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Rubin JB, Lai JC, Shui AM, Hohmann SF, Auerbach A. Cirrhosis Inpatients Receive More Opioids and Fewer Nonopioid Analgesics Than Patients Without Cirrhosis. J Clin Gastroenterol 2023; 57:48-56. [PMID: 34653064 PMCID: PMC9008074 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001624] [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: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
GOALS/BACKGROUND Pain is common among cirrhosis patients, particularly those hospitalized with acute illness. Managing pain in this population is challenging due to concern for adverse events and lack of guidelines for analgesic use. We sought to characterize analgesic use among inpatients with cirrhosis compared with matched noncirrhosis controls, as well as hospital-level variation in prescribing patterns. METHODS We utilized the Vizient Clinical Database, which includes clinical and billing data from hospitalizations at >500 US academic medical centers. We identified cirrhosis patients hospitalized in 2017-2018, and a matched cohort of noncirrhosis patients. Types of analgesic given-acetaminophen (APAP), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and adjuvants (eg, gabapentinoids, antidepressants) were defined from inpatient prescription records. Conditional logistic regression was used to associate cirrhosis diagnosis with analgesic use. RESULTS Of 116,363 cirrhosis inpatients, 83% received at least 1 dose of an analgesic and 58% had regular inpatient analgesic use, rates that were clinically similar to noncirrhosis controls. Cirrhosis inpatients were half as likely to receive APAP (26% vs. 42%, P <0.01) or NSAIDs (3% vs. 7%, P <0.01), but were more likely to receive opioids (59% vs. 54%, P <0.01), particularly decompensated patients (60%). There was notable variation in analgesic prescribing patterns between hospitals, especially among cirrhosis patients. CONCLUSIONS Analgesic use was common among inpatients, with similar rates among patients with and without cirrhosis. Cirrhosis patients-particularly decompensated patients-were less likely to receive APAP and NSAIDs and more likely to receive opioid analgesics. Because of lack of evidence-based guidance for management of cirrhosis patients with pain, providers may avoid nonopioid analgesics due to perceived risks and consequently may overutilize opioids in this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica B Rubin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine
| | - Jennifer C Lai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine
| | - Amy M Shui
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Samuel F Hohmann
- Vizient Inc
- Department of Health Systems Management, Rush University, Chicago, IL
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Tapper EB, Nikirk S, Parikh ND, Zhao L. Falls are common, morbid, and predictable in patients with cirrhosis. J Hepatol 2021; 75:582-588. [PMID: 33887359 PMCID: PMC8380639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Falls are a devastating complication of cirrhosis. The risk of falls in patients without hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is unclear. Further, bedside tools for predicting falls are lacking. Thus, we aimed to internally validate a predictive model for falls and evaluate the association between incident falls and mortality. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 299 patients with currently compensated Child A-B (70% Child-Pugh A) cirrhosis and portal hypertension without prior HE from 7/2016-8/2018. We followed patients for a median of 1,003 days (IQR 640-1,102) for incident falls accounting for the competing risk of death or transplantation. Candidate baseline fall predictors included patient-reported outcomes (e.g. Short-Form-8), physical function (e.g. chair-stands), blood tests (e.g. model for end-stage liver disease-sodium [MELD-Na] and its components), and cognitive function (using inhibitory control testing). RESULTS During follow-up: 141 (47%) patients experienced falls, with 38 (13%) sustaining injuries, 49 (16%) died and 13 (4%) received transplants. Median time to a fall was 279 (98-595) days. The overall probability of falls was 28.8% and 50.2% at years 1 and 3; the probability of injurious falls was 9.1% and 16.5%, respectively. We derived a predictive model for falls. The FallSSS score (prior falls, chair-stands, sodium, and SF-8) had an AUROC for injurious falls at 6- and 12-months of 0.79 and 0.81, while MELD-Na's AUROC was 0.57 for both. Adjusting for baseline Child-Pugh class, MELD-Na, albumin level, disability status, and comorbidities, both incident falls (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] 2.76; 95% CI 1.46-5.24) and HE (sHR 4.25; 95% CI 2.15-8.41) were strongly and independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSION Our prospective study of patients with cirrhosis without a baseline history of HE demonstrates that falls are common, morbid, and predictable. These data highlight both the value of expanding screening to patients with cirrhosis and the potential for benefit in studies of interventions to address fall-risk in this vulnerable population. LAY SUMMARY Falls are a devastating complication of cirrhosis. Bedside tools for predicting falls are lacking. We found that falls were very common and often associated with serious injuries. Falls were also associated with an increased risk of death. Falls could be predicted with an algorithm called FallSSS - based on prior history of falls, blood sodium level, number of chair-stands performed in 30 seconds, and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Samantha Nikirk
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Neehar D Parikh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lilli Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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3
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Luo M, Li XF, Hu SJ, Bai FH. Clinical efficiency of inhibitory control test for the diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Hepatol Res 2021; 51:839-849. [PMID: 34185942 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a common neuropsychiatric complication of liver cirrhosis and portosystemic shunt. The inhibitory control test (ICT) is a novel computerized psychometric test for MHE diagnosis, but its efficiency has yet to be confirmed. This study aimed to systematically review the existing evidence concerning the ICT application and then evaluate the efficiency of ICT for MHE diagnosis in clinical practice. METHODS A comprehensive search of published works was carried out to identify reports concerning the ICT for MHE diagnosis between January 2000 and December 2020. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio of ICT for MHE diagnosis were calculated using a random or fixed effect model. The summary receiver operator characteristic (sROC) curve was constructed, and the area under the sROC curve was calculated. Metaregression and subgroup analyses were used to identify the source of heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using the Deeks funnel plot asymmetry test. RESULTS Twelve studies were included in this systematic review, and nine studies enrolling 1022 patients were included in the final meta-analysis. The ICT had a pooled sensitivity, specificity, and DOR of 83%, 64%, and 9, respectively. The area under the sROC curve was 0.79. The metaregression analysis indicated that different locations of studies (relative diagnostic odds ratio, 12.65; p = 0.02) were identified as the source of heterogeneity. No significant publication bias was observed. CONCLUSIONS The ICT has a high sensitivity and moderate specificity for MHE diagnosis, and it can be used as a primary diagnostic method for MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Sheng-Juan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Fei-Hu Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
