Lean body mass index is a marker of advanced tumor features in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Obesity is an independent risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and may influence its outcomes. However, after diagnosis of HCC, like other malignancies, the obesity paradox may exist where higher body mass index (BMI) may in fact confer a survival benefit. This is frequently observed in patients with advanced HCC and cirrhosis, who often present late with advanced tumor features and cancer related weight loss.

Which patient should have preference for liver transplantation: ALD?

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Changing Trends of Cirrhotic and Noncirrhotic Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Era of Directly-Acting Antiviral Agents.

Introduction: The impact of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) on burden of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been examined. We assessed recent trends in liver disease etiologies of HCC and proportion of noncirrhotic HCC since DAAs introduction.

Methods: Clinical characteristics including presence or absence of underlying cirrhosis were collected from 2,623 patients diagnosed with HCC between 2009 and 2019 at 2 large US centers.

Systematic review: non-invasive prognostic tests for primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Background: Several prognostic tests for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) have been developed, including biochemical models, elastography and magnetic resonance imaging scores.

Aim: To conduct a systematic review of non-invasive prognostic tests for PSC.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted from 1987 to 2020 of blood tests, biochemical models, elastography and imaging scores associated with outcomes in PSC.

Cardiovascular Factors Associated with Septic Shock Mortality Risks.

Context: The presence of at least one underlying chronic health condition, such as long-term care facility residence, malnutrition, immunosuppression, or prosthetic device use, are well known factors increasing infection risks and progression to severe sepsis. Furthermore, some degree of cardiovascular dysfunction occurs in the majority of septic patients and this prognostic significance has become increasingly recognized. Since septic shock carries the highest mortality risk on the sepsis spectrum, it is important to evaluate the cardiovascular risk impact on mortality in this subset of patients.

A Rare Association of Congenital Asplenia with Jejunal Arteriovenous Malformation.

BACKGROUND Isolated congenital asplenia is a poorly understood and rare form of primary immunodeficiency, often associated with life-threatening infections. CASE REPORT We encountered a unique case of a 22-year-old asplenic male who presented with severe iron-deficiency anemia secondary to occult gastrointestinal bleeding since age 15. Our extensive work-up confirmed jejunal arteriovenous malformations as the source of the bleed.