RESEARCH ARTICLE

 

Role of Brain Biomarkers S-100-Beta and Neuron-Specific Enolase for Detection and Follow-Up of Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhosis before, during and after Treatment with L-Ornithine-L-Aspartate

Papel dos biomarcadores cerebrais S-100-beta e enolase neurónio-específica para a deteção e vigilância da encefalopatia hepática na cirrose antes, durante e após terapêutica com L-rnitina-L-aspartato

 

Hendrik Strebel^a,b, Bernhard Haller^c, Maximilian Sohn^d, Wolfgang Schepp^a, Felix Gundling^a,e

^aDepartment of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, Bogenhausen Academic Teaching Hospital, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; ^bDepartment for Internal Medicine I, Elblandklinikum, Meißen, Germany; ^cInstitute of Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; ^dKlinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Endokrine und Minimal-invasive Chirurgie, Klinikum Bogenhausen, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; ^eDepartment for Gastroenterology, Diabetics and Endocrinology, Kemperhof Hospital, Gemeinschaftsklinikum Mittelrhein, Koblenz, Germany

^* Corresponding author.

 

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), in the context of liver cirrhosis, seems to result from low-grade cerebral edema of the astrocytes. Serum brain biomarkers S-100-beta und neuron-specific enolase (NSE) are often elevated in brain injury. We hypothesized that neuromarkers S-100-beta and NSE can be used in the diagnosis of HE, compared with standardized diagnostic tools. Material and Methods: A prospective non-randomized intervention study was performed using L-ornithine-L-aspartate (LOLA) for HE treatment. Primary endpoint was the evaluation of neuromarkers S-100-beta and NSE for detection and diagnosis of follow-up of HE. As secondary endpoints, the efficacy of LOLA on the course of HE and the diagnostic role of Portosystemic-Encephalopathy- Syndrome score (PHES) and critical flicker frequency (CFF) were analyzed. For diagnosis of covert (CHE) and overt (OHE) HE, West-Haven criteria (WHC), PHES and CFF were assessed at study entry. LOLA was applied (20 g i.v.) for 6 days. At the end of the study, HE evaluation was repeated. S-100-beta, NSE and ammonia were assessed in each patient before, during and after therapy with LOLA. Results: 30 patients were included. At study entry, CHE was diagnosed in 50% and OHE in 50% of all subjects. A total of 25 participants completed the study. After LOLA therapy, deterioration of HE occurred in < 11%, while most patients showed improvement (e.g. improved CFF in 79%). No significant correlation with HE severity (as diagnosed by WHC, PHES and CFF) could be demonstrated for any biochemical parameter. In addition, there were no significant changes in brain biomarkers during the treatment period. Discussion: While CFF as well as PHES showed good correlation with treatment response, S-100-beta and NSE did not significantly correlate with HE severity compared to proven diagnostic methods, and do not seem reliable biochemical markers for the follow-up under therapy.

Keywords: Cirrhosis, Critical flicker frequency, Hepatic encephalopathy, L-ornithine-L-aspartate,Neuron-specific enolase, PSE-testing, S-100-beta ,West-Haven criteria

 

