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    30 April 2025, Volume 30 Issue 4
    Liver Tumor
    Clinical observation of cyberknife stereotactic body radiation therapy for unresectable large hepatocellular carcinoma
    WAN Zhi-qing, WANG Quan, SUN Jing, CHANG Xiao-yun, ZHANG Ai-min, LI Wen-gang, DUAN Xue-zhang
    2025, 30(4):  431-434. 
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    Objective To evaluate the efficacy and security of Cyberknife stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for unresectable large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and analyze the prognostic factors affecting outcomes. Methods From January 2012 to December 2014, 97 patients with un-resectable large HCC treated with Cyberknife SBRT were retrospectively analyzed. The median size of tumors was 6.2cm (5.0~9.8 cm), Doses ranged from 40 Gy to 56 Gy were given in 5 to 11 fractions for 5 to 10 consecutive days. Overall survival rate (OS), progression free survival rate (PFS) and local control rate were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazard models was used to analyze the prognostic factors for survival. Toxicity was evaluated according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v.4.03. Results A total of 97 patients were enrolled in this study. Based on Response Evaluation and Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). The Objective response rate (ORR) was achieved in 64.95%. The disease control rate (DCR) was achieved in 80.41%. The local control rate at 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-years was 92.3%, 88.2% , 88.2% and 88.2%, respectively. Median OS was 30 months, and OS at 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-years was 77.3%, 57.7%, 43.3% and 27.8%, respectively, while PFS rates at 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-years were 33.7%, 21.7%, 14.0% and 6.4%. Median PFS was 8 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that Child-Pugh score and Portal vein tumor thrombosis were independent predictors of OS. Acute toxicities were mild and well tolerated. Conclusion Cyberknife SBRT is a non-invasive, safe and equally effective treatment for large HCCs with relatively low risk of severe toxicity. Child-Pugh score and Portal vein tumor thrombosis were associated with survival rate of patients after SBRT. These results suggested that Cyberknife SBRT can be a good alternative treatment for large HCCs which is unsuitable for standard treatment.
    An analysis on the correlation between RNA binding protein SMG5 with clinicopathologies and immune infiltration in liver cancer
    ZHANG Fen-na, ZHANG Xin-yi, SUN Rong-rong, HAO Shuai, WANG Hui, HE Na, ZHONG Yue
    2025, 30(4):  435-440. 
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    Objective To explore the expression and biofunction of RNA binding protein SMG5 in liver cancer (LC) and its significance in the diagnosis and prognostic prediction. Methods Liver cancer associated sequence data and clinic information were downloaded from TCGA database and analyzed by R to explore the expression, diagnosis value and clinical association of SMG5. Chip data of TNM plot was used for verification. Kaplan-Meier plot and TIMER 2.0 was used to assess the correlation between SMG5 and prognosis and tumor immune infiltration in liver cancer. UACLAN and cBioPortal were used for SMG5 methylation and mutation analyses. STRING was utilized for SMG5 associated protein interaction analyses, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Results SMG5 was significantly upregulated in liver cancer (P=1.13×10-26), and positively correlated with tumor grade, AFP, and ishak fibrosis score (P=0.0014, 7.26×10-7 and 0.01), but negatively correlated with 5 year-overall survival rate and disease specific survival rate (P=6.4×10-6 and 0.00028, respectively) of the patients. SMG5 presented a relative higher diagnostic value in liver cancer (AUC=0.965). SMG5 was positively correlated with the infiltration of B cell, CD4+T, macrophage, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (P=2.27×10-6, 2.05×10-6, 1.43×10-6 and 2.64×10-21), but negatively correlated with tumor associated fibroblasts, hematopoietic stem cells, endothelial cells (P=4.95×10-3, 8.08×10-15 and 1.00×10-17). The methylation of SMG5 promoter in liver cancer was significantly lower than that in the control group (P=6.91×10-7), downregulation of the methylation level of cg10199857 site was significantly correlated with a poor prognosis of the patients (P=0.0035), and S725C mutation was correlated with aberrant SMG5 transcription. SMG5 could interacted with several protein to regulate RNA metabolic associated process. Conclusion SMG5 was significantly upregulated in liver cancer and associated with the poor prognosis of patients. In addition, SMG5 presented high diagnostic value and could be used as an underlying biomarker for liver cancer.
    An evaluation of the therapeutic effects of transarterial chemoembolization combined with carrelizumab on advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
    LONG Chun-mei, CHEN Ding-gui, ZHENG Zhong-wei, ZHANG Xiu-jun
    2025, 30(4):  441-445. 
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    Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with carrelizumab on advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The study involved 108 patients with advanced HCC treated at our hospital from January 2020 to October 2022. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, with 54 patients in each group. The control group was treated with TACE alone, whereas the observation group received a combination treatment of TACE and carrelizumab. The clinical efficacy, immune function, tumor marker levels, and liver function were compared between the two groups at three months post-treatment. Adverse reactions happened during treatment were also recorded. All patients were followed up for two years to document OS and overall survival rates. Results The overall effective treatment rate for the observation group and the control group was 70.37% (38/54) and 50.00% (27/54), respectively (P<0.05). The contents of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells were (39.21±5.13)%, (27.21±4.04)%, and (18.74±2.35)%, respectively, indicating better improvements in immune and liver function (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was 24.07% in the observation group and 27.78% in the control group (P>0.05). The OS in the observation group was 21.46 (20.34, 22.59) months, with a survival rate of 66.67% (36/54), both significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion TACE combined with carrelizumab can enhance the clinical efficacy in advanced HCC, improve immune and liver function, and subsequently increase survival rates.
    An evaluation of high-risk patients with focal liver lesions and negative AFP based on LI-RADS classification criteria of contrast-enhanced ultrasound
    Ma Yu, Lai Shi-feng, Hong Li
    2025, 30(4):  446-448. 
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    Objective To analyze the clinical value of using contrast-enhanced ultrasound LI-RADS classification criteria to evaluate the high-risk of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) negative focal liver lesions. Methods Between January 2018 and January 2022, 120 patients with high risk of focal liver lesions with negative AFP were admitted to our hospital, with a total of 153 lesions. All patients underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination, and the lesions were classified based on LI-RADS. The pathological examination results were used as the gold standard to analyze the evaluation value of LI-RADS classification criteria for liver focal lesions at high risk of negative AFP. Results 153 lesions were confirmed by histopathology, including 90 HCC, 19 other liver malignant tumors and 44 benign liver lesions. HCC is mainly characterized by arterial phase hyperenhancement (78 cases) and delayed/mild clearance (70 cases); Among other malignant liver tumors, 9 showed arterial phase hyper-enhancement and 8 showed circular enhancement, with contrast agent clearance of 100%, significant clearance of 8, and mild clearance of 11. Benign liver lesions were mainly characterized by equal arterial enhancement (18 cases) and delayed phase no clearance (32 cases). Under the LR-5 classification standard, there were 77 HCCs in 153 lesions, 66 of which were true HCCs, with a positive detection rate of 73.3% (66/90), which was in good agreement with histopathology, and the Kappa value was 0.792. Under the LR-4+5 classification standard, there were 83 HCCs in 153 lesions, 80 of which were true HCCs, with a positive detection rate of 88.9% (80/90), which was consistent with histopathology examination, and the Kappa value was 0.763. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of LR-4+5 classification for AFP negative HCC were 88.9%, 95.2%, 91.5%, 96.4%, and 85.7%, respectively, which were higher than those of 73.3%, 82.5%, 77.1%, 85.7%, 68.4% of LR-5 classification standards (P<0.05). Conclusion The LI-RADS classification standard for contrast-enhanced ultrasound has certain evaluation value for high-risk liver focal lesions with negative AFP. Among them, the LR-4+5 classification standard has excellent diagnostic efficacy and is worth of vigorously promotion and usage in clinical practice.
