Portosplenomesenteric vein thrombosis in patients with early-stage severe acute pancreatitis

AIM To investigate the incidence and risk factors of portosplenomesenteric vein thrombosis(PSMVT) in the early stage of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS Patients with SAP in a tertiary care setting from January 2014 to December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. All contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT) studies were reassessed and reviewed. Clinical outcome measures were compared between SAP patients with and without PSMVT in the early stage of the disease. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were sequentially performed to assess potential risk factors for the development of PSMVT in SAP patients. A receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was generated for the qualifying independent risk factors.RESULTS Twenty-five of the one hundred and forty(17.86%) SAP patients developed PSMVT 6.19 ± 2.43 d after acute pancreatitis(AP) onset. PSMVT was confirmed by contrast-enhanced CT. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analyses showed that Balthazar's CT severity index(CTSI) scores [odds ratio(OR): 2.742; 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.664-4.519; P = 0.000], hypoalbuminemia(serum albumin level < 25 g/L)(OR: 32.573; 95%CI: 2.711-391.353; P = 0.006) and gastrointestinal wall thickening(OR: 4.367, 95%CI: 1.218-15.658; P = 0.024) were independent risk factors for PSMVT developed in patients with SAP. The area under the ROC curve for Balthazar's CTSI scores was 0.777(P = 0.000), the sensitivity was 52%, and the specificity was 93% at a cut-off value of 5.5.CONCLUSION High Balthazar's CTSI scores, hypoalbuminemia and gastrointestinal wall thickening are independent risk factors for PSMVT developed in the early stage of SAP.

Effects of acupuncture therapy on plasma neuropeptide Y levels and resuscitation in patients with very early stage acute cerebral infarction A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND： It is known that acupuncture therapy can decrease plasma neuropeptide Y （NPY） levels in patients with cerebral infarction, but different types of acupuncture therapy used in various stages of cerebral infarction have not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE： To explore the effect of acupuncture therapy on resuscitation （Xingnao Kaiqiao） and plasma NPY levels in patients with very early stage acute cerebral infarction. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This case-controlled study was performed at the Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of the Chinese People＇s Armed Police Force between September 2004 and October 2005. PARTICIPANTS： Sixty patients with acute cerebral infarction of ≤ 6 hours were used in this study. Patients were randomly divided into an acupuncture therapy group （n = 30） and a routine treatment group （n = 30）. Another 30 healthy subjects were used as the control group. METHODS： The acupuncture therapy of Xingnao Kaiqiao used in the acupuncture therapy group was based on routine western medical treatment and was performed at bilateral Neiguan （PCG） using the twirling, reinforcing-reducing method, Renzhong （DU26） using heavy bird-pecking needling, Sanyinjiao （SPG） using reinforcing and reducing by lifting and thrusting the needle, Jiquan （HT1）, Weizhong （BL40） and Chize （LU5） using reinforcing and reducing by lifting and thrusting the needle. The acupuncture lasted for 14 days. Patients in the routine treatment group underwent routine medical treatment and no intervention was given to subjects in the control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： A 4 mL venous blood sample was obtained at different time points, i.e., immediately after hospitalization, the next morning, 7 and 14 days after treatment, to measure plasma NPY levels pre- and post-treatment using the radio-immunity method. RESULTS： The plasma NPY levels were significantly higher in both the routine treatment group and the acupuncture therapy group than in the control group pre- and post-treatment （P 〈 0.01）. In particular, the plasma NPY levels in both the acupuncture therapy group and the routine treatment group were increased 7 days post-treatment but decreased from 7-14 days post-treatment. In addition, the plasma NPY levels were significantly lower in the acupuncture therapy group than in the routine treatment group on day 7 and 14 post-treatment （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Acupuncture therapy of Xingnao Kaiqiao can decrease plasma NPY levels in patients with very early stage acute cerebral infarction. In addition, the therapeutic effect of acupuncture with a prolonged therapy time is superior to routine treatment.

