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    31 January 2026, Volume 31 Issue 1
    Liver Failure
    A study on the occurrence and prognosis of acute kidney injury in patients with acute liver failure
    GUO He-bing, LIU Jing-yuan, LI Ang
    2026, 31(1):  14-18. 
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    Objective To explore the occurrence and prognostic impact of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with acute liver failure (ALF). Methods This study included patients who were admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University from June 1, 2009, to May 31, 2022, and met the diagnostic criteria for ALF. The occurrence of AKI in these ALF patients with different etiologies and the prognosis of the patients in different AKI stages were investigated. Results A total of 180 patients were included in this study, among whom 104 were male (57.8%), with an average age of 49 (33~60) years old. Regarding the different etiologies of ALF: there were 78 cases of viral etiology, 26 cases developed AKI, and 25 patients (32.1%) died within 90 days of hospitalization; 62 cases were drug related, 20 cases developed AKI, and 24 patients (38.7%) died within 90 days of hospitalization; 40 cases had other etiologies, 15 cases developed AKI, and 14 patients (35%) died within 90 days of hospitalization. Regarding AKI diagnosis and staging: 61 patients (33.9%) were diagnosed with AKI, among which 20 cases were in AKI stage 1 (11.1%), 6 cases were in AKI stage 2 (3.3%), and 35 cases were in AKI stage 3 (19.4%). 36 AKI patients died within 90 days. 25 patients survived for more than 90 days, among which 21 cases had complete renal function recovery and 4 cases developed chronic renal insufficiency. 27 non-AKI patients died within 90 days (22.7%); the 90-day mortality rate of AKI stage 1 patients was 45%, and the 90-day mortality rate of AKI stage 2 + 3 patients was 65%. Conclusion The incidence of AKI in ALF patients is relatively high. The higher the AKI grade, the greater the risk of death for patients. Most of the surviving AKI patients can have completely recovery of renal function. There is no significant correlation between the etiologies of ALF patients and the occurrence of AKI and prognosis.
    Liver Tumor
    An analysis on the prognosis associated risk factors of interventional therapy in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma based on preoperative GGT/ALT ratio and inflammatory markers
    LIANG Xiao-li, KOU Er-wei, WANG Xin-yi, LI Xiao-ying, LIAN Xiao-jing
    2026, 31(1):  19-22. 
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    Objective To investigate the prognostic value of the preoperative γ-glutamyl transpeptidase/alanine aminotransferase (GGT/ALT) ratio and inflammatory markers in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing interventional therapy and to analyze the prognosis associated risk factors. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 116 patients with primary HCC who underwent interventional therapy in our hospital from August 2022 to December 2023. Based on prognosis, patients were categorized into a good prognosis group (n=73) and a poor prognosis group (n=43). Preoperative GGT/ALT ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent prognosis associated risk factors. Results The preoperative GGT/ALT ratio (3.75±1.24 vs. 2.31±0.86), NLR(3.86±1.35 vs. 2.43±0.92), PLR(168.3±42.6 vs. 126.5±35.7), and CRP levels (15.64±5.27 vs. 8.32±3.15 mg/L) were significantly higher in the poor prognosis group compared to those of the good prognosis group (P<0.05). Univariate analysis indicated that tumor size, tumor number, Child-Pugh classification, GGT/ALT ratio, NLR, PLR, and CRP were factors associated with poor prognosis (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the GGT/ALT ratio (OR=2.657, 95% CI: 1.542~4.576, P=0.001), NLR (OR=1.986, 95% CI: 1.234~3.198, P=0.005), and Child-Pugh classification (OR=2.143, 95% CI: 1.326~3.465, P=0.002) as independent prognosis associated risk factors for interventional therapy in primary HCC patients. Conclusion The preoperative GGT/ALT ratio and NLR can serve as important prognostic indicators for patients with primary HCC undergoing interventional therapy. Combined with Child-Pugh classification, these parameters may provide valuable reference points for clinical treatment planning and prognosis evaluation.
    A prediction model for microvascular invasion in small hepatocellular carcinoma under the background of liver cirrhosis based on gray-scale ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound features
    LI Zhan-lan, LIU Guo-an, LIU Li-guan, LAI Jiang-qiong
    2026, 31(1):  23-29. 
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    Objective To observe the gray-scale and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features of microvascular invasion (MVI) in small hepatocellular carcinoma (sHCC) under the background of liver cirrhosis, and to analyze the risk factors for MVI in these patients, and construct a prediction model. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 120 patients with sHCC confirmed by surgery and pathology collected from June 2020 to June 2024. The patients were divided into a MVI group and a non-MVI group according to whether they had MVI. Gray-scale ultrasound and CEUS features of the patients in both groups were extracted. The clinical data and imaging features related to MVI were included in univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis to identify the risk factors for MVI in the liver cirrhotic patients with sHCC. A risk prediction model for MVI was constructed, and its predictive value was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, followed by a validation study. Results Among 120 patients included, 34 had MVI, with an incidence rate of 28.33%. Compared with the non-MVI group, the proportions of preoperative serum AFP level >400 μg/L, tumor size ≥5 cm, rough tumor margin, and low enhancement in portal vein phase and delayed phase were higher in those in the MVI group. The clearance time in the MVI group was earlier (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level >400 μg/L (OR=4.916), rough tumor margin (OR=4.977), low enhancement in portal vein phase (OR=8.854), and low enhancement in delayed phase (OR=12.455) were independent risk factors for MVI in patients with sHCC under the background of liver cirrhosis, and prolonged clearance time (OR=0.971) was a protective factor (P<0.05). The prediction model was constructed as the follows: P=1/1+[e(3.145-1.096*X1-1.174*X2-1.052*X3-1.058*X4+1.067*X5)] (X1, X2, X3, X4, and X5 corresponding to preoperative serum AFP, tumor margin, enhancement in portal phase, enhancement in delayed phase, and clearance time, respectively). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.899, and test of goodness of fit showed P=0.854 (>0.05). Internal validation showed that the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the model were 62.50% (5/8), 83.33% (10/12) and 75.00% (15/20), respectively. Conclusion The prediction model for MVI in liver cirrhotic patients with sHCC constructed based on gray-scale ultrasound and CEUS features has good discrimination and calibration,thus can be used as a potential non-invasive method for predicting MVI.
    The clinical value of MR diffusion imaging combined with serum VEGF, CCNA2, and AFP-L3 Levels in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer liver metastases
    ZHANG Shuai-shuai, YANG Yong-dong
    2026, 31(1):  30-34. 
