Clinical events after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: Correlation with hemodynamic findings

Background & Aims: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures are increasingly being used, but the relationship between the hemodynamic effects of TIPS and the clinical events on follow-up remains undefined. Hence, we have investigated the hemodynamic correlations of portal hypertension–related events after a TIPS procedure. Methods: Prospective follow-up of 122 cirrhotic patients who had a TIPS procedure performed because of variceal hemorrhage was conducted. Results: The portacaval pressure gradient (PPG) significantly decreased after the TIPS procedure (from 19.7 ± 4.6 to 8.6 ± 2.7 mm Hg; P > 0.001), but increased thereafter and at rebleeding (n = 25) was >12 mm Hg in all patients (18.4 ± 4.6 mm Hg). Twenty-six patients developed ascites; the PPG (measured in 19) was always >12 mm Hg. Increasing the PPG to >12 mm Hg occurred very frequently (83% at 1 year). Within 1 year, 77% of patients underwent balloon angioplasty or restenting. However, 80% had again a PPG of >12 mm Hg 1 year after reintervention. Hepatic encephalopathy developed in 31% of patients at 1 year; 21 of 23 patients had a PPG of <12 mm Hg. Conclusions: Total protection from the risk of recurrent complications of portal hypertension after a TIPS procedure requires that the PPG be decreased and maintained <12 mm Hg. However, reintervention will be required in most patients within 1 year and again the second year. On the other hand, such portal decompression is associated with an increased risk of hepatic encephalopathy.GASTROENTEROLOGY 1998;114:1296-1303     

Relationship between pre-TIPS hepatic hemodynamics and postoperative incidence of hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the complications that have limited the effectiveness of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) most significantly. Up to the present, the predicting factors of HE post-TIPS have been debated controversially. This study was undertaken to verify the relationship between pre-TIPS intrahepatic hemodynamics and the incidence of post-TIPS HE. METHODS: The hepatic blood dynamics was evaluated in 41 patients with liver cirrhosis before TIPS and at one month after TIPS by ultrasonography. The patients were divided into two groups according to Doppler findings before TIPS: group 1, patients with prograde portal flow, and group 2, patients with hepatofugal or back-forth portal flow. The clinical characteristics (age, sex, etiology of liver disease, pre-TIPS Child-Pugh score, incidence of pre-TIPS HE, and portacaval pressure gradient), incidence of post TIPS HE, and pre-/post-TIPS hepatic arterial resistant index (RI) in the two groups were compared. The independent prognostic value of pre-TIPS variables for the onset of HE after TIPS, including age, Child-Pugh score, presence of HE before TIPS, and the pattern of portal flow, was tested with a multiple-factor regression analysis. RESULTS: No significant difference in age, etiology of liver disease, indications of TIPS placement, incidence of HE before TIPS, and portacaval gradient before and after TIPS was observed between the two groups; but liver failure was more severe in group 2 (P<0.05). The incidence of post-TIPS HE in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 1 (P<0.01). Pre-TIPS, the RI of the hepatic artery in group 1 was significantly higher than that in group 2 (P<0.01). However, TIPS induced a significantly decreased RI in group 1 (P <0.01), but not in group 2. Multiple-factor regression analysis demonstrated that the pattern of portal flow before TIPS was closely associated with the onset of post TIPS HE. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-TIPS intrahepatic hetnodynamics is closely related to the incidence of post-TIPS HE. Hepatic hetnodynamics of patients with hepatofugal portal blood flow only changes a little after TIPS and still provides compensatory blood supply of the hepatic artery, and the hepatic function is less affected. Hence HE is unlikely. Hepatic hemodynamics of patients with prograde portal blood flow changes a lot after TIPS, and dual blood supply of the portal vein and hepatic artery changes into compensatory blood supply of the hepatic artery, and hepatic function suffers greatly in a short time. Thus HE is mostly likely.     