Timing and Clinical Efficacy of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis at Different Stages

Objective:To investigate timing and clinical efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis at different stages.Methods:Clinical data of 100 acute cholecystitis patients admitted to our hospital from March 2018 to March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Clinical data of 48 patients who had surgery within 72 hours of symptom onset were classified as group A,and clinical data of 52 patients who had surgery at≥72 hours of symptom onset were classified as group B.Clinical indicators,rate of conversion to open surgery,and complication were compared between the two groups.Results:Length of hospital stay,operation time,exhaust time and intraoperative blood loss in group A were lower than those in group B,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Comparison of rate of conversion to open surgery between group A(2.08%,1/48)and group B(7.69%,4/52)showed no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).Incidence of postoperative complication was 8.33%(4/48)in group A and 11.54%(6/52)in group B,the difference was not statistically significance(P>0.05).Conclusions:Laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 72 hours of symptom onset has better efficacy than after 72 hours for patients with acute cholecystitis.It could effectively reduce surgical trauma and promote recovery.

Prognostic and diagnostic scoring models in acute alcoholassociated hepatitis:A review comparing the performance of different scoring systems

Alcohol-associated hepatitis(AAH)is a severe form of liver disease caused by alcohol consumption.In the absence of confounding factors,clinical features and laboratory markers are sufficient to diagnose AAH,rule out alternative causes of liver injury and assess disease severity.Due to the elevated mortality of AAH,assessing the prognosis is a radical step in management.The Maddrey discriminant function(MDF)is the first established clinical prognostic score for AAH and was commonly used in the earliest AAH clinical trials.A MDF>32 indicates a poor prognosis and a potential benefit of initiating corticosteroids.The model for end stage liver disease(MELD)score has been studied for AAH prognostication and new evidence suggests MELD may predict mortality more accurately than MDF.The Lille score is usually combined to MDF or MELD score after corticosteroid initiation and offers the advantage of assessing response to treatment a 4-7 d into the course.Other commonly used scores include the Glasgow Alcoholic Hepatitis Score and the Age Bilirubin international normalized ratio Creatinine model.Clinical AAH correlate adequately with histologic severity scores and leave little indication for liver biopsy in assessing AAH prognosis.AAH presenting as acute on chronic liver failure(ACLF)is so far prognosticated with ACLF-specific scoring systems.New artificial intelligence-generated prognostic models have emerged and are being studied for use in AAH.Acute kidney injury(AKI)is one possible complication of AAH and is significantly associated with increased AAH mortality.Predicting AKI and alcohol relapse are important steps in the management of AAH.The aim of this review is to discuss the performance and limitations of different scoring models for AAH mortality,emphasize the most useful tools in prognostication and review predictors of recurrence.

Indocyanine green clearance test combined with MELD score in predicting the short-term prognosis of patients with acute liver failure

BACKGROUND: Acute liver failure(ALF) is an acute severe deterioration of liver function with high mortality. Early and accurate prognostic assessment of patients with ALF is critically important. Although the model for end-stage liver disease(MELD) scores and King’s College Hospital(KCH) criteria are well-accepted as predictive tools, their accuracy is unsatisfactory.The indocyanine green(ICG) clearance test(ICGR15, ICG retention rate at the 15 minutes) is a sensitive indicator of liver function. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of the ICGR15 for the short-term prognosis in patients with ALF. We compared the predictive value of ICGR15 with the MELD scores and KCH criteria.METHODS: Sixty-nine patients who had been diagnosed with ALF were recruited retrospectively. ICGR15 had been performed by ICG pulse spectrophotometry and relevant clinical and laboratory indices were analyzed within 24 hours of diagnosis.In addition, the MELD scores and KCH criteria were calculated.RESULTS: The three-month mortality of all patients was 47.83%.Age, serum total bilirubin and creatinine concentrations,international normalized ratio for prothrombin time, ICGR15,MELD scores and KCH criteria differed significantly between surviving and deceased patients. A positive correlation was observed between ICGR15 and MELD scores(r=0.328, P=0.006).The ICGR15-MELD model, Logit(P)=0.096×ICGR15+0.174 ×MELD score–9.346, was constructed by logistic regression analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.855. When set the cut-off point to-0.4684, the sensitivity was 87.90% and specificity, 72.20%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the ICGR15-MELD model(0.855) was significantly higher than that of the ICGR15(0.793), MELD scores(0.776) and KCH criteria(0.659).Based on this cut-off value, the patients were divided into two groups. The mortality was 74.36% in the first group(ICGR15-MELD≥-0.4686) and 13.33% in the second group(ICGR15-MELD<-0.4686), with a significant difference between the two groups(χ2=25.307, P=0.000).CONCLUSION: The ICGR15-MELD model is superior to the ICGR15, MELD scores, and KCH criteria in predicting the shortterm prognosis of patients with ALF.

