Long-term management after liver transplantation: primary care physician versus hepatologist

Primary Care Utilization, Preventative Screening, and Control of Metabolic Syndrome in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis Liver Transplant Recipients

OBJECTIVES

Patients with pre-transplant metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are at high risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) after liver transplant. While many patients are co-managed by a transplant team, most preventative screening and MetS management may occur in the primary care setting. We aimed to evaluate primary care utilization by MASH liver transplant recipients as well as MetS screening and control.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review that included adults who underwent liver transplant for MASH or cryptogenic cirrhosis at a single institution from January 2010 to December 2016, had available primary care data, and at least 36-months of follow-up post-transplant. Measures included primary care utilization, adherence to screening guidelines, and control of MetS. We used Fischer's exact test to explore the association of primary care utilization with screening and control.

RESULTS

A total of 37 patients met inclusion criteria with 366 visits reviewed. The median time to first visit was 68 days post-transplant and patients had a median of 9 total visits. Few patients met screening guidelines for diabetes (8.1%) or hyperlipidemia (10.8%). The percentage of patients with control of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia decreased over the 36-month follow-up period. Primary care utilization was not associated with adherence to screening recommendations for diabetes (P = .141) or hyperlipidemia (P = .103). Higher primary care utilization was not associated with control of hypertension (P = .107), diabetes (P = .871), or hyperlipidemia (P = .999).

CONCLUSION

More research is needed to investigate barriers to screening and management of MetS conditions in this high-risk patient population in the primary care setting as well as to optimize post-transplant care coordination.

Poor Practitioner Adherence to Clinical Tobacco Use Guidelines in Liver Transplant Recipients

Tobacco use is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular events (CVEs) in liver transplant recipients (LTRs), but there is a paucity of data about practitioner adherence to tobacco cessation guidelines for LTRs. We sought to assess adherence to these guidelines as a predictor of CVEs after liver transplant.

Post-liver transplant outcomes in patients with major psychiatric diagnosis in the United States

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Higher rates of psychiatric disorders are reported among cirrhotic patients. This study examines the demographic and clinical outcomes post-liver transplant (LT) among cirrhotic patients with a major psychiatric diagnosis (cases) compared to those without psychiatric diagnosis (controls).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective case control design was used among 189 cirrhotic patients who had undergone LT at Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute, Memphis, TN between January 2006 and December 2014. Multivariable regression and Cox proportional hazard regression were conducted to compare allograft loss and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

The study sample consisted of a matched cohort of 95 cases and 94 controls with LT. Females and those with Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) were more likely to have psychiatric diagnosis. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were twice as likely to have allograft loss. Psychiatric patients with HCC had two and a half times (HR 2.54; 95% CI: 1.20-5.37; p = 0.015) likelihood of all-cause mortality. Data censored at 1-year post-LT revealed that patients with psychiatric diagnosis have a three to four times higher hazard for allograft loss and all-cause mortality compared to controls after adjusting for covariates, whereas when the data is censored at 5 year, allograft loss and all-cause mortality have two times higher hazard ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

The Cox proportional hazard regression analysis of censored data at 1 and 5 year indicate higher allograft loss and all-cause mortality among LT patients with psychiatric diagnosis. Patients with well-controlled psychiatric disorders who undergo LT need close monitoring and medication adherence.

Atherogenic Dyslipidemia After Liver Transplantation: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly atherosclerosis-associated CVD, is a major cause of long-term mortality after liver transplantation (LT). The liver is central in lipid homeostasis, and changes associated with insulin resistance, weight gain, adipose tissue inflammation, and development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) after LT promote atherogenesis. These factors synergistically alter lipid homeostasis, thereby leading to the production of proatherogenic lipoproteins, which contribute to the heighted risk of CVD-associated events observed in LT recipients. Although the exact mechanism promoting this shift of a proatherogenic lipoprotein profile is currently not known, the choice of immunosuppression and preexisting metabolic risk factors (ie, NAFLD) are likely contributors. This shift in proatherogenic lipoprotein subparticles presents clinical challenges as the traditional lipid profile employed in clinical practice may not fully capture this atherogenic risk. This review focuses on lipoprotein metabolism and atherogenesis in LT recipients.

