Microbiologic spectrum of acute and chronic dacryocystitis

AIM:To report the microbiological spectrum of acute and chronic dacrocystitis.METHODS:Retrospective study on 100 patients who presented to the ophthalmic plastic clinic of a tertiary eye care center from May 2011 and April 2013 with acute and chronic dacryocystitis was reviewed for demographic and microbiological profile. The culture results and organisms isolated were recorded.RESULTS:Sixty patients had acute onset and the remaining 40 patients had chronic onset dacryocystitis.The female to male ratio was 1.78. The mean age of patients was 44 y. Gram-positive organisms were the most commonly isolated accounting for 54%, and the commonest species isolated was S. aureus in 26%.Percentage of gram positive cultures was higher in chronic dacryocystitis than acute ones(82% vs 48% of positive cultures; P =0.003). Also in culture positive acute dacryocystitis, gram negative species were found in 52%of eyes but only in 18% of chronic dacryocystitis.CONCLUSION:Gram negative bacteria, culture negative samples, unusual and more virulent organisms are more common in acute dacryocystitis than chronic ones. The results of this study have significant bearing on the treatment of patients with dacrocystitis.

Three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index and choroidal thickness in fellow eyes of acute and chronic primary angle-closure using swept-source optical coherence tomography

AIM:To compare the three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index(CVI)and choroidal thickness between fellow eyes of acute primary angle-closure(F-APAC)and chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma(F-CPACG)and the eyes of normal controls.METHODS:This study included 37 patients with unilateral APAC,37 with asymmetric CPACG without prior treatment,and 36 healthy participants.Using swept-source optical coherence tomography(SS-OCT),the macular and peripapillary choroidal thickness and three-dimensional CVI were measured and compared globally and sectorally.Pearson’s correlation analysis and multivariate regression models were used to evaluate choroidal thickness or CVI with related factors.RESULTS:The mean subfoveal CVIs were 0.35±0.10,0.33±0.09,and 0.29±0.04,and the mean subfoveal choroidal thickness were 315.62±52.92,306.22±59.29,and 262.69±45.55μm in the F-APAC,F-CPACG,and normal groups,respectively.All macular sectors showed significantly higher CVIs and choroidal thickness in the F-APAC and F-CPACG eyes than in the normal eyes(P<0.05),while there were no significant differences between the F-APAC and F-CPACG eyes.In the peripapillary region,the mean overall CVIs were 0.21±0.08,0.20±0.08,and 0.19±0.05,and the mean overall choroidal thickness were 180.45±54.18,174.82±50.67,and 176.18±37.94μm in the F-APAC,F-CPACG,and normal groups,respectively.There were no significant differences between any of the two groups in all peripapillary sectors.Younger age,shorter axial length,and the F-APAC or F-CPACG diagnosis were significantly associated with higher subfoveal CVI and thicker subfoveal choroidal thickness(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The fellow eyes of unilateral APAC or asymmetric CPACG have higher macular CVI and choroidal thickness than those of the normal controls.Neither CVI nor choroidal thickness can distinguish between eyes predisposed to APAC or CPACG.A thicker choroid with a higher vascular volume may play a role in the pathogenesis of primary angle-closure glaucoma.

Treatment of acute dacryocystitis by translacrimal canalicular drainage and D-silicone intubation

AIM:To demonstrate the outcomes of translacrimal canalicular drainage using a lacrimal probe and intranasal drainage by D-silicone intubation for acute dacryocystitis(AD).METHODS:This retrospective study included 23 patients with AD and had undergone abscess decompression with the use of lacrimal probe and intranasal drainage by D-silicone intubation between January 2019 and December 2022.Patients received abscess decompression and systemic antibiotic-corticosteroid from the time of diagnosis.D-silicone tube was inserted within 10d after diagnosis and removed 3-6mo after intubation.The procedure and outcomes of this method were evaluated.RESULTS:All patients showed improvement of signs and symptoms of AD within 72h.No intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed.No recurrence of lacrimal sac abscesses occurred after D-silicone tube removed.CONCLUSION:Lacrimal probe and D-silicone intubation appear to be a feasible,minimally invasive,safe,and effective method,which could be a reasonable choice in the treatment of AD.