    The diagnostic value of combined detection of serum AFP-L3 and PIVKA-Ⅱ in patients with chronic hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma
    LI Lan-ya, TU Tao
    2025, 30(4):  449-452. 
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    Objective To alanyze the value of a combined detection of serum AFP-L3 and abnormal prothrombin (PIVKA-Ⅱ) in the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Between January 2022 and January 2024, eighty-five patients with CHB in Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Shuyang County were selected, including 63 males and 22 females, aged (47.3±7.4) years. They were divided into CHB-related chronic liver disease (CHB-CLD) group (including those with HCV and related cirrhosis) and CHB-HCC group according to whether they were complicated by HCC or not. The clinical data of CHB-CLD and CHB-HCC patients were compared, and the independent risk factors of CHB-HCC were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. ROC curve was drawn to analyze the value of serological indicators in predicting the prognosis of CHB-HCC patients. The CHB-HCC patients were followed-up and the differences of AFP, AFP-L3 and PIVKA-Ⅱ were compared in patients with different clinical outcomes. Results Among 85 CHB patients ,40 cases had CHB, 28 cases had cirrhosis, and 17 cases had CHB-related HCC. The age of CHB-HCC group was (54.2±9.7) years, which was significantly higher than that of (45.5±7.7) years in CHB-CLD group [P<0.05]. The AFP, Alb, ALT, AST, AFP-L3 and PIVKA-Ⅱ in CHB-HCC group were 516.3 (78.4, 1482.5) ng/mL, (31.0±2.1) g/L, 80 (51, 104) U/L, 92 (70, 104) U/L, 12.8 (8.6, 73.0) % and 674.6 (209.3, 1526.8) mAU/mL, respectively, compared with those of 17.2 (9.8, 32.8) ng/mL, (36.8±3.7) g/L, 47(38, 66) U/L, 44(32, 62) U/L, 5.2(3.2, 6.7) % and 27.2(18.1, 41.2) mAU/mL in CHB-CLD group [ P<0.05]. The above differences were included in multiple logistic regression analysis. The included P value was set at 0.05, and the excluded P value was set at 0.10. The results showed that AFP≥40.5 ng/mL, AFP-L3≥9.4% and PIVKA-Ⅱ ≥ 57.8 mAU/mL had statistically significant effects on CHB-HCC (P<0.05). In the diagnosis of CHB-HCC, the AUC value of the combined AFP, AFP-L3 and PIVKA-Ⅱ diagnosis was 0.91, which were significantly higher than those of AFP, AFP-L3 or PIVKA-Ⅱ alone (0.80, 0.83 and 0.84, respectively, P<0.05). A follow-up of 2 years showed that 6 cases survived and 11 cases died in CHB-HCC group. Compared with the surviving patients, AFP, AFP-L3 and PIVKA-Ⅱ in the dead patients were significantly higher (P<0.05). Conclusion A combined detection of AFP, AFP-L3 and PIVKA-Ⅱ levels can effectively diagnose CHB-HCC, which has certain clinical significance in predicting the patients' clinical outcome.
    The diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with serum miR-1290 and miR-1825 in differentiating benign and malignant liver lesions
    ZHANG Zhi-bo, LI Jing, QIU Jing-qi, WANG Qian, LIANG Shuang, LIU Cui-cui
    2025, 30(4):  453-457. 
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    Objective To explore the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with serum miR-1290 and miR-1825 in differentiating benign and malignant liver lesions. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 patients with liver lesions treated in Qinhuangdao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2023 to May 2024. Based on pathological results, patients were divided into a benign (48 cases) and a malignant (72 cases) lesion group. All patients underwent CEUS and the expression levels of serum miR-1290 and miR-1825 were measured. The diagnostic value of each indicator was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results The expression levels of serum miR-1290 and miR-1825 in the malignant lesion group were (2.34 ± 0.68) and (1.89 ± 0.53), respectively, which were higher than those of (1.12 ± 0.37) and (0.94 ± 0.28) in the benign lesion group (both P<0.05). The proportion of early enhancement, high enhancement, and rapid washout in the CEUS characteristics of the malignant lesion group was higher than those of benign lesion group [91.67% (66/72) vs. 20.83% (10/48), 76.39% (55/72) vs. 33.33% (16/48), 79.17% (57/72) vs. 8.33% (4/48)] (all P<0.05), while the proportion of homogeneous enhancement was lower in the malignant lesion group [19.44% (14/72) vs. 50.00% (24/48)] (P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of miR-1290, miR-1825, and CEUS in predicting specific diseases were 81.9% and 91.7%, 88.9% and 85.4%, and 95.8% and 89.6%, respectively, demonstrating the accuracy of different diagnostic methods in detecting the disease. When CEUS was combined with miR-1290 and miR-1825, the sensitivity and specificity increased to 98.6% and 95.8%, respectively, indicating that the combined detection has higher predictive efficacy. Additionally, the Youden index for the combined detection was 0.944, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.983 (95% CI: 0.959-1.000), showing high consistency and reliability. Conclusion CEUS combined with serum miR-1290 and miR-1825 levels has high application value in differentiating benign and malignant liver lesions. Especially the combination of three of them demonstrate a higher predictive efficacy and reliability. Therefore, a combined detection can serve as an important diagnostic method for focal liver lesions.
    The application of TACE, targeted immunotherapy combined with 125I particle implantation in patients with unresectable giant hepatocellular carcinoma
    SHEN Xiang-jing, SU Hai-chuan
    2025, 30(4):  458-461. 
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    Objective To evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), targeted immunotherapy combined with 125I particle implantation in patients with unresectable giant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 88 patients with unresectable giant HCC who were treated at Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from December 2020 to January 2024. The patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment modality: a TACE combined with targeted immunotherapy group (control group, 43 cases), and a TACE+targeted immunotherapy+125I particle implantation group (observation group, 45 cases), with all patients receiving four treatment cycles. Both groups showed no vascular invasion or extrahepatic metastasis at baseline, and there were no significant differences in baseline data (P>0.05), and ensuring comparability. The clinical efficacy, immune function, tumor marker levels (AFP, PIVKA-Ⅱ), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse reactions between these two groups were compared after four cycles of treatment. Results The efficacy of treatment in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (86.67% vs. 62.79%) (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of AFP and PIVKA-Ⅱ in the observation group were (63.05±7.51) ng/mL and (113.25±11.01) mAU/mL, respectively, while in the control group, they were (80.84 ± 9.42) ng/mL and (150.64±16.13) mAU/mL (P<0.05). Three months post-treatment, the maximum lesion cross-sectional area had decreased in both groups. The average overall survival (OS) in the observation and control groups was 21.43 (20.34, 22.59) months and 18.41 (16.98, 19.76) months, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion TACE combined with targeted immunotherapy and 125I particle implantation can improve immune function and enhance treatment efficacy in patients with unresectable giant HCC.
    Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with serum SP70, AFP, and PIVKA-Ⅱ in the diagnosis of early hepatocellular carcinoma
    LI Xiao-yan, ZHANG Jing-fang, WANG Chun-ping, ZHOU Ping-an
    2025, 30(4):  462-466. 