Treatment of Refractory Ascites Using Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) (A Caution)

Ascites becomes refractory to medical treatmentin nearly 10% of cirrhotic patients, who then requirerepeated large-volume paracentesis. In this prospectivestudy we evaluated the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in 30 patients withrefractory ascites. TIPS was successful in all andresulted in a 54% reduction in portacaval gradient (from22.8 ± 0.8 to 10.4 ± 0.6 mm Hg). Ascitesbecame easily controlled with diuretics in 26 patientsfollowing TIPS. Ascites recurrence associated with shuntstenosis was observed during follow-up in eightpatients; revision could be undertaken in five of themand resulted in good control of ascites. Inresponders, a marked decrease in plasma aldosterone andrenin activity, a reduction in serum creatinine, and arise in urinary sodium excretion were observed.Creatinine and inulin clearances improved significantly;PAH clearance remained unchanged. However, new-onset orworsening hepatic encephalopathy was seen in 14patients. Severe disabling chronic encephalopathyoccurred in five patients; it could be reversedsuccessfully by balloon occlusion of the shunt in three.The cumulative survival rate was 41 and 34% at 1 and 2years, respectively. In summary, TIPS can controlrefractory ascites in a majority of patients but isassociated with a high rate of chronic disabling HE. Inaddition, the survival rate is poor. Randomized trialsare needed to evaluate the exact role of TIPS in the management of refractory ascites. It isunlikely to improve survival but can ameliorate qualityof life in nontransplant candidates and be useful as abridge to transplantation, in particular, to improve denutrition associated with longstanding tenseascites.     

Current diagnosis and management of post‐transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt refractory hepatic encephalopathy

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt has evolved into an important option for management of complications of portal hypertension. The use of polytetrafluoroethylene covered stents enhances shunt patency. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains a significant problem after TIPS placement. The approach to management of patients with refractory hepatic encephalopathy typically requires collaboration between different specialties. Patient selection for TIPS requires careful evaluation of risk factors for HE. TIPS procedure‐related technical factors like stent size, attention to portosystemic pressure gradient reduction and use of adjunctive variceal embolization maybe important. Conservative medical therapy in combination with endovascular therapies often results in resolution or substantial reduction of symptoms. Liver transplantation is, however, the ultimate treatment.     

急性食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血行急诊经颈静脉肝内门体分流术后发生肝性脑病的危险因素分析

目的 通过临床结果分析了解急性食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血行急诊经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)术后肝性脑病(HE)的危险因素。方法 回顾性分析2013年1月-2018年12月因失代偿期肝硬化伴急性食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血在苏州大学附属第一医院接受内镜或者药物治疗失败,72 h内行覆膜支架TIPS治疗的93例患者的临床资料。根据术后发生HE情况分为HE组(n=36)和非HE组(n=57)。收集患者术前临床资料,包括性别、年龄、病因、合并症,血生化指标包括WBC、PLT、红细胞比积、TBil、AST、Alb、血清肌酐、PT等,根据实测值分别计算每位患者MELD评分,记录TIPS支架植入前测得的肝静脉锲压与游离压,肝静脉压力梯度(HVPG)为两者的差值。计量资料两组间比较采用t检验或Mann-Whitney U检验;计数资料两组间比较采用χ^2检验。二分类变量logistic回归分析TIPS术后患者的预后危险因素。结果 术后HE发病率为38.710%,两组间术前MELD评分[(13.000±3.189)分vs(11.684±2.068)分,t=2.068,P=0.043]、HVPG[(24.908±5.317) mm Hg vs (22.597±4.928) mm Hg,t=2.100,P=0.039]差异均有统计学意义。进一步HE分级显示0~1级17例(47.222%),2级9例(25.000%),3级6例(16.667%),4级4例(11.111%)。逐步logistic回归分析发现,MELD评分[比值比(OR)=0.803,95%可信区间(95%CI): 0.679~0.948,P=0.010)和HVPG(OR=0.896,95%CI: 0.816~0.984,P=0.022)是TIPS术后HE发病的独立危险因素。结论 急性食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血行急诊TIPS术后HE发生率高,术前MELD评分和HVPG可预测TIPS术后HE发生风险。     

Relationship between pre-TIPS liver perfusion by the portal vein and the incidence of post-TIPS chronic hepatic encephalopathy

