Stratification of portal vein-invaded hepatocellular carcinoma treated with transarterial chemoembolization monotherapy

PurposeThe study aimed to establish a prognostic prediction model and an artificial neural network (ANN) model to determine who will benefit from transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) monotherapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invading portal vein.MethodsTreatment-naïve patients with HCC and portal vein invasion who were treated with TACE monotherapy at hospital A as training cohort and hospital B as validation cohort were included. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). In training cohort, independent risk factors associated with OS were identified by univariate and multivariate analysis. The prognostic prediction (PP) and ANN models based on the independent risk factors were established to find out who will benefit most from TACE monotherapy. The type of portal vein tumor thrombosis was classified based on the Cheng’s Classification. The accuracy of the models was validated in validation cohort.ResultsTotally, 242 patients (training cohort: n ​= ​159; validation cohort: n ​= ​83) were included. The median OS was 7.1 and 8.5 months in training and validation cohort, respectively. In training cohort, the PP model was established based on the following five independent risk factors: Cheng’s Classification, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, maximum tumor size, number of HCC nodules, and Child-Pugh stage. PP score of 17.5 was identified as cut-off point and patients were divided into two groups by PP score <17.5 and >17.5 in survival benefit and prognostication (8.8 vs. 5.5 months; P ​< ​0.001). These five factors were included and ranked based on the importance associated with OS in the ANN model. Both of the two models received high accuracy after validation.ConclusionsPortal vein invaded HCC patients with PP score <17.5 may benefit most from TACE monotherapy. For these patients, TACE monotherapy should be considered.     

Relationship between circulating tumor cells undergoing EMT and short-term efficacy following interventional treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

ObjectiveA growing number of studies have indicated that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes and the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are significant indicators of tumor characteristics and treatment efficacy, and thus have a broad range of potential applications in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. The value of data on CTC phenotypes and CTC counts in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and assessment of efficacy after comprehensive interventional therapy remains unclear.MethodsData of 107 patients who exhibited space-occupying lesions in the liver on enhanced CT/MRI scans at the Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (a tertiary medical center) between August 2017 and October 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. All enrolled patients were treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with microwave ablation (MWA). An imFISH CTC assay was used to isolate and count CTCs with different EMT phenotypes in the patients’ peripheral blood, which facilitated an analysis of the value of CTC phenotype and CTC count data in the diagnosis or treatment of HCC.ResultsThe CTC count and EMT phenotypes in HCC patients were not associated with patient characteristics such as age, sex, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-DNA status, alcohol consumption history, Aspartate Transaminase (AST) to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, Child-Pugh score, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), number and size of tumors, vascular invasion, or metastasis (P ​> ​0.05). The CTC count and EMT phenotypes in HCC patients before treatment were not predictive of short-term efficacy (P ​> ​0.05). Comprehensive interventional therapy reduced the total CTC count and mesenchymal CTC count (P ​= ​0.034 and 0.022, respectively).ConclusionTACE in combination with ablation reduced the total CTC count and mesenchymal CTC count. The CTC count and EMT phenotypes may be associated with long-term efficacy.     

Comparison of radiation doses between hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy and transarterial chemoembolization for liver cancer

