Glucocorticoid therapy in pancreatic portal hypertension associated with autoimmune pancreatitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)is a chronic form of pancreatitis characterized by diffused enlargement of the pancreas and irregular stenosis of the main pancreatic duct.Some studies have reported that AIP can cause hemorrhage of gastric varices(GV)related to portal hypertension(PH).However,such cases are rare.In addition,the association of PH with AIP is unclear.At the same time,the efficacy and duration of glucocorticoid therapy is also controversial.CASE SUMMARY In this case,we reported a case of GV in pancreatic PH associated with AIP.Enhanced abdominal computed tomography(CT)suggested splenic vein(SV)and superior mesenteric vein(SMV)thromboses.The patient received a long-term glucocorticoid therapy,that the initial dose of 40 mg is reduced weekly by 5 mg,and then reduced to 5 mg for long-term maintenance.CT and gastroscopic examination after 8 mo of treatment indicated that SV and SMV were recanalized,pancreatic stiffness and swelling were ameliorated,and the GV almost completely disappeared.CONCLUSION Long-term glucocorticoid therapy can alleviate the development of GV in patients with AIP and has potential reversibility.

Alterations in the gut microbiome after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with hepatitis B virus-related portal hypertension

BACKGROUND Gut microbiota(GM)affects the progression and response to treatment in liver diseases.The GM composition is diverse and associated with different etiologies of liver diseases.Notably,alterations in GM alterations are observed in patients with portal hypertension(PH)secondary to cirrhosis,with hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection being a major cause of cirrhosis in China.Thus,understanding the role of GM alterations in patients with HBV infection-related PH is essential.AIM To evaluate GM alterations in patients with HBV-related PH after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)placement.METHODS This was a prospective,observational clinical study.There were 30 patients(with a 100%technical success rate)recruited in the present study.Patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding due to HBV infection-associated PH who underwent TIPS were enrolled.Stool samples were obtained before and one month after TIPS treatment,and GM was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing.RESULTS One month after TIPS placement,8 patients developed hepatic encephalopathy(HE)and were assigned to the HE group;the other 22 patients were assigned to the non-HE group.There was no substantial disparity in the abundance of GM at the phylum level between the two groups,regardless of TIPS treatment(all,P>0.05).However,following TIPS placement,the following results were observed:(1)The abundance of Haemophilus and Eggerthella increased,whereas that of Anaerostipes,Dialister,Butyricicoccus,and Oscillospira declined in the HE group;(2)The richness of Eggerthella,Streptococcus,and Bilophila increased,whereas that of Roseburia and Ruminococcus decreased in the non-HE group;and(3)Members from the pathogenic genus Morganella appeared in the HE group but not in the non-HE group.CONCLUSION Intestinal microbiota-related synergism may predict the risk of HE following TIPS placement in patients with HBVrelated PH.Prophylactic microbiome therapies may be useful for preventing and treating HE after TIPS placement.

Recent advances in promising drugs for primary prevention of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding with cirrhotic portal hypertension