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Incidence and Bedside Predictors of the First Episode of Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Cirrhosis. Am J Gastroenterol 2020; 115:2017-2025. [PMID: 32773463 PMCID: PMC7853725 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with marked increases in morbidity and mortality for patients with cirrhosis. We aimed to determine the risk of and predictors for HE in contemporary patients. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 294 subjects with Child A-B (70% Child A) cirrhosis and portal hypertension without previous HE from July 2016 to August 2018. The primary outcome was the development of overt HE (grade >2). We assessed the predictive power of model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) score, the Inhibitory Control Test, the Sickness Impact Profile score, and the Bilirubin-Albumin-Beta-Blocker-Statin score. We also derived a novel predictive model incorporating MELD-Na score, impact of cirrhosis on daily activity (Likert 1-9), frailty (chair-stands per 30 seconds), and health-related quality of life (Short-Form 8, 0-100). RESULTS The cohort's median age was 60 years, 56% were men, and the median MELD-Na score was 9. During a follow-up of 548 ± 281 days, 62 (21%) had incident overt HE with 1-year probability of 14% ± 2%, 10% ± 2%, and 25% ± 5% for Child A and B. The best model for predicting the risk of overt HE included MELD-Na, Short-Form 8, impact on activity rating, and chair-stands within 30 seconds. This model-MELDNa-Actvity-Chairstands-Quality of Life Hepatic Encephalopathy Score-offered an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) for HE development at 12 months of 0.82 compared with 0.55, 0.61, 0.70, and 0.72 for the Inhibitory Control Test, Sickness Impact Profile, Bilirubin-Albumin-Beta-Blocker-Statin, and MELD-Na, respectively. The AUROC for HE-related hospitalization was 0.92. DISCUSSION This study provides the incidence of HE in a well-characterized cohort of contemporary patients. Bedside measures such as activity, quality of life, and physical function accurately stratified the patient's risk for overt HE.
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Rose CF, Amodio P, Bajaj JS, Dhiman RK, Montagnese S, Taylor-Robinson SD, Vilstrup H, Jalan R. Hepatic encephalopathy: Novel insights into classification, pathophysiology and therapy. J Hepatol 2020; 73:1526-1547. [PMID: 33097308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent and serious complication of both chronic liver disease and acute liver failure. HE manifests as a wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities, from subclinical changes (mild cognitive impairment) to marked disorientation, confusion and coma. The clinical and economic burden of HE is considerable, and it contributes greatly to impaired quality of life, morbidity and mortality. This review will critically discuss the latest classification of HE, as well as the pathogenesis and pathophysiological pathways underlying the neurological decline in patients with end-stage liver disease. In addition, management strategies, diagnostic approaches, currently available therapeutic options and novel treatment strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F Rose
- Hepato-Neuro Laboratory, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Piero Amodio
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Radha Krishan Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Simon D Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom; European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure, Barcelona, Spain.
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6
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Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy and Mild Cognitive Impairment Worsen Quality of Life in Elderly Patients With Cirrhosis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 18:3008-3016.e2. [PMID: 32205222 PMCID: PMC7502426 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients with cirrhosis are growing older. The overlap between minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and predementia mild cognitive impairment (MCI) could affect quality of life (QOL). We investigated the performance of elderly patients with cirrhosis on tests for MHE and MCI and their effects on QOL. METHODS We recruited outpatients with cirrhosis (n = 109) and without cirrhosis (controls, n = 100), 65 years or older, at 4 centers (derivation cohort). All study participants were assessed for psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES), EncephalApp score, and QOL. MCI was tested in patients with cirrhosis using the repeatable battery for assessment of neuropsychological status and assigned to the following groups: unimpaired, MCI only, MHE only, and MCI+MHE. We created adjusted norms to detect MHE using PHES and EncephalApp scores from the controls. Findings were validated using data from a separate cohort of 77 patients with cirrhosis (mean age, 69.49 ± 4.36 y; 72% men) at the same study sites. RESULTS Controls were older but were more educated, performed better cognitively, and had better QOL. Among patients with cirrhosis, age, education, model for end-stage liver disease score, EncephalApp score, and QOL were similar, but PHES and repeatable battery for assessment of neuropsychological status differed among sites. In the derivation cohort, the presence of MHE, with or without MCI, was associated with poor QOL, which was lowest in the MCI+MHE group. When we adjusted for age, sex, and education, 49% of patients with cirrhosis had MHE based on the EncephalApp and 8% had MHE based on the PHES. A similar pattern (49% MHE based on EncephalApp and 6% MHE based on PHES) was found in a validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS In a multicenter study of patients with cirrhosis (>65 y) and controls, the presence of MHE, regardless of MCI, was associated with poor cognition and QOL. We created adjusted norms that defined the high sensitivity of EncephalApp for the detection of MHE in older individuals and validated it in a separate cohort.