RESUMO

Introdução: A encefalopatia hepática (EH) na cirrose é vista como o resultado de edema cerebral de baixo grau dos astrócitos. Biomarcadores cerebrais serológicos S-100-beta e enolase neurónio-específica (NSE) estão frequentemente elevados na lesão cerebral. A nossa hipótese é que os neuromarcadores S-100-beta e NSE podem ser usados no diagnóstico de EH, quando comparados com os meios diagnósticos standard. Material e Métodos: Estudo prospectivo não randomizado foi realizado usando L-ornitina- L-aspartato (LOLA) no tratamento da EH. O endpoint primário foi a avaliação dos neuromarcadores S-100-beta e NSE para a deteção e vigilância da EH. Foram endpoints secundários a eficácia da LOLA no curso da EH e o papel diagnóstico do Portosystemic-Encephalopathy-Syndrome score (PHES) e do critical flicker frequency (CFF). Para o diagnóstico de EH oculta (EHO) ou declarada (EHD) foram avaliados os West-Haven criteria (WHC), PHES e CFF à entrada do estudo. LOLA foi administrada (20 g ev) por 6 dias. No fim do estudo os testes de EH foram repetidos. Os níveis de S-100-beta, NSE e amónia foram avaliados em todos os doentes antes, durante e após a terapêutica com LOLA. Resultados: Foram incluídos 30 doentes no estudo. À entrada EHO foi diagnosticada em 50% e EHD nos restantes 50% dos participantes. Um total de 25 doentes completaram o estudo. Após a terapêutica com LOLA, verificou-se deterioração da EH em < 11%, enquanto a maioria dos doentes melhorou (melhoria CFF em 79%). Não se demonstrou nenhuma correlação significativa com a gravidade da EH (tendo em conta os WHC, PHES e CFF) para nenhum dos parâmetros bioquímicos. Para além disso, não se demonstraram variaões significativa nos biomarcadores cerebrais durante o período de tratamento. Discussão: Apesar do CFF e do PHES apresentarem boa correlação com a resposta terapêutica, a S-100-beta e a NSE não se correlacionaram significativamente com a gravidade da EH quando comparado com os outros métodos diagnósticos standard, não parecendo ser marcadores bioquímicos úteos para a vigilância da resposta terapêutica.

Palavras-Chave: Cirrose, Critical flicker frequency, Encefalopatia hepática, L-ornitina-L-aspartato, Enolase neurónio-específica, PSE-testing, S-100-beta, West-Haven criteria

 

Introduction

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the major complications of liver cirrhosis which is characterized by a heterogeneous complex of psychomotoric symptoms. These different clinical grades were defined in the West-Haven criteria (WHC, 1–5). HE includes all neurological- psychiatric disorders resulting from acute to chronic liver diseases mostly under the influence of precipitating factors (e.g. gastrointestinal bleeding or infections). HE represents a continuum with a clinical spectrum ranging from minor cognitive deficits (covert HE, CHE) to coma. A clinically manifest HE (also named overt HE, OHE) occurs in about 30–45% of all cirrhotic patients, while CHE can be diagnosed in up to 80% when using additional diagnostic tools [1–5]. HE is often associated with decompensated cirrhosis and an unfavorable prognosis [6–8]. However, the exact prevalence of HE is difficult to determine due to differences in etiology, severity and diagnostic tools which are used [9]. Since the number of patients with cirrhosis is expected to increase in the upcoming years due to the obesity epidemic resulting in NASH-induced cirrhosis [9–10], there is a strong need for reliable and fast diagnostic tools for HE diagnosis.

In addition to its prognostic significance, HE causes numerous negative effects, e.g. impaired driving skills, reduced intellectual performance and decreased quality of life [11–17]. This underlines the importance of timely and rapid diagnostic procedures for HE to start specific HE treatment as soon as possible. The benefits of an adequate HE therapy (e.g. by application of lactulose, rifaximin or L-ornithine-L-aspartate, LOLA) are well documented in numerous prospective studies, demonstrating e.g. a lower rate of inpatient hospital stays [18–19].

Time-consuming diagnostic procedures such as the Portosystemic-Encephalopathy-Syndrome score (PSEtest) and neurophysiologic testing are not available everywhere and imply sometimes difficulties concerning interpretation of test results [20]. Therefore, laboratory chemical parameters are of special interest for detection and grading of HE [21, 22]. However, the significance of widespread tests such as the ammonia determination for detection and follow-up of the HE is considered as being not reliable enough [5, 22, 23].

Imaging studies using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS) on the human brain in patients with cirrhosis and HE could demonstrate the presence of a mild brain edema, which deteriorates under the influence of precipitating factors triggering neurological-psychiatric symptoms of HE via functional disturbances of the astrocytes [24]. Of note, astrocyte swelling is regarded as an important cornerstone of pathophysiology of HE. A multitude of different factors including ammonia, benzodiazepines and inflammatory cytokines can worsen this condition [24, 25].