OBJECTIVE: In the present study we evaluated the predictive value of pretransjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) portal perfusion as assessed by Doppler ultrasonography for the onset of chronic encephalopathy after TIPS. METHODS: A total of 231 cirrhotic patients were followed-up prospectively after TIPS placement. The pattern of intrahepatic portal flow was assessed before TIPS. Patients were divided into two groups according to Doppler findings. Group 1 comprised patients with prograde portal flow (n = 200), whereas group 2 comprised those with loss of portal perfusion (hepatofugal or back-and-forth flow or portal vein thrombosis; n = 31). The presence of chronic encephalopathy during a median follow-up of 32 months was prospectively recorded. The prognostic value of the following parameters for the onset of chronic recurrent encephalopathy after TIPS was evaluated: age, presence of encephalopathy before TIPS, alcoholism, Pugh score, and loss of portal perfusion before TIPS. The independent prognostic value of each variable was tested with a multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in terms of age, incidence of prior episodes of hepatic encephalopathy, and portacaval gradient before and after the procedure; however, liver failure was more severe in patients in group 2 (Pugh score: 9.2 +/- 1.9 vs 10.3 +/- 1.7). The 3-yr survival was identical for both groups; 25% of the 200 patients in group 1 developed chronic encephalopathy as compared to 6% of the 31 patients in group 2 (p = 0.03). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that loss of portal perfusion and age >65 yr were the only independent predictors of the onset of post-TIPS chronic encephalopathy (odds ratios 0.24 and 1.98, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Cirrhotic patients with loss of portal perfusion before TIPS were protected against post-TIPS chronic hepatic encephalopathy despite a more severe liver dysfunction at baseline. The only other independent predictive factor for the onset of this complication was age.     

Long-Term Follow-Up of TIPS Created with Expanded Poly-Tetrafluoroethylene Covered Stents

Background

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) created with expanded poly-tetrafluoroethylene-covered stents have largely replaced bare metal stents. Short-term shunt patency is typically assessed with protocol Doppler ultrasound (US), while little information exists with regard to long-term patency.

Aim

We investigated the value of Doppler US in assessing TIPS patency as well as long-term clinical outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 59 patients with covered stents used for TIPS between January 2001 and December 2011 was performed.

Results

Fifty-four patients had early (median 9 days) Doppler US follow-up. Seven of eight patients with an abnormal baseline US required stent revisions. None of the 46 patients with normal baseline Doppler US required revisions within the first 6 months; six of these patients subsequently had a portogram because of symptoms, but all TIPS were patent. Fifty-two patients survived for long-term (>6 months) follow-up, averaging 654 days and three Doppler US exams. Five of six patients with abnormal follow-up Doppler US required revisions, whereas none of the 46 patients with normal follow-up US had revisions. The recurrence of symptoms of portal hypertension and/or hepatic encephalopathy (HE) was low (4/52 patients). No significant predictors of long-term stenosis were identified. Post-TIPS HE was independent of pre-TIPS HE or Child-Pugh score.

Conclusions

Short-term patency and that at approximately 2 years after TIPS placement was 87 and 77 %, respectively. We conclude that Doppler US at least 1 week after TIPS is warranted, but repeated Doppler US follow-up is probably not necessary in the absence of clinical symptoms.     

Shunting branch of portal vein and stent position predict survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

AIM:To evaluate the effect of the shunting branch of the portal vein(PV)(left or right)and the initial stent position(optimal or suboptimal)of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS).METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed 307 consecu5tive cirrhotic patients who underwent TIPS placement for variceal bleeding from March 2001 to July 2010 at our center.The left PV was used in 221 patients and the right PV in the remaining 86 patients.And,224 and83 patients have optimal stent position and sub-optimal stent positions,respectively.The patients were followed until October 2011 or their death.Hepatic encephalopathy,shunt dysfunction,and survival were evaluated as outcomes.The difference between the groups was compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis.A Cox regression model was employed to evaluate the predictors.RESULTS:Among the patients who underwent TIPS to the left PV,the risk of hepatic encephalopathy(P=0.002)and mortality were lower(P<0.001)compared to those to the right PV.Patients who underwent TIPS with optimal initial stent position had a higher primary patency(P<0.001)and better survival(P=0.006)than those with suboptimal initial stent position.The shunting branch of the portal vein and the initial stent position were independent predictors of hepatic encephalopathy and shunt dysfunction after TIPS,respectively.And,both were independent predictors of survival.CONCLUSION:TIPS placed to the left portal vein with optimal stent position may reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy and improve the primary patency rates,thereby prolonging survival.     

Favorable clinical outcome using a covered stent following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with portal hypertension

Aims

To compare retrospectively the clinical outcomes in patients treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) using the novel polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents (Fluency) and bare stents.

Materials and methods

Sixty consecutive patients with portal hypertension treated with TIPS from April 2007 to April 2009 were included. TIPS creation was performed with Fluency stent grafts in 30 patients (group A) and with bare stents in 30 patients (group B). Liver function, TIPS patency and clinical outcomes were evaluated every 3 months after procedures.