ObjectiveTo analyze the radiation dose received by patients during hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) procedures and the related influencing factors.MethodsData of 162 cases in the HAIC group and 230 cases in the TACE group were collected. The included covariates were Age (<45/45–59/≥60 years), BMI levels (underweight/normal weight/obesity), focus Dye of tumor (present/absent), lesion size (<5cm/≥5cm), superselection (present/absent), hepatic vascular variation (present/absent). The endpoints were postoperative dose-area product (DAP), exposure time and Air kerma (AK).ResultsOf all included patients, the HAIC group patients were younger than those in the TACE group (P ​= ​0.028). The proportion of patients with large lesions in the HAIC group was higher than the TACE group (45.7% vs. 33.9%, P ​= ​0.019). The proportion of patients who had superselection was lower in the HAIC group as compared to the TACE group (61.7% vs. 82.2%, P ​< ​0.001). Generally, the HAIC group has lower DAP, exposure time and AK by 36.3% (P ​< ​0.001), 38.2% (P ​< ​0.001), and 41.3% (P ​< ​0.001) than the TACE group, respectively. Linear regression analysis showed the procedure method (HAIC/TACE, P ​< ​0.001), type of DSA machine (Pheno/FD20, P ​< ​0.001), BMI levels (P ​< ​0.001), age (P ​= ​0.021), lesion size (<5cm/≥5 ​cm, P ​= ​0.031) significantly correlated with low DAP. In the HAIC group, the type of DSA machine and BMI correlated with the radiation dose, while in the TACE group, the type of DSA machine, BMI, and lesion size correlated with the radiation dose.ConclusionCompared with TACE, HAIC enables doctors and patients to receive lower radiation doses. Obese patients in both HAIC and TACE groups increase the radiation exposure in interventional doctors and patients, but large lesions only affect the radiation dose in the TACE procedure.     

慢性乙型肝炎肝硬化患者超声辐射力脉冲成像参数与肝功能Child-Pugh分级的相关性

目的 探讨乙型肝炎肝硬化患者肝功能Child-Pugh分级与声辐射力脉冲成像(ARFI)定量参数剪切波速度(SWV)之间的相关性.方法 对临床诊断为肝硬化的40例慢性乙型肝炎患者及40名健康体检者行ARFI,测量肝脏SWV;检测肝硬化患者血清学指标,根据结果及临床表现进行肝功能Child-Pugh分级.比较肝硬化患者与健康人及不同Child-Pugh分级患者间SWV的差异,分析肝脏SWV与Child-Pugh分级及血清学指标之间的相关性.结果 健康人肝脏SWV 显著低于肝硬化患者;随Child-Pugh分级上升,SWV明显增加(P<0.001),SWV与Child-Pugh分级呈正相关(r=0.62,P<0.001).肝硬化患者SWV与凝血酶原时间呈正相关(r=0.65,P<0.001),与血清白蛋白水平呈负相关(r=-0.59,P<0.001).结论 肝硬化患者SWV显著高于健康人,并与肝功能Child-Pugh分级呈正相关.     

Balloon-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis: A novel approach for acute deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremities

BackgroundDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common cardiovascular emergency that may have life-threatening complications, including pulmonary embolism (PE) and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Conventional anticoagulant medication does not completely dissolve the clots and does not decrease the risk of DVT complications. Invasive catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is an approach that has been reported to reduce the reoccurrence of PTS during acute DVT. We compared balloon-assisted CDT with routine CDT in the treatment of acute DVT and evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of balloon-assisted CDT.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 94 patients diagnosed with a first episode of DVT in the lower extremities and treated from September 2008 to February 2018. The patients underwent routine CDT (group A, n ​= ​50) or balloon-assisted CDT (group B, n ​= ​44) based on their enrollment date. We obtained the circumference difference between the limbs, the degree of clot lysis, and the lysis rate as parameters for evaluating the two approaches. The PE incidence and bleeding amount were recorded. We also compared the total urokinase dose, treatment duration, and retrieval rate of optional filters.ResultsSwelling was significantly alleviated in both groups, as indicated by a reduction in the limb circumference. Patients who underwent balloon-assisted CDT exhibited significantly lower thrombus scores compared with the routine group (S ​= ​1403.50, Z ​= ​−5.7702, P ​< ​0.0001). Additionally, the duration of balloon-assisted CDT was significantly shorter (6 vs. 10 days [S ​= ​1039.0, Z ​= ​−8.0358, P ​< ​0.0001]). The mean urokinase usage per patient was decreased in the balloon-assisted group (P ​< ​0.0001). Bleeding occurred in both groups, with no statistical significance. The filter retrieval rate in the balloon-assisted group was significantly higher than that in the routine CDT group (Χ² ​= ​4.829, P ​= ​0.028).ConclusionsBalloon-assisted CDT is an effective, cost-efficient, and safe method for the treatment of acute DVT. It exhibited advantages over routine CDT, including less lysis medication, decreased procedure duration, and higher patency rates. Inferior vena cava filtration is mandatory in balloon-assisted CDT. After thrombus removal, the risk of symptomatic PE did not increase in this approach.     