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7
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Bloom PP, Miller SJ, Nayak RK, Hussain MS, Arvind A, Bay C, Chung RT. Cognitive Tests and Stool Frequency at Hospital Discharge Do Not Predict Outcomes in Hepatic Encephalopathy. South Med J 2020; 113:578-584. [PMID: 33140112 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with hospital readmissions and mortality. We sought to determine whether cognitive testing and stool frequency at discharge predicted 30-day readmission or death in cirrhotic patients admitted with overt HE. METHODS We approached consecutive inpatients with cirrhosis and overt HE when they were within 48 hours of discharge. Patients underwent cognitive tests, including Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES), and stool frequency was documented. Chart review identified Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-sodium (MELD-Na) and the presence of non-HE extrahepatic organ failures. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate predictors of time to the primary composite outcome of hospital readmission for HE or death within 30 days, censoring for liver transplantation. RESULTS Of 51 patients consented and enrolled, 14 patients met the primary composite outcome. In unadjusted Cox models, 4 variables predicted HE readmission or death: MELD-Na (hazard ratio [HR] 1.10 [1.01-1.20], P = 0.03), respiratory failure (HR 4.26 [1.47-12.35], P = 0.008), total number of HE extrahepatic organ failures (HR 1.79 [1.12-2.88], P = 0.02), and score on a PHES subtest, Number Connection Test A (per 30 seconds; HR 1.25 [1.06-1.47], P = 0.01). PHES and 24-hour stool frequency did not predict the primary outcome. When controlling for MELD-Na, respiratory failure predicted the primary outcome (HR 3.67 [1.24-10.86], P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Cognitive testing and stool frequency at discharge did not predict poor outcomes in patients admitted with HE, while respiratory failure appeared to be a strong predictor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia P Bloom
- From the Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and the Center for Clinical Investigation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Samuel J Miller
- From the Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and the Center for Clinical Investigation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rahul K Nayak
- From the Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and the Center for Clinical Investigation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Muhammad Sarib Hussain
- From the Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and the Center for Clinical Investigation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ashwini Arvind
- From the Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and the Center for Clinical Investigation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Camden Bay
- From the Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and the Center for Clinical Investigation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raymond T Chung
- From the Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and the Center for Clinical Investigation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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8
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Luo M, Mu R, Liu JF, Bai FH. Novel computerized psychometric tests as primary screening tools for the diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy. World J Clin Cases 2020; 8:3377-3389. [PMID: 32913845 PMCID: PMC7457114 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i16.3377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a critical neurocognitive complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis and portosystemic shunting, which results in a wide range of cognitive deficits including impairments in working attention, psychomotor speed, and executive function. Current guidelines have recommended paper-and-pencil psychometric tests for the diagnosis of MHE. Most high-risk cirrhotic patients are required to be examined; however, paper-and-pencil psychometric tests are neither convenient nor rapid to perform in the clinic. Recently, novel computerized psychometric tests, including the inhibitory control test, EncephalApp Stroop App, and critical flicker frequency, have been proven to be rapid, effective, and convenient methods for screening MHE in clinical practice and for identifying high-risk cirrhotic patients for further validation using rigid neuropsychometric examinations. However, diagnostic accuracy of these tests is influenced by educational background, age, and cultural differences. This review summarizes clinical evidence of the application of novel computerized psychometric tests for screening MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Rui Mu
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jian-Fang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Fei-Hu Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
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9
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Bajaj JS, Lauridsen M, Tapper EB, Duarte-Rojo A, Rahimi RS, Tandon P, Shawcross DL, Thabut D, Dhiman RK, Romero-Gomez M, Sharma BC, Montagnese S. Important Unresolved Questions in the Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy: An ISHEN Consensus. Am J Gastroenterol 2020; 115:989-1002. [PMID: 32618647 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Management of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains challenging from a medical and psychosocial perspective. Members of the International Society for Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nitrogen Metabolism recognized 5 key unresolved questions in HE management focused on (i) driving, (ii) ammonia levels in clinical practice, (iii) testing strategies for covert or minimal HE, (iv) therapeutic options, and (v) nutrition and patient-reported outcomes. The consensus document addresses these topical issues with a succinct review of the literature and statements that critically evaluate the current science and practice, laying the groundwork for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Virginia Commonwealth University, McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dominique Thabut
- Paris Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Radha K Dhiman
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
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10
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Borgsteede SD, Weersink RA, Geijteman E, Metselaar HJ, Hunfeld NGM. Recommendations for Safe Medication Use in Liver Impairment: Importance of Transparency and Reflections on Analgesics, Hypnotics, and Anti-emetics. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 59:e6-e8. [PMID: 31830519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sander D Borgsteede
- Department of Clinical Decision Support, Health Base Foundation, Houten, The Netherlands.
