Hypertension and associated complications in pregnant women with chronic kidney disease

The growing incidence of obesity and the rising trend of increased age during pregnancy have led to a high number of pregnant women with chronic kidney disease(CKD).Chronic hypertension is commonly associated with CKD and is not only the result of renal damage but is also the cause of declining renal function.Pregnancy and its unique physiological adaptations are affected by a decrease in the filtration capacity of the kidneys.Preeclampsia is a disorder of the vascular endothelium and is exacerbated by endothelial dysfunction resulting from CKD.Blood pressure targets must be strictly maintained owing to overlapping disease pathogenesis and to minimize cardiovascular damage.Moreover,preexisting renal dysfunction poses a challenge in identifying superimposed preeclampsia,which alters the management strategies in pregnancy.Fetal outcomes in patients with CKD are considerably affected by the presence of hypertension.This review is expected to aid in developing a focused and individualized treatment plan for hypertension in pregnant women with CKD to improve pregnancy outcomes and preserve postpartum renal function.

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.

Construction of a nomogram prediction model for early postoperative stoma complications of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Postoperative enterostomy is increasing in patients with colorectal cancer,but there is a lack of a model that can predict the probability of early complications.AIM To explore the factors influencing early postoperative stoma complications in colorectal cancer patients and to construct a nomogram prediction model for predicting the probability of these complications.METHODS A retrospective study of 462 patients who underwent postoperative ostomy for colorectal cancer in the Gastrointestinal Department of the Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital.The patients’basic information,surgical details,pathological results,and preoperative inflammatory and nutritional indicators were reviewed.We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression to analyze the risk factors for early postoperative stoma complications in colorectal cancer patients and constructed a nomogram prediction model to predict the probability of these complications.RESULTS Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that diabetes[odds ratio(OR)=3.088,95%confidence interval(CI):1.419-6.719],preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy(OR=6.822,95%CI:2.171-21.433),stoma type(OR=2.118,95%CI:1.151-3.898),Nutritional risk screening 2002 score(OR=2.034,95%CI:1.082-3.822)and prognostic nutritional index(OR=0.486,95%CI:0.254-0.927)were risk factors for early stoma complications after colorectal cancer surgery(P<0.05).On the basis of these results,a prediction model was constructed and the area under the re-ceiver operating characteristic curve was 0.740(95%CI:0.669-0.811).After internal validation,the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the validation group was 0.725(95%CI:0.631-0.820).The calibration curves for the modeling group and validation group are displayed.The predicted results have a good degree of overlap with the actual results.CONCLUSION A previous history of diabetes,preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy,stoma type,Nutritional risk screening 2002 score and prognostic nutritional index are risk factors for early stoma complications after colorectal cancer surgery.The nomogram prediction model constructed on the basis of the results of logistic regression analysis in this study can effectively predict the probability of early stomal complications after colorectal cancer surgery.

Cerebral complications after unilateral biportal endoscopic surgery:A case report

BACKGROUND Unilateral biportal endoscopic(UBE)surgery has developed rapidly during the past decade.Continuous epidural space irrigation is generally considered the principal reason for cerebral complications following UBE surgery.We present a case of mental symptoms during the general anesthesia awakening period due to pneumocephalus.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old woman with lumbar disc herniation underwent UBE surgery stably under general anesthesia.Uncontrollable hypertension occurred immediately after transfer to the postoperative care unit,accompanied by increased heart rate and tachypnea.During the recovery process,the patient responded to external stimuli but was confused and unable to complete command actions.Neck stiff-ness and significantly increased muscle strength on the left side indicated the presence of de-cerebrate rigidity.An urgent brain computed tomography scan showed pneumocephalus compressing the brainstem.After receiving analgesia and sedation treatment,the patient was conscious three hours later and recovered rapidly.She was discharged on the fifth postoperative day and followed up for 3 months with no surgical or brain complications.CONCLUSION Cerebral complications emerging during the general anesthesia awakening period following UBE surgery are not entirely due to increased intracranial pressure.Pneumocephalus induced by dural injury may also be a potential cause.