HE in cirrhosis is seen as the clinical manifestation of astrocyte swelling resulting in a low-grade cerebral edema caused by different precipitating factors [24, 25]. Therefore, neuromarkers which are set free by cellular swelling in the brain may serve possibly as diagnostic markers to detect and quantificate HE. The calcium-binding protein S-100-beta is a protein found primarily in the nervous system of vertebrates, which is significantly elevated in serum, urine and cerebrospinal fluid in cases of neuronal damage [26–29]. This brain biomarker is used e.g. in the evaluation of the prognosis of patients after ischemic cerebral infarction or to assess neuropsychological deficits following craniocerebral trauma [26–28]. Wiltfang et al. [30] analyzed the impact of S-100-beta in serum as a surrogate marker for neuronal damage in HE patients with cirrhosis and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPSS) finding a positive correlation. To date, there is more promising data regarding its diagnostic impact, e.g. in children with acute liver failure [31–33]. Another serum marker for cerebral damage is neuronspecific enolase (NSE), a glycolytic enzyme inside of neuronal and neuroendocrine cells. NSE is used as a tumor marker and as a prognostic parameter for cerebral damage (e.g. hypoxic brain damage of ICU patients). One study describes elevated serum levels of NSE in fulminant liver failure while other studies conclude that in chronic liver diseases no diagnostic or prognostic value can be attributed to this parameter [41, 42].

Despite of all these promising data, it is not clear, whether neuromarkers S-100-beta and NSE can be used as reliable biomarkers in the detection and follow-up of HE. Of note, there are no prospective intervention studies using standardized diagnostic tools so far.

Therefore, this prospective study evaluated whether brain biomarkers S-100-beta and NSE coincide with HE (as diagnosed by WHC, PSE-testing and critical flicker frequency [CFF], respectively) before, during and after specific medical therapy using LOLA. LOLA is a mixture of two endogenous amino acids (L-ornithine and L-aspartate) and represents an effective HE therapy [34]. These neuromarkers might be associated with the severity and course of HE under specific therapy.

Material and Methods

30 patients with liver cirrhosis (confirmed histologically and/or by imaging) and HE between 18 and 75 years of age were included in this prospective study. Patients with other diseases or conditions (e.g. intracranial hemorrhage, apoplexy) causing possibly a change of brain biomarkers S-100-beta and NSE were excluded.

Successful therapy of trigger factors (e.g. acute bleeding or infection) often results in an improvement of HE, independent from any specific therapeutic intervention. To avoid any additional positive effect on HE improvement under LOLA therapy, patients with proven trigger factors for an HE episode were excluded.

Most patients included in the present study were admitted to our hospital because of an acute ascitic fluid decompensation. The entire etiologic spectrum of cirrhosis was included in this study. Baseline parameters of all patients are shown in Table 1.

 

 

Specific HE therapy with LOLA was applied if OHE could be diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms (WHC) or if CHE was diagnosed by several diagnostic tools (psychometric and neurophysiological tests: PSE-testing, CFF). The two endogenous amino acids L-ornithine and L-aspartate can be administered orally or parenterally as a specific HE medication. Proven effect of LOLA medication has been shown in numerous randomized clinical trials [34]. The benefits of LOLA, e.g. regarding lowering of blood ammonia and improving HE symptoms, have been known for 50 years. Within that time, numerous randomized clinical trials and recent meta-analysis have been performed to establish the efficacy of LOLA for the treatment of HE in cirrhosis [34].

In this study, therapy was exclusively administered with 20 g LOLA per day which was applied intravenously for a period of 6 days. This substance was chosen because its effectiveness has been proven in several studies [34] and since a safe and guaranteed application is possible by intravenous application. Other specific forms of HEtreatment were excluded (e.g. application of lactulose or rifaximin).

Assessment of HE Severity

West-Haven Criteria

Classification of the different grades of HE was performed according to international accepted clinical criteria (WHC, Table 2; adapted from [4]).

 

 

In addition to clinical assessment, grading of HE was performed by several standardized diagnostic tools (PSE-testing, CFF).

Critical Flicker Frequency

CFF was determined as it was described elsewhere (using Hepatonorm TM Analyzer®, Dusseldorf, Germany) [35].

To identify abnormal CFF we used the same threshold of an abnormal CFF of 39 Hz as this was defined in the pilot study by Kircheis et al. [35]. Kircheis et al. found an average CFF of 36.0 ± 1.4 Hz in subjects with HE 1 (according to WHC) while the average CFF in subjects with HE 2 (according to WHC) was 32.1 ± 2.7 Hz and HE 3 (according to WHC) was < 30 Hz [35].