| | - Rianne A Weersink
- Department of Clinical Decision Support, Health Base Foundation, Houten, The Netherlands; Unit of Pharmacotherapy, Epidemiology, and Economics, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Geijteman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Herold J Metselaar
- Department of Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole G M Hunfeld
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Kim M, Liotta EM, Zee PC, Ganger DR, Ladner DP, Karmarkar A, Peipert JD, Sorond FA, Prabhakaran S, Reid KJ, Naidech AM, Maas MB. Impaired cognition predicts the risk of hospitalization and death in cirrhosis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2019; 6:2282-2290. [PMID: 31631586 PMCID: PMC6856598 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.50924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Cognitive impairment, detected in up to 80% of patients with liver cirrhosis, is associated with negative health outcomes but is underdiagnosed in the clinical setting due to the lack of practical testing method. This single‐center prospective observational study aimed to test the feasibility and prognostic utility of in‐clinic cognitive assessment of patients with liver cirrhosis using the NIH Toolbox cognition battery (NIHTB). Methods Patients recruited from a hepatology/transplant clinic underwent cognitive assessments using West‐Haven Grade (WHG) and NIHTB between November 2016 and August 2018 and were prospectively followed until December 2018. The primary outcome was a composite end point of hospitalization related to overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) and all‐cause mortality during follow‐up, evaluated by a Cox proportional hazards regression model that adjusted for a priori covariates (age and MELD‐Na). Results Among 127 patients (median age 60 years, 48 [38%] women) assessed, cognitive performance was significantly impaired in 82 [78%] patients with WHG 0 and 22 [100%] patients with WHG 1 and 2. Over a median of 347 days follow‐up, 18 OHE and 8 deaths were observed. Lower cognitive performance was associated with an increased risk of OHE/death adjusting for age and MELD‐Na. Subclinical cognitive impairment detected by NIH Toolbox in WHG 0 patients was significantly associated with greater mortality. Median time to complete the two prognostically informative NIH Toolbox tests was 9.4 min. Interpretation NIH Toolbox may enable a rapid cognitive screening in the outpatient setting and identify patients at high risk for death and hospitalization for severe encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjee Kim
- Division of Stroke and Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Eric M Liotta
- Division of Stroke and Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Division of Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Phyllis C Zee
- Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Daniel R Ganger
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Division of Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Daniela P Ladner
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Division of Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ameeta Karmarkar
- Division of Stroke and Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - John D Peipert
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Farzaneh A Sorond
- Division of Stroke and Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Kathryn J Reid
- Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Andrew M Naidech
- Division of Stroke and Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Matthew B Maas
- Division of Stroke and Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
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12
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Tapper EB. Predicting Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy for the Population With Cirrhosis. Hepatology 2019; 70:403-409. [PMID: 30703852 PMCID: PMC6597301 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with poor quality of life, sharply increased mortality, repeated hospitalizations, falls, and motor vehicle accidents. HE manifests with a dynamic spectrum of severity. Overt HE is clinically obvious disorientation, even coma. Although multiple strategies are available to characterize early-stage HE, data are limited that validate these methods in predicting overt HE, many are impractical in clinical practice, and test cutoffs relevant to the average patient clinicians manage are lacking. To accurately and efficiently classify the risk of overt HE in the population with cirrhosis, novel strategies may be needed. Herein, we review the potential competing strategies for the prediction of overt HE. Conclusion: We propose refining diagnostic cutoffs for tests that are designed to define early HE, using overt HE as a gold standard and expanding prediction tools by using measures of components from the risk pathway for HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan,Gastroenterology Section, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor
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13
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Bajaj JS, O’Leary JG, Tandon P, Wong F, Kamath PS, Biggins SW, Garcia-Tsao G, Lai J, Fallon MB, Thuluvath PJ, Vargas HE, Maliakkal B, Subramanian RM, Thacker LR, Reddy KR. Targets to improve quality of care for patients with hepatic encephalopathy: data from a multi-centre cohort. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2019; 49:1518-1527. [PMID: 31032966 PMCID: PMC6538445 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) can adversely affect outcomes in both in-patients and out-patients with cirrhosis. AIM To define targets for improving quality of care in HE management in the multi-centre North American Consortium for End-Stage Liver Disease (NACSELD) cohort. METHOD NACSELD in-patient cohort was analysed for (a) medication-associated precipitants, (b) aspiration pneumonia development, (c) HE medication changes, and (d) 90-day HE recurrence/readmissions. Comparisons were made between patients on no-therapy, lactulose only, rifaximin only or both. Ninety-day HE-readmission analysis was adjusted for MELD score. RESULTS Two thousand eight hundred and ten patients (1102 no-therapy, 659 lactulose, 154 rifaximin, 859 both) were included. HE on admission, and HE rates during hospitalisation were highest in those on lactulose only or dual therapy compared to no-therapy or rifaximin only (P < 0.001). Medications were the most prevalent precipitants (32%; 21% lactulose over/underuse, 5% benzodiazepines, 4% opioids, 1% rifaximin underuse, 1% hypnotics). Patients with medication-associated precipitants had a better prognosis compared to other precipitants. A total of 23% (n = 217) reached grade 3/4 HE, of which 16% developed HE-related aspiration pneumonia. Two thousand four hundred and twenty patients were discharged alive without liver transplant (790 no-therapy, 639 lactulose, 136 rifaximin, 855 both); 12.5% (n = 99) of no-therapy patients did not receive a discharge HE therapy renewal. Ninety-day HE-related readmissions were seen in 16% of patients (9% no-therapy, 9% rifaximin only, lactulose only 18%, dual 21%, <0.001), which persisted despite MELD adjustment (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION Several targets to improve HE management were identified in a large cohort of hospitalised cirrhotic patients. Interventions to decrease medication-precipitated HE, prevention of aspiration pneumonia, and optimisation of HE medications are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Scott W Biggins
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA and University of Denver, Colorado, CO, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Lai
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael B Fallon
- University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA and University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Benedict Maliakkal
- University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN and University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | - Leroy R Thacker
- Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