Soluble mannose receptor as a predictor of prognosis of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure(HBV-ACLF)is a syndrome with a high short-term mortality rate,and it is crucial to identify those patients at a high mortality risk clinically.AIM To investigate the clinical value of soluble mannose receptor(sMR)in predicting the 90-day mortality of HBV-ACLF patients.METHODS A total of 43 patients were diagnosed with HBV-ACLF between October 2017 and October 2018 at the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University,and all of them were enrolled in this retrospective study.Their serum sMR levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Demographic and clinical data,including gender,age,albumin level,total bilirubin(TBIL)level,international normalized ratio,HBV-DNA level,HBV serological markers,procalcitonin level,interleukin-6 level,and model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)score were accessed at the time of diagnosis of HBV-ACLF.A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors for mortality.RESULTS Serum sMR level was significantly increased in HBV-ACLF patients compared with chronic hepatitis B patients and healthy controls(P<0.01).When compared with surviving patients,it was higher in those patients who succumbed to HBVACLF(P<0.05).Serum sMR level was positively correlated with MELD score(rs=0.533,P=0.001),HBV-DNA level(rs=0.497,P=0.022),and TBIL level(rs=0.894,P<0.001).Serum sMR level(odds ratio=1.007,95%confidence interval:1.004–1.012,P=0.001)was an independent risk factor for the 90-day mortality in the HBV-ACLF cases.The patients with HBV-ACLF were stratified into two groups in accordance with their serum sMR levels at the baseline(low risk:<99.84 pg/mL and high risk:≥99.84 pg/mL).The 90-day mortality rates were 27.3%in the low-risk group and 87.5%in the high-risk group.Furthermore,sMR level apparently improved the performance of MELD score for predicting the prognosis of patients with HBV-ACLF.CONCLUSION Serum sMR level may be a predictor of the prognosis of HBV-ACLF patients.

Prognostic models for acute liver failure

BACKGROUND: Acute liver failure (ALF) remains a dramatic and unpredictable disease with high morbidity and mortality. Early and accurate prognostic assessment of patients with ALF is critically important for optimum clinical pathway. DATA SOURCES: Five English-language medical databases, MEDLINE, Science Direct, OVID, Springer Link and Wiley Interscience were searched for articles on 'acute liver failure', 'prognosis', and related topics. RESULTS: Multi-variable prognostic models including the King's College Hospital criteria and the model for end-stage liver disease score have been widely used in determination of the prognosis of ALF, but the results are far from satisfactory. Other prognostic indicators including serum Gc-globulin, arterial blood lactate, serum phosphate, arterial blood ammonia, and serum alpha-fetoprotein are promising but await further assessement. CONCLUSIONS: A reliable prognostic model to be developed in the future should not only have predictive value for poor outcome but also help to predict the survival of patients without a liver transplantation. Further studies are necessary to assess the prognostic accuracy of any new models. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9: 122-128)

Predictors of the outcomes of acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure

AIM:To identify the risk factors in predicting the outcome of acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure patients.METHODS:We retrospectively divided 113 patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure-hepatitis B virus(ACLF-HBV) and without concurrent hepatitis C or D virus infection and hepatocellular carcinoma into two groups according to their outcomes after anti-HBV therapy.Their demographic,clinical,and biochemical data on the day of diagnosis and after the first week of treatment were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test,Fisher's exact test,and a multiple logistic regression analysis.RESULTS:The study included 113 patients(87 men and 26 women) with a mean age of 49.84 years.Fiftytwo patients survived,and 61 patients died.Liver failure(85.2%),sepsis(34.4%),and multiple organ failure(39.3%) were the main causes of death.Multivariate analyses showed that Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE) Ⅱ scores ≥ 12 [odds ratio(OR) = 7.160,95% CI:2.834-18.092,P < 0.001] and positive blood culture(OR = 13.520,95% CI:2.740-66.721,P = 0.001) on the day of diagnosis and model for end-stage liver disease(MELD) scores ≥ 28(OR = 8.182,95% CI:1.884-35.527,P = 0.005) after the first week of treatment were independent predictors of mortality.CONCLUSION:APACHE Ⅱ scores on the day of diagnosis and MELD scores after the first week of anti-HBV therapy are feasible predictors of outcome in ACLFHBV patients.

