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Anılır E. Evaluation of Factors Affecting Rehospitalization and Survival After Living Donor Liver Transplantation. Transplant Proc 2024; 56:1607-1612. [PMID: 39191546 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2024.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complications and comorbidities that may develop after living donor liver transplantation may necessitate rehospitalization after discharge. We aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical factors affecting rehospitalization after discharge. METHODS Two hundred seventy patients who underwent living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for end-stage liver cirrhosis were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups as readmission group and others for statistical analysis. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), Child scores, etiology, blood product transfusion, anhepatic phase, cold ischemia time, operation time, graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR), the type of recipient hepatic artery and hepatic vein utilized in the anastomoses, presence of liver segment 5, segment 8 and inferior accessory hepatic vein, presence of thrombosed, single or reconstructed portal vein, number of bile ducts, use of right, left/left lateral segment graft, postoperative intensive care unit and total hospitalization durations, surgical complications such as leakage/stricture, postoperative portal vein thrombosis, postoperative hepatic vein thrombosis, primary graft dysfunction, intra-abdominal hemorrhage, and postoperative early reoperation were statistically analyzed for readmission. In addition, patients with rehospitalization and others were statistically compared in terms of mortality and survival. RESULTS There was no statistical difference among etiologic factors, demographic findings, decompensation findings, comorbidities, perioperative findings, hospital durations, mortality, and survival (P > .05). Only patients with bile leakage/stricture had a statistically higher rehospitalization rate (P = .000). CONCLUSION Biliary complications are the most frequent cause of hospital rehospitalization following living donor liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ender Anılır
- İstanbul Aydın University, Medikalpark Florya Hospital, Organ Transplantation Center, Küçükçekmece, İstanbul.
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Bao X, Wang F. Risk Factors for Unplanned Readmission in Adult Liver Transplant Patients: A Retrospective Study. Transplant Proc 2024; 56:1385-1389. [PMID: 38964987 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2024.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unplanned readmission is an important indicator for evaluating medical care quality. Adult liver transplant patients have high risk for readmission, which seriously affects their recovery. As there is currently a lack of research on risk factors for unplanned readmission of adult liver transplant patients in China, the purpose of this study was to elucidate such risk factors. METHODS Data for patients undergoing liver transplantation surgery at a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang Province from March 2018 to July 2022 were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into readmission and nonreadmission groups based on whether unplanned readmission occurred within 90 days. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were used to analyze risk factors for unplanned readmission. RESULTS In total, 123 adult liver transplant patients were included; 38 had unplanned readmission, for a rate of 30.8%. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, educational level, operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, number of complications, postoperative hospital stay, and hemoglobin (P < .05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age [OR = 1.085, 95% CI (1.022, 1.152)], operation time [OR = 1.010, 95% CI (1.001, 1.020)], postoperative hospital stay [OR = 1.124, 95% CI (1.023, 1.235)], and number of complications [OR = 4.487, 95% CI (1.234, 16.319)] were independent risk factors for unplanned readmission in adult liver transplant patients (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS The current situation of unplanned readmission for adult liver transplant patients cannot be ignored, indicating that staff should identify risk factors for unplanned readmission as soon as possible and take targeted personalized measures and health education to reduce readmission risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangying Bao
- Nursing Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Nursing Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Olson SL, Polineni P, Schwartz WAH, Thuluvath AJ, Duarte-Rojo A, Ladner DP. Comparing Functional Frailty and Radiographic Sarcopenia as Predictors of Outcomes After Liver Transplant. Clin Transplant 2024; 38:e15412. [PMID: 39049617 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Frailty and sarcopenia are associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and mortality in patients with end-stage liver disease. The ability to identify frail patients at risk of adverse outcomes could help optimize liver transplant (LT) evaluations and pre-transplant care. This study compared sarcopenia, via L3-psoas muscle index (L3-PMI), to frailty, via liver frailty index (LFI) and analyzed associated outcomes after liver transplantation (LT). METHODS A retrospective review of consecutive LT-recipients with cross-sectional abdominal/pelvic imaging were reviewed over 5 years at a single transplant center. RESULTS Four hundred and twenty-six patients underwent transplant during this study interval; 31% of patients were sarcopenic. Two hundred eight patients underwent LFI evaluation: 25% were frail, 59% were prefrail, and 16% were robust. Sarcopenic patients had higher LFI scores indicating greater frailty (p = 0.02). Both sarcopenia and LFI-frailty were associated with significantly higher MELD-Na scores. Length of post-LT hospital stay was increased in sarcopenic (mean 14 vs. nonsarcopenic 11 days, p = 0.02) and LFI-frail patients (mean 13 vs. 10 prefrail, 8 robust, p = 0.04). As a categorical variable, neither LFI-frailty nor sarcopenia were significantly associated with reduced survival at 1-year (robust 100%, prefrail 93.5%, frail 91.1%, p = 0.31) (nonsarcopenic 94.4%, sarcopenic 91.4%, p = 0.30). However, LFI score was significantly associated with mortality at 1-year (OR 2.133, p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS Radiographic sarcopenia is a suitable proxy for in-person frailty assessment as both L3-PMI and LFI capture frail patients' pre-LT. However, physical assessment with frailty better predicts 1-year mortality post-LT than the measurement of muscle mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney L Olson
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Praneet Polineni
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - William Alexander Henry Schwartz
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Avesh J Thuluvath
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Andres Duarte-Rojo
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniela P Ladner
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Zhou XB, Xu Q, Chen L, Qian WM. Related factors associated with the prognosis of children undergoing liver transplantation under the enhanced recovery after surgery nursing concept. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37676. [PMID: 38579079 PMCID: PMC10994493 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate factors associated with the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent pediatric liver transplantation (LT) and received enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) nursing. A cohort of 104 pediatric patients was studied at our hospital. Data on 8 indicators and 2 clinical outcomes, including length of hospital stay (LOS) and 30-day readmission rates, were collected. Linear and logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the associations of the 8 indicators with hospital-LOS and readmission risks, respectively. The predictive value of these indicators for the outcomes was determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, decision curve analysis, and importance ranking through the XGBoost method. A comprehensive model was developed to evaluate its predictive accuracy. Regression analyses identified donor age, donor gender, and intensive care unit (ICU)-LOS of recipients as significant predictors of hospital LOS (all P < .05), whereas no indicators were significantly associated with readmission risk. Further, ROC analysis revealed that 3 indicators provided superior prediction for 28-day hospital LOS compared to the median LOS of 18 days. ICU-LOS demonstrated the highest clinical net benefit for predicting 28-day hospital-LOS. Multivariable regression analysis confirmed the independent predictive value of donor age and ICU-LOS for the hospital-LOS (all β > 0, all P < .05). Although the comprehensive model incorporating donor age and ICU-LOS showed stable predictive capability for hospital-LOS, its performance did not significantly exceed that of the individual indicators. In pediatric LT, hospital LOS warrants greater emphasis over readmission rates. Donor age and ICU-LOS emerged as independent risk factors associated with prolonged hospital LOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Bin Zhou
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qin Xu
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Chen
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei-Ming Qian
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