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Tapper EB, Baki J, Parikh ND, Lok AS. Frailty, Psychoactive Medications, and Cognitive Dysfunction Are Associated With Poor Patient-Reported Outcomes in Cirrhosis. Hepatology 2019; 69:1676-1685. [PMID: 30382584 PMCID: PMC6438757 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is associated with disabling symptoms and diminished health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, for patients with compensated disease, data are limited regarding associations with poor patient-reported outcomes (PROs). We prospectively enrolled 300 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension without a history of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and reviewed medical and pharmacy records. We characterized determinants of PROs using the 8-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-8) scale (0-100) and sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI; poor sleep >5). Disability and frailty measures were assessed using activities of daily living (ADLs), falls, hand-grip, and chair-stands. Cognitive function was measured using weighted-lures from the Inhibitory Control Test (ICT). The median age of our cohort was 60 (interquartile range [IQR], 52-66) years, 56.3% were male, and 70% Child class A. All patients had portal hypertension, 76% had varices, and 41% had a history of ascites (predominantly well controlled). The median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease with Sodium (MELD-Na) score was 9 (IQR, 7-13). The overall median SF-8 was 70 (IQR, 54-86). Multivariate analysis showed that after adjusting for age, sex, education, and MELD-Na, performance on chair-stands (9.28 HRQOL points [95% confidence interval {CI}, 4.76-13.8] per 10-stands), ADL dependence (-6.06 [-10.8 to -1.36]), opiate use (-5.01 [-7.84 to -2.19]), benzodiazepine use (-3.50 [-6.58 to -0.42]), and ICT performance (-0.10 [-0.20 to 0.001] per weighted-lure) were significantly associated with HRQOL. Among patients completing the ICT, poor HRQOL (score <50) was significantly associated with chair-stands (odds ratio [OR] per 10-stands, 0.24; 95% CI [0.11-0.56]) and weighted lures (OR per weighted-lure, 1.01 [1.00-1.03]). Poor sleep quality was associated with opiate use (OR, 2.85 [1.11-7.29]) and lures (OR per-lure, 1.03 [1.00-1.05]). Conclusion: Disability, chair-stand performance, cognitive dysfunction, as well as psychoactive medication use are significantly associated with PROs in patients with clinically stable cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jad Baki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Neehar D. Parikh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Anna S. Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Kahl KG, Eckermann G, Frieling H, Hillemacher T. Psychopharmacology in transplantation medicine. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 88:74-85. [PMID: 30018020 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Organ transplantation has become a well-established treatment option in patients with end-stage organ diseases. Although quality of life has markedly improved, psychiatric disorders before and after transplantation are more frequent compared to the general population. Psychopharmacological treatment is recommended for almost all mental disorders according to current guidelines, but may pose particular problems in organ transplant patients. Changes in the metabolism and elimination of drugs during organ insufficiency, drug interactions, and overlapping side effects between psychopharmacological and immunosuppressive drugs are challenging problems in clinical management. Furthermore, questions frequently arise concerning the use of psychopharmacological treatment options for sleeping and anxiety disorders. This article reviews psychopharmacology in organ transplant patients, with particular attention to frequent psychiatric disorders observed in the disease course of end-stage organ diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai G Kahl
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Section Polypharmacy, Working Group on Neuropsychopharmacology and Pharmacopsychiatry (AGNP), Germany.
| | - Gabriel Eckermann
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Section Polypharmacy, Working Group on Neuropsychopharmacology and Pharmacopsychiatry (AGNP), Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Hillemacher
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Nürnberg, Universitätsklinik der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Germany
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Thomson MJ, Lok AS, Tapper EB. Optimizing medication management for patients with cirrhosis: Evidence-based strategies and their outcomes. Liver Int 2018; 38:1882-1890. [PMID: 29845749 PMCID: PMC6202194 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a morbid condition associated with frequent hospitalizations and high mortality. Management of cirrhosis requires complex medication regimens to treat underlying liver disease, complications of cirrhosis and comorbid conditions. This review examines the complexities of medication management in cirrhosis, barriers to optimal medication use, and potential interventions to streamline medication regimens and avoid medication errors. A literature review was performed by searching PUBMED through December 2017 and article reference lists to identify articles relevant to medication management, complications, adherence, and interventions to improve medication use in cirrhosis. The structural barriers in cirrhosis include sheer medication complexity related to the number of medications and potential for cognitive impairment in this population, faulty medication reconciliation and limited adherence. Tested interventions have included patient self-education, provider driven patient education, intensive case management including medication blister packs and smartphone applications. Initiatives are needed to improve patient, caregiver and provider education on appropriate use of medications in patients with cirrhosis. A multidisciplinary team should be established to coordinate care with close monitoring, address patient and caregiver concerns, and to provide timely access to outpatient evaluation of urgent/complex issues. Future studies evaluating the clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness of interventions are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary J Thomson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anna S Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Veterans Affairs Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Jayakumar AR, Norenberg MD. Hyperammonemia in Hepatic Encephalopathy. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2018; 8:272-280. [PMID: 30302044 PMCID: PMC6175739 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise mechanism underlying the neurotoxicity of Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) is remains unclear. The dominant view has been that gut-derived nitrogenous toxins are not extracted by the diseased liver and thereby enter the brain. Among the various toxins proposed, the case for ammonia is most compelling. Events that lead to increased levels of blood or brain ammonia have been shown to worsen HE, whereas reducing blood ammonia levels alleviates HE. Clinical, pathological, and biochemical changes observed in HE can be reproduced by increasing blood or brain ammonia levels in experimental animals, while exposure of cultured astrocytes to ammonium salts reproduces the morphological and biochemical findings observed in HE. However, factors other than ammonia have recently been proposed to be involved in the development of HE, including cytokines and other blood and brain immune factors. Moreover, recent studies have questioned the critical role of ammonia in the pathogenesis of HE since blood ammonia levels do not always correlate with the level/severity of encephalopathy. This review summarizes the vital role of ammonia in the pathogenesis of HE in humans, as well as in experimental models of acute and chronic liver failure. It further emphasizes recent advances in the molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of neurological complications that occur in acute and chronic liver failure.