Increased CD163 expression is associated with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure

AIM: To assess CD163 expression in plasma and peripheral blood and analyze its association with disease in acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF) patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted from January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2012. Forty patients with ACHBLF (mean age 44.48 ± 12.28 years, range 18-69 years), 40 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) (mean age 39.45 ± 12.22 years, range 21-57 years) and 20 ageand sex-matched healthy controls (mean age 38.35 ± 11.97 years, range 28-60 years) were included in this study. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the frequency of CD163+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and surface protein expression of CD163. Real-time transcription-polymerase chain re-action was performed to assess relative CD163 mRNA levels in PBMCs. Plasma soluble CD163 (sCD163) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical variables were also recorded. Comparisons between groups were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis H test and Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 15.0 software and a P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Flow cytometry showed that the population of CD163+ PBMCs was significantly greater in ACHBLF patients than in CHB patients and healthy controls (47.9645% ± 17.1542%, 32.0975% ± 11.0215% vs 17.9460% ± 6.3618%, P < 0.0001). However, there were no significant differences in mean fluorescence intensity of CD163+ PBMCs within the three groups (27.4975 ± 11.3731, 25.8140 ± 10.0649 vs 20.5050 ± 6.2437, P = 0.0514). CD163 mRNA expression in ACHBLF patients was significantly increased compared with CHB patients and healthy controls (1.41 × 10 -2 ± 2.18 × 10 -2 , 5.10 × 10 -3 ± 3.61 × 10 -3 vs 37.0 × 10 -4 ± 3.55 × 10 -4 , P = 0.02). Plasma sCD163 levels in patients with ACHBLF were significantly increased compared with CHB patients and healthy controls (4706.2175 ± 1681.1096 ng/mL, 1089.7160 ± 736.8395 ng/mL vs 435.9562 ± 440.8329 ng/mL, P < 0.0001). In ACHBLF patients, plasma sCD163 levels were significantly positively associated with model for end-stage liver disease scores (r = 0.5075, P = 0.008), hepatitis B virus-DNA (r = 0.6827, P < 0.0001), and negatively associated with prothrombin activity (r = -0.3348, P = 0.0347), but had no correlation with total bilirubin (r = 0.2551, P = 0.1122). Furthermore, sCD163 was obviously elevated in non-surviving patients compared with surviving patients with ACHBLF (5344.9080 ± 1589.5199 ng/mL vs 3641.7333 ± 1264.5228 ng/mL, P = 0.0321). CONCLUSION: CD163 and sCD163 may be related to disease severity and prognosis in ACHBLF patients.

Prognostic value of M30/M65 for outcome of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

AIM:To determine the prognostic value of circulating indicators of cell death in acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)patients with chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection as the single etiology.METHODS:Full length and caspase cleaved cytokeratin 18(detected as M65 and M30 antigens)represent circulating indicators of necrosis and apoptosis.M65and M30 were identified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 169 subjects including healthy controls(n=33),patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB,n=55)and patients with ACLF(n=81).According to the 3-mo survival period,ACLF patients were defined as having spontaneous recovery(n=33)and non-spontaneous recovery which included deceased patients and those who required liver transplantation(n=48).RESULTS:Both biomarker levels significantly increased gradually as liver disease progressed(for M65:P<0.001 for all;for M30:control vs CHB,P=0.072;others:P<0.001 for all).In contrast,the M30/M65 ratio was significantly higher in controls compared with CHB patients(P=0.010)or ACLF patients(P<0.001).In addition,the area under receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)analysis demonstrated that both biomarkers had diagnostic value(AUC≥0.80)in identifying ACLF from CHB patients.Interestingly,it is worth noting that the M30/M65 ratio was significantly different between spontaneous and non-spontaneous recovery in ACLF patients(P=0.032).The prognostic value of the M30/M65 ratio was compared with the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease(MELD)and Child-Pugh scores at the 3-mo survival period,the AUC of the M30/M65ratio was 0.66 with a sensitivity of 52.9%and the highest specificity of 92.6%(MELD:AUC=0.71;sensitivity,79.4%;specificity,63.0%;Child-Pugh:AUC=0.77;sensitivity,61.8%;specificity,88.9%).CONCLUSION:M65 and M30 are strongly associated with liver disease severity.The M30/M65 ratio may be a potential prognostic marker for spontaneous recovery in patients with HBV-related ACLF.

