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Kao SYZ, Sangha K, Fujiwara N, Hoshida Y, Parikh ND, Singal AG. Cost-effectiveness of a precision hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance strategy in patients with cirrhosis. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 75:102755. [PMID: 39234558 PMCID: PMC11372615 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is currently performed using a one-size-fits-all strategy with ultrasound plus AFP (US + AFP). There is increasing interest in risk-stratified and precision surveillance strategies incorporating individual risk and variance in surveillance test performance; however, the cost-effectiveness of these approaches has not been evaluated. Methods We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to evaluate four surveillance strategies (no surveillance, universal US + AFP surveillance, risk-stratified surveillance, and precision surveillance) in a simulated cohort of 50-year-old patients with compensated cirrhosis. The most cost-effective strategy was that with the highest incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and below the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $150,000/QALY gained. Model inputs were based on literature review, and costs were derived from the Medicare fee schedule. Findings The precision surveillance strategy demonstrated variation in recommended surveillance test based on HCC risk category and patient factors. US + AFP, risk-stratified, and precision surveillance detected more HCC cases per 100,000 population than no surveillance, with a higher proportion of early-stage cases for precision surveillance (67.6%) than risk-stratified (63.8%), universal ultrasound (63.2%), and no surveillance (38.0%). Compared to no surveillance, precision surveillance was most cost-effective, with an ICER of $104,614/QALY gained, whereas US + AFP and risk-stratified surveillance were both dominated. Compared to US + AFP, risk-stratified surveillance was cost saving and dominated US + AFP, whereas precision surveillance was cost-effective, with an ICER of $98,103/QALY gained. Results were sensitive to survival with early-stage HCC, cost of early-stage HCC treatment, and surveillance utilization. Precision surveillance remained the most cost-effective when WTP thresholds exceeded $110,000/QALY gained. Interpretation A precision surveillance strategy is the most cost-effective method for HCC surveillance. This approach could maximize surveillance benefits in high-risk patients, while minimizing surveillance harms in low-risk individuals. Funding National Cancer Institute (U01 CA230694, R01 CA222900, R01 CA212008, and U24ca086368) and Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) (RP200554).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Naoto Fujiwara
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Neehar D Parikh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amit G Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Tapper EB, Trivedi H, Simonetto DA, Patwardhan V, Ospina E, Martinez B, Chen X, Walker S, Nikirk S. The RELAX randomized controlled trial: Stretching versus meditation for nocturnal muscle cramps. Liver Int 2024; 44:2434-2441. [PMID: 38860445 PMCID: PMC11369850 DOI: 10.1111/liv.16007] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle cramps are common among persons with cirrhosis and are associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Treatment options are limited. We compared stretching or meditation in a randomized-controlled trial (RCT). PATIENTS We enrolled 98 patients with a history of >4 muscle cramps in the prior month from 7/22-7/23. We randomized patients 1:1 to stretching versus meditation for 35 days. Our primary outcome was the change in cramp severity measured by the visual analogue scale for cramps (VAS-cramps, scaled 0-10). Secondary outcomes included a patient global impression of change (PGIC), change in sleep quality and global HRQOL measured using the EQ-5D and VAS-global HRQOL. RESULTS Overall, 48% of patients had cirrhosis, 40% had diabetes, 16% the median age was 63, most were women (67%) and 81% were college educated. Both arms experienced a reduction in cramp severity-a median of 1.44 (.58-2.29) points for stretching and 1.97 (1.01-2.93) points for meditation. These changes were significant changes from baseline (p = .001 for stretching, p < .0001 for meditation) but these changes were equivalent between arms (p = .4). The PGIC was improved: 1.33 (1.02-1.65) for stretching, 1.05 (.70-1.41) for meditation, p-difference .2. Sleep was also improved for both. HRQOL did not change according to the Eq5D; according to the VAS, HRQOL rose for meditation by 6 (.1-11.8) points but not for stretching. More patients recommended stretching than meditation (79.2% vs. 55.3%, p = .02). CONCLUSION In a randomized trial, stretching and meditation both reduced cramp severity and improved sleep quality and global impression of change. While patients preferred stretching, there was no difference in effect between arms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Hirsh Trivedi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Cedars Sinai, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Douglas A Simonetto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Vilas Patwardhan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erin Ospina
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Beanna Martinez
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Susan Walker
- Holistic Integrated Massage and Meditation, Poland, Ohio, USA
| | - Samantha Nikirk
