Laparoscopic splenectomy may be a superior supportive intervention for cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism

Background and Aims: To evaluate and compare laparoscopic splenectomy and partial splenic embolization as supportive intervention for cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism to overcome peripheral cytopenia before the initiation of and during interferon therapy or anticancer therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Between December 2000 and April 2008, 43 Japanese cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism underwent either laparoscopic splenectomy or partial splenic embolization as a supportive intervention to facilitate the initiation and completion of either interferon therapy or anticancer therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. We reviewed the peri‐ and post‐intervention outcomes and details of the subsequent planned main therapies. For interferon therapy, the rate of completion, the rate of treatment cessation and virological responses were evaluated. Anti‐cancer therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma included liver resection, ablation therapy, intra‐arterial chemotherapy, and transarterial chemoembolization. Results: All patients tolerated the operations well with no significant complications. The platelet count was significantly higher in the laparoscopic splenectomy group than in the partial splenic embolization group at 1 and 2 weeks after the intervention. Interferon therapy was stopped in two patients in the partial splenic embolization group due to recurrent thrombocytopenia whereas all patients in the laparoscopic splenectomy group completed interferon therapy. The planned anticancer therapies were performed in all patients, and were completed in all patients without any problems or major complications. Conclusion: Laparoscopic splenectomy may be superior to partial splenic embolization as a supportive intervention for cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism. Future prospective, randomized controlled patient studies are required to confirm these findings.     

脾动脉栓塞术对肝癌伴脾亢患者免疫功能的影响

目的:研究脾切除及部分脾动脉栓塞术(PSE)对肝癌伴脾亢患者免疫功能的影响.方法:前瞻性研究肝癌合并脾亢的患者69例,全部经过影像学及实验室检查证实为肝癌合并脾亢,随机分为两组,其中PSE组37例,脾切除组32例.PSE组实施肝癌介入治疗同时行PSE(双介入)治疗,脾切除组实施肝癌介入治疗同时行外科切脾.观察两组术前术后的外周血象、免疫系统指标及临床症状体征的变化.结果:在PSE组.术后测WBC、PLT,与术前比较均有显著性差异(P<0.05);术后测RBC与术前相比无显著差异(P>0.05).在脾切除组,术后测WBC、PLT,与术前比较均有显著性差异(P<0.05);术后测RBC与术前相比无显著差异(P>0.05).术前测PSE组与脾切除组的CD4+、CD4+/CD8+,两组问无显著差异,术后7 d、术后28 d测CD4+,两组间有显著差异(t=16.063,9.409、P<0.05).术后7 d、术后28 d测CD4+/CD8+,两组间有显著差异(t=2.060,2.228,P<0.05).在PSE组,术后测CD4+、CD4+/CD8+分别与术前比较,均有显著性差异(P<0.05).在脾切除组,术后测CD4+、CD4+/CD8+分别与术前比较,均无显著性差异(P>0.05).两组病例术后并发症(发热、腹痛、腹水、胸腔积液)发生率的比较均无显著性差异(P>0.05).结论:PSE与传统脾切除术相比,有操作简单、并发症少、术后细胞免疫功能改善等优点,取得了更好的临床治疗效果.     

Peg-IFNa-2a/RBV antiviral efficacy in cirrhotic hepatitis C patients after splenectomy or partial splenic embolization