Background:Gastroesophageal variceal bleeding is one of the most severe complications of patients with cirrhosis.Although primary prevention drugs,including non-selectiveβ-blockers,have effectively reduced the incidence of bleeding,their efficacy is limited due to side effects and related contraindications.With recent advances in precision medicine,precise drug treatment provides better treatment efficacy.Data sources:Literature search was conducted in PubMed,MEDLINE and Web of Science for relevant articles published up to May 2022.Information on clinical trials was obtained from https://clinicaltrials.gov/and http://www.chictr.org.cn/.Results:The in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis and advances of portal hypertension has enabled the discovery of multiple molecular targets for promising drugs.According to the site of action,these drugs could be classified into four classes:intrahepatic,extrahepatic,both intrahepatic and extrahepatic targets and others.All these classes of drugs offer advantages over traditional treatments in prevention of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension.Conclusions:This review classified and summarized the promising drugs,which prevent gastroesophageal variceal bleeding by targeting specific markers of pathogenesis of portal hypertension,demonstrating the significance of using the precision medicine strategy to discover and develop promising drugs for the primary prevention of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to portal hypertension in a patient with primary myelofibrosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a common medical emergency that has a 10%hospital mortality rate.According to the etiology,this disease can be divided into acute varicose veins and nonvaricose veins.Bleeding from esophageal varices is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension.Portal hypertension is a clinical syndrome defined as a portal venous pressure that exceeds 10 mmHg.Cirrhosis is the most common cause of portal hypertension,and thrombosis of the portal system not associated with liver cirrhosis is the second most common cause of portal hypertension in the Western world.Primary myeloproliferative disorders are the main cause of portal venous thrombosis,and somatic mutations in the Janus kinase 2 gene(JAK2 V617F)can be found in approximately 90% of polycythemia vera,50% of essential thrombocyrosis and 50% of primary myelofibrosis.CASE SUMMARY We present a rare case of primary myelofibrosis with gastrointestinal bleeding as the primary manifestation that presented as portal-superior-splenic mesenteric vein thrombosis.Peripheral blood tests revealed the presence of the JAK2 V617F mutation.Bone marrow biopsy ultimately confirmed the diagnosis of myelofibrosis(MF-2 grade).CONCLUSION In patients with acute esophageal variceal bleeding due to portal hypertension and vein thrombosis without cirrhosis,the possibility of myeloproliferative neoplasms should be considered,and the JAK2 mutation test should be performed.

Efficacy of radiofrequency ablation combined with sorafenib for treating liver cancer complicated with portal hypertension and prognostic factors

BACKGROUND Patients with liver cancer complicated by portal hypertension present complex challenges in treatment.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation in combination with sorafenib for improving liver function and its impact on the prognosis of patients with this condition.METHODS Data from 100 patients with liver cancer complicated with portal hypertension from May 2014 to March 2019 were analyzed and divided into a study group(n=50)and a control group(n=50)according to the treatment regimen.The research group received radiofrequency ablation(RFA)in combination with sorafenib,and the control group only received RFA.The short-term efficacy of both the research and control groups was observed.Liver function and portal hypertension were compared before and after treatment.Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),glypican-3(GPC-3),and AFP-L3 levels were compared between the two groups prior to and after treatment.The occurrence of adverse reactions in both groups was observed.The 3-year survival rate was compared between the two groups.Basic data were compared between the survival and non-surviving groups.To identify the independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with liver cancer complicated by portal hypertension,multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed.RESULTS When comparing the two groups,the research group's total effective rate(82.00%)was significantly greater than that of the control group(56.00%;P<0.05).Following treatment,alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels increased,and portal vein pressure decreased in both groups.The degree of improvement for every index was substantially greater in the research group than in the control group(P<0.05).Following treatment,the AFP,GPC-3,and AFP-L3 levels in both groups decreased,with the research group having significantly lower levels than the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of diarrhea,rash,nausea and vomiting,and fatigue in the research group was significantly greater than that in the control group(P<0.05).The 1-,2-,and 3-year survival rates of the research group(94.00%,84.00%,and 72.00%,respectively)were significantly greater than those of the control group(80.00%,64.00%,and 40.00%,respectively;P<0.05).Significant differences were observed between the survival group and the non-surviving group in terms of Child-Pugh grade,history of hepatitis,number of tumors,tumor size,use of sorafenib,stage of liver cancer,histological differentiation,history of splenectomy and other basic data(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that high Child-Pugh grade,tumor size(6–10 cm),history of hepatitis,no use of sorafenib,liver cancer stage IIIC,and previous splenectomy were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with liver cancer complicated with portal hypertension(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Patients suffering from liver cancer complicated by portal hypertension benefit from the combination of RFA and sorafenib therapy because it effectively restores liver function and increases survival rates.The prognosis of patients suffering from liver cancer complicated by portal hypertension is strongly associated with factors such as high Child-Pugh grade,tumor size(6-10 cm),history of hepatitis,lack of sorafenib use,liver cancer at stage IIIC,and prior splenectomy.