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Hassan A, Hurtado Diaz De Leon I, Tapper EB. Symptom burden in chronic liver disease. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2024; 12:goae078. [PMID: 39131950 PMCID: PMC11315653 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goae078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a significant contributor to global mortality. For people who are living with CLD, however, there is a substantial and often overlooked burden of physical and psychological symptoms that significantly affect health-related quality of life. CLD frequently presents with a multitude of interrelated and intricate symptoms, including fatigue, pruritus, muscle cramps, sexual dysfunction, and falls. Increasingly, there is interest in studying and developing interventional strategies to provide a more global approach to managing these complex patients. Moreover, in addition to established guidelines for the management of conventional complications, such as ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, there have been efforts in developing evidence-based guidance for the treatment of the more subjective yet still problematic elements. This review will address the management of these less "classical" but nonetheless important symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Hassan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health West, University of Michigan Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Ivonne Hurtado Diaz De Leon
- Department of Gastroenterology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Hui Y, Wang H, Guo G, Yang W, Zhang X, Yang J, Yang F, Wang X, Fan X, Cui B, Chen X, Jiao H, Sun C. Association Between Quality of Life Defined by EuroQol Group 5 Dimension and Composite Inferior Outcome Among Inpatients with Cirrhosis. Clin Interv Aging 2024; 19:551-560. [PMID: 38528882 PMCID: PMC10962662 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s444842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The utility of the EuroQol Group 5 Dimension (EQ-5D) measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been verified; however, knowledge gaps remain concerning predictive performance in cirrhosis. We aimed to identify the optimal threshold for risk stratification and the pronounced domain in the EQ-5D linked to inferior outcomes. Patients and Methods The X-tile project was used to obtain a threshold, considering the composite outcome of 1-year all-cause mortality or readmission. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) was performed to test the non-linear relationship between the EQ-5D utility value and the primary outcome. Six multivariate Cox regression models incorporating EQ-5D utility value and each of the five domains were constructed. Setting/Participants Totally, 420 patients with cirrhosis were recruited. Results The median utility value of the study population was 0.77 and 59.8% reported impairment in minimal one EQ-5D domain. RCS indicated a linear relationship between the utility value and composite inferior outcome. X-tile pinpointed a utility value of 0.59 stratifying populations into high- and low-risk groups based on the outcome. Inpatients with cirrhosis and deteriorated HRQoL (utility value ≤0.59) were at higher risk of death or readmission (adjusted HR: 2.18, P < 0.001). Furthermore, mobility and usual activities were the most pronounced domains associated with composite inferior outcome. Conclusion A utility value ≤0.59 can identify cirrhotic inpatients exhibiting compromised HRQoL and mortality/readmission risk. It is tempting to reverse the decreased HRQoL by applying longitudinal measurements and keeping surveillance on utility value, while interventions appear to mainly focus on improving mobility and usual activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Hui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Health Management, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gaoyue Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wanting Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuqian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation 731 Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Digestive System, Baodi Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaofei Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Binxin Cui
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Airport Hospital, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huanli Jiao
- Department of Health Management, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Airport Hospital, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
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Gonzalez JJ, Tapper EB. Muscle cramps in cirrhosis. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0116. [PMID: 38283307 PMCID: PMC10810579 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000116] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Juan J. Gonzalez
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Tapper EB, Ospina E, Salim N, Chen X, Nikirk S. Lactulose therapy for patients with cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and poor patient-reported outcomes: The Mi-Kristal trial. Hepatology 2023; 78:1159-1167. [PMID: 37066820 PMCID: PMC10524505 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000408] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Poor patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are common in cirrhosis, including poor sleep and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). HE is a major driver of poor PROs. Many clinicians initiate lactulose therapy to address poor PROs. PRO-triggered therapy, however, has not been studied till date. METHODS We conducted a 28-day randomized trial of crystalline lactulose therapy (20 g BID) compared with no HE-directed therapy in 52 