To investigate the antiviral efficacy of combination therapy with peglyated-interferon alpha (peg-IFNa)-2a and ribavirin (RBV) in hepatitis C patients with liver cirrhosis after splenectomy or partial splenic embolization. Forty-nine hepatitis C patients with liver cirrhosis who were unable to use antiviral therapy because of hypersplenism were recruited for study and treated with splenectomy or partial splenic embolization. Three months later, a regimen of antiviral combination therapy was initiated with peg-IFNa-2a (once-weekly subcutaneous injection: 135 μg or 180 μg) and RBV (daily oral: 800 to 1200 mg), and was maintained for 48 weeks. The patients were followed up at treatment weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12. Thereafter, follow-up was conducted every four weeks. The patients were observed until 24 weeks after treatment discontinuation. Follow-up testing included liver function, blood chemistry, renal function, and HCV RNA level. Any adverse reactions were recorded. HLiver cirrhosis patients complicated by hypersplenism can be treated effectively with peg-IFNa-2a/RBV combination antiviral therapy after splenectomy or partial splenic embolization. The antiviral-induced sustained viral response rates was 65.00% in cirrhotic/hypersplenic hepatitis C patients receiving splenectomy and 58.62% in those receiving partial splenic embolization. Hypersplenism patients with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis achieved a good antiviral therapeutic effect with peg-IFNa-2a/RBV combination therapy following splenectomy or partial splenic embolization. This sequence of treatment may help to decrease incidences of chronic hepatitis C-induced liver failure and liver cancer in these patients.     

Simultaneous partial splenectomy during liver transplantation for advanced cirrhosis patients combined with severe splenomegaly and hypersplenism

BACKGROUND The most effective treatment for advanced cirrhosis and portal hypertension is liver transplantation(LT).However,splenomegaly and hypersplenism can persist even after LT in patients with massive splenomegaly.AIM To examine the feasibility of performing partial splenectomy during LT in patients with advanced cirrhosis combined with severe splenomegaly and hypersplenism.METHODS Between October 2015 and February 2019,762 orthotopic LTs were performed for patients with end-stage liver diseases in Tianjin First Center Hospital.Eighty-four cases had advanced cirrhosis combined with severe splenomegaly and hypersplenism.Among these patients,41 received partial splenectomy during LT(PSLT group),and 43 received only LT(LT group).Patient characteristics,intraoperative parameters,and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed and compared between the two groups.RESULTS The incidence of postoperative hypersplenism(2/41,4.8%)and recurrent ascites(1/41,2.4%)in the PSLT group was significantly lower than that in the LT group(22/43,51.2%;8/43,18.6%,respectively).Seventeen patients(17/43,39.5%)in the LT group required two-stage splenic embolization,and further splenectomy was required in 6 of them.The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the PSLT group(8.6±1.3 h;640.8±347.3 mL)were relatively increased compared with the LT group(6.8±0.9 h;349.4±116.1 mL).The incidence of postoperative bleeding,pulmonary infection,thrombosis and splenic arterial steal syndrome in the PSLT group was not different to that in the LT group,respectively.CONCLUSION Simultaneous PSLT is an effective treatment and should be performed in patients with advanced cirrhosis combined with severe splenomegaly and hypersplenism to prevent postoperative persistent hypersplenism.     

丙型肝炎肝硬化的“分级”及聚乙二醇干扰素α-2a联合利巴韦林的抗病毒治疗

目的观察丙型肝炎肝硬化不同条件下抗病毒治疗的临床效果,拟定丙型肝炎肝硬化的分级规范治疗标准。方法选择确诊为丙型肝炎肝硬化的患者82例,以32例慢性丙型肝炎（CHC）患者为对照,根据肝硬化程度、脾功能亢进情况以及抗病毒治疗的耐受分为不同抗病毒治疗组：在采取造血因子刺激、脾栓塞或脾切除治疗后,观察患者脾功能亢进的缓解情况,解决脾功能亢进后,以标准治疗方案为基础,采取＂分级＂抗病毒治疗策略,可以实施更为主动的个体化治疗方案;分析不同组别的抗病毒治疗效果,并随访患者肝功能恢复状况。结果经过治疗后,各组患者白细胞及血小板计数显著升高,在给予抗病毒治疗后,脾栓塞及脾切除治疗组均有约60%患者获得早期病毒学应答（EVR）,而其持续病毒学应答（SVR）比率分别为59.3%与63.6%,丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）水平显著下降。结论丙型肝炎肝硬化＂分级＂抗病毒治疗策略,通过采取不同的抗病毒治疗方案,可以延缓病情进展,提高患者生活质量。     

脾栓塞联合双镜法治疗晚期血吸虫病肝纤维化合并脾功能亢进38例

对38例晚期血吸虫病肝纤维化合并脾功能亢进患者进行脾栓塞联合双镜法治疗,术后38例病人均治愈出院。与以往同类患者相比,平均住院天数缩短,平均住院费用无明显增加,且并发症少,患者痛苦小。提示脾栓塞联合双镜法治疗晚期血吸虫病肝纤维化合并脾功能亢进不仅疗效确切,而且安全、微创,具有良好的临床应用价值。     

Partial splenic embolization.