Results

During hospitalization, there were no cases of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and recurrence of variceal bleedings. Acute shunt occlusion was found in one patient in each group. Follow-ups were performed in group A with average time of 6.16 ± 3.89 months and in group B with 8.34 ± 4.42 months. The rates of recurrent bleeding, shunt occlusion, HE and mortality were 0.03, 0.0, 16.7 and 0% in group A, and 20.0, 30.0, 20.0 and 13.3% in group B, respectively. There was no difference of HE between group A and group B. The decrease of portal pressure and portosystemic pressure gradient, and the increase of portal flow were 34.1 and 23.3%, 60.0 and 52.8%, and 189.5 and 111.1% in group A and B, respectively. There were no differences of liver function between group A and B.

Conclusion

The Fluency stent graft is relatively safe and effective in TIPS creation, with a high patency rate compared with bare stents.     

经颈静脉肝内门体分流术预防门静脉海绵样变食管胃底静脉曲张再出血的临床应用

目的初步评估经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)用于预防门静脉海绵样变(CTPV)患者食管静脉曲张再出血的可行性、有效性和安全性。方法选取2011年1月至2016年12月在山东省立医院住院,诊断为CTPV且合并食管静脉曲张出血史,行TIPS预防再出血的患者67例,纳入回顾性分析并随访。总结技术成功率、并发症发生率、再出血、支架通畅、肝性脑病及生存情况。结果在67例CTPV患者中,56例(83.6%)患者成功行TIPS术。单独通过颈静脉入路15例,经颈静脉联合经皮经肝入路33例,经颈静脉联合经皮经脾入路8例。TIPS术后平均门-体静脉压力梯度,从(28.09±7.28)mmHg降至(17.53±6.12)mmHg(P<0.01)。平均随访(23.91±12.35)个月,累计无出血率87.0%,支架通畅率81.5%,肝性脑性发生率27.8%,累计生存率88.9%。11例未成功行TIPS术的患者中死亡4例,再次出血4例。结论TIPS用于预防门静脉海绵样变性患者食管静脉曲张再出血,是一种安全、可行、有效的方法。     

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt treatment of variceal bleeding in an unselected patient population

Objective: To evaluate transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in variceal bleeding in a clinical setting.

Materials and methods: Retrospective review of 131 patients (116 with liver cirrhosis) treated with TIPS with covered stent grafts in a single centre from 2002 to 2016.

Results: Survival at 1 and 2 years was 70% and 57% in patents with, and 100% at 2 years in patients without liver cirrhosis, respectively. A high Child–Pugh score and severe hepatic encephalopathy (HE) within 12 months post-TIPS were related to increased mortality. Re-bleeding occurred in 8% within 12 months and was related to TIPS dysfunction and a post-TIPS portosystemic gradient (PSG) of ≥5?mmHg. The main cause of TIPS dysfunction was that the stent did not fully reach the inferior vena cava. There was no correlation between the PSG and the occurrence of HE.

Conclusions: TIPS was safe and prevented re-bleeding in patients with variceal bleeding, with or without liver cirrhosis, regardless of Child–Pugh class and of how soon after bleeding onset, the TIPS procedure was performed. A post-TIPS PSG of ≥5?mmHg was associated with an increased risk for re-bleeding and there was no correlation between the post-TIPS PSG and the occurrence of HE.     

Portacaval Anastomosis Results in More Widespread Alterations of Cerebral Metabolism in Old Versus Young Adult Rats: Implications for Post-Shunt Encephalopathy

Treatment of portal hypertension by portal decompressive surgery or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPS) results in new or worsening episodes of portal-systemic encephalopathy, particularly in older patients. As part of a series of studies to elucidate the pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for the age-related increased portal-systemic encephalopathy following shunt surgery, local cerebral glucose utilization, a measure of regional brain functional activity, was assessed using the ¹⁴C-2-deoxyglucose autoradiographic technique in 2 month-old (young adult) and 24 month-old (old adult) rats following end-to-side portacaval anastomosis. Cerebral glucose utilization was decreased by 22% (p<0.05) in frontal cortex of 2 month-old rats following portacaval anastomosis. More widespread alterations of glucose utilization, involving frontal and frontoparietal cortices, as well as thalamic structures were observed in the brains of 24 month-old rats following portacaval anastomosis despite blood ammonia concentrations of a comparable magnitude. Decreased cerebral glucose utilization in frontal and frontoparietal cortex of old adult rats following portacaval anastomosis probably results from decreased cerebral energy requirements as a consequence of neurotransmitter-related dysfunction. The greater susceptibility of aging brain to the deleterious effects of portacaval anastomosis is consistent with the higher incidence of encephalopathy in older cirrhotic patients following portacaval anastomosis or TIPS.     