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    Objective To explore the clinical value of magnetic resonance (MRI) diffusion imaging (DWI) combined with serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclin A2 (CCNA2), and alpha-fetoprotein-L3 (AFP-L3) levels in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis. Methods A total of 160 patients with colorectal cancer who were treated at the Imaging Department of Yulin First Hospital from March 2021 to April 2024 were selected as subjects, including 31 cases with liver metastasis in the metastasis group, and 129 cases without liver metastasis in the non-metastasis group. All patients underwent MRI+DWI examination, and serum VEGF, CCNA2, and AFP-L3 levels were measured. The imaging characteristics, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and serum marker levels of these two groups of patients were compared. Results Liver metastases appear as iso- or slightly hyperintense signals on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), with some areas showing uneven signals and margins that may be spiculated or lobulated. On T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), they exhibit iso- or slightly hypointense signals, while they show markedly hyperintense signals on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and low signals on the ADC map. The ADC values in the metastatic group are significantly lower than those in the non-metastatic group [(0.87±0.11) × 10-3 s/mm2 vs. (1.02±0.13) × 10-3 s/mm2], with a statistically significant difference (t=5.931, P<0.05). Furthermore, the serum levels of VEGF, CCNA2, and AFP-L3 in the metastatic group are higher than those of the non-metastatic group [(313.47±49.29) pg/mL vs. (186.24±31.89) pg/mL; (2 430.84±471.75) pg/mL vs. (1 598.40±220.86) pg/mL; (83.37±40.70) μg/L vs. (9.47±3.79) μg/L, respectively], with all differences being statistically significant (t=13.699, 9.576, 10.099, all P<0.05). In CRC patients with liver metastases, the mixed-type ADC values are lower than those of the desmoplastic and infiltrative types [(0.77±0.07) × 10-3 s/mm2 vs. (0.88±0.11) × 10-3 s/mm2 and (0.77±0.07) × 10-3 s/mm2 vs. (0.94±0.12) × 10-3 s/mm2], with statistically significant differences (t=2.565, 3.780, both P<0.05). However, there are no statistically significant differences in serum levels of VEGF, CCNA2, and AFP-L3 among the three subtypes (P>0.05). ROC curve analysis results showed that the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and Kappa value of MRI diagnosis were 74.19%, 81.40%, 80.00%, and 0.465, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and Kappa value of MRI combined with DWI were 77.42%, 89.92%, 87.50%, and 0.627, respectively. When MRI, DWI, and serum VEGF, CCNA2, and AFP-L3 were used together, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and Kappa value increased to 96.77%, 99.22%, 98.75%, and 0.960, respectively, showing very high consistency and reliability. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the combined diagnostic method of MRI with DWI and serum levels of VEGF, CCNA2, and AFP-L3 exhibits excellent diagnostic performance in detecting colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Compared to the use of MRI or DWI alone, the combined approach showing higher sensitivity and specificity.
    The regulatory mechanism of miR-370 on the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via targeting RNA binding protein FUS
    WANG Mi-si, MA Li-tao, ZHANG Li-na, WANG Bin
    2026, 31(1):  35-38. 
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    Objective To investigate the mechanism by which miR-370 targets FUS to regulate the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Methods A vector named pcDNA3/pri-miR-370 for overexpression miR-370 was synthesized and constructed, and the corresponding antisense oligonucleotide ASO-370 was prepared. MiRNA was amplified using bacterial transformation and subsequently transfected into HCC cell lines to investigate its effect on cellular functions. The experiment was divided into four groups: pcDNA3 empty vector group (pcDNA3 group), pcDNA3/pri-miR-370 plasmid group (miR-370 group), scrambled oligonucleotide group (ASO-ctrl group), and miR-370 ASO group (ASO-370 group). Cell proliferation ability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay; cell migration and invasion capabilities were evaluated using Transwell assays. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict the candidate target gene of miR-370, the RNA-binding protein FUS. The expression levels of FUS at both mRNA and protein levels in miR-370 overexpressing HCC cell lines were measured by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting. Results After overexpressing miR-370, the proliferative ability of HepG2 liver cancer cells were significantly inhibited, while inhibiting the expression of miR-370 in the cells enhanced their proliferative ability. The relative migration numbers of the pcDNA3 group, miR-370 group, ASO-ctrl group, and ASO-370 group were (1.13±0.24), (0.49±0.13), (1.37±0.31), and (1.58±0.39), respectively. The FUS mRNA expression levels in the pcDNA3 group, miR-370 group, ASO-ctrl group, and ASO-370 group were 1, (0.56±0.08), 1, and (3.62±1.51), respectively. The FUS mRNA expression level in the miR-370 group was lower than that in the pcDNA3 group, while the FUS mRNA expression level in the ASO-370 group was higher than that in the ASO-ctrl group. The relative expression levels of FUS protein in the pcDNA3 group, miR-370 group, ASO-ctrl group, and ASO-370 group were 1, (0.59±0.12), 1, and (1.38±0.29), respectively. The FUS protein expression level in the miR-370 group was lower than that in the pcDNA3 group, while the FUS protein expression level in the ASO-370 group was higher than that in the ASO-ctrl group. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion miR-370 regulates the proliferation and migration of HCC line HepG2 by inhibiting the expression of the RNA-binding protein FUS, indicating that miR-370 may serve as a viable therapeutic target for suppressing HCC.
    Liver Fibrosis&Cirrhosis
    The clinical value of nomogram model based on RFH-NPT and SII score in predicting sarcopenia in liver cirrhotic patients
    ZHANG Xiu-zhen,CHEN Ling,CHEN Cheng-wu
    2026, 31(1):  39-43. 
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    Objective To explore the clinical application value of nomogram model based on The Royal Free Hospital-Nutritional Prioritizing Tool (RFH-NPT) and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) in predicting sarcopenia in liver cirrhotic patients. Methods A total of 125 patients with liver cirrhosis hospitalized in the Department of Nephrology, Jinan Eighth People′s Hospital from June 2021 to June 2023 were selected as the observation group. Using the third lumbar skeletal muscle mass index for the diagnosis of sarcopenia, the patients were divided into a sarcopenic group (n=36) and a non-sarcopenic group (n=89), RFH-NPT and SII scores were used to assess malnutrition-inflammation. A nomogram model was developed from the results of multivariate Logistic regression. The nomogram model was internally validated by Bootstrap method, and the discriminatory ability was evaluated by C-index.The calibration curve was used to evaluate the calibration degree of the nomogram model. Results Among the 125 patients with liver cirrhosis, 36(28.8%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. The average ages of the patients in sarcopenia group and non-sarcopenic group were (65.4±4.2) and (51.2±4.00) respectively, t=6.321, P<0.001; The albumin level in sarcopenia group and non-sarcopenic group were (27.16±4.56) g/L and (33.48±4.92)g/L, t=-3.998, P<0.001; The bilirubin level in sarcopenia group and non-sarcopenic group were (37.34±12.42)μmol/L and (25.41±10.17μmol/L, respectively, t=2.865, P=0.046, RFH-NPT score in sarcopenia group and non-sarcopenic group were 11(30.56%)and 49(55.06%), χ2=3.349, P<0.001;SII score in sarcopenia group and non-sarcopenic group were (406.22±79.46) and (312.36±61.71), respectively, t=8.362, P<0.001; There were 29(80.56%)and 32(35.95%) patients with ascites in sarcopenia group and non-sarcopenic group, respectively, χ2=5.386, P=0.025; There were 8(22.22%) and 9(10.12%) patients with hepatic encephalopathy in sarcopenia group and non-sarcopenic group, χ2=4.571, P=0.046. The results of the multivariate Logstic regression analysis showed that, Age (OR=1.423,95%CI:1.211~1.690), albumin (OR=1.701,95%CI:1.346~2.543), combined intraperitoneal effusion (OR=1.654,95%CI=1.192~2.339), RFH-NPTscore (OR=2.233, 95%CI:1.235~3.242) and SII score (OR=2.001, 95%CI:1.117~2.889) was an independent risk factor affecting the development of sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis (P<0.05). The nomogram prediction model was constructed by Bootstrap internal validation and found good accuracy and discrimination, with C-index of 0.828 (95%CI: 0.736~0.885) and area under ROC curve (AUC) of 0.838 (95%CI: 0.744~0.913). Conclusion Elevated RFH-NPT, SII scores are independent risk factors for sarcopenia in liver cirrhotic patients, and the nomogram prediction model based on independent influencing factors can improve the predictive efficacy of concurrent sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis.