Exploration of risk factors for hemoglobinuria and acute kidney injury following iliofemoral venous mechanical thrombectomy

ObjectiveTo evaluate the risk factors for hemoglobinuria and acute kidney injury (AKI) after percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with or without catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (IFDVT).MethodsPatients with IFDVT who had MT with the AngioJet catheter (group A), MT plus CDT (group B), or CDT alone (group C) from January 2016 to March 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Hemoglobinuria was monitored throughout the treatment course, and postoperative AKI was assessed by comparing the preoperative (baseline) and postoperative serum creatinine (sCr) levels from the electronic medical records of all patients. AKI was defined as an elevation in the sCr level exceeding 26.5 ​μmol/L within 72 ​h after the operation according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria.ResultsA total of 493 consecutive patients with IFDVT were reviewed, of which 382 (mean age, 56 ​± ​11 years; 41% of them were females; 97 in group A, 128 in group B, and 157 in group C) were finally analyzed. Macroscopic hemoglobinuria was evident in 44.89% of the patients of the MT groups (101/225, 39 in group A, and 62 in group B), with no significant difference between the groups (P ​= ​0.219), but not in the patients in group C. None of the patients developed AKI (mean sCr difference −2.76 ​± ​13.80 ​μmol/L, range ​= ​−80.20 to 20.60 ​μmol/L) within 72 ​h after surgery.ConclusionsRheolytic MT is an independent risk factor for hemoglobinuria. A proper aspiration strategy, hydration, and alkalization following thrombectomy are particularly favorable for preventing AKI.     

Computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation of the retained iodized oil after simultaneous combination with transarterial embolization in small recurrent or residual hepatocellular carcinoma

ObjectiveTo assess the clinical efficacy and safety of transarterial embolization (TAE) in simultaneous combination with computed tomography (CT)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for recurrent or residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to determine the risk factors influencing local tumor progression following this procedure.MethodsOne hundred eighteen patients with recurrent or residual HCC (tumor size, 10–30 ​mm) underwent RFA. During the 19-month follow-up, 59 patients received RFA only (RFA group), and the remaining 59 received RFA immediately after TAE (TAE ​+ ​RFA group). All patients were followed up to observe the short-term therapeutic effects and complications. The cumulative local tumor progression rates in both groups were calculated using unpaired Student’s t tests and the Kaplan-Meier method.ResultsThe rate of major complications was 5.08% in the TAE ​+ ​RFA group and 3.39% in the RFA group. The overall response rate was 96.61% in the TAE ​+ ​RFA group and 79.66% in the RFA group (P ​= ​0.008). The disease control rate was significantly higher in the TAE ​+ ​RFA group than in the RFA group (94.92% vs. 79.66%, P ​= ​0.024). The median time to local tumor progression was 4.8 months in the RFA group and 9.6 months in the TAE ​+ ​RFA group. The cumulative local tumor progression rate at 1 year was 10.60% in the RFA group and 23.60% in the TAE ​+ ​RFA group (P ​= ​0.016).ConclusionTAE in simultaneous combination with CT-guided RFA was effective and safe against recurrent or residual HCC. Local tumor progression can be minimized by the complete ablation of targeted iodized oil deposits after simultaneous TAE.     

Clinical efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt created through left or right branches of the portal vein: A meta-analysis