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    Objective To explore the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with tumor-specific protein 70 (SP70), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence Ⅱ (PIVKA-Ⅱ) in the diagnosis of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Eighty patients diagnosed with early HCC in Luochuan County, People's Hospital from May 2018 to August 2024 were selected as the HCC group, and 80 patients with benign liver lesions were selected as the benign group. CEUS parameters were analyzed for both groups, and serum levels of SP70, AFP, and PIVKA-Ⅱ were measured. The sensitivity and specificity of these indicators in diagnosing early HCC were evaluated. Results In the HCC group, the proportions of patients with single lesions, unclear boundaries, irregular lesion shapes, and abundant blood supply were 85.00%, 28.75%, 25.00%, and 23.75%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the benign group (67.50%, 2.50%, 7.50%, and 12.50%, P<0.05). During the portal and delayed phases of CEUS, the proportions of patients with iso-enhancement or hypo-enhancement in the HCC group were 83.75% and 87.50%, respectively, also significantly higher than in the benign group (48.75% and 51.25%, P<0.05). In terms of serum markers, SP70, AFP, and PIVKA-Ⅱ levels in the HCC group were 11.23±4.58 ng/mL, 44.64±18.28 ng/mL, and 83.45±36.34 mAU/mL, respectively, which were higher than those of 8.68±3.74 ng/mL, 15.27±6.63 ng/mL, and 44.23±19.29 mAU/mL in the benign group (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity of CEUS, SP70, AFP, and PIVKA-Ⅱ for early HCC diagnosis was 75.0%, 41.2%, 93.8%, and 75.0%, and specificity was 77.5%, 92.5%, 91.2%, and 87.5%, with AUC values of 0.788, 0.658, 0.951, and 0.838, respectively. When CEUS was combined with serum levels of SP70, AFP, and PIVKA-Ⅱ, the sensitivity and specificity increased to 91.2% and 98.8%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.983. Conclusion CEUS combined with SP70, AFP, and PIVKA-Ⅱ detection exhibits high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of early HCC, which may facilitate early diagnosis and has potential for clinical application.
    Current situations and influencing factors of kinesiophobia in patients with postoperative spinal metastasis of liver cancer
    LIU Li, TANG Fei-yang, WANG Bing-xuan, ZHAO Hao-nan, LIAN Qiu-jian, CHEN Feng-mei
    2025, 30(4):  467-470. 
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    Objective To explore the current situation of kinesiophobia in patients with postoperative spinal metastases of liver cancer, analyze the potential influencing factors of kinesiophobia, and provide a research basis for the prevention and treatment of kinesiophobia in patients with postoperative spinal metastases of liver cancer. Methods Sixty-nine postoperative patients with spinal metastases of liver cancer treated in the Department of Orthopedics, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from November 2021 to January 2023 were selected, and the General Information Questionnaire, Tampa Scale for Kinetophobia (TSK), Visual Analogue Scale for Pain (VAS), General Self-efficacy Scale (MCSQ) and Family Care Index Questionnaire (APGAR) were applied to collect relative data. Subsequently, single factor statistical methods were used to analyze whether general information and correlated factors differed between the kinesiophobia and non- kinesiophobia groups. We further use multifactorial logistic regression analysis on variables that have statistical significance in univariate analysis to investigate the factors influencing the development of kinesiophobia in patients with postoperative spinal metastases of liver cancer. Results The incidence of postoperative kinesiophobia in patients with spinal metastases was 39.13%. Univariate analysis showed a positive association between the occurrence of kinesiophobia and longer preoperative pain duration, higher postoperative pain level, lower self-efficacy, and poor family care among patients. After correction of confounding factors by multifactorial logistic regression analysis, longer preoperative pain duration and higher postoperative pain level were considered as risk factors for the occurrence of postoperative kinesiophobia in patients with spinal metastases of liver cancer, while high self-efficacy was a protective factor (P<0.05). Conclusion Higher incidence of kinesiophobia in patients with spinal metastases of liver cancer is associated with longer preoperative pain duration, higher postoperative pain level, and lower self-efficacy. Early detection and intervention of the above factors should be emphasized in clinical practice, which is of great clinical significance to prevent the occurrence of postoperative kinesiophobia and improve the prognosis of these patients.
    Predictive value of changes of IL-6, IL-18, AFP levels in peripheral blood of patients with primary liver cancer on pulmonary infection
    NIU Xing-jie, LIU Zhi-hui, CUI Feng-mei, ZHANG Guo-min, LIU Yao-min
    2025, 30(4):  471-475. 
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    Objective To explore the predictive value of peripheral serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum interleukin-18 (IL-18), and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) for pulmonary infection in patients with primary liver cancer. Methods 118 patients with primary liver cancer admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to December 2022 were included as the study subjects. All patients received hepatic artery chemoembolization treatment, and the incidence of pulmonary infection after treatment was recorded and divided into an infected group and an uninfected group. Clinical data and peripheral blood levels of IL-6, IL-18, and AFP were collected and compared between the two groups of patients upon admission. The predictive value of these three peripheral blood indicators for pulmonary infection in patients with primary liver cancer was analyzed. Results Out of 118 patients with primary liver cancer, 26 cases (22.03%) developed pulmonary infection. The proportion of patients with a history of liver cancer rupture in the infected group was higher than that in the uninfected group (46.15% vs. 21.74%), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); The peripheral blood IL-6 [(70.54 ± 21.49) pg/mL], IL-18 [(136.52 ± 20.79) mg/L], and AFP [(35.04 ± 5.32) ng/mL] in the infected group were higher than those in the uninfected group [(47.76 ± 16.31) pg/mL, (94.89 ± 12.16) mg/L, (15.69 ± 4.24) ng/mL], and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that peripheral blood levels of IL-6, IL-18, AFP, and a history of liver cancer rupture were risk factors for pulmonary infection in patients with primary liver cancer (OR=1.054, 1.021, 45.241, 3.086, P<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of peripheral blood IL-6, IL-18, AFP, and their combined prediction of pulmonary infection in patients with primary liver cancer were 0.738, 0.782, 0.705, and 0.785, respectively. Conclusion The sreum levels of IL-6, IL-18, and AFP are risk factors for pulmonary infection in patients with primary liver cancer, and have certain value in predicting pulmonary infection.
    Application of enhanced CT scanning in diagnosis and blood supply classification of hepatic hemangioma
    WANG Xu-li, ZHOU Zhi-ming, CHEN Su-min, CAI Ming-yue
    2025, 30(4):  476-479. 
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    Objective To investigate the application value of electronic computed tomography (CT) enhanced scanning in the diagnosis and blood supply classification of hepatic hemangioma. Methods 62 patients with hepatic hemangioma encountered in Haian People's Hospital between June 2018 and June 2023 were subjected to enhanced CT scanning to measure the diameter of the proper hepatic artery during arterial phase, and blood supply classification was performed according to the volume of contrast agent filling and CT manifestations. Observe the CT enhanced scanning of HH patients, compare the general information of HH patients with different blood flow perfusions, observe the CT enhanced scanning of HH patients, and compare the differences in general information of HH patients with different blood flow perfusions. The therapeutic effects of different types were observed. Results Among 62 patients with hepatic hemangioma, enhanced CT scan revealed high speed perfusion in 32 cases (51.6 %), moderate speed perfusion in 10 cases (16.1 %) and low speed perfusion in 20 cases (32.3 %). There was no significant difference in the diameter of the proper hepatic artery between the patients with high speed perfusion and medium speed perfusion (P>0.05). The diameter of hepatic artery was (5.1±0.9) mm and (5.0±0.8) mm, respectively in patients with high speed perfusion and medium speed perfusion, which was significantly higher than that in patients with low speed perfusion [(4.1±0.7) mm, P<0.05].The efficacy of HH patients with high speed and medium speed perfusion was significantly better than that of HH patients with low speed perfusion (P<0.05). Conclusion Enhanced CT scan has a certain application value in the diagnosis of HH and blood supply classification, and the vascular embolization treatment in patients with high speed perfusion and medium speed perfusion HH has a better effect.