Obesity Management of Liver Transplant Waitlist Candidates and Recipients

Obesity is increasing in prevalence in liver transplant candidates and recipients. The rise in liver transplantation for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis reflects this increase. Management of obesity in liver transplant candidates can be challenging due to the presence of decompensated cirrhosis and sarcopenia. Obesity may increase peritransplant morbidity but does not have an impact on long-term post-transplant survival. Bariatric surgery may be a feasible option in select patients before, during, or after liver transplantation. Use of weight loss drugs and/or endoscopic therapies for obesity management ultimately may play a role in liver transplant patients, but more research is needed to determine safety.

Current Challenges in the Post-Transplant Care of Liver Transplant Recipients in Germany

Improving long-term patient and graft survival after liver transplantation (LT) remains a major challenge. Compared to the early phase after LT, long-term morbidity and mortality of the recipients not only depends on complications immediately related to the graft function, infections, or rejection, but also on medical factors such as de novo malignancies, metabolic disorders (e.g., new-onset diabetes, osteoporosis), psychiatric conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression), renal failure, and cardiovascular diseases. While a comprehensive post-transplant care at the LT center and the connected regional networks may improve outcome, there is currently no generally accepted standard to the post-transplant management of LT recipients in Germany. We therefore described the structure and standards of post-LT care by conducting a survey at 12 German LT centers including transplant hepatologists and surgeons. Aftercare structures and form of cost reimbursement considerably varied between LT centers across Germany. Further discussions and studies are required to define optimal structure and content of post-LT care systems, aiming at improving the long-term outcomes of LT recipients.

Follow-up of liver transplant recipients

The number of surviving liver allograft recipients is increasing almost exponentially. The quality and length of life is increasing but most recipients have reduced survival and quality of life compared with healthy matched individuals. Causes of premature death include cardio and cerebrovascular disease, renal failure, graft failure, de novo malignancy and recurrent disease. Follow-up is needed lifelong to ensure graft and patient health and ensure that complications are recognised and treated early. Immunosuppression is kept to the appropriate minimum and prophylactic interventions are given early, such as use of statins and tight control of blood pressure and blood sugar. Recipients will require life-long follow-up, and this is placing an increasing burden on transplant units. Follow-up is best done by close collaboration between the Liver Transplant Unit, the local hospital and primary care team. Involvement of other health care practitioners, such as recipient coordinators, pharmacists, dermatologists and addiction specialists may improve outcomes. Key to successful follow-up are agreed protocols and good communication between the recipients and all relevant health care providers. Use of IT allows for better communication and will support use of video and telephone consultations in selected instances. The most appropriate follow-up will depend on many factors, including logistic and geographic issues, local experience. The provision of well-funded and supported registries at local, national and international levels will allow for improvements in management.

Obesity, dynapenia and high cardiovascular risk co-exist in post-liver transplant setting: results of a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death in post-liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to evaluate LT patients as to the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and its association with nutritional status, dietary intake, metabolic profile and cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, adult patients with more than 12 months of post-transplant follow-up underwent clinical, laboratory, functional and nutritional evaluation by 3-day-diet-record, anthropometry and dynamometry. CIMT was evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine post-LT patients [males 61%, median of age 59 (51-64) years were included; median time post-liver transplantation 2.8 (1.4-6.3) years]. High prevalence of malnutrition was found (45% of arm muscle area < p15 and 71% of handgrip strength < p30). Excess weight was present in 72% of patients, body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m² in 35% and metabolic syndrome in 51%. Abnormal CIMT was found in 54% of the sample. Patients with abnormal CIMT presented higher cardiovascular risk Score, LDL cholesterol, higher prevalence of high-sensitive C-reactive protein ≥ 1 mg/L and higher intake of saturated and trans fatty acids (P < 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal IMT was commonly found in LT patients presenting at the same time with overweight and dynapemia. These results were associated with higher LDL-cholesterol levels, high-sensitive C-reactive protein ≥ 1 mg/L and higher intake of saturated and trans fatty acids. Preventive measures, including dietary advice, are required for all post-liver transplantation patients to minimize cardiovascular risk.