Background and aimTransjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a technique successfully used to treat portal hypertension and its complications. However, the choice of the branch, left (L) or right (R), of the portal vein resulting in a better outcome is still under debate. Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to evaluate which branch has a better curative effect on patients treated with TIPS.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, Cochrane Library databases, Wanfang database and CBM were used for our search in October 2019 and updated in June 2021. The following parameters were used in evaluation: overall mortality, hepatic encephalopathy, shunt dysfunction, variceal rebleeding and rate of postoperative ascites.ResultsThere were seven studies included. The sample size was 1940. A lower risk of mortality was observed in TIPS-L-treated patients compared with TIPS-R-treated ones (OR ​= ​0.65, 95% CI ​= ​0.50–0.85, p ​= ​0.002). A lower risk of shunt dysfunction was observed in TIPS-L-treated patients compared with TIPS-R-treated ones (OR ​= ​0.53, 95% CI ​= ​0.33–0.87, p ​= ​0.01). And the TIPS-L group had a significantly higher hepatic encephalopathy-free rate than the TIPS-R group (OR ​= ​0.59, 95% CI ​= ​0.44–0.78, p ​= ​0.0002). However, the rate of rebleeding (OR ​= ​0.75, 95% CI ​= ​0.55–1.03, p ​= ​0.07) and incidence of postoperative ascites (OR ​= ​1.14, 95% CI ​= ​0.86–1.51, p ​= ​0.38) was not statistically significant between the two groups.ConclusionsBased on the currently available evidence, the technique of TIPS through the left branch of the portal vein can significantly reduce the occurrence of overall postoperative mortality, hepatic encephalopathy and shunt dysfunction.     

Retrograde embolization technique of the right gastric artery during the implantation of port-catheter system for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

ObjectiveThis study aimed to introduce and evaluate a new embolization technique for the right gastric artery (RGA) during percutaneous implantation of a port-catheter system for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC).MethodsFrom January 2013 to January 2017, 159 patients with unresectable advanced liver cancer underwent percutaneous implantation of a port-catheter system. In 86 of these patients (56 men; aged 28–88 years; mean: 60.6 ​± ​12.0 years), in whom the RGA was obvious on arteriography, embolization of RGA was attempted using microcoils to protect the gastric mucosa during HAIC. In the first phase (first three years), antegrade embolization of the RGA using a 2.7 Fr microcatheter was performed in 55 patients. In the second phase (next two years), embolization of the RGA was attempted by combining antegrade embolization and retrograde embolization through the left gastric artery (LGA) in 31 patients. The success rates and the incidence of acute gastroduodenal mucosal toxicity (AGMT) in these two groups were compared.ResultsThe total success rate of the RGA embolization was 70.9%. The success rate was 83.9% in 31 patients who underwent combined antegrade and retrograde embolization, which was significantly higher than that of antegrade embolization alone (63.6%) performed in 55 patients (p ​= ​0.047). No complications related to embolization of RGA were documented. The incidence of AGMT was 29.1% (16/55) in patients in the first phase, which was significantly higher than that in the patients in the second phase (9.7%, 3/31) (p ​= ​0.037).ConclusionA combination of retrograde embolization via LGA could increase the success rates of RGA embolization and reduce the incidence of AGMT after HAIC.     

钆塞酸二钠增强MRI评估全肝及各肝段肝功能

目的 评价采用乳腺CEUS预测模型诊断乳腺恶性病灶的观察者一致性。方法 收集多中心共953例接受超声和CEUS检查的乳腺单发结节患者。本课题组由初始组（各医院1名低年资医师）、检查者组（各医院1~2名具有2年以上CEUS检查经验的医师）、研究组（四川省医学科学院四川省人民医院2名高年资医师）及交叉盲读组（各医院1~2名副主任医师或主任医师）构成。首先由初始组及检查者组根据乳腺影像报告和数据系统（BI-RADS）对病灶进行分类,其次由交叉盲读组和研究组采用乳腺CEUS预测模型再次进行BI-RADS分类。以病理结果为金标准,计算4组诊断乳腺恶性病灶的效能;分析观察者间诊断乳腺恶性病灶的一致性。结果 953例中,病理证实良性病灶451例（451/953,47.32%）,恶性病灶435例（435/953,45.65%）,癌前病变67例（67/953,7.03%）。初始组、检查者组、研究组及交叉盲读组诊断乳腺恶性病灶的准确率分别为71.67%（683/953）、74.92%（714/953）、80.17%（764/953）及83.42%（795/953）。初始组与检查者组诊断乳腺恶性病灶的一致性较好（Kappa=0.82,P<0.001）,与研究组及交叉盲读组的一致性中等（Kappa=0.56、0.41,P均<0.001）;检查者组与研究组、交叉盲读组的一致性均为中等（Kappa=0.68、0.51,P均<0.001）;研究组与交叉盲读组的一致性中等（Kappa=0.74,P<0.001）。结论 不同观察者采用乳腺CEUS预测模型诊断乳腺恶性病灶的一致性一般。     

