1
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Sharma P, Shenoy A, Shroff H, Kwong A, Lim N, Pillai A, Devuni D, Haque LY, Balliet W, Serper M. Management of alcohol-associated liver disease and alcohol use disorder in liver transplant candidates and recipients: Challenges and opportunities. Liver Transpl 2024:01445473-990000000-00343. [PMID: 38471008 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease poses a significant global health burden, with rising alcohol consumption and prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. This review examines the challenges and opportunities in the care of candidates and recipients of liver transplant (LT) with AUD. Despite advancements in posttransplant patient survival, the risk of disease recurrence and alcohol relapse remains substantial. Several challenges have been identified, including (1) rising disease burden of alcohol-associated liver disease, variable transplant practices, and systemic barriers; (2) disparities in mental health therapy access and the impact on transplant; (3) variable definitions, underdiagnosis, and stigma affecting access to care; and (4) post-LT relapse, its risk factors, and consequential harm. The review focuses on the opportunities to improve AUD care for candidates and recipients of LT through effective biochemical monitoring, behavioral and pharmacologic approaches, creating Centers of Excellence for post-LT AUD care, advocating for policy reforms, and ensuring insurance coverage for necessary services as essential steps toward improving patient outcomes. The review also highlights unmet needs, such as the scarcity of addiction specialists, and calls for further research on personalized behavioral treatments, digital health, and value-based care models to optimize AUD care in the LT setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratima Sharma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Akhil Shenoy
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hersh Shroff
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Allison Kwong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Nicholas Lim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Deepika Devuni
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lamia Y Haque
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases and Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Wendy Balliet
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Marina Serper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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2
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Cullaro G, Ge J, Lee BP, Lai JC, Wadhwani SI. Association between neighborhood-based material deprivation and liver transplant waitlist registrants demographics and mortality. Clin Transplant 2024; 38:e15189. [PMID: 37937349 PMCID: PMC10842435 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15189] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver transplantation for alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) has increased. We examined temporal trends in ARLD listing practices by neighborhood deprivation and evaluated the impact of neighborhood deprivation on waitlist mortality. METHODS We included all adults > 18 years listed 2008-2019 in the UNOS registry. Our primary exposure was the neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation index based on patients' listing zip codes. We determined temporal trends in an ARLD listing diagnosis. We modeled ARLD listing diagnosis using logistic regression and waitlist mortality using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS The waitlist contained an increasing proportion of patients listed with ARLD over the study period; however, this rate increased the least for patients from the most deprived tertile (p < .001). Patients from the most deprived tertile were the least likely to be listed with ARLD (OR: .97, 95CI: .95-.98). In our adjusted model, patients from the most deprived tertile had an increased hazard of waitlist mortality (OR: 1.10, 95CI: 1.06-1.14). CONCLUSION Neighborhood deprivation was associated with a decreased likelihood of being listed with ARLD, suggesting that transplant for ARLD is inequitably available. The increased mortality associated with neighborhood deprivation demands future work to uncover the underlying reasons for this disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Cullaro
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jin Ge
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Lai
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sharad I Wadhwani
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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3
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Kim SH, Jang Y, Kim H. Concept and risk factors of alcohol relapse in liver transplant recipients with alcohol-related aetiologies: A scoping review. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2023; 32:1583-1597. [PMID: 37475208 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13196] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol relapse in those who received liver transplantation (LT) for alcohol-related liver disease can lead to poor graft function, low medication adherence rates and decreased chances of survival. Numerous studies have evaluated on this topic; however, discrepancies in the meaning and measurement of 'alcohol relapse' lead to heterogeneous results. This scoping review aimed to explore the conceptual and operational definitions of alcohol relapse in LT recipients with alcohol-related aetiologies and to examine newly reported risk factors of alcohol relapse. Following the Arksey and O'Malley scoping review method and PRISMA guidelines, structured searches for articles published from 2012 to 2022 were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane and PsycINFO. Twenty-eight studies were included in the final review. Alcohol relapse was either defined as 'any alcohol consumption' or 'a certain degree of alcohol drinking' after transplantation. Discrepancies in the incidence rates persisted even within studies that shared the same conceptual definition. Commonly reported risk factors for alcohol relapse were younger age, social isolation and shorter abstinence periods before LT. Self-efficacy and post-transplant complications were newly identified risk factors in recent studies; whereas environmental factors such as external stressors were rarely included. The variance in the definition of alcohol relapse and inconsistent identification methods make it difficult to organize a structured interventional study. A standardized stratification of post-LT alcohol relapse behaviour is needed to prior to implementing interventions that employ a harm minimization approach. Cost-effective interventions promoting self-efficacy could enable the prevention and management of alcohol relapse after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yeonsoo Jang