Efficient undergraduate learning of liver transplant: building a framework for teaching subspecialties to medical students

BACKGROUND

Liver recipients may develop various diseases after transplant. However, because of inadequate study of liver transplant during undergraduate education, the quality of post-transplant care provided to these patients remains suboptimal. Herein, we introduce an innovative and integrated multimodal pedagogical approach to effectively disseminate key information regarding liver transplant to undergraduate students. The goal is to examine this approach through students' assessment in multiple dimensions.

METHODS

This prospective observational study evaluated student reactions to our pedagogical approach. Fifth-year medical students during the academic year 2015-2016 attended a 2-h session on what nontransplant doctors should know about liver transplants. The pedagogical strategy consisted of an online preclass self-learning exercise, an in-class interactive discussion (facilitated by the class teacher who is a liver transplant specialist to avoid distractions within the short-time frame), and a postclass essay assignment (to integrate and apply concepts). After the class, questionnaires were distributed to individual students to collect data, if returned, concerning the students' learning experience and feedback to improve teaching quality. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-squared tests, and McNemar's tests were used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data were content-coded through a descriptive approach using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 266 attendees, 263 (98.9%) completed the questionnaires and 182 (69.2%) provided comments. Student feedback indicated they "felt better" and "more satisfied" compared with problem-based learning (PBL) (51.0 and 63.1%, respectively) or large-lecture class (92.0 and 88.6%, respectively) approaches. Regarding confidently managing liver transplant patients in future, 80 (30.4%) and 246 (93.5%) students expressed preclass and postclass confidence, respectively (p < 0.001). The bell curve of the postclass self-assessment score of learning shifted toward right and became steeper compared with that of the preclass score (p < 0.001), suggesting students acquired considerable knowledge. The course was typically perceived to be cost-effective, practical, tension-free, and student-friendly.

CONCLUSION

This pedagogical approach effectively propagated knowledge concerning liver transplant to medical students, who expressed considerable satisfaction with the approach.

The gastroenterologist's guide to management of the post-liver transplant patient

The management of the post-liver transplant patient is complex and involves a large interdisciplinary team. After referral to a transplant center, evaluation and listing, and eventual transplantation, the patient is cared for closely by the transplant center. Once deemed ready for discharge, the patient returns to the primary care provider for ongoing management of the various issues that increase in incidence post transplant such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular, and renal diseases, as well as metabolic syndrome. The role of the gastroenterologist is not well defined, but certainly, he or she may be called upon for the initial evaluation and ongoing management of gastrointestinal as well as hepatobiliary issues. This includes but is not limited to the investigation of abnormal liver tests, non-specific gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, biliary complications, and even recurrent hepatic disease. Having familiarity with post-transplant immunosuppressive agents, drug interactions, and potential infectious and malignancy-related complications of transplant is essential, as the primary gastroenterologist may be expected in some situations to field the initial work-up, if patient access to the transplant center is limited. The aim of this review is to summarize the gastroenterologist's role in the management of the post-liver transplant patient.

Uptake of Cancer Screening Tests Among Recipients of Solid Organ Transplantation

Population-based cancer screening recommendations are also suggested for solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR); however, recommendation adherence is unknown. In a population-based cohort of SOTR in Ontario between 1997 and 2010, we determined the uptake of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening tests and identified factors associated with up-to-date screening using recurrent event analysis. We identified 4436 SOTR eligible for colorectal, 2252 for cervical, and 1551 for breast cancer screening. Of those, 3437 (77.5%), 1572 (69.8%), and 1417 (91.4%), respectively, were not up-to-date for cancer screening tests during the observation period. However, these rates are likely an overestimate due to the inability to differentiate between tests done for screening or for diagnosis. SOTR with fewer comorbidities had higher rates of becoming screen up-to-date. Assessment by a primary care provider (PCP) was associated with becoming up-to-date with cancer screening (breast relative risk [RR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-1.76, cervical RR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.06-1.57, colorectal RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.15-1.48). Similar results were observed for continuity of care by transplant specialist at a transplant center. In conclusion, cancer screening for most SOTR does not adhere to standard recommendations. Involvement of PCPs in posttransplant care and continuity of care at a transplant center may improve the uptake of screening.

