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Mullish BH, Thursz MR. Alcohol-associated liver disease: Emerging therapeutic strategies. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00933. [PMID: 38922808 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The large and growing burden of alcohol-associated liver disease-and the considerable burden of morbidity and mortality associated with it-has been a drive toward ongoing research into novel strategies for its treatment, with a particular focus upon alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH). Management of alcohol-use disorder forms the central pillar of alcohol-associated liver disease care, with evidence-based psychological and pharmacological approaches being well established, and certain models demonstrating improved clinical outcomes when hepatology and addiction services are co-located. Corticosteroids have previously been used somewhat indiscriminately in patients with severe AH, but effective tools now exist to assess early response (and limit futile ongoing exposure). Techniques to predict risk of corticosteroid-related infection are also available, although current clinical strategies to mitigate this risk are limited. A variety of novel therapeutic approaches to AH are at different phases of trials and evidence gathering, with some of the most promising signals related to cytokine manipulation, epigenetic modulation, and targeting of the gut microbiota (ie, by means of fecal microbiota transplant). While remaining an ongoing source of debate, early liver transplant in severe AH has grown in interest and acceptability over the past decade as evidence supporting its efficacy builds, in the process challenging paradigms about mandatory pretransplant sobriety periods. However, uncertainty remains regarding the optimal selection criteria, and whether liver transplant has a role for only a highly limited proportion of patients with AH or more widespread application. This review aims to provide an overview of this fast-moving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin H Mullish
- Section of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Division of Digestive Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Hepatology, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R Thursz
- Section of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Division of Digestive Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Hepatology, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
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2
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Gawrieh S, Dasarathy S, Tu W, Kamath PS, Chalasani NP, McClain CJ, Bataller R, Szabo G, Tang Q, Radaeva S, Barton B, Nagy LE, Shah VH, Sanyal AJ, Mitchell MC. Randomized trial of anakinra plus zinc vs. prednisone for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis. J Hepatol 2024; 80:684-693. [PMID: 38342441 PMCID: PMC11214682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (SAH) is associated with high 90-day mortality. Glucocorticoid therapy for 28 days improves 30- but not 90-day survival. We assessed the efficacy and safety of a combination of anakinra, an IL-1 antagonist, plus zinc (A+Z) compared to prednisone using the Day-7 Lille score as a stopping rule in patients with SAH. METHODS In this phase IIb double-blind randomized trial in adults with SAH and MELD scores of 20-35, participants were randomized to receive either daily anakinra 100 mg subcutaneously for 14 days plus daily zinc sulfate 220 mg orally for 90 days, or daily prednisone 40 mg orally for 30 days. Prednisone or prednisone placebo was stopped if Day-7 Lille score was >0.45. All study drugs were stopped for uncontrolled infection or ≥5 point increase in MELD score. The primary endpoint was overall survival at 90 days. RESULTS Seventy-three participants were randomized to prednisone and 74 to A+Z. The trial was stopped early after a prespecified interim analysis showed prednisone was associated with higher 90-day overall survival (90% vs. 70%; hazard ratio for death = 0.34, 95% CI 0.14-0.83, p = 0.018) and transplant-free survival (88% vs. 64%; hazard ratio for transplant or death = 0.30, 95% CI 0.13-0.69, p = 0.004) than A+Z. Acute kidney injury was more frequent with A+Z (45%) than prednisone (22%) (p = 0.001), but rates of infection were similar (31% in A+Z vs. 27% in prednisone, p = 0.389). CONCLUSIONS Participants with SAH treated with prednisone using the Day-7 Lille score as a stopping rule had significantly higher overall and transplant-free 90-day survival and lower incidence of acute kidney injury than those treated with A+Z. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS There is no approved treatment for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (SAH). In this double-blind randomized trial, patients with SAH treated with prednisone using the Lille stopping rule on Day 7 had higher 90-day overall and transplant-free survival and lower rates of acute kidney injury compared to patients treated with a combination of anakinra and zinc. The data support continued use of glucocorticoids for patients with SAH, with treatment discontinuation for those with a Lille score >0.45 on Day 7. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04072822.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Gawrieh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Srinivasan Dasarathy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Wanzhu Tu
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Patrick S Kamath
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Naga P Chalasani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Craig J McClain
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Division of Hepatology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gyongyi Szabo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Qing Tang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Svetlana Radaeva
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Bruce Barton
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Laura E Nagy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Vijay H Shah
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Mack C Mitchell
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, United States.
