Clinical outcomes of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for the treatment of gastric variceal hemorrhage in Korean patients with liver cirrhosis: a retrospective multicenter study

Background/Aims

This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) for the treatment of hemorrhage from gastric varices (GV) in Korean patients with liver cirrhosis (LC).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 183 LC patients who underwent BRTO for GV bleeding in 6 university-based hospitals between January 2001 and December 2010.

Results

Of the 183 enrolled patients, 49 patients had Child-Pugh (CP) class A LC, 105 had CP class B, and 30 had CP class C at the time of BRTO. BRTO was successfully performed in 177 patients (96.7%). Procedure-related complications (e.g., pulmonary thromboembolism and renal infarction) occurred in eight patients (4.4%). Among 151 patients who underwent follow-up examinations of GV, 79 patients (52.3%) achieved eradication of GV, and 110 patients (72.8%) exhibited marked shrinkage of the treated GV to grade 0 or I. Meanwhile, new-appearance or aggravation of esophageal varices (EV) occurred in 54 out of 136 patients who underwent follow-up endoscopy (41.2%). During the 36.0±29.2 months (mean±SD) of follow-up, 39 patients rebled (hemorrhage from GV in 7, EV in 18, nonvariceal origin in 4, and unknown in 10 patients). The estimated 3-year rebleeding-free rate was 74.8%, and multivariate analysis showed that CP class C was associated with rebleeding (odds ratio, 2.404; 95% confidence-interval, 1.013-5.704; P=0.047).

Conclusions

BRTO can be performed safely and effectively for the treatment of GV bleeding. However, aggravation of EV or bleeding from EV is not uncommon after BRTO; thus, periodic endoscopy to follow-up of EV with or without prophylactic treatment might be necessary in LC patients undergoing BRTO.     

Prognostic markers in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension who have not bled

Prognostic markers of compensated cirrhosis should mainly investigate factors involved with progression to decompensation because death in cirrhosis is related with decompensation. Portal hypertension plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of most complications of cirrhosis. Accordingly, HVPG monitoring has strong prognostic value. An HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg determines a significantly higher risk of developing decompensation. Esophageal varices also can develop when the HVPG is ≥ 10 mmHg, although an HVPG ≥ 12 mmHg is required for variceal bleeding to occur. Monitoring the changes induced by the treatment of portal hypertension on HVPG, provides strong prognostic information. In compensated cirrhosis hemodynamic response is appropriate when the HVPG decreased to < 10 mmHg or by > 10% from baseline, because the incidence of complications such as bleeding or ascites significantly decrease when these targets are achieved. Whether serum markers, such as the FibroTest, they, may be valuable to predict decompensation should be established. Transient Elastography is a promising technique that has shown an excellent accuracy to detect severe portal hypertension. However, whether it can adequately determine clinically significant portal hypertension, and risk of developing varices and decompensation, should be established. Magnetic Resonance Elastography is also promising.     

Correlation between central venous pressure and peripheral venous pressure with passive leg raise in patients on mechanical ventilation

Background:

Central venous pressure (CVP) assesses the volume status of patients. However, this technique is not without complications. We, therefore, measured peripheral venous pressure (PVP) to see whether it can replace CVP.

Aims:

To evaluate the correlation and agreement between CVP and PVP after passive leg raise (PLR) in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation.

Setting and Design:

Prospective observational study in Intensive Care Unit.

Methods:

Fifty critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation were included in the study. CVP and PVP measurements were taken using a water column manometer. Measurements were taken in the supine position and subsequently after a PLR of 45°.

Statistical Analysis:

Pearson''s correlation and Bland–Altman''s analysis.

Results:

This study showed a fair correlation between CVP and PVP after a PLR of 45° (correlation coefficient, r = 0.479; P = 0.0004) when the CVP was <10 cmH₂O. However, the correlation was good when the CVP was >10 cmH₂O. Bland–Altman analysis showed 95% limits of agreement to be −2.912–9.472.

Conclusion:

PVP can replace CVP for guiding fluid therapy in critically ill patients.     