Bayesian network-based survival prediction model for patients having undergone post-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for portal hypertension

BACKGROUND Portal hypertension(PHT),primarily induced by cirrhosis,manifests severe symptoms impacting patient survival.Although transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is a critical intervention for managing PHT,it carries risks like hepatic encephalopathy,thus affecting patient survival prognosis.To our knowledge,existing prognostic models for post-TIPS survival in patients with PHT fail to account for the interplay among and collective impact of various prognostic factors on outcomes.Consequently,the development of an innovative modeling approach is essential to address this limitation.AIM To develop and validate a Bayesian network(BN)-based survival prediction model for patients with cirrhosis-induced PHT having undergone TIPS.METHODS The clinical data of 393 patients with cirrhosis-induced PHT who underwent TIPS surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between January 2015 and May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Variables were selected using Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression methods,and a BN-based model was established and evaluated to predict survival in patients having undergone TIPS surgery for PHT.RESULTS Variable selection revealed the following as key factors impacting survival:age,ascites,hypertension,indications for TIPS,postoperative portal vein pressure(post-PVP),aspartate aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase,total bilirubin,prealbumin,the Child-Pugh grade,and the model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)score.Based on the above-mentioned variables,a BN-based 2-year survival prognostic prediction model was constructed,which identified the following factors to be directly linked to the survival time:age,ascites,indications for TIPS,concurrent hypertension,post-PVP,the Child-Pugh grade,and the MELD score.The Bayesian information criterion was 3589.04,and 10-fold cross-validation indicated an average log-likelihood loss of 5.55 with a standard deviation of 0.16.The model’s accuracy,precision,recall,and F1 score were 0.90,0.92,0.97,and 0.95 respectively,with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve being 0.72.CONCLUSION This study successfully developed a BN-based survival prediction model with good predictive capabilities.It offers valuable insights for treatment strategies and prognostic evaluations in patients having undergone TIPS surgery for PHT.

Insights and future directions in studying intestinal microbiota posttransjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for hepatitis B virusrelated portal hypertension

The gut microbiota(GM)plays a major role in the progression and treatment response of liver diseases,with diverse compositions based on different etiologies.In China,hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is the leading cause of cirrhosis and affects the GM composition in patients with cirrhosis-related portal hypertension(PH).However,a few studies have been conducted on GM alterations after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)in patients with HBV-related PH.A recent study investigated the changes in the GM in these patients after TIPS.This study found an increase in potentially pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria post-TIPS,particularly in patients with hepatic encephalopathy(HE),indicating the potential role of the GM in HE prediction and management post-TIPS.Nevertheless,the study had several limitations,including a small sample size,limited follow-up,a single time point for sample collection,and inadequate analysis of the correlation between intestinal flora,HBV infection status,and clinical parameters.Future research should address these limitations by expanding the sample size,prolonging the follow-up duration,collecting samples at multiple time points,and conducting compre-hensive analyses to confirm the findings and evaluate the effectiveness of individualized microbiome-based therapies.

Portal hypertension in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease:Current knowledge and challenges

Portal hypertension(PH)has traditionally been observed as a consequence of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).However,recent studies have provided evidence that PH may develop in earlier stages of NAFLD,suggesting that there are additional pathogenetic mechanisms at work in addition to liver fibrosis.The early development of PH in NAFLD is associated with hepatocellular lipid accumulation and ballooning,leading to the compression of liver sinusoids.External compression and intraluminal obstacles cause mechanical forces such as strain,shear stress and elevated hydrostatic pressure that in turn activate mechanotransduction pathways,resulting in endothelial dysfunction and the development of fibrosis.The spatial distribution of histological and functional changes in the periportal and perisinusoidal areas of the liver lobule are considered responsible for the pre-sinusoidal component of PH in patients with NAFLD.Thus,current diagnostic methods such as hepatic venous pressure gradient(HVPG)measurement tend to underestimate portal pressure(PP)in NAFLD patients,who might decompensate below the HVPG threshold of 10 mmHg,which is traditionally considered the most relevant indicator of clinically significant portal hypertension(CSPH).This creates further challenges in finding a reliable diagnostic method to stratify the prognostic risk in this population of patients.In theory,the measurement of the portal pressure gradient guided by endoscopic ultrasound might overcome the limitations of HVPG measurement by avoiding the influence of the pre-sinusoidal component,but more investigations are needed to test its clinical utility for this indication.Liver and spleen stiffness measurement in combination with platelet count is currently the best-validated non-invasive approach for diagnosing CSPH and varices needing treatment.Lifestyle change remains the cornerstone of the treatment of PH in NAFLD,together with correcting the components of metabolic syndrome,using nonselective beta blockers,whereas emerging candidate drugs require more robust confirmation from clinical trials.