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Key Words
- AHE, Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy
- ALF, Acute Liver Failure
- CHE, Chronic Hepatic Encephalopathy
- CNS, Central Nervous System
- CSF, Cerebrospinal Fluid
- ECs, Endothelial Cells
- HE, Hepatic Encephalopathy
- IL, Interleukin
- LPS, Lipopolysaccharide
- MAPKs, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
- NCX, Sodium-Calcium Exchanger
- NF-κB, Nuclear Factor-kappaB
- NHE, Sodium/Hydrogen Exchanger-1 or SLC9A1 (SoLute Carrier Family 9A1)
- SUR1, The Sulfonylurea Receptor 1
- TDP-43 and tau proteinopathies
- TDP-43, TAR DNA-Binding Protein, 43 kDa
- TLR, Toll-like Receptor
- TNF-α, Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha
- TSP-1, Thrombospondin-1
- ammonia
- hepatic encephalopathy
- inflammation
- matricellular proteins
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Jayakumar
- General Medical Research, Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, United States
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc., Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, United States
| | - Michael D Norenberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33125, United States
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33125, United States
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33125, United States
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is common, characterized by deficits in reaction time and executive function, and strongly associated with disability and mortality. Point-of-care diagnostics performed without specialized skills or equipment are now available, albeit with limited data regarding their generalizability. METHODS We systematically reviewed MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus for diagnostic studies of MHE using broad search terms including HE and minimal, covert, or the names of published diagnostic modalities. We included tests that provide results during clinical visits without requiring neuropsychologists to administer and/or special equipment. These include the Inhibitory Control Test (ICT, n=16), EncephalApp Stroop (n=3), an algorithm based on the Sickness Impact Profile (n=2), and the Animal Naming Test (ANT, n=1). RESULTS The populations enrolled in the included study were highly selected, excluding patients with recent (6-months) alcohol or psychoactive medications use. Cutoffs for MHE for each test varied widely. For the ICT, the optimal cutoffs for MHE varied by 300%, whereas healthy control performance varied >400%. The optimal cutoffs for the EncephalApp also varied (by 50%). The gold standards for MHE varied substantially between studies, and clinical outcomes were never used to develop test cutoffs. Data comparing the performance of each modality are lacking. Longitudinal data are limited but suggest that good performance on the ICT, EncephalApp or ANT is associated with reduced risk of developing overt HE. CONCLUSION The point-of-care tests for MHE are promising tools. However, additional longitudinal studies are needed in clinically representative populations of at-risk patients with cutoffs validated based on the development of clinical outcomes.
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Serigado JM, Barboza KC, Marcus P, Sigal SH. Clinical Impact of Depression in Cirrhosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11901-018-0386-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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20
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Burroughs TK, Wade JB, Ellwood MS, Fagan A, Heuman DM, Fuchs M, Bajaj JS. Effect of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Cognitive Function and Covert Hepatic Encephalopathy Diagnosis in Cirrhotic Veterans. Dig Dis Sci 2018; 63:481-485. [PMID: 29313245 PMCID: PMC5797488 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-017-4894-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often associated with substance abuse, which in turn can lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhotic patients are prone to cognitive impairment, which is typically due to covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE), but can also be affected by PTSD. The aim was to define the impact of PTSD on cognitive performance and the diagnosis of CHE in cirrhotic patients. METHODS Outpatient veterans with cirrhosis underwent two separate modalities for CHE cognitive testing [Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Scale (PHES) and Inhibitory Control Test (ICT)]. ICT tests for inhibitory control and response inhibition, while PHES tests for attention and psychomotor speed. Comparisons were made between patients with/without PTSD. Multivariable logistic regression with CHE on PHES and CHE on ICT as dependent variables including prior OHE, demographics, PTSD and psychotropic medications was performed. RESULTS Of 402 patients with cirrhosis, 88 had evidence of PTSD. Fifty-five of these were on psychoactive medications, 15 were undergoing psychotherapy, while no specific PTSD-related therapy was found in 28 patients. Cirrhotic patients with/without PTSD were statistically similar on demographics and cirrhosis severity, but cirrhotic subjects with PTSD had a higher frequency of alcoholic cirrhosis etiology and psychotropic drug use. PTSD cirrhosis had higher ICT lure and switching errors (NCT-B response), but on regression, there was no significant impact of PTSD on CHE diagnosis using either the ICT or PHES. CONCLUSIONS Veterans with cirrhosis and PTSD have a higher frequency of psychotropic drug use and alcoholic cirrhosis etiology. CHE diagnosis using PHES or ICT is not affected by concomitant PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas K. Burroughs