- College of Nursing·Mo-im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyunji Kim
- College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
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4
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Im GY. Second thoughts about second opinions for liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2023; 29:1253-1254. [PMID: 37747274 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000262] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gene Y Im
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Division of Liver Diseases, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, New York, New York, USA
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5
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Wang MC, Bangaru S, Zhou K. Care for Vulnerable Populations with Chronic Liver Disease: A Safety-Net Perspective. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2725. [PMID: 37893800 PMCID: PMC10606794 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Safety-net hospitals (SNHs) and facilities are the cornerstone of healthcare services for the medically underserved. The burden of chronic liver disease-including end-stage manifestations of cirrhosis and liver cancer-is high and rising among populations living in poverty who primarily seek and receive care in safety-net settings. For many reasons related to social determinants of health, these individuals often present with delayed diagnoses and disease presentations, resulting in higher liver-related mortality. With recent state-based policy changes such as Medicaid expansion that impact access to insurance and critical health services, an overview of the body of literature on SNH care for chronic liver disease is timely and informative for the liver disease community. In this narrative review, we discuss controversies in the definition of a SNH and summarize the known disparities in the cascade of the care and management of common liver-related conditions: (1) steatotic liver disease, (2) liver cancer, (3) chronic viral hepatitis, and (4) cirrhosis and liver transplantation. In addition, we review the specific impact of Medicaid expansion on safety-net systems and liver disease outcomes and highlight effective provider- and system-level interventions. Lastly, we address remaining gaps and challenges to optimizing care for vulnerable populations with chronic liver disease in safety-net settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Wang
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Saroja Bangaru
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Los Angeles General Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Kali Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Los Angeles General Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Research Center for Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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6
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Lee BP, Terrault NA. Liver transplantation for alcohol-associated liver disease: A call for national standards of best practices to monitor and bridge disparities in access and outcomes. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:1097-1101. [PMID: 37023857 PMCID: PMC10524758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.03.026] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Early (ie, without a mandated abstinence period) liver transplantation for alcohol-associated liver disease is the fastest-growing indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Despite widespread adoption, there is no standardization of practice or policies across transplant centers, nor are there any quality metrics from regulatory organizations specific to alcohol, all of which have likely contributed to confirmed disparities in transplant access and patient outcomes. In this article, we propose new mandates and best practices that could be put forth by the organ procurement and transplantation network regarding processes related to candidate selection, monitoring of alcohol use, and services to prevent and treat harmful alcohol use among early transplant candidates and recipients. We hope that this article stimulates discussion and leads to policy changes to maximize equity and quality of transplant care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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7
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Kardashian A, Serper M, Terrault N, Nephew LD. Health disparities in chronic liver disease. Hepatology 2023; 77:1382-1403. [PMID: 35993341 PMCID: PMC10026975 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The syndemic of hazardous alcohol consumption, opioid use, and obesity has led to important changes in liver disease epidemiology that have exacerbated health disparities. Health disparities occur when plausibly avoidable health differences are experienced by socially disadvantaged populations. Highlighting health disparities, their sources, and consequences in chronic liver disease is fundamental to improving liver health outcomes. There have been large increases in alcohol use disorder in women, racial and ethnic minorities, and those experiencing poverty in the context of poor access to alcohol treatment, leading to increasing rates of alcohol-associated liver diseases. Rising rates of NAFLD and associated fibrosis have been observed in Hispanic persons, women aged > 50, and individuals experiencing food insecurity. Access to viral hepatitis screening and linkage to treatment are suboptimal for racial and ethnic minorities and individuals who are uninsured or underinsured, resulting in greater liver-related mortality and later-stage diagnoses of HCC. Data from more diverse cohorts on autoimmune and cholestatic liver diseases are lacking, supporting the need to study the contemporary epidemiology of these disorders in greater detail. Herein, we review the existing literature on racial and ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic disparities in chronic liver diseases using a social determinants of health framework to better understand how social and structural factors cause health disparities and affect chronic liver disease outcomes. We also propose potential solutions to eliminate disparities, outlining health-policy, health-system, community, and individual solutions to promote equity and improve health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ani Kardashian
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Marina Serper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Norah Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lauren D. Nephew