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in acute dacryocystitis:a multicenter study in China

AIM:To repor t the clinical profile,endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(En-DCR)management,and acute dacryocystitis(AD)outcomes in China.METHODS:Clinical data of 554 adult AD patients(554 eyes)who presented in 7 tertiary eye care centers for 10y from Jan 2010 to Mar 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Clinical profile,En-DCR management,and outcomes of all cases were recorded.The anatomical and functional success were evaluated for 12mo post-operation.RESULTS:The analysis included 149 males and 368 females with a median age of 55.2y(range:18-84y).There were 459 eyes with a history of epiphora or purulent secretion.The time between a symptom of lacrimal duct obstruction and acute onset was 1 to 540(66.1±58.2)mo.Fifty-nine eyes had a history of the previous acute attack.Seventy-four eyes developed a cutaneous fistula,while 11 eyes had post septal cellulitis pre-operation.En-DCR with an anatomical success of 91.7%and functional success of 90.1%.The success rate of the patients with a history of acute episodes and the preoperative fistula was lower than the overall success rates.CONCLUSION:En-DCR can be performed during an acute episode in AD with a success rate of over 90%.

Predictive value of diaphragm ultrasound for mechanical ventilation outcome in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)is often combined with respiratory failure,which increases the patient's morbidity and mortality.Diaphragm ultrasound(DUS)has developed rapidly in the field of critical care in recent years.Studies with DUS monitoring diaphragm-related rapid shallow breathing index have demonstrated important results in guiding intensive care unit patients out of the ventilator.Early prediction of the indications for withdrawal of non-invasive ventilator and early evaluation of patients to avoid or reduce disease progression are very important.AIM To explore the predictive value of DUS indexes for non-invasive ventilation outcome in patients with AECOPD.METHODS Ninety-four patients with AECOPD who received mechanical ventilation in our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed,and they were divided into a successful ventilation group(68 cases)and a failed ventilation group(26 cases)according to the outcome of ventilation.The clinical data of patients with successful and failed noninvasive ventilation were compared,and the independent predictors of noninvasive ventilation outcomes in AECOPD patients were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS There were no significant differences in gender,age,body mass index,complications,systolic pressure,heart rate,mean arterial pressure,respiratory rate,oxygen saturation,partial pressure of oxygen,oxygenation index,or time of inspiration between patients with successful and failed mechanical ventilation(P>0.05).The patients with successful noninvasive ventilation had shorter hospital stays and lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO_(2))than those with failed treatment,while potential of hydrogen(pH),diaphragm thickening fraction(DTF),diaphragm activity,and diaphragm movement time were significantly higher than those with failed treatment(P<0.05).pH[odds ratio(OR)=0.005,P<0.05],PaCO_(2)(OR=0.430,P<0.05),and DTF(OR=0.570,P<0.05)were identified to be independent factors influencing the outcome of mechanical ventilation in AECOPD patients.CONCLUSION The DUS index DTF can better predict the outcome of non-invasive ventilation in AECOPD patients.

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.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety Analysis of Tigecycline in the Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Combined with Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infection

Objective:To study the clinical efficacy and safety of tigecycline in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)combined with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection.Methods:113 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD combined with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection were recruited between January 2021 and January 2023,and given tigecycline treatment.The total effective rate,lung function indexes,related biochemical index levels,and the incidence rate of adverse reactions were observed after the treatment.Results:After the treatment,100 patients were cured,1 case with apparent effect,2 cases were effective,10 cases were ineffective,and the total effective rate was 91.15%.The post-treatment CRP(21.22±3.35 mg/L),PCT(3.18±1.11 ng/L),CRE(76.36±9.24μmol/L),and ALT(37.76±6.99 U/L)were significantly improved as compared to the pre-treatment(P<0.05).After treatment,10 cases of vomiting(8.85%),13 cases of nausea(11.50%),4 cases of diarrhea(3.53%),1 case of abdominal pain(0.88%),and 2 cases of allergy(1.77%)were observed in 113 patients.Conclusion:Tigecycline therapy for patients with acute exacerbation of COPD combined with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection not only has significant therapeutic efficacy but also has a high degree of safety.

Definition and classification of acute-on-chronic liver diseases

Patients with chronic liver diseases(CLDs)develop acute liver injury and/or acute decompensation under the attack of various precipitants and present with significantly elevated alanine aminotransferase and/or total bilirubin levels,liver failure,or acute decompensation of liver cirrhosis,which is called acute-on-CLD(AoCLD).AoCLD accounts for the majority of patients hospitalized in the Department of Hepatology or Infectious Diseases.AoCLD is complicated by various clinical types,the severity of the disease,and may pose a high risk of death.To date,the definition of AoCLD is still vague,and a consensus concept of the clinical classification is lacking.This review aimed to define the concept and clinical types of AoCLD based on related studies and the literature.

