The role of serial lactate and liver enzyme dynamics in predicting post hepatectomy liver failure

Background: Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality following liver resection. Current prognostic models only allow for the detection of PHLF on post-operative day 5. Earlier detection and intervention may improve outcomes. To date, no studies have evaluated serial post-operative lactate and liver function tests (LFT) to predict PHLF. Aim: This study evaluated the prognostic utility of serial lactate concentrations and LFTs to predict PHLF following hepatectomy. Methods: All major liver resections (≥ 3 Couinaud segments) undertaken at Groote Schuur Hospital and UCT Private Academic Hospital from May 2018 to April 2021 were included. Lactate levels were measured 4-hourly for the first 24 hours post hepatectomy and daily LFTs for the first 5 days. Associations between baseline patient characteristics and lactate dynamics in PHLF as well as the predictive value of lactate, INR and bilirubin were determined. Results: Forty-seven patients, mean age 56.5 (±13.2) years, of whom 24 were males were assessed. Five (10.6%) patients had PHLF and were older (67.4 ± 12.2) and were predominantly men (80%)..

Risk factors for Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) death in a population cohort study from the Western Cape province, South Africa

Risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) death in sub-Saharan Africa and the effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis on COVID-19 outcomes are unknown. We conducted a population cohort study using linked data from adults attending public-sector health facilities in the Western Cape, South Africa. We used Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for age, sex, location, and comorbidities, to examine the associations between HIV, tuberculosis, and COVID-19 death from 1 March to 9 June 2020 among (1) public-sector “active patients” (≥1 visit in the 3 years before March 2020); (2) laboratory-diagnosed COVID-19 cases; and (3) hospitalized COVID-19 cases. We calculated the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for COVID-19, comparing adults living with and without HIV using modeled population estimates.Among 3 460 932 patients (16% living with HIV), 22 308 were diagnosed with COVID-19, of whom 625 died. COVID19 death was associated with male sex, increasing age, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. HIV was associated with COVID-19 mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.70–2.70), with similar risks across strata of viral loads and immunosuppression. Current and previous diagnoses of tuberculosis were associated with COVID-19 death (aHR, 2.70 [95% CI, 1.81–4.04] and 1.51 [95% CI, 1.18–1.93], respectively). The SMR for COVID-19 death associated with HIV was 2.39 (95% CI, 1.96–2.86); population attributable fraction 8.5% (95% CI, 6.1–11.1)