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - James B. Wade
- Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Michael S. Ellwood
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Andrew Fagan
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Douglas M Heuman
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Michael Fuchs
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Jasmohan S. Bajaj
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
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21
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Elderly patients have an altered gut-brain axis regardless of the presence of cirrhosis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38481. [PMID: 27922089 PMCID: PMC5138827 DOI: 10.1038/srep38481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive difficulties manifested by the growing elderly population with cirrhosis could be amnestic (memory-related) or non-amnestic (memory-unrelated). The underlying neuro-biological and gut-brain changes are unclear in this population. We aimed to define gut-brain axis alterations in elderly cirrhotics compared to non-cirrhotic individuals based on presence of cirrhosis and on neuropsychological performance. Age-matched outpatients with/without cirrhosis underwent cognitive testing (amnestic/non-amnestic domains), quality of life (HRQOL), multi-modal MRI (fMRI go/no-go task, volumetry and MR spectroscopy), blood (inflammatory cytokines) and stool collection (for microbiota). Groups were studied based on cirrhosis/not and also based on neuropsychological performance (amnestic-type, amnestic/non-amnestic-type and unimpaired). Cirrhotics were impaired on non-amnestic and selected amnestic tests, HRQOL and systemic inflammation compared to non-cirrhotics. Cirrhotics demonstrated significant changes on MR spectroscopy but not on fMRI or volumetry. Correlation networks showed that Lactobacillales members were positively while Enterobacteriaceae and Porphyromonadaceae were negatively linked with cognition. Using the neuropsychological classification amnestic/non-amnestic-type individuals were majority cirrhosis and had worse HRQOL, higher inflammation and decreased autochthonous taxa relative abundance compared to the rest. This classification also predicted fMRI, MR spectroscopy and volumetry changes between groups. We conclude that gut-brain axis alterations may be associated with the type of neurobehavioral decline or inflamm-aging in elderly cirrhotic subjects.
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Barboza KC, Salinas LM, Sahebjam F, Jesudian AB, Weisberg IL, Sigal SH. Impact of depressive symptoms and hepatic encephalopathy on health-related quality of life in cirrhotic hepatitis C patients. Metab Brain Dis 2016; 31:869-80. [PMID: 27032930 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-016-9817-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Depression, common in chronic medical conditions, and hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a reversible neuropsychiatric syndrome due to liver dysfunction, are associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in cirrhosis and hepatitis C (HCV). This study investigated the impact of depression and HE on HRQOL in cirrhotic patients with HCV. A convenience sample of 43 ambulatory patients, with varying degrees of cirrhosis secondary to HCV, was prospectively enrolled in this study. Participants were assessed for any current depressive, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness symptoms and underwent a psychometric evaluation to determine the presence of HE symptoms. Participants reported current HRQOL on general health and liver disease-specific questionnaires. Diagnosis and current health status were confirmed via medical records. The associations between disease severity, depressive symptoms, HE, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness were measured. Predictors of HRQOL in this sample were determined. Depressive symptoms (70 %) and HE (77 %) were highly prevalent in this sample, with 58 % actively experiencing both conditions at the time of study participation. A significant positive association was found between depressive symptoms and HE severity (P = .05). Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with fatigue (P < .001), daytime sleepiness (P < .001), general HRQOL (P < .001), and disease-specific HRQOL (P < .001). HE was significantly associated with fatigue (P = .02), general HRQOL (P < .001), and disease-specific HRQOL (P < .001). Depressive symptoms and HE were significant predictors of reduced HRQOL (P < .001), with depressive symptoms alone accounting for 58.8 % of the variance. Depressive symptoms and HE accounted for 68.0 % of the variance. Findings suggest a possible pathophysiological link between depression and HE in cirrhosis, and potentially a wider-reaching benefit of treating minimal and overt HE than previously appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C Barboza
- Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City, NY, USA.