Effect of comprehensive perioperative nursing on pain intensity,complication rates,and comfort levels in patients undergoing gallstone surgery

BACKGROUND Surgery is the gold standard for gallstone treatment.Nevertheless,the complications associated with the surgical procedure can exert diverse and adverse impacts on patients’health and quality of life to varying extents.Hence,it is essential to offer perioperative care to patients undergoing gallstone surgery.AIM To examine the impact of perioperative comprehensive nursing on pain intensity,complication rates,and patient comfort in individuals undergoing gallstone surgery.METHODS From February 2022 to February 2024,195 patients who underwent gallstone surgery at Sanmen People’s Hospital were selected and divided into two groups:A control group receiving routine nursing care(95 patients)and a research group receiving perioperative comprehensive nursing(100 patients).Key postoperative recovery indicators,including time to first postoperative anal exhaust,oral food intake,and ambulation,were observed,along with pain intensity(measured by the numeric rating scale),complication rate(bleeding,incision infection,recurrence),patient comfort(assessed using the visual analogue scale),and quality of life(measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF).RESULTS The research group showed significantly shorter times to first postoperative anal exhaust,oral intake,and ambulation.Moreover,numeric rating scale pain scores in the research group were markedly lower post-nursing,and the total complication rate was significantly reduced compared to the control group.Furthermore,comfort levels improved considerably in the research group,and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF scores across the physical,psychological,social,and environmental domains were significantly higher compared to the control group following nursing care.CONCLUSION Perioperative comprehensive nursing effectively enhances postoperative recovery in patients undergoing gallstone surgery,reducing pain,lowering complications,and improving patient comfort and quality of life,which deserves clinical application.

Artificial intelligence-driven strategies for managing renal and urinary complications in inflammatory bowel disease

In this editorial,we discuss the article by Singh et al published in World Journal of Nephrology,stating the need for timely adjustments in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)patients'long-term management plans.IBD is chronic and lifelong,with recurrence and remission cycles,including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.It's exact etiology is unknown but likely multifactorial.Related to gut flora and immune issues.Besides intestinal symptoms,IBD can also affect various extrain-testinal manifestations such as those involving the skin,joints,eyes and urinary system.The anatomical proximity of urinary system waste disposal to that of the alimentary canal makes early detection and the differentiation of such symptoms very difficult.Various studies show that IBD and it's first-line drugs have nephro-toxicity,impacting the patients'life quality.Existing guidelines give very few references for kidney lesion monitoring.Singh et al's plan aims to improve treatment management for IBD patients with glomerular filtration rate decline,specifically those at risk.Most of IBD patients are young and they need lifelong therapy.So early therapy cessation,taking into account drug side effects,can be helpful.Artificial intelligence-driven diagnosis and treatment has a big potential for management improvements in IBD and other chronic diseases.

Rapid improvement in postpartum pulmonary hypertension associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Postpartum pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)complicated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia(HHT)is a rare condition.Diagnosing and treating PAH in patients with HHT can be challenging.To the best of our knowledge,no previous reports have investigated the efficacy of pulmonary vasodilators in improving hemodynamics in postpartum patients with this disease.CASE SUMMARY In this paper,we report a postpartum case of HHT combined with PAH,pre-senting with worsening dyspnea.Genetic testing revealed that the patient carried a heterozygous variant of activin receptor-like kinase 1.The patient received various treatments,including diuretics,anticoagulants,sildenafil,macitentan,inhalation of nitric oxide,and iloprost.Changes in PaO2/FiO2,pulmonary artery systolic pressure as assessed by echocardiography,and N-terminus pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels suggested that,except for iloprost inhalation,the other treatments appeared to have limited efficacy.CONCLUSION To our knowledge,this is the first report on efficacy of pulmonary vasodilators in postpartum patients with HHT and PAH.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a biomarker for neuropsychiatric complications in acute ischemic stroke

This study evaluates the findings of Gu et al,who investigated the role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL)as a biomarker for predicting neuropsychiatric complications in acute ischemic stroke(AIS)patients.The results revealed that elevated serum NGAL levels at admission are associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment,anxiety,and depressive symptoms at discharge.The study analyzed 150 AIS patients(mean age 65.4 years,58%male)using the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess neuropsychiatric outcomes.Multivariate analysis demonstrated that higher NGAL levels were independent predictors of cognitive impairment[odds ratio(OR)=1.42],anxiety(OR=1.28),and depression(OR=1.39).Notably,NGAL exhibited strong predictive power for cognitive impairment,with an area under the curve of 0.78.Despite these promising findings,NGAL’s clinical utility is limited by its non-specificity across various conditions.Nevertheless,NGAL levels could help identify AIS patients at risk for neuropsychiatric complications,enabling timely intervention and comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluation.The study emphasizes the need for further research to validate NGAL’s predictive accuracy and specificity in diverse AIS populations and advocates for its integration with other diagnostic modalities to enhance clinical decision-making.

