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Biomedical subjects

Paul H Hayashi

Publications and source records attributed to Paul H Hayashi.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

The progression of hepatitis B- and C-infections to chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma: presentation, diagnosis, screening, prevention, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Much information has been gained in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC during the last 15 years. Ever improving imaging technology has made nonhistologic diagnostic criteria possible, albeit controversial. Liver transplantation, resection, and RFA are considered curative options. Yet,HCC incidence is steadily rising because of limited progress on disease prevention. Accurate and cost-effective screening is necessary. Presently, only 10% to 15% of HCC patients present with a curative stage of disease. Because the field of HCC is rapidly changing, patients with HCC should be referred to liver centers with a full array of services, from surgical to oncologic. The prognosis for HCC patients will surely improve with a multidisciplinary approach to care and further clinical research. Better screening and prevention of recurrence should eventually improve survival. It is hoped that antiviral treatment studies will lower the risk of HCC, and that these changes will occur soon enough to help the many patients at risk for or diagnosed with HCC over the next several years.

Journal Article↗

Splenectomy for thrombocytopenia in patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis and low Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores are too early for transplant but too thrombocytopenic to treat with interferon. GOAL: To report a case series of splenectomy to raise platelet counts so that pegylated interferon and ribavirin can be given in patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis. METHODS: Retrospective chart and computer record review. RESULTS: Seven patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis (mean age=45.4+/-11.1 y, 4 men) had elective splenectomy for thrombocytopenia before pegylated interferon-alpha 2b therapy. All had thrombocytopenia contraindicating antiviral therapy. Five were Child's-Pugh Class A; 2 were B. All 7 had increases in platelet count (mean 32,400 to 222,140 /mL, P<0.01) at 221+/-151 days postsurgery. Median hospital stay and blood loss were 9 days (4 to 25) and 750 mL (100 to 2500 mL). Median platelet packs, units of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma given were 1 (0 to 7), 0 (0 to 14) and 0 (0 to 2), respectively. There were no deaths or portal vein thrombosis. One patient who was status-post liver transplantation had significant morbidity. Five completed pegylated interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin therapy; 1 is on therapy and 1 awaits initiation. Of the 5 who completed therapy, there were 2 with sustained virologic response, 1 nonresponse, 1 breakthrough, and 1 relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Splenectomy in patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis can be done safely to allow application of antiviral treatment and potentially avoid transplantation. It may be considered in patients with Child's-Pugh A cirrhosis, no prior abdominal surgeries and with non-1 HCV viral genotype.

Adult↗

Right hepatic lobe donation adversely affects donor life insurability up to one year after donation.

There are no data regarding hepatic lobe donation effects on donor life insurability. Two investigators called 10 agents of 10 different large life insurance companies. One investigator gave a fictitious profile: Caucasian man, 33 years old, nonsmoker, without medical problems (control profile [CP]). The other investigator used the same profile with a history of uncomplicated right lobe donation 12 months earlier (donor profile [DP]). Investigators asked for premium quotes on a $100,000 term life policy. No medical testing or record review was allowed. Investigators were blinded to the results of each other's calls. Agents were unaware of the study. We documented underwriting decisions, premiums quoted, stipulations, number of phone calls, and phone time. All 10 companies would pursue underwriting CP at their lowest, "preferred" rate. Five would do the same for DP. Two might underwrite DP at a more expensive "standard" rate, but a "preferred" rate would be less likely. One would underwrite DP at the "standard" rate; one would not underwrite DP. One agent did not return follow-up calls (DP insurability < CP, P = 0.04). Mean quoted premiums were lower for CP vs. DP ($189/yr. vs. $202/yr., P = 0.56). Median number of phone calls required was 1 for CP and 3 for DP (P = 0.01). Mean telephone minutes were 4.2 for CP and 8.0 for DP (P = 0.004). In conclusion, right hepatic lobe donation decreases life insurability 1 year after uncomplicated donation. Donors can expect some increased difficulty obtaining life insurance, but they should find a company willing to pursue underwriting. The premium paid may be slightly higher.