    Hepatitis
    A real-world study of Danorevir/Ritonavir combined with Ravidavir in the treatment of HIV with chronic hepatitis C
    WU Gui-fang, WEI Zhen-hua, YAN Ya-jun, YANG Wei, WAN Zhu-qing, XU Lu, WANG Yao-fen, YU Wen-jun, GONG Xiao-ming, FENG Ling, YANG Rong-rong, JIANG Hong-lin, LIANG Ke, GAO Shi-cheng, KE Heng-ning
    2026, 31(1):  44-48. 
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    Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Danorevir/Ritonavir combined with ravidavir in the treatment of HCV infection and HIV with HCV infection. Methods A prospective, multicenter study of HCV infection and HIV/HCV co-infected persons in a region of Hubei, China, from July 2023 to March 2024. HCV viral load, liver function, and renal function were measured at baseline, at the 4th week of treatment, at the end of treatment, and at the 12 week follow-up. The adverse reactions and laboratory test indexes were observed during the treatment. t test, Friedman test and χ2 test were used for statistical analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of sustained virological response (SVR). Results A total of 87 patients were enrolled in the study, 66 of whom completed follow-up. There were 15 patients with HCV infection and 51 patients with HCV/HIV co-infection. The rate of SVR in HCV-infected patients was 73.33%, and that in HCV/HIV co-infected individuals was 74.50%, with no significant difference (P=1.000). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the genotype of hepatitis C (OR=4.589,95%CI: 1.272~16.558, P=0.020) was an independent influencing factor for SVR. Adverse events occurred in 34 (51.52%) of 68 patients, including 27 (52.94%) in the HIV/HCV group and 7 (46.67%) in the HCV group, all of which disappeared after symptomatic supportive treatment. Conclusion Danorevir/Ritonavir combined with Ravidavir has a suboptimal antiviral efficacy in the treatment of HCV. HCV genotype 2a is an independent influencing factor for SVR. For patients with genotype 2a, other treatment regimens may need to be selected to increase the SVR rate.
    Autoimmune Liver Disease
    Based on the index of autoantibodies to build the prognosis of patients with primary biliary sex cholangitis nomogram predictive model
    HUANG Li-li, HUANG Hai-jing, WANG De-lin, HE Yi-ming, ZHANG Miao-miao
    2026, 31(1):  49-53. 
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    Objective To construct a nomogram predictive model for the prognosis of patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) based on autoantibody markers. Methods A total of 112 PBC patients admitted to our hospital from January 2018 to March 2022 were retrospectively selected and included in the study. The patients were followed up for at least 2 years to assess the prognosis, analyze the prognostic factors, and construct a nomogram predictive model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to analyze the prediction efficiency. Results The proportion of age ≥65 years (52.78% vs. 28.95%), total bilirubin (TBil) level ≥22.2 μmol/L (72.22% vs. 42.11%), ascites (55.56% vs. 32.89%), Child-Pugh grade B/C (41.67%/30.56% vs. 32.86%/15.79%), anti-gp210 antibody positive (52.78% vs. 15.79%) and anti-sp100 antibody positive (47.22% vs. 19.74%) in the poor prognosis group were higher than those in the good prognosis group. The proportion of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) response (50.00% vs. 80.26%) in the good prognosis group was lower than that in the good prognosis group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that TBil (OR=3.652, 95%CI:1.315~10.139), anti-SP100 antibody positive (OR=4.716, 95%CI:2.018~11.019), UDCA response (OR=0.185, 95%CI:0.099~0.342) and anti-gp210 antibody positive (OR=6.245, 95%CI:3.035~12.846) were independent prognostic factors (P<0.05). The C-index of the nomogram model established based on the results of logistic regression was 0.826 (95%CI:0.741~0.910), and the calibration curve was close to the ideal curve (P>0.05). ROC showed that the specificity was 85.50%, the sensitivity was 86.10%, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.872 (95%CI:0.800~0.945) (P<0.05). Conclusion The nomogram model based on positive anti-gp210 antibody and positive anti-sp100 antibody can better predict the risk of poor prognosis of PBC patients.
    Changes and clinical significance of serum CXCL13 and CHI3L1 levels in patients with autoimmune hepatitis
    BAO Zhuo, BAO Yu-rong, Aoduntuoya
    2026, 31(1):  54-58. 
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    Objective To investigate the changes and clinical significance of serum levels of chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 13 (CXCL13) and chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Methods This study selected 115 patients diagnosed with AIH for the first time in our hospital from July 2022 to July 2024 as the AIH group. According to different stages of AIH, the patients were further divided into the active group (61 cases) and the remission group (54 cases). According to the severity of AIH, the patients were classified into the mild group (37 cases), moderate group (46 cases) and severe group (32 cases). In addition, 115 individuals who underwent physical health examinations were selected as the control group. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to measure the expression levels of serum CXCL13 and CHI3L1. Logistic regression was applied to analyze factors affecting the severity of AIH. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of CXCL13 and CHI3L1 in the severity of AIH patients. Results The serum levels of CXCL13 and CHI3L1 in patients with AIH were (287.82±31.76) pg/mL and (739.27±64.51) pg/mL, respectively, which were higher than those in control group (212.15±26.21) pg/mL and (575.54±52.48) pg/mL (P<0.05). With the aggravation of AIH severity, the serum levels of CXCL13 and CHI3L1 increased significantly in mild group (261.62±29.73) pg/mL, (682.14±61.38) pg/mL, moderate group (284.45±31.48) pg/mL, (744.15±64.41) pg/mL and severe group (322.97±34.52) pg/mL,(798.31±68.26) pg/mL (P<0.05). Alanine aminotransferase[(122.14±5.31) U/L vs. (72.25±2.29)U/L], aspartate aminotransferase[(166.37±5.86) U/L vs. (79.87±3.78) U/L], CXCL13[(308.51±32.92) pg/mL vs. (264.44±30.45) pg/mL] and CHI3L1[(771.49±68.14) pg/mL vs. (702.87±60.41) pg/mL] in remission group and active group were significantly different (P<0.05). Logistic analysis showed that CXCL13 and CHI3L1 were risk factors affecting the severity of AIH patients (OR>1, P<0.05). The AUC of the combined diagnosis of serum CXCL13 and CHI3L1 for the severity of AIH patients was the highest, superior to the individual diagnosis of CXCL13 and CHI3L1 (Zcombination-CXCL13=2.093, P=0.036, Zcombination-CHI3L1=3.295, P=0.001), with a sensitivity of 75.00% and a specificity of 95.18%. Conclusion The levels of serum CXCL13 and CHI3L1 are obviously elevated in AIH patients, and their combination can better evaluate the severity of AIH patients.