Clinical study of NFNC in the treatment of acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with respiratory failure

BACKGROUND Most patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)have respiratory failure that necessitates active correction and the improvement of oxygenation is particularly important during treatment.High flow nasal cannula(HFNC)oxygen therapy is a non-invasive respiratory aid that is widely used in the clinic that improves oxygenation state,reduces dead space ventilation and breathing effort,protects the loss of cilia in the airways,and improves patient comfort.AIM To compare HFNC and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation in the treatment of patients with AECOPD.METHODS Eighty AECOPD patients were included in the study.The patients were in the intensive care department of our hospital from October 2019 to October 2021.The patients were divided into the control and treatment groups according to the different treatment methods with 40 patients in each group.Differences in patient comfort,blood gas analysis and infection indices were analyzed between the two groups.RESULTS After treatment,symptoms including nasal,throat and chest discomfort were significantly lower in the treatment group compared to the control group on the 3rd and 5th days(P<0.05).Before treatment,the PaO_(2),PaO_(2)/FiO_(2),PaCO_(2),and SaO_(2)in the two groups of patients were not significantly different(P>0.05).After treatment,the same indicators were significantly improved in both patient groups but had improved more in the treatment group compared to the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the white blood cell count,and the levels of C-reactive protein and calcitonin in patients in the treatment group were significantly higher compared to patients in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION HFNC treatment can improve the ventilation of AECOPD patients whilst also improving patient comfort,and reducing complications.HFNC is a clinically valuable technique for the treatment of AECOPD.

Eff ects of early standardized enteral nutrition on preventing acute muscle loss in the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND:To investigate the eff ects of early standardized enteral nutrition(EN)on the crosssectional area of erector spine muscle(ESMcsa),plasma growth diff erentiation factor-15(GDF-15),and 28-day mortality of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)patients with invasive mechanical ventilation(MV).METHODS:A total of 97 AECOPD patients with invasive MV were screened in the ICUs of the First People's Hospital of Lianyungang.The conventional EN group(stage Ⅰ)and early standardized EN group(stage Ⅱ)included 46 and 51 patients,respectively.ESMcsa loss and GDF-15 levels on days 1 and 7 of ICU admission and 28-day survival rates were analyzed.RESULTS:On day 7,the ESMcsa of the early standardized EN group was significantly higher than that of the conventional EN group,while the plasma GDF-15 levels were significantly lower than those in the conventional EN group(ESMcsa:28.426±6.130 cm^(2) vs.25.205±6.127 cm^(2);GDF-15:1661.608±558.820 pg/mL vs.2541.000±634.845 pg/mL;all P<0.001).The 28-day survival rates of the patients in the early standardized EN group and conventional EN group were 80.40%and 73.90%,respectively(P=0.406).CONCLUSION:ESMcsa loss in AECOPD patients with MV was correlated with GDF-15 levels,both of which indicated acute muscular atrophy and skeletal muscle dysfunction.Early standardized EN may prevent acute muscle loss and intensive care unit-acquired weakness(ICU-AW)in AECOPD patients.

Long-term outcomes of pediatric liver transplantation in acute liver failure vs end-stage chronic liver disease:A retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND Children with acute liver failure(ALF)who meet the criteria are eligible for super-urgent transplantation,whereas children with end-stage chronic liver disease(ESCLD)are usually transplanted electively.Pediatric liver transplantation(PLT)in ALF and ESCLD settings has been well described in the literature,but there are no studies comparing the outcomes in these two groups.AIM To determine if there is a difference in post-operative complications and survival outcomes between ALF and ESCLD in PLT.METHODS This was a retrospective observational study of all primary PLTs performed at a single center between 2000 and 2019.ALF and ESCLD groups were compared for pretransplant recipient,donor and operative parameters,and post-operative outcomes including graft and patient survival.RESULTS Over a 20-year study period,232 primary PLTs were performed at our center;195 were transplanted for ESCLD and 37 were transplanted for ALF.The ALF recipients were significantly older(median 8 years vs 5.4 years;P=0.031)and heavier(31 kg vs 21 kg;P=0.011).Living donor grafts were used more in the ESCLD group(34 vs 0;P=0.006).There was no difference between the two groups concerning vascular complications and rejection,but there were more bile leaks in the ESCLD group.Post-transplant patient survival was significantly higher in the ESCLD group:1-,5-,and 10-year survival rates were 97.9%,93.9%,and 89.4%,respectively,compared to 78.3%,78.3%,and 78.3%in the ALF group(P=0.007).However,there was no difference in 1-,5-,and 10-year graft survival between the ESCLD and ALF groups(90.7%,82.9%,77.3%vs 75.6%,72.4%,and 66.9%;P=0.119).CONCLUSION Patient survival is inferior in ALF compared to ESCLD recipients;the main reason is death in the 1st year post-PLT in ALF group.Once the ALF children overcome the 1st year after transplant,their survival stabilizes,and they have good long-term outcomes.

