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Introduction and Aim: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS). It is associated with a reduced quality of life and poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to compare two groups of patients who did and did not develop overt HE after TIPS. We looked for differences between these groups before TIPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS A study of 895 patients was conducted based on a retrospective analysis of clinical data. Data was analyzed using Fisher's exact test, Chi-square, Mann Whitney test, unpaired t-test and logistic regression. After the initial analyses, we have looked at a regression models for the factors associated with development of HE after TIPS. RESULTS 257 (37.9%) patients developed HE after TIPS. Patients' age, pre-TIPS portal venous pressure, serum creatinine, aspartate transaminase, albumin, presence of diabetes mellitus and etiology of portal hypertension were statistically significantly associated with the occurrence of HE after TIPS (p < 0.01). However, only the age, pre-TIPS portal venous pressure, serum creatinine, presence of diabetes mellitus and etiology of portal hypertension contributed to the regression model. Patients age, serum creatinine, presence of diabetes mellitus and portal vein pressure formed the model describing development of HE after TIPS for a subgroup of patients with refractory ascites. CONCLUSION we have identified, using a substantial sample, several factors associated with the development of HE after TIPS. This could be helpful in further research.

Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) is a rare inherited liver disease characterized by recurrent attacks of severe cholestasis with no progression to end stage liver disease. Patients have jaundice, however, serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and cholesterol levels remain within the normal range during the attacks. Three mutations in the familial intrahepatic cholestasis 1 (ATP8B1) gene encoding a P-type ATPase have been reported so far in patients with the autosomal recessive form of BRIC. A novel rare type insertion-deletion mutation, also called indel, was found in exon 24 of ATP8B1 in our patient together with a known missense mutation 1982T>C in exon 17. The mechanism of the indel formation is proposed and impact of the indel mutation on the function of ATP8B1 protein is discussed.

Summary Background : Mesalazine as the treatment standard for ulcerative colitis can be applied in different galenical preparations. Aim : A novel formulation of mesalazine pellets with delayed and prolonged release characteristics was compared with conventional Eudragit L-coated tablets. Furthermore, the effect of mesalazine dose escalation on nonresponders was evaluated in both treatment groups. Methods : A total of 233 patients with mild to moderately active ulcerative colitis were randomized to receive either mesalazine (1.5 g/day in three doses) as pellets (n = 115) or tablets (n = 118) for 8 weeks. At insufficient response, the dose was increased to 3.0 g. Results : The clinical remission rate (clinical activity index ≤ 4) for pellets was 67% vs. 68% for tablets which statistically proved to be not inferior (significance level α = 2.5%). In patients without dose increase, the remission rate was 47% (pellets) vs. 42% (tablets). Endoscopic improvement was observed in 80% (pellets) vs. 83% (tablets), and histological improvement in 48% (pellets) vs. 52% (tablets) of patients. Conclusions : Mesalazine pellets are as effective as tablets in the treatment of mild to moderately active ulcerative colitis. Dose escalation to 3.0 g/day is a valid option for nonresponders to a starting dose of 1.5 g/day.

Introduction. Liver cirrhosis is associated with hyperdynamic circulation which can result in heart failure. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) due to increase of cardiac output is a stressful stimu- lus for cardiovascular system. Therefore, new methods for early detection of heart failure are needed. Transmitral flow is a marker of diastolic dysfunction. Aim. To analyze short- and long-term effect of TIPS procedure on transmitral flow. Material and methods. 55 patients (38 men and 17 women, 55.6 ± 8.9 years) with liver cirrhosis treated with TIPS were enrolled in the study. Echocardiography was performed before, 24 h, 7, 30 and 180 days after the procedure. During 6 month follow up 22 patients died. Results. Left ven- tricle end-diastolic diameter was increasing during the follow-up (baseline: 47 (44.7-51.2) mm, day 7: 50 (46.5-51.3) mm, p < 0.05; day 30: 49.5 (46.7-55.2) mm, p < 0.01; 6 months: 52.5 (48.3-55.2) mm, p < 0.01)). The peak early filling velocity (E) was significantly increasing (before: 75.5 (60.5-87.3) cm/s, 24 h: 88 (74.3-109.7), p < 0.01; day 7: 89 (81.5-105) p < 0.01; 1 month: 94 (82.7-108.5) p < 0.01; 6 month: 91 (80.1-120.2) p < 0.01). Peak late atrial filling velocity (A) significantly increased within 24 h after the procedure: 85.1 (76.2-99.5) vs. 91.2 (81.5-104.5) cm/s, p < 0.05. The E/A ratio was increasing during the follow up (baseline: 0.88, 24 h after: 0.89, 1 week: 1.0, 30 days: 1.13, 6 month: 1.06 p < 0.01). Conclusion. Hemodynamic changes following TIPS procedure can be monitored using echocardiography. Transmitral flow analysis can serve as a useful tool for evaluating of diastolic function in these patients.