Expression of MMP-2 in residual VX2 liver tumor after transcatheter arterial embolization combined with portal venous embolization in an animal model

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the effects of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) combined with portal venous embolization (PVE) on the expression of MMP-2 in residual VX2 liver tumor tissues, liver function and non-embolic lobe regeneration.MethodsA total of 72 rabbits were randomly divided into Sham, TAE, PVE and TAE ​+ ​PVE groups (n ​= ​18/group). The tissue samples from each group were taken at 6 ​h, 3 days and 7 days after interventional operation, respectively. MMP-2 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry, Real-time PCR, and Western-blotting. The main indicators (such as AST, ATL, and TBIL) of liver function and the volume of non-embolized hepatic lobes were measured in each group after operation. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-wallis method were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe expression of MMP-2 mRNA and protein remained the highest in the Sham group, and the expression of MMP-2 mRNA and protein in TAE, PVE and TAE ​+ ​PVE groups were successively increased, and the expression of MMP-2 in TAE ​+ ​PVE group was always significantly higher than TAE group. The AST and ALT levels in each group on day 7 after operation showed a significant declination, and all groups have recovered to the preoperative baseline level and TBIL has a slight fluctuation in each group after operation with no statistical difference. On day 7 after operation, the increasing volume of non-embolized liver lobes in TAE ​+ ​PVE group showed a more significant effect than those in PVE group, but there was no statistical significance (37.62 ​± ​1.54 ​ml VS 36.18 ​± ​1.15 ​ml, P ​= ​0.881), and its volume was significantly higher than those in the sham group (27.03 ​± ​1.11 ​ml).ConclusionTAE ​+ ​PVE is considered to be an efficient and safe approach for treating rabbit VX2 liver transplantation tumor, but the expression of MMP-2 increased fastest after TAE ​+ ​PVE, which might promote tumor cell invasion and metastasis.     

重组人血管内皮抑制素动脉内灌注及栓塞治疗兔VX2肝癌的安全性及有效性

目的 评估经肝动脉灌注重组人血管内皮抑制素(rh-endostatain)联合TACE治疗兔VX2肝癌的安全性及有效性.方法 30只VX2肝癌兔随机分为3组,每组10只.A组:肝动脉灌注rh-endostatin+TACE;B组:单纯TACE;C组:对照组.3组兔均于术前1天及术后3天、7天、14天分别抽血作肝肾功能检查,获取ALb、ALT、AST、BUN、Cr指标;并于术前1天、术后2周分别行CT扫描,测量肿瘤最长径.扫描后立即处死动物,组织切片用于免疫组化检测MVD、VEGF表达.结果 术后A、B、C组兔肝功能指标与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),且术后A、B组肝功能指标与C组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);A、B两组间各时间段肝功能指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).3组兔BUN、Cr治疗前后差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).治疗后2周,A、B两组肝癌最长径均明显低于C组(P<0.01).A组MVD、VEGF较B、C两组明显减低(P<0.01).结论 肝动脉灌注rh-endostatain不会引起肝、肾功能毒性,且其联合TACE治疗肝癌能减慢肿瘤的生长速度,抑制TACE后肿瘤新生血管的形成.     