Acute and Sub-Chronic Toxicity Evaluation of the Crude Methanolic Bark Extract of Bridelia micrantha (Hochst.) Baill. (Phyllanthaceae) and Its Fraction

Bridelia micrantha, commonly known as coastal golden leaf, is a member of the family Phyllanthaceae. In preliminary studies nine fractions, named F1 - F9, were obtained by fractionating the crude methanol extract of the stem bark of Bridelia micrantha using column chromatographic techniques. The fraction F6 was the most active when tested for antibacterial activity. Thus, toxicity of this fraction was investigated for further use. The present study evaluated the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the crude methanolic bark extract of Bridelia micrantha and its fraction. The acute toxicity was carried out according to the experimental protocol of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The plant extract or the fraction F6 was administered orally to female mice at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg and the animals were observed for any behavioral changes or mortality for 14 days. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, the extract and fraction were administered orally at 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg bw/day for 28 days to healthy Wistar rats. The general behavior and body weight of the rats were recorded daily. At the end of the experimental period, hematological and biochemical analyses, changes in vital organ weight (liver, lung, heart, spleen and kidney), and histopathological examination of the liver and kidney were performed. No mortality or adverse effects were noted at the 2000 mg/kg dose during the oral acute toxicity test. In the sub-chronic study, the crude methanolic bark extract of Bridelia micrantha and the fraction F6 induced no mortality or treatment-related adverse effects on body weight, general behavior, relative organ weights, hematological and biochemical parameters. Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney showed normal architecture suggesting no morphological alterations. In conclusion, the oral administration of the crude methanolic bark extract of Bridelia micrantha and the fraction F6 for 28 days at a dosage of up to 800 mg/kg did not induce toxicological damage in rats. From acute toxicity study, the median lethal dose (LD50) of the crude methanolic bark extract of Bridelia micrantha and the fraction F6 was estimated to be more than 2000 mg/kg.

Risk factors for progression to acute-on-chronic liver failure during severe acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B virus infection

BACKGROUND Acute exacerbation in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection results in different severities of liver injury. The risk factors related to progression to hepatic decompensation(HD) and acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF) in patients with severe acute exacerbation(SAE) of chronic HBV infection remain unknown.AIM To identify risk factors related to progression to HD and ACLF in compensated patients with SAE of chronic HBV infection.METHODS The baseline characteristics of 164 patients with SAE of chronic HBV infection were retrospectively reviewed. Independent risk factors associated with progression to HD and ACLF were identified. The predictive values of our previously established prediction model in patients with acute exacerbation(AE model) and the model for end-stage liver disease(MELD) score in predicting the development of ACLF were evaluated.RESULTS Among 164 patients with SAE, 83(50.6%) had compensated liver cirrhosis(LC),43 had progression to HD without ACLF, and 29 had progression to ACLF within 28 d after admission. Independent risk factors associated with progression to HD were LC and low alanine aminotransferase. Independent risk factors for progression to ACLF were LC, high MELD score, high aspartate aminotransferase(AST) levels, and low prothrombin activity(PTA). The area under the receiver operating characteristic of the AE model [0.844, 95%confidence interval(CI): 0.779-0.896] was significantly higher than that of MELD score(0.690, 95%CI: 0.613-0.760, P < 0.05) in predicting the development of ACLF.CONCLUSION In patients with SAE of chronic HBV infection, LC is an independent risk factor for progression to both HD and ACLF. High MELD score, high AST, and low PTA are associated with progression to ACLF. The AE model is a better predictor of ACLF development in patients with SAE than MELD score.

Acute kidney injury spectrum in patients with chronic liver disease:Where do we stand?