PSE-Testing

While the diagnosis of OHE is based on the clinical picture, psychometric and neurophysiological tests are required to detect the clinical subtle spectrum of CHE. From the large number of test procedures used for diagnosis of HE, the quantitative assessment of portosystemic encephalopathy (PSE-score or PSE-testing) by Schomerus and colleagues has proved to be particularly sensitive [36–39]. Due to the simple feasibility of these test procedures, they represent a widely used method for the diagnosis and grading of low-grade stages of HE. In this study, PSE-testing according to Schomerus and colleagues was used (©1999 Swets & Zeitlinger B.V, Swets Test Services, Frankfurt). This test consists of 5 different test procedures. In the ZVA test, numbers must be linked as quickly as possible in their arithmetical order. In the more sensitive second numerical connection test (ZVB), numbers and letters must be connected alternately (1-A-2-B-3-C, etc.). In the number symbol test (ZST), different symbols must be assigned to certain numbers as quickly as possible. In the line follow-up test (LNT), the patient must use a pencil to drive down a 5 mm wide road system as quickly as possible without crossing the boundary lines. The task of puncturing circles (KP) can also be carried out quickly, allowing the psychomotor system to be tested in the same way as with the LNT. Performance and interpretation of this test system was carried out and evaluated according to the relevant manual published by Schomerus and colleagues [36–39].

Assessment of Biochemical Parameters

Before (day 1), during (day 2–5) and after (day 6) LOLA-therapy, 3 different serum markers were assessed in each subject. These were the brain biomarkers S-100-beta and NSE. Furthermore, plasma ammonia levels were obtained regularly (on day 1–6). All laboratory parameters were measured according to standardized laboratory measurements. The study algorithm is summarized in Figure 1.

 

 

Calcium-Binding Protein S-100-Beta

To measure plasma S-100-beta, peripheral venous blood samples were obtained using the commercial S-100-beta-assay kit (Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany). This is an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) for the quantitative determination of S-100-beta which works according to the sandwich principle. A complex is formed from S-100-beta protein and two antibodies directed against S-100. One (biotinylated) antibody binds (in several intermediate steps) to a solid phase while the other antibody is conjugated with a ruthenium complex. The sample can be assessed by chemiluminescence by measuring the resulting light with a photomultiplier which is proportional to the S-100 concentration. According to the manufacturer, the measuring range is 0.005–39 μg/L (product information S-100-beta, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) while the normal value for healthy adults is 0.048 μgI/L. The 95th percentile value (cutoff between norm value and pathological result) is 0.105 μg/L.

Neuron-Specific Enolase

To measure plasma NSE, peripheral venous blood samples were obtained using a commercial ECLIA assay kit. Measurement of NSE was carried out according to the test procedure described above. According to the manufacturer, the measuring range is 0.050–370 ng/mL (product information NSE, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) while the standard value is 17 ng/mL.

Ammonia

To measure plasma ammonia, peripheral venous blood samples were obtained and analyzed within 30 min after withdrawal with routine laboratory methods under standardized laboratory conditions. Normal values were defined as follows: ammonia 12– 55 μmol/L.

Statistical Analysis

In order to enable a comparison of the various diagnostic methods mentioned above, it was necessary to classify the patient population into HE severity levels. The severity of HE was first categorized according to the WHC. All patients with HE were divided into two subgroups: CHE (HE grade 1 according to WHC) and OHE (all other severities HE grade > 1 according to WHC). The CHE group was compared with the OHE group before and after the end of therapy and the results within a group before and after therapy.