Safety and efficacy of complete versus near-complete coiling in treatment of intracranial aneurysms

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the clinical and angiographic outcomes of aneurysms that were completely or near-completely embolized and ascertain whether complete embolization is important in the stent-assisted coiling (SAC) of intracranial aneurysms.MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled 390 patients (417 aneurysms). Among them, complete (100%) or near-complete (>90%) angiographic obliteration of the aneurysms on immediate angiography was accomplished. Baseline characteristics, complications, angiography follow-up results, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.ResultsCumulative adverse events occurred in 30 patients (7.7%), including thromboembolic complications in 17 (4.4%), intraoperative rupture in 10 (2.6%), and others in 3 (0.8%). Statistical analyses revealed an increased intraprocedural rupture rate in the initial completely occluded aneurysms (5.6% compared with 1.0%). The incidence of cumulative adverse events was higher in patients with completely occluded aneurysms (11.1%) than in those with near-completely occluded aneurysms (5.5%). Angiography follow-up was available for 173 aneurysms. Aneurysm occlusion status at follow-up was correlated with stent placement (p ​= ​0.000, odds ratio ​= ​5.847), size (p ​= ​0.000, odds ratio ​= ​6.446 for tiny aneurysms; and p ​= ​0.001, odds ratio ​= ​5.616 for small aneurysms), and initial aneurysm occlusion status (p ​= ​0.001, odds ratio ​= ​3.436). Complete occlusion at follow-up was seen in 82.6% of the initial complete occlusion group versus 63.0% of the initial near-complete occlusion group. The incidence of complete occlusion at follow-up was higher in the initial completely occluded aneurysms with SAC (100%) than in the initial completely occluded aneurysms with non-SAC (65.2%).ConclusionsInitial complete treatment may lead to higher complication rates and good clinical outcomes at follow-up. Stent placement may enhance progressive aneurysm occlusion. Initial complete occlusion with SAC can provide durable closure at follow-up.     

To explore the curative effect of CT-guided Iodine-125 radioactive seed implantation in the treatment of stage Ⅳprimary hepatocellular carcinoma

ObjectivesTo explore the clinical efficacy and survival of CT-guided Iodine-125 radioactive seed implantation in the treatment of stage Ⅳ primary hepatocellular carcinoma.MethodsA retrospective study of 62 patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2018 [60 males, 2 females, age (52.76 ​± ​10.82) years old], All patients were implanted with Iodine-125 radioactive seeds under CT guidance, followed up regularly after operation to observe the clinical efficacy, including comparison of changes in cancer size before and after treatment, tumor marker AFP, and improvement in complications such as abdominal pain and ascites. Follow-up 3–36 months to assess patient survival.ResultsAmong the 62 patients, 3 months after Iodine-125 radioactive seed implantation, 5 cases (8.1%) had complete remission of cancer, 33 cases (53.2%) had partial remission, 12 cases (19.4%) had stable lesions, and 12 cases (19.4%) had disease progression. The effective rate was 61.3%. The tumor volume (31.44 ​± ​14.51cm3) was significantly smaller than before (50.96 ​± ​30.13cm3) (t ​= ​5.303, p ​< ​0.05). The tumor marker AFP (69.28 ​± ​50.99) ug/L of 3 months after implantation was significantly lower than that before treatment (90.63 ​± ​68.58) ug/L (t ​= ​3.702, P ​< ​0.05). The average survival time of Iodine-125 seed implantation for stageⅣhepatocellular carcinoma is 11.47 ​± ​0.85 months, and the median survival time is 9 months. The survival time of the group with better pathological differentiation (gradeⅠ+Ⅱ) was significantly better than that of the group with poor differentiation (grade Ⅲ+Ⅳ) (x2 ​= ​6.869 p ​< ​0.05). Among the 38 patients with different degrees of abdominal pain, 22 patients improved better than before; 15 of 28 patients with different degrees of ascites were better than before. All patients had no serious complications related to treatment.ConclusionsIodine-125 radioactive seed implantation therapy can safely and effectively treat hepatocellular carcinoma, and relieve the clinical symptoms of abdominal pain and ascites.     