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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8
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Liver transplantation in alcohol-associated liver disease: ensuring equity through new processes. Liver Transpl 2023; 29:539-547. [PMID: 36738082 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000088] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol use is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the US, in large part due to alcohol-associated liver disease. Throughout history, liver transplantation for this population has been controversial, and many policies and regulations have existed to limit access to lifesaving transplant for patients who use alcohol. In recent years, the rates of liver transplantation for patients with alcohol-associated liver disease have increased dramatically; however, disparities persist. For instance, many criteria used in evaluation for transplant listing, such as social support and prior knowledge of the harms of alcohol use, are not evidence based and may selectively disadvantage patients with alcohol use disorder. In addition, few transplant providers have adequate training in the treatment of alcohol use disorder, and few transplant centers offer specialized addiction treatment. Finally, current approaches to liver transplantation would benefit from adopting principles of harm reduction, which have demonstrated efficacy in the realm of addiction medicine for years. As we look toward the future, we must emphasize the use of evidence-based measures in selecting patients for listing, ensure access to high-quality addiction care for all patients pretransplant and posttransplant, and adopt harm reduction beliefs to better address relapse when it inevitably occurs. We believe that only by addressing each of these issues will we be able to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources in liver transplantation for all patients.
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9
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is having substantial impacts on the health status of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). AUD and ALD have both been impacted throughout the pandemic, with increases in alcohol use during the early stages of the pandemic, reduced access to treatment during the mid-pandemic, and challenges in managing the downstream effects in the post-COVID era. This review will focus on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted AUD and ALD epidemiology and access to treatment, and will discuss to address this rising AUD and ALD disease burden.
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10
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Lee BP, Terrault NA. Advocacy for Equity in Transplantation Access for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: How Research Changed Medi-Cal Policy. Gastroenterology 2022; 163:539-542. [PMID: 35577123 PMCID: PMC10361648 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.05.013] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
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11
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Matthews LA, Lucey MR. Psychosocial Evaluation in Liver Transplantation for Patients with Alcohol-Related Liver Disease. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2022; 19:17-20. [PMID: 35106144 PMCID: PMC8785917 DOI: 10.1002/cld.1160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Content available: Author Interview and Audio Recording.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael R. Lucey
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity of WisconsinMadisonWI
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12
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Lee BP, Dodge JL, Terrault NA. Changes and mediators of survival disparity among Black liver transplant recipients in the United States. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:3883-3893. [PMID: 34374495 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A landmark 2002 study identified Black liver transplant (LT) recipients as having lower post-LT survival compared to other races. While persistent disparities exist, changes over time and mediating factors are understudied. Capturing LT recipients between 2002 and 2018 in UNOS, we used logistic regression and Cox proportional-hazard models to calculate differences in post-LT mortality among races. We examined interactions between transplant year and race. A mediation analysis assessed biologic and environmental factors potentially associated with race differences in post-LT survival. The cohort included 46,997 LT recipients (3898 Black;36,560 White;6539 Hispanic). In most years, Black (vs. White) LT recipients had a higher probability of age-adjusted mortality, not observed among Hispanics. In multivariable analysis, Blacks (vs. Whites) had higher (aHR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.07-1.24), whereas Hispanics had lower (aHR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.72-0.83) risk of mortality. Differences in post-LT mortality among Blacks (vs. Whites) narrowed between 2002 and 2009, were similar between 2010 and 2013, and may have worsened between 2014 and 2018. Race differences were larger for mortality beyond 1-year post-LT (vs. within 1-year), and among non-HCV (vs. HCV). Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) was the strongest mediator (13.9%, 95% CI 8.7-32.7%) of the Black-White disparity in 2010-2018. Our analyses suggest disparities may worsen with longer follow-up, as HCV recedes with elimination efforts, and with further increases in ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jennifer L Dodge
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.,Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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13
