in patients with hepaticvenous-pressure-gradient(HVPG)≥16 mmHg,based on HVPG-related risk stratification.METHODS Consecutive variceal bleeding patients treated with endoscopic therapy+nonselectiveβ-blockers(NSBBs)or covered TIPS placement were retrospectively enrolled between January 2013 and December 2019.HVPG measurements were performed before therapy.The primary outcome was transplant-free survival;secondary endpoints were rebleeding and overt hepatic ence-phalopathy(OHE).RESULTS A total of 184 patients were analyzed(mean age,55.27 years±13.86,107 males;102 in the EVL+NSBB group,82 in the covered TIPS group).Based on the HVPG guided risk stratification,70 patients had HVPG<16 mmHg,and 114 patients had HVPG≥16 mmHg.The median follow-up time of the cohort was 49.5 mo.There was no significant difference in transplant-free survival between the two treatment groups overall(hazard ratio[HR],0.61;95%confidence interval[CI]:0.35-1.05;P=0.07).In the high-HVPG tier,transplant-free survival was higher in the TIPS group(HR,0.44;95%CI:0.23-0.85;P=0.004).In the low-HVPG tier,transplantfree survival after the two treatments was similar(HR,0.86;95%CI:0.33-0.23;P=0.74).Covered TIPS placement decreased the rate of rebleeding independent of the HVPG tier(P<0.001).The difference in OHE between the two groups was not statistically significant(P=0.09;P=0.48).CONCLUSION TIPS placement can effectively improve transplant-free survival when the HVPG is greater than 16 mmHg.

Prediction models for recurrence in patients with small bowel bleeding

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB)has traditionally been defined as gastrointestinal bleeding whose source remains unidentified after bidirectional endoscopy.OGIB can present as overt bleeding or occult bleeding,and small bowel lesions are the most common causes.The small bowel can be evaluated using capsule endoscopy,device-assisted enteroscopy,computed tomography enterography,or magnetic resonance enterography.Once the cause of smallbowel bleeding is identified and targeted therapeutic intervention is completed,the patient can be managed with routine visits.However,diagnostic tests may produce negative results,and some patients with small bowel bleeding,regardless of diagnostic findings,may experience rebleeding.Predicting those at risk of rebleeding can help clinicians form individualized surveillance plans.Several studies have identified different factors associated with rebleeding,and a limited number of studies have attempted to create prediction models for recurrence.This article describes prediction models developed so far for identifying patients with OGIB who are at greater risk of rebleeding.These models may aid clinicians in forming tailored patient management and surveillance.

Prognostic value of risk scoring systems for cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding

BACKGROUND Acute variceal bleeding is one of the deadliest complications of cirrhosis,with a high risk of in-hospital rebleeding and mortality.Some risk scoring systems to predict clinical outcomes in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding have been developed.However,for cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding,data regarding the predictive value of these prognostic scores in predicting in-hospital outcomes are limited and controversial.AIM To validate and compare the overall performance of selected prognostic scoring systems for predicting in-hospital outcomes in cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding.METHODS From March 2017 to June 2019,cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding were retrospectively enrolled at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University.The clinical Rockall score(CRS),AIMS65 score(AIMS65),Glasgow-Blatchford score(GBS),modified GBS(mGBS),Canada-United Kingdom-Australia score(CANUKA),Child-Turcotte-Pugh score(CTP),model for endstage liver disease(MELD)and MELD-Na were calculated.The overall performance of these prognostic scoring systems was evaluated.RESULTS A total of 330 cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding were enrolled;the rates of in-hospital rebleeding and mortality were 20.3%and 10.6%,respectively.For inhospital rebleeding,the discriminative ability of the CTP and CRS were clinically acceptable,with area under the receiver operating characteristic curves(AUROCs)of 0.717(0.648-0.787)and 0.716(0.638-0.793),respectively.The other tested scoring systems had poor discriminative ability(AUROCs<0.7).For inhospital mortality,the CRS,CTP,AIMS65,MELD-Na and MELD showed excellent discriminative ability(AUROCs>0.8).The AUROCs of the mGBS,CANUKA and GBS were relatively small,but clinically acceptable(AUROCs>0.7).Furthermore,the calibration of all scoring systems was good for either inhospital rebleeding or death.CONCLUSION For cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding,in-hospital rebleeding and mortality rates remain high.The CTP and CRS can be used clinically to predict in-hospital rebleeding.The performances of the CRS,CTP,AIMS65,MELD-Na and MELD are excellent at predicting in-hospital mortality.

