Tei index is associated with survival in cirrhosis patients treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.

BACKGROUND

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is the method of choice for the treatment of portal hypertension. The Tei index is the most sensitive indicator of myocardial function.

DESIGN

This study enrolled 31 patients with cirrhosis who underwent TIPS and were followed up over a median period of 34 months (range 2-60 months). Baseline Meld score and the changes in the Tei index within 1 month after TIPS and their potential relationship with prognosis were evaluated. The primary endpoint was mortality.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (42%) died during follow-up. Survival analysis showed that the pre-TIPS Tei index (RR = -7.660, 95% confidence interval 0.000-0.069, P < 0.05) and the baseline MELD score > 10 (RR = 0.305,95% CI:1.036-1.778, P < 0.05) were significantly associated with survival rate after TIPS.

CONCLUSION

The Tei index before TIPS is associated with the survival of patients with cirrhosis after TIPS, and is potentially a predictive factor of mortality.