Partial splenic embolization (PSE) is a non-surgical procedure developed to treat hypersplenism as a result of hepatic disease and thus avoid the disadvantages of splenectomy. A femoral artery approach is used for selective catheterization of the splenic artery. Generally, the catheter tip is placed as distally as possible in an intrasplenic artery. After an injection of antibiotics and steroids, embolization is achieved by injecting 2-mm gelatin sponge cubes suspended in a saline solution containing antibiotics. PSE can benefit patients with thrombocytopenia, esophagogastric varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy, encephalopathy, liver dysfunction, splenic aneurysm, and splenic trauma. The contraindications of PSE include secondary splenomegaly and hypersplenism in patients with terminal-stage underlying disease; pyrexia or severe infections are associated with a high risk of splenic abscess after PSE. Complications of PSE include daily intermittent fever, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, abdominal fullness, appetite loss, and postembolization syndrome. Decreased portal-vein flow and a rapid increase in the platelet count after excessive embolization may cause portal-vein or splenic-vein thrombosis.     

脾栓塞对肝硬化患者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群的影响

目的 :研究部分脾栓塞治疗脾功能亢进对肝硬化患者T淋巴细胞亚群的影响。方法 :57例肝硬化并脾功能亢进患者 ,32例采用部分脾栓塞治疗 ,2 5例采用脾全切治疗 ,1 5例正常人作为对照 ,比较两组治疗前后外周血T淋巴细胞亚群的变化。结果 :肝硬化患者外周血T淋巴细胞 (CD3+ )、T辅助 /诱导淋巴细胞亚群 (CD4+ )、T辅助淋巴细胞 /T抑制淋巴细胞亚群 (CD4+ /CD8+ )明显低于正常人 (P <0 .0 1 ) ;脾栓塞组治疗前后CD3+ 、CD4+ 、CD8+ 、CD4+ /CD8+ 无明显差异 (P >0 .0 5) ;脾全切组治疗后CD3+ 、CD4+ 、CD4+ /CD8+ 均较治疗前及部分脾栓塞组治疗后明显降低 (P <0 .0 1 )。结论 :肝硬化患者外周血CD3+ 、CD4+ 、CD4+ /CD8+ 降低 ,部分脾栓塞治疗脾功能亢进 ,对肝硬化患者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群无明显影响 ,显著优于脾全切治疗     

部分性脾栓塞治疗肝硬化脾功能亢进的临床分析

目的：探讨部分性脾栓塞术(PSE)治疗肝硬化脾功能亢进的临床价值及并发症。方法：14例肝硬化脾亢患者，均行PSE术。结果：10例患者脾亢缓解，外周血白细胞及血小板升至正常。最常见的并发症是腹痛，发热。14例中3例并发胸腔积液，1例同时并发脾脓肿和胸腔积液，1例并发腹水。结论：PSE术能有效地缓解脾亢，但应注意有严重并发症发生的可能。     

Splenic embolization therapy of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura]

21 patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and 3 patients with Evan's syndrome underwent partial splenic embolization (PSE). 22 patients underwent PSE once, while 2 patients were treated twice, thus a total of 26 procedures were carried out. Follow-up 3 months after embolization was available in all the 24 patients for their response to embolization therapy. 16 patients (67%) achieved complete remission (platelets greater than 100 x 10(9)/L) and 4 (17%) partial remission (platelets greater than 84 x 10(9)/L) after splenic embolization. A total efficacy rate of 83% was observed. This response to embolization after transcatheter vessel occlusion 3 months after is similar to the reported results of splenectomy. Not only may the morbidity and mortality associated with surgical splenectomy be avoided, but also the noninfarcted spleen may continue to provide immunologic functions. The most important experience in this series, however, was the emphasis on partial (60-70%) rather than total splenic arterial embolization. The sequestration site of platelets was associated with the outcome of splenic embolization. More splenic sequestration sites were found in responders, to the therapy.     

