Fecal cytolysin does not predict disease severity in acutely decompensated cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure

Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int. 2023 Oct;22(5):474-481. doi: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2023.05.003. Epub 2023 May 9.

Abstract

Background: Cirrhosis with acute decompensation (AD) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) are characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Cytolysin, a toxin from Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), is associated with mortality in alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH). It is unclear whether cytolysin also contributes to disease severity in AD and ACLF.

Methods: We studied the role of fecal cytolysin in 78 cirrhotic patients with AD/ACLF. Bacterial DNA from fecal samples was extracted and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. The association between fecal cytolysin and liver disease severity in cirrhosis with AD or ACLF was analyzed.

Results: Fecal cytolysin and E. faecalis abundance did not predict chronic liver failure (CLIF-C) AD and ACLF scores. Presence of fecal cytolysin was not associated with other liver disease markers, including Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, 'Age, serum Bilirubin, INR, and serum Creatinine (ABIC)' score, Child-Pugh score, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) nor MELD-Na scores in AD or ACLF patients.

Conclusions: Fecal cytolysin does not predict disease severity in AD and ACLF patients. The predictive value of fecal cytolysin positivity for mortality appears to be restricted to AH.

Keywords: Acute decompensation; Acute-on-chronic liver failure; Liver disease; Microbiome; Model for end-stage liver disease.

MeSH terms

  • Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure* / diagnosis
  • Cytotoxins
  • End Stage Liver Disease* / complications
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications
  • Liver Cirrhosis / diagnosis
  • Prognosis
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Cytotoxins