The safety and efficacy of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin in the treatment of orthotopic liver transplant recipients with recurrent hepatitis C: real-world data

BACKGROUND

Recurrent hepatitis C (RHC) in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) population is associated with accelerated rates of fibrosis, low efficacy and decreased tolerability with traditional therapies.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LED/SOF) with or without ribavirin (RBV) in OLT patients with RHC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients at least 3 months post-OLT and with documented RHC were treated with LED/SOF with or without RBV for either 12 or 24 weeks. End-of-treatment and sustained virological response 12 weeks after the completion of treatment were documented. Patients were closely monitored for treatment-related adverse effects and the potential need for adjustment in their immunosuppression.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients were included in the study. Median age was 62 years. Median time from OLT was 55 months. Twenty-six (36.6%) patients were treatment-naive and 45 (63.4%) had previously failed interferon-based therapies. The majority of patients (57.7%) had stage F0-F2 fibrosis. Sixty-seven (94.3%) patients completed 12 weeks of LED/SOF with RBV, three patients completed 12 or 24 weeks of LED/SOF without RBV, and one patient completed only 8 weeks of LED/SOF without RBV owing to severe allograft dysfunction. Sustained virological response was near universal in our cohort (98.5%) regardless of genotype, fibrosis stage, and regimen or treatment duration. Most commonly reported side effects were malaise and gastrointestinal upset. No patient required adjustment in immunosuppression and no episodes of rejection were documented during treatment.

CONCLUSION

The combination of LED/SOF with RBV for 12 weeks or LED/SOF for 24 weeks is very effective and safe in treating OLT recipients with RHC.

Steroid-Mediated Decrease in Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Liver Transplant could Impact Long-Term Recovery

Orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) remains the standard of care for end stage liver disease. To circumvent allo-rejection, OLT subjects receive gluococorticoids (GC). We investigated the effects of GC on endogenous mesenchymal stem (stromal) cells (MSCs) in OLT. This question is relevant because MSCs have regenerative potential and immune suppressor function. Phenotypic analyses of blood samples from 12 OLT recipients, at pre-anhepatic, anhepatic and post-transplant (2 h, Days 1 and 5) indicated a significant decrease in MSCs after GC injection. The MSCs showed better recovery in the blood from subjects who started with relatively low MSCs as compared to those with high levels at the prehepatic phase. This drop in MSCs appeared to be linked to GC since similar change was not observed in liver resection subjects. In order to understand the effects of GC on decrease MSC migration, in vitro studies were performed in transwell cultures. Untreated MSCs could not migrate towards the GC-exposed liver tissue, despite CXCR4 expression and the production of inflammatory cytokines from the liver cells. GC-treated MSCs were inefficient with respect to migration towards CXCL12, and this correlated with retracted cytoskeleton and motility. These dysfunctions were partly explained by decreases in the CXCL12/receptor axis. GC-associated decrease in MSCs in OLT recipients recovered post-transplant, despite poor migratory ability towards GC-exposed liver. In total, the study indicated that GC usage in transplant needs to be examined to determine if this could be reduced or avoided with adjuvant cell therapy.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with worse intestinal complications in patients hospitalized for Clostridioides difficile infection

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) remains the most common cause of nosocomial diarrhea in developed countries.

AIM

To assess the impact of NAFLD on the outcomes of hospitalized patients with CDI.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective cohort study. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to identify a total of 7239 adults admitted as inpatients with a primary diagnosis of CDI and coexisting NAFLD diagnosis from 2010 to 2014 using ICD-9 codes. Patients with CDI and coexisting NAFLD were compared to those with CDI and coexisting alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and viral liver disease (VLD), individually. Primary outcomes included mortality, length of stay, and total hospitalization charges. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications. Multivariate regression was used for outcome analysis after adjusting for possible confounders.

RESULTS

CDI with NAFLD was independently associated with lower rates of acute respiratory failure (2.7% vs 4.2%, P < 0.01; 2.7% vs 4.2%, P < 0.05), shorter length of stay (days) (5.75 ± 0.16 vs 6.77 ± 0.15, P < 0.001; 5.75 ± 0.16 vs 6.84 ± 0.23, P <0.001), and lower hospitalization charges (dollars) (38150.34 ± 1757.01 vs 46326.72 ± 1809.82, P < 0.001; 38150.34 ± 1757.01 vs 44641.74 ± 1660.66, P < 0.001) when compared to CDI with VLD and CDI with ALD, respectively. CDI with NAFLD was associated with a lower rate of acute kidney injury (13.0% vs 17.2%, P < 0.01), but a higher rate of intestinal perforation (P < 0.01) when compared to VLD. A lower rate of mortality (0.8% vs 2.7%, P < 0.05) but a higher rate of intestinal obstruction (4.6% vs 2.2%, P = 0.001) was also observed when comparing CDI with NAFLD to ALD.