血管介入在肝硬化脾功能亢进中的应用研究进展

肝硬化是引起继发性脾功能亢进的常见原因,脾功能亢进常常导致患者外周血细胞降低,当白细胞和血小板严重减少时,患者易发生自发性感染和出血,进而加重病情,增加死亡风险.目前对肝硬化脾功能亢进发生机制尚不十分清楚,亦无脾亢治疗适应症标准和合适推荐方法,临床上脾亢的治疗方式有:脾切除术,血管介入术,局部热消融及脾动脉结扎术等.血管介入术主要涉及经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt,TIPS)和部分脾动脉栓塞术(partial splenic embolization,PSE),其中TIPS是治疗肝硬化门脉高压并发症的有效方法,它能有效降低门脉压力,但能否缓解脾亢仍存在争议;PSE对脾亢有一定程度的缓解;TIPS联合PSE应用,在有效降低门脉高压同时对脾亢也能一定程度缓解.本文就血管介入在肝硬化脾亢应用研究进展进行综述.     

Partial splenic embolization for hypersplenism in cirrhosis: A long-term outcome in 62 patients

BackgroundAlthough partial splenic embolization (PSE) has been widely used for treatment of leucocytopaenia and thrombocytopaenia in cirrhosis, only few studies on the correlation between splenic infarction rate and long-term outcome of partial splenic embolization have been reported so far.AimTo evaluate long-term results of partial splenic embolization with different infarction rates in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism.MethodsSixty-two consecutive patients with hypersplenism in cirrhosis received partial splenic embolization. According to the splenic infarction rate after partial splenic embolization, the patients were divided into three groups: more than 70% in group A (n = 12), 50–70% in group B (n = 34), and less than 50% in group C (n = 16). The post-partial splenic embolization following-up time was 5 years.ResultsBefore partial splenic embolization, there were no significant differences among the three groups with respect to sex, age, splenic volume, Child-Pugh class, oesophageal varices, and peripheral blood cell counts. After partial splenic embolization, the short- and long-term outcomes of leucocyte and platelet counts showed significant difference among the three groups (P < 0.001). In groups A and B, the leucocyte and platelet counts after partial splenic embolization remained significantly higher than those before partial splenic embolization for 2 weeks to 5 years (P < 0.05), the post-partial splenic embolization leucocyte and platelet counts was even higher in group A than in group B; while in group C, leucocyte and platelet count improvement only lasted for 6 months after partial splenic embolization. No significant changes were observed concerning blood red cell counts and liver function parameters after partial splenic embolization among the three groups. Severe complications occurred in six patients (50%) in group A and three patients (8.8%) in group B (P < 0.05), while in group C, no severe complications developed.ConclusionsIn partial splenic embolization, the splenic infarction rate should be limited to 50%–70% in order to ensure the long-term efficacy in alleviating hypersplenism and reduce complications.     

Long-term hematological and biochemical effects of partial splenic embolization in hepatic cirrhosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Partial splenic embolization was developed as a non-surgical treatment for hypersplenism, but recently splenic embolization has been reported to improve the hepatic function. We undertook long-term evaluation of partial splenic embolization in patients with hepatic cirrhosis in comparison with patients not undergoing embolization. METHODOLOGY: We performed embolization in 26 patients with cirrhosis. The controls consisted of 26 with cirrhosis patients who were not undergone embolization. RESULTS: Red blood cell counts of embolized patients had increased significantly at 6 months after the procedure, remaining increased for up to 7.5 years. Platelet counts increased maximally by 2 weeks after embolization, followed by a gradual decrease. Nonetheless, platelets remained significantly more numerous than before embolization for up to 8 years. Neither aspartate aminotransferase nor alanine aminotransferase activities in serum changed significantly during follow-up. Choline esterase activity increased significantly by 6 months after embolization and remained increased for more than 7 years. Serum albumin concentration increased significantly, beginning at 6 months after embolization; this increase was maintained for 6 years. Survival did not differ between embolized and non-embolized groups. CONCLUSIONS: Partial splenic embolization is a beneficial non-surgical treatment that enhances hepatic protein synthetic capacity as well as alleviating hypersplenism in patients with cirrhosis.     