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Pagnozzi J, Álvarez Y, González-Pinto I. Profile of Liver Transplant Recipient in a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Spain. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4934. [PMID: 37568335 PMCID: PMC10419565 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Spain has the highest rates of liver transplantation (LT) per million inhabitants in the world, with the profiles of both donors and recipients in Asturias, a region in northern Spain, being different from the rest of the country. The main goal of this study was to carry out a preliminary analysis of the characteristics of LT recipients in Asturias, as well as of the basic characteristics of surgery and the postoperative period, and to discuss whether the results obtained in this study were comparable to what is described in the literature. This was a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study, analyzing the LT carried out in a reference center of Asturias between 2002 and 2017. Relative and absolute frequency distributions for qualitative variables are provided, as are position and dispersion measures for quantitative variables. Using the multivariate Cox regression model, the prognostic factors associated with overall survival were determined. A total of 533 LTs were analyzed; 431 were men and 102 were women. The mean age was 55.1 years, concentrated between 40 and 69 years for both genders. LT was performed for chronic parenchymal liver disease (mostly of alcoholic etiology) and the recipients underwent surgery in an advanced stage of liver disease. Of these recipients, 8.1% (43 patients) were retransplantions, 65.1% in the first year due to primary graft dysfunction and complete hepatic artery thrombosis. Most patients had presented a grade II of Clavien-Dindo as the most frequent complication. Biliary complications were found in 12.3% of patients, with the main cause of death in the first 30 days being instability in the 24 h after LT. The median survival of the group was 13 years, with a 5-year survival probability of 79.3% and a 10-year survival probability of 61.9%. In view of the analyzed series, it can be concluded that the most frequent recipient profile was a male patient (mean age 55 years), with a significant alcohol habit, who was overweight, with chronic parenchymal liver disease of alcoholic or viral etiology, and who had reached the Child C stage before LT. This study could lay the foundations for future studies, to complete this analysis with the characteristics of LT surgery, its postoperative period, and the follow-up after discharge, to obtain a broader view of LT recipients in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Pagnozzi
- Área de Gestión Clínica de Geriatría, Hospital Monte Naranco, Avenida Doctores Fernández Vega 107, 33012 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Yuri Álvarez
- Área de Teoría de la Señal y Comunicaciones, Universidad de Oviedo, Edificio Polivalente, Módulo 8, Campus Universitario de Gijón, 33203 Gijón, Spain
| | - Ignacio González-Pinto
- Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Avenida de Roma, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
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Rodríguez Laiz GP, Melgar Requena P, Alcázar López C, Franco Campello M, Villodre Tudela C, Bellot García P, Rodríguez Soler M, Miralles Maciá C, Herrera Marante I, Pomares Mas MT, Mas Serrano P, Gómez Salinas L, Jaime Sánchez F, Perdiguero Gil M, Ramia Ángel JM, Pascual Bartolomé S. Fast Track Liver Transplantation: Lessons learned after 10 years running a prospective cohort study with an ERAS-like protocol. JOURNAL OF LIVER TRANSPLANTATION 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.liver.2023.100151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To define textbook outcome (TO) for lung transplantation (LTx) using a contemporary cohort from a high-volume institution. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA TO is a standardized, composite quality measure based on multiple postoperative endpoints representing the ideal "textbook" hospitalization. METHODS Adult patients who underwent LTx at our institution between 2016 and 2019 were included. TO was defined as freedom from intraoperative complication, postoperative reintervention, 30-day intensive care unit or hospital readmission, length of stay >75th percentile of LTx patients, 90 day mortality, 30-day acute rejection, grade 3 primary graft dysfunction at 48 or 72 hours, postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, tracheostomy within 7 days, inpatient dialysis, reintubation, and extubation >48 hours post-transplant. Recipient, operative, financial characteristics, and post-transplant outcomes were recorded from institutional data and compared between TO and non-TO groups. RESULTS Of 401 LTx recipients, 97 (24.2%) achieved TO. The most common reason for TO failure was extubation >48 hours post-transplant (N = 119, 39.1%); the least common was mortality (N = 15, 4.9%). Patient and graft survival were improved among patients who achieved versus failed TO (patient survival: log-rank P < 0.01; graft survival: log-rank P < 0.01). Rejection-free and chronic lung allograft dysfunction-free survival were similar between TO and non-TO groups (rejection-free survival: log-rank P = 0.07; chronic lung allograft dysfunction-free survival: log-rank P = 0.3). On average, patients who achieved TO incurred approximately $638,000 less in total inpatient charges compared to those who failed TO. CONCLUSIONS TO in LTx was associated with favorable post-transplant outcomes and significant cost-savings. TO may offer providers and patients new insight into transplant center quality of care and highlight areas for improvement.
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Frasco PE, Mathur AK, Chang YH, Alvord JM, Poterack KA, Khurmi N, Bauer I, Aqel B. Days alive and out of hospital after liver transplant: comparing a patient-centered outcome between recipients of grafts from donation after circulatory and brain deaths. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:55-63. [PMID: 36695622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We retrospectively compared outcomes between recipients of donation after circulatory death (DCD) and donation after brain death (DBD) liver allografts using days alive and out of hospital (DAOH), a composite outcome of mortality, morbidity, and burden of care from patient perspective. The initial length of stay and duration of any subsequent readmission for the first year after liver transplantation were recorded. Donor category and perioperative and intraoperative characteristics pertinent to liver transplantation were included. The primary outcome was DAOH365. Secondary outcomes included early allograft dysfunction and hepatic arterial and biliary complications. Although the incidence of both early allograft dysfunction (P < .001) and ischemic cholangiopathy (P < .001) was significantly greater in the recipients of DCD, there were no significant differences in the length of stay and DAOH365. The median DAOH365 was 355 days for recipients of DBD allografts and 353 days for recipients of DCD allografts (P = .34). Increased transfusion burden, longer cold ischemic time, and non-White recipients were associated with decreased DAOH. There were no significant differences in graft failure (P = .67), retransplantation (P = .67), or 1-year mortality (P = .96) between the 2 groups. DAOH is a practical and attainable measure of outcome after liver transplantation. This metric should be considered for quality measurement and reporting in liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E Frasco
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
| | - Amit K Mathur
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Yu-Hui Chang
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Jeremy M Alvord
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Karl A Poterack
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Narjeet Khurmi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Isabel Bauer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Bashar Aqel
- Department of Transplant Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Risk factors for 30-day readmission following liver transplantation in Pennsylvania. JOURNAL OF LIVER TRANSPLANTATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.liver.2022.100114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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10
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Amara D, Parekh J, Sudan D, Elias N, Foley DP, Conzen K, Grieco A, Braun HJ, Greenstein S, Byrd C, Ko C, Hirose R. Surgical complications after living and deceased donor liver transplant: The NSQIP transplant experience. Clin Transplant 2022; 36:e14610. [PMID: 35143698 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This study used the prospective National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Transplant pilot database to analyze surgical complications after liver transplantation (LT) in LT recipients from 2017-2019. The primary outcome was surgical complication requiring intervention (Clavien-Dindo grade II or greater) within 90 days of transplant. Of the 1684 deceased donor and 109 living donor LT cases included from 29 centers, 38% of deceased donor liver recipients and 47% of living donor liver recipients experienced a complication. The most common complications included biliary complications (19% DDLT; 31% LDLT), hemorrhage requiring reoperation (14% DDLT; 9% LDLT) and vascular complications (6% DDLT; 9% LDLT). Management of biliary leaks (35.3% ERCP, 38.0% percutaneous drainage, 26.3% reoperation) and vascular complications (36.2% angioplasty/stenting, 31.2% medication, 29.8% reoperation) was variable. Biliary (aHR 5.14, 95% CI 2.69-9.8, p<0.001), hemorrhage (aHR 2.54, 95% CI 1.13-5.7, p = 0.024) and vascular (aHR 2.88, 95% CI 0.85-9.7, p = 0.089) complication status at 30-days post-transplant were associated with lower 1-year patient survival. We conclude that biliary, hemorrhagic and vascular complications continue to be significant sources of morbidity and mortality for LT recipients. Understanding the different risk factors for complications between deceased and living donor liver recipients and standardizing complication management represent avenues for continued improvement. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Amara
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Justin Parekh
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Debra Sudan
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nahel Elias
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David P Foley
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kendra Conzen
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Hillary J Braun
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Clifford Ko
- American College of Surgeons, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ryutaro Hirose