    Changes in ALP/PLT and systemic immune inflammation index in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and their clinical significance
    ZHENG Wen-hao, RIJI Shi-zi, WANG Cheng-yu
    2026, 31(1):  59-63. 
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    Objective To investigate the changes in alkaline phosphatase/platelet ratio (ALP/PLT) and the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and their clinical significance. Methods This study included 78 patients with AIH who were encountered in Hai'an People's Hospital between October 2021 and September 2024. After 6 months of treatment, biochemical response was assessed. The 62 patients with complete biochemical response were included in the complete group, and 16 patients with incomplete response were included in the incomplete group. ALP/PLT and SII were measured at admission and after treatment. SPSS statistical software was used for data analysis with the t-tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Applying the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate the predictive value of the ALP/PLT ratio and systemic immune-inflammation index for treatment response in patients with AIH. Results The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in the complete group was (403.6 ± 44.8) U/L, higher than that in the incomplete group (359.7±59.5) U/L; the total bilirubin level was (351.9 ± 52.5) μmol/L, lower than that in the incomplete group (390.7±56.8) μmol/L, P<0.05. In the complete response group, ALP/PLT levels before and after treatment were (1.31 ± 0.11) and (0.73 ± 0.12), which were lower than the incomplete response group (1.51 ± 0.12 and 1.25 ± 0.14), P<0.05. Similarly, SII in the complete response group was (816.54 ± 103.59) before treatment and (645.28 ± 108.56) after treatment, lower than in the incomplete response group (951.40 ± 114.75 before treatment and 793.66 ± 93.72 after treatment), P<0.05. Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that ALT, the degree of inflammation in the collecting area, TBil, ALP/PLT, and SII were all important factors in determining the biochemical response of the patients (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC for ALP/PLT was 0.906, the AUC for SII was 0.805, indicating their higher diagnostic value. Conclusion ALP/PLT and the systemic immune inflammation index showed significant changes in AIH patients and were closely related to disease activity. They can be useful indicators for predicting biochemical responses and provide reference for clinical management.
    Effects of prednisone combined with azathioprine on neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and their correlation with disease activity and treatment response
    ZHANG Guo-qiang, CAI Hong, HU Bing, ZHANG Hui-ying
    2026, 31(1):  64-67. 
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    Objective To investigate the effects of prednisone combined with azathioprine on neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and to evaluate their associations with disease activity and treatment response. Methods A total of 106 patients with AIH and 106 healthy individuals were recruited in our hospital between June 2022 and June 2024. AIH patients received prednisone acetate combined with azathioprine for 6 months. NLR, LMR, and PLR levels were compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to assess the diagnostic value of these ratios for disease activity and treatment response. Results At baseline, NLR and PLR in AIH patients were (3.4±1.1) and (172.6±27.5), which were significantly higher than those of healthy individuals [(1.1±0.3) and (83.4±11.3), respectively (P<0.05)]. The LMR was (3.2±1.0), which was significantly lower than that of healthy individuals [(6.2±1.0), P<0.05]. Post-treatment, NLR and PLR significantly decreased, while LMR significantly increased in AIH patients (P<0.05). At enrollment, the NLR and PLR in the remission group were (2.8±0.7) and (151.3±26.7), which were significantly lower than those in the active disease group [(4.2±0.9) and (203.8±31.5), respectively]. The LMR in the remission group was (3.8±0.8), significantly higher than that in the active disease group [(2.5±0.6), P<0.05]. After 6 months of treatment, the response rate in AIH patients was 56.60%, while the non-response or partial response rate was 43.40%. The NLR and PLR in the response group were (1.5±0.4) and (100.8±20.6), significantly lower than those in the non-response group [(4.1±0.6) and (183.9±25.2), respectively], while the LMR was (5.1±1.0), significantly higher than that in the non-response group [(3.8±0.9), P<0.05]. ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for the combined prediction of disease activity by NLR, LMR and PLR was 0.981, with sensitivity of 89.4% and specificity of 98.3%. The AUC for the combined prediction of treatment response was 0.975, with sensitivity of 93.5% and specificity of 95.0%. Conclusion Prednisone combined with azathioprine effectively modulates NLR, LMR, and PLR levels in AIH patients. These ratios correlate closely with disease activity and therapeutic outcomes, indicating they may play a role in the development and progression of AIH, and warrant further investigation.
    Serum human epididymis protein 4 levels in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and its association with disease severity and liver fibrosis
    ZHANG Ling, CHENG Wan-qian, LIN Ling
    2026, 31(1):  68-70. 
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    Objective To investigate the changes in serum human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) levels in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and to analyze the correlation between HE4 levels and disease severity as well as liver fibrosis stage. This study aims to evaluate the potential clinical value of HE4 in the diagnosis and management of AIH, thereby providing new insights and a theoretical basis for individualized treatment and disease monitoring in AIH. Methods A total of 77 AIH patients who were diagnosed and treated at our hospital between June 2020 and December 2024 were enrolled. Serum HE4 levels were compared among patients with different disease severity, histological inflammation grades, and fibrosis stages. The diagnostic performance of HE4 for predicting disease severity, hepatic inflammation, and liver fibrosis was assessed. Results According to severity classification, serum levels of ALT, AST, TBil, and HE4 in severe AIH patients were 137 (108, 211) U/L, 146 (112, 194) U/L, 91.5 (68.0, 117.4) μmol/L, and 78.6 (54.5, 90.2) pmol/L, respectively, significantly higher than those in mild-to-moderate patients [77 (55, 91) U/L, 65 (50, 85) U/L, 27.7 (19.8, 36.5) μmol/L, and 50.7 (36.6, 68.0) pmol/L, P<0.05]. Conversely, the Alb level was (36.4±1.8) g/L, significantly lower than that in mild-to-moderate patients [(41.0±2.6) g/L, P<0.05]. Patients with a higher histological inflammation grade or liver fibrosis stage had significantly higher HE4 levels compared to those with milder grades or stages, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). HE4 demonstrated high efficacy in predicting different severity levels, histological inflammation grades, and liver fibrosis stages in AIH patients, with diagnostic AUC values all exceeding 0.80. Conclusion Serum HE4 levels are significantly elevated in AIH patients and closely associated with disease severity, histological inflammatory activity, and the extent of liver fibrosis. HE4 may serve as a potential non-invasive biomarker to aid in the assessment of disease activity and liver tissue injury in AIH, showing promising diagnostic value and clinical application potential.
    Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease
    Efficacy of MRI-PDFF, FibroTouch, and FAST score in diagnosing the occurrence of NASH in patients with NAFLD
    MA Zhi-qiang, ZHAN Hao-hui, LIANG Yan, LIU Jing-jing
    2026, 31(1):  71-74. 