Spleen volume is associated with overt hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with portal hypertension

BACKGROUND Portal shunt and immune status related to the spleen are related to the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy(HE).It is unknown whether spleen volume before transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is related to postoperative HE.AIM To investigate the relationship between spleen volume and the occurrence of HE.METHODS This study included 135 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent TIPS,and liver and spleen volumes were elevated upon computed tomography imaging.The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to compare the difference in the incidence rate of HE among patients with different spleen volumes.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the factors affecting overt HE(OHE).Restricted cubic spline was used to examine the shapes of the dose-response association between spleen volumes and OHE risk.RESULTS The results showed that 37(27.2%)of 135 patients experienced OHE during a 1-year follow-up period.Compared with preoperative spleen volume(901.30±471.90 cm3),there was a significant decrease in spleen volume after TIPS(697.60±281.0 cm^(3))in OHE patients.As the severity of OHE increased,the spleen volume significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with patients with a spleen volume≥782.4 cm^(3),those with a spleen volume<782.4 cm^(3) had a higher incidence of HE(P<0.05).Cox regression analysis showed that spleen volume was an independent risk factor for post-TIPS OHE(hazard ratio=0.494,P<0.05).Restricted cubic spline model showed that with an increasing spleen volume,OHE risk showed an initial increase and then decrease(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Spleen volume is related to the occurrence of OHE after TIPS.Preoperative spleen volume is an independent risk factor for post-TIPS OHE.

Milestones to optimize of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt technique as a method for the treatment of portal hypertension complications

This editorial describes the milestones to optimize of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)technique,which have made it one of the main methods for the treatment of portal hypertension complications worldwide.Innovative ideas,subsequent experimental studies and preliminary experience of use in cirrhotic patients contributed to the introduction of TIPS into clinical practice.At the moment,the main achievement in optimize of TIPS technique is progress in the qualitative characteristics of stents.The transition from bare metal stents to extended polytetrafluoroethylene–covered stent grafts made it possible to significantly prevent shunt dysfunction.However,the question of its preferred diameter,which contributes to an optimal reduction of portal pressure without the risk of developing post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy,remains relevant.Currently,hepatic encephalopathy is one of the most common complications of TIPS,significantly affecting its effectiveness and prognosis.Careful selection of patients based on cognitive indicators,nutritional status,assessment of liver function,etc.,will reduce the incidence of post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy and improve treatment results.Optimize of TIPS technique has significantly expanded the indications for its use and made it one of the main methods for the treatment of portal hypertension complications.At the same time,there are a number of limitations and unresolved issues that require further randomized controlled trials involving a large cohort of patients.

Safety and efficacy of modified endoscopic ultrasound-guided selective N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injections for gastric variceal hemorrhage in left-sided portal hypertension