patients with cirrhosis, portal hypertension, no prior HE, and high Work Productivity and Activity Impairment scores (0-10) attributed to cirrhosis. The primary outcome was change in global HRQOL measured with Short Form-8 Health Survey. Secondary outcomes included change in Animal Naming Test score, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment, and sleep quality (scored "very bad" to "very good"). APPROACH AND RESULTS Overall, 52 patients underwent randomization; 3 subjects withdrew from the crystalline lactulose arm (1 before medication initiation, 1 due to an unrelated condition, and 1 due to high baseline bowel movements). The average age was 60 years, the average Model for Endstage Liver Disease-Sodium score was 10.5, and 56% of the patients had ascites. Baseline bowel movements were 2.3/day, with 35% of the patients having Bristol Stool Scale >4. At 28 days, there was no improvement in HRQOL: patients receiving crystalline lactulose had an 8.1-point (95% CI: 3.7-12.4) increase compared with 6.6 (95% CI: 2.3-10.8) in the control group ( p = 0.6). Lactulose was associated with a significantly ( p = 0.002) increased Animal Naming Test score (3.7, 95% CI: 2.1-5.4) versus the control group (0.2, 95% CI: -1.7, 1.4). Lactulose users reported more good sleep (92% vs. 52%, p = 0.001) and lower activity impairment (3.0 vs. 4.8, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Lactulose improves sleep and activity impairment in patients with poor PROs. We did not observe any improvement in global HRQOL after 28 days using the Short Form-8 Health Survey instrument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan
| | - Erin Ospina
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan
| | - Najat Salim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan
| | - Xi Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan
| | - Samantha Nikirk
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan
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Åström M, Thet Lwin ZM, Teni FS, Burström K, Berg J. Use of the visual analogue scale for health state valuation: a scoping review. Qual Life Res 2023; 32:2719-2729. [PMID: 37029258 PMCID: PMC10474194 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03411-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The visual analogue scale (VAS) has been used in the context of health and healthcare for various purposes, for example, to measure pain and to provide a single-index measure of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This scoping review aims to describe how the VAS has been used for health state valuation in the published literature. METHODS The search was carried out in Medline, Web of Science and PsycInfo. The findings of the included articles were tabulated and presented descriptively using frequencies and proportions. RESULTS The database search yielded 4856 unique articles, out of these, 308 were included. In 83% of the articles, the main purpose for using a VAS was to value health states. The two most common perspectives when valuing health states with a VAS were hypothetical (44%) and own health (34%). Some (n = 14) articles used the VAS in the context of economic evaluations, including calculating quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). A large variation in the design of the VAS was found, including the description of the lower and upper anchors. Advantages and disadvantages with using a VAS were mentioned in 14% of the included articles. CONCLUSION The VAS has been a common method for valuing health states, both as a stand-alone method and in combination with other valuation methods. Despite its widespread use, the design of the VAS has been inconsistent which makes comparison of results across studies challenging. Further research on the role of using the VAS in economic evaluations is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimmi Åström
- Health Outcomes and Economic Evaluation Research Group, Stockholm Centre for Healthcare Ethics, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 18 A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Equity and Health Policy Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Centre for Health Economics, Informatics and Health Services Research, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Zin Min Thet Lwin
- Health Outcomes and Economic Evaluation Research Group, Stockholm Centre for Healthcare Ethics, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 18 A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fitsum Sebsibe Teni
- Health Outcomes and Economic Evaluation Research Group, Stockholm Centre for Healthcare Ethics, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 18 A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Burström
- Health Outcomes and Economic Evaluation Research Group, Stockholm Centre for Healthcare Ethics, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 18 A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Equity and Health Policy Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jenny Berg
- Health Outcomes and Economic Evaluation Research Group, Stockholm Centre for Healthcare Ethics, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 18 A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
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Pulous VE, Jackson CD, Wheeler SGB. EBM BLS: Pickle Juice Decreases Muscle Cramp Severity in Patients with Cirrhosis. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:2636-2637. [PMID: 37296359 PMCID: PMC10465440 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08224-1] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vian E. Pulous
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