High Incidence of Hepatic Encephalopathy After Viatorr Controlled Expansion Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation

Background

The Viatorr Controlled Expansion (VCX) stent-graft was designed to mitigate hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation.

Aims

To determine the incidence and degree of HE after VCX TIPS.

Methods

Thirty-three patients (M:F 17:16, mean age 58 years, mean MELD score 12) who underwent VCX TIPS between 2018 and 2019 were retrospectively studied. 11/33 (33%) patients had medically controlled pre-TIPS HE. TIPS indications included variceal hemorrhage (n?=?12, 30%) and ascites (n?=?21, 70%). Measured outcomes were post-TIPS HE (overall, recurrent, de novo) graded using the West Haven system, time-to-HE occurrence, HE-related hospitalization rate, and TIPS reduction rate.

Results

VCX TIPS were 8 mm in 28/33 (85%) and 10 mm in 5/33 (15%). Mean final portosystemic pressure gradient was 6 mmHg. Cumulative HE incidence post-TIPS was 61% (20/33). 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month HE rates were 24%, 30%, 53%, and 61% over 247-day median follow-up. Median time-to-HE was 180 days. HE grades spanned grade 1 (n?=?6), grade 2 (n?=?8), and grade 3 (n?=?6); 9 and 11 cases were recurrent and de novo HE, respectively. Medication non-compliance/infection was implicated in HE in 9/20 (45%) cases. Medical therapy addressed HE in 18/20 (90%) cases; however, HE still resulted in 39 hospitalizations among 13 patients, and median time to first hospitalization was 75 days. Shunt reduction was necessary in 2 (10%) cases of medically refractory HE.

Conclusions

The incidence of HE after VCX TIPS is high. Though HE symptoms may be medically controlled, hospitalization rates are high, and shunt reduction may be necessary.

     

Portosystemic myelopathy: spastic paraparesis after portosystemic shunting

Portosystemic encephalopathy (PSE) is a well-known, common complication of portal hypertension. It is thought to be caused by nitrogenous substances such as ammonia, which are normally cleared from the blood stream by the liver. In cirrhosis and other hepatic disorders with portosystemic shunting (PSS)-- either surgical portosystemic anastomoses (PSA) or spontaneous PSS-- the collateral vessels bypass the liver allowing the accumulation of toxic, ammoniacal substances in the blood and tissues. PSE is characterized by encephalopathy; portosystemic myelopathy (PSM) is characterized by paresis of the extremities, Babinski signs and muscle spasticity in patients with cirrhosis and/or PSS. Usually only the lower extremities are involved. This report presents the first case of this syndrome observed 5 years after a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. The 31 year old man with chronic Hepatitis B developed complete spastic paraparesis within 4 weeks after onset of clinical/neurological symptoms, accompanied by an episode of severe hepatic encephalopathy. The transcortical magnetic stimulation showed normal motoric stimulation times to the abductor digiti minimi muscles but no stimulation to the tibialis muscles was seen. Lumbar stimulation to the tibialis muscles, however, was normal. This indicates loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, a characteristic finding in patients with portosystemic myelopathy. We performed a search of the literature for all reported cases of cirrhosis and/or PSS that developed PSM. However, the intervals between the construction of a shunt and the diagnosis of portosystemic myelopathy were shorter in total portacaval shunts (median 16 months) than in partial, non-portacaval shunts (median 60 months, p < 0.01). This suggests that not only the shunt itself but also the shunted volume contributes to the development of the syndrome Sixty-one patients with PSM have been reported in the literature since 1944. PSE had developed before PSM in almost all cases. PSM occurred from 1 month to 10 years after the creation of portacaval anastomoses (PCA) or splenorenal shunts (SRS) or in cirrhotic patients without shunts. No one type of liver disease or type of shunt appears to predispose to PSM. The mechanisms of PSE and PSM are thought to be similar and of nitrogenous origin, but their pathogenesis remains unknown. Lathyrism, a toxic syndrome with similar symptoms and signs, is caused by the ingestion of a legume, Lathyrus sativa, which contains beta-N-oxalo-L amino-L-alanine (BOAA). This animal model with or without BOAA appears to offer a reliable way of studying PSM experimentally.     