Survivorship after allogeneic transplantation-management recommendations for the primary care provider

Prognosis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has greatly improved. Therefore, long-term survivorship becomes an important issue. A number of malignant and nonmalignant late effects can cause substantial morbidity, with considerable impact on health and quality of life. The main factors responsible for late effects after HSCT are total body irradiation-based conditioning and chronic graft-versus-host disease and its treatment. The knowledge on late effects serves as guidance for surveillance and management decision. Aftercare includes screening and counseling for prevention and treatment of late complications. The care of HSCT recipients tends with time to be transferred from the transplant center back to the primary care provider, who might not be however familiar with the unique needs of long-term survivors. A broad expertise is needed for the post-transplant management; therefore, transplant centers together with primary care providers should ensure complementary care delivery. Standardized follow-up guidelines on late effects represent the best tool to guaranty good management of long-term survivors. Distribution, broad promotion, and applications of these guidelines are therefore needed.

National survey of adult transplant hepatologists on the pediatric-to-adult care transition after liver transplantation

Adult transplant hepatologists face challenges in providing care to young adults who received liver transplants during childhood. Because prior studies have focused mainly on pediatric providers, understanding these issues from the perspective of the adult hepatologist may provide novel insights and identify key barriers to care in this population. We conducted a national survey of adult transplant hepatologists to assess factors that may affect the transition of recipients from pediatric care to adult care. More than half of transplant hepatologists from all United Network for Organ Sharing regions (236/408 or 57.8%) completed the survey, and they reported that only 46.1% of patients arrived at their first adult clinic with both adequate knowledge of their condition and a parent/guardian. Moreover, 32.4% reported having no transition strategy, and only 15.5% reported having a formal transition program. The respondents reported that the greatest barriers to optimal care were patients' poor adherence and their limited knowledge and management of their condition. Those who reported participating in a formal transition program were less likely to report an inability of patients to discuss the impact of their condition on their overall daily life, fitness, and sexuality as a barrier to transition (odds ratio = 0.40, 95% confidence interval = 0.16-1.00). Our survey suggests that a formalized transition process is uncommon in adult transplant hepatology clinics and that improving patient knowledge, understanding specific components of effective transition programs, and incorporating input from adult providers in designing such programs may improve this process.

Long-term management after liver transplantation: primary care physician versus transplant hospital

Liver transplantation has rapidly evolved from an almost experimental procedure to a widely accepted and validated therapeutic tool for the management of terminal liver diseases. Survival after OLT has significantly improved over the time, with overall 5-year survival rates of >70%. This article examines the problems that are emerging as long-term survival increases.

The transplant patient and transplant medicine in family practice

Over the last two decades in particular there has been a remarkable increase in the number of solid organ transplants being performed worldwide alongside improvements in long-term survival rates. However, the infrastructure at transplant centres has been unable to keep pace with the current volume of the transplant patient work load. These pressures on transplant specialist centres has led to calls for an increased role of the general practitioner (GP) managing particular aspects of transplant patients' medical care. Indeed, many aspects of follow-up care such as screening for malignancies, preventing infection through immunisation programmes, and managing cardiovascular risk factors are already important aspects of family practice medicine. This paper aims to review some of the aspects of transplant patient care that is important for healthcare workers in family practice to manage.

Skills and requirements of a transplant hepatologist: board certification of the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF)

Liver transplantation has indeed evolved from an experimental procedure in the early 1980s to the most effective treatment for patients with advanced liver cirrhosis and for selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and fulminant hepatic failure. In this new scenario, the transplant hepatologist plays a crucial clinical role, with essential duties and skills to manage the complexities encountered in waitlisted patients or transplant recipients. The clinical tasks of the transplant hepatologist include the management of patients with end-stage liver disease who are candidates for liver transplantation and/or on the waiting list, as well as the care of transplant recipients, in both the in- and outpatient setting. Starting in 2013, the Italian Association of the Study of the Liver, with the endorsement of the National Transplant Centre, will be offering a formal certification process for transplant hepatologists, implemented in accordance to Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes-European Board of Transplant Medicine procedures. The Special Article outlines the requirements for board certification of the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver transplant hepatologist.