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    Objective To investigate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF), FibroTouch, and Fatty Liver Index based on Aspartate Aminotransferase and Total Bilirubin (FAST) score in diagnosing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods A total of 91 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology from March 2019 to March 2024 were selected. According to whether non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) occurred or not, they were divided into the non-NASH group (n=65) and the NASH group (n=26). Based on the presence of high-risk NASH, they were divided into the non-high-risk group (n=80) and the high-risk NASH group (n=11). All patients underwent MRI-PDFF measurements, liver histopathological examination, and FAST score assessment. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) were obtained by FibroScan. Logistic regression analysis was performed, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to analyze the diagnostic efficacy for NASH in NAFLD patients. Results The LSM [(9.6±2.3) kPa] and FAST score (0.5±0.2) in the NASH group were significantly higher than those in the non-NASH group [(7.1±1.2) kPa and (0.3±0.1)kPa], respectively with P<0.05. The LSM [(10.2±2.6) kPa] and FAST score (0.5±0.2) in the high-risk NASH group were significantly higher than those in the non-high-risk group [(6.6±1.3) kPa and (0.2±0.1)kPa], P<0.05. Logistic regression analysis indicated that LSM and FAST scores were influencing factors for the development of NASH in NAFLD patients (P<0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that the combined diagnostic AUC value for LSM and FAST scores was 0.978, with a sensitivity of 90.0% and a specificity of 98.0%, which was significantly better than the diagnosis using each indicator alone. Conclusion Fibrotouch-derived LSM and FAST scores have good diagnostic efficacy for patients with NASH, and their combination enhances the diagnostic efficacy.
    Comparison of the diagnostic values of different anthropometric indicators for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
    ZHANG Yue-xia, WANG Yu, FENG Yan-ping, GAO Yan
    2026, 31(1):  75-80. 
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    Objective To evaluate the correlations between traditional anthropometric indicators and new abdominal obesity indicators with metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and to analyze and compare their diagnostic values. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. The included population was those who underwent physical examinations at the Health Management Center of Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 1, 2021 to September 15, 2024. General information, medical history, laboratory examination results and imaging examination results of the selected subjects were collected through the hospital′s health examination database. According to whether MAFLD was detected or not, the subjects were divided into the MAFLD group and the control group. Univariate tests (two independent sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests), chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors for MAFLD. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze and compare the diagnostic values of the significant factors for MAFLD. Results A total of 2 118 subjects were included. The prevalence rate of MAFLD was 24.22%, with that in men (32.72%) being higher than that in women (11.83%), and that in the normal body mass index (BMI) group (4.76%) being lower than that in the overweight and obese group (45.82%). The differences between groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Traditional indicators [waist circumference (WC), BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)], and new indicators [abdominal volume index (AVI), body roundness index (BRI), body adiposity index (BAI), a body shape index (ABSI), conicity index (C-index),weight-adjusted waist index (WWI)] were all associated with the occurrence of MAFLD. Among them, the AUC values of AVI, BRI, WC, WHtR and BMI were all greater than 0.80, which had good predictive efficacy for MAFLD, indicating that the new indicators had no obvious advantages compared with the traditional indicators. However, among the new indicators, the abdominal volume index (AVI) showed the strongest diagnostic value [AUC=0.874 (95%CI:0.859~0.890)], and its value for the female population [AUC=0.908 (95%CI:0.881~0.935)] was better than that for the male population [AUC=0.839 (95%CI:0.816~0.860)]. Conclusion AVI, BRI, WC, WHtR and BMI can predict the occurrence of MAFLD fairly well. AVI and WC have the strongest diagnostic value, especially in the female population.
    Other Liver Diseases
    Association between hepatocellular cytokeratin 7 expression and clinicopathological features of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease
    SHAN Shan, MA Lin, ZENG Xin, WANG Yu, ZHANG Guan-hua, ZHAO Xin-yan
    2026, 31(1):  81-88. 
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    Objective To investigate the correlation between hepatic cytokeratin 7 (CK7) expression and the clinicopathological features of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD), and to evaluate the potential role of CK7 positivity in disease progression and clinical stratification. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with PSVD at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, between January 2003 and July 2022. Patients were categorized into CK7-positive and CK7-negative groups based on immunohistochemical staining of hepatocytes. Clinical characteristics, biochemical parameters, liver stiffness measurement (LSM), and histological features were compared between groups. Prognostic outcomes were analyzed during follow-up. Results A total of 103 PSVD patients were included, with 21 (20.4%) showing CK7 positivity in hepatocytes. Compared with CK7-negative patients, the CK7-positive group exhibited higher levels of alkaline phosphatase (135.0 vs 76.4 U/L, P<0.001) and γ-glutamyl transferase (51.0 vs 24.5 U/L, P=0.005), lower albumin levels (34.0 vs 38.6 g/L, P=0.004), and higher LSM values (13.6 vs 8.7 kPa, P=0.004). Histologically, nodular regenerative hyperplasia and perisinusoidal fibrosis were more frequent in the CK7-positive group (33.3% and 52.4%, respectively; both P<0.001). During a median follow-up of 26 months, the five-year cumulative survival rate was 94.4%, with no significant difference in liver transplantation/death or portal hypertension-related complications between groups. Conclusion Hepatocellular CK7 positivity in PSVD is associated with cholestatic biochemical abnormalities, increased liver stiffness, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, and perisinusoidal fibrosis. CK7-positive expression may indicate a more active hepatocellular regenerative state and serve as a potential histological marker for assessing tissue heterogeneity and disease progression in PSVD.
    Clinical analysis of four cases of Shwachman-Diamond syndrome initially presenting with elevated transaminases
    OUYANG Ni, XU Yi, LI Xu-fang
    2026, 31(1):  89-91. 
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    Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of four pediatric cases of Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) and to enhance the understanding of SDS among pediatricians. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from four children diagnosed with SDS at the Guangzhou Women and Children′s Medical Center from May 2018 to July 2023, who presented with elevated transaminases as their initial symptom. Results The four children included two males and two females. All four children were referred for elevated transaminases detected during routine health checks, with ALT levels ranging from 133 to 327 U/L and AST levels from 116 to 248 U/L. Longitudinal biochemical monitoring showed a gradual decrease in transaminases with age, with all levels returning to normal between 36 and 42 months of age. All four children exhibited growth retardation. One child had a history of chronic diarrhea in infancy. Two children presented with hematopoietic abnormalities. Genetic sequencing and familial verification identified SBDS gene mutations in all four children. Conclusion SDS presents with a complex and varied clinical picture, involving multiple systems. Transient, unexplained liver function abnormalities may occur in early childhood, particularly in cases associated with growth retardation. Genetic testing can be instrumental in establishing a definitive diagnosis.
    Clinicopathologic characterization of 30 patients with idiopathic nonsclerotic portal hypertension
    GAN Ya-ting, HE Zheng-xiu, ZHUANG Jian-bo
    2026, 31(1):  92-95. 