CONCLUSION

Hospitalized CDI patients with NAFLD had more intestinal complications compared to CDI patients with VLD and ALD. Gut microbiota dysbiosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of intestinal complications.

A Rare Case of Helicobacter pylori Infection Complicated by Henoch-Schonlein Purpura in an Adult Patient

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is known as a leukocytoclastic vasculitis of small vessels, resulting in skin, joint, gastrointestinal (GI) and renal involvement. It is the most common acute vasculitis in children but is relatively uncommon in adults. The pathogenesis of HSP remains unclear, but a wide variety of conditions such as bacterial or viral infections, vaccinations, drugs and other environmental exposures may be responsible for the onset. A few previous case reports have described an association between gastric Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and HSP. A 30-year-old Indian man who migrated to the USA from India 3 years prior to this presentation with a past medical history of psoriasis on remission, not on any medications presented to the emergency department with sudden onset constant abdominal pain for 5 days. The pain was in the right upper quadrant, spasmodic in nature. The abdominal examination was normal. The patient was evaluated with complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, urinalysis, computed tomography scan of abdomen and pelvis, and right upper quadrant ultrasound, all of which were negative except for leukocytosis. He was discharged on pantoprazole and tramadol. Pain continued despite treatment. Patient was readmitted 2 days later, when he noticed a new maculopapular rash on both legs. Upper GI endoscopy was done showing non-bleeding small gastric ulcer with multiple duodenal erosions. Gastric biopsy came back positive for HP and he was started on clarithromycin, amoxicillin and lansoprazole. Pain persisted after finishing antibiotic course. Rash continued to spread to involve the thighs, flanks, around the umbilicus and extensor surfaces of arms. Immunological workup was negative. A skin biopsy of the skin rash came back positive for leukocytoclastic vasculitis. HSP diagnosis was made by exclusion. Patient was started on prednisone 40 mg daily and improved drastically on the following day. He was continued steroids taper for 8 weeks. Rash as well as abdominal pain resolved completely. In conclusion, HSP involves the skin, GI tract, joints and kidneys. It is a pediatric disease and rarely occurs in adults. It can be associated with underlying malignancy in adults. HP infection can trigger HSP in pediatric and adult patients. Detection of the carrier state is crucial in HSP patients in areas where HP is endemic. Eradication of HP infection is usually associated with the resolution of HSP. In resistant cases with GI and renal involvement, corticosteroids use results in resolution of symptoms and reduction of the duration of mild nephritis.

De novo and recurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease after liver transplantation

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new acronym adopted from the consensus of international experts. Given the increasing prevalence of MAFLD in pre-transplant settings, de novo and recurrent graft steatosis/MAFLD are common in post-transplant settings. The impact of graft steatosis on long-term outcomes is unclear. The current knowledge of incidence rate, risk factors, diagnosis, long-term outcomes, and management of graft steatosis (both de novo and recurrent) is discussed in this review.

Trends in Mortality and Health Care Burden of Cirrhotic Decompensation in Hospitalized Patients: A Nationwide Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Mortality caused by cirrhosis is now the 14th most common cause of death worldwide and 12th most common in the United States. We studied trends in inpatient mortality and hospitalization charges associated with cirrhotic decompensation from esophageal variceal bleeding, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatorenal syndrome from 2007 to 2017.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the National Inpatient Sample databases, we first isolated patients 18 years or older with the diagnosis of cirrhosis using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) or International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes. We then identified patients with the admission diagnosis of esophageal variceal bleeding, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatorenal syndrome. Time-series regression was used to determine whether a trend occurred over the study period. We also evaluated for patient-related demographic changes over the study period.

RESULTS

A total of 259,897 cirrhotic patients with the studied decompensations were captured. During the study period, time-series regression confirmed downtrends in mortality rates and length of stay for all types of decompensations. Conversely, we found increases in hospitalization charges for all types of decompensations. Patient age increased over the study period. Patients were also more likely to be White and pay with.