Statistical analysis was performed descriptively using statistical software R version 2.12.0 (R Development Core Team (R: a language and environment for statistical computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria, 2010, http://www.Rproject.org/). Qualitative data are presented as absolute and relative frequencies, quantitative data as mean, median, minimum and maximum. Qualitative data are presented as absolute and relative frequencies, quantitative data as mean, median, standard deviation, minimum and maximum. Exact 95% confidence intervals based on the binomial distribution were estimated for the misclassification error rates of the WHC, PSE and CFF. The design of the study did not include a control group of healthy individuals. Therefore, no values for specificity and predictive values referring classification of HE versus no HE could be calculated. For differences between CHE and OHE group, the following statistical tests were performed: Mann Whitney U test (at days 1–6 of LOLA treatment). For differences during treatment period for both subgroups, Wilcoxon signed rank test (day 1 vs. day 6 of LOLA treatment) was carried out. When calculating sensitivity, specificity and predictive values (NPV and PPV) for classification of CHE versus OHE in patients with HE, cross-tables with the corresponding measurements results for the marker S-100-beta (for a cut value of 0.105 μg/L), NSE (for a cut value of 17 ng/mL) and for ammonia (for a cut value of 50 μmol/L) were carried out.

Results

The study population consisted of 30 patients (male: 15, female: 15) with proven liver cirrhosis (by imaging criteria and/or histology). The average age was 63.5 years. Altogether, 25 study participants completed the study according to the study protocol. 5 study participants had to be excluded (in 4 cases by patient request, 1 death by massive esophageal variceal bleeding). Baseline parameters of all cirrhotic patients included in this study are summarized in Table 1.

Severity of HE before and after Treatment with LOLA over 6 Days (Using WHC, CFF, PSE-Test)

At study entry (baseline: before administration of LOLA therapy), CHE was diagnosed in 50% (15/30) compared to OHE in 50% (15/30) when using clinical criteria (WHC).

At baseline, pathological CFF values (as defined by CFF < 39 Hz) were observed in 27 out of 30 patients In the CHE subgroup, pathological values were obtained in 11/15 cases (sensitivity 80%; median flicker frequency of 36.9 Hz [range 35.5–41.3 Hz; SD: 1.6]). In the OHE group, CFF was reduced in all subjects (15/15; median flicker frequency of 30.2 Hz [range 25–35 Hz; SD 3.1]. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

When CFF testing was repeated at the end of the study (after 6 days of LOLA therapy), only 7% in the CHE group (1/15) showed pathological values. In the OHE group, 90% of patients (9 of the 10 remaining patients) showed a decreased CFF (below the threshold value of < 39 Hz).

At the end of the study, median CFF was improved in all patients (in CHE: 43 Hz [range 37—51 Hz; SD 3.5]; in OHE: 36.1 Hz [range 29.4–44.2 Hz; SD 4.1]). The CFF difference between the two groups remained statistically significant (p < 0.001). The improvement of CFF after LOLA therapy was also significant in both groups (CHE: p = 0.001, OHE: p = 0.005, Fig. 2).

 

 

When HE was diagnosed using PHES, patients with CHE showed a pathological score of 11 (threshold value ≤–4) at initial testing (sensitivity 73%). At the time of study entry, the median PSE-score values for patients with CHE were –9 (range 0 to –14; median –7.7; SD 4.1). In patients with OHE, the results were consistently pathologically below the threshold value (sensitivity 100%). In the OHE group, the median score was –12 was found (range –8 to –15; median –11.5; SD 2.4). At the end of therapy, pathological test results could be obtained in 64% of patients with CHE and in 100% of patients with OHE. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.007). After therapy, a median of –7.5 score points (range 0 to –13; median –6.6; SD 3.9) was found in the CHE group. In the OHE group the median was –7 (range –5 to –14; median –8; SD 2.8). A significant improvement of the PSE-score could be demonstrated after completion of LOLA therapy (p = 0.016). The mean values of all patients with CHE and OHE are shown in Figure 3.

 

 

Comparison of Different Diagnostic Approaches (WHC, CFF and PSE-Testing) for Follow-Up of HE after Completion of LOLA Therapy

In HE patients, LOLA therapy was applied intravenously (20 g) for 6 days. At the end of the study, HE testing was repeated (WHC, PSE-test, CFF). Using WHC, 46% showed an improvement of clinical symptoms, while 50% were unchanged and 4% showed a higher clinical HE stage. Using CFF, 79% showed an improvement, while 21% demonstrated an unchanged severity. When using the PSE-test, 30% were improved, 59% unchanged and 11% showed deteriorated test results (Fig. 4).