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Patel AA, Tapper EB, Kanwal F, Woodrell CD, Hansen L, Lai JC, Rogal S, McDermott C, Rakoski M, Ufere NN. Targets and study design for symptom-focused trials aimed at patients with cirrhosis: An expert consensus. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0135. [PMID: 37267219 PMCID: PMC10241502 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000135] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptom-focused trials are critically needed for patients with cirrhosis. However, this work would benefit from standard processes and validated measures. METHODS A writing group was formed among hepatologists, nurses, palliative care providers, pharmacists, and clinical trial experts focused on symptom management in patients with cirrhosis to define the key (1) components of trial design, (2) symptom targets, (3) measurement, and (4) outcomes for each target. From July 2022 to January 2023, panelists participated in an iterative process of developing and arriving at a consensus for each component. The goal was to provide consensus definitions that can be operationalized in future clinical trials, including for patients with cirrhosis. RESULTS The panel reached a consensus on key reporting features for clinical trials, along with considerations for study design. Nine key symptom targets (muscle cramps, pruritus, pain, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders, depression and anxiety, nausea/vomiting, and dyspnea/breathlessness) were identified. The panel selected instruments that can be considered for clinical trials based on psychometric validation and previous experience. The panel identified ongoing needs, including instrument validation, safety data, evidence about non-pharmacologic interventions, and comparative effectiveness studies. CONCLUSION This expert panel identified key design, reporting, and measurement elements to standardize processes and measures in future symptom-focused clinical trials in the context of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpan A. Patel
- Tamar and Vatche Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher D. Woodrell
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Lissi Hansen
- Oregon Health & Science University, School of Nursing, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Lai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shari Rogal
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cara McDermott
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, New Carolina, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, New Carolina, USA
| | - Mina Rakoski
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Nneka N. Ufere
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussetts, USA
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Abstract
Importance Cirrhosis affects approximately 2.2 million adults in the US. From 2010 to 2021, the annual age-adjusted mortality of cirrhosis increased from 14.9 per 100 000 to 21.9 per 100 000 people. Observations The most common causes of cirrhosis in the US, which can overlap, include alcohol use disorder (approximately 45% of all cases of cirrhosis), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (26%), and hepatitis C (41%). Patients with cirrhosis experience symptoms including muscle cramps (approximately 64% prevalence), pruritus (39%), poor-quality sleep (63%), and sexual dysfunction (53%). Cirrhosis can be diagnosed by liver biopsy but may also be diagnosed noninvasively. Elastography, a noninvasive assessment of liver stiffness measured in kilopascals, can typically confirm cirrhosis at levels of 15 kPa or greater. Approximately 40% of people with cirrhosis are diagnosed when they present with complications such as hepatic encephalopathy or ascites. The median survival time following onset of hepatic encephalopathy and ascites is 0.92 and 1.1 years, respectively. Among people with ascites, the annual incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is 11% and of hepatorenal syndrome is 8%; the latter is associated with a median survival of less than 2 weeks. Approximately 1% to 4% of patients with cirrhosis develop hepatocellular carcinoma each year, which is associated with a 5-year survival of approximately 20%. In a 3-year randomized clinical trial of 201 patients with portal hypertension, nonselective β-blockers (carvedilol or propranolol) reduced the risk of decompensation or death compared with placebo (16% vs 27%). Compared with sequential initiation, combination aldosterone antagonist and loop diuretics were more likely to resolve ascites (76% vs 56%) with lower rates of hyperkalemia (4% vs 18%). In meta-analyses of randomized trials, lactulose was associated with reduced mortality relative to placebo (8.5% vs 14%) in randomized trials involving 705 patients and reduced risk of recurrent overt hepatic encephalopathy (25.5% vs 46.8%) in randomized trials involving 1415 patients. In a randomized clinical trial of 300 patients, terlipressin improved the rate of reversal of hepatorenal syndrome from 39% to 18%. Trials addressing symptoms of cirrhosis have demonstrated efficacy for hydroxyzine in improving sleep dysfunction, pickle brine and taurine for reducing muscle cramps, and tadalafil for improving sexual dysfunction in men. Conclusions and Relevance Approximately 2.2 million US adults have cirrhosis. Many symptoms, such as muscle cramps, poor-quality sleep, pruritus, and sexual dysfunction, are common and treatable. First-line therapies include carvedilol or propranolol to prevent variceal bleeding, lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy, combination aldosterone antagonists and loop diuretics for ascites, and terlipressin for