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Kohli DR, Desai MV, Kennedy KF, Pandya P, Sharma P. Patients with post-transplant biliary strictures have significantly higher rates of liver transplant failure and rejection: A nationwide inpatient analysis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:2008-2014. [PMID: 33373488 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Biliary strictures are a common complication of liver transplantation. We assess the impact of post-transplant biliary strictures and describe the outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), interventional radiology (IR), and surgical therapies. METHODS Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD), hospitalized liver transplant recipients were identified using the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision codes. Patients with post-transplant biliary strictures were identified, and outcomes (inpatient mortality, 30-day readmission, transplant rejection/infection/failure, and disposition) were compared with transplant recipients without strictures. Among transplant patients with biliary strictures who underwent therapeutic intervention, corresponding outcomes were compared between IR, surgical interventions, and ERCP. RESULTS Of the 8300 liver transplant recipients meeting selection criteria, 554 patients (age 48.9 ± 18.2 years, mean ± SD; 39.5% women) had biliary strictures. Compared with patients without strictures, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for various outcomes in patients with biliary strictures were as follows: 1.46 (1.20, 1.77; P < 0.001) for 30-day non-elective readmission, 2.71 (2.04, 3.59; P < 0.001) allograft rejection, 2.32 (1.61, 3.37; P < 0.001) liver transplant failure, 3.05 (1.39, 6.73; P < 0.01) infection, and 1.41 (1.08, 1.82; P = 0.01) disposition to skilled nursing or intermediate care facility. Therapeutic interventions during index hospitalization were performed in 350 patients: ERCP 46.6% (n = 163), surgery 41% (n = 144), and IR 12.3% (n = 43) patients. Compared with ERCP, the adjusted odds for various outcomes were disposition to skilled nursing or intermediate care facility 2.72 (1.08, 6.87; P = 0.03) and 2.09 (1.05, 4.15; P = 0.036), prolongation of hospitalization 14.4 (3.7, 25.1; P = 0.008) and 15.0 (7.4, 22.7; P < 0.001), and failure of liver allograft 8.47 (1.47, 48.6; P = 0.017) and 12.23 (2.74, 54.4; P = 0.001) for IR and surgical interventions, respectively. CONCLUSION Post-liver transplant biliary strictures are associated with increased rates of allograft rejection, allograft failure/infections, and readmissions. Compared with ERCP, management of these patients with IR or surgical interventions is associated with significantly higher rates of allograft failure and hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Madhav V Desai
- Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | | | | | - Prateek Sharma
- Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
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Singh N, Helfrich K, Mumtaz K, Washburn K, Logan A, Black S, Schenk A, Limkemann A, Alebrahim M, El-Hinnawi A. Donation After Circulatory Death Yields Survival Rates Similar to Donation After Brain Death Liver Transplant, Which Effectively Expands the Donor Pool. EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2021; 19:771-778. [PMID: 33877039 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2021.0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Liver allograft shortage has necessitated greater use of donations after circulatory death. Limited data are available to compare recipients' health care utilization for donation after circulatory death versus brain death. MATERIALS AND METHODS Liver transplant data for our center from November 2016 until May 2019 were obtained (208 donations after brain death and 39 after circulatory death). We excluded patients <18 years old and multiorgan transplants; for cost data only, we also excluded retransplants. Primary outcome was recipients' health care utilization in donation after circulatory death versus brain death and included index admission length of stay, readmissions, and charges from transplant to 6 months. Secondary outcomes were patient and graft survival. RESULTS Donors from circulatory death were younger than donors from brain death (median age 32 vs 40 years; P < .01). Recipient body mass index (31.23 vs 29.38 kg/m2), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (17 vs 19), portal vein thrombosis (15.8% vs 18.0%), length of stay (7 vs 8 days), and 30-, 90-, and 180-day posttransplant index admissions were not significantly different. Charges for index admission were equivalent for donation after circulatory death ($370771) and brain death ($374272) (P = .01). Charges for readmissions at 30 and 180 days were not significantly different (P = .80 and P = .19, respectively). Rates for graft failure (10.3% vs 4.8%; P = .08) and recipient death (10.3% vs 3.8%; P = .17) at 6 months posttransplant were similar. CONCLUSIONS Donation after circulatory death versus brain death liver transplant recipients had similar lengths of stay and equivalent index admission charges. Graft and patient survival and charges from transplant to 6 months were similar. Donation after circulatory death liver allografts provide a safe, costequivalent donor pool expansion after careful donorrecipient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navdeep Singh
- From the Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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13
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Molina Avila P, Citores MJ, Arias Milla A, Benitez L, Montero E, Cuervas-Mons V. Emergency department frequentation and unscheduled readmissions within the first year after liver transplantation, and their impact on survival. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2021; 114:266-271. [PMID: 33486960 DOI: 10.17235/reed.2021.7666/2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this research was to assess emergency room frequentation and visit causes, and unscheduled readmissions within the first year after liver transplantation discharge from hospital, as well as their impact on graft and patient survival. This was a retrospective study of the medical records of 98 patients (mean age, 55.6 ± 8.59 years, 77.6 % males) who were consecutively discharged from hospital after receiving a first liver transplant in our institution during the period 2012-2015. All visits to the emergency room during the first year after transplantation were analyzed, and survival at two years after transplantation was calculated. Fifty-six of all 98 patients (57.15 %) visited the emergency room on 117 occasions within the first year post-transplantation. Fever (n = 34; 29.05 %) and digestive symptoms (n = 32; 27.35 %) were the most common causes of consultation, and resulted in over half of visits. Thirty-five of these 56 patients (62.5 %) required urgent readmission during 50 of all 117 (42.7 %) visits, primarily because of infectious complications (44 %) diverse causes (bacterial pneumonia, cholangitis, Clostridium difficile colitis), and biliary tract-related issues. The likelihood of readmission increased from 11.22 % at 30 days after discharge to 22.4 % at 90 days after discharge. Patient survival at 1 and 2 years after transplantation was lower for patients who were readmitted (88.4 % and 80.7 %, respectively) when compared to those who were not (95.56 % and 91.17 %, respectively, p = 0.002).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Arias Milla
- Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda
| | - Laura Benitez
- Medicina Interna, Hospital Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda
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14
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Impact of side-to-side cavocavostomy versus traditional piggyback implantation in liver transplantation. Surgery 2020; 168:1060-1065. [DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2020.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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15
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Jaffe A, Schilsky ML, Deshpande R, Batra R. Liver Transplantation in the Time of COVID19: Barriers and Ethical Considerations for Management and Next Steps. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:1242-1256. [PMID: 32838103 PMCID: PMC7361607 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent outbreak of the novel virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the corona virus disease of 2019 (COVID19), has spread globally and affects millions of people. This pandemic has taxed our health care system and disrupted normal operations, even life-saving procedures, such as liver transplants. During these unprecedented times, providers and patients are imperiled and resources for diagnosis and care may be limited. Continuing to perform resource-intense advanced procedures is challenging, as is caring for patients with end-stage liver disease or patients with urgent needs for liver tumor control. Liver transplantation, in particular, requires critical resources, like blood products and critical care beds, which are fairly limited in the COVID19 pandemic. The potential of COVID19 infections in posttransplant recipients on immunosuppression and staff contacts further adds to the complexity. Therefore, transplant programs must reevaluate the ethicality, feasibility, and safety of performing liver transplants during this pandemic. Herein, we discuss the clinical and ethical challenges posed by performing liver transplants and offer guidance for managing patients with end-stage liver disease during the COVID19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Jaffe
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of MedicineYale School of MedicineNew HavenCT
| | - Michael L. Schilsky
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of MedicineYale School of MedicineNew HavenCT
- Yale New Haven Transplantation CenterYale School of MedicineNew HavenCT
| | | | - Ramesh Batra
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of MedicineYale School of MedicineNew HavenCT
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16
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Dols JD, Chargualaf KA, Gordon A, Pomerleau T, Mendoza A, Schwarzbach C, Gonzalez M. Relationship of Nurse-Led Education Interventions to Liver Transplant Early Readmission. Prog Transplant 2020; 30:88-94. [DOI: 10.1177/1526924820913511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Early hospital readmission following liver transplantation is associated with lower survival and worse long-term graft function. Language, cultural practices, and health literacy influence patient understanding of posttransplant care education. Complex medication regimes, changes in metabolism and nutrition absorption, and infection/rejection further complicate the prevention of readmission. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the 30-day readmissions of single-organ liver transplant recipients for 1-year prior and 1-year following the implementation of nurse-led education. The study examined the demographics, clinical characteristics, and 30-day readmissions of 35 liver transplant recipients who participated in the newly designed nurse-led education and 51 liver transplant recipients who experienced the prior post-liver transplant education. Design: A single-center, correlational study with a convenience sample was conducted at a Hispanic-serving South Texas hospital. The new education intervention maintained the standard education and added twice-daily mutual patient-focused goal setting between the nurse and the recipient that aligned with readiness for discharge activities/goals, structured education using abbreviated handouts written at a second-grade level available in both English and Spanish, and the use of repetition through multimodal methods. Results: The odds for 30-day readmissions the year prior to the nurse-led patient education intervention were 2.088 times greater than the year following the implementation. Thirty-day readmissions were reduced by 16.3% from the 2017 cohort to the 2018 cohort. Discussion: Understanding unique risk factors facilitates structured patient education which can be individualized to the patient and caregiver including collaborative nurse–patient goals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amy Gordon