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis and is of the utmost clinical and prognostic relevance. Patients with cirrhosis, especially decompensated cirrhosis, are more prone to develop AKI than those without cirrhosis. The hepatorenal syndrome type of AKI (HRS–AKI), a spectrum of disorders in prerenal chronic liver disease, and acute tubular necrosis (ATN) are the two most common causes of AKI in patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Differentiating these conditions is essential due to the differences in treatment. Prerenal AKI, a more benign disorder, responds well to plasma volume expansion, while ATN requires more specific renal support and is associated with substantial mortality. HRS–AKI is a facet of these two conditions, which are characterized by a dysregulation of the immune response. Recently, there has been progress in better defining this clinical entity, and studies have begun to address optimal care. The present review synopsizes the current diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology, and treatment modalities of HRS–AKI and as well as AKI in other chronic liver diseases (non-HRS–AKI) so that early recognition of HRS–AKI and the appropriate management can be established.

Score model for predicting acute-on-chronic liver failure risk in chronic hepatitis B

AIM: To establish a clinical scoring model to predict risk of acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF) in chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients.METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 1457 patients hospitalized for CHB between October 2008 and October 2013 at the Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China. The patients were divided into two groups: severe acute exacerbation(SAE) group(n = 382) and non-SAE group(n = 1075). The SAE group was classified as the high-risk group based on the higher incidence of ACLF in this group than in the non-SAE group(13.6% vs 0.4%). Two-thirds of SAE patients were randomly assigned to risk-model derivation and the other one-third to model validation. Univariate risk factors associated with the outcome were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model for screening independent risk factors. Each variable was assigned an integer value based on the regression coefficients, and the final score was the sum of these values in the derivation set. Model discrimination and calibration were assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. RESULTS: The risk prediction scoring model includedthe following four factors: age ≥ 40 years, total bilirubin ≥ 171 μmol/L, prothrombin activity 40%-60%, and hepatitis B virus DNA > 107 copies/m L. The sum risk score ranged from 0 to 7; 0-3 identified patients with lower risk of ACLF, whereas 4-7 identified patients with higher risk. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the cumulative risk for ACLF and ACLF-related death in the two risk groups(0-3 and 4-7 scores) of the primary cohort over 56 d, and log-rank test revealed a significant difference(2.0% vs 33.8% and 0.8% vs 9.4%, respectively; both P < 0.0001). In the derivation and validation data sets, the model had good discrimination(C index = 0.857, 95% confidence interval: 0.800-0.913 and C index = 0.889, 95% confidence interval: 0.820-0.957, respectively) and calibration demonstrated by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test(χ2 = 4.516, P = 0.808 and χ2 = 1.959, P = 0.923, respectively).CONCLUSION: Using the scoring model, clinicians can easily identify patients(total score ≥ 4) at high risk of ACLF and ACLF-related death early during SAE.

Early warning and clinical outcome prediction of acute-onchronic hepatitis B liver failure

Hepatitis B virus(HBV) associated acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF) is an increasingly recognized fatal liver disease encompassing a severe acute exacerbation of liver function in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB). Despite the introduction of an artificial liver support system and antiviral therapy, the short-term prognosis of HBV-ACLF is still extremely poor unless emergency liver transplantation is performed. In such a situation, stopping or slowing the progression of CHB to ACLF at an early stage is the most effective way of reducing the morbidity and mortality of HBV-ACLF. It is well-known that the occurrence and progression of HBV-ACLF is associated with many factors, and the outcomes of HBV-ACLF patients can be significantly improved if timely and appropriate interventions are provided. In this review, we highlight recent developments in early warning and clinical outcome prediction in patients with HBV-ACLF and provide an outlook for future research in this field.

Potent antiviral therapy improves survival in acute on chronic liver failure due to hepatitis B virus reactivation

Acute on chronic liver failure(ACLF)is a disease entity with a high mortality rate.The acute event arises from drugs and toxins,viral infections,bacterial sepsis,interventions(both surgical and non-surgical)and vascular events on top of a known or occult chronic liver disease.ACLF secondary to reactivation of chronic hepatitis B virus is a distinct condition;the high mortality of which can be managed in the wake of new potent antiviral therapy.For example,lamivudine and entecavir use has shown definite short-term survival benefits,even though drug resistance is a concern in the former.The renoprotective effects of telbivudine have been shown in a few studies to be useful in the presence of renal dysfunction.Monotherapy with newer agents such as tenofovir and a combination of nucleos(t)ides is promising for improving survival in this special group of liver disease patients.This review describes the current status of potent antiviral therapy in patient with acute on chronic liver failure due to reactivation of chronic hepatitis B,thereby providing an algorithm in management of such patients.

