Regional variations in the concentrations of ketone bodies in cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy: a study in patients with TIPSS

Background: Little is known about the metabolism of acetoacetate and β‐hydroxybutyrate in patients with cirrhosis and encephalopathy. Aims: We investigated the fate of ketone bodies in these conditions. Materials and methods: We studied 18 cirrhotic patients with encephalopathy and 17 cirrhotics without. At the time of insertion of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPSS) or at the time of portographical assessment of the shunt's patency, we collected blood from the internal jugular, the right atrium, the inferior vena cava, the hepatic, the portal, the splenic veins and the radial artery. We used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure the concentrations of acetoacetate and β‐hydroxybutyrate. Results: There was no difference in the total ketone body concentrations between the two groups. The mitochondrial redox potential was significantly higher in the encephalopathics (142/54=2.63 vs 52/83=0.62) (P<0.01). β‐hydroxybutyrate was significantly lower in the portal vein of encephalopathics (52 ± 4 vs 28 ± 3) (P<0.02) and in the splenic vein (48 ± 6 vs 32 ± 5) (P<0.04). Acetoacetate was significantly higher in encephalopathics in the internal jugular vein (134 ± 12 vs 92 ± 16) (P<0.03), the right atrium (112 ± 18 vs 68 ± 11) (P<0.03), the hepatic vein (162 ± 25 vs 115 ± 19) (P<0.05), the portal vein (133 ± 20 vs 81 ± 14) (P<0.02) and the splenic vein (167 ± 24 vs 122 ± 21) (P<0.04). All measurements are expressed in μmols/L. Conclusions: There are significant variations in the regional concentrations of the ketone bodies in encephalopathy.     

Percutaneous Transjugular Direct Porto-caval Shunt in Patients with Budd-Chiari Syndrome

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of direct porto-caval shunts in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) in whom there is no access to the hepatic veins during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS). We included six consecutive patients with fulminant/acute Budd-Chiari syndrome (mean age: 35 years) in whom a conventional TIPSS was not possible due to inaccessible hepatic veins. We performed a direct porto-caval shunt via a transhepatic approach. Patients were followed up by means of clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and Doppler ultrasound. TIPSS implantation from the inferior vena cava (IVC) was successful in all six patients (100%). The median transhepatic shunt length was 9 cm (8–10 cm). No procedure-related complications were observed in our patients. Early shunt occlusion occurred in three out of six patients (50%). In all three of these patients, the stent used to stabilize the shunt ended 1–2 cm before reaching the IVC. All occlusions were successfully recanalized. One of these patients developed recurrent early shunt as well as mesenteric and splenic vein occlusions. She died 7 days after TIPSS placement due to an unmanageable coagulation disorder. The remaining five patients were followed up by planned clinical examination and laboratory investigations (mean follow-up time was 15 months; patient 1 was followed up for 13 months, patient 2 for 14 months, patient 3 for 15 months, and patients 4 and 5 for 16 months) and all displayed a complete and durable resolution of liver failure and ascites without reintervention. In patients with acute liver failure originating from BCS and inaccessible hepatic veins, a direct transhepatic porto-caval shunt can be performed safely and effectively under ultrasound guidance. Future studies in larger patient groups should investigate if the patency of transcaval TIPSS with long transhepatic shunt segments is similar compared to conventional TIPSS via the hepatic vein.     

Portal hypertension and ascites

Portal hypertension occurs secondary to increased resistance to portal blood flow. It is a principle consequence of liver cirrhosis and leads to severe life-threatening complications, such as variceal bleeding, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy. Acute variceal bleeding is a medical and surgical emergency requiring a multidisciplinary management approach. Prompt resuscitation along with pharmacotherapy agents (terlipressin or somatostatin analogues) followed by early endoscopic variceal banding is the cornerstone of effective treatment. Refractory bleeding despite endoscopic band ligation requires emergency trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS). Diuretic therapy with spironolactone and furosemide are the first line of management of ascites. If ascites becomes refractory, repeat large volume paracentesis (LVP) and TIPSS are potential treatment options. Liver transplantation remains the only curative option for all patients with portal hypertension, but a careful selection policy and assessment is mandatory when considering transplantation.     

TIPSS术中护理存在问题的分析与对策

目的 通过对TIPSS患者的术中舒适度改变和护士术中护理存在的问题的调查分析,改善TIPSS患者术中的舒适度及简化护士术中护理操作,提高TIPSS术中护理质量.方法 通过自制问卷方式分别对2009年1月至6月25例TIPSS术后患者和10名手术护士进行调查,提出整改方法并将其运用到2009年7月至12月的27例手术患者和原10名手术护士中.结果 2009年下半年要求改善手术舒适度的患者较上半年明显减少.而10名手术护士都认为将术中存在的护理问题改进后,术中护理操作简便,护理质量明显提高.结论 采用穿刺成功后取下颈垫、放置头架,选择左上肢手背部或前臂外侧为输液部位、放置楔形手架、常规留置导尿,反穿病号服后,使患者术中舒适度得到明显改善,护士术中的护理质量也得到良好的提高.     