Retrospective comparative study of different surgical methods for gastric ulcer perforation:Efficacy and postoperative complications

BACKGROUND Gastric ulcer perforation is a critical condition that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not promptly addressed.It is often the result of chronic peptic ulcer disease,which is characterized by a breach in the gastric wall due to ulceration.Surgical intervention is essential for managing this life-threatening complication.However,the optimal surgical technique remains debatable among clinicians.Various methods have been employed,including simple closure,omental patch repair,and partial gastrectomy,each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.Understanding the comparative efficacy and postoperative outcomes of these techniques is crucial for improving patient care and surgical decision-making.This study addresses the need for a comprehensive analysis in this area.AIM To compare the efficacy and postoperative complications of different surgical methods for the treatment of gastric ulcer perforation.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 patients who underwent surgery for gastric ulcer perforation between September 2020 and June 2023.The patients were divided into three groups based on the surgical method:Simple closure,omental patch repair,and partial gastrectomy.The primary outcomes were the operative success rate and incidence of postoperative complications.Secondary outcomes included the length of hospital stay,recovery time,and long-term quality of life.RESULTS The operative success rates for simple closure,omental patch repair,and partial gastrectomy were 92.5%,95%,and 97.5%,respectively.Postoperative complications occurred in 20%,15%,and 17.5%of patients in each group,respectively.The partial gastrectomy group showed a significantly longer operative time(P<0.001)but the lowest rate of ulcer recurrence(2.5%,P<0.05).The omental patch repair group demonstrated the shortest hospital stay(mean 7.2 days,P<0.05)and fastest recovery time.CONCLUSION While all three surgical methods showed high success rates,omental patch repair demonstrated the best overall outcomes,with a balance of high efficacy,low complication rates,and shorter recovery time.However,the choice of the surgical method should be tailored to individual patient factors and the surgeon’s expertise.

Clinical effects and complications of TIPS for portal hypertension due to cirrhosis:A single center

AIM:To determine the clinical effects and complications of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)for portal hypertension due to cirrhosis.METHODS:Two hundred and eighty patients with portal hypertension due to cirrhosis who underwent TIPS were retrospectively evaluated.Portal trunk pressure was measured before and after surgery.The changes in hemodynamics and the condition of the stent were assessed by ultrasound and the esophageal and fundic veins observed endoscopically.RESULTS:The success rate of TIPS was 99.3%.The portal trunk pressure was 26.8±3.6 cmH2O after surgery and 46.5±3.4 cmH2O before surgery(P<0.01).The velocity of blood flow in the portal vein increased.The internal diameters of the portal and splenic veins were reduced.The short-term hemostasis rate was100%.Esophageal varices disappeared completely in68%of patients and were obviously reduced in 32%.Varices of the stomach fundus disappeared completely in 80%and were obviously reduced in 20%of patients.Ascites disappeared in 62%,were markedly reduced in 24%,but were still apparent in 14%of patients.The total effective rate of ascites reduction was 86%.Hydrothorax completely disappeared in 100%of patients.The incidence of post-operative stent stenosis was 24%at 12 mo and 34%at 24 mo.The incidence of post-operative hepatic encephalopathy was 12%at3 mo,17%at 6 mo and 19%at 12 mo.The incidence of post-operative recurrent hemorrhage was 9%at 12mo,19%at 24 mo and 35%at 36 mo.The cumulative survival rate was 86%at 12 mo,81%at 24 mo,75%at 36 mo,57%at 48 mo and 45%at 60 mo.CONCLUSION:TIPS can effectively lower portal hypertension due to cirrhosis.It is significantly effective for hemorrhage of the digestive tract due to rupture of esophageal and fundic veins and for ascites and hydrothorax caused by portal hypertension.

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.

Optimizing risk management for post-amputation wound complications in diabetic patients: Focus on glycemic and immunosuppressive control

This study highlights the importance of identifying and addressing risk factors associated with wound complications following transtibial amputation in diabetic patients.These amputations,often necessitated by severe diabetic foot ulcers,carry significant risks of postoperative complications such as infection and delayed wound healing.Elevated hemoglobin A1c levels,indicative of poor glycemic control,and a history of kidney transplantation,due to required immunosuppressive therapy,are key factors influencing these outcomes.This paper emphasizes the need for enhanced glycemic management and personalized postoperative care,particularly for immunocompromised individuals,to minimize complications and improve patient prognosis.Future research should focus on prospective studies to validate targeted interventions and optimize care strategies,ultimately aiming to reduce the healthcare burden associated with diabetic foot complications.

