Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive cholestatic liver disease with outcomes that include hepatobiliary malignancy and liver transplantation. The pathogenesis of PSC is incompletely understood and, as a result, few markers of disease progression have been identified. Vitamin D is associated with the development and treatment of multiple cancers as well as the progression of inflammatory bowel disease, making it a possible candidate as a biomarker associated with PSC outcomes. In this study, we retrospectively and prospectively collected complete laboratory results and outcome datapoints on 179 patients with PSC to determine the association between total 25(OH)-vitamin D levels, vitamin D supplementation, and both hepatobiliary malignancy and liver transplantation. Through survival analysis, we found that history of vitamin D supplementation was significantly associated with increased hepatobiliary malignancy-free and liver transplantation-free survival (p=0.025 and p=0.042, respectively). These results indicate that vitamin D is a promising factor associated with the progression of PSC to transplantation and malignancy. Future studies on this registry cohort as it increases in size and age may provide more conclusive data on the relationship between vitamin D and PSC.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare inflammatory chronic liver disease that causes damage to the intra- and or extrahepatic bile ducts leading to cholestasis. As the disease proceeds the development of cirrhosis and eventually liver failure occurs. This study aims to determine the role of IgG subclasses in the prognosis of PSC and its outcome. A retrospective analysis was performed of 183 patients followed at the Department of Upper Abdominal Diseases at the Karolinska University Hospital. Factors that were analysed were sex, age at PSC diagnosis, total IgG values, IgG subclasses values and events of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colectomy, cirrhosis, cholangitis, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), liver transplantation and cholangiocarcinoma. This study showed that high IgG4 levels were associated with a higher incidence of cirrhosis, liver transplantation, cholangitis and ERCP, while low IgG4 levels were associated with a prior IBD diagnosis. In conclusion, elevated IgG4 levels were associated with a higher occurrence of cirrhosis, cholangitis, ERCP and liver transplantation. It seems that IgG4 could be of importance for outcome prediction in PSC.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare chronic liver disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the biliary ducts, resulting in cholestasis and eventually liver failure. No effective treatment is currently available and most patients ultimately require liver transplantation in order to survive. The underlying mechanisms of the disease is poorly understood but a range of hypotheses exist, many of which recognize and grapple with PSC's close relationship with inflammatory bowel disease. Most agree genetics is involved, predisposing for an imbalance in 1) bile acid metabolism, 2) immune response and/or 3) gut microbiota. This literature study aims to describe and elucidate recent progress in the field of pharmacotherapy, as it relates to PSC and our current understanding of the disease. Covered in this study is a total of seven randomized, controlled trials, published between 2015-2022, and available through the medical database/search engine PubMed. Endpoints of particular note are ALP and ELF. ALP, or alkaline phosphatase, is an enzyme found in the liver. Rising levels of ALP in the blood stream is indicative of liver damage. ELF, or Enhanced Liver Fibrosis, is a blood test measuring markers of fibrosis, useful in assessing and staging fibrosis in chronic liver disease. Drugs included in this literature study are aldafermin, cilofexor, fenofibrate, norUrsodeoxicholic acid, obeticholic acid, simtuzumab and vancomycin. With the exception of aldafermin and simtuzumab, all showed promise as ALP reducing agents, in general lowering levels with 15-40 percent. In the case of fenofibrate, a reduction of 65 percent was observed. Of the drugs measured against ELF, only aldafermin produced a statistically significant reduction in fibrosis markers. At the time being it is not entirely clear what to make of the results, due to uncertainties surrounding ALP as a prognostic marker. To what extent ALP predicts transplantation free survival is still a matter of debate. Although considerable efforts have been made to further our understanding of PSC, much is yet to be solved. With regards to pharmacotherapy, the field is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance, showcased by the dozen on-going randomized, controlled trials on a plethora of potential PSC substances. Thus, the search for an effective therapy against PSC goes on.