hepatorenal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Neehar D Parikh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Tapper EB, Salim N, Baki J, Zhao Z, Sundaram V, Patwardhan V, Nikirk SJ. Pickle Juice Intervention for Cirrhotic Cramps Reduction: The PICCLES Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Gastroenterol 2022; 117:895-901. [PMID: 35416793 PMCID: PMC11214544 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Muscle cramps are common among persons with cirrhosis and associated with poor health-related quality of life. Treatment options are limited. We sought to determine whether pickle juice can improve muscle cramp severity. METHODS We enrolled 82 patients with cirrhosis and a history of >4 muscle cramps in the previous month from December 2020 to December 2021. Patients were randomized 1:1 to sips of pickle juice vs tap water at cramp onset. Our primary outcome assessed at 28 days was the change in cramp severity measured by the visual analog scale for cramps (VAS-cramps, scaled 0-10). Cramps were assessed 10 times over 28 days using interactive text messages. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of days with VAS-cramps <5, change in sleep quality, and global health-related quality of life measured using the EQ-5D. RESULTS Overall, 74 patients completed the trial, aged 56.6 ± 11.5 years, 54% male, 41% with ascites, 38% with encephalopathy, and model for end-stage liver disease-sodium score 11.2 ± 4.9. Many patients were receiving other cramp therapies at baseline. The baseline VAS for cramps was 4.2 ± 3.4, the EQ-5D was 0.80 ± 0.10, and 43% rated sleep as poor. At trial completion, the respective values for the pickle juice and control arms were -2.25 ± 3.61 points on the VAS for cramps, compared with control tap water (-0.36 ± 2.87), P = 0.03; a proportion of cramp-days with VAS-cramps <5 were 46% vs 35% (P = 0.2); and the change in sleep quality was not different (P = 0.1). The end-of-trial EQ-5D was 0.78 ± 0.10 vs 0.80 ± 0.10 (P = 0.3). No differences in weight change were observed for those with and without ascites. DISCUSSION In a randomized trial, sips of pickle brine consumed at cramp onset improve cramp severity without adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Najat Salim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jad Baki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Zhe Zhao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Vinay Sundaram
- Karsh Division of Gastreonterology and Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vilas Patwardhan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samantha J Nikirk
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Lai JC, Tandon P, Bernal W, Tapper EB, Ekong U, Dasarathy S, Carey EJ. Malnutrition, Frailty, and Sarcopenia in Patients With Cirrhosis: 2021 Practice Guidance by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology 2021; 74:1611-1644. [PMID: 34233031 PMCID: PMC9134787 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 287] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Lai
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Puneeta Tandon
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Albert, Canada
| | - William Bernal
- Liver Intensive Therapy Unit, Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Udeme Ekong
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Washington, DC
| | - Srinivasan Dasarathy
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Elizabeth J Carey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Phoenix, AZ
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13
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Jepsen P, Younossi ZM. The global burden of cirrhosis: A review of disability-adjusted life-years lost and unmet needs. J Hepatol 2021; 75 Suppl 1:S3-S13. [PMID: 34039490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a burden on the individual and on public health. The World Health Organization's metric of public health burden is the disability-adjusted life-year (DALY), the sum of years of life lost due to premature death and years of life lived with disability. The more DALYs attributable to a disease, the greater its burden on public health. Cirrhosis was responsible for 26.8% fewer DALYs in 2019 than in 1990, which is positive, but the reduction in DALYs across the spectrum of diseases in and outside the liver was 34.4%. Hepatitis C (26% of DALYs), alcohol (24%), and hepatitis B (23%) contribute almost equally to the global burden of cirrhosis. The contribution from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (8%) is small but increasing. There is substantial global variation in the burden and causes of cirrhosis. We find that the poorest countries carry the greatest burden of cirrhosis, and that this burden is primarily caused by cirrhosis from hepatitis B infection. Interventions targeting hepatitis B infection are known, but not fully implemented. In more affluent countries, alcohol and hepatitis C are the dominant causes of cirrhosis, but non-alcoholic fatty liver will likely become a dominant cause of cirrhosis in parallel with the increasing prevalence of obesity. We also argue that the World Health Organization underestimates the public health burden associated with cirrhosis because it assigns zero disability to compensated cirrhosis and considers decompensated cirrhosis as only mildly disabling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Jepsen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Zobair M Younossi
- Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA; Department of Medicine, Center for Liver Diseases, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA, USA
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