    Efficacy of TACE combined with bevacizumab-based HAIC in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
    HAN Xiao, LIU Song-jiang, QIN Shuai
    2025, 30(4):  480-484. 
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    Objective To evaluate the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with bevacizumab hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to explore its effects on postoperative quality of life, tumor marker levels, as well as short- and long-term survival rates. Methods This prospective study enrolled 131 HCC patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine from May 2019 to May 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: the TACE group (n=47) receiving TACE alone, and the combination group (n=84) receiving TACE preceded by bevacizumab HAIC. Efficacy and clinical benefit rates were compared between the two groups. Serum tumor marker levels were measured pre- and post-treatment. Tumor-related protein factors were analyzed before and 3 months after treatment. Quality of life was assessed using the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score. Survival curves were generated during follow-up. Results Post-treatment serum levels of AFP, VEGF, CA125, CEA, CYFRA21-1, SCC, and CA50 in the combination group were significantly lower than those in the TACE group (P<0.05). The combination group showed higher PTEN expression and lower MUC1 expression (1.72±0.22 vs. TACE group) and HSP90α levels (45.31±2.94 ng/mL vs. TACE group, P<0.05). The combination group achieved higher KPS scores post-treatment (P<0.05). During follow-up, 79 patients survived in the combination group versus 35 in the TACE group. The combination group demonstrated significantly higher cumulative 2-year overall survival (OS: χ2=22.734, P<0.05) and progression-free survival (PFS: χ2=23.428, P<0.05) rates. Conclusion TACE combined with anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody (bevacizumab) HAIC significantly improves both short- and long-term prognoses in HCC patients. This synergistic regimen effectively reduces serum tumor markers such as AFP and enhances functional status (KPS), demonstrating superior survival benefits in OS and PFS. The combined modality represents a promising clinical strategy for HCC management.
    Viral Hepatitis
    Identification of HLA-II-restricted HBcAg-specific T cell receptors
    GAN Yi-fan, ZHENG An-qi, LIAO Bao-lin, WU Xiao-na, YU Yue-cheng, WANG Zhan-hui
    2025, 30(4):  485-489. 
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    Objective To screen and identify human leukocyte antigen class Ⅱ (HLA-II) restricted hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) specific T cell receptor (TCR), laying the foundation for exploring CD4+T cell function and new potential immunotherapy in HBV-infected patients. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from acute hepatitis B patient were stimulated with HBcAg peptide library, and CD4+CD154+T single cells were sorted. TCR α/β double strands were amplified and paired. The paired TCR packaged by lentiviral vectors infected Jurkat-76-NFAT-GFP cells, which further established stable TCR expression cell line. The co culture of HBcAg peptide library presented by immortalized B cell lines aimed to screen for HBcAg specific TCRs. The specific peptide recognized by TCRs was determined through the HBcAg peptide library matrix. The HLA restriction of TCRs were determined by using anti-HLA-I and K562 cell lines expressing different combinations of HLA class II molecules. Finally, the functional avidity of the TCRs was determined through peptide concentration gradient analysis. Results Based on CD4+CD154+T single-cell sorting and TCR α/β pairing, 4 HBcAg specific TCRs recognizing the same peptide (EYLVSFGVWIRTPPA) were successfully screened from 13 TCR clones. All 4 TCRs can recognize the peptide presented by DPA1*01:03/ DPB1*05:01, DPA1*01:03/DPB1*21:01and DPA1*02:02/ DPB1*05:01 expression K562 cells. Functional avidity analysis showed that 4 TCRs have high avidity, with EC50 of up to 7.817 nM. Conclusion HLA-DP restricted HBcAg specific TCRs with high functional avidity were successfully obtained, providing a new possible pipeline for the next step to study the functional changes of CD4+T cells in HBV infected patients and develop new immunotherapy strategies based on HBcAg specific TCRs.
    Assessment of the prognostic value of serum interferon-gamma combined with high mobility group box 1 in children with cytomegalovirus hepatitis
    ZHAN Hong-zhuo, CHEN Jing-jia
    2025, 30(4):  490-494. 
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    Objective To analyze the assessment of the prognostic situation of children with cytomegalovirus (CMV) hepatitis using serum interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) combined with high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1). Methods Clinical data of 126 children with CMV hepatitis admitted to Huangshi Central Hospital from June 2021 to June 2023 were retrospectively collected and set as the observation group. Additionally, 73 healthy children undergoing routine physical examinations during the same period were selected as the control group. The two groups were compared for levels of IFN-γ, HMGB1, liver function and immune function. All children in the observation group received ganciclovir treatment for two weeks. Based on post-treatment CMV DNA levels, those with ≤ 500 copies/mL were categorized as the good prognosis group (n=91), while the rest were considered to as the poor prognosis group (n=35). The post-treatment indicators of both groups were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the factors influencing the prognosis of the children, and the diagnostic efficacy of IFN-γ and HMGB1 in assessing the prognostic situation was analyzed using ROC curves. Results Before treatment, the levels of IFN-γ, HMGB1, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin (TBil) in the observation group were 14.3±2.7 mmol/L, 46.2±5.3 μg/L, 86.5±8.9 U/L, 82.1±8.3 U/L, and 85.4±9.9 U/L, respectively, all of which were higher than those in the control group, and their immune indicators were lower. After treatment, the levels of IFN-γ, HMGB1, AST, ALT, and TBil in the group with a good prognosis were 5.3±1.7 mmol/L, 23.7±3.5 μg/L, 35.9±4.2 U/L, 36.4±4.3 U/L, and 43.8±5.7 U/L, respectively, all lower than those in the group with a poor prognosis, and their immune indicators were higher, with statistical differences noted (P<0.05). Logistic analysis showed that IFN-γ, HMGB1, liver function indicators, and immune function indicators are all important factors affecting the prognosis of the children. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve indicated that the combination of IFN-γ and HMGB1 had an accuracy of 0.961 (95% CI: 0.931, 0.991) in assessing the prognostic situation. Conclusion The combination of serum IFN-γ and HMGB1 have high application value in assessing the prognosis of children with cytomegalovirus hepatitis.
    Effects of liver function indexes and viral load on adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B
    ZHU Yan-mei, SUN Dong-mei, XU Xiao-ying
    2025, 30(4):  495-499. 