CONCLUSION

From 2007 to 2017, inpatient mortality rates and lengths of stay decreased for cirrhotic decompensations for all causes of decompensation. Total charges, conversely, increased for all causes.

Atrial tumor thrombus: A rare complication of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombus metastasis to the right atrium is rare, generally considered inoperable, and has a poor prognosis. This article describes the management of two patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and incidental findings of tumor thrombus invasion into the right atrium.

Diagnosis of Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) presents a diagnostic challenge because it is relatively rare and heterogenous in presentation. This article presents the currently adopted approach to AIH diagnosis and explores the challenges with accurately identifying this disease entity. AIH offers no pathognomonic findings, instead relies on clinical presentation, serology, and histology to make the diagnosis. Diagnostic scoring systems support clinical judgment and serve as valuable tools in diagnosis and research. Histological analysis remains the cornerstone of diagnosis and to this day biopsy is essential to make the diagnosis.

A Case Report of Alloimmune Hepatitis after Direct-acting Antiviral Treatment in a Liver Transplant Patient

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy is often well-tolerated, and adverse events from DAA therapy are uncommon. We report a case of a woman who underwent orthotopic liver transplant for chronic hepatitis C infection and later developed alloimmune hepatitis shortly after starting DAA therapy for recurrent hepatitis C infection. The patient developed acute alloimmune hepatitis approximately 2 weeks after starting treatment with sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir. This case report proposes a dysregulation of immune surveillance due to the DAA stimulation of host immunity and rapid elimination of hepatitis C viral load as a precipitating factor for the alloimmune process, leading to alloimmune hepatitis in a post-transplant patient who starts on DAA.

A Rare Case of Signet Cell Carcinoma of Transverse Colon in a Young Patient With Ulcerative Colitis

Signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) represents an extremely rare histological type for colon cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all colon neoplasms. SRCC is usually aggressive and it is associated with poor prognosis. It can be divided into mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) with signet cells and signet cell of more than 50% of the tumor area. Main differential diagnosis is metastatic gastric signet cell carcinoma. A 27-year-old African American man with past medical history of ulcerative colitis on mesalamine presented to emergency department with complaints of diarrhea abdominal pain and shortness of breath for 3 weeks. Physical exam was remarkable for tachycardia with a heart rate (HR) of 106 and pallor otherwise normal. Laboratory data showed potassium 2.8 mmol/L, creatinine 1.11 mg/dL, lactic acid 8 mmol/dL, hemoglobin 2 g/dL and white blood cell count 21 × 106/µL. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen with intravenous (IV) contrast showed distention of the colon, air-fluid levels and loss of haustra. Clostridium difficile stool PCR was positive. A clinical diagnosis of toxic megacolon due to C. difficile infection was made. Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) were transfused, and oral vancomycin and IV fluids were started. Symptoms and labs initially improved. However, on the third day, abdominal pain recurred with lactic acidosis. Diagnosis of refractory ulcerative colitis was made. Surgery was performed. Subtotal colectomy and ileostomy were done. Pathology revealed stage IV invasive signet ring cell adenocarcinoma, in the transverse colon poorly differentiated, with background of marked ulcerative colitis. Patient was started on adjuvant chemotherapy oxaliplatin, leucovorin and 5-flurouracil as an outpatient. Patient is undergoing 12 rounds of chemotherapy; he is currently in round 8 without complications. Patient is scheduled for screening colonoscopy and reversal of colostomy after completion of chemotherapy. SRCC of the colorectum is very rare, comprising less than 1% of colorectal cancer cases. It occurs mainly on the right colon and presents at later stages. Despite the rarity of this tumor, it is associated with ulcerative colitis. The main differential diagnosis is a metastasis from gastric signet cell carcinoma. It is associated with a poor prognosis.

Daclatasvir and Peginterferon/Ribavirin for Black/African-American and Latino Patients with HCV infection

 Background. Patient race and ethnicity have historically impacted HCV treatment response. This phase 3 study evaluated daclatasvir with peginterferon-alfa-2a/ribavirin (pegIFN alfa-2a/RBV) in treatment-naive black/African American (AA), Latino, and white non-Latino patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this single-arm, open-label study, 246 patients received daclatasvir plus pegIFN alfa-2a and weight-based RBV. Patients with an extended rapid virologic response (eRVR; undetectable HCV-RNA at treatment weeks 4 and 12) received 24 weeks of treatment; those without eRVR received an additional 24 weeks of treatment with pegIFN alfa-2a/RBV. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response at post-treatment week 12 (SVR12; HCV-RNA < 25 IU/mL) compared with the cohort historical rate.