- Methodist Specialty & Transplant Hospital, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Anna Mendoza
- Methodist Specialty & Transplant Hospital, San Antonio, TX, USA
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17
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Telemedicine Based Remote Home Monitoring After Liver Transplantation: Results of a Randomized Prospective Trial. Ann Surg 2020; 270:564-572. [PMID: 31356267 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000003425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assesses the impact of a telemedicine-based home management program (THMP) on patient adherence, hospital readmissions, and quality of life (QOL) after liver transplantation (LT). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Telemedicine interventions represent an opportunity to personalize care and can lead to improved adherence and patient satisfaction. However, there is limited data on impact of these interventions on outcomes after LT. Therefore, we conducted the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a THMP compared to standard of care (SOC) after LT. METHODS One hundred six consecutive LT recipients were randomized (1:1) to 1 of 2 posttransplant care strategies: SOC or THMP. The THMP included an electronic tablet and bluetooth devices to support daily text messages, education videos, and video FaceTime capability; data was cyber-delivered into our electronic medical record daily. Endpoints were THMP participation, 90-day hospital readmission rate, and QOL. RESULTS One hundred patients completed the study with 50 enrolled in each arm. Participation and adherence with telemedicine was 86% for basic health sessions (vital sign recording), but only 45% for using messaging or FaceTime. The THMP group had a lower 90-day readmission rate compared to SOC (28% vs 58%; P = 0.004). The THMP cohort also showed improved QOL in regards to physical function (P = 0.02) and general health (P = 0.05) at 90 days. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first RCT demonstrating the impact of THMP after LT. The magnitude of effect on LT outcomes, hospital readmissions, and QOL suggests that the adoption of telemedicine has great potential for other major operations.
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18
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Paterno F, Guarrera JV, Wima K, Diwan T, Cuffy MC, Anwar N, Woodle ES, Shah S. Clinical Implications of Donor Warm and Cold Ischemia Time in Donor After Circulatory Death Liver Transplantation. Liver Transpl 2019; 25:1342-1352. [PMID: 30912253 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The use of donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver allografts has been constrained by limitations in the duration of donor warm ischemia time (DWIT), donor agonal time (DAT), and cold ischemia time (CIT). The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of longer DWIT, DAT, and CIT on graft survival and other outcomes in DCD liver transplants. The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients was queried for adult liver transplants from DCD donors between 2009 and 2015. Donor, recipient, and center variables were included in the analysis. During the study period, 2107 patients underwent liver transplant with DCD allografts. In most patients, DWIT and DAT were <30 minutes. DWIT was <30 minutes in 1804 donors, between 30 and 40 minutes in 248, and >40 minutes in 37. There was no difference in graft survival, duration of posttransplant hospital length of stay, and readmission rate between DCD liver transplants from donors with DWIT <30 minutes and DWIT between 30 and 40 minutes. Similar outcomes were noted for DAT. In the multivariate analysis, DAT and DWIT were not associated with graft loss. The predictors associated with graft loss were donor age, donor sharing, CIT, recipient admission to the intensive care unit, recipient ventilator dependence, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, and low-volume transplant centers. Any CIT cutoff >4 hours was associated with increased risk for graft loss. Longer CIT was also associated with a longer posttransplant hospital stay, higher rate of primary nonfunction, and hyperbilirubinemia. In conclusion, slightly longer DAT and DWIT (up to 40 minutes) were not associated with graft loss, longer posttransplant hospitalization, or hospital readmissions, whereas longer CIT was associated with worse outcomes after DCD liver transplants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Paterno
- Division of Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and University Hospital, Newark, NJ
| | - James V Guarrera
- Division of Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and University Hospital, Newark, NJ
| | - Koffi Wima
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Tayyab Diwan
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Madison C Cuffy
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Nadeem Anwar
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - E Steve Woodle
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Shimul Shah
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
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19
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Mahmud N, Halpern S, Farrell R, Ventura K, Thomasson A, Lewis H, Olthoff KM, Levine MH, Nazarian S, Khungar V. An Advanced Practice Practitioner-Based Program to Reduce 30- and 90-Day Readmissions After Liver Transplantation. Liver Transpl 2019; 25:901-910. [PMID: 30947393 PMCID: PMC6548546 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hospital readmissions after liver transplantation (LT) are common and associated with increased morbidity and cost. High readmission rates at our center motivated a change in practice with adoption of a nurse practitioner (NP)-based posttransplant care program. We sought to determine if this program was effective in reducing 30- and 90-day readmissions after LT and to identify variables associated with readmission. We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing LT from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2017, at a tertiary LT referral center. A NP-based posttransplant care program with weekend in-house nurse coordination providers and increased outpatient NP clinic availability was instituted on January 1, 2016. Postdischarge readmission rates at 30 and 90 days were compared in the pre-exposure and postexposure groups, adjusting for associated risk factors. A total of 362 patients were included in the analytic cohort. There were no significant differences in demographics, comorbidities, or index hospitalization characteristics between groups. In the adjusted analyses, the risk of readmission in the postexposure group was significantly reduced relative to baseline at 30 days (hazard ratio [HR] 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.90; P = 0.02) and 90 days (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.34-0.71; P < 0.001). Risk factors positively associated with 30-day readmission included peritransplant dialysis (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.13-2.58; P = 0.01) and retransplant on index hospitalization (HR, 10.21; 95% CI, 3.39-30.75; P < 0.001). Male sex was protective against readmission (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.45-0.97; P = 0.03). In conclusion, implementation of expanded NP-based care after LT was associated with significantly reduced 30- and 90-day readmission rates. LT centers and other service lines using significant postsurgical resources may be able to reduce readmissions through similar programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadim Mahmud
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Samantha Halpern
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rebecca Farrell
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kate Ventura
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Arwin Thomasson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Heidi Lewis
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kim M Olthoff
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Matthew H Levine
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Susanna Nazarian
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Vandana Khungar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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20
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Bacterial DNA translocation contributes to systemic inflammation and to minor changes in the clinical outcome of liver transplantation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:835. [PMID: 30696924 PMCID: PMC6351615 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36904-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial (bact)DNA is an immunogenic product that frequently translocates into the blood in cirrhosis. We evaluated bactDNA clearance in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) and its association with inflammation and clinically relevant complications. We prospectively included patients consecutively admitted for LT in a one-year follow-up study. We evaluated bactDNA before and during the first month after LT, quantifying cytokine response at 30 days. One hundred patients were included. BactDNA was present in the blood of twenty-six patients undergoing LT. Twenty-four of these showed bactDNA in the portal vein, matching peripheral blood-identified bactDNA in 18 cases. Thirty-four patients showed bactDNA in blood during the first month after LT. Median TNF-α and IL-6 levels one month after LT were significantly increased in patients with versus without bactDNA. Serum TNF-α at baseline was an independent risk factor for bactDNA translocation during the first month after LT in the multivariate analysis (Odds ratio (OR) 1.14 [1.04 to 1.29], P = 0.015). One-year readmission was independently associated with the presence of bactDNA during the first month after LT (Hazard ratio (HR) 2.75 [1.39 to 5.45], P = 0.004). The presence of bactDNA in the blood of LT recipients was not shown to have any impact on complications such as death, graft rejection, bacterial or CMV infections. The rate of bactDNA translocation persists during the first month after LT and contributes to sustained inflammation. This is associated with an increased rate of readmissions in the one-year clinical outcome after LT.