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3
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Park JG. Decompensated cirrhosis and antibiotic prophylaxis: striking a delicate balance. Korean J Intern Med 2024; 39:369-370. [PMID: 38715227 PMCID: PMC11076893 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2024.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jung Gil Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
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4
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Raya Tonetti F, Eguileor A, Mrdjen M, Pathak V, Travers J, Nagy LE, Llorente C. Gut-liver axis: Recent concepts in pathophysiology in alcohol-associated liver disease. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00873. [PMID: 38691396 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The growing recognition of the role of the gut microbiome's impact on alcohol-associated diseases, especially in alcohol-associated liver disease, emphasizes the need to understand molecular mechanisms involved in governing organ-organ communication to identify novel avenues to combat alcohol-associated diseases. The gut-liver axis refers to the bidirectional communication and interaction between the gut and the liver. Intestinal microbiota plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis within the gut-liver axis, and this axis plays a significant role in alcohol-associated liver disease. The intricate communication between intestine and liver involves communication between multiple cellular components in each organ that enable them to carry out their physiological functions. In this review, we focus on novel approaches to understanding how chronic alcohol exposure impacts the microbiome and individual cells within the liver and intestine, as well as the impact of ethanol on the molecular machinery required for intraorgan and interorgan communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Raya Tonetti
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Alvaro Eguileor
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Marko Mrdjen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Vai Pathak
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jared Travers
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Laura E Nagy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Cristina Llorente
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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5
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Díaz LA, Arab JP, Leggio L. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor use in alcohol-associated hepatitis: is it time to promote liver regeneration? THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2024; 50:128-131. [PMID: 38593134 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2024.2308789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Antonio Díaz
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Pablo Arab
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University & London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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6
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Thiele M, Moreno C. Novel interventions against alcohol-related liver disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:78-79. [PMID: 38081932 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00877-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Maja Thiele
- FLASH Center for Liver Research, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
- Department for Clinical Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Christophe Moreno
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatopancreatology and Digestive Oncology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Gastroenterology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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7
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Rodrigues SG, van der Merwe S, Krag A, Wiest R. Gut-liver axis: Pathophysiological concepts and medical perspective in chronic liver diseases. Semin Immunol 2024; 71:101859. [PMID: 38219459 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Susana G Rodrigues
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Schalk van der Merwe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University hospital Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aleksander Krag
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Centre for Liver Research, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Reiner Wiest
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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Shearer J, Johnson A, Masson S. Improving survival in alcohol-related hepatitis: what's new? Frontline Gastroenterol 2024; 15:42-49. [PMID: 38487555 PMCID: PMC10935532 DOI: 10.1136/flgastro-2022-102362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-related hepatitis (AH) is the most florid presentation of alcohol-related liver disease and carries a high short-term and long-term mortality rate. Specific treatment options remain inadequate. The current management approach for AH focuses on early identification, careful screening and treatment of infection, as well as identification of those patients who may benefit from corticosteroid therapy based on validated prognostic scoring systems. In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring novel therapies for AH, which may offer alternative treatment options beyond the traditional approaches. Additionally, early liver transplantation (LT) has emerged as a promising option in selected cases with growing evidence supporting its role. In this review, we will discuss the current evidence base for the assessment and treatment of AH, and how these advances are shaping practice to improve outcomes in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Shearer
