Refining prediction of survival after TIPS with the novel Freiburg index of post-TIPS survival

Freiburg index of post-TIPS survival (FIPS) a valid prognostic score in patients with cirrhosis but also an advisor against TIPS?

“…This was also confirmed in the study of Bettinger et al, in which only <2% of the patients were transplanted within 6 months. 1 Thus, we suggest that an individualized, multifactorial approach is warranted to make the decision for or against TIPS in these cases.…”

“…their well-designed study the authors proposed the newly developed Freiburg index of post-TIPS survival (FIPS) as a valuable tool for risk stratification before TIPS implantation. 1 The establishment of robust criteria for the selection of patients eligible for TIPS is crucial. Bettinger et al collected a large, multicenter TIPS cohort and convincingly demonstrated the high prognostic capacity of the FIPS score for post-TIPS survival in various subgroups of patients including those with refractory ascites.…”

Freiburg index of post-TIPS survival: The first score for individual prediction and a complementary tool for risk stratification

“…We have read with great interest the impressive study conducted by Bettinger et al about the development of the Freiburg index of post-TIPS survival (FIPS) score. 1 The authors established a prognostic model to achieve both individual outcome prediction (with the formula and the online calculator) and risk stratification (with a cut-off point), which had superior performance compared to previous prognostic models. Moreover, its ability to stratify patients at high and low risk remained robust in subgroups with different indications for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), different types of TIPS stents, wellpreserved liver function, and impaired renal function.…”

Reply to: “Freiburg index of post-TIPS survival (FIPS) a valid prognostic score in patients with cirrhosis but also an advisor against TIPS?”

“…To the Editor: We thank Dr. Stockhoff and her team for their interest in our study 1 and their analyses that confirmed the prognostic impact of the Freiburg index of post-TIPS survival (FIPS) score and even expanded it to patients with decompensated cirrhosis without transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) implantation. 2 With great interest, we recognize their efforts in addressing some important remaining questions from our study, especially with respect to the clinical application of the FIPS score for allocation to TIPS implantation.…”