Rafael Paternostro

Evaluation of a new balloon occlusion catheter specifically designed for measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient

Despite the important clinical value of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and its increasing use, no specific balloon occlusion catheters have been designed to cannulate liver veins. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical applicability of a novel balloon (NC) occlusion catheter specifically designed for HVPG measurement.

Randomised clinical study: the effects of oral taurine 6g/day vs placebo on portal hypertension

The amino sulphonic acid taurine reduces oxidative endoplasmatic reticulum stress and inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation, which might lead to reduction of portal pressure in cirrhosis.

Von Willebrand factor indicates bacterial translocation, inflammation, and procoagulant imbalance and predicts complications independently of portal hypertension severity.

Elevated plasma von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF) has been shown to indicate the presence of clinically significant portal hypertension, and thus, predicts the development of clinical events in patients with cirrhosis.

Impact of patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 rs738409 G/G genotype on hepatic decompensation and mortality in patients with portal hypertension

The rs738409 C>G p.I148M variant in the patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3)‐gene promotes triglyceride accumulation in hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cell activation and has previously been linked to hepatic steatosis/liver fibrosis.

Carvedilol for reducing portal pressure in primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding: a dose‐response study

Sequential measurements of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) are used to assess the haemodynamic response to nonselective betablockers (NSBBs) in patients with portal hypertension.

Plasma renin concentration represents an independent risk factor for mortality and is associated with liver dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis

Plasma renin concentration (PRC) is increased in patients with cirrhosis. The aims of this study were to evaluate the relation of PRC to (i) portal hypertension, (ii) degree of liver dysfunction, and (iii) survival.

Controlled attenuation parameter does not predict hepatic decompensation in patients with advanced chronic liver disease

Assessment of hepatic steatosis by transient elastography (TE)‐based controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) might predict hepatic decompensation. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of CAP in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) and decompensated cirrhosis (DC).

Erectile dysfunction in cirrhosis is impacted by liver dysfunction, portal hypertension, diabetes and arterial hypertension

Although several risk factors for erectile dysfunction may be present in patients with cirrhosis, data on the actual prevalence and cause of erectile dysfunction is limited. The International Index of Erectile Function‐5 (IIEF‐5) is a well‐validated survey to determine the presence and severity of erectile dysfunction in men. We assessed (i) the prevalence and severity of erectile dysfunction, and (ii) risk factors for erectile dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis.

Dysbalanced sex hormone status is an independent predictor of decompensation and mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis: Sexual hormones in cirrhosis

Endocrinological abnormalities, including low testosterone levels, are prevalent in cirrhosis. We assessed sexual hormone status in regard to hemodynamic abnormalities and its impact on hepatic decompensation and survival.