Antibiotic prophylaxis using third generation cephalosporins can reduce the risk of early rebleeding in the first acute gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage: a prospective randomized study

Bacterial infection may be a critical trigger for variceal bleeding. Antibiotic prophylaxis can prevent rebleeding in patients with acute gastroesophageal variceal bleeding (GEVB). The aim of the study was to compare prophylactic third generation cephalosporins with on-demand antibiotics for the prevention of gastroesophageal variceal rebleeding. In a prospective trial, patients with the first acute GEVB were randomly assigned to receive prophylactic antibiotics (intravenous cefotaxime 2 g q 8 hr for 7 days, prophylactic antibiotics group) or to receive the same antibiotics only when infection became evident (on-demand group). Sixty-two patients in the prophylactic group and 58 patients in the on-demand group were included for analysis. Antibiotic prophylaxis decreased infection (3.2% vs. 15.5%, p=0.026). The actuarial rebleeding rate in the prophylactic group was significantly lower than that in the on-demand group (33.9% vs. 62.1%, p=0.004). The difference of rebleeding rate was mostly due to early rebleeding within 6 weeks (4.8% vs. 20.7%, p=0.012). On multivariate analysis, antibiotic prophylaxis (relative hazard: 0.248, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.067-0.919, p=0.037) and bacterial infection (relative hazard: 3.901, 95% CI: 1.053-14.448, p=0.042) were two independent determinants of early rebleeding. In conclusion, antibiotic prophylaxis using third generation cephalosporins can prevent bacterial infection and early rebleeding in patients with the first acute GEVB.     

Relationship between lipoprotein(a) levels, oxidative stress, and blood pressure levels in patients with essential hypertension

High plasma levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are considered a risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease. In vitro experiments have shown that oxidized Lp(a) is able to impair the arterial endothelium-dependent dilation, thus suggesting a possible role of Lp(a) in the genesis of essential hypertension. The aim of our work was to investigate the correlation of blood pressure levels with plasma Lp(a) concentration, apo(a) isoform size, and peroxidative stress in patients with essential hypertension. The study was performed in 54 untreated hypertensive patients whose blood pressure was monitored for 24 h by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Lp(a) concentration was measured by a double monoclonal antibody-based enzyme immunoassay demonstrated to be insensitive to apo(a) size heterogeneity. Apo(a) isoforms were determined by a high-resolution SDS-agarose gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting. A significant correlation was found between Lp(a) levels and the night-time systolic and diastolic pressures (r=0.32, P<0.05, and r=0.30, P<0.05, respectively), as well as with the mean night-time fall in systolic and diastolic blood pressures (r=0.28, P<0.05 and r=0.29, P<0.05, respectively). These relationships were further potentiated when peroxidative stress data were taken into consideration (r=0.37 and r=0.40, P<0.01 for the night-time systolic and diastolic pressures, respectively and r=0.34 and r=0.38, P<0.01 for the night-time fall in systolic and distolic blood pressures, respectively). Apo(a) isoform size did not affect these relationships. Our data suggest that Lp(a) and peroxidative stress may be involved as cofactors in essential hypertension, with a mechanism that remains to be elucidated. Received: 16 July 2001 / Accepted: 15 September 2001     

Focal hyperplastic hepatocellular nodules in hepatic venous outflow obstruction: a clinicopathological study of four patients and 24 nodules