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21
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Zeidan JH, Levi DM, Pierce R, Russo MW. Strategies That Reduce 90-Day Readmissions and Inpatient Costs After Liver Transplantation. Liver Transpl 2018; 24:1561-1569. [PMID: 29694710 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is hospital-resource intensive and associated with high rates of readmission. We have previously shown a reduction in 30-day readmission rates by implementing a specifically designed protocol to increase access to outpatient care. The aim of this work is to determine if the strategies that reduce 30-day readmission after LT were effective in also reducing 90-day readmission rates and costs. A protocol was developed to reduce inpatient readmissions after LT that expanded outpatient services and provided alternatives to readmission. The 90-day readmission rates and costs were compared before and after implementing strategies outlined in the protocol. Multivariable analysis was used to control for potential confounding factors. Over the study period, 304 adult primary LTs were performed on patients with a median biological Model for End-Stage Liver Disease of 22. There were 112 (37%) patients who were readmitted within 90 days of transplant. The readmission rates before and after implementation of the protocol were 53% and 26%, respectively (P < 0.001). The most common reason for readmission was elevated liver tests/rejection (24%). In multivariable analysis, the protocol remained associated with avoiding readmission (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.55; P < 0.001). The median length of stay after transplant before and after protocol implementation was 8 days and 7 days, respectively. A greater proportion of patients were discharged to hospital lodging after protocol implementation (10% versus 19%; P = 0.03). The 90-day readmission costs were reduced by 55%, but the total 90-day costs were reduced by only 2.7% because of higher outpatient costs and index admission costs. In conclusion, 90-day readmission rates and readmission costs can be reduced by improving access to outpatient services and hospital-local lodging. Total 90-day costs were similar between the 2 groups because of higher outpatient costs after the protocol was introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H Zeidan
- Divisions of Hepatology, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC
| | - David M Levi
- Divisions of Transplant Surgery, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC
| | - Ruth Pierce
- Quality Management, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC
| | - Mark W Russo
- Divisions of Hepatology, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC
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22
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Elsabbagh AM, Girlanda R, Hawksworth J, Pichert MD, Williams C, Pozzi A, Kroemer A, Nookala A, Smith C, Matsumoto CS, Fishbein TM. Impact of early reoperation on graft survival after liver transplantation: Univariate and multivariate analysis. Clin Transplant 2018; 32:e13228. [PMID: 29478256 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.13228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on rate, risk factors, and consequences of early reoperation after liver transplantation are still limited. STUDY DESIGN Single-center retrospective analysis of data of 428 patients, who underwent liver transplantation in period between January 2009 and December 2014. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to study the risk factors of early reoperation and its impact on graft survival. RESULTS Of 428 patients, 74 (17.3%) underwent early reoperation. Of them, 46 (62.2%) underwent reoperation within the first week and 28 (37.8%) underwent reoperation later than 1 week after transplantation. With multivariate analysis, significant risk factors of early reoperation included pretransplant ICU admission, previous abdominal surgery and diabetes. Early reoperation itself was not found to be an independent predictor of graft loss. However, early reoperation later than 7 days from transplant was found to be independent predictor of graft loss (odds ratio [OR] = 5.125; 95% CI, 1.358-19.552; P = .016). In our series, other independent predictors of graft loss were MELD score (P = .010) and operative time (P = .048). CONCLUSIONS This analysis demonstrates that early reoperations later than a week appear to negatively impact the graft survival. The timing of early reoperation should be a focus of additional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Elsabbagh
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.,Gastroenterology Surgical Center, Department of Surgery, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Raffaele Girlanda
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jason Hawksworth
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Matthew D Pichert
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Cassie Williams
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Agostino Pozzi
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alexander Kroemer
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anupama Nookala
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Coleman Smith
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Cal S Matsumoto
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Thomas M Fishbein
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
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23
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Bittermann T, Hubbard RA, Serper M, Lewis JD, Hohmann SF, VanWagner LB, Goldberg DS. Healthcare utilization after liver transplantation is highly variable among both centers and recipients. Am J Transplant 2018; 18:1197-1205. [PMID: 29024364 PMCID: PMC5895535 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between healthcare utilization before and after liver transplantation (LT), and its association with center characteristics, is incompletely understood. This was a retrospective cohort study of 34 402 adult LTs between 2002 and 2013 using Vizient inpatient claims data linked to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database. Multivariable mixed-effects linear regression models evaluated the association between hospitalization 90 days pre-LT and the number of days alive and out of the hospital (DAOH) 1 year post-LT. Of those patients alive at LT discharge, 24.7% spent ≥30 days hospitalized during the first year. Hospitalization in the 90 days pre-LT was inversely associated with DAOH (β = -3.4 DAOH/week hospitalized pre-LT; P = .002). Centers with >30% of their liver transplant recipients hospitalized ≥30 days in the first LT year were typically smaller volume and/or transplanting higher risk recipients (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease [MELD] score ≥35, inpatient or ventilated pre-LT). In conclusion, pre-LT hospitalization predicts 1-year post-LT hospitalization independent of MELD score at the patient-level, whereas center-specific post-LT healthcare utilization is associated with certain center behaviors and selection practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Bittermann
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - R A Hubbard
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Serper
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J D Lewis
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S F Hohmann
- Center for Advanced Analytics, Vizient, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - L B VanWagner
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - D S Goldberg
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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24