Introdução: A escolha da via de acesso para tratamento paliativo da obstrução biliar nos tumores da confluência biliopancreática (TCBP) permanece incerta para os pacientes com baixo risco anestésico-cirúrgico ou longa expectativa de vida. Objetivo: Estudar a influência da derivação biliar mediante abordagem laparotômica e endoscópica nos resultados assistenciais e nos custos do tratamento paliativo dos TCBP. Método: Estudo coorte retrospectivo de prontuários dos pacientes portadores de TCBP submetidos ao tratamento paliativo endoscópico ou cirúrgico no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMRP-USP), no período de 2002 a 2013, com análise de variáveis epidemiológicas, clínicas e assistenciais e dos custos. Resultados: Dentre os 150 pacientes com TCBP estudados, 92 (61,33%) foram submetidos à derivação das vias biliares por laparotomia (TL) e 58 (38,66%) por via endoscópica (TE), onde a prótese plástica foi utilizada na maioria dos casos (N = 38, 65,51%). Os grupos foram homogêneos para a maioria das variáveis epidemiológicas e clínicas antes dos procedimentos. As taxas de complicações precoces foram equivalentes na comparação dos grupos (55,17% para TE e 40,1% para TL), porém as complicações tardias foram mais frequentes no grupo TE (20,68% para TE e 10,34% para TL), o que se associou principalmente às recorrências das obstruções biliares. As curvas de sobrevida foram menores para TE. Não houve diferença significativa entre o custo mediano por procedimento no grupo TE (R$2.861,00) e TL (R$3.427,00) (p=0,3253). Por outro lado, o custo mediano total para o grupo TE (R$8.586,00) foi menor que o do grupo TL (R$12.810,00) (p=0,0001). Conclusão: a combinação das vantagens das duas modalidades de tratamento paliativo para os TCBP (maior sobrevida e eficácia na redução da colestase no grupo TL e menores tempo de internação e custo global no grupo TE) é uma meta a ser atingida e o acesso videolaparoscópico é uma alternativa a ser explorada. / Introduction: the advanced tumors of the biliopancreatic confluence (TCBP) often present with biliary obstruction, which can receive palliative treatment, through laparotomy, laparoscopic or endoscopic. Objective: to study the influence of laparotomy and endoscopic approaches in care results and costs of the palliative treatment of TCBP. Method: retrospective coorte study of medical records of patients with TCBP undergoing to the endoscopic and / or laparotomic palliation at the Hospital of Clinics of the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (HCFMRP-USP), from 2002 to 2013 with analysis of epidemiological variables, clinical, care and treatment costs. Results: among the 150 patients with TCBP studied, 92 (61.33%) underwent biliary bypass by laparotomy (TL) and 58 (38.66%) endoscopically (TE). The groups were homogeneous for most of the epidemiological and clinical variables before the procedures. The rates of early complications were similar between the groups (55.17% for TE and 40.1% for TL), but late complications were more frequent in the TE group (20.68% for TE and 10.34% for TL), which was mainly associated with the recurrence of biliary obstruction. The survival curves were lower for TE. The median cost of the procedure in the TE group (R$ 2,861.00) wasn´t different from TL (R$ 3,427.00) (p = 0,3253). On the other hand, the median total cost for the TE group (R$ 8,586.00) was lower than the TL group (R$ 12,810.00) (p = 0,0001). Conclusion: the combination of the advantages of the two methods of palliative treatment for TCBP (greater efficacy in reducing cholestasis in the TL group and lower length of stay and the overall costs in the TE group) is a goal to be achieved, and the laparoscopic access is an alternative to be explored.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:07:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Flavia Gontijo de Lima.pdf: 1240048 bytes, checksum: 8f761878f68bc3d24859e788703e5b5c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-03-03 / The species of Brachiaria are important forages from Brazilian tropical regions, mainly the Central-Western region. Some species of Brachiaria have been described as cause of hepatogenous photosensitization in ruminants. Initially, the disease was attributed to the fungus Pithomyces chartarum, but recent studies suggest that the steroidal saponins present in the grasses have toxic principles responsible for the photosensitization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hepatic