Chronic Liver Failure-Sequential Organ Failure Assessment is better than the Asia-Pacific Association for the Study of Liver criteria for defining acute-on-chronic liver failure and predicting outcome

AIM: To compare the utility of the Chronic Liver Failure-Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (CLIF-SOFA) and Asia-Pacific Association for the Study of Liver (APASL) definitions of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in predicting short-term prognosis of patients with ACLF.

Epidemiology of acute and chronic hepatitis B and delta over the last 5 decades in Italy

The spread of hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection has gradually decreased in Italy in the last 5 decades as shown by the steady reduction in the incidence rates of acute hepatitis B,from 10/100000 inhabitants in1984 to 0.85/100000 in 2012,and by the reduced prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)-positive cases among chronic hepatitis patients with different etiologies,from 60%in 1975 to about 10%in 2001.The prevalence of HBsAg chronic carriers in the general population also decreased from nearly 3%in the 1980s to 1%in 2010.Linked to HBV by its characteristics of defective virus,the hepatitis delta virus(HDV)has shown a similar epidemiological impact on the Italian population over time.The incidence of acute HDV infection decreased from 3.2/100000 inhabitants in 1987 to 0.8/100000 in 2010 and the prevalence of HDV infection in HBsAg chronic carriers decreased from24%in 1990 to 8.5%in 2006.Before the beneficial effects of HBV mass vaccination introduced in 1991,the decreased endemicity of HBV and HDV infection in Italy paralleled the improvement in screening blood donations,the higher standard of living and impressive reduction in the birth rate associated with a marked reduction in the family size.A further contribution to the decline in HBV and HDV infections most probably came from the media campaigns to prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus infection by focusing the attention of the general population on the same routes of transmission of viral infections such as unsafe sexual intercourse and parenteral exposures of different kinds.

Application of fiberoptic bronchscopy in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during sequential weaning of invasive-noninvasive mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND:Early withdrawal of invasive mechanical ventilation(IMV) followed by noninvasive MV(NIMV) is a new strategy for changing modes of treatment in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD) with acute respiratory failure(ARF).Using pulmonary infection control window(PIC window) as the switch point for transferring from invasive to noninvasive MV,the time for early extubation can be more accurately judged,and therapy efficacy can be improved.This study aimed to prospectively investigate the clinical effectiveness of fiberoptic bronchscopy(FOB) in patients with AECOPD during sequential weaning of invasive-noninvasive MV.METHODS:Since July 2006 to January 2011,106 AECOPD patients with ARF were treated with comprehensive medication and IMV after hospitalization.Patients were randomly divided into two groups according to whether fiberoptic bronchoscope is used(group A,n=54) or not(group B,n=52) during sequential weaning from invasive to noninvasive MV.In group A,for sputum suction and bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL),a fiberoptic bronchoscope was put into the airway from the outside of an endotracheal tube,which was accompanied with uninterrupted use of a ventilator.After achieving PIC window,patients of both groups changed to NIMV mode,and weaned from ventilation.The following listed indices were used to compare between the groups after treatment:1) the occurrence time of PIC,the duration of MV,the length of ICU stay,the success rate of weaning from MV for the first time,the rate of reventilatJon and the occurrence rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia(VAP);2) the convenience and safety of FOB manipulation.The results were compared using Student's f test and the Chi-square test.RESULTS:The occurrence time of PIC was(5.01 ±1.49) d,(5.87±1.87) d in groups A and B,respectively(P<0.05);the duration of MV was(6.98±1.84) d,(8.69±2.41) d in groups A and B,respectively(P<0.01);the length of ICU stay was(9.25±1.84) d,(11.10±2.63) d in groups A and B,respectively(P<0.01);the success rate of weaning for the first time was 96.30%,76.92%in groups A and B,respectively(P<0.01);the rate of reventilation was 5.56%,19.23%in groups A and B,respectively(P<0.05);and the occurrence rate of VAP was 3.70%,23.07%in groups A and B,respectively(P<0.01).Moreover,it was easy and safe to manipulate FOB,and no side effect was observed.CONCLUSIONS:The application of FOB in patients with AECOPD during sequential weaning of invasive-noninvasive MV is effective in ICU.It can decrease the duration of MV and the length of ICU stay,increase the success rate from weaning MV for the first time,reduce the rate of reventilation and the occurrence rate of VAP.In addition,such a method is convenient and safe in patients of this kind.