BACKGROUND Gastric variceal hemorrhage is one of the primary manifestations of left-sided portal hypertension(LSPH).The hemorrhage is fatal and requires safe and effective interventions.AIM To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of modified endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided selective N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate(NBC)injections for gastric variceal hemorrhage in LSPH.METHODS A retrospective observational study of patients with LSPH-induced gastric variceal hemorrhage was conducted.Preoperative EUS evaluations were performed.Enrolled patients were divided into modified and conventional groups according to the NBC injection technique.The final selection of NBC injection technique depended on the patients’preferences and clinical status.The technical and clinical success rates,operation time,NBC doses,perioperative complications,postoperative hospital stay,and recurrent bleeding rates were analyzed,respectively.RESULTS A total of 27 patients were enrolled.No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding baseline characteristics.In comparison to patients in the conventional group,patients in the modified group demonstrated significantly reduced NBC doses(2.0±0.6 mL vs 3.1±1.0 mL;P=0.004)and increased endoscopic operation time(71.9±11.9 min vs 22.5±6.7 min;P<0.001).Meanwhile,the two groups had no significant difference in the technical and clinical success rates,perioperative complications,postoperative hospital stay,and recurrent bleeding rates.CONCLUSION Modified EUS-guided selective NBC injections demonstrated safety and efficacy for LSPH-induced gastric variceal hemorrhage,with advantages of reduced injection dose and no radiation risk.Drawbacks were time consumption and technical challenge.

Contemporary concepts of the medical therapy of portal hypertension under liver cirrhosis

Severe complications of liver cirrhosis are mostly related to portal hypertension. At the base of the pathogenesis of portal hypertension is the increase in hepatic vascular resistance to portal blood flow with subsequent development of hyperdynamic circulation, which, despite of the formation of collateral circulation, promotes progression of portal hypertension. An important role in its pathogenesis is played by the rearrangement of vascular bed and angiogenesis. As a result, strategic directions of the therapy of portal hypertension under liver cirrhosis include selectively decreasing hepatic vascular resistance with preserving or increasing portal blood flow, and correcting hyperdynamic circulation and pathological angiogenesis, while striving to reduce the hepatic venous pressure gradient to less than 12 mm Hg or 20% of the baseline. Over the last years, substantial progress in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of hemodynamic disorders under liver cirrhosis has resulted in the development of new drugs for their correction. Although the majority of them have so far been investigated only in animal experiments, as well as at the molecular and cellular level, it might be expected that the introduction of the new methods in clinical practice will increase the efficacy of the conservative approach to the prophylaxis and treatment of portal hypertension complications. The purpose of the review is to describe the known methods of portal hypertension pharmacotherapy and discuss the drugs that may affect the basic pathogenetic mechanisms of its development.

Antiangiogenic therapy for portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis: Current progress and perspectives

Developing medicines for hemodynamic disorders that are characteristic of cirrhosis of the liver is a relevant problem in modern hepatology. The increase in hepatic vascular resistance to portal blood flow and subsequent hyperdynamic circulation underlie portal hypertension(PH) and promote its progression, despite the formation of portosystemic collaterals. Angiogenesis and vascular bed restructurization play an important role in PH pathogenesis as well. In this regard, strategic directions in the therapy for PH in cirrhosis include selectively decreasing hepatic vascular resistance while preserving or increasing portal blood flow, and correcting hyperdynamic circulation and pathological angiogenesis. The aim of this review is to describe the mechanisms of angiogenesis in PH and the methods of antiangiogenic therapy. The Pub Med database, the Google Scholar retrieval system, and the reference lists from related articles were used to search for relevant publications. Articles corresponding to the aim of the review were selected for 2000-2017 using the keywords: "liver cirrhosis", "portal hypertension", "pathogenesis", "angiogenesis", and "antiangiogenic therapy". Antiangiogenic therapy for PH was the inclusion criterion. In this review, we have described angiogenesis inhibitors and their mechanism of action in relation to PH. Although most of them were studie donly in animal experiments, this selective therapy for abnormally growing newly formed vessels is pathogenetically reasonable to treat PH and associated complications.

Portal hypertension: Imaging of portosystemic collateral pathways and associated image-guided therapy

Portal hypertension is a common clinical syndrome, defined by a pathologic increase in the portal venous pressure. Increased resistance to portal blood flow, the primary factor in the pathophysiology of portal hypertension, is in part due to morphological changes occurring in chronic liver diseases. This results in rerouting of blood flow away from the liver through collateral pathways to low-pressure systemic veins. Through a variety of computed tomographic, sonographic, magnetic resonance imaging and angiographic examples, this article discusses the appearances and prevalence of both common and less common portosystemic collateral channels in the thorax and abdomen. A brief overview of established interventional radiologic techniques for treatment of portal hypertension will also be provided. Awareness of the various imaging manifestations of portal hypertension can be helpful for assessing overall prognosis and planning proper management.