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    Objective To explore the effects of liver function index and HBV DNA load on adverse pregnancy outcome in pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and to provide reference for perinatal management. Methods A total of 156 pregnant women with CHB admitted to the obstetrics and gynecology department of Haian People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2022 were included in the study group. According to the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, they were divided into ALT ≥ 160 U/L group and ALT < 160 U/L group. They were divided into high total bilirubin (TBil) group ( ≥ 17.1 μmol/L) and normal TBil group ( < 17.1 μmol/L). According to HBV DNA load, they were divided into high HBV DNA load group ( ≥ 1×106 copies/mL) and low HBV DNA load group (< 1×106 copies/mL). 70 healthy pregnant women who gave birth in hospital during the same period were included in the control group. All the study groups were given oral treatment of Pofol tenofovir fumarate until delivery. Pregnant women were treated with human hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) blocking therapy, and newborns were treated with HBIG and hepatitis B vaccine blocking therapy. The baseline data and serological indicators of the two groups were detected and compared, the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in each subgroup was compared, and the influencing factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes in CHB pregnant women were analyzed by logistic regression. Results In the study group, the incidence rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), preeclampsia (PE), premature rupture of membranes (PROM), fecal amniotic fluid, neonatal asphyxia, postpartum hemorrhage, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (HNB) were 27.56%, 5.77%, 12.18%, 19.51%, 11.54%, 8.97%, 17.95%, 10.90%. HbA1c level was 6.02±0.78% in the study group, which was higher than 5.71%, 2.86%, 4.29%, 7.14%, 4.29%, 2.86%, 5.49±0.71%, 4.29%, 2.86%, 5.49±0.71% in control group. The difference was statistically significant (t/χ2=3.764, 2.845, 3.159, 2.780, 3.086, 3.264, 3.347, 3.026, 5.218, all P<0.05). The levels of ALT, TBil, and HBV DNA load in the study group were 93.24±7.36U/L, 22.59±3.18 μmol/L, 1.26±0.34×106 copies/mL, respectively, which were higher than those in the control groups (27.56±4.81 U/L, 14.82±2.05 μmol/L, 0×106 copies/mL) with the statistically significant difference (t=9.524, 2.7.275, 11.793, P<0.001). In CHB pregnant women, the incidence rates of PROM, neonatal asphyxia, postpartum hemorrhage and HNB in ALT≥160 U/L group were 36.84%, 15.79%, 42.11% and 31.58%, which were higher than those in ALT < 160 U/L group (11.68%, 8.03%, 14.60% and 8.03%). The difference was statistically significant (χ2=4.651, 3.291, 4.425, 5.047, all P<0.05). The incidence rates of fecal amniotic fluid contamination, neonatal asphyxia, postpartum hemorrhage and HNB in the high TBil group were 30.77%, 23.08%, 53.85% and 38.46%, which were higher than those in the normal TBil group (9.79%, 7.69%, 14.69% and 8.39%). The difference was statistically significant (χ2=4.862, 4.375, 4.809, 5.286, all P<0.05). The incidence rates of PROM, fecal amniotic fluid staining, neonatal asphyxia, postpartum hemorrhage and HNB in the high-load group were 25.00%, 19.23%, 15.38%, 28.85%, 19.23%, higher than those in the low-load group (9.62%, 7.69%, 5.77%, 12.50%, 6.73%). The difference was statistically significant (χ2=3.548, 3.472, 3.718, 3.297, 4.186, all P<0.05). logistic regression analysis showed that ALT≥160 U/L, TBil≥17.1 μmol/L and HBV DNA≥1×106 copies/mL were the influential factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in CHB pregnant women (P<0.05). Conclusion The higher the serum ALT, TBil and HBV DNA load of CHB pregnant women, the higher the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, which can provide reference for perinatal management.
    Liver Fibrosis & Cirrhosis
    The prognosis of decompensated cirrhosis complicated by acute kidney injury: a prospective study based on the ICA-AKI criteria
    CHEN Jian, WANG Gan-Hong, ZHOU Jing-Jie, LIU Luo-Jie, XU Xiao-Dan
    2025, 30(4):  500-504. 
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    Objective To assess the clinical utility of ICA-AKI diagnostic criteria in cirrhotic patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods A cohort of 217 decompensated cirrhotic patients treated at the First People's Hospital of Changshu City from January 2018 to December 2021 was stratified into an AKI group (n=53) and a non-AKI group (n=164) based on ICA-AKI criteria. Renal injury was staged as 1, 2, and 3 with 32, 16, and 5 cases, respectively. The study compared renal insufficiency across various ages and Child-Pugh scores, with follow-up conducted through outpatient clinics and phone calls until December 2021. Survival rates were computed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with survival analysis performed via Log-rank test and Cox regression analysis employed to investigate mortality determinants in cirrhotic patients with AKI. Results Over four years, hospital admissions rose in both cohorts. The AKI group faced significantly greater average hospitalization expenses compared to the non-AKI group, with a declining trend in the costs of the AKI group over the same period. In contrast to rising morbidity, the hospital mortality rate in the AKI group decreased markedly from 36.5% in 2018 to 12.1% in 2021, whereas the mortality rate in cirrhotic patients without AKI experienced a minor decrease from 6.3% to 3.8%. The incidence of AKI among cirrhotic patients varied significantly with age (7.8% in the 20-40 age group, 25.4% in the 41-60 age group, and 44.4% in those over 60), with a significant statistical difference (χ2=9.42, P<0.05). The Child-Pugh score was notably higher in the AKI group (P<0.001). After the longest follow-up of 49 months, mortality was 18.9% in the AKI group compared to 5.5% in the non-AKI group. Median overall survival was significantly reduced in the AKI group. Notably, common complications such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), hepatic encephalopathy (HE), variceal hemorrhage (VH), ascites in cirrhosis substantially heightened the mortality risk when coinciding with AKI status,(adjusted odds ratios [aOR] of 5.77, 5.49, 7.95, 5.62, respectively). Specifically, the risk of death in VH patients with AKI was more than seven times higher than those without AKI after adjusting for age (aOR 7.89; 95% CI 7.68-8.33). Conclusion The incidence of AKI in hospitalized cirrhotic patients is notably high, and AKI significantly escalates both hospitalization costs and mortality. The implementation of ICA-AKI criteria for assessing renal injury in cirrhosis patients is of vital clinical significance.
    Construction of the predictive model for differential diagnosis of hepatitis B cirrhosis and alcoholic cirrhosis
    LI Yang, ZHU Li, LI Jin, ZHU Chuan-wu, TAN Xin-yu, CHEN Cai-lin, CHEN Ri-chai, LI Ming
    2025, 30(4):  505-508. 
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    Objective To explore the difference in routine test indicators and specific cytokine profiles between hepatitis B-related cirrhosis (HBC) and alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) and provide a basis for differential diagnosis and optimized treatment. Methods We collected data from 70 HBC patients and 57 AC patients who were treated at Suzhou Fifth People's Hospital and Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital between January 2021 and May 2024. Data on complete blood count, liver biochemical parameters, cytokine levels, and immune cell ratios were collected and analyzed using GraphPad and SPSS. Results No significant difference was found between the two groups in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), platelet (PLT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (P>0.05). However, total Bilirubin (TB, P=0.0083), direct bilirubin (DB, P=0.0014), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT, P<0.0001), and prothrombin time (PT, P=0.0050) were significantly higher in the AC group compared to the HBC group. The red blood cell count (P=0.0391) was significantly higher in the HBC group than in the AC group, while other blood routine indicators showed no significant differences between the two groups. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were not significantly different between the groups, whereas IL-4 (P=0.0007), IL-17 (P<0.0001), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, P=0.0114) were significantly higher in the HBC group, and IL-6 (P=0.0049) and IL-10 (P=0.0267) were significantly higher in the AC group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that TB (0.614), DB (0.642), GGT (0.686), PT (0.631), IL-4 (0.676), and IL-6 (0.641) had low predictive diagnostic ability (0.5 < AUC < 0.7) between the two groups, while IL-17 (0.735) had moderate discriminatory ability (0.7 < AUC < 0.85). A binary logistic regression analysis was used to construct a combined predictive model, revealing that combining GGT and IL-17 yielded the optimal predictive model. The prediction formula was logit(P)=0.09+0.01*GGT-0.075*IL-17. This model significantly improved the ability to differentiate between HBC and AC, with a prediction accuracy of 83.6%, sensitivity of 84.2%, specificity of 71.4%, and a cutoff value of -0.085. When 0.01*GGT - 0.075*IL-17 ≥ -0.265, the diagnostic accuracy for AC was 83.6%. Conclusion By analyzing the differences in routine clinical indicators and cytokine expression between the HBC and AC groups, we found significant differences in liver biochemical indicators and cytokines such as IL-17. Further results indicate that the a predictive model combining GGT and IL-17 significantly improves the ability to differentiate between HBC and AC. In summary, the predictive model established using binary logistic regression analysis aids in distinguishing between HBC and AC, which provides a reference for the early diagnosis and optimized treatment of both types of cirrhosis.