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Serper M, Bittermann T, Rossi M, Goldberg DS, Thomasson AM, Olthoff KM, Shaked A. Functional status, healthcare utilization, and the costs of liver transplantation. Am J Transplant 2018; 18:1187-1196. [PMID: 29116679 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score predicts higher transplant healthcare utilization and costs; however, the independent contribution of functional status towards costs is understudied. The study objective was to evaluate the association between functional status, as measured by Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), and liver transplant (LT) costs in the first posttransplant year. In a cohort of 598 LT recipients from July 1, 2009 to November 30, 2014, multivariable models assessed associations between KPS and outcomes. LT recipients needing full assistance (KPS 10%-40%) vs being independent (KPS 80%-100%) were more likely to be discharged to a rehabilitation facility after LT (22% vs 3%) and be rehospitalized within the first posttransplant year (78% vs 57%), all P < .001. In adjusted generalized linear models, in addition to MELD (P < .001), factors independently associated with higher 1-year post-LT transplant costs were older age, poor functional status (KPS 10%-40%), living donor LT, pre-LT hemodialysis, and the donor risk index (all P < .001). One-year survival for patients in the top cost decile was 83% vs 93% for the rest of the cohort (log rank P < .001). Functional status is an important determinant of posttransplant resource utilization; therefore, standardized measurements of functional status should be considered to optimize candidate selection and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Serper
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Therese Bittermann
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael Rossi
- Corporate Finance, Decision Support & Reimbursement, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David S Goldberg
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Arwin M Thomasson
- Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kim M Olthoff
- Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abraham Shaked
- Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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25
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Oh SY, Lee JM, Lee H, Jung CW, Yi NJ, Lee KW, Suh KS, Ryu HG. Emergency department visits and unanticipated readmissions after liver transplantation: A retrospective observational study. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4084. [PMID: 29511254 PMCID: PMC5840329 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22404-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Improved survival after LT are likely to result in increased healthcare resource utilization. The pattern and risk factors of emergency department (ED) visits and unanticipated readmissions, associated cost, and predictors of healthcare resource utilization after liver transplantation (LT) patients who received LT between 2011 and 2014 were analyzed. A total of 430 LT recipients were enrolled and the 1 year all-cause mortality was 1.4%. ED visits occurred in 53% (229/430) and unanticipated readmissions occurred at least once in 58.6% (252/430) of the patients. Overall risk factors for ED visits after LT included emergency operation [OR 1.56 (95%CI 1.02-2.37), p = 0.038] and warm ischemic time of >15 minutes [OR 2.36 (95%CI 1.25-4.47), p = 0.015]. Risk factors for readmissions after LT included greater estimated blood loss during LT [OR 1.09 (95%CI 1.02-1.17), p = 0.012], warm ischemic time of >15 minutes [OR 1.98 (95%CI 1.04-3.78), p = 0.038], and hospital length of stay of >2 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Young Oh
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong Moo Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hannah Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chul-Woo Jung
- Department of Anesthesiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Nam-Joon Yi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Woong Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Suk Suh
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ho Geol Ryu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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Dhar VK, Wima K, Kim Y, Hoehn RS, Jung AD, Ertel AE, Diwan TS, Paterno F, Shah SA. Cost of achieving equivalent outcomes in sicker patients after liver transplant. HPB (Oxford) 2018; 20:268-276. [PMID: 28988703 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2017.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to characterize variability in cost after straightforward orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). METHODS Using the University HealthSystem Consortium and Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients databases, we identified patients who underwent OLT between 2011 and 2014. Patients meeting criteria for straightforward OLT, defined as length of stay < 14 days with discharge to home, were selected (n = 5763) and grouped into tertiles (low, medium, high) according to cost of perioperative stay. RESULTS Patients undergoing straightforward OLT were of similar demographics regardless of cost. High cost patients were more likely to require preoperative hemodialysis, had higher severity of illness, and higher model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) (p < 0.01). High cost patients required greater utilization of resources including lab tests, blood transfusions, and opioids (p < 0.01). Despite having higher burden of disease and requiring increased resource utilization, high cost OLT patients with a straightforward perioperative course were shown to have identical 2-year graft and overall survival compared to lower cost patients (p = 0.82 and p = 0.63), respectively. CONCLUSION Providing adequate perioperative care for OLT patients with higher severity of illness and disease burden requires increased cost and resource utilization; however, doing so provides these patients with long term survival equivalent to more routine patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikrom K Dhar
- Cincinnati Research on Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Koffi Wima
- Cincinnati Research on Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Young Kim
- Cincinnati Research on Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Richard S Hoehn
- Cincinnati Research on Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Andrew D Jung
- Cincinnati Research on Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Audrey E Ertel
- Cincinnati Research on Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tayyab S Diwan
- Cincinnati Research on Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Flavio Paterno
- Cincinnati Research on Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Shimul A Shah
- Cincinnati Research on Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Application of a simple, affordable quality metric tool to colorectal, upper gastrointestinal, hernia, and hepatobiliary surgery patients: the HARM score. Surg Endosc 2017; 32:2886-2893. [PMID: 29282576 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-017-5998-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality is the major driver for both clinical and financial assessment. There remains a need for simple, affordable, quality metric tools to evaluate patient outcomes, which led us to develop the HospitAl length of stay, Readmission and Mortality (HARM) score. We hypothesized that the HARM score would be a reliable tool to assess patient outcomes across various surgical specialties. METHODS From 2011 to 2015, we identified colorectal, hepatobiliary, upper gastrointestinal, and hernia surgery admissions using the Vizient Clinical Database. Individual and hospital HARM scores were calculated from length of stay, 30-day readmission, and mortality rates. We evaluated the correlation of HARM scores with complication rates using the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS We identified 525,083 surgical patients: 206,981 colorectal, 164,691 hepatobiliary, 97,157 hernia, and 56,254 upper gastrointestinal. Overall, 53.8% of patients were admitted electively with a mean HARM score of 2.24; 46.2% were admitted emergently with a mean HARM score of 1.45 (p < 0.0001). All HARM components correlated with patient complications on logistic regression (p < 0.0001). The mean length of stay increased from 3.2 ± 1.8 days for a HARM score < 2 to 15.1 ± 12.2 days for a HARM score > 4 (p < 0.001). In elective admissions, for HARM categories of < 2, 2-< 3, 3-4, and > 4, complication rates were 9.3, 23.2, 38.8, and 71.6%, respectively. There was a similar trend for increasing HARM score in emergent admissions as well. For all surgical procedure categories, increasing HARM score, with and without risk adjustment, correlated with increasing severity of complications by Clavien-Dindo classification. CONCLUSIONS The HARM score is an easy-to-use quality metric that correlates with increasing complication rates and complication severity across multiple surgical disciplines when evaluated on a large administrative database. This inexpensive tool could be adopted across multiple institutions to compare the quality of surgical care.