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    Objective Analysis of clinicopathologic features in patients with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Methods 30 cases of patients admitted to our hospital and diagnosed as idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension by pathology between February 2019 and February 2022 were selected as the observation group, with 11 males and 19 females, and the average age was (59.5±4.1) years old, and another 30 cases of patients diagnosed as hepatitis B-related cirrhotic portal hypertension by physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group, with 20 males and 10 females. The average age was (59.4±4.2) years old, comparing the clinical features of the two groups, the pathological features of the observation group and the clinical scores of the two groups. Results In the observation group, the percentage of females, the percentage of patients whose first symptom was gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal discomfort, splenomegaly on CT examination, complications of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and esophageal varices were 63.3%, 30%, 26.7%, 30%, 33.3%, and 20%, which were higher than those in the control group [33.3%, 6.7%, 6.7%, 6.7%, 10%, and 3.3%], respectively; and the percentage of hepatic The percentage of splenomegaly, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, creatinine level, platelet count, leukocyte count, neutrophil count, and prothrombin time were 13.3%, (41.5±5.6) U/L, (46.2±8.3) U/L, (19.25±2.4) μmol/L, (122.3±12.3) μmol/L, respectively, (57.6±21.6) × 109/L, (2.6±1.7) × 109/L, (22.8±4.7) × 109/L, and (15.3±2.5) s, respectively, which were lower than those in the control group [46.7%, (72.3±6.8) U/L, (75.9±5.6) U/L, (32.6±8.5) μmol/L, (152.3± 25.6) μmol/L, (65.3±31.2) × 109/L, (5.6±2.1) × 109/L, (36.5±8.9) × 109/L, and (18.2±3.1) s], and D-dimer, prothrombin activity, and glomerular filtration rate were (0.9±0.4), (71.2±3.2)%, (109.8± 23.2) mL·min-1, which were higher than those in the control group [(0.5±0.1), (62.3±2.5)%, (101.2±18.6) mL·min-1], respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The main changes of observation group were stromal fibrosis in the portal tract, fibrous occlusion of the small branches of the portal vein, and dilatation and thickening of the small branches of the portal vein at the end of the confluent area. The hepatic sinusoids adjacent to the hepatic parenchyma are dilated to varying degrees, and the walls of the larger portal veins are thickened, in which smooth muscle hyperplasia is accompanied by fibrosis, and even portal vein sclerosis with thrombosis occurs. Some patients have prolonged disease, incomplete fibrous septum, and even nodular regenerative hyperplasia. The Child-Pugh score, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, APRI score, and liver stiffness of the observation group were (6.1±0.8), (10.1±0.5), (0.7±0.2), (0.8±0.2) kPa, which were lower than those of the control group [(8.2±0.9), (16.3±2.5), respectively, (2.5±0.3) points, (12.6±0.5) kPa], and the percentage of positive CD34 immunostaining was 90%, which was higher than 40% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension has a complex etiology and is relatively rare clinically, with a high percentage of complications related to portal hypertension, especially gastrointestinal bleeding. In patients with severe portal hypertension but mild hepatic impairment, good hepatic reserve function, and low liver stiffness, the diagnosis of idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension should be strongly suspected and made in conjunction with clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathological manifestations.
    The expression characteristics of miRNA in peripheral blood of patients with high altitude polycythemia and its correlation with liver function damage
    BAI Jie, HUANG He, HAO Guang-dong, BAI Yun
    2026, 31(1):  96-101. 
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    Objective To explore the differences in miRNA expression in the peripheral blood of patients with High Altitude Polycythemia (HAPC) and to analyze the correlation between peripheral blood miRNA levels and liver function damage in HAPC. Methods A total of 100 HAPC patients who moved from plain areas to areas above 4 300 meters in altitude were collected and set as the HAPC group; another 100 healthy individuals from the same altitude area were selected as the control group. Clinical laboratory data of both groups were collected, and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology was used to sequence 10 subjects from each group to screen for differentially expressed miRNAs. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR technology was used to detect the expression of differential miRNAs in all subjects. Additionally, based on the liver function damage status (ALT ≥ 2 times the upper limit of the normal value) of the HAPC group patients, they were divided into liver function damage group and non-damage group; logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the independent correlative factors of liver function impairment in HAPC group. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between differential miRNAs and liver function. Results The SpO2 of the HAPC group was lower than that of the control group, and the levels of RBC and Hb were higher than those of the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05); 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing results showed that there were 322 differentially expressed miRNAs between the HAPC group and the control group, among which 115 were significantly differentially expressed, with 75 up-regulated and 40 down-regulated. The top 10 miRNAs with high expression, stability, and large fold changes were selected for validation, and PCR validation results showed that the relative expression levels of miR-122-5p, miR-423-5p, miR-23a, miR-451a, miR-223, miR-486-3p, miR-183-5p, and miR-1291 in the HAPC group were higher than those in the control group, while the relative expression levels of miR-200c-3p and miR-150-5p were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05); subgroup analysis of the HAPC group patients showed that the relative expression levels of miR-23a, miR-451a, and miR-223 in the liver function damage group were significantly higher than those in the non-damage group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05); Logistic regression analysis showed that miR-451a (OR=3.288), miR-223 (OR=1.232), and Hb levels (OR=1.139) were independently associated with liver function damage in HAPC patients (P<0.05); Pearson correlation analysis showed that the relative expression levels of miR-451a and miR-223 were positively correlated with the ALT levels in HAPC patients (r=0.743, 0.683, P<0.05). Conclusion Compared with healthy individuals at the same altitude, HAPC patients have significant differences in miRNA expression, and the high expression of miR-451a and miR-223 may be related to liver function damage in HAPC patients.
    Clinical and prognostic analysis of children with non-biliary obstructive cholestatic liver disease
    ZHENG Li-juan, XUE Fu-min, WANG Yi-lin, YU Jing, GUO Ya-qiong
    2026, 31(1):  102-106. 