Blood pressure,prevalence of hypertension and hypertension related complications in Nigerian Africans:A review

To review studies on hypertension in Nigeria over the past five decades in terms of prevalence,awareness and treatment and complications.Following our search on Pubmed,African Journals Online and the World Health Organization Global cardiovascular infobase,1060 related references were identified out of which 43 were found to be relevant for this review.The overall prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria ranges from 8%-46.4% depending on the study target population,type of measurement and cut-off value used for defining hypertension.The prevalence is similar in men and women(7.9%-50.2% vs 3.5%-68.8%,respectively) and in the urban(8.1%-42.0%) and rural setting(13.5%-46.4%).The pooled prevalence increased from 8.6% from the only study during the period from 1970-1979 to 22.5%(2000-2011).Awareness,treatment and control of hypertension were generally low with attendant high burden of hypertension related complications.In order to improve outcomes of cardiovascular disease in Africans,public health education to improve awareness of hypertension is required.Further epidemiological studies on hypertension are required to adequately understand and characterize the impact of hypertension in society.

Role of endoscopy in management of gastrointestinal complications of portal hypertension

The management of patients with gastrointestinal complications of portal hypertension is often complex and challenging. The endoscopy plays an important role in the management of these patients. The role of endoscopy is both diagnostic and interventional and in the last years the techniques have undergone a rapid expansion with the advent of different and novel endoscopic modalities, with consequent improvement of investigation and treatment of these patients. The choice of best therapeutic strategy depends on many factors: baseline disease, patient's clinical performance and the timing when it is done if in emergency or a prophylactic approaches. In this review we evaluate the endoscopic management of patients with the gastrointestinal complications of portal hypertension.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and portal hypertension-related complications

Portal hypertension(PH)plays an important role in the natural history of cirrhosis,and is associated with several clinical consequences.The introduction of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts(TIPS)in the 1980s has been regarded as a major technical advance in the management of the PH-related complications.At present,polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents are the preferred option over traditional bare metal stents.TIPS is currently indicated as a salvage therapy in patients with bleeding esophageal varices who fail standard treatment.Recently,applying TIPS early(within 72 h after admission)has been shown to be an effective and life-saving treatment in those with high-risk variceal bleeding.In addition,TIPS is recommended as the second-line treatment for secondary prophylaxis.For bleeding gastric varices,applying TIPS was able to achieve hemostasis in more than 90%of patients.More trials are needed to clarify the efficacy of TIPS compared with other treatment modalities,including cyanoacrylate injection and balloon retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices.TIPS should also be considered in bleeding ectopic varices and refractory portal hypertensive gastropathy.In patients with refractory ascites,there is growing evidence that TIPS not only results in better control of ascites,but also improves long-term survivalin appropriately selected candidates.In addition,TIPS is a promising treatment for refractory hepatic hydrothorax.However,the role of TIPS in the treatment of hepatorenal and hepatopulmonary syndrome is not well defined.The advantage of TIPS is offset by a risk of developing hepatic encephalopathy,the most relevant postprocedural complication.Emerging data are addressing the determination the optimal time and patient selection for TIPS placement aiming at improving long-term treatment outcome.This review is aimed at summarizing the published data regarding the application of TIPS in the management of complications related to PH.

Transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt in the elderly:Palliation for complications of portal hypertension