    The prognostic significance of PNI and MELD scores for predicting outcomes in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
    XU He-xiang, ZHEN Ji-shun
    2025, 30(4):  509-513. 
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    Objective To explore the value of Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) combined with the Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score in assessing 1the 1-year mortality risk in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Methods A total of 216 patients diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2023 were retrospectively included. Death was regarded as the terminal event. Patients were categorized into a survival cohort (156 cases) and a deceased cohort (60 cases) based on the outcome of 1-year follow-up. The differences in PNI, Child-Pugh score, and MELD level at admission between the two groups were compared. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to predict the independent factors influencing 1-year mortality in patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed, and the area under the curve (AUC) was evaluated for comparison. The optimal cut-off value of PNI was calculated according to the Youden index, and Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to analyze the 1-year survival rate of patients with different PNI levels. Logistic regression was used for joint prediction of the value of PNI and MELD score in predicting 1-year mortality in patients. Finally, the non-linear association between PNI and 1-year mortality risk was evaluated using restricted cubic spline (RCS) fitted Cox regression models. Results 60 cases (27.78%) died during the 1-year follow-up. The PNI at admission was significantly decreased in the death group compared to the survival group(29.0 (25.7~31.7)vs. 36.5 (30.6~41.0) , P<0.001). PNI was negatively correlated with Child-Pugh score (r=-0.766, P<0.001) and MELD score (r=-0.483, P<0.001). PNI were independent factors predicting the 1-year mortality risk (OR:0.938, 95%CI:0.889~0.991, P=0.021). ROC curves showed that the optimal cut-off values for predicting 1-year mortality risk were 33.45 for PNI and 16.61 for MELD score, with AUC of 0.780 and 0.871, respectively (P<0.001); while the combination of PNI and MELD score improved the efficiency of predicting 1-year mortality in patients ( AUC=0.885, P<0.001). The RCS graph showed a linear relationship between PNI and 1-year mortality risk (P for nonlinear>0.05). Conclusion The joint utilization of PNI and MELD score proves to be effective in forecasting the risk of 1-year mortality in patients suffering from decompensated cirrhosis.
    Ultrasonic blood flow parameters combined with amino-transferase to platelet ratio index to evaluate the value of portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis
    WANG Qian, LING Shuang, LI Jing, XU Jia-qi, WANG Fang-xu
    2025, 30(4):  514-518. 
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    Objective To evaluate the value of ultrasound blood flow parameters combined with aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) in the assessment of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in liver cirrhosis. Methods Ninety-five patients with cirrhosis who underwent splenectomy from May 2021 to December 2023 were selected and divided into non-developing group and developing group according to whether PVT occurred one week after surgery. The ultrasound blood flow parameters [portal vein diameter (PVD), portal vein velocity (PVV), splenic vein diameter], APRI and clinical data of the two groups were compared to analyze the influencing factors of postoperative PVT in patients with cirrhosis, and analyze the predictive value of PVD, PVV, APRI and their combination on postoperative PVT in patients with cirrhosis. Results One week after operation, 31 cases had PVT, the incidence was 32.63%, and the remaining 64 cases did not have PVT. The PVV in the developing group was lower than non-developing group (P<0.05), and the PVD, splenic vein diameter and APRI in the developing group were higher than non-developing group (P<0.05). The levels of fibrinogen (Fib) and D-dimer (D-D) in the developing group were higher than non-developing group (P<0.05).Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that PVD (OR=3.445, 95%CI: 1.515~7.837), APRI (OR=2.835, 95%CI: 1.246~6.449), PVV (OR=0.697, 95%CI: 0.306-1.585) and D-D (OR=3.850, 95%CI: 1.692-8.757) were the influencing factors of postoperative PVT in patients with cirrhosis (P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) values of APRI, PVV, and PVD were 0.819, 0.826, and 0.794, while the combination of APRI, PVV and PVD (AUC=0.901) showed superior predictive performance compared to individual parameters (all P<0.05). Conclusion PVD and APRI combined with PVV have higher value in predicting the risk of postoperative PVT.
    The predictive significance of thromboelastography for portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis
    XIONG De-qiong, PENG De-chuan, QIAO Cong-chao
    2025, 30(4):  519-524. 
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    Objective To explore the value of thromboelastography (TEG) parameters in predicting portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after splenectomy in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis and to identify related influencing factors. Methods This retrospective study included 114 patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis who underwent splenectomy at Dazhou integrated TCM & Western Medicine Hospital from January 2022 to June 2024. Patients were divided into thrombosis group (n=63) and non-thrombosis group (n=51) based on postoperative PVT occurrence. Clinical data were collected for analysis. Logistic multivariate regression analysis was used to determine factors influencing PVT formation after splenectomy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the predictive value of TEG parameters for PVT formation. Results In patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis undergoing splenectomy, preoperative splenic vein diameter, intraoperative transfusion volume, postoperative splenic vein diameter, and fibrinogen levels on days 1, 3, and 5 postoperatively were 1.45±0.42 cm, 454.67±39.43 mL, 1.21±0.32 cm, 3.98±1.21 g/L, 4.21±1.42 g/L, and 3.94±1.65 g/L, respectively. Alpha angles and maximum amplitude (MA) values were 65.32±6.48°, 71.04±7.32°, 64.31±5.34°, 57.34±6.15 mm, 63.34±6.34 mm, and 56.10±6.15 mm, respectively. All these parameters were significantly higher in the thrombosis group compared to the non-thrombosis group (P<0.05). Preoperative platelet count, preoperative D-dimer, and pre- and postoperative portal vein flow velocities in the thrombosis group were 56.02±13.81×109/L, 377.94±38.65 μg/L, 15.45±3.34 cm/s, and 11.59±3.02 cm/s, respectively. Thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and D-dimer on days 1, 3, and 5 postoperatively were 13.87±1.85 s, 11.98±1.32 s, 14.01±1.62 s, 32.84±2.78 s, 26.89±2.67 s, 31.69±2.11 s, 12.02±2.64 s, 10.67±1.84 s, and 13.05±2.08 s, respectively. Postoperative D-dimer concentrations on days 1, 3, and 5 were 2.01±0.81 mg/L, 2.79±0.95 mg/L, and 1.68±0.66 mg/L, respectively. Coagulation indices K and R values were 3.07±1.11 min, 1.98±0.74 min, 2.73±1.04 min, 4.42±0.98 min, 3.79±0.81 min, and 4.19±0.89 min, respectively. These parameters were significantly lower in the thrombosis group than in the non-thrombosis group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative splenic vein diameter and α-angle were independent risk factors for postoperative portal vein thrombosis (OR=5.771, 1.392), while preoperative platelet count, preoperative portal vein velocity, K, R, and MA were independent protective factors (OR=0.948, 0.683, 0.407, 0.365, 0.210). Among the thromboelastography (TEG) parameters, the α-angle demonstrated the highest predictive value for thrombosis, with a sensitivity of 82.5%, specificity of 82.4%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.865. Combined detection achieved a sensitivity of 90.5% and a specificity of 94.1%, with an AUC of 0.963. Conclusion The TEG parameters α-angle and MA are important indicators for predicting PVT formation after splenectomy in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis. This study confirms that preoperative splenic vein diameter and postoperative TEG parameters such as α-angle, K, R, and MA are independent factors influencing PVT formation. The combined use of these TEG parameters can enhance the accuracy of PVT predictions, thus providing more effective risk assessment and management strategies in clinical practice.