AIMS: In hepatic venous outflow obstruction (Budd-Chiari syndrome), focal hepatocellular nodules are occasionally discovered showing variable morphology. These could be interpreted either as neoplastic (adenoma), regenerative (large regenerative nodule) or reactive to abnormal vasculature (focal nodular hyperplasia). The aim of this study was to investigate their histogenesis and to determine their morphological characteristics in order to provide diagnostic criteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four hepatocellular nodules were studied, which were found in three explanted livers and in one additional autopsied liver from four patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome. As controls, we employed three explanted livers without nodules from patients who also suffered from Budd-Chiari syndrome. We attempted to classify the nodules morphologically as either adenoma-like, large regenerative nodule or focal nodular hyperplasia-like, using criteria from the literature. RESULTS: Out of the four cases, we observed two nodules in each of two livers, five in the third one and up to 15 in the remaining one. The size of the nodules ranged from 4 to 25 mm. Eleven nodules could be categorized as large regenerative nodules (two of them with a central scar), seven as focal nodular hyperplasia-like and six as adenoma-like. Some large regenerative nodules showed proliferated arteries with muscular hyperplasia similar to that seen in focal nodular hyperplasia. In the individual livers we could find nodules of various categories. Patchy or diffuse monoacinar regeneration was seen in most cases (six out of seven cases) in the macroscopically non-nodular liver parenchyma. In addition, thrombotic obstruction of portal vein branches was present in all except one of the nodular cases, but in none of the controls. Thus, it appears that portal venous obstructions are frequently, but not invariably associated with the development of nodules. CONCLUSIONS: The hepatocellular nodules seen in livers from patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome share morphological characteristics with large regenerative nodules, focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatocellular adenomas. Their multiplicity, the existence of mixed lesions, the frequent hepatocellular regenerative background as well as the frequently associated portal venous obstructions suggest that these nodules are regenerative in nature and conditioned by an uneven blood perfusion throughout the liver. In their differential diagnosis, the clinicopathological context in which they occur is of paramount importance and should allow recognition that those resembling adenomas may not be true neoplasms.     

早产儿室管膜下和脉络丛微血管基膜与脑室内出血的相关性研究

细胞外基质成分Ⅳ型胶原、ｌａｍｉｎｉｎ和ｆｉｂｒｏｎｅｃｔｉｎ是微血管基膜的主要成分。１０例死于脑室内出血（ＩＶＨ）的早产儿和１０例死于非脑室出血的早产儿，每例均取侧脑室壁和脉络丛两份标本。用抗Ⅳ型胶原、ｌａｍｉｎｉｎ和ｆｉｂｒｏｎｅｃｔｉｎ的抗体标记。侧脑室周围抗体的阳性产物多呈不连续线状。在ＩＶＨ组中３种细胞外基质成分阳性产物的平均单位面积比非ＩＶＨ组小，Ｐ＜０．０１。脑室内出血组Ⅳ型胶原、ｌａｍｉｎｉｎ和ｆｉｂｒｏｎｅｃｔｉｎ的阳性产物呈不连续线状的微血管总数比非脑室内出血组的多，而阳性产物呈连续线状的微血管总数比非脑室内出血组的少。这表明ＩＶＨ组中３种细胞外基质成分比非ＩＶＨ组少，这也是早产儿室管膜下和脉络丛微血管未成熟的特征，是早产儿易患ＩＶＨ的形态学基础之一。     

Overexpression of glycolysis markers in placental tissue of pregnant women with chronic venous disease: a histological study

Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) refers to a wide variety of venous disorders being the varicose veins its most common manifestation. It is well-established the link between pregnancy and the risk of suffering CVD, due to hormonal or haematological factors, especially during the third trimester. In the same manner, previous studies have demonstrated the detrimental effect of this condition in the placental tissue of pregnant women, including in the normal physiology and the metabolomic profile of this organ. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the glucose homeostasis in the placental tissue of women presenting CVD. Through immunohistochemistry, we studied the protein expression of the glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1), Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), aldolase (ALD), Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GA3PDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Our results have reported a significative increase in the expression of GLUT-1, PGK1, ALD, GA3PDH and the isoenzyme LDHA in placentas of women with CVD. This work has proven for the first-time an altered glucose metabolism in the placental tissue of women affected by CVD, what may aid to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of this condition in more distant organs such as placenta. Furthermore, our research also supports the basis for further studies in the metabolic phenotyping of the human placenta due to CVD, which may be considered during the late pregnancy in these women.     