AIM:To present a dedicated series of transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunts(TIPS) in the elderly since data is sparse on this population group.METHODS:A retrospective review was performed of patients at least 65 years of age who underwent TIPS at our institutions between 1997 and 2010.Twentyfive patients were referred for TIPS.We deemed that 2 patients were not considered appropriate candidates due to their markedly advanced liver disease.Of the 23 patients suitable for TIPS,the indications for TIPS placement was portal hypertension complicated by refractory ascites alone(n = 9),hepatic hydrothorax alone(n = 2),refractory ascites and hydrothorax(n = 1),gastrointestinal bleeding alone(n = 8),gastrointestinal bleeding and ascites(n = 3).RESULTS:Of these 23 attempted TIPS procedure patients,21 patients had technically successful TIPS procedures.A total of 29 out of 32 TIPS procedures including revisions were successful in 21 patients with a mean age of 72.1 years(range 65-82 years).Three of the procedures were unsuccessful attempts at TIPS and 8 procedures were successful revisions of our existing TIPS.Sixteen of 21 patients who underwent successful TIPS(excluding 5 patients lost to follow-up) were followed for a mean of 14.7 mo.Ascites and/or hydrothorax was controlled following technically successful procedures in 12 of 13 patients.Bleeding was controlled following technically successful procedures in 10 out of 11 patients.CONCLUSION:We have demonstrated that TIPS is an effective procedure to control refractory complications of portal hypertension in elderly patients.

Massive duodenal variceal bleed; complication of extra hepatic portal hypertension: Endoscopic management and literature review

Bleeding from duodenal varices is reported to be a catastrophic and often fatal event. Most of the cases in the literature involve patients with underlying cirrhosis. However, approximately one quarter of duodenal variceal bleeds is caused by extrahepatic portal hypertension and they represent a unique population given their lack of liver dysfunction. The authors present a case where a 61-year-old male with history of remote crush injury presented with bright red blood per rectum and was found to have bleeding from massive duodenal varices. Injection sclerotherapy with ethanolamine was performed and the patient experienced a favorable outcome with near resolution of his varices on endoscopic follow-up. The authors conclude that sclerotherapy is a reasonable first line therapy and review the literature surrounding the treatment of duodenal varices secondary to extrahepatic portal hypertension.

Study of the Prevalence of Hypertension and Complications of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the common problems associated with pregnancy that may be followed by eclampsia, acute renal failure, maternal death, premature delivery, intra-uterine growth restriction and other. This study was conducted to determine the results of pregnancies associated with hypertension in patients visiting in the Delivery Ward of Valiasr Hospital. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on all the patients admitted to the aforementioned department and who possessed the inclusion criteria for hypertensive pregnancy. Results: Among the 1694 delivery cases examined, 173 cases had hypertension (9.8%). Among these, 75 (45%) had gesta-tional hypertension;24 (14.8%) had preeclampsia-eclampsia;30 (18%) had preeclampsia su-perimposed on chronic hypertension;21 (13.5%) cases had chronic hypertension;and 13 (8%) had pregnancy-aggravated chronic hypertension. Ninety-six point three percent (96.3%) had a systolic blood pressure (BP) of 140 - 190 mmHg, and 3.7% had a systolic BP greater than 190 mmHg. Whereas 61.1% of diastolic blood pressure 90 - 110 mmHg and 38.9% of the mothers had diastolic BP greater than 110 mmHg. The HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes & Low Platelet count) syndrome was present in 4.9% of cases;52.6% experienced premature delivery;7.4% had IUFD (intra uterine fetal death);9.9% had IUGR (intrauterine growth retardation);and 17.3% had LBW babies. Conclusions: Based on our results, hypertensive mothers who are younger and have lower weight babies at birth experience more perinatal complications. The unpleasant effects of hypertension in pregnancy warrant the need for training, routine prenatal care, the early detection and treatment of hypertension at younger ages of pregnancy, and follow-up after delivery.

Parallel transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for controlling portal hypertension complications in cirrhotic patients

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of a second parallel transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to reduce portal venous pressure and control complications of portal hypertension.

Splenic arteriovenous fistula and sudden onset of portal hypertension as complications of a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm: Successful treatment with transcatheter arterial embolization. A case study and review of the literature

Splenic arteriovenous fistula （SAVF） accounts for an unusual but well-documented treatable cause of portal hypertension. A case of a 50-year-old multiparous female who developed suddenly portal hypertension due to SAVF formation is presented. The patient suffered from repeated episodes of haematemesis and melaena during the past twelve days and thus was emergently admitted to hospital for management. Clinical and laboratory investigations established the diagnosis of portal hypertension in the absence of liver parenchymal disease. Endoscopy revealed multiple esophageal bleeding varices. Abdominal computed tomography （CT） and transfemoral celiac arteriography documented the presence of a tortuous and aneurysmatic splenic artery and premature filling of an enlarged splenic vein, findings highly suggestive of an SAVF. The aforementioned vascular abnormality was successfully treated with percutaneous transcatheter embolization. Neither recurrence nor other complications were observed.