Spleen stiffness mirrors changes in portal hypertension after successful interferon-free therapy in chronic-hepatitis C virus patients

AIM To investigate changes in spleen stiffness measurements(SSMs) and other non-invasive tests(NITs) after treatment with direct-acting antivirals(DAAs) and identify predictors of SSM change after sustainedvirological response(SVR). METHODS We retrospectively analysed 146 advanced-chronic liver disease(ACLD) patients treated with DAA with available paired SSM at baseline and SVR24. Liver stiffness(LSM), spleen diameter(SD), platelet count(PLT) and liver stiffness-spleen diameter to platelet ratio score(LSPS) were also investigated. LSM ≥ 21 k Pa was used as a cut-off to rule-in clinically significant portal hypertension(CSPH). SSM reduction > 20% from baseline was defined as significant.RESULTS SSM significantly decreased at SVR24, in both patients with and without CSPH; in 44.8% of cases, SSM reduction was > 20%. LSPS significantly improved in the entire cohort at SVR24; SD and PLT changed significantly only in patients without CSPH. LSM significantly decreased in 65.7% of patients and also in 2/3 patients in whom SSM did not decrease. The independent predictor of decreased SSM was median relative change of LSM. CSPH persisted in 54.4% patients after SVR. Delta LSM and baseline SSM were independent factors associated with CSPH persistence.CONCLUSION SSM and other NITs significantly decrease after SVR, although differently according to the patient's clinical condition. SSM faithfully reflects changes in portal hypertension and could represent a useful NIT for the follow-up of these patients.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and splenectomy are more effective than endoscopic therapy for recurrent variceal bleeding in patients with idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension

BACKGROUND Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS),splenectomy plus esophagogastric devascularization(SED)and endoscopic therapy+non-selectiveβ-blockers(ET+NSBB)are widely applied in secondary prevention of recurrent gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis.These different treatments,however,have not been compared in patients with idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension(INCPH).AIM To compare the outcomes of TIPS,SED and ET+NSBB in the control of variceal rebleeding in patients with INCPH.METHODS This retrospective study recruited patients from six centers across China.Demographic characteristics,baseline profiles and follow-up clinical outcomes were collected.Post-procedural clinical outcomes,including incidence of rebleeding,hepatic encephalopathy(HE),portal vein thrombosis(PVT)and mortality rates,were compared in the different groups.RESULTS In total,81 patients were recruited,with 28 receiving TIPS,26 SED,and 27 ET+NSBB.No significant differences in demographic and baseline characteristics were found among these three groups before the procedures.After treatment,blood ammonia was significantly higher in the TIPS group;hemoglobin level and platelet count were significantly higher in the SED group(P<0.01).Rebleeding rate was significantly higher in the ET+NSBB group(P<0.01).Mortality was 3.6%,3.8%and 14.8%in the TIPS,SED and ET+NSBB groups,respectively,with no significant differences(P=0.082).Logistic regression analysis showed that mortality was significantly correlated with rebleeding,HE,portal thrombosis and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis(P<0.05).CONCLUSION In patients with INCPH,TIPS and SED were more effective in controlling rebleeding than ET+NSBB,but survival rates were not significantly different among the three groups.Mortality was significantly correlated with rebleeding,HE and PVT.

