Journal of hepatology
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Journal of hepatology · Jun 2014
Bacterial infections in cirrhosis: a position statement based on the EASL Special Conference 2013.
Bacterial infections are very common and represent one of the most important reasons of progression of liver failure, development of liver-related complications, and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. In fact, bacterial infections may be a triggering factor for the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding, hypervolemic hyponatremia, hepatic encephalopathy, kidney failure, and development of acute-on-chronic liver failure. Moreover, infections are a very common cause of repeated hospitalizations, impaired health-related quality of life, and increased healthcare costs in cirrhosis. ⋯ Investigation on the mechanisms of altered gut microflora, translocation of bacteria, and immune dysfunction may help develop more effective and safe methods of prevention compared to those that are currently available. Moreover, research on biomarkers of early infection may be useful in early diagnosis and treatment of infections. The current manuscript reports an in-depth review and a position statement on bacterial infections in cirrhosis.
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Journal of hepatology · Jun 2014
Statin therapy is associated with reduced incidence of hypoxic hepatitis in critically ill patients.
Hypoxic hepatitis (HH) is a frequent and life-threatening complication associated with states of oxygen depletion in critically ill patients. Ischemia and reperfusion contribute to liver injury in HH. Experimental data suggest beneficial effects of statins in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. This study was conducted to investigate whether statin treatment prior to intensive care unit (ICU) admission affects incidence rates and severity of HH. ⋯ Cardiogenic shock, septic shock, and active alcohol consumption were independent factors predisposing patients to new onset of HH. Statin treatment prior to ICU admission was the only protective factor regarding the new occurrence of HH in critically ill patients.
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Journal of hepatology · Jun 2014
The evolving use of higher risk grafts is associated with an increased incidence of acute kidney injury after liver transplantation.
The growing discrepancy between supply and demand for liver transplantation has necessitated a greater use of higher risk grafts. Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) liver transplant recipients have an increased frequency of acute kidney injury (AKI). We hypothesised that other higher risk grafts might also impact negatively on renal function. Our aim was to examine the effect of the evolving use of higher risk grafts on the incidence of post liver transplant AKI. ⋯ The increasing use of higher risk liver grafts is associated with an increased incidence of AKI. These findings support the need for therapies that minimise the hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion injury.