Biomedical subjects

Arun J. Sanyal

Publications and source records attributed to Arun J. Sanyal.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Treatment of Ascites.

Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis and occurs in more than half of all patients with cirrhosis. The development of ascites indicates progression of the underlying cirrhosis and is associated with a 50% 2-year survival rate. Conventional therapies used for the treatment of ascites include sodium restriction (<88 mmol/d), diuretics, and large volume paracentesis (LVP) (>5 L). The most effective diuretic combination is that of a potassium-sparing, distal-acting diuretic (eg, spironolactone) with a loop diuretic (eg, furosemide). LVP provides rapid resolution of symptoms with minimal complications and is well tolerated by most patients. Post-paracentesis circulatory dysfunction (PPCD) may occur after LVP and is characterized by hyponatremia, azotemia, and an increase in plasma renin activity. PPCD is associated with an increased mortality and may be prevented by administration of albumin intravenously (6 to 8 g/L of ascites removed) along with LVP. The development of either diuretic-resistant or diuretic-intractable ascites occurs in approximately 5% to 10 % of all cases of ascites. This is a poor prognostic sign, as 50% of such patients die within 6 months of its development. The only definitive therapy for refractory ascites with cirrhosis is orthotopic liver transplantation. The other options that are available include LVP, peritoneovenous shunts, and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). The TIPS procedure has not been shown to have any influence on survival in patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites, and TIPS is contraindicated in patients who have advanced liver failure because it can hasten death in such individuals. Peritoneovenous shunts are associated with a high incidence of complications and frequent occlusion. They are, therefore, rarely used for refractory ascites. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication of cirrhotic ascites. It may precipitate hepatorenal syndrome. The overall mortality rate from an episode of SBP is approximately 20%. Following an episode of SBP, the 1-year mortality rate approaches 70%. Hospitalized patients should be treated with intravenous third-generation cephalosporins (eg, cefotaxime), and patients at risk should receive prophylaxis with either orally administered quinolones (eg, norfloxacin) or cotrimoxazole.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

Ascites.

Ascites is the most common presentation of decompensated cirrhosis, and its development heralds a poor prognosis, with a 50% 2-year survival rate. Effective first-line therapy for ascites includes sodium restriction (2 g/d), use of diuretics, and large-volume paracentesis (LVP). Ideally, a combination of a loop-acting diuretic (eg, furosemide) and a distal-acting diuretic (eg, spironolactone) is used. LVP has the advantage of producing immediate relief from ascites and its associated symptoms. When 5 L or more ascitic fluid is removed, albumin (6 to 8 g per liter of fluid removed) should be administered intravenously to minimize hemodynamic and renal dysfunction. The development of refractory ascites is particularly ominous, and 50% of such patients die within 6 months of its development. Liver transplantation is the only effective therapy for patients with refractory ascites associated with cirrhosis; unfortunately, this therapy is not available for many of those with refractory ascites. Other therapies that are available include LVP, peritoneovenous shunts, and transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic shunts (TIPS). LVP alleviates ascites rapidly, but ascites recurs universally, requiring repeated hospitalizations and paracenteses and decreasing patient quality of life. Peritoneovenous shunts rarely are used due to their high complication rate and tendency to become occluded. Recently, the use of TIPS has been shown to be an effective therapy for patients with refractory ascites. It is most effective when liver function is relatively well preserved. On the other hand, TIPS may hasten death in those with advanced liver failure. TIPS has not been shown to have a clear-cut beneficial effect on survival in patients with refractory ascites. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is the most common complication of ascites and is associated with a worsening hyperdynamic circulation and a mortality rate of approximately 20%. Following an episode of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, the 1-year mortality rate approaches 70%. Patients at risk should be considered for prophylaxis with an orally administered quinolone (eg, norfloxacin). Alternatives include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Active spontaneous bacterial peritonitis should be treated with an intravenously administered third-generation cephalosporins (eg, cefotaxime) in most circumstances.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy and Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia.

Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) causes both acute and chronic blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract in patients with portal hypertension. Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a distinct condition also associated with portal hypertension that can cause acute and chronic upper gastrointestinal blood loss. These conditions frequently, but not invariably, are diagnosed by upper endoscopy. Although they are fairly prevalent, only 15% to 20% of subjects experience symptomatic gastrointestinal blood loss. Acute gastrointestinal bleeding from PHG should first be treated with octreotide (100 mg bolus intravenously, followed by a 50 mg/h continuous intravenous infusion). If the bleeding does not stop or slow down appreciably within 24 to 48 hours, propranolol may be administered orally to those patients who are hemodynamically stable. Propranolol should be started at 40 mg/d orally in two divided doses. If the patient can tolerate the propranolol and is still bleeding, the dosage may be titrated up to the maximum tolerated amount. For those subjects who are unable to tolerate beta-blockers or continue to bleed despite beta-blocker therapy, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is the next line of treatment. Portal decompressive surgery is reserved for those who are not candidates for TIPS and where the appropriate expertise is available. Prevention of chronic gastrointestinal blood loss from PHG should be attempted with beta-blockers, with the dosage titrated up to achieve a resting heart rate of approximately 60 beats per minute. In patients who do not respond to beta-blockers, a TIPS should be placed. The role of long-acting release octreotide in this setting is experimental. The primary treatment of actively bleeding GAVE as well as recurrent bleeding from GAVE is endoscopic ablation of the lesion using either argon plasma coagulation, neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, or heater probe. TIPS and beta-blockers are ineffective for the long-term prevention of recurrent bleeding from GAVE. For selected patients with severe recurrent bleeding or uncontrollable acute bleeding from GAVE, an antrectomy with Billroth I anastomosis may be considered.

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