Quantification of the Electroencephalographic Theta/Alpha Ratio for the Assessment of Portal-Systemic Encephalopathy Following Implantation of Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Stent Shunt (TIPSS)

The aim of the study was the quantification of metabolically caused electroencephalographic changes of portal-systemic encephalopathy, a prototype of hepatic encephalopathy. We examined 12 patients with liver cirrhosis before and after implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPSS) by means of quantitative digital electroencephalography (EEG). One month after TIPSS implantation, all patients showed an increase in the power of the theta frequency band as well as a decrease in the power of the alpha frequency band. To reduce the error variance, we formed the quotient of the relative power of the theta and alpha frequency band. Theta/alpha quotient values over 0.7 indicate a general change of the EEG with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 87%. The results we have to hand indicate a correlation between the albumin concentration and the theta/alpha quotient 1 and 3 months after TIPSS. No significant correlation was revealed with regard to the Child-Pugh score or the liver function parameters cholinesterase, bilirubin, and prothrombin time. Neither the arterial ammonia concentration nor the performance in the psychometric test showed significance in relation to the theta/alpha quotient. Substances with a high albumin bond and potential neurotoxicity may—in the case of lower albumin levels—be absorbed with increased frequency in the CNS and may be responsible for the observed EEG change.     

布-加综合征的影像诊断及综合介入治疗

目的回顾性分析31例门诊疑诊为布加综合征患者的诊疗过程,探讨布加综合征的影像学诊断方法及影响介入疗效的因素。方法31例门诊疑诊为布加综合征的患者行DSA,17例证实为布加综合征,其中16例行介入治疗。结果16例行介入治疗的病人技术上均获成功。治疗采用单纯球囊扩张7例,放置下腔静脉支架4例(5枚),放置肝静脉支架1例,下腔静脉支架结合下腔静脉滤器1例,单纯溶栓1例,行TIPSS术2例。术后30天症状明显改善13例,无变化1例,死亡2例。结论超声可作为布加综合征的筛查手段,最终确诊要依靠DSA。介入术后开通的静脉血管再闭塞是影响布加综合征疗效的主要因素。     

Morphologic and clinical results of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPSS)

The concept of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-assisted shunt (TIPSS) using the Palmaz iliac stent has been successfully accomplished in 18 of 24 patients representing a technical success rate of 75%. Fourteen were male, 4 female with a mean age of 60 years (range 34–84 years). According to classification of Child’s and Turcotte, 6 were in stage A, 6 in stage B, and 6 in stage C. Five patients were treated on an emergency basis because of massive active bleeding. In 10 patients the portosystemic tract was created between the middle hepatic vein and the right main stem of the portal vein in 8, and the left main stem in 2 patients. In 8 patients, the shunt was established between the right hepatic vein and the right main branch of the portal vein. The portosystemic gradient in 18 patients was 29.9±6 mm Hg and dropped to an average of 16.9±4 mm Hg after shunt establishment. Within the early postprocedural period of 30 days, 1 patient died of direct complications of the procedure. Because of catheter dislocation, embolization of the percutaneous transhepatic approach to the portal vein after successful shunt “creation” could not be done and was followed by intraabdominal exsanguination. One patient died of an ARDS after TIPSS. A third developed pulmonary infection. In 13 patients, because of hematomas at the puncture site of the transhepatic approach, only the transjugular approach was elected for establishing TIPSS. The mean portosystemic gradient in 18 patients prior to TIPSS was 29±6 mm Hg (range 19–41 mm Hg), dropped to an average of 16.9±4 mm Hg (range 7–21 mm Hg), and showed no significant change 6 months after TIPSS with a pressure of 16±1.8 mm Hg. The 1-year survival rate was 75% (8/12); the 2-year rate was 50% (3/6).     

经颈静脉肝内门体静脉支架分流术与食管静脉套扎术治疗食管静脉曲张破裂出血的对照研究

目的　通过对照研究的方法 ,探讨经颈静脉肝内门体静脉支架分流术 (TIPSS)和食管静脉套扎术 (EVL)在治疗难治性或反复发作性食管静脉曲张破裂出血的疗效。方法　对 1 2例经胃镜确诊是食管静脉曲张破裂出血的患者行急诊或择期TIPSS治疗 ,并另选取 1 2例有相似病情和一般条件的患者 ,采取急诊或择期EVL治疗 ,比较两组患者在术后 2年随诊期内不同时间的死亡率、再出血率、肝功能和外周血小板的变化。结果　TIPSS组在术后 30d死亡率低于EVL组 (1 6 .67%vs 33 .33 % ) ,1年时 ,两组比较有显著差异 (1 6 .67%vs 41 .67% ) ,到 2年时 ,两组死亡率比较无显著差异 (50 0 0 %vs 58.33 % )。随诊期内 ,EVL组的再出血率要高于TIPSS组 (75 %vs 2 5 % )。与EVL组比较 ,TIPSS组术后肝功能有不同程度的下降。两组病人术后外周血的血小板计数无明显变化。结论　TIPSS治疗的近期疗效优于EVL治疗 ,中远期观察 ,两种方法似无差别。TIPSS组的病人术后主要死亡原因是肝功衰竭引发的肝肾综合征和严重的肝性脑病 ,EVL组患者的死亡原因与高再出血率密切相关