Stabilization of estimated glomerular filtration rate in kidney transplantation from deceased donors with acute kidney injuries

AIM To evaluate and compare the outcomes of kidney transplant(KT) from deceased donors among standard criteria, acute kidney injury(AKI) and expanded criteria donors(ECDs). METHODS This retrospective study included 111 deceased donor kidney transplant recipients(DDKT). Deceased donors were classified as standard criteria donor(SCD), AKI donor and ECD. AKI was diagnosed and classified based on change of serum Cr by acute kidney injury network(AKIN) criteria. Primary outcome was one-year estimated glomerular filtration rate(eG FR) calculated from Cr by CKD-EPI. Multivariate regression analysis was done by adjusting factors such as type of DDKT, %Panel-reactive antibodies, cold ischemic time, the presence of delayed graft function and the use of induction therapy. Significantfactors that can affect the primary outcomes were then identified. RESULTS ECD group had a significantly lower eG FR at one year(33.9 ± 17.3 mL /min) when compared with AKI group(56.6 ± 23.9) and SCD group(63.6 ± 19.9)(P < 0.001). For AKI group, one-year eG FR was also indifferent among AKIN stage 1, 2 or 3. Patients with AKIN stage 3 had progressive increase of eG FR from 49.6 ± 27.2 at discharge to 61.9 ± 29.0 mL /min at one year. From Kaplan-Meier analysis, AKI donor showed better two-year graft survival than ECD(100% vs 88.5%, P = 0.006). Interestingly, AKI group had a stable eG FR at one and two year. The two-year eG FR of AKI group was not significantly different from SCD group(56.6 ± 24.5 mL /min vs 58.6 ± 23.2 mL /min, P = 0.65). CONCLUSION Kidney transplantations from deceased donors with variable stage of acute kidney injuries were associated with favorable two-year allograft function. The outcomes were comparable with KT from SCD. This information supports the option that deceased donors with AKI are an important source of organ for kidney transplantation even in the presence of stage 3 AKI.

Effect of Xingnaojing injection on penumbra transformation in rats with acute cerebral ischemia

Objective:To observe the effect of Xingnaojing injection on penumbra transformation in rats with acute cerebral ischemia.Methods:The rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion(Middle cerebral artery occlusion,MCAO)was established by suture occlusion.Except the sham operation group,the other groups were randomly divided into model group and Xingnaojing group.The rats in Xingnaojing group were intraperitoneally injected with Xingnaojing injectionaccording to 0.18ml/100g,and the sham operation group and model group were given the same amount of normal saline respectively.24 hours after the establishment of the model,the morphological changes of neurons in the penumbra of the rats were observed by Nissl staining,the ultrastructural changes of neurovascular unit(Neurovascular unit,NVU)were observed by transmission electron microscope(Transmission electron microscope,TEM),and the apoptosis of the ischemic penumbra was detected by in situ apoptosis(TdT-mediated Dutp Nick-End Labeling,TUNEL).Magnetic resonance imaging was used to observe the ischemic evolution of the penumbra of the same rat at 4.5 h and 24 h,respectively.Results:Compared with the sham operation group,the number of neurons in the model group was significantly reduced,the structure of Nissl corpuscles was destroyed,the outline was blurred or disappeared,the pathological morphology of NVU ultrastructure was obviously damaged under transmission electron microscope,a large number of apoptotic cells could be seen in the model group by TUNEL staining(P<0.01),and magnetic resonance imaging showed that there was a large area infarction in the brain tissue of the model group.Compared with the model group,the pathomorphology of neurons and NVU ultrastructure in Xingnaojing group was significantly improved,the number of apoptotic cells was significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the loss rate of penumbra was significantly lower in Xingnaojing group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Xingnaojing injection can improve the state of neurons in ischemic penumbra,reduce the injury of glial cells and microvessels,inhibit apoptosis,promote the transformation of penumbra in rats with acute cerebral ischemia,and save part of penumbra to some extent.it has a certain protective effect on the brain tissue of penumbra in the acute stage of cerebral ischemia.