Analysis of patients' needs after liver transplantation in Tuscany: a prevalence study

BACKGROUND

The reorganization of the healthcare system in Tuscany aims at characterizing the hospitals as a place for the treatment of acute patients. This event, together with the improvement of long-term survival after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), calls for a management network able to ensure effective continuity of care for patient needs in the posttransplantation period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An observational study of prevalence has been carried out with the primary objective to evaluate patients' needs and criticalities both in routine daily life and in urgency in the posttransplantation period and the capacity of the regional health system to support them. A survey, using a semi-structured questionnaire consisting of 27 questions, was administered to all patients resident in Tuscany who underwent transplantation from 2000 to 2010. The survey tool assessed the following: socio-demographic data, personal, family and social difficulties, problems emerged in the clinical routine and urgency, resolution modality, relationships with the general practitioner and the referral specialist, and services the patients would appreciate receiving in their province of residence.

RESULTS

In the study, 346 patients matched the inclusion criteria of the study, 324 gave telephone consent to participate in the survey, and 225 responded (69.4%). The most frequent difficulties were as follows: depression (39.5%), difficulty in returning to work (29.3%), low income (22.6%), lack of self-sufficiency (22.6%), addictions (19.1%) (cigarette smoking 16.4%), 12.4% eating disorders, and 18.9% other difficulties (social isolation, absence of a family network, and so on). The main reasons for dissatisfaction were as follows: difficulty to obtain the required laboratory tests and lack of a reference structure at the local health facility. Few patients have a referral specialists in their area and most of them primarily refer to the Transplant Center even late after the procedure.

DISCUSSION

Early diagnosis of specific conditions (depression, addiction, and eating disorders) should be implemented in the follow-up period and services such as counselling, dietary support, rehabilitation, and social services should be provided locally. An integrated management system between the transplantation center and the local facilities (hospitals, general practitioners, primary care, and laboratories) should be implemented and referral specialized centers should be identified locally.

Long-term outcome after liver transplantation

Liver transplantation is a life-saving therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, and liver tumors. Over the past 4 decades, improvements in surgical techniques, peritransplant intensive care, and immunosuppressive regimens have resulted in significant improvements in short-term survival. Focus has now shifted to addressing long-term complications and improving quality of life in liver recipients. These include adverse effects of immunosuppression; recurrence of the primary liver disease; and management of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, renal dysfunction, osteoporosis, and de novo malignancy. Issues such as posttransplant depression, employment, sexual function, fertility, and pregnancy must not be overlooked, as they have a direct impact on the liver recipient's quality of life. This review summarizes the latest data in long-term outcome after liver transplantation.

Long-term medical management of the liver transplant recipient: what the primary care physician needs to know

Recognition, management, and prevention of medical complications and comorbidities after liver transplant is the key to improved long-term outcomes. Beyond allograft-related complications, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, renal dysfunction, and malignancies are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Primary care physicians have an important role in improving outcomes of liver transplant recipients and are increasingly relied on for managing these complex patients. This review serves to assist the primary care physician in the long-term management issues of liver transplant recipients.

Control of blood pressure in liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Increased blood pressure (BP) is common after liver transplantation. However, there is scarce information on its control.

METHODS

In this prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study, we determined BP according to the recommended international standards in 921 liver transplant patients during one routine outpatient visit to assess their grade of control of BP. At the time of the study, 490 patients had been previously diagnosed with arterial hypertension and were receiving antihypertensive treatment, and 431 were not previously diagnosed as hypertensive.

RESULTS

In the hypertensive group, arterial hypertension was uncontrolled (BP >140/90 mm Hg [>130/80 in diabetics]) in 158 (32%) patients and controlled in 332 (68%) patients. In a multivariate analysis, only diabetes was identified as a significant predictor of uncontrolled hypertension. Among patients not previously diagnosed as hypertensive, BP was increased in 106 (25%) and normal in 325 (75%). On multivariate analysis, the only variable independently associated with increased BP in this group was metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

BP is not adequately controlled in a noticeable percentage of liver transplant patients, especially in subjects with diabetes or metabolic syndrome.