Effect of cimetidine on the hepatic extraction of indocyanine green,the portal pressure and the systemic circulation in patients with cirrhosis of the liver

Summary The effect-of cimetidine on hepatic and systemic haemodynamic parameters was studied in seven patients with portal hypertension due to alcohol-induced cirrhosis of the liver and in one patient with peliosis hepatis following oral contraceptive steroids. The intravenous administration of cimetidine (350 mg as bolus, followed by 2 mg/min over 60 min) reduced the hepatic extraction of continuously infused indocyanine green (ICG) by 27%; this was statistically significant (P<0.01). Since the ICG clearance, calculated independently of hepatic perfusion, was lowered by 19%, this effect seems to be mainly due to a reduced capacity of the liver to remove the dye from the blood, rather than due to changes in perfusion. Cimetidine did not influence the elevated portal pressure in the patients with cirrhosis, or the normal pressure in the patient with peliosis hepatis. No significant effect was observed on heart rate, mean arterial pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary pressure and cardiac output. These studies indicate that the reduction of the hepatic ICG extraction following cimetidine is more the result of an inhibited capacity of the liver to remove the dye than of changes in the hepatic perfusion or in the systemic circulation.This work was presented in part at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, November 1981, in Chicago, and appeared in abstract form in Hepatology (1981) 1:515, No. 25 B     

Characteristics of hospitalized children with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1): a multicenter study in Korea

The majority of Korean patients with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) during the 2009 epidemic were under 20 yr of age. The limited data on the clinical characteristics of these children led us to conduct a case note-based investigation of children admitted to 6 university hospitals with 2009 H1N1 influenza. A total of 804 children was enrolled. The median age was 5 yr; 63.8% were males; and 22.4% had at least one chronic underlying disease. Ninety-five of the patients (11.8%) were critically ill and they suffered more from shortness of breath, dyspnea and lymphopenia than the other patients. Among all the patients, 98.8% were treated with antivirals and 73% received treatment within 48 hr of illness onset. All the enrolled patients are alive and appear to have had good outcomes, probably due to the early intervention and antiviral treatment. This study deals with hospitalized children whose diagnoses of influenza A (H1N1) were confirmed, and therefore provides important new information about the clinical patterns of children with influenza A (H1N1) in Korea.     

Serum lipoprotein (a) levels in chronic renal failure and liver cirrhosis patients. Relationship with atherosclerosis

This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between lipoprotein (a) levels and the development of atherosclerosis in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients with the possible role of the liver. Serum Lp (a) levels were measured in samples from 20 CRF patients on hemodialysis (HD), 20 liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, 20 patients having both CRF and LC and undergoing HD, and 20 normal control subjects. Renal function (blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine), hepatic function (transaminases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin) investigations and serum cholesterol were carried out for all the subjects enrolled in this study. Serum Lp (a) concentration in CRF patients without LC was 87.25 +/- 6.17 mg/dl, which was significantly higher than all the investigated groups (P < 0.001). Lp (a) concentration in patients with both CRF and LC was 24.65 +/- 1.98 mg/dl, which was not significantly different from the controls, but was significantly higher than that in the subjects with LC only (P < 0.001) where the latter group had significantly low Lp (a) values (11.1 +/- 0.99) relative to all the other groups (P < 0.001). Lp (a) correlated positively with cholesterol in all groups except the LC subjects, but did not correlate with age, or renal function in both CRF groups.     

Profile and clinical significance of anti-nuclear envelope antibodies found in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis: a multicenter study

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) sera contain antibodies which recognize various nuclear envelope proteins of which antibody against gp210 has been proven to be diagnostic for disease. In contrast, the clinical significance of another nuclear envelope antibody, anti-p62 antibody has not been well investigated. In the present study, we have analyzed anti-nuclear envelope antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoblot using rat liver nuclear envelope proteins and wheat germ agglutinin-bound fraction. Test sera were obtained from 175 patients with PBC and from 120 controls. Anti-gp210, anti-lamina associated polypeptide 2, anti-lamin B receptor, and anti-p62 complex antibodies were detected with a frequency of 26% (46 of 175), 6% (11 of 175), 9% (16 of 175), and 13% (15 of 115), respectively. The confirmation of Scheuer's stage IV was made with a frequency of 27% (4 of 15) in PBC patients with anti-p62 complex antibody, in contrast to only 2% (2 of 100) in PBC patients without anti-p62 complex antibody. This difference was found to be statistically significant. The presence of anti-p62 complex antibody may be related with the progressive or advanced state of PBC.     