Bleeding portal-hypertensive gastropathy managed successfully by partial splenic embolization

The use of partial splenic embolization to decrease portal pressure and reduce gastric bleeding from portal-hypertensive gastropathy, a complication of liver cirrhosis, is described. A 62-year-old man with hepatic cirrhosis secondary to hepatitis C and documented portal hypertension was admitted with hypersplenism and bleeding esophageal varices. Endoscopic ligation successfully controlled acute bleeding, but blood loss continued over the next 45 days. Bleeding secondary to portal-hypertensive gastropathy was diagnosed endoscopically. The patient's poor surgical status precluded a portosystemic shunt procedure, so partial splenic embolization was performed radiologically by the injection of Gelfoam squares. Splenic volume decreased 50% following partial embolization. Over 3 weeks, the hemoglobin concentration increased from 8.5 g/dL to 9.8 g/dL, and the platelet count increased from 41,000 to 90,000/microL. Repeat endoscopy found no gastric bleeding 18 days post-procedure. Partial splenic embolization is a radiologic procedure which can be performed safely in patients too ill to undergo portosystemic shunt. This report documents its successful use to manage hypersplenism and reduce portal pressure in a cirrhotic patient with portal-hypertensive gastropathy and hypersplenism.     

Splenomegaly, hypersplenism and coagulation abnormalities in liver disease

Splenomegaly is a frequent finding in patients with liver disease. It is usually asymptomatic but may cause hypersplenism. Thrombocytopenia is the most frequent manifestation of hypersplenism and may contribute to portal hypertension related bleeding. A number of therapies are available for treating thrombocytopenia due to hypersplenism including splenectomy, partial splenectomy, partial splenic embolization, TIPS etc. None is entirely satisfactory. Hypersplenism usually improves following liver transplantation. Therapy with cytokines such as thrombopoietin may offer hope for the future. Patients with liver disease also have abnormalities in coagulation. This is not surprising as all coagulation proteins (except for von willebrand factor vWF) and most inhibitors of coagulation are synthesized in the liver. Genetic or acquired abnormalities of coagulation may predispose to thrombosis of the hepatic or portal veins with significant clinical sequelae. An understanding of the mechanisms involved in coagulation and thrombosis is valuable in choosing from the increasing treatment options available. These include clotting factors, haemeostatic drugs and newer therapies such as recombinant factor VIIa. Splenic artery aneurysms are the most common visceral artery aneurysms in man. Rupture is frequently catastrophic. These aneurysms are being increasingly recognized in liver transplant patients and require treatment before or during transplant surgery.     

Total embolization of the main splenic artery as a supplemental treatment modality for hypersplenism

AIM:To study the safety and feasibility of total embolization of the main splenic artery as a supplemental treatment modality for hypersplenism with thrombocytopenia or leukocytopenia accompanying liver cirrhosis.METHODS:Fifteen consecutive patients with hypersplenism due to cirrhosis were enrolled in this study from January 2006 to June 2010.All patients underwent total embolization of the main splenic artery.Clinical symptoms,white blood cell(WBC) and platelet(PLT) counts,splenic volume,and complications ...     