Clinical Effect of Yinma Zhisou Decoction Combined with Western Medicine in the Treatment of Acute COPD(Stagnation of PhlegmDampness in Lung)

[Objectives]To explore the effectiveness and safety of Yinma Zhisou Decoction in the treatment of AECOPD with phlegm-heat obstructing lung syndrome,and observe the symptoms of Yinma Zhisou decoction in the treatment of AECOPD patients with phlegm-heat stagnation lung syndrome improvement,inflammatory indicators,lung function,blood gas analysis,etc.[Methods]A total of 92 cases who met the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria were included in the study according to 1∶1 were randomly divided into treatment group and control group,control group with conventional Western medicine treatment,the treatment group on the basis of control group with Yinma Zhisou decoction treatment,a course of 10 d.The changes in TCM syndrome score,arterial blood gas analysis,pulmonary function,serum inflammatory indicator,mMRC score,and the CAT scores between the two groups after treatment were observed.All collected data were statistically analyzed with SPSS 26.0.[Results](i)Comparison of the curative effect between the two groups.After treatment,the total effective rate of the treatment group was 93.5%,which was higher than that of the control group(76.1%,P<0.05).The curative effect of the treatment group was better than that of the control group(P<0.05).(ii)Comparison of single TCM symptom scores.After treatment,the single TCM symptom scores of the two groups were lower than before(P<0.05),but the improvement of wheezing,cough,phlegm and chest pain in the treatment group was better than that in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the improvement of wheezing sound(P>0.05),but there was a trend of difference.(iii)Comparison of mMRC score and CAT score between the two groups.After treatment,the mMRC score and CAT score of the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the difference was statistically significant.(iv)Comparison of blood gas analysis indicators between the two groups.Intra-group comparison after treatment:PaOof the control group and the treatment group after treatment was significantly improved compared with that before treatment(P<0.05),and the difference was statistically significant.Comparison between the two groups after treatment:PaOand PaCOof the two groups after treatment(P>0.05),and the difference was not statistically significant.It indicated that Yinma Zhisou decoction had more advantages in improving hypoxia.(v)Comparison of pulmonary function between the two groups.After treatment,the FEV1/FVC of the treatment group and the control group was significantly different(P<0.05),and there was a statistical difference(P<0.05).(vi)Comparison of inflammatory indicators between the two groups.Intra-group comparison after treatment:the inflammatory indicators WBC,CRP and PCT in the control group and the treatment group were significantly lower than before treatment(P<0.05),and the differences were statistically significant.It indicated that Yinma Zhisou decoction could effectively control inflammation and reduce inflammation reaction.[Conclusions]Compared with the control group,Yinma Zhisou decoction has obvious advantages in improving cough,expectoration and wheezing,and can significantly improve the total effective rate.Compared with Western medicine alone,Yinma Zhisou decoction can significantly improve patients’hypoxia,reduce mMRC and CAT scores,improve body activity tolerance,improve airway symptoms,and significantly reduce WBC,CRP,PCT and other serum inflammatory indicators.It can be seen that Yinma Zhisou decoction combined with Western medicine treatment is obviously better than simple Western medicine treatment,the curative effect is better,and the safety is better,and there are no serious adverse reactions in the course of the trial.

Palliative care for end-stage liver disease and acute on chronic liver failure:A systematic review

BACKGROUND End stage liver disease(ESLD)represents a growing health concern characterized by elevated morbidity and mortality,particularly among individual ineligible for liver transplantation.The demand for palliative care(PC)is pronounced in patients grappling with ESLD and acute on chronic liver failure(ACLF).Unfortunately,the historical underutilization of PC in ESLD patients,despite their substantial needs and those of their family caregivers,underscores the imperative of seamlessly integrating PC principles into routine healthcare practices across the entire disease spectrum.AIM To comprehensively investigate the evidence surrounding the benefits of incorporating PC into the comprehensive care plan for individuals confronting ESLD and/or ACLF.METHODS A systematic search in the Medline(PubMed)database was performed using a predetermined search command,encompassing studies published in English without any restrictions on the publication date.Subsequently,the retrieved studies were manually examined.Simple descriptive analyses were employed to summarize the results.RESULTS The search strategies yielded 721 references.Following the final analysis,32 fulllength references met the inclusion criteria and were consequently incorporated into the study.Meticulous data extraction from these 32 studies was undertaken,leading to the execution of a comprehensive narrative systematic review.The review found that PC provides significant benefits,reducing symptom burden,depressive symptoms,readmission rates,and hospital stays.Yet,barriers like the appeal of transplants and misconceptions about PC hinder optimal utilization.Integrating PC early,upon the diagnosis of ESLD and ACLF,regardless of transplant eligibility and availability,improves the quality of life for these patients.CONCLUSION Despite the substantial suffering and poor prognosis associated with ESLD and ACLF,where liver transplantation stands as the only curative treatment,albeit largely inaccessible,PC services have been overtly provided too late in the course of the illness.A comprehensive understanding of PC's pivotal role in treating ESLD and ACLF is crucial for overcoming these barriers,involving healthcare providers,patients,and caregivers.