 

 

In a paired comparison of the different diagnostic methods used for detection and follow-up of HE, the best correlation with WHC could be achieved by CFF (p = 0.001 [initial], p = 0.042 [final]), while PSE-score showed no significant correlation with WHC and CFF (p = 0.149 [initial], p = 0.773 [final]).

Role of Brain Biomarkers S-100-Beta and NSE for Detection and Follow-Up of HE in Cirrhosis before, during and after Therapy with LOLA

All biochemical parameters investigated in this study (S-100-beta, NSE, ammonia) did not correlate significantly with the severity of HE (as diagnosed by WHC, CFF and PSE-testing). In addition, the mean value analysis (MVA) did not reveal any significant change of the different laboratory parameters over the treatment period of 6 days with LOLA (Fig. 5a–c).

 

 

S-100-Beta

At study entry, increased values of S-100-beta could be detected in 19/30 patients (> 0.105 μg/L, sensitivity 63%). In subjects with CHE, increased values were detected in 7/15 patients (sensitivity 46%) compared to 12/15 in patients with OHE (sensitivity 80%, Fig. 6). Multivariate analysis of all data over the 6-day study period revealed no significant changes over time while no differences between the different HE grades were observed. When calculating sensitivity, specificity and predictive values (PPV, NPV) for classification of CHE versus OHE in patients with HE, cross-table with the corresponding measurements results for S-100-beta (for a cut value of 0.105 μg/L) revealed sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 53% (PPV 63%, NPV 73%; Table 3).

 

 

 

 

Neuron-Specific Enolase

At study entry, 17% of all patients (5/30) revealed increased levels of NSE above the normal limit (> 17 ng/ mL). In subjects with CHE, increased values were detected in 3/15 patients (sensitivity 20%) compared to 2/15 patients with OHE (sensitivity 13%). The follow-up of NSE mean values over the entire therapy duration of 6 days is shown in Figure 7. No significant correlation between NSE values during the LOLA treatment period of 6 days and different grades of HE severity could be shown. When calculating sensitivity, specificity and predictive values (PPV, NPV) for classification of CHE versus OHE in patients with HE, cross-table with the corresponding measurements results for NSE (for a cut value of 17 ng/ mL) revealed sensitivity of 20% and specificity of 80% (PPV 40%, NPV 48%; Table 3).

 

 

Ammonia

At baseline, serum ammonia levels (> 50 μmol/L) were increased in 33% (10/30) of all patients. Of those, CHE was diagnosed in 5/15 patients compared to 5/15 patients of those with OHE (sensitivity 33%). After completion of LOLA therapy, pathologically elevated ammonia values were measured in 30% of patients. Mean ammonia values over time during the entire therapy duration of 6 days are shown in Figure 8. Multivariate analysis of all data over the 6-day study period revealed no significant changes in the time course while no differences between the different HE grades were observed. When calculating sensitivity, specificity and predictive values (PPV, NPV) for classification of CHE versus OHE in patients with HE, crosstable with the corresponding measurements results for ammonia (for a cut value of 50 μg/L) revealed sensitivity of 33% and specificity of 66.7% (PPV 50%, NPV 50%; Table 3).

 

 

Discussion

The current guideline of the German Society of Gastroenterology (Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Verdauungskrankheiten und Stoffwechsel, DGVS) defining the treatment of complications of liver cirrhosis recommends a diagnosis of OHE by using clinical WHC. For diagnosis of CHE it recommends the application of CFF and/or PSE-testing [23].

Adequate therapy of HE is crucial to avoid events such as falls and traffic accidents, tendency to neglect, personality changes and difficulties in social and occupational life [20, 23]. Current data from Germany suggest that HE is too rarely diagnosed in German hospitals [40]. Since a sufficient treatment of HE not only improves the quality of life but also patients’ prognosis, screening for HE should be implemented into clinical routine in all cirrhotic patients [23]. Therefore, suitable laboratory parameters for detection and follow-up of HE are of particular importance.

The accuracy of ammonia determination is influenced by many factors including e.g. phlebotomy technique which should be always considered when interpreting results [21, 22]. Thus, factors independent from liver dysfunction could affect ammonia levels (such as smoking or strong physical exercise) [22]. Therefore, plasma ammonia is considered as an invalid surrogate marker for HE [5, 22, 23].