- Liver Unit, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Amy Johnson
- Liver Unit, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Steven Masson
- Liver Unit, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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9
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Hernández-Évole H, Jiménez-Esquivel N, Pose E, Bataller R. Alcohol-associated liver disease: Epidemiology and management. Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101162. [PMID: 37832648 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol is the leading cause of preventable liver morbidity and mortality worldwide, as it is also the most frequent cause of advanced liver disease. Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) covers different phenotypes ranging from steatosis to the development of inflammation (steatohepatitis), fibrosis and ultimately, in a proportion of patients, the development of liver cirrhosis and its associated complications. ALD has a complex pathogenesis that includes the interplay of both genetic and environmental factors, yet the precise mechanisms are largely unknown. Alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) is a severe clinical presentation of ALD, which is characterized by abrupt jaundice and clinical decompensations of liver disease. AH occurs in a percentage of patients with underlying ALD and active alcohol consumption. Currently, there are no approved targeted therapies able to interfere in the pathogenesis of ALD and halt the progression of the disease, therefore alcohol abstinence is the most effective measure to improve prognosis in this patient population. In this regard, alcohol cessation remains the first-line treatment in all stages of alcohol disease. In patients with advanced ALD nonresponding to medical therapy, liver transplantation is the only approach that improves prognosis, and it should be considered in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. In the last years, AH has emerged as a new indication of early liver transplantation in non-responders to medical therapy, with promising results in highly selected patients. In this review, we provide an update on the epidemiology, risk factors, natural history, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and current treatments for ALD, taking into account the importance of assessing and managing alcohol consumption as the etiological factor and the main driver of prognosis in patients with ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Hernández-Évole
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Jiménez-Esquivel
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Pose
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramón Bataller
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
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Jophlin LL, Singal AK, Bataller R, Wong RJ, Sauer BG, Terrault NA, Shah VH. ACG Clinical Guideline: Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:30-54. [PMID: 38174913 PMCID: PMC11040545 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is the most common cause of advanced hepatic disease and frequent indication for liver transplantation worldwide. With harmful alcohol use as the primary risk factor, increasing alcohol use over the past decade has resulted in rapid growth of the ALD-related healthcare burden. The spectrum of ALD ranges from early asymptomatic liver injury to advanced disease with decompensation and portal hypertension. Compared with those with other etiologies of liver disease, patients with ALD progress faster and more often present at an advanced stage. A unique phenotype of advanced disease is alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) presenting with rapid onset or worsening of jaundice, and acute on chronic liver failure in severe forms conveying a 1-month mortality risk of 20%-50%. The model for end stage disease score is the most accurate score to stratify AH severity (>20 defined as severe disease). Corticosteroids are currently the only available therapeutic with proven efficacy for patients with severe AH, providing survival benefit at 1 month in 50%-60% of patients. Abstinence of alcohol use, a crucial determinant of long-term outcomes, is challenging to achieve in ALD patients with concurrent alcohol use disorder (AUD). As patients with ALD are rarely treated for AUD, strategies are needed to overcome barriers to AUD treatment in patients with ALD and to promote a multidisciplinary integrated care model with hepatology, addiction medicine providers, and social workers to comprehensively manage the dual pathologies of liver disease and of AUD. Liver transplantation, a definitive treatment option in patients with advanced cirrhosis, should be considered in selected patients with AH, who are unresponsive to medical therapy and have a low risk of relapse to posttransplant alcohol use. Level of evidence and strength of recommendations were evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations system. This guideline was developed under the American College of Gastroenterology Practice Parameters Committee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loretta L. Jophlin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville Health, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Ashwani K. Singal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Liver Unit, Department of Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robert J. Wong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Bryan G. Sauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Norah A. Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vijay H. Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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11