双支架技术在TIPS治疗中的临床应用研究

目的观察采用双支架技术模拟Viatorr支架在TIPS中的应用效果。方法整群抽取2004年6月至2012年6月本院收治肝硬化门静脉高压出血和顽固性腹水患者242例,将2004年6月至2009年6月采用裸支架技术治疗的入组患者186例设为裸支架组(对照组),将2009年6月至2012年6月采用双支架技术模拟Viatorr支架方法治疗的入组患者56例设为模拟Viatorr组(观察组)。两组患者进行前后对照临床试验研究。两组患者在治疗前性别、年龄、肝功能Child分级及门静脉高压并发症等方面均无显著差异。模拟Viatorr组在分流道开通后先释放1枚8 mm×60 mm的裸支架,根据球囊上肝静脉-门静脉切迹,释放1枚8 mm×40 mm的覆膜支架,覆膜部分覆盖肝实质全程而不阻挡门静脉入肝血流,其余部分伸入肝静脉内。裸支架组(对照组)分流道开通后只放置1枚8 mm×60 mm的裸支架。两组患者常规用弹簧栓子栓塞胃冠状静脉。结果模拟Viatorr组56例均获得成功,裸支架组186例中有2例不成功,改为其他治疗。技术成功率分别为100%和98.9%。两组分流道建立后门静脉压力分别下降了(18±5.7)cm H2O和(18±3.4)cm H2O。随访12~36个月,用彩色多普勒超声观察分流道通畅情况。模拟Viatorr组和裸支架组分流道累计通畅率分别为67.8%和41.9%,差异有显著统计学意义(P=0.0007);模拟Viatorr组和裸支架组复发再出血率分别为21.4%和40%,差异显著有统计学意义(P=0.0056);模拟Viatorr组和裸支架组肝性脑病发生率分别为19.6%和10.2%,差异无统计学意义(P=0.0605)。模拟Viatorr组和裸支架组在治疗顽固性腹水的有效率分别为80%和72.7%,差异无统计学意义(P=0.425)。模拟Viatorr组有1例患者术后出现腹腔感染,抗感染治疗后好转;1例患者于术后2个月出现支架肝静脉端"盖帽",再次介入干预时未能成功。裸支架组有3例患者腹腔穿刺证实为腹腔内出血,经保守治疗后好转,无其他严重并发症发生。随访期间,模拟Viatorr组有7例(12.5%)、裸支架组有47例(25.2%)患者因分流道严重狭窄闭塞进行了1~3次再通术和支架植入术;模拟Viatorr组有5例、裸支架组有39例分别死于肝功能衰竭、肝癌和多器官衰竭。结论双支架模拟Viatorr支架方法能够提高TIPS中远期分流道通畅率,降低再出血率。     

The role of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in the management of portal hypertension

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an interventional radiology technique that has shown a 90% success rate to decompress the portal circulation. As a non-surgical intervention, without requirement for anesthesia and very low procedure-related mortality, TIPS is applicable to severe cirrhotic patients, who are otherwise untreatable, for example, nonsurgical candidates. TIPS constitutes the most frequently employed tool to achieve portosystemic shunting. TIPS acts by lowering portal pressure, which is the main underlying pathophysiologic determinant of the major complications of cirrhosis. Regarding esophagogastric variceal bleeding, TIPS has excellent hemostatic effect (95%) with low rebleeding rate (<20%). TIPS is an accepted rescue therapy for first line treatment failures in 2 settings (1) acute variceal bleeding and (2) secondary prophylaxis. In addition, TIPS offers 70% to 90% hemostasis to patients presenting with recurrent active variceal bleeding. TIPS is more effective than standard therapy for patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient >20mm Hg. TIPS is particularly useful to treat bleeding from varices inaccessible to endoscopy. TIPS should not be applied for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. Portosystemic encephalopathy and stent dysfunction are TIPS major drawbacks. The weakness of the TIPS procedure is the frequent need for endovascular reintervention to ensure stent patency. The circulatory effects of TIPS are an attractive approach for the treatment of refractory ascites and hepatorenal syndrome, yet TIPS is not considered first line therapy for refractory ascites owing to unacceptable incidence of portosystemic encephalopathy. Pre-TIPS evaluation taking into account predictors of outcome is mandatory. The improved results achieved with covered-stents might expand the currently accepted recommendations for TIPS use.     