Cardiac Troponin I association with critical illness and death risk in 726 seriously ill COVID-19 patients: A retrospective cohort study

Background: For coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), early identification of patients with serious symptoms at risk of critical illness and death is important for personalized treatment and balancing medical resources.Methods: Demographics, clinical characteristics, and laboratory tests data from 726 patients with serious COVID-19 at Tongji Hospital (Wuhan, China) were analyzed. Patients were classified into critical group (n = 174) and severe group (n= 552), the critical group was sub-divided into survivors (n = 47) and non-survivors (n = 127).Results: Multivariable analyses revealed the risk factors associated with critical illness in serious patients were: Advanced age, high respiratory rate (RR), high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, high hypersensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) level, and thrombocytopenia on admission. High hs-cTnI level was the independent risk factor of mortality among critically ill patients in the unadjusted and adjusted models. ROC curves demonstrated that hs-cTnI and LDH were predictive factors for critical illness in patients with serious COVID-19 whereas procalcitonin and D-Dimer with hs-cTnI and LDH were predictive parameters in mortality risk.Conclusions: Advanced age, high RR, LDH, hs-cTnI, and thrombocytopenia, constitute risk factors for critical illness among patients with serious COVID-19, and the hs-cTnI level helps predict fatal outcomes in critically ill patients.     

Screening of Fabry disease in patients with end-stage renal disease of unknown etiology: the first Thailand study

We aimed to explore the prevalence of Fabry disease in Thai patients who were diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) of an unknown origin. Venous blood samples were collected from ESRD patients for biochemical and molecular studies. Alpha-galactosidase A (α-GAL A) screening was performed from dried-blood spots using fluorometry. Molecular confirmation was performed using DNA sequencing of the GLA gene. A total of 142 male and female patients were included in this study. Ten patients (7.04%) exhibited a significant decrease in α-GAL A activity. There were no definitive pathogenic mutations observed in the molecular study. However, four patients revealed a novel nucleotide variant at c.1 -10 C>T, which was identified as a benign variant following screening in the normal population. In conclusion, the α-GAL A assay utilizing dried-blood spots revealed a significant false positive rate. There was no definitive Fabry disease confirmed in Thai patients diagnosed with ESRD of unknown etiology.     

Relationship between soluble MICA and the MICA A5.1 homozygous genotype in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

NK and cytotoxic T cells play an important role in the elimination of virus-infected and tumor cells through NKG2D activating receptors, which can promote the lysis of target cells by binding to the major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A (MICA) proteins. Polymorphisms in MICA may influence its binding to the NKG2D. The soluble form of MICA is released from the surface of tumor cells of epithelial origin. Whereas MICA expressed on the cell surface stimulates the immunoreceptor natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D), the secreted form down-regulates NKG2D activity, thus allowing the tumor to escape immunosurveillance by NKG2D-expressing cells. In this study, we examined the association between MICA gene microsatellite polymorphisms and serum levels of soluble MICA in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We found that patients with OSCC were more likely to have the A5.1 allele when compared to healthy subjects and also more likely to be homozygous for this allele (p = 0.041). Patients with the homozygous A5.1 genotype had higher levels of soluble MICA (p = 0.031) and a lower survival rate (p = 0.026).     