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Fricker Z, Jiang G, Patel H, McLaughlin A, Izunza Barba S, Niezen S, Curry M. A randomized study of ceftriaxone for the prevention of infections in hospitalized patients with advanced cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0356. [PMID: 38180983 PMCID: PMC10781126 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections frequently complicate hospital admission among patients with cirrhosis and are associated with adverse outcomes. In specific settings, administration of prophylactic antibiotics has been shown to improve outcomes. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess the feasibility of a randomized study of whether prophylactic ceftriaxone (CTX), administered to hospitalized patients with advanced cirrhosis (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium ≥ 18) without known infection, could reduce the incidence of infection. We also sought to determine whether we could identify patients most likely to benefit through the use of clinical and laboratory parameters. METHODS Hospitalized patients with cirrhosis, with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium ≥ 18 and no known infection after evaluation, were randomly assigned in a double-blinded fashion to receive either CTX 1 gr/day or placebo for up to 7 days. Subjects were monitored for incident infection and other outcomes of interest, including adverse reactions such as the development of C. difficile infection. Biomarkers of interest, including C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, were measured before initiation of treatment. RESULTS Thirty subjects were enrolled and received CTX or placebo (15 subjects each) per protocol. There were no observed statistically significant differences between groups in incidence of infection, mortality, length of stay, or key laboratory parameters, including C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. Adverse events related to treatment were rare and clinically of minor significance. CONCLUSIONS Overall, enrollment of subjects proved feasible, and results from this pilot study, while inadequate for confirmation of the potential efficacy of CTX, provide evidence of study feasibility for future, more definitive clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Fricker
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gordon Jiang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Het Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Annabel McLaughlin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sofia Izunza Barba
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sebastian Niezen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Curry
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Condon S, Jophlin LL. Past, Present, and Future Therapies for Alcohol-associated Hepatitis. Clin Ther 2023; 45:1171-1176. [PMID: 37980219 PMCID: PMC10842010 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) is a unique presentation of cholestatic steatohepatitis with liver dysfunction and malaise preceded by heavy alcohol intake. Although AH exists on a spectrum, in its most severe form, 28-day mortality approaches 50%. Clinical trials of therapeutic interventions over the last 50 years have yielded few durable therapies, none of which convey benefit beyond the short term. METHODS A qualitative systematic review was performed via searches of PubMed, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov for therapeutic interventions for AH. FINDINGS Prior to 2005, clinical trial results for AH were identified within PubMed. From 2005 to the present, trials were well catalogued within online registries and included information regarding trial status (eg, complete, terminated, actively enrolling). Most clinical trials for AH have used existing medications broadly targeting pathogenic themes of AH (eg, inflammation, cell death) in an off-label manner. The trend of initially promising pilot studies answered by larger trials showing lack of efficacy or safety signals have ended the hopes of many new therapeutics. The emergence of theragnostics to identify patients who may benefit from existing therapies and trials of agents with novel mechanisms of action, including epigenetic modifications and hyaluronic acid signaling targeted to AH pathogenesis, are currently under investigation. IMPLICATIONS This review of AH treatments details the historical interventions and clinical trials that have led to the current treatment algorithm and active studies shaping the therapeutic pipeline for AH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Condon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Loretta L Jophlin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
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Kulkarni AV. Role of Prophylactic Antibiotics in Patients with Severe Alcohol-related Hepatitis. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:1146-1148. [PMID: 37975035 PMCID: PMC10643504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
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Parker R, Allison M, Anderson S, Aspinall R, Bardell S, Bains V, Buchanan R, Corless L, Davidson I, Dundas P, Fernandez J, Forrest E, Forster E, Freshwater D, Gailer R, Goldin R, Hebditch V, Hood S, Jones A, Lavers V, Lindsay D, Maurice J, McDonagh J, Morgan S, Nurun T, Oldroyd C, Oxley E, Pannifex S, Parsons G, Phillips T, Rainford N, Rajoriya N, Richardson P, Ryan J, Sayer J, Smith M, Srivastava A, Stennett E, Towey J, Vaziri R, Webzell I, Wellstead A, Dhanda A, Masson S. Quality standards for the management of alcohol-related liver disease: consensus recommendations from the British Association for the Study of the Liver and British Society of Gastroenterology ARLD special interest group. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2023; 10:e001221. [PMID: 37797967 PMCID: PMC10551993 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2023-001221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is the most common cause of liver-related ill health and liver-related deaths in the UK, and deaths from ALD have doubled in the last decade. The management of ALD requires treatment of both liver disease and alcohol use; this necessitates effective and constructive multidisciplinary working. To support this, we have developed quality standard recommendations for the management of ALD, based on evidence and consensus expert opinion, with the aim of improving patient care. DESIGN A multidisciplinary group of experts from the British Association for the Study of the Liver and British Society of Gastroenterology ALD Special Interest Group developed the quality standards, with input from the British Liver Trust and patient representatives. RESULTS The standards cover three broad themes: the recognition and diagnosis of people with ALD in primary care and the liver outpatient clinic; the management of acutely decompensated ALD including acute alcohol-related hepatitis and the posthospital care of people with advanced liver disease due to ALD. Draft quality standards were initially developed by smaller working groups and then an anonymous modified Delphi voting process was conducted by the entire group to assess the level of agreement with each statement. Statements were included when agreement was 85% or greater. Twenty-four quality standards were produced from this process which support best practice. From the final list of statements, a smaller number of auditable key performance indicators were selected to allow services to benchmark their practice and an audit tool provided. CONCLUSION It is hoped that services will review their practice against these recommendations and key performance indicators and institute service development where needed to improve the care of patients with ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Parker
- Leeds Liver Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Seonaid Anderson
- Angus Integrated Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service (AIDARS), Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Richard Aspinall
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Sara Bardell
- Birmingham Liver Services Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vikram Bains
- Liver Transplant Unit, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ryan Buchanan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lynsey Corless
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
| | - Ian Davidson
- NHS Fife Addiction Services, NHS Fife, Kirkcaldy, UK
| | - Pauline Dundas
- Peter Brunt Centre, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Jeff Fernandez
- Alcohol and Drug Liaison, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ewan Forrest
- Dept of Gastroenterology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Erica Forster
- Leeds Liver Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Dennis Freshwater
- Birmingham Liver Services Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ruth Gailer
- Islington Primary Care Federation, London, UK
| | - Robert Goldin
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Steve Hood
- Digestive Diseases Unit, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Arron Jones
- Pharmacy, Barts and The London NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Deborah Lindsay
- Alcohol Care Team, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Blackburn, UK
| | - James Maurice
- Gastroenterology and hepatology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Westbury on Trym, UK
| | - Joanne McDonagh
- Birmingham Liver Services Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Tania Nurun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
| | | | | | - Sally Pannifex
- Hepatology, St George's Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Nicole Rainford
- Liver Transplant Unit, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Neil Rajoriya
- Birmingham Liver Services Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Paul Richardson
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - J Ryan
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Joanne Sayer
- Gastroenterology, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Doncaster, UK
| | - Mandy Smith
- Alcohol care team, Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, Southport, UK
| | - Ankur Srivastava
- Gastroenterology and hepatology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Westbury on Trym, UK
| | - Emma Stennett
- Gastroenterology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Towey
- Birmingham Liver Services Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Ian Webzell
- Liver Transplant Unit, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrew Wellstead
- Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK
| | - Ashwin Dhanda
- Faculty of health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Steven Masson
- Liver unit, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
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15
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Kasper P, Lang S, Steffen HM, Demir M. Management of alcoholic hepatitis: A clinical perspective. Liver Int 2023; 43:2078-2095. [PMID: 37605624 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease is the primary cause of liver-related mortality worldwide and one of the most common indications for liver transplantation. Alcoholic hepatitis represents the most acute and severe manifestation of alcohol-associated liver disease and is characterized by a rapid onset of jaundice with progressive inflammatory liver injury, worsening of portal hypertension, and an increased risk for multiorgan failure in patients with excessive alcohol consumption. Severe alcoholic hepatitis is associated with a poor prognosis and high short-term mortality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of alcohol-associated hepatitis have increased significantly, underscoring that it is a serious and growing health