RESULTS

Most patients were IL28B non-CC (84.4% black/AA; 77.6% Latino) genotype 1a-infected (72.7%; 81.3%), with HCV-RNA ≥ 800,000 IU/mL (81.3%; 64.5%). SVR12 rates were 50.8% (65/128; 95% confidence interval [CI], 42.1-59.4) for black/AA and 58.9% (63/107; 95% CI, 49.6-68.2) for Latino patients. The majority (55.5%; 58.9%) received 24 weeks treatment; rapid reductions (> 4-log10) in HCV-RNA levels were observed. Only 60.9% (78/128) of black/AA and 63.6% (68/107) of Latino patients completed treatment. On-treatment serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred in 21 patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events (AEs) occurred in 9 black/AA and 6 Latino patients.

CONCLUSION

SVR12 rates for black/AA (50.8%) and Latino (58.9%) cohorts treated with daclatasvir plus pegIFN alfa-2a/RBV and the lower bound of the 95% CIs were higher than the estimated historical control (black/AA, 26% SVR; Latino, 36% SVR) treated with pegIFN alfa-2a/RBV. These data support daclatasvir use in all-oral direct-acting antiviral combinations.

New Year's greeting and overview of World Journal of Hepatology in 2021

The World Journal of Hepatology (WJH) was launched in October 2009. It mainly publishes articles reporting research findings in the field of hepatology, covering a wide range of topics, including viral hepatitis B and C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune and chronic cholestatic liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, cirrhosis, liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma, coronavirus disease 2019-related liver conditions, etc. As of December 31, 2020, the WJH has published 1349 articles, among which, the total cites is 18995 and the average cites per article is 14. In celebrating the New Year, we are pleased to share with you special a New Year's greeting from the WJH Editors-in-Chief, along with a detailed overview of the journal's submission, peer review and publishing metrics from 2020. In all, we are appreciative for the substantive support and submissions from authors worldwide, and the dedicated efforts and expertise provided by our invited reviewers and editorial board members.

Emerging Therapies for Alcoholic Hepatitis

The incidence of alcoholic hepatitis is increasing while the mortality rate remains high. The single current available therapy for severe alcoholic hepatitis is administration of corticosteroids for patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis, which has demonstrated limited benefits, providing a short-term mortality benefit with a marginal response rate. There is a need for developing safe and effective therapies. This article reviews novel therapies targeting various mechanisms in the pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis, such as the gut-liver axis, inflammatory cascade, oxidative stress, and hepatic regeneration. Current ongoing clinical trials for alcoholic hepatitis also are described.

Autoimmune Hepatitis Induced after Treatment of Syphilitic Hepatitis

We present a unique case of biopsy-proven syphilitic hepatitis which presented as severe acute liver injury with significant elevation in aminotransferases and bilirubin, and improved with antibiotic therapy. However, the patient returned weeks after initial presentation with new-onset acute liver injury and had developed hypergammaglobulinemia, positive autoantibody titers, and repeat liver biopsy demonstrating interface hepatitis, supporting a diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. He had an otherwise unrevealing etiologic workup, and responded to glucocorticoid therapy. We believe that syphilitic hepatitis and its treatment subsequently triggered an immunogenic response, leading to autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic liver disease thought to manifest as a result of predisposing genetic factors in combination with environmental insults, especially hepatotropic pathogens. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum that has been associated with autoimmunity and the development of autoantibodies. We propose that in the setting of syphilitic hepatitis, a molecular mimicry event resulting from structural similarities between T. pallidum and liver antigens, as well as impaired regulatory T-cell function, led to the breakdown of immune tolerance and the onset of autoimmune hepatitis. To support this hypothesis, further molecular analyses and case series are necessary to determine if syphilitic hepatitis and its treatment are risk factors for the onset of autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis should be considered early as the cause of acute liver injury in susceptible patients with risk factors for the disease, as prompt recognition and appropriate treatment may prevent progression of liver injury and result in improved outcomes.