| | - Lilian M Salinas
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Farhad Sahebjam
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Arun B Jesudian
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ilan L Weisberg
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Samuel H Sigal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City, NY, USA
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Allampati S, Duarte-Rojo A, Thacker LR, Patidar KR, White MB, Klair JS, John B, Heuman DM, Wade JB, Flud C, O'Shea R, Gavis EA, Unser AB, Bajaj JS. Diagnosis of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy Using Stroop EncephalApp: A Multicenter US-Based, Norm-Based Study. Am J Gastroenterol 2016; 111:78-86. [PMID: 26644276 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2015.377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is challenging, and point-of-care tests are needed. Stroop EncephalApp has been validated for MHE diagnosis in single-center studies. The objective of the study was to validate EncephalApp for MHE diagnosis in a multicenter study. METHODS Outpatient cirrhotics (with/without prior overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE)) and controls from three sites (Virginia (VA), Ohio (OH), and Arkansas (AR)) underwent EncephalApp and two gold standards, psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) and inhibitory control test (ICT). Age-/gender-/education-adjusted values for EncephalApp based on direct norms, and based on ICT and PHES, were defined. Patients were followed, and EncephalApp cutoff points were used to determine OHE prediction. These cutoff points were then used in a separate VA-based validation cohort. RESULTS A total of 437 cirrhotics (230 VA, 107 OH, 100 AR, 36% OHE, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score 11) and 308 controls (103 VA, 100 OH, 105 AR) were included. Using adjusted variables, MHE was present using EncephalApp based on norms in 51%, EncephalApp based on PHES in 37% (sensitivity 80%), and EncephalApp based on ICT in 54% of patients (sensitivity 70%). There was modest/good agreement between sites on EncephalApp MHE diagnosis using the three methods. OHE developed in 13% of patients, which was predicted by EncephalApp independent of the MELD score. In the validation cohort of 121 VA cirrhotics, EncephalApp directly and based on gold standards remained consistent for MHE diagnosis with >70% sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS In this multicenter study, EncephalApp, using adjusted population norms or in the context of existing gold standard tests, had good sensitivity for MHE diagnosis and predictive capability for OHE development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanath Allampati
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Leroy R Thacker
- Family and Community Health Nursing and Biostatistics, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Kavish R Patidar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Melanie B White
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jagpal S Klair
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Binu John
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Douglas M Heuman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - James B Wade
- Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Christopher Flud
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Robert O'Shea
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Edith A Gavis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Ariel B Unser
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Patidar KR, Thacker LR, Wade JB, Sterling RK, Sanyal AJ, Siddiqui MS, Matherly SC, Stravitz RT, Puri P, Luketic VA, Fuchs M, White MB, Noble NA, Unser AB, Gilles H, Heuman DM, Bajaj JS. Covert hepatic encephalopathy is independently associated with poor survival and increased risk of hospitalization. Am J Gastroenterol 2014; 109:1757-63. [PMID: 25178701 PMCID: PMC4321782 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2014.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the high prevalence of covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) in cirrhotics without previous overt HE (OHE), its independent impact on predicting clinically relevant outcomes is unclear. The aim of this study was to define the impact of CHE on time to OHE, hospitalization, and death/transplant in prospectively followed up patients without previous OHE. METHODS Outpatient cirrhotics without OHE were enrolled and were administered a standard paper-pencil cognitive battery for CHE diagnosis. They were systematically followed up and time to first OHE development, hospitalization (liver-related/unrelated), and transplant/death were compared between CHE and no-CHE patients at baseline using Cox regression. RESULTS A total of 170 cirrhotic patients (55 years, 58% men, 14 years of education, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD 9), 53% hepatitis C virus (HCV), 20% nonalcoholic etiology) were included, of whom 56% had CHE. The entire population was followed up for 13.0 ± 14.6 months, during which time 30% developed their first OHE episode, 42% were hospitalized, and 19% had a composite death/transplant outcome. Age, gender, etiology, the MELD score, and CHE status were included in Cox regression models for time to first OHE episode, hospitalization, death, and composite death/transplant outcomes. On Cox regression, despite controlling for MELD, those with CHE had a higher risk of developing OHE (hazard ratio: 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.01-4.5), hospitalization (hazard ratio: 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.4-4.5), and death/transplant (hazard ratio: 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.2-9.7) in the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Covert HE is associated with worsened survival and increased risk of hospitalization and OHE development, despite controlling for the MELD score. Strategies to detect and treat CHE may improve these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavish R. Patidar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Leroy R. Thacker
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - James B. Wade
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Richard K. Sterling
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Arun J. Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Mohammad S. Siddiqui
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Scott C. Matherly
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - R. Todd Stravitz
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Puneet Puri
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Velimir A. Luketic
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael Fuchs
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Melanie B. White
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Nicole A. Noble
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Ariel B. Unser
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - HoChong Gilles
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Douglas M. Heuman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jasmohan S. Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Bajaj JS, Heuman DM, Hylemon PB, Sanyal AJ, Puri P, Sterling RK, Luketic V, Stravitz RT, Siddiqui MS, Fuchs M, Thacker LR, Wade JB, Daita K, Sistrun S, White MB, Noble NA, Thorpe C, Kakiyama G, Pandak WM, Sikaroodi M, Gillevet PM. Randomised clinical trial: Lactobacillus GG modulates gut microbiome, metabolome and endotoxemia in patients with cirrhosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2014; 39:1113-25. [PMID: 24628464 PMCID: PMC3989370 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Safety of individual probiotic strains approved under Investigational New Drug (IND) policies in cirrhosis with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is not clear. AIM The primary aim of this phase I study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability of probiotic Lactobacillus GG (LGG) compared to placebo, while secondary ones were to explore its mechanism of action using cognitive, microbiome, metabolome and endotoxin analysis in MHE patients. METHODS Cirrhotic patients with MHE patients were randomised 1:1 into LGG or placebo BID after being prescribed a standard diet and multi-vitamin regimen and were followed up for 8 weeks. Serum, urine and stool samples were collected at baseline and study end. Safety was assessed at Weeks 4 and 8. Endotoxin and systemic inflammation, microbiome using multi-tagged pyrosequencing, serum/urine metabolome were analysed between groups using correlation networks. RESULTS Thirty MHE patients (14 LGG and 16 placebo) completed the study without any differences in serious adverse events. However, self-limited diarrhoea was more frequent in LGG patients. A standard diet was maintained and LGG batches were comparable throughout. Only in the LGG-randomised group, endotoxemia and TNF-α decreased, microbiome changed (reduced Enterobacteriaceae and increased Clostridiales Incertae Sedis XIV and Lachnospiraceae relative abundance) with changes in metabolite/microbiome correlations pertaining to amino acid, vitamin and secondary BA metabolism. No change in cognition was found. CONCLUSIONS In this phase I study, Lactobacillus GG is safe and well-tolerated in cirrhosis and is associated with a reduction in endotoxemia and dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VAMC, Richmond, VA, USA
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