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Kardashian A, Wilder J, Terrault NA, Price JC. Addressing Social Determinants of Liver Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: A Call to Action. Hepatology 2021; 73:811-820. [PMID: 33150599 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed healthcare inequities in the USA and highlighted the importance of social conditions in shaping the health of persons. In the field of hepatology, social determinants of health (SDOH) are closely linked to disparities in liver disease prevalence, outcomes, and access to treatment. The economic disruption and physical distancing policies brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have further exacerbated these disparities, and may have long-lasting health consequences for marginalized patients with chronic liver disease. There are several ways that hepatology providers can bridge the gap in health equity through addressing SDOH, extending from the individual to the community and societal levels. Interventions at the individual level include implementation of systematic screening for social barriers in our hepatology practices to identify gaps in the care cascade. At the community and societal levels, interventions include creating collaborative partnerships with public health workers to expand healthcare access to the community, increasing funding for research investigating the association of SDOH, health disparities, and liver disease, engaging in advocacy to support policy reform that tackles the upstream social determinants, and addressing racism and implicit bias. As hepatology practices adapt to the "new normal," now is the time for us to address our patients' social needs within the context of healthcare delivery and reimagine ways in which to provide care to best serve our most vulnerable patients with liver disease in the COVID-19 era and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ani Kardashian
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver DiseasesUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCA
| | - Julius Wilder
- Division of GastroenterologyDepartment of MedicineDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNC.,Duke Clinical Research InstituteDurhamNC
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver DiseasesUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCA
| | - Jennifer C Price
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCA
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14
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Karunungan KL, Sanaiha Y, Hernandez RA, Wilhalme H, Rudasill S, Hadaya J, DiNorcia J, Benharash P. Impact of Payer Status on Delisting Among Liver Transplant Candidates in the United States. Liver Transpl 2021; 27:200-208. [PMID: 33185336 PMCID: PMC8281984 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although socioeconomic disparities persist both pre- and post-transplantation, the impact of payer status has not been studied at the national level. We examined the association between public insurance coverage and waitlist outcomes among candidates listed for liver transplantation (LT) in the United States. All adults (age ≥18 years) listed for LT between 2002 and 2018 in the United Network for Organ Sharing database were included. The primary outcome was waitlist removal because of death or clinical deterioration. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests, respectively. Fine and Gray competing-risks regression was used to estimate the subdistribution hazard ratios (HRs) for risk factors associated with delisting. Of 131,839 patients listed for LT, 61.2% were covered by private insurance, 22.9% by Medicare, and 15.9% by Medicaid. The 1-year cumulative incidence of delisting was 9.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.3%-9.8%) for patients with private insurance, 10.7% (95% CI, 9.9%-11.6%) for Medicare, and 10.7% (95% CI, 9.8%-11.6%) for Medicaid. In multivariable competing-risks analysis, Medicare (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.17-1.24; P < 0.001) and Medicaid (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.16-1.24; P < 0.001) were independently associated with an increased hazard of death or deterioration compared with private insurance. Additional predictors of delisting included Black race and Hispanic ethnicity, whereas college education and employment were associated with a decreased hazard of delisting. In this study, LT candidates with Medicare or Medicaid had a 20% increased risk of delisting because of death or clinical deterioration compared with those with private insurance. As more patients use public insurance to cover the cost of LT, targeted waitlist management protocols may mitigate the increased risk of delisting in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystal L. Karunungan
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories (CORELAB), Division of Cardiac Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Yas Sanaiha
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories (CORELAB), Division of Cardiac Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Holly Wilhalme
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Sarah Rudasill
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories (CORELAB), Division of Cardiac Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Joseph Hadaya
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories (CORELAB), Division of Cardiac Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Joseph DiNorcia
- Dumont-UCLA Transplant and Liver Cancer Centers, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Peyman Benharash
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories (CORELAB), Division of Cardiac Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
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15
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Hause J, Rice JP. Transplants for Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis: Controversies and Early Successes. Clin Liver Dis 2021; 25:229-252. [PMID: 33978581 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplant for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis remains a controversial practice despite evidence for a substantial survival benefit compared with medical therapy and posttransplant alcohol relapse rates comparable with previously published studies in alcohol-associated cirrhosis. The controversy stems in part from concern regarding patient selection practices, lack of long-term follow-up data, and the potential negative public perception of the practice affecting organ donation. Despite these concerns, it seems that early liver transplant for alcohol-associated hepatitis is increasingly being offered to selected patients across the United States and the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Hause
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 4th Floor MFCB, 1685 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - John P Rice
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 4th Floor MFCB, 1685 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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16
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Eswaran S, Chan E. Meeting Report: The Dallas Consensus Conference on Liver Transplantation for Alcohol Associated Hepatitis. Liver Transpl 2020; 26:950-951. [PMID: 32232940 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25767] [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: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Eswaran
- Section of Hepatology, Departments of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Edie Chan
- General Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
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