A Novel Prognostic Score for Acute-on-Chronic Hepatitis B Liver Failure

Patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure（HBV-ACLF） show high morbidity and mortality. Independent prognostic predictors of short-term HBV-ACLF mortality include the Child-Turcotte-Pugh（CTP） score, the model for end-stage liver disease（MELD） score, other MELD-based indices and the dynamic changes in these indices. The aims of this study were to evaluate the existing prognostic scores in a large cohort of HBV-ACLF patients and create a new predictive model. We retrospectively reviewed 392 HBV-ACLF patients from December 2008 to November 2011 and evaluated their 3-month survival. The predictive accuracy of CTP, MELD and MELD-based indices and the dynamic changes in the MELD-related scores（Δ scoring systems） upon admission and after two weeks of treatment were compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic（ROC） curve method. Life-threatening factors and a series of bio-clinical parameters were studied by univariate and multivariate analyses. Among the existing scores, MELD had the best predictive ability. However, our new regression model provided an area under the curve of 0.930±0.0161（95% CI： 0.869 to 0.943）, which was significantly larger than that obtained with the MELD score at admission and after two weeks of treatment as well as with the dynamic changes of the MELD score（0.819, 0.921, and 0.826, respectively）（Z=3.542, P=0.0004）. In a large cohort of patients retrospectively reviewed for this study, our prognostic model was superior to the MELD score and is, therefore, a promising predictor of short-term survival in patients with HBV-ACLF.

Development of perianal ulcer as a result of acute fulminant amoebic colitis

We report a case of acute fulminant amoebic colitis that resulted in the development of a perianal ulcer in a 29-year-old Japanese homosexual man with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The patient was admitted to our hospital with a persistent perianal abscess that was refractory to antibiotic therapy adminis-tered at another hospital. On admission, we observed a giant ulcer in the perianal region. At first, cytomega-lovirus colitis was suspected by blood investigations. Ganciclovir therapy was initiated; however, the patient developed necrosis of the skin around the anus during therapy. We only performed end-sigmoidostomy and necrotomy to avoid excessive surgical invasion. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen revealed the presence of trophozoite amoebae, indicating a final diagnosis of acute fulminant amoebic colitis. The patient's postoperative course was favorable, and proctectomy of the residual rectum was performed 11 mo later. Amoebic colitis is one of the most severe complications affecting patients with AIDS. Particularly, acute fulminant amoebic colitis may result in a poor prognosis; therefore, staged surgical therapy as a lessinvasive procedure should be considered as one of the treatment options for these patients.

Prediction of Early Rebleeding and Mortality after Acute Esophageal Variceal Hemorrhage among Yemeni Patients in Major Hospitals—Sana’a

Background and aims: Acute variceal hemorrhage (AVH) is the most serious encountered complication of liver cirrhosis and carries high mortality rate. Several risk factors that predict early rebleeding and mortality have been studied and there is no similar study in our country, so the aim of this study was to identify the risk factors of early rebleeding and mortality after bleeding episode in cirrhotic patients in Yemen. Patients and Method: It was a prospective study of cirrhotic patients with AVH who were admitted to the main public hospitals in Sana’a between April 2014 and March 2015. Demographic information, medical histories, physical examination findings, and laboratory test results were collected. Endoscopic and pharmacologic treatment was performed. The patients were followed up since admission and up to 6 weeks for the occurrence of rebleeding and mortality after the acute attack. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for rebleeding and mortality. Survival analysis was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Result: A total of 102 patients were analyzed. 26 patients (25.5%) rebleeded within 6 weeks period. The predictive factors significantly associated with rebleeding within 6 weeks period in univariate analysis were clot on varix at index endoscope (P - 47.29, P = 0.001) and high serum bilirubin (- 1.19, P = 0.01). Sixteen patients died (15.7%) within 6 weeks period. Predictors of mortality with significant difference in univariate analysis were hypovolemic shock (P = 0.001), high WBCs count (P - 1.41, P - 1.40, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for mortality within 6 weeks period. Conclusion: Early rebleeding in cirrhotic patients with AVH was associated with clot on varix at endoscope and high serum bilirubin more than 3 mg/dl. Early mortality rate was associated with high MELD score (≥19) and WBCs over 10.3 × 109/l.