Analysis of factors affecting the prognosis of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Materials and methodsThe variables that may affect overall survival (OS), such as age, gender, AFP, Child Pugh classification, body mass index, HBV-DNA, HbeAg, tumor number, tumor diameter, BCLC stage, embolization method, ablation therapy, and targeted therapy, were analyzed by single factor and many factor COX regression. In addition, predictive factors of OS were stratified and a Kaplan-Meier survival curve was drawn.ResultsAmong the 136 patients, the median follow-up time was 14.5 months (range: 2–72 months). HCC patients with the tumor diameter <3 ​cm had the highest survival rate, followed by patients with a tumor diameter of 3–5 ​cm; the survival rate of patients with the tumor diameter (greater than 5 ​cm) was the lowest. Among the BCLC stages, stage A patients had the highest survival rate, followed by stage B and stage C patients, which had the lowest survival rate.The survival rate of Child Pugh grade A patients was higher than those with Child Pugh grade B. Compared with patients who did not undergo ablation treatment, the survival rate of patients with combined ablation treatment was relatively high. The survival rate of patients receiving drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) treatment was higher than those receiving conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) treatment. Additionally, repeated TACE treatment improved the OS rate of patients. These six factors were related to patient prognosis and the differences were statistically significant (P ​< ​0.05).ConclusionsTumor diameter, BCLC stage, TACE repetition, and TACE combined with ablation were independent prognostic factors of OS.     

MR T1rho成像诊断肝硬化及其与肝功能Child-Pugh分级的关系

目的 观察MR T1rho成像诊断肝硬化的可行性,分析其与Child-Pugh肝功能分级的关系.方法 对42例肝硬化患者和22名健康成年志愿者行肝脏MR T1rho检查,对比T1rho值与Child-Pugh肝功能分级,拟合T1rho值诊断肝硬化的ROC 曲线.结果 Child-Pugh A、B、C级组肝T1rho值分...     

Apatinib Combined With Transarterial Chemoembolization in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

PurposeStudies focusing on the effects of combined transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) + the tyrosine kinase inhibitor apatinib in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with the location and extent of portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) assessed as the main variable, are rare. This multicenter, retrospective, controlled study was performed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of TACE + apatinib and TACE alone in patients with HCC and PVTT.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from patients with nonresectable HCC and PVTT who underwent treatment with TACE + apatinib or TACE alone between January 2015 and January 2016. Outcomes in patients who underwent TACE + apatinib were compared with the outcomes of patients who underwent TACE alone, by using the Kaplan–Meier method, according to PVTT type: PVTT in the main portal vein (type A), PVTT in the first-order portal vein branch (type B), and PVTT in second- or lower-order portal vein branches (type C).FindingsOne hundred eighty-eight patients were included in the analysis; 85 underwent treatment with TACE + apatinib and 103 underwent treatment with TACE. TACE + apatinib was associated with a significantly greater median survival compared with TACE alone in patients with PVTT type B (12.2 vs 7.5 months; P < 0.001) or type C (13.7 vs 7.2 months; P = 0.006). Along with treatment strategies and α-fetoprotein, the absence of main PVTT was an independent factor predictive of survival on uni- and multivariate analysis. Apatinib-related grade 3 adverse events occurred in 27 patients (31.8%).ImplicationsTACE + apatinib can be of potential benefit to patients with advanced HCC with tumor thrombus in the first- and lower-order portal vein branches. Adverse events with apatinib need to be monitored during application, despite the manageable appearance.     

A new choice of stent for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation: Viabahn ePTFE covered stent/bare metal stent combination

ObjectivesTo compare the clinical outcomes in terms of structure and function between the insertion of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) created with the Viabahn ePTFE covered stent/bare metal stent (BMS) combination and the Fluency ePTFE covered stent/BMS combination.MethodsA total of 101 consecutive patients who received a TIPS from February 2016 to August 2018 in our center were retrospectively analyzed. Sixty-four subjects were enrolled in the Viabahn group and 37 were enrolled in the Fluency group. The geometry characteristics of the TIPS were calculated, and the associated occurrence of shunt dysfunction, survival, overt hepatic encephalopathy, and variceal rebleeding were evaluated.ResultsThe technical success rate was 100%. After the insertion of the TIPS, the rate of shunt dysfunction during the first 3 months was significantly different between the Viabahn and Fluency groups (1.6% and 13.5%, respectively; p ​= ​0.024). Multivariate analysis indicated that the angle of portal venous inflow (α) was the only independent risk factor for shunt dysfunction (hazard ratio ​= ​1.060, 95% confidence interval ​= ​1.009–1.112, p ​= ​0.020). In addition, 3 months after the TIPS insertion, the α angle distinctly increased from 20.9° ​± ​14.3°–26.9° ​± ​20.1° (p ​= ​0.005) in the Fluency group but did not change significantly in the Viabahn group (from 21.9° ​± ​15.1°–22.9° ​± ​17.6°, p ​= ​0.798).ConclusionsShunt dysfunction was related to the α angle owing to the slight effect on the α angle after the implantation of the TIPS. The Viabahn ePTFE covered stent/BMS combination was more stable in structure and promised higher short-term stent patency compared with the Fluency ePTFE covered stent/BMS combination.     