Further report of a prospective randomized trial comparing distal splenorenal shunt with end-to-side portacaval shunt. An analysis of encephalopathy, survival, and quality of life

We electively compared the distal splenorenal ("selective") shunt with the end-to-side portacaval shunt in 80 prospectively randomized patients with variceal bleeding. Selective shunts required more operative time (3.9 vs. 2.8 h) and blood replacement (4.6 vs. 2.5 U) and postoperative mortality was slightly higher (5 of 38 selective vs. 0 of 40 portacaval). Postoperative complication rates were similar. After 65-mo mean follow-up, both shunts have protected well against late gastrointestinal bleeding (5 selective, 4 portacaval episodes). However, after selective shunts, spontaneous encephalopathy occurred less often (23% vs. 40% of patients), was severe in fewer patients (12% vs. 33%), and precipitated fewer hospital admissions (6 admissions in 4 selective patients vs. 26 admissions in 13 portacaval patients). Furthermore, selective shunt patients remained longer without functional disability (83% vs. 70% of postoperative patient months). Long-term survival was not significantly different in the two groups (5-yr survival: selective 51%, portacaval 56%).     

Chronic hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients and spontaneous portacaval anastomosis. Portal angiographic and manometric study

Portal angiographic and manometric studies were prospectively carried out in 9 cirrhotic patients with spontaneous chronic portal-systemic encephalopathy. Hepatic encephalopathy presented as coma in 8 patients, and was the first manifestation of chronic liver disease in 6 cases. Hemodynamic studies showed a) a large single spontaneous portacaval anastomosis (gastrorenal, splenorenal, gradient (mean +/- SD = 16.3 +/- 5.4 mm Hg); c) a wedge hepatic venous pressure higher than portal pressure in 8 cases (difference: 1-11 mm Hg).     

Hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been used for more than 20 years to treat some of the complications of portal hypertension. When TIPS was initially proposed, it was claimed that the optimal calibration of the shunt could allow an adequate reduction of portal hypertension, avoiding, at the same time, the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a neurologic syndrome. However, several clinical observations have shown that HE occurred rather frequently after TIPS, and HE has become an important issue to be taken into consideration in TIPS candidates and a problem to be faced after the procedure.     

How much reduction in portal pressure is necessary to prevent variceal rebleeding? a longitudinal study in 225 patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts

OBJECTIVES: This longitudinal study determines the risk of rebleeding in relation to the reduction of the portosystemic pressure gradient in patients with a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for variceal bleeding. METHODS: The study included 225 patients in whom a TIPS revision was indicated by the endoscopic finding of varices with a high risk for rebleeding (n = 167) or a recent variceal rebleed (n = 58). The portosystemic pressure gradient was determined before and after TIPS placement and at revision performed after a mean of 10 +/- 15 months. RESULTS: The portosystemic pressure gradient at revision approached the index pressure gradient before TIPS implantation (23.1 +/- 5.5 mm Hg) by 8.4 +/- 31%. Rebleeding was inversely correlated with the reduction in index pressure gradient found at revision. Thus, 80% of rebleedings occurred with pressure gradients close to the index pressure gradient (< 25% reduction) or with gradients equal to or greater than the index pressure gradient. In contrast, only one patient (0.4%) and three patients (1.3%) rebled with a pressure gradient of < 12 mm Hg or a reduction of the index pressure gradient by > 50%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis of rebleeding, which included the 225 patients at risk, showed a probability of rebleeding of 18%, 7%, and 1% for a reduction of the index pressure gradient by 0%, 25-50%, and > 50%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Most rebleedings occurred with pressure gradients similar to the index-pressure gradient measured at first bleeding. Accordingly, a graded reduction by 25-50% sufficiently prevents rebleeding. It can be assumed that, in comparison with the widely used threshold value of 12 mm Hg, a reduction by 25-50% may have a favorable benefit-to-risk ratio with respect to shunt-induced hepatic encephalopathy and liver failure. It should therefore be a goal in the decompressive treatment of portal hypertension and maintained during follow-up of patients with variceal bleeding.