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    Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of non-biliary obstructive cholestatic liver disease in children. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 183 children with non-biliary obstructive cholestatic liver disease who visited the Department of Gastroenterology at our hospital from December 2018 to June 2023. The etiology, clinical characteristics, and prognosis were analyzed. According to the prognosis, patients were divided into a good prognosis group and a poor prognosis group, with 156 patients in the former group and 27 patients in the latter group. We compared the differences in etiology, ALT, TBil, DBil, GGT, TBA, Alb, PT, INR, Hb, liver size, and spleen size between the two groups of children. Results The incidence rate of different causes from high to low was infectious (33.3%), unknown (28.4%), drug (18.0%), genetic/metabolic (8.2%), bile duct obstruction (7.1%), and others (4.9%). There were 110 boys and 73 girls, with a male:female ratio of 1.51∶1. There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of different diseases between boys and girls (P>0.05). In infectious diseases and genetic metabolic diseases, the incidence rate of children ≤ 1-year-old group was significantly higher than that of children>1 year old group (P<0.05); In drug-induced diseases, the incidence rate of ≤ 1-year-old group was lower than that of>1-year-old group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the other groups (P>0.05). The ALT, TBil, DBil, PT, INR, liver subcostal size, and spleen subcostal size in the poor prognosis group were 699.00(344.50,1837.00)U/L,217.00(171.20,276.80)μmol/L,157.20(101.30,197.20)μmol/L,18.10(13.40,27.10)s ,1.58(1.16,2.50),23.3(0,29.2)mm,0(0,20.5)mm, while the ALT, TBil, DBil, PT, INR, liver subcostal size, and spleen subcostal size in the good prognosis group were 284.10(119.00,1326.23)U/L,105.66(78.50,158.70)μmol/L,71.40(49.20,106.68)μmol/L,13.05(11.80,15.23)s,1.12(1.02,1.33),0(0,19.8)mm,0(0,0)mm,with higher values in the poor prognosis group compared to the good prognosis group (P<0.05).Alb levels in the poor prognosis group were 35.70 (32.00, 37.70) g/L, while those in the good prognosis group were 37.65(34.03, 39.70) g/L. Alb levels in the poor prognosis group were lower than those in the good prognosis group (P<0.05). In terms of GGT, TBA, and Hb, there was no statistically significant difference between the good and poor prognosis groups(P>0.05). Further multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the indicators that differed between the good prognosis and poor prognosis groups. The OR and 95% CI values of DBil, INR, and splenic subcostal size were 1.026 (95% CI: 1.014~1.038), 7.033 (95% CI: 2.332~21.210), and 1.119 (95% CI: 1.050~1.192), respectively. Conclusion Non-biliary obstructive cholestatic liver disease in children is mainly caused by infectious and drug-induced factors,genetic/metabolic and obstructive diseases are also not uncommon. In the children aged <1 year, infectious and genetic metabolic diseases are predominant, while in those aged >1 year, drug-induced diseases are predominant.Nearly one-third of the causes are still unknown. DBil,INR, and spleen size are independent factors affecting the prognosis of the patients.
    Clinical characteristics and treatment options of pyogenic liver abscess with different abscess diameters
    ZHANG Wei, CHEN Guo-lin, WANG Hang, YU Liang
    2026, 31(1):  107-111. 
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    Objective The clinical features of Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) with two most common treatment approaches for large abscesses were compared and analyzed. Methods Clinical data of 1 644 adult patients with PLA were retrospectively analyzed and divided into groups with diameter ≤ 50 mm (small abscess), 50~100 mm (large abscess), and > 100 mm (giant abscess) according to different abscess diameters. The clinical characteristics of each group were compared, and the two treatment methods of the large abscess group were compared. Independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test and χ2 test were used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 597 cases were included in the small abscess group, 944 cases in the large abscess group and 103 cases in the giant abscess group. Women in the giant abscess group (41.7% vs. 32.5%, P<0.05), The proportion was significantly higher than that of small abscess group. The fever ratio of large abscess and large abscess group was 91.4% and 81.6%, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In the giant abscess group, the proportions of abdominal pain (64.1% vs. 43.0%, P<0.05), pulmonary changes (45.6% vs. 27.5%, P<0.05), and single lesion (84.3% vs. 71.0%, P<0.05) were significantly higher than those in the small abscess group. The proportion of gas-forming abscess in the three groups was 5.2%, 12.2% and 13.6%, respectively. The large abscess group and the giant abscess group were significantly higher than those in the small abscess group (P<0.05). The hospitalization days of the three groups were 12(8,17)d, 13(9,19)d and 15(10,21)d, respectively, and the hospitalization costs were 1.83 (1.19, 2.76), 2.31 (1.55, 3.31), and 2.58 (1.96, 3.9) ten thousand yuan, respectively, with statistical significance (P<0.05). The proportions of antibiotics combined with PD in the three groups were 58.6%, 72.7% and 75.7%, and the puncture times were 1 (0,1), 1 (0,2) and 1 (1,2) times, respectively. The large abscess and the giant groups were significantly higher than the small abscess group (P<0.05). Leukocyte count in the three groups was 10.51(7.67,14.09)×109/L, 11.83(9.08,15.33)×109/L, 13.19(10.63,18.09)×109/L, respectively. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was 45(27,76.05)U/L, 58.4(34,99)U/L and 64.1(39,113.5)U/L, respectively Albumin was 33.55(29.5,37.53)g/L, 30.6(27,34.8)g/L, 27.9(24.48,30.8)g/L, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). In the treatment of major abscess, the length of stay 14(10,19)d in PD group combined with antibiotics was significantly longer than 11(6,17) d in antibiotics alone group, P<0.05, and the hospitalization cost of 2.43(1.63,3.43) ten thousand yuan was significantly higher than that of 1.94(1.12, 2.93) ten thousand yuan in antibiotics alone group, P<0.05. The improvement rate of antibiotic combined with PD group was significantly higher than that of antibiotic alone group (97.5% vs. 87.7%, P<0.05). The WBC count of 12.26(9.45,15.77)×109/L and ALT 61.4(36.70,104.00)U/L in antibiotic combined PD group were significantly higher than those in antibiotic alone group 11.26(7.95,14.77)×109/L and 49.1(28.62,86.82)U/L, P<0.05. Conclusion The abscess size in PLA patients is related to many factors. In the treatment of large abscesses, antibiotics combined with PD have advantages and disadvantages compared with antibiotics alone.
    The value of prognostic nutrition index in predicting the prognosis of patients with pyogenic liver abscess
    XIAO Ying, JIN Tao, MAO Bo-neng, ZHANG Yan
    2026, 31(1):  112-117. 
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    Objective To explore the significance of prognostic nutrition index (PNI) in patients with sepsis caused by pyogenic liver abscess (PLA). Methods The clinical data of 202 patients with PLA in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed, and the patients were divided into sepsis group and non-sepsis group according to the SOFA criteria. The sepsis group was divided into survival group and death group according to prognosis. General information was compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to evaluate the effect of PNI on the prognosis of PLA patients with sepsis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted and area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the prognostic significance of PNI in PLA patients with sepsis. Results The SOFA score, WBC, ALT, AST, ALP, TBil, Scr, BUN, PT, APTT, CRP, and size of liver abscess in the sepsis group were significantly higher than those in non-sepsis group (P<0.05). The LYM, PLT, ALB and PNI in the sepsis group were significantly lower than those in non-sepsis group (P< 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PLT, ALT, AST, TBil, Alb, PNI, Scr and APTT were independent risk factors for PLA patients complicated with sepsis. Area under the ROC curve: PNI was 0.843. Using the Youden index, the optimal cutoff value of PNI was 34.7, with a sensitivity of 75.7% and a specificity of 81.8%.The results showed that when PNI<34.7, patients were at greater risk of developing sepsis. The correlation between PNI and SOFA score was R=-0.523 (P<0.05). The SOFA score, TBil and BUN in the death group were significantly higher than those in the survival group (P< 0.05). The PLT and PNI of the death group were significantly lower than those in the survival group (P< 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in the treatment plans (liver puncture drainage, use of pressor drugs) between the death group and the survival group. Concurrent septic shock, acute kidney injury, and liver failure are related factors for mortality in PLA patients with sepsis (P<0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that PNI was an independent risk factor for death in PLA patients with sepsis. Conclusion PNI can predict the occurrence of sepsis in PLA patients. When PNI<34.7, the risk of progression to sepsis was higher. PNI can predict poor prognosis of PLA patients complicated with sepsis.