Fluid therapy for severe acute pancreatitis in acute response stage

Background Fluid therapy for severe acute pancreatitis （SAP） should not only resolve deficiency of blood volume, but also prevent fluid sequestration in acute response stage. Up to date, there has not a strategy for fluid therapy dedicated to SAP. So, this study was aimed to investigate the effects of fluid therapy treatment on prognosis of SAP. Methods Seventy-six patients were admitted prospectively according to the criteria within 72 hours of SAP onset. They were randomly assigned to a rapid fluid expansion group （Group I, n=36） and a controlled fluid expansion group （Group II n=-40）. Hemodynamic disorders were either quickly （fluid infusion rate was 10-15 ml.kg-1-h-1, Group I） or gradually improved （fluid infusion rate was 5-10 ml-kg1.h-1, Group II） through controlling the rate of fluid infusion. Parameters of fluid expansion, blood lactate concentration were obtained when meeting the criteria for fluid expansion. And APACHE II scores were obtained serially for 72 hours. Rate of mechanical ventilation, incidence of abdominal compartment syndrome （ACS）, sepsis, and survival rate were obtained. Results The two groups had statistically different （P 〈0.05） time intervals to meet fluid expansion criteria （Group I, 13.5±6.6 hours; Group II, （24.0±5.4） hours）. Blood lactate concentrations were both remarkably lower as compared to the level upon admission （P 〈0.05） and reached the normal level in both groups upon treatment. It was only at day 1 that hematocrit was significantly lower in Group I （35.6%±6.8%） than in Group II （38.5%±5.4%） （P〈0.01）. Amount of crystalloid and colloid in group I （（4028±1980）ml and （1336±816）ml） on admission day was more than those of group II （（2472±1871）ml and （970±633）ml）. No significant difference was found in the total amount of fluids within four days of admission between the two groups （P〉0.05）. Total amount of fluid sequestration within 4 days was higher in Group I （（5378±2751）ml） than in Group II （（4215±1998）ml, P 〈0.05）. APACHE II scores were higher in Group I on days 1, 2, and 3 （P〈0.05）. Rate of mechanical ventilation was higher in group I （94.4%） than in group II （65%, P〈0.05）. The incidences of abdominal compartment syndrome （ACS） and sepsis were significantly lower in Group II （P 〈0.05）. Survival rate was remarkably lower in Group I （69.4%） than in Group II （90%, P〈0.05）. Conclusions Controlled fluid resuscitation offers better prognosis in patients with severe volume deficit within 72 hours of SAP onset. Chin Med J 2009; 122（2）： 169-173

Efficacy of “Remissive Stage-reinforcing and Acute Stage-reducing”Acupuncture for Treating 30 Apoplectic Myospasm Patients

目的:观察"补缓泻急"针刺法对中风性肌痉挛的临床疗效。方法:60例中风痛偏瘫患者随机分为治疗组30例和对照组30例。治疗组采用"补缓泻急"针刺法,对照组采用现代康复训练。采用目前康复学界常用的修改的 Ashworth 痉挛程度评级法,Brunnstrom 分期法以及Barthel 指数分别评定治疗前后痉挛程度、运动功能水平和日常生活能力。结果:"补缓泻急"针刺法对中风性肌痉挛的改善优于对照组。结论:"补缓泻急"针剌法在改善痉挛状态方面有独特的优势。

Effect of Acupuncture Combined with Blood-letting by a Three-edged Needle on 50 cases of Bell's Palsy at the Acute Stage

Objective:To observe clinical effects of acupuncture combined with blood-letting by a three-edged needle for treating Bell's palsy of wind-heat syndrome at the acute stage.Methods:One hundred patients were randomly divided into a treatment group(50 cases) treated by acupuncture plus blood-letting and a control group(50 cases) treated by simple acupuncture.Four courses of treatments were given in both groups.The main symptoms and signs were observed and clinical effects evaluated with scores after one week,2 weeks and one month of treatments respectively.Results:After treatment,the scores for symptoms and signs were significantly different from those before treatment in both groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01).After one month of treatment,the improvement of the symptoms and signs in the treatment group was more than that in the control group with a significant difference(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture plus blood-letting can produce good therapeutic effects on Bell's palsy of wind-heat syndrome at the acute stage.