function and the performance of lambs fed with B. brizantha hay or sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.), by means of clinical examination, laboratory tests, and macro and microscopic analysis of the liver. Twelve Saint Ines lambs were used. The animals were divided into two experimental groups: group hay (six lambs fed with roughage of B. brizantha hay and concentrate) and group sugar cane (six lambs fed with roughage of sugar cane and concentrate). The hay used to feed the lambs did not contain Pithomyces chartarum spores. The clinical examinations occurred at each seven days, the laboratory tests at each 14 days, and the weighings at each 28 days. At the end of 93 days of experiment the lambs were slaughtered, the macroscopic analysis of the the organs was carried out, and the liver fragments were collected for the microscopic analysis. The lambs were clinically healthy, during the whole period, except at the beginning of the experiment, when some animals presented pneumonia. The only biochemistry alterations suggestive of hepatic damage were the increase of the GGT values and the decrease of total cholesterol in both groups. No animal fed with B. brizantha hay presented macroscopic alteration in the liver. The microscopic analysis of the liver revealed preserved hepatocytes and presence of multifocal infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the hepatic parenchyma and also in the portal triads, characterizing cholangitis in both groups. Degenerations suggestive of hepatic esteatosis were observed in four animals fed with sugar cane. Feeding lambs with B. brizantha hay promoted similar performance than feeding the animals with sugar cane. Regardless of the type of feeding, the lambs presented, as biochemistry alteration of the hepatic function, increase of the serum levels of GGT and decrease of total cholesterol, followed by histological alterations, characteristic of light cholangitis. / As espécies de Brachiaria são importantes forrageiras de regiões tropicais do Brasil, principalmente na região Centro-Oeste. Algumas espécies de Brachiaria têm sido descritas como causadoras de fotossensibilização hepatógena em ruminantes. Inicialmente a enfermidade foi atribuída ao fungo Pithomyces chartarum, mas estudos recentes sugerem que as saponinas esteroidais contidas nas forrageiras possuem princípios tóxicos responsáveis pela fotossensibilização. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a função hepática e o desempenho de ovinos alimentados com feno de B. brizantha ou cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.), por meio de exames clínicos, laboratoriais, análise macro e microscópica do fígado. Foram utilizados 12 ovinos da raça Santa Inês que constituíram dois grupos experimentais: grupo feno (seis ovinos alimentados com volumoso feno de Brachiaria brizantha e concentrado) e grupo cana (seis ovinos alimentados com volumoso cana-de-açúcar e concentrado). O feno destinado a alimentação dos animais não possuía esporos do fungo P. chartarum. Os exames clínicos ocorreram a cada sete dias. Os exames laboratoriais a cada 14 dias e as pesagens a cada 28 dias. Ao final de 93 dias de experimento os ovinos foram abatidos, realizada análise macroscópica dos órgãos e colheita de fragmentos de fígado para a análise microscópica. Os animais durante todo o período estiveram clinicamente saudáveis, exceto no início do experimento alguns apresentaram pneumonia. As únicas alterações bioquímicas sugestivas de lesão hepática foram a elevação dos valores de GGT e diminuição de colesterol total em ambos os grupos. Nenhum animal alimentado com feno de B. brizantha apresentou alteração macroscópica no fígado. A análise microscópica dos fragmentos de fígado revelou hepatócitos preservados e presença de infiltrados celulares mononucleares multifocais no parênquima hepático e também no espaço porta, caracterizando-se leve colangite em ambos os grupos. Em quatro animais alimentados com cana-de-açúcar foi observado degenerações micro e macrovacuolares sugestivas de esteatose hepática. A alimentação de ovinos com feno de Brachiaria brizantha promoveu desempenho semelhante a ovinos alimentados com cana-de-açúcar. Independente do tipo de alimentação os ovinos apresentaram como alteração bioquímica da função hepática, elevação nos níveis séricos de GGT e diminuição de colesterol total, acompanhados de alterações histológicas características de leve colangite.