Partial splenic embolization in children with hereditary spherocytosis

Objectives:  Although total splenectomy is able to reduce clinical symptoms in patients with hereditary spherocytosis (HS), splenectomized patients are at risk to develop overwhelming bacterial infections and, to a lesser extent, thromboembolic complications. In contrast, partial splenectomy or partial splenic embolization (PSE) may also decrease the rate of hemolytic complications while maintaining residual splenic function. The aim of this study was to investigate the benefit of PSE in children with moderate to severe HS.
Patients and methods:  We performed PSE via retrograde transfemoral access in eight children (four female, four male) with moderate to severe HS at a median age of 8 yr. HS-related complications before PSE included gallstones in six and aplastic crises in four children. One patient was transfusion-dependent.
Results:  No acute side effects were seen during or after PSE. Median hemoglobin increased significantly from levels between 7.5 g/dL and 11.65 g/dL before PSE to levels between 8.4 g/dL and 13.35 g/dL after PSE ( P  = 0.012). Median splenic sizes before PSE ranged from 9.7 cm/m² to 19.0 cm/m² and significantly decreased to values between 4.4 cm/m² and 15.65 cm/m² during follow-up ( P  = 0.012).
Conclusions:  PSE appears to be a safe, effective and feasible treatment option for the management of children with moderate to severe HS.     

Splenectomy enhances liver regeneration through tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha following dimethylnitrosamine-induced cirrhotic rat model

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We demonstrated that partial splenic embolization for hematological disorders in cirrhotic patients also improved liver function. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism of the beneficial effects of splenectomy on a rat cirrhotic model. METHODOLOGY: 1) Rats were administered DMN (dimethylnitrosamine) after splenectomy (splenectomized DMN rats) or a sham operation (DMN rats). 2) After completion of DMN administration, a tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor (E3330) was administered on the same day as the splenectomy. Histological examination and cytokine expressions were analyzed. RESULTS: The splenectomy apparently reduced liver damage. This may be partially due to the enhancement of liver regeneration since the proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index in the DMN-treated liver was significantly increased by splenectomy. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha was down-regulated in the DMN rats, whereas its expression was preserved in the splenectomized DMN rats. There were no apparent differences in the number of Kupffer cells between the splenectomized DMN and the DMN rats, suggesting that the down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha may contribute to the reduction of Kupffer cells' function. In addition, a tumor necrosis factor-alpha production inhibitor (E3330) significantly reduced the proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index after splenectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Splenectomy, in this model, may promote liver regeneration by preserving Kupffer cell function, especially the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha.     

Partial embolization as re-treatment of hypersplenism after unsuccessful splenic artery ligation

Ligation of splenic artery(LSA) is used for the treatment of liver cirrhosis with hypersplenism. However, hypersplenism is not significantly improved following LSA treatment in some cases, and there are few reports of retreatment of hypersplenism after LSA. We report the case of a47-year-old man with liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism who underwent LSA treatment, but did not significantly improve. Laboratory tests revealed severe leukocytopeniaand thrombocytopenia. Celiac computed tomography arteriogram and digital subtraction angiography revealed two compensatory arteries connected to the hilar splenic artery from the left gastro-epiploic artery and from the dorsal pancreatic artery. Partial splenic embolization(PSE) was performed through the compensatory arteries. As a result, the patient achieved partial splenic ischemic infarction, and white blood cell and platelet counts rose and remained in the normal range. PSE is an effective therapeutic modality for the retreatment of hypersplenism when other modalities have failed.     

Complications of Partial Splenic Embolization in Cirrhotic Patients

In recent years, partial splenic embolization (PSE) has been widely used in patients with cirrhosis and hypersplenism caused by portal hypertension. We investigated the complications associated with PSE cases seen in our hospital. Seventeen cases of liver cirrhosis that had undergone PSE were examined to investigate the complications associated with it. Mean infarcted area of the spleen was 66.2%. Leukocyte and platelet counts in 16 of 17 patients were seen to improve after PSE and persisted for at least one year. The most frequent side effects were abdominal pain (82.4%) and fever (94.1%). Severe side effects were seen in two of those 17 patients. One patient died from acute on chronic liver failure. The other patients contracted bacterial peritonitis and splenic abscess and needed drainage of splenic abscess before recovery. These two cases were in Child-Pugh class B. In conclusions, PSE is a useful treatment for patients with cirrhosis and hypersplenism caused by portal hypertension. However, the possibility of severe complications, especially in patients with noncompensated cirrhosis, should be kept in mind.