Effects of two different glycoprotein platelet IIb/IIIa inhibitors and the clinical endpoints in patients with intracranial Pipeline flow diverter implant

ObjectiveTo compare the antiplatelet effect and major adverse cerebrovascular events of Pipeline for intracranial aneurysms using glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists (GPI) eptifibatide and tirofiban.MethodsRetrospective analysis of relevant data of patients using GPIs combined with oral antiplatelet therapy in Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University from December 2017 to December 2019. The study was approved by the ethics Committee of Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University. According to the random use of GPIs drugs, they were assigned to the eptifibatide group and tirofiban group. Basic data, platelet inhibition rates at baseline, 24h and 72h after administration, short-term major adverse cerebrovascular events, and bleeding complications were compared between the two groups.ResultsA total of 47 patients were included in this study, including 24 patients in eptifibatide group and 23 patients in tirofiban group. There was no significant difference in average age (53.75 vs. 53.91 years) and body mass index (BMI) (24.39 vs. 22.73 ​kg/m2) between eptifibatide group and tirofiban group. There was no significant difference in coagulation factor function (R), fibrinogen function (K), fibrinolysis function (EPL), comprehensive coagulation index (Cl), arachidonic acid pathway inhibition rate (AA%) and adenosine diphosphate inhibition rate (ADP%). However, the baseline level of residual platelet function MA (ADP) in eptifibatide group was significantly higher than that in tirofiban group (50.79 vs. 35.29 ​mm, P ​= ​0.0026). There was a statistical difference in the platelet aggregation function MA (65.38 vs. 62.54 ​mm, p ​= ​0.0442), the rate of spontaneous hemorrhagic stroke (4.3% vs. 0%) and the rate of asymptomatic minor bleeding (26.08% vs. 4.1%) in the two groups (P ​< ​0.05).ConclusionBoth eptifibatide and tirofiban can effectively inhibit platelets, but the effect of etifeptide is better than that of tirofiban in preventing intracranial microhemorrhage and asymptomatic cerebral infarction.     

Predictors of early mortality in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury necessitating renal replacement therapy: A cohort study

PurposeReliable prediction of early mortality after initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically ill patients may inform decision-making regarding this treatment. Our primary objective was to identify predictors of mortality within 2 days of starting RRT.Materials and methodsPatients with acute kidney injury (AKI), receiving RRT, and admitted to intensive care units of one hospital were included. Associations between baseline risk factors and mortality at 2 days and at hospital discharge were analyzed using logistic regression. Discrimination of both models was assessed.ResultsWe included 626 patients, treated initially with intermittent RRT (n = 300, 47.9%), continuous RRT (n = 211, 33.7%), or sustained low-efficiency dialysis (n = 115, 18.4%). Two-day mortality after starting RRT was 12.9% (n = 81), and hospital mortality was 50.5% (n = 316). Independent predictors of 2-day mortality included primary diagnostic category (p = 0.004) and sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (odds ratio [OR] 1.36 per point, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–1.50). Independent predictors of hospital mortality included SOFA (1.29, 95%CI 1.21–1.37), Charlson score (1.20, 95%CI 1.18–1.43), and interhospital transfer (OR 0.55, 0.38–0.81). C-statistics were 0.81 (2-day mortality) and 0.80 (hospital mortality).ConclusionsHigher SOFA was associated with 2-day mortality after RRT initiation and with hospital mortality. Discrimination in both models was modest.