    Effects of xingnaojing combined with naloxone on blood ammonia level and cognitive impairment in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis complicated with hepatic encephalopathy
    MI Lan, WANG Yan-chuan, ZHOU Li-qiong
    2025, 30(4):  525-528. 
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    Objective To investigate the value of waking up the brain combined with naloxone in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis complicated with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), and to analyze the effects on patients' blood ammonia level and cognitive impairment. Methods 150 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis complicated with hepatic encephalopathy diagnosed and treated in our hospital between October 2018 and June 2023 were retrospectively included. Serum inflammatory factor levels were detected by ELISA method; dected blood biochemical indexes and blood ammonia levels. The following parameters were compared between groups: (1) pretreatment liver function and blood ammonia levels; (2) endotoxin, bilirubin, total protein, serum inflammatory factors, and albumin levels before and after treatment; (3) cognitive function. Results The ALT, AST, and blood ammonia levels in the observation group after treatment were (37.1±7.3) U/L, (74.4±9.8) U/L, and (78.1±9.3) μmol/L, respectively, which were lower than those in the control group [(51.2±7.5) U/L, (84.7±11.0) U/L, and (112.0±12.6) μmol/L, P<0.05]. After treatment, the endotoxin level of the observation group was (1.2 ± 0.2), lower than that of the control group (2.0 ± 0.6), and the total protein and albumin levels were higher than those of the control group [(5.6 ± 0.5) g/dL, (2.2 ± 0.7) g/dL, P<0.05], at (7.2 ± 0.8) g/dL and (3.7 ± 0.4) g/dL, respectively. After treatment, IL-6, TNF-α, and β-endorphin in the observation group were (11.3±4.5) ng/L, (11.1±3.8) μmol/L, and (41.2±5.3) pg/mL, lower than those in the control group [(15.3±4.2) ng/L, (14.9±4.7) μmol/L, and (50.6±6.5) pg/mL, respectively, P<0.05]. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) score of the observation group was (25.0 ± 1.2), which was higher than that of the control group [(20.5 ± 1.1), P<0.05]. Conclusion Wake-up call combined with naloxone can effectively improve MHE, blood ammonia levels, and cognitive function of patients.
    Other Liver Diseases
    Preliminary study on histopathology of drug-induced liver injury induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors
    Guo Linlin, Chang Jing, Zhou Guangde
    2025, 30(4):  529-531. 
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    Objective To explore the histopathological characteristics of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced liver injury (ICIs-DILI). Methods Three liver biopsy specimens of ICIs-DILI were stained with Hematoxylin eosin staining Rhodanine copper staining, Prussian blue iron staining, CD3, CD20, mum-1 and CK19 immunohistochemical staining, and the histopathological changes of ICIs-DILI were observed. Results All three cases showed cholestasis, bile thrombosis of canalicular cholestasis and hepatocyte necrosis in different degrees. Microgranuloma was found in lobules, interlobular bile duct was damaged with bile ductular reaction, and light-to-moderate mixed inflammatory cells infiltrated in portal area, and plasma cells were seen. Conclusion Liver histopathology of ICIs-DILI has its relative pathological characteristics, both hepatocytes and epithelial cells of bile duct are involved, especially the bile duct injury deserves clinical attention. The definite diagnosis of ICIs-DILI should be combined with clinic and pathology.
    Construction of a 90-day prognostic model with acute-on-chronic liver failure
    XU Jing, YANG Yong-feng
    2025, 30(4):  532-536. 
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    Objective To investigate the prognostic factors and prognosis mode in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Methods A retrospective study was conducted and included clinical data from 190 patients diagnosed with ACLF between June 2016 and December 2019. Patients were followed up for 90 days and were stratified by prognosis into 89 cases (44.5%) in the death group and 101 cases (50.5%) in the survival group. Logistic regression was used to investigate the prognostic factors influencing the 90-day prognosis of ACLF patients and to construct a new prognostic model. The predictive performance of the model was assessed by plotting the ROC curve. Results The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that the independent predictors affecting the 90-day prognosis of ACLF patients were age(OR=1.045,P=0.007), HE(OR=4. 341,P<0.001), PT( OR=1.241,P=0.001), PTA( OR=1.097,P=0.009) and INR( OR=0.532,P=0.027) ( P<0.05). The equation of the new model was : NEWM=-72.662 + 0.044 × age + 0.216 × PT + 0.093 × PTA-0.631 × INR + 1.468 × HE, and the ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC value of this model was 0.81( 95% CI: 0. 74 ~ 0.87) significantly higher than the MELD score of 0.67( 95% CI: 0.59 ~ 0.74), MELD-Na score 0.65( 95% CI:0. 57 ~ 0.73), iMELD score 0.70(95% CI:0. 62 ~ 0.77) and MESO score 0.66( 95% CI:0. 58 ~ 0.74), and the NEWM score had a significantly better predictive ability of 90-day survival in patients with ACLF than other scores. Conclusion Compared to the previous MELD series of scores, the NEWM is a simple and effective tool for predicting the prognosis of patients with ACLF.
    Diethyldithiocarbamate improves lipotoxic injury of hepatocytes by regulating Perilipin 5
    SUN Xiang-yun, YU Qing-hong, QI Yi-fei, BAI Shi-jin, LIU Tian-hui
    2025, 30(4):  537-541. 
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    Objective To investigate the molecular mechanism of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) ameliorating fatty acid-induced lipotoxic injury of hepatocytes. Methods Lipotoxic model of LO2 cells was induced by 0.5mM palmitic acid (PA) (PA group), and treated with 300μM DDC (DDC+PA group) at the same time, while a corresponding control group was established. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to measure the mRNA levels of TNF-α, CHOP, ATF4 and BAX. Mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed using JC-1 staining. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of Perilipin5 (Plin5) gene and protein. The content of lipid droplets and their interaction with mitochondria were visualized through staining of lipid droplets and mitochondria. SiRNA interference was used to knockdown Plin5. The effects of DDC on mitochondrial-lipid droplet interaction, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis-related genes, mitochondrial membrane potential, were observed after Plin5 knockdown. Results Compared with the control group, the expression of TNF-α, CHOP, ATF4 and BAX were increased in PA group [(1.436 ± 0.447) vs (37.762 ± 9.715), (1.005 ± 0.024) vs (20.892 ± 2.721), (1.467 ± 0.332) vs (15.184 ± 7.006), (2.095 ± 0.814 ) vs (29.480 ± 13.564)] (P<0.05). Compared with the PA group, the expression of TNF-α, CHOP, ATF4 and BAX were decreased in DDC+PA group [(37.762 ± 9.715) vs (2.890 ± 0.939), (20.892 ± 2.721) vs (12.56 ± 4.175), (15.184 ± 7.006) vs (3.41 ± 1.159), (29.480 ± 13.564) vs (8.462 ± 5.441)] (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MP) was decreased in PA group [(2.341 ± 0.491) vs (0.805 ± 0.214)] (P<0.05), whereas increased significantly in DDC+PA group compared with the PA group [(0.805 ± 0.214) vs (1.507 ± 0.292)] (P<0.05). Compared with the PA group, the expression of Plin5 was increasedin DDC+PA group [(1.567 ± 0.152) vs (3.807 ± 0.579)] (P<0.05). Compared with the PA group, the content of lipid droplet and the contact between mitochondria and lipid droplets were increased in the DDC+PA group [(3.123 ± 1.102) vs (9.795 ± 1.740), (0.362 ± 0.100) vs (2.550 ± 0.521)] (P<0.05). Plin5 knockdown blocked the effects of DDC on the interaction of mitochondria-lipid droplet, TNF-α, CHOP, ATF4, BAX, and mitochondrial membrane potential in LO2 cells (P<0.05). Conclusion DDC promotes mitochondria-lipid droplet interaction, and improves PA-induced lipotoxic injury of hepatocytes through regulating Plin5.