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Flores A, Asrani SK. The donor risk index: A decade of experience. Liver Transpl 2017; 23:1216-1225. [PMID: 28590542 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In 2006, derivation of the donor risk index (DRI) highlighted the importance of donor factors for successful liver transplantation. Over the last decade, the DRI has served as a useful metric of donor quality and has enhanced our understanding of donor factors and their impact upon recipients with hepatitis C virus, those with low Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and individuals undergoing retransplantation. DRI has provided the transplant community with a common language for describing donor organ characteristics and has served as the foundation for several tools for organ risk assessment. It is a useful tool in assessing the interactions of donor factors with recipient factors and their impact on posttransplant outcomes. However, limitations of statistical modeling, choice of donor factors, exclusion of unaccounted donor and geographic factors, and the changing face of the liver transplant recipient have tempered its widespread use. In addition, the DRI was derived from data before the MELD era but is currently being applied to expand the donor pool while concurrently meeting the demands of a dynamic allocation system. A decade after its introduction, DRI remains relevant but may benefit from being updated to provide guidance in the use of extended criteria donors by accounting for the impact of geography and unmeasured donor characteristics. DRI could be better adapted for recipients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by examining and including recipient factors unique to this population. Liver Transplantation 23 1216-1225 2017 AASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avegail Flores
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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Sharma P, Goodrich NP, Schaubel DE, Smith AR, Merion RM. National assessment of early hospitalization after liver transplantation: Risk factors and association with patient survival. Liver Transpl 2017; 23:1143-1152. [PMID: 28688150 PMCID: PMC5568939 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hospitalization is known to occur frequently in the first 6 months following liver transplantation (LT). Using a novel data linkage between the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, our study has 2 objectives: (1) to determine risk factors for "early" hospitalization (ie, within 6 months of LT); and (2) to quantify the importance of hospitalization history in the first 6 months with respect to subsequent patient survival (ie, survival, conditional on surviving 6 months post-LT). The study population consisted of patients aged ≥18 years who underwent deceased donor LT between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2010, with Medicare as primary or secondary insurance and were discharged alive from the index LT hospitalization (n = 7220). The early hospitalization rate was 2.76 per patient-year and was significantly associated with many recipient factors (eg, recipient age, hepatitis C, diabetes, poor renal function including dialysis, and recipient of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure before LT), as well as donor race and donation after cardiac death. Conditional on surviving 6 months after LT, the covariate-adjusted death rate increased by 22% for each additional hospitalization occurring in the first 6 months (hazard ratio, 1.22; P < 0.001). In conclusion, several LT recipient factors are significantly associated with early hospitalization. Moreover, a patient's hospitalization profile during follow-up months 0-6 is a very strong predictor of survival thereafter. Efforts and resources should be devoted toward identifying LT recipients at risk for early hospitalization and modifying the actionable risk factors such as hepatitis C, diabetes, and body mass index to improve resource utilization and overall outcomes. Liver Transplantation 23 1143-1152 2017 AASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratima Sharma
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Douglas E Schaubel
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Abigail R Smith
- Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Robert M Merion
- Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan,Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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30
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Berumen J, Misel M, Vodkin I, Halldorson JB, Mekeel KL, Hemming A. The effects of Share 35 on the cost of liver transplantation. Clin Transplant 2017; 31. [DOI: 10.1111/ctr.12937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Berumen
- Department of Surgery; University of California San Diego; San Diego CA USA
| | - Michael Misel
- Department of Surgery; University of California San Diego; San Diego CA USA
| | - Irine Vodkin
- Department of Hepatology; University of California San Diego; San Diego CA USA
| | | | - Kristin L. Mekeel
- Department of Surgery; University of California San Diego; San Diego CA USA
| | - Alan Hemming
- Department of Surgery; University of California San Diego; San Diego CA USA
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31
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Patel MS, Mohebali J, Shah JA, Markmann JF, Vagefi PA. Readmission following liver transplantation: an unwanted occurrence but an opportunity to act. HPB (Oxford) 2016; 18:936-942. [PMID: 27642080 PMCID: PMC5094488 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplant (LT) patients are at high risk for readmission. This study sought to identify predictors of readmission following liver transplantation and to evaluate their impact on survival in a region with prolonged waiting list times. METHODS A single center review of adult deceased donor LT's from 2005 to 2015 was performed, with linkage to the UNOS Standard Transplant Analysis and Research registry. Readmission was defined as hospitalization within 90 days of discharge. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of readmission and Kaplan-Meier analysis for survival. RESULTS 325 patients underwent LT with an overall 90-day readmission rate of 46%. Upon adjusted analysis, predictors of readmission were age (OR 0.97 per year), male gender (OR 0.48), hospital length of stay (OR 1.03 per day), and hepatitis C liver failure (OR 2.37). Readmitted patients demonstrated a significantly lower 5-year survival (75% vs. 88%, p = 0.008) with only one patient (0.7%) dying during initial readmission. CONCLUSIONS Nearly half of all patients are readmitted after LT. As readmission portents decreased survival, an emphasis should be placed on identifying and optimizing those at increased risk. If readmission does occur, however, it presents an opportunity to intervene, as virtually no patients died during initial readmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Parsia A. Vagefi
- Correspondence Parsia A. Vagefi, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, White 521c, Boston, MA 02114, USA. Tel: +1 617 726 8606. Fax: +1 617 726 8137.Massachusetts General Hospital55 Fruit StreetWhite 521cBostonMA02114USA
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32
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Ertel AE, Kaiser TE, Abbott DE, Shah SA. Use of video-based education and tele-health home monitoring after liver transplantation: Results of a novel pilot study. Surgery 2016; 160:869-876. [PMID: 27499142 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2016.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this observational study, we analyzed the feasibility and early results of a perioperative, video-based educational program and tele-health home monitoring model on postoperative care management and readmissions for patients undergoing liver transplantation. METHODS Twenty consecutive liver transplantation recipients were provided with tele-health home monitoring and an educational video program during the perioperative period. Vital statistics were tracked and monitored daily with emphasis placed on readings outside of the normal range (threshold violations). Additionally, responses to effectiveness questionnaires were collected retrospectively for analysis. RESULTS In the study, 19 of the 20 patients responded to the effectiveness questionnaire, with 95% reporting having watched all 10 videos, 68% watching some more than once, and 100% finding them effective in improving their preparedness for understanding their postoperative care. Among these 20 patients, there was an observed 19% threshold violation rate for systolic blood pressure, 6% threshold violation rate for mean blood glucose concentrations, and 8% threshold violation rate for mean weights. This subset of patients had a 90-day readmission rate of 30%. CONCLUSION This observational study demonstrates that tele-health home monitoring and video-based educational programs are feasible in liver transplantation recipients and seem to be effective in enhancing the monitoring of vital statistics postoperatively. These data suggest that smart technology is effective in creating a greater awareness and understanding of how to manage postoperative care after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey E Ertel
- Cincinnati Research in Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Tiffany E Kaiser
- Department of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati School of Pharmacy, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Daniel E Abbott
- Cincinnati Research in Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Shimul A Shah
- Cincinnati Research in Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH.
