Sequential evaluation of portal venous hemodynamics by Doppler ultrasound in patients with severe acute hepatitis

Dar In Tai*, Chi Sin Changchien, Chiu Jung Chen, Shue Shian Chiou, Chuan Mo Lee, Chung Huang Kuo, Jyh Jou Chen, King Wah Chiu, Seng Kee Chuah, Tsung Hui Hu, Chi Ming Hsiaw

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: Portal hypertension may develop in patients with severe acute hepatitis. Sequential changes of portal venous hemodynamics in acute hepatitis is not well understood. This study evaluated portal hemodynamic changes and prognostic values in patients with severe, acute hepatitis. Methods: Doppler studies, liver function tests, and virology studies were done in the inclusion, the 3rd month, and the 6th month for patients with severe, acute hepatitis. An indocyanine green clearance was done in the inclusion. Doppler portal hemodynamic studies were done in the hilar area by an average of two measurements. Results: A total of 88 consecutive patients was included. Nine of them died. On initial study, fatalities were generally older patients with more delayed indocyanine green clearance, lower portal vein velocity, lower albumin values, higher bilirubin values, longer prothrombin time, and ascites. Using stepwise logistic regression, portal blood flow and prothrombin time were the two independence prognostic factors. By multiple linear regression, portal blood flow was associated with ascites, and average portal blood velocity was associated with bilirubin. During the hospital days, transient, depressed portal blood velocities followed by a hyperdynamic stage were found in survivors. The portal vein velocity changes for fatalities either were kept at a lower level or had a declining pattern. Conclusions: Doppler ultrasound detects portal hemodynamic changes for patients with severe, acute hepatitis. Sequential portal hemodynamic studies will be helpful for evaluating patients with severe, acute hepatitis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)545-550
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume91
Issue number3
StatePublished - 03 1996

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Sequential evaluation of portal venous hemodynamics by Doppler ultrasound in patients with severe acute hepatitis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this