To date, there is no valid serum parameter which is recommended by current guidelines for detection and follow-up of HE in cirrhotic patients. Since there is an unmet need for diagnostic laboratory parameters for detection and monitoring of HE in patients with cirrhosis which are reliable and easy to perform, we performed this prospective study to evaluate an association of neuronal markers S-100-beta and NSE with the severity and course of HE while medical therapy with LOLA was applied for a period of 6 days in all patients suffering from HE. Our hypothesis was that S-100-beta and NSE may enable assessment and grading of HE in cirrhosis.

At study entry (before LOLA therapy was applied), CHE was diagnosed in 50% of all patients compared to OHE in 50% when using clinical WHC. At the end of the study (after therapy with LOLA for 6 days), WHC were improved in 46%, unchanged in 50% and worsened in 4% (Fig. 4).

When defining a threshold value of < 39 Hz as pathological flicker frequency, HE could be detected by CFF in 80% of all patients with CHE (range 35–39 Hz) and in 100% with OHE (range 25–35 Hz, p < 0.01). Only 3 patients from the CHE group had a normal CFF (> 39 Hz, 36). At the end of study, CFF was improved in 79% of all patients while unchanged in 21%, respectively.

Using PSE-testing, HE was diagnosed in 73% of all patients with CHE and in 100% with OHE. Interestingly, pathological PSE-scores were found in 3 patients tested negative for HE by CFF. PSE-scores were significantly lower in the CHE group compared to the OHE group. However, there was an overlap of test results between the two groups: 63% of the measured values fell into an intersection between –8 (lowest value in the OHE group) and –12 (highest value in the CHE group). This result is supported by a large study, which also found a strong overlap of PSE-scores between different disease levels. PSE-testing showed an improvement in 30% after LOLA-therapy, while in 59% the test results were unchanged and in 11% deterioration could be observed [43].

When comparing the different diagnostic procedures for detection and follow-up of HE, CFF had the highest sensitivity both in patients with CHE and OHE.

All biochemical parameters investigated in this study (S-100-beta, NSE, ammonia) showed no significant correlation with the severity of HE (as diagnosed by WHC, CFF and PSE-testing). In addition, the MVA did not reveal any significant change of the analyzed parameters over the treatment period of 6 days with LOLA and no significant correlation with the severity of HE after completion of drug therapy (Fig. 5a–c).

When comparing the validity of all serum markers, S- 100-beta showed the highest sensitivity for HE detection, although it was low at 63%. The sensitivity of NSE was below 20% and was increased in only 17% of all patients with proven HE. The sensitivity of serum ammonia, which is frequently used in clinical routine, was only 33% in our study. None of the laboratory parameters was able to differentiate between CHE and OHE or suitable to document any therapeutical effect when compared with WHC, CFF and PSE-testing.

Our study showed for the first time that brain biomarkers S-100-beta and NSE do not significantly correlate with HE severity when using different proven diagnostic methods (CFF and PSE-testing). Furthermore, these neuromarkers do not represent reliable biochemical markers for a follow-up of HE under LOLA therapy.

To date, there is no routine laboratory parameter which represents a valid diagnostic alternative to psychometric and neurophysiologic diagnostic procedures including CFF and PSE-testing for detection and monitoring of HE in cirrhosis [44].

 

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Statement of Ethics

Patients had to sign a written consent to participate in this study. The study protocol was examined and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Klinikum Rechts der Isar (Project number 1547/06, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich).

Disclosure Statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Funding Sources

None.

 

^* Corresponding author.

PD Dr. med. Felix Gundling

Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Gastrointestinal Oncology

Bogenhausen Academic Teaching Hospital, Technical University of Munich

Englschalkinger Strasse 77, DE–81925 Munich (Germany)

Felix.Gundling@gmx.de

 

Received: December 7, 2019; Accepted: March 8, 2020

 

Author Contributions

H.S. and M.S. performed HE diagnostics and obtained laboratory parameters, B.H. contributed to statistical workup, W.S. and F.G. wrote the study protocol and the manuscript.