Addition of simvastatin to carvedilol non responders: A new pharmacological therapy for treatment of portal hypertension

AIMTo determine whether addition of simvastatin could be an important pharmacological rescue therapy for carvedilol non-responders. METHODSOne hundred and two consecutive patients of cirrhosis of liver with significant portal hypertension were included. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) was measured at the base line and after proper optimization of dose; chronic response was assessed at 3 mo. Carvedilol non-responders were given simvastatin 20 mg per day (increased to 40 mg per day at day 15). Carvedilol plus simvastatin was continued for 1 mo and hemodynamic response was again measured at 1 mo. RESULTSA total of 102 patients with mean age of 58.3 ± 6.6 years were included. Mean baseline HVPG was 16.75 ± 2.12 mmHg and after optimization of dose and reassessment of HVPG at 3 mo, mean reduction of HVPG from baseline was 5.5 ± 1.7 mmHg and 2.8 ± 1.6 mmHg among responders and non-responders respectively (P CONCLUSIONAddition of simvastatin to carvedilol non-responders may prove to be an excellent rescue therapy in patients with portal hypertension.

A rabbit model of non- cirrhotic portal hypertension by repeated injections of E. coli through indwelling cannulation of the gastrosplenic vein

BACKGROUND: Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension is acommon cause of portal hypertension in developing coun-tries. To understand its etiopathogenesis we developed ananimal model by repeated portal endotoxemia inducedthrough the gastrosplenic vein.METHODS: Twenty-nine rabbits (1.5-2.0 kg) were divid-ed into control (group n = 13) and experimental ( groupn = 16) groups. Heat killed E. coli were injected throughan indwelling cannula into the gastrosplenic vein in pre-sensitized animals. The animals were sacriflced at 1, 3 and6 months.RESULTS: The mean portal pressure in group animalswas significantly (P < 0. 05) higher than in group at 1(17.5 ±3.4 vs 10.4±2.2 mmHg), 3 (17.8±1.3 vs7.2 +3.6mmHg), and 6 (19.8±3.1 vs 10.3±4.8 mmHg) months.Similarly, the mean splenic weight in group was signifi-cantly greater than in group (P <0.05). Histopathologi-cally, the spleen showed medullary congestion, hemosid-rin-laden macrophages and mild fibrosis. Histologically,the liver had normal parenchyma with mild portal lympho-cytic infiltrates and kupffer cell hyperplasia. No significantanomalies were detected by liver function tests.CONCLUSIONS: The rabbit model showed significantsplenomegaly with a persistent increase in portal pressureand mild fibrosis without hepatic parenchymal injury, quiteakin to non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis as seen in humans. Re-current intra-abdominal infection may play an importantrole in the pathogenesis of non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis.

Isolated gastric variceal bleeding related to non-cirrhotic portal hypertension following oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy:A case report

BACKGROUND Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome has been reported after oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy,but liver fibrosis and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension(NCPH)are rarely reported.CASE SUMMARY Here,we describe the case of a 64-year-old woman who developed isolated gastric variceal bleeding 16 mo after completing eight cycles of oxaliplatin combined with capecitabine chemotherapy after colon cancer resection.Surprisingly,splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia were not accompanied by variceal bleeding,which has been reported to have predictive value for gastric variceal formation.However,a liver biopsy showed fibrosis in the portal area,suggesting NCPH.The patient underwent endoscopic treatment and experienced no further symptoms.CONCLUSION It is necessary to guard against long-term complications after oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.Sometimes splenic size and platelet level may not always accurately predict the occurrence of portal hypertension.

Clinical Effects of the Qi-acupuncture Therapy of TCM on Portal Hypertension

Objective:To explore the effective prevention and treatment of portal hypertension(PH).Methods:A total of 220 patients who came to our hospital from March 2015 to October 2018 were treated.They were randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group,each with 110 cases.Before treatment,there was no significant differences in age,sex,clinical symptoms,signs,laboratory tests and color Doppler ultrasound related examinations between the 2 groups(P>0.05).Among them,the treatment group on the basis of traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment in our hospital,the Qi-acupuncture therapy of TCM was added.The extra meridian acupoints along with acupoints were selected.The control group received conventional treatment with traditional Chinese and Western medicine in our hospital.Results:There were significant differences in clinical symptoms,signs and chemistry between groups after treatment(P<0.01).There were significant differences in test,color ultrasound related examination and so on(P<0.01).Those in the treatment group was significantly better than the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion:On the basis of the Qi-acupuncture therapy of TCM,selecting extra meridian acupoint and acupoints can effectively treat PH.