Adult↗

The progression of hepatitis B- and C-infections to chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma: presentation, diagnosis, screening, prevention, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Much information has been gained in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC during the last 15 years. Ever improving imaging technology has made nonhistologic diagnostic criteria possible, albeit controversial. Liver transplantation, resection, and RFA are considered curative options. Yet, HCC incidence is steadily rising because of limited progress on disease prevention. Accurate and cost-effective screening is necessary. Presently, only 10% to 15% of HCC patients present with a curative stage of disease. Because the field of HCC is rapidly changing, patients with HCC should be referred to liver centers with a full array of services, from surgical to oncologic. The prognosis for HCC patients will surely improve with a multi-disciplinary approach to care and further clinical research. Better screening and prevention of recurrence should eventually improve survival. It is hoped that antiviral treatment studies will lower the risk of HCC, and that these changes will occur soon enough to help the many patients at risk for or diagnosed with HCC over the next several years.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

The progression of hepatitis B- and C-infections to chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma: epidemiology and pathogenesis.

HCC is a major problem in certain regions of the world, and an increasing problem in the United States. Although the precise mechanisms are not delineated, chronic viral hepatitis B and C clearly cause HCC. Epidemiologic evidence provides strong associations with both viral infections. The predominant pathway to HCC is through cirrhosis, but direct viral carcinogenic effects may also contribute, particularly for hepatitis B. Understanding of this epidemiology and pathophysiology provides the basis for the clinical evaluation, diagnosis, screening, and treatment of HCC.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Acute liver failure due to iron overdose in an adult.

The vast majority of acute iron toxicity cases occur in children less than 5 years of age. Moreover, clinical hepatic injury is uncommon with most symptoms stemming from the intestinal tract (eg, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Therefore, physicians, particularly those who do not routinely treat pediatric patients, are often unfamiliar with hepatotoxicity related to iron overdose. Nevertheless, hepatotoxicity caused by acute iron poisoning is associated with a high mortality rate. We report a case of severe hepatic injury in an adult who overdosed on iron tablets with suicidal intent. Tests for other hepatotoxins (eg, acetaminophen), hepatatrophic viruses, and other causes of acute liver injury were negative. Although peak serum iron level (340 microg/dL) was significantly lower than that reported to cause hepatotoxicity (>1,700 microg/dL), rapid and significant elevations in aminotransferases (>4,000 U/L), total bilirubin (5 mg/dL), and prothrombin time (50 seconds) occurred within 48 hours. Treatment with deferoxamine was prompt and followed by empiric N-acetylcysteine once liver injury was apparent. The patient was minimally symptomatic and she eventually had a full recovery.

Adolescent↗

Impact of pretransplant diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma on cadveric liver allocation in the era of MELD.