problem. However, adequate management of alcohol-associated hepatitis and its complications in everyday clinical practice remains a major challenge. Currently, pharmacotherapy is limited to corticosteroids, although these have only a moderate effect on reducing short-term mortality. In recent years, translational studies deciphering key mechanisms of disease development and progression have led to important advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis. Emerging pathophysiology-based therapeutic approaches include anti-inflammatory agents, modifications of the gut-liver axis and intestinal dysbiosis, epigenetic modulation, antioxidants, and drugs targeting liver regeneration. Concurrently, evidence is increasing that early liver transplantation is a safe treatment option with important survival benefits in selected patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis not responding to medical treatment. This narrative review describes current pathophysiology and management concepts of alcoholic hepatitis, provides an update on emerging treatment options, and focuses on the need for holistic and patient-centred treatment approaches to improve prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Kasper
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sonja Lang
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans-Michael Steffen
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Münevver Demir
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Germany
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16
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Mendez-Sanchez N, Coronel-Castillo CE, Cordova-Gallardo J, Qi X. Antibiotics in Chronic Liver Disease and Their Effects on Gut Microbiota. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1475. [PMID: 37887176 PMCID: PMC10603944 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12101475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Impairments in liver function lead to different complications. As chronic liver disease progresses (CLD), hypoalbuminemia and alterations in bile acid compositions lead to changes in gut microbiota and, therefore, in the host-microbiome interaction, leading to a proinflammatory state. Alterations in gut microbiota composition and permeability, known as gut dysbiosis, have important implications in CLD; alterations in the gut-liver axis are a consequence of liver disease, but also a cause of CLD. Furthermore, gut dysbiosis plays an important role in the progression of liver cirrhosis and decompensation, particularly with complications such as hepatic encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. In relation to this, antibiotics play an important role in treating CLD. While certain antibiotics have specific indications, others have been subjected to continued study to determine whether or not they have a modulatory effect on gut microbiota. In contrast, the rational use of antibiotics is important, not only because of their disrupting effects on gut microbiota, but also in the context of multidrug-resistant organisms. The aim of this review is to illustrate the role of gut microbiota alterations in CLD, the use and impact of antibiotics in liver cirrhosis, and their harmful and beneficial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahum Mendez-Sanchez
- Unit Liver Research, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Mexico City 14050, Mexico
- Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | | | - Jacqueline Cordova-Gallardo
- Department of Hepatology, Service of Surgery and Obesity Clinic, General Hospital “Dr. Manuel Gea González”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Xingshun Qi
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110840, China
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17
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Crocombe D, O’Brien A. Antimicrobial prophylaxis in decompensated cirrhosis: friend or foe? Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0228. [PMID: 37655979 PMCID: PMC10476838 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
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18
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Ranjbarian T, Schnabl B. Gut Microbiome-Centered Therapies for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:311-322. [PMID: 37527781 DOI: 10.1055/a-2145-7331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Globally, liver disease caused by alcohol is becoming more prevalent each year. Misuse of alcohol causes a spectrum of liver diseases, such as liver steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The cornerstone of treatment is abstinence from alcohol. In spite of this, available treatment for alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) shows limited effectiveness currently. There are numerous ways in which alcohol disrupts the gut-liver axis, including dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, disruption of mucus and epithelial cell barriers, impaired production of antimicrobial molecules, and dysfunction of the immune system, causing translocation of viable microbes and microbial products to the liver and systemic circulation. Microbial exposure results in not only inflammation and progression of liver disease but also infections in late-stage ALD. This led scientists to focus their therapeutic strategies and targets for ALD on the gut microbiome. Throughout this review, we address the role of gut microbiome-centered therapeutic approaches for ALD focusing predominantly on randomized controlled trials. We will summarize the latest clinical trials using probiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbial transplants in modulating the gut-liver axis and for improvement of ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tannaz Ranjbarian
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
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