Cannabis Use is Associated With Reduced 30-Day All-cause Readmission Among Hospitalized Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Nationwide Analysis

BACKGROUND

Cannabinoid receptors are potential therapeutic targets in a variety of gastrointestinal tract disorders. The authors hypothesize that the use of cannabis use is associated with better control of symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study aimed to examine the utilization of inpatient services by patients with IBS who did and did not report the use of cannabis.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study that utilized the 2016 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Inclusion criteria included a principal diagnosis of IBS. The primary outcome was 30-day hospital readmission rates for IBS-specific causes. Secondary outcomes included the 30-day hospital readmission rates for all causes, resource utilization, and the 5 most common principal diagnoses and independent risk factors associated with readmission.

RESULTS

Of the 7163 patients with IBS identified in the National Readmission Database, 357 reported the use of cannabis. The 30-day IBS-specific readmission rates were 1.5% in patients who reported cannabis use and 1.1% in those who did not report cannabis use (P=0.53). Among the cannabis users, none of the variables evaluated served as a significant predictor of IBS-specific readmission; median income was a predictor for readmission among those who did not report cannabis use (odds ratio, 2.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-6.67; P=0.02). The 30-day readmission rates for all causes were 8.1% and 12.7% for patients who did and did not report cannabis use, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, the odds of 30-day readmission for all causes were lower among patients who reported cannabis use compared with those who did not (adjusted odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.99; P=0.04). The 5 most frequent diagnoses at readmission among patients who did not report cannabis use were enterocolitis because of Clostridioides difficile, IBS without diarrhea, sepsis, noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, and acute kidney failure. By contrast, the 5 most frequent readmission diagnoses for cannabis users were cyclical vomiting, IBS with diarrhea, endometriosis, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, and nausea with vomiting. A discharge disposition of "against medical advice" was identified as an independent risk factor for 30-day hospital readmission for all causes among patients who reported cannabis use. By contrast, higher comorbidity scores and discharges with home health care were independent predictors of 30-day hospital readmission for all causes among patients who did not report cannabis use. Private insurance was an independent factor associated with lower rates of readmission for all causes among those who did not report cannabis use.

CONCLUSION

Our review of the National Readmission Database revealed no statistically significant differences in 30-day readmission rates for IBS-specific causes when comparing patients who reported cannabis use with those who did not. However, the authors found that cannabis use was associated with reduced 30-day hospital readmission rates for all causes.

Cardiac Syndromes in Liver Disease: A Clinical Conundrum

Understanding the interaction between the heart and liver is pivotal for managing patients in whom both organs are affected. Studies have shown that cardio-hepatic interactions are bidirectional and that their identification, assessment, and treatment remain challenging. Congestive hepatopathy is a condition that develops in the setting of long-standing systemic venous congestion. If left untreated, congestive hepatopathy may lead to hepatic fibrosis. Acute cardiogenic liver injury develops as a combination of venous stasis and sudden arterial hypoperfusion due to cardiac, circulatory, or pulmonary failure. The treatment of both conditions should be directed toward optimizing the cardiac substrate. Hyperdynamic syndrome may develop in patients with advanced liver disease and lead to multiorgan failure. Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy or abnormalities in pulmonary vasculature, such as hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension may also develop. Each complication has unique treatment challenges and implications for liver transplantation. The presence of atrial fibrillation and atherosclerosis in liver disease brings another layer of complexity, particularly in terms of anticoagulation and statin use. This article provides an overview of cardiac syndromes in liver disease, focusing on current treatment options and future perspectives.

Serum Ammonia Levels Do Not Correlate With Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy Severity in Hospitalized Patients With Cirrhosis

Although ammonia is involved in the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), the use of ammonia levels in clinical practice is problematic.1-3 For example, in a study of 551 patients with overt HE (OHE) receiving lactulose who had ammonia levels tested, only 60% had an increased ammonia level (defined as >72 μmol/L).2 Overall, there was no correlation observed between lactulose dose and whether ammonia levels were obtained (ie, presence/absence of increased ammonia level did not guide therapy), or between time to OHE resolution and ammonia levels.2 Additionally, there is substantial interlaboratory variability in sample handling and processing, which may affect ammonia measurements.4.