Negative capsule endoscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding reliable: Recurrence of bleeding on long-term follow-up

AIM: To assess the rate of recurrent bleeding of the small bowel in patients with obscure bleeding already undergone capsule endoscopy (CE) with negative results. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records related to 696 consecutive CE performed from December 2002 to January 2011, focusing our attention on patients with recurrence of obscure bleeding and negative CE. Evaluating the patient follow-up, we analyzed the recurrence rate of obscure bleeding in patient with a negative CE. Actuarial rates of rebleeding during follow-up were calculated, and factors associated with rebleeding were assessed through an univariate and multivariate analysis. A P value of less than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) of negative CE were calculated. RESULTS: Two hundred and seven out of 696 (29.7%) CE studies resulted negative in patient with obscure/overt gastrointestinal bleeding. Overall, 489 CE (70.2%) were positive studies. The median follow-up was 24 mo (range 12-36 mo). During follow-up, recurrence of obscure bleeding was observed only in 34 out of 207 negative CE patients (16.4%); 26 out of 34 with obscure overt bleeding and 8 out of 34 with obscure occult bleeding. The younger age (< 65 years) and the onset of bleeding such as melena are independent risk factors of rebleeding after a negative CE (OR = 2.6703, 95%CI: 1.1651-6.1202, P = 0.0203; OR 4.7718, 95%CI: 1.9739-11.5350, P = 0.0005). The rebleeding rate (CE+ vs CE-) was 16.4% vs 45.1% (χ 2 test, P = 0.00001). The sensitivity, specificity, and PPV and NPV were 93.8%, 100%, 100%, 80.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and negative CE had a significantly lower rebleeding rate, and further invasive investigations can be deferred.

Role of band ligation for secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding

AIM To summarize and critically examine the role of band ligation in secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS A literature review was performed using the MEDLINE and PubM ed databases. The search terms consisted of the words "endoscopic band ligation" OR "variceal band ligation" OR "ligation" AND "secondary prophylaxis" OR "secondary prevention" AND "variceal bleeding" OR "variceal hemorrhage" AND "liver cirrhosis". The data collected from relevant meta-analyses and from the most recent randomized studies that were not included in these meta-analyses were used to evaluate the role of endoscopic band ligation in an effort to demonstrate the most recent advances in the treatment of esophageal varices. RESULTS This study included 11 meta-analyses published from 2002 to 2017 and 10 randomized trials published from 2010 to 2017 that evaluated the efficacy of band ligation in the secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. Overall, the results proved that band ligation was superior to endoscopic sclerotherapy. Moreover, the use of β-blockers in combination with band ligation increased the treatment effectiveness, supporting the current recommendations for secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. The use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was superior to combination therapy regarding rebleeding prophylaxis, with no difference in the survival rates; however, the results concerning the hepatic encephalopathy incidence were conflicting. Recent advances in the management of secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding have targeted a decrease in portal pressure based on the pathophysiological mechanisms of portal hypertension.CONCLUSION This review suggests that future research should be conducted to enhance current interventions and/or to develop innovative treatment options with improved clinical endpoints.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for the prevention of recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cavernous transformation of portal vein

Background: Treatment options for patients with cavernous transformation of portal vein(CTPV) are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) to prevent recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with CTPV. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 67 consecutive patients undergone TIPS from January 2011 to December 2016. All patients were diagnosed with CTPV. The indication for TIPS was a previous episode of variceal bleeding. The data on recurrent bleeding, stent patency, hepatic encephalopathy and survival were retrieved and analyzed. Results: TIPS procedure was successfully performed in 56 out of 67(83.6%) patients with CTPV. TIPS was performed via a transjugular approach alone( n = 15), a combined transjugular/transhepatic approach( n = 33) and a combined transjugular/transsplenic approach( n = 8). Mean portosystemic pressure gradient(PSG) decreased from 28.09 ± 7.28 mmHg to 17.53 ± 6.12 mmHg after TIPS( P < 0.01). The probability of the remaining free recurrent variceal bleeding was 87.0%. The probability of TIPS patency reached 81.5%. Hepatic encephalopathy occurrence was 27.8%, and survival rate was 88.9% until the end of follow-up. Four out of 11 patients who failed TIPS died, and 4 had recurrent bleeding. Conclusions: TIPS should be considered a safe and feasible alternative therapy to prevent recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with CTPV, and to achieve clinical improvement.