Introdução: A escolha da via de acesso para tratamento paliativo da obstrução biliar nos tumores da confluência biliopancreática (TCBP) permanece incerta para os pacientes com baixo risco anestésico-cirúrgico ou longa expectativa de vida. Objetivo: Estudar a influência da derivação biliar mediante abordagem laparotômica e endoscópica nos resultados assistenciais e nos custos do tratamento paliativo dos TCBP. Método: Estudo coorte retrospectivo de prontuários dos pacientes portadores de TCBP submetidos ao tratamento paliativo endoscópico ou cirúrgico no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMRP-USP), no período de 2002 a 2013, com análise de variáveis epidemiológicas, clínicas e assistenciais e dos custos. Resultados: Dentre os 150 pacientes com TCBP estudados, 92 (61,33%) foram submetidos à derivação das vias biliares por laparotomia (TL) e 58 (38,66%) por via endoscópica (TE), onde a prótese plástica foi utilizada na maioria dos casos (N = 38, 65,51%). Os grupos foram homogêneos para a maioria das variáveis epidemiológicas e clínicas antes dos procedimentos. As taxas de complicações precoces foram equivalentes na comparação dos grupos (55,17% para TE e 40,1% para TL), porém as complicações tardias foram mais frequentes no grupo TE (20,68% para TE e 10,34% para TL), o que se associou principalmente às recorrências das obstruções biliares. As curvas de sobrevida foram menores para TE. Não houve diferença significativa entre o custo mediano por procedimento no grupo TE (R$2.861,00) e TL (R$3.427,00) (p=0,3253). Por outro lado, o custo mediano total para o grupo TE (R$8.586,00) foi menor que o do grupo TL (R$12.810,00) (p=0,0001). Conclusão: a combinação das vantagens das duas modalidades de tratamento paliativo para os TCBP (maior sobrevida e eficácia na redução da colestase no grupo TL e menores tempo de internação e custo global no grupo TE) é uma meta a ser atingida e o acesso videolaparoscópico é uma alternativa a ser explorada. / Introduction: the advanced tumors of the biliopancreatic confluence (TCBP) often present with biliary obstruction, which can receive palliative treatment, through laparotomy, laparoscopic or endoscopic. Objective: to study the influence of laparotomy and endoscopic approaches in care results and costs of the palliative treatment of TCBP. Method: retrospective coorte study of medical records of patients with TCBP undergoing to the endoscopic and / or laparotomic palliation at the Hospital of Clinics of the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (HCFMRP-USP), from 2002 to 2013 with analysis of epidemiological variables, clinical, care and treatment costs. Results: among the 150 patients with TCBP studied, 92 (61.33%) underwent biliary bypass by laparotomy (TL) and 58 (38.66%) endoscopically (TE). The groups were homogeneous for most of the epidemiological and clinical variables before the procedures. The rates of early complications were similar between the groups (55.17% for TE and 40.1% for TL), but late complications were more frequent in the TE group (20.68% for TE and 10.34% for TL), which was mainly associated with the recurrence of biliary obstruction. The survival curves were lower for TE. The median cost of the procedure in the TE group (R$ 2,861.00) wasn´t different from TL (R$ 3,427.00) (p = 0,3253). On the other hand, the median total cost for the TE group (R$ 8,586.00) was lower than the TL group (R$ 12,810.00) (p = 0,0001). Conclusion: the combination of the advantages of the two methods of palliative treatment for TCBP (greater efficacy in reducing cholestasis in the TL group and lower length of stay and the overall costs in the TE group) is a goal to be achieved, and the laparoscopic access is an alternative to be explored.

No description available.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a group of multifactorial illnesses with increasing incidence worldwide. Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the two most thoroughly defined phenotypes of IBD. IBD associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) - a progressive biliary disease leading to cirrhosis and liver failure - is considered as specific IBD phenotype (also referred to as 'PSC - IBD') due to its clinical and pathophysiological characteristics. The aim of the experimental part of this thesis was to define specific features of PSC - IBD in the key areas of IBD pathogenesis. These are: microbiota composition, gut - barrier failure, genetic predisposition and aberrant cellular and antibody immune response. Furthermore, the other goals were to describe relation of IBD status and activity to liver transplantation (LTx) and carcinogenesis based on thorough analysis of clinical data in patients under surveillance at the liver transplantation unit. Using the next-generation parallel sequencing technology, we discovered specific bacterial and mycobial features of gut microbiota composition in PSC - IBD which significantly differed from UC and healthy controls recruited from Czech general population. Moreover, we identified numerous seral biomarkers distinguishing CD, UC...