抑郁症患者无抽搐电休克治疗的疗效与脑源性神经营养因子基因多态性

目的:探讨抑郁症患者脑源性神经营养因子(brain-derived neurotrophic factor,BDNF)基因两个单核苷酸多态性位点的多态性与无抽搐电休克治疗(modified electroconvulsive therapy,MECT)疗效的关系。方法:采用病例对照研究,研究组为110例符合美国精神障碍诊断统计手册第4版(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fourth Edition,DSM-IV)抑郁症诊断标准的门诊及住院患者,对照组为100名正常人。患者入组后连续接受MECT8次,使用汉密顿抑郁量表(Hamilton Depression Rating Scale for Depression,HRSD)进行抑郁严重程度及疗效评估。运用PCR扩增及测序的方法,分析BD-NF基因rs6265、rs7103411单核苷酸多态性的分布,分析rs6265、rs7103411基因型及等位基因频率分布与MECT疗效的关系。结果:BDNF基因rs6265、rs7103411位点基因型及等位基因频率在对照组与患者组间的差异无统计学意义,MECT后2个位点基因型及rs7103411等位基因频率在不同疗效组间的差异无统计学意义。rs6265位点A等位基因频率和G等位基因频率在减分率≥50%组分别为47.9%、52.1%;在减分率<25%组分别为27.5%、72.5%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),且A等位基因对MECT反应好于G等位基因(OR=1.740,95%CI:1.022~2.963)。结论:病情严重的抑郁症患者BDNF基因rs6265位点A等位基因可能与无抽搐电休克治疗效果有关,A等位基因携带者接受MECT的疗效较G等位基因携带者好。     

Invasive infections caused by Trichosporon species and Geotrichum capitatum in patients with hematological malignancies: a retrospective multicenter study from Italy and review of the literature

Trichosporonosis is an uncommon but frequently fatal mycosis in immunocompromised patients. A multicenter retrospective study was conducted to characterize cases of proven or probable invasive trichosporonosis diagnosed over the past 20 years in Italian patients with hematological diseases. Of the 52 cases identified, 17 were classified as Trichosporon sp. infections and 35 were attributed to Geotrichum capitatum. Acute myeloid leukemia accounted for 65.4% of the cases. The incidence rates of Trichosporon sp. and G. capitatum infections in acute leukemia patients were 0.4 and 0.5%, respectively. Overall, 76.9% of cases had positive blood cultures. Pulmonary involvement was documented in 26.9% of cases. Death was reported for 57.1% of G. capitatum infections and for 64.7% of Trichosporon sp. infections. A literature review on trichosporonosis in patients with any underlying disease or condition reveals G. capitatum as a predominantly European pathogen, particularly in certain Mediterranean areas, while Trichosporon sp. infections are seen with similar frequencies on all continents. The majority of published Trichosporon sp. and G. capitatum infections occurred in patients with hematological diseases (62.8 and 91.7%, respectively). Well over half of these were suffering from acute leukemia (68 and 84% of patients with Trichosporon sp. and G. capitatum infections, respectively). Crude mortality rates were 77% for Trichosporon spp. and 55.7% for G. capitatum. The optimal therapy for trichosporonosis has yet to be identified; however, in vitro experiences are providing encouraging evidence of the potential role of the new triazoles, in particular, voriconazole.     

Applicability of the BCLC staging system to patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in Korea: analysis at a single center with a liver transplant center

Background/Aims

The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system is logical for the staging and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) because it was based on survival data. This study evaluated the applicability of the BCLC staging system and reasons for divergence from BCLC-recommended treatments in Korean HCC patients.

Methods

One hundred and sixty consecutive HCC patients were prospectively enrolled. Treatments were generally recommended according to the guideline of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, but patients were also informed about alternative treatments. The final decision was made with patient agreement, and was based on the doctor''s preferences when a patient was unable to reach a decision.

Results

There were 2 (1%), 101 (64%), 20 (12.5%), 34 (21.5%), and 3 (1%) patients with very early-, early-, intermediate-, advanced-, and terminal-stage disease, respectively. Only 64 patients (40%) were treated according to BCLC recommendations. The treatment deviated from BCLC recommendations in 68% (69/101) and 79% (27/34) of patients with early and advanced stage, respectively. The main causes of deviation were refusal to undergo surgery, the presence of an indeterminate malignancy nodule, the absence of a suitable donor, or financial problems.

Conclusions

Donor shortage, financial problems, the relatively limited efficacy of molecular targeting agents, and the presence of an indeterminate nodule were the main causes of deviation from BCLC recommendations. Even after excluding cases in which decisions were made by patient preference, only 66% of the HCC patients were treated according to BCLC recommendations. Treatment guidelines that reflect the Korean situation are mandatory for HCC patients.