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33
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Courtwright AM, Salomon S, Fuhlbrigge A, Divo M, Rosas IO, Camp PC, Mallidi HH, Burkett P, El-Chemaly S, Wolfe DJ, Goldberg HJ. Predictors and outcomes of unplanned early rehospitalization in the first year following lung transplantation. Clin Transplant 2016; 30:1053-8. [PMID: 27312895 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Unplanned early rehospitalization (UER), defined as an unscheduled admission within 30 days of a hospital discharge, is associated with graft loss and recipient mortality in some solid organ transplants but has not been investigated in lung transplant. In this retrospective study, we collected socio-demographic and clinical factors to determine predictors and outcomes of UER in the first year following lung transplantation. There were 193 patients who underwent lung transplantation and survived to discharge during the 7.9-year study period. There were 116 (60.1%) patients with at least one UER. Infections (32.8%) and post-surgical complications (11.8%) were the most common reasons for UER. On multivariate analysis, the strongest predictor of having an UER was discharge to a long-term acute care facility (odds ratio: 3.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46-6.20; P=.003). Patients with any UER in the first year following transplantation had worse adjusted survival (hazard ratio: 1.89, 95% CI 1.02-3.50; P=.04). It is unclear, however, to what extent UERs reflect preventable outcomes. Further large-scale, prospective research is needed to identify the extent to which certain types of UER are modifiable and to define patients at high-risk for preventable UER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Courtwright
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stacey Salomon
- Social Work, Care Coordination, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anne Fuhlbrigge
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Miguel Divo
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ivan O Rosas
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Phillip C Camp
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hari H Mallidi
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick Burkett
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Souheil El-Chemaly
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David J Wolfe
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hilary J Goldberg
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Hospital Readmissions After Intestinal and Multivisceral Transplantation. Transplant Proc 2016; 48:2186-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2016.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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35
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Russo MW, Levi DM, Pierce R, Casingal V, Eskind L, deLemos A, Schmeltzer PA, Zamor PJ. A prospective study of a protocol that reduces readmission after liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2016; 22:765-72. [PMID: 26919494 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Health care has shifted to placing priority on quality and value instead of volume. Liver transplantation uses substantial resources and is associated with high readmission rates. Our goal was to determine if a protocol designed to reduce readmission after liver transplant was effective. We conducted a prospective study of a protocol designed to reduce readmission rates after liver transplantation by expanding outpatient services and alternatives to readmission. The 30-day readmission rate 1 year after implementing the protocol was compared to the 30-day rate for 2 years prior to implementation. Multivariate analysis was used to control for potential confounding factors. Over the study period, 167 adult primary liver transplants were performed with a mean biological Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 21 ± 8. Fifty-seven (34%) patients were readmitted. The most common reason for readmission was biliary complications (n = 13). The 30-day readmission rate decreased from 40% before implementing the protocol to 20% after implementation (P = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, the protocol remained associated with readmission (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.92; P = 0.03). The mean length of stay after transplant was 13 ± 12 days preprotocol and 9 ± 5 days postprotocol (P = 0.09). Alternatives to readmission, including hospital lodging and observation status, were main factors in reducing readmission rates. If the most recent definitions of inpatient admission and observation status were applied over the entire study period, then the readmission rates preprotocol and postprotocol were 31% and 20% indicating that the revised definition of observation status accounted for 45% of the reduction in the readmission rate. Readmission after liver transplantation can be reduced without increasing length of stay by implementing a specifically designed protocol that expands outpatient services and alternatives to inpatient admission. Liver Transplantation 22 765-772 2016 AASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Russo
- Division of Hepatology and Transplant Surgery, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte, NC
| | - David M Levi
- Division of Hepatology and Transplant Surgery, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte, NC
| | - Ruth Pierce
- Division of Hepatology and Transplant Surgery, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte, NC
| | - Vincent Casingal
- Division of Hepatology and Transplant Surgery, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte, NC
| | - Lon Eskind
- Division of Hepatology and Transplant Surgery, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte, NC
| | - Andrew deLemos
- Division of Hepatology and Transplant Surgery, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte, NC
| | - Paul A Schmeltzer
- Division of Hepatology and Transplant Surgery, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte, NC
| | - Philippe J Zamor
- Division of Hepatology and Transplant Surgery, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte, NC
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36
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Tapper EB. Early readmissions after liver transplantation and the power of quality improvement. Liver Transpl 2016; 22:717-9. [PMID: 26939668 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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37
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Kothari AN, Yau RM, Blackwell RH, Schaidle-Blackburn C, Markossian T, Zapf MAC, Lu AD, Kuo PC. Inpatient Rehabilitation after Liver Transplantation Decreases Risk and Severity of 30-Day Readmissions. J Am Coll Surg 2016; 223:164-171.e2. [PMID: 27049779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2016.01.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discharge location is associated with short-term readmission rates after hospitalization for several medical and surgical diagnoses. We hypothesized that discharge location: home, home health, skilled nursing facility (SNF), long-term acute care (LTAC), or inpatient rehabilitation, independently predicted the risk of 30-day readmission and severity of first readmission after orthotopic liver transplantation. STUDY DESIGN We performed a retrospective cohort review using Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) State Inpatient Databases for Florida and California. Patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation from 2009 to 2011 were included and followed for 1 year. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to model the effect of discharge location on 30-day readmission controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors. Total cost of first readmission was used as a surrogate measure for readmission severity and resource use. RESULTS A total of 3,072 patients met our inclusion criteria. The overall 30-day readmission rate was 29.6%. Discharge to inpatient rehabilitation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.43, p = 0.013) or LTAC/SNF (aOR 0.63, p = 0.014) were associated with decreased odds of 30-day readmission when compared with home. The severity of 30-day readmissions for patients discharged to inpatient rehabilitation were the same as those discharged home or home with home health. Severity was increased for those discharged to LTAC/SNF. The time to first readmission was longest for patients discharged to inpatient rehabilitation (17 days vs 8 days, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS When compared with other locations of discharge, inpatient rehabilitation reduces the risk of 30-day readmission and increases the time to first readmission. These benefits come without increasing the severity of readmission. Increased use of inpatient rehabilitation after orthotopic liver transplantation is a strategy to improve 30-day readmission rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anai N Kothari
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL; One:MAP Analytics Research Group, Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Maywood, IL
| | - Ryan M Yau
- One:MAP Analytics Research Group, Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Maywood, IL
| | - Robert H Blackwell
- Department of Urology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL; One:MAP Analytics Research Group, Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Maywood, IL
| | | | - Talar Markossian
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Matthew A C Zapf
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL; One:MAP Analytics Research Group, Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Maywood, IL
| | - Amy D Lu
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL; One:MAP Analytics Research Group, Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Maywood, IL
| | - Paul C Kuo
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL; One:MAP Analytics Research Group, Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Maywood, IL.
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Ertel AE, Wima K, Chang AL, Hoehn RS, Hohmann SF, Edwards MJ, Abbott DE, Shah SA. Risk of Reoperation Within 90 Days of Liver Transplantation: A Necessary Evil? J Am Coll Surg 2016; 222:419-28. [PMID: 26905185 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rate and consequences of reoperation after liver transplantation (LT) are unknown in the United States. STUDY DESIGN Adult patients (n = 10,295; 45% of all LT) undergoing LT from 2009 through 2012 were examined using a linkage of the University HealthSystem Consortium and Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients databases providing recipient, donor, center, hospitalization, and survival details. Median follow-up was 2 years. Reoperations were identified within 90 days after LT. RESULTS Overall 90-day reoperation rate after LT was 29.3%. Risk factors for 90-day reoperation included recipients with a history of hemodialysis, severely ill functional status, government insurance, increasing Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, and increasing donor risk index. Reoperation within 90 days was found to be an independent predictor of adjusted 1-year mortality (odds ratio = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5-2.1), as was government-provided insurance and increasing donor risk index. Additionally, patients undergoing delayed reoperative intervention (after 30 days) were found to have increased risk of 1-year mortality compared with those undergoing early reoperative intervention (odds ratio = 1.96; 95% CI, 1.4-2.7; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS This is the first national study reporting that nearly one-third of transplant recipients undergo reoperation within 90 days of LT. Although necessary at times, reoperation is associated with increased risk of death at 1 year; however, it appears that the timing of these interventions can be critical, due to the type of intervention required. Early reoperative intervention does not appear to influence long-term outcomes, and delayed intervention (after 30 days) is strongly associated with decreased survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey E Ertel
- Cincinnati Research in Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Cincinnati, OH; Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Koffi Wima
- Cincinnati Research in Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Cincinnati, OH; Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Alex L Chang
- Cincinnati Research in Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Cincinnati, OH; Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Richard S Hoehn
- Cincinnati Research in Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Cincinnati, OH; Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Samual F Hohmann
- University Health Consortium, Chicago, IL; Department of Health Systems Management, Rush University, Chicago, IL
| | - Michael J Edwards
- Cincinnati Research in Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Cincinnati, OH; Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Daniel E Abbott
- Cincinnati Research in Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Cincinnati, OH; Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Shimul A Shah
- Cincinnati Research in Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Cincinnati, OH; Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH.
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Serper M, Goldberg DS. Liver transplant readmissions: The cost of the revolving door. Liver Transpl 2015; 21:868-9. [PMID: 25903039 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Serper
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - David S Goldberg
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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