History of Hepatic Encephalopathy Is Not a Contraindication to Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement for Refractory Ascites.

Introduction: The outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are controversial. We studied the relationship of pre-TIPS HE in patients undergoing TIPS for refractory ascites on all-cause mortality and development of post-TIPS HE.

Methods: A single-center retrospective comparison study was performed for patients undergoing TIPS for refractory ascites. Survival by history of pre-TIPS HE was demonstrated with Kaplan-Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors of post-TIPS clinical outcomes for patients with and without pre-TIPS HE.

Results: We identified 202 TIPS recipients (61% male, mean ± SD; age 59.1 ± 10.2 years; mean model for end-stage liver disease score 17.3 ± 6.9). Pre-TIPS HE did not predispose patients for increased all-cause mortality, increased risk of experiencing HE within 60 days, or increased risk of hospital admission for HE within 6 months. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that total bilirubin (odds ratio [OR] 1.03; P = 0.016) and blood urea nitrogen (OR 1.15; P = 0.002) were predictors for all-cause mortality within 6 months post-TIPS. Age ≥65 years (OR 3.92; P = 0.004), creatinine (OR 2.22; P = 0.014), and Child-Pugh score (OR 1.53; P = 0.006) were predictors for HE within 60 days post-TIPS. Predictors of intensive care admission for HE within 6 months post-TIPS included age ≥65 years (OR 8.84; P = 0.018), history of any admission for HE within 6 months pre-TIPS (OR 8.42; P = 0.017), and creatinine (OR 2.22; P = 0.015).

Discussion: If controlled, pre-TIPS HE does not adversely impact patient survival or clinical outcomes, such as development of HE within 60 days of TIPS or hospital admission for HE within 6 months. Patients may be able to undergo TIPS for refractory ascites despite a history of HE.