Global epidemiology of acute kidney injury in hospitalised patients with decompensated cirrhosis: the International Club of Ascites GLOBAL AKI prospective, multicentre, cohort study

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication of cirrhosis. A systematic, global characterisation of AKI occurring in patients with cirrhosis is lacking. We therefore aimed to assess global differences in the characteristics, management, and outcomes of AKI in hospitalised patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

In this prospective, multicentre, cohort study, we enrolled adults (≥18 years) with decompensated cirrhosis who were hospitalised for a cirrhosis-related complication, with or without AKI, at 65 centres across five continents. We captured AKI prevalence, stage, phenotype, and details on AKI management and clinical course. Universal health coverage index and gross national income per capita were also collected. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Multivariable models including demographic and clinical variables, cirrhosis cause, cirrhosis severity, AKI severity, AKI management variables, universal health coverage, and gross national income were used to analyse independent associations with 28-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were AKI classification, progression, and resolution. This study is complete and registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05387811).

FINDINGS

Between July 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023, we enrolled 3821 patients who were hospitalised for decompensated cirrhosis. Mean age was 57·7 years (SD 13·1), 2467 (64·6%) were men, and 1354 (35·4%) were women. Most patients were White (2128 [55·7%]). 1456 (38·1%, 95% CI 36·6-39·6) of 3821 patients had AKI (943 [64·8%] men and 513 [35·2%] women). Globally, patients presented with similar AKI stages, but patients from North America and Asia had the highest MELD-Na scores at presentation and the highest rates of peak AKI stage 3. Overall, hypovolaemic AKI was the most common phenotype (858 [58·9%] of 1456), followed by HRS-AKI (253 [17·4%]) and acute tubular necrosis (216 [14·8%]). The prevalences of hypovolaemic AKI and HRS-AKI were similar across regions, but acute tubular necrosis was more frequent in Asia (p<0·0001 across regions). Additionally, regional differences in the management of AKI (use of albumin, vasopressors, and diuretics) were found. 335 (28·6%) of 1171 patients with initial AKI stages 1 or 2 had progression to higher stages during hospitalisation. AKI resolved in 862 (59·2%) cases during hospitalisation. 333 (22·9%) patients with AKI had died by 28 days. Multivariable analyses showed that increased age, female sex, presence of ascites, presence of hepatic encephalopathy, increased white blood cell count, increased MELD-Na, hospital-acquired AKI, a lower universal health coverage index (<80), and not being in a high-income country were independently associated with an increased risk of 28-day mortality. Increased serum albumin was associated with a decreased risk of 28-day mortality.

INTERPRETATION

This study found important regional differences in AKI severity, phenotype, management, and outcomes in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Health-care coverage remains an important driver of survival in patients with cirrhosis and AKI.

FUNDING

European Association Study for the Study of the Liver and the Italian Society of Internal Medicine.

Acceptable outcomes of liver transplantation in uninsured patients under the coverage of a state assistance program

The lack of health insurance is a major barrier to access to health care, even in the case of life-saving procedures such as liver transplantation (LT). Concerns about worse outcomes in uninsured patients have also discouraged the evaluation and transplantation of patients without adequate health insurance coverage. The aim of this study is to evaluate outcomes from the largest cohort of uninsured patients who underwent LT with the support of a state payment assistance program (also called charity care). This study included all consecutive patients who underwent LT at a single center from 2002 to 2020. Demographic, clinical, and social variables and outcome metrics were collected and compared between insured and uninsured patients. Among a total of 978 LT recipients, 594 had private insurance, 324 government insurance (Medicare/Medicaid), and 60 were uninsured and covered under a state charity care program. In the charity care group, there was a higher proportion of Hispanic subjects, single marital status, younger age, and high-MELD score patients. The 1- and 3-year patient survival rates were 89.0% and 81.8% in private insurance patients, 88.8% and 80.1% in government insurance recipients, and 93.3% and 79.6% in those with charity care ( p =0.49). There was no difference in graft survival between insured and uninsured patients ( p =0.62). The 3 insurance groups presented similar hospital length-of-stay and 30-day readmission rates. In both univariate and multivariate analysis, uninsured status (charity care) was not associated with worse patient survival (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.84-1.80, p =0.29) or graft survival (HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.84-1.78, p =0.29). In conclusion, there was no difference in outcomes after LT between insured and uninsured patients. A charity care program may be an effective tool to mitigate socioeconomic disparities in both outcomes and access to LT.