    The clinical value of shear wave elastography (SWE) and ultrasonic attenuation parameter (UAP) in evaluating hepatic steatosis in obese adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
    YANG Xian-bi, HUANG Wei-dong, HUANG Ying
    2025, 30(4):  542-547. 
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    Objective To explore the value of shear wave elastography (SWE) and ultrasound attenuation parameters (UAP) in evaluating the degree of liver steatosis in obese adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods 146 patients with NAFLD confirmed by liver biopsy in Jiangyou Second People's Hospital from May 2020 to September 2022 were retrospectively selected. Data were collected and liver biochemical tests including serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartic acid transaminase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), triglycerides (TG), total bilirubin (TBil), total cholesterol (TC), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were performed to calculatethe hepatic steatosis index (HSI) . Based on the results of liver biopsy, patients were graded for liver steatosis (S0-S4), and liver stiffness (LS) and spleen stiffness (SS) were measured using a shear wave elastic imaging ultrasound diagnostic instrument. UAP was measured using a liver instantaneous elastic scanner to analyze the evaluation value of the above indicators for liver steatosis grading. Results In this study, NAFLD patients were classified by liver tissue biopsy, including 5 patients with S0 grade, 26 patients with S1 grade, 58 patients with S2 grade, and 57 patients with S3 grade. There was no statistically significant difference in gender, age, GGT, TG, TC, TBil, and LDL among patients with different liver steatosis grades (all P>0.05). The higher the patient grade, the higher the levels of BMI, ALT, AST, HSI, SWE parameters LS, SS, and UAP (F=10.1817~290.9213, all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that LS, SS, and UAP were positively correlated with BMI, ALT, AST, and HSI levels (r=0.450~0.587, all P<0.05), but not with gender, age, etc. (all P>0.05). The overall efficacy of combined SWE parameters and UAP parameters in the diagnosis of fatty liver grade was higher than that of single SWE parameters or UAP parameters(S2: AUC=0.881, 95%CI=0.796~0.966, S3: AUC=0.887, 95%CI=0.788~0.985, all P<0.05). The Sensitivity and specificity of the combined SWE parameters and UAP parameters in the diagnosis of S2 grade fatty liver grade were 87.9% and 87.1%, respectively, and the sensitivity and specificity of the combined SWE parameters and UAP parameters in the diagnosis of S3 grade fatty liver grade were 94.7% and 87.1%, respectively. Conclusion The higher the grading of liver steatosis in obese adolescents with NAFLD, the higher the LS, SS, and UAP. SWE and UAP have high evaluation value for their grading, and their combined diagnosis can improve their diagnostic efficacy.
    Retrospective analysis of unexplained liver dysfunction in children
    LIANG Dong, SHEN De-xin
    2025, 30(4):  548-551. 
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    Objective To analyze the etiological characteristics of unexplained liver dysfunction in children and provide a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of such disease. Methods From January 2020 to December 2023, 969 children with "liver dysfunction" were admitted to the 988th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force, including 530 males and 439 females, with a ratio of 1.2:1 and no significant difference (P>0.05); Patiens were divided into infant and toddler group (≤ 3 years old), preschool group (4-6 years old), and school-age group (7-14 years old) by age, and conduct statistical analysis on clinical case data of all patients. Results The causes of abnormal liver function in children were generally divided into infectious causes, non infectious causes, and unknown causes. Infectious causes accounted for the highest proportion (53.9%), while EB virus (16.9%) and cytomegalovirus (13.7%) were the most common, and mycoplasma pneumoniae, adenovirus, COVID-19 also accounted for a certain proportion; Among non infectious causes, drug-induced liver injury (DILI) (8.5%), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (8.0%), and trauma (4.6%) were the most common; 203 cases (20.9%) of children with abnormal liver function could not be diagnosed clearly, accounting for a relatively high proportion. In the infant and toddler group, the proportion of cytomegalovirus (22.7%) was the highest, and the incidence rate was significantly higher than the other two groups (P<0.05); In the school-age group, NAFLD was the most common disease, accounting for 31.5%, with a significantly higher incidence rate than the other two groups (P<0.05). All patients had mild and moderate liver injury, accounting for 65.4% and 30.5% respectively. After active treatment, the overall effective rate was 98.1%. Conclusion Among the causes of liver dysfunction in children, infection remains the main factor, with EB virus and cytomegalovirus infections being the most common; Among non infectious factors, the prevalence of DILI and NAFLD is relatively high and showing an upward trend. Further strengthening of rational medication and lifestyle interventions in children is needed; Liver injury caused by trauma is not uncommon and may be related to hepatic stress injury (HSI); There are still many unexplained liver injuries that require further research; Abnormal liver function in children is often characterized by mild to moderate damage. After early diagnosis and active treatment, the overall prognosis is good.
    Clinical features and influencing factors of pancreatic portal hypertension
    WANG Ye-long, WANG Yang, SHEN Hua, YU Hai-wen, LI You
    2025, 30(4):  552-556. 
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    Objective To investigate the clinical features and influencing factors of pancreatic portal hypertension (PPH). Methods The clinical data of 190 patients with PPH admitted to Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from July 2021 to July 2024 were selected as the PPH group, and 190 healthy physical examination patients during the same period were selected as the healthy group. Clinical data of all subjects were collected, the etiology, clinical symptoms, treatment, and prognosis of PPH were analyzed, the clinical data of the PPH group and the healthy group were compared, the influencing factors of the incidence of PPH were analyzed by logistic regression, and a nomogram model was established. Results Among the 190 patients with PPH, the main primary pancreatic diseases were pancreatic tumor in 72 cases (37.89%) and chronic pancreatitis in 50 cases (26.32%). The main clinical symptoms were irregular abdominal pain in 165 cases (86.84%) and solitary fundus varicose veins in 131 cases (68.95%). 121 cases were treated with operation (63.68%), 18 cases were treated with splenic artery embolization (9.47%) and 51 cases were treated with conservative treatment (26.84%). The proportion of pancreatic tumor, acute pancreatitis, serum CRP and FIB in PPH group were higher than those in healthy group (P<0.05). Pancreatic tumors, acute pancreatitis, high levels of CRP, high levels of FIB were independent risk factors for PPH (P<0.05). 380 subjects were divided into the training set and the validation set according to the ratio of 7:3, with 266 in the training set and 114 in the validation set. The AUC (95%CI) of the ROC curve for predicting the incidence of PPH in the training set and the validation set were 0.91 (0.87-0.95) and 0.91 (0.86-0.97), respectively. The correction curve predicted by the nomogram model was close to the ideal curve (P=0.000, 0.148). The DCA curve showed that the probability threshold of the nomogram model at 50% to 100% has a higher positive net benefit. Conclusion The clinical manifestations of PPH are diverse and the pathogenesis is complex. Pancreatic tumor, acute pancreatitis, serum CRP and FIB are the influencing factors of PPH pathogenesis. The constructed nomogram model demonstrated good differentiation, calibration and clinical practicability.