The allocation system based on the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) has led to more patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being transplanted. We hypothesized that more patients misdiagnosed with HCC are also being transplanted, leading to inappropriate organ allocation. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed all liver transplants at our center from July 14, 2000, to October 22, 2002 (N = 172; 129 pre-MELD, 43 post-MELD), comparing pretransplant HCC diagnosis to explant histology. Thirty patients met the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) diagnostic criteria for pretransplant HCC diagnosis. There were 25 men (median age, 52.5 yr), and 80% had hepatitis C. The proportion of patients transplanted who had an HCC diagnosis increased from 12% (15/129) pre-MELD to 35% (15/43) post-MELD implementation (P < 0.01). Three of 15 (20%) transplanted pre-MELD and 5 of 15 (33%) transplanted post-MELD lacked HCC in the explant (P = 0.10). Of the three false-positives pre-MELD, one was Status 2B already, and two received living-donor livers. Of the 5 false-positives post-MELD, three had score upgrades that led to early transplantation (13 to 29, 20 to 29, and 9 to 24) while two had MELD scores of 35 and 36 already. The percentage of organs that could have gone to patients with more advanced liver disease without HCC increased from 0% (0/129) pre-MELD to 7% (3/43) post-MELD (P < 0.01). Since the implementation of MELD, the proportion of patients transplanted who had an HCC diagnosis nearly tripled, and a small but significant proportion of organs are now going to patients misdiagnosed with HCC. More stringent HCC diagnostic criteria will be required to decrease the effect that misdiagnosis has on organ allocation.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Cognitive lifetime drinking history in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: some cases may be alcohol related.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the prevalence of significant alcohol intake in previously diagnosed nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) patients. METHODS: We measured current and total lifetime alcohol intake (TLAI) in biopsy-proven NAFL patients using the cognitive lifetime drinking history (CLDH), a computerized questionnaire. One nurse administered the CLDH without physician presence. Physicians took alcohol histories prior to any knowledge of this study. Advanced and nonadvanced fibrosis patients were tested. A single pathologist (ST) scored all biopsies (inflammation 0-6; fibrosis 0-4). RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (11 men) were studied. Thirteen had bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis. [mean age: 52.3 yr (range 28-69); mean body mass index (BMI): 37 kg/m2 (range 27-48.6)]. All but three had hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and/or hypertension. Mean TLAI was 60.2 kg (range 0.17-471.7), but three patients were above 100 kg (threshold for cirrhosis risk) at 305.5, 336.7, and 471.7. These three had inflammation/fibrosis scores of 3/3, 3/0, and 5/2, respectively. Those with >100 kg tended to have higher serum AST and inflammation score. Prior physician-obtained alcohol history determined <or=20 g/day for all patients and did not mention TLAI in any. CLDH confirmed <or=20 g/day current alcohol intake in 21 of 23 patients, but intakes were 30.2 g/day and 41.2 g/day in two. CONCLUSIONS: Some NAFL patients may have alcohol fatty liver disease instead. Routine physician interviews obtain less accurate alcohol histories compared to CLDH. The clinical significance of past alcohol intake and methods of measuring alcohol ingestion in fatty liver patients deserves further investigation.

Adult↗

Atrial septal perforation from TIPS stent migration.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) are safe and effective for the treatment of portal hypertension. Cardiac complications are unusual. This study reports a case of TIPS stent migration to the right atrium causing perforation of the atrial septum in a patient with end-stage liver disease. The shunt was removed transvenously but attempts at transvenous occlusion of the septal perforation were unsuccessful. The patient went on to undergo combined open-heart surgery with septum repair and liver transplantation. The case highlights a rare complication of TIPS and methods for treatment including transvenous removal, transvenous repair, and combined cardiotomy-liver transplantation surgery.

Adult↗

Hepatic artery chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients listed for liver transplantation.

We retrospectively analyzed all listed patients having hepatic artery chemoembolization (HACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stage T2 or less. Outcomes were transplantation, waiting list removal, death, and HCC recurrence. Twenty patients (mean age 55.7 years; 15 males) were identified. Twelve (60%) were transplanted, seven (35%) were removed from the list and one (5%) remains listed. Fourteen (70%) are alive. All 12 transplanted patients are alive (mean 2.94 years); one of seven removed from the list is alive (mean 1.45 years). Survival was significantly higher for those transplanted or listed vs. removed from the list (100% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.0002). No HCC's recurred. Three patients (15%) were removed from the list after prolonged waiting times before MELD. Hepatic artery chemoembolization induced deterioration and removal from the list of one (5%) patient. Survival for those transplanted was excellent(100%), but overall survival was significantly lower (61.3%) at a mean 5.48 years. Hepatic artery chemoembolization for listed patients with <or=euro T2 stage HCC is beneficial, but must be weighed against decreased waiting times and risk of HACE-induced deterioration. This balance is influenced greatly by the MELD system's determination of waiting times for HCC patients.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Reconsidering hepatorenal syndrome. Throw in the towel? Not so fast!