    Value analysis of MRCP imaging combined with color ultrasound before treatment of acute cholecystitis
    WANG Jun, LI Man-man, WANG Peng-xiao
    2026, 31(1):  118-122. 
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    Objective To evaluate the value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) combined with color ultrasound for preoperative assessment in patients with acute cholecystitis (AC). Methods A total of 90 AC patients admitted to our hospital for surgical treatment from May 2023 to October 2024 were selected. MRCP and color ultrasound were taken before surgical treatment. All patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), with the operation time > 90min as the critical point. They were divided into the difficult group (operation time > 90min) and the non-difficult group (operation time < 90 min). The basic data of the two groups were compared to analyze the factors affecting surgical difficulties in AC patients and the predictive efficiency of ROC curve analysis on surgical difficulties in AC patients. Results Among 90 patients with AC, 21 cases (23.33%) had operation time > 90 min. In the difficult operation group, 57.14% (12/21) had a history of AC attack, and the thickness of gallbladder wall was ≥3 mm 42.86% (9/21), pericholecystic fluid 76.19% (16/21), bile thickening 61.90% (13/21), gallbladder neck stones 47.62% (10/21), MRCP showed an elongated cystic duct or low insertion 76.19% (16/21). The non-difficult group: 23.19% (16/69), 10.14% (7/69), 36.23% (25/69), 23.19% (16/69), 11.59% (8/69), and 39.13% (27/69), respectively (P<0.05). By binary logistic regression analysis, patients had a history of AC attack [OR=4.417 (95%CI: 1.578~12.363)], pericholecystic fluid [OR=5.632 (95%CI: 1.842~17.222)],gallbladder wall thickness ≥3 mm[OR=6.643 (95%CI: 2.072~21.301)], gallbladder neck stones [OR=1.574 (95%CI: 1.121~2.044)], poor bile quality (thick bile)[OR=5.383 (95%CI: 1.897~15.278)], a rough and blurred gallbladder wall margin [OR=4.900 (95%CI: 1.722~13.943)], and MRCP showed an elongated cystic duct or low insertion [OR=4.978 (95%CI: 1.633~15.173)] were the influential factors of surgical difficulty in AC patients (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that all the aformentioned influencing factors have predictive efficacy for surgical difficulty in AC patients, with the highest efficacy observed in the combined prediction of these factors (AUC=0.885). Conclusion The preoperative evaluation of AC patients with MRCP combined with color Doppler ultrasound can predict the surgical difficulty more accurately. Based on the differences in the surgical difficulty of patients, appropriate clinical coping strategies can help promote the process of medical precision and improve clinical work efficiency.
    Comparison of wire-guided percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and conventional puncture in the treatment of acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis
    WU Xian-chen, CHEN Chuang, LI Jia-zhou, LI Xiao-qing
    2026, 31(1):  123-126. 
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    Objective To compare the application effects of wire-guided percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and conventional puncture in the treatment of acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis (AOSC). Methods A total of 92 patients with AOSC who received treatment in our hospital from January 2019 to January 2024 were enrolled as the study subjects. They were randomly assigned to a control group (n=46) and an observation group (n=46). The control group underwent conventional PTBD, while the observation group underwent wire-guided PTBD. Perioperative indicators were recorded, and preoperative and postoperative (24 h) inflammatory cytokine levels and stress indices were compared between the two groups. Liver function was assessed 1 week postoperatively. Postoperative complications such as biliary tract hemorrhage, bile leakage, acute severe cholangitis, and sepsis were recorded. Results The operative time was (75.31 ± 13.37) min in the observation group and (73.42 ± 11.42) min in the control group, with one-time placement success rates of 100% and 93.48%, and daily drainage volumes of (287.26 ± 35.61) mL and (283.14 ± 31.35) mL, respectively. The differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). At 24 hours postoperatively, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the observation group were (71.23 ± 7.63)pg/mL, (354.23 ± 39.36)pg/mL, and (649.05 ± 67.63) pg/mL, respectively, which were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in liver function indicators between the two groups at 1 week postoperatively (P>0.05). Postoperative complications in the control group included 5 cases of biliary hemorrhage, 2 cases of bile leakage, 7 cases of acute severe cholangitis, and 6 cases of sepsis, while the observation group had 4 cases of biliary hemorrhage, 2 cases of acute severe cholangitis, and 1 case of sepsis, with no bile leakage. Conclusion Wire-guided PTBD is more effective than conventional puncture in reducing postoperative inflammatory responses and stress levels in patients with AOSC, with a lower complication rate. However, there is no significant difference in their impact on liver function.
    Clinical efficacy of apatinib combined with GEMOX in patients with gallbladder cancer and its influence on tumor markers
    JIANG Li-li, ZHOU Su-kang, JU Ye
    2026, 31(1):  127-131. 
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    Objective To evaluate the efficacy of Apatinib combined with GEMOX in the treatment of gallbladder cancer (GC). Methods 98 GC patients admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to June 2023 were enrolled and divided into 2 groups by envelope method, 48 cases in the control group were treated with GEMOX, 50 cases in the observation group were treated with apatinib, and the efficacy of the two groups was compared. Results The overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate in the observation group were 78.00% (39/50) and 86.00% (43/50), which were higher than those in control group (58.33% (28/48) and 68.75% (33/48) (P<0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the CEA (15.69±2.74) ng/mL, VEGF (259.64±40.87) ng/mL and soluble interleukin-2 (sIL-2R) (536.29±42.05) U/mL in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (22.17±3.06) ng/mL, (324.52±49.82) ng/mL, (638.95±52.47) U/mL (P<0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, CD4+ (30.14±4.02) % and CD4+/CD8+ (0.79±0.12) in observation group were lower than those in control group (35.21±4.26) % and (0.93±0.14). CD8+ (41.26±4.29) % was higher than that in the control group (38.56±5.02) % (P<0.05). The KPS score (84.26±5.41) in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (80.66±5.86), and the BFI score (2.96±0.47) was lower than that in the control group (4.29±0.63) (P<0.05). The incidence of elevated blood pressure, proteinuria, and hand foot syndrome (4.00%, 6.00%, 4.00%) in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (6.25%, 6.25%, 4.17%), and the incidence of nausea and vomiting (8.00%) was higher than that in the control group (4.17%, P>0.05). Two groups of patients were followed up for 6 months, 2 cases fell off due to the loss of contact information, 49 cases in the observation group and 47 cases in the control group completed the final follow-up. The survival rate of the observation group was 91.84% (45/49), which was higher than that of the control group (82.98% (39/47), which was statistically analyzed by Log-rank χ2 test (χ2=1.721, P=0.190). Conclusion Apatinib combined with GEMOX has significant therapeutic effect on GC patients, which can effectively improve the immune function of patients, enhance the quality of life of patients, reduce the fatigue of patients, improve tumor markers, and the clinical safety is reasonable.