For many years, hepatorenal syndrome was considered a uniformly and rapidly fatal complication of end-stage liver disease. Although the syndrome still carries a poor long-term prognosis, increased understanding of its hemodynamic derangements has led to new pharmacologic treatments that significantly improve short-term outcomes. In this article, Drs Tong, Hurley, and Hayashi discuss a case of remarkable reversal of hepatorenal syndrome with use of oral midodrine hydrochloride, subcutaneous octreotide acetate, and intravenous albumin. The authors highlight the great progress that has been made in this field and review new therapeutic options that are on the market or under study. It is important for physicians who are caring for patients with hepatorenal syndrome to know about and consider the available treatments before an approach of "supportive care only" is taken.

Administration, Oral↗

Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score does not predict patient or graft survival in living donor liver transplant recipients.

Although living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a successful procedure for most recipients, outcomes in patients who undergo transplantation as United Network for Organ Sharing status 2A are marginal. There are no published data on living donor liver transplant recipient outcomes relative to Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores. Such information could be useful in living donor liver transplant recipient selection. We retrospectively analyzed all non-fulminant hepatic failure, right hepatic lobe, adult-to-adult living donor liver transplant recipients at our center between August 1997 and March 2002. We calculated MELD scores at the time of LDLT and correlated scores with 1-year patient and graft survival and hospital days during the 90-day post-LDLT period. There were 62 recipients with greater than 6 months of follow-up: 38 men, 24 women; mean age, 47.9 years; 42 white, 1 black, 17 Hispanic, and 2 Asian patients. Twenty-nine patients had hepatitis C virus infection; 4 patients, hepatitis C virus infection and alcoholic liver disease; 4 patients, alcoholic liver disease; 4 patients, cryptogenic cirrhosis; 13 patients, primary sclerosing cholangitis; 5 patients, autoimmune hepatitis; and 3 patients, primary biliary cirrhosis. Mean and median MELD scores were 15.2 and 13, respectively (range, 6 to 40). One-year patient and graft survival were 59 of 62 patients (95%) and 52 of 62 patients (84%), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between median MELD scores of dead versus living patients (15 v 13; P =.15) or patients who underwent retransplantation versus those who did not (16.5 v 13; P =.30). Mean and median hospital days in the 90-day post-LDLT period were 23.7 and 16.0 days, respectively. Living donor liver transplant recipients with a MELD score of 18 or greater had significantly more hospital days compared with recipients with a MELD score less than 18 (35.2 v 19.8 days; P =.01). In conclusion, MELD scores did not predict post-LDLT patient or graft survival at 1 year. However, higher MELD scores (> or =18) were associated with more hospital days during the 3-month post-LDLT period.

Female↗

The natural history of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a clinical histopathological study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to define nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) histopathological change over time and to correlate changes with clinical characteristics. METHODS: We retrieved nonalcoholic fatty liver cases from our histopathology database covering 1985 to 2001. We also identified patients in clinic with NASH on biopsy >1 yr prior. All patients were evaluated and clinical data obtained in clinic. Those patients qualifying for NASH therapeutic trials underwent liver biopsy pretreatment. One pathologist (S.T.) read all slides using a NASH grading and staging system. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients had repeat biopsies a mean of 5.7 yr (range 1.4-15.7 yr) after the first biopsy. Nine were women, nine had diabetes, 11 had hypertension, and 14 had hyperlipidemia. Mean body mass index was 33.8 kg/m(2) (range 26.5-48.6 yr). Mean age was 50.6 yr (range 33-64 yr). Ten patients (45%) had fibrosis stage 1 or 2, and two patients (9%) had bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis (stage 3 or 4) on first biopsy. Seven (32%) had increases in fibrosis score. Four patients (18%) had decreases in fibrosis score. The percentage of patients with stage 3 or 4 increased from 9% to 18%. In two patients the disease progressed rapidly (fibrosis scores from 1 to 3 in 1.4 yr and from 2 to 4 in 2.6 yr). Only serum AST at last biopsy correlated with histological change, being higher in those with disease progression. Three patients progressed from steatosis to steatohepatitis with fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: NASH has a variable histological course. However, one third of patients have fibrosis progression, and one third of these have rapid progression to advanced fibrosis. Histological progression correlated with higher serum AST but no other clinical factors. Steatosis alone may progress to NASH with fibrosis.

Adult↗